Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Becoming a Department Chair: Negotiating the Transition from Scholar to Administrator.

The Beginning Department Chair Study used qualitative methodology to examine the developing identities of 13 new department chairs at 10 public and private colleges and universities in eight states. Data were gathered during on-site semistructured interviews (approximately two per month) during the chair's first year and periodic telephone interviews. In addition, related material such as departmental memos, planning documents, newsletters, and program descriptions were collected. Analysis revealed that the beginning chairs experienced moderate to severe difficulty in making the transition into their new roles. Some of these difficulties stemmed from role conflict and/or role ambiguity experienced by the chairs. Two case studies are offered and analyzed to illustrate the six problematic role changes reported by subjects: (1) from solitary to social, (2) from focused to fragmented, (3)from autonomy to accountability, (4) from manuscripts to memoranda, (5) from stability to mobility, and (6) from client to custodian. The paper concludes that beginning chairs should be provided with support, mentoring, and timeand stress-management workshops. In addition, chairs should be encouraged to implement the following "balancing strategies": restructure the problem, purge unnecessary "adminstrivia," reverse the hierarchy, protect scholarship interests, and train for leadership. (Contains 37 references.) (DB) ******************************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. ********************************************************************************
Innovative Approaches to Early Childhood Education for Sustainability case studies from the field

This chapter sets out to critique the extent to which the education policy context in England for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) 2012 (0-5 year olds) and the National Curriculum for Key Stage 1 (5-7 year olds) is able to support the opportunity for Early Childhood Education for Sustainability (ECEfS). It is argued that in recent years there has been a growing international focus on the importance of ECEfS and ‘the value of starting early with education for sustainability… even if the practice and research is yet to fully emerge’ (Davis, 2009, p228). In England this trend has led to locally inspired ECEfS projects, but there has not been a sustained national policy commitment to this essential phase and dimension of education. On the contrary, it is argued that the current standards driven agenda and the framing of the natural world by a ‘readiness for school’ agenda is undervaluing the importance of children’s access to the natural world and the opportunity to learn and develop a relationship (early values) with their environment through natural play. We define ‘natural play’ as ‘free play’ experience in the natural environment where the environment stimulates the child to think and behave as opposed to ‘structured play’ where children are directed by adults. We consider natural play as the essential foundation for Education for Sustainability (EfS) in the early years. From here, we argue that the ‘standards’ and ’readiness’ agendas leave little room for considering, with children, how to sustain an environment. The chapter begins by providing a brief overview of the origins of early years education in England and the opportunities this affords for natural play and the education for sustainability. Four case study settings are presented; these illustrate the development of distinctive, innovative and effective ECEfS curricular that provide children with the access and opportunity to engage in, and learn through, a natural world experience. The chapter concludes by proposing ways in which the Early Years curriculum in England could be enhanced to secure the essential educational experiences needed to support children’s natural engagement with matters to do with environmental sustainability.
Multilingual region-dependent transforms

In recent years, trained feature extraction (FE) schemes based on neural networks have replaced or complemented traditional approaches in top performing systems. This paper deals with FE in multilingual scenarios with a target language with low amount of transcribed data. Continuing our previous work on multilingual training of Stacked Bottle-Neck Neural Network FE schemes, we concentrate on improving the discriminatively trained Region-Dependent Transforms. We show that multilingual training of RDT can be implemented by merging statistics from several languages. In our case we used up to 11 source languages to build a FE which generalize well for a new language. This allows us to build a strong bootstrapping model for the final ASR system. The results are produced on IARPA Babel data.
Willow Tech . Report 02-07 Dense Patch Models for Motion Capture from Synchronized Video Streams

This paper proposes a novel approach to nonrigid, markerless motion capture from synchronized video streams acquired by static calibrated cameras. Specifically, we address the problem of estimating the instantaneous geometry of the observed scene as a dense collection of small surface patches, and its nonrigid motion as the velocity field associated with these patches. Starting from a multi-view stereo reconstruction in the first frame, we propose to implement motion capture as a tracking procedure, where the tracks followed by individual patches are expanded both spatially and temporally to nearby patches and frames. The expansion procedure itself is divided into prediction, refinement, and validation steps that effectively exploit both the spatio-temporal consistency of surface appearance and the natural decomposition of nonrigid motion into tangential and normal components. The proposed approach has been implemented, and it is demonstrated on several challenging real data sets.
Comportamento da carga de treinamento, recuperação e bem-estar em atletas profissionais de voleibol em semanas com e sem jogos

O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a carga interna de treinamento, o estado de recuperação e o bem-estar em atletas profissionais de Voleibol de acordo com a frequência semanal de jogos. A recuperação foi quantificada pela Escala de TQR, a carga pela PSE da sessão e o bem-estar pela escala de QBE. Para comparar os valores da Carga de Treinamento Semanal Total, o delta da Qualidade Total de Recuperação (ΔTQR) e o delta da Qualidade de bem-estar (ΔQBE) foi aplicado o teste ANOVA para medidas repetidas. Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas ao comparar a carga de treinamento com a frequência de jogos semanais, porém o tamanho do efeito foi muito elevado quando se comparou a diferença entre um e dois jogos semanais, assim como de nenhum a dois jogos na semana. Houve diferença entre o ΔTQR entre as semanas sem jogos e com dois jogos assim como entre as semanas com um e dois jogos. Já o ΔQBE foi diferente para as semanas que não havia a realização de jogos e aquelas com jogos. Conclui-se que, mesmo que não haja uma variação das cargas com diferentes frequências semanais de jogos, a recuperação assim como o bem-estar dos atletas foi alterada.
Strong-Lensing Analysis of A1689 from Deep Advanced Camera Images

We analyze deep multicolor Advanced Camera images of the largest known gravitational lens, A1689. Radial and tangential arcs delineate the critical curves in unprecedented detail, and many small counterimages are found near the center of mass. We construct a flexible light deflection field to predict the appearance and positions of counterimages. The model is refined as new counterimages are identified and incorporated to improve the model, yielding a total of 106 images of 30 multiply lensed background galaxies, spanning a wide redshift range, 1.0 < z < 5.5. The resulting mass map is more circular in projection than the clumpy distribution of cluster galaxies, and the light is more concentrated than the mass within r < 50 kpc h-1. The projected mass profile flattens steadily toward the center with a shallow mean slope of d log Σ/d log r ≃ -0.55 ± 0.1, over the observed range r < 250 kpc h-1, matching well an NFW profile, but with a relatively high concentration, Cvir = 8.2. A softened isothermal profile (rcore = 20 ± 2'') is not conclusively excluded, illustrating that lensing constrains only projected quantities. Regarding cosmology, we clearly detect the purely geometric increase of bend angles with redshift. The dependence on the cosmological parameters is weak owing to the proximity of A1689, z = 0.18, constraining the locus, ΩM + ΩΛ ≤ 1.2. This consistency with standard cosmology provides independent support for our model, because the redshift information is not required to derive an accurate mass map. Similarly, the relative fluxes of the multiple images are reproduced well by our best-fitting lens model.
Low Bit-Rate , Scalable Video Coding with 3 D Set Partitioning inHierarchical Trees ( 3 D SPIHT )

In this paper, we propose a low bit-rate embedded video coding scheme that utilizes a three-dimensional (3D) extension of the set partitioning in hierarchical trees (SPIHT) algorithm which has proved so successful in still image coding. Three-dimensional spatio-temporal orientation trees coupled with powerful SPIHT sorting and reenement renders 3D SPIHT video coder so eecient that it provides comparable performance to H.263 objectively and subjectively when operated at the bit-rates of 30 to 60 kilobits per second with minimal system complexity. Extension to color-embedded video coding is accomplished without explicit bit allocation, and can be used for any color plane representation. In addition to being rate scalable, the proposed video coder allows multiresolutional scalability in encoding and decoding in both time and space from one bit-stream. This added functionality along with many desirable attributes, such as full embeddedness for progressive transmission, precise rate control for constant bit-rate traac, and low-complexity for possible software-only video applications, makes the proposed video coder an attractive candidate for multimedia applications.
Cliques in Neural Ensembles as Perception Carriers

Cortical ensembles of neurons perform a large class of tasks which require real-time processing of complex temporal inputs. These tasks involve identifying complex structures and relationships in massive quantities of low precision, ambiguous noisy data. To get some insights into neural mechanisms responsible for the performance of these tasks in a relatively large ensemble of cortical cells, we use a natural closed-loop computational framework. By incorporating functions of readout, reward and feedback, we apply such a framework of neural ensembles to classification and recognition tasks of real-time temporal data. This approach is inspired by neurobiological findings from ex-vivo multicellular electrical recordings and injection of dopamine to the neural culture. Analysis of this functional system provides a new insight into the structure of the spatio-temporal firing patterns, coined "Cliques", that are in a way the neurophysiological carriers of higher-level task-dependent functions and perceptual elements. Such cliques are generated by neural ensembles that interface with the external environment by means of complementary networks that serve the function of readout. Cliques are thus functions of both, network's state and computational task. To observe the cliques, a readout network must be incorporated into the computational system in a closed-loop manner. The emergence of cliques is mediated by spatio-temporal dynamical liquid-currents, through a selective process of Co-Evolutionary learning of two neural ensembles. Liquid-currents from presented inputs to cliques are the dynamic realizations by means of the neural ensembles. The definition of liquid-current intensity leads to a conclusion that the emergence of cliques occurs in cortical ensembles of cells regardless of the realizations at the cellular level and of the intrinsic dimensions of the problem.
Penile traction therapy for Peyronie’s disease—what’s the evidence?

Penile traction therapy (PTT) is a new therapeutic option for men with Peyronie’s disease (PD). However, it has a long history of use in other fields of medicine including bone, skin, skeletal muscle, and Dupuytren’s. Mechanotransduction, or gradual expansion of tissue by traction, leads to the formation of new collagen tissue by cellular proliferation. As a molecular result, continuous extension of the fibrous plaque causes significant increases in collagenase and metalloproteinases, and, ultimately, to fibrous plaque softening and extension. This hypothetical knowledge has been supported by recent well designed experimental studies. Furthermore, several clinical papers have provided promising results on the use of PTT in PD patients. It has been shown in some series that the use of PTT significantly increases flaccid and stretched penile lengths and results in significant penile curvature improvement when compared to baseline. Furthermore, the use of PTT concomitantly with either verapamil or interferon α-2b has also been shown to be an effective therapy. Additionally, the beneficial effect of PTT on penile length before or after penile surgery in men with corporal fibrosis has been described. Finally, as a minimally invasive alternative treatment option to penile augmentation surgery in men with dysmorphophobia, PTT use has shown promising results by several experts. Studies have shown that PTT provides an acceptable, minimally invasive method that can produce effective and durable lengthening of the penis in men complaining of a small/short penis. There are, however, several criticisms related to the designs of the reported studies, such as small sample size and selection bias. Well-designed studies with larger numbers of patients and longer follow-up periods are, however, needed to establish the true benefits of PTT.
Youth and Crime: A Critical Introduction

PART ONE: YOUTH CRIME REPRESENTATIONS, DISCOURSES AND DATA The Threat of Youth The Extent of Offending and Victimization Patterns of Offending and Non-Offending The 'Youth'-'Crime' Connection PART TWO: HISTORIES OF YOUTH CRIME THE DEPRIVED AND THE DEPRAVED The 'Invention' of Childhood and Youth Discovering Juvenile Delinquency Troublesome Adolescence The Consolidation of the 'Youth Problem' PART THREE: EXPLAINING YOUTH CRIME I POSITIVIST CRIMINOLOGIES Individual Positivism Sociological Positivism PART FOUR: EXPLAINING YOUTH CRIME II RADICAL AND REALIST CRIMINOLOGIES Radical Criminologies Realist Criminologies Beyond Criminology? PART FIVE: YOUTH CULTURES, GANGS AND SUBCULTURES RESISTANCE AND DISSENT Subcultural Theory and Analysis Subcultures and Resistance Countercultures and Dissent The Critique of Subcultural Analysis Post Subcultural Style.Cultural Production. PART SIX: YOUTH AND SOCIAL POLICY REGULATION AND CONTROL Theorizing Social Control and Youth Regulation Youth Training and the Labour Market Homelessness and the Housing Market Public Space, Policing and Surveillance Social Crime Prevention PART SEVEN: YOUTH JUSTICE POLICY WELFARE AND PUNISHMENT Welfare Justice Diversion and Community Corrections Custody
Specialization of Functional Logic Programswith Dynamic Scheduling ?

In this work, we develop a partial evaluation technique for residuating functional logic programs, which generalize the concurrent computation models for logic programs with delays to functional logic programs. We show how to lift the nondeterministic choices from run time to specialization time. We ascertain the conditions under which the original and the transformed program have the same answer expressions for the considered class of queries as well as the same oundering behavior. All these results are relevant for program optimization in Curry, a functional logic language which is intended to become a standard in this area. Preliminary empirical evaluation of the specialized Curry programs demonstrates that our technique also works well in practice and leads to substantial performance improvements. To our knowledge, this work is the rst attempt to formally deene and prove correct a general scheme for the partial evaluation of functional logic programs with delays.
A study on practical approach of using motion capture and keyframe animation techniques

Producing 3D character animation requires proper planning and the right tools; these include highly technical manpower and facilities. Our paper discusses a practical approach for producing 3D character animation namely motion capture (Mocap) and keyframe animation. This research is based on our experience utilising both multimedia applications at Faculty of Creative Multimedia, Multimedia University. We analyse the strengths and weaknesses of these two methods based on a set of experiments, followed by conclusions that serve as a set of guidelines for animators as they decide on the use of motion capture or keyframe.
Predicting Suicide Attempt Risk in Older Adults

Introduction: Suicide attempts double death by suicide rates. To date it remains the only behavior that predicts more harmful future reattempts or deaths from suicide. However, few studies have analyzed the sociodemographic and clinical profiles of older adults who have suffered selfinflicted injuries or attempted suicide. Objective: To assess which sociodemographic and clinical variables are more predictive of a high-lethality or definitive future suicide reattempt in older adults who have suffered self-inflicted injuries or previous suicide attempts. Method: Digital data logged by emergency departments on people aged 50 and overadmitted for self-inflicted injuries or suicide attempt were collected. Results: The binary logistic regression analysis revealed the group of variables most predictive of suicide attempt as being female (OR = 2.70; 95% CI), aged between 61 and 90 years (OR = 6.99; 95% CI), widowed (OR = 3.12; 95% CI), with a pre-existing depressive condition (OR = 3.95; 95% CI) and physical pathologies (OR = 4.98; 95% CI), resorting to single methods (OR = 4.72; 95% CI), and usually discharged from emergency departments (OR = 6.89; 95% CI). Conclusions: There is an urgent need for specific healthcare protocols designed to prevent suicide attempts, adapted to the psychosocial characteristics of this age group. Improvements to social and healthcare warning actions for older adults exhibiting suicide risk profiles also need to be made.
Optimal Pricing and Ordering Policies for a Two-Layer Supply Chain with Imperfect Quality Items under Two Inspection Scenarios

This paper developed integrated production–inventory-marketing models for a two-stage supply chain consisting of one vendor and one buyer. The aim of the paper was to decrease the inconsistency between theory and practice of inventory management by relaxing some unrealistic assumptions such as constant demand and fully perfect items that make the models practically impossible for real-life problems. Two inspection scenarios were considered, and for each one, the supply chain’s total profits under independent and also joint optimization were maximized by determining the optimal values of selling price, order quantity and number of shipments. A numerical example, including sensitivity analysis for critical parameters, was given. The computational results revealed that cooperation between the buyer and the vendor, regardless of inspection scenario, is beneficial for the supply chain, especially for more price sensitive demands. In addition, specifying the best inspection scenario is dependent on the unit warranty and unit inspection costs.
Critical appraisal of the role of pitavastatin in treating dyslipidemias and achieving lipid goals

Pitavastatin is a potent HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor and efficient hepatocyte low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) receptor inducer, producing robust reduction of the serum LDL-C levels, even at a low dose. Pitavastatin and its lactone form are minimally metabolized by CYP enzymes, and are therefore associated with minimal drug–drug interactions (DDIs). Pitavastatin 2 to 4 mg has potent LDL-C-reducing activity, equivalent to that of atorvastatin 10 to 20 mg; several clinical trials have revealed consistently superior high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) elevating activity of pitavastatin than that of atorvastatin. Pitavastatin-induced HDL-C elevation has been shown to be sustained, even incremental, in long-term clinical trials. Pitavastatin was as well-tolerated as atorvastatin or simvastatin in double-blind randomized clinical trials. Two-year long-term safety and effectiveness of pitavastain has been confirmed in a large-scale, prospective post-marketing surveillance. The safety and efficacy profile of pitavastatin is favorable for the treatment of dyslipidemia, especially in metabolic syndrome patients. In addition to control of LDL-C, adequate control of triglyceride (TG) and HDL-C, hypertension and hyperglycemia is also necessary in metabolic syndrome patients. Pitavastatin produces adequate control of LDL-C and TG, along with potent and incremental HDL-C elevation, with a low frequency of DDIs.
Determinants of Foreign Direct Investment in the Southern African Development Community (SADC)

This paper examines the determinants of FDI inflows to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) 21 using data for the period 1990 -2007. The pooled ordinary least squares and panel least squares methods were used for estimation. The results show that the FDI inflows to SADC are positively and significantly related to gross fixed capital formation, total external debt service, inflation, the lagged value of FDI, and domestic credit to the private sector. The analysis also shows that FDI inflows to SADC are negatively and significantly determined by the low level of infrastructure development, and the lagged value of inflation. Therefore, the paper recommends enhanced regional integration and development in SADC, because this can increase the market size and making the region more attractive to FDI, and boost the positive determinants of FDI to the region. Enhanced regional integration and development can also dampen the negative effects on FDI, of such factors as chronic and hyper-inflation, poor infrastructure, civil unrest and war. Keywords: SADC, foreign direct investment, market size, regional integration, economic growth, development. Botswana Journal of Economics vol 9 (13) 2012