Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Internal quality assurance in universities: does NPM matter?

ABSTRACT Following the ideas of New Public Management, Quality Assurance (QA) practices have become a relevant concern for public organizations. In the Higher Education sector, QA policies have inspired different reforms, becoming a debated issue for universities’ leaders and policy-makers. This article analyzes the implementation of a newly defined committee for quality assurance (QAC) within Italian universities in order to identify if, as happened in other NPM reforms, it represents a further example of ‘implementation gap’; and to detect the key variables that promote a satisfactory QAC functioning. Based on both the analysis of the composition and the role of QAC in all the Italian public universities and significant case studies, we have identified some core variables that promote the implementation of an effective QAC and ultimately supports the overall QA policy.
Men’s netball or mixed-gender indoor netball?

Abstract This article examines issues of gender justice within men’s netball and mixed-gender indoor netball in New Zealand, primarily from philosophical and social policy-based perspectives. While netball has historically reflected and reinforced appropriate ideas of female physicality, in the early 1980s, the new and more radical New Zealand Men’s Netball Association (NZMNA) welcomed openly transgender female players. Although the association subsequently took a heteronormative turn, independent for-profit mixed-gender indoor netball have also provided somewhat transgender-inclusive spaces. After discussing feminist debates about mixed-gender sport including netball specifically, this article argues that there are good reasons to support mixed-gender indoor netball. It also argues, however, that this should be done while also recognising both NNZ’s defensive ‘voluntary segregation’ of women’s netball and the unfortunate decline of the early (more radical) NZMNA. The article also discusses some important criticisms of such a policy.
The A‐domain and the thrombospondin‐related motif of Plasmodium falciparum TRAP are implicated in the invasion process of mosquito salivary glands

Sporozoites from all Plasmodium species analysed so far express the thrombospondin‐related adhesive protein (TRAP), which contains two distinct adhesive domains. These domains share sequence and structural homology with von Willebrand factor type A‐domain and the type I repeat of human thrombospondin (TSP). Increasing experimental evidence indicates that the adhesive domains bind to vertebrate host ligands and that TRAP is involved, through an as yet unknown mechanism, in the process of sporozoite motility and invasion of both mosquito salivary gland and host hepatocytes. We have generated transgenic P.berghei parasites in which the endogenous TRAP gene has been replaced by either P.falciparum TRAP (PfTRAP) or mutated versions of PfTRAP carrying amino acid substitutions or deletions in the adhesive domains. Plasmodium berghei sporozoites carrying the PfTRAP gene develop normally, are motile, invade mosquito salivary glands and infect the vertebrate host. A substitution in a conserved residue of the A‐domain or a deletion in the TSP motif of PfTRAP impairs the sporozoites' ability to invade mosquito salivary glands. Notably, midgut sporozoites from these transgenic parasites are still able to infect mice. Midgut sporozoites carrying a mutation in the A‐domain of PfTRAP are motile, while no gliding motility could be detected in sporozoites with a TSP motif deletion.
Developing Collaborative Partnerships With Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Families During the IEP Process

Family participation in the special education process has been federally mandated for 40 years, and educators recognize that effective collaboration with their students’ families leads to improved academic and social outcomes for students. However, while some family-school relationships are positive and collaborative, many are not, particularly for culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) families. This article provides practice guidelines based in research for teachers who seek to improve their practices when working with CLD families who have children served by special education.
The IRAS Revised Bright Galaxy Sample

IRAS flux densities, redshifts, and infrared luminosities are reported for all sources identified in the IRAS Revised Bright Galaxy Sample (RBGS), a complete flux-limited survey of all extragalactic objects with total 60 μm flux density greater than 5.24 Jy, covering the entire sky surveyed by IRAS at Galactic latitudes |b| > 5°. The RBGS includes 629 objects, with median and mean sample redshifts of 0.0082 and 0.0126, respectively, and a maximum redshift of 0.0876. The RBGS supersedes the previous two-part IRAS Bright Galaxy Samples (BGS1+BGS2), which were compiled before the final (Pass 3) calibration of the IRAS Level 1 Archive in 1990 May. The RBGS also makes use of more accurate and consistent automated methods to measure the flux of objects with extended emission. The RBGS contains 39 objects that were not present in the BGS1+BGS2, and 28 objects from the BGS1+BGS2 have been dropped from RBGS because their revised 60 μm flux densities are not greater than 5.24 Jy. Comparison of revised flux measurements for sources in both surveys shows that most flux differences are in the range ∼5%–25%, although some faint sources at 12 and 25 μm differ by as much as a factor of 2. Basic properties of the RBGS sources are summarized, including estimated total infrared luminosities, as well as updates to cross identifications with sources from optical galaxy catalogs established using the NASA/IPAC Extragalactic Database. In addition, an atlas of images from the Digitized Sky Survey with overlays of the IRAS position uncertainty ellipse and annotated scale bars is provided for ease in visualizing the optical morphology in context with the angular and metric size of each object. The revised bolometric infrared luminosity function, ϕ(Lir), for infrared-bright galaxies in the local universe remains best fit by a double power law, ϕ(L) ∝ Lα, with α = -0.6(±0.1) and α = -2.2(±0.1) below and above the "characteristic" infrared luminosity L ∼ 1010.5 L⊙, respectively. A companion paper provides IRAS High Resolution (HIRES) processing of over 100 RBGS sources where improved spatial resolution often provides better IRAS source positions or allows for deconvolution of close galaxy pairs.
Evaluating and Comparing Fault-Based Testing Strategies for General Boolean Specifications: A Series of Experiments

A great amount of fault-based testing strategies have been proposed to generate test cases for detecting certain types of faults in Boolean specifications. However, most of the previous studies on these strategies were focused on the Boolean expressions in the disjunctive normal form (DNF), even the irredundant DNF (IDNF)-little work has been conducted to comprehensively investigate their performance on general Boolean specifications. In this study, we conducted a series of experiments to evaluate and compare 18 fault-based testing strategies using over 4000 randomly generated fault-seeded Boolean expressions. In the experiments, a testing strategy is regarded as effective and efficient if it can detect most of the seeded faults using a small number of test cases. Our experimental results show that if a testing strategy is highly effective and efficient when testing the Boolean expressions in the IDNF, it also shows high effectiveness and efficiency on general Boolean expressions. It is found that one family of fault-based testing strategies, namely MUMCUT, normally deliver the best performance among all the 18 strategies. Our study provides an in-depth understanding and insight of fault-based testing for general Boolean expressions.
Do Investors Overweight Personal Experience? Evidence from IPO Subscriptions

We find a strong positive link between past IPO returns and future subscriptions at the investor level in Finland. Our setting allows us to trace this effect to the returns personally experienced by investors; the effect is not explained by patterns related to the IPO cycle, or wealth effects. This behavior is consistent with reinforcement learning, where personally experienced outcomes are overweighted compared to rational Bayesian learning. The results provide a microfoundation for the argument that investor sentiment drives IPO demand. The paper also contributes to understanding how popular investment styles develop, and has implications for the marketing of financial products.
The Analysis Impact of Information Technology and Organizational Structure on Strategic Knowledge Management (Case Study: Islamic Azad University, Kermanshah Branch)

The main purpose of this study is analysis impact of information technology and organizational structure on strategic knowledge management in Islamic Azad university Kermanshah branch. The statistical population of this study is 60 employees of Islamic Azad university Kermanshah branch. In order to determine the sample size, Cochran's formula was used. Consequently, 52 employees (Bosses, Deputies and Managers educational groups) were selected as sample members by random sampling method for the first half of 2013. The study is descriptive – survey and correlation in term of methodology. The Martiinez-Lorente et al Information Technology questionnaire (2004), Robin’s organizational structure questionnaire (1987) and Carolina et al Strategic Knowledge Management questionnaire (2011) were used tin gathering data. Validity (content, convergent, divergent) and reliability (factor loading, composite reliability, cronbach's alpha) of questionnaire indicate that measuring instruments have good reliability and validity. The results of test hypotheses by SMART-PLS software and using t-test statistics and path coefficients (β) indicate that among employees of Islamic Azad university Kermanshah branch, information technology having strong influence is direct and significant on organizational structure, organizational structure having positive effects is direct significant on strategic knowledge management and information technology having positive effects is direct and significant on strategic knowledge management. The organizational structure can play a mediator role in relationship between information technology and strategic knowledge management. On the other hand, information technology, as a moderator variable,can promote the positive effects of organizational structure on strategic knowledge management.
Drug susceptibility pattern of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates against conventional anti-tuberculosis drugs in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the drug susceptibility pattern of isolated Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) against conventional anti-tuberculosis drugs in Dhaka, Bangladesh. METHODS Sputum samples from 101 suspected new and previously treated patients were collected and M. tuberculosis was identified by microscopic observation and Ziehl-Neelsen staining. Drug susceptibility was performed against 4 anti-tuberculosis drugs, and the obtained data was analyzed. This study was performed in the Bangladesh Institute of Research and Rehabilitation in Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh between October 2008 and November 2009. RESULTS Among 101 suspected, 59 (58.4%) cases were identified as M. tuberculosis and the drug susceptibility pattern of 50 positives isolates was studied against 4 anti-tuberculosis drugs. Out of these 50 isolates of M. tuberculosis, 25 (50%) were sensitive to all drugs, and 25 (50%) were resistant to one or more drugs. Among 50 positive patients, 37 (74%) were new cases, and 13 (26%) were previously treated cases. Among 37 new cases, 14 (37.8%) cases were resistant to one or more drugs, whereas 11 out of 13( 84.6%) treated cases were resistant to one or more drugs. Among the 50 positive isolates, 26% demonstrated resistance to isoniazid, 12% to rifampicin, 22% to streptomycin, 20% to ethambutol, and 8% to multi drug resistance. CONCLUSION The emergence of drug resistant M. tuberculosis isolates in Dhaka is alarming, which is currently 5-fold higher than last decade. Strict measures should be taken to control and prevent drug-resistant tuberculosis.
Clinical EFT as an evidence-based practice for the treatment of psychological and physiological conditions: A systematic review

Background Since the turn of the century, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) has come into widespread use in medical and psychological treatment settings. It is also used as self-help by tens of millions of people each year. Clinical EFT, the manualized form of the method, has been validated as an “evidence-based” practice using criteria published by the American Psychological Association (APA) Division 12 Task Force on Empirically Validated Therapies. Its three essential ingredients are exposure, cognitive framing, and acupressure. Objectives In 2013 we published a paper defining Clinical EFT and reviewing published research. It has been viewed or downloaded over 36,000 times, indicating widespread interest in this treatment modality. Here we update our findings based on subsequently published literature and propose directions for future research. Method We performed a systematic review of the literature to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses. Retrieval of 4,167 results resulted in the identification of 56 RCTs (n = 2,013), 41 of which were published subsequent to our earlier review, as well as eight meta-analyses. Results RCTs have found EFT treatment to be effective for (a) psychological conditions such as anxiety, depression, phobias, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD); (b) physiological issues such as pain, insomnia, and autoimmune conditions; (c) professional and sports performance; and (d) biological markers of stress. Meta-analyses evaluating the effect of EFT treatment have found it to be “moderate” to “large. ” Successful independent replication studies have been carried out for anxiety, depression, PTSD, phobias, sports performance, and cortisol levels. We outline the next steps in EFT research. These include determining its impact on cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and cognitive impairment; analysis of the large-scale datasets made possible by mobile apps; and delivery through channels such as virtual practitioner sessions, artificial intelligence agents, online courses, apps, virtual reality platforms, and standardized group therapy. Conclusions Subsequent research has confirmed the conclusions of earlier studies. These find Clinical EFT to be efficacious for a range of psychological and physiological conditions. Comparatively few treatment sessions are required, treatment is effective whether delivered in person or virtually, and symptom improvements persist over time. Treatment is associated with measurable biological effects in the dimensions of gene expression, brain synchrony, hormonal synthesis, and a wide range of biomarkers. Clinical EFT is a stable and mature method with an extensive evidence base. Its use in primary care settings as a safe, rapid, reliable, and effective treatment for both psychological and medical diagnoses continues to grow.
Should Benchmark Indices Have Alpha? Revisiting Performance Evaluation

Standard Fama-French and Carhart models produce economically and statistically significant nonzero alphas, even for passive benchmark indices such as the S&P 500 and Russell 2000. We find that these alphas primarily arise from the disproportionate weight that the Fama-French factors place on small value stocks, which have performed well, and from the CRSP value-weighted market index, which is historically a downward-biased benchmark for U.S. stocks due to the inclusion of other types of securities such as closed-end funds. We propose small methodological changes to the Fama-French factors to eliminate the nonzero alphas, and we also propose factor models based on common and tradable benchmark indices. Both kinds of alternative models improve performance evaluation of actively managed portfolios with the index-based models exhibiting the best performance.
The Functional Difference of Dendritic Cells in HBeAg Negative Chronic Hepatitis B Patients with Three Different Spleen Deficiency Syndromes and the Therapeutic Evaluation of Chinese Medicine Intervention Based on Syndrome Differentiation

Objective. To investigate the dendritic cells (DCs) maturity differences of HBeAg negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with different spleen deficiency (SD) syndromes and explore the role of syndrome differentiation in the therapeutic evaluation of Chinese medicine. Methods. 120 participants were recruited including three treatment groups in different SD syndrome categories as spleen deficiency with liver depression (SDLD), spleen deficiency with damp heat (SDDH), and spleen deficiency with kidney deficiency (SDKD) and one healthy control group; each group had 30 participants. Corresponding drugs were applied. The outcome measures included DC phenotype, liver function, IL-10, IL-12, and HBV-DNA levels. Results. The surface markers of mature DCs and cytokines levels were different in each group; the positive rate of CD80, CD1a, HLA-DR, and CD1a was the lowest in SDKD group. After 3-month intervention, the expression of CD80, CD86, CD1a, HLA-DR, and IL-12 significantly increased, while ALT, AST, and IL-10 significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in treatment groups. HBV-DNA level also significantly reduced in both SDKD and SDLD groups (P < 0.05). Conclusions. HBeAg negative patients had DCs dysmaturity, and there were differences between different SD syndromes. Chinese medicine intervention according to syndrome differentiation could advance the maturity and function of DCs and improve the therapeutic effect.
Design of a model of emerging joint actions in Human Social Systems based on the interaction between Agents

In the article is proposed a model that facilitates the understanding of the emergence of joint actions in Human Social Systems (HSS), emphasizing the interaction between Agents (people). The model seeks to absorb higher levels of complexity from identifying some of the traits that determine the susceptibility of individuals to accept proposals for action of others with whom to interact. To date there has been significant researches that demonstrate the arising of joint actions in HSS from the interaction between people, but nevertheless there is ample space to go against the nature of the interactions and the features that allow the emergence of global behavior. The model is supported by the statements that have been made about it in science from networks, game theory, as well as the proposals that have been made from sociology. The design of the simulation model is supported by agent's model.
Species Spectrum of Flea Beetles (Phyllotreta spp., Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) Attracted to Allyl Isothiocyanate-Baited Traps

In field tests in Hungary, Slovenia and Bulgaria, in allyl isothiocyanate-baited traps significantly more beetles of Phyllotreta cruciferae, Ph. vittula, Ph. undulata, Ph. nigripes, Ph. nodicornis, Ph. balcanica, Ph. atra, Ph. procera, Ph. ochripes, Ph. diademata and Psylliodes chrysocephalus (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Halticinae) were captured than in unbaited control traps. With the exception of Ph. cruciferae, this is the first report on significant field attraction by allyl isothiocyanate for these species. The species spectrum captured included six important agricultural pests. At all sites a great portion of the catch (ranging from ca 30 to 98%) was Ph. cruciferae, irrespective of the plant culture. The second most abundant species present at most sites was Ph. vittula. The present results are very promising from the point of view of applicability of allyl isothiocyanate in Europe as a bait in cabbage flea beetle traps for detection and monitoring.
Design Optimization of Fiber Reinforced Plastic Composite Shapes

A global approximation method to optimize material architecture and cross-sectional area of new fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) composite beams is presented. The sections considered are intended for applications in short-span bridges. The beams are subjected to transverse loading, and the optimization constraints include deflection limit, material failure, and elastic buckling. Assuming a laminated structure for the pultruded FRP shapes, experimentally-verified micro/macromechanics models are used to predict member structural behavior. The design variables include the cross-sectional geometric dimensions and the material architecture. The constraint functions are defined through a global approximation at a number of design points, and the approximate constraint equations are obtained through multiple linear regressions and are defined as power law functions of the design variables. The proposed method can concurrently optimize the dimensions and material architecture of a given shape, and as an illustration, a new winged-box (WB) shape is optimized. The present optimization approach combined with existing knowledge on FRP shapes can be used to develop various new shapes and to create a new family of efficient FRP geometries for the civil structural market.
A canonical variate analysis of personal traits and physical activity interests: furthering the sport personology debate

ABSTRACT Two studies employing canonical variate analysis generated evidence that related personality to both activity interests and involvement. In the first study of 1885 participants, significant canonical correlations allowed the following interpretations of three canonical functions: higher trait scores on competitiveness, thrill-seeking and assertiveness corresponded to stronger interests in martial arts, outdoor activities and competitive sports; higher thrill seeking and spontaneity scores related to greater interests in martial arts and outdoor activities; greater self-reliance, mental focus and control aligned with stronger interests in weight training but reduced interest in class training. A second and smaller study (N = 286) yielded support for the first investigation, and added evidence related to relationships between personality and self-reported participation in different physical activities. In conjunction, these studies argue for continued employment of this methodology in sport personology research with an eye to creating tools for guiding individuals towards rewarding and sustainable physical activity choices.
METHODOLOGY AND THEORY FOR NONNEGATIVE-SCORE PRINCIPAL COMPONENT ANALYSIS

We develop nonparametric methods, and theory, for analysing data on a random p-vector Y represented as a linear form in a p-vector X, say Y = AX, where the components of X are nonnegative and uncorrelated. Problems of this nature are motivated by a wide range of applications in which physical consider- ations deny the possibility that X can have negative components. Our approach to inference is founded on a necessary and sufficient condition for the existence of unique, nonnegative-score principal components. The condition replaces an earlier, sufficient constraint given in the engineering literature, and is related to a notion of sparsity that arises frequently in nonnegative principal component analysis. We discuss theoretical aspects of our estimators of the transformation that produces nonnegative-score principal components, showing that the estimators have optimal properties.