Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Social Category and Reciprocity on Adults' and Children's Altruistic Behavior

Evolutionary theories of altruism have suggested that reciprocal exchanges and ingroup favoritism have been important strategies leading to the evolution of altruistic behavior among strangers. This study investigates whether minimal information about an interaction partner's membership in a trivial social group affects the allocations of adults and children in dictator game, reciprocity in a sequential prisoner's dilemma, and altruistic punishment in a third-party punishment game. In all, 155 adults and 157 students from second and sixth grade played these three economic games in either an ingroup, outgroup, or neutral condition. Adults and sixth-grade children allocated more to ingroup than to outgroup receivers in the dictator game, and adults punished ingroup non-cooperators more in the third-party punishment game than outgroup non-cooperators. When additional information about the other player's past behavior was presented, adults reciprocated equally with ingroup, outgroup, and neutral players, whereas children from sixth grade reciprocated more with ingroup and neutral than with outgroup players. Overall, the results of this study support the importance of group membership and reciprocity for adults' and older elementary school children's altruistic behavior. For younger elementary school children, however, reciprocity and group membership do not serve as salient social information that influence their altruistic behavior.
Human Resource Development and Organizational Performance in the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Company Limited, Bonny

The paper discussed human resource development (HRD) and organizational performance in the Nigeria liquefied natural gas company limited, Bonny. It views HRD as the integrated use of training and development, organizational development and career development to improve individual, group and organizational effectiveness. It assumes that HRD practices directly/indirectly enhance business performance through improvement in employees’ skills, attitudes and behavior. The research question addressed the extent of the relationship between HRD practices (training and development) and increased employees motivation/commitment and organizational productivity in the Nigeria liquefied natural gas company limited, Bonny. The place of study is the bonny industrial area of the Nigeria liquefied natural gas company while the duration of study is between May 2013 and April 2014. A descriptive research design was used in executing the study, using 370 randomly selected NLNG employees from its industrial area in bonny island, for questionnaire administration. The sample size of 370 was determined from a population of 4,895 employees using Yamane 1964 sample size determination formula at 5% level of significance for sampling error. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results from the data analysis indicated that significant relationship exists between HRD practices (training and development) and increased employees motivation/commitment and organizational productivity in the Nigeria liquefied natural gas company limited, bonny and recommends among others: review of current training/development procedure, regular appraisal of employees job skill requirements, regular staff training/development, regular improvement of employees’ condition of service and sustenance of current team building efforts/ incentive scheme.
Characteristics and Lethality of a Novel Recombinant Dermonecrotic Venom Phospholipase D from Hemiscorpius lepturus

Hemoscorpius lepturus is the most medically important scorpion in Iran. The clinical signs of H. lepturus envenomation are remarkably similar to those reported for brown spiders, including dermonecrosis, hematuria, renal failure and even death. The lethality and toxicity of brown spiders’ venom have been attributed to its phospholipase D activity. This study aims to identify a phospholipase D with possible lethality and dermonecrotic activity in H. lepturus venom. In this study, a cDNA library of the venom glands was generated by Illumina RNA sequencing. Phospholipase D (PLD) from H. lepturus was characterized according to its significant similarity with PLDs from brown spiders. The main chain designated as Hl-RecPLD1 (the first recombinant isoform of H. lepturus PLD) was cloned, expressed and purified. Sphingomyelinase, dermonecrotic and lethal activities were examined. Hl-PLD1 showed remarkable sequence similarity and structural homology with PLDs of brown spiders. The conformation of Hl-PLD1 was predicted as a “TIM beta/alpha-barrel”. The lethal dose 50 (LD50) and dermonecrotic activities of Hl-RecPLD1 were determined as 3.1 µg/mouse and 0.7 cm2 at 1 µg respectively. It is the first report indicating that a similar molecular evolutionary mechanism has occurred in both American brown spiders and this Iranian scorpion. In conclusion, Hl-RecPLD1 is a highly active phospholipase D, which would be considered as the lethal dermonecrotic toxin in H. lepturus venom.
Reward sensitivity modulates connectivity among reward brain areas during processing of anticipatory reward cues

Reward sensitivity, or the tendency to engage in motivated approach behavior in the presence of rewarding stimuli, may be a contributory factor for vulnerability to disinhibitory behaviors. Although evidence exists for a reward sensitivity‐related increased response in reward brain areas (i.e. nucleus accumbens or midbrain) during the processing of reward cues, it is unknown how this trait modulates brain connectivity, specifically the crucial coupling between the nucleus accumbens, the midbrain, and other reward‐related brain areas, including the medial orbitofrontal cortex and the amygdala. Here, we analysed the relationship between effective connectivity and personality in response to anticipatory reward cues. Forty‐four males performed an adaptation of the Monetary Incentive Delay Task and completed the Sensitivity to Reward scale. The results showed the modulation of reward sensitivity on both activity and functional connectivity (psychophysiological interaction) during the processing of incentive cues. Sensitivity to reward scores related to stronger activation in the nucleus accumbens and midbrain during the processing of reward cues. Psychophysiological interaction analyses revealed that midbrain–medial orbitofrontal cortex connectivity was negatively correlated with sensitivity to reward scores for high as compared with low incentive cues. Also, nucleus accumbens–amygdala connectivity correlated negatively with sensitivity to reward scores during reward anticipation. Our results suggest that high reward sensitivity‐related activation in reward brain areas may result from associated modulatory effects of other brain regions within the reward circuitry.
Histocompatibility leucocyte antigens and closely linked immunomodulatory genes in autoimmune thyroid disease

OBJECTIVES Associations between autoimmune thyroid disease and antigens of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) have long been recognized. Graves' disease (GD) is associated with the histocompatibility leucocyte antigen (HLA) haplotype A*01‐B*0801‐DRB1*0301‐DQA1*0501‐DQB1*0201 (or B8/DR3) whereas autoimmune hypothyroidism (AIH) has been weakly associated with HLA DRB1*03, *04 and *11/*12 alleles (or DR3, DR4 and DR5). However, the presence of important immunoregulatory genes within the HLA Class II and III regions raises the possibility that these genes harbour the primary susceptibility locus. This study examines genetic variation across the MHC in UK Caucasoid subjects with autoimmune thyroid disease.
Vita Contemplativa

I summarize my view of organization theory and then explain how it developed over my life. I stress that it arose gradually from a series of empirical tests, so that my views are based on good reasons, despite being in some ways unconventional. Early influences upon me include the non-conformist climate of my school days and the empirical ethos at the University of Aston. I have long been interested in the creation of social science. This has been informed by the philosophy of science, which emphasizes the centrality of theory and its empirical testing. My early work in the Aston programme laid the basis for commitment to functionalism and generalization. The vociferous rejection of this style of research by ideologically oriented critics led me to defend it, both theoretically and philosophically. My later work on strategy and structure led me to reject strategic choice and embrace situational determinism. I analysed these and other research topics as being within structural contingency theory. I also used this theory frequently in my business school teaching. In the USA, newer theories arose, which, collectively, fragmented organizational theory. I critiqued these theories, and this fragmentation. Moreover, I became convinced that contingency theory in its classic variant is more correct than newer variants, and offered detailed argumentation. My empirical research also found that crises of low performance triggered adaptive structural change. From that, I created organizational portfolio theory, which draws upon finance to explain performance fluctuations and the resultant organizational change and lack of change. More recently, I offered an integrated statement of structural contingency theory and ideas for its future development theoretically and methodologically.
Shaping the Policy Agenda: Think Tank Activity in the European Union

With the growth of think tanks in many countries came a burgeoning interest in their activities, from practitioners and commentators alike. However, the extent of think tank activity at the European Union (EU) level has largely been ignored. Some studies brie ̄ y mention European-focused national research institutes, but the level of European activity is spread much wider and far more deeply than this. Similarly, within the academic discourse on EU policy formulation, increasing attention is being paid to the signi® cance of interest representation, yet to date the role of think tanks in advocating policy perspectives has not been examined suf® ciently. EU-oriented think tanks are not a new phenomenon. Some of those operating from a national base have a longer history than the EU itself. Others however are still in their infancy. Most of the exclusively EU-oriented think tanks only emerged in the 1980s, and the European Commission’s internal think tank is just 10 years old. There appears to have been a growth in think tank activity at the European level in the last two decades, perhaps simply explained by the deepening of EU competences, the increased impact of EU policy-making on member states, and thus a heightened awareness of all things European. Some national institutes are responding accordingly by increasingly moving from a speci® c domestic to a European-focused agenda. As a consequence of increased policy activity at the EU level, the growth in think tanks may also have arisen out of EU institutional and national administrative needs for greater policy advocacy. Therefore, addressing this lacuna in both sets of literature through an analysis of the form and extent of EU-oriented think tank activity is warranted. By focusing upon the routes and procedures that permit such input, this article offers an initial examination of the extent to which think tanks can contribute to EU policy formulation. First, this article considers the political system of the EU and the formal and informal policy processes that can offer a windowso for such policy entrepreneurs to try and in ̄ uence EU policy-making. Second, it identi® es the types of think tank activity at the EU level, their activities and constituencies. Given the exploratory nature of the research, the article only highlights some of the most signi® cant think tanks, but does distinguish between the varieties of research institutes and their missions of in ̄ uence. Finally, the nature of such
When support for language revitilization is not enough: the end of indigenous language classes at Warm Springs Elementary School

Abstract This paper examines the termination of indigenous language classes at a small public elementary school in the United States, from the perspective of both nonindigenous school teachers whose classrooms were used to conduct the classes and the parents whose children participated in the classes. Interviews with both groups reveal general support for language teaching, but opposing views about the inclusion of such classes in the public school setting. I argue that their differing perspectives do not reflect negative attitudes on the part of the teachers about the language itself, but rather that teachers experience both national and local factors that do not favor indigenous language teaching. These factors include differences in expectations about student behavior and language class results, as well as federal and statewide pressure to produce improvement in student performance in English reading and math. This research demonstrates that general support for indigenous language teaching is not sufficient for the successful incorporation of classes into schools. A number of issues pertaining to national and local educational goals must also be considered.
The relationship between conflict communication, self- esteem and life satisfaction in university students

The current study used a survey model to analyze 306 university students to investigate relationship between life satisfaction, self-esteem and conflict communication. Data were collected from the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, the Satisfaction with Life Scale and Conflict Communication Scale. Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients were determined. The results of the study show that self-esteem is positively correlated with confrontation, emotional expression, self-disclosure and life satisfaction. The results also show that life satisfaction is positively correlated with confrontation, emotional expression and self-disclosure. Key words: Conflict communication, self-esteem, and life satisfaction
Social comparison and effort provision: evidence from a field experiment

Social comparison has potentially far reaching consequences in many economic domains. We conducted a field experiment to examine how social comparison affects workers' effort provision if their own wage or that of a co-worker is cut. Workers were assigned to groups of two, performed identical individual tasks, and received the same performance-independent hourly wage. Cutting both group members' wages caused a decrease in performance. But when only one group member's wage was cut, the affected workers decreased their performance more than twice as much as when both workers' wages were cut. This finding indicates that social comparison among workers affects effort provision because the only difference between the two wage-cut treatments is the other group member's wage level. In contrast, workers whose wage was not cut but who witnessed their group member's pay being cut displayed no change in performance relative to the baseline treatment in which both workers' wages remained unchanged. This indicates that social comparison exerts asymmetric effects on effort.
A Cross-Sector Comparison of Motivation-Related Concepts in For-Profit and Not-For-Profit Service Organizations

This contribution examines differences in four motivation-related concepts between employees in not-for-profit and for-profit sector service organizations. Using regression analyses, 630 knowledge workers, employed in either the not-for-profit or the for-profit sector, were compared. The majority of the hypotheses were supported by the data. Even after the impact of gender, age, seniority, contract type, and task characteristics were controlled for, employees from both sectors differed significantly. Not-for-profit workers valued more social service, perceived a better person—organization fit, and were more motivated by identified and integrated regulation. Their for-profit counterparts valued more advancement and were more motivated by external regulation. These conclusions account for a broad range of activities within the service industry because a wide variety of organizations were included in the study.
Idarucizumab: The Antidote for Reversal of Dabigatran

Four non–vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs), including the direct thrombin inhibitor dabigatran and the direct factor Xa inhibitors rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban, are currently licensed as alternatives to heparins and vitamin K antagonists for the prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism and for the prevention of stroke in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Dabigatran is the only NOAC that inhibits thrombin; the others inhibit factor Xa. All of the NOACs are at least as effective as vitamin K antagonists for the prevention of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation and for the treatment of venous thromboembolism, and they are associated with less life-threatening bleeding, in particular less intracranial hemorrhage.1,2 Nonetheless, serious bleeding can occur with NOACs. In addition, patients taking NOACs may sustain trauma and may require urgent surgery or interventions. Consequently, the availability of specific reversal agents for NOACs could improve patient management during these emergency situations. Idarucizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody fragment that has been developed as a specific reversal agent for dabigatran. In vitro and ex vivo studies have demonstrated that idarucizumab promptly restores dabigatran-prolonged coagulation parameters to baseline values,3–5 and studies in healthy volunteers and patients with life-threatening bleeding or requiring emergency surgery or invasive procedures show that it completely reverses the anticoagulant effects of dabigatran within minutes in the majority of patients. Idarucizumab was recently licensed in the United States and Europe. This article summarizes the pharmacology and clinical data on the use of idarucizumab to reverse dabigatran. The first step in the development of idarucizumab was to immunize mice with dabigatran-derived haptens coupled to carrier proteins to produce antibodies against dabigatran.3 Monoclonal antibodies exhibiting the highest affinity for dabigatran were selected, and the antigen-binding fragment (Fab) was isolated (Figure 1). Murine protein sequences were replaced …
Carl Schmitt in the Kremlin: : the Ukraine crisis and the return of geopolitics

The protracted crisis in Ukraine has exposed fundamental political differences between leaders in western Europe and their counterparts in Russia. The very existence of the European Union was meant to have refuted geopolitics as a useful theoretical lens through which to view power relations in Europe. After all, the European project is based on the idea that boundaries no longer matter and that national sovereignty is obsolete. And yet, geopolitics remains critically important—certainly for Europe's potential enemies, but also for Europe itself. It is poignant that to advance our understanding of this new constellation we are well served to turn to the insights of a classic, if hugely controversial, German political thinker: Carl Schmitt. Schmitt's political philosophy is relevant in three aspects. First, as a source of inspiration—even if only indirectly—for the contemporary Russian political establishment. Second, the behaviour of Putin's Russia, particularly since 2008, can be best understood through some of the key concepts that preoccupied Schmitt: sovereignty, the political and geopolitics. Third, Schmitt's philosophy can serve as a point of departure for reflecting on the possibility of a more robust response by Europe to the Russian intervention in Ukraine. What Europe needs is a more hard-nosed realist approach, which recognizes that Russia's expansionist ambitions can only be constrained by its own readiness and willingness to deploy power both politically and, if necessary, even militarily
Post-Decisional Reevaluation of Choice Alternatives

In a free-choice experiment, subjects chose between two pairs of alternatives, each containing a positively and a negatively valued feature. The results confirmed dissonance theory in that the negative feature of the chosen alternatives increased in value from before to after the choice. However, the positive feature of the rejected alternative decreased only slightly. Implications of the findings for the theory are discussed.
Pursuing Information: A Conversation Analytic Perspective on Communication Strategies

Research on second language (L2) communication strategies over the past three decades has concerned itself broadly with defining their usage in terms of planning and compensation, as well as with the use of taxonomies for coding different types of strategies. Taking a Conversation Analytic (CA) perspective, this article examines the fine-grained detail of a conversation between a first-language speaker and an L2 speaker of Japanese and proposes a respecification of the notions of planning and compensation as socially viewable participant concerns, rather than as individualistic psychological constructs. Furthermore, the complex multifunctional and multimodal nature of interaction draws attention to the difficulty of categorizing usage of communication strategies into valid and generalizable taxonomical coding schemes. This article argues that CA can provide a useful methodological toolkit for exploring communication strategies from an interactional perspective, which focuses on L2 users’ competence and communicative success rather than deficiency.
Unilateral Balance Performance in Female Collegiate Soccer Athletes

Thorpe, JL and Ebersole, KT. Unilateral balance performance in female collegiate soccer athletes. J Strength Cond Res 22(5): 1429-1433, 2008-The Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) is a unilateral balance task designed to evaluate dynamic postural control. This investigation explored the relationship between limb preference, strength, and performance on the SEBT in NCAA Division I, female collegiate soccer athletes (nonsoccer, n = 11; soccer, n = 12). Each participant completed maximal, concentric test efforts at a velocity of 90°·s−1 for supine ankle dorsiflexion (ADF) and plantarflexion (APF) and at 60°·s−1 for the seated leg extension (LE) and flexion (LF) and supine hip extension (HE) and flexion (HF). In addition, participants performed maximal SEBT reaches in the anterior, medial, and posterior directions. All testing was completed on both limbs. These results indicate that SEBT performance is similar for both limbs in both groups. The soccer group, however, reached significantly farther than the nonsoccer group, suggesting that the SEBT may be sensitive to training status and/or sport-related adaptations. The concentric strength results indicate that despite group differences in all strength tests, strength in general was not highly correlated to SEBT performance. Thus, neuromuscular factors above and beyond strength may have accounted for the group differences in SEBT performance. The SEBT may be a useful tool for determining the relative effectiveness of an intervention designed to improve postural control.