Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
“They Gave Me a Reason to Live”: The Protective Effects of Companion Animals on the Suicidality of Abused Women

Previous studies have documented the frequent coexistence of companion animal abuse and forms of family violence. The frequent coexistence of these forms of victimization is illustrative of the interconnectedness of forms of oppression and provides evidence in support of the claim that true social justice requires ending all forms of oppression—including the oppression of other animals. This paper moves beyond documenting the degree of coexistence between these forms of victimization and interrogating why they coexist—both goals of my initial study (Fitzgerald 2005)—to more fully examine the roles of “pets” in the lives of abused women. Using data from the larger project wherein 26 abused women were interviewed, this paper examines how “pets” can moderate the abuse experienced by the human victims of family violence. Illustrative of this moderating role played by “pets,” some participants report they stayed with their abusive partner longer than they otherwise would have because their “pets” “kept them going” by providing them with the social support necessary to cope with the abuse. The importance of the social support provided by “pets” is further evidenced by the finding detailed herein that some participants cite their “pets” as the reason they did not end their own lives. It is argued that “pets” are uniquely situated to provide social support to some abused women and can even serve a protective function against suicidality. Therefore, in order to adequately address the needs of abused women, particularly related to suicidality, the important roles “pets” can play in their lives must be taken seriously and, ideally, fostered.
Outcomes for Adolescents Using Runaway and Homeless Youth Services

Abstract The purpose of this initial exploration was to identify relationships among outcomes and sociodemographic variables for runaway and homeless youths treated in community agencies. Outcome categories included clinical status, functioning, life satisfaction, and welfare and safety. Seventy youths were interviewed three months after discharge from three federally funded agencies serving runaway and homeless youth in the greater St. Louis area. Analyses among outcomes revealed a variety of significant relationships; most predominately, a pattern emerged revealing that returning to parental homes post-discharge was associated with a variety of other positive outcomes. The findings support the mission of agencies and federal mandates for designing services to this population; youths that are minors should be encouraged, where feasible, to return to parental homes. Although limited in scope and research methods, the present exploratory study provides an appropriate starting place from which to base future research on this
An evaluation of two United Kingdom online support forums designed to help people with gambling issues

The study examined two United Kingdom online forums designed to support people with gambling problems and people affected by problem gambling (e.g., partners, relatives, and friends). The methods utilised were content analysis of 60 forum posts, online semistructured interviews (n = 19), and an online survey (n = 121). The study found that the forums helped members to better understand and cope with their own gambling problems or with those of others. A lack of other alternative support, ease of access and availability, need for additional support, insight gained through posting and hearing other’s stories, help in resisting urges to gamble, and perceived anonymity were all given as benefits of the forums. The forums were most popular with online gamblers, and had a higher ratio of females to males (with gambling problems) than any other comparable service. Significantly more females than males suggested that the forums helped them to cope better with their gambling problem. The utility of online forums for helping people dealing with gambling problems is discussed.
Comparison of Physical Child Abusers, Intrafamilial Sexual Child Abusers, and Child Neglecters

One hundred and fifty subjects, including 30 physical child abusers, 15 intrafamilial sexual child abusers, 30 child neglecters, and three matched comparison groups were compared on levels of distress, unhappiness, loneliness, rigidity, negative concept of child and self, child problems, and problems from family and others. All child maltreatment groups reported elevated levels of personal distress, unhappiness, loneliness, and rigidity. Sexual child abusers reported more positive views of their children and self and fewer problems with their children than physical child abusers and child neglecters. Sexual child abusers also reported fewer family problems than physical child abusers. Results support previous observations that child maltreatment groups overlap on a number of personal characteristics. However, compared to other maltreatment groups, sexual child abusers were found to view their children in a more positive manner and report fewer child-related problems, suggesting these characteristics may have utility in the differential screening and treatment of sexual child abusers.
Retention beyond the threshold: Test-enhanced relearning of forgotten information

The effect of repeated testing on delayed relearning of paired associates was investigated. Participants learned two lists of Lithuanian-Dutch word pairs until reaching the criterion of one correct recall from long-term memory. In one condition, items subsequently received three post-retrieval study trials and in the other condition items received three post-retrieval test trials. Participants returned one week later for delayed recall and relearning. Post-retrieval test trials resulted in better delayed recall performance than post-retrieval study trials. Moreover, we found that the items that were repeatedly studied or tested one week prior to relearning were relearned faster than a new set of similar (not previously presented) items. Most importantly, items were relearned faster when they had previously been learned under conditions of post-retrieval testing than items learned under conditions of post-retrieval study. Taken together, the results indicate that the benefits of repeated testing are not just limited to conscious recall on a delayed test. Repeated testing during initial learning is also a very effective strategy to enhance delayed relearning.
Abstract— Radio Frequency Identification (rfid)

technology mandates by large retailers and various government agencies has driven compliance requirements for many organizations to implement the technology. In this paper, we use content analysis methodology and examine open literature, news releases, industry white papers, and published journal and conference articles to identify and compare current implementation status, adoption drivers, potential benefits, supply chain activities, applicable tasks, and challenges of implementing RFID in the retail and manufacturing sectors. Our analysis concluded that whereas RFID applicable tasks for retail and manufacturing sectors are significantly different, the adoption drivers, benefits, supply chain activities, and challenges are similar.
The Relationship Between Transformational Leadership and Postacquisition Performance

This empirical study investigates the relationship between transformational leadership and organizational performance as moderated by the degree of integration of the two merging organizations. This study covers the gap that exists in the literature regarding the leadership attributes that can enhance postacquisition performance by bringing transformational leadership theory into the acquisition literature. The findings reveal that intellectual stimulation attributes can enhance acquisition performance. These results contradict major findings in the transformational leadership literature. Moreover, the study failed to find any interactions between transformational leadership and the degree of integration. It is shown that leadership is important in the postacquisition integration process regardless of the degree of integration.
Self‐gender schemata and the processing of social information

Previous research has found that subjects possessing a self‐gender schema in line with gender stereotypes (i.e. sex‐typed individuals) are quicker than non‐sex‐typed subjects in deciding whether a stereotypically masculine or feminine trait adjective is self‐descriptive or not. The results of memory tasks are more contradictory. In this study we have supposed that gender‐schematic subjects can most effectively process gender‐linked information even if it does not relate to the self. More specifically, we hypothesized (a) that sex‐typed subjects are quicker than non‐sex‐typed subjects in deciding whether a trait adjective can be better attributed to men or women and (b) that they recall a greater number of masculine and feminine adjectives and have greater gender‐based clustering indices compared with non‐sex‐typed individuals. Subjects previously identified as Sex‐typed, Androgynous, Indifferentiated, and Cross‐sex‐typed were presented with adjectives referring to stereotypic masculine and feminine traits. The results showed that sex‐typed subjects, regardless of their sex, were faster than the other groups in deciding whether a certain trait applied more to a man than to a woman. No significant differences between the groups of subjects were found as to the number of masculine and feminine items being correctly recalled or to gender‐based clustering indices.
Turnover of bis‐diphosphoinositol tetrakisphosphate in a smooth muscle cell line is regulated by β2‐adrenergic receptors through a cAMP‐mediated, A‐kinase‐independent mechanism

Bis‐diphosphoinositol tetrakisphosphate ([PP]2‐InsP4 or ‘InsP8’) is a ‘high‐energy’ inositol phosphate; we report that its metabolism is receptor‐regulated in DDT1 MF‐2 smooth muscle cells. This conclusion arose by pursuing the mechanism by which F− decreased cellular levels of [PP]2‐InsP4 up to 70%. A similar effect was induced by elevating cyclic nucleotide levels, either with IBMX or by application of either Bt2cAMP (EC50 = 14.7 μM), Bt2cGMP (EC50 = 7.9 μM) or isoproterenol (EC50 = 0.4 nM). Isoproterenol (1 μM) decreased [PP]2‐InsP4 levels 25% by 5 min, and 71% by 60 min. This novel, agonist‐mediated regulation of [PP]2‐InsP4 turnover was very specific; isoproterenol did not decrease the cellular levels of either inositol pentakisphosphate, inositol hexakisphosphate or other diphosphorylated inositol polyphosphates. Bradykinin, which activated phospholipase C, did not affect [PP]2‐InsP4 levels. Regulation of [PP]2‐InsP4 turnover by both isoproterenol and cell‐permeant cyclic nucleotides was unaffected by inhibitors of protein kinases A and G. The effectiveness of the kinase inhibitors was confirmed by their ability to block phosphorylation of the cAMP response element‐binding protein. Our results indicate a new signaling action of cAMP, and furnish an important focus for future research into the roles of diphosphorylated inositol phosphates in signal transduction.
STOP Proteins are Responsible for the High Degree of Microtubule Stabilization Observed in Neuronal Cells

Neuronal differentiation and function require extensive stabilization of the microtubule cytoskeleton. Neurons contain a large proportion of microtubules that resist the cold and depolymerizing drugs and exhibit slow subunit turnover. The origin of this stabilization is unclear. Here we have examined the role of STOP, a calmodulin-regulated protein previously isolated from cold-stable brain microtubules. We find that neuronal cells express increasing levels of STOP and of STOP variants during differentiation. These STOP proteins are associated with a large proportion of microtubules in neuronal cells, and are concentrated on cold-stable, drug-resistant, and long-lived polymers. STOP inhibition abolishes microtubule cold and drug stability in established neurites and impairs neurite formation. Thus, STOP proteins are responsible for microtubule stabilization in neurons, and are apparently required for normal neurite formation.
Effective Visualization Techniques for the Public Presentation of Transportation Projects

The purpose of this project was to look at ways to develop more coherent and effective approaches for presenting transportation projects to the public. A detailed review of recent research on visual perception and visualization was conducted. The authors also conducted site visits to two consulting firms and one state DOT. In addition to field trips, they conducted mail-in surveys to the six New England DOTs and compared their survey results to a previous nationwide survey conducted in 1998. The result of the study showed that image composite continues to be the most popular visualization technique used in both DOTs and consulting firms. Animation, which is the most effective visualization technique, is expected to be used more frequently as the cost and time of production are reduced. The authors also found that visualization techniques are mainly used in the public involvement process in the New England DOTs; they are rarely used in design and design development. The authors expect that this will change as Context Sensitive Design takes hold in the DOTs. As this occurs, they expect that visualization will be more frequently incorporated, not only in the public involvement stage, but also at all stages of design. Because transportation design and public involvement are parallel processes, DOTs will find that the usage of visualization in design will be invaluable in helping transportation designers evaluate and refine their design.
CELL DEATH AND IMMUNE PRIVILEGE

The host response to pathogens involves complex inflammatory responses and immune reactions. While these are central to host defense and vital to clearing infections, they are often accompanied by injury to surrounding tissue. Most organ systems can tolerate these responses without permanent consequences. However, there are sites that limit the spread of inflammation because it can threaten organ function. The most prominent examples of these are the eye, brain, and reproductive organs (testis, ovary), where even minor bouts of inflammation can have long-term consequences for the survival of the organism. In these organs immune responses either do not proceed, or proceed in a manner different from other areas; thus, they are called "immunologically privileged. " Here a functioning immune response can be the culprit that leads to disease.
Notional Processors: An Approach for Multiprocessor Scheduling

Consider the problem of designing an algorithm with a high utilization bound for scheduling sporadic tasks with implicit deadlines on identical processors. A task is characterized by its minimum interarrival time and its execution time. Task preemption and migration is permitted. Still, low preemption and migration counts are desirable.We formulate an algorithm with a utilization bound no less than 66.6%characterized by worst-case preemption counts comparing favorably against the state-of-the-art.
‘To develop research skills’: Honours programmes for the changing research agenda in Australian universities

Within Australian universities the results of Honours have traditionally been used as the main entry requirement for a research degree and as a means of ranking for research scholarships. But despite the critical role of Honours, there has been little research about Honours. There is an untested assumption that universities offering Honours programmes, staff teaching them, and students undertaking them share common assumptions about their purpose. To test this assumption the researchers undertook an initial study across five Australian universities in two different disciplines, to identify the extent to which staff and students in different disciplines and different universities held varying views about the purpose of the Honours. Honours coordinators and students in the sample universities were interviewed and Honours information for the universities examined. Results indicate that indeed the aims of an Honours programme and the reasons for enrolling in Honours do vary. However, more significantly, there have been identifiable changes in the structure and nature of Honours programmes over recent years that may not support some of the traditionally held views of Honours, particularly as a selection mechanism for enrolment in, and scholarship ranking for, higher degrees by research.
Optimizing Differentiated Latency in Multi-Tenant, Erasure-Coded Storage

Erasure codes are widely used in distributed storage systems since they provide space-optimal data redundancy to protect against data loss. Despite recent progress on quantifying average service latency when erasure codes are employed, there is very little work on providing differentiated latency among multiple tenants that may have different latency requirements. This paper proposes a novel framework for providing and optimizing differentiated latency in erasure-coded storage by investigating two policies, weighted queue and priority queue, for scheduling tenant requests. For both policies, we quantify service latency for different tenant classes for homogeneous files with arbitrary placement and service time distributions. We develop an optimization framework that jointly minimizes differentiated latency over three decision spaces: 1) data placement; 2) request scheduling; and 3) resource management. Efficient algorithms harnessing bipartite matching and convex optimization techniques are developed to solve the proposed optimization. Our solution enables elastic service-level agreements to meet heterogeneous application requirements. We further prototype our solution with both queuing models applied in an open-source, cloud storage deployment that simulates three geographically distributed data centers through bandwidth reservations. Experimental results validate our theoretical delay analysis and show significant joint latency reduction for different classes of files, providing valuable insights into service differentiation and elastic quality of service in erasure-coded storage systems.
A cross‐cultural analysis of German, Chinese and Indian consumers' perception of web site adaptation

The aim of this study is to provide empirical evidence, using the theory of planned behavior, as to whether local consumers prefer culturally adapted web sites or standardized web sites The study contributes to the existing literature by showing that consumers from Germany, China, and India prefer web sites adapted to their local culture, and that culture influences consumer beliefs, attitudes, and purchase intention on the web. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Merger simulations of unilateral effects : what can we learn from the UK brewing industry?

I discuss the use of simulation techniques to evaluate unilateral effects of horizontal mergers and the pitfalls that one can encounter when using them. Simple econometric models are desirable because they can be implemented in a short period of time and can be understood by non experts. Unfortunately, their predictions are often misleading. Complex models are more reliable but they require more time to implement and are less transparent. The use of merger simulations and the sensitivity of predictions to modeling choices is illustrated with an application to mergers in the UK brewing industry. There have been a number of brewing mergers that have changed the structure of the UK market, as well as proposed but unconsummated mergers that would have had even more profound effects. I assess two of them: the successful merger between Scottish&Newcastle and Courage and the proposed merger between Bass and Carlsberg–Tetley.
Transfer of 5'-terminal cap of globin mRNA to influenza viral complementary RNA during transcription in vitro.

We have recently demonstrated that globin mRNAs are effective primers for influenza viral RNA transcription in vitro catalyzed by the virion transcriptase [Bouloy, M. , Plotch, S. J. & Krug, R. M. (1978) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 75, 4886-4890]. Here, we present direct evidence that the 5'-terminal methylated cap of the globin mRNAs is transferred to viral complementary RNA (cRNA) during transcription. Chemical (beta-elimination) or enzymatic removal of the cap of globin mRNAs eliminated essentially all their priming activity. Much of this activity could be restored by recapping the beta-eliminated globin mRNAs with the vaccinia virus guanylyl and methyl transferases. Globin mRNAs containing (32)P label only in the cap (m(7)G(32)pppm(6)A(m)-) were prepared by recapping beta-eliminated globin mRNAs with the vaccinia virus enzymes, [alpha-(32)P]GTP, and unlabeled S-adenosylmethionine. By using this labeled globin mRNA as primer and unlabeled nucleoside triphosphates as precursors, the viral cRNA segments that were synthesized were shown to contain a (32)P-labeled 5'-terminal cap structure. Gel electrophoretic analysis indicated that the globin mRNA-primed cRNA segments were 10-15 nucleotides longer at their 5' end than ApG-primed cRNA segments, which initiate exactly at the 3' end of the virion RNA templates. This suggests that, in addition to the cap, about 10-15 other nucleotides are also transferred from the globin mRNA to viral cRNA. A mechanism for the priming of influenza viral cRNA synthesis by globin mRNA is proposed.
O nível de aptidão física afeta o desempenho do árbitro de futebol

The aims of the present study were to: a) report the physical demands of brazilian soccer referees during official matches and, b) assess if the level of fitness interferes in the referees' performance. The referees were examined during official games (n = 21) of the 2009 Rio Grande do Norte Soccer Federation Championship. The referees (n = 11) mean age was 36.3 ± 6.3 years. Match analysis parameters (distance covered, speed and heart rate) were assessed during official matches. The referee performance evaluation was conducted by an official member of Rio Grande do Norte Soccer Federation. The average match distance covered was 10.50 ± 0.35 km. The average speed and maximum speed were 6.43 ± 0.26 km/h and 19.84 ± 1.56 km/h, respectively. Heart rate analysis revealed the intermittent nature of the referees' activities. The HRav and HRmax were 162.77 ± 7.44 bpm and 182.22 ± 7.72 bpm, respectively. There was a positive correlation (r = 0.517; p < 0.05) between VO2max and distance covered on the second half. VO2max was also correlated with the maximum speed (r = 0.506; p < 0.05). The fat mass was negatively correlated with maximum speed on the second half (r = -0.471; p < 0.05). Regarding referee performance, it was observed a positive correlation between VO2max and referee evaluation score (r = 0.530; p < 0.05). On the other hand, fat mass was negatively correlated to referee evaluation score (r = -0.496; p < 0.05). The results present herein suggest that soccer referees were submitted to a high level of physical demands during the match. The results also indicate that soccer referees' fitness level can interfere in their performance.