Use of implicit graph for recommending relevant videos: a simulated evaluation

In this paper, we propose a model for exploiting community based usage information for video retrieval. Implicit usage information from a pool of past users could be a valuable source to address the difficulties caused due to the semantic gap problem. We propose a graph-based implicit feedback model in which all the usage information can be represented. A number of recommendation algorithms were suggested and experimented. A simulated user evaluation is conducted on the TREC VID collection and the results are presented. Analyzing the results we found some common characteristics on the best performing algorithms, which could indicate the best way of exploiting this type of usage information

Separation of oxidatively damaged DNA Nucleobases and Nucleosides on Packed and Monolith C18 Columns by HPLC-UV-EC

This study involves the incorporation of a commercially available Phenomenex Onyx C18 monolith column into the separation and detection of oxidative DNA damage. It includes thorough investigation of monolith performance and a comparison of the performance of monolith columns with a commercially available packed Restek reverse phase Ultra C18 column for the separation of DNA bases and nucleosides. The performance of the monolith was examined using efficiency, resolution, plate height, asymmetry and retention times, and in each case showed improved or at least comparable results in the separation of a mix of DNA bases and nucleosides. A 90% reduction, from just under 40 min. to just under 4 min., was obtained in the elution time of this separation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a fast monolith column separation successfully coupled to both a UV-vis and EC detector, which is especially useful for analysis of oxidative DNA damage. The determination of 8-oxoG and 8-OH-dG, oxidation products of guanine and 2’-deoxyguanosine, respectively, may be compromised by their ease of oxidation and therefore the fast separation, selective and sensitive detection, with no artifactual oxidation, detailed in this report, is ideal

Examining Online Delivered Orientation To Online Learning Association With Community College Student Success

The purpose of this research was to discover if there is an association between student completion of an online delivered orientation (OLO) to online learning and the student success factors of end of course grades and course completion. This study was conducted because course completion rates in online courses are unacceptably low. Educational institution administration, state and federal agencies have all taken an interest in student completion and retention rates. Discovering ways to improve the situation is gaining support. There are many factors which may influence student grades and completion rates. This study focused on the factor of an online learning orientation (OLO). An ex-post facto study was conducted using chi-squared tests of independence on data spanning six semesters, starting in the fall 2014 and ending in the spring of 2017. Three components of the SmarterMeasure readiness assessment were used to divide the sample group into two categories; students ready to learn in an online environment coded as SM+ and students not yet ready to learn in an online environment coded as SM-. After completing statistical tests on various combinations of ready to learn, completed orientation there appears to be no statistically relevant association between passing an OLO and either course grade or course completion rates. These results could be due to the high level of student competence with technology as measured by SmarterMeasure or it may be due to advances in modern learning management systems that allow students to learn and use them much more comfortable than in the past. While there may not be a statistically relevant association between OLO and grades or completion rates, the OLO serves many purposes. Many students do learn something while participating in an OLO. An OLO provides a method of just-in-time support for students throughout the semester. An OLO can be an avenue to build a community of practice for students who are entirely online. Institutions and students may not be best served by a mandatory OLO, but conditional OLO participation based on assessment scores such as the SmarterMeasure assessment should be considered. Optional participation and availability of an OLO throughout the semester may prove valuable. Integration of an OLO into a first-year experience course might also prove worthwhile

Nickel(II)-catalysed oxidative guanine and DNA damage beyond 8-oxoguanine

Oxidative DNA damage is one of the most important and most studied mechanisms of disease. It has been associated with a range of terminal diseases such as cancer, heart disease, hepatitis, and HIV, as well as with a variety of everyday ailments. There are various mechanisms by which this type of DNA damage can be initiated, through radiation and chemical oxidation, among others; however, these mechanisms have yet to be fully elucidated. A HPLC-UV-EC study of the oxidation of DNA mediated by nickel(II) obtained results that show an erratic, almost oscillatory formation of 8-oxoguanine (8-oxoG) from free guanine and from guanine in DNA. Sporadic 8-oxoG concentrations were also observed when 8-oxoG alone was subjected to these conditions. A HPLC-MS/MS study showed the formation of oxidised-guanidinohydantoin (oxGH) from free guanine at pH 11, and the formation of guanidinohydantoin (GH) from DNA at pH 5.5

Transdermal Testosterone For Menopause-Related Hyposexual Desire Disorder: Current Guidelines And Provider Perceptions, Knowledge, And Practice

Hypoactive sexual desire or low libido in women are collectively referred to as hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). HSDD is estimated to occur in 10% to 15% of adult women. HSDD is likely the most common female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in menopausal women. The hallmark of the diagnosis is personal distress and interpersonal difficulties resulting from low sex drive. Most women will not seek help for this problem. Studies have suggested that primary care providers and gynecologic healthcare providers report not feeling qualified to treat patients with sexual dysfunction, especially HSDD. Testosterone, specifically transdermal testosterone, has been suggested to play an integral part in the treatment of HSDD in menopause. It is proven to increase the frequency of satisfying sexual activity, sexual desire, and orgasmic response, and to decrease personal distress. Testosterone has a demonstrated a safety history and medication tolerance when prescribed for this purpose. In spite of its proven efficacy in relation to HSDD, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved testosterone for this purpose, though its use for HSDD is currently suggested by the Endocrine Society in their Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs). The primary purpose of this study was to assess Vermont primary care providers\u27 and gynecologic healthcare providers\u27 perceptions, knowledge, and practices regarding treatment of HSDD in naturally induced menopause with a focus on transdermal testosterone. After respondent inclusion criteria and demographic information about the respondents was collected, the study asked questions and tested knowledge about topics regarding menopause and sexuality, evaluation of FSD, and treatment of low libido and diminished sexual desire with a focus on testosterone. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional online survey that was completed electronically on a secure server through the University of Vermont. The conclusions were that providers believe sexuality and sexual satisfaction are quality of life indicators and perceived that maintaining sexual function is important to naturally occurring menopausal women. The majority of providers would prescribe a pharmaceutical treatment for menopausal women seeking to maintain their sexual function, enhance sexual satisfaction, and/or treat symptoms of HSDD as long as there were no contraindications. However, testosterone, a proven treatment for women with complaints of low libido and/or diminished sexual desire, was reportedly underutilized. This may be related to inconsistent screening for FSD in menopause at each comprehensive visit and lack of provider knowledge about testosterone (including safety and efficacy) impacting confidence to prescribe testosterone for this purpose. Further, providers were divided on whether low libido and/or diminished sexual desire in naturally occurring menopause is a medical condition or disorder or a natural part of aging. It is unclear how the aforementioned divisions impact evaluation and treatment

Semiconductor optical amplifiers in avionics

RSOAs have been demonstrated to operate within a WDM PON architectures over a >;60nm wavelength range with large path loss capabilities. Two RSOAs enable contiguous operation over the S, C and L bands; results indicate clearly that WDM architectures suitable for avionics with a PLC of >;25dB are possible with only two devices. Performance at extended temperature ranges will be reported later in detai

Mindsets

The concept of mindsets was developed by Carol Dweck, a Stanford University psychologist. Her vision was to help children and adults understand that they do not have a fixed amount of intelligence or a fixed amount of talent. Dweck implies that we are not born with a gene that says this is the only amount of talent and intelligence that we will ever have in our lifetime. Our talents and intelligence can be manipulated through hard work and practice. Dweck has devised two terms that are central to her mindsets concept. The first is a fixed mindset which is the belief that your qualities are set in stone. The second term is growth mindset which is the belief that your basic qualities are things you can cultivate through your efforts. The purpose of mindsets is to empower people to believe that they can accomplish anything they want with hard work and dedication. This does not end with just a belief that you can do it but also the actual act of doing it. When people are set on a goal and they take the proper steps to achieve that goal and never give up they will in the end accomplish that goal. However, it all starts with a growth mindset