Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Teaching English as an additional language in the global classroom: a transnational study in the United States and United Kingdom

Global research has shown the persistence of inequality with regard to accessing curriculum with a view to obtaining suitable work and making useful contributions to society. The intersection of race, gender, language and low socio-economic levels creates situations which often marginalize ethnic minorities in school settings (Freire, 1968; Nieto & Turner, 2012). The graduation rates in the United States for Native American, African American and Hispanic students are lower than the graduation rates of Whites and Asian Americans. In addition, Bangladeshis and African Caribbeans currently living in the UK are underrepresented in higher education, particularly young men in those communities. The research questions that guide this inquiry are: (1) According to databases, how does the academic performance of language minority groups compare to the academic performance of non-linguistic minority groups at the elementary and secondary levels of education? (2) According to language support teachers and university students, what are the strengths and weaknesses of the instructional practices for language minorities who are learning English in the United Kingdom (UK) (Bristol) and the United States (US) (Henrico)? Participants were: five UK teachers, four UK university students, five US teachers, four US university students. Data collection supervised by lead researchers included interviews, focus groups, classroom observation, and performance documents. Data analysis utilized a mixed-methods approach. Overall, linguistic minority groups performed lower than their English proficient peers. Culturally, UK teachers provided a greater emphasis on religious instruction, whereas US teachers addressed patriotic topics more frequently. Teachers in the United States and the United Kingdom were culturally supportive with slight variation in the encouraged use of the students’ heritage languages.
High circulating proprotein convertase subtilisin/Kexin type 9 concentration associates with cardiovascular risk

Abstract Whether the baseline circulating proprotein convertase subtilisin/Kexin type 9 (PCSK9) concentration associates with cardiovascular risk remains uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of circulating PCSK9 in cardiovascular risk prediction. Relevant studies were searched through the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases. The relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were pooled to evaluate the association between the circulating PCSK9 concentration and cardiovascular risk. Dose–response meta-analysis was also performed in this study. A total of 11 cohort studies with 13,761 participants were included. The RR for cardiovascular risk was 1.25 (95% CI: 1.14–1.38, P < .001, I2 = 25%) while compared highest to lowest PCSK9 concentration. Subgroup meta-analysis, which sorted by ethnicity, base risk characteristic, and follow-up time, presented consistent results that there was a pronounced association between highest PCSK9 concentration and cardiovascular risk, such relationship was not significant in the statin-taking subjects. Seven studies were included in dose–response meta-analysis, and a nonlinear association between PCSK9 concentration and cardiovascular risk was observed [(&khgr;2 test for nonlinearity = 6.7, (df = 2), P = . 036]. This study suggests that high circulating PCSK9 concentration associates with significantly increased cardiovascular risk, and demonstrates for the first time that it is a nonlinear dose–response association between circulating PCSK9 concentration and cardiovascular risk. These results provide the evidence that PCSK9 is an independent risk factor beyond the traditional cardiovascular risk factors and indicates a potential role of PCSK9 measurement for medical decisions. The clinical value of PCSK9 measurement and the identification of risk threshold should be confirmed in appropriately designed clinical trials.
Incentives to Innovate in a Cournot Oligopoly

We study the R&D performance of Cournot aligopolists. To this end we model a one-shot noncooperative game in which firms invest in R&D, with the aim of being first in an uncertain competition for a patentable cost-reducing innovation. The incentives to innovate are market profits and not exogenously given prizes as in most of the earlier literature. Thus, incentives depend on the number of firms. We show that increasing rivalry may increase or decrease the individual R&D espenditure, there may be underinvestment with the various effect to the socially optimal level. Moreover, we identify the various effects which are responsible for the difference between our results and some conclusions of closely related contributions.
Apolipoprotein(B) identifies dyslipidemic phenotypes associated with cardiovascular risk in normocholesterolemic type 2 diabetic patients.

OBJECTIVE Apolipoprotein(B) [apo(B)] reflects the total mass of atherogenic particles (VLDL, IDL, and LDL), and its increase is associated with cardiovascular disease independently of LDL cholesterol (LDLc) levels. Apo(B) determination has been recently standardized, but attention to regional reference limits is advisable. Our aim was to analyze the frequency of dyslipidemic phenotypes, including those dependent on increased apo(B) in normocholesterolemic type 2 diabetic patients. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A total of 100 consecutively seen type 2 diabetic patients (63 men, 37 women; aged 59 +/- 11 years) were included, after excluding those on lipid-lowering therapy. Apo(B) cutoff (1.1 g/l) was obtained from a group of normolipidemic (47 men, 21 women) control subjects, and LDLc, triglycerides, and HDL cholesterol (HDLc) cutoff points were those from the National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines. LDLc levels were obtained by ultracentrifugation if triglyceride levels were > 3.45 mmol/l; otherwise, they were calculated (Friedwald). Apo(B) levels were measured by immunoturbidimetry. RESULTS Normocholesterolemia (LDLc < 4.13 mmol/l) appeared in 75 of the 100 patients, of whom 55 were normo- and 20 hypertriglyceridemic. Hyperapolipoprotein(B) [hyperapo(B)] was the most frequent lipid disorder, present in 34 (45%) of the normocholesterolemic patients (22 normo- and 12 hypertriglyceridemic). Low HDLc levels were more prevalent (53%) in patients with hyperapo(B) than in the rest (24%). CONCLUSIONS Hyperapo(B) was found in almost half of the normocholesterolemic type 2 diabetic patients and was frequently associated with low HDLc levels and hypertriglyceridemia. Thus, given its independent association with cardiovascular disease and that it identifies high-risk phenotypes in normocholesterolemic diabetic patients apo(B) should be used to evaluate the lipidic pattern of these patients.
Modulation method for a multiple drive system based on a two-stage direct power conversion topology with reduced input current ripple

A new two-stage multi-drive direct power conversion (DPC) topology suited for multi-drive application is proposed, having an input port for a three-phase power supply and several output ports to connect three-phase loads, which are independently controlled and allow for sine wave in-sine wave out operation. This is a cost effective topology compared to a standard matrix converter because the multiple three-phase loads share the cost of the controlled rectification stage. A new method to reduce the high frequency ripple from the input current is also proposed based on interleaving the switching patterns of the inversion stages, which have to form two groups, allowing for size reduction of the input current filter. This is validated by experiments on a realistic laboratory prototype, while its limitations are determined by simulations.
A Framework for Electronic Reverse Auction (eRA) Research

ABSTRACT After nearly two decades, electronic reserve auction (eRA) continues to be a widely-used eProcurement tool. Buyers report that eRA helps them reap savings in cost and procurement time and expands the pool of eligible suppliers. Suppliers point out reduced operating, selling or customer acquisition costs, a more level playing field, and access to new markets. However, questions have been raised about the actual benefits of eRA for buyers and suppliers and its potentially negative impact on buyer-supplier relationships. Given the controversy over the nature of the outcomes actually achieved with eRA, more research is needed to provide insights that can guide buyers and suppliers toward effective use of eRA. To this end, this paper identifies independent variables which impact electronic reverse auction outcomes, intervening process variables related to the way eRA is implemented, and outcome variables that are important to buyers and suppliers who use eRA. The variables are mapped onto a framework, and future research directions related to these variables are discussed.
Different HBs Antibody versus Lymphoproliferative Responses after Application of a Monovalent (Hepatitis B) or Combined (Hepatitis A + Hepatitis B) Vaccine

Background: The aim of the study was to evaluate a possible adjuvanticity of simultaneous hepatitis A (HAV) vaccination for the development of HBs-specific antibodies and lymphoproliferative responses in prophylactic immunization with hepatitis B (HBV). Methods: Thirty-nine volunteers were vaccinated (schedule: 0/1/6 months) either with a bivalent HAV/HBV (18 individuals) or with HBV (recombinant HBs-antigen) vaccine alone (21 individuals). Anti-HBs antibody titers and lymphoproliferative responses as consequence of stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) with HBs were evaluated and compared between the two groups before second vaccination, before and 1 month after booster. Results: Geometric mean titers were higher at all time points in the group treated with the combined vaccine. On the other hand, after the booster injection, HBs-induced stimulation indices in PBMC were higher in the group vaccinated with HBs alone. Neither the difference in antibody titers nor in proliferative responses reached the level of statistical significance. Interestingly, the inverse relation between cellular proliferation and antibodies was significant, indicating that cellular reactivity is not in all cases a useful marker to evaluate the intensity of the induced immunity. Conclusions: The magnitude of the T-lymphocyte response may eventually not be decisive for the subsequent antibody response. Both vaccination strategies led to a cellular and humoral immune response and resulted in protective levels of HBs-specific antibodies.
FLEXIBILITY IN ZONING: THE AUSTRALIAN CASE

As an Australian-European Visiting Fellow the Author has had the opportunity to conduct a modest inquiry into flexibility in Australian zoning. Remarkable differences (warranting comparative research) between states notwithstanding, they all work with a form of zoning. In the main this derives from the 1932 Town and Country Planning Act in Britain. Even in Canberra the National Capital Development Commission works with forms of zoning not unlike those of other Australian States. This paper suggests that there is a general tendency to grant more discretion to authorities administering zoning. In Australia this is achieved by interesting devices which may perhaps be useful elsewhere.
Blood transfusions in breast cancer patients undergoing mastectomy: Possible importance of timing

The influence of blood transfusions on survival of breast cancer is still not convincingly determined. To assess prognostic significance of blood transfusions, a group of 863 breast cancer patients (mean follow‐up 68.3 months) treated with mastectomy during 1977–1995 in Oncologic Hospital, Bielsko‐Biala, Poland, was analyzed.
Kala azar associated with malaria.

22-year-old man presented with complaints of mildto moderate-grade fever with chills and rigor, cough with scanty expectoration, and progressive weight loss of 1 month’s duration. On examination, he was pale, febrile, and had normal vital signs. Multiple superficial lymph nodes in the cervical and axillary regions were palpable, varying from 1.5 to 2.5 cm in diameter. The glands were nontender, matted, firm, and mobile. Liver and spleen were enlarged 2 and 3 cm below the costal margin, respectively. Other systems were normal. A clinical diagnosis of disseminated tuberculosis was considered. Laboratory investigations revealed the following values: hemoglobin, 5.2 g/dL; total leukocyte count, 3400/mm 3 , with a differential count of 57% polymorphs, 41% lymphocytes, and 2% monocytes. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (Westergren) was 76 mm in the first hour, and the platelet count was 1 50 000/mm 3 . Peripheral blood smear showed normocytic hypochronic to macrocytic red cells, neutrophils with prominent toxic granules, and no malar
Women’s Representation in Legislatures and Cabinets in Industrial Democracies

Across the advanced industrial polities, there exists a wide range in the percentage of women in national parliaments. However, the range is in fact wider still for women in cabinets. Moreover, whereas the literature on comparative female representation in parliament is now well established, comparative analysis of women in cabinets is rather limited. This article will examine both phenomena, using the most recent national elections (through the end of 1998) and subsequent governments in 28 nations. For each of “women in parliament” and “women in cabinet” a model is produced which explains most of the variance. An additional “Scandinavian effect” is found for women in cabinet, but not for women in parliament.
Increasing Genetic Diversity of Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhi Isolates from Papua New Guinea over the Period from 1992 to 1999

ABSTRACT Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) of XbaI-digested chromosomal DNA was performed on 133 strains of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi obtained from Papua New Guinea, with the objective of assessing the temporal variation of these strains. Fifty-two strains that were isolated in 1992 and 1994 were of one phage type, D2, and only two predominant PFGE profiles, X1 and X2, were present. Another 81 strains isolated between 1997 and 1999 have shown divergence, with four new phage types, UVS I (n = 63), UVS (n = 5), VNS (n = 4), and D1 (n = 9), and more genetic variability as evidenced by the multiple and new PFGE XbaI profiles (21 profiles; Dice coefficient, F = 0.71 to 0.97). The two profiles X1 and X2 have remained the stable, dominant subtypes since 1992. Cluster analysis based on the unweighted pair group method using arithmetic averages algorithm identifies two main clusters (at 87% similarity), indicating that the divergence of the PFGE subtypes was probably derived from some genomic mutations of the X1 and X2 subtypes. The majority of isolates were from patients with mild and moderate typhoid fever and had various XbaI profiles. A single isolate from a patient with fatal typhoid fever had a unique X11 profile, while four of six isolates from patients with severe typhoid fever had the X1 pattern. In addition, 12 paired serovar Typhi isolates recovered from the blood and fecal swabs of individual patients exhibited similar PFGE patterns, while in another 11 individuals paired isolates exhibited different PFGE patterns. Three pairs of isolates recovered from three individuals had different phage types and PFGE patterns, indicating infection with multiple strains. The study reiterates the usefulness of PFGE in assessing the genetic diversity of S. enterica serovar Typhi for both long-term epidemiology and in vivo stability and instability within an individual patient.
Comparison of Traditional versus Video Laryngoscopy in Out-of-Hospital Tracheal Intubation

Abstract Background. Out-of-hospital tracheal intubation is controversial because of questions regarding its safety as well as its impact on patient care. Factors contributing to the controversy include failed intubations, number of attempts required, prolonged periods without ventilation, and misplaced tracheal tubes. However, the most important factors are the decision-making and clinical skills of the intubator. Unfortunately, the limited number of outcome studies adds to the controversy. New technology, the video laryngoscope, has been introduced to facilitate tracheal intubation. At least one model of video laryngoscope (GlideScope Ranger) has been designed for out-of-hospital use. In an effort to assess the effect this technology might have on out-of-hospital intubation, a study comparing traditional laryngoscopy (TL) versus video laryngoscopy (VL) was performed. The study endpoint was the number of attempts to achieve intubation. Data were also collected on time to intubate, nonventilated periods, unrecognized misplaced tubes, and complications of the procedure. Methods. Data were collected on 300 consecutive patients, 6 years of age or older, weighing at least 20 kg, who were intubated using TL. They were compared with data on 315 patients who were intubated using VL. All intubations were confirmed by visualization where possible, auscultation, misting, and capnography. In addition, all were continuously monitored by capnography. Results. The average time to intubate in the VL group was 21 seconds (range 8–43 seconds) versus 42 seconds (range 28–90 seconds) in the TL group. The average number of attempts was 1.2 (range 1–3) in the VL group versus 2.3 (range 1–4) in the TL group. Successful intubation was 97%% in the VL group versus 95%% in the TL group. There were no unrecognized misplaced tubes in either group. For failed intubations, an alternative airway was successful in 99%% of the VL group and 99%% of the TL group. Maximum nonventilated time during any one intubation attempt was 37 seconds in the VL group and 55 seconds in the TL group. Conclusions. The numbers of attempts were significantly reduced in the VL group. This suggests that the use of VL has a positive effect on the number of attempts to achieve tracheal intubation.
Effects of Iranian online behavior on the acceptance of internet banking

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to investigate the influence of online behavior of internet users on the adoption of internet banking in Iran.Design/methodology/approach – The samples used in this empirical study include 560 persons who were among Iranian internet users and completed the interactive questionnaires. The statistical analysis which has been used in regard to the dichotomous decision of adopting internet banking services was logistic regression.Findings – The results reveal that the use of the internet for work or teamwork, selling or buying, finance activities or banking operations, and reading news, has significant relevance to the internet banking adoption, but using the internet with the purpose of having fun and entertainment and seeking commercial information does not have a significant effect on internet banking acceptance. Also, it was found that using the internet for reading news and hedonic goals has a negative effect on accepting internet banking. Other purposes of using the in.
Financial liberalization, Foreign Direct investment (FDI) and Economic Growth: A Panel Dynamic Data Validation

The aim of this study is to show that financial liberalization, as a determinant of financial development, can stimulate the relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI) and economic growth. Two distinct components have been analyzed. The first one is a theoretical component in which we tried to treat the relationship between financial development, internal financial liberalization, and FDI using an endogenous growth model. The second component consists of an empirical study which tried using a panel data to validate the previously stated theoretical relationship. The survey, covering a sample of sixty nine developed and developing countries enabled us to reach three fundamental results. First, when financial systems are non-liberalized, we have noted that FDIs had a negative effect on GDP growth per capita. Second, when FDIs are implemented in countries characterized by their developed financial sector they generate positive effects on growth. This implies that the key variable which determines FDI efficiency is the degree of financial systems liberalization. Consequently, in non-liberalized financial systems FDIs effects on growth are challenged. Third, we showed that financial development level is a strategic variable which positively affects growth
Borrowing constraints on families with young children

Raw differences in educational attainment by family income are dramatic. For example, Ellwood and Kane (2000) find that among the high school graduating class of 1992, those with parents in the top income quartile have a 30 percentage point higher probability of attending a post-secondary institution than those from the bottom income quartile. However, most of this gap disappears after controlling for adolescent achievement or cognitive test scores and family background (Cameron and Heckman 1998, 2001; Carneiro and Heckman 2002; Ellwood and Kane 2000). This has led many economists to conclude that short-term borrowing constraints at college ages are not an important determinant of college attendance and completion decisions. That is, increasing credit access for college students is unlikely to affect college enrollment rates by more than a few percentage points and will do little to reduce the attendance gaps by family income or race. By the end of high school, it may be too late to help many youths from disadvantaged backgrounds. It appears that, because they are ill-prepared to do so, poor and minority youths choose to attend college at lower rates than wealthier white youths.
Dipeptidyl‐peptidase IV/CD26 on T cells: analysis of an alternative T‐cell activation pathway

Summary: CD26 is a proteolytic enzyme (dipeptidyl‐peptidase IV) with a wide tissue distribution and a unique specificity that was already described 27 years ago. CD26 is expressed on a fraction of resting T cells at low density but is strongly upregulated following T‐cell activation. Recent results indicate that CD 2 6 is a muitifunctional molecule that may have important functions on T cells and in the immune system. It is associated with molecules of immunological importance such as the protein tyrosine phosphatase CD45 and adenosine deaminase (ADA) on the cell surface. Synthetic inhibitors of the enzymatic activity of CD26 have been shown to suppress certain immune reactions in vitro and in vivo. An interesting feature of CD26 is its ability to transmit a transmembrane signal to trigger functional programs in T cells. This triggering requires crosslinking of CD26 on a cell membrane. The enzymatic activity of CD2 6 is not obligatory for the activation of T cells via CD26. Since CD26 is a type II membrane protein with only six intracellular amino acids, it must deliver its signal via a signal‐transducing molecule. Signaling is dependent on the expression of the T‐cell receptor (TCR) complex with a special need for a functional ζ‐chain. In this context the ζ‐chain of the TCR complex is required for CD26‐mediated signaling but, in contrast to other co‐stimulatory molecules such as the CD2 molecule, is not sufficient for triggering the T cell.