Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of Student Growth Percentile and Value-Added Models of Teacher Performance

School districts and state departments of education frequently must choose among a variety of methods to estimate teacher quality. This article investigates the consequences of some of these choices. We examine estimates derived from student growth percentile and commonly used value-added models. Using simulated data, we examine how well the estimators can rank teachers and avoid misclassification errors under a variety of assignment scenarios of teachers to students. We find that growth percentile measures perform worse than value-added measures that control for prior year student test scores and include teacher fixed effects when assignment of students to teachers is nonrandom. In addition, using actual data from a large diverse anonymous state, we find evidence that growth percentile measures are less correlated with value-added measures that include teacher fixed effects when there is evidence of nonrandom grouping of students in schools. This evidence suggests that the choice between estimators is most consequential under nonrandom assignment of teachers to students and that value-added measures controlling for teacher fixed effects may be better suited to estimating teacher quality in this case.
Human Deep Tissue Infection with an Entomopathogenic Beauveria Species

ABSTRACT Beauveria spp. are ubiquitous fungal entomopathogens that are commercially distributed as biological insecticides worldwide. In this paper we describe the clinical manifestation, diagnosis, and therapy of the first documented human deep tissue infection with an entomopathogenic Beauveria species in a patient receiving immunosuppressive therapy and describe the morphological and molecular characterization of the mold.
Eldecalcitol improves chair-rising time in postmenopausal osteoporotic women treated with bisphosphonates

An open-label randomized controlled trial was conducted to clarify the effect of eldecalcitol (ED) on body balance and muscle power in postmenopausal osteoporotic women treated with bisphosphonates. A total of 106 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis (mean age 70.8 years) were randomly divided into two groups (n=53 in each group): a bisphosphonate group (control group) and a bisphosphonate plus ED group (ED group). Biochemical markers, unipedal standing time (body balance), and five-repetition chair-rising time (muscle power) were evaluated. The duration of the study was 6 months. Ninety-six women who completed the trial were included in the subsequent analyses. At baseline, the age, body mass index, bone mass indices, bone turnover markers, unipedal standing time, and chair-rising time did not differ significantly between the two groups. During the 6-month treatment period, bone turnover markers decreased significantly from the baseline values similarly in the two groups. Although no significant improvement in the unipedal standing time was seen in the ED group, compared with the control group, the chair-rising time decreased significantly in the ED group compared with the control group. The present study showed that ED improved the chair-rising time in terms of muscle power in postmenopausal osteoporotic women treated with bisphosphonates.
Case‐studies of developing east Pacific easterly waves

This paper contains a study of developing east Pacific easterly waves observed during the summer of 1991 with aircraft in situ and radar data, and geosynchronous infrared satellite imagery. The circulation and divergence profiles, surface momentum and entropy fluxes, as well as 700 mb and 975 mb saturated and actual equivalent potential temperatures, were measured repeatedly for three disturbances that evolved into east Pacific hurricanes. As the disturbances develop, the level of maximum updraught mass flux decreases, which leads to increased convergence at low levels. This process appears to be coupled to an increase in the mid‐level relative humidity, which in turn suppresses the development of convective downdraughts. Comparison of the respective tendencies of convergence and surface friction to spin up and spin down a developing disturbance suggests that friction is unimportant in the early stages of development. However, as the surface circulation develops, the two effects become comparable in magnitude if surface friction is deposited through a fairly deep layer of the troposphere. The observations appear to rule out boundary‐layer Ekman balance in these developing systems, though more‐accurate observations of the eddy fluxes of absolute vorticity into such systems are needed to answer this question with certainty.
Identification the limit of conscious perception of surface EEG signals with visual evoked potentials

A major concern in the study of human behavior is related to the machines on which consciousness works for analysis, we addressed the phenomenological approach through the study of self, based on the biological behavior in the processes of perception. This paper aims to develop a system for recognizing the threshold of conscious perception, by using visual masking techniques, with variations in the length of the presentation of the target ranging from 17, 33, 50, 67 and 83ms, identifying the effect on spectrum of the EEG signal surface processing for visual evoked potentials whit FFT (periodogram) and Power Spectral Density (PSD). The goal is to recognize patterns, quantify and classify significant variations in the signal generated in the cerebral cortex related to visual awareness.
The Vocabulary of Quitting

This study will address the motivations and incentives involved in the attempted cessation of drug abusing behaviors from the perspective of the user. The study used qualitative interviewing techniques based on 2005-2006 data to examine urban current drug users, who had been diagnostically identified as ‘in need’ of treatment, and who had recently renounced the use of drugs by expressing their desire to quit through the use of language. It was this language (vocabulary) that was examined for similarities and differences in their use of justification techniques in order to establish a typology based on their vocabulary of quitting.
Shallow Water Quasi‐Geostrophic Theory on the Sphere

Quasi‐geostrophic theory forms the basis for much of our understanding of mid‐latitude atmospheric dynamics. The theory is typically presented in either its f‐plane form or its β‐plane form. However, for many applications, including diagnostic use in global climate modeling, a fully spherical version would be most useful. Such a global theory does in fact exist and has for many years, but few in the scientific community seem to have ever been aware of it. In the context of shallow water dynamics, it is shown that the spherical version of quasigeostrophic theory is easily derived (re‐derived) based on a partitioning of the flow between nondivergent and irrotational components, as opposed to a partitioning between geostrophic and ageostrophic components. In this way, the invertibility principle is expressed as a relation between the streamfunction and the potential vorticity, rather than between the geopotential and the potential vorticity. This global theory is then extended by showing that the invertibility principle can be solved analytically using spheroidal harmonic transforms, an advancement that greatly improves the usefulness of this “forgotten” theory. When the governing equation for the time evolution of the potential vorticity is linearized about a state of rest, a simple Rossby‐Haurwitz wave dispersion relation is derived and examined. These waves have a horizontal structure described by spheroidal harmonics, and the Rossby‐Haurwitz wave frequencies are given in terms of the eigenvalues of the spheroidal harmonic operator. Except for sectoral harmonics with low zonal wavenumber, the quasi‐geostrophic Rossby‐Haurwitz frequencies agree very well with those calculated from the primitive equations. One of the many possible applications of spherical quasi‐geostrophic theory is to the study of quasi‐geostrophic turbulence on the sphere. In this context, the theory is used to derive an anisotropic Rhines barrier in three‐dimensional wavenumber space.
Influence of a Physical Education Methods Course on Elementary Education Majors' Knowledge of Fundamental Movement Skills.

With an increase concern for childhood obesity, many individuals and organizations are emphasizing the importance of quality physical education. The need for quality physical education at the elementary level is extremely important as research has shown a relationship between the performance of fundamental movement skills and children’s body weight. However, quality teaching requires a knowledge base of the subject matter. At the elementary level, some states allow the classroom teachers to provide physical education instruction to their students, and many of these teachers lack a physical education knowledge base. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of physical education methods courses on the knowledge of elementary education majors in the area of fundamental movement skills. The data were obtained by using a questionnaire to assess students’ knowledge by having them list fundamental movement skills before and after completing an elementary physical education methods course. The results suggest completion of a physical education methods course positively influences elementary education majors’ knowledge of fundamental movement skills.
Subclinical mastitis in cattle in Algeria: frequency of occurrence and bacteriological isolates.

The present study was carried out to determine the prevalence of subclinical mastitis in cattle in eighteen herds in the center region of Algeria. Milk samples were collected from 560 quarters of 140 cows free of clinical mastitis. The samples were subjected to California Mastitis Test (CMT) and the positive samples were analysed by bacteriological culture and Speed Mam® Color. The overall quarter prevalence was 28.77% whilst animal prevalence was 28.57%. Bacteriological analysis showed that there was a wide range of bacteria that cause these infections. Staphylococcus aureus (40%) was found to be the most prevalent organism followed by Streptococcus spp. (12.5%), Enterobacteriaceae (2.5%), Pseudomonas spp. (2.5%), Staphylococcus aureus + Streptococcus spp. (12.5%), Streptococcus spp. + Escherichia coli (7.5%), S. aureus + Mycoplasma spp. (7.5%), and S. aureus +Streptococcus spp. + E. coli (5%).
Effects of Low and High Plasma Concentrations of Dexmedetomidine on Myocardial Perfusion and Cardiac Function in Healthy Male Subjects

Background:Dexmedetomidine, a selective &agr;2-adrenoceptor agonist, has counteracting effects on the cardiovascular system. It mediates sympatholysis by activating &agr;2 adrenoceptors in the central and peripheral nervous system, and vasoconstriction and vasorelaxation by activating postsynaptic &agr;2 adrenoceptors in blood vessels. The goal of this study was to determine the effects of therapeutic and high concentrations of dexmedetomidine on myocardial perfusion and cardiac function in healthy subjects. Methods:The authors studied 12 healthy young men. Myocardial blood flow (assessed with positron emission tomography), myocardial function (by echocardiography), and hemodynamic data were collected before and during low (measured mean plasma concentration, 0.5 ng/ml) and high (5 ng/ml) plasma concentrations of dexmedetomidine. Results:The low concentration of dexmedetomidine reduced myocardial perfusion (mean difference, −27% from baseline [95% confidence interval, −31 to −23%], P < 0.001) in parallel with a reduction in myocardial oxygen demand (estimated by the rate–pressure product (−23% [−28 to −18%], P < 0.001). The high dexmedetomidine plasma concentration did not further attenuate myocardial perfusion (−3% [−12 to +6%] from low dexmedetomidine, P > 0.05; −29% [−39 to −18%] from baseline, P < 0.001) or statistically significantly affect the rate–pressure product (+5% [0 to +10%], P > 0.05). Systolic myocardial function was attenuated by sympatholysis during the low infusion rate and was further attenuated by a combination of the sustained sympatholysis and increased afterload during the high infusion rate. Conclusions:In healthy subjects, plasma concentrations of dexmedetomidine that significantly exceed the recommended therapeutic level do not seriously attenuate myocardial perfusion below the level that is observed with usual therapeutic concentrations and do not induce evident myocardial ischemia.
Biller et al Cervical Arterial Dissections and Cervical Manipulative Therapy 3157

Purpose—Cervical artery dissections (CDs) are among the most common causes of stroke in young and middle-aged adults. The aim of this scientific statement is to review the current state of evidence on the diagnosis and management of CDs and their statistical association with cervical manipulative therapy (CMT). In some forms of CMT, a high or low amplitude thrust is applied to the cervical spine by a healthcare professional. Methods—Members of the writing group were appointed by the American Heart Association Stroke Council’s Scientific Statements Oversight Committee and the American Heart Association’s Manuscript Oversight Committee. Members were assigned topics relevant to their areas of expertise and reviewed appropriate literature, references to published clinical and epidemiology studies, morbidity and mortality reports, clinical and public health guidelines, authoritative statements, personal files, and expert opinion to summarize existing evidence and to indicate gaps in current knowledge. Results—Patients with CD may present with unilateral headaches, posterior cervical pain, or cerebral or retinal ischemia (transient ischemic or strokes) attributable mainly to artery–artery embolism, CD cranial nerve palsies, oculosympathetic palsy, or pulsatile tinnitus. Diagnosis of CD depends on a thorough history, physical examination, and targeted ancillary investigations. Although the role of trivial trauma is debatable, mechanical forces can lead to intimal injuries of the vertebral arteries and internal carotid arteries and result in CD. Disability levels vary among CD patients with many having good outcomes, but serious neurological sequelae can occur. No evidence-based guidelines are currently available to endorse best management strategies for CDs. Antiplatelet and anticoagulant treatments are both used for prevention of local thrombus and secondary embolism. Case-control and other articles have suggested an epidemiologic association between CD, particularly vertebral artery dissection, and CMT. It is unclear whether this is due to lack of recognition of preexisting CD in these patients or due to trauma caused by CMT. Ultrasonography, computed tomographic angiography, and magnetic resonance imaging with magnetic resonance angiography are useful in the diagnosis of CD. Follow-up neuroimaging is preferentially done with noninvasive modalities, but we suggest that no single test should be seen as the gold standard. Cervical Arterial Dissections and Association With Cervical Manipulative Therapy A Statement for Healthcare Professionals From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association
No Need to Stop What You're Doing: Exploring No-Handed Smartwatch Interaction

Smartwatches have the potential to enable quick micro-interactions throughout daily life. However, because they require both hands to operate, their full potential is constrained, particularly in situations where the user is actively performing a task with their hands. We investigate the space of no-handed interaction with smartwatches in scenarios where one or both hands are not free. Specifically, we present a taxonomy of scenarios in which standard touchscreen interaction with smartwatches is not possible, and discuss the key constraints that limit such interaction. We then implement a set of interaction techniques and evaluate them via two user studies: one where participants viewed video clips of the techniques and another where participants used the techniques in simulated hand-constrained scenarios. Our results found a preference for foot-based interaction and reveal novel design considerations to be mindful of when designing for no-handed smartwatch interaction scenarios.
Face verification on color images using local features

In this paper we propose a probabilistic model for the local features technique which provides a methodology to improve this approach. On the other hand, a method for compensating the color variability in images is adapted for the local feature model. Finally, an experimental study is made in order to evaluate the performance of the local features approach on challenging situations such as partially occluded images and having only one training image per user. The results of the experiments are competitive with state-of-the-art algorithms even when we have the mentioned extreme situations.
Elevated [CO2] magnifies isoprene emissions under heat and improves thermal resistance in hybrid aspen

Isoprene emissions importantly protect plants from heat stress, but the emissions become inhibited by instantaneous increase of [CO2], and it is currently unclear how isoprene-emitting plants cope with future more frequent and severe heat episodes under high [CO2]. Hybrid aspen (Populus tremula x Populus tremuloides) saplings grown under ambient [CO2] of 380 μmol mol−1 and elevated [CO2] of 780 μmol mol−1 were used to test the hypothesis that acclimation to elevated [CO2] reduces the inhibitory effect of high [CO2] on emissions. Elevated-[CO2]-grown plants had greater isoprene emission capacity and a stronger increase of isoprene emissions with increasing temperature. High temperatures abolished the instantaneous [CO2] sensitivity of isoprene emission, possibly due to removing the substrate limitation resulting from curbed cycling of inorganic phosphate. As a result, isoprene emissions were highest in elevated-[CO2]-grown plants under high measurement [CO2]. Overall, elevated growth [CO2] improved heat resistance of photosynthesis, in particular, when assessed under high ambient [CO2] and the improved heat resistance was associated with greater cellular sugar and isoprene concentrations. Thus, contrary to expectations, these results suggest that isoprene emissions might increase in the future.
Physiotherapy in the intensive care unit

Abstract Physiotherapy is reported to be an integral part of patient management in the intensive care unit (ICU) of hospitals in industrialised countries. There is substantial literature which supports the role of respiratory management and rehabilitation of critically ill patients, although there is a paucity of randomised controlled trials in this area and trials examining patient outcomes. The aims of this review are to present the current evidence for the role of physiotherapists in the adult ICU. The efficacy of 'chest physiotherapy' on short-term patient physiological outcomes has been studied extensively and there is moderate-to-strong evidence in support of its role. The safety of physiotherapy treatment in ICU has also recently been established. In addition, there is growing evidence for the role of exercise rehabilitation beginning in ICU and extending to beyond ICU discharge. Urgent research is required by physiotherapists to establish the effectiveness of such treatments.
Preparation of Alginate Gel Beads Containing Metformin Hydrochloride Using Emulsion- Gelation Method

A new emulsion gelation method was used to prepare gel beads for a highly water-soluble drug metformin hydrochloride using sodium alginate as the polymer. The gel beads containing oil was prepared by gently mixing or homogenizing oil and water phase containing sodium alginate which was then extruded into calcium chloride solution to produce gel beads. The effects of factors like type of oil and percentage of oil on the morphology and release characteristics were investigated. A variety of oils were used to study the effect on the sustaining property of the formed beads. The oil entrapped calcium alginate gel beads showed good sustained release. Scanning electron photomicrographs demonstrated minute oil globules on the beads and also through the inner surface of the beads. The beads also showed floating behavior depending on the type of the oil that have been used for the preparation. Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research Vol. 4 (2) 2005: pp. 489-493
Transobturator tapes are preferable over transvaginal tapes for the management of female stress urinary incontinence: Against

Midurethral placement of tension-free vaginal tapes with a transvaginal route for stress urinary incontinence achieves higher and better long-term success rates than the transobturator route. Bladder perforations are reported more in transvaginal tape (TVT) but incidences of vaginal erosions, extrusion, and groin pain are exceedingly more in TOT groups. There is no clear evidence that transobturator tape (TOT) is associated with less post-operative voiding problems than TVT. Major complications such as bowel injuries and significant vascular injuries with TVT are rare. TVT has been found to be superior to TOT and preferable in technically demanding conditions such as prior anti-incontinence operation failures, obese women, and very elevated and scarred lateral cul-de sac. TVT is always preferred in severe grades of stress urinary incontinence and with patients of intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD) with little or no urethral mobility.
Essays on the impact of education on misclassified civic outcomes : studies of Italy and the UK

In this dissertation I examine the impact of education on a range of civic outcomes in Italy and the UK which embody two of the main dimensions of social capital: civic engagement and social trust. The central aim of this thesis is to attain a credible re- lationship between education and civic outcomes, accounting for diverse issues which may obscure it. Namely, unobservables driving education choices (i.e., endogeneity), and the tendency to under-report sensitive topics and over-report civic opinions (i.e., misclassi? cation). This approach allows me to ascertain the extent to which the causal e? ect of schooling on the civic indicators is either genuine or is driven mainly by endogeneity and a systematic misreporting by educational levels. I also investigate how these elements vary by contextual factors of the two countries. The contribution in this area is given by utilizing data from these two countries, considering a distinct group of civic outcomes (i.e., civic opinions and civic behaviours) and by dealing with misreporting. Previous research does not explicitly control for misclassi? cation and focuses on civic engagement, one aspect of social capital. Furthermore, I con- tribute by introducing a hurdle ordered probit with misclassi? cation to account for two issues regarding the distribution of a self-reported ordered outcome, its skewness and its misclassi? cation. The main ? ndings are: (i) for Italy, qualitative overall con- clusions regarding the causality of education on civic outcomes are indeed a? ected when accounting for misclassi? cation: education turns out to be insigni? cant across civic behaviours, (ii) for the UK, on the contrary, education has signi? cant positive e? ects on all civic outcomes due to upward biases induced by endogeneity, (iii) both Italy and the UK, however, do not di? er substantially overall with regards to misre- porting: most civic outcomes are misclassi? ed for either country, and misreporting is more severe for civic behaviours due to a larger in uence of social desirability.