Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Beyond Vocabulary: Exploring Cross-Disciplinary Academic-Language Proficiency and Its Association With Reading Comprehension

Despite a longstanding awareness of academic language as a pedagogically relevant research area, the construct of academic language proficiency, understood as a more comprehensive set of skills than just academic vocabulary, has remained vaguely specified. In this study, we explore a more inclusive operationalization of an academic language proficiency construct, Core Academic Language Skills (CALS). CALS refers to a constellation of high-utility language skills hypothesized to support reading comprehension across school content areas. Using the CALS-I, a theoretically grounded and psychometrically robust innovative instrument, we first examined the variability in students' CALS by grade, English proficiency designation, and socioeconomic status (SES). Then, we examined the contribution of CALS to reading comprehension using academic vocabulary knowledge, word reading fluency, and socio- demographic factors as covariates. A linguistically and socioeconomically diverse cross- sectional sample of 218 students (grades 4-6) participated in four assessments: the CALS-I, a standardized reading comprehension assessment (GMRT), an academic vocabulary test (VAT), and a word reading fluency test (TOSWRF). GLM analysis of variance revealed that CALS differed significantly by grade, English proficiency designation, and SES, with students in higher grades, English proficient students, and those from higher SES backgrounds displaying higher scores, on average. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses identified CALS as an independent predictor of reading comprehension, even after controlling for academic vocabulary knowledge, word reading fluency, and socio-demographic factors. By specifying a set of language skills associated with reading comprehension, this study advances our understanding of school- relevant language skills, making them more visible for researchers and educators. ACADEMIC LANGUAGE & READING COMPREHENSION 3 Beyond vocabulary: Exploring cross-disciplinary academic language proficiency and its association with reading comprehension
Talking among Themselves? Weberian and Marxist Historical Sociologies as Dialogues without ‘Others’

Historical sociology is divided between two broad approaches, Weberian and Marxist. The first utilises a methodology of ideal types, presenting a largely endogenous examination of Western history in its account of modernity. The second acknowledges capitalism as a ‘world system’, but also identifies its central dynamic with processes having a European origin. Within the Weberian tradition, theories of multiple modernities allow modernity to be understood as culturally inflected and diverse in its instantiations, but retain the idea of a distinctive European modernity against which other forms are measured. Similarly, within Marxism, the emphasis on a distinctive capitalist mode of production allows space for uneven development globally, or the contingent association of non-capitalist forms, but retains an account of the logic of capitalism derived from European experience. Although the social relations of colonialism, imperialism and slavery are coextensive with capitalism, each tradition renders them peripheral to the development of capitalist modernity. This article discusses the limitations of the two approaches, arguing that any model that posits a world historical centre from which developments diffuse outwards is problematic, especially when such a model does not address the ‘others’ with which it comes subsequently to engage. What is needed is a ‘connected histories’ approach counter to the otherwise dominant forms of historical sociology.
Personality Profiles of Intimate Partner Violence Offenders With and Without PTSD

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious forensic and clinical problem throughout the United States. Research aimed at defining and differentiating subgroups of IPV offenders using standardized personality instruments may eventually help with matching treatments to specific individuals to reduce recidivism. The current study used a convenience sample of court-ordered IPV offenders to explore whether the presence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can reliably differentiate this population in terms of personality characteristics and clinical symptoms. Profile analysis showed meaningful differences between PTSD (n = 22), non-PTSD (n = 43), and nontrauma (n = 13) groups on a variety of Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory and Personality Assessment Inventory personality and clinical scales. The PTSD group reported significantly less IPV than the non-PTSD and nontrauma groups, as well as endorsing greater overall distress, greater symptoms of anxiety, and greater symptoms of depression across instruments. Implications for assessment are discussed.
A prospective randomized trial comparing tension-free vaginal tape versus transobturator tape in patients with stress or mixed urinary incontinence: subjective cure rate and satisfaction in median follow-up of 46 months

Abstract Objective. The aim of this study was to investigate the difference in subjective cure rate and patient satisfaction between tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) and transobturator tape (TOT) surgical methods in the treatment of stress and mixed urinary incontinence. Material and methods. From January 2004 to November 2006, a total of 100 patients suffering from stress or mixed urinary incontinence and evaluated to benefit from operative treatment were randomized to undergo either TVT or TOT surgery in Oulu University Hospital. There were no significant differences between the study groups concerning the patient characteristics. During the 3, 14 and 46 month follow-up steps, information on subjective cure and patient satisfaction was gathered with Urinary Incontinence Severity Score and Detrusor Instability Score questionnaires and a specific question about satisfaction. Results. The subjective cure rate was 81% in both study groups. The satisfaction rate was 79% in the TVT group and 74% in the TOT group at the final follow-up. Urge symptoms were relieved in 70% of patients in the mixed urinary incontinence subgroup. De novo urgency occurred in 17% of the patients in the stress urinary incontinence subgroup, and 45% of these patients were unsatisfied after the follow-up. Conclusions. TVT and TOT are equally effective methods in the treatment of urinary incontinence and patient satisfaction is similar in both methods. A large proportion of patients with mixed urinary incontinence found the operation beneficial for urge symptoms.
Party Politics and Different Paths to Democratic Transitions

Benin and Senegal represent two successful cases of democratic transition in Africa. They also represent two different paths to that end. This article explores the role of political parties in facilitating these different and successful paths to democratic transitions. In Benin, political parties and political leaders relied on the prevailing patterns of ethno-regional cleavages to structure their strategic interactions, mobilize electoral support and organize competition in legislative and presidential elections. In Senegal, an incremental pattern of institutional reform helped the ruling party retain power while enabling fragmented opposition groups to participate in competitive elections. In the long run, this helped opposition groups develop an effective electoral coalition to defeat the ruling party in presidential and legislative elections and bring about a turnover in government.
Children’s perceptions of bullying among peers through the use of graphic representation / Percepciones infantiles sobre el maltrato entre iguales a través de la representación gráfica

Abstract This study analyzes children’s perceptions of bullying and its emotional effects on primary education students. A total of 276 students between the ages of six and 11 years (M = 8.53, SD = 1.62) from two public schools in Castilla-La Mancha were invited to express themselves by creating drawings of the bullying phenomenon. The results were analyzed based on descriptive statistics and interjudge analyses on categories and criteria that were present in the drawings. The results show that the cognitive representation of bullying among peers that the students display in their drawings fits the definition of bullying itself, in its basic characteristics and role distribution. The representations point out the phenomenon’s dyadic structure, basically made up of the same gender; with more males than females recognized as those involved. Sadness and generally negative emotions were identified in the victims. A moral disengagement was found in the aggressors. The results are discussed in relation to existing knowledge on the phenomenon that was obtained through psychometric procedures based on self-reports.
Tumor necrosis factor alpha maintains the viability of murine epidermal Langerhans cells in culture, but in contrast to granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor, without inducing their functional maturation

Freshly isolated murine epidermal Langerhans cells (LC) are weak stimulators of resting T cells but increase their stimulatory capacity 10-30-fold upon 2-3 d of culture together with other epidermal cells. This maturation of LC is mediated by two keratinocyte products. Granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) maintains viability and increases function. IL-1 alone does not keep LC alive, but when combined with GM-CSF further enhances their stimulatory activity. We have now searched for a cytokine that would keep LC in a viable, but functionally immature state. When LC (enriched to greater than 75%) were cultured in the presence of GM-CSF (2 ng/ml) or murine (TNF-alpha) (plateau effect at 62 U/ml), the recovery of viable LC after 72 h was identical. The LC cultured in murine TNF-alpha, however, were 10-30 times less active in stimulating resting T cells. A series of experiments demonstrated that this phenomenon was not due to the induction of insufficient amounts of GM-CSF, the induction of a suppressor factor, or a toxic effect of TNF-alpha. Interestingly, the observed TNF-alpha activity exhibited a species preference, as human TNF-alpha was not active at comparable doses. We have observed an unexpected effect of TNF-alpha on LC in vitro. Though we found that freshly prepared epidermal cells express TNF-alpha mRNA, further studies are needed to establish whether TNF-alpha plays a role in vivo by keeping resident LC in a viable, but functionally immature state.
Weight management-related assessment and counseling by primary care providers in an area of high childhood obesity prevalence: current practices and areas of opportunity.

BACKGROUND Childhood obesity in Georgia exceeds the national rate. The state's pediatric primary care providers (PCPs) are well positioned to support behavior change, but little is known about provider perceptions and practices regarding this role. PURPOSE The aim of this study was to assess and compare weight-management-related counseling perceptions and practices among Georgia's PCPs. METHODS In 2012-2013, 656 PCPs (265 pediatricians, 143 family practice physicians [FPs], and 248 nurse practitioners/physician assistants [NP/PAs]) completed a survey regarding weight-management-related practices at well-child visits before their voluntary participation in a free training on patient-centered counseling and child weight management. Data were analyzed in 2014. Likert scales were used to quantify responses from 1 (strongly disagree or never) to 5 (strongly agree or always). Responses of 4 and 5 responses were combined to denote agreement or usual practice. Chi-squared analyses tested for independent associations between pediatricians and others. Statistical significance was determined using two-sided tests and p value <0.05. RESULTS The majority of PCPs assessed fruit and vegetable intake (83%) and physical activity (78%), but pediatricians were more likely than FPs and NP/PAs to assess beverage intake (96% vs. 82-87%; p≤0.002) and screen time (86% vs. 74-75%; p≤0.003). Pediatricians were also more likely to counsel patients on lifestyle changes (88% vs. 71%; p<0.001) and to track progress (50% vs. 35-39%; p<0.05). Though all PCPs agreed that goal setting is an effective motivator (88%) and that behavior change increases with provider encouragement (85%), fewer were confident in their ability to counsel (72%). CONCLUSIONS Our results show that many PCPS in Georgia, particularly pediatricians, have incorporated weight management counseling into their practice; however, important opportunities to strengthen these efforts by targeting known high-risk behaviors remain.
Adult attachment and romantic partner preference: A review

In this literature review we explore inconsistencies in studies relating self-reported adult attachment to romantic partner preference. Such studies have tested one of three hypotheses: that individuals prefer partners with a similar attachment style, a complementary attachment style, or the attachment style most likely to offer attachment security. Consistent with all hypotheses, secure individuals prefer similarly secure partners. Discrepancies are found, however, regarding insecure individuals’ preferences. Evidence supporting similarity and attachment—security hypotheses is primarily reported in research on attraction to hypothetical partners. Evidence supporting the complementarity hypothesis comes from research on matching between partners in long-term relationships. We suggest that individuals’ working model of other may be more salient during initial attraction, whereas individuals’ working model of self may be more salient during relationship maintenance. We discuss these findings, focusing on individuals’ needs for self-enhancement and self-consistency in relation to partner preference and attachment style.
Characteristic Conformation of Mosher’s Amide Elucidated Using the Cambridge Structural Database

Conformations of the crystalline 3,3,3-trifluoro-2-methoxy-2-phenylpropanamide derivatives (MTPA amides) deposited in the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) were examined statistically as Racid-enantiomers. The majority of dihedral angles (48/58, ca. 83%) of the amide carbonyl groups and the trifluoromethyl groups ranged from –30° to 0° with an average angle θ1 of −13°. The other conformational properties were also clarified: (1) one of the fluorine atoms was antiperiplanar (ap) to the amide carbonyl group, forming a staggered conformation; (2) the MTPA amides prepared from primary amines showed a Z form in amide moieties; (3) in the case of the MTPA amide prepared from a primary amine possessing secondary alkyl groups (i.e., Mosher-type MTPA amide), the dihedral angles between the methine groups and the carbonyl groups were syn and indicative of a moderate conformational flexibility; (4) the phenyl plane was inclined from the O–Cchiral bond of the methoxy moiety with an average dihedral angle θ2 of +21°; (5) the methyl group of the methoxy moiety was ap to the ipso-carbon atom of the phenyl group.
Critical Discourse Analysis and the Marketization of Public Discourse: The Universities

This paper sets out the author's view of discourse analysis and illustrates the approach with an analysis of discursive aspects of marketization of public discourse in contemporary Britain, specifically in higher education. It includes a condensed theoretical account of critical discourse analysis, a framework for analysing discursive events, and a discussion of discursive practices (including their marketization) in late capitalist society, as well as analysis of samples of the discourse of higher education. The paper concludes with a discussion of the value of critical discourse analysis as a method in social scientific research, and as a resource for social struggle.
Students' Consent to a Teacher's Pedagogical Authority

In this paper student comments are examined to identify a typology of demands for granting their consent to a teacher's pedagogical authority. The data for this study (136 written responses and 66 interviews) have been collected from students in a Finnish comprehensive school and examined by means of a theory-bounded content analysis. The results show that the students in this study expressed views which amounted to a typology of demands. If their demands are met, students will grant consent to their teacher's pedagogical authority and, consequently, allow the teaching, studying, and learning of the content under consideration. Securing students' consent to authority in the classroom will provide a new perspective on the phenomenon of a teacher's pedagogical authority. It is argued that a teacher's pedagogical authority and student consent to pedagogical authority are complementary ways of sharing power in the classroom and bringing about a pattern of empowerment.
Bullying in German Primary Schools

The study discussed herein assessed the prevalence of bullying and analysed possible predictors for bullying in a sample of urban primary school-age children. Factors considered were students’ gender and age differences as well as parents’ educational level and migration backgrounds. Using a cross-informant approach (self- and teacher-reports), bullying was assessed among 550 children between the ages of 6.5 and 10.8 years attending 12 regular primary schools in Bremen and Lower Saxony, Germany. Overall, 10 percent of children were classified as bullies, 17.4 percent as victims and 16.5 percent as bully/victims, with boys being bullies and bully/victims more often than girls. Direct bullying was more likely directed at, and employed by, boys. Indirect/relational bullying occurred less frequently and mainly within same-gender groups. Results from logistic regression analyses showed that, apart from age and gender, low parental educational levels were a significant predictor for a child’s bullying status (bully, victim, bully/victim). Implications for bullying assessment, prevention and intervention programs are discussed.
Evaluation of two portable sensors for energy expenditure assessment during high-intensity running

Abstract The correct assessment of individual energy requirements of athletes remains a challenge. Available literature indicates that accelerometry-based sensors underestimated energy expenditure in athletes, especially during high-intensity exercise. The goal of our study was to evaluate two commercially available devices (Actiheart; SenseWear Pro3) during high-intensity running and to identify potential sources of error. Twenty-nine male endurance- and strength-trained athletes participated in an incremental running exercise, which started at 2.8 m · s−1. Running speed was increased by 0.4 m · s−1 every 5 minutes until 4.8 m · s−1 or individual exhaustion were reached. Energy expenditure was measured with indirect calorimetry (IC) and both sensors were worn according to the manufacturers' instructions. Twelve participants also conducted a step test in order to individually recalibrate the Actiheart data. The Actiheart monitor underestimated energy expenditure (EE) for all speeds by 1.1 to 8.3 kcal · min−1 and showed a weak correlation with IC (r=0.61). Following individual recalibration there were no significant differences to IC but validity correlation did not improve (r=0.56). Heart rate was assessed correctly with the Actiheart when compared to a Polar 610 recorder. Activity counts increased only between 2.8 and 3.6 m · s−1 but plateaued thereafter. SenseWear significantly underestimated EE for all speeds by 1.0 to 9.5 kcal min−1 and was moderately correlated with IC (r=0.66). Longitudinal and transversal acceleration increased significantly between 2.8 and 4.4 m · s−1 and were correlated with running speed (0.63 < r<0.69). Our results show that both devices underestimate EE during high-intensity running. For Actiheart, individual calibration is recommended in order to obtain sufficiently accurate results. For SenseWear, acceleration data could be used to improve EE prediction during high-intensity running. Further research is necessary to validate these portable devices in other groups, in field settings and during other exercise types.
Exploring trauma, loss and healing: spirituality, Te Whāriki and early childhood education

Attention to spirituality is proposed to be a means of restoring and supporting well‐being in early childhood educational contexts. In Aotearoa, New Zealand, the spiritual dimension is included in the early childhood curriculum Te Whāriki. This holistic approach to education supported research in three different early childhood settings: a Montessori casa, a private preschool and a Rudolf Steiner kindergarten. Narratives (re)produced from the qualitative case study data are included in the article to show that young children experience and overcome adversity in their early years. The discussion is framed by the cultural theories of everyday life and attention to philosophical perspectives that encompass the spiritual. Spiritual withness, spiritual in‐betweenness and the spiritual elsewhere are introduced as spiritual and transformative spaces in these settings. This account combines research, theory and pedagogical perspectives. It describes the concept of everyday spirituality as an ameliorating factor in these stories of loss and recovery.
Doing employee cynicism through impression management

Although much employee cynicism research has focused on the nature of the criticism directed at employers, relatively little research has examined how individual employees present themselves during such criticism. To help fill this gap, this article draws on identity theory to highlight the importance of studying employee cynicism at an individual rather than generic level. This paper focuses on four one-to-one interviews with lecturers at a private third-level educational institute undergoing a change of ownership. A contribution of this article is that it offers an alternative interpretation to the 'either/or' paradigm where we view employee cynicism as a consequence of 'unethical' employer behaviour or the product of 'negative' employees. This paradigm fails to capture the complex and sometimes contradictory nature of the subjects' dynamic positions with regards to employee cynicism.
Quality of Life in Adolescence: The Role of Perceived Control, Parenting Style, and Social Support

Abstract Adult levels of subjective quality of life (SQOL) are remarkably stable on a population basis. This has been explained through the operation of a homeostatic system that acts to maintain each individual's SQOL within a narrow range. However, there are good reasons to expect this homeostatic system to come under severe challenge during adolescence. Many of the variables thought to be involved in the homeostatic process are undergoing marked change during this period, including the balance between primary and secondary control, perceived social support, and interaction with parents. In order to test the stability of SQOL and the influence of these other variables, a sample of 279 adolescents between the ages of 12 to 17 years were recruited. It was found that the SQOL of the older adolescents lay below the predicted range for adults, thereby supporting the idea of a strong challenge to homeostasis during this period. A new scale to measure perceived control was found to possess a useful two-factor structure of primary and secondary control. Moreover, both of these factors, together with social support, predicted levels of SQOL, even though the levels of primary control decreased with age. Finally, adolescents who perceived an authoritarian parenting style experienced a higher SQOL than those who perceived an unengaged style. These findings contribute to our understanding of SQOL homeostasis.