Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Present and future teachers of the world’s children

English The purpose of the study was to investigate the ‘international mindedness’ (IM) of a group of pre- and in-service international school teachers. This included an analysis of their beliefs about teaching and learning successfully in international settings. Ninety respondents completed a 55-item survey, eight of whom then participated in eight-item interviews. Results were multifold; most notably demographics of this group tended to vary while teaching beliefs and international mindedness remained relatively similar. This may suggest that many present and future international educators, while somewhat diverse, share many values and beliefs. French Cette étude avait pour but d'étudier la 'sensibilité internationale' d'un groupe d'enseignants avant et après qu'ils n'aient commencé à travailler dans un établissement scolaire international. Elle comprend une analyse de leurs convictions concernant la réussite de l'enseignement et de l'apprentissage dans un cadre international. Une enquête, composée de 55 questions, a été effectuée auprès de 90 personnes, dont huit ont ensuite participé à un entretien de huit questions. Les résultats ont révélé plusieurs éléments: alors que la plupart des données démographiques de ce groupe avaient tendance à varier, leur sensibilité internationale et leurs convictions concernant l'enseignement restaient relativement similaires. Cette constatation peut suggérer que de nombreux professionnels de l'éducation présents et futurs, bien que d'horizons différents, partagent les mêmes valeurs et convictions. Spanish El propósito de este estudio era investigar sobre la 'mentalidad internacional' de un grupo de profesores de colegios internacionales y profesores que iban a comenzar a trabajar en colegios internacionales. El estudio incluía un ana´lisis de sus creencias sobre lo que constituye una enseñanza y un aprendizaje adecuados en contextos internacionales. Noventa profesores respondieron a una encuesta de 55 preguntas, y ocho de ellos participaron después en una entrevista de 8 preguntas. Los resultados fueron muy diversos; en especial, la demografía del grupo variaba, pero la mentalidad internacional y las creencias sobre la enseñanza eran relativamente similares. Estos resultados pueden sugerir que muchos educadores internacionales actuales y futuros, si bien con cierta diversidad, comparten numerosos valores y creencias.
Quantitative high-resolution measurement of cerebrovascular physiology with slip-ring CT.

PURPOSE To implement and validate spiral slip-ring CT for use in cerebrovascular studies. METHODS Continuous data were acquired from an experimental, first-pass, iodine contrast, bolus study by unidirectional X-ray tube rotation, and images were reconstructed at 100-millisecond intervals. Functional maps of cerebral blood volume (CBV) and cerebral blood flow (CBF) were constructed with voxel-by-voxel gamma variate fitting. Reproducibility studies, different injection volumes and sites, and CO2 challenge were applied to verify the technique. RESULTS Average absolute cortical gray and white matter and basal ganglia results were reproducible within +/- 0.8 ml/100 g for CBV and +/- 20 ml/100 g per minute for CBF, CBV response to changing arterial CO2 tension was significant only in cortical gray matter and basal ganglia; CBF response was significant in gray and white matter, as well as in the basal ganglia. CONCLUSION Functional CT and constructed functional maps provide an optimal, high-resolution tool with which to visualize cerebrovascular parameters and their changes.
Children with autism are more imitative with an imitative adult than with their parents

Children with autism (mean age = 6 years) were videotaped first interacting with a parent and then with an unfamiliar researcher who imitated the child’s behaviours. The researcher showed more imitative and playful behaviours than the parents. In turn, the children showed more imitative behaviour when playing with the imitative researcher than with their parents.
Differences in psychosocial factors and fat consumption between stages of change for fat reduction

Abstract Differences in fat consumption and psychosocial factors between subjects in different trans-theoretical stages of change for fat reduction were studied. Data on fat consumption, self-rated fat intake, attitudes, social support and self-efficacy were collected among a sample of 507 adults. Analysis of variance with Scheffe's multiple-comparison test was used to study differences in these factors between stages of change. Attitudes and social support were most positive among subjects in preparation and action. Self-efficacy expectations were lowest among subjects in contemplation and preparation. Fat consumption was highest among precontemplators hut no substantial differences between other stages were found. It is concluded that subjects in different stages of change differ in psychosocial factors that are regarded as important determinants of behavioral change. Based on these differences it is recommended to develop stage-tailored nutrition education. A majority of subjects in maintenance consume.
Exploring the relationship between consumer knowledge and purchase behaviour of value‐based labels

Despite an increasing market presence, little research has been conducted regarding consumer-purchase behaviour of food products bearing ‘value-based’ labels. Moreover, as the effectiveness of these labelling formats is dependent upon consumer's knowledge of their existence, this paper aims to explore the relationship between knowledge, openness to experience (i.e. validated personality trait related to intellectual capability) and purchase behaviour upon consumer behaviour in this context. Using structural equation modelling techniques, causal influences on purchases of fresh meat bearing ‘value-based’ labels are identified and three multi-attribute attitude models are proposed. The paper concludes that these labels are of value to consumers and that product knowledge plays a significant role in aiding purchase decisions. Consequently, marketing communication implications arising from the proposed multi-attribute attitude models are discussed.
HIV/AIDS Knowledge and Gender Differences among High School Students in Nairobi, Kenya

The objective of this study was to assess the HIV/AIDS knowledge among high school boys and girls in Nairobi, Kenya. The sample of the study comprised 69 female and 88 male participants drawn from two randomly identified high schools in Nairobi. Participants were administered an HIV/AIDS questionnaire. The method of data analysis comprised frequencies, percentage and chi-square. The results showed that there were three categories in the findings. In the first category for some questions, there were no gender differences. In second category, there were gender differences in favour of male participants, while in the third category girls were more knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS than boys. In conclusion, it was advocated that, educating, motivating, persuading and enabling should be the chief cornerstones of HIV/AIDS public education campaigns. This will go a long way in equipping adolescents to protect themselves against the scourge of HIV/AIDS DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014. v5n27p645
Comparison of the Effects of a Home-Based and Group-Based Resistance Training Program on Functional Ability in Older Adults

Purpose. To compare the effectiveness of home- and group-based, progressive resistance training programs and a group walking program in improving functional performance in older adults. Design. A quasi-experimental trial, in which retirement villages were assigned to one of three groups: home-based resistance training, group-based resistance training and group-based walking. Subjects. One hundred sixty-seven retirement village residents aged 65 to 96 years. Intervention. Nine resistance training exercises, using graded exercise bands and body weight, two balance exercises, and 10 stretches. Home-based participants were given an exercise booklet, 8 hours of instruction, and telephone support. Instructors supervised the group-based resistance training and walking programs. Each group exercised twice weekly for 20 weeks. Measures. Functional performance (strength, aerobic endurance, flexibility, and agility/dynamic balance) was assessed using the Senior Fitness Test. Analysis. Intervention effects were evaluated using mixed-model, repeated measures analysis of variance. Results. Significant between-group differences were observed only for the lower-body flexibility test. Group resistance training participants improved, but home resistance training and walking participants did not. However, strength, lower-body flexibility, and agility/dynamic balance improved in the group-based resistance training participants, and strength and upper-body flexibility improved in the home-based participants. No improvements were observed in the walking group. Conclusion. Findings support the implementation of both home- and group-based resistance training programs in retirement villages. Encouraging residents to adopt and maintain a resistance training program remains a research priority.
Living in a Blended World: The Occupational Lives of Children of Immigrants to Canada

The many contexts in which children grow and learn shape their occupational development. While developing their occupational repertoires, children of immigrant parents grow up within a dual-cultured context—a context comprised of both their family's heritage culture and the culture of their new receiving country. Limited research has examined how cultural contexts shape the occupational repertoire of children of immigrant parents. This study explored how the occupational repertoires of these children develop while growing up in Canada. A constructivist grounded theory approach was employed following the constant comparative method. Five families living in Canada, eight children and six parents, were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Three main themes emerged: Communities as connection to old and new occupations; Family as core niche for integration of old and new occupations; and Occupation as a pathway to possibilities. Together these themes provide an initial model for understanding a process of occupational repertoire development of children within a blended society. The findings offer a preliminary understanding of the structures and processes that shape the development of occupational repertoires of children of immigrants as they negotiate the multiple occupational cultures of their family and the society in which they live.
Effects of Pre-Experience of Social Exclusion on Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis and Catecholaminergic Responsiveness to Public Speaking Stress

Backround Being socially excluded is associated with a variety of psychological changes and with an increased risk of disease. Today, the immediate physiological consequences of being socially excluded are not well understood. In two recent studies employing a standardized exclusion paradigm (Cyberball) we found social exclusion in this virtual game did not alter cortisol secretion directly. However, exclusion pre-experience suppresses the normal cortisol response to public speaking stress in women. The present study aims to replicate our previous finding and further elucidate it by analyzing for the first time whether this alteration of cortisol-responsiveness is associated to ACTH and whether the catecholaminergic system is affected as well. Methods Women were randomly assigned to Cyberball-induced exclusion (SE, n = 22) or inclusion (SI, n = 21), respectively. Immediately afterwards they were subjected to public speaking stress. Salivary cortisol, plasma ACTH, catecholamines and estradiol were assessed as were psychological distress and mood. Results Cyberball exclusion led to a highly significant immediate increase in negative affect in excluded women. After public speaking negative affect in included women increased as well and groups no longer differed. We replicate our previous finding of cortisol non-responsiveness to public speaking stress after exclusion pre-experience and find this effect to be significantly correlated with ACTH alterations. No such effects are observed for catecholamines. Conclusions We replicated our previous study result of a supressed cortisol stress response after a short exclusion experience via Cyberball, thereby underlining the profound effects of social exclusion on a subsequent cortisol stress response. This further demonstrates that these alterations are associated with ACTH. Lack of effects on catecholamines is discussed in view of the tend-and-befriend hypothesis but also from a methodological perspective.
Trabalhadores em saúde mental: relações entre práticas profissionais e bem-estar físico e psicológico

This article investigates the impact of the psychiatric reform approaches on mental health workers' physical and psychological well-being. The participants were 201 mental health workers who were working in psychiatric hospitals and substitutive services in Goiânia. It was analyzed the correlation between the adhesion to the mental health theoretical model (biological versus psychosocial), workers' satisfaction with their professional activities, local of work (substitutive services versus psychiatric hospitals), time of work, working hours per day and the psychological and physical well-being. It was found that workers that were highly identified with the biological paradigm and were highly satisfied with their professional activities have presented the highest levels of well-being. These results are discussed emphasizing the importance of this kind of analyses for the consolidation of the psychiatric reform in Brazil.
Neuropsychological and P300 abnormalities in schizophrenics and their relatives

Synopsis Schizophrenic subjects (N = 30) performed less well than controls (N = 30) on neuropsychological tests sensitive to frontal and temporal lobe impairment and showed prolonged latency of the P300 event-related potential. Relatives of schizophrenic probands were also tested. Relatives with an abnormal P300 had a similar range of neuropsychological deficits as were found in the schizophrenic group and relatives with a normal P300 response performed as well as the normal control group. The results suggest that neurophysiological and neuropsychological testing of relatives may help to clarify the mode of inheritance of schizophrenia in some families.
A Structural Model of the Effects of Organized Leisure Activities on the Well-Being of Elder Adults in Spain

Abstract This work analyses the psychological effects of organized leisure activities on the elderly people that participated in them. The study was carried out with a sample of 122 people using the services of a day care center with ages ranging from 50 years to 82 years (mean = 67.6 years). The sample was distributed into four activity groups: maintenance exercise, handcrafts, computing, and art. There was also a control group made up of people applying for these activities who were on a waiting list. A prepost methodology was used to analyze the changes found in the following variables: Social Support, Loneliness, Life Satisfaction, Depression, Perceived Control, Social Self-Efficacy, and Self-Perceived Health. The adjustment indicators obtained partially confirm the model we proposed. Thus, participation in these activities contributes to reducing the level of depression and loneliness in the participants and increases their level of life satisfaction, and perceived control in their lives.
Attitudes toward Surveys: Development of a Measure and Its Relationship to Respondent Behavior

Attitudes toward surveys were conceptualized as having two relatively independent components: feelings about the act of completing a survey, called survey enjoyment, and perceptions of the value of survey research, called survey value. After developing a psychometrically sound measure, the authors examined how the measure related to respondent behaviors that directly impact the quality and quantity of data collected in surveys. With the exception of a response distortion index, survey enjoyment was generally related to all the respondent behaviors studied (item response rates, following directions, volunteering to participate in other survey research, timeliness of a response to a survey request, and willingness to participate in additional survey research). Survey value was related to item response rates, following directions, and willingness to participate in additional survey research. A respondent motivation and intentions explanation is provided. Although the identified effect sizes were generally small, a number of practical implications emerge and are discussed.
Designing Post-Visit Action Resources for Families Visiting Wildlife Tourism Sites

ABSTRACT Interpretation at zoos, aquariums, and other wildlife tourism sites is generally designed to raise visitors’ awareness and appreciation of natural resources and alert them to the impact of human activities on wildlife populations. However, there has been little investigation of what prompts visitors to adopt conservation actions, and whether reinforcing on-site messages with post-visit support can assist in this process. The aim of the present research was to firstly, design family learning materials to support and extend the learning that occurs as a result of viewing wildlife; and secondly, to ask families visiting a turtle rookery in Queensland, Australia to use the resources and report on their effectiveness. One hundred Australian families were sampled at the site; 3 months later 45 families returned questionnaires relating to the impact of the support materials on their long-term conservation knowledge, attitudes, and behavior. Components that were rated as particularly effective are presented and the importance of providing post-visit updates that connect visitors directly back to their viewing experience is discussed.
The Effect of Empathy in Environmental Moral Reasoning

Based on Batson’s Model of Altruism, in the present work it is argued that moral reasoning about the environment (number of moral reasons given for pro-environmental behaviors) can be improved by manipulating the emotion of empathy. It is also argued that the argument of moral reasoning will be different depending on whether the object of empathy is a natural object (vulture) or a human being (young man). The present work reports a study using a factorial design (2x2) with control group on the relationship between empathy level (high or low), empathy object (vulture or young man) and moral reasoning about ecological dilemmas. The reasoning was evaluated using four different ecological moral dilemmas, with responses coded in three categories (anthropocentric, ecocentric and nonvenvironmental). The results of the study indicate that participants who showed a high empathy level provided more arguments of moral reasoning than those in the low empathy group. When the object of empathy was a vulture the number of moral arguments of an ecocentric nature increased; when it was a young man the number of moral arguments of an anthropocentric nature increased.
An actor-network perspective on changing work practices

New information and communication technologies (ICTs) such as email and the internet have altered the work practices of journalists. This article introduces Actor-Network Theory (ANT) as a framework for analyzing the relation between new ICTs and changing practices in newswork. It argues that ANT offers an exciting new perspective on ‘holistic’ studies of mass mediation practices, because it calls for a focus on heterogeneous actors: people, ideals, symbolic constructions, and material elements are seen as equally important elements to analyze. The article offers empirical examples of how ICTs have become elements of specific actor-networks, and argues that, at this point, the new aspect of them is their seamlessness. It is argued that while including materiality — technology — in analyses of journalism practices we should refrain from essentializing the ‘effects’ of ICT. Rather, technology should be treated analytically as an actant tightly integrated in networks with other actants, without being assigned particular forces or consequences.
Prospective Validation of a New Method of Monitoring Minimal Residual Disease in Childhood Acute Myelogenous Leukemia

Purpose: This study evaluated the prognostic impact of a novel, simple, and standardized assay for monitoring minimal residual disease (MRD) in pediatric acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). Experimental Design: The expression of seven leukemia-associated genes (WT1, PRAME, CCL23, GAGED2, MSLN, SPAG6, and ST18) was measured by TaqMan Low Density Arrays in 112 patients and 52 healthy controls. Patients were treated according to the multicenter study AML-BFM 2004. Samples were collected prospectively at standard time points. The laboratory that measured MRD was blinded to patient outcome. Results: Relapse-free survival (RFS) was 95% (N = 19; SE = 5%) if expression of all genes was down to normal on day 15, 63% (N = 41; SE = 8%) if expression was normalized on day 28, and 38% (N = 21; SE = 11%) in patients who still showed elevated expression on day 28. The prognostic impact of MRD remained significant (P = 0.002) when patients were stratified for the AML-BFM 2004 risk group. Multivariate analysis identified the MRD risk group and day 28 cytology as the only independent prognostic factors. Patients with a cytologic nonremission on day 28, which was confirmed by MRD, had a dismal prognosis. Only 1 out of 8 patients survived without relapse. Conclusions: This novel method of monitoring MRD has a strong prognostic impact that is independent from established risk factors in childhood AML. Clin Cancer Res; 21(6); 1353–9. ©2014 AACR.
Birth of a hotspot of intraspecific genetic diversity: notes from the underground

Hotspots of intraspecific diversity have been observed in most species, often within areas of putative Pleistocene refugia. They have thus mostly been viewed as the outcome of prolonged stability of large populations within the refugia. However, recent evidence has suggested that several other microevolutionary processes could also be involved in their formation. Here, we investigate the contribution of these processes to current range‐wide patterns of genetic diversity in the Italian endemic mole Talpa romana, using both nuclear (30 allozyme loci) and mitochondrial markers (cytochrome b sequences). Southern populations of this species showed an allozyme variation that is amongst the highest observed in small mammals (most populations had an expected heterozygosity of 0.10 or above), which was particularly unexpected for a subterranean species. Population genetic, phylogeographic and historical demographic analyses indicated that T. romana populations repeatedly underwent allopatric differentiations followed by secondary admixture within the refugial range in southern Italy. A prolonged demographic stability was reliably inferred from the mitochondrial DNA data only for a population group located north and east of the Calabrian peninsula, showing comparatively lower levels of allozyme variability, and lacking evidence of secondary admixture with other groups. Thus, our results point to the admixture between differentiated lineages as the main cause of the higher levels of diversity of refugial populations. When compared with the Pleistocene evolutionary history recently inferred for species from both the same and other geographic regions, these results suggest the need for a reappraisal of the role of gene exchange in the formation of intraspecific hotspots of genetic diversity.