Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Students’ views of classroom activities in secondary education in Croatia

It has been of great interest to researchers in education to explore student experiences in school. Getting an insight into the daily activities of students in classroom activities can be very beneficial for the process of curriculum creation, improving student motivation or teaching. There are a number of factors that impact on student experiences in the classroom, but this paper explores student views of classroom activities with a focus on the following dimensions: interest, challenge, choice, and enjoyment of students in Croatian secondary classrooms. In the academic year 2013/2014, research was conducted on a sample of 405 third-grade students in eight secondary schools in continental Croatia with the aim of collecting students' perceptions of class activities. The scale used, My Class Activities (Gentry, Gable, 2001) according to the original factor structure, was suppressed to four composite variables in line with the original factor structure: an assessment of the students' perceptions of interest, challenge, choice, and enjoyment in class activities. The results show that students included in the sample have a low level of perception of class activities. Further, 'gymnasium' students provide higher assessments on the composite variables of interest and challenge than vocational school students. Gender-based differences in the composite variables of the assessment of students' perceptions of class activities were not confirmed.
The central role of sinusoidal endothelial cells in hepatic hypoxia‐reoxygenation injury in the rat

The role of individual cell types in hepatic hypoxia‐reoxygenation (reperfusion) injury has not been completely defined. We therefore examined the effects of hypoxia and hypoxia‐reoxygenation on the viability of rat hepatocytes, Kupffer cells, and sinusoidal endothelial cells (SECs) in primary culture and whether direct exposure to hypoxia followed by reoxygenation activated Kupffer cells. Cultures of hepatocytes (purity > 99%), Kupffer cells (97%), and endothelial cells (> 93%) were established as single‐cell types and as cocultures. Hypoxia was achieved by culturing cells under 95% N2/5% CO2, and cell viability was estimated by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage and Trypan blue exclusion. Kupffer cells and endothelial cells were more resistant to hypoxia than hepatocytes. Following 4‐8 hours of hypoxia, reoxygenation accentuated cell death in endothelial cells. In contrast, reoxygenation did not accentuate cell death in hepatocytes or in resting Kupffer cells. The activation of Kupffer cells by the addition of lipopolysaccharide failed to alter their response to hypoxia‐reoxygenation. The addition of phorbol myristate acetate to Kupffer cells stimulated the production of superoxide as expected, and the medium from these activated cells augmented the cellular injury of hypoxic hepatocytes. In contrast, hypoxia‐reoxygenation did not stimulate Kupffer cells to produce superoxide or other hepatotoxic products. Moreover, Kupffer cells in coculture with hepatocytes did not augment hepatocyte injury after hypoxia‐reoxygenation. Likewise, in cocultures of Kupffer cells and SECs, the presence of the Kupffer cell failed to enhance endothelial injury following hypoxia‐reoxygenation, and these cocultures did not produce superoxide after reoxygenation. Thus, despite other evidence that Kupffer cells are activated in the intact liver during reperfusion injury, when present in isolation, only endothelial cells possess the innate capacity to undergo hypoxia‐reoxygenation injury. Furthermore, changes in oxygen tension alone are not sufficient to activate Kupffer cells to secrete superoxides or other cell products that are toxic to hepatocytes or endothelial cells. It is concluded that SECs play a central role in hypoxia‐reoxygenation injury, and the factors that activate Kupffer cells in vivo require further study.
Intervening Effect of Cash Holdings in the Relationship Between Financial Performance and Dividend Policy

Many studies on relationship between financial performance and dividend policy have resulted to controversial outcome with few studies questioning the intervening effect of cash holdings. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of cash holdings on the relationship between financial performance and dividend policy. The study applied positivism research philosophy and descriptive causal research design. The study was anchored on hypothetical view that the relationship between financial performance and dividend policy of firms listed at the Nairobi securities exchange is not intervened by cash holdings which was tested against a sample size of 31 firms listed at the Nairobi securities exchange selected using purposive sampling technique. The research findings were as follows: There was a significant direct association between operating cash flows and dividend policy which was intervened by cash holdings. In general it was concluded that the link between financial performance and dividend policy of firms listed at the Nairobi securities exchange was significant. The study outcome augment existing knowledge on financial performance and dividend policy for it is evident that firms with ability to generate income directly influence dividend payout ratio and therefore, top management should enhance financial performance and not dividend policy which is irrelevant. Cash holdings intervenes this relationship hence the level of cash balances maintained by the firm explain more on the reason why some firms pay more dividend on increase of profitability levels while others does not. Regulatory bodies such as Capital Market Authority and Centre for Corporate Governance use these research findings to improve their financial viability assessment approach of firms listed at the Nairobi securities exchange.
Legislation and educational change: the struggle for social justice and quality in China's compulsory schooling

Whether a law can bring about change has been an important topic of debate in the literatures of law, sociology and education. With reference to the 2006 revision of compulsory schooling legislation in China, this article examines the functions and limits of the use of law to effect educational change. It explores why and how China continues to rely on instrumental use of the law to bring about change and rectify problems that the previous legislation did not. The article shows that law can be used as a tool for social justice that helps defend children's right to access basic quality education. However, the realization of legislative change requires favourable economic, social and/or cultural conditions, the support of extra-legal means and a concerted effort by all actors in interpreting and enforcing the law.
Antibiotic resistance of coliform organisms from community-acquired urinary tract infections in Zenica-Doboj Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

OBJECTIVES To collect routine susceptibility data for coliforms isolated from patients with community-acquired urinary tract infections (UTIs) in Zenica-Doboj Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina and to relate them to bacterial identification and patient demographics with a view to guiding empirical therapy. METHODS During 1998-2001, 54 638 consecutive urine samples were analysed by standard procedures. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing for 15 antimicrobials was performed by the disc diffusion method. RESULTS A total of 10 765 Escherichia coli and other coliforms were isolated, of which 5043 (46.8%) were duplicates. Resistance rates were significantly higher in duplicate isolates for almost all antibiotics tested (P<0.05), except for ampicillin, cefazolin, aztreonam and co-trimoxazole. Inclusion of coliforms other than E. coli (25.8%) significantly increased resistance rates for all tested antibiotics (P<0.001) except imipenem. Overall coliform resistance rates were significantly higher in males than in females (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Due to high ampicillin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole resistance rates for all subsets analysed it is highly recommended to perform urinalysis and antibiotic susceptibility testing in all patients, except in the age group 0-6 years of male patients and in the age group 20-64 years of female patients, in which empirical therapy with these antibiotics can be applied. Nitrofurantoin should also be considered as the first-line therapy, especially in children. It is important for physicians to know susceptibility data for UTIs in order to optimize the use of empirical therapy.
Microbiological composition associated with interleukin-1 gene polymorphism in subjects undergoing supportive periodontal therapy.

BACKGROUND Interleukin-1 gene polymorphism (IL-1 gene) has been associated with periodontitis. The present study examined the subgingival microbiota by IL-1 gene status in subjects undergoing supportive periodontal therapy (SPT). METHODS A total of 151 subjects with known IL-1 gene status (IL-1A +4845/IL-1B -3954) (IL-1 gene) were included in this study. Clinical data and subgingival plaque samples (40 taxa) were collected. These taxa were determined by the checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization method. RESULTS Gender, smoking habits (n-par tests), age, and clinical periodontal conditions did not differ by IL-1 gene status. IL-1 gene-negative subjects had a higher total bacterial load (mean difference, 480.4 x 10(5); 95% confidence interval [CI], 77 to 884 x 10(5); P <0.02). The levels of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (mean difference, 30.7 x 10(5); 95% CI, 2.2 to 59.5 x 10(5); P <0.05), Eubacterium nodatum (mean difference, 4.2 x 10(5); 95% CI, 0.6 to 7.8 x 10(5); P <0.02), Porphyromonas gingivalis (mean difference, 17.9 x 10(5); 95% CI, 1.2 to 34.5 x 10(5); P <0.05), and Streptococcus anginosus (mean difference, 4.0 x 10(5); 95% CI, 0.2 to 7.2 x 10(5); P <0.05) were higher in IL-1 gene-negative subjects, an observation specifically found at sites with probing depths <5.0 mm. CONCLUSIONS Bleeding on probing did not differ by IL gene status, reflecting clinical SPT efficacy. IL-1 gene-negative subjects had higher levels of periodontal pathogens. This may suggest that among subjects undergoing SPT, a lower bacterial load is required in IL-1 gene-positive subjects to develop the same level of periodontitis as in IL-1 gene-negative subjects.
Visual Object Tracking Based on Combination of Local Description and Global Representation

This paper provides a novel method for visual object tracking based on the combination of local scale-invariant feature transform (SIFT) description and global incremental principal component analysis (PCA) representation in loosely constrained conditions. The state of object is defined by the position and shape of a parallelogram, which means that tracking results are given by locating the object in every frame using parallelograms. The whole method is constructed in the framework of particle filter which includes two models: the dynamic model and the observation model. In the dynamic model, particle states are predicted with the help of local SIFT descriptors. Local key point matching between successive frames based on SIFT descriptors provides us an important cue for the prediction of particle states; thus, we can efficiently spread particles in the neighborhood of the predicted position. In the observation model, every particle is evaluated by local key point-weighted incremental PCA representation, which can describe the object more accurately by giving large weights to the pixels in the influence area of key points. Moreover, by incorporating the dynamic forgetting factor, we can update the PCA eigenvectors online according to the object states, which makes our method more adaptable under different situations. Experimental results show that compared to other state-of-the-art methods, the proposed method is robust especially under some difficult conditions, such as strong motion of both object and background, large pose change, and illumination change.
A New Poly-Si TFT Current-Mirror Pixel for Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode

A new poly-Si thin-film-transistor (TFT) current-mirror-active-matrix-organic-light-emitting-diode (AMOLED) pixel, which successfully compensates for the variation of the threshold voltage as well as mobility in the excimer laser annealed poly-Si TFT pixel, is designed and fabricated. The OLED current (IOLED) of the proposed pixel does not depend on the operating temperature. When the temperature of pixel is increased from 27 degC to 60 degC, the I OLED of the new pixel circuit composed of four TFTs and one capacitor increases only about 1.5%, while that of a conventional pixel composed of two TFTs and one capacitor increases about 37%. At room temperature, nonuniformity of the IOLED in the proposed circuit was also considerably suppressed at around 9%. We have successfully fabricated a 1.2-in AMOLED panel (96times96timesred green blue) to evaluate the performance of the proposed pixel. A troublesome residual image caused by the hysteresis phenomenon of the poly-Si TFT was almost eliminated in the proposed AMOLED panel as a result of current programming
The Role of Property Rights in the Relationship between Openness to International Capital Flows and Economic Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa Countries: An Estimate from Non-Stationary Panel Data

This paper attempts to verify, on the one hand, if the quality of property rights is an essential condition to the contribution of the openness to international capital flows to economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa countries, and on the other hand, if this contribution depends on their natural resources endowment. We used three econometric methods inherent to non-stationary panel data (Mean Group, Pooled Mean Group, and Dynamic Fixed Effects) and a sample of 36 sub-Saharan Africa countries, subdivided into countries rich in natural resources and countries poor in natural resources, over the period 1996-2013. The results obtained allowed us to highlight that, the property rights in sub-Saharan Africa countries are of paramount importance in the effective contribution of international capital flows to economic growth, whatever the endowment in natural resources.
Effect of HIV‐specific immune‐based therapy in subjects infected with HIV‐1 subtype E in Thailand

Objective:To examine the effect of treatment with an inactivated, gp120-depleted, HIV-1 immunogen (Remune) in 30 Thai subjects infected with HIV-1 subtype E. Design:Sixty-week open-label study. Methods:Thirty HIV-positive volunteers with CD4 cell counts ≥ 300 × 106/l were given intramuscular injections of Remune into the triceps muscle on day 1 and then at weeks 4, 8, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60. Results:Treatment with Remune was well-tolerated and augmented HIV-1-specific immune responses. Furthermore, subjects had a significant increase in CD4 cell count (P < 0.0001), CD4 cell percentage (P < 0.0001), CD8 cell percentage (P < 0.0001), and body weight (P < 0.0001) compared with pretreatment levels. Fourteen subjects with detectable viral load at day 1 showed a decrease at week 60 (P = 0.04). Retrospective Western blot analysis showed 23 subjects with increased intensity of antibody bands and 15 patients showed development of new reactivities to HIV proteins, especially towards p17 and p15. Conclusion:These results indicate that HIV-specific immune-based therapeutic approaches such as Remune should be further examined in countries with different clades of HIV-1 and where access to antiviral drug therapies is limited.
Association of the human papillomavirus type 16 E7 protein with the S-phase-specific E2F-cyclin A complex

The transcription factor E2F has been shown to be involved in the expression of several cell cycle-regulated genes, and the activity of this factor is controlled by cellular proteins such as pRB and p107. E2F is also a target of the DNA virus oncoproteins (adenovirus E1A, simian virus 40 T antigen, and human papillomavirus [HPV] E7) (see the review by J. R. Nevins [Science 258: 424-429, 1992]). These viral oncoproteins dissociate an inactive complex between E2F and the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein (pRB), and this dissociation of the E2F-pRB complex correlates with a stimulation of the E2F-dependent transcription. In the S phase of the cell cycle, E2F forms a complex with p107, cyclin A, and the cdk2 kinase (E2F-cyclin A complex). The cellular function of this S-phase-specific complex is unclear. The adenovirus E1A protein dissociates the E2F-cyclin A complex. The HPV type 16 (HPV-16) E7 protein, which possesses significant sequence homology with E1A, does not dissociate the E2F-cyclin A complex. We find that the HPV-16 E7 protein associates very efficiently with the E2F-cyclin A complex. This association is dependent on the sequences that are also necessary for the transforming activity of E7. Moreover, the E7 protein of a low-risk HPV (type 6b) is much less efficient in binding to the E2F-cyclin A complex compared with that of the high-risk type. We also find that the E2F-cyclin A complex remains endogenously associated with the E7 protein in extracts of Caski cells, which express high levels of HPV-16 E7 protein. Finally, we have extensively purified the E2F-cyclin A complex from mouse L-cell extracts and show that, in cell extracts, the E2F-cyclin A complex remains associated with other cellular proteins.
Contrasting Effects of Zonisamide and Acetazolamide on Amygdaloid Kindling in Rats

Summary: Purpose: Zonisamide (ZNS) and acetazolamide (AZM) are two antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) that differ in clinical efficacy. To elucidate the mechanisms of action of these compounds, we investigated their therapeutic and prophylactic effects in rats by using a kindling model of partial epilepsy.
[Leading symptoms of chest pain in the emergency room. Using cardiac markers for risk stratification].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The acute coronary syndrome (ACS)--acute infarction or unstable angina pectoris--requires special monitoring and differentiated treatment. A prospective trial was undertaken to determine (1) clinical characteristics of patients with chest pain; (2) value of cardiac markers troponin T, myoglobin and CK-MB mass in differentiating cardiac and noncardiac chest pain; (3) the proportion of patients with ACS in whom these markers provided helpful additional information on admission and afterwards. PATIENTS AND METHODS 233 consecutive patients (134 men, 99 women; aged 18-98 years), presenting in 1998 with nontraumatic chest pain at the emergency unit of the Lippe-Detmold Hospital were prospectively enrolled in the study. Levels of troponin T, myoglobin, CK-MB mass and activity and creatine kinase were measured on admission and after 2, 4 and 12-24 hours. RESULTS ACS was ultimately diagnosed in 73 patients (31%). These were significantly older (p = 0.0015) and more often male (p = 0.046). 91% of patients with ACS but only 68% of those without described the chest pain as a sense of pressure or stabbing (p = 0.0002). Measurement of troponin T and myoglobin on admission was helpful in 39% of those with ACS, compared with 15% of those without. When the admission ECG was normal or nonspecific in patients with ACS, troponin T was elevated in 16%, CK-MB mass in 24%. In patients with unstable angina no single marker was associated with an increased risk (high rate of special supervision and intervention). CONCLUSION In the assessment of patients with acute chest pain clinical judgement plays the predominant role. In the mostly elderly and male patients with ACS (31% of the cohort) feeling of pressure or stabbing chest pain were most prominent (91%). Cardiac markers troponin T, CK-MB mass and myoglobin were helpful in the differential diagnosis of chest pain, even when the ECG was unremarkable or nonspecific. At the time of admission myoglobin was the most significant marker for acute myocardial infarction or unstable angina.
Impact of China's Outward Foreign Direct Investment on its Regional Economic Growth

This paper investigates the impact of China's outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) on its economic growth. By using a provincialâ€ level panel dataset and applying fixedâ€ effects and instrumental variable regression techniques, the study finds that both OFDI from provincial firms and OFDI from stateâ€ owned enterprises have a positive impact on China's provincial economic growth. The positive impact of OFDI on provincial economic growth may be the result of reverse knowledge spillovers from OFDI to the home provincial economy through demonstration and imitation, labor movement, and backward and forward industrial linkages, thus increasing the productivity and the efficiency of home firms and promoting the growth of the home economy.
Liver Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells Are Insufficient to Activate T Cells

Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC) have been reported to express MHC class II, CD80, CD86, and CD11c and effectively stimulate naive T cells. Because dendritic cells (DC) are known to possess these characteristics, we sought to directly compare the phenotype and function of murine LSEC and DC. Nonparenchymal cells from C57BL/6 mice were obtained by collagenase digestion of the liver followed by density gradient centrifugation. From the enriched nonparenchymal cell fraction, LSEC (CD45−) were then isolated to 99% purity using immunomagnetic beads. Flow cytometric analysis of LSEC demonstrated high expression of CD31, von Willebrand factor, and FcγRs. However, unlike DC, LSEC had low or absent expression of MHC class II, CD86, and CD11c. LSEC demonstrated a high capacity for Ag uptake in vitro and in vivo. Although acetylated low-density lipoprotein uptake has been purported to be a specific function of LSEC, we found DC captured acetylated low-density lipoprotein to a similar extent in vivo. Consistent with their phenotype, LSEC were poor stimulators of allogeneic T cells. Furthermore, in the absence of exogenous costimulation, LSEC induced negligible proliferation of CD4+ or CD8+ TCR-transgenic T cells. Thus, contrary to previous reports, our data indicate that LSEC alone are insufficient to activate naive T cells.
How Do Undergraduate Students Construct Their View of Cybercrime? Exploring Definitions of Cybercrime, Perceptions of Online Risk and Victimization

While cybercrime is recognized as an increasing problem in society, it is unclear how users perceive cybercrime and online risks. This qualitative study explored how undergraduate students in England, a group who are at relatively high risk of victimization, viewed language and concepts associated with cybercrime. Three focus groups were conducted with a total of 16 18- to 21-year-old undergraduate students, and data were analyzed inductively and thematically. The themes explored in this article include: the physical world versus the virtual world; confusion regarding the law (including a perceived lack of police interest in responding to cybercrime); the normalization of risky or harmful online behaviour; and victimization. The themes also point towards a variety of misconceptions about cybercrime alongside an ambivalence towards the potential risk of becoming a victim. The data provide a potential step towards tailoring education packages and awareness programmes to ensure at-risk groups are equipped with actionable mechanisms to protect themselves. Further research is suggested in terms of exploring how such perceptions can be changed through effective training and awareness programmes, potentially reducing the level of risk in this group.