Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Development and Validation of a Revised Version of the Math Anxiety Scale for Young Children

Although there is an extensive amount of research that examines the relation between math anxiety and math performance in adolescents and adults, little work has focused on this relation in young children. Recently more attention has been paid to the early development of math anxiety, and new measures have been created for use with this age group. In the present study, we report on the development and validation of a revised version of the Math Anxiety Scale for Young Children (MASYC; Harari et al., 2013). We conducted cognitive interviews with the 12 MASYC items with nine children and then administered the MASYC and five newly-developed items to 296 first-, second- and third-grade children. Results from cognitive interviews show that three of the items from the original scale were being systematically misinterpreted by young children. We present a revised measure (the MASYC-R) consisting of 13 items (eight original, five newly-developed) that shows strong evidence for reliability and validity. Results also showed that a small, but meaningful, proportion of children at this age show signs of high math anxiety. Validity of the MASYC-R was supported through correlations with a number of other factors, including general anxiety, math performance, and math attitudes. In addition, results suggest that a substantial proportion of the variance in math anxiety can be explained from these other variables together. The findings suggest that the MASYC-R is appropriate for use with young children and can help researchers to answer important questions about the nature and development of math anxiety at this age.
Structure of the 16 PF Fifth Edition from the Perspective of the Five-Factor Model

Factor structure of the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (Fifth Edition) was investigated from the perspective of the five-factor model, using Goldberg's 1992 scales for five factors of personality and the Revised NEO Personality Inventory scales as markers for the five major personality factors. The three inventories were completed by 96 male and 92 female undergraduates. Results provided strong support for the generality and comprehensiveness of the five-factor model.
AUGUSTUS: a web server for gene finding in eukaryotes

We present a www server for AUGUSTUS, a novel software program for ab initio gene prediction in eukaryotic genomic sequences. Our method is based on a generalized Hidden Markov Model with a new method for modeling the intron length distribution. This method allows approximation of the true intron length distribution more accurately than do existing programs. For genomic sequence data from human and Drosophila melanogaster, the accuracy of AUGUSTUS is superior to existing gene-finding approaches. The advantage of our program becomes apparent especially for larger input sequences containing more than one gene. The server is available at http://augustus.gobics. de.
The Ecological Rationality of Mechanisms Evolved to make up Minds

Selective pressures favoring rapid decisions would have led to the evolution of simple decision-making mechanisms that could take the form of heuristics and rules that use as little available information as possible. Such decision heuristics can only be ecologically rational—yielding accurate inferences in particular problem domains—if they exploit the way that information is structured in the environment. The author presents a variety of fast and frugal heuristics that are ecologically rational and shows how they can be organized in the mind's adaptive toolbox of decision-making strategies.
5.12 Wenchuan Earthquake Recovery Government Policies and Non-Governmental Organizations' Participation

This article studies government policies for the 5.12 Wenchuan earthquake recovery and NGOs' participation in recovery. It is shown that the recovery was characteristic of strong central government control and weak participation by NGOs. This is probably due to China's centralized political system, the central government's control of the majority of national revenue and limited political space for the growth of NGOs in China. We recommend that China's disaster recovery should emphasize the partnership between governments and NGOs. We also suggest China's governments to promote the development of NGOs and social workers to advocate the importance of social recovery after disasters. An earlier version of this article was presented at 2009 International Conference on Disaster Management and Social Work: Policy, Practice and Research, Taipei, Taiwan, December 1415, 2009.
Correlation between single limb support phase and self-evaluation questionnaires in knee osteoarthritis populations

Purpose. To investigate the correlation between single limb support (SLS) phase (%% of gait cycle) and the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire and Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36 Health Survey) in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Method. A prospective observational study was employed with 125 adults with bilateral medial compartment symptomatic knee OA who underwent a physical and radiographic evaluation. Velocity, step length and SLS were assessed by a computerised mat (GAITRite). Patients completed the WOMAC and SF-36 Health Survey questionnaires. Results. Statistical analysis examined the correlations between SLS and both questionnaires, between Kellgren & Lawrence (K&L) scores and both questionnaires and between SLS correlations and K&L correlations. We found significantly stronger correlations between SLS and WOMAC-pain, WOMAC-function, the SF-36 pain sub-category, velocity and step length than between K&L scores and these parameters (Pearson's r == 0.50 vs. 0.26, 0.53 vs. 0.34, 0.50 vs. 023, 0.81 vs. 0.33, 0.77 vs. 0.37, respectively; all p < 0.05). Significant differences in SLS were found over WOMAC-pain, WOMAC-function and SF-36 overall score quartiles (p < 0.05 for all). Conclusion. We recommend integrating SLS as an objective parameter in the comprehensive evaluation of patients with knee OA.
Diabetic Basement Membrane Thickening Does Not Occur in Myocardial Capillaries of Transgenic Mice When Metallothionein is Overexpressed in Cardiac Myocytes

Diabetic cardiomyopathy is a clinically distinct disease characterized by impaired cardiac function as a result of reduced contractility and hypertension‐induced athero‐ or arteriosclerosis. This may be due either to generalized vascular disease, tissue‐based injury such as focal cardiomyocyte dysmorphia, or microvascular damage manifested by myocardial capillary basement membrane (CBM) thickening. Hyperglycemia‐driven increases in reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been proposed to contribute to such damage. To address this hypothesis, we utilized light (LM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to demonstrate cardiomyocyte morphology and myocardial CBM thickness in the left ventricles of four mouse genotypes: FVB (background Friend virus B controls), OVE (transgenic diabetics), Mt [transgenics with targeted overexpression of the antioxidant protein metallothionein (MT) in cardiomyocytes], and OVEMt (bi‐transgenic cross of OVE and Mt) animals. Mice were prepared for morphometric analysis by vascular perfusion. Focal myocardial disorganization was identified in OVE mice but not in the remaining genotypes. Not unexpectedly, myocardial CBM thickness was increased significantly in OVE relative to FVB (P < 0.05) and Mt (P < 0.05) animals (+28% and +39.5%, respectively). Remarkably, however, OVEMt myocardial CBMs showed no increase in width; rather they were ∼3% thinner than FVB controls. Although the molecular mechanisms regulating CBM width remain elusive, it seems possible that despite a significant hyperglycemic environment, MT antioxidant activity may mitigate local oxidative stress and reduce downstream excess microvascular extracellular matrix (ECM) formation. In addition, the reduction of intra‐ and perivascular ROS may protect against incipient endothelial damage and the CBM thickening that results from such injury. Anat Rec, 296:480–487, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neural Response during Preference and Memory Judgments for Subliminally Presented Stimuli: A Functional Neuroimaging Study

Preexposing subjects to visual stimuli is sufficient to establish a subsequent preference, even when previous exposure is subliminal, such that explicit recognition is at chance. This influence of previous exposure on preference judgments, known as the “mere exposure effect,” is a form of unconscious memory. The present functional neuroimaging study examines the mechanism of this effect. Nine volunteer subjects were studied using functional imaging while making forced choice judgments about abstract stimuli on the basis of either preference or memory. Each judgment type was made under two conditions: under one condition one or the other stimulus had previously been presented subliminally, whereas under the second condition both stimuli were novel. Memory judgments were associated with activation of left frontopolar cortex and parietal areas, whereas preference judgments were associated with activation of medial prefrontal cortex and regions of occipital cortex. The modulation of preference by objective familiarity (implicit memory) was associated with right lateral frontal activation. Significant activation of hippocampal gyrus was seen in response to objective stimulus novelty, regardless of judgment type required. Our data thus demonstrate activations of a memory system independent of recollective experience. Dissociable activations within this system implicate a frontopolar involvement in explicit retrieval attempt and right lateral prefrontal cortex involvement in implicit memory expressed in preference judgments. Furthermore, the results suggest that hippocampal response to stimulus novelty can be independent of conscious reportability of familiarity.
Understanding continuance usage of mobile sites

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to draw on both perspectives of technological perceptions and flow experience to examine continuance usage of mobile sites. Design/methodology/approach – Based on the valid responses collected from a survey questionnaire, structural equation modeling technology was employed to examine the research model. Findings – The results indicated that both perspectives of technological perceptions and flow experience have effects on satisfaction, which in turn affects continuance usage. Technological perceptions include system quality and information quality, whereas flow experience includes perceived enjoyment and attention focus. Among them, perceived enjoyment has the largest effect on satisfaction. Research limitations/implications – This research is conducted in China, where mobile internet is still in its early stage. Thus, the results need to be generalized to other countries that had developed mobile internet. Originality/value – Previous research has focused on the.
Continuous Low-Level Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Delivery Using Recombinant Adeno-Associated Viral Vectors Provides Neuroprotection and Induces Behavioral Recovery in a Primate Model of Parkinson's Disease

The therapeutic potential of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) for Parkinson's disease is likely to depend on sustained delivery of the appropriate amount to the target areas. Recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors (rAAVs) expressing GDNF may be a suitable delivery system for this purpose. The aim of this study was to define a sustained level of GDNF that does not affect the function of the normal dopamine (DA) neurons but does provide anatomical and behavioral protection against an intrastriatal 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesion in the common marmoset. We found that unilateral intrastriatal injection of rAAV resulting in the expression of high levels of GDNF (14 ng/mg of tissue) in the striatum induced a substantial bilateral increase in tyrosine hydroxylase protein levels and activity as well as in DA turnover. Expression of low levels of GDNF (0.04 ng/mg of tissue), on the other hand, produced only minimal effects on DA synthesis and only on the injected side. In addition, the low level of GDNF provided ∼85% protection of the nigral DA neurons and their projections to the striatum in the 6-OHDA-lesioned hemisphere. Furthermore, the anatomical protection was accompanied by a complete attenuation of sensorimotor neglect, head position bias, and amphetamine-induced rotation. We conclude that when delivered continuously, a low level of GDNF in the striatum (approximately threefold above baseline) is sufficient to provide optimal functional outcome.
Coping with the Media at the Vancouver Winter Olympics: “We All Make a Living Out of This”

The purpose of this study was to examine the journalist-athlete relationship at a major competitive event to better understand how the media may be perceived as a source of strain and how elite athletes cope with the media demands. Ten participants were interviewed after the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games. Intrusive questioning may negatively affect and influence the athlete's preparation for events. The use of coping strategies to deal with the media demands and reporting becomes important. In addition, the team support personnel should employ mastery motivational strategies to keep the athlete task involved.
Higher education and knowledge sharing: from ivory tower to twenty-first century

Knowledge is the driving force of a knowledge economy. Therefore, the way knowledge is shared and created and the way these actions are managed could lead to either a competitive advantage for an organisation or it could lead to its demise. Managing especially academics’ knowledge to the benefit of all can be even a greater challenge to any academic institution. The reason for it is that for too long universities have perceived themselves as the monopolies of knowledge, ‘sitting on an ivory tower’. Since universities are the transmitters as well as generators of new knowledge, a way of increasing their knowledge bank is through knowledge sharing. One way to share knowledge is through a community of practice. Volumes of literature have been written about communities of practice but the greatest majority deals with communities of practice in organisations and not in academic institutions. However, knowledge sharing within communities is complex. The literature shows that challenges such as a lack of trust, a lack of incentives and a poor culture of learning in an organisation have an effect on effective knowledge sharing. The need to establish the degree of knowledge sharing in an academic institution and subsequently create a framework to assist universities with managing it is created. A questionnaire consisting of open- and closed-ended questions was administered to academics. This article reports on academics’ awareness and views of a community of practice at a higher education institution in South Africa. The empirical evidence shows that academics would be willing to share knowledge. A number of inhibitors were identified such as, time constraints, an unwillingness among academics to share knowledge, and a lack of support or participation from management.
ANTIATHEROGENIC AND CARDIOPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF FLAVANOIDS FROM POMEGRANATE IN ISOPRENALINE INDUCED TOXICITY IN RATS

Back ground & objectives Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of death in the developed and developing countries like India. It is associated with elevated lipid levels in the blood. Treatment of hyperlipidemia is one of the major approaches towards decelerating the atherogenic process. The objective of the study was to evaluate the antiatherogenic and cardioprotective effects of flavanoids from Pomegranate(Punica Granatum)) in experimental rats. Method Atherogenesis and myocardial infarction were induced by administration of Isoprenaline (90mg/kg, i.p. Once for 5 days). The degree of protection were determined by measuring levels of serum and cardiac TG, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, VLDL-C, cardiac CK-MB, LDH, GSH, SOD and CAT levels. The histopathological changes in the heart and in vivo antioxidant activities were also studied. Results Atherosclerosis was evidenced by elevated levels of serum and cardiac TG, TC, LDL-C and VLDL-C. Atherogenic model rats also have lowered levels of cardiac, CK-MB, LDH and elevated serum level of LDH and CK-MB. Flavanoids pre-treatment (150mg/Kg, p.o. for 45 days) significantly reduced the hyperlipidemia, and increases the lowered levels of cardiac CK-MB, LDH, decreases the elevated serum levels of LDH and CK-MB,and reversed the histopathological changes of heart. Flavanoids also lowered elevated MDA level and increases the level of antioxidant
A Longitudinal Study of Task Performance, Head Movements, Subjective Report, Simulator Sickness, and Transformed Social Interaction in Collaborative Virtual Environments

Empirical research on human behavior in collaborative virtual environments (CVEs) is in its infancy. Historically, one of the more valuable tools social scientists have used to evaluate new forms of media is longitudinal studies that examine user behavior over an extended period of time. In the current study, three triads of participants came to the lab for 15 sessions over a ten week period to collaborate for approximately 45 minutes per session. We examined nonverbal behavior, task performance on verbal tasks, and subjective ratings of presence, copresence, simulator sickness, and entitativity over time. Furthermore, we examined two types of transformed social interaction: nonverbal mimicry and facial similarity. Results demonstrated substantial changes in task performance, subjective ratings, nonverbal behavior, and simulator sickness over time as participants became familiar with the system. Furthermore, transforming avatar appearance to increase facial similarity sometimes improved task performance. We discuss implications for research on CVEs.
Increased Echolucency of Carotid Plaques in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

Background and Purpose— Diabetes is associated with the presence of moderate to large atherosclerotic carotid plaques. Previous carotid ultrasound studies have associated plaques with low echogenicity with a higher risk of cerebrovascular events. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether patients with type 2 diabetes have different plaque echogenicity than do nondiabetic subjects. Methods— Forty-seven type 2 diabetic and 51 nondiabetic subjects with a carotid plaque in the right artery were included in this study. All patients were born in 1935 to 1936 and were participants in a population-based study. Carotid ultrasonography was performed and the risk factors for cardiovascular disease were determined. Plaque echogenicity was assessed quantitatively on B-mode ultrasound images by standardized gray-scale median values. Results— Gray-scale median values were significantly lower, indicating more echolucent plaques, in patients with type 2 diabetes compared with nondiabetics (37.0±14.8 vs 45.5±15.4, P=0.007). Of the other risk factors studied, only triglycerides were significantly associated with the echogenicity of the plaque. Conclusions— Patients with type 2 diabetes have more echolucent plaques compared with nondiabetic subjects. This might be associated with the higher risk of cardiovascular events among diabetics.
Progress of Space Charge Research on Oil-Paper Insulation Using Pulsed Electroacoustic Techniques

This paper focuses on the space charge behavior in oil-paper insulation systems used in power transformers. It begins with the importance of understanding the space charge behavior in oil-paper insulation systems, followed by the introduction of the pulsed electrostatic technique (PEA). After that, the research progress on the space charge behavior of oil-paper insulation during the recent twenty years is critically reviewed. Some important aspects such as the environmental conditions and the acoustic wave recovery need to be addressed to acquire more accurate space charge measurement results. Some breakthroughs on the space charge behavior of oil-paper insulation materials by the research team at the University of Southampton are presented. Finally, future work on space charge measurement of oil-paper insulation materials is proposed.
Measurement of 129Xe gas apparent diffusion coefficient anisotropy in an elastase‐instilled rat model of emphysema

Hyperpolarized noble gas (3He and 129Xe) apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurements have shown remarkable sensitivity to microstructural (i.e., alveolar) changes in the lung, particularly emphysema. The ADC of hyperpolarized noble gases depends strongly on the diffusion time (Δ), and 3He ADC has been shown to be anisotropic for Δ ranging from a few milliseconds down to a few hundred microseconds. In this study, the anisotropic nature of 129Xe diffusion and its dependence on Δ were investigated both numerically, in a budded cylinder model, and in vivo, in an elastase‐instilled rat model of emphysema. Whole lung longitudinal ADC (DL) and transverse ADC (DT) were measured for Δ = 6, 50, and 100 ms at 73.5 mT, and correlated with measurements of the mean linear intercept (Lm) obtained from lung histology. A significant increase (P = 0.0021) in DT was measured for Δ = 6 ms between the sham (0.0021 ± 0.0005 cm2/s) and elastase‐instilled (0.005 ± 0.001 cm2/s) cohorts, and a strong correlation was measured between DT (Δ = 6 ms) and Lm, with a Pearson's correlation coefficient of 0.90. This study confirms that 129Xe DT increases correlate with alveolar space enlargement due to elastase instillation in rats. Magn Reson Med, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Factors influencing international students’ choice to study in Turkey and challenges they experience in Turkey

Turkey is increasingly becoming a regional hub for international students. The number of international students in Turkish universities has grown by almost 300% in the last decade. The current internationalization efforts of the Turkish government and universities have the potential to make Turkey an even more attractive destination for international students, especially from surrounding regions. This remarkable growth comes with some opportunities and challenges that deserve close attention. This study explores the factors influencing international students’ decisions to choose Turkey as their study destination and the challenges they experienced. Data were drawn from 37 international students studying in Turkey through semi-structured in-depth interviews. The results suggest that geographical proximity and cultural, historical, religious and ethnic affinities seem to be very prominent in international students’ decisions to study in Turkey as an emerging regional hub. Several other factors including comparable quality of education, affordability of living and education, scholarship opportunities, and recommendations by family or friends are also found to influence their choice of Turkey. The major challenges include lack of adequate guidance and information during pre- and post-arrival processes. Policy recommendations for emerging study destinations such as Turkey are discussed based on the findings.