Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bayesian Methods for Scalable Multivariate Value-Added Assessment

There is increased interest in value-added models relying on longitudinal student-level test score data to isolate teachers’ contributions to student achievement. The complex linkage of students to teachers as students progress through grades poses both substantive and computational challenges. This article introduces a multivariate Bayesian formulation of the longitudinal model developed by McCaffrey, Lockwood, Koretz, Louis, and Hamilton (2004) that explicitly parameterizes the long-term effects of past teachers on student outcomes in future years and shows how the Bayesian approach makes estimation feasible even for large data sets. The article presents empirical results using reading and mathematics achievement data from a large urban school district, providing estimates of teacher effect persistence and examining how different assumptions about persistence impact estimated teacher effects. It also examines the impacts of alternative methods of accounting for missing teacher links and of joint versus marginal modeling of reading and mathematics.
17 Flexible Dialogues in Decision Support Systems

In addition to its obvious operational use, data contained in Information Systems can be also used to derive analytical models which may help decision makers to comprehend and better tackle semi-structured problems (Laudon & Laudon, 2004). This kind of problem is frequently characterized by having: (i) a large number of options to analyze, (ii) a reasonable level of uncertainty associated to available information about the problem and also, (iii) a high impact concerning the decision outcome (Turban, 1995). The most usual approach to solve semi-structured problems is to combine the expertise of a decision maker and analytical capabilities of Decision Support Systems (DSS), empowered by a model database. Despite the potential aid DSS can offer, the empirical study performed by Moreau (Moreau, 2006) suggests that when the supportive tool is not considered enriching to decision processes it will probably be abandoned. This is because decision processes are in most cases so complex and consuming that it is not viable to add extra cognitive effort – for example, a decision tool not aligned to decision maker’s preferences and restrictions. In most cases, design and construction of analytical models to be used in a DSS focuses only on providing the best possible accuracy. Other cases encompass more than one objective, but they are frequently related to attributes associated to model-data relation. The user is sometimes left out and this not very smart approach often leads to a very accurate tool but not user friendly. Some research results suggest that it is of high importance to take into consideration the user goals, needs, preferences and restrictions. Johnson (Johnson, 2008) suggests that the concept of cognitive exhaustion can have multiple interpretations and that it is useful to model some of its characteristics to provide better suited supportive environments. According to Chakraborty, the cognitive stile of decision maker influences the perception of utility and ease information systems usage (Chakraborty et al., 2008). Djamasbi shown through an experiment that the positive mood of decision makers causes a positive impact in the acceptance of new decision support tools (Djamasbi, 2008). Based on these research findings the strategy devised here is to avoid DSS abandonment and to improve user satisfaction by providing flexible decision dialogues, incorporating information of the user cognitive profile. The cognitive profile information was employed to allow DSS to provide a kind of support more closely adapted to each user, thus reducing unexpected behaviors. In order to provide DSS with flexibility to various problem characteristics, a new intelligent approach was proposed (iDSS). In which, three elements deserve special attention: (i)
A Theory of Camera-Independent Correspondence

Projective geometry is a standard mathematical tool for image-based 3D reconstruction. Most reconstruction methods establish pointwise image correspondences using projective geometry. We present an alternative approach based on differential geometry of a surface observed by any camera, existing or potential, that satisfies very general conditions, namely, the differentiability of the surface and the bijective projection functions. Considering two views of the surface, we derive the pose equation that can be used to determine the relative pose of the two cameras. Then we discuss the generalized epipolar geometry and derive the generalized epipolar constraint along the epipolar curves. Applying the proposed theory to projective camera and assuming that affine mapping between small corresponding regions has been estimated, we obtain the minimal pose equation for the case when a fully calibrated camera is moved with its internal parameters unchanged. Equations for the projective epipolar constraint and the fundamental matrix are also derived. Then, the special cases of normalized coordinates and rectified image pair are discussed. Finally, we present test results for pose estimation showing that our solution is correct and operational.
La competencia comunicativa y oral en la formación inicial de maestros

La enseñanza por competencias en la universidad supone nuevos retos. Este estudio presenta resultados de un estudio en el que se implementa una innovación docente en la formación inicial de maestros con relación al desarrollo de la competencia comunicativa y la lengua oral. El objetivo principal es identificar los cambios en las habilidades de los estudiantes de dos grupos del grado de maestro, uno de segundo curso y otro de cuarto curso, al introducirse una innovación docente con el propósito de contribuir a mejorar su competencia comunicativa y lingüística oral. Los instrumentos de evaluación utilizados son la Escala de valoración de la lengua oral en contexto escolar (EVALOE) (Gràcia et al., 2015) y una rúbrica relativa al texto argumentativo, que recoge 6 dimensiones (gestión de la interacción, multimodalidad, prosodia, coherencia, cohesión textual, argumentación, léxico). Los resultados ponen de manifiesto la adecuación de estos instrumentos tanto como recursos de innovación docente para la mejora de la competencia oral de los estudiantes, como de su evaluación. Los estudiantes de los dos grupos clase mejoran su competencia comunicativa y argumentativa en la mayoría de dimensiones, aunque se aprecian diferencias entre los grupos, debidas, entre otros aspectos, a las características de las asignaturas y a la manera como cada docente implementa la innovación.
On the existence of isoperimetric extremals of rotation and the fundamental equations of rotary diffeomorphisms

In this paper we study the existence and the uniqueness of isoperimetric extremals of rotation on two-dimensional (pseudo-) Riemannian manifolds and on surfaces on Euclidean space. We find the new form of their equations which is easier than results by S. G. Leiko. He introduced the notion of rotary diffeomorphisms. We prove that rotary mappings don’t exist.
Seasonal variations of concentrations and optical properties of water soluble HULIS collected in urban environments

Abstract. Major contributors to the organic aerosol include water-soluble macromolecular compounds (e.g. HULISWS: Water Soluble Humic LIke Substances). The nature and sources of HULISWS are still largely unknown. This work is based on a monitoring in six different French cities performed during summer and winter seasons. HULISWS analysis was performed with a selective method of extraction complemented by carbon quantification. UV spectroscopy was also applied for their chemical characterisation. HULISWS carbon represent an important contribution to the organic aerosol mass in summer and winter, as it accounts for 12–22% of Organic Carbon and 34–40% of Water Soluble Organic Carbon. We found strong differences in the optical properties (specific absorbance at 250, 272, 280 nm and E2/E3 ratio) and therefore in the chemical structure between HULISWS from samples of summer- and wintertime. These differences highlight different processes responsible for emissions and formation of HULISWS according to the season, namely biomass burning in winter, and secondary processes in summer. Specific absorbance can also be considered as a rapid and useful indicator of the origin of HULISWS in urban environment.
Do Fossil-Fuel Taxes Promote Innovation in Renewable Electricity Generation?

We evaluate the role of a fossil fuel tax and research subsidy in directing innovation from fossil fuel toward renewable energy technologies in the electricity sector. Using a global firm-level electricity patent database from 1978 to 2011, we find that the impact of fossil fuel taxes on renewable energy innovation varies with the type of fossil fuel. Specifically, a tax on coal reduces innovation in both fossil fuel and renewable energy technologies while a tax on natural gas has no statistically significant impact on renewable energy innovation. The reason is that easily dispatchable energy sources like coal-fired power plants need to complement renewable energy Technologies in the grid because renewables generate electricity intermittently. Our results suggest that a tax on natural gas, combined with research subsidies for renewable energy, may effectively shift innovation in the electricity sector towards renewable energy. In contrast, coal taxation or a carbon tax that increases coal prices has unintended negative consequences for renewable energy innovation.
Role of Leukotriene in Gastric Ulcer Induced by Acetyl Salicylic Acid in Male Rabbits : Gastroprotection by Montelukast

Gastric mucosal damage is a common disorder of the gastrointestinal system. Non- steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) are known to be aggressive agents for gastric ulcer development. Leukotrienes play an important role in gastric mucosal damage induced by NSAIDs. Montelukast , a selective reversible Cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 antagonist, was reported to have beneficial effects in management of experimental gastric mucosal ulceration. This study designed to evaluate the role of leukotriene against acetyl salicylic acid-induced gastric mucosal damage and to evaluate the gastroprotective activity of montelukast . Thirty local domestic male rabbits had been used in this study , divided into five groups as follows: normal control group, acetylsalicylic acid ( ASA) treated group, Omeprazole pretreatment group, montelukast pretreatment group, montelukast alone treatment group. At the end of the experiment, the stomach of rabbit is removed to prepare the tissue homogenate . The results revealed that after administration of ASA significantly increase the mean ulcer index along with the LTD4 concentration, LTB4 concentration . But in presence of montelukast there is a significant decreased in the mean ulcer index along with LTD4 concentration, LTB4 concentration . These results suggest that the leukotrienes play an important role in acetyl salicylic acid induced gastric ulcerations and gastroprotective activity of montelukast can be attributed to decreased activity of leukotrienes in gastric mucosa . Keywords : Gastric ulcer , H.pylori , Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , montelukast
De-growing peripheries: grassroots practices and planning tools for regenerating Librino, Catania

O artigo discutes alternativas para regenerar as novas periferias urbanas com o objetivo de superar a crise economica e cultural que afeta as sociedades ocidentais, e que agravou-se durante a ultima decada. Nos investigamos como ativar praticas urbanas baseadas e implementadas dos proprios cidadaos. Nos baseamos as nossas reflexoes sobre a realidade de Librino, uma periferia na area metropolitana de Catania, que foi concebida de acordo com os principios da modernidade nos anos 70, mas que revelou-se ao longo dos anos uma total falha na diversas dimensoes sociais, como por exemplo,a sistematica falta de servicos urbanos. Nos exploramos a hipotese de de-crescimento, neste contexto, e investigamos como os construtores de periferias urbana podem colaborar ativamente com os cidadaos, a fim de definir os requisitos reais e demandas, e criar espacos de interacao entre os dois que sejam baseadas nesse contexto real de oportunidades.
Exploring Salient Socio-Linguistic Features of African-American English Vernacular

This study aimed to highlight the distinguishing socio-linguistic features of African-American English Vernacular. It focused on this variety in terms of different theories concerning its origin and provided a relatively detailed description of the structure of this dialect. Furthermore, the study attempted to discuss the most common educational controversies surrounding the use of this particular variety of English as it is used in America today. Related literature was first reviewed especially that which is directly related to various theories concerning the origin of African-American English Vernacular and how this dialect has developed as a major dialect of American English over time in the United States. Empirically, the data collection process involved eliciting spoken data in naturally occurring circumstances from African-American informants residing in the state of Texas in 2014. The study included twenty male and female informants enrolled at Texas A & M University, College Station in both graduate and undergraduate programs. The researchers used both personal and telephone interviews in the data collection process after obtaining the personal written consent of the informants in both cases. The data were then carefully reviewed and analyzed in an attempt to determine the most salient grammatical, phonological, lexical, and social features of AAEV as it is used in America today. Although a strong correlation between AAEV and Standard American English (SAE) exists, AAEV’s unique origins remain unknown. AAEV is similar to Creole language forms used by many the world over. Phonology traits that differentiate AAEV from other language forms include: Word-final devoicing, reduction of certain diphthong forms to monophthongs . AAEV’s vocabulary is similar to that of Southern informal American dialects. In fact, AAEV users are typically bi-dialectal, meaning that they code-switch between AAEV and SAE often. Debates over AAEV’s use have formed controversial socio-cultural settings with regard to education, particularly that of African-American youth. For example, the Resolution of Oakland held that AAEV had little to do with SAE or any other European language but rather originated from West-African languages. Despite all the controversies surrounding AAEV in terms of its origin or educational role in America today, it might be safe to propose that this particular dialect of American English-call it what you wish-will only receive more attention in modern linguistics and acquire gradual socio-linguistic prestige in the 21 st century. This assumption is primarily based on the overwhelming political changes in the United States today.
TESTING THE MODELS OF REGIONAL SPECIALIZATION IN TERMS OF NEW THEORIES OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE

To test intra-industry specialization patterns, in regional profile, was started to determine the regional indices of marginal specialization (Brulhart indices), since these decompose the changes that occur in the processes of specialization into three components: the marginal intra-industry specialization, inter-industry specialization that determine the increase of previous specialization and the inter-industry specialization causing its decrease. To capture the dynamic determinants of specialization processes were built econometric models where were tested only those predictors offered by new theories of international trade.
A novel image acquisition and processing procedure for fast Tunnel DSM production

In mining operations the evaluation of the stability condition of the excavated front are critic to ensure a safe and correct planning of the subsequent activities. The procedure currently used to this aim has some shortcomings: safety for the geologist, completeness of data collection and objective documentation of the results. In the last decade it has been shown that the geostructural parameters necessary to the stability analysis can be derived from high resolution digital surface models (DSM) of rock faces. With the objective to overcome the limitation of the traditional survey and to minimize data capture times, so reducing delays on mining site operations, a photogrammetric system to generate high resolution DSM of tunnels has been realized. A fast, effective and complete data capture method has been developed and the orientation and restitution phases have been largely automated. The survey operations take no more than required to the traditional ones; no additional topographic measurements other than those available are required. To make the data processing fast and economic our Structure from Motion procedure has been slightly modified to adapt to the peculiar block geometry while, the DSM of the tunnel is created using automatic image correlation techniques. The geomechanical data are sampled on the DSM, by using the acquired images in a GUI and a segmentation procedure to select discontinuity planes. To allow an easier and faster identification of relevant features of the surface of the tunnel, using again an automatic procedure, an orthophoto of the tunnel is produced. A case study where a tunnel section of ca. 130 m has been surveyed is presented.
Antimicrobial resistance and plasmid profile analysis of clinically isolated Shigella dysenteriae in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan.

The antimicrobial susceptibility patterns for 134 S. dysenteriae isolated from diarrheal patients admitted to hospitals in Azad Kashmir Pakistan were analyzed from 1994 to 1998 to determine their changing trends in response to twenty antibiotics. The isolates showed highest resistance against penicillin followed by carbenicillin, ampicillin, tetracycline, erythromycin, ceftizoxime, kanamycin, co-trimoxazole, piperacillin, amoxicillin, amikacin, streptomycin, nalidixic acid, gentamicin, chloramphenicol, cephalothin and ceftriaxone. All S. dysenteriae isolates were sensitive to cefixime, ciprofloxacin and enoxacin. Multiple drug resistance was observed in this study ranging from three to ten drugs and was resistant to three or more antibiotics at level as high as 300µg/ml. The most common antibiotics resistance pattern was PCaA. The plasmids were observed in 29.9% MDR strains of S. dysenteriae which were found resistant to three or more antibiotics. The number of plasmids varied from one to seven. All the strains contained a heterogeneous population of plasmids ranging between 23.1 kb to <2.0 kb. Based on molecular weight, the pattern of different plasmids was also very diverse. Depending on the number of plasmids, individual strains were grouped into nine different plasmid patterns. The plasmids (23.1 Kb and <23.1 Kb) could only confer ampicillin, chloramphenicol and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim resistance to the competent cells of E. coli HB101.
173 Benchmarking and Comparing Entrepreneurs with Incomplete Information *

This paper studies how the creation of benchmarks and rankings can be used to provide information in financial markets. Although an investor cannot precisely estimate the future returns of an entrepreneur's projects, the investor can mitigate the incomplete information problem by comparing different entrepreneurs and financing only the very best ones. Incomplete information can be eliminated with certainty if the number of compared projects is sufficiently large. Because the possibility to make benchmarks and comparisons favours centralised information gathering, it creates a novel rationale for the establishment of a financial intermediary. JEL Classification: G21, G24.
Measuring Disease Progress in Pure and Mixed Stands of Plant Cultivars

Gumpert, F. -M. 1989. Measuring disease progress in pure and mixed stands of plant cultivars. Phytopathology 79:968-973. A measure is presented that quantifies disease progress of fungal The rate of disease increase is particularly useful if the epidemiological pathotypes during the exponential phase of the epidemic. This measure, parameters display compensatory effects. The second application deals referred to as rate of disease increase (p), represents the factor by which with the long-term composition of pathotype mixtures. The pathotype the number of infection units is multiplied from one day to another after with the largest p value will predominate in the long run. This is again the initial infection waves have damped. The rate of disease increase exemplified by using barley leaf rust data. The third application concerns depends on four pathotype/cultivar-specific parameters (latent period, disease control strategies. A host stand should be composed so that the infectious period, infection efficiency, spore production rate) and two corresponding predominant pathotype has a p value smaller than the nonspecific parameters (deposition frequency and autodeposition prevailing pathotype of any other composition. This concept does not frequency). Three applications are given. First, it is used to determine presuppose selection against unnecessary genes for virulence. A condition the levels of partial resistance of barley cultivars to leaf rust. The calculated is given under which a cultivar mixture may be more beneficial than p values were highly correlated both with total spore production per each of its components grown in pure stands, and this condition is unit leaf area (r - 0.97) and with disease score in the field (r = 0.81). illustrated by a simple example of two pathotypes and two cultivars. Additional keywords: autoinfection, epidemiology, optimal cultivar composition. Plant pathologists mostly use Van der Plank's (29) apparent infection unit, independently of its phase of development, is infection rate (r) to quantify disease progress. This measure has counted here. Infection units that have passed the latent period proven useful for comparative studies on sanitation efforts, are called "lesions. " Our model, referring to a single pathotype, fungicide application, and cultivar resistance (3,8-10,15). It was has the following form: shown by Van der Plank (29) that r exhibits wavelike behavior during epidemic development even though latent period (p),