Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Structural Constraints and Lived Realities

This study examines the racial and ethnic identity preferences of U.S.-born and foreign-born African Caribbeans, and the extent to which social contextual factors shape and alter these identities. Using qualitative and quantitative data, we address the following questions: Are African Caribbeans more likely to exhibit an ethnic identity, a racial identity, or both? What contextual factors (i.e., socioeconomic status, social distancing, discrimination, and region) affect the way African Caribbeans identify? The results indicate that foreign-born African Caribbeans are more likely to adopt an ethnic identity while U.S.-born African Caribbeans are more likely to identify racially. In addition, discrimination was a crucial factor in the identity preferences of African Caribbeans across both the qualitative and quantitative analyses. The results of the qualitative study showed that African Caribbeans were able to negotiate between their racial and ethnic identities which were inherently shaped by residing in the Midwest.
Effect of Temporary Contracts on Perceived Work Characteristics and Job Strain: A Longitudinal Study

This longitudinal study investigates differences in perceived work characteristics and job strain as a function of employment status. The study examines the effects of a change from involuntary temporary to permanent status (N= 75) compared to staying permanent (N= 257), as well as comparing temporary contract and permanent contract employees at Time 1 and a second-wave comparison that included new temporary contract employees (N= 92) and new permanent contract employees (N= 34). Results suggest that temporary employment status is associated with negative and positive consequences. On the negative side, temporary status reduced perceptions of job security and participative decision making, which had deleterious effects on job strain. On the other hand, temporary employees had fewer strain-inducing role demands (in particular, lower role overload). The net effect was that temporary employees had lower job strain, which analyses suggested was due to indirect effects of the lower role demands.
Special Education for the Mildly Retarded—Is Much of it Justifiable?

In lieu of an abstract to this article, I would like to preface it by saying this is my swan song for now—as I leave special education and this country for probably the next two years. I have been honored to be a past president of The Council for Exceptional Children. I have loyally supported and promoted special classes for the educable mentally retarded for most of the last 20 years, but with growing disaffection. In my view, much of our past and present practices are morally and educationally wrong. We have been living at the mercy of general educators who have referred their problem children to us. And we have been generally ill prepared and ineffective in educating these children. Let us stop being pressured into continuing and expanding a special education program that we know now to be undesirable for many of the children we are dedicated to serve.
Drugs, Society, and Human Behavior

I Drug Use in Modern Society 1 Drug Use: An Overview 2 Drug Use as a Social Problem 3 Drug Production and Regulation II How Drugs Work 4 The Nervous System 5 The Actions of Drugs III Uppers and Downers 6 Stimulants 7 Depressants 8 Psychotherapeutic Drugs IV Alcohol 9 Alcohol V Familiar Drugs 10 Tobacco 11 Caffeine 12 Herbals, Dietary Supplements, and Over-the-Counter Drugs VI Restricted Drugs 13 Opioids 14 Hallucinogens 15 Marijuana and Hashish 16 Performance-Enhancing Drugs VII Intervention Strategies 17 Preventing Drug Misuse and Abuse 18 Treating Substance Dependence
“‘Sink or swim’: buoyancy and coping in the cognitive test anxiety – academic performance relationship”

This study explores the relationship between students’ self-report levels of cognitive test anxiety (worry), academic buoyancy (withstanding and successfully responding to routine school challenges and setbacks), coping processes and their achieved grades in high-stakes national examinations at the end of compulsory schooling. The sample comprised 325 English students in their final year of secondary school preparing for high-stakes examinations. While controlling for prior attainment and gender, higher worry predicted lower examinations scores. This was partially mediated by less use of effective pre-exam coping strategies. Academic buoyancy moderated the indirect relationship such that the indirect negative relationship from worry to examination performance was stronger when academic buoyancy was lower. The paper concludes that providing in-school training in task-focus and orientation and how to withstand academic pressures may help to ameliorate the influence of performance-interfering worries, and potentially enhance performance among students inclined to worry about examinations.
“I’m down for a Jihad”: How 100 Years of Gang Research can inform the Study of Terrorism, Radicalization and Extremism

One of the difficult tasks in the social sciences is integrative, interdisciplinary work. There are many commonalities across the social sciences in method, theory, and policy. The study of gangs has a tradition in the U.S. that dates back nearly 100 years, with an emerging focus in Europe and other parts of the world. This Research Note argues that there is considerable overlap between the study of gangs and that of radicalized groups. Both fields examine violence conducted largely in a group context. Group structure, demographics, marginalization, strength of membership bonds, leaving the group, and the role of prison in expanding membership are all issues the two have in common. There are lessons those who study radicalized groups can take from the long tradition of gang research. This Research Note identifies eleven lessons learned (mistakes and successes) from the study of gangs that have relevance to the study of radicalized and extremist groups.
Compressing deep neural networks for efficient visual inference

The deployments of deep neural network models on mobile or embedded devices have been challenged due to two main reasons: 1) the large model size for storage, and 2) the large memory bandwidth for inference. To address these issues, this paper develops a deep neural network compression framework to reduce the resource usage for efficient visual inference. By reviewing the trained deep model, we propose a hybrid model compression algorithm via four major modules. Approximation module reduces the number of weights in each fully connected layer with low rank approximation. Then, quantization module analyzes weight distribution in each layer and represents them with low precision fixed point, which reduces the bits for storing each weight. After that, pruning module suppresses small weights to further reduce the number of parameters. Finally, coding module joint optimizes the representation and encoding of the sparse structure of the pruned weights with relative index by Huffman coding. Beyond the compression of model size, we propose an adaptive fixed point memory allocation algorithm to reduce memory footprint in inference. The proposed framework, along with the model compression and memory allocation algorithms, can provide 20–30x compression rate with negligible accuracy loss. We conduct an evaluation on two representative models, AlexNet and VGG-16, for object recognition and face verification tasks, which demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed compression framework.
A dual light stage

We present a technique for capturing high-resolution 4D reflectance fields using the reciprocity property of light transport. In our technique we place the object inside a diffuse spherical shell and scan a laser across its surface. For each incident ray, the object scatters a pattern of light onto the inner surface of the sphere, and we photograph the resulting radiance from the sphere's interior using a camera with a fisheye lens. Because of reciprocity, the image of the inside of the sphere corresponds to the reflectance function of the surface point illuminated by the laser, that is, the color that point would appear to a camera along the laser ray when the object is lit from each direction on the surface of the sphere. The measured reflectance functions allow the object to be photorealistically rendered from the laser's viewpoint under arbitrary directional illumination conditions. Since each captured re- flectance function is a high-resolution image, our data reproduces sharp specular reflections and self-shadowing more accurately than previous approaches. We demonstrate our technique by scanning objects with a wide range of reflectance properties and show accurate renderings of the objects under novel illumination conditions.
Physical activity and body composition changes during military service.

PURPOSE To examine how body composition changes in different body mass index (BMI) categories among young Finnish men during military service, which is associated with marked changes in diet and physical activity. In addition, this study examined how reported previous physical activity affected the body composition changes. METHODS Altogether 1003 men (19 yr) were followed throughout their military service (6-12 months). Height, weight, BMI, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were recorded. Previous physical activity was assessed at the beginning of the service by a questionnaire. Body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance assessments (BIA) at the beginning and at the end of the service. The measured parameters were fat mass (FM), fat percentage (fat %), fat-free mass (FFM), visceral fat area (VFA), lean body mass (LBM), and skeletal muscle mass (SMM). RESULTS On average, military training decreased weight by 0.7%, FM by 9.7%, fat % by 6.6%, and VFA by 43.4%. FFM increased by 1.3%, LBM by 1.2%, and SMM by 1.7%. The group of underweight and normal-weight men gained weight, FM, and FFM, whereas overweight and obese men lost weight and FM and gained FFM. FM was most reduced in the groups of overweight (20.8%) and obese (24.9%) men. The amount of VFA was reduced in all BMI groups (38%-44%). Among overweight men who reported being inactive previous to the military service, more beneficial changes in body composition were observed compared with those who reported being physically active. CONCLUSIONS The lifestyle changes associated with military service markedly reduce fat tissue and increase the amount of lean tissue. These beneficial changes are prominent among previously inactive subjects with high BMI.
Immobilization of Magnetic Nanoparticles onto Amine-Modified Nano-Silica Gel for Copper Ions Remediation

A novel nano-hybrid was synthesized through immobilization of amine-functionalized silica gel nanoparticles with nanomagnetite via a co-precipitation technique. The parameters, such as reagent concentrations, reaction temperature and time, were optimized to accomplish the nano-silica gel chelating matrix. The most proper amine-modified silica gel nanoparticles were immobilized with magnetic nanoparticles. The synthesized magnetic amine nano-silica gel (MANSG) was established and characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The feasibility of MANSG for copper ions’ remediation from wastewater was examined. MANSG achieves a 98% copper decontamination from polluted water within 90 min. Equilibrium sorption of copper ions onto MANSG nanoparticles obeyed the Langmuir equation compared to the Freundlich, Temkin, Elovich and Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) equilibrium isotherm models. The pseudo-second-order rate kinetics is appropriate to describe the copper sorption process onto the fabricated MANSG.
TARGETING OF TRAITS THROUGH ASSESSMENT OF INTERRELATIONSHIP AND PATH ANALYSIS BETWEEN YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENTS FOR GRAIN YIELD IMPROVEMENT IN SINGLE CROSS HYBRIDS OF MAIZE (Zea mays L.)

In an attempt to study the association of different quantitative traits in improving grain yield in maize hybrids, correlation and path studies were conducted between yield and yield contributing characters. Association studies revealed that, ten out of fifteen characters exhibited highly significant positive correlation with yield per plant. However, the highest correlation was evident for number of kernels per row (r p = 0.8784**). While, the traits viz., days to 50 per cent silking and days to 50 per cent tasseling displayed highly significant negative correlation with yield per plant. Path analysis revealed that, eight traits exerted positive direct effects on yield per plant. However, the trait cob length exerted maximum positive direct effect on grain yield per plant. On contrary, some of the characters viz., days to 50 per cent silking, anthesis-silking interval, leaf area index, days to 50 per cent maturity, SPAD chlorophyll and number of branches per tassel exerted negative direct effects on yield per plant. The present study revealed that, direct selection for number of kernels per row, cob length, cob girth and 100-seed weight might be rewarding for the improvement of yield using the present elite inbreds and their F 1 hybrids.
Academic performance in middle school: Friendship influences

The results of this study build on previous research findings demonstrating relational significance of peer influences to academic performance during adolescence. Whereas family, teachers, and peers play a significant role in a student’s academic career, extant literature about the relational dynamics between peers and academic achievement remains scarce. This study evaluated the constructs of social support and negative interchanges in relation to academic performance. Additionally, students’ gender, race, and perception of a friend’s level of school interest were measured. The sample consisted of 321 participants in the 6, 7, and 8 grade from three public middle schools in the Midwest. Results supported the hypothesis that adolescents’ relationships with peers influence academic performance.
The declining HIV seroprevalence in Uganda: what evidence?

Papers presented at the Ninth International Conference on AIDS and STDs in Africa, held in Kampala in December 1995, indicate that HIV prevalence has been declining in several sectors of the population in Uganda over the past few years. This paper reviews the following relevant presentations: studies among pregnant women in Mulago hospital, Kampala; sentinel surveillance data; a community-based study of HIV in Masaka district; a community-based study in Rakai district; and persons attending voluntary HIV testing in towns in Uganda. Most of the data presented come from urban areas. Approximately 90% of the country's population, however, lives in rural areas. All of the studies document declining trends in HIV prevalence in the populations studied. The author considers whether these findings represent what is happening in the general population and what is behind this trend. On the basis of the presentations made during the conference, it seems that the main factors affecting current HIV seroprevalence trends in Uganda are HIV incidence, HIV-related mortality, and demographic changes. The role of each of these factors is discussed in light of the available evidence. More specifically, there appears to be a real decline in HIV seroprevalence in some population groups in Uganda. Very high HIV-related mortality, the movement of many young people into the adult demographic category while retaining their HIV-negative status, and probably a lower HIV incidence rate than that prevailing before 1990 are some of the explanations for the observed trend.
Assessment of season-dependent body condition scores in relation to faecal glucocorticoid metabolites in free-ranging Asian elephants

More ‘stressed’ Asian elephants, as indicated by higher faecal glucocorticoid metabolites (fGCMs), have lower visually determined body condition scores (BCSs) that also changes seasonally. Changes in BCS are more obvious in female than in male elephants. BCS and fGCM are valuable approaches in monitoring the physiological health of free-ranging elephant populations.
What Drives Leverage in Leveraged Buyouts? An Analysis of European LBOs' Capital Structure

This paper examines leverage in European private equity led LBOs. We use a unique, self-constructed sample of 126 European private equity (PE) sponsored buyouts completed between June 2000 and June 2007. We find that determinants derived from classical capital structure theories do not explain leverage in LBOs, while they do drive leverage in a control group of comparable public firms. Rather, we document that leverage levels in LBOs are related to the prevailing conditions in the debt market. In addition, our results indicate that reputed private equity sponsors use more debt and that secondary buyouts have higher leverage levels.
Exploring VM Introspection: Techniques and Trade-offs

While there are a variety of existing virtual machine introspection (VMI) techniques, their latency, overhead, complexity and consistency trade-offs are not clear. In this work, we address this gap by first organizing the various existing VMI techniques into a taxonomy based upon their operational principles, so that they can be put into context. Next we perform a thorough exploration of their trade-offs both qualitatively and quantitatively. We present a comprehensive set of observations and best practices for efficient, accurate and consistent VMI operation based on our experiences with these techniques. Our results show the stunning range of variations in performance, complexity and overhead with different VMI techniques.We further present a deep dive on VMI consistency aspects to understand the sources of inconsistency in observed VM state and show that, contrary to common expectation, pause-and-introspect based VMI techniques achieve very little to improve consistency despite their substantial performance impact.
Substantial Increases in Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Positivity Unexplained by Changes in Individual-Level Sexual Behaviors Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in an Australian Sexual Health Service From 2007 to 2013

Background To determine the risk-adjusted temporal trend of gonorrhea and chlamydia positivity and associated risk behaviors among men who have sex with men (MSM) attending a sexual health clinic in Melbourne in Australia. Methods Gonorrhea and chlamydia positivity by anatomical site adjusted for year of test, age, number of sexual partners, and condom use among MSM attending Melbourne Sexual Health Centre from 2007 to 2013 were calculated using generalized estimating equation regression models. Results A total of 12,873 MSM were included with a median age of 30.0 years. The proportion with pharyngeal, urethral, and anal gonorrhea was 1.7%, 2.3%, and 2.9%, respectively. The adjusted odds of gonorrhea positivity increased by 9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 3%–15%), 11% (95% CI, 6%–17%), and 12% (95% CI, 7%–17%) per year, respectively. The proportion of MSM who were infected with anal chlamydia was 5.6%, with an average increase of 6% (95% CI, 3%–10%) per year; however, no significant change was observed in urethral chlamydia positivity (adjusted odds ratio, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.98–1.06). Increases in gonorrhea and chlamydia positivity were primarily restricted to MSM who reported more than 10 partners in 12 months. The number of partners in the last 12 months fell from 16.6 to 10.5, whereas consistent condom use with casual partners decreased from 64.6% to 58.9% over the study period. Conclusions Gonorrhea and chlamydia have increased among MSM despite the decrease in the number of sexual partners and are occurring primarily in MSM with high numbers of partners and persist after adjusting for known risk factors, suggesting that unmeasured factors (e.g., more assortative mixing patterns) may explain the observed changes.
Dihydralazine treatment limits liver injury after hemorrhagic shock in rats

Objective:Impaired hepatic perfusion after hemorrhagic shock frequently results in hepatocellular dysfunction associated with increased mortality. This study characterizes the effect of the vasodilators dihydralazine and urapidil on hepatocellular perfusion and integrity after hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation. Design:Prospective, randomized, controlled experimental study. Setting:University experimental laboratory. Subjects:Male Sprague-Dawley rats. Interventions:To register systemic and regional hepatic hemodynamics, rats (n = 6 per group) were instrumented and randomly assigned to the following groups: shock + vehicle; shock + dihydralazine (1.5 mg/kg); or shock + urapidil (3 mg/kg). After 1 hr of hemorrhagic shock, animals were resuscitated for 5 hrs and mean arterial pressure was maintained at 70 ± 5 mm Hg by administration of dihydralazine or urapidil. To evaluate hepatic heme oxygenase-1 expression and liver injury (determination of levels of alanine and aspartate aminotransferase [ALT, AST] and histology), an additional series of experiments with six animals per group was performed. At the end of each experiment, animals were killed and blood and liver tissue was obtained for subsequent analyses. Measurements and Main Results:Dihydralazine increased cardiac output and portal and hepatic microvascular flow (p < .05) and reduced liver injury after shock (lower ALT and AST levels [p < .05]; improvement of histopathological changes). In contrast, urapidil had no effect on portal flow or liver injury. Hepatic heme oxygenase-1 mRNA expression was upregulated in animals subjected to hemorrhagic shock but did not differ among experimental groups. Conclusions:Dihydralazine increases nutritive portal and hepatic microvascular flow and limits liver injury after hemorrhagic shock. This protective effect appears to be the result of increased cardiac output and increased portal flow. These findings may offer a new strategy for hepatic protection after hemorrhagic shock.
Fuzzy model reference learning control for cargo ship steering

The use of a learning control system to maintain adequate performance of a cargo ship autopilot when there are process disturbances or variations is examined. The objective is to make an initial assessment of what advantages a fuzzy learning control approach has over conventional adaptive control approaches. The simulation results indicate that the fuzzy model reference learning controller (FMRLC) has several potential advantages over model reference adaptive control (MRAC), including improved convergence rates, use of less control energy, enhanced disturbance rejection properties, and lack of dependence on a mathematical model. Using the comparative analysis, the authors discuss how the well-developed concepts in conventional adaptive control can be used to evaluate fuzzy learning control techniques. <<ETX>>