Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
BOOK REVIEW

Test theory can be viewed as a collection of techniques for evaluating the development and use of specific tests in the behavioural sciences. Therefore, a course in test theory should help students become aware of the logic and mathematical models that underlie standard practices in test use and construction [1]. When dealing with statistical test theory, most authors distinguish between classical test theory and item response theory or modern test theory. The two paradigms are consistent and complementary with differences in the strength of assumptions, simplicity of computation, comparability of item and ability of an individual, and dependability of parameters on samples or tests. This book provides readers with an opportunity to gain insight into selected test theories in classical test theory and models in item response theory that are applied in the behavioural sciences. The book comprises short chapters that highlight crucial aspects of various important topics in test theory. It presents the topics in a systematic manner, starting from the basic to the more advanced concepts. It commences with an introduction to measurement and scaling in Chapter 1 followed by three chapters that address concepts in classical test theory with emphasis on true scores, measurement error, and reliability. Chapters 5, 6 and 7 address generalizability theory, models for dichotomous items and validity and validation of tests, respectively. In my opinion, the first part of this book on classical test theory ends at Chapter 8, which gives a brief introduction to the basics of principal component analysis, factor analysis, and structural equation modeling. Having enjoyed widespread application in test theory, one would wish the authors had presented a more detailed treatment of factor analysis. Even though classical test theory has served test development well over many decades, item response theory has rapidly become mainstream as the theoretical basis of measurement. Contemporary standardized test development relies on item response theory partly due to the more theoretically justifiable measurement principles and the greater potential to solve practical measurement problems [2]. Chapter 9 on item response theory may be considered the beginning of the second part of this book. This chapter presents an overview of various models including the Rasch model, the twoand three-parameter logistic models, the rating scale model, and the partial credit model. Chapter 10 presents the application of item response theory in test development and selection, item bias investigation, inappropriate response patterns, computerized adaptive testing, and measurement of change. Finally, Chapter 11 deals with test equating, establishing the equivalence between raw scores on multiple forms of a test. This book has a number of strengths. They include a number of exercises at the end of each chapter accompanied by answers at the back of the book. The long list of over 300 references also
Epilogue

Cricket, which served nationalist needs in colonial India, has emerged as the country’s dominant national symbol since the 1980s. In view of the extraordinary popularity of cricket in contemporary India, it will not be a far cry to assert, following Ashis Nandy, that cricket is truly an Indian sport accidentally discovered in England. [2] Unlike all other international sports, which are dominated and controlled by the West, the epicentre of cricket has moved to India. [3] Cricket’s commercial potential, as manifest in the anti-Pentangular movement and in Bombay’s establishment as the home of cricket, pushing Bengal to the background, firmly controls the trajectory of the game in modern India. This phenomenon was best exemplified in World Cup 2003 held in South Africa. Commenting on the role of cricket in contemporary India, Rudrangshu Mukherjee declares:
Trascriptome analysis and functional genomics of Neisseria meningitidis in human blood

Neisseria meningitidis (Nm) is the major cause of septicemia and meningococcal meningitis. During the course of infection, it must adapt to different host environments as a crucial factor for survival. Despite the severity of meningococcal sepsis, little is known about how Nm adapts to permit survival and growth in human blood. A previous time-course transcriptome analysis, using an ex vivo model of human whole blood infection, showed that Nm alters the expression of nearly 30% of ORFs of the genome: major dynamic changes were observed in the expression of transcriptional regulators, transport and binding proteins, energy metabolism, and surface-exposed virulence factors. Starting from these data, mutagenesis studies of a subset of up-regulated genes were performed and the mutants were tested for the ability to survive in human whole blood; Nm mutant strains lacking the genes encoding NMB1483, NalP, Mip, NspA, Fur, TbpB, and LctP were sensitive to killing by human blood. Then, the analysis was extended to the whole Nm transcriptome in human blood, using a customized 60-mer oligonucleotide tiling microarray. The application of specifically developed software combined with this new tiling array allowed the identification of different types of regulated transcripts: small intergenic RNAs, antisense RNAs, 5’ and 3’ untranslated regions and operons. The expression of these RNA molecules was confirmed by 5’-3’RACE protocol and specific RT-PCR. Here we describe the complete transcriptome of Nm during incubation in human blood; we were able to identify new proteins important for survival in human blood and also to identify additional roles of previously known virulence factors in aiding survival in blood. In addition the tiling array analysis demonstrated that Nm expresses a set of new transcripts, not previously identified, and suggests the presence of a circuit of regulatory RNA elements used by Nm to adapt to proliferate in human blood.
Empathy: an essential element of legal practice or ‘never the twain shall meet’?

ABSTRACT In a climate where the work of the legal profession is changing and evolving rapidly, this article considers the potential for empathy to be incorporated as an essential element of legal practice. This challenges the conceptions of legal practice held by many legal professionals and law students but draws on increasing scientific evidence demonstrating the interaction between cognition and affect and reflects the emotional realities of life in practice. This article will consider the different definitions of empathy and argue that it is necessary for it to be conceptualised in a way which draws upon both cognitive and affective elements. When empathy is interpreted in this way it can provide both a more effective form of practice and a deeper appreciation of ethics and values. This article will argue that to incorporate empathy in this way requires a richer, more nuanced consideration of the benefits and challenges involved in its use. However, embedding it throughout legal education, training and legal practice would more than reward such a careful evaluation of its role.
Introduction

For much of the time since the Israeli bureaucracy was created, it was a classic example of centralized organization in which politicians at the apex sought to control the behaviour of the staff at the periphery through a combination of central planning and national directives. The weakness of this command and control system led to some developments in both the structure of the bureaucracy and the way it works. These developments will be analysed in this volume, with special concern for decision-making and -makers. The study of decision-making in bureaucracies has been a central concern of social scientists in the last few decades; thus it has been addressed in theoretical terms as well as in analytical historical descriptions. The articles presented here revolve around the latter approach in order to gauge the systemic faults faced by Israeli political executives trying to introduce administrative reforms. The central questions faced by Israeli political executives nowadays are twofold. Are bureaucratic structures the problem or the solution? Are civil servants the problem or the solution? Whether command and control mechanisms ('first way') have given way to market forces ('second way'), or to a variety of mechanisms used according to circumstances ('third way') is yet to be seen. Perhaps what is more important at this stage is the direction of developments in the Israeli administrative system and the derived consequence in terms of the answer to the aforementioned central questions.
Using Stable Isotope Analyses to Identify Allochthonous Inputs to Lake Naivasha Mediated via the Hippopotamus Gut

Abstract The hippopotamus grazes nocturnally on land and resides in water during the day. Much of the ingested material must therefore be defecated directly into the aquatic system and can thus be considered an allochthonous resource available to aquatic consumers. The utility of stable isotope analyses of carbon and nitrogen to distinguish hippo faecal matter from other potential basal resources was tested at Lake Naivasha, Kenya. Hippopotami proved faithful to a short grass diet although supplementary grazing of aquatic macrophytes was observed. The typical isotopic ratios of C4 grasses ingested were not altered substantially by gut processes, and were clearly distinct from algal and aquatic macrophyte isotopic ratios. However, marginal plants such as Cyperus papyrus exhibit C4 ratios, and so the technique is suitable only for use in localities where ‘contamination’ from such sources is negligible.
Choice Criteria for Private Tertiary Programs at a Private Higher Education Institution

The objective of this study is to examine key determinants that influence students’ choice in selecting a program. The theoretical framework was adapted from Chapman’s (1981) and Cubillo, Sanchez and Cervino’s (2006) models. Our study of students’ choice criteria was conducted using the survey questionnaire method and a five-point Likert scale was employed. The sample for the testing and refinement process consisted of 299 first year tertiary students from across all three programs in a private higher education institution. All our hypotheses are supported by Multiple Linear Regression analysis. The results indicated that program evaluation is the most significant factor that influences students’ program choice. This is followed by the college is effort to communicate with students and level of educational aspiration. However, it was found that significant persons have the least influence on students’ program choice.
Cytomegalovirus Proctitis in a Patient with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia on Ibrutinib Therapy: A Case Report

Ibrutinib is a Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor that has shown significant efficacy in patients with lymphoid carcinomas, mostly chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is not a common infectious complication associated with ibrutinib. To increase the clinical awareness about this rare entity, we present the first case of CMV proctitis in an immunocompromised host who was being treated with ibrutinib. An 88-year old female with a history of CLL treated with ibrutinib presented with two days of painless hematochezia. Physical examination revealed cachexia and temporal wasting; bright red blood was observed on the digital rectal examination. A complete blood count demonstrated a significant decrease in hemoglobin from her baseline. Subsequent colonoscopy revealed a circumferential rectal ulcer; biopsy of the rectal ulcer was positive for CMV immunostain. The patient was treated with intravenous ganciclovir and later transitioned to valganciclovir for a total of 21 days of treatment. Her condition resolved, and she was found doing well at the follow-up visit.
Comparison of heavy metals contamination and ecological risk between soils enriched with compost and chemical fertilizers in the North of Iran and ecological risk assessment

Background: Nowadays, uncontrolled use of chemical fertilizers in agriculture is one of the reasons for the entry of heavy metals into the environment. In this study, the heavy metals contamination of the soils enriched with compost and chemical fertilizers in the North of Iran and its ecological risk assessment were evaluated. Methods: In this study, 108 soil samples were collected from agricultural soils of some places of Babol in Mazandaran province. An atomic absorption spectrophotometer (PG-990) was used to determine the concentrations of lead, cadmium, and zinc in the soil samples. The assessment of soil contamination was performed by the contamination factor, degree of contamination indices, and the potential ecological risk of the heavy metals. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22. Descriptive and chi-square tests were used to compare the mean with existing standards. Significant level was considered at P < 0.05. Results: The highest lead concentration (35.7 ± 9.5 mg/kg) was observed at 5-cm depth, and the maximum cadmium (1.1 ± 0.2 mg/kg) and zinc (88 ± 22.6 mg/kg) concentrations were observed at 15-cm depth. The results showed that lead, cadmium, and zinc concentrations in the agricultural soils enriched with compost fertilizers were acceptable, but agricultural soils enriched with chemical fertilizers indicated higher content than those enriched with compost fertilizers and higher than the maximum allowable concentration. The maximum contamination degree, pollution index, and potential ecological risk in the agricultural soils enriched with the chemical fertilizers were 15.77, 1.97, and 293.48, respectively, and these soils had low potential pollution and moderate ecological risks. Conclusion: According to the results, it is necessary to use compost fertilizers for the agricultural soils enrichment.
Existence And Uniqueness Of Solution For Hadamard Fractional Differential Equations On An Infinite Interval With Integral Boundary Value Conditions

In this paper, we consider Hadamard fractional differential equations on an infinite interval with the nonlinearity depending on fractional derivatives of lower order. We establish a new compactness criterion in a special space. We employ Schauder fixed point theorem and Banach contraction principle to show the existence and uniqueness of solutions for the proposed equation. Finally, we provide an example to illustrate our results.
Acute Encephalitis as Presentation of Primary HIV Infection-Case Report

Acute human immunodeficiency virus infection is associated with a nonspecific systemic syndrome in about 70% of cases, however neurological manifestations are present in only a small subset of patients. The authors report the case of a 70-year-old man admitted to the emergency department for behavioral changes, gait imbalance, dysmetria and fever, macular lesions on the chest and limbs and small penile ulcers. Blood analysis showed pancytopenia, peripheral blood smears with atypical lymphocytes and presence of HIV antigens in the absence of serum antibodies. The serum HIV1 viral load was over 10000000 copies/ml, which confirmed primary HIV infection. CSF analysis showed elevated protein concentration (67.2 mg/dl) and viral load of 15,990 copies/ml, leading to the diagnosis of HIV encephalitis. Initiated antiretroviral therapy with resolution of cognitive impairment, improvement of pancytopenia and CD4+ count, as well as reduction of viral load. Ana Sofia da Costa Matos1*, João Pedro Pais1, Ana Rita Cambão1, Ana Isabel Viana Nascimento1 and Diana Gomes Costa Guerra1 Serviço de Medicina 1, Unidade Local de Saúde do Alto Minho, Hospital de Santa Luzia, Portugal Annals of Clinical Case Reports Autoimmune Disease Remedy Publications LLC. , | http://anncaserep.com/ 2020 | Volume 5 | Article 1787 2 Ana Sofia da Costa Matos, et al., In addition, opportunistic infections were excluded: Chest CT and bronchoscopy didn’t show significant changes; negative microbiological, mycobacterial and Pneumocystis jirovecii studies in bronchoalveolar lavage; negative IGRA test; negative Cryptococcus antigen screening; and negative toxoplasma gondii DNA screening. Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) with entricitabine+tenofovir 445 mg id and raltegravir 400 mg 2id was started. On the fifth day occurred fever resolution, with improved consciousness from the sixth day of therapy, allowing identification of the route of transmission: unprotected sex with prostitutes in the weeks before the onset of symptoms. Simultaneously he presented healing of penile ulcers and resolution of pancytopenia. He was discharged home medicated, in addition to ART, with sufametoxazol+trimethoprim 960 mg three times a week. In consult follow-up he maintained good clinical course, no evidence of opportunistic infections and recovery of absolute CD4+ cell count, and viral load became undetectable. Discussion Neurological involvement by HIV can occur at all levels of the neuroaxis and at all stages of the disease [2]. The virus invades the Analytical results ED Discharge (D21) Hemoglobin (g/dl) 12.4 13.5 Hematocrit (%) 36.3 39.9
Diagnosis of Cushing Syndrome during an Infertility Evaluation

Many cases of Cushing’s disease or syndrome are diagnosed after progression of initial non-specific symptoms including weight gain, hirsutism, mood changes and hypertension. In this unusual case, abnormality of the cortisol axis was considered after finding a low level of the adrenal androgen precursor, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, during an infertility evaluation for anovulation. Low dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate proved secondary to decreased pituitary adrenocorticotropin hormone production from hypercortisolism associated with an adrenal adenoma. Although dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels naturally decline with aging, abnormally low levels should raise suspicion for Cushing’s syndrome.
Artkl 4.pmd

In order to transform Malaysia into a fully developed nation, institutions of higher education need to play a vital role in generating the necessary human capital with a first-class mentality. The Ministry of Higher Education has taken some steps to ensure that soft skills be addressed in the curriculum because they are among the essential skills needed by graduates in order to be employable in this global era. The issue of unemployment among graduates is associated with the notion that graduates have not adequately acquired employability skills and soft skills during their studies at university. In Malaysia, many employers have often complained that most Malaysian graduates lack the necessary soft skills vital for work. This has aroused concern among many parties which has led to the development of the Framework on Incorporating Soft Skills in Teaching and Learning in Malaysian Higher Education Institutions. It is one of the efforts undertaken to enhance the employability of university graduates through the inculcation of soft skills in higher education. Malaysian universities have to produce students of certain attributes to make them relevant in the job market. Consequently, it is the job of the educators to assist the students to acquire the skills. For technically based occupations Asian Journal of University Education Vol. 5 No. 2, 67-81, 2009 ISSN 1823-7797 © 2009 Asian Centre for Research on University Learning and Teaching (ACRULeT), Faculty of Education, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia. Artkl 4.pmd 6/2/2010, 3:36 PM 67 68 Asian Journal of University Education like engineering, soft skills are also very important for the application of technical knowledge at work. Engineering is one of the fields that is important for the development of the country. Thus, this study focuses on engineering students. This paper discusses the challenges faced by the lecturers at a private university in trying to integrate soft skills in their teaching of technical courses. Data derived from open ended questions and an interview was then analyzed according to three main themes which are students’ attitude in the classroom, limited time to cover syllabus and large number of students in the classroom. Pedagogical implications of the findings are discussed.
Second-Order Odd Repetitive Control for Three-Phase Four-Wire Active Power Filter to Mitigation Current Harmonics, Unbalance and Neutral Current of Nonlinear Loads

-This paper describes a three-phase four-wire (3P4W) active power filter (APF) for current harmonic, unbalance and neutral current compensation. The three-phase four-wire system distribution system has been used for residential, industrial and commercial centers of single/ three-phase loads. The single-phase nonlinear loads have been increasing into the low voltage distribution system. It causes a current harmonic, imbalance and excessive neutral current in the local grids. The shunt active power filter takes the upper hand among the other type of harmonics compensation techniques. The odd periodic frequencies nature of the power electronics harmonic maks suitable for repetitive control. Thus, the authors proposed a second-order odd repetitive control for 3p4w APF for compensating current harmonics, unbalance and neutral current with generating high gain only at odd harmonic frequencies. The sensitivity magnitude response of secondorder odd RC has deeper and wider notches at the odd fundament frequencies. It compensated the total current harmonic distortion THDi from 87.42 % to about 3.52% and neutral current of unbalanced single-phase nonlinear loads. it reduced a total current harmonic from 49.45% to 3.43% for balanced and from 50.55% to 3.24% for unbalanced threephase nonlinear loads.
Dynamics of Ranking Processes in Complex Systems

The world is addicted to ranking: everything, from the reputation of scientists, journals, and universities to purchasing decisions is driven by measured or perceived differences between them. Here, we analyze empirical data capturing real time ranking in a number of systems, helping to identify the universal characteristics of ranking dynamics. We develop a continuum theory that not only predicts the stability of the ranking process, but shows that a noise-induced phase transition is at the heart of the observed differences in ranking regimes. The key parameters of the continuum theory can be explicitly measured from data, allowing us to predict and experimentally document the existence of three phases that govern ranking stability.
Redefining Concatenative Speech Synthesis for Use in Spontaneous Conversational Dialogues; A Study with the GBO Corpus

This chapter describes how a very large corpus of conversational speech is being tested as a source of units for concatenative speech synthesis. It shows that the challenge no longer lies in phone-sized unit selection, but in categorising larger units for their affective and pragmatic effect. The work is by nature exploratory, but much progress has been achieved and we now have the beginnings of an understanding of the types of grammar and the ontology of vocal productions that will be required for the interactive synthesis of conversational speech. The chapter describes the processes involved and explains some of the features selected for optimal expressive speech rendering.