Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Leapfrogging Across Generations of Open and Distance Learning at Al-Quds Open University: A Case Study

Al-Quds Open University (QOU) serves just over 40% of the undergraduate students within Palestine, who for multiple reasons are studying within the open system. Established nearly 20 years ago, the institution is built on the Open University United Kingdom model of regional centers and print based correspondence. In 2007, a Comprehensive Evaluation of QOU, funded by the World Bank and the European Union, resulted in recommendations that emphasized the development of teaching excellence in distance, open, and online environments (Matheos, MacDonald, McLean, Luterbach, Baidoun, & Nakashhian, 2007). QOU administration responded with the development of a course redesign project, aimed at moving from a correspondence model to a blended learning environment that integrated technology into curricular design. This paper shares the experiences of QOU, in its efforts to meet the conflicting demands of this situation as it leapfrogged into new forms of distance learning. This analysis of our experience may provide insight for administrators in other institutions that are at similar stages of distance delivery programming.
Commentary: The Flavonoid Baicalein Rescues Synaptic Plasticity and Memory Deficits in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease

A recent article by Gu et al. reported that the long-term oral administration of baicalein in mouse, inhibited the activity of lipooxygenase 12/15 LXO and glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) in hippocampal slices, also reducing the activity of β-secretase enzyme (BACE1) and the concentration of total beta-amyloid proteins (Aβ), leading to the in vivo restoration of spine number, synaptic plasticity, and memory deficits (1).
On the Neighborhoods of Trees

Tree rearrangement operations typically induce a metric on the space of phylogenetic trees. One important property of these metrics is the size of the neighborhood, that is, the number of trees exactly one operation from a given tree. We present an exact expression for the size of the TBR (tree bisection and reconnection) neighborhood, thus answering a question first posed by Allen and Steel . In addition, we also obtain a characterization of the extremal trees whose TBR neighborhoods are maximized and minimized.
The Rating Agencies' Through-the-cycle Methodology: an application to sovereign ratings

This paper analyses the through the cycle rating concept; basically, we try to specify its main characteristics, focusing on the differences with point in time ratings. We also discuss the effects of this methodology on the prediction power of default probabilities, on the stability of those ratings, and their impact on the capital requirements that emerge from Basel II, in terms of their potential procyclicality. On the other hand, we argue how predictable rating changes are, and the ability of the agencies to look through the cycle when assigning qualifications. Based on that, we conclude about the way that economical fundamentals must be incorporated in rating calculations. We estimate a panel data model with random effects ordered probit, using data for the period 1997 2007. (*) Any opinion expressed in this paper are those of the authors and do not correspond to the institutional opinion of the Central Bank of Uruguay. The Rating Agencies' Through the cycle Methodology: an application to sovereign ratings
HPC Cluster Readiness of Xen and User Mode Linux

This paper examines the suitability of different virtualization techniques in a high performance cluster environment. A survey of visualization techniques is presented. Two representative technologies (Xen and User Mode Linux) are selected for an in depth analysis of cluster readiness in terms of their performance, reliability, and their overall impact on complexity of cluster administration
Equivalence Classes of Permutations under Various Relations Generated by Constrained Transpositions

We consider a large family of equivalence relations on permutations in Sn that generalise those discovered by Knuth in his study of the Robinson-Schensted correspondence. In our most general setting, two permutations are equivalent if one can be obtained from the other by a sequence of pattern-replacing moves of prescribed form; however, we limit our focus to patterns where two elements are transposed, subject to the constraint that a third element of a suitable type be in a suitable position. For various instances of the problem, we compute the number of equivalence classes, determine how many n-permutations are equivalent to the identity permutation, or characterise this equivalence class. Although our results feature familiar integer sequences (e.g., Catalan, Fibonacci, and Tribonacci numbers) and special classes of permutations (layered, connected, and 123-avoiding), some of the sequences that arise appear to be new.
B#: The Development and Assessment of an Iconic Programming Tool for Novice Programmers

The higher incidence of under-prepared students in the South African education institutions has a particular significance for introductory programming courses which rely heavily on the use of technological tools as components of the teaching model. Difficulties experienced by novice programmers in introductory programming courses include deficiencies in problem-solving strategies, misconceptions relating to programming language constructs and the use of traditional programming environments. An introductory programming course should offer students problem solving analysis and design experience as well as exposure to the basic ideas of algorithmic thinking. Generally, introductory programming courses tend to concentrate on the syntax of a programming language at the expense of developing problem solving skills. Coupled to this are the ever-increasing complexity of modern programming languages and the user interfaces of their IDEs. A strategy that addresses the difficulties experienced by novice programmers in introductory programming courses is one that modifies the teaching model, specifically within the context of technological support. One way of implementing this strategy is with the use of visual programming languages, of which the iconic flowchart approach is one. Further, iconic programming environments traditionally attempt to simplify the programming task by reducing the level of precision and manual typing usually required in the conventional textual programming languages. These environments also attempt to increase the speed at which problem-solving and implementation efforts occur. Consequently, B# was developed in order to provide an environment in which programs can be developed using iconic flowcharts. Basic programming concepts such as assignments, conditions, loops, inputs and outputs are supported. Automatic code generation, debugging and program execution is also supported by the system. This paper reports on the development of B#, focusing on insights that were obtained concerning iconic programming tools. The use of B# by novice programmers in an introductory programming course is discussed and assessed. Recommendations are made as to how an iconic programming environment like B# could contribute to the successful completion of an introductory programming course
Echolocation behavior of big brown bats, Eptesicus fuscus, in the field and the laboratory.

Echolocation signals were recorded from big brown bats, Eptesicus fuscus, flying in the field and the laboratory. In open field areas the interpulse intervals (IPI) of search signals were either around 134 ms or twice that value, 270 ms. At long IPI's the signals were of long duration (14 to 18-20 ms), narrow bandwidth, and low frequency, sweeping down to a minimum frequency (Fmin) of 22-25 kHz. At short IPI's the signals were shorter (6-13 ms), of higher frequency, and broader bandwidth. In wooded areas only short (6-11 ms) relatively broadband search signals were emitted at a higher rate (avg. IPI= 122 ms) with higher Fmin (27-30 kHz). In the laboratory the IPI was even shorter (88 ms), the duration was 3-5 ms, and the Fmin 30- 35 kHz, resembling approach phase signals of field recordings. Excluding terminal phase signals, all signals from all areas showed a negative correlation between signal duration and Fmin, i.e., the shorter the signal, the higher was Fmin. This correlation was reversed in the terminal phase of insect capture sequences, where Fmin decreased with decreasing signal duration. Overall, the signals recorded in the field were longer, with longer IPI's and greater variability in bandwidth than signals recorded in the laboratory.
2 0 Se p 20 02 AN ELEMENTARY PROOF OF SMALL ’ S FORMULA FOR NULL CURVES IN PSL ( 2 , C ) AND AN ANALOGUE FOR LEGENDRIAN CURVES IN PSL

where Â, B̂, Ĉ, D̂ and h are meromorphic functions on M. Though √ h is a multi-valued function on M, F is well-defined as a PSL(2,C)-valued mapping. A meromorphic map F as in (1.1) is called a null curve if the pull-back of the Killing form by F vanishes, which is equivalent to the condition that the derivative Fz = ∂F/∂z with respect to each complex coordinate z is a degenerate matrix everywhere. It is well-known that the projection of a null curve in PSL(2,C) into the hyperbolic 3-space H = PSL(2,C)/PSU(2) gives a constant mean curvature one surface (see [2, 9]). For a non-constant null curve F , we define two meromorphic functions
Behavioral roots of person perception: The deception judgments of customs inspectors and laymen.

Typically, person perception research requires subjects to make inferences about others on the basis of verbal descriptions while it denies them the physical cues which may underlie many social judgments. In contrast to this traditional paradigm, we tried to assess the physical cues that people use in a social judgment and to examine the generality of their use across perceivers. Professional inspectors in the U.S. Customs Service and laymen judged whether they wanted to search airline passengers going through a mock customs inspection. An analysis of travelers' demographic characteristics and verbal and nonverbal behaviors showed that judges' decisions to search travelers were based primarily on the travelers' comportment. Comportment both mediated the effects of demographic characteristics and had direct effects on decisions. Twenty-one variables accounted for 72% of the variance in search decisions, and 6 variables accounted for 60% of the variance. Bivariate analyses show that travelers were most likely to be searched if they were young and lower class, appeared nervous, hesitated before answering, gave short answers, avoided eye contact with the interviewer, shifted their posture, and had taken pleasure trips. Individual differences among judges—inspectors versus laymen, successful versus less successful inspectors, and high self-monitors versus low self-monitors—had little effect on the cues they used. The results demonstrate the value of a social psychophysical approach to person perception that focuses on the behavior of the perceived.
A general result on the performance of the wavelet hard thresholding estimator under $\alpha$-mixing dependence

In this note, we consider the estimation of an unknown function $f$ for weakly dependent data ($\alpha$-mixing) in a general setting. Our contribution is theoretical: we prove that a wavelet hard thresholding estimator attains a sharp rate of convergence under the mean integrated squared error (MISE) over Besov balls without imposing too restrictive assumptions on the model. Applications are given for two types of inverse problems: the deconvolution density estimation and the density estimation in a GARCH-type model, both improve existing results in this dependent context. Another application concerns the regression model with random design.
TOPK promotes lung cancer resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors by phosphorylating and activating c-Jun

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) have shown promising clinical efficacy in non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); however, resistance is frequently observed in malignant cells, operating through a mechanism that remains largely unknown. The present study shows that T-lymphokine-activated killer cell-originated protein kinase (TOPK) is upregulated in NSCLC and excessively activated in TKI-refractory cells. TOPK dictates the responsiveness of lung cancers to the EGFR-targeted TKI gefitinib through the transcription factor AP-1 component c-Jun. TOPK binds directly to and phosphorylates c-Jun, which consequently activates the transcription of AP-1 target genes, including CCND1 and CDC2. TOPK silencing sensitizes EGFR-TKI-resistant lung cancer cells to gefitinib and increases gefitinib efficacy in preclinical lung adenocarcinoma xenograft models. These findings represent a novel mechanism of lung cancer resistance to TKIs and suggest that TOPK may have value both as a predictive biomarker and as a therapeutic target: TOPK-targeted therapy may synergize with EGFR-targeted therapy in lung cancers.
A Low-Power , High Speed , Asynchronous VLSI Architecture for FIR Filters

This paper proposes an architecture that is tailored for the implementation of low power, high speed asynchronous digital finite impulse response (FIR) filter. This architecture is based on SEM (Sign Extension Method), which will reduce switching activity in multipliers as well as data buses and thus power in FIR filters. The proposed architecture has the property that filter coefficients in a SEM representation can be handled at negligible overhead. To verify the efficiency of the proposed architecture, a 4 order FIR filter has been implemented by this scheme. Simulation results show that an average of 61% reduction in switching activity compared to the conventional 2’s complement implementation and average of 60% reduction in power. All the simulations results are carried out using SPEC 2000 Alpha benchmarks.
Managing The Risk Of Overusing Mobile Phones In The Working Environment: A Study Of Ubiquitous Technostress

Despite the advantages IT has brought to the users, it can also invisibly produce negative impacts at the same time. There have been many cases in recent years showing that mobile technology users receive various kinds of negative feelings due to the ubiquitous nature of this technology. The purpose of this study is to propose a notion termed “ubiquitous technostress” which is the stress caused by over using mobile technologies. Based on a review of the literature, a model of the creators and consequences of ubiquitous technostress in organizations is formed in order to help managers better understand the causes and consequent effects of this particular type of stress. A survey was conducted on employees who use mobile phones routinely in their work, and 714 questionnaires were received that included 622 valid ones. Through the empirical results, we found that ubiquitous technostress creators have a positive effect on employees’ job stress, yet a negative effect on their productivity. Stress inhibitors (stress management training, job control, organizational rewards) do not have an effect on employees’ job stress but on their productivity. When employees feel stressed the most negative impact will be on their productivity. This study suggests that ubiquitous technostress does exist in organizations and has an invisible impact on employees.
HuR Regulates p21 mRNA Stabilization by UV Light

ABSTRACT Expression of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21 is highly induced by many stresses, including exposure to short-wavelength UV light (UVC), which increases p21 mRNA stability. Investigation into the mechanisms underlying this stabilization process revealed that proteins present in cytoplasmic lysates of human RKO colorectal carcinoma cells formed complexes with p21 mRNA that were inducible by treatment with UVC and other stress agents. The ubiquitous Elav-type RNA-binding protein HuR was identified within the p21 mRNA-protein complexes, as antibodies recognizing HuR supershifted these complexes and revealed HuR-immunoreactive proteins complexing with p21 mRNA on Western blots. Lowering of endogenous HuR levels through expression of antisense HuR decreased p21 RNA-protein complexes, greatly reduced the UVC inducibility and half-life of p21 mRNA, and prevented UVC-mediated induction of luciferase activity in p21 3′ untranslated region-containing reporter constructs. Our findings indicate that HuR plays a major role in regulating stress-induced p21 expression by enhancing p21 mRNA stability and that these effects are coupled to HuR's elevated presence in the cytoplasm.
Endothelium as A Part of Septic Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome (Mods)- Is Endocan an Answer?

Sepsis is complex syndrome with endothelial barrier integrity compromise, contributing to end-organ dysfunction. Some findings have established that markers of septic endothelial activation are associated with extent of sepsis severity, organ dysfunction and mortality. Endocan is a novel endothelium derived soluble dermatan sulfate proteoglycan and endocan’s increased serum levels founded in patients with sepsis were of prognostic value.
Single-Trial Event-Related Potential Based Rapid Image Triage System

Searching for points of interest (POI) in large-volume imagery is a challenging problem with few good solutions. In this work, a neural engineering approach called rapid image triage (RIT) which could offer about a ten-fold speed up in POI searching is developed. It is essentially a cortically-coupled computer vision technique, whereby the user is presented bursts of images at a speed of 6–15 images per second and then neural signals called event-related potential (ERP) is used as the ‘cue’ for user seeing images of high relevance likelihood. Compared to past efforts, the implemented system has several unique features: (1) it applies overlapping frames in image chip preparation, to ensure rapid image triage performance; (2) a novel common spatial-temporal pattern (CSTP) algorithm that makes use of both spatial and temporal patterns of ERP topography is proposed for high-accuracy single-trial ERP detection; (3) a weighted version of probabilistic support-vector-machine (SVM) is used to address the inherent unbalanced nature of single-trial ERP detection for RIT. High accuracy, fast learning, and real-time capability of the developed system shown on 20 subjects demonstrate the feasibility of a brainmachine integrated rapid image triage system for fast detection of POI from large-volume imagery.
A Distributed Cache Framework for Metadata Service of Distributed File Systems

Most recent distributed file systems have adopted architecture with an independent metadata server cluster. However, potential multiple hotspots and flash crowds access patterns often cause a metadata service that violates performance Service Level Objectives. To maximize the throughput of the metadata service, an adaptive request load balancing framework is critical. We present a distributed cache framework above the distributed metadata management schemes to manage hotspots rather than managing all metadata to achieve request load balancing. This benefits the metadata hierarchical locality and the system scalability. Compared with data, metadata has its own distinct characteristics, such as small size and large quantity. The cost of useless metadata prefetching is much less than data prefetching. In light of this, we devise a time period-based prefetching strategy and a perfecting-based adaptive replacement cache algorithm to improve the performance of the distributed caching layer to adapt constantly changing workloads. Finally, we evaluate our approach with a hadoop distributed file system cluster.
Mobile Solution for Brain Visualization Using Augmented and Virtual Reality

Augmented and Virtual Reality techniques are becoming more widespread and Medicine is one of the fields which can benefit from their use. In this paper we describe a smartphone application that applies these two techniques to provide visualizations of a patient's brain. This application was designed with the goal of guiding a physician in a medical procedure called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), however it can be adapted and extended to other uses. The application was submitted to user tests involving two experts in TMS and researchers in Biomedical Engineering, the results were positive and provided useful feedback that will be considered when further developing the application.
Null vs. overt pronouns and the Topic-Focus articulation in Spanish: 2704

Carminati (2002) shows that the existence of both phonetically full and phonetically null pronouns (pro) in Italian reflects a division of labor with respect to anaphora resolution. Pro prefers to link to prominent antecedents more than its phonetically overt counterpart does (where prominence is determined by syntactic position in intrasentential anaphora cases). We first report the results of three written questionnaire studies showing that the Position of Antecedent Hypothesis (PAH) of Carminati (2002) correctly predicts the anaphoric behavior of Spanish pronouns both in intraand intersentential anaphora cases. In two-sentence discourses where two potential antecedents (one in preverbal subject position and another in object position) exist, pro is linked 73.2% of the time to the subject (which is syntactically more prominent than the object) whereas the phonetically overt pronoun links to the subject only 50.2% of the time. When there is only a subject antecedent available, sentences containing pro are rated as more natural than sentences containing an overt pronoun, thus suggesting that the anaphoric preference is not simply due to ambiguity of antecedent resolution. Essentially the same contrast obtains in cases of variable binding, where pro links to the subject 86.9% of the time and the pronoun only 63.3% of the time. Two written questionnaire studies corroborate that the topic-focus articulation of the sentence containing a pronoun affects the general anaphoric preferences predicted by the PAH. We report evidence confirming that, in Spanish, preverbal subjects are interpreted as sentential topics. Then we show that when phonetically overt pronouns are preverbal subjects they tend to pick up prominent (subject) antecedents, thus overriding the general preferences encoded in the PAH. This fact suggests that the preferences encoded in the PAH come about as a result of the interpretation associated with the syntactic position that pronouns occupy .
A hybrid social search model based on the user's online social networks

Online social networks (OSNs) have become a new networking platform for connecting people through a variety of mutual relationships. Owing to its widespread use of applications such as email, online shopping, online business networking and instant messaging, OSNs play an indispensable part in people's work and life. People tend to seek information through their OSNs rather than the traditional search engine. This paper presents a hybrid social search model, which harnesses the user's social relation to generate the satisfying results. Upon receiving a user's query, the social search model aims to return a list of ranked answerers who might give the correct answers to that query. Two novel algorithms are proposed to calculate the result ranking: 1) Topic Relevance Rank (TRR) evaluates user's professional score on the relevant topics; 2) Social Relation Rank (SRR) captures the social relation strength between users. In addition, a topic classification label is defined to control the weight of these two algorithms. We describe the architecture of the social search model and give details of the ranking algorithms. A use-case is described to illustrate the potential applications of the proposed model. 3G RenRen Network, mobile edition of the biggest student social networking site in China is studied and the experiment results show that the two ranking algorithms under control of topic classification label can benefit the social search model evidently.