Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interrogating differentiated citizenship education: Students’ perceptions of democracy, rights and governance in two Singapore schools

Across and within democratic societies, youth experiences of education for citizenship vary widely. A growing body of research suggests that students’ experiences of democratic citizenship education will differ according to how academic programmes, community culture, socio-economic status and gender intersect with prevailing conceptions of equality, mutual respect and reciprocity. This qualitative study explores how democratic citizenship education is enacted in two secondary schools with very dissimilar academic programmes and policies. A key finding in the study is fissures in perceptions of civic engagement and democratic rights between students from the two schools, thus suggesting that academic programmes and policies can differentiate the manner in which students are prepared to fulfil their roles as citizens.
Localisation of a 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-Coenzyme A Reductase in the Mitochondrial Matrix of Trypanosoma brucei Procyclics

Contrary to Leishmania spp. and Trypanosoma cruzi, Trypanosoma brucei bloodstream forms do not synthesise their own sterols but take these compounds in the form of cholesterol directly from the mammalian host. However, procyclic insect stages synthesise ergosterol rather than cholesterol. Here the sub-cellular localisation of the first committed enzyme of this pathway of isoprenoid synthesis 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase in T. brucei procyclics (0.9 nmol. min-1 . mg-1 protein) was carried out using both cell-fractionation by isopycnic centrifugation and digitonin-titration experiments. The majority of the NADP+- linked 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase is a soluble enzyme present in the mitochondrial matrix with some additional membrane-associated activity in glycosomes and possibly in the endoplasmic reticulum. It is suggested that the active metabolism of threonine and/or leucine as preferred 2-carbon source for the incorporation of acetyl units into lipids and/or sterols in the mitochondrion of T. brucei procyclics is the explanation for a high 3- hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase activity in these protozoan organelles.
Comparative study of software vs. hardware implementations of shortened Reed-Solomon code for Wireless Body Area Networks

The power and reliability of communication are important factors in the design of wireless sensor networks. This paper examines the use of a shortened Reed-Solomon code for power reduction in patient-monitoring application Wireless Body Area Network. The implementations of the scheme on an 8-bit micro-controller and on an FPGA are presented. The paper compares the energy consumption of the designs that are derived from the power measurements and packet rates. Shown also is energy savings on an ASIC implementation, derived from the results using Synopsis Prime Time PX.
State of the interface between clinical and social psychology

In this article various topics related to the future viability and directions of the interface are discussed. The applied market has already been reduced and continued reduction is projected for the ensuing years. In contrast to the previous and present male-dominated work force, the overwhelming majority of those who work in future academic and therapeutic markets will be females. The future role of interface scholars in defining the nature of theory and interventions related to helping people to change is examined. The means for educating students at the interface also are reviewed. The present proliferation of journals combining social and clinical/counseling psychology is described as providing a viable set of outlets for new ideas. Along with social, clinical, and counseling psychologists, personality psychologists have joined the set of players in the interface. Scholars are encouraged to explore situational factors in addition to individual differences. It is suggested that interface scholars should tackle problems of passion (e.g., physical abuse, teenage pregnancy, risky sexual practices, drug usage, etc.). Additionally, unraveling myths related to labeling, comorbidity, specificity, and the supposed independence of prediction and criterion variables are all topics worthy of subsequent focus.
The Effects of Family Disruption on Social Mobility.

L'experience d'une separation familiale durant l'enfance augmente substantiellement la tendance des hommes a se retrouver dans la strate occupationnelle la plus basse. La separation familiale affaiblit la relation d'association entre les dimensions de la strate professionnelle d'origine et de la strate de destination pour les hommes. Le statut socio-economique atteint par les hommes issus de familles eclatees est moins similaire au statut socio-economique d'origine que dans le cas d'hommes issus de familles intactes. Les hommes issus de foyers traditionnels bi-parentaux font preuve d'une plus forte tendance a la transmission occupationnelle intergenerationnelle que les hommes issus de familles eclatees. Ces effets sont identiques entre populations noire et blanche
The Power of Including Children in Custody Mediation

In approximately 10 percent of divorce cases, parents litigate child custody and/or visitation issues (H. McIsaac, personal communication, May 1983). The children involved often feel pressured by competing parents. Including children in the mediation process has a powerful impact on both parents and children. Children are afforded the opportunity to communicate their concerns and feelings with an understanding person. They tend to leave less anxious and burdened. Many parents become more willing to focus on their children's needs and on their new parental roles rather than on past hurts and disappointments. Often the greatest need of the novice child custody mediator is learning techniques of interviewing children. This article provides mediators with methods for involving children that can enhance the effectiveness of mediation.
Methane and nitrous oxide emissions from rice paddy fields

Recent field studies in rice paddy fields in Japan and China have shown that N2O is emitted to the atmosphere not only after the application of nitrogen fertilisers under flooded conditions but also in a period from the final drainage to submergence in the following rice-growing season through nitrification or denitrification. Those results clearly indicate that CH4 and N2O emissions in rice paddy fields are in a trade-off relationship. In some cases, the emission rate of N2O equivalent to CO2 emission was higher than that of CH4, by using global warming potential (CO2: CH4: N2O = 1: 21: 310). A long-term field study in Okayama, Japan, showed that no-tilled direct seeding cultivation (N-TD) could reduce CH4 emission for several years after the start of N-TD, compared with tilled transplanting cultivation (TT), while N2O was emitted from N-TD more than from TT. Two field experiments which were conduced in different years and sites in China showed that the annual N2O emission in double-rice cropping fields was much higher in the plot where Chinese milk vetch was planted in winter than in the plot with dry fallow in winter, while the CH4 emission rate was much lower in the Chinese milk vetch plot in the rice-growing season. From these results strongly indicate that possible techniques to reduce N2O and CH4 emissions simultaneously from rice fields should be developed, investigating nitrogen and carbon cycles in rice paddy fields and measuring the flux of trace gases, not only in rice growing season but through a year. The introduction of methodology of life cycle inventory to agro-ecosystems indicates that the annual emission was highest in CH4 among three greenhouse gases in rice paddy fields, and the total emission rate was much lower in rice paddy fields than in upland fields.
OPTIMAL PERCEPTUAL INFERENCE

When a vision system creates an interpretation of some input datn, it assigns truth values or probabilities to intcrnal hypothcses about the world. We present a non-dctcrministic method for assigning truth values that avoids many of the problcms encountered by existing relaxation methods. Instead of rcprcscnting probabilitics with realnumbers, we usc a more dircct encoding in which thc probability \ associated with a hypotlmis is rcprcscntcd by the probability hat it is in one of two states, true or false. Wc give a particular nondeterministic operator, based on statistical mechanics, for updating the truth values of hypothcses. The operator ensures that the probability of discovering a particular combination of hypothcscs is a simplc function of how good that combination is. Wc show that thcrc is a simple relationship bctween this operator and Bayesian inference, and we describe a learning rule which allows a parallel system to converge on a set ofweights that optimizes its perccptt~al inferences.
Increased brain serotonin turnover in panic disorder patients in the absence of a panic attack: Reduction by a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor

Since the brain neurotransmitter changes characterising panic disorder remain uncertain, we quantified brain noradrenaline and serotonin turnover in patients with panic disorder, in the absence of a panic attack. Thirty-four untreated patients with panic disorder and 24 matched healthy volunteers were studied. A novel method utilising internal jugular venous sampling, with thermodilution measurement of jugular blood flow, was used to directly quantify brain monoamine turnover, by measuring the overflow of noradrenaline and serotonin metabolites from the brain. Radiographic depiction of brain venous sinuses allowed differential venous sampling from cortical and subcortical regions. The relation of brain serotonin turnover to serotonin transporter genotype and panic disorder severity were evaluated, and the influence of an SSRI drug, citalopram, on serotonin turnover investigated. Brain noradrenaline turnover in panic disorder patients was similar to that in healthy subjects. In contrast, brain serotonin turnover, estimated from jugular venous overflow of the metabolite, 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid, was increased approximately 4-fold in subcortical brain regions and in the cerebral cortex (P < 0.01). Serotonin turnover was highest in patients with the most severe disease, was unrelated to serotonin transporter genotype, and was reduced by citalopram (P < 0.01). Normal brain noradrenaline turnover in panic disorder patients argues against primary importance of the locus coeruleus in this condition. The marked increase in serotonin turnover, in the absence of a panic attack, possibly represents an important underlying neurotransmitter substrate for the disorder, although this point remains uncertain. Support for this interpretation comes from the direct relationship which existed between serotonin turnover and illness severity, and the finding that SSRI administration reduced serotonin turnover. Serotonin transporter genotyping suggested that increased whole brain serotonin turnover most likely derived not from impaired serotonin reuptake, but from increased firing in serotonergic midbrain raphe neurons projecting to both subcortical brain regions and the cerebral cortex.
Too old to work, or too young to retire? The pervasiveness of age norms in Western Europe

The ageism debate has pointed to the persistence of negative age stereotypes that hinder the prolongation of working lives. However, the actual holders of discriminatory norms have remained largely anonymous because there is limited understanding of the pervasiveness of age norms. This article discusses arguments derived from life course and social norms theory regarding the degree of internalization of age-related norms. The focus is on individual differences in terms of social class and gender. Using 2006 data from the European Social Survey, the article gathers empirical evidence on attitudes towards the timing of retirement in 14 Western European societies. A set of tobit models examines the determinants of retirement age norms for men and women. The results suggest that social class has a strong impact on retirement age norms. Moreover, the analysis reveals a complex pattern of gendered norms concerning the timing of retirement.
Future directions for human-computer interaction

This paper offers a set of goals for user interface development and then scenarios of future developments. The applications include home control, hypermedia, office automation, digital photography, collaborative meeting/classrooms, public access, professional workstations, and medical record-keeping. Also, predictions are made for some of the underlying technologies such as User Interface Management Systems, remote control, flexible search, display devices, and touchscreens.
Not for Fame or Fortune

Although the party systems of contemporary mature democracies are very resilient, the failure of new parties to become major actors on the political stage is not preordained. Founded only a decade ago, the Reform Party has played a significant role in reshaping Canada's national party system. Using data from a large representative national survey, this paper investigates the beliefs, attitudes and behavior of members of Reform. Most Reformers joined their new party in response to purposive incentives, multivariate analyses indicating that such incentives are significant elements in a larger set of factors encouraging members to work actively for their new party. The ability of purposive incentives, rather than the lures of `fame and fortune', to attract members and stimulate them to work on the party's behalf gives Reform important organizational advantages in its efforts to solidify and expand its position in the national party system.
Endothelium-Dependent Contractions in Hypertension: When Prostacyclin Becomes Ugly

Most isolated arteries respond to shear stress and several vasodilator substances, as demonstrated first for acetylcholine,1 by releasing endothelium-derived relaxing factor (or nitric oxide [NO]), and various endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing signals.2,–,5 However, in certain blood vessels, when exposed to stretch, agonists such as thrombin, acetylcholine, and adenosine nucleotides (adenosine diphosphate [ADP] and adenosine triphosphate [ATP]) or calcium ionophores, the endothelium produces diffusible cyclooxygenase (COX)-derived vasoconstrictor prostanoids (endothelium-derived contracting factors [EDCF])6,–,11 Endothelial cells also produce vasoconstrictor peptides, in particular, endothelin-1.12 The attribution of a role to endothelin-1 in instantaneous changes in vascular tone has been made difficult by the almost insurmountable nature of the vasoconstriction caused by the peptide that can only be tempered by NO or calcitonin gene-related peptide.13,14 Likewise, the evidence linking acute release of endothelin-1 to constriction of arteries is still limited.15 Therefore, the present article focuses on the mechanisms leading to the production of endothelial COX-derived vasoconstrictors, in particular, in the rat aorta, which has been the standard preparation used by the author and his collaborators for the study of EDCF-mediated responses However, the occurrence of such EDCF-mediated responses can vary widely, depending on the species and the blood vessel studied. For example, they are prominent in canine veins but not arteries.6 In the mouse, endothelium-dependent contractions are more pronounced in the carotid artery than in the aorta.16,17 Further, in any given blood vessel, the production of endothelium-derived vasoconstrictor prostanoids is exacerbated by aging and disease, in particular, hypertension.10,11,18,19 ### The Trigger: Calcium Acetylcholine (which activates endothelial M3-muscarinic receptors)20 and ADP and ATP (which activate endothelial purinoceptors)21,22 evoke endothelium-dependent contractions and release of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum.23 Lowering the …
Structural characterization of optimal event-based controllers for linear stochastic systems

Recent results in networked control systems indicate substantial benefits of event-based control compared to conventional designs. This paper identifies structural properties of optimal event-based controllers designed for stochastic linear systems. The controller is updated by measurements that are sent over a resource-constrained communication channel. The timings for sending updates are determined by an event-trigger whose decisions are based on noisy measurements. The objective is to design event-triggering mechanisms and controllers that optimally meet a trade-off between control performance and average number of update transmissions. It is shown that the optimal controller is a certainty equivalence controller with an affine linear estimator. The optimal event-trigger consists of a Kalman state estimator and a copy of the state predictor at the controller. The difference between both estimates determines, whether to trigger an update transmission. Numerical simulations illustrate the obtained results.
Why Fiction May be Twice as True as Fact: Fiction as Cognitive and Emotional Simulation

Although fiction treats themes of psychological importance, it has been excluded from psychology because it is seen as involving flawed empirical method. But fiction is not empirical truth. It is simulation that runs on minds of readers just as computer simulations run on computers. In any simulation, coherence truths have priority over correspondences. Moreover, in the simulations of fiction, personal truths can be explored that allow readers to experience emotions—their own emotions—and understand aspects of them that are obscure, in relation to contexts in which the emotions arise.
Innovative test methods and facilities for predictive pedestrian protection

The development of new forward looking sensor generations has created new possibilities in enhancing vehicle safety. The capabilities of forward looking sensors have been systematically extended from the recognition of well defined objects such as road signs to the identification and classification of other vehicles. New generations of forward looking sensors are now also able to detect pedestrians in different road traffic conditions. Using these new sensors the car can be equipped with predictive protections systems. In predictive protection systems the sensor provides information on objects such as pedestrians to the vehicle, so that the vehicle can react by warning the driver, reducing speed or even braking or steering. Predictive pedestrian protection systems can thereby help to further improve the level of vehicle safety on the roads, especially with regards to vulnerable road users. During the development of the related sensors and vehicle functions such as advanced autonomous emergency brake systems (AEB) it is key to have appropriate testing tools which help to validate the sensors and the safety functions of the vehicle. Different working groups especially in Europe have focused on the definition of system testing of AEB systems. Test scenarios have been derived from accident statistics and general design rules for the testing methods, test rigs and test methods have been established. Continental has developed a testing environment which allows a qualified testing of different predictive pedestrian protection systems. Based on a description of relevant test scenarios this paper refers to the tool chain required for testing of these protection systems. This testing environment consists of the following main elements: (1) Position reference system based on sophisticated transponder technology; (2) Pedestrian Target Device (PTD) for a precise conduction of pedestrian tests with high repetition rate; (3) Drive robot systems for precise vehicle path control. The paper discusses the usability of the described tool chain with regards to relevant test scenarios. A special focus is put on a new transponder based technology for the localization of vehicles and test objects. This technology has been developed by Continental as a result of the German research initiative Ko-TAG and applies a trilateration technique between transponders in the infrastructure and transponders attached to the moving objects to measure the precise position. Being less bulky than conventional localization systems, the transponder based localization can provide a localization quality which is similar to sophisticated differential global positioning system (DGPS) systems. Moreover, due to its independence from satellite signals it can be applied on any test track and any test scenario, independent from the local signal quality of nearby satellites.
Giraffe Stature and Neck Elongation: Vigilance as an Evolutionary Mechanism

Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis), with their long neck and legs, are unique amongst mammals. How these features evolved is a matter of conjecture. The two leading ideas are the high browse and the sexual-selection hypotheses. While both explain many of the characteristics and the behaviour of giraffe, neither is fully supported by the available evidence. The extended viewing horizon afforded by increased height and a need to maintain horizon vigilance, as a mechanism favouring the evolution of increased height is reviewed. In giraffe, vigilance of predators whilst feeding and drinking are important survival factors, as is the ability to interact with immediate herd members, young and male suitors. The evidence regarding giraffe vigilance behaviour is sparse and suggests that over-vigilance has a negative cost, serving as a distraction to feeding. In woodland savannah, increased height allows giraffe to see further, allowing each giraffe to increase the distance between its neighbours while browsing. Increased height allows the giraffe to see the early approach of predators, as well as bull males. It is postulated that the wider panorama afforded by an increase in height and longer neck has improved survival via allowing giraffe to browse safely over wider areas, decreasing competition within groups and with other herbivores.
Ethnic niches and immigrants' integration

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to investigate how ethnic niches of immigrants affected their integration. Immigrants' integration in the host society is described by the integration of immigrants in their private life and integration in the labor market.Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected in 2006‐2007 in Israel. Combining convenient and snowball samples, 321 immigrants from the Former Soviet Union were surveyed via a questionnaire. The questionnaire was presented in the immigrants' native language or in Hebrew, according to the respondent's choice.Findings – The study revealed that the salient factors that influence the immigrants' integration in the host society relate to their incorporation in the labor market. Being in an ethnic niche in private life does not influence the immigrants' integration in the host society. But being in an ethnic niche in the labor market does influence immigrants' integration. In summary, the study revealed that immigrants who are in ethnic niches in pr.