Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transition from school to VET in German-speaking Switzerland

The transition from school to vocational education and training is becoming more difficult for an increasing number of adolescents. Despite the growing significance of ‘interim solutions’ (IS) shaping the pathway after compulsory education, there is hardly any research. This study aims at contributing to this research gap by investigating IS in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. The research explored three research questions: (1) How can the target group of ISs be characterised – especially regarding social and personal resilience factors? (2) Which goals regarding the adolescents’ development are pursued? (3) How are the curriculum and the learning activities designed to facilitate the adolescents’ development? Based on literature analysis, semi-structured expert interviews and case studies in five institutions in three Swiss cantons were conducted. The case analyses showed that the IS put different emphasis on the two kinds of objectives: (a) vocational choice and preparation and (b) personality development.
A calreticulin‐like molecule from the human hookworm Necator americanus interacts with C1q and the cytoplasmic signalling domains of some integrins

Calreticulin was recently identified as a hookworm Necator americanus allergen, implying secretion, and contact with cells of the immune system, or significant worm attrition in the tissues of the host. As human calreticulin has been shown to bind to and neutralize the haemolytic activity of the complement component C1q, and to be putatively involved in integrin‐mediated intracellular signalling events in platelets, it was of interest to determine whether a calreticulin from a successful nematode parasite of humans, with known immune modulatory and antihaemostatic properties, exhibited a capacity to interfere with complement activation and to interact with integrin domains associated with cell signalling in platelets and other leucocytes. We can now report that recombinant calreticulin failed to demonstrate significant calcium binding capacity, which is a hallmark of calreticulins in general and may indicate inappropriate folding following expression in a prokaryote. Nevertheless, recombinant calreticulin retained sufficient molecular architecture to bind to, and inhibit the haemolytic capacity of, human C1q. Furthermore, recombinant calreticulin reacted in surface plasmon resonance analysis (SPR) with peptides corresponding to cytoplasmic signalling domains of the integrins αIIb and α5, in a calcium independent manner. SPR was also used to ratify the specificity of a polyclonal antibody to hookworm calreticulin, which was then used to assess the stage specificity of expression of the native molecule (in comparison with reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction), to indicate its apparent secretion, and to purify native calreticulin from worm extracts by affinity chromatography. This development will allow the functional tests described above to be repeated for native calreticulin, to ascertain its role in the host–parasite relationship.
Motives for Parental Caregiving and Relationship Quality.

This study examines the connections between obligatory and discretionary motives for caregiving and relationship quality for caregiving daughters and their dependent older mothers. The vast majority of 174 elderly dependent mothers and their caregiving daughters believed daughters were caregiving primarily for discretionary reasons. Women who noted that daughters' motives were not highly discretionary reported lower intimacy in their relationships and mothers in this group said they had received care for more years than mothers who reported highly discretionary motives. The need for support in families wherein care is given from other than discretionary motives is discussed.
The Effects of Politeness-Related Instruction on Medical Tutoring

Tutors often fail to address learners' misconceptions. Although this may indicate a failure to grasp these misconceptions, it may simply be due to a wish to be polite and save the learner's face. In this study we examined whether instructing tutors about the pitfalls of politeness could increase the clarity and precision of their tutorial communication. Advanced medical students answered a hypothetical layperson's e-mail request for information that contained several misconceptions. In the experimental condition, the medical tutors received instructions about the problematic nature of excessive or evasive politeness in instructional communication and the benefits of detailed, straightforward information. In the control condition, instructions did not mention politeness issues. Results showed that the politeness instruction led medical tutors to disregard nonproductive politeness in favor of more straightforward replies. Implications for instructional communication are discussed.
Cell Architecture: Surrounding Muscle Cells Shape Gland Cell Morphology in the Caenorhabditis elegans Pharynx

The acquisition and maintenance of shape is critical for the normal function of most cells. Here we investigate the morphology of the pharyngeal glands of Caenorhabditis elegans. These unicellular glands have long cellular processes that extend discrete lengths through the pharyngeal musculature and terminate at ducts connected to the pharyngeal lumen. From a genetic screen we identified several mutants that affect pharyngeal gland morphology. The most severe such mutant is an allele of sma-1, which encodes a β-spectrin required for embryonic elongation, including elongation of the pharynx. In sma-1 mutants, gland projections form normally but become increasingly abnormal over time, acquiring additional branches, outgrowths, and swelling, suggestive of hypertrophy. Rather than acting in pharyngeal glands, sma-1 functions in the surrounding musculature, suggesting that pharyngeal muscles play a critical role in maintenance of gland morphology by restricting their growth, and analysis of other mutants known to affect pharyngeal muscles supports this hypothesis. We suggest that gland morphology is maintained by a balance of forces from the muscles and the glands.
Impact of social capital on depression trajectories of older women in Korea

Objectives: This study examines the impact of social capital on depressive symptoms trajectories among Korean women aged 65 years or older. It also examines the difference in depressive symptoms and social capital by economic status (poverty group, non-poverty group) among community-dwelling older women in Korea. Method: This study used 2435 older women of the Korean Welfare Panel Study from 2006 (wave 1) to 2013 (wave 8) data using latent growth modeling. Social capital variables were cognitive (interpersonal trust, reciprocity) and structural (the size of family, the number of friends or neighbors, participation in leisure and volunteer activities). Results: The results showed both intra- and inter-individual variability in depressive symptoms over time. Interpersonal trust and reciprocity as cognitive social capital had an effect on the change of depressive symptoms in intercept and slope. The size of family, participation in leisure activities among structural social capital were associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms in intercept and slope. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest some practical implications for depression intervention and prevention and further research on late-life depression.
A passive RGBD sensor for accurate and real-time depth sensing self-contained into an FPGA

In this paper we describe the strategy adopted to design, from scratch, an embedded RGBD sensor for accurate and dense depth perception on a low-cost FPGA. This device infers, at more than 30 Hz, dense depth maps according to a state-of-the-art stereo vision processing pipeline entirely mapped into the FPGA without buffering partial results on external memories. The strategy outlined in this paper enables accurate depth computation with a low latency and a simple hardware design. On the other hand, it poses major constraints to the computing structure of the algorithms that fit with this simplified architecture and thus, in this paper, we discuss the solutions devised to overcome these issues. We report experimental results concerned with practical application scenarios in which the proposed RGBD sensor provides accurate and real-time depth sensing suited for the embedded vision domain.
Detection of cytomegalovirus‐infected cells by flow cytometry and fluorescence in suspension hybridisation (FLASH) using DNA probes labeled with biotin by polymerase chain reaction

A biotin‐labeled DNA probe specific for the im‐ mediate early gene of the cytomegalovirus (CMV) strain AD 169 was generated with the polymerase chain reaction. Nucleic acid hybridisation was carried out with CMV‐infected T‐lymphoblastoid cells (MOLT4) after 4 hr to 6 days of culture. Biotin molecules were made visible with streptavidin coupled with fluorescein. The fluorescence signal of the hybridised probe was measured by flow cytometry in the cell suspension. The number of CMV‐positive cells was 7% at 4 hr, 8% after 28 hr, 18% after 2 days, 26% after 3 days, 91% after 4 days, 97% after 5 days, and 98% after 6 days. The first detection of CMV antigen (pp65) was possible with immunoenzymatic labeling by day 4, whereas CMV‐DNA was detected by PCR after 4 hr. CMV‐specific RNA could be detected in a similar way. The analysis of mononuclear peripheral blood leukocytes in a patient with active CMV infection showed 14.7% CMV DNA‐positive cells at day 1 and 7% at day 8, as compared to 0.9% and 0.0% cells which were positive for CMV antigen (pp65) by immunoenzymatic labeling at day 1 and day 8, respectively. We conclude that flow cytometry and fluorescence in suspension hybridisation (FLASH) offers a new tool for analysing exactly and quantifying large numbers of cells for specific DNA or RNA and may be useful for other laboratory and clinical applications. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Y!Q: contextual search at the point of inspiration

Contextual search tries to better capture a user's information need by augmenting the user's query with contextual information extracted from the search context (for example, terms from the web page the user is currently reading or a file the user is currently editing). This paper presents Y! Q---a first of its kind large-scale contextual search system---and provides an overview of its system design and architecture. Y! Q solves two major problems. First, how to capture high quality search context. Second, how to use that context in a way to improve the relevancy of search queries. To address the first problem, Y! Q introduces an information widget that captures precise search context and provides convenient access to its functionality at the point of inspiration. For example, Y! Q can be easily embedded into web pages using a web API, or it can be integrated into a web browser toolbar. This paper provides an overview of Y! Q's user interaction design, highlighting its novel aspects for capturing high quality search context.To address the second problem, Y! Q uses a semantic network for analyzing search context, possibly resolving ambiguous terms, and generating a contextual digest comprising its key concepts. This digest is passed through a query planner and rewriting framework for augmenting a user's search query with relevant context terms to improve the overall search relevancy and experience. We show experimental results comparing contextual Y! Q search results side-by-side with regular Yahoo! web search results. This evaluation suggests that Y! Q results are considered significantly more relevant.The paper also identifies interesting research problems and argues that contextual search may represent the next major step in the evolution of web search engines.
Model-Free Predictive H∞ Control for Grid-Connected Solar Power Generation Systems

A novel model-free predictive mixed-sensitivity H ∞ control scheme is proposed and applied to grid-connected solar power generation systems. The predictive sensitivity and the predictive complementary sensitivity are defined based on the predictive model. The model-free predictive mixed-sensitivity H ∞ controller is derived from input/output measurements to achieve an optimal predictive mixed-sensitivity performance using a maxmin optimization method. Then, a simulation system for solar power generation systems is established using SimPowerSystems. Finally, the simulations are conduced to show the effectiveness of the proposed model-free controller, which outperforms the conventional proportional-integral and model-free linear quadratic Gaussian controllers in the tracking performance and the robustness of solar power generation systems.
Perspectives on the introduction of computer-supported real laboratory exercises into biology teaching in secondary schools : teachers as part of the problem

Computer supported virtual and real laboratories are recognized as tools that can help in raising the quality of biology instruction, and raising development competences in students. Yet biology teachers have been treating the computer as typewriter, as a source of information and as a tool for communication, all of which usages are common to all subjects. The uses of ICT that can significantly help in developing scientific literacy and that are primary tools in science teaching - such as the use of data loggers - are only rarely on the syllabus. The lack of equipment is not the most important reason for failure to use such applications; instead, this is probably due to teachers' attitudes, opinions and knowledge. Students cannot be recognized as an obstacle in working with ICT. Lawer secondary school students aged between 10 and 14 performed three laboratory exercises (Activity of yeast, Gas exchange in breathing, Heart rate) using three different methods: classic, computer-supported and virtual laboratory. As a result of testing, we know that all three methods are suitable even for younger students. When students were asked which method they liked the most, their first choice was computer-supported laboratory, followed by classic laboratory, with virtual laboratory in the third place.
Psychophysiological Experiments on Extent of Disturbance of Noises Under Conditions of Different Types of Brain Works

For quantitative evaluation of human conditions, subjective evaluation obtained through psychological measurements is generally used for assessment of an acoustic environment. It is also important that human reactions to surrounding environments be objectively evaluated from physiological aspect. In the field of architectural environment, Authors reported that auditory information processing was affected by the priority of processing in the brain (Akita et al., 1995). From this finding, it was demonstrated that the Electroencephalogram (EEG) was effective for objective evaluation as a physiological index. In the field of psychophysiology, the distinct EEG theta rhythm from the frontal midline area observed during performance of mental tasks such as continuous addition was defined as the frontal midline theta rhythm (Fmθ) (Brazier et al., 1952; Ishihara et al., 1972). In the studies on Fmθ, it was found that Fmθ was associated with concentration on the task, with higher Fmθ values indicating higher concentration (Ishihara et al., 1975; Ishihara et al., 1976; Ishihara et al., 1991; Suetsugi et al., 2002). As the previous studies on the influence of various noises on task performance, for example, Hashimoto et al. investigated the effects of familiar noises with a moderate sound level of 60 dB LAeq on physiological responses, task performance and psychological responses (Hashimoto et al., 1999). From the results, it was shown that the effect of noise on task performance depended on the kind of noises, it strongly influences the task performance as the task became increasingly more complex. Author has studied relationships between extent of disturbance caused by sounds and EEG during simple calculation task up to now (Tsujimura et al., 2006; Tsujimura et al., 2008). As the finding in the paper, information processing mechanism of cerebral cortex relevant to disturbance was reported (Figure 1) (Tsujimura et al., 2006). Moreover, to clear an effect of meaning of noise on task performance or extent of disturbance, we have investigated the effect of meaningless and meaningful noises on extent of disturbance caused by noises and task performance of two kinds of brain works (Tsujimura et al., 2007). In this paper, in order to find influence of noise including verbal information on the extent of disturbance or EEG during different types of brain works, the psychophysiological experiment was conducted. The relationships between extent of disturbance and EEG were examined during each brain work.
The sex offender public disclosure pilots in England and Scotland: Lessons for ‘marketing strategies’ and risk communication with the public

In 2009 a sex offender public disclosure scheme was piloted in England and Scotland based upon political and policy assumptions about the public’s likely take-up of such a scheme. However, the pilots found lower than anticipated public use of the scheme. By drawing on the notions of instrumental and symbolic efficacy this article explores the potential implications of the current rate of take-up. Is the instrumental efficacy of the scheme, that is, its role in providing advice and information to the public about sex offenders mitigated by low take-up? Does the scheme offer symbolic reassurance to the public about sex offender management and how might this be affected by current take-up rates? The public response to disclosure is also examined through the lens of recent risk communication research, in particular Health Promotion models that critique a simplistic ‘hypodermic’ approach to risk communication. Finally, the symbolic efficacy of public disclosure is examined with specific reference to Jackson and Gray’s (2010) ‘functional fear’.
A large‐scale population‐based study of the association of vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms with bone mineral density

Conflicting results have been reported on the association between restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) at the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene locus (i.e., for BsmI, ApaI, and TaqI) and bone mineral density (BMD). We analyzed this association in a large population‐based sample (n = 1782) of men and women aged 55–80 years using a novel direct haplotyping polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test to monitor the three polymorphic sites simultaneously. The direct haplotyping test we developed demonstrated a larger degree of genetic polymorphism at the VDR gene locus than described until now. None of the individual RFLPs were associated with BMD at the proximal femur. By analyzing allele dose effects, we identified a VDR haplotype allele weakly associated with low BMD. This allele, as one representative of the group of b alleles, is different from the BsmI allele previously reported by other groups to be associated with low BMD. This suggests allelic heterogeneity at the VDR locus in relation to BMD. Our results indicate at most a small effect of the VDR genotype on BMD in this elderly population. Since anonymous polymorphisms were analyzed, alternative explanations for our results include linkage to another nearby bone‐metabolism related gene.
Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Rice Pathogen Ustilaginoidea virens in China

Rice false smut caused by the fungal pathogen Ustilaginoidea virens is becoming a destructive disease throughout major rice-growing countries. Information about its genetic diversity and population structure is essential for rice breeding and efficient control of the disease. This study compared the genome sequences of two U . virens isolates. Three SNP-rich genomic regions were identified as molecular markers that could be used to analyze the genetic diversity and population structure of U . virens in China. A total of 56 multilocus sequence types (haplotypes) were identified out of 162 representative isolates from 15 provinces covering five major rice-growing areas in China. However, the phylogeny, based on sequences at individual SNP-rich regions, strongly conflicted with each other and there were significant genetic differences between different geographical populations. Gene flow between the different geographical populations and genetic differentiation within each geographical population were also detected. In addition, genetic recombination and genetic isolation resulting from geographic separation was also found.
Fabrication and X-Ray Excited Luminescence of Ga- and In-Doped ZnO Nanorods

Ga- and In-doped ZnO nanorods were prepared by low temperature hydrothermal method, and their structure, morphology and luminescence properties were investigated through X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, photoluminescence and X-ray excited fluorescence spectrometers. The results indicated that the nanorods had a hexagonal wurtzite structure, and the average diameter and length of the nanorod were about 1 μm and 10 μm, respectively. Ultraviolet and X-ray excited luminescence spectra of the nanorods show a relatively strong visible emission peak located around 450-750 nm. The In-doped ZnO nanorods exhibited a superior X-ray excited luminescence performance, which implies that it is expected to be a promising candidate for applications in high-spatial-resolution and fast X-ray imaging detector.
A Robust Passive Damping Method for LLCL-Filter-Based Grid-Tied Inverters to Minimize the Effect of Grid Harmonic Voltages

In order to minimize the effect of the grid harmonic voltages, harmonic compensation is usually adopted for a grid-tied inverter. However, a large variation of the grid inductance challenges the system stability in case a high-order passive filter is used to connect an inverter to the grid. Although in theory, an adaptive controller can solve this problem, but in such a case the grid inductance may need to be detected online, which will complicate the control system. This paper investigates the relationship between the maximum gain of the controller that still keeps the system stable and the Q-factor for a grid-tied inverter with an RL series or an RC parallel damped high-order power filter. Then, a robust passive damping method for LLCL-filter-based grid-tied inverters is proposed, which effectively can suppress the possible resonances even if the grid inductance varies in a wide range. Simulation and experimental results are in good agreement with the theoretical analysis.
Children's Closeness to Father as Reported by Mothers, Sons and Daughters:

Mothers' and children's reports of closeness to father are examined using an approach for reconciling discrepant survey responses. This approach is based on a model for the measurement of latent traits. When both mothers and children are asked to report on the closeness of the child to his or her father, tabulations of survey responses show substantial disagreement in the reported evaluation. We adopt a model that explains this disagreement in terms of (a) constant differences between mothers and children, and (b) variability within the sampling population in the actual closeness of father to child. Closeness appears to have an entirely different meaning when fathers are resident than when they are nonresident. But the meaning does not seem to vary (even if feelings do) when the resident father is a stepfather or whether the focal child is a son or a daughter.