Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Summative self-assessment in higher education: implications of its counting towards the final mark

Introduction. Our study aims at assessing the validity of sumative criterial self-assessment in higher education, and particularly if that validity varies when the teacher counts selfassessment toward final grades. Method. One hundred and twenty two first year students from two groups in Teacher Education in Universidad de Cadiz (Spain) participated in the study, each group following a different course in the same six-month period. The significant difference between the two courses was that self-assessment was included, in one of them, among the assessment methods, and counted for 5 per cent of the final grade. The professor was the only marker in the other course. Once the courses finished, the participants completed a self-assessment questionnaire that included competences, learning results and contents, and were asked to give themselves a mark. Self-assessment data were compared with the marks given by the professor, and the 10 students with higher discrepancies were interviewed. Results. In both groups, the students’ self-assessments were higher than the grades provided by the professor, with significantly higher differences in the students with poorer results and in the group in which self-assessment influenced the final grades. In this group, in fact, no relationship was found between the professor’s and the students’ assessments. Discussion. When self-assessment does not count for the final grades, students’ and professor’s assessments tend to be highly similar; when self-assessment counts for the final grades, over and underestimations increase dramatically. The main reasons that we found for this are the desire to obtain the highest possible grades and the stress associated with self-assessment. The implications for the implementation of self-assessment in higher education are discussed.
Merged binary white dwarf evolution: rapidly accreting carbon–oxygen white dwarfs and the progeny of extreme helium stars

ABSTRA C T We have examined the evolution of merged low-mass double white dwarfs that become luminous helium stars. We have approximated the merging process by the rapid accretion of matter, consisting mostly of helium, on to a carbon ‐oxygen (CO) white dwarf. After a certain mass is accumulated, a helium shell flash occurs, the radius and luminosity increase and the star becomes a yellow giant. Mass accretion is stopped artificially when the total mass reaches a pre-determined value. When the mass above the helium-burning shell becomes small enough, the star evolves blueward almost horizontally in the Hertzsprung ‐ Russell diagram. The theoretical models for the merger of a 0.6-M( CO white dwarf with a 0.3-M( He white dwarf agree very well with the observed locations of extreme helium stars in the log T eff ‐ log g diagram, with their observed rates of blueward evolution, and with luminosities and masses obtained from their pulsations. Together with predicted merger rates for COa He white dwarf pairs, the evolutionary time-scales are roughly consistent with the observed numbers of extreme helium stars. Predicted surface carbon and oxygen abundances can be consistent with the observed values if carbon and oxygen produced in the helium shell during a previous asymptotic giant branch phase are assumed to exist in the helium zone of the initial CO white dwarfs. These results establish the COa He white dwarf merger as the best, if not only, viable model for the creation of extreme helium stars and, by association, the majority of R Coronae Borealis stars.
Determinants of Early Weaning of Infants Below Six Months Among Lactating Mothers at Wajir County Referral Hospital.

Breastfeeding is one of the most important determinants of child survival, birth spacing and the prevention of childhood infections. The beneficial effects of breastfeeding depend on its initiation, duration and the age at which the breastfed child is weaned. Little information exists on breastfeeding and infant feeding practices in sub-Saharan Africa, Kenya included. The aim of this study was therefore to asses weaning practices that influencing lactating mothers to early weaning of infants below six months. A cross sectional study was conducted in Wajir County Referral Hospital. A total of 100 respondents were included in the study. All mothers coming to immunization clinics for their children’s immunization six months and below were interviewed. The information about subjects socio-demography knowledge, cultural believes and weaning practices during breast feeding were collected from the mother on pre designed and pretested questionnaires during the month of November 2014 to March 2015 over a period of five months. A total of 100 lactating mothers were included in the study. Majority of the subjects (49%) were in the age group 21-31 years. Majority of the lactating mothers (40 %) introduced complementary or weaning foods to their infants from 3-4 month of life, while 31 % and 27.0 % of them introduce complementary or weaning foods to their infants from 5-6 months and 1-2 months of life respectively. Most common cause of early weaning were inadequate milk from mothers breast (42%). On cultural believes, majority 57% blames the mother for lack of enough milk while 21% fear their breast becoming shapeless. This study has shown that majority of lactating mothers commence complementary feeding prematurely and the concept of exclusive breastfeeding has continue to meet a lot of resistance from all social class of lactating mothers in Wajir county. This study recommends the development of interventions targeting women, health care workers and policy makers aimed at bridging the gap between current breastfeeding practices especially in the rural areas and adhere to recommendations by World Health Organization.
Quantifying search effort of moving animals at several spatial scales using first‐passage time analysis: effect of the structure of environment and tracking systems

1. How and at what spatial scale(s) animals change their movements in relation to their environment is central to several topics in ecology and conservation, including foraging ecology, habitat selection and dispersal. A method (first-passage time analysis, FPT) has recently been proposed to measure changes in movements through the landscape, as an index of search effort at the pertinent spatial scales. This method seems largely applicable to an increasing number of studies using satellite, radio-tracking or global positioning system (GPS), but its limits have not yet been assessed. 2. Here I used several movement simulations to examine the ability of FPT analysis to detect area-restricted search (ARS) according to different changes in movements, different patch structures and tracking accuracy. 3. FPT analysis was able to detect changes in movements when both speed and sinuosity changed, or when the animal reacted to patch boundaries. It was also able to detect ARS within the same path at several spatial scales in patches (nested or not) of different sizes. 4. Tracking accuracy affected the detection of ARS by FPT analysis. With the widely used Argos system, a minimum of 13 locations in effective ARS was necessary to detect this behaviour; seven when velocity filtering was applied. Similarly, spatial error in location affected the estimation of the ARS scale value, but the application of velocity filtering reduced this effect. 5. Comparisons between a real GPS track and pathways simulating the Argos error showed that the time-sampling rate of locations (due to satellite-pass frequency) decreased the probability of detecting ARS at small scales ( 50% across the whole range of scales. A velocity filter enabled significant reductions in this effect. 6. Synthesis and application. Within limits, FPT analysis is highly suitable for animal movement analysis, either to quantify habitat use, or to determine the scale most relevant for describing an ecological system or factors affecting movement decisions. In anticipation of increasing applications of FPT analysis in applied ecology, I provide recommendations for the use of the technique with several tracking methods.
The Jury Effect on Punitive Damages: An Empirical Analysis

This paper performs an econometric analysis of punitive damages. A model is developed to describe the probability and amount of punitive awards, which is then applied to two data sets. The data sets, the 1996 and 2001 Civil Justice Survey of State Courts, contain information on cases tried to verdict in 45 and 46 counties respectively. The primary results, controlling for a number of trial characteristics, indicate that the probability and amount of punitive awards are higher for juries than for judges. This result is robust with the inclusion of two previously unstudied influences on punitive damages: poverty rates and political leanings. However, the results become inconsistent when controlling for selectivity bias.
Einstein–Maxwell Dirichlet walls, negative kinetic energies, and the adiabatic approximation for extreme black holes

The gravitational Dirichlet problem—in which the induced metric is fixed on boundaries at finite distance from the bulk—is related to simple notions of UV cutoffs in gauge/gravity duality and appears in discussions relating the low-energy behavior of gravity to fluid dynamics. We study the Einstein–Maxwell version of this problem, in which the induced Maxwell potential on the wall is also fixed. For flat walls in otherwise asymptotically flat spacetimes, we identify a moduli space of Majumdar–Papapetrou-like static solutions parametrized by the location of an extreme black hole relative to the wall. Such solutions may be described as balancing gravitational repulsion from a negative-mass image source against electrostatic attraction to an oppositely signed image charge. Standard techniques for handling divergences yield a moduli space metric with an eigenvalue that becomes negative near the wall, indicating a region of negative kinetic energy and suggesting that the Hamiltonian may be unbounded below. One may also surround the black hole with an additional (roughly spherical) Dirichlet wall to impose a regulator whose physics is more clear. Negative kinetic energies remain, though new terms do appear in the moduli space metric. The regulator dependence indicates that the adiabatic approximation may be ill-defined for classical extreme black holes with Dirichlet walls.
Determining Great Bittern Botaurus stellaris laying date from egg and chick biometrics

Capsule Great Bittern breeding phenology can be estimated from egg and chick biometrics. Aims To estimate egg or chick ages in order to back-calculate egg-laying dates. Methods Bittern nests were searched for in six French and three Belarussian sites between 1999 and 2004. Eggs and chicks were measured at each visit. By using a subsample of nests with known egg-laying (or hatching) dates, regression equations are determined using egg density and tarsus length in order to estimate, respectively, egg and chick ages. Additionally in Belarus, the ‘water test’ was used to estimate the incubation stage of the clutch. Results A total of 141 Bittern nests were found. Egg density decreased linearly from 1.063 at laying to 0.915 the day before hatching. A regression equation therefore allows estimation of egg age from its density. A scale was also constructed to estimate egg age from its position in water, and the accuracy of the two methods is compared. Chick growth rates were similar between the two countries. Before the age of 25 days, chicks are best aged by tarsus length compared to other measurements (weight, bill length). No data were available after that age because chicks were no longer found on nests. Conclusions Egg-laying date can be estimated to within ±3 days using egg density, and to within ±5 days, using the ‘water test’. Tarsus length can be used until the age of 25 days to age chicks to within ±2 days. These simple measurements provide efficient and accurate methods to record the breeding calendar of this endangered species.
A Study to Determine the Clinico-Epidemiological Profile of CMV Seropositive Infants Admitted in a Tertiary Care Hospital

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Dr.S.N.Medical College Jodhpur (Rajasthan) 2 Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, S.N. Medical College Jodhpur (Rajasthan) 3 Professor & Head, Department of Pediatrics, Dr. S.N. Medical College Jodhpur (Rajasthan) 4 Resident, Department of Pediatrics, Dr.S.N. Medical College Jodhpur (Rajasthan) 5 Assistant Professor, SLBS Engineering College Jodhpur, Rajasthan 6 Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Dr. S.N.Medical College Jodhpur (Rajasthan) ABSTRACT Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a common viral infection in new born and infants the clinical presentation of which is very variable. The objective was to study the clinical and epidemiological profile of CMV seropositive infants admitted in a teaching hospital of Western Rajasthan. Methods: A prospective study was done in 30 infants who were diagnosed seropositive out of 85 clinically suspected cases of congenital/ acquired CMV infection. The epidemiological, biochemical and hematological profile of these patients was studied and their clinical presentation and associated morbidity was observed. Results: Males (80.00%) outnumbered females (20.00%) and 90% of infants were from rural background. (76.92%) of the mothers were educated up to 8th standard or less, which was statistically significant (x2=12.03 p<0.001) 10% infants had a length for age < 2SD which was statistically significant when compared to length appropriate for age (n=21. x2=24.03 p<0.05). Pneumonia was the most common (53.33%) morbidity but accounted only for 3.33% mortality and the case fatality was 6.25% which was less than septicemia (33.33%). Conclusion: CMV is a virus of paradoxes and can be a potential killer or a silent companion and is more prevalent in rural community. The linear growth is compromised the most and lung involvement in form of pneumonia is most frequent morbidity and though liver involved is with raised liver enzymes the synthetic functions of liver is not affected .
Ovine Lung Worm Infection and Associated Risk Factors in and Around Wukro , Eastern Tigray , Ethiopia

A cross sectional study was conducted in and around wukro to determine the prevalence of ovine lungworm infections and associated risk factors. Out of 320 fecal samples 42 were found to be positive for lungworm infection using modified Berman technique for identification of first stage larvae (L1). The overall prevalence of lungworm infections in the study area was 13.1%. There was a statistical significant difference (p<0.05) in the prevalence of lung worm infection with regard to sex, age and body condition as well as sheep with detected respiratory clinical signs. In the current study, it was found that female sheep were 31.0% more likely to be infected with lung worm than male sheep. Sheep with <1 year of age and 1-3 years were 3.04 times and 30.0% more likely to be infected with lungworm infection than sheep in the age group > 3 years old respectively. Sheep with poor body condition and medium body conditions were 14.90 and 3.30 times more likely to have lungworm infection compared to sheep with good body conditions respectively. Moreover, the odds of sheep that showed clinical signs had 7.59 times higher chance of infection with lungworm compared to sheep with no clinical signs. Hence, sex, age, body condition and clinical signs were found to be the major risk factors associated with ovine lungworm infection. Due to its impact on sheep production of the area, due emphasis should be given for the control and prevention of lungworm infection.
Multi-resolution analysis of global total ozone column during 1979−1992 Nimbus-7 TOMS period

Abstract. A relatively recent technique, the multi-resolution analysis (MRA), was applied to the global total ozone column measured by the Nimbus-7 TOMS instrument during 1979–1992. Ozone monthly averages were filtered in orthonormal frequency bands using the Meyer wavelet transform, and the ozone variability was analyzed in different time scales: high frequency oscillations (2–4 months), semiannual variation (6 months), annual variation, quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO), El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and solar cycle related variations. MRA was thus showed to be an efficient band-pass filter to isolate different time scale signals. QBO, ENSO and solar cycle related variations in global total ozone are investigated in more detail through spectral and cross-correlation analyses. Key words. Atmospheric composition and structure (middle atmosphere-composition and chemistry) – General or miscellaneous (techniques applicable in three or more fields)
Generation of reactive oxygen species in relevant cell lines as a bio-indicator of oxidative effects caused by acid mine water

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and resultant oxidative stress (OS) has been implicated as a pathway of toxicity in animal species exposed to pollutants. The gills of aquatic animals and the liver and kidneys of mammalian species are specific cellular sites of toxicity. Oxidative effects of acid mine drainage effluent (following passive and active treatment) impacting a natural stream were assessed using selected cell lines. Levels of pollutants such as heavy metals in acid mine drainage (AMD) effluent can be quantified following treatment, but it is unknown whether this is associated with equivalent reduction in toxicity. ROS production by AMD untreated (U) and after treatment (T) was quantified in a fish gill cell line (RTgill-W1) and in two mammalian cell lines (C3A human liver and Vero monkey kidney). ROS production was determined using the oxidant sensitive fluorogenic probe, 2′, 7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) following exposure to U and T, AMD water. Treatment of AMD water caused reduction in levels of Al, Zn, Fe, Si and Mn while levels of Cr, Cu, Ar and Hg remained unchanged. A dose-dependent increase in ROS production was observed for U and T. ROS formation decreased from 14% to 4.5%, 16.4% to 7.2% and 25.3% to 17.7% in the RTgill-W1, C3A, and Vero cell lines exposed to 100% AMD water, U and T. The presence of Mn and/or other ions in treated water and subsequent ROS formation indicates that water could still be toxic to cells and requires further processing. The DCFH-DA assay in several cell lines can be used to rapidly bio-monitor quality of AMD water related to formation of ROS and subsequent cellular effects. However, cut-off levels for cellular toxicity must be established to ensure safety of this water for aquatic animals and for animal and human consumption.
Impacts of neighboring countries on military expenditures

Using the latest spatial econometric techniques and data pertaining to 144 countries over the period 1993–2007, this article tests and compares four frequently used spatial econometric models and eight matrices describing the mutual relationships among the countries, all within a common framework, which helps clarify the impact of neighboring countries on military expenditures. Furthermore, it utilizes two different data sources. Due to this setup, it provides one of the most thorough spatial analyses of military expenditures so far. Furthermore, it confirms but also challenges the results of several previous studies. Military spending measured as a ratio of GDP in one country indeed depends primarily on the spending of other countries, but in a limited number of cases, it also depends on control variables that can be observed in other countries, among which are the level of GDP, the occurrence of international wars, and the political regime. The most likely specification of the matrix describing the relationships among countries is the first-order binary contiguity matrix based on land or maritime borders, extended to include two-sided relationships among the five countries that are permanent members of the UN Security Council and one-sided relationships to all other countries. Finally, cross-sectional approaches are rejected in favor of dynamic spatial panel data approaches due to their controls for habit persistence, country, and time-period fixed effects.
Boron Status of Table Grape (Vitis Vinifera L.) Grown on Sandy and Calcareous Soils Received Irrigation from Blend Water

The present study aimed to evaluate B status of grape (Vitis vinifera L.) received drip irrigation from blend water source (Neil Rever water mixed with agriculture drainage). Some plots in two farms representing sandy non-calcareous and calcareous soils were selected. Soil samples were collected at three intervals of 0 90 cm depth at the beginning of the season and analyzed for hot water extractable-B, organic matter (OM), soil salinity (ECe), and CaCO3 content. B was measured in the applied compost and monitored in irrigation water, petioles, and leaves of the growing grape.
Improved constraints on the primordial power spectrum at small scales from ultracompact minihalos

For a Gaussian spectrum of primordial density fluctuations, ultracompact minihalos (UCMHs) of dark matter are expected to be produced in much greater abundance than, e.g., primordial black holes. Forming shortly after matter-radiation equality, these objects would develop very dense and spiky dark matter profiles. In the standard scenario where dark matter consists of thermally produced, weakly interacting massive particles, UCMHs could thus appear as highly luminous gamma-ray sources or leave an imprint in the cosmic microwave background by changing the reionization history of the Universe. We derive corresponding limits on the cosmic abundance of UCMHs at different epochs and translate them into constraints on the primordial power spectrum. We find the resulting constraints to be quite severe, especially at length scales much smaller than what can be directly probed by the cosmic microwave background or large-scale structure observations. We use our results to provide an updated compilation of the best available constraints on the power of density fluctuations on all scales, ranging from the present-day horizon to scales more than 20 orders of magnitude smaller.
The Design of IEP Sites: Aiming for an Inclusive Economic Participation of Urban Citizens in Flanders

In order to remedy the economic position of socially vulnerable citizens in Flemish cities, the University of Antwerp has launched the concept of an “Inclusive Participation (IEP) site”. According to the CIRIEC workgroup “SSE and territories”, an IEP site can be defined as a particular territorial network that accommodates partners who jointly try to resolve, under the environmental constraints of an urban setting, the challenge of an inclusive economic participation. On the basis of two explorative research projects, the working paper illustrates the fine-tuning of the concept and the development of strategic-spatial blueprints to successfully design and manage these IEP sites.