Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Balancing Trust and Accountability? The Assessment for Learning Programme in Norway: A Governing Complex Education Systems Case Study

This report explores the development of implementation strategies used to enhance the programme “Assessment for Learning – 2010-2014” in Norwegian schools. Norway’s educational governance is highly decentralised, with 428 municipalities and 19 counties responsible for implementing education activities, organising and operating school services, allocating resources and ensuring quality improvement and development of their schools. This case study is based on56 interviews with 98 key actors and stakeholders in the Norwegian education system, as well as analysis of key policy and legal documents and a range of media articles. Key findings include the importance of clear communication between governance levels and a high degree of trust between stakeholders; the need for a clear understanding of programme goals, the role of learning networks between schools to aid the exchange of knowledge and provide peer support during the implementation process. Innovative forms of capacity building were of particular importance for the smaller municipalities, who reported being overextended by the continual stream of policy changes and struggling with prioritising activities. The case study also provides a series of recommendations for improvement. Ce rapport examine le developpement de strategies de mise en oeuvre utilisees pour l’amelioration du programme « Assessment for Learning – 2010-2014 » dans les etablissements scolaires norvegiens. La gouvernance educative de la Norvege est fortement decentralisee, comptant 428 municipalites et 19 provinces en charge de mettre en oeuvre les activites educatives, d’organiser et de faire fonctionner les services scolaires, d’allouer les ressources, d’ameliorer la qualite des etablissements et d’assurer leur developpement. Cette etude de cas s’appuie sur 56 entretiens avec 98 acteurs-cle et parties prenantes du systeme educatif norvegien, ainsi que sur l’analyse de documents-cle politiques et legaux, et d’un ensemble d’articles medias. Les principaux resultats soulignent : l’importance d’une communication claire entre les differents niveaux de gouvernance et un haut niveau de confiance entre les differentes parties ; la necessite d’une comprehension nette des objectifs du programme, du role des liens d’apprentissage entre les etablissements pour faciliter l’echange de savoir et fournir un soutien par les pairs pendant le processus de mise en oeuvre. Des formes innovantes de renforcement des capacites se sont montrees d’importance majeure dans les municipalites de petite taille, lesquelles ont declare avoir ete depassees par les fluctuations incessantes dans les politiques a mettre en oeuvre, et avoir eu du mal a decider des activites auxquelles donner priorite. Cette etude de cas conclut par une serie de recommandations pour l’amelioration du programme.
The Cassava genotypes N P K nutrient uptake in leave and its growth and yield parameters regression under inorganic NPK (15-15-15) application rates in southern Mali, West Africa

A sole inorganic fertilizer application study was done in southern Mali in Sikasso during the rainy season 2016-2017 to assess its effect on cassava growth and yields parameters. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) experiment with three replicates in two sites was used. The inorganic fertilizer used was the NPK (15-15-15) at 4 rates (0kg ha-1, 100kg ha-1, 200kg ha-1 and 300kg ha-1). Two cassava genotypes, Bonima (local) and Sika (from Ghana) were used in Finkolo and Loulouni. The fertilizer rates were applied in splits at equal quantity, two weeks after planting and the rest two months later. Analysis of soil nutrients before planting and plant leaves N, P and K content were performed. Data on numbers of branches, number of tubers per plant and fresh tuber yield were collected. The Least Significant Difference (LSD) at p=0.05 served to separate means. Our findings showed that Sika genotype and 300 kg ha-1 of NPK are the best genotype and NPK (15-15-15) rates respectively in the two study sites. For the N, P and K content in the cassava leaves, the fertilizer effect was significant on P at 5 percent; while the N and K uptake were found to be affected by the site effect. Therefore site conditions should be considered when growing cassava. The Application of 300 kg ha-1 of NPK increases cassava production allowing smallholder farmer‘s a progress for food security and higher profit. The results will inform and brief policies makers on cassava production in the country.
Neuromuscular Fatigue and Physiological Responses After Five Dynamic Squat Exercise Protocols

Abstract Raeder, C, Wiewelhove, T, Westphal-Martinez, MP, Fernandez-Fernandez, J, de Paula Simola, RÁ, Kellmann, M, Meyer, T, Pfeiffer, M, and Ferrauti, A. Neuromuscular fatigue and physiological responses after five dynamic squat exercise protocols. J Strength Cond Res 30(4): 953–965, 2016—This aimed to analyze neuromuscular, physiological and perceptual responses to a single bout of 5 different dynamic squat exercise protocols. In a randomized and counterbalanced order, 15 male resistance-trained athletes (mean ± SD; age: 23.1 ± 1.9 years, body mass: 77.4 ± 8.0 kg) completed traditional multiple sets (MS: 4 × 6, 85% 1 repetition maximum [RM]), drop sets (DS: 1 × 6, 85% 1RM + 3 drop sets), eccentric overload (EO: 4 × 6, 70% 1RM concentric, 100% 1RM eccentric), flywheel YoYo squat (FW: 4 × 6, all-out), and a plyometric jump protocol (PJ: 4 × 15, all-out). Blood lactate (La), ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), counter movement jump height (CMJ), multiple rebound jump (MRJ) performance, maximal voluntary isometric contraction force, serum creatine kinase (CK) and delayed onset muscle soreness were measured. Immediately post exercise, La was significantly (p < 0.001) higher in FW (mean ± 95% confidence limit; 12.2 ± 0.9 mmol·L−1) and lower in PJ (3.0 ± 0.8 mmol·L−1) compared with MS (7.7 ± 1.5 mmol·L−1), DS (8.5 ± 0.6 mmol·L−1), and EO (8.2 ± 1.6 mmol·L−1), accompanied by similar RPE responses. Neuromuscular performance (CMJ, MRJ) significantly remained decreased (p < 0.001) from 0.5 to 48 hours post exercise in all protocols. There was a significant time × protocol interaction (p ⩽ 0.05) in MRJ with a significant lower performance in DS, EO, and FW compared with PJ (0.5 hours post exercise), and in EO compared with all other protocols (24 hours post exercise). A significant main time effect with peak values 24 hours post exercise was observed in CK serum concentrations (p < 0.001), but there was no time × protocol interaction. In conclusion, (a) metabolic and perceptual demands were higher in FW and EO compared with MS, DS and PJ, (b) neuromuscular fatigue was consistent up to 48 hours post exercise in all protocols, and (c) EO induced the greatest neuromuscular fatigue.
PADI4 rs2240337 G>A polymorphism is associated with susceptibility of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in a Chinese population

Background Esophageal cancer (EC) remains one of the major causes of cancer incidence and mortality worldwide. Genetic factors, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), may contribute to the carcinogenesis of EC. Methods We conducted a hospital based case-control study to evaluate the genetic susceptibility of SNPs on the development of EC. A total of 629 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cases and 686 controls were enrolled for this study. Seven PADI4 SNPs were determined by ligation detection reaction method. Results Our findings suggested that the PADI4 rs2240337 GA/AA variants were significantly associated with decreased risk of ESCC. Haplotype PADI4 Ars2477137Crs1886302Grs11203366Grs16825533Grs2240337Ars1635564Ars1635562 and Crs2477137Trs1886302Grs11203366Ars1635564Grs2240337Crs1635564Trs1635562 polymorphism was correlated with decreased susceptibility to ESCC, while Crs2477137Trs1886302Ars11203366Ars1635564Grs2240337Ars1635564Ars1635562 was correlated with increased susceptibility of ESCC. Stratification analyses demonstrated that smoking significantly increased ESCC risk in PADI4 rs11203366 AG/AA, rs1886302 CC/CT, rs1635562 AT, rs1635564 CA and rs2477137 AC genotype. Alcohol drinking increased ESCC risk in PADI4 rs11203366 AG, rs1635562 AT, rs1635564 CA, rs2477137 AC, rs1886302 CT genotype. In younger cohort (<63 years), rs11203366 AA genotype was associated with increased risk of ESCC. PADI4 rs1886302 CC variant was associated with ESCC susceptibility in female cohort. Conclusions Our study suggested that PADI4 rs2240337 G>A polymorphism may be correlated with individual susceptibility to ESCC. PADI4 rs11203366, rs1886302, rs1635562, rs1635564 and rs2477137 polymorphisms were implicated with altered susceptibility of ESCC based on sex, age, smoking status and alcohol consumption. However, larger studies among different ethnic populations and further experiments using genetically mutated cells or animals are warranted to verify our conclusion.
The Relationship between Near-Repeat Street Robbery and the Environment: Evidence from Malmö, Sweden

Near-repeat crime refers to a pattern whereby one crime event is soon followed by a similar crime event at a nearby location. Existing research on near-repeat crime patterns is inconclusive about where near-repeat patterns emerge and which physical and social factors influence them. The present research addressed this gap by examining the relationship between initiator events (i.e., the first event in a near-repeat pattern) and environmental characteristics to estimate where near-repeat patterns are most likely to emerge. A two-step analysis was undertaken using data on street robberies reported in Malmö, Sweden, for the years 2006–15. After determining near-repeat patterns, we assessed the correlations between initiator events and criminogenic places and socioeconomic indicators using a negative binomial regression at a street segment level. Our results show that both criminogenic places and socioeconomic indicators have a significant influence on the spatial variation of initiator events, suggesting that environmental characteristics can be used to explain the emergence of near-repeat patterns. Law enforcement agencies can utilize the findings in efforts to prevent further street robberies from occurring.
Impairment measures versus inflammatory RODS in GBS and CIDP: a responsiveness comparison

This study aimed to ‘define responder’ through the concept of minimum clinically important differences using the individually obtained standard errors (MCID‐SE) and a heuristic ‘external criterion’ responsiveness method in patients with Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP). One hundred and fourteen newly diagnosed or relapsing patients (GBS: 55, CIDP: 59) were serially examined (1‐year follow‐up). The inflammatory Rasch‐built overall disability scale (I‐RODS), Rasch‐transformed MRC sum score (RT‐MRC), and Rasch‐transformed modified‐INCAT‐sensory scale (RT‐mISS) were assessed. Being‐a‐responder was defined as having a MCID‐SE cut‐off ≥1.96. Also, the correlations between patients' scores on each scale and the EuroQoL health‐status ‘thermometer’ (external criterion) were determined (higher correlation indicated better responsiveness). In both diseases, the SEs showed a characteristic ‘U’‐shaped dynamic pattern across each scales' continuum. The number of patients showing a meaningful change were higher for the I‐RODS > RT‐MRC > RT‐mISS and were in GBS higher than CIDP patients. The MCID‐SE concept using Rasch‐transformed data demonstrated an individual pattern of ‘being‐a‐responder’ in patients with immune‐mediated neuropathies, and the findings were validated by the external criterion responsiveness method. The I‐RODS showed greater responsiveness compared with the MRC and INCAT‐sensory scales, and its use is therefore recommended in future trials in GBS and CIDP.
Functional analysis by minigene assay of putative splicing variants found in Bardet–Biedl syndrome patients

Bardet–Biedl syndrome (BBS) and Alström syndrome (ALMS) are rare diseases belonging to the group of ciliopathies. Although mutational screening studies of BBS/ALMS cohorts have been extensively reported, little is known about the functional effect of those changes. Thus, splicing variants are estimated to represent 15% of disease‐causing mutations, and there is growing evidence that many exonic changes are really splicing variants misclassified. In this study, we aimed to analyse for the first time several variants in BBS2, ARL6/BBS3, BBS4 and ALMS1 genes predicted to produce aberrant splicing by minigene assay. We found discordance between bioinformatics analysis and experimental data when comparing wild‐type and mutant constructs. Remarkably, we identified nonsense variants presumably resistant to nonsense‐mediated decay, even when a premature termination codon would be introduced in the second amino acid (p.(G2*) mutation in ARL6/BBS3 gene). As a whole, we report one of the first functional studies of BBS/ALMS1 variants using minigene assay, trying to elucidate their role in disease. Functional studies of variants identified in BBS and ALMS patients are essential for their proper classification and subsequent genetic counselling and could also be the start point for new therapeutic approaches, currently based only on symptomatic treatment.
Toward a Better Understanding of Psychological Symptoms in People Confronted With the Disappearance of a Loved One: A Systematic Review

Objective: The disappearance of a loved one is claimed to be the most stressful type of loss. The present review explores the empirical evidence relating to this claim. Specifically, it summarizes studies exploring the prevalence and correlates of psychological symptoms in relatives of missing persons as well as studies comparing levels of psychopathology in relatives of the disappeared and the deceased. Method: Two independent reviewers performed a systematic search in PsychINFO, Web of Science, and Medline, which resulted in 15 studies meeting predefined inclusion criteria. Eligible studies included quantitative peer-reviewed articles and dissertations that assessed psychopathology in relatives of missing person. Results: All reviewed studies were focused on disappearances due to war or state terrorism. Prevalence rates of psychopathology were mainly described in terms of post-traumatic stress disorder and depression and varied considerably among the studies. Number of experienced traumatic events and kinship to the missing person were identified as correlates of psychopathology. Comparative studies showed that psychopathology levels did not differ between relatives of missing and deceased persons. Conclusions: The small number of studies and the heterogeneity of the studies limit the understanding of psychopathology in those left behind. More knowledge about psychopathology postdisappearance could be gained by expanding the focus of research beyond disappearances due to war or state terrorism.
Foreign Business Activities, Foreignness of the VC Syndicate, and IPO Value

This article examines the role played by foreign venture capital (VC) firms in U.S. initial public offerings (IPOs). We find that U.S. VC–backed IPOs benefit from the foreignness of the VC syndicate. Specifically, jointly with domestic VC firms, foreign VC firms certify the quality of their portfolio companies at the time of the IPO, which increases their IPO premium. Foreign VC firms also play an advisory role, enhancing the foreign business activities of their U.S. investees, thereby increasing the IPO premium. Finally, value added by foreign VC firms is greater through their monitoring role if they originate from countries where the investee has foreign business activities.
ETF OWNERSHIP AND THE VOLATILITY OF U.S. STOCKS

This thesis explores the effect ownership by exchange traded funds have on the volatility of their underlying securities. We build upon the research conducted by Ben-David, Franzoni and Moussawi (2017a) and first replicate the results presented by them that ownership by exchange traded funds increase volatility. Building on the replicated results, we extend their research by replicating their findings in a larger sample covering practically all publicly traded stocks in the U.S. market. Furthermore, we group the ETFs according to investment style and investigate how ownership by various types of funds may contribute to volatility differently. In all three tests conducted we find a positive and significant relation between a security’s volatility and ETF ownership. Additionally, we find that the different groups of funds contribute differently to the volatility of securities.
CHEK2*1100delC and male breast cancer risk in Israel

Tal OHAYON, Inbar GAL, Ruth Gershoni BARUCH, Csilla SZABO and Eitan FRIEDMAN* The Susanne-Levy Gertner Oncogenetics Unit, The Danek Gertner Institute of Genetics, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel The Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel Department of Human Genetics, Rambam Medical Center, Haifa, Israel The Bruce Rappoport Medical School at the Technion, Haifa, Israel Unit of Genetic Epidemiology, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
Lid Margin Sensitivity and Staining in Contact Lens Wear Versus No Lens Wear

Purpose: To map the sensitivity and staining of the marginal conjunctiva in soft contact lens (SCL) wearers and nonwearers and to investigate diurnal changes. Methods: Thirty-five nonwearers and 35 SCL wearers were recruited. Mechanical sensitivity was measured at 8 locations on the ocular surface and adnexa (cornea, marginal, bulbar, and tarsal conjunctivae) using the Cochet–Bonnet aesthesiometer. Lid margin staining (lissamine green) was assessed through image analysis. Measurements were repeated at 12 hours in 11 nonwearers and 10 symptomatic SCL wearers. Results: The marginal conjunctiva was the most sensitive conjunctival region (all P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in sensitivity at 12 hours (all P > 0.05). There was a significant difference in sensitivity between the 2 groups in the morning for the lower lid tarsal conjunctiva (P = 0.003). After 12 hours, the sensitivity of the lower lid marginal conjunctiva was found to be reduced in SCL wearers compared with nonwearers (all P < 0.05). Lower lid margin staining was greater than upper lid margin staining in both groups (all P < 0.05). In the SCL wearers, a significant increase in lower lid margin staining was found at 12 hours compared with the morning (P = 0.04). After 12 hours, lower lid margin staining was significantly greater in SCL wearers compared with nonwearers (P = 0.03). Conclusions: This work has demonstrated that the marginal conjunctiva is the most sensitive conjunctival region. After 12 hours, symptomatic lens wearers showed decreased sensitivity of the lower marginal conjunctiva and increased lower lid margin lissamine green staining compared with those of the nonwearers.
Optimal timing for repair of peripheral nerve injuries

BACKGROUND Data regarding outcomes after peripheral nerve injuries is limited, and the optimal management strategy for an acute injury is unclear. The aim of this study was to examine timing of repair and specific factors that impact motor-sensory outcomes after peripheral nerve injury. METHODS This was a single-center, retrospective study. Patients with traumatic peripheral nerve injury from January 2010 to June 2015 were included. Patients who died, required amputation, suffered brachial plexus injury, or had missing motor-sensory examinations were excluded. Motor-sensory examinations were graded 0 to 5 by the Modified British Medical Research Council system. Operative repair of peripheral nerves was analyzed for patient characteristics, anatomic nerve injured, level of injury, associated injuries, days until repair, and repair method. RESULTS Three hundred eleven patients met inclusion criteria. Two hundred fifty-eight (83%) patients underwent operative management, and 53 (17%) underwent nonoperative management. Those who required operative intervention had significantly more penetrating injuries 85.7% versus 64.2% (p < 0.001), worse initial motor scores 1.19 versus 2.23 (p = 0.004), and worse initial sensory examination scores 1.75 versus 2.28 (p = 0.029). Predictors of improved operative motor outcomes on univariate analysis were Injury Severity Score less than 15 (p = 0.013) and male sex (p = 0.006). Upper arm level of injury was a predictor of poor outcome (p = 0.041). Multivariate analysis confirmed male sex as a predictor of good motor outcome (p = 0.014; Adjusted Odds Ratio, 3.88 [1.28–11.80]). Univariate analysis identified distal forearm level of injury (p = 0.026) and autograft repair (p = 0.048) as predictors of poor sensory outcome. Damage control surgery for unstable patients undergoing laparotomy (p = 0.257) and days to nerve repair (p = 0.834) did not influence motor-sensory outcome. Outcomes did not differ significantly in patients who underwent repair 24 hours or longer versus those who were repaired later. CONCLUSION Outcomes were primarily influenced by patient characteristics and injury level rather than operative characteristics. Peripheral nerve injuries can be repaired after damage control surgery without detriment to outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic study, level III.
Evidence for the Presence of the Ascorbate-Glutathione Cycle in Mitochondria and Peroxisomes of Pea Leaves

The presence of the enzymes of the ascorbate-glutathione cycle was investigated in mitochondria and peroxisomes purified from pea (Pisum sativum L.) leaves. All four enzymes, ascorbate peroxidase (APX; EC 1.11.1.11), monodehydroascorbate reductase (EC 1.6.5.4), dehydroascorbate reductase (EC 1.8.5.1), and glutathione reductase (EC 1.6.4.2), were present in mitochondria and peroxisomes, as well as in the antioxidants ascorbate and glutathione. The activity of the ascorbate-glutathione cycle enzymes was higher in mitochondria than in peroxisomes, except for APX, which was more active in peroxisomes than in mitochondria. Intact mitochondria and peroxisomes had no latent APX activity, and this remained in the membrane fraction after solubilization assays with 0.2 M KCl. Monodehydroascorbate reductase was highly latent in intact mitochondria and peroxisomes and was membrane-bound, suggesting that the electron acceptor and donor sites of this redox protein are not on the external side of the mitochondrial and peroxisomal membranes. Dehydroascorbate reductase was found mainly in the soluble peroxisomal and mitochondrial fractions. Glutathione reductase had a high latency in mitochondria and peroxisomes and was present in the soluble fractions of both organelles. In intact peroxisomes and mitochondria, the presence of reduced ascorbate and glutathione and the oxidized forms of ascorbate and glutathione were demonstrated by high-performance liquid chromatography analysis. The ascorbate-glutathione cycle of mitochondria and peroxisomes could represent an important antioxidant protection system against H2O2 generated in both plant organelles.