Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Student achievement in charter schools: A complex picture

Since the inception of charter schools over a decade ago, policymakers have wanted to know how charter schools are performing. This is difficult to answer because there is no single charter school approach to educating students. By design, charter schools have innovative and distinctive education philosophies. In this research, we capture some of the uniqueness of charter schools by clustering them into four major categories: charter schools that convert from conventional public schools, charter schools that start from scratch, charter schools that rely primarily on classroom-based instruction, and charter schools that have a significant portion of instruction outside of the classroom. Based on these four distinctions, we find significant differences in performance. These differences suggest that policymakers may want to focus greater resources on certain types of charter schools versus others. © 2005 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
Human macrophages acquire a hyporesponsive state of tumor necrosis factor alpha production in response to successive Mycobacterium avium serovar 4 stimulation

Human macrophages (M phi) from most donors respond to inoculation with Mycobacterium avium serovar 4 (M. avium) by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) production, which is of critical importance for proper defense against microorganisms. An initial infection of M phi with M. avium results in an incapacity to accumulate TNF-alpha mRNA after reinfection with M. avium, indicating adaptation to a hyporesponsive state by preexposure of the cells to M. avium. Adaptation to stimulation with M. avium is abrogated by the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin. In the presence of prostaglandin E2, indomethacin-exposed, M. avium-treated M phi remain unresponsive to a subsequent M. avium stimulus to increase steady-state TNF-alpha mRNA, suggesting that prostaglandin E2 is instrumental for the adaptation to an M. avium challenge. TNF-alpha mRNA accumulation induced by a second M. avium stimulus in the presence of indomethacin is blocked by the protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor herbimycin. In contrast, the initial M phi response to M. avium is inhibited by staurosporin, an inhibitor of phospholipid Ca(2+)-dependent protein kinases, indicating that the initial and the successive TNF-alpha responses to M. avium are dependent on different mechanisms.
Segmentation algorithm for Arabic handwritten text based on contour analysis

Segmentation is the process of dividing the binary image into useful regions according to certain conditions. It is the most important phase in any optical character recognition (OCR) system and its accuracy affects significantly the recognition rate of that system. In cursive nature languages such as Arabic, the segmentation procedure is complicated especially in handwritten documents because writers' styles differs as well as the special cases of characters overlapping and ligatures. Hence, the design of the segmentation algorithms must be based on general descriptors that most writers follow. In this paper, a segmentation algorithm for Arabic handwriting has been developed. The main idea of the algorithm is to divide the selected image into lines and sub-words. Then, for each subword, the contour of each sub-word is traced. After that, the algorithm detects the exact points where the contour changes its state from a horizontal line to another state of vertical or curved line. Finally, the coordinates of these points are considered as the segmentation points. The algorithm was tested over the IFN/ENIT database words. Over 537 tested words containing 3222 character; the algorithm achieved 89.4% of correct character segmentation points.
A used-based allocation model for revenue adequacy in congested networks with financial transmission rights markets

A new strategy designed with the purpose of achieving revenue adequacy in congested networks that use financial transmission rights - FTR markets is presented in this paper. In such markets, the independent system operator is required to cover payments to awarded FTR holders through congestion revenues. When this is not possible, there exists an unbalance or revenue inadequacy. Several approaches are used today to allocate this inadequacy overcharge like a pro-rata scheme. These methods don't take into account the use of the network by the agents (loads and generation). The model suggested in this paper is based on applying the principle of equivalent bilateral exchanges -EBE to allocate revenue inadequacies. The advantage is the possibility of incorporating the concept of "pay as used" a service among agents. Numerical tests show comparatively the presence of cross-subsidies produced by the normally used pro-rata method which are not present in the suggested approach
A New Class of Highly-Miniaturized Reconfigurable UWB Filters for Multi-Band Multi-Standard Transceiver Architectures

Modern wireless communication systems typically employ multiple frequency bands for several standards. A new class of miniaturized ring filters with tuning capability is introduced for this purpose. The proposed filter structure is based on a single multi-mode resonator with variable section impedances in microstrip technology. The bandwidth of the filter can be significantly extended to cover the whole ultra wideband (UWB) frequency range with high adjustability. Moreover, a tunable bandnotch is introduced within the filter response, which can be arbitrarily placed according to the required application. Varactor and PIN diodes are also utilized to facilitate a high tuning capability throughout the different filter characteristics with respect to bandwidth, center frequency, and bandnotch frequency. Based on the symmetry of the filter, even-odd mode analysis is applied to investigate the different filter design characteristics. In addition, a comprehensive transmission line model is investigated within this paper which showed excellent agreements with full-wave simulations and measurements. The implemented UWB filter is investigated with respect to its frequency-domain characteristics and group delay response. The realized filter has a fractional bandwidth of more than 119% with a low group delay. All measured results are in a very good agreement with analysis and simulations. The overall filter dimensions, including housing, do not exceed 25 mm $\times 25$ mm.
Controlling working time in the ward and on the line

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to assess whether tele‐nursing in Scotland (NHS24), when compared with traditional face‐to‐face nursing, facilitates greater employee control over working time and therefore a potentially better work‐life balance.Design/methodology/approach – The article draws on evidence from two independent research projects; a survey of 64 ward nurses and midwives, which involved face‐to‐face interviews; and a field study of tele‐nursing in a large site in Scotland, using interviews and observations of 15 nurse advisors or tele‐nurses.Findings – Three elements of work organisation are central in shaping nurses' working hours and their control over the balance between their work and their home life: the management of working hours; the degree of mutual dependency of nurses within teams; and the nature of patient care.Research limitations/implications – The two pieces of research reported offer a strong basis for comparative study. However, the two projects were designed independe.
Dynamic changes of regulatory T cell and dendritic cell subsets in stable kidney transplant patients: a prospective analysis.

INTRODUCTION We aimed to identify immune status of the stable kidney allografts from the point of some cellular changes that may occur after transplantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study considered 57 patients with no rejection during the 6 months after transplantation. Flow cytometric frequencies of circulatory CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ and CD8+CD28- regulatory T cells (Treg) as well as myeloid dendritic cells type 1 (MDC1) and type 2 (MDC2) and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDC) were measured before transplantation and 2 weeks and 1, 3, and 6 months after transplantation. Using adjusted model of repeated measure analysis, we assessed the influence of different parameters on different cell subsets. RESULTS The mean number of Tregs and PDCs decreased 2 weeks after transplantation and then increased as they reached their values before transplantation within a few months after transplantation. The mean MDC1s increased during 2 weeks and then decreased to its before-transplantation values within 6 months. The frequency of Tregs (r = 0.90) and MDC1s (r = 0.75) at month 3 could strongly predict their frequencies at month 6. Different variables including family relationship between donor and recipient, glomerular filtration rate, and human leukocyte antigen antibody mismatch did not change the frequency of different cell subsets during the time. CONCLUSIONS The dynamism and circulatory changes in the frequency of Tregs and PDCs are opposite to MDCs after kidney transplantation. We describe these changes in a group of patients with stable graft; however, our study does not render any idea in patients with unstable or rejecting grafts.
Campaign Effects in Theory and Practice

Although scholars debate the influence of election campaigns on electoral decision making, they agree that campaigns do have effects. Empirically identifying the effects of the campaign is not straightforward, however. We simply do not have regular readings of voter preferences over the election cycle, and the readings we do have are imperfect. Clearly then, an important question is, Can we actually detect the effects of election campaigns? In this article, the authors consider the practice of identifying campaign effects, focusing particularly on survey error and its consequences for empirical analysis. Using selected poll data from the 2000 presidential election cycle, they illustrate how the various forms of survey error complicate the study of campaign effects. The authors also offer certain solutions, although these only take us part of the way. Indeed, given the available data, it appears that all that can be offered are fairly general conclusions about the effects of election campaigns.
Expression of endogenous xenotropic retrovirus by methylcholanthrene- induced squamous cell carcinoma of the mouse respiratory tract

As a model for human lung cancer, squamous cell carcinomas were induced by 3-methylcholanthrene in mouse tracheas which had been explanted to a subcutaneous site. The tumors that developed were examined for both ecotropic and xenotropic infectious murine leukemia virus (MuLV). From all squamous carcinomas--six out of six--a xenotropic MuLV was isolated. From some of the fibrosarcomas that occurred incidentally in our induction system, ecotropic MuLV was isolated. However, in the fibrosarcomas, no xenotropic MuLV at all was found.
Global Positioning System-Based Stimulation for Robo-Pigeons in Open Space

An evaluation method is described that will enable researchers to study fight control characteristics of robo-pigeons in fully open space. It is not limited by the experimental environment and overcomes environmental interference with flight control in small experimental spaces using a compact system. The system consists of two components: a global positioning system (GPS)-based stimulator with dimensions of 38 mm × 26 mm × 8 mm and a weight of 18 g that can easily be carried by a pigeon as a backpack and a PC-based program developed in Virtual C++. The GPS-based stimulator generates variable stimulation and automatically records the GPS data and stimulus parameters. The PC-based program analyzes the recorded data and displays the flight trajectory of the tested robo-pigeon on a digital map. This method enables quick and clear evaluation of the flight control characteristics of a robo-pigeon in open space based on its visual trajectory, as well as further optimization of the microelectric stimulation parameters to improve the design of robo-pigeons. The functional effectiveness of the method was investigated and verified by performing flight control experiments using a robo-pigeon in open space.
Reliable Diagnosis of Large Linear Arrays—A Bayesian Compressive Sensing Approach

An innovative array diagnosis technique based on a compressive-sensing (CS) paradigm is introduced in the case of linear arrangements. Besides detecting the faulty elements, the approach is able to provide the degree of reliability of such an estimation. Starting from the measured samples of the far-field pattern, the array diagnosis problem is formulated in a Bayesian framework and it is successively solved with a fast relevance vector machine (RVM). The arising Bayesian compressive sensing (BCS) approach is numerically validated through a set of representative examples aimed at providing suitable user's guidelines as well as some insights on the method features and potentialities.
The Rise of a Latin Model? Family and fertility consequences of employment instability in Italy and Spain

ABSTRACT This paper analyses how unstable employment influences becoming a mother in Italy and Spain. Results suggest that institutional factors foster dynamics of social inequality and hinder family formation. We show that in southern Europe (Italy and Spain), but not in other institutional contexts, the lack of employment stability produces a delay in fertility decision. We attribute this impact of the employment situation on demographic decisions to the sub-protective southern European welfare systems and the insider–outsider labor market configuration, as enhanced by the partial and targeted labor market deregulations of recent decades. In the context of low levels of welfare, unstable employment often comes with persistently reduced entitlement to social and welfare rights, and, therefore, with notable social and demographic consequences. We provide support for this institutional argument by showing that fertility decisions are independent of employment stability in other contexts. Analyses are based on longitudinal data using event history analysis and simultaneous equation models.
Dual directional structured products

We analyze and value dual directional structured products – or simply dual directionals (DDs) – which have been issued in large amounts since the beginning of 2012. DDs evolved out of another type of structured product called absolute return barrier notes; however, DDs lack principal protection and have different embedded options positions, which are yet to be described in the literature. We find that DDs can be broadly organized into two categories: single observation dual directionals and knock-out dual directionals. We determine the appropriate option decomposition for these categories and provide analytical formulas for their valuation. We confirm our analytic results using Monte Carlo simulation and use both techniques to value a large sample of DDs registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission up to December 2012. Our results indicate that like many types of structured products, DDs tend to be priced at a significant premium to present value across issuers and underlying securities and that the present value of the decomposition is smaller than the face value net of commissions. We find that DDs with embedded leverage or a single observation feature tend to be worth less than products either without leverage or with a knock-out option.
Restoring women: community and legal responses to violence against women in opposite sex intimate relationships.

Supervisory Committee Dr. Rebecca Johnson, Faculty of Law Supervisor Dr. Susan C. Boyd, Studies in Policy and Practice Outside Member Professor Hester Lessard, Faculty of Law Departmental Member Violence against women by their male intimate partners remains a serious problem in all parts of Canadian society. Both the Canadian state and Canadian feminist anti-violence activists have explored legal responses to ending intimate violence, including criminalisation, and restorative justice. To date these legal responses have not effectively reduced the rates of intimate violence in Canada. This dissertation explores state and community-based legal responses to intimate violence in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, Canada between 1999 and 2010, where both criminalisation and restorative justice were legislated responses to intimate violence. While restorative justice, in the form of Alternative Measures, was an available option in these cases, it was rarely applied. Criminalisation in the form of prosecution was also an option, but was applied in less than fifty percent of cases. Instead a peace bond, a form of criminally legislated restraining order, was often used. Research participants saw peace bonds as a flawed justice response to intimate violence, and described ways in which they felt peace bonds contributed to the revictimisation of survivors of intimate violence. Significantly, many research participants mislabeled peace bonds, attributing these negative characteristics to ‘restorative justice’. This dissertation draws on interviews with research participants, and existing empirical research on intimate violence, to outline some characteristics of a better justice response to intimate violence. That is; a hybrid justice response which includes models that are
Change in SME internationalisation: an Irish perspective

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to describe and analyse the change process related to internationalisation among three internationalising Irish SMEs.Design/methodology/approach – The authors employ a retrospective case study. The data were collected with face‐to‐face interviews with the founding CEOs.Findings – The study indicates that the changes in SME internationalisation would be more multidimensional than assumed. The level of change due to internationalisation varies considerably and the different types of change are closely intertwined. However, the cases verified that the framework created is a well‐functioning tool for analysing such changes.Research limitations/implications – The study is an exploratory one, and the findings are based on three cases. Therefore the results can only be considered tentative. Additionally, the retrospective nature of the research design is challenging, as it puts weight on the respondents' memory and ability to identify change.Practical implications – Base.
Roles of phospholipase Cβ and NMDA receptor in activity‐dependent endocannabinoid release

Endocannabinoids are released from postsynaptic neurons, activate presynaptic cannabinoid receptors and cause various forms of short‐term and long‐term synaptic plasticity throughout the brain. Using hippocampal and cerebellar neurons, we have revealed that endocannabinoid release can be induced through two different pathways. One is independent of phospholipase Cβ (PLCβ) and driven by Ca2+ elevation alone (Ca2+‐driven endocannabinoid release, CaER), and the other is PLCβ‐dependent and driven by activation of Gq/11‐coupled receptors (receptor‐driven endocannabinoid release, RER). CaER is induced by activation of either voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels or NMDA receptors. RER is functional even at resting Ca2+ levels (basal RER), but markedly enhanced by a small Ca2+ elevation (Ca2+‐assisted RER). In Ca2+‐assisted RER, PLCβ serves as a coincidence detector of receptor activation and Ca2+ elevation. We have also demonstrated that Ca2+‐assisted RER is essential for the endocannabinoid release triggered by synaptic activity. Our anatomical data show that a set of receptors and enzymes required for RER are well organized so that the excitatory input can trigger RER effectively. Certain forms of spike‐timing‐dependent plasticity (STDP) are reported to depend on endocannabinoid signalling. The NMDA receptor and PLCβ might play key roles in the endocannabinoid‐dependent forms of STDP as coincidence detectors with different timing dependences.
Gender, Development, and Neoliberalism: HIV/ AIDS in Cambodia

Thanks to the anti-HIV/AIDS measures of international and non-governmental organizations, Cambodia has been considered a successful case in preventing the transmission of the virus. Declaration of such a victory for the Cambodian case is premature, however, given that HIV prevalence continues to rise among women and, according to Cambodian health officials, another wave of epidemic could occur soon. This study discusses how the implementation of neoliberal economic policies without counterbalancing social policy measures undermines the sustainability and effectiveness of such short-term measures by creating a risky environment for the epidemic. Trade liberalization policies have exacerbated poverty, mobility, and gender inequality, making women more susceptible and vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. JEL classification: I18, F13, O19
Lean Production and Beyond: the System, Its Critics and the Future

Peter Wickens, who is Director of Personnel and Information Systems of the Nissan Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd, puts ‘lean production’ in its historical context, examines some of the criticisms of the system and considers some of the changes taking place in Japan. He goes on to suggest possible ways forward and makes the case for a system of ‘lean production’ managed by people who care about people.
Processing Concurrent Graph Analytics with Decoupled Computation Model

Graph processing systems have been widely used in enterprises like online social networks to process their daily jobs. With the fast growing of social applications, they have to efficiently handle massive concurrent jobs. However, due to the inherent design for a single job, existing systems incur great inefficiency in terms of memory usage, execution and fault tolerance. Motivated by this issue, in this paper we introduce Seraph, a graph processing system that enables efficient job-level parallelism. Seraph is designed based on a decoupled computation model, which decouples both the runtime job data and the computation logic. Decoupling the runtime data allows multiple concurrent jobs to share graph structure data in memory, which fundamentally increases job-level concurrency and reduces fault tolerance overhead. Decoupling computation logic could extend scheduling space, which benefits both execution performance and memory consumption. Seraph adopts a copy-on-write semantic to isolate the graph mutation of concurrent jobs, and a lazy snapshot protocol to generate consistent graph snapshots for jobs submitted at different time. Based on the decoupled model, it provides unified programming interfaces for both synchronous and asynchronous graph applications. Moreover, Seraph implements a lightweight checkpoint mechanism which can tremendously reduce the fault tolerance overhead. The evaluation results show that Seraph significantly outperforms popular systems (such as Giraph, Spark, GraphX and PowerLyra) in both memory usage and job completion time, when executing concurrent graph jobs.
Membrane enrichment of genetic markers close to the origin and terminus during the deoxyribonucleic acid replication cycle in Bacillus subtilis

A temperature-sensitive Bacillus subtilis initiation mutant was used to achieve one cycle of synchronized deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) replication. Markers near the origin of replication and the terminus were assayed for association with the cell membrane at intervals during the DNA replication cycle. DNA near the origin and terminus was found to be enriched in the membrane fraction throughout the DNA replication cycle. The magnitude of membrane enrichment or origin and terminus markers varied coincidentally, possibly as a consequence of incubating the cells at 45 degrees C.