Digital Commons Network^™

Teacher-Student Networks With Multiple Decoders For Solving Math Word Problem, Jipeng Zhang, Roy Ka-Wei Lee, Ee-Peng Lim, Wei Qin, Lei Wang, Jie Shao, Qianru Sun

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Math word problem (MWP) is challenging due to the limitation in training data where only one “standard” solution is available. MWP models often simply fit this solution rather than truly understand or solve the problem. The generalization of models (to diverse word scenarios) is thus limited. To address this problem, this paper proposes a novel approach, TSN-MD, by leveraging the teacher network to integrate the knowledge of equivalent solution expressions and then to regularize the learning behavior of the student network. In addition, we introduce the multiple-decoder student network to generate multiple candidate solution expressions by which the final answer …

The Topicality Of The Learning Organization: Is The Concept Still Relevant Today?, Siu Loon Hoe

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

This chapter introduces the current level of interest in the learning organization and usefulness of the concept at the present time. It reviews authors who have recently and explicitly commented on the topicality of the learning organization, offers a qualitative content analysis of recent journal publications on learning organizations justifying the need for the concept, and uses quantitative research using print media indicators and Google Trends to identify the number of publications related to the learning organization over time. The results suggest that while the level of interest in the learning organization among scientific researchers has grown, the level of …

Occurrence Of Plant-Parasitic Nematodes On Enset (Ensete Ventricosum) In Ethiopia With Focus On Pratylenchus Goodeyi As A Key Species Of The Crop, Selamawit A. Kidane, Beira H. Meressa, Solveig Haukeland, Trine Hvoslef-Eide, Christer Magnusson, Marjolein Couvreur, Wim Bert, Danny L. Coyne

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Summary - Enset (Ensete ventricosum) is an important starch staple crop, cultivated primarily in south and southwestern Ethiopia. Enset is the main crop of a sustainable indigenous African system that ensures food security in a country that is food deficient. Related to the banana family, enset is similarly affected by plant-parasitic nematodes. Plant-parasitic nematodes impose a huge constraint on agriculture. The distribution, population density and incidence of plant-parasitic nematodes of enset was determined during August 2018. A total of 308 fields were sampled from major enset-growing zones of Ethiopia. Eleven plant-parasitic nematode taxa were identified, with Pratylenchus (lesion nematode) being …

Changes In Chemical And Microbiological Quality Of Semi-Processed Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia Illucens L.) Larval Meal During Storage, E. Kamau, C. Mutungi, J. Kinyuru, S. Imathiu, S. Ekesi, S. Ekesi, D. Nakimbugwe, K. K.M. Fiaboe

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Edible insects are receiving attention as a protein source in the food and feed sector. However, successful commercialisation requires mass production matched with appropriate processing and storage techniques. The quality of dried and pulverised black soldier fly larvae stored in woven polypropylene (PP) sacks, polyethylene (PE) bags and plastic containers with screw lid (PL) in ambient and refrigerated environments was monitored over six months. Chemical indicators (oxidation, fatty acid profile), microbiological parameters (total viable counts, yeast and moulds, Enterobacteriaceae, presumptive coliforms, Salmonella) and colour change were examined. Temperature and relative humidity of the storage environments were monitored. In the ambient …

Gendered Analysis Of The Demand For Poultry Feed In Kenya, John Njenga Macharia, Gracious Malton Diiro, John Rono Busienei, Kimpei Munei, Hippolyte D. Affognon, Sunday Ekesi, Beatrice Muriithi, Dorothy Nakimbugwe, Chrysantus Mbi Tanga, Komi K.M. Fiaboe

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

This paper uses a translog cost function approach to study the farm-level demand for poultry feed in Kenya. The study estimates the demand elasticities of the three common types of poultry feed; mixed feed, grain, and leafy vegetables. The estimated model was used to obtain estimates of Marshallian demand elasticities for poultry feed in Kenya for male-headed and female-headed households. The elasticities reported can be used by researchers and policy analysts to evaluate policy effects of changes in feed demand quantities within the livestock economy in Kenya. Moreover, these parameters can provide more reliable estimates of the total change in …

Sexual Grooming As An Offence In Singapore, S. Chandra Mohan, Yingqi Lee

Research Collection Yong Pung How School Of Law

The offence of sexual grooming of a minor under 16 was introduced in the Singapore Penal Code (Cap 224, 2008 Rev Ed) in 2007. It was designed to protect the growing number of young Internet users from adult sex predators prowling the online platforms. However, there have been very few reported cases of sexual grooming under s 376E of the Penal Code and a noticeable dearth of any local legal comment on this provision. Until the review by the Penal Code Review Committee in 2018 and the consequent legislative changes in May 2019, the offence of sexual grooming has not …

Regulation Of Derivatives In Asia: When Technology Meets Financial Engineering, Christopher C. H. Chen

Research Collection Yong Pung How School Of Law

This chapter introduces the current state of derivatives market regulation in Asia following the global financial crisis. It focuses on Singapore and Hong Kong, the two largest international financial centres in the region. Singapore and Hong Kong have adopted international regulatory reforms, including mandatory trade reporting, centralized clearing, exchange trading requirements and the initial margin rule. The implementation has varied greatly because reporting requirements and initial margin rules have been implemented whereas clearing and trading requirements are waiting for full implementation. The arrival of financial technology may help Asian regulators oversee derivatives markets, by improving cross-border information sharing, reporting or …

After Ice: A New Humane & Effective Immigration Enforcement Paradigm, Peter L. Markowitz

Articles

In recent years, as the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency's ("ICE') brutal tactics have devasted communities across the nation, a growing chorus of activists and policymakers have begun calling for the agency to be abolished. Abolish ICE advocates have made a compelling case for the irredeemable deficiencies of ICE; they have exposed the core injustices that lay at the heart of our current enforcement scheme, and they have proposed specific and thoughtful changes that are both defensible and achievable. However, these changes tend to focus on a negative vision of what we need to eliminate in our current enforcement …

Going Bare In The Law Of Assignments: When Is An Assignment Champertous?, Anthony J. Sebok

Articles

The article critiques the legal distinction between champerty and assignment, arguing that the focus should be on the assignor's motives rather than the assignee's identity. It challenges Dr. David Capper's approach to defining "bare assignments" and proposes that assignments should not be prohibited based solely on the assignee's identity unless they facilitate abus

Core Concepts In Heroism Science, Volume Two, Scott T. Allison

Bookshelf

What lies at the core of heroism?

This book attempts to answer this daunting question. To understand the core of heroism – the forces underlying it – let’s first examine what heroism is at its surface. On the outside, heroism is a behavior, or set of behaviors. These actions are directed toward helping others, and they go beyond expectation and are considered by most people to be extraordinary (Franco, Blau, & Zimbardo, 2011). In addition, heroism involves taking great risks and making exceptional sacrifices (Allison, Goethals, & Kramer, 2017). We observe these extreme helping behaviors and we admire them -- …

[Introduction To] Treating Black Women With Eating Disorders : A Clinician’S Guide, Charlynn Small, Mazella Fuller

Bookshelf

The first of its kind, this edited volume provides in-depth, culturally sensitive material intended for addressing the unique concerns of Black women with eating disorders in addition to comprehensive discussions and treatment guidelines for this population.

The contributing authors—all of whom are Black professionals providing direct care to Black women—offer a range of perspectives to help readers understand the whole experience of their Black female clients. This includes not only discussion of their clients’ physical health but also of their emotional lives and the ways in which the stresses of racism, discrimination, trauma, and adverse childhood experiences can contribute to …

[Introduction To] Wim Wenders: Making Films That Matter, Olivier Delers, Martin Sulzer-Reichel

Bookshelf

"Wim Wenders: Making Films That Matter is the first book in 15 years to take a comprehensive look at Wim Wenders's extensive filmography. In addition to offering new insights into his cult masterpieces, the 10 essays in this volume highlight the thematic and aesthetic continuities between his early films and his latest productions. Wenders's films have much to contribute to current conversations on intermediality, whether it be through his adaptations of important literary works or his filmic reinventions of famous paintings by Edward Hopper or Andrew Wyeth. Wenders has also positioned himself as a decidedly transnational and translingual filmmaker …

[Introduction To] Convenient Criticism: Local Media And Governance In Urban China, Dan Chen

Bookshelf

"Why and how does critical reporting persist at the local level in China despite state mediacontrol, a hallmark of authoritarian rule? Synthesizing ethnographic observation, interviews, survey and content analysis data, Convenient Criticism: Local Media and Governance and Urban China reveals evolving dynamics in local governance and the state-media relationship. Local critical reporting, though limited in scope, occurs because localleaders use media criticism strategically to increase bureaucratic control, address citizen grievances, and improve governance, something that ultimately advances their political careers. This new approach to governance enables the shaping of public opinion while at the same time disciplining subordinate bureaucrats. The …

Privacy Injuries And Article Iii Concreteness, Peter Ormerod

Faculty Publications

The Supreme Court's 2016 decision in Spokeo, Inc. v. Robins requires federal courts to investigate the "concreteness"of a plaintiff's injury, even after Congress has recognized the injury by statute. Spokeo's concreteness discussion is a confusing mixture of several distinct considerations,and there is little rhyme or reason to how the lower courts have interpreted and applied Spokeo to other statutorily authorized injuries.

This Article identifies four distinct informational injuries in the Court's past cases: injuries arising from the withholding, acquiring, using, and disseminating of information. To avoid Spokeo's mistakes, federal courts should give binding deference to Congress's decision to make an …

Regulation Of Intracellular Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Protein Levels, Jinyun Chen

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated signaling molecule which controls tumor growth and metastasis, T cell differentiation, and liver development. Expression levels of this receptor protein are sensitive to the cellular p23 protein levels in immortalized cancer cell lines. As little as 30% reduction of the p23 cellular content can suppress the AHR function. Here we reported that down-regulation of the p23 protein content in normal, untransformed human bronchial/tracheal epithelial cells to 48% of its content also suppresses the AHR protein levels to 54% of its content. This p23-mediated suppression of AHR is responsible for the repression of …

Understanding The Experiences Of Underemployed First-Generation Hmong Graduates, Mong Vang

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Underemployment has a rich and lengthy body of literature spanning across multiple disciplines, such as economics, business, psychology, and sociology. Past scholars studying the phenomenon have provided a framework for understanding underemployment and have identified the harm it has on organizations and individuals. Although underemployment is not a new phenomenon, gaps are present in understanding how it affects first-generation, Hmong graduates. This study provides a framework for bridging this gap. As such, this study answered three questions related to how underemployed, first-generation, Hmong college graduates describe their experience finding adequate employment after graduation, perceive the relationship between their personal upbringing …

Workplace Dynamics: Exploring Views, Impressions, And Preferences Of Colleagues With Diverse Backgrounds And Attributes, Emily Harris Broadhurst

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

The general purpose of this study is to better understand stigmatized views of mental health conditions in the current social climate. In order to assess changes in current stigma levels, valid measurement tools are needed to make more accurate assessments. Many existing tools used to assess stigma levels present validity issues due to reporting bias, specifically social desirability bias. Researchers suggest that purposefully omitting diagnostic labeling helps to eliminate biased answers. In order to measure stigmatizing beliefs while minimizing the threat of social desirability, this study utilized an experimental design that compared mental health conditions with medical conditions. The Adjusted …

Midazole-Based Ph-Sensitive Convertible Liposomes For Anticancer Drug Delivery, Ruiqi Huang

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Solid tumors possess biological features that are different from those in healthy tissues, which provides opportunities of anticancer treatment by nanomedicines. Due to the presence of the fenestrated tumor vasculatures, nanomedicines can selectively accumulate in tumor tissues by the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. The acidic pH in tumor interstitium (pH 6.0-7.0) also provides a promising mechanism to trigger the nanomedicines to promote the cellular uptake of cargo drugs. The previously reported stealth liposomes coated with PEG are known to accumulate in tumors owing to their prolonged circulation time. The PEG coating on liposomes can hinder serum protein adsorption …

Minority Representations In Crime Drama: An Examination Of Roles, Identity, And Power, Megan E. Chatelain

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

The storytelling ability of television can be observed in any genre. Crime drama offers a unique perspective because victims and offenders change every episode increasing stereotypes with each new character. In other words, the more victims and criminals observed by the audience, the more likely the show creates the perception of a mean world. Based on previous literature, three questions emerged which this study focused on by asking the extent of Criminal Minds’ ability to portray crime accurately compared to the Federal Bureau of Investigations Uniform Crime Report (UCR) and the Behavioral Analysis Unit’s (BAU-4) report on serial murderers and …

Proteomic Analysis Of Fetal Rat Neural Stem Cells After Treatment With Hericium Erinaceus, Bright Adam Test

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

The fungus, Hericium erinaceus, has outstanding chemical properties, displaying health benefits in digestive, hepatic, and nervous tissues. Its ease of accessibility and use makes it one of the most common substances used for treatment in Eastern medicine. More and more recent research is confirming the incredible health benefits of this fungus, especially the impact that is seen on nervous tissue growth and recovery post-treatment. Such neurite outgrowth and myelin sheath regeneration could illustrate the beginning of the cure to lifelong neurodegenerative diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis. In this first-of-its-kind study, we cultured and differentiated fetal rat neural stem cells while …

First Year Female Assistant Principals At The Secondary School Level: Transitions, Perspectives, Aspirations, Jennifer Tilton

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Women continue to be in the minority in school administration in public schools in the United States, although the majority of teachers are female. The role of assistant principal is the gateway to school administration. The purpose of this study was to describe the essence of the transition from teaching to school administration, the role of a female assistant principal, and the career aspirations of female assistant principals. This study used a phenomenological approach to understand the essence of the transition for the participants. Six women were interviewed using a semi-structured interview protocol to collect data on their experiences transitioning …

Impact Of A Student-Athlete Career Preparation Program On Athlete Alumni Affinity, Heather L. Hunter

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Previous research has indicated the majority of athlete alumni do not give charitable donations to their alma mater or athletics department. With over 4 million former National Collegiate Athletic Association student-athletes, these athlete alumni should have an inherent affinity for their athletics department. The purpose of this research study was to examine the relationship between a student-athlete career preparation program (“Career Program”) and athlete alumni affinity for the athletics department. This study uses the theoretical framework of Social Exchange Theory to examine if an athlete alumni’s affinity for their athletics department increases when they receive support for their career launch. …

Author Biographical Notes, Mssj Staff

Midwest Social Sciences Journal

No abstract provided.

Use Of E-Books By Undergraduate Students In Public Universities In Kenya, Peris W. Kiilu Mrs, Japhet N. Otike Prof., Joseph Kiplangat Prof.

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

University libraries in Kenya are increasingly relying on e-books for current and up-to-date information. These are also more affordable as they are acquired in bulk through Kenya Library and Information Services Consortium (KLISC). This study was intent on identifying ways in which undergraduate students in public universities in Kenya interact with the e-books. Data was collected in four public universities using mixed methods approach. A survey questionnaire was distributed to 300 third year undergraduate students, while interview schedules were used to guide four undergraduate students’ focus group discussions, interviews with 20 lecturers and 12 library staff. It was found that …

Investigating The User Experience In Academic Libraries (Special Emphasis To E-Resources), Sumaira Baba, Shabir Ahmed Ganaie

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

In the present era of information and communication technology wherein knowledge is increasing exponentially. At the same time learning is fundamental for the development of mankind. Which can be achieved and enhanced with the assistance of new advancements? These (technologies) increase possibilities for learning throughout life, improve access, and spread the process of knowledge creation. Although it is difficult to keep up the pace with this drastically changing phenomenon. With the result information is not being used properly for solving the problems. Thus proper strategies should be incorporated which can help users to improve the abilities for problem solving. The …

The Problem With Relying On Profit-Driven Models To Produce Pandemic Drugs, Ana Santos Rutschman

All Faculty Scholarship

The longstanding problems of relying on a market response to a pandemic are becoming readily apparent in the United States, which has quickly become the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak. The problems are particularly pronounced in pharmaceutical markets, where we are pinning our hopes for both cures and vaccines. In previous work we have shown how characteristics of healthcare markets in the United States create a divergence between the private incentives of for-profit companies and public health needs, leading to sub-optimal health outcomes in what is a uniquely market-driven healthcare system. In this Essay, written as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds, …

Capital, An Elusive Tax Object And Impediment To Sustainable Taxation, Henry Ordower

All Faculty Scholarship

Sustainable taxation requires stability and predictability. Sustainable taxation is a tax or taxes that collect sufficient revenue to support the governmental goods and services the society needs and wants. The taxes must provide for 1) even-handedness -- something akin to horizontal equity, 2) distributional fairness -- a concept emerging from notions of vertical equity, 3) transparency in application so that the populace understands and accepts the tax and the need for it and 4) collection mechanisms that do not favor some societal groups, especially those with resources to secure creative tax advisors, over others who lack the resources. Narrow base …

The Village Of Billionaires: Fair Taxation And Redistribution Amid Relative And Absolute Poverty, Alexis Brassey, Henry Ordower

All Faculty Scholarship

Tax justice and principles underpinning the international tax regime are in vogue. The idea that companies and individuals need to pay their "fair share", not just in the domestic sense but also the international sense, is now a mainstream position. This paper explores the problems relating to what might constitute a "fair share" by setting out what is meant when this expression is used. A reasonable assumption is to consider taxation as the means by which the state funds public services and in some jurisdictions, contributes to greater equality within society. Those goals, however, give rise to competing claims. This …

Avoiding Federal And State Constitutional Limitations In Taxation, Henry Ordower

All Faculty Scholarship

This article reviews some federal and state constitutional law challenges to tax legislation in the US and considers how taxing and other revenue raising legislation tends to withstand constitutional challenge.

Part I of this article examines instances in which the Supreme Court reviewed state taxing laws for conflict with the Constitution and overruled its earlier decisions in similar cases. One case involving a poll or capitation tax worked its way through the courts as the Constitution was being amended to prevent the states from using a poll tax in the future. Another case from 2018 resolves a longstanding tax collection …

The Ai Author In Litigation, Yvette Joy Liebesman, Julie Cromer Young

All Faculty Scholarship

Many scholars have posited whether a computer possessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) could be considered an author as defined per the Copyright Act of 1976. What was once a thought experiment is now becoming reality. To date, scholarship has focused primarily been on whether an AI meets the requirements of authorship from a purely objective legal framework or whether an AI could be an author based on the doctrines of incentives, independent creation, and creativity.

However, a burden inherent in the rights and liabilities of authorship is the ability to be held liable if that author’s expressive work is infringing on …