Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An exploration of grade 9 teachers' understanding and practice of assessment as it relates to the economic management sciences learning area.

A key purpose of this qualitative study was to explore grade 9 teachers’ understanding and practices of assessment as it relates to the Economic Management Sciences (EMS) learning area. The process of data collection included interviews of three teachers’ and the observation analysis of learner portfolios. The three participants were grade 9 EMS teachers’ from a secondary school in Chatsworth, Durban. The findings of this study indicated that teachers’ understand and practise assessment by using summative forms of assessment as required by the school’s assessment policy. There were several constrictive factors which influenced teachers’ understandings and practices of assessment. This influenced teachers’ to adopt an ‘assessment of learning’ approach. It was revealed that inadequate resources, time, policy interpretation and large number of learners’ classes were major influences which shaped teacher’s understanding and practice of assessment. The contest of the school’s rigid and structured assessment policy was a key inducing factor which influenced teachers’ assessment practices. This study suggests that if classroom teachers are to become effective ‘mediators’ of assessing they must be provided with a better theoretical grounding of assessment. The Department of Education needs to provide more guidelines, practical demonstrations and workshops to assist to teachers to understand and implement new concepts of assessment practices. Reduction of the number of learners in the classes and stipulated assessment requirements must be considered by the Department of Education. Schools and teachers must be provided with the necessary and appropriate resources. Facilitation of adequate professional development courses for teachers, head of department and principals will support teachers to accept change and remove feelings of reluctance towards assessment, thus this will promote teachers’ understanding and practices of assessment towards an ‘assessment for learning’ approach.
The influences of an individual’s social network on the choice of travelling by Public Transport

This study concentrates on the role of social networks – through attitudeson the decision to (not) use public transportation. An integrative theoretical framework is presented from which hypothesis are derived, concentrating on social and psychological processes. Social networks are indicated by social capital and the strength of ties. Attitudes are indicated through using the theory of planned behaviour. The hypotheses are tested by a dataset collected in the United Kingdom. They key findings indicate after controlling for various control variables that in order to stimulate an individual to travel by public transport, strong ties have a great direct and indirect influence through attitudes. Furthermore, the choice of transport are proven by the analyses to be influenced by attitudes, which are defined by the mindset towards public transport, and looking up local bus information. Policies, which aim to influence public transport usage through soft policies, should respond to changing mindsets about public transport by reducing the gap between reality and perceptions of a person in case of public transport.
International Conflict as a Decision System

Recent conflict studies that combine the behavioral decision-making approach with quantitative systems theory are yielding new insights and new verification methods in policy analysis. They can be characterized as "decision system" studies. The present study proposes and quantitatively verifies several hypotheses about how the British Navy budget was decided over a seventy-year period before World Wars I and II. It concludes that actual decisions can be very precisely modeled in terms of an arms budget race with goals that shifted intermittently due to (a) changes in the countries identified as antagonists, and (b) changes in relative aspiration levels. The levels and changes of goals are validated by reference to known historical incidents. Although technological and strategic military factors were prominently discussed in public debates, they had little direct influence on budget levels. Similarly, domestic economic and political party factors were often mentioned in connection with the naval budget, but the model shows that they were only occasionally influential.
Demand Fluctuations and Firm Heterogeneity

This paper reports evidence supporting the hypothesis that production flexibility is one of the forces that explain differences in the distribution of firm sizes across industries. Using a data set composed of annual observations on 163 four-digit manufacturing industries over the period 1978-88, the authors find a negative relationship between market share and sales variability. This empirical result suggests that large and small fir ms each have their own efficiency niches. While large firms enjoy the advantage of static production efficiency, the flexible production technologies of small firms enable them to respond better to changin g demand conditions. Copyright 1993 by Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
MicroRNA‐214 is aberrantly expressed in cervical cancers and inhibits the growth of HeLa cells

MicroRNAs are a group of endogenously expressed, single‐stranded, 18–24 nt RNAs that regulate diverse cellular pathways. Although documented evidence indicates that some microRNAs can function as oncogenes or tumor‐suppressors, the role of miR‐214 in regulating human cervical cancer cells remains unexplored. We determined the expression level of miR‐214 and found it is downregulated in cervical cancer compared with normal tissue. Overexpression of miR‐214 in HeLa cells, a human cervical cancer cell line, significantly inhibited cell proliferation according to the MTT and colony forming assays. HeLa cells that stably overexpress miR‐214 downregulate the expression of MEK3 and JNK1 at both mRNA and protein levels. Further investigation revealed that miR‐214 regulates the expression of MEK3 and JNK1 by targeting the 3′UTRs of these genes. Collectively, these results suggest that miR‐214 negatively regulates HeLa cell proliferation by targeting the noncoding regions of MEK3 and JNK1 mRNAs. © 2009 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 61(11): 1075–1082, 2009
Computer-aided King classification of scoliosis.

OBJECTIVE Surgical planning for scoliosis relies on the classification of spinal curve pattern. The widely used King classification is subject to human measurement and judgment errors. To reduce the variability of King classification, a computer-aided method is proposed and its reliability is evaluated in this study. METHODS At the first step, endplate inclination and position of each vertebra are measured by a computerized system on the posteroanterior radiograph. Based on these measurements, the apical and end vertebrae are identified and then the Cobb angles are calculated automatically. The system subsequently classifies the curve types automatically based on the computerized Cobb measurements, the vertebral inclination, and the analysis of the relationship between the center sacral vertical line, and the apical lumbar vertebra. Five observers participated in the experiments. The kappa statistic was used to evaluate the variability. RESULTS Classifications of 105 scoliotic cases by the five observers showed that with the aid of our system, the average intraobserver and interobserver kappa values improved from 0.75 to 0.90 and from 0.66 to 0.86, respectively. CONCLUSION Results indicate that the proposed computerized system can assist a surgeon with the King classification of scoliosis.
A Transversally Isotropic Elasto-damage Constitutive Model for the Periodontal Ligament

A numerical formulation of an elasto-damage constitutive model was developed and implemented in a finite element software to investigate the biomechanical response of the periodontal ligament (PDL). The mathematical framework accounts for the description of large strains, anisotropy and inelastic phenomena. The anisotropic mechanical response is caused by the spatial orientation of the sub-structures of the tissue, such as collagen fibres. Inelastic behaviour, induced by high level strains, is modelled by means of damage models. In vitro experimental testing on PDL samples from pigs was performed to obtain tensile stress-strain curves. A finite element analysis is presented in order to define a general numerical approach. A comparison of numerical and experimental data is provided in order to show the reliability and effectiveness of the formulation assumed.
The National-Transnational Wage‐Setting Nexus in Europe: What Have We Learned from the Early Years of Monetary Integration?

Wage growth has become increasingly interdependent in the European monetary and economic union but a stubborn differential in wage growth rates of some European countries persists. Can peculiarities of national wage‐bargaining systems explain this situation? The article develops the idea that wage growth differentials across Europe are due to differences in wage‐bargaining systems. It is demonstrated that wage growth in the exposed industry is restrained by competition. Spillovers from the exposed sector of the economy to the public sector thus can induce overall wage restraint. However, it is shown that spillovers from the exposed to the public sector differ according to the wage‐bargaining system. Pattern‐setting regimes lead to substantial spillovers and thus induce higher wage restraint than other wage‐bargaining systems.
An Enigmatic Case of Acute Mercury Poisoning: Clinical, Immunological Findings and Platelet Function

Severe mercury intoxication is very rare in developed countries, but still occurs as the result of volatile substance abuse, suicide attempts, occupational hazards, or endemic food ingestion as reported in the cases of public health disasters in Iraq and in Minamata Bay, Japan. Here, we describe the dramatic physical and cognitive decline of a 23-year-old patient caused by a severe methyl mercury (MeHg) intoxication of unknown origin. We show serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the patient’s brain, as well as ex vivo analyses of blood and cerebrospinal fluid including multicolor flow cytometric measurements, functional assays of hemostaseologic efficacy, and evaluation of regulatory effector molecules. Together with the clinical history, our findings show the progressive neuronal degeneration accompanying the deterioration of the patient. Moreover, the ex vivo analyses display alterations of thrombocyte function and coagulation, as well as an immunological milieu facilitating autoimmunity. Despite the successful reduction of the MeHg concentration in the patient’s blood with erythrocyte apheresis and chelator therapy, his condition did not improve and led to a persistent vegetative state. This case illustrates the neurotoxicity of MeHg following severe intoxication for the first time by serial MRI. Data on immune-cell and thrombocyte function as well as on coagulation in mercury poisoning reveal potential implications for anticoagulation and immunomodulatory treatment.
Evolving Reurbanisation? Spatio-temporal Dynamics as Exemplified by the East German City of Leipzig

After a decade of tremendous population loss indicating severe decline, some large east German cities have been displaying signs of reurbanisation since the late 1990s. Using the city of Leipzig as an example, this paper identifies the major characteristics, progress and underlying spatio-temporal dynamics of reurbanisation, and examines whether it is a long-term process of urban living or features only short-term tendencies. Socio-demographic indicators are used to observe the development of inner-city districts. At the spatial scale of municipal districts, time-series data are analysed for the years 1993 to 2005. The paper argues that reurbanisation has occurred primarily in inner-city districts and has progressed considerably since the early 1990s. However, the spatio-temporal distribution of the relevant indicators shows that reurbanisation is far from being a homogeneous process. In light of this, the paper presents a ring of reurbanisation-sensitive municipal districts around the city centre.
Oxidant Stress and Glioblastoma Multiforme Risk: Serum Antioxidants, γ-Glutamyl Transpeptidase, and Ferritin

Case-control studies of serum antioxidants are difficult to interpret, because antioxidants may be altered by the disease under study. However, because glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a relatively rare disease, a cohort study would require a large sample observed for many years. In the present case-control pilot study (34 cases and 35 controls), we evaluated the association between serum levels of ascorbic acid (AA) and α- and γ-tocopherol (α-T and γ-T) measured before diagnostic surgery. To control for influence of GBM on serum AA, α-T, and γ-T, we adjusted for oxidant stress indexes (γ-glutamyl transpeptidase and uric acid) and an acute-phase response index (serum ferritin). When adjusted, AA is inversely related to GBM (p for trend = 0.007). In addition, AA interacts with α-T to further reduce GBM risk (test for interaction, p = 0.04). γ-T is not associated with GBM (p = 0.71). However, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (p = 0.004), coenzyme Q (p = 0.01), and ferritin (p = 0.009) are positively and uric acid (p = 0.000) is negatively related to GBM. We conclude that 1) AA and α-T are jointly related to GBM after adjustment for GBM-produced oxidant stress and 2) there is a strong association between the presence of GBM and oxidant stress.
Prevalence of Salmonellosis among Food Handlers and the Health Implications on the Food Consumers in Lagos State, Nigeria

Food borne diseases/illnesses (food borne infections) are global public health problem both in developed and developing countries such as Nigeria. Food handlers play an important role in the transmission of food-borne diseases. This research work is aimed to determine the prevalence of salmonellosis among food handlers and its implications on the health of food consumers in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria. Two hundred and thirty five (235) blood samples were collected into EDTA bottles from the food handlers at various locations in Victoria Island (Lagos Island) and Bariga (Lagos mainland) which were analyzed using standard methods. Questionnaires were distributed and collated among 235 respondents (food handlers) to test their knowledge on food safety. The results showed that 74 (31.5%) of the studied population had either previous or recent Salmonella infection as indicated by IgG and IgM anti-Salmonella immunoglobulin while 161 (68.5%) had neither recent nor previous infection. Ninety three (93) respondents were males while One hundred and forty two (142) were females of active working age bracket of 11- 60 years old. Among 93 males screened, 26(28.0%) were infected, 67(72.0%) were not infected while 48(33.8%) females were infected out of 142 females screened for Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi and Paratyphi infections. Regression and T-test statistical analysis reviewed that since F cal>F tab (1.776>0.969) and t cal>t tab (6.5>5.0), it can be concluded that food handlers were not responsible for food borne infections but potential risk factors in Lagos, Southwest, Nigeria.
Real Asset Ownership and the Risk and Return to Stockholders

Many corporations own a significant amount of real assets and this includes real estate. However, the effect of real asset ownership on the risk and return for a firmâ€™s stockholders is unknown. This study attempts to ascertain the effect, if any, of corporate real asset ownership on the risk and return to stockholders. Using data from 1985 through 1994, the results indicate a lack of diversification benefits associated with holding real assets.
Broadband and Unbundling Regulations in OECD Countries

Broadband penetration and available speeds vary widely across OECD countries. Policymakers around the world, and especially in countries like the U.S. that lag in the rankings, are searching for policies to narrow those gaps. Relatively little empirical work tests possible reasons for these differences. In this paper I test the impacts of regulations and demographics on broadband development in a panel dataset across countries. In addition to adding to the meager empirical literature on broadband across countries, this paper is novel in two ways. First, it explicitly takes into account the many different types of unbundling regulations that countries have implemented. Second, in addition to studying the impacts of policies on broadband penetration, it also studies the impact of policies on available connection speeds. Controlling for country and year fixed effects, I find that local loop unbundling has no robustly significant impact on broadband penetration. More extensive "subloop" unbundling, however, is negatively correlated with penetration. Requiring the incumbent to allow on-site collocation is positively correlated with penetration, though regulating collocation charges is negatively correlated with penetration. None of the unbundling regulations are correlated with connection speeds, though regulated collocation prices are generally negatively correlated with speed. In sum, it appears that very extensive unbundling mandates and some types of price regulation can reduce broadband investment incentives, though regulations ensuring easier interconnection with the incumbent can increase investment.
Curvilinear Relationship Between Organizational Slack and Firm Performance: Evidence from Chinese State Enterprises

In this project, I undertake this empirical study on the role of organizational slack among State-owned enterprises in China. I report empirical evidence based on a large data set (1995-1996) from the Chinese government archive, consisting of all Chinese large and medium SOEs. Results indicate that slack resources, regardless of the degree to which they have been committed in the production process, have contributed positively to firm performance. I also found that such an impact is curvilinear, resembling inverse parabolic curves. Research and practical implications are discussed.
Design and Implementation of Color-Shift Keying for Visible Light Communications

Color-shift keying (CSK) is a visible light communication intensity modulation scheme, outlined in IEEE 802.15. 7, that transmits data imperceptibly through the variation of the color emitted by red, green, and blue light emitting diodes. An advantage of CSK is that the power envelope of the transmitted signal is fixed; therefore, CSK reduces the potential for human health complications related to fluctuations in light intensity. In this work, a rigorous design framework for high order CSK constellations is presented. A key benefit of the frame work is that it optimizes constellations while accounting for crosstalk between the color communication channels. In addition, and unlike previous approaches, the method is capable of optimizing 3-D constellations. Furthermore, a prototype CSK communication system is presented to validate the performance of the optimized constellations, which provide gains of 1-3 dB over standard 805.15. 7 constellations.
The association between levels of alcohol consumption and mental health problems and academic performance among young university students

Purpose Mental health problems and harmful alcohol consumption have been found to be high among young university students compared to the general population in Australia. This research aimed to investigate the association between levels of drinking and mental health problems and academic performance among university students aged 18 to 24 years. Methods This study used a quantitative cross-sectional design using data that were collected in 2014 as part of the Youth Alcohol Project (YAP). Participants were randomly drawn from a cross sectional sample of 6000 undergraduate students. Included in the study were only students who were within the age of 18–24, undergraduate, and internally enrolled at the main campus. A total of 2518 undergraduate students aged 18 to 24 years who were enrolled internally at Curtin University Bentley campus were randomly recruited. Data were collected through an online survey. Students were invited to participate in the study through their student email address. The email invitations coincided with the release of semester results to increase the likelihood of students accessing their emails. A further 628 students were randomly recruited through face to face intercept survey during the campus market days. Data were collected by trained research assistants. Validated instruments were used to collected data on levels of alcohol consumption, mental health, and academic performance. Results A considerable proportion of participants (44%) reported consuming alcohol at hazardous or harmful levels. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that students who were consuming alcohol at hazardous levels were 1.2 times more likely to report psychological distress than those with lower levels of alcohol consumption (aOR 1.2, 95% CI: 1.1–1.5). In addition, being late for class (aOR 1.7, 95% CI:1.1–2.4), missing classes (aOR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.9–2.6), inability to concentrate in class (aOR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.9–3.4), and inability to complete assignments (aOR = 3.5, 95% CI 2.0–6.0) independently predicted for moderate or hazardous alcohol consumption. Conclusion The study shows that a considerable proportion of undergraduate students at university consume alcohol at hazardous or harmful levels. In addition, high levels of alcohol consumption are associated with poor academic performance and mental health outcomes among students. The results of the study warrant multi-strategy interventions that focus on policy, organisational, educational, environmental and economic strategies that will help to reduce alcohol related harms among university students.
Jump Processes in Commodity Futures Prices and Options Pricing

Empirical evidence shows that log-return relatives on commodity futures prices are not normally distributed. This departure from normality seems to be caused by large price changes occurring in the commodity markets with the arrival of important new information. This suggests that a jump-diffusion model may be a plausible choice for modeling the stochastic process underlying commodity option prices. Merton (1976a) develops a jump-diffusion option pricing model assuming that jump risk is unsystematic. However, the jump-diffusion model developed by Bates (1991) is more appropriate for commodity option pricing since it allows jump risk to be systematic. In this article, recent transactions data on futures and futures options are used to test out-of-sample options using American versions of Black's diffusion and Bates's jump-diffusion models. The results show that Bates's model performs considerably better than Black's model. Jump-diffusion Asian option prices are also shown to differ considerably from geometric Brownian motion Asian option prices. Copyright 1999, Oxford University Press.