Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dashboard Lights: Monitoring Implementation of District Instructional Reform Strategies.

In this report, the authors describe the system implemented in Duval County Public Schools (Florida) to monitor the district’s instructional reform efforts and the influences of the system on teachers and school and district leaders. The system, called the Standards Implementation Snapshot System, was implemented by John Fryer, Superintendent of Duval Public Schools, in 2002. The snapshot system seeks to take a "snapshot" at a point in time of the depth of implementation of the district’s standards-based reform initiatives. This report is the story of the development and influence of the snapshot system.
Market Structure and Advertising in the Savings and Loan Industry

A DVERTISING is a subject that has held considerable interest for economists, especially with respect to the relationship between advertising and market structure. It is commonly alleged that advertising is inconsistent with perfect competition, but is to be found where there is monopolistic competition (however, see -Telser, 1964). A correlation between advertising and market structure will be expected under two hypotheses which differ with respect to the direction of causality: (1) advertising can act as a barrier to entry which allows market power to be developed; and, (2) advertising is found under monopolistic competition as a result of optimization in light of the demand curves faced by market participants. This paper considers the second hypothesis; specifically, that as market structure in SMSAs deviates further from perfect competition, savings and loan associations (SLAs) make greater use of advertising to attract deposits. The savings and loan industry provides a good data set since entry is determined by state and federal regulatory bodies. Thus, market structure can be taken as a given variable to which SLAs react rather than as an endogenous variable that may have been influenced by advertising. We can, therefore, specifically test the hypothesis that market structure affects advertising in the absence of a simultaneous relationship in which advertising affects market structure. In addition, the concept of market structure is expanded to consider the effect that branching by SLAs may have on advertising. The hypothesis that market structure is a causal factor in the advertising decision can be derived from a model of the determination of the optimal price and advertising expenditure for a monopolist, given that the demand for the product is a function of advertising as well as price. The ratio of advertising expenditures to sales revenue (referred to as "advertising intensity") depends on the price elasticity of demand and the marginal value product of advertising. ' This result may be expressed as,
The Unpaid Leaders of French Voluntary Associations

This paper focuses on the voluntary workers who take on responsibilities in French voluntary associations. First, drawing on a national association survey, we contrast the characteristics of leadership volunteers, especially chairpersons, with those of the French population as a whole. We show that leaders are very different from the overall population even if these differences seem to diminish for organisations created more recently. Secondly, from a national household survey, we compare board members with other members of associations. Among other results, we find that the former are more rooted in their local environment and they participate more frequently in several associations. They are driven by more activist motives than are the other members. They give more time to their associations and they use more skills in their voluntary tasks than do the other volunteers.
Whose skill is it anyway?

The skills that employers require are changing, with soft skills replacing technical ones. This article draws on two detailed case studies of outsourced public sector work, where these changes were particularly marked. Here, the new skills polarized the workforces. Highly skilled IT professionals were advantaged as soft skills gave them an additional dimension to their work, while benefit caseworkers with intermediate skills were disadvantaged since soft skills were presented as an alternative to technical competences. Women caseworkers suffered a double penalty, as not only were their technical skills devalued but many were confined to traditionally ‘feminine’ and unskilled work at the reception desk. Soft skills certainly aided the acknowledgement of women’s skills but they did nothing to increase their value.
Language and the Theory of the Firm

We characterize efficient technical languages and study their interaction with the scope and structure of organizations. Efficient languages use precise words for frequent events and vague words for unusual ones. A broader organizational scope allows for more synergies to be captured, but reduces within-unit efficiency, since it requires a more generic language. A manager working as specialized translator may also be used to achieve between-unit coordination while maintaining separate languages. Our theory reconciles two recent well-documented phenomena within organizations: the recent increase in information centralization and the reduction in hierarchical centralization.
Some Testable Implications of a Preference for Subjective Novelty

A model of the response to subjective novelty represented by the Wundt curve was first informally introduced to economists by Scitovsky [1976]. The present paper operationalizes the subjective novelty concept using information theory. A distinction is drawn between informational utility and physical utility in the standard model. A successful empirical test is performed using a measure of consumer sentiment. Ein Modell zum Antwortverhalten auf subjektive Ersterfahrung, dargestellt mit der WuNDT‐Kurve, wurde erstmals informell von Scitovsky [1976] den Wirtschaftswissenschaftlern vorgestellt. Der vorliegende Artikel verwirklicht das Konzept der subjektiven Ersterfahrung unter Verwendung der Informationstheorie. Man unterscheidet im Standardmodell zwischen dem informatischen Nutzen und dem physischen Nutzen. Ein erfolgreicher empirischer Test wird unter Verwendung eines Masses fur das Verbraucherverhalten durchgefuhrt. Un modele de la reponse ȩ la nouveaute subjective represente par la courbe de WUNDT a ete presente, pour la premiere fois, aux economistes par Scitovsky [1976]. Ce papier met en operation le concept de la nouveaute subjective en employant la theorie de l'information. On fait une distinction entre l'utilite informatique et l'utilite physique dans le modele standard. Un test empirique est realise en employant une mesure du sentiment du consommateur.
Oral Bacteria as Potential Probiotics for the Pharyngeal Mucosa

ABSTRACT The research described here was aimed at the selection of oral bacteria that displayed properties compatible with their potential use as probiotics for the pharyngeal mucosa. We included in the study 56 bacteria newly isolated from the pharynges of healthy donors, which were identified at the intraspecies level and characterized in vitro for their probiotic potential. The experiments led us to select two potential probiotic bacterial strains (Streptococcus salivarius RS1 and ST3) and to compare them with the prototype oral probiotic S. salivarius strain K12. All three strains efficiently bound to FaDu human epithelial pharyngeal cells and thereby antagonized Streptococcus pyogenes adhesion and growth. All were sensitive to a variety of antibiotics routinely used for the control of upper respiratory tract infections. Immunological in vitro testing on a FaDu layer revealed different responses to RS1, ST3, and K12. RS1 and ST3 modulated NF-κB activation and biased proinflammatory cytokines at baseline and after interleukin-1β (IL-1β) induction. In conclusion, we suggest that the selected commensal streptococci represent potential pharyngeal probiotic candidates. They could display a good degree of adaptation to the host and possess potential immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties.
Chronic stress induces mast cell-dependent bacterial adherence and initiates mucosal inflammation in rat intestine.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Chronic psychological stress is an important factor in relapses of intestinal disorders, but it remains unclear if stress can induce primary gut inflammation in a previously healthy host. METHODS Mast cell-deficient (Ws/Ws) rats and wild-type control (+/+) rats were submitted to water avoidance stress or sham stress (1 h/day) for 10 consecutive days, as a model of ongoing life stress. RESULTS Both rat groups had similar systemic responses to stress, as assessed by changes in weight, corticosterone levels, and defecation. In +/+ rats, chronic stress induced barrier dysfunction in the ileum and colon (increased macromolecular permeability and depletion of mucus) and ultrastructural changes in epithelial cells (enlarged mitochondria and presence of autophagosomes) associated with bacterial adhesion and penetration into enterocytes. Moreover, hyperplasia and activation of mast cells, infiltration of neutrophils and mononuclear cells, and increased myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were documented in the mucosa. In intestine of Ws/Ws rats, epithelial function and morphology were unchanged by chronic stress, bacterial-epithelial cell interaction was not demonstrated, and there was no evidence of inflammatory cell infiltration. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that chronic psychological stress can be an initiating factor in intestinal inflammation by impairing mucosal defenses against luminal bacteria and highlight the importance of mast cells in this process.
Power-sharing in comparative perspective: the dynamics of ‘unity government’ in Kenya and Zimbabwe *

This paper draws on the recent experience of Kenya and Zimbabwe to demonstrate how power-sharing has played out in Africa. Although the two cases share some superficial similarities, variation in the strength and disposition of key veto players generated radically different contexts that shaped the feasibility and impact of unity government. Explaining the number and attitude of veto players requires a comparative analysis of the evolution of civil–military and intra-elite relations. In Zimbabwe, the exclusionary use of violence and rhetoric, together with the militarisation of politics, created far greater barriers to genuine power-sharing, resulting in the politics of continuity . These veto players were less significant in the Kenyan case, giving rise to a more cohesive outcome in the form of the politics of collusion . However, we find that neither mode of power-sharing creates the conditions for effective reform, which leads to a more general conclusion: unity government serves to postpone conflict, rather than to resolve it.
The chemotherapeutic potential of Terminalia ferdinandiana: Phytochemistry and bioactivity

Plants contain a myriad of natural compounds which exhibit important bioactive properties. These compounds may provide alternatives to current medications and afford a significant avenue for new drug discovery. Despite this, little information is available in the literature regarding native Australian plants and their potential for medicinal and industrial uses. Recent studies have reported Terminalia ferdinandiana to be an extremely good source of antioxidants. Indeed, T. ferdinandiana has been reported to have ascorbic acid levels per gram of fruit more than 900 times higher than blueberries. T. ferdinandiana also has high levels of a variety of other antioxidants, including phenolic compounds and anthocyanins. Antioxidants have been associated with the prevention of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological degenerative disorders. They are also linked with antidiabetic bioactivities and have been associated with the reduction of obesity. Antioxidants can directly scavenge free radicals, protecting cells against oxidative stress-related damage to proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Therefore, T. ferdinandiana has potential in the treatment of a variety of diseases and disorders and its potential bioactivities warrant further investigation.
Voxel-Based Morphometric Analysis of Gray Matter in First Episode Schizophrenia

Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) may afford a more rapid and extensive survey of gray matter abnormalities in schizophrenia than manually drawn region of interest (ROI) analysis, the current gold standard in structural MRI. Unfortunately, VBM has not been validated by comparison with ROI analyses, nor used in first-episode patients with schizophrenia or affective psychosis, who lack structural changes associated with chronicity. An SPM99-based implementation of VBM was used to compare a group of 16 patients with first-episode schizophrenia and a group of 18 normal controls and, as a further comparison, 16 first-episode patients with affective psychosis. All groups were matched for age and handedness. High spatial resolution structural images were normalized to the SPM99 template and then segmented, smoothed, and subjected to an ANCOVA. Schizophrenia vs control group comparisons: Voxel-by-voxel comparison of gray matter densities showed that only the left STG region was significantly different when corrected for multiple comparisons (P <.05), consistent with our previously reported manual ROI results. Analysis of the extent of voxel clusters, replicated with permutation analyses, revealed group differences in bilateral anterior cingulate gyri and insula (not previously examined by us with manually drawn ROI) and unilateral parietal lobe, but not in medial temporal lobe (where our ROI analysis had shown differences). However, use of a smaller smoothing kernel and a small volume correction revealed left-sided hippocampal group differences. Affective psychosis comparisons: When the same statistical thresholding criteria were used, no significant differences between affective psychosis patients and controls were noted. Since a major interest was whether patients with affective psychosis shared some anatomical abnormalities with schizophrenia, we applied a small volume correction and searched within the regions that were significantly less dense in schizophrenia compared to control subjects. With this statistical correction, the insula showed, bilaterally, the same pattern of differences in affective disorder subjects as that in schizophrenic subjects, whereas both left STG and left hippocampus showed statistical differences between affectives and schizophrenics, indicating the abnormalities specific to first-episode schizophrenia. These findings suggest both the promise and utility of VBM in evaluating gray matter abnormalities. They further suggest the importance of comparing VBM findings with more traditional ROI analyses until the reasons for the differences between methods are determined.
Factors Influencing Resource Sharing between Agriculture and Science Teachers Participation in the AgriScience Program.

As American agriculture becomes more scientific and technological, more science knowledge and skills are demanded of its workforce. Neville Clarke, Director of the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station stated, “Today, agriculture needs a new infusion of science and technology and new capabilities that will restore and enhance the competitiveness of U.S. agriculture in the work market place” (Clarke, 1986, p. 37). To address this problem many agriculture teachers have sought to consciously integrate science concepts into the courses they teach. Roegge and Russell (1988) conducted a study to determine how well agriculture and biology could be integrated in a high school setting. They found that the integrated approach was superior to the traditional approach in producing higher overall achievement.
Empirical analysis of the Baldrige Criteria as both an organisational performance measure and a theoretical model

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to test empirically two key measurement perspectives – measurements in the context of a theoretical model that predicts/explains results, and measurements in the context of generating an overall score on performance excellence – of the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence (BCPE) using data from Australasian Business Excellence Award applicants.Design/methodology/approach – Two theoretical models corresponding to each measurement perspective were tested using data (n=118) from the applicants for the New Zealand Businesses Excellence Award (based on the BCPE). The partial least squares method was used to test the validity of the measurement items of the BCPE. Qualitative data were also collected from applicants for the Australian Business Excellence Award.Findings – Most of the measurement items showed low levels of measurement validity under both measurement perspectives; the main reason for this was considered to be due to the design of the BCPE as it is a hi.
Safety evaluation of heavy metals exposure from consumer products

The determination of heavy metals in consumer products is crucial for the safety appraisal and sources classification of human and environmental exposures. These products contain various undisclosed chemical constituents with no or little known health safety information. The public is generally unaware of these types of everyday exposure from chemical constituents of consumer products and their health consequences. In this study, we recorded a body of proof demonstrating potential harm of consumer goods, by determining concentrations of total cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), lead (Pb) and nikel (Ni contents in a variety of personal care products (n = 82) commonly used in Nigeria, using flame atomic absorption spectrometer after dry and wet digestion methods. The results of the analysis indicated that the range of Cd was 0.035 ± 0.023–0.467 ± 0.167 ppm, Cr 0.015 ± 0.009–0.435 ± 0.232 ppm, Cu 0.230 ± 0.08–0.603 ± 0.025 ppm, Zn 0.003 ± 0.005–0.743 ± 0.066 ppm, Fe 0.233 ± 0.219–1.401 ± 1.878 ppm, Pb 0.02 ± 0.007–0.2050. 129 ppm and Ni 0.035 ± 0.015–0.093 ± 0.06 ppm. The values of Cd and Cr are a cause for alarm because the elements are not allowed in any amount in cosmetics. Despite the fact that zinc is essential in the body, the values obtained in this study deserves safety concerns due to cumulative effect, arising from incessant exposure.
Internet Adoption Among Malaysian Companies

The Internet technology is prevalently used in companies for business purposes. This research attempts to investigate the characteristics that are thought to influence such strategic decision of Internet adoption among the companies. Understanding the characteristics of Internet strategy in the business world helps the management to efficiently and effectively invest in Internet adoption plan. A survey was conducted to gather information from Malaysian companies. One hundred and fifteen usable responses were obtained for analysis. The findings of the study suggest the firms that wish to adopt higher level of Internet adoption should take account the support of information technology employees, overseas investment, and participation in international markets.
Do scoring systems help in predicting survival following ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery?

INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to assess the value of the Hardman Index and the Glasgow Aneurysm Score in predicting postoperative mortality in patients with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA), and to assess the correlation between the two. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients admitted with rAAA were identified from a hospital database. Hospital records were reviewed and a retrospective Hardman Index and Glasgow Aneurysm Score was calculated. Poor postoperative prognosis was considered at a Glasgow Aneurysm Score > 95 or a Hardman Index >or= 3. RESULTS A total of 96 patients with a median age of 77.5 years (interquartile range, 71-83 years) and a male:female ratio of 2:1 were identified. Of these, 37 patients were not offered surgery and this was associated with 100% mortality. Of the 59 operated patients, 36 (61%) patients died postoperatively. Operated patients had a median Glasgow Aneurysm Score of 91 (interquartile range, 77-101) and a Hardman Index of 2 (interquartile range, 1-2). In this group, a Glasgow Aneurysm Score > 95 or a Hardman Index >or= 3 was not associated with mortality (P = 0.10 and P = 0.79, respectively). Correlation between the scoring systems was poor (+0.42 tau(b)). CONCLUSIONS The scoring systems assessed did not help predict the outcome of rAAA surgery, and correlated poorly with each other. They do not aid clinical judgement.
On Energy Subsidy Reform and Sustainable Development in Nigeria

Reforming fossil fuel subsidy in Nigeria offers greater opportunities in putting the country on a sustainable path of development. However, removing or reducing fuel subsidy is one knotty issue that has generated severe challenges to government over the decades. Several attempts at this direction have often met stiff opposition from entrenched interest groups. Among other things, a successful reform would require a strong political will to trade off the concentrated benefits of vested interests groups against greater benefits to the society. Achieving this end may not be an easy exercise and a number of issues/options that should be considered have been highlighted in the paper.
Labor scarcity and the turning point in the Chinese rural sectors: empirical evidences from a frontier production function study

The purpose of this study is to examine whether overemployment has existed in the Chinese agricultural sector since 2000. The moment when overemployment ceases to exist is called the ‘turning point. ’ After the turning point, an economy would be classified as entering the developed stage. Since the later half of the 2000s, many studies have analyzed the turning point of the Chinese economy. However, these studies have not reached a consensus as to the existence of overemployment. Varieties of data sources for the empirical studies have affected the discrepancies of these results. This study uses the flow data (e.g., the days of work and the daily wage) rather than stock. From our estimation results, we confirm that the Chinese agricultural sector has been increasing its production efficiency. In addition, our study indicates that overemployment is decreasing in almost all provinces and some regions have achieved a turning point.
Mapping of the CXCR4 Binding Site within Variable Region 3 of the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus Surface Glycoprotein

ABSTRACT Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) shares with T-cell tropic strains of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) the use of the chemokine receptor CXCR4 for cellular entry. In order to map the interaction of the FIV envelope surface unit (SU) with CXCR4, full-length FIV SU-Fc as well as constructs with deletions of extended loop L2, V3, V4, or V5 were produced in stable CHO cell lines. Binding studies were performed using these proteins on 3201 cells (CXCR4hi CD134−), with or without the CXCR4 inhibitor AMD3100. The findings established that SU binding to CXCR4 specifically requires the V3 region of SU. Synthetic peptides spanning the V3 region as well as a panel of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to SU were used to further map the site of CXCR4 interaction. Both the SU V3-specific antibodies and the full-length V3 peptide potently blocked binding of SU to CXCR4 and virus entry. By using a set of nested peptides overlapping a region of SU specifically recognized by CD134-dependent neutralizing V3 MAbs, we showed that the neutralizing epitope and the region required for CXCR4 binding are within the same contiguous nine-amino-acid sequence of V3. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to reveal that serine 393 and tryptophan 394 at the predicted tip of V3 are required to facilitate entry into the target cell via CXCR4. Although the amino acid sequences are not identical between FIV and HIV, the ability of FIV to bind and utilize both feline and human CXCR4 makes the feline model an attractive venue for development of broad-based entry antagonists.