Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sex, Love, Money and AIDS: The Dynamics of Premarital Sexual Relationships in Ghana

Empowering women, especially in developing countries, in AIDS prevention is one of the most important strategies in slowing down the AIDS pandemic. However, the different contexts within which young women are exhorted to embark on HIV risk-reduction sexual behaviours and the difficulties involved are often not fully explored. The article highlights the apparent powerlessness of young women in premarital sexual exchange relationships in urban Ghana where many sexual relationships are contracted with material gain in mind. Using qualitative methods, the article explores the concept of sexual exchange where sexual services are exchanged for material gain - a situation quite different from prostitution, as it is understood in Europe or America. Given that women engage in sexual exchange mainly for financial reasons, the article concludes by arguing that improving women's economic status to enable them to advance their occupational careers, although highly desirable, is perhaps not enough to empower women without substantial change in contemporary societal norms which support sexual exchange.
Does Studying Political Science Affect Civic Attitudes?: A Panel Comparison of Students of Politics, Law, and Mass Communication

The article evaluates the civic implications of studying political science. Previous research has argued that learning rational choice models of political behavior could be detrimental to civic outcomes. However, results from our two panel surveys of students at Swedish universities show the opposite: studying political science has positive effects on trust, and increases the importance that students ascribe to voting. The first panel survey shows that political science students are more affected by their education than are students of law and mass communication. The second panel survey shows that the views of political science students at two different educational institutions changed in a similar way. The results also suggest that political science students became more skeptical towards a participatory democratic ideal and more appreciative of representative democracy.
Oral exploration and reaching toward social and non-social objects in two-, four-, and six-month-old infants

Abstract This study investigates tongue protrusion and how it co-develops with gazing and reaching in two-, four-, and six-month-old infants. We assessed these reactions during infant viewing of a human still-face or a manikin. Results showed that two month olds protruded their tongues and gazed toward both stimuli more than infants in the older age groups, and that four and six month olds reached towards the stimuli more than the two month olds. In the still-face condition, there was a positive correlation between tongue protrusion and gazing. In addition, in the still-face condition, infants at four months preferred tongue protrusion over reaching. But this preference did not occur at six months. The results suggest that infants' tongue protrusions and reaching serve an exploratory function in ambiguous social contexts.
Satisfiability-Based Algorithms for 0-1 Integer Programming

In this paper we describe two Propositional Satisfiability-based algorithms for solving 0-1 integer linear programs (ILP). The algorithms are specifically targeted at ILP instances that are highly constrained, i.e. instances for which the constraints are hard to satisfy. The two algorithms are based on recent algorithms for solving instances of Propositional Satisfiability (SAT) which are also highly constrained. In particular we illustrate how the algorithms for solving ILPs can be improved with search pruning techniques commonly used in SAT algorithms. The usefulness of the proposed algorithms is illustrated on a practical application for which instances are in general highly constrained.
Multiple object tracking based on motion segmentation of point trajectories

In this paper we propose an algorithm for multiple object tracking, a heavily researched but still challenging problem of computer vision. We follow the tracking by detection paradigm in an online fashion and formulate tracking as a typical assignment problem between detections and existing tracks that is solved by a modification of the Hungarian algorithm. Contrary to other methods that use a multitude of features based on appearance, optical flow and prior knowledge gained through training, we solely use clusters of point trajectories to link detections and tracks. Point trajectories are robust under partial occlusions and allow the expansion of a track even in the absence of a detection. At the core of our algorithm lies a motion segmentation method that extracts coherent clusters from triangulated point trajectories. Our algorithm achieves competitive results on the 2D MOT 2015 benchmark showcasing its potential.
Elementary School Leadership Strategies and Subject Matter: Reforming Mathematics and Literacy Instruction

Interviews and observations of 15 elementary school administrators and 15 curriculum coordinators from 8 urban elementary schools suggested that leaders' views of subject matter both shaped and were shaped by their leadership strategies. Relative to mathematics, leaders' agendas for improving literacy instruction focused on teachers' input and on literacy skills that applied to a variety of academic subjects. In contrast, leaders' strategies for improving math instruction focused on external supports such as professional developers and on building skills through sequenced instruction. Leaders who interacted regularly with teachers about instruction also articulated the importance of using internal and external expertise to improve both literacy and mathematics instruction. In this article we illuminate the reciprocal relation between subject matter and leadership and consider the implications of this relation for school leadership development.
Ursodeoxycholic acid lowers bile lithogenicity by regulating SCP2 expression in rabbit cholesterol gallstone models

Aims: We designed this study to get insight into the disorder of lipid metabolism during cholesterol gallstone formation and evaluate the effect of ursodeoxycholic acid on the improvement of bile lithogenicity and on expression of lipid related genes. Methods: Rabbit cholesterol gallstone models were induced by high cholesterol diet. Bile, blood and liver tissues were obtained from rabbits after 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 weeks. Bile and blood lipids were measured enzymatically. 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR), cytochrome P450, family 7, subfamily A, polypeptide 1 (CYP7A1) and sterol carrier protein 2 (SCP2) mRNA expressions were detected by using quantitative real-time RT-PCR. Cholesterol saturation index (CSI) was calculated by using Carey table to represent the bile lithogenicity. Results: Rates of gallstone formation of the 4 and 5 week treatment groups were 100 %, but that of the ursodeoxycholic acid treatment group was only 33.3 %. Expression of HMGCR and SCP2 mRNA in the 4 week group was upregulated and that of CYP7A1 mRNA decreased as compared with the 0 week group. Ursodeoxycholic acid could significantly extend nucleation time of bile and lower CSI. Ursodeoxycholic acid could reduce the expression of SCP2, but couldn't influence expression of HMGCR and CYP7A1. Conclusions: Abnormal expression of HMGCR, CYP7A1 and SCP2 might lead to high lithogenicity of bile. Ursodeoxycholic acid could improve bile lipids and lower bile lithogenicity, thereby reducing the incidence of gallstones. So it might be a good preventive drug for cholesterol gallstones.
Immunologic Factors in Human Milk: The Effects of Gestational Age and Pasteurization

This study compared concentrations of total protein, lysozyme, and immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, IgM) in samples of colostrum (n = 101) obtained from mothers of infants < 32 weeks, 32 to 366 7 weeks, and ≥ 37 weeks gestational age, both before and after pasteurization. Total protein was measured by refraction index, lysozyme by the lysoplate method, and immunoglobulins through the radial immunodiffusion technique. The total protein concentration was greater in colostrum of the < 32 weeks and 32 to 366 7 weeks categories compared to full-term (P < .001), while concentrations of lysozyme and IgM were similar. IgA concentrations were higher in the < 32 weeks group compared to the full-term and similar to the 32 to 366 7 weeks group (P < .05). The IgG was higher in the < 32 weeks category compared to 32 to 366 7 weeks, and both were similar to the full-term (P < .05). Pasteurization significantly decreased all of the factors analyzed.
An existential‐phenomenological framework for understanding leadership development experiences

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual framework for better understanding leadership development experiences by melding the existential‐phenomenological (E‐P) perspective with the leadership literature.Design/methodology/approach – This study used questionnaires to elicit leadership development experiences. A sample of US Army officers provided 117 unique experiences. Various computational methods were used to empirically determine the essential elements and structure of these experiences.Findings – The results provide support for the proposition that beneficial experiences were rated higher than non‐beneficial experiences on five elements: challenge, self‐efficacy, sociality, relevance, and reflectivity. Four of the five elements were represented by two components: an interpersonal component (sociality and relevance), and an intrapersonal component (self‐efficacy and challenge). A fifth element, reflectivity, was related to, but distinct from, both components. Reflectivity may bri.
Exploring interactions between the 49 kDa and ND1 subunits in mitochondrial NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I) by photoaffinity labeling.

Quinazolines are strong inhibitors of NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I) from bovine heart mitochondria. Using a photoreactive quinazoline, [(125)I]AzQ, and bovine heart submitochondrial particles (SMPs), we demonstrated previously that [(125)I]AzQ binds at the interface of the 49 kDa and ND1 subunits in complex I; it labeled a site in the N-terminal (Asp41-Arg63) region of the 49 kDa subunit, suggesting that this region contacts the ND1 subunit [Murai, M. , et al. (2009) Biochemistry 48, 688-698]. The labeled region of ND1 could not be identified because it is highly hydrophobic, and the SMPs did not yield sufficient amounts of labeled protein. Here, we describe how photoaffinity labeling of isolated complex I by [(125)I]AzQ yielded sufficient material for identification of the labeled region of the ND1 subunit. The inhibition of the isolated enzyme by AzQ is comparable to that of SMPs. Our results reveal that the labeled site in ND1 is between Asp199 and Lys262, mostly likely in the third matrix loop that connects the fifth and sixth transmembrane helices. Thus, our results reveal new information about the interface between the hydrophilic and hydrophobic domains of complex I, a region that is thought to be important for ubiquinone reduction and energy transduction.
Using Travel Time Reliability Measures to Improve Regional Transportation Planning and Operations

Estimation of travel time is of increasing importance to travelers and transportation professionals alike as congestion worsens in major urban areas. In fact, the reliability of travel time estimates on a given corridor may be more important for travelers, shippers, and transport managers than the travel time itself. This paper examines the uses of measured travel time reliability indices for improving real-time transportation management and traveler information with the use of archived intelligent transportation system data. A literature review of travel time reliability and its value as a congestion measure is followed by a description of a content analysis of 20 regional transportation plans from across the nation. Results from the content analysis indicate that travel time reliability is not currently used as a congestion measure and that the most common measures of congestion are the volume-to-capacity ratio, vehicle hours of delay, and mean speed. As a case study using data from Portland, Oregon, several reliability measures are then tested including travel time, 95th percentile travel time, travel time index, buffer index, planning time index, and congestion frequency. The buffer index is used to prioritize freeway corridors according to travel time reliability. Metropolitan planning organizations should use travel time reliability in the following ways: (a) incorporate it as a systemwide goal, (b) evaluate roadway segments according to travel time reliability measures, and (c) prioritize roadway segments using those measures.
Promoting morphological awareness in Hebrew-speaking grade-schoolers: An intervention study using linguistic humor

Research indicates that morphological awareness contributes to success in literacy acquisition and consolidation, since morphology links together phonological and semantic facets of language. The role of morphology is especially important in Hebrew, a highly synthetic Semitic language. The current study aimed to investigate the impact of an intervention program on knowledge and awareness of morphology in Hebrew-speaking grade-schoolers. Two three-month intervention programs were conducted in two groups of 4th-grade children: a metalinguistic morphological intervention program using linguistic humor, and a parallel intervention program using nonverbal humor. A morphological awareness test was administered to the two groups prior to and following the intervention period. The results demonstrate consistent advantages to the morphological intervention group, including tasks related both directly and indirectly to content taught.
Does hepatitis B seroconversion affect survival outcome in patients with hepatitis B related hepatocellular carcinoma?

BACKGROUND Little is known about whether hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroconversion (SC) contributes to any survival benefits for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS All patients with hepatitis B-related HCC and HBsAg seroclearance between 1989 and 2013 were identified. Case- and control-groups were matched according to their stage of disease and mode of treatment. Baseline demographics, liver function, and overall survivals (OS) were compared between these two groups. RESULTS Thirty-nine HCC cases with HBsAg SC were identified, and 312 non-seroconversion (NSC) HCC cases were matched. Forty-eight percent of patients had curative resections, 14% were treated with ablation and 38% were for palliation. Age of patients in SC group was older than those in NSC group (P=0.026). Although there was significantly better liver function in SC vs. NSC groups in terms of bilirubin (P=0.027), albumin (P=0.003), AST (P=0.001) and ALT (P<0.001), there was no overall difference in Child-Pugh grade among the two groups. In regarding tumour pathology, SC commonly presented with solitary tumour nodule as compared to multiple nodules in NSC (P=0.027), and was also frequently associated with a normal background liver parenchyma (P<0.001). Although no survival benefit was confirmed in log-rank analysis between SC and NSC, the absolute 5-year survival of SC group was better in resection (72.2% vs. 55.3%), ablation (83.3% vs. 57.4%) and palliation (24.4% vs. 14.4%). CONCLUSIONS HCC patients with HBsAg SC are associated with a better background liver parenchyma and function, and might contribute to an improved long-term survival.
The Effectiveness of PowerPoint presentations in the Accounting Classroom

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to provide empirical evidence regarding the effectiveness (or not) of using PowerPoint in an accounting classroom. The study focuses on the relationship between students' preferences regarding PowerPoint and their academic performance in the accounting classroom. The study was conducted using the survey method, in which the data was collected from a questionnaire administered to 189 undergraduate students in a medium-size Japanese university. The results of this study show a significant relationship between students' preferences regarding PowerPoint media and their academic performance as shown in their examination scores. Consequently, it was suggested that incorporating multimedia into the accounting classroom does not necessarily provide a simple solution to improving the effectiveness of students' learning outcomes.
Investigating interactive effects in the theory of planned behavior in a service‐provider switching context

This study examines whether a model of the theory of planned behavior (Ajzen, 1985) with interaction terms can adequately explain customer service provider switching behavior. Results from a survey of mortgage customers suggest that it does. Interactions between perceived behavioral control (PBC) and intentions, between perceived behavioral control and attitude, and between attitude and subjective norms were all significant predictors of switching intentions. Implications for the theory of planned behavior and its use in services marketing are discussed. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Attachment as a moderator of the effect of security in mentoring on subsequent perceptions of mentoring and relationship quality with college teachers

The purpose of this study was to examine if college students’ attachment insecurity, as evaluated by the Adult Attachment Interview, moderates the effect of affective security in mentoring on subsequent perceptions of the mentoring program and relationship quality with other teachers. Academically at-risk students were involved in a 10-hour mentoring program and completed measures at three points in time. Security in mentoring was associated with a subsequent positive perception of mentoring and with low conflict with teachers, although not with supportive relationships with teachers. As expected, these associations were moderated by attachment insecurity. Security in mentoring was positively related to subsequent perceptions of mentoring only for students showing low preoccupation with attachment, and inversely related to conflict with teachers only for students showing high dismissing attachment tendencies.
Powerful Voices and Powerful Stories: reflections on the challenges and dynamics of intercultural research

Familial circumstances, language, religion, ethnicity, social location and life experiences impact on the increasingly diverse and complex composition of individuals and their communities. While the influence of these factors has been recognised in terms of our research and theorising, arguably these intellectual activities have been predicated on an unequal relationship between researcher(s) and participant(s). The production of knowledge as a consequence of research has not necessarily positioned participants (the ‘researched’) as powerful with respect to issues of access, the conduct of the research and ownership of the intellectual and cultural products of the research process. Yet, as this paper will ask, how might research be conducted and reported with/in diverse communities that recognises the powerful position and voices of participants? This paper reports on the challenges of conducting research with Indigenous women leaders in educational organisations in Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia and suggests how research based on a collaborative cross‐cultural partnership might be conducted, nurtured and sustained.
Atorvastatin stimulates the production of osteoprotegerin by human osteoblasts

Recently, HMG‐CoA reductase inhibitors (statins), potent inhibitors of cholesterol biosynthesis, have been linked to protective effects on bone metabolism. Because of their widespread use, prevention of bone loss and fractures would be a desirable side effect. However, the mechanisms how statins may affect bone metabolism are poorly defined. Here, we evaluated the effect of atorvastatin on osteoblastic production of receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG), cytokines that are essential for osteoclast cell biology. While RANKL enhances osteoclast formation and activation, thereby, promoting bone loss, OPG acts as a soluble decoy receptor and antagonizes the effects of RANKL. In primary human osteoblasts (hOB), atorvastatin increased OPG mRNA levels and protein secretion by hOB by up to three fold in a dose‐dependent manner with a maximum effect at 10−6 M (P < 0.001). Time course experiments indicated a time‐dependent stimulatory effect of atorvastatin on OPG mRNA levels after 24 h and on OPG protein secretion after 48–72 h (P < 0.001). Treatment of hOB with substrates of cholesterol biosynthesis that are downstream of the HMG‐CoA reductase reaction (mevalonate, geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate) reversed atorvastatin‐induced enhancement of OPG production. Of note, atorvastatin abrogated the inhibitory effect of glucocorticoids on OPG production. Treatment of hOB with atorvastatin enhanced the expression of osteoblastic differentiation markers, alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin. In summary, our data suggest that atorvastatin enhances osteoblastic differentiation and production of OPG. This may contribute to the bone‐sparing effects of statins. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Coherence between Emotion and Facial Expression: Evidence from Laboratory Experiments

Evidence on the coherence between emotion and facial expression in adults from laboratory experiments is reviewed. High coherence has been found in several studies between amusement and smiling; low to moderate coherence between other positive emotions and smiling. The available evidence for surprise and disgust suggests that these emotions are accompanied by their “traditional” facial expressions, and even components of these expressions, only in a minority of cases. Evidence concerning sadness, anger, and fear is very limited. For sadness, one study suggests that high emotion–expression coherence may exist in specific situations, whereas for anger and fear, the evidence points to low coherence. Insufficient emotion intensity and inhibition of facial expressions seem unable to account for the observed dissociations between emotion and facial expression.
Men in the remaking: Conversion narratives and born-again masculinity in Zambia

The born-again discourse is a central characteristic of Pentecostal Christianity in Africa. In the study of African Christianities, this discourse and the way it (re)shapes people’s moral, religious, and social identities has received much attention. However, hardly any attention has been paid to its effects on men as gendered beings. In the study of men and masculinities in Africa, on the other hand, neither religion in general nor born-again Christianity in particular are taken into account as relevant factors in the construction of masculinities. On the basis of a detailed analysis of interviews with men who are members of a Pentecostal church in Lusaka, Zambia, this article investigates how men’s gender identities are reshaped by becoming and being born-again and how born-again conversion produces new forms of masculinity. The observed Pentecostal transformation of masculinity is interpreted in relation to men’s social vulnerability, particularly in the context of the HIV epidemic in Zambia.