Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
National Aggregates and Individual Disaffiliation: An International Study

Using a data set of 15,000 subjects from 32 western countries, the current study examines individuals who were raised in a certain religion and at some stage of their lives left it. Currently, they define their religious affiliation as ‘no religion’. A battery of explanatory variables (country-specific, personal attributes and marriage variables) was employed to test for determinants of this decision. It was found that the tendency of individuals to leave their religion is strongly correlated with the degree of religious diversity of their country and with their spouse's religious characteristics. Moreover, personal socio-demographic features seem to be less relevant.
Beyond "Temponomics' - The Many Dimensions of Time in Globally Distributed Project Teams

The prevailing notion of time which pervades reports on global software development practice is the linear notion of time as a scarce commodity to be optimized through working across global boundaries. This ‘temponomic’ view of time provides a useful but limited model through which to understand how time operates in practice within globally distributed teams. We report findings from an in depth empirical study which employed a grounded analysis of the many dimensions of time in action within a global team setting. A situated analysis of the actions at each of three globally distributed sites, demonstrates how the differing aspects of time interact, and how some of the known challenges in working globally, can be viewed from a temporal viewpoint. We argue that this more nuanced understanding of how time functions in globally distributed teams may help managers and researchers develop more appropriate practices and models for managing such teams.
Everyday Life Information-Seeking Behavior of Marginalized Youth: A Qualitative Study of Urban Homeless Youth in Ghana

This article examines the everyday life needs, information needs, sources of information, and information-seeking behaviors of homeless youth in Accra, Ghana. Forty-one homeless youth, ages 15 to 18 years participated in this qualitative study. Participants were identified by snowball sampling and data was collected by field observations, an adaptation of the critical incident technique and in-depth interviews. The results show that (1) information needs of the homeless youth in the study relate to basic needs following Maslow's hierarchy of needs; (2) their information sources are primarily interpersonal and comparatively limited in range; and (3) the most important information-seeking behavior is a community approach, characterized by free sharing of information among their social network of friends. The results further revealed that participants relied on their social network of friends to meet 8 of the 11 information needs identified in the study. The study suggests that this behavior results from their environment of limited resources, a proposition that should be examined with further research on the everyday life information-seeking behavior of marginalized communities.
Screening a Natural Product-Based Library against Kinetoplastid Parasites

Kinetoplastid parasites cause vector-borne parasitic diseases including leishmaniasis, human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) and Chagas disease. These Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) impact on some of the world’s lowest socioeconomic communities. Current treatments for these diseases cause severe toxicity and have limited efficacy, highlighting the need to identify new treatments. In this study, the Davis open access natural product-based library was screened against kinetoplastids (Leishmania donovani DD8, Trypanosoma brucei brucei and Trypanosoma cruzi) using phenotypic assays. The aim of this study was to identify hit compounds, with a focus on improved efficacy, selectivity and potential to target several kinetoplastid parasites. The IC50 values of the natural products were obtained for L. donovani DD8, T. b. brucei and T. cruzi in addition to cytotoxicity against the mammalian cell lines, HEK-293, 3T3 and THP-1 cell lines were determined to ascertain parasite selectivity. Thirty-one compounds were identified with IC50 values of ≤10 µM against the kinetoplastid parasites tested. Lissoclinotoxin E (1) was the only compound identified with activity across all three investigated parasites, exhibiting IC50 values <5 µM. In this study, natural products with the potential to be new chemical starting points for drug discovery efforts for kinetoplastid diseases were identified.
Factors associated with self-reported depression in Arab, Chaldean, and African Americans.

BACKGROUND Although depression is a chronic illness with high morbidity and personal and economic losses, little is known about depression in immigrants with an Arab or Chaldean ethnic background. OBJECTIVES Our primary objective was to determine the overall and ethnicity-specific prevalence of self-reported depression in Arab Americans, Chaldean Americans, and African Americans in the Midwest. The secondary objective was to evaluate the associations between potential risk and protective factors and the presence of self-reported depression. METHOD A total of 3543 adults were recruited from the Arab and Chaldean communities in Metropolitan Detroit. The sample in this study was restricted to those of Arab, Chaldean, and African ethnic backgrounds, resulting in 81.2% of the original sample (n=2878). A health assessment survey questionnaire was administered. RESULTS The overall rate of self-reported depression was 18.2%. The highest rate of depression was found in Arab American participants (23.2%), followed by African Americans (15%) and Chaldeans (13.3%). Self-reported prevalence of depression by country of origin differed significantly. CONCLUSIONS Our results show the need to provide culturally competent mental health services for Arab Americans and other minority American subgroups. Research is needed to identify risk factors, preferably modifiable factors, and to ascertain which factors are similar and non-similar to the general American population.
Cooperative Query Answer Authentication Scheme Over Anonymous Sensing Data

In cloud service over crowd-sensing data, the data owner (DO) publishes the sensing data through the cloud server, so that the user can obtain the information of interest on demand. But the cloud service providers (CSP) are often untrustworthy. The privacy and security concerns emerge over the authenticity of the query answer and the leakage of the DO identity. To solve these issues, many researchers study the query answer authentication scheme for cloud service system. The traditional technique is providing DO’s signature for the published data. But the signature would always reveal DO’s identity. To deal with this disadvantage, this paper proposes a cooperative query answer authentication scheme, based on the ring signature, the Merkle hash tree (MHT) and the non-repudiable service protocol. Through the cooperation among the entities in cloud service system, the proposed scheme could not only verify the query answer, but also protect the DO’s identity. First, it picks up the internal nodes of MHT to sign, as well as the root node. Thus, the verification computation complexity could be significantly reduced from $O({log}_{2}N)$ to $O({log}_{2}N^{0.5})$ in the best case. Then, it improves an existing ring signature to sign the selected nodes. Furthermore, the proposed scheme employs the non-repudiation protocol during the transmission of query answer and verification object to protect trading behavior between the CSP and users. The security and performance analysis prove the security and feasibility of the proposed scheme. Extensive experimental results demonstrate its superiority of verification efficiency and communication overhead.
Effects of Visual Framing on Emotional Responses and Evaluations of News Stories about the Gaza Conflict 2009

The experiment investigates visual framing effects of news stories on readers'(1) emotional response, (2) evaluation of communicative quality, (3) journalistic credibility and (4) objectivity, and (5) perception of actor representation. Three versions of a news report about the Gaza conflict were used. While the text remained the same, different images were added representing visual human-interest framing, visual political framing, and no visual framing. Visual human-interest framing elicited stronger emotional responses, higher values concerning the communicative quality, and had an impact on the perceived actor representation. No differences in objectivity and credibility were found among the three stimuli.
Early development of Astronotus ocellatus under stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy

Summary Astronotus ocellatus, popularly known as Oscar, is a cichlid fish from the Amazon basin (Brazil) with a great potential for fish farming. The aim of this research is to describe the morphology of eggs and larvae of A. ocellatus under stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Eggs from natural spawnings were taken to hatcheries, collected at previously established time periods and then analysed. Oscar's eggs are demersal, adhesive and fragile to touch, with a slightly oval shape. The fertile eggs are yellowish in colour and when unfertilized are a white opaque colour. In the initial collection (IC), the majority of eggs were found to be at the gastrula phase with 30% epiboly. At 12 h after the IC, the formation of the embrionary axis and somites was observed, followed by differentiation of the tail and of the head. Fifteen hours after the IC, the emergence of the optic and otic vesicles, and of adhesive glands and the yolk pigmentation was observed. Larval hatching took place between 46 and 58 h after the first collection, at an average temperature of 27.45 ± 2.13°C. The larval stage was characterized by the development of the heart, fins, branchial apparatus, neuromasts, taste buds and adhesive glands on the head. Larval development to yolk absorption took a period of 257 h. These results provide important information for reproduction, rearing and preservation of A. ocellatus.
Does Positive Perception of Oneself Boost Learning Motivation and Performance?

We examine whether core self-evaluations (CSEs) affect learning motivation and performance beyond individual-level established predictors of general mental ability and conscientiousness. Based on self-regulation theories, we develop and test a process model, whereby learning motivation mediates the effects of CSE on performance. We also compare the explanatory value of single and multidimensional models of learning motivation. Using a longitudinal design and data from 631 students, we provide support for the proposed model, indicating the usefulness of CSE as another important, indirect predictor of performance in a learning setting via multiple dimensions of learning motivation: self-efficacy, goal setting, and goal commitment. The results also indicate the superiority of the multidimensional model of learning motivation over the unidimensional model of learning motivation as a mediator. We conclude with the discussion of theoretical and practical implications of this finding for management education.
Exploring the value of social media services for charitableorganisations: a mixed methods approach

This thesis explores various factors that may influence the production of value for charities on social media websites. A mixed methods triangulation-based approach is used in order to improve understanding around why charities use social media and what they want to achieve by doing so, why supporters interact with charities on social media, and how this behaviour actually occurs on two popular social media sites: Facebook and Twitter. Qualitative sources of data are utilised in order to establish the reasons behind why social media are used, while quantitative sources provide evidence of interaction on these sites to establish whether or not the motivations of the charities are portrayed through their actual behaviour. An argument is made that because there are so many influencing factors on the resulting value, it is extremely difficult to measure this—and to distinguish success on these sites—through the use of automated tools that do not take into account the context of the organisation involved and what they are actually trying to achieve in the first place. Furthermore, this thesis suggests that analysing what the charity does in relation to their strategy can help to indicate whether or not a social media strategy has the potential to create the desired levels of value, and a classification system of communication styles is presented in order to assist with this process. This thesis therefore provides contributions that help to understand the value of social media for charities, and as such has implications for future social media research, charitable strategy planning and Web Science as a wider discipline.
Multilingual Dependency Parsing and Domain Adaptation using DeSR

We describe our experiments using the DeSR parser in the multilingual and domain adaptation tracks of the CoNLL 2007 shared task. DeSR implements an incremental deterministic Shift/Reduce parsing algorithm, using specific rules to handle non-projective dependencies. For the multilingual track we adopted a second order averaged perceptron and performed feature selection to tune a feature model for each language. For the domain adaptation track we applied a tree revision method which learns how to correct the mistakes made by the base parser on the adaptation domain.
Effects of a novel potent melanin‐concentrating hormone receptor 1 antagonist, AZD1979, on body weight homeostasis in mice and dogs

Melanin‐concentrating hormone (MCH) is an orexigen, and while rodents express one MCH receptor (MCH1 receptor), humans, non‐human primates and dogs express two MCH receptors (MCH1 and MCH2). MCH1 receptor antagonists have been developed for the treatment of obesity and lower body weight in rodents. However, the mechanisms for the body weight loss and whether MCH1 receptor antagonism can lower body weight in species expressing both MCH receptors are not fully understood.
Fathers as co-parents: how non-resident fathers construe family situations after divorce or separation

A model of the co-parental role based on personal construct theory is described, with inter-parental conflict explained in terms of the constructivist concept of hostility. Four unstructured group interviews, on the theme of the experience of separated parenthood, were conducted with separated fathers (n=14) from throughout Strathclyde. Thematic analysis of the results suggests that while participants recognised the importance of maintaining relations with the other parent, that relationship was seen as adversarial, and fathers frequently feel controlled or powerless; different strategies for coping with this control emerged. From common post-separation parenting experiences recounted by the participants, situational elements were developed for a series of repertory grid interviews, intended to identify and examine the co-parental role construct system. Grids were administered, at three points over a year, to a cohort of separated, non-resident fathers from Strathclyde (n=17) still in contact with their children. The results were analysed using construct content categories developed for this research, inter-element distance measures, and asymmetric coefficients to assess ordinal relationships between constructs. Support was found for the model of a co-parental role covering interactions with children and their mothers. Perceptions of parity in parents' flexibility regarding contact arrangements were associated with recent experience, particularly ongoing disputes over contact allocation, and reflect strategies for dealing with being controlled. Conflict emerges as having distinct and multiple implications for separated non-resident fathers, whose responses to change were also consistent with the constructivist conception of hostility. One strategy for dealing with this may be a gradual distancing from the role of co-parent, in line with recent theories of core construing. These findings are discussed along with strengths and limitations of this research; implications for policy, practice and future research are outlined.
Sensitive Detection of Chromosomal Segments of Distinct Ancestry in Admixed Populations

Identifying the ancestry of chromosomal segments of distinct ancestry has a wide range of applications from disease mapping to learning about history. Most methods require the use of unlinked markers; but, using all markers from genome-wide scanning arrays, it should in principle be possible to infer the ancestry of even very small segments with exquisite accuracy. We describe a method, HAPMIX, which employs an explicit population genetic model to perform such local ancestry inference based on fine-scale variation data. We show that HAPMIX outperforms other methods, and we explore its utility for inferring ancestry, learning about ancestral populations, and inferring dates of admixture. We validate the method empirically by applying it to populations that have experienced recent and ancient admixture: 935 African Americans from the United States and 29 Mozabites from North Africa. HAPMIX will be of particular utility for mapping disease genes in recently admixed populations, as its accurate estimates of local ancestry permit admixture and case-control association signals to be combined, enabling more powerful tests of association than with either signal alone.
Metastable supersymmetry breaking and multitrace deformations of SQCD

Metastable vacua in supersymmetric QCD in the presence of single and multitrace deformations of the superpotential are explored, with the aim of obtaining an acceptable phenomenology. The metastable vacua appear at one loop, have a broken R-symmetry, and a magnetic gauge group that is completely Higgsed. With only a single trace deformation, the adjoint fermions from the meson superfield are approximately massless at one loop, even though they are massive at tree level and R-symmetry is broken. Consequently, if charged under the standard model, they are unacceptably light. A multitrace quadratic deformation generates fermion masses proportional to the deformation parameter. Phenomenologically viable models of direct gauge mediation can then be obtained, and some of their features are discussed.
The effectiveness of nutritional interventions to improve expressive language in children with autism

Abstract: This research synthesis evaluates the effectiveness of nutritional interventions on the improvement of expressive language abilities in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Three nutritional interventions are the focus of this synthesis: 1) Gluten-casein free diet, 2) Magnesium-vitamin B6 supplementation, and 3) Digestive enzyme supplementation. Although three of the six studies included in this synthesis reported positive results, the methodology used to obtain the results was ﬂawed. The positive results cannot be attributed solely to the intervention. While the results achieved in the studies provide enough evidence to justify further research, currently there is not enough evidence to support the use of nutritional interventions to treat
Social and Behavioral Foundations of Public Health

PART ONE: INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW Why Study Social and Behavioral Factors in Health? Historical Perspectives on Population and Disease Social Epidemiology PART TWO: CONCEPTUAL FOUNDATIONS Health and Illness Behavior - Gwendolyn P Quinn and Jeannine Coreil The Social Environment and Health Social Differentiation, Cultural Diversity and Community Health PART THREE: SOCIOCULTURAL RESPONSE TO ILLNESS Deviance and Social Control Comparative Health Cultures Community-Based Approaches to Health Promotion Social Marketing PART FOUR: SPECIAL TOPICS Health Behavior in Developing Countries Food and Society Public Mental Health - Melinda S Forthofer Aging and Public Health The New Imperative
Zwei Kurzscreenings zur Messung von Angst vor Schlangen: Reliabilität und Validität im Vergleich zum SNAQ

There is a high demand for economic screening instruments quickly assessing specific mental diagnoses in both therapy and research. Regrettably, evaluated German short-screening instruments measuring snake anxiety are not available. Therefore, we translated a short English self-judgment instrument addressing snake anxiety (Schlangenangstaspekte-Fragebogen SANA: Aspects of Snake Anxiety Questionnaire) and developed an even shorter screening instrument (Schlangenangstscreening, SCANS) along the DSM-IV specific phobia criteria to determine their reliability and validity. Both instruments were compared to the substantially more extensive Schlangenangstfragebogen SCAF (Snake Anxiety Questionnaire, SNAQ). For all questionnaires, we found very good internal consistency, good reliability, and good to very good construct validity and criterion validity. Therefore, the screening instruments SANA and SCANS are suitable to replace the SNAQ with similar quality but higher time efficiency.
Undergraduate students’ motivation and engagement in China: an exploratory study

Viewing student engagement as a multidimensional construct, this study explored the motivation and engagement of undergraduate students in China. A sample of 1131 students from 10 full-time universities in Beijing participated in a survey. The results showed that the Motivation and Engagement Scale for university/college students is a promising and valid instrument for assessing student engagement in Chinese universities. Chinese undergraduates simultaneously performed well in both adaptive and maladaptive motivation and engagement, indicating some influence from the cultural context of China. Four categories of learners were generated according to their motivation and engagement characteristics. Some consistent patterns of individual differences related to gender, grade level, discipline and institution type were revealed. The results have implications for enhancing student engagement.
Assessing the Protective Effects of School Belonging Against the Risk of Limited English Proficiency

A study was conducted among a sample of Korean American students to investigate the potential moderation of the risks related to English proficiency by the protection of school belonging. Perceived scholastic competence, self-reported school grades, and academic expectancies were used for dependent variables. It was hypothesized that students with higher sense of belonging would be less affected by English proficiency than their peers with lower sense of belonging. The risk of English proficiency was confirmed. However, school belonging did not have as much of an effect as expected and students with higher English proficiency seemed to gain more benefit from increased school belonging. This finding reminds educators of the pressing importance of English proficiency, and future research is suggested to investigate the unique effects of belonging among students of Korean, and perhaps other Asian, backgrounds. INDEX WORDS: Korean American, immigrants, students, school belonging, English proficiency, perceived scholastic competence, school grades, academic expectancies