Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Dynamic Interaction of Personal Norms and Environment‐Friendly Buying Behavior: A Panel Study

A deeper understanding of the attitude-norm-behavior relationship in the environmental field can be obtained by analyzing the dynamic interaction over time between relevant attitudinal variables and specific behaviors of interest. This article is based on a panel survey with a random sample of about 1,500 Danes interviewed up to 3 times in 1998 to 2000, regarding their purchase of organic food products. The panel analysis reveals that the stronger are consumers' personal norms about buying organic food products and the less they perceive organic products as expensive, the greater the likelihood that they change their purchase patterns in favor of organic products. Furthermore, one can observe significant cross-lagged paths from past behavior to belief and norm variables.
Constructing implicit 3D shape models for pose estimation

We present a system that constructs “implicit shape models” for classes of rigid 3D objects and utilizes these models to estimating the pose of class instances in single 2D images. We use the framework of implicit shape models to construct a voting procedure that allows for 3D transformations and projection and accounts for self occlusion. The model is comprised of a collection of learned features, their 3D locations, their appearances in different views, and the set of views in which they are visible. We further learn the parameters of a model from training images by applying a method that relies on factorization. We demonstrate the utility of the constructed models by applying them in pose estimation experiments to recover the viewpoint of class instances.
Antinociceptive activity of Syzygium cumini leaves ethanol extract on orofacial nociception protocols in rodents

Abstract Context: Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels (Myrtaceae) is a tree with dark purple fruits, popularly known as “jambolão” or “jambolan”. In folk medicine, this plant is used for the treatment of diabetes and inflammatory conditions. Objective: We investigated the antinociceptive effect of ethanol extract (EE) from S. cumini leaves on orofacial nociception. Material and methods: The antinociceptive effects of the EE obtained from the leaves of S. cumini were evaluated in mice using formalin- and glutamate-induced orofacial nociception. Results: ESI-MS/MS analyses demonstrated that major constituents in the analyzed samples coincided with the mass of the phenolic acids and flavonoids. In pharmacological approach, pre-treatment with EE (100, 200, or 400 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly reduced (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) the percentage of paw licks time during phase 2 (43.2, 47.1, and 57.4%, respectively) of a formalin pain test when compared to control group animals. This effect was prevented by pretreatment with glibenclamide and NG-nitro-l-arginine (l-NOARG). The extract, all doses, also caused a marked inhibition (p < 0.01 or p < 0.001) of glutamate-induced orofacial nociception (38.8, 51.7, and 54.7%) when compared with the control group. No effect was observed with the rota-rod model. Conclusions: We can suggest that the antinociceptive effect of the EE is mediated by peripheral mechanisms, possibly involving KATP channels and the nitric oxide pathways. These effects appear to be related to the presence of flavonoids compounds, such as quercetin.
Metacognition and Special Education: a Review of a View

This paper presents a reasoned case on why special educators should attend to metacognitive theory and research, a new area of theoretical conceptualization and research in cognitive psychology. Both the contributions and the limitations of metacognition to special education are weighed. On the one hand, relevant research findings are marshalled to highlight the contributions of metacognition to the learning disabilities and mental retardation fields. Specifically, metacognition enables understanding of the difficulties of learning-disabled children in learning to read—difficulties that stem from deficient phonemic awareness. Metacognition also illuminates reading comprehension difficulties in learning-disabled students, and the mechanisms underlying failures in maintenance and generalization of learned strategies in educable mentally retarded and learning-disabled trainees. The constraints in applying metacognition to special education are thoroughly considered. Particularly highlighted are the limitations of an invariant interpretation of strategic deficits of exceptional students' performance failures and the neglect in including affective variables in metacognitive interventions. The end-product is a balanced view of the applicability of metacognition in learning disabilities and mental retardation, a view that promotes its proper use in special educational research and practice.
The Test Anxiety Measure for Adolescents (TAMA)

A new multidimensional measure of test anxiety, the Test Anxiety Measure for Adolescents (TAMA), specifically designed for U.S. adolescents in Grades 6 to 12 was developed and its psychometric properties were examined. The TAMA consists of five scales (Cognitive Interference, Physiological Hyperarousal, Social Concerns, Task Irrelevant Behavior, and Worry). The results of confirmatory factor analyses on the responses of a sample of middle and high school students to the TAMA indicated that a five-factor (target) model provided a better fit to the data than a one-factor model. Results also indicated that the TAMA scores had adequate internal consistency reliability. Evidence supporting the convergent and discriminant validity of the TAMA scores was found. Implications of the findings for school personnel who work with adolescent students are discussed.
An empirical assessment of the absolute effect of schooling: regression‐discontinuity applied to TIMSS‐95

This article provides an illustration of how multilevel modelling, which is the standard method for assessing the ‘school effect’ in school effectiveness research, can be combined with the regression‐discontinuity approach. While multilevel modelling yields only estimates of relative school effects (differences between schools), the regression‐discontinuity approach allows the assessment of the absolute effect of schooling (schooling versus no schooling). A combination of both approaches yields an estimate of this absolute effect and its variation between schools. This study applied the method in a secondary analysis of data derived from the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS).
Impact of plaques in the left coronary artery on wall shear stress and pressure gradient in coronary side branches

In this study, we investigate plaques located at the left coronary bifurcation. We focus on the effect that the resulting changes in wall shear stress (WSS) and wall pressure stress gradient (WPSG) have on atherosclerotic progress in coronary artery disease. Coronary plaques were simulated and placed at the left main stem and the left anterior descending to produce >50% narrowing of the coronary lumen. Computational fluid dynamics analysis was carried out, simulating realistic physiological conditions that show the in vivo cardiac haemodynamic. WSS and WPSG in the left coronary artery were calculated and compared in the left coronary models, with and without the presence of plaques during cardiac cycles. Our results showed that WSS decreased while WPSG was increased in coronary side branches due to the presence of plaques. There is a direct correlation between coronary plaques and subsequent WSS and WPSG variations based on the bifurcation plaques simulated in the realistic coronary models.
Osteopontin increases hepatocellular carcinoma cell growth in a CD44 dependant manner.

AIM To investigate the role of osteopontin (OPN) and its splice variants in the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS The expression of OPN variants in HCC cell lines as well as HCC tissue samples and non-tumour tissue was studied using polymerase chain reaction. OPN variant cDNAs were cloned into a mammalian expression vector allowing both transient expression and the production of stable OPN expressing cell lines. OPN expression was studied in these cells using Western blotting, immunofluoresnce and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. A CD44 blocking antibody and siRNA targeting of CD44 were used to examine the role of this receptor in the OPN stimulated cell growth observed in culture. Huh-7 cells stably expressing either OPN-A, -B or -C were injected subcutaneously into the flanks of nude mice to observe in vivo tumour growth. Expression of OPN mRNA and protein in these tumours was examined using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS OPN is expressed in HCC in 3 forms, the full length OPN-A and 2 splice variants OPN-B and -C. OPN variant expression was noted in HCC tissue as well as cognate surrounding cirrhotic liver tissue. Expression of these OPN variants in the HCC derived cell line Huh-7 resulted in secretion of OPN into the culture medium. Transfer of OPN conditioned media to naïve Huh-7 and HepG2 cells resulted in significant cell growth suggesting that all OPN variants can modulate cell proliferation in a paracrine manner. Furthermore the OPN mediated increase in cellular proliferation was dependent on CD44 as only CD44 positive cell lines responded to OPN conditioned media while siRNA knockdown of CD44 blocked the proliferative effect. OPN expression also increased the proliferation of Huh-7 cells in a subcutaneous nude mouse tumour model, with Huh-7 cells expressing OPN-A showing the greatest proliferative effect. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that OPN plays a significant role in the proliferation of HCC through interaction with the cell surface receptor CD44. Modulation of this interaction could represent a novel strategy for the control of HCC.
Diversity of Clostridium difficile PCR ribotypes in Europe: results from the European, multicentre, prospective, biannual, point-prevalence study of Clostridium difficile infection in hospitalised patients with diarrhoea (EUCLID), 2012 and 2013.

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is the major cause of infective diarrhoea in healthcare environments. As part of the European, multicentre, prospective, biannual, point-prevalence study of Clostridium difficile infection in hospitalised patients with diarrhoea (EUCLID), the largest C. difficile epidemiological study of its type, PCR ribotype distribution of C. difficile isolates in Europe was investigated. PCR ribotyping was performed on 1,196 C. difficile isolates from diarrhoeal samples sent to the European coordinating laboratory in 2012-13 and 2013 (from two sampling days) by 482 participating hospitals from 19 European countries. A total of 125 ribotypes were identified, of which ribotypes 027 (19%, n =222), 001/072 (11%, n = 134) and 014/020 (10%, n = 119) were the most prevalent. Distinct regional patterns of ribotype distribution were noted. Of 596 isolates from patients with toxin-positive stools (CDI cases), ribotype 027 accounted for 22% (32/144) of infections in cases aged from 18 to less than 65 years, but the prevalence decreased in those aged ≥ 65 years (14% (59/412)) and further decreased in those aged ≥ 81 years (9% (18/195)). The prevalence of ribotype 027 and 176, but not other epidemic strains, was inversely proportional to overall ribotype diversity (R(2) = 0.717). This study highlights an increased diversity of C. difficile ribotypes across Europe compared with previous studies, with considerable intercountry variation in ribotype distribution. Continuous surveillance programmes are necessary to monitor the changing epidemiology of C. difficile.
Divorce Patterns in Nineteenth-Century New England

Sociological explanations of marital disruption and social change have relied on official governmental statistics that trace the emergence of divorce to the late 1800s. New data (N = 2,241) derived from an eight-county sample in three New England states during the 1800- 1860 period are compared with existing evidence for the late nineteenth-century. The findings indicate that divorce rates emerged in the early 1800s, increased sharply in the mid-century decades, and then leveled off toward the end of the century. These patterns are analyzed in terms of such variables as urbanization, the changing status of women, and the divorce laws and policies of the individual states, demonstrating that ideological changes were more important than forces associated with the industrial revolution.
Neural signals for command control and feedback in functional neuromuscular stimulation: a review.

In current functional neuromuscular stimulation systems (FNS), control and feedback signals are usually provided by external sensors and switches, which pose problems such as donning and calibration time, cosmesis, and mechanical vulnerability. Artificial sensors are difficult to build and are insufficiently biocompatible and reliable for implantation. With the advent of methods for electrical interfacing with nerves and muscles, natural sensors are being considered as an alternative source of feedback and command signals for FNS. Decision making methods for higher level control can perform equally well with natural or artificial sensors. Recording nerve cuff electrodes have been developed and tested in animals and demonstrated to be feasible in humans for control of dorsiflexion in foot-drop and grasp in quadriplegia. Electromyographic signals, being one thousand times larger than electroneurograms, are easier to measure but have not been able to provide reliable indicators (e.g., of muscle fatigue) that would be useful in FNS systems. Animal studies have shown that information about the shape and movement of arm trajectories can be extracted from brain cortical activity, suggesting that FNS may ultimately be directly controllable from the central nervous system.
NLRP4 Negatively Regulates Autophagic Processes through an Association with Beclin1

Although more than 20 putative members have been assigned to the nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain-like receptor (NLR) family, their physiological and biological roles, with the exception of the inflammasome, are not fully understood. In this article, we show that NLR members, such as NLRC4, NLRP3, NLRP4, and NLRP10 interact with Beclin1, an important regulator of autophagy, through their neuronal apoptosis inhibitory protein, MHC class II transcription activator, incompatibility locus protein from Podospora anserina, and telomerase-associated protein domain. Among such NLRs, NLRP4 had a strong affinity to the Beclin1 evolutionally conserved domain. Compromising NLRP4 via RNA interference resulted in upregulation of the autophagic process under physiological conditions and upon invasive bacterial infections, leading to enhancement of the autophagic bactericidal process of group A streptococcus. NLRP4 recruited to the subplasma membrane phagosomes containing group A streptococcus and transiently dissociated from Beclin1, suggesting that NLRP4 senses bacterial infection and permits the initiation of Beclin1-mediated autophagic responses. In addition to a role as a negative regulator of the autophagic process, NLRP4 physically associates with the class C vacuolar protein-sorting complex, thereby negatively regulating maturation of the autophagosome and endosome. Collectively, these results provide novel evidence that NLRP4, and possibly other members of the NLR family, plays a crucial role in biogenesis of the autophagosome and its maturation by the association with regulatory molecules, such as Beclin1 and the class C vacuolar protein-sorting complex.
Prevention Counseling and Student Assistance Programs: A Review of the Literature

Substance abuse prevention counseling can be found in two venues: school counseling and student assistance programs (SAPs). School prevention counseling is based on school psychology and guidance counseling. The authors of this article did not find any empirical studies of prevention counseling. Six criteria were used to assess the published research on SAPs: research designs, sampling methods, measures, procedures, analyses, and peer review of results. SAP studies reviewed were placed in one of three levels: Rigorous (N = 3; met all inclusion criteria), Informative (N = 2; met all criteria except peer review), and Evaluative (N = 5; weak design, but explicit in describing methods). The Rigorous Studies found a decrease in substance use or risk factors. The two Informative Studies found a decrease in substance use. The Evaluative Studies demonstrated the prevention of increases in substance use.
Volumetric analysis and chemistry students performance: Combined influence of study habit, physiological and psychological factors

Several factors can work in concert to influence the students' attitudes and behavior towards quantitative aspect of practical chemistry particularly volumetric analysis. This study investigated the influence of students' study habit, physiological and psychological factors on their attitudes and behavior towards the volumetric analysis in practical chemistry. Two hundred and forty randomly selected senior secondary two students from six secondary schools in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State constituted the sample. It was hypothesized that students' study habit variables such as time allocation, reading and note-taking, concentration, anxiety and stress, and teachers' consultation would not significantly influence students' attitudes during volumetric analysis practical exercises. The hypotheses were tested by using chi square at 0.05 levels of significance following the administration of study habit inventory on the subjects. The results indicated that these factors actually influenced the attitudes of the subjects towards volumetric analysis exercises. It was recommended that chemistry teachers need to have proper understanding of these physiological and psychological factors to enable them enhance students' attitudes and performances in practical chemistry.
The Differences in Theory That Matter in the Practice of School Improvement

School improvement efforts often create controversies and conflicts that can make success difficult if not impossible to achieve. This article suggests that differences in the theories of action held by different people and organizations involved in reform efforts may be a critical source of these conflicts. An analysis of the first 2 years of the ATLAS Communities Project—a collaboration of the Coalition of Essential Schools, Education Development Center, Harvard Project Zero, and the School Development Program—shows how differences in the theories of action of these organizations contributed to significant disagreements over a number of key issues related to the process of change, the nature of the curriculum, and the shape of personal and organizational development. As a result, despite considerable funding, broad initial agreements, and good relationships at the highest levels, it was extremely difficult to make decisions and carry work out in a collaborative and efficient manner.
Individual participant data meta-analysis of mechanical workplace risk factors and low back pain.

OBJECTIVES We used individual participant data from multiple studies to conduct a comprehensive meta-analysis of mechanical exposures in the workplace and low back pain. METHODS We conducted a systematic literature search and contacted an author of each study to request their individual participant data. Because outcome definitions and exposure measures were not uniform across studies, we conducted 2 substudies: (1) to identify sets of outcome definitions that could be combined in a meta-analysis and (2) to develop methods to translate mechanical exposure onto a common metric. We used generalized estimating equation regression to analyze the data. RESULTS The odds ratios (ORs) for posture exposures ranged from 1.1 to 2.0. Force exposure ORs ranged from 1.4 to 2.1. The magnitudes of the ORs differed according to the definition of low back pain, and heterogeneity was associated with both study-level and individual-level characteristics. CONCLUSIONS We found small to moderate ORs for the association of mechanical exposures and low back pain, although the relationships were complex. The presence of individual-level OR modifiers in such an area can be best understood by conducting a meta-analysis of individual participant data.
How Can Mobile Applications Reduce Energy Consumption? An Experimental Investigation of Electric Vehicles

The role of information systems for environmental sustainability has received considerable attention over the last several years. In view of global warming and climate change, a transition from combustion to electric vehicles (EVs) can help reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Since sustainable behavior often lacks relevant information about its environmental effects, the role of information systems in influencing energy consumption is being explored in this paper. The main focus is to investigate the impact of driver assistance systems in form of mobile applications on the energy consumption of EVs. To test such an impact, a field experiment is conducted by defining a control group and an experimental group. Test drives are performed with an all-electric, lithium-ion battery powered, small passenger city car. As the treatment of the study, a mobile application is chosen that monitors excessive acceleration and hard braking. The results reveal significant differences among the groups, which indicate that using smartphone-based driver assistance systems significantly reduces the energy consumption of EVs. This can entail several benefits, including an increase of range of EVs, electricity cost savings, decrease of vehicle wear, and reduction of GHG emissions. The findings are discussed and implications for research and practice are given.
Validation of a Four-Factor Model of Career Indecision

Two studies were designed to explore whether a meta-analytically derived four-factor model of career indecision (Brown & Rector, 2008) could be replicated at the primary and secondary data levels. In the first study, an initial pool of 167 items was written based on 35 different instruments whose scores had loaded saliently on at least one factor in the Brown and Rector meta-analysis. These items were then administered to a sample of undergraduate college students and the resultant inter-item correlation matrix was subjected to principal axis factoring with oblique rotations. A four-factor solution was uncovered that resembled the four-factor meta-analytically derived solution but with a few theoretically and practically interesting exceptions. A second study used two existing correlation matrices derived from Gati and colleagues’ cognitive and personality/emotional models of career indecision. Exploratory factor analyses of these matrices revealed that the current four-factor model could, in part, be uncovered from these matrices as well. The theoretical and counseling implications of the results are discussed and future research directions are articulated.