Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neighbourhood environment, physical activity, quality of life and depressive symptoms in Hong Kong older adults: a protocol for an observational study

Introduction The neighbourhood environment can assist the adoption and maintenance of an active lifestyle and affect the physical and mental well-being of older adults. The psychosocial and behavioural mechanisms through which the environment may affect physical and mental well-being are currently poorly understood. Aim This observational study aims to examine associations between the physical and social neighbourhood environments, physical activity, quality of life and depressive symptoms in Chinese Hong Kong older adults. Methods and analyses An observational study of the associations of measures of the physical and social neighbourhood environment, and psychosocial factors, with physical activity, quality of life and depressive symptoms in 900 Hong Kong older adults aged 65+ years is being conducted in 2012–2016. The study involves two assessments taken 6 months apart. Neighbourhood walkability and access to destinations are objectively measured using Geographic Information Systems and environmental audits. Demographics, socioeconomic status, walking for different purposes, perceived neighbourhood and home environments, psychosocial factors, health status, social networks, depressive symptoms and quality of life are being assessed using validated interviewer-administered self-report measures and medical records. Physical functionality is being assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery. Physical activity and sedentary behaviours are also being objectively measured in approximately 45% of participants using accelerometers over a week. Physical activity, sedentary behaviours, quality of life and depressive symptoms are being assessed twice (6 months apart) to examine seasonality effects on behaviours and their associations with quality of life and depressive symptoms. Ethics and dissemination The study received ethical approval from the University of Hong Kong Human Research Ethics Committee for Non-Clinical Faculties (EA270211) and the Department of Health (Hong Kong SAR). Data are stored in a password-protected secure database for 10 years, accessible only to the named researchers. Findings will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
Antecedents and Consequences of Student Satisfaction with e-Learning: The Case of Private Universities in Egypt

The current study aims to measure the importance of e-service quality, interactivity, comfort, and familiarity on student satisfaction and behavioral intentions with e-learning in private universities in Egypt. Data from a sample of private university students were collected. Using structural equation modeling, e-service quality, interactivity, comfort, and familiarity were found to be positively related to student satisfaction and behavioral intentions. The mediating role of student satisfaction was not supported, however. The research implications, limitations, and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Contributions to Advisory Working Alliance: Advisee Attachment Orientation and Pairing Methods

Authors of the current study examined the contributions of four factors on the advisory working alliance from counseling psychology advisees’ perspectives: (a) anxious attachment orientation, (b) avoidant attachment orientation, (c) frequency of advising meetings, and (d) method of pairing an advisee to a faculty advisor. Participants were 109 counseling psychology doctoral students who were enrolled in American Psychological Association-accredited programs. A mixed model analysis indicated that lower attachment-anxiety scores, lower attachment-avoidance scores, and advisees choosing advisors each contributed to higher advisory working alliance scores.
Wide learning: Using an ensemble of biologically-plausible spiking neural networks for unsupervised parallel classification of spatio-temporal patterns

Spiking neural networks have been previously used to perform tasks such as object recognition without supervision. One of the concerns relating to the spiking neural networks is their speed of operation and the number of iterations necessary to train and use the network. Here, we propose a biologically plausible model of a spiking neural network which is used in multiple, separately trained copies to process subsets of data in parallel. This ensemble of networks is tested by applying it to the task of unsupervised classification of spatio-temporal patterns. Results show that despite different starting weights and independent training, the networks produce highly similar spiking patterns in response to the same class of inputs, enabling classification with fast training time.
Manager to go ? Performance dips reconsidered with evidence from Dutch football

This paper examines whether the forced resignation of managers of Dutch football teams leads to an improvement in the results. We find by analysing 12 years of football in the highest Dutch league that forced resignations are preceded by declines in team performance and followed by improvements in performance. However, the improvement in performance after appointing a new manager does not exceed the seasonal average of both the old and new manager. More importantly, using a control group, it turns out that when the manager would not have been forced to resign, performance would have improved more rapidly. We conclude from this that sacking a manager seems to be neither effective nor efficient in terms of improving team performance. Acknowledgments We gratefully acknowledge Lex Borghans, Hugo Hollanders, Ruud Koning, Clemens Kool, Bas Straathof and Riccardo Welters for their comments on an earlier draft of this paper. In addition, we want to thank seminar participants at the Johan Cruyff University for their suggestions and discussion. Allard Bruinshoofd Department of Economics, Maastricht University, P. O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands Phone: +31/(0)43/3882685, Email: a.bruinshoofd@algec.unimaas. nl Bas ter Weel MERIT, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands Phone: +31/(0)43/3883873, Email: b.terweel@merit.unimaas. nl The analysis was performed in the United States under the Manpower Development and Training Act (MDTA), 1 using a small sample drawn from the Continuous Work History Sample (CWHS) as a control group. See also Heckman, Smith and Clements (1997) and Heckman, Hohmann, Smith and Khoo (2000). In addition, 2 Heckman and Smith (1999) argue that other variables like employment status are much better in explaining the pre-program dip. They conclude that unemployment dynamics and not earnings or employment dynamics drive participation in training programs. There have been many extensions and improvements of the methods employed since Ashenfelter’s initial 3 approach, e.g. Heckman, LaLonde and Smith (1999) for an extensive overview. -1
Educational psychologists’ constructions of sexuality and the implications for practice

Despite an underlying inclusion agenda, sexuality equality remains a low priority in education. Review of literature suggests the marginalization of sexual minority young people (SMYP) in schools. This study explores educational psychologists’ (EPs’) constructions of sexuality and the implications for practice. Discursive psychology was used to analyse semi-structured interview data from seven EPs. Multiple and context-dependent constructions of sexuality emerged from the study. The research suggested that participants oriented to the need to maintain a non-prejudiced position and managed tensions of accountability using rhetorical strategies and interpretive repertoires. Conclusions centre on the need for reflexive practice to challenge taken for granted assumptions regarding sexuality in education and psychology communities.
Omega-3 fatty acids, pro-inflammatory signaling and neuroprotection

Purpose of reviewTo summarize recent findings that docosahexaenoate (DHA) is the precursor of stereospecific derivatives with anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective properties. Recent findingsThe docosahexaenoate-derived mediator neuroprotectin D1 is formed in retinal pigment epithelial cells when confronted with oxidative stress, in the brain during experimental stroke, and in the human brain from Alzheimer's disease patients as well as in human brain cells in culture. Neuroprotectin D1 displays potent anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective bioactivity. SummaryHere, we summarize recent studies demonstrating that in brain ischemia-reperfusion and in retinal pigment epithelial cells exposed to oxidative stress stereospecific docosahexaenoate-oxygenation pathways are activated and lead to the formation of docosanoid messengers. Two docosahexaenoate-oxygenation pathways were identified: the first is responsible for the formation of the messenger neuroprotectin D1 and the second pathway, which is active in the presence of aspirin, leads to the formation of the resolvin-type mediators (17R-DHA). Neuroprotectin D1 induces antiapoptotic, anti-inflammatory signaling and is neuroprotective.
Ten Australian Elementary Teachers' Discourse and Reported Pedagogical Practices during Cooperative Learning

This article describes the types of discourse 10 Australian grade 4–6 teachers used after they had been trained to embed cooperative learning in their curriculum and to use communication skills to promote students' thinking and to scaffold their learning. One audiotaped classroom social science lesson involving cooperative learning was analyzed for each teacher. We provide vignettes from 2 teachers as they worked with groups and from 2 student groups. The data from the audiotapes showed that the teachers used a range of mediated‐learning behaviors in their interactions with the children that included challenging their perspectives, asking more cognitive and metacognitive questions, and scaffolding their learning. In turn, in their interactions with each other, the children modelled many of the types of discourse they heard their teachers use. Follow‐up interviews with the teachers revealed that they believed it was important to set expectations for children's group behaviors, teach the social skills students needed to deal with disagreement in groups, and establish group structures so children understood what was required both from each other and the task. The teachers reported that mixed ability and gender groups worked best and that groups should be no larger than 5 students. All teachers' programs were based on a child‐centered philosophy that recognized the importance of constructivist approaches to learning and the key role interaction plays in promoting social reasoning and learning.
Can the Term Spread Predict Output Growth and Recessions? A Survey of the Literature

This article surveys recent research on the usefulness of the term spread (i.e., the difference between the yields on long-term and short-term Treasury securities) for predicting changes in economic activity. Most studies use linear regression techniques to forecast changes in output or dichotomous choice models to forecast recessions. Others use time-varying parameter models, such as Markov-switching models and smooth transition models, to account for structural changes or other nonlinearities. Many studies find that the term spread predicts output growth and recessions up to one year in advance, but several also find its usefulness varies across countries and over time. In particular, many studies find that the ability of the term spread to forecast output growth has diminished in recent years, although it remains a reliable predictor of recessions.
Getting the message: Framing food recall messages to increase consumer protection motivations

Abstract Previous research has shown that positive or negative message framing is a relevant factor in influencing behavioral intentions. Modifying recall message framing may be useful for increasing responses to high-risk food product recalls targeted to consumers. This study used a prospect theory message framing manipulation to discover the impact of positive, negative, and control condition messages on protection motivation theory constructs in an online experimental design. This study found that framing messages in a gain or control condition, and highlighting self-efficacy helps people feel capable of taking preventive action; alternatively, appealing to locus of control makes people feel as if they can make good choices to deal with the food recall. Proactive coping positively influences adaptive protection motivations in all three message frames tested. Once a recall message is broadcast, businesses should stress reactive coping or how to effectively deal with the stated risk. To avoid maladaptive protection motivations if a business uses a typical recall message (no gain-loss framing), it should stress the seriousness/severity of the recall because perceived severity makes it less likely that consumers will ignore the recall message. Emphasize self-efficacy in all message frames because people who demonstrate high self-efficacy are less likely to ignore recall messages.
Myosin XVa localizes to the tips of inner ear sensory cell stereocilia and is essential for staircase formation of the hair bundle

Mutations of the gene encoding unconventional myosin XVa are associated with sensorineural deafness in humans (DFNB3) and shaker (Myo15sh2) mice. In deaf Myo15sh2/sh2 mice, stereocilia are short, nearly equal in length, and lack myosin XVa immunoreactivity. We previously reported that myosin XVa mRNA and protein are expressed in cochlear hair cells. We now show that in the mouse, rat, and guinea pig, endogenous myosin XVa localizes to the tips of the stereocilia of the cochlear and vestibular hair cells. Myosin XVa localization overlaps with the barbed ends of actin filaments and extends to the apical plasma membrane of the stereocilia. Gene gun-mediated transfection of mouse inner ear sensory epithelia explants shows selective accumulation of myosin XVa-GFP at the tips of stereocilia, confirming the localization of native myosin XVa. Expression in COS7 cells also reveals targeting of myosin XVa-GFP to the dynamic actin region at the tips of filopodia. In a wild-type mouse, during auditory and vestibular hair cell development, myosin XVa appears at the tips of stereocilia at the time when the hair bundle begins to develop its characteristic staircase pattern. We propose that myosin XVa is essential for the graded elongation of stereocilia during their functional maturation.
Critical Challenges in Researching Cultural Issues in Mathematics Education

Over the last 20 years there has been a growing interest in cultural issues in mathematics education, with the realisation that mathematical knowledge is a cultural product and that mathematics education is culturally shaped. The focus of this paper will be on cultural aspects of research in mathematics education, and the discussion will be situated within the research context of mathematics education generally. The paper looks firstly at the challenge to teachers and curriculum developers of the idea of culturally based mathematical knowledge. The next section deals with research on teachers concerning the 'hidden' values in mathematics education, which have a cultural base. Thirdly is a consideration of researching mathematics learning and, in particular, of meeting the challenge of culturally situated learning. Finally the paper addresses some aspects of research methods themselves.
Grandparents Rearing Grandchildren: A School-Based Small Group Intervention

Although support groups are the most popular source of education and support for the growing number of grandparents who are rearing their grandchildren, the nature and efficacy of these groups have not been documented. This article presents data from an exploratory study of an 8-week school-based small group intervention. Comparison of pre- and posttest measures showed a reduction in depressive symptoms and in use of distancing as a coping strategy. Seeking social support and planful problem solving increased, as did knowledge about grandparent- related social services. Implications for social work practice and future research are discussed.
‘Theory of mind’ in anorexia nervosa

The ability to make inferences about others' mental states has been termed ‘theory of mind’ (ToM). It underlies the ability to engage in complex social interaction and is impaired in autism. A subgroup of anorexia nervosa (AN) sufferers has autism-spectrum disorders/empathy disorders. The aim of the study was to explore whether, even in the absence of clear-cut autistic features, impairments in their ability to mentalize could be found in AN patients. Twenty patients with AN and 20 female healthy control (HC) subjects were tested using: (1) a story comprehension task (ToM stories and control stories); and (2) a cartoon task (ToM cartoons and control cartoons). Individuals with AN performed worse than HC subjects on ToM and on control tasks. However, there was no evidence of any selective impairment of ToM in AN sufferers. These findings do not support a specific link between impaired ToM and AN. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Microbial Induction of Immunity, Inflammation, and Cancer

The human microbiota presents a highly active metabolic that influences the state of health of our gastrointestinal tracts as well as our susceptibility to disease. Although much of our initial microbiota is adopted from our mothers, its final composition and diversity is determined by environmental factors. Westernization has significantly altered our microbial function. Extensive experimental and clinical evidence indicates that the westernized diet, rich in animal products and low in complex carbohydrates, plus the overuse of antibiotics and underuse of breastfeeding, leads to a heightened inflammatory potential of the microbiota. Chronic inflammation leads to the expression of certain diseases in genetically predisposed individuals. Antibiotics and a “clean” environment, termed the “hygiene hypothesis,” has been linked to the rise in allergy and inflammatory bowel disease, due to impaired beneficial bacterial exposure and education of the gut immune system, which comprises the largest immune organ within the body. The elevated risk of colon cancer is associated with the suppression of microbial fermentation and butyrate production, as butyrate provides fuel for the mucosa and is anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative. This article will summarize the work to date highlighting the complicated and dynamic relationship between the gut microbiota and immunity, inflammation and carcinogenesis.
Group Decision-Making in the Shadow of Disagreement

A model of group decision-making is studied, in which one of two alternatives must be chosen. While group members differ in their valuations of the alternatives, everybody prefers agreement to disagreement. Our model is distinguished by three features: private information regarding valuations, varying intensities in the preference for one outcome over the other, and the option to declare neutrality in order to avoid disagreement. We uncover a variant on the ‘tyranny of the majority’: there is always an equilibrium in which the majority is more aggressive in pushing its alternative, thus enforcing their will via both numbers and voice. Under general conditions, however, an aggressive minority equilibrium inevitably makes an appearance, provided that the group is large enough. The notable exception is the special case of unanimity rule: we show that aggressive minority equilibria may never exist irrespective of group size. Aggressive minority equilibria invariably display a ‘tyranny of the minority’: it is always true that the increased aggression of the minority more than compensates for smaller numbers, leading to the minority outcome being implemented with larger probability than the majority alternative. We fully characterize the asymptotic behavior of this model as group size becomes large, and show that all equilibria must converge to one of three possible limit outcomes.
Fingerprint image enhancement using a parallel ridge filter

Fingerprint image enhancement is an important process for improving the matching performance of low quality fingerprints. In order to eliminate high contrast noise lines such as deep wrinkles, which are prevalent in the low quality fingerprint images, we focus on the fact that true ridges have multiple paralleling neighbors. In this report, we propose the parallel ridge filtering method which can strongly suppress non-parallel noise lines by utilizing the parallelism of ridges. We also show the efficiency of our method by experimental results.
Comparison of Simultaneous Versus Delayed Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion in Children Undergoing Myelomeningocele Repair

The timing of cerebrospinal fluid shunt insertion for those neonates with hydrocephalus in association with myelomeningocele remains controversial. To examine whether there was a difference in either the complication rate or mean hospital stay for neonates undergoing myelomeningocele repair and shunting under the same anesthetic (simultaneous group) versus those in whom shunt insertion was delayed for several days after myelomeningocele closure (sequential group), we reviewed the results obtained with these two approaches in a series of 69 consecutive patients who underwent both myelomeningocele closure and shunt insertion at our institution between 1987 and 1993. Twenty-one infants underwent simultaneous myelomeningocele repair and shunting, and 48 underwent sequential procedures. The decision to shunt concurrently with myelomeningocele repair rather than in a delayed fashion was based primarily on surgeon preference rather than initial head circumference, which did not differ significantly between the two groups. The frequency and type of hydrocephalus-related complications (eg, wound leak, cerebrospinal fluid infection, or shunt malfunction) that occurred during the first 6 months after myelomeningocele closure were compared between the two groups. Neither the overall frequency of complications nor the frequency of cerebrospinal fluid infection, shunt malfunction, or symptomatic Chiari malformation differed significantly between the two groups. In contrast, there was a significantly higher rate of myelomeningocele wound leak in the sequential group versus the simultaneous group (eight versus zero; P = .05). Mean hospital stay for the sequential group was also significantly longer than the simultaneous group (22 days versus 13 days; P = .05). These results suggest that simultaneous myelomeningocele repair and ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion reduces hospital stay and back wound morbidity in those patients with evidence of hydrocephalus at birth, without an inordinate increase in shunt-related complications. (J Child Neurol 1996;11:370-372).
A pump for rapid, reliable, secure communication

Communication from a low- to a high-level system without acknowledgements will be unreliable; with acknowledgements, it can be insecure. We propose to provide quantifiable security, acceptable reliability, and minimal performance penalties by interposing a device (called the Pump) to push messages to the high system and provide a controlled stream of acknowledgements to the low system. This paper describes how the Pump supports the transmission of messages upward and limits the capacity of the covert timing channel in the acknowledgement stream without affecting the average acknowledgement delay seen by the low system or the message delivery delay seen by the high system in the absence of actual Trojan horses. By adding random delays to the acknowledgment stream, we show how to further reduce the covert channel capacity even in the presence of cooperating Trojan horses in both the high and low systems. We also discuss engineering trade-offs relevant to practical use of the Pump.