Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relationship of corporal punishment and antisocial behavior by neighborhood.

OBJECTIVES To examine the relationship of corporal punishment with children's behavior problems while accounting for neighborhood context and while using stronger statistical methods than previous literature in this area, and to examine whether different levels of corporal punishment have different effects in different neighborhood contexts. DESIGN Longitudinal cohort study. SETTING General community. PARTICIPANTS 1943 mother-child pairs from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Internalizing and externalizing behavior problem scales of the Behavior Problems Index. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Parental use of corporal punishment was associated with a 0.71 increase (P<.05) in children's externalizing behavior problems even when several parenting behaviors, neighborhood quality, and all time-invariant variables were accounted for. The association of corporal punishment and children's externalizing behavior problems was not dependent on neighborhood context. The research found no discernible relationship between corporal punishment and internalizing behavior problems.
Excavating widening participation policy in Australian higher education: subject positions, representational effects, emotion

This article uses Foucauldian discourse analysis to identify two subject positions within Australia's Widening Participation higher education policy. Purpose The massification of higher education is a definitive feature of the late twentieth century. Widening Participation (WP) policy is a recent manifestation of this phenomenon in Britain and Australia. This article uses Foucauldian discourse analysis to identify two subject positions within Australian WP higher education policy, that of the cap(able) individual and the proper aspirant. The article also traces the feeling-rules associated with these subject positions to ask critical questions about neo-liberal social justice. Design/methodology/approach A Foucauldian discourse analysis was conducted on a range of policy documents relating the higher education during the period 2008-2013. Using Bacchi’s (2012) ‘what is the problem represented to be? ’ (WPR) approach, two subject positions and their attendant feeling-rules are identified. Findings The two subject positions, the cap(able) individual and the proper aspirant, represent a quintessential neo-liberal subject who possesses ‘natural’ ability, hope for social mobility and is highly individualised and entrepreneurial in disposition. As a reinvention of social justice approaches to higher education, WP has wide emotional and common sense appeal derived from its links into older discourses on social justice, meritocracy and the redemptive promise of education and childhood hope. A new neo-liberal appropriation of social justice, WP neglects critical historical, social and contextual factors related to educational inequity.
Family communication patterns and personality characteristics

A survey using a convenience sample of undergraduate students was conducted to investigate the relationships between family communication patterns and a set of personality characteristics, including self‐esteem, self‐disclosure, self‐monitoring, desirability of control, social desirability, shyness, and sociability. Results showed that individuals from conversation‐oriented families exhibited greater degrees of self‐disclosure, desire for control, self‐esteem, and sociability, whereas those from conformity‐oriented families were more likely to be self‐monitoring and shy and hold lower self‐esteem. Implications of these results are also addressed.
Educational Reform

This article adopts irony as a frame for understanding some of the consequences of the reform movement in the UK. A distinction is drawn between the ironies that are endemic in all organizations and rooted in ambiguities and dilemmas, and the ironies that specifically flow from the disjunction between central policies and the contingent circumstances of individual schools. A further distinction is made between the ironies of policy and the ironies of practice, the latter characterized by the strategies used by headteachers and teachers as they adapt policy to practice and as they represent these adaptations as fulfilling accountability requirements. A case is made for principled infidelity as a component of temperate leadership and management which acts as an antidote to overwhelming policy initiatives and the excesses of managerialism to which these give rise.
The impact of trade on human development in Sub-Saharan Africa(SSA)

Controversy concerning the relationship between trade and development has persisted for centuries. The advocates of free trade link it with income growth but its impact on the welfare of an average citizen remains highly unaddressed in the economic literature. This paper attempts to contribute to the limited literature on trade and human development by examining the impact of trade on income, education, and life expectancy in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). By employing a generalized method of moments (GMM) approach in a panel data setting comprising 38 countries and 11 years, the empirical results suggest that an increase in trade is positively associated with enhancement in social welfare in SSA.
Is there light after depth? Distribution of periphyton chlorophyll and productivity in lake littoral zones

Abstract Periphyton and phytoplankton contribute to the base of lake food webs, and both groups of microalgae are influenced by resources and physical forcing. Spatial variation in light availability interacts with the physical dynamics of the water column to create predictable depth gradients in resources and disturbance that may differentially affect periphyton vs phytoplankton. We characterized the depth distribution of chlorophyll and productivity of periphyton on sediments (epipelon) and phytoplankton in the euphotic zones of 13 oligomesotrophic lakes that span a large size gradient (0.017–32,600 km2). Epipelic chlorophyll usually increased with depth in the epilimnion. Light was the primary driver of the consistent within-lake patterns in periphyton productivity across this lake-size gradient. In 5 lakes, epipelic periphyton exhibited a unimodal distribution of productivity with depth in the photic zone, but no evidence of photoinhibition was found for periphyton. Rather, patterns in sediment N and P and observed changes in biofilm structure were consistent with determination of epipelic biomass by disturbance at depths ≤1 m in the smaller lakes and by light limitation at depths >1 m. Further quantification of the effects of disturbance on epipelon is needed. Nonetheless, our data demonstrate that the perceived high spatial variability in periphyton biomass and productivity is not an impediment to development of robust models of whole-lake primary production that include both phytoplankton and periphyton.
teachers' perceptions of their relationships with children who speak English as an additional language in early childhood settings

The study investigated ten early childhood teachers' perceptions of their relationships with 120 children (mean age = 4 years 3 months), of whom 41 children spoke English as an additional language (EAL: mean age = 4 years 2 months). The Student—Teacher Relationship Scale (STRS) was employed to elicit teachers' perceptions of their relationships in the first and third terms of a school year. The results show that, while children who have the least experience in spoken English were scored significantly lower on the STRS Closeness Scale by their teachers as compared with the rest of the children at the beginning of the school year, these differences were not significant at the end of the school year. The findings add empirical support to the importance of verbal communication, in addition to teachers' sensitivity towards EAL children's non-verbal expressions, as the basis for developing positive teacher—child relationships.
Romantic motives and risk-taking: an evolutionary approach

Risk-taking behavior is puzzling insofar as it may involve considerable losses (such as increased mortality rates). The present research advances an evolutionary account of risk-taking behavior in that one of its main functions is to get access to potential mating partners. Inasmuch as reproductive competition among men is more pronounced than among women, men in particular are expected to take risks in order to gain sexual access to women. In fact, four studies revealed that activating a mating goal was associated with men’s propensity to risk-taking. Across a wide range of different risk-taking domains, a romantic motive increased men’s reported willingness to take risks. In contrast, women’s risk-taking was not affected by activating a mating motive. These findings suggest that risk-taking behavior has (in part) been evolved to enhance an individual’s ability to attract a mate.
Comparison of Methods to Correct Survival Estimates and Survival Regression Analysis on a Large HIV African Cohort

Objective The evaluation of HIV treatment programs is generally based on an estimation of survival among patients receiving antiretroviral treatment (ART). In large HIV programs, loss to follow-up (LFU) rates remain high despite active patient tracing, which is likely to bias survival estimates and survival regression analyses. Methods We compared uncorrected survival estimates derived from routine program data with estimates obtained by applying six correction methods that use updated outcome data by a field survey targeting LFU patients in a rural HIV program in Malawi. These methods were based on double-sampling and differed according to the weights given to survival estimates in LFU and non-LFU subpopulations. We then proposed a correction of the survival regression analysis. Results Among 6,727 HIV-infected adults receiving ART, 9% were LFU after one year. The uncorrected survival estimates from routine data were 91% in women and 84% in men. According to increasing sophistication of the correction methods, the corrected survival estimates ranged from 89% to 85% in women and 82% to 77% in men. The estimates derived from uncorrected regression analyses were highly biased for initial tuberculosis mortality ratios (RR; 95% CI: 1.07; 0.76–1.50 vs. 2.06 to 2.28 with different correction weights), Kaposi sarcoma diagnosis (2.11; 1.61–2.76 vs. 2.64 to 3.9), and year of ART initiation (1.40; 1.17–1.66 vs. 1.29 to 1.34). Conclusions In HIV programs with high LFU rates, the use of correction methods based on non-exhaustive double-sampling data are necessary to minimise the bias in survival estimates and survival regressions.
A national survey of computed tomography doses in hybrid PET-CT and SPECT-CT examinations in the UK

Objectives The aim of this study was to conduct a nationwide survey of computed tomography (CT) doses for a wide range of PET-CT and single photon emission computed tomography-computed tomography (SPECT-CT) imaging procedures, with the aim of generating proposed UK national diagnostic reference levels (NDRLs). Methods CT protocol and dosimetry data for three PET-CT and seven SPECT-CT examinations were gathered from centres across the UK. Data were divided according to CT purpose (attenuation correction, localization or diagnostic) and third quartile values of scanner average dose metrics were used to generate suggested NDRLs for a range of examination and CT purpose combinations. Achievable doses were also established from the median of the dose distributions. Results Data were obtained from 47 centres, allowing suggested NDRLs to be produced for fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose half-body PET-CT, and parathyroid, post-thyroid ablation, meta-iodobenzylguanidine/octreotide, cardiac and bone SPECT-CT examinations. Variations in dose of up to a factor of 35 were observed for a given examination/CT purpose combination. For fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose half-body PET-CT examination dose levels for the three CT purposes overlapped, which highlights the variability in the way in which CT purposes are interpreted across the UK. This lack of standardization is believed to be the largest contributor to the dose variations that were observed. The survey highlighted the need for targeted optimization work in many centres. Conclusion Suggested UK NDRLs and achievable doses for six common PET-CT and SPECT-CT examinations have been established as a result of this study.
Transvenous perfusion of the brain with verapamil during focal cerebral ischemia in rats.

We report on the effect of calcium channel blocker verapamil administered into the inferior cerebral vein in rats 1 hour after occlusion of the middle cerebral artery. Twenty-four rats were divided into four groups of six rats each. Group A rats received no medication. The other three groups received 0.1 mg verapamil/kg/2 hr. Group B rats received verapamil intravenously. Group C and D rats received verapamil and autologous arterial blood by transvenous perfusion of the brain, Group C rats at 100 mm Hg perfusion pressure and Group D rats at 150 mm Hg perfusion pressure. The administration of verapamil started 1 hour after middle cerebral artery occlusion and lasted for 2 hours. Three hours after occlusion, we used double- or single-tracer autoradiography with 4-[18F]fluoroantipyrine or [14C]iodoantipyrine and [14C]alpha-aminoisobutyric acid as tracers to study the brains for local cerebral blood flow and blood-brain barrier permeability changes. Group C showed a significant increase of local cerebral blood flow in the parietal cortex (89%, p less than 0.01) and sensorimotor cortex (64%, p less than 0.05) compared with Group A. Group D showed an extensive and striking increase in local cerebral blood flow of the ischemic cortical and subcortical areas (57-100%, p less than 0.05). Group B showed no significant changes but exhibited further reduction of local cerebral blood flow in the ischemic cerebral hemisphere associated with slightly increased local cerebral blood flow in the nonischemic cerebral hemisphere compared with Group A. There was no change of blood-brain barrier permeability in any group. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Prevalence of Iron Deficiency Anemia among Female Elementary School Children in Northern Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in relation to variables such as: age, weight, height, mother's education, number of family members, and nutritional habits among female elementary school children (age 6-12 years) in the western province of Saudi Arabia. A total of 123 female children were selected for this study. Complete blood count, serum iron, ferritin and total iron binding capacity were measured to assess iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia. Overall, the prevalence of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in this study was 23.0%. Data showed that the majority of anemia cases in this study were normocytic type. Anemia was more prevalent among students of age 10-12 years as compared to younger age group. In addition, there was no relationship between iron deficiency anemia and number of family members or mother's education. Anemic students were not aware of their nutritional habits. It was concluded that iron deficiency anemia is a problem among young girls, especially among those of age 12 years in western region of Saudi Arabia. It is recommended that the iron-folate supplementation program for pregnant women be expanded to non-pregnant women, including young girls.
Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation of Triamcinolone Acetonide After Intravenous, Oral, and Inhaled Administration

Triamcinolone acetonide (TCA) is a corticosteroid that is frequently used in the treatment of asthma. After inhalation, TCA can become systemically available when the inhaled formulation is swallowed, causing undesirable systemic effects. A clinical study was conducted to determine the systemic side effects of TCA after intravenous (2 mg as phosphate ester), oral (5 mg), and inhaled (2 mg) administration. Blood samples were collected at appropriate times over 24 hours, and TCA concentrations in plasma were measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography and radioimmunoassay. Free drug concentrations were determined by ultrafiltration for correlating pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. The free fraction of TCA (± standard deviation) was 29.0 ± 1.3% and was independent of the investigated concentration range up to 1,000 ng/mL. Pharmacodynamic parameters were determined by monitoring lymphocytes, granulocytes, and cortisol. Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modeling was performed using a modified Emax model for lymphocytes and granulocytes. A novel linear release rate model was used to characterize the cortisol data. The E50 values determined from all three pharmacodynamic endpoints were not significantly different for the three treatments, indicating that these effects can be explained based on systemic steroid concentrations.
Impact of Plant Extracts and Antibiotics on Biofilm Formation of Clinical Isolates From Otitis Media

Background: Otitis media can lead to severe health consequences, and is the most common reason for antibiotic prescriptions and biofilm-mediated infections. However, the increased pattern of drug resistance in biofilm forming bacteria complicates the treatment of such infections. Objectives: This study was aimed to estimate the biofilm formation potential of the clinical isolates of otitis media, and to evaluate the efficacy of antibiotics and plant extracts as alternative therapeutic agents in biofilm eradication. Materials and Methods: The ear swab samples collected from the otitis media patients visiting the Mayo Hospital in Lahore were processed to isolate the bacteria, which were characterized using morphological, biochemical, and molecular (16S rRNA ribotyping) techniques. Then, the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the antibiotics and crude plant extracts were measured against the isolates. The cell surface hydrophobicity and biofilm formation potential were determined, both qualitatively and quantitatively, with and without antibiotics. Finally, the molecular characterization of the biofilm forming proteins was done by amplifying the ica operon. Results: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (KC417303-05), Staphylococcus hemolyticus (KC417306), and Staphylococcus hominis (KC417307) were isolated from the otitis media specimens. Among the crude plant extracts, Acacia arabica showed significant antibacterial characteristics (MIC up to 13 mg/ml), while these isolates exhibited sensitivity towards ciprofloxacin (MIC 0.2 µg/mL). All of the bacterial strains had hydrophobic cellular surfaces that helped in their adherence to abiotic surfaces, leading to strong biofilm formation potential (up to 7 days). Furthermore, the icaC gene encoding polysaccharide intercellular adhesion protein was amplified from S. hemolyticus. Conclusions: The bacterial isolates exhibited strong biofilm formation potential, while the extracts of Acacia arabica significantly inhibited biofilm formation among the isolates and, therefore, could be executed in the development of cost-effective biofilm inhibitor medicines.
Natural Resources: Curse or Blessing?

Are natural resources a “curse” or a “blessing”? The empirical evidence suggests either outcome is possible. The paper surveys a variety of hypotheses and supporting evidence for why some countries benefit and others lose from the presence of natural resources. These include that a resource bonanza induces appreciation of the real exchange rate, deindustrialization and bad growth prospects, and that these adverse effects are more severe in volatile countries with bad institutions and lack of rule of law, corruption, presidential democracies, and underdeveloped financial systems. Another hypothesis is that a resource boom reinforces rent grabbing and civil conflict especially if institutions are bad, induces corruption especially in non-democratic countries, and keeps in place bad policies. Finally, resource rich developing economies seem unable to successfully convert their depleting exhaustible resources into other productive assets. The survey also offers some welfare-based fiscal rules for harnessing resource windfalls in developed and developing economies.
Total Synthesis, Structure, and Biological Activity of Adenosylrhodibalamin, the Non‐Natural Rhodium Homologue of Coenzyme B12

Abstract B12 is unique among the vitamins as it is biosynthesized only by certain prokaryotes. The complexity of its synthesis relates to its distinctive cobalt corrin structure, which is essential for B12 biochemistry and renders coenzyme B12 (AdoCbl) so intriguingly suitable for enzymatic radical reactions. However, why is cobalt so fit for its role in B12‐dependent enzymes? To address this question, we considered the substitution of cobalt in AdoCbl with rhodium to generate the rhodium analogue 5′‐deoxy‐5′‐adenosylrhodibalamin (AdoRbl). AdoRbl was prepared by de novo total synthesis involving both biological and chemical steps. AdoRbl was found to be inactive in vivo in microbial bioassays for methionine synthase and acted as an in vitro inhibitor of an AdoCbl‐dependent diol dehydratase. Solution NMR studies of AdoRbl revealed a structure similar to that of AdoCbl. However, the crystal structure of AdoRbl revealed a conspicuously better fit of the corrin ligand for RhIII than for CoIII, challenging the current views concerning the evolution of corrins.
On cryptographic properties of the cosets of R(1, m)

We introduce a new approach for the study of weight distributions of cosets of the Reed-Muller code of order 1. Our approach is based on the method introduced by Kasami (1968), using Pless (1963) identities. By interpreting some equations, we obtain a necessary condition for a coset to have a "high" minimum weight. Most notably, we are able to distinguish such cosets which have three weights only. We then apply our results to the problem of the nonlinearity of Boolean functions. We particularly study the links between this criterion and the propagation characteristics of a function.
Moral disengagement and emotional and social difficulties in bullying and cyberbullying: differences by participant role

Participant roles in traditional bullying have been well researched, and the social and emotional characteristics identified with each role are clearly documented. However, little is known about the participant roles in cyberbullying and the degree to which these correspond to traditional bullying roles. This study aims to investigate similarities and differences between participant roles in traditional bullying and cyberbullying, in terms of moral disengagement and social and emotional characteristics. In total, 517 German students in grades 5–10 were assessed for bullying involvement using the Computer Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI) method. Cyberbullying was slightly less frequent than traditional bullying, although there was considerable overlap, with many students involved in cyberbullying also participating in traditional bullying. More cyberbullies had a bad conscience compared to traditional bullies, hence students involved in cyberbullying showed greater moral disengagement. High school satisfaction emerged as a protective factor for nearly all roles, while feeling lonely, feeling unpopular and being friendless appeared as risk factors for (cyber)victimisation. The enhancement of empathy by (cyber)bullies and (cyber)assistants for their targets, and the development of a positive school culture, are proposed as key aspects for both anti-bullying and anti-cyberbullying prevention and intervention.