Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Form-focused instruction and learner investment in L2 communication

The purpose of this study is to examine the role of form-focused instruction (FFI) in relation to learner investment in second language (L2) communication. Although positive effects of FFI have been reported, most of this research has been conducted from a cognitive-interactionist perspective. Little attention has been paid to the social factors of FFI, including learner investment-a desire to learn a second/foreign language taking into consideration learners' socially constructed identities (Norton Peirce, 1995). Drawing on second language socialization theory (Duff, 2007) and using discursive practices (Young, 2009) as an analytic framework, this study examines how FFI influences learner investment in L2 communication in the classroom setting. Twenty-four high school students in Japan participated in a study, where two Japanese teachers of English team-taught four 50-minute lessons. Each lesson contained a 15-minute exclusively meaning-focused activity and a 15-minute form-focused activity that included attention to both form and meaning. All students completed both types of activities. Data were collected through classroom observations, video-recorded classroom interactions, stimulated recalls, interviews, questionnaires, and diaries, all of which were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. The results suggest that FFI created social contexts for learners to establish their identities as L2 learners, leading to greater investment in L2 communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Problems of allometric scaling analysis: examples from mammalian reproductive biology

SUMMARY Biological scaling analyses employing the widely used bivariate allometric model are beset by at least four interacting problems: (1) choice of an appropriate best-fit line with due attention to the influence of outliers; (2) objective recognition of divergent subsets in the data (allometric grades); (3) potential restrictions on statistical independence resulting from phylogenetic inertia; and (4) the need for extreme caution in inferring causation from correlation. A new non-parametric line-fitting technique has been developed that eliminates requirements for normality of distribution, greatly reduces the influence of outliers and permits objective recognition of grade shifts in substantial datasets. This technique is applied in scaling analyses of mammalian gestation periods and of neonatal body mass in primates. These analyses feed into a re-examination, conducted with partial correlation analysis, of the maternal energy hypothesis relating to mammalian brain evolution, which suggests links between body size and brain size in neonates and adults, gestation period and basal metabolic rate. Much has been made of the potential problem of phylogenetic inertia as a confounding factor in scaling analyses. However, this problem may be less severe than suspected earlier because nested analyses of variance conducted on residual variation (rather than on raw values) reveals that there is considerable variance at low taxonomic levels. In fact, limited divergence in body size between closely related species is one of the prime examples of phylogenetic inertia. One common approach to eliminating perceived problems of phylogenetic inertia in allometric analyses has been calculation of `independent contrast values'. It is demonstrated that the reasoning behind this approach is flawed in several ways. Calculation of contrast values for closely related species of similar body size is, in fact, highly questionable, particularly when there are major deviations from the best-fit line for the scaling relationship under scrutiny.
Experiences of engaging in psychotherapeutic interventions for sexual offending behaviours: A meta-synthesis

Abstract This meta-synthesis explores individuals' experiences of engaging in psychotherapeutic interventions for sexual offending. The findings of ten qualitative studies were integrated and five over-arching concepts emerged: (1) incentives and inhibitions: to engage or not to engage? ; (2) help or hindrance: the impact of others in therapy; (3) the abused and the abuser: perspectives for transformation; (4) struggling and striving: dealing with distress and difficulties and (5) what works: inside and outside. A line of argument derived from these concepts is proposed as a framework for understanding sex offenders' experiences of therapy and highlights aspects of treatment programmes that need further exploration or emphasis. Using qualitative accounts can improve the responsiveness of treatment programmes, but such research is currently limited. Future qualitative studies and reviews could help further improve the effectiveness of treatment programmes, and thereby reduce the rate of sexual reoffending.
Multi-scale Validation of Structural Models of Audio Traffic

This paper identifies the structural properties of RealAudio traffic, develops an application-level model and validates the model using multi-scale analytic techniques. RealAudio traffic is quite different from web traffic and constant bit rate traffic, models commonly used for Internet and multimedia traffic respectively today. We demonstrate that RealAudio has rich behavior across a range of time scales, with regularity at large time scales, strong periodicities from RTT to a few seconds, and complex behavior at small time scales. A simulation model was developed which captures the main structural characteristics of RealAudio, and demonstrates the importance of multiscale analysis in validating this model. We also demonstrate via simulation that RealAudio loss rates can be noticeably reduced by slightly changing its characteristics to reduce burstiness. Although our results focus on Real Audio traffic, this methodology may be useful for studies of other types of real-time streaming media.
Occupational Balance in People With Schizophrenia

The aim of this study was to illuminate the concept of occupational balance and to study its relation to occupational engagement as assessed by the Profiles of Occupational Engagement in people with Schizophrenia (POES), health related factors, and quality of life among 72 persons with schizophrenia. Three constructs: being under-occupied, being over-occupied, and having occupational balance, were developed to help assess occupational balance. The inter-reliability testing of occupational balance resulted in good agreement on average. The descriptive statistics showed that 32 participants were deemed to be under-occupied, 35 participants had occupational balance, while five participants were over-occupied. Significant statistical differences were found between the subgroups of being under-occupied and having occupational balance regarding negative symptoms, sense of coherence and quality of life. In clinical practice, the assessment of occupational balance could help occupational therapists to optimize the design of time-use interventions.
Survivable Virtual Infrastructure Mapping in a Federated Computing and Networking System under Single Regional Failures

As virtualization becomes more and more popular, how to guarantee survivability of a virtual infrastructure (VI) over a wide-area optical network is increasingly important. In this paper, we approach the problem of survivable VI mapping (SVIM) from a few unique perspectives. One of the most distinguishing perspectives is that a large-scale regional failure could destroy one or more facility nodes to which some VI nodes are mapped. Accordingly, redundant facility nodes at different geographical locations and redundant optical connections have to be provisioned such that the VI can still be mapped after the failure. Another distinguishing perspective is that with failure-dependent protection, the SVIM problem can be decomposed into several instances of the basic non-survivable VI mapping (NSVIM) problem, whose solution permits effective sharing of the redundant resources among all failures. In this paper, we first formulate the minimum-cost SVIM problem using mixed integer linear programming (MILP). We then propose an efficient heuristic solution to NSVIM, based on which two novel heuristic SVIM algorithms called Separate Optimization with Unconstrained Mapping (SOUM) and Incremental Optimization with Constrained Mapping (IOCM). Simulations are performed to study and compare the performance of the MILP and heuristics.
Behavioral Intentions and Action Plans Promote Physical Exercise: A Longitudinal Study with Orthopedic Rehabilitation Patients

Patients in rehabilitation settings often face difficulties in complying with physical exercise regimens. To examine social-cognitive determinants in the adoption and maintenance of exercise, a study with four points in time was launched, scrutinizing beliefs and behaviors of 509 orthopedic patients. Although exercise levels increased over time, a sizable number of patients remained inactive. Perceived self-efficacy and outcome expectancies predicted levels of intention and action plans. The latter two in turn were proximal predictors of subsequent exercise. In light of the findings, it is argued that planning helps to bridge the intention-behavior gap. Planning is an alterable variable and is therefore suitable for effective intervention.
Testifying in the Special Court for Sierra Leone: witness perceptions of safety and emotional welfare

Abstract This paper describes the experience of those who have testified in the Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL), particularly in terms of the impact on witness security and emotional welfare. The SCSL is an international war crimes tribunal located in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Testifying in such a court has the potential to negatively impact on witnesses’ personal security, and their emotional, social and economic well-being. Therefore, the SCSL has a number of measures in place to protect witnesses, and to ensure they are not negatively affected by testifying. One hundred and seventy-one witnesses who had completed their testimony were interviewed. Their responses indicate that witnesses do not feel less safe as a result of their involvement with the SCSL, and that they become less worried as their familiarity with the Court and its processes increases. Aspects of the SCSL's work with witnesses that particularly contribute to their well-being are identified, along with aspects of the service which could be modified or improved.
Anterior temporal lobes mediate semantic representation: Mimicking semantic dementia by using rTMS in normal participants

Studies of semantic dementia and PET neuroimaging investigations suggest that the anterior temporal lobes (ATL) are a critical substrate for semantic representation. In stark contrast, classical neurological models of comprehension do not include ATL, and likewise functional MRI studies often fail to show activations in the ATL, reinforcing the classical view. Using a novel application of low-frequency, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the ATL, we demonstrate that the behavioral pattern of semantic dementia can be mirrored in neurologically intact participants: Specifically, we show that temporary disruption to neural processing in the ATL produces a selective semantic impairment leading to significant slowing in both picture naming and word comprehension but not to other equally demanding, nonsemantic cognitive tasks.
Chief executive leadership style, consensus decision making, and top management team effectiveness

Using data from 79 high technology firms in the US and Ireland this study concludes that leadership style has both direct and indirect relationships with consensus decision making and with the reported effectiveness of top management teams. It focuses on what effective leaders do rather than the individual traits they possess and distinguishes between four styles of leadership: authoritarian (characterized by the use of instruction and non-contingent reprimand), transactional (influence via exchange of valued rewards for services/behaviours), transformational (inspiring followers to do more than originally expected), and laissez faire (avoiding decision making and supervisory responsibility). The transformational style of leadership was significantly and positively related, and the laissez faire style was significantly negatively related to reported team
Not Just Crazy: An Explanation for the Resonance of the Birther Narrative

In this essay I use an updated approach to Richard Hofstadter's paranoid style to analyze the contemporary birther movement. While the paranoid style provides a set of characteristics that describes paranoid narratives, it does not account for why some narratives ring true for certain audiences. Thus, in order to explain how and why the birther narrative resonates with a substantial portion of Americans, I argue that the resonance of the birther narrative can be explained through Kenneth Burke's scapegoating process, which activates the conspiratorial story for the birther audience. I use an analysis of a popular birther film, materials on the birthers' website, and media commentary on the group to illustrate this position.
Frozen children and despairing embryos in the ‘new’ post-communist state: The debate on IVF in the context of Poland’s transition

In vitro fertilization (IVF) technology has been in use in Poland for over 25 years with success and social approval, but it is still not regulated under Polish law. The current debate over different non-medical aspects of reproductive technologies in Poland is extremely heated and highly politicized. Politicians on the right, Catholic clergy and some journalists use very radical language and criticize IVF as a technique that plays with the lives and deaths of thousands and thousands of children. The aim of this article is to follow the Polish debate on IVF in the context of Poland’s transition, which is marked primarily by two events: the collapse of communism in 1989 and access to the European Union in 2004. The article shows that the IVF debate concerns not only moral choices or legal regulation, but also citizenship, nation, state, and the role of the Catholic Church within. Moreover, it creates new citizens: frozen embryos, which being independent persons, have the right to life, ‘dignity’ and care. The history of IVF in Poland reveals the different tensions in the Polish transition to liberal democracy and it can be used to view a ‘big’ history of the Polish transition. It is one of the micro-histories which make this big story about Poland after 1989. Analyses of both the abortion debate and the IVF debate in Poland show that the process of democratization is very much connected with limiting women’s reproductive rights, including the right to choose infertility treatment.
Spatial and temporal genetic variation in British field populations of the grain aphid Sitobion avenae (F.) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) studied using rapd-pcr

The grain aphid Sitobion avenae (F.) was collected from winter wheat and adjacent cocksfoot grass at two locations in southern England and at four times in the year (April-July). Genetic variation between individual aphids was then investigated using random amplified polymorphic DNA polymerase chain reaction. Individuals caught in wheat and cocksfoot during April provided very different and highly diagnostic banding patterns that were independent of location. This host-based genetic differentiability was less evident as the season progressed, largely as a result of genetic drift and local movement between adjacent host species, which appeared to be predominantely in the direction from cocksfoot to wheat. The diversity of putative clones fell significantly, the mean number of individuals per clone rose and clones became more exclusively associated with certain sites which suggests that long-distance migration may have less of a homogenizing effect than hitherto thought for this species.
How partners’ temptation leads to their heightened commitment

A model of extradyadic temptation and mate guarding was tested in the present dyadic daily report study. Results indicated that participants (perceivers) perceived their partner’s (targets) daily extradyadic temptation and that these perceptions predicted perceivers’ daily mate-guarding behaviors. Perceivers’ chronic jealousy moderated these relationships. These results suggest that perceivers, especially chronically jealous perceivers, are sensitive to their partners’ temptation for extradyadic relations and respond to this temptation with relationship-protective behaviors. Furthermore, perceivers’ mate-guarding behaviors predicted increases in targets’ subsequent daily commitment, suggesting that perceivers’ mate guarding works to deter targets from future infidelity by increasing targets’ commitment to the relationship. These findings suggest an interpersonal process in which people detect and then regulate their partners’ extradyadic temptation.
Does Life in the United States Take a Toll on Health? Duration of Residence and Birthweight among Six Decades of Immigrants 1

We used data from the 1998–2009 waves of the National Health Interview Survey to investigate cohort differences in low birthweight among US-born children of mothers arriving in the United States between 1955 and 2009, cohort-adjusted patterns in low birthweight by maternal duration of residence in the United States, and cohort-adjusted patterns in low birthweight by maternal duration of US residence stratified by age at arrival and region of origin. We found a consistent deterioration in infant health with successive immigrant cohorts and heterogeneous effects of cohort-adjusted duration in the United States by age at arrival and region. Most notably, we found evidence that maternal health (as proxied by low birthweight) deteriorates with duration in the United States only for immigrant mothers who came to the United States as children. For mothers who arrived as adults, we found no evidence of deterioration. The findings underscore the importance of considering age at arrival and place of origin when studying post-migration health trajectories and provide indirect evidence that early life exposures are a key to understanding why the United States lags other developed nations in health.
Chern characters for proper equivariant homology theories and applications to K- and L-theory

We construct for an equivariant homology theory for proper equiv- ariant CW-complexes an equivariant Chern character, provided that certain conditions are satisfied. This applies for instance to the sources of the assembly maps in the Farrell- Jones Conjecture with respect to the family F of finite subgroups and in the Baum- Connes Conjecture. Thus we get an explicit calculation in terms of group homology of Qn Z KnORGU and Qn Z LnORGU for a commutative ring R with QH R, provided the Farrell-Jones Conjecture with respect to F is true, and of QnZ K top n ˇ C r OG; FU for Fa R; C, provided the Baum-Connes Conjecture is true.
Recurrent Neural Network-Based Modeling and Simulation of Lead-Acid Batteries Charge–Discharge

This paper presents the main experiences and results obtained about the problem of the lead-acid battery modeling and simulation. A nonlinear mathematical model is presented as well as results of neuroprocessing of the charge-discharge experimental and simulated data. Recurrent neural networks were used to provide a state-of-charge observer and model parameter estimation and tuning. The simulation results are compared with those obtained by extensive lab tests performed on different batteries used for electric vehicle and photovoltaic application.
Photo Essays for Experiential Learning: Toward a Critical Pedagogy of Place in Tourism Education

This article complements practices of critical pedagogy in tourism education, the significance of place-making in the tourism field, and applications of visual methods in tourism research. It reports a photo essay assignment and related activities conceptualized within a framework of experiential learning and designed to express a critical pedagogy of place. The process involved graduate students adopting an identity of “tourist-researcher” to experience, document, narrate, and interpret a tourist activity or destination. We argue that photo essays show promise as an instructional strategy that facilitates awareness within students of the role they play in tourism place-making.
Oficinas de construção de indicadores e dispositivos de avaliação: uma nova técnica de consenso

Este artigo discute o trabalho com Oficinas de construcao de indicadores e dispositivos de avaliacao enquanto uma nova tecnica de consensos, especialmente no contexto de uma pesquisa participativa e avaliativa. Para tanto, apresenta as tradicionais tecnicas de consenso, bem como o metodo de Oficinas, trabalhado pelo Grupo de Pesquisa Saude Coletiva e Saude Mental: interfaces. Conclui-se que as Oficinas apresentam vantagens frente as tradicionais tecnicas de consenso na medida em que aumentam a diversidade dos atores e as insercoes socio-politicas dos participantes, nao se restringindo apenas aqueles reconhecidos como especialistas no objeto estudado. A inclusao desses diferentes atores na construcao do conhecimento alinha-se a aposta no protagonismo como fator decisivo na incorporacao dos resultados do processo avaliativo no cotidiano do trabalho. No entanto, exige infra-estrutura para o encontro presencial entre os participantes e habilidade para lidar democraticamente com as diferentes posicoes de poder nelas incluidas.
APPLYING SURVIVAL ANALYSIS TO ESTIMATE SURVIVAL TIME IN GASTRIC CANCER PATIENTS

Background and purpose: Due to the difficulty of diagnosis, esophageal and gastric cancers have a special position in Mazandaran Province. In this province, gastric cancer is considered to be one the most important causes of mortality; therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the survival of patients with gastric cancer in Mazandaran. Materials and methods: In this historical Cohort study all gastric cancer patients referring to an academic center clinic from 2007 to 2010 were enrolled. A parametric model was fitted to the data. Parametric survival models, Kaplan-Meier and life table were applied for estimating the survival probability and investigating the effect of different variables. Results: The mean age of the participants was 64 years and 68.3% of the patients were men. Among the patients, 48.4% were in the most advanced stage i.e.: stage 4. The survival probability of more than 2 years was calculated 27.7% in the patients, using Kaplan Mayer method. Cox hazard proportional model revealed that variables like the stage of the disease, metastasis and surgery status, and age influenced the survival probability of patients. Conclusion: Low survival time of the participants of the study may be due to the late diagnosis and lack of medical facilities.
[Development of the short version of the informal caregiver burden assessment questionnaire].

OBJETIVE to create a reduced version of the QASCI, which is structurally equivalent to the long one and meets the criteria of reliability and validity. METHOD Through secondary data from previous studies, the participants were divided into two samples, one for the development of reduced version and the second for study of the factorial validity. Participants responded to QASCI, the SF 36, the ADHS and demographic questions. RESULTS A reduced version of 14 items showed adequate psychometric properties of validity and internal consistency, adapted to a heptadimensional structure that assesses positive and negative aspects of care. CONCLUSION Confirmatory factor analysis revealed a good fit with the advocated theoretical model.