Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Understanding university faculty perceptions about innovation in teaching and technology

The purpose of this research is to understand faculty perceptions about innovation in teaching and technology in a college of education in a research-intensive university. This study was motivated by the creation of a new initiative begun in a large college of education at a Carnegie Research-Intensive university to promote innovation in teaching with the support and creative use of technology. This study used Q methodology, a mixed methods research design involving quantitative and qualitative analysis of descriptive data derived by a sorting activity. Results showed four emerging profiles about how faculty perceive innovation in teaching and technology. Faculty comprising three of these profiles shared the characteristic of valuing technology's role in teaching, though in different, nuanced ways. Faculty representing the fourth profile, in contrast, were generally cautious and skeptical of using technology for teaching. Implications of the study are discussed, including the caution not to assume that college faculty share meaning for words like 'innovation in teaching and technology. ' Also, the results of this study are useful to understanding theories of innovation based on faculty's perceptions of their ability to adapt to rapidly changing and ever-increasing technology innovations for teaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Electromagnetic interference issues of power, electronics systems with wide band gap, semiconductor devices

In this paper electromagnetic interference issues of power electronics systems with Wide Band Gap devices have been studied. The main advantages of these power switches are fast switching transient and high switching frequency capabilities which can improve efficiency of power electronics systems and reduce sizes of passive elements such as inductors and capacitors. Several conducted and radiated emission tests and efficiency measurement have been carried out to analyze the switching frequency and transient effects on harmonic emission and switching losses. The results have been compared with the same drive configuration, layout and enclosure but with conventional power switches (Si switches).
On the performance of space-time turbo codes

Turbo codes have closed the gap between the theoretical capacity limits and the practically achievable information rates for Gaussian single-input and single-output channels [C. Berrou et al., 1996]. The new challenge is to close this gap for more powerful communications systems such as multi-element antenna systems. In this paper, we investigate the performance of a space-time turbo code (STTC) with two transmit and two receive antennas operating at various information rates (adaptive rates) with medium-to-large block sizes, which is particularly suitable for packet oriented wireless multimedia communications. In particular, we investigate the bit error-ratio and packet error-ratio performances with random and designed interleavers at various information rates obtained by rate compatible punctured space-time turbo codes.
Center Manifolds of Coupled Cell Networks

Dynamical systems with a network structure can display anomalous bifurcations as a generic phenomenon. As an explanation for this it has been noted that homogeneous networks can be realized as quotient networks of so-called fundamental networks. The class of admissible vector fields for these fundamental networks is equal to the class of equivariant vector fields of the regular representation of a monoid. Using this insight, we set up a framework for center manifold reduction in fundamental networks and their quotients. We then use this machinery to explain the difference in generic bifurcations between three example networks with identical spectral properties and identical robust synchrony spaces.
Context-Dependent Effects of Castration and Testosterone Treatment on Song in Male European Starlings

Most seasonally breeding songbirds display dramatic seasonal fluctuations in plasma testosterone (T) levels and mate attraction behaviors, including song. However, males of some songbird species, such as the European starling (Sturnus vulgaris), continue to sing at high levels after the breeding season, when T levels are basal. In male starlings song during the breeding season functions mainly to attract mates, whereas song during the nonbreeding season appears unrelated to reproduction. This suggests that song produced in a context unrelated to female courtship, unlike song directed toward females, is not regulated by plasma T. In captive males housed in large outdoor aviaries we explored the relationship between plasma T and song produced during the breeding season within and outside a courtship context. This was achieved by determining the effects of castration and subsequent T treatment on song and mate attraction behaviors in both the presence and the absence of a female. Compared to intact males, castrated males did not show reduced song activity in the absence of a female for at least 6 months after the operation, strongly suggesting that the expression of noncourtship song is not regulated by plasma T. Likewise, we found that experimentally elevating T levels in castrated males did not affect noncourtship song rates. However, control castrated males receiving empty implants tended to show reduced noncourtship song rates after implantation. This may have been due to a suppressive effect caused by the presence of the T-implanted castrated males in the same aviary. In contrast, courtship singing was clearly controlled by plasma T: it was abolished by castration and restored by subsequent T replacement when males were housed both individually and in a group situation. High plasma levels of T also appeared necessary for the activation of three other behavioral traits critical for mate attraction, namely, nesthole occupancy, spending time (singing) in a nesthole, and carrying green nesting material into a nesthole.
Nicotine withdrawal and dependence among smokers with a history of childhood abuse.

INTRODUCTION Previous studies have found that those with a history of childhood abuse are more likely to smoke cigarettes than those without a history of abuse. Mechanisms underlying this greater prevalence are unclear. We examined whether current smokers with a history of childhood abuse reported greater levels of nicotine dependence and more severe nicotine withdrawal symptoms. METHODS We analyzed data from a 2-wave, national, random-digit-dial survey of adult cigarette smokers (n = 751). We examined whether childhood physical, emotional, and sexual abuse were associated with greater levels of nicotine dependence. Among those who made a quit attempt (n = 368), we examined whether abuse was associated with more severe withdrawal symptoms recalled during the 14 months between surveys. For both dependence and withdrawal, we tested a mediation pathway through current serious mental illness (SMI). RESULTS All 3 types of childhood abuse were associated with more severe withdrawal symptoms. These associations were partially mediated by SMI. Sexual abuse and physical abuse were directly associated with dependence, whereas emotional abuse was indirectly associated with dependence through SMI. CONCLUSIONS All 3 forms of childhood abuse were associated with both dependence and withdrawal. The greater prevalence of smoking found among those with a history of childhood abuse may be explained by heightened vulnerability to nicotine dependence and withdrawal and may be partially due to comorbid mental illness.
Effect of Temperature on the Growth and Cell Wall Chemistry of a Facultative Thermophilic Bacillus

The morphology and cell wall composition of Bacillus coagulans, a facultative thermophile, were examined as a function of growth temperature. The morphology of the organism varied when it was grown at different temperatures; at 37 C the organism grew as individual cells which increased in length with increasing growth temperature. At 55 C it grew in long chains of cells. Cell wall prepared from cells grown at 37 C contained 44% teichoic acid by weight, whereas cells grown at 55 C contained 29% teichoic acid. Teichoic acid from these cells was a polymer of glycerol phosphate containing galactose and ester alanine. The ratio of ester alanine to phosphate was significantly higher in cell walls and teichoic acid from 37 C-grown cells compared with those from 55 C-grown cells. Other differences observed were that cells grown at 55 C contained a lower level of autolytic ability, produced cell walls which bound more Mg2+, and contained less peptide cross-bridging in its peptidoglycan layer than cells grown at 37 C.
Design, optimization and manufacturing of a spoke type interior permanent magnet synchronous motor for low voltage-high current servo applications

This paper talks about some design issues for spoke type interior permanent magnet (IPM) motor for low voltage high current servo applications. After initial motor design, several analyses to improve the motor's torque quality have been carried out using Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Effect of skewing and segmented rotors has also been explored and the goal of improved torque quality has been realized. A prototype IPM motor has been built, tested and experimentally verified.
Guilde de conception d'une technique de désignation 3D

Nous presentons un tour d'horizon des techniques de designation existantes en IHM, aussi bien en 2D qu'en 3D. Leur analyse nous a permis de proposer un guide de conception d'une technique de designation 3D pour les developpeurs d'environnements virtuels. Une illustration de cette methode est proposee avec le pointage semantique en 3D.
A Global Search Method for Discrete Stochastic Optimization

This paper is concerned with the problem of optimizing the performance of a stochastic system over a finite set of alternatives in situations where the performance of the system cannot be evaluated analytically, but must be estimated or measured, for instance, through simulation. We present two variants of a new method for solving such discrete stochastic optimization problems. This new method uses global search to look for the optimal solution. It generates a sequence taking values in the set of feasible alternatives, where each new element of the sequence is generated by comparing the current element with another candidate alternative and letting the next element of the sequence be the one of the current and candidate alternatives that appears to yield better performance. For both versions of the proposed method, the element of the set of feasible alternatives that the generated sequence visits most often is shown to converge almost surely to a globally optimal solution of the underlying optimization pr.
The Economic Burden of Cancer in Spain: A Literature Review

Although cancer is known to impose a huge financial burden, a comprehensive review summarising the information available on the burden of cancer in Spain has not yet been published. The objective of this study was to conduct a descriptive review of the literature on cost of illness studies of cancer in Spain over the past 15 years to better understand the socioeconomic burden of the disease and better allocate resources and research funds. 27 articles were identified relative to healthcare costs attributable to prostate, breast, colorectal, lung, cervical, skin cancer, and soft tissue sarcoma. The majority of studies underestimated total costs, focusing just on direct costs. Additionally, cancer costs vary widely across studies as a result of the lack of a methodological consensus to estimate them. However, despite the variation in the costs reported, this updated literature synthesis demonstrated that cancer represents an important economic burden.
Laparoscopic Abdominoperineal Resection for Anorectal Melanoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Anal melanoma is a rare colorectal disease, accounting for 4% of all anal malignancies. Here we report the first case of a patient with anorectal melanoma who was treated laparoscopically. He underwent a totally laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection with excellent postoperative recovery. One year postoperatively, he is now clinically recurrence free with a normal colonoscopy. The literature on anorectal melanoma has been reviewed and controversy still surrounds the optimal treatment modality. We propose that a laparoscopic approach to the management of this disease can be considered when deciding future treatment plans for patients with this condition.
Assessing depression among persons with chronic pain using the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory: a comparative analysis.

OBJECTIVE This study examined the ability of two self-report questionnaires, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D), to discriminate between chronic pain patients with and without major depression. Since previous research has suggested that medical conditions such as chronic pain can influence the endorsement of items that measure neurovegetative symptoms of depression, the accuracy of each of these questionnaires was also assessed eliminating these items. SUBJECTS These included 132 consecutive patients with chronic pain, 44 of whom were diagnosed as suffering from major depression according to DSM-IV criteria. METHODS Patients were administered a battery of questionnaires that included the CES-D and BDI. They were also interviewed by a clinical psychologist to determine the presence or absence of major depression. RESULTS Both questionnaires were able to discriminate significantly between persons with and without major depression. Removal of the somatic items on each questionnaire did not improve their accuracy. Discriminant function analysis revealed an optimal cut-off score of 21 for the BDI, and 27 for the CES-D. Overall hit rates at these cut-offs for the two questionnaires were comparable, while the CES-D had somewhat better sensitivity (81.8% vs. 68.2%). Conversely, the BDI had slightly better specificity (78.4% vs. 72.7%). CONCLUSION The results suggest that both questionnaires have good predictive validity among chronic pain patients, and decisions regarding the use of one questionnaire rather than the other may depend upon the goals of the user and the setting within which the questionnaire is used.
More than child’s play: the potential benefits of play-based interventions for young children with ADHD

The phrase ‘play-based interventions’ tends to generate thoughts and images of play therapy. This treatment, which originated with Anna Freud and Melanie Klein, and was subsequently developed by Axline, Landreth and others, uses play as the primary way in which a child expresses him/herself and communicates with the therapist [1]. From this perspective, in the context of a safe therapeutic relationship, during play with the therapist children express their feelings and learn more adaptive strategies to manage their distress and improve their level of functioning [1]. Although play therapy is widely used in clinical settings to treat children’s emotional and behavioral problems, to our knowledge, only one study has investigated the efficacy of play therapy on children’s inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive behavior [2]. Children aged 5–11 years were randomly assigned to either childcentered play therapy or reading mentoring. Following a 16-week intervention, improvements in teacher-rated attentiondeficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) behaviors were observed, irrespective of the treatment children received [2]. Thus, there are no compelling empirical data to support the use of traditional play therapy for the treatment of ADHD. Nevertheless, engaging in play serves a critical role in young children’s social, affective and cognitive development [3]. Animal studies have shown the importance of play in both promoting neural development and in ameliorating negative behavioral sequelae of brain insult [4,5]. With respect to ADHD, Panksepp et al. have shown that chronic rough and tumble play in rats with right frontal lesions reduces their activity level [5]. As ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by delayed brain development [6], we suggest that a more ecologically valid use of directed play has the potential to ameliorate many of the difficulties characteristic of children with ADHD and to improve long-term trajectories. Specifically, we propose that rather than playing with the therapist, an important component of treatment should be to facilitate neural and social development through play with parents, siblings and peers.
Home-video observation of seizures in children with epilepsy—impact on quality of family life

Many parents of children with epilepsy fear that their child might be seriously hurt by seizures and the fear is even worse if parents are unable to observe children’s seizures during sleep. If children have a room of their own, the parents will frequently peep in to observe the child’s sleep, but more often the child is made to sleep in the parents’ room or bed. Recently we have advised parents of children with frequent seizures to use an observation system to monitor the seizures at home. The system (Philips VSS 2285/00T) consists of a video camera in the child’s bedroom and a TV monitor located near the parents, e.g. in the parents’ bedroom, living-room or the kitchen. All equipment has been prescribed by paediatricians and occupational therapists at the National Centre for Epilepsy to patients living all over Norway. Telephone calls after installation at home have given us the impression that most parents used the system and we decided to investigate if the parents were satisfied, if the equipment had been of any help, and if so, in what way.
An Exploratory Study of Electronic Marketplace Adoption: A Multiple Perspective View

Abstract Many researchers have studied the adoption of business‐to‐business Electronic Marketplaces (EMs), but agreement on which factors are more important driving forces of EM adoption has not been achieved. This may be because researchers have not adopted multiple perspectives, since the importance of EM driving factors may vary when analytical perspectives change. The objective of this paper is to determine if evidence exists that this might indeed be the case. This paper explores the adoption of EMs from multiple perspectives, using case studies. Due to its parsimony, the UTAUT framework suggested by Venkatesh et al. (2003) is adopted to guide the case analysis. EM adoption factors fall into four UTAUT super‐categories: performance expectancy; effort expectancy; institutional influence; and facilitating conditions. Results from the case studies indicate that performance expectancy is the most important and ease of use is the least important consideration for participating users. The importance of the.
The Health Care Quadrilemma: An Essay on Technological Change, Insurance, Quality of Care, and Cost Containment

During the roughly four decades since the end of World War II, the health care system in the United States has experienced historically unprecedented change in three dimensions. First, new technologies have revolutionized the ways in which health care is capable of being practiced. Almost all of today's armamentarium of disease diagnosis and treatment devices and techniques were unknown 40 years ago. In the case of prescription drugs, for example, about 10 percent of the 200 largest-selling drugs are new each year; and only 25 percent of the 200 top-selling drugs in 1972 remained in the group 15 years later (David Cleeton, Valy Goepfrich, and Burton Weisbrod 1990).
A 26 GHz UWB CMOS IR-UWB transmitter with on-chip balun

A 22-29 GHz UWB pulse transmitter in 90 nm bulk CMOS is presented. The transmitter is based on mixing of a continuous running LC-tank 26 GHz signal with a pseudo Gaussian base-band pulse. To maximize pulse peak to peak voltage a single balanced Gilbert cell mixer is loaded with a lumped balun. The measured results show a pulse with a -10 dB bandwidth of 5 GHz and a Vp-p of 219 mV within the 22-29 GHz band.
Motor vehicle crash fatalities: A comparison of Hispanic and non-Hispanic motorists in Colorado.

STUDY OBJECTIVES We compare the population-based death rates from traffic crashes in the Hispanic and non-Hispanic white populations in a single state, and compare fatally injured Hispanic and non-Hispanic drivers with respect to safety belt use, alcohol involvement, speeding, vehicle age, valid licensure, and urban-rural location. METHODS Hispanic and non-Hispanic white motorists killed in traffic crashes in 1991-1995 were studied (n=2,272). Data from death certificates (age, sex, education, race, and ethnicity) and the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS; driver, vehicle, and crash information) were merged. Average annual age-adjusted fatality rates were calculated; to compare Hispanic and non-Hispanic white motorists, rate ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Odds ratios (ORs), adjusted for age, sex, and rural locale, were calculated to measure the association between Hispanic ethnicity and driver and crash characteristics. RESULTS Eighty-five percent of FARS records were matched to death certificates. Compared with non-Hispanic white motorists, Hispanics had higher crash-related fatality rates overall (RR 1.75, 95% CI 1.60 to 1.92) and for drivers only (RR 1.62, 95% CI 1.41 to 1.85). After adjustment for age, sex, and rural locale, Hispanic drivers had higher rates of safety belt nonuse (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.20 to 2.72), legal alcohol intoxication (OR 2.73, 95% CI 1.97 to 3.79), speeding (OR 1.36, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.88), and invalid licensure (OR 2.58, 95% CI 1.78 to 3.75). The average vehicle age for Hispanic drivers (10.1 years, 95% CI 9.3 to 11.0) was greater than for non-Hispanic white motorists (8.8 years, 95% CI 8.4 to 9.2). CONCLUSION Compared with non-Hispanic whites, Hispanic drivers have higher rates of safety belt nonuse, speeding, invalid licensure and alcohol involvement, with correspondingly higher rates of death in traffic crashes. As traffic safety emerges as a public health priority in Hispanic communities, these data may help in developing appropriate and culturally sensitive interventions.