Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Student Participation and Parental Involvement in Relation to Academic Achievement

This study shows that students, teachers, and parents in Swedish schools ascribe differing meanings and significance to students' participation in school in relation to academic achievement. Students see participation as mainly related to social interaction and not academic achievement, whilst teachers view students' participation as more closely related to activity and academic performance. Despite these differences, teachers and students are in close agreement regarding activities of a social nature. Teachers' and parents' ratings of parents' involvement in school demonstrate a higher agreement, but also correlate negatively with the academic achievement of the student. This is likely because communication is more frequent with parents of underachieving students than students demonstrating high academic performance. The partly inconsistent results in previous research regarding the relation between participation and academic achievement can here be explained by the choice of raters, as this connection only exists in ratings carried out by teachers.
Visual and Cognitive Features on Icon Effectiveness

— Several criteria like conspicuity, legibility, distinctiveness, and comprehension must be met for an icon to be effective. Previous studies found that visual and cognitive features of icons have significant influence on reaching the criteria for icon effectiveness. The aim of this paper is to present a review on visual features (color, shape, size) and cognitive features (familiarity, concreteness, complexity, meaningfulness, semantic distance) of icons. The relationships amongst cognitive features and ways to quantify cognitive features were also identified. Such review would be helpful in formulating research plans and methodology for conducting other icon studies. In addition, this review would facilitate graphic designers to create more user-friendly icons.
Screening for Anal Dysplasia in HIV-Infected Men Who Have Sex with Men by Anal Cytology, Human Papillomavirus Testing and Anoscopy

The incidence of anal cancer in HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM) is increasing and screening is advo-cated. In a cross-sectional study anal cytology specimens from 58 HIV-infected MSM were analyzed for adequacy, cy-tology and HPV DNA testing results and compared to findings on anoscopy. The adequacy of cytology specimens was high. In 34 (63%) of anal swab samples any grade of dysplasia was observed compared to 41 (71%) of biopsy speci-mens. The cytology specimens revealed high-grade dysplasia in 4 (7%) compared to 29 (50%) of biopsy specimens. The prevalence of high-risk HPV types was 90% by using the SPF10 PCR and 81% by using the Hybrid Capture II assay. Because of the high HPV prevalence, HPV DNA testing alone is not a suitable diagnostic screening tool for detecting anogenital lesions in this specific MSM population. Screening should include both anal cytology and anoscopy.
Robust German Noun Chunking With a Probabilistic Context-Free Grammar

We present a noun chunker for German which is based on a head-lexicalised probabilistic context-free grammar. A manually developed grammar was semi-automatically extended with robustness rules in order to allow parsing of unrestricted text. The model parameters were learned from unlabelled training data by a probabilistic context-free parser. For extracting noun chunks, the parser generates all possible noun chunk analyses, scores them with a novel algorithm which maximizes the best chunk sequence criterion, and chooses the most probable chunk sequence. An evaluation of the chunker on 2,140 hand-annotated noun chunks yielded 92% recall and 93% precision.
Computational Thinking in K–12

Jeannette Wing’s influential article on computational thinking 6 years ago argued for adding this new competency to every child’s analytical ability as a vital ingredient of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning. What is computational thinking? Why did this article resonate with so many and serve as a rallying cry for educators, education researchers, and policy makers? How have they interpreted Wing’s definition, and what advances have been made since Wing’s article was published? This article frames the current state of discourse on computational thinking in K–12 education by examining mostly recently published academic literature that uses Wing’s article as a springboard, identifies gaps in research, and articulates priorities for future inquiries.
The forecasting of Shanghai index trend based on genetic algorithm and back propagation Artificial neural network algorithm

This thesis presents a BP Artificial neural network prediction modeling method for forecasting the trend of Shanghai index, and then uses the genetic algorithm to optimize the BP network parameters, weight and structure. The forecasting results show that the optimization algorithm not only avoids BP algorithm into a local minimum point and the problems of slow convergence, but also overcome the GA Shortcomings such as the search time too long and search speed too slow caused by in a similar form of exhaustive search for optimal solution. In the stock market of such a complicated nonlinear stochastic system modeling, this modeling method has high application value.
Getting Ready : Preparation for Exporting Preliminary Version-Comments Welcome

This study uses Mexican plant-product level data for the 1994-2003 period to examine plant behavior preceding an expansion into foreign markets. In contrast to the existing literature, which concentrates on plant productivity, we focus on domestic unit values of products that will be exported in the future and on plants’ investment behavior. Our findings are consistent with conscious preparation on the part of future or expanding exporters. First, we show that plants that will export a particular product variety in the future experience an increase in the domestic unit value obtained for this variety two years before exporting starts. This is suggestive of changes in product attributes taking place in preparation for exporting. Second, we document an increase in investment activity before a new variety is introduced to export markets. This is, however, true only in the case of new exporters suggesting that the cost of the first-time entry into foreign markets may be higher than the cost of subsequent expansion in the number of exported varieties. Third, we find that investment preceding entry into export markets is spent on physical assets or technology acquisition, though the latter result is less robust. No statistically significant relationship is detected for spending on R&D activities.
Noninvasive Measurement of Arterial Blood Plasma Concentration of Iodinated Contrast Agents from CT Scans of Human Brain

Objective Our goal was to assess the accuracy of estimating the time course of the arterial plasma concentration of meglumine iothalamate from cranial CT images of different vascular structures in the brain. Materials and Methods Dynamic CT studies of transcapillary transport in various brain lesions were analyzed. Vascular structures in the brain were identified and classified in three categories: arteries, veins, and venous sinuses. Systemic venous blood samples were taken prior to the infusion of meglumine iothalamate and 10 min after completion of the infusion and used as a calibration for the volume averaging fraction of the image of each vascular structure. A time course of plasma meglumine iothalamate concentration for each of the vascular categories in the CT images was obtained and compared with a variety of methods. Results Significant differences were found for measurement of plasma meglumine iothalamate concentration from different vascular categories. There was also a disparity between the volume averaging fraction that we calculated and what would be expected due to the measured systemic hematocrit for all vascular structures. Conclusion The use of images of veins and venous sinuses consistently underestimated the arterial concentration around the peak values. Correcting the imaged venous sinus values with the measured systemic hematocrit was even less reliable. The most accurate method of determining arterial plasma concentration of meglumine iothalamate from CT images of brain was to correct the identified arterial vessels for volume averaging.
Eye Gaze Provides a Window on Children's Understanding of Verbal Irony

We investigated how children solve the interpretive problem of verbal irony. Children 5 to 8 years of age and a group of adults were presented with ironic and literal remarks in the context of short puppet shows. The speaker puppet's personality was manipulated as a cue to intent; that is, speakers were described as funny or serious. We measured all participants' interpretations of the remarks and also children's eye gaze and response latencies as they made their interpretations. As expected, children were less accurate than adults in their judgments of speaker intent. Although children took longer to judge speaker intent for ironic remarks than literal remarks, eye gaze data showed no evidence that children had a literal-first bias in their processing of ironic language. Instead, children's eye gaze behavior suggested that they considered an ironic interpretation even in the earliest moments of processing. We argue that these results are most consistent with a parallel constraint satisfaction framework for irony comprehension.
Reporting Intellectual Capital in Annual Reports: Evidence from Ireland

Examines the extent to which 11 knowledge‐based Irish listed companies are adopting methodologies for reporting of intellectual capital in their annual reports. Their market and book values were compared and a content analysis of the annual reports of the 11 listed companies was conducted. With the exception of two of the 11 listed companies, significant differences in market and book values were found, suggesting that knowledge‐based Irish listed companies have a substantial level of non‐physical, intangible, intellectual capital assets. The level of disclosure of intellectual capital attributes by the 11 listed companies studied was low.
Genetic K-means algorithm

In this paper, we propose a novel hybrid genetic algorithm (GA) that finds a globally optimal partition of a given data into a specified number of clusters. GA's used earlier in clustering employ either an expensive crossover operator to generate valid child chromosomes from parent chromosomes or a costly fitness function or both. To circumvent these expensive operations, we hybridize GA with a classical gradient descent algorithm used in clustering, viz. K-means algorithm. Hence, the name genetic K-means algorithm (GKA). We define K-means operator, one-step of K-means algorithm, and use it in GKA as a search operator instead of crossover. We also define a biased mutation operator specific to clustering called distance-based-mutation. Using finite Markov chain theory, we prove that the GKA converges to the global optimum. It is observed in the simulations that GKA converges to the best known optimum corresponding to the given data in concurrence with the convergence result. It is also observed that GKA searches faster than some of the other evolutionary algorithms used for clustering.
Expression of phenotypic plasticity in hatchlings of the lizard Calotes versicolor (Squamata: Agamidae): influence of nest moisture

Expression of phenotypic plasticity in hatchlings of the lizard Calotes versicolor (Squamata: Agamidae): influence of nest moisture. Calotes versicolor breed from late May to early October. The breeding activity begins with the onset of the southwest monsoon. The eggs laid in early breeding season experience more wet conditions than those of the late breeding season. We studied the influence of nest moisture levels on the phenotypic traits of hatchlings by burying the eggs in 5‑cm‑deep sand nests with ~50% (wet nest) or ~20% (relatively dry nest) moisture to simulate nesting conditions of early and late breeding seasons. A group of eggs were subjected to standard laboratory incubation procedure in which eggs are half‑buried in the moist sand and the other half exposed to air. Hatching time and hatchling body size varied with the treatment. The eggs from dry nests hatched later and hatchlings were the biggest but possessed least amount of residual yolk compared to those of ''wet nest'' and also ''lab incubated'' groups. In these hatchlings head and limb sizes were significantly larger than that of the other two groups. The findings show: (1) a developmental plasticity in the lizard, (2) that under low moist conditions larger body size is preferred, and (3) that the trade‑off between somatic growth of embryos and future energy reserves (residual yolk) of hatchlings is influenced by the soil moisture in C. versicolor.
Robust and Scalable Bayes via a Median of Subset Posterior Measures

We propose a novel approach to Bayesian analysis that is provably robust to outliers in the data and often has computational advantages over standard methods. Our technique is based on splitting the data into non-overlapping subgroups, evaluating the posterior distribution given each independent subgroup, and then combining the resulting measures. The main novelty of our approach is the proposed aggregation step, which is based on the evaluation of a median in the space of probability measures equipped with a suitable collection of distances that can be quickly and efficiently evaluated in practice. We present both theoretical and numerical evidence illustrating the improvements achieved by our method.
Performance of an in-house real-time polymerase chain reaction for identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates in laboratory routine diagnosis from a high burden setting

Abstract Brazil is one of the high burden countries for tuberculosis, and a rapid diagnosis is essential for effective control of the disease. In the present study, an in-house real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay targeting the mpt64 gene for identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex isolates was evaluated under routine diagnosis conditions in a reference laboratory. From May 2011 to July 2012, 1,520 isolates of mycobacteria were prospectively submitted for phenotypic and/or PRA-hsp65 identification and to real-time PCR. The mpt64 real-time PCR showed 99.7% sensitivity and 96% specificity and detected 79.4% of the cases missed by phenotypic and PRA-hsp65 identification. The in-house real-time PCR assay showed high sensitivity and specificity and was successfully implemented in the routine diagnosis of tuberculosis in a reference laboratory from a high burden setting.
[Weight changes of patients in methadone maintenance treatment during four years period].

BACKGROUND Besides significant reduction in heroin consumption, weight gain is an accompanying phenomenon during methadone maintenance treatment. Priority of this on-going study was to find out, if it is stable, or transitory. We were also interested in possible contribution of pharmacological and socio-cultural factors on body weight changes. METHODS AND RESULTS It was a longitudinal, clinical, observational study. The sample consisted of 42 patients from methadone maintenance treatment program (MMTP) from the Centre for Treatment of Drug Dependencies in Bratislava. Their average age was 28.6 years (SD ± 6.0); 67 % were males. The weight (kg) and body mass index (BMI) were monitored in the series of five measurements during four years period in MMTP: at treatment entry after one year, after two, after three and after four years in the program. Relationship was also explored between daily dose of methadone and BMI. The average weight of the patients and their BMI were: before the entry into MMTP 65.2 kg (SD ± 13.9) and 22.2 (SD ± 3.9); after one year 72.7 kg (SD ± 15.3) and 24.7 (SD ± 4.1); after two 75.2 kg (SD ± 16.7) and 25.6 (SD ± 4.4); after three 74.2 kg (SD ± 17.1) and 25.1 (SD ± 4.5); after four years 75.0 kg (SD ± 16.5) and 25.2 (SD ± 4.2). Significant increase of BMI was detected after one year (t = 5.03; p < 0.001) and less significant between one and two years (t = 2.5; p < 0.05) in MMTP. Significant difference was also found between proportional distributions of the patients according to BMI categories: underweight, norm, overweight, obesity; at the time of entry to MMTP and after one year in it (χ² = 13.6; p < 0.01). No any other statistically significant changes were found later on, after 1 - 4 years from the entry to the treatment. The correlation between daily dose of methadone and BMI (r = 0.273) was not significant after four years in MMTP. CONCLUSIONS The weight of the patients in MMTP has increased significantly after one year in the treatment, but remained stable from the second year. No substantial correlation was detected between methadone dose and BMI.
Cytokinin cross-talking during biotic and abiotic stress responses

As sessile organisms, plants have to be able to adapt to a continuously changing environment. Plants that perceive some of these changes as stress signals activate signaling pathways to modulate their development and to enable them to survive. The complex responses to environmental cues are to a large extent mediated by plant hormones that together orchestrate the final plant response. The phytohormone cytokinin is involved in many plant developmental processes. Recently, it has been established that cytokinin plays an important role in stress responses, but does not act alone. Indeed, the hormonal control of plant development and stress adaptation is the outcome of a complex network of multiple synergistic and antagonistic interactions between various hormones. Here, we review the recent findings on the cytokinin function as part of this hormonal network. We focus on the importance of the crosstalk between cytokinin and other hormones, such as abscisic acid, jasmonate, salicylic acid, ethylene, and auxin in the modulation of plant development and stress adaptation. Finally, the impact of the current research in the biotechnological industry will be discussed.
Individual differences in the peripheral immune system promote resilience versus susceptibility to social stress

Significance Depression and anxiety have been linked to increased inflammation. However, we do not know if inflammatory status predates onset of disease or whether it contributes to depression symptomatology. We report preexisting individual differences in the peripheral immune system that predict and promote stress susceptibility. Replacing a stress-naive animal’s peripheral immune system with that of a stressed animal increases susceptibility to social stress including repeated social defeat stress (RSDS) and witness defeat (a purely emotional form of social stress). Depleting the cytokine IL-6 from the whole body or just from leukocytes promotes resilience, as does sequestering IL-6 outside of the brain. These studies demonstrate that the emotional response to stress can be generated or blocked in the periphery, and offer a potential new form of treatment for stress disorders. Depression and anxiety disorders are associated with increased release of peripheral cytokines; however, their functional relevance remains unknown. Using a social stress model in mice, we find preexisting individual differences in the sensitivity of the peripheral immune system that predict and promote vulnerability to social stress. Cytokine profiles were obtained 20 min after the first social stress exposure. Of the cytokines regulated by stress, IL-6 was most highly up-regulated only in mice that ultimately developed a susceptible behavioral phenotype following a subsequent chronic stress, and levels remained elevated for at least 1 mo. We confirmed a similar elevation of serum IL-6 in two separate cohorts of patients with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. Before any physical contact in mice, we observed individual differences in IL-6 levels from ex vivo stimulated leukocytes that predict susceptibility versus resilience to a subsequent stressor. To shift the sensitivity of the peripheral immune system to a pro- or antidepressant state, bone marrow (BM) chimeras were generated by transplanting hematopoietic progenitor cells from stress-susceptible mice releasing high IL-6 or from IL-6 knockout (IL-6−/−) mice. Stress-susceptible BM chimeras exhibited increased social avoidance behavior after exposure to either subthreshold repeated social defeat stress (RSDS) or a purely emotional stressor termed witness defeat. IL-6−/− BM chimeric and IL-6−/− mice, as well as those treated with a systemic IL-6 monoclonal antibody, were resilient to social stress. These data establish that preexisting differences in stress-responsive IL-6 release from BM-derived leukocytes functionally contribute to social stress-induced behavioral abnormalities.
Non-Photochemical Quenching in Cryptophyte Alga Rhodomonas salina Is Located in Chlorophyll a/c Antennae

Photosynthesis uses light as a source of energy but its excess can result in production of harmful oxygen radicals. To avoid any resulting damage, phototrophic organisms can employ a process known as non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), where excess light energy is safely dissipated as heat. The mechanism(s) of NPQ vary among different phototrophs. Here, we describe a new type of NPQ in the organism Rhodomonas salina, an alga belonging to the cryptophytes, part of the chromalveolate supergroup. Cryptophytes are exceptional among photosynthetic chromalveolates as they use both chlorophyll a/c proteins and phycobiliproteins for light harvesting. All our data demonstrates that NPQ in cryptophytes differs significantly from other chromalveolates – e.g. diatoms and it is also unique in comparison to NPQ in green algae and in higher plants: (1) there is no light induced xanthophyll cycle; (2) NPQ resembles the fast and flexible energetic quenching (qE) of higher plants, including its fast recovery; (3) a direct antennae protonation is involved in NPQ, similar to that found in higher plants. Further, fluorescence spectroscopy and biochemical characterization of isolated photosynthetic complexes suggest that NPQ in R. salina occurs in the chlorophyll a/c antennae but not in phycobiliproteins. All these results demonstrate that NPQ in cryptophytes represents a novel class of effective and flexible non-photochemical quenching.
Influência de fatores ambientais na distribuição de famílias de insetos aquáticos em rios no sul do Brasil

Os rios neotropicais sofrem os efeitos das acoes humanas. Medidas conservacionistas, pela escassez de estudos na regiao e do conhecimento limnico, baseiam-se em dados referentes a outras regioes, sendo muitas vezes ineficazes pela inobservância das diferencas nas respostas das comunidades aquaticas as variaveis ambientais em escalas distintas. Este estudo teve como objetivos: conhecer a riqueza de insetos aquaticos em uma bacia neotropical; verificar qual a influencia das variaveis ambientais na distribuicao das familias de insetos aquaticos em quatro tributarios dessa bacia e observar se o padrao de distribuicao das familias de insetos aquaticos varia entre as ordens dos rios ou entre microbacias, de acordo com a influencia de variaveis ambientais e espaciais. Foi encontrado um total de 9.135 individuos distribuidos em 26 familias de macroinvertebrados. A estrutura das comunidades foi distinta entre as microbacias. As familias de insetos aquaticos foram influenciadas pelas variaveis ambientais e espaciais diferentes em cada microbacia.