Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The gods of the hunt: stereotypes, risk and national identity in a Spanish enclave in North Africa

How do stereotypes – as rhetorical, homogenising claims about the Self and Other – survive despite their users having personal experiences that contradict them? This article addresses this question by examining why the Christian and Muslim inhabitants of the Spanish enclave of Ceuta insist the ‘moro’ is a cunning, hostile antagonist, even when their interactions with Moroccans tend to be profitable, and even as ethnographers of mainland Spain report widespread revisions of the Moorish migrant’s negative image and the country’s Islamic past. Building on the interpretative model of stereotypes developed by Herzfeld, Brown and Theodossopolous, I argue that the ‘moro’ persists as an unequivocally malevolent character because it (1) is cultivated by a number of financially interested actors and (2) is central to the discursive strategies Ceutans use to respond to the political threats to their españolidad from both north and south.
The Dynamics and Volatility of Commercial and Residential Property Prices: Theory and Evidence

This paper investigates the dynamics of property prices and their interaction with output growth in a general equilibrium model. Closed form solutions and testable hypotheses are derived from a mildly restricted version of the model. The testable hypotheses are broadly supported empirically. In particular, (1) the volatility of commercial property prices is higher than that of residential property prices, (2) each of the lagged, contemporary, and forward commercial property prices is positively correlated with residential property prices, (3) the contemporaneous covariance between the two property prices is larger than the lagged covariance, and (4) output growth is positively correlated with both property prices. These results are consistent with simulations results that are based on a more general specification of the model.
Cryptocurrencies: A Brief Thematic Review

Cryptocurrencies are an area of heightened pecuniary, numismatic, technological, and investment interest, and yet a comprehensive understanding of their theories and foundations is still left wanting among many practitioners and stakeholders. This discussion paper synthesizes and summarizes the salient literature on cryptocurrencies with a view to advancing a more general understanding of their order and purpose.
Chaotic motion and ballistic ejection of gravitating shells

It is shown that during the motion of two initially gravitationally bound spherical shells, consisting of point particles moving along ballistic trajectories, one of the shell may be expelled to infinity at subrelativistic speed vexp ≤ 0.24c. The problem is solved in Newtonian gravity. Motion of two intersecting shells in the case when they do not runaway shows a chaotic behaviour. Subject headings: black holes — ejection — active galactic nuclei — stars — chaos
Risk of posttraumatic stress symptoms: a comparison of child survivors of pediatric cancer and parental bereavement.

OBJECTIVE To compare the risk of posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms and the mediating effect of perceived future threat on the risk of PTS symptoms among survivors of pediatric cancer and children who had a parent die. METHODS Seventy-eight children (39 survivors of cancer, 39 bereaved) completed self-report measures of PTS symptoms, depression, anxiety, and perceived risk of future threat for the event they experienced. RESULTS The children who lost a parent reported significantly more PTS symptoms than the survivors of cancer. The effect of group status (survivor of cancer vs. bereaved) on PTS symptomatology was partly mediated by the children's perceived risk of future threat. CONCLUSIONS The rate of PTS symptoms was found to be higher among children who had lost a parent than among survivors of pediatric cancer. This difference may partly be explained by their perceived risk of a future threat. Clinical implications are discussed.
Dual Ca2+ modulation of glycinergic synaptic currents in rodent hypoglossal motoneurones

Glycinergic synapses are implicated in the coordination of reflex responses, sensory signal processing and pain sensation. Their activity is pre‐ and postsynaptically regulated, although mechanisms are poorly understood. Using patch‐clamp recording and Ca2+ imaging in hypoglossal motoneurones from rat and mouse brainstem slices, we address here the role of cytoplasmic Ca2+ (Cai) in glycinergic synapse modulation. Ca2+ influx through voltage‐gated or NMDA receptor channels caused powerful transient inhibition of glycinergic IPSCs. This effect was accompanied by an increase in both the failure rate and paired‐pulse ratio, as well as a decrease in the frequency of mIPSCs, suggesting a presynaptic mechanism of depression. Inhibition was reduced by the cannabinoid receptor antagonist SR141716A and occluded by the agonist WIN55,212‐2, indicating involvement of endocannabinoid retrograde signalling. Conversely, in the presence of SR141716A, glycinergic IPSCs were potentiated postsynaptically by glutamate or NMDA, displaying a Ca2+‐dependent increase in amplitude and decay prolongation. Both presynaptic inhibition and postsynaptic potentiation were completely prevented by strong Cai buffering (20 mm BAPTA). Our findings demonstrate two independent mechanisms by which Ca2+ modulates glycinergic synaptic transmission: (i) presynaptic inhibition of glycine release and (ii) postsynaptic potentiation of GlyR‐mediated responses. This dual Ca2+‐induced regulation might be important for feedback control of neurotransmission in a variety of glycinergic networks in mammalian nervous systems.
A Comprehensive Review of Numerical Weather Prediction Models

Weather forecasting has been an area of considerable interest among researchers since long. In particular, precipitation has been found to be interesting because of its chaotic nature and also because of the direct impact it has on the society. Even after the invention of complex Coupled Numerical Weather Prediction Models, the errors in prediction have been found to be of significant magnitude. The present study aims at investigating all the aspects of error dynamics in dynamic and statistical predictions, and reviews these two prediction models on the basis of errors arising due to initial conditions and understanding of physical processes generating with time series.
On the fly reconfiguration of interactive scientific visualization applications

An interactive scientific visualization application is constructed from different codes to implement simulation, data treatment, visualization and interaction parts. The application construction requires support for the assembly of the different parts considering their heterogeneity in the one hand and the need to achieve an efficient application to be run in real time on the other hand. Component-based approach is an interesting paradigm to handle such applications. Moreover in a context of visual analytics, some applications need to be dynamically reconfigured since some components as analysis steps are not persistent and need to be restarted or stopped on the fly. This paper describes a reconfiguration process for ComSA applications, a component based approach dedicated to interactive scientific visualization applications that relies on an exogenous coordination model. This process enables the reconfiguration of running applications. It aims to minimize the number of stopped components during the reconfiguration phase while avoiding the application to crash. It uses the properties of the coordination model to circumscribe the part of the application impacted by the reconfiguration. This region is safely paused, then modified and finally restarted.
Mathematics education and the political: An ideology critique of an educational research field

Mathematics education as a field of academic research has been historically concerned with the improvement of the process of teaching and learning mathematics in schools. Despite the diversity of theories used and developed within the field (from cognitivism and constructivism to more recent sociocultural approaches), a focus on ‘learning’ and ‘mathematics’ permeates the way researchers apply and develop different theorizations in mathematics education. In recent years, however, a discontentment with the way research disavows the social and political dimension of ‘learning’ has led the community to search for theories that provide a different conceptualization for the problems of the field. In this article we take advantage of contemporary philosophy to develop an analysis of mathematics education as a field of research. We shall argue that many of the problems related with school mathematics cannot be fully conceptualized without some kind of ‘political mapping’ that situates them not at the level of ‘learning’ but at the political and economical one. Our suggestion is that positing schools as crucial modern institutions for the reproduction of capitalist economy and ideology can bring us closer to the complex situations teachers and students experience in schools.
BMP-9 regulates the osteoblastic differentiation and calcification of vascular smooth muscle cells through an ALK1 mediated pathway

The process of vascular calcification shares many similarities with that of physiological skeletal mineralization, and involves the deposition of hydroxyapatite crystals in arteries. However, the cellular mechanisms responsible have yet to be fully explained. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP‐9) has been shown to exert direct effects on both bone development and vascular function. In the present study, we have investigated the role of BMP‐9 in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) calcification. Vessel calcification in chronic kidney disease (CKD) begins pre‐dialysis, with factors specific to the dialysis milieu triggering accelerated calcification. Intriguingly, BMP‐9 was markedly elevated in serum from CKD children on dialysis. Furthermore, in vitro studies revealed that BMP‐9 treatment causes a significant increase in VSMC calcium content, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mRNA expression of osteogenic markers. BMP‐9‐induced calcium deposition was significantly reduced following treatment with the ALP inhibitor 2,5‐Dimethoxy‐N‐(quinolin‐3‐yl) benzenesulfonamide confirming the mediatory role of ALP in this process. The inhibition of ALK1 signalling using a soluble chimeric protein significantly reduced calcium deposition and ALP activity, confirming that BMP‐9 is a physiological ALK1 ligand. Signal transduction studies revealed that BMP‐9 induced Smad2, Smad3 and Smad1/5/8 phosphorylation. As these Smad proteins directly bind to Smad4 to activate target genes, siRNA studies were subsequently undertaken to examine the functional role of Smad4 in VSMC calcification. Smad4‐siRNA transfection induced a significant reduction in ALP activity and calcium deposition. These novel data demonstrate that BMP‐9 induces VSMC osteogenic differentiation and calcification via ALK1, Smad and ALP dependent mechanisms. This may identify new potential therapeutic strategies for clinical intervention.
Ultramarathon runners’ perception of place: a photo-based analysis

ABSTRACT Sport events that depend upon natural landscapes tend to draw athletes from urban centres to peripheral areas. In doing so these events function as tourist attractions but little is known about the way participating athletes understand these places. This study explores the ways that one type of sport traveller (i.e. ultramarathon runners) understands the host destination (Grande Cache, Canada) as a place of training and competition. A volunteer employed photography data collection method was used along with an inductive thematic analysis. Four themes emerged including place as: (a) landscape, (b) sport competition, (c) community, and (d) an introspective self-portrait. First, under the landscape theme runners saw place as sublime nature during the training camp (TC) and a terrain to be conquered during the race. Second, the sport competition theme reflected place as the event with the competition being the filter through which all other aspects of the setting were understood. Third, the setting was characterized as a place of community that fostered social connection and celebration. Finally, the introspective self-portrait theme focused on the runners themselves as they centred their identity within the setting. While landscape was a dominant theme during the TC visit, the sport competition and community themes became more salient during the competition weekend. The introspective self-portrait theme was strong during both visits. Study findings suggest that runners were attached to the setting through ‘place identity’ in addition to their dependence on it to facilitate the ultramarathon event.
Double Neutron Stars: Evidence For Two Different Neutron‐Star Formation Mechanisms

Six of the eight double neutron stars known in the Galactic disk have low orbital eccentricities (< 0.27) indicating that their second‐born neutron stars received only very small velocity kicks at birth. This is similar to the case of the B‐emission X‐ray binaries, where a sizable fraction of the neutron stars received hardly any velocity kick at birth (Pfahl et al. 2002). The masses of the second‐born neutron stars in five of the six low‐eccentricity double neutron stars are remarkably low (between 1.18 and 1.30M⊙). It is argued that these low‐mass, low‐kick neutron stars were formed by the electron‐capture collapse of the degenerate O‐Ne‐Mg cores of helium stars less massive than about 3.5M⊙, whereas the higher‐mass, higher kick‐velocity neutron stars were formed by the collapses of the iron cores of higher initial mass. The absence of low‐velocity single young radio pulsars (Hobbs et al. 2005) is consistent with the model proposed by Podsiadlowski et al. (2004), in which the electron‐capture collapse o.
Optimal Growth and Competitive Equilibrium Business Cycles under Decreasing Returns in Two-Country Models

This paper investigates the interlinkage in the business cycles of large-country economies in a free-trade equilibrium. We consider a two-country, two-good, two-factor general equilibrium model withCobb-Douglas technologies and linear preferences. We also assume decreasing returns in both sectors. We first identify the determinants of each country's accumulation pattern in autarky equilibrium, and second we show how a country's business cycle may spread throughout the world once trade opens. We prove indeed that under free-trade, globalization and market integration may generate a contagion of the capital exporting country's business cycles and thus have destabilizing effects on the capital importing country.
Personal and macro‐systemic factors as predictors of quality of life in chronic schizophrenia

Background: The goal of this research was to establish possible predictive factors for both subjective and externally assessed quality of life in people with chronic schizophrenia. Methods: Sixty‐eight people with schizophrenia took part in the study and were assessed using the World Health Organisation Quality of Life Assessment ‐ Brief Version (WHOQOL‐BREF), the Quality of Life Scale (QLS), the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale for Schizophrenia (PANSS), the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF), the Social Functioning Scale (SFS) tests. Correlations and multiple regression analysis were conducted to determine possible predictors of quality of life. Results: The residential environment (rural/urban), diagnosis, age at onset of disorder, global functioning and social functioning explained 68% of the total variance based on proxies’ assessment quality of life. Living arrangements and social functioning emerged as predictor variables for subjective quality of life, explaining a 47.3% of the total variance. Conclusions: Socio‐cultural factors, such as social integration or the quality of interpersonal relationships, have more influence on these peoples’ physical and psychological health than certain personal factors, such as psychopathology. It is therefore advisable to pay attention to the environment and macro‐systemic variables when developing intervention plans to improve their quality of life. &NA; Factores personales y macrosistémicos como predictores de la calidad de vida en esquizofrenia crónica. Antecedentes: el objetivo de este estudio ha sido la evaluación de los posibles factores predictores de la calidad de vida, tanto subjetiva como evaluada externamente, de las personas con esquizofrenia. Método: un total de 68 personas con esquizofrenia participaron en el estudio y fueron evaluadas a través de la WHOQOL‐BREF y QLS (calidad de vida), la PANSS (psicopatología), la GAF (funcionamiento global) y la SFS (funcionamiento social). Se realizaron análisis de regresión múltiple mediante el método de pasos sucesivos con el fin de determinar los posibles factores predictores. Resultados: el entorno de residencia (rural/urbano), el diagnóstico, la edad de inicio del trastorno, el funcionamiento global y el funcionamiento social explicaron el 68% de la varianza de la calidad de vida evaluada externamente. El tipo de convivencia y el funcionamiento social emergen como variables predictoras de la calidad de vida subjetiva, explicando un 47,3% de la varianza total. Conclusiones: factores como la integración social y la calidad de las relaciones interpersonales tienen más influencia en la calidad de vida de estas personas que factores personales como la psicopatología. Los planes de intervención para mejorar su calidad de vida deben incluir estos factores macrosistémicos.
Outbreaks associated to large open air festivals, including music festivals, 1980 to 2012.

In the minds of many, large scale open air festivals have become associated with spring and summer, attracting many people, and in the case of music festivals, thousands of music fans. These festivals share the usual health risks associated with large mass gatherings, including transmission of communicable diseases and risk of outbreaks. Large scale open air festivals have however specific characteristics, including outdoor settings, on-site housing and food supply and the generally young age of the participants. Outbreaks at large scale open air festivals have been caused by Cryptosporium parvum, Campylobacter spp. , Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Shigella sonnei, Staphylococcus aureus, hepatitis A virus, influenza virus, measles virus, mumps virus and norovirus. Faecal-oral and respiratory transmissions of pathogens result from non-compliance with hygiene rules, inadequate sanitation and insufficient vaccination coverage. Sexual transmission of infectious diseases may also occur and is likely to be underestimated and underreported. Enhanced surveillance during and after festivals is essential. Preventive measures such as immunisations of participants and advice on-site and via social networks should be considered to reduce outbreaks at these large scale open air festivals.
Evaluating the Violence Prevention Program: group and individual changes in aggression, anger, self-control, and empathy

Abstract While youth violence reduction program is a necessity to prevent long-term criminal and violent offending, its effectiveness in youth violent offenders is not well researched. This study investigated the effectiveness of the Violence Prevention Program (VPP) in addressing the aggression, anger, self-control, and empathy of youth violent offenders. One hundred and seventy youths (mean age 15.8 years) who completed VPP from 2008 to 2014 completed self-report measures on study outcomes both before and after the intervention. Repeated measures analyses revealed significant improvement in youths’ anger, aggression, and self-control at post-treatment, but changes in youths’ empathy were not significant. Subsequent analysis found that only youths with lower empathy scores at pre-treatment showed significant increase in empathy post-treatment. Overall, the results suggest that VPP can reduce aggression and mitigate the criminogenic needs of youth offenders. But its effect on empathy may be contingent on youths’ pre-treatment profiles. Limitations and implications for future studies are discussed.
The interplay between bystanders’ intervention styles: An examination of the “bullying circle” approach

ABSTRACT This study explores correlations between bystanders’ intervention styles by means of the bullying circle model. Three aims were examined in this study. First, we reevaluated the number and type of bystander intervention styles in aggressive school incidents. Second, we examined the association between reports of relational aggression and victimization and bystander intervention styles. Third, we estimated relationships between the different bystander intervention styles, by examining two directional paths. Participants were 1,518 adolescents (61.9% boys, 38.1% girls) from 15 Israeli religious and secular middle and high schools. The data analysis indicated two new intervention styles: help-seeker and passive bystander. Two structural models, illustrating the path leading to and from provictim and antivictim bystander intervention styles are presented. The distinction between the “participant-role approach” and the bullying circle is discussed in order to address the theoretical difference between social categorization of fixed bystander roles as opposed to rating bystander intervention styles on a continuum.
Tracking, grading, and student motivation : Using group composition and status to predict self-concept and interest in ninth-grade mathematics

Assigning students to different classes on the basis of their achievement levels (tracking, streaming, or ability grouping) is an extensively used strategy with widely debated consequences. The authors developed a model of the effects of tracking on self-concept and interest that integrates the opposing predictions of "assimilation" and "contrast" effects, which specifies teacher-assigned grades as a major mediating variable, and tested it in 2 settings in which track level is clearly associated with different status-systematic tracking as a function of school type (Study 1, N = 14,341 German 9th-grade students) and separate streams within a comprehensive school system (Study 2, N = 3,243 German 9th-grade students). The results support predictions that students' math self-concept and math interest differ as a function of the achievement of their reference group, their own achievement, and their teacher-assigned grades. No systematic association between track level and math self-concept was found once individual student achievement, school-/stream-average achievement, and teacher-assigned grades were controlled.