Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Affective Profiles in a Massive Open Online Course and Their Relationship with Engagement

The importance of affect in learning has been firmly established in face-to-face learning environments and now researchers are examining the roles of affect in online learning environments, including massive open online courses (MOOCs). The purpose of this research was to identify profiles of common achievement emotions (i.e., relief, anxiety, boredom, and guilt) over the duration of one MOOC and examine the differences in academic engagement. Results from the Latent Profile Analysis revealed unique affective profiles, and these profiles differed significantly in cognitive, behavioural and social engagement in the MOOC. Our findings therefore highlight the importance of understanding affective profiles in MOOCs and address potential difficulties to engage these learners with a vast diversity in backgrounds.
Input-to-state stability for a class of hybrid dynamical systems via hybrid time approach

This paper studies the ISS (input-to-state stability) for a class of HDS (hybrid dynamical systems). By using the concept of hybrid time for HDS, two kinds of ISS notions are proposed. They are called the first ISS property and the second ISS property of HDS. By employing the ISS properties on continuous and/or discrete dynamics in the HDS, the first and second ISS properties for the whole HDS are investigated. We show that there exists the first ISS property for the whole HDS if any one of dynamics in the HDS has the ISS property and the dwell time on this dynamics is sufficiently long even if there is no ISS property for the other dynamics. Moreover, the second ISS property of HDS is derived for the cases in which one kind of dynamics without external inputs has a stability property while the other one has no stability and ISS properties. Finally, one example is given for illustration.
The burden of overweight and obesity in the Asia–Pacific region

The rise in the prevalence of overweight and obesity (body mass index ≥25 kg m−2) is, in part, a negative consequence of the increasing economic developments of many lower‐ and middle‐income countries in the Asia–Pacific region. To date, there has been no systematic quantification of the scale of the problem in countries of this region. From the most recent nationally representative estimates for the prevalence of overweight and obesity in 14 countries of the region, it is apparent that overweight and obesity is endemic in much of the region, prevalence ranging from less than 5% in India to 60% in Australia. Moreover, although the prevalence in China is a third of that in Australia, the increase in prevalence in China over the last 20 years was 400% compared with 20% in Australia. In addition, across various countries in the region, the population attributable fractions because of overweight and obesity ranged from 0.8% to 9.2% for coronary heart disease mortality, 0.2% to 2.9% for haemorrhagic stroke mortality, and 0.9% to 10.2% for ischaemic stroke mortality. These results indicate that consequences of overweight and obesity for health and the economy of many of these countries are likely to increase in coming years.
Laser-based vehicles tracking and classification using occlusion reasoning and confidence estimation

In this paper, we present a robust approach for the detection, tracking and classification of multiple vehicles using a vehicle mounted laser scanner working independently in highways an urban centers. Our classification is based on different criteria: geometrical configuration, occlusion reasoning, sensor specifications and tracking information. The estimated confidence level is thus computed accounting the classification, the geometrical configuration and the tracking duration. Our system has been validated under various conditions (highways, urban centers) with three different laser scanners and proved is robustness on real data and with real time constraints.
Characterization of cellular uptake and toxicity of aminosilane-coated iron oxide nanoparticles with different charges in central nervous system-relevant cell culture models

Background Aminosilane-coated iron oxide nanoparticles (AmS-IONPs) have been widely used in constructing complex and multifunctional drug delivery systems. However, the biocompatibility and uptake characteristics of AmS-IONPs in central nervous system (CNS)-relevant cells are unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of surface charge and magnetic field on toxicity and uptake of AmS-IONPs in CNS-relevant cell types. Methods The toxicity and uptake profile of positively charged AmS-IONPs and negatively charged COOH-AmS-IONPs of similar size were examined using a mouse brain microvessel endothelial cell line (bEnd.3) and primary cultured mouse astrocytes and neurons. Cell accumulation of IONPs was examined using the ferrozine assay, and cytotoxicity was assessed by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Results No toxicity was observed in bEnd.3 cells at concentrations up to 200 μg/mL for either AmS-IONPs or COOH-AmS-IONPs. AmS-IONPs at concentrations above 200 μg/mL reduced neuron viability by 50% in the presence or absence of a magnetic field, while only 20% reductions in viability were observed with COOH-AmS-IONPs. Similar concentrations of AmS-IONPs in astrocyte cultures reduced viability to 75% but only in the presence of a magnetic field, while exposure to COOH-AmS-IONPs reduced viability to 65% and 35% in the absence and presence of a magnetic field, respectively. Cellular accumulation of AmS-IONPs was greater in all cell types examined compared to COOH-AmS-IONPs. Rank order of cellular uptake for AmS-IONPs was astrocytes > bEnd.3 > neurons. Accumulation of COOH-AmS-IONPs was minimal and similar in magnitude in different cell types. Magnetic field exposure enhanced cellular accumulation of both AmS- and COOH-AmS-IONPs. Conclusion Both IONP compositions were nontoxic at concentrations below 100 μg/mL in all cell types examined. At doses above 100 μg/mL, neurons were more sensitive to AmS-IONPs, whereas astrocytes were more vulnerable toward COOH-AmS-IONPs. Toxicity appears to be dependent on the surface coating as opposed to the amount of iron-oxide present in the cell.
Which males and which females are favored by differentially functioning items? examining sources of response pattern heterogeneity within gender groups

ii PREFACE . iv TABLE OF CONTENTS . v LIST OF TABLES . ix ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . xii 1.Introduction . 1 1.1 Differential Item Functioning . 5 1.2 Impact of population heterogeneity on DIF investigations . 6 1.3 DIF analyses on subgroups . 9 1.4 Current dissertation research objectives . 11 2. Literature Review. 14 2.1 The gender gap in performance on reading and mathematics literacy assessments . 14 2.2 Why reading and math? 15 2.3 Examining possible reasons for the gender gap. 17 2.3. 1 Socio-economic status . 21 2.4 Population heterogeneity . 26 2.5 Differential Item Functioning . 27 2.5. 1 Matching on ability or proficiency . 28 2.5. 2 Methods of investigating DIF. 29 2.5. 2.1 Mantel-Haenszel Method . 29 2.5. 2.2 The Item Response Theory method . 31 2.5. 3 Reasons for DIF. 32
Semitransparent Perovskite Solar Cell With Sputtered Front and Rear Electrodes for a Four-Terminal Tandem

A tandem configuration of perovskite and silicon solar cells is a promising way to achieve high-efficiency solar energy conversion at low cost. Four-terminal tandems, in which each cell is connected independently, avoid the need for current matching between the top and bottom cells, giving greater design flexibility. In a four-terminal tandem, the perovskite top cell requires two transparent contacts. Through detailed analysis of electrical and optical power losses, we identify optimum contact parameters and outline directions for the development of future transparent contacts for tandem cells. A semitransparent perovskite cell is fabricated with steady-state efficiency exceeding 12% and broadband near infrared transmittance of >80% using optimized sputtered indium tin oxide front and rear contacts. Our semitransparent cell exhibits much less hysteresis than opaque reference cells. A four-terminal perovskite on silicon tandem efficiency of more than 20% is achieved, and we identify clear pathways to exceed the current single silicon cell record of 25.6%.
Nothing is perfect, not even the local lymph node assay: a commentary and the implications for REACH

For many regulatory authorities, the local lymph node assay (LLNA) is the preferred assay for the predictive identification of skin‐sensitizing chemicals. It is the initial requirement for sensitization testing within the new REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemical substances) regulations in the European Union. The primary reasons for the preferment of the LLNA are the animal welfare benefits it provides compared with traditional guinea‐pig methods (refinement and reduction of animal usage) and the general performance characteristics of the assay with regard to overall reliability, accuracy, and interpretation. Moreover, a substantial published literature on the LLNA is available making it appropriate for use as a benchmark against which new approaches, including in vitro alternatives, can be evaluated and validated. There is, therefore, a view that the LLNA represents the ‘gold standard’ for skin sensitization testing. However, although this is probably correct, it is important to recognize and acknowledge that in common with all other predictive tests (whether they be validated or not), the LLNA has limitations, in addition to strengths, some of which were mentioned above. Arguably, it is the limitations (e.g., the occurrence of false positive and false negative results) of test methods that are most important to understand. With respect to the LLNA, these limitations are similar to those associated with guinea‐pig skin sensitization methods. Among these are the occurrence of false positive and false negative results, susceptibility of results to changes in vehicle, and the possibility that interspecies differences may confound interpretation. In this commentary, these issues are reviewed and their impact on the utility of the LLNA for identification, classification, and potency assessment of skin sensitizers are considered. In addition, their relevance for the future development and validation of novel in vitro and in silico alternatives is explored.
A Fine-Grained Localization Scheme Using a Mobile Beacon Node for Wireless Sensor Networks

Abstract —In this paper, we present a fine-grained localization algorithm for wireless sensor networks using a mobile beacon node. The algorithm is based on distance measurement using RSSI. The beacon node is equipped with a GPS sender and RF (radio frequency) transmitter. Each stationary sensor node is equipped with a RF. The beacon node periodically broadcasts its location information, and stationary sensor nodes perceive their positions as beacon points. A sensor node’s location is computed by measuring the distance to the beacon point using RSSI. Our proposed localization scheme is evaluated using OPNET 8.1 and compared with Ssu’s and Yu’s localization schemes. The results show that our localization scheme outperforms the other two schemes in terms of energy efficiency (overhead) and accuracy. Keywords —Localization Algorithm, Mobile Be acon Node, Sensor Network, RSSI 1. I NTRODUCTION Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are expected to be used in a wide range of applications, such as target tracking, military reconnaissance, habitat sensing, and fire detection [1, 2]. In most applications, sensed data without knowing the sensors’ location is meaningless. Localiza-tion must be considered as an implicit feature of a sensor network. This can significantly sim-plify network discovery and maintenance efforts and lead to substantial energy savings. The localization problem has received much attention in recent literature. Most of the current local-ization schemes are proposed to eliminate a GPS receiver on every sensor node. They suggest the use of a special type of nodes, “beacon nodes”, which know their absolute locations via GPS or manual placement. Other sensors can discover their locations based on information provided by these anchor nodes [3]. Several schemes, broadly classified into two categories range-based and range-free schemes, have been proposed to deal with the localization problem. Firstly, the range-based schemes need either node-to-node distances or the angles to estimate locations [5-8]. The information can be obtained using time of arrival (TOA), time difference of arrival (TDOA), angle of arrival (AOA), and the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) technologies [9, 10]. The range-based schemes typically have higher location accuracy but require additional hardware to measure the distances or angles. Secondly, several approaches based on range-free are proposed to determine senor
Serotonin has a key role in pathogenesis of experimental colitis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Mucosal changes in inflammatory bowel disease are characterized by ulcerative lesions accompanied by a prominent infiltrate of immune cells as well as alteration in serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT])-producing enterochromaffin cells. We investigated the role of 5-HT in colonic inflammation in mice. METHODS Colitis was induced with dextran sulfate sodium or dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid in tryptophan hydroxylase 1-deficient (TPH1(-/-)) mice, which have markedly reduced 5-HT in the gastrointestinal tract, and in mice given the 5-HT synthesis inhibitor parachlorophenylalanine. RESULTS Delayed onset, decreased severity of clinical disease, and significantly lower macroscopic and histologic damage scores were observed in TPH1(-/-) mice, compared with wild-type mice, and in mice given parachlorophenylalanine after induction of colitis by dextran sulfate sodium. This was associated with down-regulation of macrophage infiltration and production of proinflammatory cytokines. 5-HT stimulated production of proinflammatory cytokines from macrophages collected from the peritoneal cavity of wild-type mice; this process was inhibited by a nuclear factor kappaB inhibitor, indicating a critical role for nuclear factor kappaB signaling in 5-HT-mediated activation of immune cells. Restoration of 5-HT levels in TPH1(-/-) mice by the 5-HT precursor 5-hydroxytryptophan increased the severity of DSS-induced colitis. We also observed significant reduction in severity of colitis in TPH1(-/-) mice after induction of dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced colitis. CONCLUSIONS 5-HT is involved in the pathogenesis of inflammation in experimental colitis. These findings provide insight into the mechanisms of gastrointestinal inflammation and could lead to new therapeutic strategies for inflammatory disorders.
An Analysis of Goal Orientation Pattern and Self-Efficacy for Explanation of Programming Plans

Since typical introductory programming curricula emphasize the features and syntax of a programming language, rather than the application of programming strategies, most novices are incapable of solving programming problems at the end of curricula. The difference between experts and novices is that experts can develop abstract representation of solutions, called the programming plans, for problems through the experiences obtained from past problems and solutions. The experts then use the programming plans to solve similar program problems. In this study, we develop a system to help students comprehend programming plans by explaining program codes as well as investigate the relationship between goal orientation patterns and self-efficacy.
Pitch synchronous residual excited speech reconstruction on the MFCC

Practical applications of speech recognition and dialogue systems bring sometimes a requirement to synthesize or reconstruct the speech from the saved or transmitted mel-frequency cepstral coefficients (MFCCs). Presented paper describes several approaches to the speech reconstruction based on the MFCC parameterization. Approaches differ mainly in their various possible excitations. Let us mention that for designing a MFCC reconstruction module we applied some principles usually used in speech recognition and synthesis process. We suppose the speech reconstructor together with speech synthesizer and recognizer to be a part of a speech dialogue system developed in our department.
Autonomous Supply Net Coordination

Enterprises have to survive in an increasingly dynamic environment. To achieve this, a good ability to master their business processes beyond the borders of their own enterprise is inevitable. Autonomous control of logistic processes is proposed as a means to reduce dynamics and complexity and currently investigated by a large, interdisciplinary german research project. This paper presents approaches to the modelling of autonomous logistic processes and extends them to processes of a supply network using a supply net scenario derived from an industrial research project.
A Dual Perspective of Sparse and Robust Online Learning Algorithm

In this paper, we propose a dual perspective of online learning algorithm, which concerns using a window method to achieve sparsity and robustness. It makes use of Fenchel conjugates and gradient ascent to perform online learning optimization process. The window method is an update strategy for the classifier. It consists of two bounds which related to the dual increase. The lower bound abandons the points which induce a smaller dual ascent while the upper bound constraints the dual increase generated by noise points to reduce their influence on the target boundary. Moreover, with the use of the window method, the prediction accuracy can be increased significantly. Detailed experiments on artificial and real world datasets verify the utility of the proposed approaches.
Statistical Semantics in Context Space : Amrita_CEN@Author Profiling

Languages shared by people differs due to diversity in their ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, language, religion, sexual orientation, geographical area, accents, pronunciation and word usages. This eventually fall into hypothesis that they follow unknown hidden pattern. By using this hypothesis, determining the class of a person such as age, gender, their personality and nativity has multiple applications in social media, forensic science, marketing analysis, e-commerce and e-security. This work advances the research on author profiling much further by overcoming existing language dependent, domain dependent and lexicon based author profiling methods by finding user’s sociolect aspects based on authors statistical pattern of semantics in context space. It proves to be a domain and language independent method in Author Profiling by nearing constant performance over English, Dutch and Spanish corpus.
Dimensions in Classroom Management:- Special Emphasis on Indian Education System

Classroom management is one of the most essential skills to becoming an effective classroom teacher. This paper will deal with how behaviour theories influence the classroom management and provide teachers with prevention classroom strategies that can be used in the classroom. As we are aware that in India, there has been a shift from behaviourist approach to a constructivist approach so this paper will also explore how the classroom management strategies are effectively used at Digantar( An Alternative school in Jaipur, India), which we can use at formal education system. The study concludes that establishment of the classroom rules, attitude of the teacher, participation in learning and cooperation among peers are the pillars of the classroom management.
Increasing Lipolysis and Reducing Atherosclerosis.

In patients with coronary artery disease, residual cardiovascular risk remains substantial even after levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol have been effectively lowered by treatment with statins, ezetimibe, or antibodies targeting proprotein convertase subtilisin–kexin type 9 (PCSK9). Many of these patients have elevated levels of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, often in the context of obesity and insulin resistance. A causal relationship between elevated levels of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and coronary artery disease has been suggested by mendelian randomization studies in which polymorphisms in genes that are linked to higher levels of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins have also been found to be associated with coronary artery .
Natural affect data — Collection & annotation in a learning context

Automatic inference of affect relies on representative data. For viable applications of such technology the use of naturalistic over posed data has been increasingly emphasised. Creating a repository of naturalistic data is however a massively challenging task. We report results from a data collection exercise in one of the most significant application areas of affective computing, namely computer-based learning environments. The conceptual and methodological issues encountered during the process are discussed, and problems with labelling and annotation are identified. A comparison of the compiled database with some standard databases is also presented.
Dosimetry Aspects of Proton Therapy

High-energy photons and high-energy protons are very different in the ways they interact with matter. These differences lead to distinct advantages of protons over photons for treatment of cancer. Some aspects of proton interactions with tissue that make this modality superior for treating cancer are: (i) Initially, the protons lose energy very slowly as they enter the body; this results in a low entrance dose and low doses to the normal tissues proximal to the tumor. (ii) Near the end of range, protons lose energy very rapidly and deposit all their energy over a very small volume before they come to rest. This is the Bragg peak, a property that results in delivery of the maximum dose to the tumor. (iii) Beyond the Bragg peak, the energy deposited by the protons is zero; no dose is received by normal tissues distal to the tumor. Therefore, protons deliver their maximum dose to the tumor, a low dose to normal structures proximal to the tumor, and no dose to the normal structures beyond the tumor, ideal properties of a radiation modality to treat cancer. One distinct advantage of protons over photons is the ease with which the tumor target can be irradiated conformably to a high dose, and at the same time the normal structures in the vicinity of the tumor can be protected conformably from that high dose. Given the same dose to the tumor via photons and protons, protons inherently deliver less integral dose and, thus, lead to fewer normal-tissue complications. In addition, proton interactions also offer distinct radiobiological advantages over photons. Superior physical and radiobiological proton interactions lead naturally to the concepts of dose escalation and hypofractionation. The superiority of treatment delivery with protons as contrasted with photons is demonstrated by treatment plans.