Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quo Vadis? Palestinian authority building dilemmas since 1993

The signing of the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Govemment Arrangements (DOP) and the Letters of Mutual Recognition exchanged between Israel and the PLO in September 1993 marked a new era in the history of the Middle East. The PLO accepted United Nation Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338, recognized the right of the State of Israel to exist in peace and security, committed itself to a peaceful resolution of the conflict, and renounced the use of terrorism and other acts of violence. Its leader, Yasser Arafat, called for an end to the Intifada and affirmed that the articles of the Palestinian Covenant that are inconsistent with his commitments are inoperative and invalid. These developments turned a new page in the PLO-Israeli relationship and in the PLO's own political status as well. For the first time in its history, the Palestinian national movement, recognized by Israel, would administer Palestinian people and land. Moreover, Israel would withdraw from Palestinian territories, beginning with Gaza and the Jericho area, and continuing with the eventual redeployment of its military forces outside the populated areas throughout the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The Palestinian Authority (PA) is initially limited in its authorities to spheres such as education and culture, health, social welfare, direct taxation, tourism and the public order, including the ability to establish a strong police force. However, since the transitional period is limited to five years, beginning with the Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and Jericho area but not conditional upon reaching any further agreements, the way has been opened for the Palestinians to lay the foundations of their own state. In the DOP both sides agreed to 'view the West Bank and the Gaza Strip as a single territorial unit', and the document stipulated that direct, free and general political elections will be held for the Council of the PA. According to the DOP these elections will 'constitute a significant interim preparatory step toward the realization of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and their just requirements'. I Other indications of emerging statehood can be seen in the following facts: The PA has an international dialling code of its own and its own checkpoints, adjacent to those of Israel, on the Gaza Strip border with Egypt
Communication Across Cultures

Abstract An important learning objective for business students is that with whom one chooses to do business should be based on objective business factors rather than subjective stereotypes. The goal of this exploratory study was to examine the effect of formal interventions in the classroom on students' choices of group members and whether the interventions helped to alleviate subjective choice strategies. In this experiment, data were collected from MBA students representing five major racioethnic identity groups. It was hypothesized that experiential learning exercises would modify the effects of identity group membership. Repeated measures ANOVAs revealed that the experiential learning exercises had a significant and positive influence on subjects' ability to acquire and assimilate information concerning potential group members beyond the stereotypical categorization of identity group membership. One disturbing aspect of the findings was the parochial response of the Caucasian subjects. While the thrust in business schools recently has been to focus on ways to get international students indoctrinated into western culture, it appears that it may be more appropriate to focus on ways to get U.S. students to communicate across international cultures.
Debugging Energy-Efficiency Related Field Failures in Mobile Apps

Debugging field failures can be a challenging task for app-developers. Insufficient or unreliable information, improper assumptions and multitude of devices (smartphones) being used, are just some of the many factors that may contribute to its challenges. In this work, we design and develop an open-source framework that helps to communicate, localize and patch energy consumption related field failures in Android apps. Our framework consists of two sets of automated tools: one for the app-user to precisely record and report field failures observed in real-life apps, and the other assists the developer by automatically localizing the reported defects and suggesting patch locations. More specifically, the tools on the developer’s side consist of an Eclipse-plugin that detects specific patterns of Android API calls that are indicative of energy-inefficient behavior. In our experiments with real-life apps we observed that our framework can localize defects in a short amount of time (~3 seconds), even for apps with thousands of lines-of-code. Additionally, the energy savings generated as a result of the patched defects are significant (observed energy savings of up to 29%). When comparing the patch locations suggested by our framework to the changes in the patched code from real-life app-repositories, we observed a significant correlation (changes suggested by our tool also appeared in the source-code commits where the reported defects were marked as fixed).
Dealignment, De-legitimation and the Implosion of the Two-Party System in Greece: The Earthquake Election of 6 May 2012

Abstract This article examines the political effects of the global economic recession on Greece in the period from 2010 up to the last weeks of the campaign period for the national elections of 6 May 2012. Our objectives are threefold. First we seek to contextualize its impact and show how the Greek party system departed from the nearly three decades of stability after 2009 and entered a period electoral fluidity and dealignment. Second we identify the demographic and structural characteristics of that dealignment process. Finally we interpret and compare the effect of the economic crisis and other issues on vote choice in the 2012 general election.
Clinical analysis of autoimmune-related pancreatitis

OBJECTIVE:Several investigators have reported on autoimmune-related pancreatitis, but the clinical findings and pathophysiology still remain unclear. To clarify it, we analyzed eight patients with autoimmune pancreatitis.METHODS:We evaluated clinical findings in eight patients (four men and four women) with autoimmune-related pancreatitis. Patients were aged 45–73 yr (mean, 57.5 yr). We examined blood chemistry and immunological studies, including autoantibodies against lactoferrin or carbonic anhydrase II, and compared ERCP images with clinical findings. In two patients, we studied the subset of lymphocytes infiltrating in the pancreas by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry.RESULTS:Four of eight patients had jaundice, two had renal dysfunction, two had abdominal pain, and two had back pain. Three patients were complicated with other autoimmune diseases. Three patients showed abnormal pancreatic exocrine function by an N-benzoyl-L-tyrosyl-para-aminobenzoic acid excretion test. Antinuclear antibody was detected in four of eight patients, antilactoferrin antibody in three of six, anticarbonic anhydrase II antibody in two of six, antismooth muscle antibody in two of seven, and rheumatoid factor in one of eight. All eight patients showed segmental stenosis of the main pancreatic duct by ERCP. Four patients showed stenosis of the common bile duct as well as the pancreatic duct. Microscopic findings showed infiltration of CD4-positive lymphocytes around the pancreatic duct, and HLA-DR was expressed on both CD4-positive cells and pancreatic duct cells. In two patients, stenosis of the pancreatic duct improved by prednisolone.CONCLUSIONS:Autoimmune mechanism may be involved in some patients with idiopathic pancreatitis associated with hypergammaglobulinemia.
Effect of Progenitor Cells on Myocardial Perfusion and Metabolism in Patients After Recanalization of a Chronically Occluded Coronary Artery

Even after recanalization of a chronic total coronary occlusion, functional recovery is incomplete and parts of the myocardium remain hypoperfused. In this randomized, placebo-controlled, and double-blinded study, we investigated relative changes in myocardial perfusion and glucose metabolism induced by intracoronary administration of blood-derived circulating progenitor cells (CPCs), compared with the natural course in a control group after recanalization of total coronary occlusion. Methods: After recanalization of total coronary occlusion, 26 patients were randomly assigned to the CPC treatment or placebo group. Regional myocardial perfusion and glucose metabolism were assessed by 99mTc-tetrofosmin SPECT and 18F-FDG PET at baseline (after recanalization of total coronary occlusion) and 3 mo after the administration of 69 ± 14 × 106 CPCs or cell-free serum, respectively. Segments were classified as “normal,” “perfusion–metabolism mismatch” (dysfunctional segments with a 99mTc-tetrofosmin–18F-FDG mismatch), or “scar. ” Results: In contrast to the placebo group, CPC administration resulted in a significant decrease in the number of segments with a perfusion–metabolism mismatch, from 3.0 ± 0.5 to 1.7 ± 0.6 segments (P < 0.05 vs. baseline). Of the normal segments at baseline, 2.7% in the CPC group and 30% in the placebo group revealed a perfusion–metabolism mismatch at follow-up after 3 mo (P < 0.05 vs. placebo). Conclusion: Intracoronary administration of CPCs significantly reduces the amount of myocardium with a perfusion–metabolism mismatch and prevents areas with normal perfusion and metabolism after recanalization of total coronary occlusion from becoming dysfunctional during the next 3 mo. These results show that PET and SPECT can be used to monitor the effect of progenitor cells on myocardial integrity. More important, they provide evidence supporting expansion of the use of progenitor cell treatment to chronic coronary artery disease.
Public Confidence in Criminal Justice in Canada: A Comparative and Contextual Analysis

Public confidence in criminal justice has emerged as an important issue in most western nations. Several jurisdictions have made promoting public confidence a policy priority, and governments in many countries have recently conducted public opinion surveys to gauge levels of confidence in criminal justice. However, little is known about levels of public confidence in criminal justice in Canada. This article reviews the empirical research on this issue and attempts to explain current trends. Although a significant plurality of the public expresses little confidence in the justice system, more people are positive than are negative. In comparison to other countries, confidence levels in criminal justice are generally higher in Canada. This said, the public has less confidence in the justice system than in other public institutions such as the health care system. Consistent with findings elsewhere, the police attract most, and the prison system the least amount of public confidence. The article places these findings in context, and discusses their implications for research and policy. Dans la plupart des pays occidentaux, le niveau de confiance que le grand public manifeste envers le régime de justice pénale est devenu une question importante. Ainsi, en établissant leurs orientations politiques, plusieurs instances ont privilégié la promotion de cette confiance, et au cours des dernières années les gouvernements de maints pays ont mené des enquêtes d'opinion publique destinées à jauger le niveau de confiance du grand public envers la justice pénale. Cependant, nos connaissances concernant les taux de confiance envers la justice pénale au Canada sont limitées. Dans le présent article, l'auteur passe en revue les recherches empiriques en la matière et présente une explication des tendances actuelles. Ainsi, alors qu'un nombre significatif de Canadiens expriment peu de confiance envers le système de justice pénale, l'opinion de la plupart des répondants est plutôt favorable. En général, les niveaux de confiance envers le système de justice pénale sont plus élevés au Canada qu'ailleurs. Ceci dit, le grand public manifeste moins de confiance envers le système de justice qu'envers d'autres composantes du secteur public telles que le système des soins de santé. Ce sont les services policiers qui jouissent du plus haut niveau de confiance, alors que le système carcéral obtient la cote la plus faible. Enfin, l'auteur contextualise ces constats et discute de leurs impacts éventuels sur les recherches ultérieures et les politiques gouvernementales.
Mathematically Talented Males and Females and Achievement in the High School Sciences

Mathematically talented youth, whether male or female, tend to have favorable attitudes toward science and to participate in the sciences at a level much higher than average. There were no overall sex differences in course-taking or course-grades in the sciences. Indications of sex differences favoring males, however, were found in participation in high school physics, the taking of and performance on high school and college level science achievement tests, and intention to major in the more quantitatively oriented fields of physics and engineering. No substantial sex differences in attitudes toward the sciences, except possibly physics, were detected. Overall attitude toward science did relate somewhat to participation in science. Moreover, sex differences in mathematical reasoning ability may explain some of the sex difference in science participation and achievement. These results may bear on why women are underrepresented in the sciences.
Hippocampal Sclerosis: Causes and Prevention

Abstract Hippocampal sclerosis is the commonest cause of drug-resistant epilepsy in adults, and is associated with alterations to structures and networks beyond the hippocampus. In addition to being a cause of epilepsy, the hippocampus is vulnerable to damage from seizure activity. In particular, prolonged seizures (status epilepticus) can result in hippocampal sclerosis. The hippocampus is also vulnerable to other insults including traumatic brain injury, and inflammation. Hippocampal sclerosis can occur in association with other brain lesions; the prevailing view is that it is probably a secondary consequence. In such instances, successful surgical treatment usually involves the resection of both the lesion and the involved hippocampus. Experimental data have pointed to numerous neuroprotective strategies to prevent hippocampal sclerosis. Initial neuroprotective strategies aimed at glutamate receptors may be effective, but later, metabolic pathways, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species, and inflammation are involved, perhaps necessitating the use of interventions aimed at multiple targets. Some of the therapies that we use to treat status epilepticus may neuroprotect. However, prevention of neuronal death does not necessarily prevent the later development of epilepsy or cognitive deficits. Perhaps, the most important intervention is the early, aggressive treatment of seizure activity, and the prevention of prolonged seizures.
Paradox in Popular Religion: The Limits of Instrumental Faith

How dependent are the alleged benefits of religious faith on one's orientation to religion? How well do believers more focused on faith as an instrument for achieving these benefits succeed by their own account, compared to those more focused on ultimate religious truth and content? Recalling past theoretical work by Merton, Kolb, and Schneider, as well as the classic survey of popular religious literature by Schneider and Dornbuschi, the hiypothesis that instrumental approaches to religion are self-defeating is developed, tested, and sustained using a sample of Methodist-church members. Implications for court cases related to religion in the public schools are explored. The Church for All, All for the Church. The Church is the greatest factor on earth for the building of character and good citizenship. It is a storehouse of spiritual values. Without a strong Church, neither democracy nor civilization can survive. There are four sound reasons why every person should attend services regularly and support the Church. They are: (1) For his own sake. (2) For his children's sake. (3) For the sake of his community and nation. (4) For the sake of the Church itself. (Keister Ad Service, copyrights spanning 1951-1968) The instrumental value of faith for society is dependent upon faith's conviction that it has more than instrumental value. (Neibuhr 193:12) The advertisement above calls to mind the keen observations found in Will Herberg's influential work about the religious "American Way of Life," Protestant, Catholic, Jezw (1960), in which he describes the "extraordinarily high valuation Americans place on religion" and points to a "faith . not in God but in faith" (Herberg 1960:84). ' At about the same time, a lesser known yet classic analysis of seventy-five years of religious literature characterizes elements of this orientation to religion as instruments for meeting personal, familial, and *1 am gratefuil to David Brain, Gerhard Lenski, Phyllis Moen, Ja,nes Wood, anad anonymouls reviewers for their helpfuil cominnents on this article. My intellectual debts to Williain L. Kolb and the late Louis Schneider are apparent in the article itself. Direct correspondence to Robert P. Althautser at the Departinent of Sociology, Ballantine Hall, Indiana University, Bloomnitgton,
Comparison of perinatal health of children born from IVF in Finland in the early and late 1990s.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to investigate whether perinatal health outcomes changed during the 1990s with the increasing use of IVF. METHODS Data were from the Finnish Medical Birth Register for periods 1991-1993 and 1998-1999. Outcomes of IVF infants and other infants were compared, both overall and separately for singleton and multiple births, by adjusting for mothers' background variables by logistic regression. RESULTS The IVF multiple birth rate, especially the number of triplets, declined from the first (1991-1993) to the second (1998-1999) time-period. The outcomes for IVF newborns improved, especially for multiple births. After adjusting for mothers' background variables, the odds ratios for preterm birth and low birthweight decreased among singletons from 2.2 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.8-2.8] to 1.8 (CI 1.5-2.1) and from 2.4 (CI 1.9-3.1) to 1.7 (CI 1.4-2.1) respectively and more among multiples from 2.4 (CI 2.0-2.9) to 1.5 (CI 1.2-1.7) and from 1.9 (CI 1.6-2.3) to 1.1 (CI 1.0-1.3) respectively. Still, overall the outcomes for IVF infants remained poorer than those for other infants. A correlation was found between increased use of antenatal services and improved outcomes, but causality cannot be assumed. CONCLUSION A trend of improved perinatal health of multiple IVF children was found, mainly due to a decrease in higher order multiple births.
How do transformational leaders foster positive employee outcomes? A self-determination-based analysis of employees' needs as mediating links†

Summary Although followers’ needs are a central aspect of transformational leadership theory, little is known about their role as mediating mechanisms for this leadership style. The present research thus seeks to integrate and extend theorizing on transformational leadership and self-determination. In particular, we propose that the satisfaction of followers’ basic needs (autonomy, competence, and relatedness) mediates the relationship between transformational leadership and employee outcomes (job satisfaction, self-efficacy, and commitment to the leader). We tested this model in two studies involving employees from a broad spectrum of organizations in Germany (N=410)and inSwitzerland (N=442). Results revealed largelyconsistent patterns across both studies. The need for competence fulfillment solely mediated the link between transformational leadership and occupational self-efficacy; the need for relatedness fulfillment solely mediated the link between transformational leadership and commitment to the leader. The mediating pattern for the link between transformational leadership and job satisfaction varied slightly across studies. In Study 1, only the need for autonomy fulfillment was a significant mediator, whereas in Study 2, all three needs mediated this relationship. Taken together, our study integrates theorizing on transformational leadership and self-determination by corroborating that need fulfillment indeed is a central mechanism behind transformational leadership. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Retention of Irish skills: A longitudinal study of a school-acquired second language

This paper describes a study of retention of school-acquired Irish among school leavers. The initial group selected represented final year secondary school students from three different instructional categories: ordinary level Irish, advanced level Irish and immersion school students. Participants were interviewed and their language skills assessed as they completed their study of Irish and again 18 months after they had left secondary school. Proficiency was measured in terms of scores on a communicative test of spoken Irish and a C-test in Irish. Background information collected included participants' self-assessed ability in spoken Irish, attitude/motivation in relation to learning Irish and their out-of-school use of Irish. Test results did not indicate any attrition of Irish language skills over time, despite participants' general feelings of loss. This outcome matches findings from similar studies of second language attrition elsewhere, for example, Weltens, 1989. The results also indicated a general decline in opportunity to use Irish among participants from all three instructional backgrounds. The ex-immersion school participants, however, were the most likely to continue speaking the language. A small but significant gain on one particular Irish speaking subtest which was noted in this ex-immersion group may be attributed, in part at least, to these participants' greater access to Irish language-speaking networks.
What makes a creative day? A diary study on the interplay between affect, job stressors, and job control.

Applying a within-person perspective to research on creativity at work, this diary study examined daily positive and negative affect (NA) in the morning as well as daily job stressors (time pressure and situational constraints) as predictors of daily creativity. In addition, the general level of job control was investigated as a cross-level moderator in these relationships. Hypotheses were tested in a sample of 90 interior architects (N = 326 days) who completed a general survey and two daily surveys over the course of one work week. Hierarchical linear modeling showed that a higher level of positive affect (PA) in the morning as well as an intermediate level of daily time pressure was related to higher daily creativity. Job control moderated relations between daily NA, daily situational constraints and daily time pressure (curvilinear effect) with daily creativity. Our results stress the importance of daily affect and daily job stressors as well as the moderating role of job control for daily creativity at work. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.