Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Teacher knowledge and employer-driven professional development : a critical analysis of the Gauteng Department of Education programmes

There is growing consensus in international and local literature that, to be effective, professional development activities (PDAs) should focus on ways of teaching that improve learners' learning, but there is no clear consensus on the teaching focus and the form in which teacher learning is organised. Drawing from literature on teacher knowledge, in particular Shulman's distinction between subject matter and pedagogical content knowledge (PCK), this article critically reviews the PDAs provided by the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE), South Africa. It identifies 2009 as a turning point in the GDE provision of PDAs. Until 2009, most PDAs were targeted at the improvement of a few discrete aspects of teacher practice, to comply with a new curriculum framework. Around 2009, the GDE turned towards scripted teaching in a form of standardised lesson plans, to engineer a whole new practice for teachers in order to improve learners' results. The argument of this article is that teacher knowledge of subject matter, consisting of knowledge of the substantive and syntactic aspects of the curriculum content and beyond, has not been imparted to teachers by employer-driven curriculum implementation workshops or short courses, and that only a limited number of teaching routines such as sequencing and pacing of the curriculum content can be imparted by scripted lesson plans. Although the idea of scripting a new practice is understandable in the light of the general agreement that PDAs in South Africa failed to make a difference to teachers' practice and to learners' performance, it is essential to understand its limitations.
Beneficial effects of creatine supplementation in dystrophic patients

The effect of creatine (Cr) supplementation on muscle function and body composition of 12 boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and three with Becker dystrophy was evaluated by a randomized double‐blind cross‐over study (3 g Cr or maltodextrin daily for 3 months, with wash‐out period of 2 months). After placebo, no change was observed in maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and resistance to fatigue, whereas total joint stiffness (TJS) was increased by ∼25% (P < 0.05). The patients receiving Cr did not show any change in TJS, improved MVC by 15% (P = 0.02), and almost doubled their resistance to fatigue (P < 0.001). In patients still independent of a wheelchair (n = 5), bone mineral density increased by 3% (P < 0.05), and urinary excretion of collagen type I cross‐linking N‐telopeptide declined to about one third (P < 0.001) after Cr. No adverse effect was observed. Thus, Cr may provide some symptomatic benefit in these patients. Muscle Nerve 27: 604–610, 2003
MARKETING DE RELACIONAMENTO (CRM): ESTADO DA ARTE, REVISÃO BIBLIOMÉTRICA DA PRODUÇÃO NACIONAL DE PRIMEIRA LINHA, INSTITUCIONALIZAÇÃO DA PESQUISA NO BRASIL E AGENDA DE PESQUISA

It is a consensus among the major authors in the field of customer relationship management (CRM), or relationship marketing, the importance of strategic management of relationships between organizations and their customers, especially within the context of increasingly aggressive competitiveness. Thus, this study aims to build an overview of studies on CRM, presenting the results of a bibliometric review that covers syntheses of the state of the art and of the the empirical studies 2013 period to highlight the production in the new millennium. Such analysis allowed the design of a research agenda as well as the institutionalization of research on CRM in Brazil. The information extracted from the papers to be analyzed were: the name of the ournal, year of publication, the study characterization, home institutions of the authors and the most studied issues in the CRM theme. For the empirical studies, we added the nature of the study, the sector in which the researched industry is inserted in, its core business, data collection instruments used by researchers and the methods of data analysis performed. Fifty-two papers were found. Among journals, REAd, RAC and Faces are those with more papers on CRM and the University of Sao Paulo was the institution that led the publications in the analyzed period. CRM in the B2C (business-to-consumer) context and its related variables (e.g., satisfaction and loyalty) were the most discussed issues in the papers whose majority consisted of theoretical-empirical studies, quantitative in nature, and focusing on the private sector economy, especially in the banking and retail branches. The results indeed pointed to the strategic importance to organizations of studies on CRM, which was demonstrated by an increase in the interest of researchers on the subject, considering the creation of research groups of CRM in Brazil and its scientific, technical and advisory indicators of production from the database of the Lattes Platform.
Duration, Intensity and Productivity of Labour and the Distinction between Absolute and Relative Surplus-value

Marx recognized two distinct but also interrelated processes of increasing surplus-value extraction: absolute and relative surplus-value. Both these processes hinge upon the duration, the intensity and the productivity of labour, albeit in different ways. The increase of the duration of labour is indisputably related to absolute surplus-value and the increase of labour productivity to relative surplus-value. However, there is controversy regarding the position of the intensity of labour. Marx's argument that it belongs to relative surplus-value is disputed by many Marxists. This paper argues that Marx's thesis is correct because the intensification of labour and the increase of its duration are ultimately two opposing trends and thus should not be coupled in the same concept.
Thrombin facilitates seizures through activation of persistent sodium current

An epileptic seizure is frequently the presenting sign of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) caused by stroke, head trauma, hypertension, and a wide spectrum of disorders. However, the cellular mechanisms responsible for occurrence of seizures during ICH have not been established. During intracerebral bleeding, blood constituents enter the neuronal tissue and produce both an acute and a delayed effect on brain functioning. Among the blood components, only thrombin has been shown to evoke seizures immediately after entering brain tissue. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that thrombin increases neuronal excitability in the immature brain through alteration of voltage‐gated sodium channels.
Non-Linearities and Equivalence Scales

This paper focuses on the estimation and testing of equivalence scales in the context of a demand system with nonline ar logarithmic expenditure effects in its budget-share equations. The authors show that such nonlinearity enables one to identify the scal es without demographic separability restrictions on preferences and to avoid false rejection of the hypothesis that the scales are independ ent of the base utility level. The empirical analysis is based on micro data drawn from the U.K. Family Expenditure Survey. Copyright 1993 by Royal Economic Society.
Staying Home or Moving Away? Restructuring Efforts within Multinational Enterprises

This paper analyses the impact of geographic dispersion on employment changes within multinationals. Building on earlier work of Landier et al. (2009, Review of Financial Studies 22, 3: 1119), we investigate whether corporate decision-making within a multinational is affected by the distance between an affiliate and its headquarter. Our findings suggest a detrimental impact of distance on employees, by either an increased likelihood of observing a downsizing event, or by witnessing a larger decrease in the number of employees at distant locations during downsizing events. In addition, our results seem to relate the higher likelihood of observing a downsizing event to the role of social factors on decision making. The more visible a manager is in his community, the less likely he is to downsize proximate divisions.
Phase III study comparing amrubicin plus cisplatin with irinotecan plus cisplatin in the treatment of extensive-disease small-cell lung cancer: JCOG 0509.

PURPOSE This randomized phase III trial was conducted to confirm noninferiority of amrubicin plus cisplatin (AP) compared with irinotecan plus cisplatin (IP) in terms of overall survival (OS) in chemotherapy-naive patients with extensive-disease (ED) small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). PATIENTS AND METHODS Chemotherapy-naive patients with ED-SCLC were randomly assigned to receive IP, composed of irinotecan 60 mg/m(2) on days 1, 8, and 15 and cisplatin 60 mg/m(2) on day 1 every 4 weeks, or AP, composed of amrubicin 40 mg/m(2) on days 1, 2, and 3 and cisplatin 60 mg/m(2) on day 1 every 3 weeks. RESULTS A total of 284 patients were randomly assigned to IP (n = 142) and AP (n = 142) arms. The point estimate of OS hazard ratio (HR) for AP to IP in the second interim analysis exceeded the noninferior margin (HR, 1.31), resulting in early publication because of futility. In updated analysis, median survival time was 17.7 (IP) versus 15.0 months (AP; HR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.10 to 1.85), median progression-free survival was 5.6 (IP) versus 5.1 months (AP; HR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.16 to 1.73), and response rate was 72.3% (IP) versus 77.9% (AP; P = .33). Adverse events observed in IP and AP arms were grade 4 neutropenia (22.5% v 79.3%), grade 3 to 4 febrile neutropenia (10.6% v 32.1%), and grade 3 to 4 diarrhea (7.7% v 1.4%). CONCLUSION AP proved inferior to IP in this trial, perhaps because the efficacy of amrubicin as a salvage therapy was differentially beneficial to IP. IP remains the standard treatment for extensive-stage SCLC in Japan.
Price Discovery between Sovereign Credit Default Swaps and Bond Yield Spreads of Emerging Markets

Given the vast growth in credit default swap (CDS) market over the last few years, a dramatic improvement is projected in pricing discovery of sovereign CDS as well as its interaction with the underlying bond markets. In this article, a recent comprehensive sample of 20 sovereign CDS spreads, along with their underlying bonds, is examined for the pricing equilibrium for emerging markets. On the basis of the tests of vector error correction model and Granger causality, and by comparing with prior studies, this article finds that sovereign CDS market has served as more significant tool in measuring sovereign credit risk than before.
Zooxanthellae Harvested by Ciliates Associated with Brown Band Syndrome of Corals Remain Photosynthetically Competent

ABSTRACT Brown band syndrome is a new coral affliction characterized by a local accumulation of yet-unidentified ciliates migrating as a band along the branches of coral colonies. In the current study, morphologically intact zooxanthellae (= Symbiodinium) were observed in great numbers inside the ciliates (>50 dinoflagellates per ciliate). Microscale oxygen measurements and variable chlorophyll a fluorescence analysis along with microscopic observations demonstrated that zooxanthellae within the ciliates are photosynthetically competent and do not become compromised during the progression of the brown band zone. Zooxanthellae showed similar trends in light acclimation in a comparison of rapid light curve and steady-state light curve measures of variable chlorophyll a fluorescence. Extended light exposure of steady-state light curves resulted in higher quantum yields of photosystem II. The brown band tissue exhibited higher photosynthetically active radiation absorptivity, indicating more efficient light absorption due to a higher density of zooxanthellae in the ciliate-dominated zone. This caused relatively higher gross photosynthesis rates in the zone with zooxanthella-containing ciliates compared to healthy coral tissue. The observation of photosynthetically active intracellular zooxanthellae in the ciliates suggests that the latter can benefit from photosynthates produced by ingested zooxanthellae and from photosynthetic oxygen production that alleviates diffusion limitation of oxic respiration in the densely populated brown band tissue. It remains to be shown whether the zooxanthellae form a stable symbiotic association with the ciliate or are engulfed incidentally during grazing on coral tissue and then maintained as active inside the ciliate for a period before being digested and replaced by new zooxanthellae.
The role of accounting and auditing in corporate governance and the development of financial markets around the world

Abstract For a sample of 31 countries, we document that financial disclosures are more transparent and national accounting standards require timelier (accrual based) reporting in countries with stronger investor protection. These countries also spend more on auditing enforcement and the Big Five accounting firms audit proportionately more companies in these countries. These results indicate that higher quality accounting standards and the enforcement of such standards through higher quality auditing are more likely to exist in corporate governance in countries with strong investor protection. Higher quality accounting and auditing are also positively associated with financial market development in countries whose legal systems are conducive to the protection of investors. However, we are unable to find systematic evidence that higher quality accounting and auditing alone—independent of a country's underlying investor protection regime—affects the development of financial markets. © City University of Hong Kong.
The expression of integrins on activated T-cells in multiple sclerosis. Effect of intravenous methylprednisolone treatment

We studied the effect of intravenous methylprednisolone (MP) on the expression of the integrins, LFA-1 and VLA-4, on activated blood T-lymphocytes in 17 patients with relapses of clinically definite relapsing-remitting MS. MP treatment did not induce changes in the expression of CD3, CD4, DR, LFA-1 or VLA-4 markers when measured in the total population of lymphocytes in MS patients in relation to treatment. Treatment influenced neither the LFA-1 nor VLA-4 positive cells within the CD3+ population. MP treatment clearly decreased the DR+ CD3+ cells (P50.01) and the percentage of DR+ CD3+ lymphocytes bearing VLA-4 (P50.01). However, this was not the case when we studied the percentage of lymphocytes which expressed LFA-1. Glucocorticoids did not influence the mean intensity of the expression of the two integrins quantified in either total or DR+ CD3+ lymphocytes. Although, further research seems warranted to investigate a possible effect of MP on lymphocyte integrin function, this work corroborates the idea that MP treatment may interfere with the mechanisms of T-cell migration into CNS, thus modulating the activity of multiple sclerosis.
Management in the Chinese Construction Industry

One important aim of economic reform in China is to allow state-owned enterprises to be more market driven. This contribution, based on an industry competition model and four cornerstones for indicating economy transformation, scrutinizes the major changes taking place in the Chinese construction industry. It finds that the behaviour of key stakeholders such as managers, contractors, government, suppliers, clients, and new entrants in the industry has dramatically changed. However, a contractual chain within the industry is far from complete, and relationships between the main stakeholders are problematic. Thus, further reforms are needed to maintain industry's orderly development.
Iron Transformation Pathways and Redox Micro-Environments in Seafloor Sulfide-Mineral Deposits: Spatially Resolved Fe XAS and δ57/54Fe Observations

Hydrothermal sulfide chimneys located along the global system of oceanic spreading centers are habitats for microbial life during active venting. Hydrothermally extinct, or inactive, sulfide deposits also host microbial communities at globally distributed sites. The main goal of this study is to describe Fe transformation pathways, through precipitation and oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions, and examine transformation products for signatures of biological activity using Fe mineralogy and stable isotope approaches. The study includes active and inactive sulfides from the East Pacific Rise 9°50′N vent field. First, the mineralogy of Fe(III)-bearing precipitates is investigated using microprobe X-ray absorption spectroscopy (μXAS) and X-ray diffraction (μXRD). Second, laser-ablation (LA) and micro-drilling (MD) are used to obtain spatially-resolved Fe stable isotope analysis by multicollector-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS). Eight Fe-bearing minerals representing three mineralogical classes are present in the samples: oxyhydroxides, secondary phyllosilicates, and sulfides. For Fe oxyhydroxides within chimney walls and layers of Si-rich material, enrichments in both heavy and light Fe isotopes relative to pyrite are observed, yielding a range of δ57Fe values up to 6‰. Overall, several pathways for Fe transformation are observed. Pathway 1 is characterized by precipitation of primary sulfide minerals from Fe(II)aq-rich fluids in zones of mixing between vent fluids and seawater. Pathway 2 is also consistent with zones of mixing but involves precipitation of sulfide minerals from Fe(II)aq generated by Fe(III) reduction. Pathway 3 is direct oxidation of Fe(II) aq from hydrothermal fluids to form Fe(III) precipitates. Finally, Pathway 4 involves oxidative alteration of pre-existing sulfide minerals to form Fe(III). The Fe mineralogy and isotope data do not support or refute a unique biological role in sulfide alteration. The findings reveal a dynamic range of Fe transformation pathways consistent with a continuum of micro-environments having variable redox conditions. These micro-environments likely support redox cycling of Fe and S and are consistent with culture-dependent and -independent assessments of microbial physiology and genetic diversity of hydrothermal sulfide deposits.
Internationalization Motives: Sell More, Buy Better, Upgrade and Escape

– The purpose of this the paper is to review the motives for internationalization to clarify previous arguments and provide a theory-driven classification. , – The authors build on behavioral economics and propose a classification of internationalization motives as the result of the interaction among two dimensions, an economics-driven exploitation of existing resources or exploration of new resources, and a psychology-driven search for better host country conditions or avoidance of poor home country conditions. , – These two dimensions result in four internationalization motives: sell more, in which the company exploits existing resources at home and obtains better host country conditions; buy better, in which the company exploits existing resources abroad and avoids poor home country conditions; upgrade, in which the company explores for new resources, and it obtains better host country conditions; and escape, in which the company explores for new resources and avoids poor home country conditions. , – This theory-driven classification provides predictive power for future analyses of internationalization motives.
Stock exchange mergers and weak form of market efficiency: The case of Euronext Lisbon

This exploratory paper is among the first to examine the impact of stock exchange mergers on informational market efficiency. We focus on the merger of Bolsa de Valores de Lisboa e Porto (Portuguese Stock Exchange) with Euronext in 2002 (that created Euronext Lisbon). To investigate this question we perform numerous statistical tests: serial correlation test (ACF test), runs test, unit root test (Kwiatkowski, Philips, Schmidt, & Shin, 1992), multiple variance ratio test (Chow & Denning, 1993) and ranks and signs test (Wright, 2000).
Mediator analysis of psychological empowerment: reverse causality with strategic HRM dimensions and firm performance

This study attempts to clarify the mediating role of psychological empowerment on organisational commitment in the relationship between strategic human resource (HR) roles and organisational learning capability, and the impact of these strategic human resource management (HRM) dimensions on organisations' performance. Using a sample of 640 Indian managers, this study demonstrates that psychological empowerment is an important mediator only when there is a reverse causality between firm performance and strategic HR roles in the Indian context. The structural equation models applied to the data reflected models of moderate fit. This study makes possible contributions to the black-box debate in strategic HRM that is discussed with implications for theory and practice.
Social exclusion and labour market outcomes: evidence from Eastern Europe and Central Asia

Purpose - The paper seeks to examine the impact of social exclusion on individuals' propensity to be employed and how, if employed, social exclusion affects individuals' perceived job insecurity and the likelihood of being covered by social insurance in their jobs. Design/methodology/approach - Using the United Nations Development Program/United Nations Children Fund 2009 survey data from Eastern Europe and Central Asia, the paper employs comprehensive econometric methods that overcome challenges posed by endogeneity of social exclusion in labour market outcomes, self-selection into employment, and the interdependency between perceptions of job security and social insurance coverage. Findings - Results suggest that socially excluded individuals face hurdles in securing jobs and exhibit higher risk of job loss. Further, results suggest that a holistic educational policy could help promote social inclusion. Practical implications - Formulation of policies aimed at promoting social inclusion and improved labour market outcomes should not be done in isolation; rather they should be based on a holistic understanding of the multi-faceted nature of social exclusion. Originality/value - The originality of the analysis is that it takes into account the multi-dimensional nature of social exclusion by treating social exclusion as an outcome of a diverse set of an individual's socio-economic characteristics that ultimately shape the way they feel about their exclusion or inclusion in their societies. This gives an indication of the types of people that are socially excluded and form the group for which a further investigation of labour market outcomes is conducted.
Involvement of the Sieve Element Cytoskeleton in Electrical Responses to Cold Shocks1[W]

The involvement of the sieve element cytoskeleton in electrical responses to cold shocks is described. This study dealt with the visualization of the sieve element (SE) cytoskeleton and its involvement in electrical responses to local cold shocks, exemplifying the role of the cytoskeleton in Ca2+-triggered signal cascades in SEs. High-affinity fluorescent phalloidin as well as immunocytochemistry using anti-actin antibodies demonstrated a fully developed parietal actin meshwork in SEs. The involvement of the cytoskeleton in electrical responses and forisome conformation changes as indicators of Ca2+ influx was investigated by the application of cold shocks in the presence of diverse actin disruptors (latrunculin A and cytochalasin D). Under control conditions, cold shocks elicited a graded initial voltage transient, ΔV1, reduced by external La3+ in keeping with the involvement of Ca2+ channels, and a second voltage transient, ΔV2. Cytochalasin D had no effect on ΔV1, while ΔV1 was significantly reduced with 500 nm latrunculin A. Forisome dispersion was triggered by cold shocks of 4°C or greater, which was indicative of an all-or-none behavior. Forisome dispersion was suppressed by incubation with latrunculin A. In conclusion, the cytoskeleton controls cold shock-induced Ca2+ influx into SEs, leading to forisome dispersion and sieve plate occlusion in fava bean (Vicia faba).