Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Resitting or compensating a failed examination: does it affect subsequent results?

Abstract Institutions of higher education commonly employ a conjunctive standard setting strategy, which requires students to resit failed examinations until they pass all tests. An alternative strategy allows students to compensate a failing grade with other test results. This paper uses regression discontinuity design to compare the effect of first-year resits and compensations on second-year study results. We select students with a similar level of knowledge in a first-year introductory course and estimate the treatment effect of a resit on the result for a second-year intermediate course in the same subject. We find that the treatment effect is positive, but insignificantly different from zero. Additional results show that students’ overall second-year performance is insignificantly related to the number of compensated failing grades in their first year. The number of attempts that students need to complete their first year does not have a significant positive effect on second-year performance. We conclude that the evidence for a positive effect of resits on learning is weak at best.
On the distribution of ranked heights of excursions of a Brownian bridge

The distribution of the sequence of ranked maximum and minimum values attained during excursions of a standard Brownian bridge (B br t , 0 ≤ t x) = e -2x2 . The probability density of the height M br j of the jth highest maximum of excursions of the reflecting Brownian bridge (|B br t |, 0 ≤ t ≤ 1) is given by a modification of the known θ-function series for the density of M br 1 = sup 0≤t≤1 |B br t |. These results are obtained from a more general description of the distribution of ranked values of a homogeneous functional of excursions of the standardized bridge of a self-similar recurrent Markov process.
Ischemic Preconditioning Prevents Free Radical Production and Mitochondrial Depolarization in Small-for-Size Rat Liver Grafts

Background. Ischemic preconditioning (IP) renders tissues more tolerant to subsequent longer episodes of ischemia. This study tested whether IP attenuates injury of small-for-size liver grafts by preventing free radical production and mitochondrial dysfunction. Methods. IP was induced by clamping the portal vein and hepatic artery for 9 min. Livers were harvested 5 min after releasing the clamp. Mitochondrial polarization and cell death were assessed by intravital confocal/multiphoton microscopy of rhodamine 123 (Rh123) and propidium iodide. Free radicals were trapped with &agr;-(4-pyridyl 1-oxide)-N-tert-butylnitrone and measured using electron spin resonance. Results. After quarter-size liver transplantation, alanine aminotransferase, serum bilirubin, necrosis, and apoptosis all increased. IP blocked these increases by more than 58%. 5-Bromo-2′-deoxyuridine labeling and increases of graft weight were only ∼3% and 0.2% in quarter-size grafts without IP, respectively, but increased to 32% and 60% in ischemic-preconditioned grafts, indicating better liver regeneration. Eighteen hours after implantation, viable cells with depolarized mitochondria in quarter-size grafts were 15 per high power field, and dead cells were less than 1 per high power field, indicating that depolarization preceded necrosis. A free radical adduct signal was detected in bile from quarter-size grafts. IP decreased this free radical formation and prevented mitochondrial depolarization. IP did not increase heat shock proteins 10, 27, 32, 60, 70, 72, 75 and Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD) but increased heat shock protein-90, a chaperone that facilitates protein import into mitochondria, and mitochondrial Mn-SOD. Conclusion. Taken together, IP decreases injury and improves regeneration of small-for-size liver grafts, possibly by increasing mitochondrial Mn-SOD, thus protecting against free radical production and mitochondrial dysfunction.
Teacher motivation, responsibility, pedagogical knowledge and professionalism: a new era for research

The key objective of this chapter is to provide an overview of current research on teacher motivation and its relevance to the instructional process and to teachers’ professional competence. The chapter begins with a brief review of different approaches to the conceptualisation of teachers’ professional competence, with a special focus on high-leverage teaching practices and dimensions of teaching quality. Next, the chapter focuses on teacher motivation as an element of teachers’ professional competence and describes different theory-driven conceptualisations of teacher motivation, including perspectives grounded in socio-cognitive theory, expectancy-value theory, self-determination theory, achievement goal theory and research on teacher responsibility. The chapter concludes with a discussion of open questions, methodological and theoretical challenges for teacher motivation research, as well as directions for future research.
Repeat colonoscopy every 10 years or single colonoscopy for colorectal neoplasm screening in average-risk Chinese: a cost-effectiveness analysis.

BACKGROUND The appropriate interval between negative colonoscopy screenings is uncertain, but the numbers of advanced neoplasms 10 years after a negative result are generally low. We aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of colorectal neoplasm screening and management based on repeat screening colonoscopy every 10 years or single colonoscopy, compared with no screening in the general population. METHODS AND MATERIALS A state-transition Markov model simulated 100,000 individuals aged 50-80 years accepting repeat screening colonoscopy every 10 years or single colonoscopy, offered to every subject. Colorectal adenomas found during colonoscopy were removed by polypectomy, and the subjects were followed with surveillance every three years. For subjects with a normal result, colonoscopy was resumed within ten years in the repeat screening strategy. In single screening strategy, screening process was terminated. Direct costs such as screening tests, cancer treatment and costs of complications were included. Indirect costs were excluded from the model. The incremental cost- effectiveness ratio was used to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the different screening strategies. RESULTS Assuming a first-time compliance rate of 90%, repeat screening colonoscopy and single colonoscopy can reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer by 65.8% and 67.2% respectively. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for single colonoscopy (49 Renminbi Yuan [RMB]) was much lower than that for repeat screening colonoscopy (474 RMB). Single colonoscopy was a more cost-effective strategy, which was not sensitive to the compliance rate of colonoscopy and the cost of advanced colorectal cancer. CONCLUSION Single colonoscopy is suggested to be the more cost-effective strategy for screening and management of colorectal neoplasms and may be recommended in China clinical practice.
The Nature of Optical Features in the Inner Region of the 3C 48 Host Galaxy

The well-known quasar 3C 48 is the most powerful compact steep-spectrum radio-loud QSO at low redshifts. It also has two unusual optical features within the radius of the radio jet (~1''): (1) an anomalous, high-velocity narrow-line component, and (2) a bright continuum peak (3C 48A) ~1'' northeast of the quasar. Both of these optical features have been conjectured to be related to the radio jet. We have obtained Gemini North GMOS integral field unit (IFU) spectroscopy of the central region around 3C 48. We use the unique features of the IFU data to remove unresolved emission at the position of the quasar. The resolved emission at the wavelength of the high-velocity component is peaked ≲0.25'' north of the quasar, at the same position angle as the base of the radio jet. These observations appear to confirm that this high-velocity gas is connected with the radio jet. However, most of the emission comes from a region where the jet is still well collimated, rather than from the regions where the radio maps indicate strong disruption. We also present the results of HST STIS spectroscopy of 3C 48A. We show that 3C 48A is dominated by stars with a luminosity-weighted age of ~1.4 × 108 yr, substantially older than any reasonable estimate for the age of the radio source. Thus, 3C 48A almost certainly cannot be attributed to jet-induced star formation. The host galaxy of 3C 48 is clearly the result of a merger, and 3C 48A seems much more likely to be the distorted nucleus of the merging partner in which star formation was induced during the previous close passage.
Asymmetric Responses of the Underground Economy to Tax Changes: Evidence From New Zealand Data

We consider the relationship between taxes and the size of the underground economy in New Zealand. Previous studies indicate that a positive relationship exists in this and certain other countries. We address the following question: "Is the response of the underground economy to an increase in taxes the same as its response to a decrease in taxes? " To answer this question we modify an existing methodology for testing for both "timing symmetry" and "pattern symmetry". Paying careful attention to the non-stationarity and cointegration of our annual data, we test for the presence of such symmetry in the tax-evasion relationship for New Zealand. We find that although the effect on the underground economy of an upward movement in the effective tax rate is numerically greater than that of a downward tax movement, this difference is not statistically significant in either the short-run or the long-run. Elasticity and multiplier calculations allow us to quantify some of the effects of changes in taxation policy on hidden output.
Reversed operation of glutamate transporter GLT‐1 is crucial to the development of preconditioning‐induced ischemic tolerance of neurons in neuron/astrocyte co‐cultures

Sublethal ischemia leads to increased tolerance against subsequent prolonged cerebral ischemia in vivo. In the present study, we investigated the roles of the astrocytic glutamate (Glu) transporter GLT‐1 in preconditioning (PC)‐induced neuronal ischemic tolerance in cortical neuron/astrocyte co‐cultures. Ischemia in vitro was simulated by subjecting cultures to both oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD). A sublethal OGD (PC) increased the survival rate of neurons significantly when cultures were exposed to a lethal OGD 24 h later. The extracellular concentration of Glu increased significantly during PC, and treatment with an inhibitor of N‐methyl‐D‐actetate (NMDA) receptors significantly reversed the PC‐induced ischemic tolerance of neurons, suggesting that the increase in extracellular concentration of Glu during PC was critical to the development of PC‐induced neuronal ischemic tolerance via the activation of NMDA receptors. Treatment with a GLT‐1 blocker during PC suppressed this increase in Glu significantly, and antagonized the PC‐induced neuronal ischemic tolerance. This study suggested that the reversed operation of GLT‐1 was crucial to the development of neuronal ischemic tolerance. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Politics, development and the instrumentalisation of (de)centralisation in Sierra Leone

ABSTRACT The politics of decentralisation reforms in Sierra Leone are unpredictable and instructive. This article, based on fieldwork, analyses party politics within the context of decentralisation, arguing that the imperatives of post-conflict decentralisation are not necessarily embedded in technical considerations, but in processes of political compromise and accommodation. Decentralisation has helped facilitate the re-emergence of the old political order, in that the country’s main political parties have secured a consensus through which they have reconfigured the post-conflict state on their own terms. This study reveals that the narrative of a ‘divide’ within the political class is exaggerated, and illustrates the homogeneity and interconnectedness of its interests. The extent to which the ‘peace’ will be sustained by this compromise is uncertain, but this framing is useful in understanding the political economy in which ‘fragility’ and ‘peace’ co-exist, illuminating the political class’s agency, as well as its ability to ‘unite’ against ‘others’.
A Determination of H0 with the CLASS Gravitational Lens B1608+656. II. Mass Models and the Hubble Constant from Lensing

We present mass models of the four-image gravitational lens system B1608+656, based on information obtained through VLBA imaging, VLA monitoring, and Hubble Space Telescope (HST) WFPC2 and NICMOS imaging. We have determined a mass model for the lens galaxies that reproduces (1) all image positions within the observational errors, (2) two out of three flux-density ratios within about 10% from the observed ratios, and (3) the model time delays within 1% from their observed values, given our best estimate of the Hubble parameter. Using the time delays determined in a companion paper, we also find that the best isothermal mass model gives H0 = 59 km s-1 Mpc-1 for Ωm = 1 and ΩΛ = 0.0, or H0 = (65-63) km s-1 Mpc-1 for Ωm = 0.3 and ΩΛ = 0.0-0.7. The statistical errors indicate the 95.4% (2 σ) confidence interval. A systematic error of ±15 km s-1 Mpc-1 is estimated from a 20% (1 σ) uncertainty in the steepness of radial mass profile. This cosmological determination of H0 agrees well with determinations from three other gravitational lens systems (i.e., B0218+357, Q0957+561, and PKS 1830-211), Type Ia supernovae, the Sunyaev-Zeldovich effect and local determinations. The current agreement on H0—within the 1 σ statistical errors—from four of five gravitational lens systems (1) emphasizes the reliability of its determination from isolated gravitational lens systems and (2) suggests that a close-to-isothermal mass profile can describe disk galaxies (e.g., B0218+357 and possibly PKS 1830-211), ellipticals (e.g., B1608+656), and central cluster ellipticals (e.g., Q0957+561). The average of H0 from B0218+357, Q0957+561, B1608+656, and PKS 1830-211, gives H = 69 ± 7 km s-1 Mpc-1 for a flat universe with Ωm = 1 or H = 74 ± 8 km s-1 Mpc-1 for Ωm = 0.3 and ΩΛ = 0.0-0.7. When including PG 1115+080, these values decrease to 64 ± 11 km s-1 Mpc-1 and 68 ± 13 km s-1 Mpc-1, respectively. The errors are the estimated 2 σ errors on the average. The Hubble parameter from gravitational lenses seems to agree best with local determinations of H0 for a low-density universe, under the assumption that all lenses are nearly isothermal.
Statistical Regularities in the Evolution of Industries. A Guide through some Evidence and Challenges for the Theory

Fundamental drivers of the evolution of contemporary economies are the activities of search, discovery and economic exploitation of new products, new production processes, new organizational arrangements within and amongst business firms. What are their marks in terms of statistical properties that such processes display? Three basic questions in particular are addressed in this work. First, are there distinct characteristics of the microentities (in primis, business firms) and their distributions which systematically persist over time? Second, how do such characteristics within the population of competing firms affect their relative evolutionary success over time? And in particular what are the ultimate outcomes in terms of growth and profitability performances? Third, amongst the foregoing statistical properties and relations between them, which ones are invariant across industries, and, conversely, which ones depend on the technological and market characteristics of particular sectors? In order to address these questions we proceed in a sort of “inductive” manner. I start by examining some basic features of the distributions of firms sizes, growth rates and profitability. Next, I consider some evidence on the underlying inter-firm heterogeneity - particularly with regard to technological innovativeness and productivity - and their relationships with corporate performances. Finally, the work recalls the basic elements of an evolutionary interpretation of the evidence. Together with important points of corroboration of such a view - including those regarding a profound heterogeneity of firms at all levels of observation -, one also facing standing challenges - in primis, concerning the purported role of markets as effective selection devices -.
In Vivo Study of Spherical Gold Nanoparticles: Inflammatory Effects and Distribution in Mice

Objectives Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) of 21 nm have been previously well characterized in vitro for their capacity to target macrophages via active uptake. However, the short-term impact of such AuNPs on physiological systems, in particular resident macrophages located in fat tissue in vivo, is largely unknown. This project investigated the distribution, organ toxicity and changes in inflammatory cytokines within the adipose tissue after mice were exposed to AuNPs. Methods Male C57BL/6 mice were injected intraperitoneally (IP) with a single dose of AuNPs (7.85 μg AuNPs/g). Body weight and energy intake were recorded daily. Tissues were collected at 1 h, 24 h and 72 h post-injection to test for organ toxicity. AuNP distribution was examined using electron microscopy. Proinflammatory cytokine expression and macrophage number within the abdominal fat pad were determined using real-time PCR. Results At 72 hours post AuNP injection, daily energy intake and body weight were found to be similar between Control and AuNP treated mice. However, fat mass was significantly smaller in AuNP-treated mice. Following IP injection, AuNPs rapidly accumulated within the abdominal fat tissue and some were seen in the liver. A reduction in TNFα and IL-6 mRNA levels in the fat were observed from 1 h to 72 h post AuNP injection, with no observable changes in macrophage number. There was no detectable toxicity to vital organs (liver and kidney). Conclusion Our 21 nm spherical AuNPs caused no measurable organ or cell toxicity in mice, but were correlated with significant fat loss and inhibition of inflammatory effects. With the growing incidence of obesity and obesity-related diseases, our findings offer a new avenue for the potential development of gold nanoparticles as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of such disorders.
Knowing Me, Knowing You Theory of Mind and the Machinery of Introspection

Does the ability to know one's own mind depend on the ability to know the minds of others? According to the 'theory theory' of first-person mentalizing, the answer is yes. Recent alternative accounts of this ability, such as the 'moni- toring theory', suggest otherwise. Focusing on the issue of introspective access to propositional attitudes (beliefs, desires, intentions, and the like), I argue that a better account of first-person mentalizing can be devised by combining these two theories. After sketching a hybrid account, I show how it can do justice to competing intuitions about the nature of introspective self-awareness. I close by drawing some methodological morals about the study of mentalizing and the role of introspective evidence in cognitive science. From an early age, we find it easy and natural to understand ourselves and others in mentalistic terms, taking up what philosophers call the 'intentional stance' (Dennett, 1971). Psychologists refer to this capacity as 'mentalizing' (Frith, 1992), meaning the capacity to understand what people are thinking and perceiv- ing and feeling, why they are acting as they are, why they have acted as they have in the past, how they will act in the future, and so on. It is, in short, the everyday yet extraordinary capacity to negotiate the landscape of the mental: to 'mindread', as Baron-Cohen, 1995 colourfully puts it. Some of us — skilled poker players, politicians, con artists — are better at it than others. But all of us do it, more or less effortlessly, all the time. Mentalizing in this broad sense is a complex affair, comprising a host of more fine-grained cognitive abilities. Central among these is the ability to ascribe beliefs, desires, intentions, and other propositional attitudes to oneself and oth- ers. This more specialized ability, the ascription of propositional attitudes, is the topic of my discussion. Unless otherwise indicated, when I talk about mentalizing, it is this narrower sense of the term that I have in mind. (The reasons for this limitation will emerge in due course.) The question I will explore is this:
Disentangling Embodied Cognition: An Examination of the State, Problems, and Possibilities of Embodied Cognition

Embodied cognition has received a fair amount of attention in philosophical, neuroscientific, and robotic research during the past several decades, yet the precise nature of its goals, methods, and claims are unclear. This dissertation will ascertain and examine the primary themes in the field of embodied cognition as well as why, and if, they offer significant challenges to traditional cognitive science models. Though many theories believe they are providing accounts that should replace traditional models, to do so they will have to overcome the very difficult challenge of arguing that mental content and capabilities derived from sensorimotor activity can continue to function independent from the sensorimotor processes necessary for their instantiation. In short, they have to rule out brain-in-a-vat scenarios. Upon examination, most embodiment theorists either do not attempt to address this fundamental issue or they fail to provide a successful account of how it can be achieved through a model of embodied cognition. And for those who are able to overcome this obstacle, doing so will require reconsidering the brain/mind as an extension of the body once it has become thoroughly entangled with sensorimotor processes and activities. The first portion will attempt to clarify the various claims of embodied cognition to understand what the theories are saying and how they are at odds with traditional cognitive science. Then, several of the most significant embodied arguments will be looked at in detail to determine their philosophical and empirical strength. Finally, the fundamental issue of the metaphysical dependence of mental content and capabilities on embodied activity will be laid bare and it will be shown that nearly all embodiment theories are in alignment with traditional cognitive science on this topic, and those that aren’t will require some additional work. ©2015 by Cody Cash All Rights Reserved
EVIDENCE FOR QUASI-ISOTROPIC MAGNETIC FIELDS FROM HINODE QUIET-SUN OBSERVATIONS

Some recent investigations of spectropolarimetric observations of the Zeeman effect in the Fe i lines at 630 nm carried out with the Hinode solar space telescope have concluded that the strength of the magnetic field vector in the internetwork regions of the quiet Sun is in the hG regime and that its inclination is predominantly horizontal. We critically reconsider the analysis of such observations and carry out a complete Bayesian analysis with the aim of extracting as much information as possible from them, including error bars. We apply the recently developed Bayes-ME code that carries out a complete Bayesian inference for Milne–Eddington atmospheres. The sampling of the posterior distribution function is obtained with a Markov Chain Monte Carlo scheme and the marginal distributions are analyzed in detail. The Kullback–Leibler divergence is used to study the extent to which the observations introduce new information in the inference process resulting in sufficiently constrained parameters. Our analysis clearly shows that only upper limits to the magnetic field strength can be inferred, with fields in the kG regime completely discarded. Furthermore, the noise level present in the analyzed Hinode observations induces a substantial loss of information for constraining the azimuth of the magnetic field. Concerning the inclination of the field, we demonstrate that some information is available to constrain it for those pixels with the largest polarimetric signal. The results also point out that the field in pixels with small polarimetric signals can be nicely reproduced in terms of a quasi-isotropic distribution.