Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimizing engagement with Internet-based health behaviour change interventions: Comparison of self-assessment with and without tailored feedback using a mixed methods approach

Objectives Internet-based health behaviour interventions have variable effects on health-related outcomes. Effectiveness may be improved by optimizing the design of interventions. This study examined the specific effect on engagement of providing two different design features – tailoring and self-assessment. Design Three versions of an Internet-delivered intervention to support the self-care of mild bowel problems were developed that provided (1) self-assessment without tailored feedback, (2) self-assessment with tailored feedback, and (3) generic information only. Methods A qualitative study explored participants’ engagement with each version of the intervention (N = 24). A larger quantitative study systematically compared participants’ use of the intervention and self-reported engagement using a partial factorial design (n = 178). Results Findings from the qualitative study suggested that self-assessment without tailored feedback appeared to be less acceptable to participants because it was viewed as offering no personal benefit in the absence of personalized advice. In the quantitative study, self-assessment without tailored feedback was associated with greater dropout than when provided in conjunction with tailored feedback. There were significant group differences in participants’ engagement with the intervention and perceptions of the intervention. Self-assessment without tailored feedback was rated as marginally less engaging and was associated with fewer positive perceptions than the generic information condition. Conclusions The acceptability of self-assessment or monitoring components may be optimized by also providing tailored feedback. Without tailored feedback, these components do not appear to be any more engaging than generic information provision.
Online speaker de-identification using voice transformation

Speaker de-identification is the process by which speech is transformed in a way that the speaker identity is masked, while at the same time the transformed speech preserves acoustic information that contributes to the intelligibility, naturalness and clarity. Systems that perform speech de-identification could be used in voice driven applications (for example in call centres) where the speaker's identity has to be hidden. The paper describes the experiments we have performed in order to de-identify speech using GMM based voice transformation techniques and speaker identification using freely available tools. We propose a method by which speakers whose speech has not been used to build voice transformations (for training) can be efficiently de-identified online. The proposed method is evaluated using a speech database of read speech and a small set of speakers. The results we present show that the proposed de-identification method performs similarly as a closed-set de-identification procedure that requires previous enrolment and can efficiently be used for online speaker de-identification.
What's in a Name? Anonymity and Social Distance in Dictator and Ultimatum Games

The standard procedure in experimental economics maintains anonymity among laboratory participants. Yet, many field interactions are conducted with neither complete anonymity nor complete familiarity. When we are involved in interactive situations in the field, we usually have some clues concerning the characteristics of others; however, in environments such as e-commerce, these clues may not be very substantial. The issue of trust and behavior in virtual business is quite relevant in the contemporary economy. How will people respond to varying degrees of anonymity and social distance? This paper compares the standard procedure of playing dictator and ultimatum games with the same games played by participants who knew the family name of their counterparts. When these names were revealed, dictators allocated a significantly larger portion of the pie. However, this information had no significant effect on the offers in the ultimatum game, as it appears that strategic considerations crowd out impulses toward generosity or charity. Our results also have direct applications to fund-raising andphilanthropic activities.
A systematic review of conceptual models and methods used in research on educational leadership and management in Arab societies

ABSTRACT This review of research analyzed topics, conceptual models and research methods employed in 62 EDLM studies from Arab societies published between 2000 and 2016. Systematic review methods were used to identify relevant studies published in nine core international EDLM journals. Quantitative analyses identified patterns within this set of Arab studies and benchmarked them against trends in the broader EDLM literature. The review characterised these Arab studies as an ‘emerging literature’, largely of recent vintage. Consistent with other literatures from developing societies, topical coverage was diffuse, disconnected and lacking in programmatic inquiry. Recommendations are offered for strengthening future EDLM research in Arab societies.
Development Of Mindfulness Module For Promoting Healthy Lifestyle Among Female Students In Higher Education Institutions

This study introduces the development of a mindfulness-based module named as The Journey to Healthier Me: Be Mindful, Be Healthy, & Be Happy (TJHM) according to the counselling intervention or module standard. The main objective of this module was to promote healthy lifestyle and wellbeing among female students at university. The Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) approach, Mindfulness approach and Sidek’s Module Development Model (SMDM) were applied as guidelines in developing the mindfulness module. The validation stage was carried out by four expert counsellors, and Cronbach’s alpha index 0.85 was obtained. A group of eighteen female participants aged between 20 to 25-year-olds had undergone the module in order to measure the module’s reliability, where the reliability index was 0.95. As a result, the module is ready to be implemented as guidance and intervention for counsellors and health practitioners to enhance their client’s wellbeing and quality of life.
THE DUST-UNBIASED COSMIC STAR-FORMATION HISTORY FROM THE 20 CM VLA-COSMOS SURVEY

We derive the cosmic star-formation history out to z = 1.3 using a sample of ∼350 radio-selected star-forming (SF) galaxies, a far larger sample than those in previous, similar studies. We attempt to differentiate between radio emission from active galactic nuclei and SF galaxies, and determine an evolving 1.4 GHz luminosity function (LF) based on these VLA-COSMOS SF galaxies. We precisely measure the high-luminosity end of the SF galaxy LF (star-formation rate ≳100 M☉ yr−1; equivalent to ultra-luminous IR galaxies) out to z = 1.3, finding a somewhat slower evolution than that previously derived from mid-infrared data. We find that more stars are forming in luminous starbursts at high redshift. We use extrapolations based on the local radio galaxy LF; assuming pure luminosity evolution, we derive L* ∝ (1 + z)2.1±0.2 or L* ∝ (1 + z)2.5±0.1, depending on the choice of the local radio galaxy LF. Thus, our radio-derived results independently confirm the ∼1 order of magnitude decline in the CSFH since z ∼ 1.
Client experience of receiving adapted Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and its perceived role in the process of change

Research into Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) has been dominated by the neo positivist paradigm providing clinical practice with a sufficiently robust evidence base for DBT as an intervention, reporting positive outcomes with regards to reducing symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). However, in recent years, DBT has been adapted and replicated to different client groups, offering potential for new research into transdiagnostic applications and adapted versions of DBT to different settings. Recent literature concludes that there is less practice-based evidence on the process of change in DBT, and which components are useful. The client voice is lacking in the literature, which would provide services with evidence and unique insights into how the therapy works and for whom. This study aims to address these questions, by asking the clients how they experience DBT and its perceived role in the process of change. Furthermore, the study focusses on client experience in a private hospital setting with a transdiagnostic group of an adapted 12 week DBT programme. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was applied as the methodology, incorporating descriptive, linguistic and conceptual elements in analysis of semi-structured interviews. The sample consists of five participants whom had completed a 12 week DBT programme at a private hospital. Three master themes were identified, namely ‘Pre DBT: Crisis & Desperation’; ‘In-session: Belonging’; and ‘The Real World: Living’. Each master theme was characterised by 4 sub-themes, illustrating the journey of the participants and the perceived process of change. All themes were conceptualised by the overarching theme ‘The private setting: Heterotopia’, giving voice to the role of the context of the private psychiatric setting. The research findings illustrate that this version of DBT was a helpful and positive experience for participants, where outcomes included being able to build a life worth living, feel hope and joy, build DBT skills into a lifestyle, connect with a sense of spirituality and develop reflective practice. The implications for service delivery and for Counselling Psychology are discussed, along with ideas for future research.
The U-Shaped Investment Curve: Theory and Evidence

Abstract We analyze how the availability of internal funds affects a firm's investment. We show that under fairly standard assumptions, the relation is U-shaped: investment increases monotonically with internal funds if they are large but decreases if they are very low. We discuss the tradeoff that generates the U-shape, and argue that models predicting an always increasing relation are based on restrictive assumptions. Using a large data set, we find strong empirical support for our predictions. Our results qualify conventional wisdom about the effects of financial constraints on investment behavior, and help to explain seemingly conflicting findings in the empirical literature.
Early-Career School Psychologists’ Perceptions of Consultative Service Delivery: The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same

ABSTRACT School consultation is practiced in rapidly changing educational settings, including increasing student diversity and the implementation of a multitiered system of supports. This changing context may shift the boundaries of what it means to consult and how best to achieve change through consultation. The purpose of this study was to explore how early-career school psychologists (ECSPs) defined and implemented consultation and what barriers and facilitators influenced their perceived ability to achieve change through consultation. Triangulated quantitative and qualitative data from a national survey of 262 ECSPs indicated gaps between historical, aspirational views of consultation in school psychology and what these practitioners reported is happening in the field. Tensions in the data are explored with consideration given to implications for consultation practice in current school contexts and in the early career.
Molecular Epidemiology of Aminoglycosides Resistance in Acinetobacter Spp. with Emergence of Multidrug-Resistant Strains

Background: Acinetobacter spp. is characterized as an important nosocomial pathogen and increasing antimicrobial resistance. Our aim was to evaluate antimicrobial susceptibility and aminoglycosides resistance genes of Acinetobacter spp. isolated from hospitalized patients. Methods: Sixty isolates were identified as Acinetobacter species. The isolates were tested for antibiotic resistance by disc diffusion method for 12 antimicrobials. The presence of aphA6, aacC1 aadA1, and aadB genes were detected using PCR. Results: From the isolated Acinetobacter spp. the highest resistance rate showed against amikacin, tobramycin, and ceftazidim, respectively; while isolated bacteria were more sensitive to ampicillic/subactam. More than 66% of the isolates were resistant to at least three classes of antibiotics, and 27.5% of MDR strains were resistant to all seven tested classes of antimicrobials. The higher MDR rate presented in bacteria isolated from the ICU and blood samples. More than 60% of the MDR bacteria were resistance to amikacin, ceftazidim, ciprofloxacin, piperacillin/tazobactam, doxycycline, tobramycin and levofloxacin. Also, more than 60% of the isolates contained phosphotransferase aphA6, and acetyltransferase genes aacC1, but adenylyltransferase genes aadA1 (41.7%), and aadB (3.3%) were less prominent. 21.7% of the strains contain three aminoglycoside resistance genes (aphA6, aacC1 and aadA1). Conclusion: The rising trend of resistance to aminoglycosides poses an alarming threat to treatment of such infections. The findings showed that clinical isolates of Acinetobacter spp. in our hospital carrying various kinds of aminoglycoside resistance genes.
The Angiogenic Response of the Aorta to Injury and Inflammatory Cytokines Requires Macrophages1

The purpose of this study was to define early events during the angiogenic response of the aortic wall to injury. Rat aortic rings produced neovessels in collagen culture but lost this capacity over time. These quiescent rings responded to vascular endothelial growth factor but not to a mixture of macrophage-stimulatory cytokines and chemokines that was angiogenically active on fresh rings. Analysis of cytokine receptor expression revealed selective loss in quiescent rings of the proangiogenic chemokine receptor CXCR2, which was expressed predominantly in aortic macrophages. Pharmacologic inhibition of CXCR2 impaired angiogenesis from fresh rings but had no effect on vascular endothelial growth factor-induced angiogenesis from quiescent explants. Angiogenesis was also impaired in cultures of aortic rings from CXCR2-deficient mice. Reduced CXCR2 expression in quiescent rat aortic rings correlated with marked macrophage depletion. Pharmacologic ablation of macrophages from aortic explants blocked formation of neovessels in vitro and reduced aortic ring-induced angiogenesis in vivo. The angiogenic response of macrophage-depleted rings was completely restored by adding exogenous macrophages. Moreover, angiogenesis from fresh rings was promoted by macrophage CSF (CSF-1) and inhibited with anti-CSF-1 Ab. Thus, aortic angiogenic sprouting following injury is strongly influenced by conditions that modulate resident macrophage numbers and function.
Learner Views about Cooperative Learning in Social Learning Networks.

The purpose of this study was to reveal the attitudes and views of university students about the use of Edmodo as a cooperative learning environment. In the research process, the students were divided into groups of 4 or 5 within the scope of a course given in the department of Computer Education and Instructional Technology. For each group, Edmodo small groups were formed, and the students used these Edmodo small groups to share and communicate with their group friends in relation to the group tasks assigned to them within the scope of the study. This process lasted one academic term. As the data collection tool, an online cooperative learning attitude scale and a semi-structured interview form were used. At the end of the academic term, 15 students were interviewed about their cooperative learning experiences within the scope of the course as well as about how they made use of Edmodo in the process. The results demonstrated that the students had positive attitudes towards online cooperative learning. The findings obtained via the qualitative data analysis were examined under the headings of “social networks used”, “preferences of forming groups”, “communication within group” and “views about the courses executed via Edmodo”.
A new reversible watermarking of 3D models based on ratio expansion

In this paper, a new reversible watermarking method based on ratio expansion for 3D mesh models is proposed. The distances between a vertex and its adjacent vertices are calculated respectively, each of which is then divided by the same reference value to form a series of ratios. Each ratio divided by 2N is multiplied by 10M and then the integer part of it is expanded to embed watermark information. The parameter M is adjusted to assure the invisibility. After translation, rotation and scaling, we could still extract the watermark and original model completely. With appropriate M and N, our algorithm is of good invisibility and high embedding capacity as well as robustness against some noises.
The relation between Treasury yields and corporate bond yield spreads

Because the option to call a corporate bond should rise in value when bond yields fall, the relation between noncallable Treasury yields and spreads of corporate bond yields over Treasury yields should depend on the callability of the corporate bond. I confirm this hypothesis for investment-grade corporate bonds. Although yield spreads on both callable and noncallable corporate bonds fall when Treasury yields rise, this relation is much stronger for callable bonds. This result has important implications for interpreting the behavior of yields on commonly used corporate bond indexes, which are composed primarily of callable bonds. Copyright The American Finance Association 1998.
CHALLENGES IN SEEING DATA AS USEFUL EVIDENCE IN MAKING PREDICTIONS ON THE PROBABILITY OF A REAL-WORLD PHENOMENON

This study investigates the relationship between deterministic and probabilistic reasoning when students experiment on a real-world situation involving uncertainty. Twelve students, aged eight to nine years, participated in an outdoor teaching activity that called for reflection on the growth of sunflowers within the frame of a sunflower lottery, where students were involved in the process of creating their own empirical data of the growth. However, the study shows not only that the students do not make use of data for predicting the outcome of an uncertain event, but also how this can be explained by students’ attention to deterministic features of the situation, brought to the fore within an ecology context and connected to a conceptual principle of ‘sharing’. First published November 2013 at Statistics Education Research Journal Archives
The Dynamics of Gender Identity and Implicit Bias Impacting Women's Executive Leadership Development Programs and Female Executive Leadership Coaching

“The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them. ” Albert Einstein The implicit gender bias and stereotypes in our society continue to impact gender diversity in executive leadership roles within organizations. The critical demand of highpotential talented female leaders to fill the gap in the corporate pipeline of senior executive positions continues to increase in our global world. Our technologically advanced society impacts this demand, the global climate of organizational change, the competition in products and services, and the impact of implicit bias and gender stereotypes influence corporate growth, innovation, long-term sustainability, and financial stability. Organizational performance depends upon advancing gender diversity by promoting female leaders into the organizational pipeline. The current dearth of qualified leaders in organizations can improve by providing Women’s Executive Leadership Development Programs and Female Executive Leadership Coaching to women leaders, thereby decreasing the perilous leadership gap and increasing organizational performance and individual performance. Empirical research studies have measured the outcomes of Women’s Leadership Development Programs, and Executive Leadership Coaching for female executives demonstrated improvements in individual and organizational performance and economic and financial successful outcomes. The analysis of the measurement documented by research in supporting gender inclusion in identifying female executive leaders, providing Women’s Executive Leadership Programs, and providing the efficacy of female Executive Leadership Coaching in organizations. Thereby, THE DYNAMICS OF GENDER IDENTITY AND IMPLICIT BIAS IMPACTING WOMEN’S EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS AND FEMALE EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP COACHING 3 demonstrating the connection between women’s leadership development programs and coaching female leaders as a predictor of organizational success. The overall results included increasing executive women’s abilities to provide leadership in team building, strategy, productivity, communication, goal setting, self-confidence, active listening and creating a shared agreement between individual and organizational objectives. According to research studies, (Feldman, Lankau, 2005), the creation of a framework for the leadership development programs and coaching of female leaders contribute to a positive financial outcome and improvement in individual and organizational performance.
The Radical New Perspective on Paul, Messianic Judaism and their connection to Christian Zionism

The Radical New Perspective on Paul distinguishes between two subgroups of believers in Christ in Paul’s time: gentile believers and Jewish or Judaean believers. The same distinction is utilised in supporting contemporary Messianic Judaism, which presupposes an ongoing covenantal relationship between God and contemporary Jews that exists over and above Christianity. Many proponents of Christian Zionism, a Christian movement that envisions the Jews’ return to the land of Israel, utilise aspects of both the Radical New Perspective on Paul and Messianic Judaism in support of their beliefs. Ironically, while the Radical New Perspective on Paul is a certain product of post-holocaust theology, Christian Zionism can be perceived as a perpetuation of a kind of imperial theology that brings injustice to Palestinian people, especially in view of a post-imperial South African context. While none of these connections are inevitable, to point out the relationship between these approaches to identity serves to rethink some of the preconceived notions behind them, as well as some of the (unintended) consequences that arise from them.