Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Peer Imitation: An Examination of Status and Competence Hypotheses

Abstract Although research has demonstrated that children's behavior is different in same-age and mixed-age peer groups, the mechanism responsible for this difference is unclear. The present experiment was designed to test two plausible hypotheses that could account for why children show differential amounts of imitation as a function of the model's age relative to the age of the subject. One plausible hypothesis involves the status that children are assigned on the basis of chronological age. A second hypothesis involves the attributions children render regarding the competence of different-age peers. Seventy second grade children were exposed to same-age or kindergarten models who were attributed with same-age competence, kindergarten competence, or no competence information. Results revealed that (a) in the absence of competence information peer imitation was governed by the relative age of the subject and model (status), and (b) in the presence of competence and status information peer imitation was g.
Walking in Virtual Reality

Walking constitutes the predominant form of self-propelled movement from one geographic location to another in our real world. Likewise, walking in virtual environments (VEs) is an essential part of a users experience in many application domains requiring a high degree of interactivity. However, researchers and practitioners often observe that basic implementations of virtual walking, in which head-tracked movements are mapped isometrically to a VE are not estimated as entirely natural. Instead, users estimate a virtual walking velocity as more natural when it is slightly increased compared to the users physical body movement. In this article, we investigate the effects of such nonisometric mappings between physical movements and virtual motions in the VE on walking velocity and biomechanics of the gait cycle. Therefore, we performed an experiment in which we measured and analyzed parameters of the biomechanics of walking under conditions with isometric as well as nonisometric mappings. Our results show significant differences in most gait parameters when walking in the VE in the isometric mapping condition compared to the corresponding parameters in the real world. For nonisometric mappings we found an increased divergence of gait parameters depending on the velocity of visual self-motion feedback. The results revealed a symmetrical effect of gait detriments for up- or down-scaled virtual velocities, which we discuss in the scope of the previous findings.
Offshoring and Unemployment

In this paper, in order to study the impact of offshoring on sectoral and economywide rates of unemployment, we construct a two sector general equilibrium model in which labor is mobile across the two sectors, and unemployment is caused by search frictions. We find that, contrary to general perception, wage increases and sectoral unemployment decreases due to offshoring. This result can be understood to arise from the productivity enhancing (cost reducing) effect of offshoring. If the search cost is identical in the two sectors, or even if the search cost is higher in the sector which experiences offshoring, the economywide rate of unemployment decreases. We also find multiple equilibrium outcomes in the extent of offshoring and therefore, in the unemployment rate. Furthermore, a firm can increase its domestic employment through offshoring. Also, such a firm's domestic employment can be higher than a firm that chooses to remain fully domestic. When we modify the model to disallow intersectoral labor mobility, the negative relative price effect on the sector in which firms offshore some of their activity becomes stronger. In such a case, it is possible for this effect to offset the positive productivity effect, and result in a rise in unemployment in that sector. In the other sector, offshoring has a much stronger unemployment reducing effect in the absence of intersectoral labor mobility than in the presence of it. Finally, allowing for an endogenous number of varieties provides an additional indirect channel, through which sectoral unemployment goes down due to the entry of new firms brought about by offshoring.
Clinical comparison of automatic, noninvasive measurements of blood pressure in the forearm and upper arm.

BACKGROUND When the upper arm (area from shoulder to elbow) is inaccessible and/or a standard-sized blood pressure cuff does not fit, some healthcare workers use the forearm to measure blood pressure. OBJECTIVE To compare automatic noninvasive measurements of blood pressure in the upper arm and forearm. METHODS A descriptive, correlational comparison study was conducted in the emergency department of a 1071-bed teaching hospital. Subjects were 204 English-speaking patients 6 to 91 years old in medically stable condition who had entered the department on foot or by wheelchair and who had no exclusions to using their left upper extremity. A Welch Allyn Vital Signs 420 series monitor was used to measure blood pressure in the left upper arm and forearm with the subject seated and the upper arm or forearm at heart level. RESULTS Pearson r correlation coefficients between measurements in the upper arm and forearm were 0.88 for systolic blood pressure and 0.76 for diastolic blood pressure (P < .001 for both). Mean systolic pressures, but not mean diastolic pressures, in the upper arm and forearm differed significantly (t = 2.07, P = .04). A Bland-Altman analysis indicated that the distances between the mean values and the limits of agreement for the 2 sites ranged from 15 mm Hg (mean arterial pressure) to 18.4 mm Hg (systolic pressure). CONCLUSIONS Despite strict attention to correct cuff size and placement of the upper arm or forearm at heart level, measurements of blood pressure obtained noninvasively in the arm and forearm of seated patients in stable condition are not interchangeable.
Ceramics, clothing and other bodies: affective geographies of homoerotic cruising encounters

This paper provides a new approach to the geographies of cruising and public homosex. For some time, social scientists have contended that, in those semi-public spaces where men meet each other for sex, actions speak louder than words and men's competency in using the space is more important that the (sexual) identities they claim in other aspects of their lives. This paper extends that argument in a new direction through an engagement with recent theorizations of affective geographies and more-than-representational approaches to spatial practices. Through a series of short vignettes of cruising encounters on city streets, in public toilets and in urban green spaces, this paper examines how public homosex is enacted and performed in relation to both human and non-human bodies, objects and the environment in which it takes place. The encounters described in the paper draw attention to the complex choreography of gestures through which cruising is performed and sexual engagement is negotiated ethically. I contend that the site-specific, performative nature of these sexual encounters suggests a more contingent sexuality arising from the interaction of bodies in specific environments and exceeding the boundaries of reified sexual identities.
Is leisure studies “ethnocentric”? It takes more than optimism: A view from Athens, Georgia, USA

Ken Roberts' essay provides an interesting and insightful overview of leisure studies including the historical roots of this field in North America and the United Kingdom as well as the global status of leisure studies today. It is important that historical reviews of this nature are published and archived, and I appreciate the insights that Roberts shores in this essay. Roberts' essay is framed by two central points. First, drawing on his overview of the history of this field, he claims that leisure studies is ethnocentric or, to be more specific, it is Anglophone (shaped by the culture of English-speaking countries). After reviewing the history of leisure studies, Roberts discusses the status of this field in non-Anglo parts of the globe. This was done in an attempt to show that Anglophone leisure studies can overcome its ethnocentric framework if it remains open to learning from other cultures. Roberts concludes his essay by claiming that we are developing a "promising base" for the international study of leisure but he challenges us to do better, especially with regard to understanding the long-term cultural imprints that linger when non-Anglo countries modernise and adopt Western values and lifestyles.
Transactivation of the epidermal growth factor receptor mediates muscarinic stimulation of focal adhesion kinase in intestinal epithelial cells

We have previously shown that the Gq protein coupled receptor (GqPCR) agonist, carbachol (CCh), transactivates and recruits epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFr)‐dependent signaling mechanisms in intestinal epithelial cells. Increasing evidence suggests that GqPCR agonists can also recruit focal adhesion‐dependent signaling pathways in some cell types. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate if CCh stimulates activation of the focal adhesion‐associated protein, focal adhesion kinase (FAK), in intestinal epithelia and, if so, to examine the signaling mechanisms involved. Experiments were carried out on monolayers of T84 cells grown on permeable supports. CCh rapidly induced tyrosine phosphorylation of FAK in T84 cells. This effect was accompanied by phosphorylation of another focal adhesion‐associated protein, paxillin, and association of FAK with paxillin. CCh‐stimulated FAK phosphorylation was inhibited by a chelator of intracellular Ca2+, BAPTA/AM (20 μM), and was mimicked by thapsigargin (2 μM), which mobilizes intracellular Ca2+ in a receptor‐independent fashion. CCh also induced association of FAK with the EGFr and FAK phosphorylation was attenuated by an EGFr inhibitor, tyrphostin AG1478, and an inhibitor of Src family kinases, PP2. The actin cytoskeleton disruptor, cytochalasin D (20 μM), abolished FAK phosphorylation in response to CCh but did not alter CCh‐induced EGFr or ERK MAPK activation. In summary, these data demonstrate that agonists of GqPCRs have the ability to induce FAK activation in intestinal epithelial cells. GqPCR‐induced FAK activation is mediated by via a pathway involving transactivation of the EGFr and alterations in the actin cytoskeleton. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Electrocardiographic Study in Adult Homozygous Sickle Cell Disease Patients in Lagos, Nigeria

Background. This study sought to identify the pattern of electrocardiographic changes in steady state adult sickle cell anaemia. Methods. A case-control, cross-sectional study was conducted amongst sickle cell patients attending the sickle cell clinic of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, and HbAA controls. All consenting participants had haemoglobin electrophoresis done and were subjected to electrocardiography (ECG). The descriptive data were given as means ± standard deviation (SD). The differences were considered to be statistically significant when the p value obtained was <0.05. Results. A total of ninety-three sickle cell anaemia (SCA) patients and ninety haemoglobin AA (controls) were enrolled. There was no significant difference in the age of the participants with SCA and that of the controls but the body mass index was significantly higher in controls (p = 0.0001). Overall, 73.1% (68 of 93) had abnormal ECG while only 2 of 90 (2.2%) of controls had abnormal ECG. The common abnormalities observed were left ventricular hypertrophy, biventricular hypertrophy, and right ventricular hypertrophy. Conclusion. Patients with SCA in steady state tend to have normal heart rate but about 50% of them would have had ECG changes before the age of 20 years. ECG being a noninvasive test may be used to identify patients at risk for early intervention.
Personality and interests as predictors of educational streaming and achievement

In this study Holland's RIASEC Model of vocational personalities and the Five‐Factor Model of personality are used (i) to assess individual differences among study majors and (ii) to predict educational achievement. A sample of 934 last‐year students who enrolled in different academic majors filled out Dutch/Flemish adaptations of the NEO‐PI‐R (Costa and McCrae, 1992) and the Self‐Directed Search (Holland, 1977; 1979). The results show that both models are useful to describe differences among different majors. Conscientiousness proves to be a general predictor of grades and study career. For the other Big Five dimensions, except for Agreeableness, major and/or gender specific relationships with educational outcomes are observed. Holland's interest dimensions are not related to educational achievement, except for some moderate gender or major specific correlations with the Investigative and the Artistic scales. Suggestions for future research regarding educational streaming and counselling are discussed.
Financial Management

With the goal of helping orchestra managers become conversant in financial management concepts, this chapter begins by outlining basic financial terminology, a discussion of capital structure, and various types of statements and reports that are useful in managing an orchestra’s finances. The orchestra budgeting process is also highlighted, as is the typical orchestra cash flow cycle. Typically the major expense item for any orchestra, the various methods of paying the musicians will be a focus, including fixed versus variable costs, service utilization, and the impact of finances on artistic planning.
Evaluation of prognostic factors in patients with therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia

Background Therapy-related AML (t-AML) occurs as a late complication of chemotherapy administered to treat a prior disorder. Prognostic factors affecting the clinical outcome in t-AML have not yet been clearly defined; therefore, we evaluated these factors in this study. Methods Forty-eight patients diagnosed with t-AML within the past 10 years were enrolled, and their chemotherapy regimens categorized into 4 groups: alkylating agents (AK) only, topoisomerase II inhibitors (TI) and AK, TI only, and others. The prognostic factors affecting clinical outcome were evaluated. Results Five (10.4%), 21 (43.8%), 9 (18.8%), and 13 (27.0%) patients were treated with AK only, AK and TI, TI only, and others, respectively. Patients with an AML M3 phenotype showed significantly longer overall survival (OS; 55.1 vs. 14.3 months, P=0.040) and disease-free survival (DFS; 61.2 vs. 17.5 months, P=0.049) than other phenotypes. In contrast, patients with a complex karyotype showed significantly shorter OS (7.9 vs. 31.3 months, P=0.008) and DFS (9.5 vs. 38.6 months, P=0.046); additionally, patients with chromosome 5 or 7 abnormalities showed significantly shorter OS (9.1 vs. 30.7 months, P=0.011) than other phenotypes. Only the presence of a complex karyotype or AML M3 phenotype retained prognostic impact in a multivariate analysis. Conclusion Only the AML M3 phenotype was identified as having a good prognosis, and this might suggest that it exhibits unique clinical features in t-AML patients. Moreover, our findings indicated that karyotype was the strongest prognostic indicator and predicted a poor prognosis for t-AML patients with a complex karyotype.
Unsuccessful Tissue Plasminogen Activator Treatment of Acute Stroke Caused by a Calcific Embolus

Intravenous (IV) administration of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) given to patients during acute cerebral ischemia according to National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) guidelines improves clinical outcome by 11% to 14%. The success of IV tPA stroke therapy is dependent on several previously reported factors. The authors suggest that the presence of calcification within an embolus may represent an additional important factor. This report describes a patient with an acute stroke secondary to a spontaneous calcific cerebral embolus who had a negative outcome despite receiving proper thrombolytic therapy.
Transport and killing mechanism of a novel camptothecin-deoxycholic acid derivate on hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Abstract Camptothecin-20(s)-O-glycine ester-[N-(3′α, 12′α-dihydroxy-24′-carbonyl-5′β-cholan)] (A2), 10-(3′α,12′α-dihydroxy-5′β-cholan-24′-carboxyl)-(20 s)-camptothecin (C2), and 10-O-(3-O-(3′α, 12′α-dihydroxy-24′-carbonyl-5′β-cholan)-propyl)-(20S)-camptothecin (D2) are novel camptothecin-deoxycholic acid analogues. MTT assays were performed to assess the anticancer activity of these compounds against hepatocellular carcinoma SMMC-7721, breast carcinoma MCF-7, and colorectal carcinoma HCT-116 cells. A2 had a high killing ability on SMMC-7721 cells selectively, but C2 and D2 did not exhibit selectivity with regard to SMMC-7721 killing. Uptake assays were performed in an effort to elucidate the transport mechanisms of A2 into SMMC-7721 cells. A2 increased the mRNA expression of OATP1B3 (an organic anion-transporting polypeptide) and uptake of A2 was inhibited by rifampin (inhibitor of OATP1B3), which indicated that the transporter-mediated transport of A2 was mediated by OATP1B3. In addition, according to the western blot and apoptosis assays, we found that A2 killed SMMC-7721 cells by inducing cell apoptosis mainly via an AIF (apoptosis-inducing factor) pathway and a caspase-dependent mitochondria apoptosis pathway.
Orbital and Adnexal Trauma Associated With Open-Globe Injuries

Purpose To describe the incidence and patterns of orbital and adnexal injuries in patients with open-globe injuries. Methods Charts of 300 consecutive patients with open-globe injuries presenting to the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary were retrospectively reviewed. The data were analyzed with respect to the type of open globe (penetrating, perforating, or rupture) and location (zone) of globe injury. Each of these subgroups was then evaluated for the absence (group 1) or presence (group 2) of coexisting orbital and/or adnexal injury. Visual acuity at presentation was compared between the two groups. Results Orbital and adnexal injuries were present in 25.7% of patients with open globes. The most common concurrent injuries were lacerations of the eyelid, orbital fracture, and retrobulbar hemorrhage. The mechanisms of globe injury differed significantly between groups 1 and 2. Penetrating injuries accounted for 82.1% of group 1 but only 49.3% of group 2 patients, whereas rupture occurred more frequently in group 2 (48.1%) than in group 1 (17.0%) patients. Orbital and adnexal injuries were associated with poorer visual acuity at presentation, probably because of the high incidence of posterior globe injuries in these patients. Conclusions Orbital and adnexal injuries were observed in 25.7% of patients who sustained trauma that resulted in open globes. Concurrent injury to these extraocular structures is associated with worse visual acuity at presentation and an increased likelihood of posterior globe injuries.
On the finite generation of the monoid of effective divisor classes on rational surfaces of type (n, m)

We prove that every projective rational surface of type (n, m) has only a finite number of (-1) curves and only a finite number of (-2) curves, where n and m are nonnegative integers satisfying the inequality mn-m-4n<0. As a consequence of this result, it follows the finite generation of the monoid of effective divisor classes on such surface. Thus giving in particular, a uniform proof of the classical results stating that the monoid of effective divisor classes on the surface obtained by blowing up the projective plane at points which are either all collinear or which are all on a conic is finitely generated.
Structure and Content of the Discourse on Climate Change in the Blogosphere: The Big Picture

Based on the texts of 1.3 million blog posts and the structure of the links between the blogs in which these posts appeared, this study presents an analysis of the discourse on climate change in the English-language blogosphere. Our approach combines community detection with probabilistic topic modeling to show how topics related to climate change are discussed across various parts of the blogosphere. We find that there is one community of predominantly climate skeptical blogs but several accepter communities. The topic analysis reveals a series of issues that are characteristic of the climate change discourse in the blogosphere. Two topics, one related to climate change science and one related to climate change politics, are particularly important for characterizing the discourse. We also find that the distribution of topics over the communities cuts across the divide between skeptics and non-skeptics (accepters) and that there are differences in the patterns of interactions between the skeptics and different groups of accepters.
Science Theatre: Changing South African Students’ Intended Behaviour Towards HIV AIDS

Science centres and other informal learning environments are increasingly becoming venues in which socioscientific issues are presented, sometimes with the aim of influencing attitudes and behaviour. This study investigated the effects of an HIV AIDS science theatre presentation on the behavioural intentions of 697 South African students, a population facing extreme HIV risk. Surveys measured 15 HIV-related intentions before and after the presentation. Significant changes occurred in 9 of 15 intentions including resisting peer-pressure, HIV learning, discussing HIV with family and sexual abstinence. Changes typically involved strengthening of already positive intentions. Regression modelling showed prior intention was the greatest single predictor of intention change, with poor prior intentions associated with greater change. Audience emotional responses of interest and enjoyment, prior knowledge and knowledge change regarding HIV risk, and self-reported learning also predicted intention change; higher scores were associated with greater change. These variables predicted more variation in intention change than prior intentions, suggesting emotional responses in particular, but also knowledge and learning, play an important role in influencing intentions. Demographic variables had no influence on intention change. These findings provide provisional evidence of the importance of the emotions of interest and enjoyment in informal science learning, especially where the aim is to motivate change. The study underscores the potential that science centres and other informal science learning providers have as advocates for positive societal change, even with difficult and contentious issues such as HIV AIDS.
Immortality of the Soul as an Intuitive Idea: Towards a Psychological Explanation of the Origins of Afterlife Beliefs

AbstractThis study tried to investigate if intuitive ideas about the continuation of the Self after death determine the way people represent the state of being dead, and, in this way, investigate possible psychological origins of afterlife beliefs, which constitute a recurrent cultural phenomenon. A semi-structured interview and a self-report questionnaire were used to obtain information on the experience of imagining oneself as dead and the representation of the dead-I of young adults. The results suggest that (1) there is a tendency to imagine the state of being dead as a continuation of the I, even in the absence of explicit afterlife beliefs; (2) perceptual, emotional, epistemic and desire experiences are associated to the dead-I; (3) the representation of the dead-I seems to be determined by an interaction between cognitive processes related to self-awareness and theory of mind, and the cultural afterlife beliefs explicitly learned. A previous alternative hypothesis, suggesting that simulation constraints were responsible for the emergence of non-reflective afterlife concepts (Bering, 2002, 2006) is not completely supported by our results. The data presented here suggest that immortality of the soul might be an intuitive religious concept, connected to the experience of the Self and to the implicit theorization that the experienced Self is independent from the body. Future studies should focus on the collection of cross-cultural and developmental data.