Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The relationships between school autonomy gap, principal leadership, teachers’ job satisfaction and organizational commitment

This study examines the relationship between school autonomy gap, principal leadership, school climate, teacher psychological factors, teachers’ job satisfaction and organizational commitment under the context of school autonomy reform. A path model has been developed to define the relationships between principal leadership and teachers’ outcomes via mediating variables. Multiple-group comparison was used to explore the effect of school autonomy gap in this process. We collected the data through a survey carried out in 26 senior secondary schools in China. In total 528 teachers and 59 principals and assistant principals participated. The results suggest a significant influence of instructional and transformational leadership on teachers’ job satisfaction and organizational commitment, mediated by the indirect impact of school climate and teachers’ self-efficacy. School autonomy gap, which is closely related to principal leadership, emerged as an important influence in the path model.
Complete coverage algorithm based on linked smooth spiral paths for mobile robots

This paper presents an on-line complete-coverage path planning algorithm for mobile robots based on approximate cellular decomposition, which abstracts the target environment using grid. Most existing grid-based coverage algorithms have a common problem of constrained mobility which degrades the efficiency of the coverage task by inducing zigzag like path. In this paper, we propose a new complete coverage path generation algorithm, linked-smooth-spiral-path (LSSP), which removes the constraint on mobility by adopting a high-resolution grid-map representation of the environment and a cardinal-spline curve-model to generate a smooth spiral coverage path. We define a new performance measure for coverage tasks, which quantifies the smoothness of the coverage path. Simulation results demonstrate the improved coverage performance of the proposed algorithm compared to other existing grid-based coverage algorithms.
Evolution of HLA-B*5703 HIV-1 escape mutations in HLA-B*5703–positive individuals and their transmission recipients

HLA-B*57 is the class I allele most consistently associated with control of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) replication, which may be linked to the specific HIV peptides that this allele presents to cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), and the resulting efficacy of these cellular immune responses. In two HIV C clade–infected populations in South Africa and Zambia, we sought to elucidate the role of HLA-B*5703 in HIV disease outcome. HLA-B*5703–restricted CTL responses select for escape mutations in three Gag p24 epitopes, in a predictable order. We show that the accumulation of these mutations sequentially reduces viral replicative capacity in vitro. Despite this, in vivo data demonstrate that there is ultimately an increase in viral load concomitant with evasion of all three HLA-B*5703–restricted CTL responses. In HLA-B*5703–mismatched recipients, the previously described early benefit of transmitted HLA-B*5703–associated escape mutations is abrogated by the increase in viral load coincident with reversion. Rapid disease progression is observed in HLA-matched recipients to whom mutated virus is transmitted. These data demonstrate that, although costly escape from CTL responses can progressively attenuate the virus, high viral loads develop in the absence of adequate, continued CTL responses. These data underline the need for a CTL vaccine against multiple conserved epitopes.
434 Prevalence of bullying victimisation among students with disabilities in the United States

Background Bullying refers to repeated aggression in relationships with an imbalance of power. Children with disabilities experience more bullying than children without disabilities, but research with this population is scarce. The objective of this retrospective, mixed-methods study was to examine the prevalence and characteristics of bullying victimisation among students with disabilities. Methods Participants were 161 college students with disabilities, who were registered at the university’s Disability Resource Centre. The sample was mostly female (78%), White (62%), and full-time students (90%). The mean age of participants was 22.4 years. Participants completed an electronic survey, which queried respondents about frequency of physical, verbal, relational, and cyber bullying victimisation during middle and high school. The survey also included open-ended questions about examples of bullying and a selected sample was interviewed (n = 10). Results The majority of participants (69%) experienced bullying victimisation during middle and high school. Relational bullying was the most common type of victimisation reported (63%), followed by verbal (38%), cyber (24%), and physical (18%). Approximately 40% of participants reported they believed the aggression was related to their disability. Most of the aggression took place during middle school (35%) or in both middle and high school (26%). Participants with Pervasive Developmental Disorders experienced the highest level of bullying victimisation, followed by Learning Disabilities, Sensory Disorders, and Psychological Disorders. Unexpectedly, some participants reported bullying from teachers and school staff. Examples of bullying are provided. Conclusions Participants in this study experienced bullying at a rate that is 3 times higher than students from the general population. Suggestions for intervention and further research are discussed.
Can Firms Learn to Acquire? Do Markets Notice?

Using financial, accounting and questionnaire response data we investigate the post-acquisition performance of 47 US bank holding companies that executed 579 mergers and acquisitions in the 1964-1996 period and compare it with their competitors' performance. The objectives of the study are to identify the factors that explain the variance in the distribution of post-acquisition performance, and to test whether the financial markets efficiently predict performance outcomes by incorporating public information about the acquiring firm into the stock price following the acquisition announcement. The tested model includes measures of post-acquisition decisions, such as the degree of integration of the target within the acquirer's structure and the replacement of the top management team, as well as approximations of the acquirer's capability to implement the integration process. We find that prior acquisition experience does not improve post-acquisition performance, but the degree to which acquirers articulate and codify their experience in ad-hoc tools does. Furthermore, a high level of integration of the target within the acquirer's organization improves long-term performance, whereas the replacement of top management worsens it. Financial markets do not seem to be sensitive to any of these predictors of performance in their short-term reactions, but long-term adjustments are significantly impacted by acquirers' integration strategies and codified implementation knowledge, in line with the variations of accounting returns.
DETERGENT‐LIKE ACTION OF TETRAPHENYLBORATE ON PHOSPHOLIPID LABELLING IN GUINEA PIG CORTEX SUBFRACTIONS 1

—The addition of 2 × 10−4m sodium tetraphenylborate to particulate preparations of guinea pig cerebral cortex increases labelling of phosphatidic acid from γ‐[32P]‐ATP two‐ to four‐fold. The effect ‘was observed in all subcellular fractions studied (nuclear, synaptosomal, mitochondrial and microsomal) and is not blocked by the addition of atropine. Changes in phospholipid labelling similar to those induced by tetraphenylborate can be demonstrated with sodium dodecyl sulphate or sodium desoxycholate. It is suggested that tetraphenylborate stimulates lipid labelling by a detergent‐like activation of diglyceride kinase.
Low dietary calcium in European postmenopausal osteoporotic women

Abstract Objective The WHO recommends a daily Ca intake for postmenopausal women of 1300 mg. The objective of the present study was to assess the dietary Ca intake in European postmenopausal osteoporotic women. Design, setting and subjects Assessment of dietary Ca intake (food and supplements) was performed with a validated self-questionnaire in 8524 osteoporotic women from nine European countries (Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Spain and the UK). Results Mean age of the patients was 74·2 (sd 7·1) years, mean BMI was 25·7 (sd 4·2) kg/m2. Of the study population, 37·2 % of the women took Ca supplements. The mean dietary intake of Ca was 930·7 (sd 422·9) mg/d. The lowest Ca intake was found in Hungary (586·7 (sd 319·1) mg/d) and the highest in Denmark (1145·6 (sd 463·0) mg/d). In the whole study population, only 19·1 % of the women had a dietary Ca intake >1300 mg/d. Only 17·1 % of women aged over 75 years achieved 1300 mg/d compared with 20·5 % of women aged less than 75 years (P = 0·0001 for the difference between the two groups). Conclusion Dietary intake of Ca is very low in European postmenopausal women. A greater awareness is needed to resolve this public health problem.
Near ultraviolet–infrared colours of red-sequence galaxies in local clusters

We present GALEX near-ultraviolet (NUV) and Two-Micron All-Sky Survey J-band photometry for red-sequence galaxies in local clusters. We define quiescent samples according to a strict emission threshold, removing galaxies with very recent star formation. We analyse the NUV‐J colour‐magnitude relation (CMR) and find that the intrinsic scatter is an order of magnitude larger than for the analogous optical CMR (∼0.35 rather than 0.05 mag), in agreement with previous studies. Comparing the NUV‐J colours with spectroscopically derived stellar population parameters, we find a strong (>5.5σ ) correlation with metallicity, only a marginal trend with age, and no correlation with the α/Fe ratio. We explore the origin of the large scatter and conclude that neither aperture effects nor the UV upturn phenomenon contribute significantly. We show that the scatter could be attributed to simple ‘frosting’ by either a young or a low-metallicity subpopulation.
Materials selection for precision instruments

This paper is concerned with the choice of the materials to minimize the deformation of mechanical components caused by extraneous thermal and vibrational inputs. First, material 'performance indices' (combinations of material properties) are derived for systems subjected to low frequency sinusoidal vibration inputs and for systems subjected to broad-band excitation. A methodology is developed for optimizing the choice of material to minimize deformation due to vibration in such systems. Second, materials selection to minimize distortion caused by spurious thermal fluxes is discussed and a performance index which captures the relevant material property combinations is derived. Finally, a technique for reconciling the conflicting design goals of vibration and thermal distortion is considered. The material selection procedure makes use of materials selection charts-a new way of displaying material property data. When combined with the performance indices these allow a number of novel optimization procedures. Section shape can be included, allowing the optimum selection of both material and shape. The method is illustrated through a case study involving selection of a material for the frame of an atomic force microscope with subnanometre resolution.
Are trade-off and pecking order theories mutually exclusive in explaining capital structure decisions?

In this study, using various panel models and estimators, we find empirically that the trade-off and pecking order theories are not mutually exclusive in explaining quoted Portuguese companies capital structure decisions. However, the finance behaviour of quoted Portuguese companies comes close to that forecast by the pecking order theory: (i) the magnitude of the effects of financial deficit on debt is clearly greater than the magnitude of the adjustment of actual level of debt towards optimal level of debt; and (ii) information asymmetry seems to have special emphasis in companies’ capital structure decisions. On the contrary, the attempt for a trade-off between debt tax shields and bankruptcy costs seems to have little relevance in explaining the capital structure of quoted Portuguese companies. The results also suggest that the preference of quoted Portuguese companies is for internal funds rather than debt. However, when internal funds are insufficient, companies use debt to finance high growth opportunities and the need associated with dividends payment. Key words: Capital structure, pecking order theory, quoted Portuguese companies, trade-off theory.
Approximation to the Second Order Approximation of Einstein Field Equations with a Cosmological Constant in a Flat Background

Einstein field equations with a cosmological constant are approximated to the second order in the perturbation to a flat background metric. The final result is a set of Einstein-Maxwell-Proca equations for gravity in the weak field regime. This approximation procedure implements the breaking of gauge symmetry in general relativity. A brief discussion of the physical consequences (Pioneer anomalous deceleration) is proposed in the framework of the gauge theory of gravity.
FunRasa: an interactive drinking platform

In this paper, we describe an interactive drinking platform, FunRasa, which digitally expands one's drinking experience. The system uses two methods: electrical stimulation on user's tongue and superimpose virtual color onto the actual drink, to expand the taste sensations of the drink. The system consists of a glass cup, an electronic platform with RGB LEDs, and a specially designed straw interface with two silver electrodes. When a user uses the straw, his tongue touches the silver electrodes (both lower and upper surfaces of the tip of the tongue) and is thus electrically stimulated when drinking. The user has the freedom to change the virtual color of the drink along with the magnitude of the current using two mechanical dials. Furthermore, we present several initial discussions on the user experience through a workshop that we conducted and several future usage scenarios of this technology.
Superior Cerebellar Peduncle Atrophy Predicts Cognitive Impairment in Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Patients with Cerebellar Symptoms: A DTI Study

Background: Using Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), we tested the hypothesis that cerebellar abnormalities in fractional anisotropy (FA) may be involved in cognitive dysfunctions in Relapsing-Remitting (RR)-Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Objective: The aim of our study was to investigate the microstructural integrity in MS of regions that connect in both feedforward and feedback pathways to cortical areas, i.e., Superior Cerebellar Peduncles (SCP), Middle Cerebellar Peduncles (MCP), Dentate nuclei (DN) and Thalamus (Th). Patients and methods: We studied 46 patients with RR-MS (21 with cerebellar signs and 25 without) and 23 normal subjects. All subjects underwent cognitive testing. Results: In patients with a cerebellar phenotype, cognitive performance in all considered domains was from moderately to strongly related (p<0.05) to abnormalities of SCP (r=0.119 to 0.735) and Thalamus (r=0.477 to 0.602). Discussion: Our study showed an important correlation between cognitive testing and FA values of SCP and thalamus in cerebellar MS patients. We found not only the involvement of thalamus but also of SCP that is an important link between cerebellar nuclei and thalamus, suggesting that a disconnection is present also out of the thalamus. These results suggest that SCP and thalamic damage is a clinically relevant biomarker of the neurodegenerative cerebellar process in MS.
The Empirics of Design Research: Activities, Outcomes and Functions

Design research (DR) has matured as an important research approach within information systems. It can be seen as a response to the quest of more focus on the IT artefact. Besides the IT artefact, there are other important artefacts to build and study in DR. There are models and prototypes which are produced during information systems development. This paper has investigated the empirics of design research, especially activities and outcomes. Based on a conceptual inquiry of design research literature and two cases of design research, a conceptual clarification of design research empirics has been established. Two cases of public e-service design form the empirical bases for this conceptual development. The empirics of design research (i.e. a design practice) is distinguished from the theorizing part of DR. Empirical data of DR to be used for theorizing consist of produced artefacts, embedded data collection for design and theory-required data collection. Three types of evaluation in DR are distinguished: Embedded evaluation in design activities, explicit formative evaluation with data from use settings and theory-required evaluation in order to assure theoretical validity of results.
Vitamin D repletion does not alter urinary calcium excretion in healthy postmenopausal women

To evaluate, in a posthoc analysis of a previous study, whether vitamin D repletion in postmenopausal women with insufficient vitamin D increases urinary calcium excretion, as vitamin D therapy might contribute to hypercalciuria and calcium stones in susceptible individuals, and the effect of vitamin D on the risk of urolithiasis warrants attention.
In-vehicle communication networks:a literature survey

The increasing use of electronic systems in automobiles instead of mechanical and hydraulic parts brings about advantages by decreasing their weight and cost and providing more safety and comfort. There are many electronic systems in modern automobiles like antilock braking system (ABS) and electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), electronic stability program (ESP) and adaptive cruise control (ACC). Such systems assist the driver by providing better control, more comfort and safety. In addition, future x-by-wire applications aim to replace existing braking, steering and driving systems. The developments in automotive electronics reveal the need for dependable, efficient, high-speed and low cost in-vehicle communication. This report presents the summary of a literature survey on in-vehicle communication networks. Different in-vehicle system domains and their requirements are described and main invehicle communication networks that have been used in automobiles or are likely to be used in the near future are discussed and compared with key references.
The Role of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in the Development of Neurogenic Detrusor Overactivity (NDO)

Neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) is a well known consequence of spinal cord injury (SCI), recognizable after spinal shock, during which the bladder is areflexic. NDO emergence and maintenance depend on profound plastic changes of the spinal neuronal pathways regulating bladder function. It is well known that neurotrophins (NTs) are major regulators of such changes. NGF is the best-studied NT in the bladder and its role in NDO has already been established. Another very abundant neurotrophin is BDNF. Despite being shown that, acting at the spinal cord level, BDNF is a key mediator of bladder dysfunction and pain during cystitis, it is presently unclear if it is also important for NDO. This study aimed to clarify this issue. Results obtained pinpoint BDNF as an important regulator of NDO appearance and maintenance. Spinal BDNF expression increased in a time-dependent manner together with NDO emergence. In chronic SCI rats, BDNF sequestration improved bladder function, indicating that, at later stages, BDNF contributes NDO maintenance. During spinal shock, BDNF sequestration resulted in early development of bladder hyperactivity, accompanied by increased axonal growth of calcitonin gene-related peptide-labeled fibers in the dorsal horn. Chronic BDNF administration inhibited the emergence of NDO, together with reduction of axonal growth, suggesting that BDNF may have a crucial role in bladder function after SCI via inhibition of neuronal sprouting. These findings highlight the role of BDNF in NDO and may provide a significant contribution to create more efficient therapies to manage SCI patients.
Agro-Morphological Evaluation of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) for Seasonal Adaptation in the Sahelian Environment

In the Sahel zone of West Africa that extends from Senegal to Chad, temperatures can vary from less than 15 °C to 25 °C from November to February. These low temperatures affect the growth, development and yield of rice plants, and therefore constitute a major constraint to rice production in the Sahel. In order to identify rice varieties tolerant to cold stress at different developmental stages, a diverse set of 224 rice germplasm was evaluated for yield and yield-related traits in Ndiaye, Senegal, using three different sowing dates. The first sowing date (October 2010), was chosen so as to expose the rice plants to cold stress at the reproductive stage while the rice crop planted at the second sowing date (January 2011) experienced cold stress at the vegetative stage. The third sowing date (July 2011) was the normal planting date for irrigated rice in the Sahel and it served as the control date when the crop does not experience any cold stress throughout its growth cycle. Among the data collected, significant genetic variation was detected and genotype-by-environment interaction was also significant for the traits. At the vegetative stage, cold stress reduced tillering and plant vigor and delayed flowering but increased yield, whereas at the reproductive stage, aside from delaying flowering, cold stress also inhibited panicle exsertion and reduced panicle length, spikelet fertility, grain filling and strongly reduced yields. Principal Component Analysis and correlation analysis using agro-morphological traits helped to identify genotypes that were tolerant to cold stress at either the vegetative or the reproductive stage and the traits associated with high yield under cold stress at each of these stages. Our results can be used to develop cold tolerant rice varieties adapted to double cropping in the Sahelian zone of West Africa.
’ s repository of research publications and other research outputs I wish I could believe you : the frustrating unreliability of some assessment research Journal Item

Many practitioner researchers strive to understand which assessment practices have the best impact on learning, but in authentic educational settings, it can be difficult to determine whether one intervention, for example the introduction of an online quiz to a course studied by diverse students, is responsible for the observed effect. This paper uses examples to highlight some of the difficulties inherent in assessment research and suggests some ways to overcome them. Problems observed in the literature include: assuming that if two effects are correlated then one must have caused the other; confounding variables obscuring the true relationships; experimental approaches that are too far removed from reality; and the danger that self-reported behaviour and opinion is sometimes different from student’s actual behaviour. Practical solutions include: the use of an experimental or pseudo-experimental approach; the use of mixed methods; and the use of meta-analysis.