Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The perceived consequences of responding to bullying with aggression: A study of male and female adult prisoners

This research addresses whether prisoners who bully others and/or are victimised themselves can be distinguished by the perceptions that they have of the consequences about using aggression as a solution to being bullied. Male and female adult prisoners (n = 406) were required to complete a self-report behavioural checklist (Direct and Indirect Prisoner Behaviour Checklist [DIPC]) that addressed the level of bullying behaviour at their present institution. Prisoners were also required to complete a questionnaire (Bullying Social Problem Solving Questionnaire [BSPSQ]) that provided them with five different bullying situations and asked them what would be the consequences if they were to respond aggressively to each. Four categories of prisoners were examined: pure bullies, pure victims, those who reported both bullying others and being victimised themselves (bully/victims), and those not involved in bullying/victimisation. Pure bullies reported significantly more positive than negative consequences of aggression compared with the overall category mean in response to theft-related bullying. Bully/victims reported significantly more positive than negative consequences compared with the overall category mean in response to indirect and indirect-physical bullying. Those not involved reported significantly more negative than positive consequences compared with the overall category mean in response to all scenarios except one involving indirect-physical bullying. Males reported significantly more positive than negative consequences compared with females for all types of bullying. Aggr. Behav. 28:257–272, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
DWT-Based High Capacity Audio Watermarking

This letter suggests a novel high capacity robust audio watermarking algorithm by using the high frequency band of the wavelet decomposition, for which the human auditory system (HAS) is not very sensitive to alteration. The main idea is to divide the high frequency band into frames and then, for embedding, the wavelet samples are changed based on the average of the relevant frame. The experimental results show that the method has very high capacity (about 5.5 kbps), without significant perceptual distortion (ODG in [―1, 0] and SNR about 33 dB) and provides robustness against common audio signal processing such as added noise, filtering, echo and MPEG compression (MP3).
Even if you say it three ways, it still doesn’t mean it’s true: The pervasiveness of heteronormativity in early childhood education

Heteronormativity, the concept that heterosexual sexuality is an institutionalized norm and a superior and privileged standard, is held firm when discourses of gender, sexualities and family form converge. In a study of heteronormative discourses in the context of early childhood education, teachers shared accounts of practices where genders, sexualities and family form were troubled and troubling. An analysis of these showed the repetitive distribution of the statement, heterosexuality is/as normal, and therefore illuminated the pervasiveness of heteronormativity in work with young children and families. This article makes visible the ways heteronormativity is achieved in early childhood education along these trajectories and asks, in whose interests is the (hetero)norm being preserved?
Leaves and forests. Low level sound processing and methods for the large-scale analysis of white matter structure in autism

Background: Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are associated with auditory hyperor hyposensitivity, central auditory deficits such as speech-processing and selective auditory attention, andwith neural connectivity deficits. We investigatewhether the low-level integrative processes underlying sound localization and spatial discrimination are affected in ASD.Methods: We performed three experiments, which allowed us to probe different connecting neural pathways: (1) Horizontal and vertical localization of broadband bursts of varying intensity in a white-noise background, (2) vertical localization of repetitive broadband sweeps with different repetition period and (3) discrimination of horizontally separated sound stimuli with a short onset difference (precedence effect). Ten adult participants with ASD and ten healthy control participants participated in experiments (1) and (3); sample sizes for experiment (2) were 18 (ASD) and 19 (control). Results: Vertical localization was significantly impaired in ASD. The temporal window for the precedence effect was shorter in participants with ASD than in control participants. Conclusions: The deficiency in vertical localization performance shows that abnormal neural processing is observable in ASD even at the low level of primary auditory processing and is in remarkable agreement with recently reported changes in the neuroanatomy of the auditory brainstem in ASD. Both the vertical localization results in experiment (1) and (2) and the shorter threshold in experiment (3) can be interpreted as evidence for reduced long-range connectivity in ASD.
Semiparametric Estimation for Time-Inhomogeneous Diffusions

We develop two likelihood based approaches to semiparametrically estimate the time-inhomogeneous diffusion process: log penalized splines (P-splines) and the local log-linear method. Positive volatility is naturally embedded and this positivity is not guaranteed in most existing diffusion models. We investigate different smoothing parameter selection methods. Separate bandwidths are used for drift and volatility estimation. In the log P-splines approach, different smoothness for different time varying coefficients is feasible by assigning different penalty parameters. We also provide accompanying theorems for both approaches. Finally, we present a case study using the weekly three-month Treasury bill data from 1954 to 2004. We find that the log P-splines approach seems to capture the volatility dips in mid-1960s and mid-1990s the best.
Is the Sky Really the Limit? Exploring the Attitude-Achievement Paradox in the Belgian Context

While immigrant students in Belgium have expressed high educational aspirations, if we compare them with ethnic majority students, those aspirations are not reflected in their achievement results. Ethnographic observations and semi-structured interviews with students from 10 class groups in three Flemish schools (northern part of Belgium) were used to understand why these high aspirations are not translated into actual examination results, also known as the attitude-achievement paradox. Our findings indicate that all students generally believe in the importance of education to get ahead in Belgian society. Analyses reveal, however, that although students of immigrant descent want to achieve in society, they perceive more barriers—such as labor market discrimination—than those of non-immigrant descent to becoming successful. They have figured out distinct defensive coping strategies to circumvent those barriers, such as choosing jobs that do not invite discrimination and attempting to achieve in school in order to prove one’s worth or prove someone wrong, all of which eventually seemed to affect their educational outcomes. The particular choices students made to deal with perceptions and experiences of discrimination should be understood within the local immigrant networks in which they live and depends on the (perceived) nature of discrimination.
The Impact of Dividend-Per-Share on Common Stock Returns : A Re-Examination

Studies on dividend policy are usually centered on two related issues. The first issue deals with how stock prices are affected by dividend policy. The second issue is on whether or not dividend policy affects the shareholders’ wealth. No study was conducted to discover the relationship between common stock returns and dividend-per-share in Nigeria. Thus, this study is an attempt to discovering the type of the relationship existing between common stock returns of some selected manufacturing firms and dividendper-share in Nigeria. The study used data generated over 13-year period from ten sampled manufacturing firms. Using both linear and quadratic polynomials models, the study came up with two highly significant common stock return valuation models that can be used by both stockholders and common stock analysts operating within the Nigerian capital market.
A novel unidirectional radiator with superb UWB characteristics for X-band phased array applications

We propose a compact, CPWG-fed, single layer UWB-ring-slot y]1|S. ^Borieantenna for X-band phased array applications. Superb EM-characteristics are obtained for the whole designed frequency band: 1) nearly perfect linear phase, 2) small phase delay, 3) negligible phase dispersion characteristics, nearly constant group delay, (deviation is of sub-nanosecond level), 4) UWB impedance bandwidth, 5) in-band flat, balanced and constant power delivery, 6) nearly constant and repeatable radiation patterns in array plane, 8) over 90% of efficiency, 9) simple and compact, 10) symmetrical fed-and-excited radiator with “uni-directional” radiation pattern, and11) with smallest-form-factor. Other excellent UWB antenna-related characteristics obtained with this design will also be reported.
Anemia and survival in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia

The inverse relationship between severity of anemia and survival found within specific subgroups of patients with childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia suggests that very low hemoglobin levels at diagnosis are associated with more advanced disease in these subgroups. Background Several studies have demonstrated that patients with childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia presenting with mild anemia at diagnosis have an increased risk of poor outcome compared to patients with more severe anemia. However, it has not been reported whether there is any correlation between degree of anemia and leukemia subtype. Design and Methods In a cohort of 1162 patients with childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia we analyzed whether there was a correlation between degree of anemia and leukemia subtype. We also studied the association between degree of anemia and event-free survival within the subtypes. Results Hemoglobin levels at diagnosis were distributed in a non-random pattern. The degree of anemia was significantly different for three distinct groups of patients compared to the remaining patients (mean hemoglobin; T-cell leukemia: 106 g/L versus 76 g/L (precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia); within precursor B-cell ALL: TEL-AML1 positive: 68 g/L versus 79 g/L; BCR-ABL positive: 93 g/L versus 76 g/L; each p<0.05). Furthermore, in contrast to the entire study group, patients with T-cell leukemia, TEL-AML1+, and BCR-ABL+ precursor B-cell leukemia had a more favorable prognosis if presenting with a higher hemoglobin level (≥80 g/L). Conclusions These observations indicate that the formerly reported direct correlation between severity of anemia and survival in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia mainly reflects differences in the degree of anemia between distinct biological subgroups with different treatment outcomes. On the other hand, the inverse relationship between severity of anemia and survival found within specific subgroups suggests that very low hemoglobin levels at diagnosis are associated with more advanced disease in these subgroups.
Changes in Nucleic Acids in Phytochrome-dependent Elongation of the Alaska Pea Epicotyl.

Red light, which produces the physiologically active form of phytochrome (Pfr), inhibited epicotyl elongation in intact dark-grown Alaska pea seedlings. This red light response was detectable 3 hours after the light treatment and became pronounced after 5 hours. The growth inhibition was completely reversed by far red light applied immediately after the red or by pretreatment of the seedlings with the plant hormone gibberellin A(3). Comparison of the total (32)P-labeled nucleic acids from control and red light-treated Alaska pea epicotyls on methylated albumin-kieselguhr columns revealed a marked alteration of the pattern of nucleic acid synthesis in this plant material with little or no effect on total isotope incorporation into nucleic acids. A single 5-minute red light perturbation caused a 2-fold stimulation of (32)P incorporation into the tRNA fraction while, simultaneously, (32)P incorporation into tenaciously bound RNA was reduced to 50% of control levels. Red light treatment had no effect on (32)P incorporation into the DNA-RNA, rRNA, or mRNA fractions. Far red light reversed the effect of red light on tRNA synthesis but did not restore tenaciously bound RNA levels to the control value. Gibberellin A(3) treatment did not cause reversal of any of the red light effects on RNA synthesis.These light-induced changes in nucleic acids were measurable before any changes in the physiological response (epicotyl elongation) could be detected. These results are consistent with a phytochrome-mediated differential gene activation mechanism in the Alaska pea epicotyl elongation system.
Resources, Instruction, and Research

Many researchers who study the relations between school resources and student achievement have worked from a causal model, which typically is implicit. In this model, some resource or set of resources is the causal variable and student achievement is the outcome. In a few recent, more nuanced versions, resource effects depend on intervening influences on their use. We argue for a model in which the key causal agents are situated in instruction; achievement is their outcome. Conventional resources can enable or constrain the causal agents in instruction, thus moderating their impact on student achievement. Because these causal agents interact in ways that are unlikely to be sorted out by multivariate analysis of naturalistic data, experimental trials of distinctive instructional systems are more likely to offer solid evidence on instructional effects.
Who Wants to Be a Psychology Graduate? Impact of Formative Multiple-Choice Review Questions on Summative Assessment Performance

Evidence suggests that formative assessments can have a positive impact on eventual summative performance, and formative multiple-choice assessments are an effective method for increasing student engagement with course content. The aim of the current research was to explore the value of formative multiple-choice questions in terms of academic performance. The authors predicted that regular use of multiple-choice tests to summarise lecture content would have a positive impact on exam performance. They compared final grades across two student cohorts: students in 2007/08 attended standard lectures, and students in 2008/09 participated in multiple-choice tests at the end of each lecture. Analysis revealed that grades for the exam were significantly higher for students exposed to the formative assessments throughout the module. Furthermore, analysis of a comparable control module indicated that this improvement in performance was not a result of different ability levels for the two year groups. The authors concluded that regular formative assessments could be incorporated into a module without rewriting the lecture content or increasing the marking workload, and the inclusion of these formative multiple-choice questions at the end of every lecture has a positive impact on final exam grades.
Transformational Leadership Effects at Different Levels of the Army

In this investigation of officers' transformational leadership behavior, we expand the array of subordinate outcomes investigated, assess differential effects of transformational and transactional leadership behaviors, and examine differences in the occurrence and effects of such behaviors across three levels of the U.S. Army. Transformational leadership was expected to augment the effects of transactional leadership on an array of unit outcomes and across organizational levels. In support of our hypotheses, transformational behavior was found to augment the effects of transactional behaviors on followers' job motivation and affective commitment, whereas transactional behaviors were associated with subordinates' calculative commitment. Results indicated that the unique effects of transformational leadership on subordinate job motivation increased as a function of leadership level. In addition, higher ranking officers were perceived as more transformational and less passive than were lower ranking officers. Theoretical and methodological implications of these findings for transformational leadership research are discussed.
The developmental cycle of Ehrlichia chaffeensis in vertebrate cells

Ehrlichia chaffeensis, an obligatory intracellular bacterium, has two forms in mammalian cells: small dense‐cored cells (DC) with dense nucleoid and larger reticulate cells (RC) with uniformly dispersed nucleoid. We have determined by electron microscopy that DC but not RC attaches to and enters into the host cells and RC but not DC multiples inside the host cells. Analysis of outer membrane protein expression by confocal microscopy showed that RC expressed the 28 kDa outer membrane protein (p28), the intermediate form, which were transforming from RC to DC, expressed both gp120 and p28, and the mature DC expressed gp120 only. The TCID50 of DC is 6 log10 higher than RC. We conclude that E. chaffeensis has a developmental cycle, in which the DC attaches to and enters into the host cells, and transforms into RC and the RC multiplies by binary fission for 48 h and then matures into DC at 72 h.
Therapeutic Effect of Epidurally Administered Lipo-Prostaglandin E1 Agonist in a Rat Spinal Stenosis Model

Background A lipo-prostaglandin E1 agonist is effective for the treatment of neurological symptoms of spinal stenosis when administered by an oral or intravenous route. we would like to reveal the therapeutic effect of an epidural injection of lipo-prostaglandin E1 on hyperalgesia in foraminal stenosis. Methods A total of 40 male Sprague-Dawley rats were included. A small stainless steel rod was inserted into the L5/L6 intervertebral foramen to produce intervertebral foraminal stenosis and chronic compression of the dorsal root ganglia (DRG). The rats were divided into three groups: epidural PGE1 (EP) (n = 15), saline (n = 15), and control (n = 10). In the EP group, 0.15 µg. kg-1 of a lipo-PGE1 agonist was injected daily via an epidural catheter for 10 days from postoperative day 3. In the saline group, saline was injected. Behavioral tests for mechanical hyperalgesia were performed for 3 weeks. Then, the target DRG was analyzed for the degree of chromatolysis, chronic inflammation, and fibrosis in light microscopic images. Results From the fifth day after lipo-PGE1 agonist injection, the EP group showed significant recovery from mechanical hyperalgesia, which was maintained for 3 weeks (P < 0.05). Microscopic analysis showed much less chromatolysis in the EP group than in the saline or control groups. Conclusions An epidurally administered lipo-PGE1 agonist relieved neuropathic pain, such as mechanical hyperalgesia, in a rat foraminal stenosis model, with decreasing chromatolysis in target DRG. We suggest that epidurally administered lipo-PGE1 may be a useful therapeutic candidate for patients with spinal stenosis.
Effects of Humidity on Tests of Tear Production

Purpose: To determine if the Schirmer test is affected by environmental humidity, to quantify any effects, and to consider the ways in which this may affect the diagnosis of dry eye disease. Methods: All experiments took place within a controlled environment chamber at a range of 5% to 95% relative humidity (RH). In vitro testing immersed Schirmer strips at 5 mm depth in water for 5 minutes. In vivo tests were conducted using the standard clinical method. All experiments were conducted using both standard Schirmer strips and Schirmer strips sheathed in a plastic film in order to reduce the possible effects of evaporation. Results: In vitro results showed a clear decrease in Schirmer wetting length as RH was reduced. Schirmer test strips that were encased within a plastic sheathing were less affected by changing RH. As well as wetting length, the rate of wetting of Schirmer strips was also affected by changes in RH. In vivo data showed that Schirmer results in participants with severe dry eye disease were less affected by changes in RH than “normal” participants. Conclusions: Patients with severe dry eye disease produce Schirmer test results which are unaffected by environmental humidity. However, patients with moderate Schirmer wetting lengths may be falsely diagnosed as having dry eye disease if their test is undertaken in a low-humidity environment. This phenomenon may be overcome with the use of plastic sheathing. Previous studies investigating the effects of environmental conditions on the tear film may have been affected by this phenomenon.
Counselors' Multicultural Competencies and Vocational Rehabilitation Outcomes in the Context of Counselor—Client Racial Similarity and Difference

This investigation explored the relationship between rehabilitation counselors' multicultural competency and vocational rehabilitation (VR) outcomes in the context of counselor—client racial similarity and difference for individuals with disabilities who were served in a large northeastern state VR agency. The results demonstrated significant main effects as well as complex interaction effects among client race, counselor race, and counselor multicultural competency in relation to rehabilitation rate and vocational training rate. Thus, clients from different racial groups experienced different outcomes in the VR process in this agency as a function of the counselors' race and multicultural competency. The current findings are discussed in relation to previous studies of VR service equity for persons with disabilities from underrepresented groups, and recommendations for future research are provided.
Appreciating the ‘work’ of discourse: occupational identity and difference as organizing mechanisms in the case of commercial airline pilots

This article pursues two central goals. First, I seek to advance the sustained study of occupational identity as a pivotal mechanism for organizing work and, thus, as a productive means of integrating the aims of two scholarly movements: 1) the ‘dislocation’ of organization (i.e. beyond container metaphors of site) and 2) the renewed emphasis on work (i.e. ‘bringing work back’) in organization studies. Specifically, I propose the study of evolving relations between occupational image discourse and role communication, and my analysis of US commercial airline pilots enacts the potential of such research. The analysis demonstrates how contemporary pilots draw on the deliberate historical construction of airline pilots as elite, fatherly professionals to make sense of their work, explicitly invoking gender discourse as a rational and emotional warrant for their labor and, in so doing, implicitly articulating sexuality, race, and class discourses. Accordingly, the second major goal of the article is to promote inquiry into how discourses of difference function to organize occupational identity and, thus, to (re)produce the division and hierarchy of labor. With this move, I seek to bring a more constitutive view of discourse and communication, as well as a focus on intersection and interplay among discourses of difference, to the study of occupational identity and segregation.
Environmental Contaminants and Dietary Factors in Endometriosis

Abstract: Endometriosis is an estrogen‐dependent disease characterized by the presence of endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterine cavity. The etiology of this disease remains elusive, but is clearly influenced by genetic, immune, and endocrine factors. Exposure to environmental contaminants has recently been added to the list of potential factors that contribute to the pathogenesis of endometriosis. The objective of this paper is to review the weight of the evidence from hospital‐based case‐control studies and animal experiments for an association between exposure to environmental contaminants and endometriosis.