Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Processes and Outcomes in the European Schools Model of Multilingual Education

Abstract This article discusses aspects of the European Schools model of multilingual and multicultural education, with a particular emphasis on its language component. European Schools (ES) cater to a linguistically and culturally diverse population and operate in up to nine languages at the same site. Pupils receive most of their education in their respective first languages but are required to learn at least two other languages in the course of their schooling. The complex structure of the ES program, with its teaching of languages and other subjects in the target languages and its regular mixing of different language groups, has been designed to promote multilingual proficiency and cultural pluralism at no cost to academic development. Key features of the ES model are outlined, and its outcomes are critically evaluated.
Analysis of Social Cohesion in Health Data by Factor Analysis Method: The Ghanaian Perspective.

We investigated the study of the overall social cohesion of Ghanaians. In this study, we considered the paramount interest of the involvement of Ghanaians in their communities, their views of other people and institutions, and their level of interest in both local and national politics. The factor analysis method was employed for analysis using R software. The incontrovertible evidence from the results showed the factors that were measured to enhance and promote social cohesion among Ghanaians were community, political, neighborliness, socio-cultural, confidence and security. Our results perfectectly fit our expectation in terms of knowledge in our socio-political arena.
Bayesian Policy Gradient and Actor-Critic Algorithms

Policy gradient methods are reinforcement learning algorithms that adapt a parameterized policy by following a performance gradient estimate. Many conventional policy gradient methods use Monte-Carlo techniques to estimate this gradient. The policy is improved by adjusting the parameters in the direction of the gradient estimate. Since Monte-Carlo methods tend to have high variance, a large number of samples is required to attain accurate estimates, resulting in slow convergence. In this paper, we first propose a Bayesian framework for policy gradient, based on modeling the policy gradient as a Gaussian process. This reduces the number of samples needed to obtain accurate gradient estimates. Moreover, estimates of the natural gradient as well as a measure of the uncertainty in the gradient estimates, namely, the gradient covariance, are provided at little extra cost. Since the proposed Bayesian framework considers system trajectories as its basic observable unit, it does not require the dynamics within trajectories to be of any particular form, and thus, can be easily extended to partially observable problems. On the downside, it cannot take advantage of the Markov property when the system is Markovian. To address this issue, we proceed to supplement our Bayesian policy gradient framework with a new actor-critic learning model in which a Bayesian class of non-parametric critics, based on Gaussian process temporal difference learning, is used. Such critics model the action-value function as a Gaussian process, allowing Bayes' rule to be used in computing the posterior distribution over action-value functions, conditioned on the observed data. Appropriate choices of the policy parameterization and of the prior covariance (kernel) between action-values allow us to obtain closed-form expressions for the posterior distribution of the gradient of the expected return with respect to the policy parameters. We perform detailed experimental comparisons of the proposed Bayesian policy gradient and actor-critic algorithms with classic Monte-Carlo based policy gradient methods, as well as with each other, on a number of reinforcement learning problems.
Validity and Reliability of the Brief Multidimensional Students' Life Satisfaction Scale With Turkish Children

The Brief Multidimensional Students' Life Satisfaction Scale (BMSLSS) was designed to measure life satisfaction among children and adolescents. The present study aimed to assess the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the BMSLSS. The Turkish version of BMSLSS was administered to 394 students from fourth through eighth grade. The results revealed acceptable internal consistency reliability, criterion-related validity, and construct validity for the BMSLSS. The BMSLSS scores had acceptable test-retest reliability (r = .82) and internal consistency (r = .89). Item-total correlations varied from . 64 to . 78. The BMSLSS had a significant correlation with the Children's Depression Inventory and the Piers Haris Self-Concept Scale. The results indicated that the BMSLSS has strong pyschometric properties for the sample of the study.
A theory of biological relativity: no privileged level of causation

Must higher level biological processes always be derivable from lower level data and mechanisms, as assumed by the idea that an organism is completely defined by its genome? Or are higher level properties necessarily also causes of lower level behaviour, involving actions and interactions both ways? This article uses modelling of the heart, and its experimental basis, to show that downward causation is necessary and that this form of causation can be represented as the influences of initial and boundary conditions on the solutions of the differential equations used to represent the lower level processes. These insights are then generalized. A priori, there is no privileged level of causation. The relations between this form of ‘biological relativity’ and forms of relativity in physics are discussed. Biological relativity can be seen as an extension of the relativity principle by avoiding the assumption that there is a privileged scale at which biological functions are determined.
A longitudinal study of age‐associated memory impairment

An 8‐year longitudinal study of elderly people has provided data concerning age‐associated impairment (AAMI). In 1985 a random sample of 146 persons aged 65 years or more, living in their own homes, were assessed using the Guild Memory Test the Mini–Mental State Examination (MMSE) and other ratings. After excluding 21% of the sample because they scored less than 24 on the MMSE, and another 34% who fulfilled other exclusion criteria, some 48% of the remainder (22% of the total sample) clearly fulfilled NIMH criteria for AAMI and a further 36% (16% of the total sample) were recorded as forgetful. The NIMH criteria are appropriate for certain research purposes but not in assessing prevalence of memory disorders. Follow–up interviews were conducted after 2, 4, 6 and 8 years. The mortality rate and development of dementia among those fulfilling criteria for AAMI appeared similar to the other non‐demented groups of subjects; the mortality rate of those with MMSE scores below 24 was significantly higher. Guild test results at 2‐yearly intervals showed considerable changes; half of those scoring least well who were retested showed improvement.
The Interpretation of Social Interactions By Mildly Handicapped and Nondisabled Children

Clinical observations of mildly handicapped children—learning disabled (LD), socially/emotionally disturbed (SED), and educable mentally retarded (EMR)—often indicate deficiencies in accurately perceiving and interpreting certain aspects of nonverbal communication. The present investigation was undertaken to empirically evaluate these observations. The Social Interpretation Task (SIT) was presented to groups of 24 LD, SED, EMR, and nondisabled (ND) males at two age levels (younger CA 7-0 to 11-11 years of age; older CA 13-0 to 17-11). Teacher behavior ratings were also computed on each subject. Two two-way analyses of variance performed on the accuracy scores on the SIT and on total behavior ratings indicated a significant difference for group membership on the SIT, and significant differences for group membership, age level, as well as interaction between the two independent variables on behavior ratings. Correlational analysis revealed no significant relationship between performance on the SIT and behavior rating scores. The results do not support many of the clinical observations made by leading professionals in special education. Implications of these findings and directions for future research are discussed.
Power Struggle, Submission and Partnership: Agency Constructions of Mothers of Children with ADHD Diagnosis in Their Narrated School Involvement

The contemporary education paradigm highlights the interdependency of home and school expertise. This discourse analysis study examines the narrated agentive possibilities of 18 Finnish mothers of children diagnosed with ADHD to influence and be involved in their child's schooling. Mothers' strong involvement endeavor is premised on their expertise concerning ADHD, distrust of teachers' adequate knowledge of and attitude towards their child, and anxiety for their child's wellbeing. However, our analysis reveals a gap between the mothers' narrated potential agency to fight for her child's well-being and their actual capability to be involved as intended, due to unequal institutional power relations between home and school. Educational responsibility, and the promise of recognition the diagnosis holds in educational social practices are discussed.
VEGF and Its Receptors (flt-1 and KDR/flk-1) as Prognostic Indicators in Endometrial Carcinoma

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is associated with increased angiogenesis and aggressive tumour growth. We investigated the expression and clinical significance of VEGF and its receptors, flt-1 and KDR/flk-1, in patients with uterine endometrial carcinoma. The series consisted of 115 endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinoma patients with FIGO stage I–IV. Additionally, samples from 3 patients with adenoacanthoma and 12 patients with poor prognostic variants of endometrial carcinoma were examined. Immunohistochemical assessment was classified as negative or positive based on staining intensity. The median follow-up time of patients with endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinoma was 87 months. In endometrioid endometrial carcinomas, the positive immunostaining rate was 39% for VEGF, 65% for flt-1 and 68% for KDR/flk-1. There was a significant correlation between VEGF and both its receptors. Furthermore, this receptor expression was correlated between the two types of receptors. VEGF-, flt-1- and KDR/flk-1-positive immunostainings were not related to poor prognosis. We conclude that VEGF, flt-1 and KDR/flk-1 expressions are not useful prognostic markers for overall survival in patients with endometrioid endometrial carcinoma.
Transforming Subjects into Citizens: Insights from Brazil’s Bolsa Família

Welfare programs distribute benefits to citizens. Perhaps even more importantly, by conveying powerful messages about how the state views poor people, welfare programs shape people’s views about themselves as subjects or citizens. Theoretical debates on how public policies can enhance democratic citizenship inspire our study of Brazil’s Bolsa Família (Family Grant). Has this conditional cash transfer program, which forms a major point of contact between the state and millions of poor Brazilians, elevated feelings of social inclusion and agency? A prominent perspective in the welfare-state literature would not expect a positive outcome given the strict means testing and behavioral requirements entailed. Yet our focus group research with Bolsa Família recipients suggests that the program does foster a sense of belonging and efficacy. Policy design and government discourse matter. This innovative welfare program yields rich insights on alternative paths to citizenship development for middle- and low-income countries in the third wave of democracy.
Qualitative Analysis of Women's Perceived Vulnerability to Sexual Aggression in a Hypothetical Dating Context

Dating and meeting members of the opposite sex offer potential benefits to young women, yet also put them at risk for sexual aggression. Previous research suggests that women have difficulty discerning risk in a dating situation, as many of the risk factors of sexual aggression are also normal aspects of dating. This experimental study used a qualitative data analytic technique to gain insight into women's interpretation of ambiguous risk cues and subsequent decision making when presented with a hypothetical social situation. The influence of alcohol consumption on women's responses to the situation also was examined. Women aged 21-29 were randomly assigned to receive either a dose of alcohol sufficient to raise blood alcohol level to . 08, a placebo, or no alcohol. They then read a written vignette depicting a high-conflict social situation and wrote an ending to the story. Results revealed that, although women recognized the potential danger of sexual aggression, this recognition frequently was overridden by a desire to facilitate the relationship, and/or a belief that any potential sexual aggression could be successfully managed. No alcohol effects were found for thematic content or total number of expressed themes. Based on these findings, the authors conclude that, while women appear to be able to recognize risk, they may benefit from learning to use strategies for managing potentially risky situations.
Evaluation of 18F-FDG uptake and arterial wall calcifications using 18F-FDG PET/CT.

UNLABELLED Glucose metabolic activity expressed as (18)F-FDG uptake may be increased in active atherosclerotic plaque. Calcium depositions are often increased in mature atherosclerotic plaque. The purpose of the present study was to assess the patterns of vascular-wall (18)F-FDG uptake and CT calcifications using combined PET/CT. METHODS One hundred twenty-two consecutive patients over the age of 50 (47 women and 75 men; mean age, 66 +/- 9 y) undergoing whole-body (18)F-FDG PET/CT for tumor assessment were retrospectively evaluated. PET, CT, and PET/CT slices were generated for review. Abnormal vascular findings in major arteries in the chest and abdomen were categorized as PET positive (PET+), PET negative (PET-), CT positive (CT+), or CT negative (CT-). The topographic relationship between increased vascular-wall (18)F-FDG uptake on PET and the presence of calcifications on CT was assessed on PET/CT fused images, with abnormal sites further classified as PET+/CT+, PET+/CT-, or PET-/CT+. The presence of CT calcifications and increased vascular-wall (18)F-FDG uptake was correlated with age, sex, presence of cardiovascular risk factors, and cardiovascular disease. RESULTS Abnormal findings were identified at 349 sites. CT calcifications (CT+) were observed at 320 sites (92%) of 100 patients (82%), more commonly in men (P < 0.03), in older patients (P < 0.0001), in patients with hypertension (P < 0.003) or hyperlipidemia (P < 0.04), and in smokers (P < 0.008). Increased vascular-wall (18)F-FDG uptake (PET+) was observed at 52 sites (15%) of 38 patients (31%), more commonly in men (P < 0.02), in older patients (P < 0.0001), and in patients with hypertension (P < 0.02), and was borderline in patients with cardiovascular disease (P = 0.057). PET+ and CT+ findings correlated in 12 patients, a PET+/CT- pattern was found in 18 patients, and 8 patients had increased vascular-wall (18)F-FDG uptake in sites with and without calcifications (PET+/CT+, CT-). Twenty-two patients (18%) had a PET-/CT- pattern. CONCLUSION Hybrid PET/CT can be used to identify and to correctly localize vascular-wall (18)F-FDG activity. Increased vascular-wall (18)F-FDG activity was found in 15% of sites and CT calcifications were noted in 92% of sites, with congruent findings in 7%. The clinical significance of the relationship between vascular-wall (18)F-FDG uptake and CT calcifications needs to be assessed by further prospective studies with long-term follow up.
Benefits of a Supportive Development Climate for Older Workers

Purpose – This study aims to test a model of the relationships among older workers' propensity to engage in development activities (development orientation), their perceptions of the development opportunities associated with their job (job development climate), their commitment to their organization, and their intention to remain with their organization.Design/methodology/approach – Separate questionnaires were completed by 395 individuals aged 50 to 70, who were in their career job and 195 individuals aged 50 to 70 who were employed in a bridge job. Both questionnaires included measures of development orientation, job development climate, affective commitment and intention to remain as well as individual characteristics and organizational characteristics.Findings – The findings supported the proposed model in that development orientation was positively related to job development climate which, in turn, was positively related to affective commitment and affective commitment was positively related to inten.
The Influence of Celebrity Endorsements on Young Adults’ Political Opinions

This research contributes to our understanding of the increasing mixture of entertainment and politics by examining the impact of the political statements made by celebrities on the opinions of Anglophone Canadian youth. A recent survey of young Canadians enrolled in first-year university political science courses indicates young people’s level of agreement with certain political statements is increased by the endorsement of these positions by Canadian celebrities from the realms of popular music and sports. These results suggest that celebrity endorsements make unpopular statements more palatable, while increasing the level of agreement with already popular opinions.
Reliability and Validity Issues in Research

Introduction Across disciplines, competent researchers often not only fail to report the reliability of their measures (Henson, 2001; Thompson, 1999), but also fall short of grasping the inextricable link between scale validity and effective research. At best, measurement error affects the ability to find significant results in one’s data. At worst, measurement error can significantly damage the interpretability of scores or the function of a testing instrument.
“When We Do Sit Down Together”

Regular family meal times have been associated with enhanced family cohesion and positive developmental outcomes for children–youth, especially in White and/or middle-class families. Less is known about the meal time experiences of low-income African American families. Guided by a family resilience perspective, this study examines meal times among a sample of low-income African American caregivers of preschoolers in an inner-city neighborhood. We conducted in-depth qualitative interviews and a photo elicitation interview with 11 low-income African American caregivers about their family meal time experiences. We found that caregivers valued family meal times and acknowledged their benefits for family life. However, competing demands such as family schedules, household configurations, chores, time pressures, fast food restaurants, and low-wage work affected the schedule and structure of meal times. This study adds to discussions of family meal times among low-income African American families and provides suggestions for enhancing mealtimes through culturally and developmentally appropriate interventions.
Toward a Multidimensional Framework of Capacity in Community Sport Clubs

Community sport clubs are a type of membership association largely run by member volunteers who organize and deliver opportunities for recreational and competitive sport participation. These clubs are where people are most likely to engage in organized sport, and have become a focus for achieving social policy objectives. It is important to understand the structures and processes that enable these organizations to meet their member-focused mandates. The purpose of this study was to develop a framework of organizational capacity in this context by uncovering critical elements within multiple capacity dimensions, namely, human resources, finance, infrastructure, planning and development, and external relationships. Focus groups with presidents of 51 sport clubs across Ontario revealed key strengths and challenges that impact the ability of these organizations to achieve their sport delivery goals. Variation by club size was observed. Implications for practice and future research on community sport clubs and membership associations are presented.
Mechanisms of Diastolic Dysfunction in Cardiovascular Disease A porcine model of hypertensive cardiomyopathy : implications for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Michael Schwarzl, Nazha Hamdani, Sebastian Seiler, Alessio Alogna, Martin Manninger, Svetlana Reilly, Birgit Zirngast, Alexander Kirsch, Paul Steendijk, Jochen Verderber, David Zweiker, Philipp Eller, Gerald Höfler, Silvia Schauer, Kathrin Eller, Heinrich Maechler, Burkert M. Pieske, Wolfgang A. Linke, Barbara Casadei, and Heiner Post Department of General and Interventional Cardiology, University Heart Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany; Division of General Medicine, Klinikum Starnberg, Starnberg, Germany; Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom; Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria; Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria; Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands; Intensive Care Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria; Department of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria; Division of Cardiology, Medical Department, Charité Berlin Campus Virchow, Berlin, Germany
Accelerated Memory Decline in Alzheimer's Disease With Apolipoprotein ϵ4 Allele

To investigate a possible effect of the apolipoprotein (APOE) ϵ4 allele on memory decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD), we examined 64 AD patients with the APOE ϵ3/3, ϵ3/4, or ϵ4/4 allele using the Alzheimer Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive subscale (ADAS-Cog) and its subtests at the initial examination and at the 1-year follow-up visit. One-year changes in the scores of the Word Recall subtest, Word Recognition subtest, and total ADAS-Cog were significantly correlated with the number of APOE ϵ4 alleles after controlling for the effects of age, sex, education, test interval, and baseline scores. Findings revealed that APOE ϵ4 allele is related to an accelerated memory decline in AD.