Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interaction and effectiveness of corporate e-learning programmes

This study was conducted in a large Mexican organization running a virtual corporate university. It aimed to evaluate students' perceptions of three types of interaction (learner–teacher, learner–content and learner–learner) and their views on the effectiveness of online courses in terms of satisfaction, learning and behaviours. Twenty-six employees who had studied at least one online course within the organization answered an online survey. Four of them were interviewed. Results show that: (1) Learners value their interaction with the content the most. (2) Online learning is generally perceived as an effective method for delivering corporate training. (3) There is no perceived relationship between online interactions and training effectiveness. The findings are limited to the specific context of the participating organization. Further research into online learning in corporate settings is needed to understand training interactions and changes in job performance.
A real-time neural system for color constancy

A neural network approach to the problem of color constancy is presented. Various algorithms based on Land's retinex theory are discussed with respect to neurobiological parallels, computational efficiency, and suitability for VLSI implementation. The efficiency of one algorithm is improved by the application of resistive grids and is tested in computer simulations; the simulations make clear the strengths and weaknesses of the algorithm. A novel extension to the algorithm is developed to address its weaknesses. An electronic system that is based on the original algorithm and that operates at video rates was built using subthreshold analog CMOS VLSI resistive grids. The system displays color constancy abilities and qualitatively mimics aspects of human color perception.
Managing the unmanageable: Cognitive behaviour therapy for deliberate self-harm

Deliberate non-fatal acts of self-harm, including self-poisoning and self-injury are a significant public health challenge: the incidence of self-harm in young people is in the region of 7–14%. This paper considers the application of cognitive behaviour therapy to people who harm themselves through attempted suicide or self-injury. Models and interventions for self-harm based on problem-solving, Beck's cognitive therapy and other cognitive behaviour therapies are considered, as well as interventions for this behaviour used within the context of treatments for borderline personality disorder. A model of coping with adversity, based on a combination of Lazarus & Folkman's theory of stress and coping and Beck's cognitive therapy is presented. The model is then used to consider how people who self-harm may be helped to better manage the consequences of affective arousal in stressful situations.
Effects of Perceived Sacrifice, Quality, Value, and Satisfaction on Behavioral Intentions in the Service Environment

This study synthesizes the efforts to conceptualize the effects of perceived sacrifice, perceived service quality, perceived value, and customer satisfaction on consumers' behavioral intentions in the context of service environment. It reports an empirical assessment of a model of service encounters that simultaneously considers the direct effects of these variables on behavioral intentions. A number of notable findings are reported including the empirical verification that perceived sacrifice, service quality, value, and satisfaction may all be directly related to behavioral intentions when considered collectively. The results further suggest the indirect effects of the service quality and value constructs on behavioral intentions.
Aquaporin Trafficking in Plant Cells: An Emerging Membrane‐Protein Model

Aquaporins (AQPs) are channel proteins that facilitate the transport of water and small solutes across biological membranes. In plants, AQPs exhibit a high multiplicity of isoforms in relation to a high diversity of sub‐cellular localizations, at the plasma membrane (PM) and in various intracellular compartments. Some members also exhibit a dual localization in distinct cell compartments, whereas others show polarized or domain‐specific expression at the PM or tonoplast, respectively. A diversity of mechanisms controlling the routing of newly synthesized AQPs towards their destination membranes and involving diacidic motifs, phosphorylation or tetramer assembly is being uncovered. Recent approaches using single particle tracking, fluorescence correlation spectroscopy and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching have, in combination with pharmacological interference, stressed the peculiarities of AQP sub‐cellular dynamics in environmentally challenging conditions. A role for clathrin and sterol‐rich domains in cell surface dynamics and endocytosis of PM AQPs was uncovered. These recent advances provide deep insights into the cellular mechanisms of water transport regulation in plants. They also point to AQPs as an emerging model for studying the sub‐cellular dynamics of plant membrane proteins.
A theoretical analysis of crossed categorization effects: A meta-analysis.

The authors meta-analytically compared evaluations of persons exhibiting crossed or convergent cues of in-group-out-group membership to assess the theoretically predicted moderating roles of personalized interaction, mood valence, and cognitive factors. Within an overall Additivity pattern across the four targets of the crossed categorization paradigm (viz. in-group-in-group, the crossed targets, and the double out-group), evidence for Category Dominance emerged. In moderator analyses based on judges' ratings of contextual levels of each moderator within each study, personalization and positivity of affect reduced differential bias toward targets. Evaluations of crossed targets became more similar to double out-group targets than double in-group targets as cognitive overload increased. Greater discrepancy in the importance of the category dimensions was associated with greater dominance of one category over another in evaluations of the crossed targets.
The New Environmental Paradigm Scale: From Marginality to Worldwide Use

The New Environmental Paradigm (NEP) Scale, published in The Journal of Environmental Education by R. E. Dunlap and K. D. Van Liere (1978), has become the most widely used measure of environmental concern in the world and been employed in hundreds of studies in dozens of nations. This article tells the story of the NEP Scale, beginning with how the author developed the notion of an environmental paradigm and then decided to measure it. The author describes the original NEP Scale and its 3 revisions, 1 of which is rapidly replacing the 1978 version in most studies. The author then reviews current uses of the various NEP Scales and examines major criticisms of them. Last, the author discusses the failure of an ecological worldview to become institutionalized in the United States, stemming from intense opposition to it since the 1990s, and the need to understand the sources of this opposition and monitor the situation.
Nonlinear noise estimation and compensation in GFDM based communication systems for cognitive radio networks

Generalized Frequency Division Multiplexing (GFDM) might be a promising candidate for deployment in cognitive radio networks and for 5G wireless communication. It is a non-orthogonal multicarrier modulation scheme based on flexible pulse shaping. However, given by the high signal amplitude fluctuation, the performance of GFDM systems is highly degraded due to the distortion caused by the nonlinear nature of high power amplifier (HPA). In this article, we investigate the effects of nonlinearities in GFDM and introduce an iterative receiver scheme to reduce the error probability of GFDM signals undergoing nonlinear amplification. The proposed technique is based on successive estimation and cancellation of the in-band distortion introduced by the nonlinear nature of the HPA characteristics. The performance improvement of the iterative receiver structure is expressed by the bit error performance and error vector magnitude.
Contour Tracking in 2D Images Using Particle Filtering

A Monte Carlo algorithm for extracting contours in 2D images is proposed in this paper. A multiple model Particle Filter (PF) for progressive contour growing (tracking) from a starting point is designed, accounting for the convex, noncircular form of delineated areas. The algorithm relies on image intensity gradients as measurements and requires information about four manually selected points: the seed point, the starting point, arbitrarily selected on the contour, and two additional points, bounding the measurement formation area around the contour. The filter performance is studied by segmenting contours from series of simulated ultrasound medical images and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) images.
Laying Down Their Rifles: The Changing Influences on the Retention of Volunteer British Army Reservists Returning from Iraq, 2003—2006

U.K. Reserve Forces, principally the Territorial Army (TA), have been increasingly used since the end of the cold war, but there have been some concerns about their mental health problems and also possible unwillingness to remain in service. This article reports on the retention issues of 191 TA personnel who deployed to Iraq from 2003 to 2006. Qualitative data were thematically analyzed from three complementary studies. The authors found that, in 2003, negative aspects of Army organizational culture were reported as the prime reasons for TA personnel wishing to leave the military. In particular, Reservists reported their being unaccepted and underutilized. In contrast, by 2006, TA personnel were generally reporting being satisfied with their work as a Reservist and felt integrated with Regular colleagues. Those who stated they wanted to leave the military now reported it was primarily because of poor military family welfare support. These results suggest that although the British Army appears to have successfully managed the changing role and integration of the TA on operations, family welfare needs further consideration as an important influence on retention. Since the end of data collection for this study, new measures focusing on welfare have been introduced. Future work will assess the impact of these changes.
Language Behavior in Therapy Groups

From the combination of knowledge and actions, someone can improve their skill and ability. It will lead them to live and work much better. This is why, the students, workers, or even employers should have reading habit for books. Any book will give certain knowledge to take all benefits. This is what this language behavior in therapy groups tells you. It will add more knowledge of you to life and work better. Try it and prove it.
A Profile of Foreign Language Majors Who Work, Study, and Travel Abroad

experience. This article reports the findings of a nationwide survey of US students majoring in a foreign language who study, travel, and work abroad. Emerging from this study is a profile of traveling foreign language majors and the nature of their international experience. The first college study abroad programs for college students were linked to the formal study of language in the college curriculum. Archer Brown describes the origin of study abroad programs: "In the 1920s the University of Delaware and Sweetbriar and Smith Colleges introduced the concept of spending a junior year abroad for undergraduate language majors and, in so doing, began a pattern of study abroad that is still very much in effect. "'1 The pattern Brown identifies can be seen in the publication of Marjorie Cohen's Work, Study, Travel Abroad: The Whole World Handbook, which describes study abroad opportunities for US students. In 1984, this Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) publication listed some 470 programs around the globe which emphasize the study of language and culture (pp. 299-339). The Institute of International Education estimates that 27,145 students participated in study abroad programs sponsored by US educational institutions in. 198283.2 Increasingly, high school students are encouraged to participate in international education opportunities in other countries. Underlying most of these programs is the assumption that immersion in another culture enances cultural learning as well as language learning.3 In addition to those programs linked directly to a language curriculum at the secondary and post-secondary level, students participate in programs initiated by private non-degree granting organizations. Still others pursue international exchange through a host of work, independent study, and travel opportunities. Brown's estimate (p. 72) that 750,000 US students studied, traveled, or worked abroad during the early years of this decade indicates large numbers of students choosing these alternatives.
Evaluation of some properties of two fiber-reinforced composite materials

Objective. Water sorption, flexural properties, bonding properties, and elemental composition of photopolymerizable resin-impregnated fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) materials (everStick C&B and BR-100) (FPD) were evaluated in this study. Material and methods. Bar-shaped specimens (2×2×25 mm) were prepared for water sorption and flexural strength testing. The specimens (n=6) were polymerized either with a hand light-curing unit for 40 s or, additionally, in a light-curing oven for 20 min and stored in water for 30 days. Water sorption was measured during this time, followed by measurements of flexural strength and modulus. A shear bond strength test was performed to determine the bonding characteristics of polymerized FRC to composite resin luting cement (Panavia-F), (n=15). The cement was bonded to the FRC substrate and the specimens were thermocycled 5000 times (5–55°C) in water. SEM/EDS were analyzed to evaluate the elemental composition of the glass fibers and the fiber distribution in cross section. Results. ANOVA showed significant differences in water sorption according to brand (p<0.05). Water sorption of everStick C&B was 1.86 wt% (hand-unit polymerized) and 1.94 wt% (oven polymerized), whereas BR-100 was 1.07 wt% and 1.17 wt%, respectively. The flexural strength of everStick C&B after 30 days’ water storage was 559 MPa (hand-unit polymerized) and 796 MPa (oven-polymerized); for BR-100, the values were 547 MPa and 689 MPa, respectively. Mean shear bond strength of composite resin cement to the FRC varied between 20.1 and 23.7 MPa, showing no statistical difference between the materials. SEM/EDS analysis revealed that fibers of both FRC materials consist of the same oxides (SiO2, CaO, and Al2O3) in ratios. The distribution of fibers in the cross section of specimens was more evenly distributed in everStick C&B than in BR-100. Conclusion. The results of this study suggest that there are some differences in the tested properties of the FRC materials.
Uses and abuses of eyewitness identification confidence

When attempting to identify an offender whom they saw commit a crime, eyewitnesses are frequently asked to indicate their confidence in their memories. Confidence judgments may be expressed prior to seeing a line-up, after making an identification decision or in the courtroom. Such judgments can exert an important influence on decision making within the criminal justice system. Here, I examine theory and evidence that bear on the likely usefulness of such confidence judgments for diagnosing the accuracy of the associated identification. Contrary to often expressed views, I argue that confidence recorded immediately after the identification test is informative about the identity of the offender. Confidence expressions obtained at other times are likely to be misleading. Important directions for future confidence research are identified. Language: en
Cardiorespiratory optimal point: a submaximal variable of the cardiopulmonary exercise testing.

BACKGROUND At the maximal Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET), several ventilatory variables are analyzed, including the ventilatory equivalent for oxygen (VE/VO2). The minimum VE/VO2 value reflects the best integration between the respiratory and cardiovascular systems and may be called "Cardiorespiratory Optimal Point (COP)". OBJECTIVE To determine the behavior of the COP according to gender and age in healthy adults and verify its association with other CPET variables. METHODS Of 2,237 individuals, 624 were selected (62% men and 48 ± 12 years), non- athletes, healthy, who were submitted to maximal CPET. COP or minimum VE/VO2 was obtained from the analysis of ventilation and oxygen consumption in every minute of CPET. We investigated the association between age and COP for both genders, as well as associations with: VO(2)max, VO(2) at anaerobic threshold (VO(2)AT), oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES) and with maximum VE. We also compared the intensity of exertion (MET) at the COP, AT and VO(2)max. RESULTS COP increases with age, being 23.2 ± 4.48 and 25.0 ± 5.14, respectively, in men and women = (p < 0.001). There are moderate and inverse associations with VO(2)max (r = -0.47; p < 0.001), with VO(2)AT (r = -0.42; p < 0.001) and with OUES (r = -0.34; p < 0.001). COP occurred, on average, at 44% do VO(2)max and before AT (67% of VO(2)max) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION COP, a submaximal variable, increases with age and is slightly higher in women. Being modestly associated with other ventilation measures, there seems to be an independent contribution to the interpretation of the cardiorespiratory response to CPET.
Attenuation of the Tumor-promoting Effect of Surgery by Spinal Blockade in Rats

Background The perioperative period is characterized by a state of immunosuppression, which was shown in animal studies to underlie the promotion of tumor metastasis by surgery. As this immunosuppression is partly ascribed to the neuroendocrine stress response, the authors hypothesized that spinal blockade, known to attenuate this response, may reduce the tumor-promoting effect of surgery. Methods Fischer-344 rats were subjected to a laparotomy during general halothane anesthesia alone or combined with either systemic morphine (10 mg/kg) or spinal block using bupivacaine (50 &mgr;g) with morphine (10 &mgr;g). Control groups were either anesthetized or undisturbed. Blood was drawn 5 h after surgery to assess number and activity of natural killer cells, or rats were inoculated intravenously with MADB106 adenocarcinoma cells, which metastasize only to the lungs. Metastatic development was assessed by quantifying lung retention of tumor cells 24 h after inoculation or by counting pulmonary metastases 3 weeks later. Results Laparotomy conducted during general anesthesia alone increased lung tumor retention up to 17-fold. The addition of spinal block reduced this effect by 70%. The number of metastases increased from 16.7 ± 10.5 (mean ± SD) in the control group to 37.2 ± 24.4 after surgery and was reduced to 10.5 ± 4.7 during spinal block. Systemic morphine also reduced the effects of surgery, but to a lesser degree. Natural killer cell activity was suppressed to a similar extent by surgery and by anesthesia alone. Conclusions The addition of spinal blockade to general halothane anesthesia markedly attenuates the promotion of metastasis by surgery.
Disparate patterns of population genetic structure and population history in two sympatric penaeid shrimp species (Farfantepenaeus aztecus and Litopenaeus setiferus) in the eastern United States

Analysing the population genetic structures of sympatric species provides opportunities to compare patterns of population genetic structure and phylogeography in order to gain insight into the factors that influence the development of the observed patterns. In this study, we compared the population genetic structures and phylogeographies of brown shrimp (Farfantepenaeus aztecus) and white shrimp (Litopenaeus setiferus), two sympatric penaeid shrimp species that inhabit the waters of the eastern USA, using sequence analysis of the mitochondrial DNA control region. Brown shrimp showed no significant phylogenetic structure or population subdivision, and closely related haplotypes were geographically dispersed. Mismatch analysis indicated that brown shrimp experienced a late‐Pleistocene era sudden population expansion. In contrast, white shrimp had a complex haplotype phylogeny consisting of two distinct lineages and two less well‐defined sublineages, and the haplotypes and lineages were geographically structured. Mismatch analysis for white shrimp also showed evidence of sudden population expansion, albeit for each lineage separately and more recently than in the brown shrimp. These disparate patterns may have developed as a result of species‐specific differences in physiological tolerances and habitat preferences that caused greater fluctuations in white shrimp population sizes and reductions in long‐term effective population size relative to that of the brown shrimp, and thereby increased the susceptibility of the white shrimp populations to stochastic genetic change.
Young men convicted of firearms offences in England and Wales: an exploration of family and educational background as opportunities for prevention

Preventing and reducing gun crime1 is recognized to be a complex issue. This article draws upon interviews with 80 young men in England and Wales convicted of firearms offences. The focus of the article is on the family and educational background of these young men as a backdrop to exploring opportunities for longer-term prevention, as part of wider concerted action to reduce the use of guns in criminal activity in Britain. With a few notable exceptions, interviews with the offenders in this study illustrate that they had grown up in disrupted family environments, under-achieved and been excluded from mainstream education and had poor work histories in legitimate employment. The research also shows that the distinction between victims and offenders was blurred. The article highlights the poverty and inequality characteristics of communities where gun crime is a significant problem. It is argued that it is worth considering what is already known about family- and school-based programmes that focus on reducing violent and aggressive behaviour as part of the response to the growing problem of gun crime in Britain.
A failure to support the relationships of selected traits and hypnotic responsiveness in drama students.

Abstract A number of characteristics of drama students were investigated in order to discover relationships with the generally high hypnotic responsiveness of drama subjects. Correlations between Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, Form C scores and J. Hilgard's imaginative involvement, Tellegen and Atkinson's absorption scale, number of acting classes and acting roles, and peer and instructor ratings of subject's involvement in acting were insignificant. Limitations of the study were discussed.