Collation Model for Ms. Codex 1242: [Annotations : to Graeciae excellentium oratorum, Aeschinis et Demosthenis, orationes adversariae].

Two student texts of the Attic orators Demosthenes and Aeschines from the prosecution of Athenian orator Ctesiphon, edited by German humanist Johann Reuchlin, published in Paris by Christian Wechel in 1543, together with an edition of Isocrates\u27 Encomium Helenae published in Paris by Joannes Lodoicus (Jean Loys) in 1538. 64 pages of Demosthenes\u27s oration On the crown have extensive interlinear annotations in Latin and marginal annotations in Greek. The opening of the Helen is annotated in the same manner.https://repository.upenn.edu/sims_models/1165/thumbnail.jp

Penn Library\u27s Library\u27s LJS 491 - Perush sefer ha-yesodot shel Uklids. (Video Orientation)

https://repository.upenn.edu/sims_video/1231/thumbnail.jp

Characterization of Genomic Variation Related to Hair and Skin Phenotypes in the Khoesan Speakers of Southern Africa

The Khoesan speakers are indigenous peoples in southern Africa, consisting of many different ethnic groups that do not speak Bantu languages. They are foragers with a complex history: they descended from the earliest diversification event for Homo sapiens, interacted with neighboring populations through migrations, and grappled with colonization. To investigate the Khoesan’s adaptation to their local environment, we analyzed genomic variations of Khoesan individuals with scans of natural selection, and identified variants that may be targets of selection in the Keratin (KRT) gene family. We examined a potential regulatory variant in KRT78, rs7307165, and conducted a dual luciferase reporter assay to determine if rs7307165 influenced gene expression. Results showed rs7307165 significantly affected enhancer activity in keratinocytes for KRT78. Missense mutations in KRT74 and KRT71 were also identified and appear to be compelling candidates for a mouse model experiment. Studying genetic variation in the Khoesan and other African populations can help us better understand human health, adaptation to local environments, and human history

The Charterhouse Antiphonal Fragment

An item included within the collection of manuscript leaves known as Ghent, University Library, MS BHSL.HS.3020 can now be identified as a fragment of the sole surviving English Carthusian antiphonal, and the third extant historiated English antiphonal. Specific features of the chant identify the use as Carthusian, and the illumination localizes the antiphonal’s production to London in the early Tudor period, making it likely that the volume was made for the London Charterhouse

Putting the Pension Back in 401(k) Plans: Optimal versus Default Longevity Income Annuities

Most retirees take payouts from their defined contribution pensions as lump sums, but the US Treasury recently moved to encourage firms and individuals to convert some of the $15 trillion in plan balances into longevity income annuities paying lifetime benefits from age 85 onward. We evaluate the welfare implications of this reform using a calibrated lifecycle consumption and portfolio choice model embodying realistic institutional considerations. We show that defaulting a fixed fraction of workers’ 401(k) assets over a dollar threshold is a cost-effective and appealing way to enhance retirement security, enhancing welfare by up to 20% of retiree plan accruals

Design and Control of a Tunable-Stiffness Coiled-Spring Actuator

We propose a novel design for a lightweight and compact tunable stiffness actuator capable of stiffness changes up to 20x. The design is based on the concept of a coiled spring, where changes in the number of layers in the spring change the bulk stiffness in a near-linear fashion. We present an elastica nested rings model for the deformation of the proposed actuator and empirically verify that the designed stiffness-changing spring abides by this model. Using the resulting model, we design a physical prototype of the tunable-stiffness coiled-spring actuator and discuss the effect of design choices on the resulting achievable stiffness range and resolution. In the future, this actuator design could be useful in a wide variety of soft robotics applications, where fast, controllable, and local stiffness change is required over a large range of stiffnesses

Filmetrics Profilm3D (MET-05) Standard Operating Procedure

Standard Operating Procedure for the Filmetrics Profilm3D Optical Profilometer/White Light Interferometerhttps://repository.upenn.edu/scn_sop/1028/thumbnail.jp

From xMOOCs to cMOOCs: Using Positive Psychology to Build Supportive, Engaging, and Effective Online Learning Experiences

This service learning project reports on an intervention designed and conducted by the Pink Team of the Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) program at the University of Pennsylvania. This intervention was conducted at the Positive Psychology Research Center (PPRC) at Tsinghua University in Mainland, China. The project aimed to improve the learning quality of Global Massive Open Online Course (GMOOC) program by transforming it from a teacher-centered, one-way xMOOC model to a more interactive and relational cMOOC model through enhancing connections and relationships among the participants. This project comprises three phases. In part one, we performed a thorough situation analysis, profiling our partner (Tsinghua University PPRC) and the industry sector they are operating. We detailed the PPRC’s positive psychology GMOOC, analyzed its strengths and weaknesses, and identified areas for improvement, which was to enhance relationships and connections. In part two Literature Review, we reviewed theoretical frameworks relevant to relationships. We identified three key concepts to guide our design: i) high-quality connections (HQCs), ii) mattering, and iii) mutual value theory. In part three, we generated an application plan which outlines six evidence-informed activities with the purpose of enhancing online relationships and community-building. Finally, a detailed step-by-step handbook on how to implement these activities is also provided at the end

Understanding Financial Vulnerability Among Asians, Blacks, and Hispanics in the United States

The COVID-19 crisis has brought to light the deeply rooted financial struggles that many people face in America, and it also exacerbated racial inequality. In particular, minority communities have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic in many ways, making them ideal targets for efforts to promote financial well-being. This paper examines the financial vulnerability of Asians, Blacks, and Hispanics in the United States, along with potential drivers, using data from the 2021 National Financial Capability Study and the 2022 TIAA Institute-GFLEC Personal Finance Index. We analyze indicators measuring financial vulnerability across three topics of personal finances: retirement planning, indebtedness, and financial resilience. We find that more Blacks and Hispanics reported being financially vulnerable, compared to Whites and Asians. The main contributing factors to the racial and ethnic gaps in financial vulnerability are single parenthood, youth, lack of savings and wealth, too much debt, income shocks, costly money management practices, and low financial literacy levels. The empirical analysis is complemented by roundtable discussions with experts and thought leaders from National CAPACD and UnidosUS. Our research findings and recommendations can be used to develop more inclusive and tailored financial education programs