Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessing Acceptability and Perceptions of a Novel Condom Use Intervention for Young Women

ABSTRACT Objectives: To assess the acceptability of a novel condom use intervention for women, the Home-Based Exercises of Responsible Sex, that focuses on condom use experience, application skills, and self-efficacy. Method: Two hundred eighty women (M age 22.63, SD = 3.65) completed an online survey containing questions on condom use errors, experiences, ability, and self-efficacy, and on intervention acceptability. Results: Eighty-one percent reported that the intervention was acceptable. Significant positive predictors of acceptability were condom use ability (β = .18) and self-efficacy (β = .20). Discussion: Findings suggest that the intervention is acceptable and that different options for completing the intervention should be offered.
Content Sharing over Smartphone-Based Delay-Tolerant Networks

With the growing number of smartphone users, peer-to-peer ad hoc content sharing is expected to occur more often. Thus, new content sharing mechanisms should be developed as traditional data delivery schemes are not efficient for content sharing due to the sporadic connectivity between smartphones. To accomplish data delivery in such challenging environments, researchers have proposed the use of store-carry-forward protocols, in which a node stores a message and carries it until a forwarding opportunity arises through an encounter with other nodes. Most previous works in this field have focused on the prediction of whether two nodes would encounter each other, without considering the place and time of the encounter. In this paper, we propose discover-predict-deliver as an efficient content sharing scheme for delay-tolerant smartphone networks. In our proposed scheme, contents are shared using the mobility information of individuals. Specifically, our approach employs a mobility learning algorithm to identify places indoors and outdoors. A hidden Markov model is used to predict an individual's future mobility information. Evaluation based on real traces indicates that with the proposed approach, 87 percent of contents can be correctly discovered and delivered within 2 hours when the content is available only in 30 percent of nodes in the network. We implement a sample application on commercial smartphones, and we validate its efficiency to analyze the practical feasibility of the content sharing application. Our system approximately results in a 2 percent CPU overhead and reduces the battery lifetime of a smartphone by 15 percent at most.
Pre-Proof Version : Horizontal gene transfer and the formation of groups of microorganisms

3 Problems encountered in phylogenetic reconstruction 4 Towards a natural taxonomy 4 Gene transfer and phylogenetic reconstruction 5 HGT can create patterns indistinguishable from those created through shared ancestry 9 Plurality of pattern and process 9 A population genetic point of view for higher level taxonomic units 10 HGT and the creation of metabolic pathways 11 Categorizing gene transfer 11 Homologous and non-homologous recombination 11 Effects on fitness 12 HGT between distant relatives 13 HGT and the expansion of metabolic networks 14 Oxygen producing photosynthesis 15 Acetoclastic methanogenesis in Methanosarcina 17 Evolution of Na and H pumping ATPases/ATP synthase 18 Transferred genes as shared derived characters 20 HGT of aminoacyl tRNA synthetases 21 The origin of primary plastids 22 Correlating evolution across the domains of life 23 Conclusions 24 Acknowledgments 24 References 25 Horizontal gene transfer and the formation of groups. Page 3
Maximal strength training of the legs in COPD: a therapy for mechanical inefficiency.

PURPOSE A diminished mechanical efficiency (work/O2 consumed) accompanies chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and increased mechanical efficiency has been attained by maximal strength training (MST) with an emphasis on the maximal rate of force mobilization in the concentric phase in healthy subjects. This study combined these observations and evaluated the impact of short-term MST on patients with COPD. METHODS Twelve patients with COPD (FEV1 = 1.1 +/- 0.1) were pretested and then randomly assigned to either an MST group (N = 6) or a normal activity control group (N = 6). Within each MST training session (three times per week for 8 wk), patients performed four sets of seated leg presses with a focus on the rate of force development at an intensity that only allowed the performance of five repetitions. RESULTS Patients who performed MST significantly improved their rate of force development (105 +/- 22.8%), mechanical efficiency (32 +/- 7%), and FEV1 (21.5 +/- 6.8%), whereas these variables were unchanged in the controls. Neither group changed either peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) or body mass. CONCLUSION In combination with the observed improvement in FEV1, these data certainly support the therapeutic role for MST in the treatment of COPD.
The limit-experience and self-deradicalisation: the example of radical Salafi youth in Tunisia

ABSTRACT This article gives an example of self-deradicalisation from Tunisia. It addresses the potential of radicalised individuals to de-radicalise themselves from within the Salafi doctrine with no external interventions, in comparison with the state’s religious rehabilitation approaches to tackling radicalism which not only fail but are also counterproductive. Deradicalisation could, of course, involve a more comprehensive rejection of Salafi ideology. This article suggests that an effective type of deradicalisation that is more likely to make the desired change possible is one in which there is a gradual modification of some attitudes and behaviours without abandoning the whole underpinning Salafi ideology. Referring to the personal narratives of 28 individual Tunisian Salafis, the article identifies phases of radicalisation and deradicalisation as the individual voluntarily moves from embracing radical ideology to a more critical understanding and practice reflecting on personal and interpersonal experiences of being radicalised. The research shows that the process of self-deradicalisation is reflective of Salafi youth experience of engagement with radicalism and is more likely to happen in societies that allow political expression and individual freedom that invoke individuals’ critical thinking.
Factors Affecting Consumer Preference of International Brands over Local Brands

This study was conducted in order to determine the consumer preferences of global brands instead of local ones. It is also designed to find out the buying behavior patterns of young Pakistani consumers Consumer evaluates products based on information cues, which are intrinsic and extrinsic. A number of factors affect the consumer purchase decisions. The results suggest that most important factors that influence a consumer’s final decision are the price and quality of the product in question. Since the consumers usually associate the price of the brand with its quality, a brand priced too low is generally perceived as a low quality product. Similarly, a product priced too high may not be affordable by many. Other factors that have an impact on the consumer preferences are: consumer ethnocentrism, country of origin, social status, price relativity with the competing brands and family and friends. The research was conducted in Karachi and the samples selected included 200 people of age 16-24. The data collected for the research was through a questionnaire and was conducted in two popular shopping malls of the city and two universities since the target audience was largely the youth. Calculations were then analyzed and interpreted using a percentage of respondents and through frequency distribution tables and charts.
"She's such a borderline" : exploring the stigma of borderline personality disorder through the eyes of the clinician

This study was undertaken to explore the attitudes and feelings that mental health clinicians have towards Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), which, as the literature shows, is a highly stigmatized diagnosis within the field. Special attention was paid to the participants’ treatment experiences with this client population, including initial reactions, issues of countertransference, treatment approaches, prognosis, and clinician disclosure. The study was designed to explore the reasons or meanings behind the negative stereotypes that often accompany discussions around BPD. Previous research has not utilized a qualitative approach with therapists. Instead, the existing literature has focused on evidence-based treatments for BPD and measuring the existence of the stigma. Furthermore, the majority of current studies around “BPD stigma” have been quantitative and executed primarily with the nursing population, leaving out in-depth narratives from clinicians. Eleven therapists were interviewed on their perspectives of working with clients with BPD. Questions were open-ended to give respondents room to speak freely. Findings revealed all participants expressing the unique complexities associated with clients who have BPD and the challenges in treating them. Data analysis showed that negative feelings and attitudes often come from the clinician’s reactions to the client and/or what develops from the therapeutic process with these individuals. Additional findings showed that while respondents determine BPD to be especially difficult to treat, they are able to locate a place of empathy and compassion for those with the diagnosis. “SHE’S SUCH A BORDERLINE:” EXPLORING THE STIGMA OF BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER THROUGH THE EYES OF THE CLINICIAN A project based upon an independent investigation, submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Social Work.
Analysis of User Acceptance for Web Based Aptitude Tests with DART

Web-based aptitude tests, which are a special category of aptitude tests, can be used for rather standardized test methods and for a large amount of users. The characteristics of web-based aptitude tests can have an impact on the result of the test. The aim of our research is to develop a method for the evaluation of the user acceptance for web-based aptitude tests. Negative influences when using a Human Computer Interface should be identified and minimized. After an analysis of existing acceptance models, the DART-approach is chosen as a basis for the adoption to web-based aptitude tests. Due to literature research and expert discussion, we identified twelve aggregated acceptance indicators. The use of the DART-approach helps to define a balanced set of measurable acceptance indicators for the evaluation of the user acceptance.
Developing Reflective Thought in Preservice Educators: Utilizing Role-Plays and Digital Video

This study was designed to investigate the role of video in the growth of written reflective responses between two groups of preservice teachers. Fifty-four students enrolled in four sections of a required special education course that focused on family-professional collaboration participated. Subjects included candidates seeking general and special education certification and a teaching endorsement in special education. Participants were divided into two groups. Group 1 students participated in three role-plays, reflected on their actions, and then wrote reflections after each role-play. Group 2 students participated in three role-plays that were recorded with digital videotape and placed on a streaming server. Students watched each video, reflected on their actions, and then wrote reflections. A developmental coding rubric was used to score students' written reflections following the role-plays. Analysis of the written responses and follow-up focus discussions demonstrated an increase in reflective thought in the written reflections of the students who used video. Findings also showed positive attitudes about the use of technology for personal reflection. Implications for future practice and the use of digital video technologies are discussed.
Targeting CD73 in the tumor microenvironment with MEDI9447

ABSTRACT MEDI9447 is a human monoclonal antibody that is specific for the ectoenzyme CD73 and currently undergoing Phase I clinical trials. Here we show that MEDI9447 is a potent inhibitor of CD73 ectonucleotidase activity, with wide ranging immune regulatory consequences. MEDI9447 results in relief from adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-mediated lymphocyte suppression in vitro and inhibition of mouse syngeneic tumor growth in vivo. In contrast with other cancer immunotherapy agents such as checkpoint inhibitors or T-cell agonists, MEDI9447 drives changes in both myeloid and lymphoid infiltrating leukocyte populations within the tumor microenvironment of mouse models. Changes include significant alterations in a number of tumor micro-environmental subpopulations including increases in CD8+ effector cells and activated macrophages. Furthermore, these changes correlate directly with responder and non-responder subpopulations within animal studies using syngeneic tumors. Combination data showing additive activity between MEDI9447 and anti-PD-1 antibodies using human cells in vitro and mouse tumor models further demonstrate the potential value of relieving adenosine-mediated immunosuppression. Based on these data, a Phase I study to test the safety, tolerability, and clinical activity of MEDI9447 in cancer patients was initiated (NCT02503774).
Convolutional Codes Over Rings

Elementary information about convolutional codes over finite fields is introduced, and various motivations for extension to convolutional codes over finite rings are discussed. The recent primary motivation is found to be for use over phase modulation signals. Such ring codes enjoy the special property of phase weight equal to phase distance equal to the squared Euclidean distance between phase modulation sequences. Various properties of ring codes are discussed, including conditions for catastrophic encoders, systematic encoders and rotational invariant behaviour. Performance analysis of ring codes and comparable field codes is given. Ring codes are found to be superior when employed over phase modulation signals. Finally, some open problems are discussed.
Olay : Combat the Signs of Aging with Introspective Reliability Management

Aggressive technology scaling has historically been the dr iving force behind dramatic performance gains in the microprocessor in dustry. However, as CMOS feature sizes venture deep into the nanometer regime, reliability is emerging as a first-order design c o straint. Well recognized wearout mechanisms including negative-bi as temperature instability and time-dependent dielectric break down will plague future processors, and if left unchecked, can severe ly r duce operating life and performance. This paper presents an intr ospective reliability management system for future chip multipr ocessors (CMPs), Olay, positioned to meet these reliability challen g s headon. Olay employs low-level sensors to monitor the condition of a CMP as it ages. Sensor feedback is continuously synthesized to maintain an accurate model of damage inside the CMP, a result of both process variation and wearout degradation. Leveragin g this real-time assessment of CMP health, Olay can identify relia bilityaware job assignments. By exploiting the natural variation in workloads, jobs can be intelligently assigned to cores in a manne r that minimizes the impact on lifetime reliability. These reliab ility-aware job schedules result in CMPs that can perform on average over 20% more useful work before succumbing to failures than those th at rely on naive round-robin assignment policies.
ASSESSING THE EFFICIENT COST OF SUSTAINING BRITAIN'S RAIL NETWORK: PERSPECTIVES BASED ON ZONAL COMPARISONS

The objective of this paper is to inform the debate on how efficiency targets for Network Rail (formerly Railtrack) should be set during the 2002/03 Interim Review and beyond. Given the problems experienced during the 2000 Periodic Review, which focused on external benchmarks, we propose an internal benchmarking approach, drawing on data for seven geographical Zones within Railtrack (over the period 1995/96 to 2001/02). Our approach mirrors the yardstick competition method used in other UK regulated industries. Three efficiency measurement techniques are applied to this data (DEA; COLS; SFA). Our results suggest that Railtrack (as a whole) delivered substantial improvements in productivity in the early years after privatisation, although these savings were largely offset by the post-Hatfield cost increases. However, looking forward, Zonal efficiency differences suggest that the company could make significant savings in future years by applying (its own) best practice consistently across the network.
Signaling cascades and the importance of moonlight in coral broadcast mass spawning

Many reef-building corals participate in a mass-spawning event that occurs yearly on the Great Barrier Reef. This coral reproductive event is one of earth's most prominent examples of synchronised behavior, and coral reproductive success is vital to the persistence of coral reef ecosystems. Although several environmental cues have been implicated in the timing of mass spawning, the specific sensory cues that function together with endogenous clock mechanisms to ensure accurate timing of gamete release are largely unknown. Here, we show that moonlight is an important external stimulus for mass spawning synchrony and describe the potential mechanisms underlying the ability of corals to detect environmental triggers for the signaling cascades that ultimately result in gamete release. Our study increases the understanding of reproductive chronobiology in corals and strongly supports the hypothesis that coral gamete release is achieved by a complex array of potential neurohormones and light-sensing molecules. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.7554/eLife.09991. 001
Low blood pressure, low mood?

OBJECTIVE--To determine whether a set of physical symptoms is associated with low blood pressure and to investigate the possible role of psychological factors in their occurrence. DESIGN--Analysis of data collected by questionnaire and physical screening from the first phase of the Whitehall II study, a cohort study of an employed population. SETTING--23 civil service departments in London. SUBJECTS--10,314 male and female London based civil servants aged between 35 and 55. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--Symptoms of dizziness-giddiness and unexplained tiredness; psychological functioning as measured by the 30 item general health questionnaire in which the response "no more than usual" to an item about disease was scored as indicating chronic illness. RESULTS--Dizziness-giddiness in men and unexplained tiredness in both men and women were significantly related to low systolic blood pressure. There was a highly significant inverse relation between general health questionnaire score and systolic blood pressure for both men and women, which persisted after controlling for potentially confounding variables, including age, body mass index, drug treatment, physical illness, and exercise. This association of low blood pressure with physical symptoms was no longer significant when general health questionnaire score was controlled for. CONCLUSIONS--There seems a strong relation between low systolic blood pressure and minor psychological dysfunction. Associated physical symptoms seem to be secondary to the primary disturbance in mental state.
ChIPmix: mixture model of regressions for two-color ChIP-chip analysis

MOTIVATION Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) combined with DNA microarray is a high-throughput technology to investigate DNA-protein binding or chromatin/histone modifications. ChIP-chip data require adapted statistical method in order to identify enriched regions. All methods already proposed are based on the analysis of the log ratio (Ip/Input). Nevertheless, the assumption that the log ratio is a pertinent quantity to assess the probe status is not always veri.ed and it leads to a poor data interpretation. RESULTS Instead of working on the log ratio, we directly work with the Ip and Input signals of each probe by modeling the distribution of the Ip signal conditional to the Input signal. We propose a method named ChIPmix based on a linear regression mixture model to identify actual binding targets of the protein under study. Moreover, we are able to control the proportion of false positives. The efficiency of ChIPmix is illustrated on several datasets obtained from different organisms and hybridized either on tiling or promoter arrays. This validation shows that ChIPmix is convenient for any two-color array whatever its density and provides promising results. AVAILABILITY The ChIPmix method is implemented in R and is available at http://www.agroparistech. fr/mia/outil_A. html.
Musical identity of classical singers : Musical labels, stereotypes, and behaviour.

The aim of this research was to investigate the nature of singers' musical group identity from the perspective of singers themselves. This examination is the first of its kind to show that singers' behaviour may be influenced by musical m-group identification. Singers do not fit the typical definition of "musician" (i.e. plays an instrument) and have been largely neglected as musicians in the research literature. This thesis examines whether singers label themselves as "musicians" or as "singers". It explores the stereotypes associated with the two labels, how singers themselves respond to group stereotypes, and how and why these stereotypes emerge. An initial qualitative investigation of singers' musical identity found that some singers see themselves as musicians whilst others see themselves as singers. These different selflabels appeared to influence singers' self-perceptions as singers were seen to have poor musicianship when compared with musicians. A closer examination of stereotypes showed that singers themselves believe that musicians engage in musical practice, whilst singers do not. Using social identity theory (Tajfel & Turner, 1979) as a framework, two studies involving 161 singing student participants showed how group identification can cause singers to self-stereotype and influence their attitudes towards stereotyped behaviours. The results suggest that a strong singer identity may result in stronger adherence to singer-stereotyped behaviours such as individuality, whilst a strong musician identity may lead to more musical practice. A final qualitative interview of professional singers revealed that although some singer stereotypes may be perceived as negative, they may provide an adaptive function, and emerge as a consequence of behaviours which are necessary for achieving a successful singing career. These results, combined with those found in previous research, made it possible to theorise a novel Singer Identity Model based on aspects of singers' personality, motivation, and behaviours arising from these factors.