Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Incarceration and the Community: The Problem of Removing and Returning Offenders

Prior research has established that the characteristics of “places” are an important aspect of public safety and local quality of life. Growth in the rates of incarceration since 1973, combined with social disparity in the experience of imprisonment among certain groups, has meant that some communities experience concentrated levels of incarceration. This article examines the spatial impact of incarceration and explores the problems associated with removing and returning offenders to communities that suffer from high rates of incarceration. The study analyzes data from a series of individual and group interviews designed to reveal the experiences and perspectives of a sample of 39 Tallahassee, Florida, residents (including ex-offenders) who live in two high-incarceration neighborhoods. The authors then provide a series of policy recommendations to offset some of the unintended consequences of incarceration. The article concludes with research priorities for further study.
English and Chinese in Hong Kong: pre‐1997 language attitudes

ABSTRACT: This study assesses the attitudes towards English and Chinese existing among secondary students in Hong Kong at the present time, with a view towards the imminent change in government which will take place in 1997. Using the same survey instrument as employed in an earlier study (Pierson et al., 1980), the authors surveyed 285 students in lower and upper secondary classes at selected public schools throughout the territory. The results indicate a strong motivation to learn English and tolerance towards the use of English in Hong Kong. As contrasted with the earlier study, secondary students in the present investigation did not associate the use of English with implicit threats to their Chinese identity, nor did they feel that it should be abandoned as a medium of instruction. These differences in response pattern may be due to methodological differences in the two surveys, or they may represent a change in language attitudes related to the changes which have taken place in Hong Kong over the last decade in anticipation of the takeover of the British territory by the Chinese government.
Married Individuals, Cohabiters, and Cohabiters Who Marry: A Longitudinal Study of Relational and Individual Well-Being

Given that many cohabiting couples marry, our interest was in the changes that may accompany this shift in terms of relational and individual well-being. In addition, a comparison among three relationship groups was undertaken: those who entered directly into marriage, those who cohabitated and then married, and those who are long-term cohabiters. Also, comparisons across time were conducted. Our data were drawn from the 1987–1988 and 1992–1994 National Survey of Families and Households. A sub-sample of the data was utilized to create the three groups matched on multiple demographic variables. The shift to marriage was not accompanied by significant changes in any of the constructs of interest. Differences among the groups were consistent with previous research. The major findings indicated a significant effect for time, regardless of relationship group. Companionship, sexual interaction, relational satisfaction, and commitment decreased across time. The frequency of conflict and arguing heatedly increased, while remaining calm and keeping opinions to one’s self decreased.
Plant Growth-Promoting Nitrogen-Fixing Enterobacteria Are in Association with Sugarcane Plants Growing in Guangxi, China

The current nitrogen fertilization for sugarcane production in Guangxi, the major sugarcane-producing area in China, is very high. We aim to reduce nitrogen fertilization and improve sugarcane production in Guangxi with the help of indigenous sugarcane-associated nitrogen-fixing bacteria. We initially obtained 196 fast-growing bacterial isolates associated with the main sugarcane cultivar ROC22 plants in fields using a nitrogen-deficient minimal medium and screened out 43 nitrogen-fixing isolates. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that 42 of the 43 nitrogen-fixing isolates were affiliated with the genera Enterobacter and Klebsiella. Most of the nitrogen-fixing enterobacteria possessed two other plant growth-promoting activities of IAA production, siderophore production and phosphate solubilization. Two Enterobacter spp. strains of NN145S and NN143E isolated from rhizosphere soil and surface-sterilized roots, respectively, of the same ROC22 plant were used to inoculate micropropagated sugarcane plantlets. Both strains increased the biomass and nitrogen content of the sugarcane seedlings grown with nitrogen fertilization equivalent to 180 kg urea ha−1, the recommended nitrogen fertilization for ROC22 cane crops at the seedling stage. 15N isotope dilution assays demonstrated that biological nitrogen fixation contributed to plant growth promotion. These results suggested that indigenous nitrogen-fixing enterobacteria have the potential to fix N2 associated with sugarcane plants grown in fields in Guangxi and to improve sugarcane production.
Wound healing activity of Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit (Lamiaceae).

Hyptis Suaveolens (L.)Poit is a traditional pubescent annual herb found throughout India. On the basis of its traditional use and literature references, this plant was selected for the screening of wound healing property. The leaves of Hyptis Suaveolens were exhaustively extracted by soxhlet apparatus with different solvents like petroleum ether, solvent ether, chloroform, alcohol and chloroform water in ascending order of the polarity. All the five extracts were subjected to antibacterial screening by using the cup plate method. The petroleum ether, alcoholic and chloroform water extract showed maximum zone of inhibition. So these extracts were taken for wound healing activity. The effect of petroleum ether, alcohol, and aqueous extract of leaves was evaluated in excision, incision and dead space wound healing models using Albino wistar rats. Among the extracts, petroleum ether extracts showed significant wound healing activity on all three wound models compared to other extracts by calculating the parameters, percentage closure of excision wound, period of epithelization, tensile strength, dry weight granulation tissue, breaking strength of granulation tissue and hydroxyproline content. Histopathological study of the granulation tissue of the petroleum ether extract treated group evidenced increased collagenation when compared to control group of animals. Presence of sterols, flavonoids, tannins in various extracts was also confirmed by preliminary phytochemical investigation, TLC and HPTLC methods.
Finding New Jobs After a Plant Closing: Antecedents and Outcomes of the Occurrence and Quality of Reemployment

In a longitudinal study of laid-off industrial workers, we examined the factors which influenced whether individuals got reemployed after a plant closing as well as the factors which influenced whether individuals got satisfactorily or unsatisfactorily reemployed. Financial pressures, levels of optimism and self-blame, and the amount of problem-focused and symptom-focused coping that individuals engaged in were significant predictors of reemployment status. There were also significant differences among the unemployed, satisfactorily reemployed, and unsatisfactorily reemployed in terms of adjustment, with the unsatisfactorily reemployed experiencing substantially lower life satisfaction. The paper highlights quality of reemployment as an important issue in understanding individual adjustment to job loss and the ways in which unemployment and unsatisfactory reemployment can be detrimental to individual well-being.
Firm's survival, rating and efficiency: new empirical evidence

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the determinants of firms’ survival during crisis in the Italian automotive value chain. ,The authors propose a survival analysis, based on a dichotomic model, in which supply chain features, technical efficiency (TE) and ratings are included as explanatory variables with other controls. ,TE and financial health positively influence survival. Some supply chain variables are significant such as direct supply, geographical location and outsourcing level, whereas the proximity to the national carmaker is insignificant. ,The main limitation of the study is the lack of qualitative data related to supply management practice in the automotive industry. ,The study combine supply chain aspects with firms’ survival, TE and financial ratings.
Identification of glucagon-producing cells (A cells) in dog gastric mucosa

An immunocytochemical technique using specific antiglucagon serum reveals the presence of glucagon-containing cells situated exclusively in the oxyntic glandular mucosa of the dog stomach. Electron microscope examination of the mucosa demonstrated endocrine cells containing secretory granules with a round dense core surrounded by a clear halo, indistinguishable from secretory granules of pancreatic A cells. Like the alpha granules of pancreatic A cells, the granules of these gastric endocrine cells exhibited a peripheral distribution of silver grains after Grimelius silver staining. Moreover, the granules of these cells were found to be specifically labeled with reaction product, using the peroxidase immunocytochemical technique at the ultrastructural level. Accordingly, these cells were named gastric A cells. These data suggest that the gastric oxyntic mucosa contains cells indistinguishable cytologically, cytochemically, and immunocytochemically from pancreatic A cells. It is believed that gastric A cells are responsible for the secretion of the gastric glucagon.
Anger-congruent behaviour transfers across driving situations

Anger and aggression on the road may sometimes appear unprovoked and unrelated to current driving circumstances. It is unclear whether such anger and aggression arises because of events prior to those circumstances in which anger is experienced and aggression is exhibited. In this study, time pressure and enforced following of a slowly moving vehicle were used to increase drivers’ anger in order to assess whether affect and behaviour during a subsequent, non-provocative, drive would change accordingly. Ninety-six drivers drove twice in a simulated urban environment. During the first drive, oncoming traffic and a slowly moving lead vehicle required that half of the drivers travelled far slower than they would choose. During the second drive, drivers again followed slower vehicles and were required to respond to traffic events not encountered in the manipulation drive. Mood (Profile of Mood States) was assessed before and after each drive, and anger evaluations, arousal (heart rate) and behaviour (speed, lane position and collisions) were measured during drives. Anger increased and both mood and driving behaviour deteriorated in drivers exposed to slower lead vehicles, compared with control group drivers. These behavioural differences of speed and lane positioning carried over into the subsequent drive even to driving situations unlike those where provocation had previously occurred. Drivers who had previously been impeded later approached hazards with less caution, and attempted more dangerous overtaking manoeuvres. It is concluded that sometimes dangerous driving may result from anger provoked by circumstances other than those in which the behaviour is exhibited.
The Effect of Peer Assessment on Oral Presentation in an EFL Context

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of peer assessment on oral presentation of Iranian English non-major students. To this end, 52 students of Azad and State universities of Tabriz were selected as participants. Their ages ranged from 25 to 38. The peer assessment was incorporated into the experimental group’s course to explore whether and to what extent their oral presentation skills may enhance. Data were obtained through a Likert scale questionnaire of peer assessment. Data were analyzed using SPSS Software. The results specified a statistically significant difference among the groups. The findings of the present study also suggest that, when assessment criteria are definitely established, peer assessment empowers students to evaluate the performance of their peers in a manner comparable to those of the teachers.
Effects of learning approaches, locus of control, socio-economic status and self-efficacy on academic achievement: a Turkish perspective

In this study the effects of learning approaches, locus of control (LOC), socio-economic status and self-efficacy on undergraduate students in North Cyprus was investigated. Four questionnaires were administered on 99 students in order to collect data regarding the learning approaches, LOC, self-efficacy and demographic factors. High cumulative grade point average and self-efficacy were shown to be an indicator of academic achievement and high self-efficacy was related to the use of deep approach (DA). Students, whose mothers had lower levels of education, were found to also predict academic success. No direct significant relationship between DA and academic achievement was found.
An Estimate of the Worldwide Prevalence and Direct Costs of Dementia in 2003

Dementia disorders are today considered to be a major driver of costs in health care and social systems and worrying estimates of future dementia prevalence have been presented. It is of great interest for policy makers to have an estimate of dementia disorders’ contribution to global social and health care costs, particularly in light of the demographic prognoses. The worldwide costs of dementia were estimated from prevalence figures for different regions, and cost-of-illness studies from key countries using a model based on the relationship between direct costs of care per demented and the gross domestic product per capita in each country. The worldwide direct costs for dementia in 2003 are estimated at 156 billion USD in the main scenario based on a worldwide prevalence of 27.7 million demented persons (sensitivity analysis: 129–159 billion USD). Ninety-two percent of the costs are found in the advanced economies with 38% of the prevalence. Although there are several sources of uncertainty, it is obvious that the worldwide costs are substantial and the expected increase in elderly people in the developing countries presents a great challenge.
Derogation of Competitors

Verbal signals are sometimes used to manipulate the impressions that people form about oneself and others. For the goal of self-enhancement, one can manipulate impressions either by elevating oneself or by derogating others. Five hypotheses about derogation of same-sex competitors were generated from an evolutionary model of human-mate competition. These hypotheses focused on sex differences in the importance that humans attach to external resources, rank, achievements, physical prowess, reproductive value and fidelity. Four studies were conducted to test these hypotheses. In a preliminary study (N = 80), subjects nominated intrasexual derogation tactics they had previously observed. Study 1 (N = 120) examined estimates of the likelihood that men and women would perform each tactic. Study 2 (N = 101) identified the perceived effectiveness of each derogation tactic for men and women. Study 3 (N = 100) used act reports based on self-recording and observer-recording to identify the likelihood of specific persons performing each derogation tactic. Although there were variations across studies and several anomalies, results generally supported the hypotheses based on an evolutionary model of human intrasexual mate competition. Discussion focuses on the importance of discourse and impression manipulation in the evolution of human competition.
Estilos de gestión del conflicto, factores de personalidad y eficacia en la negociación

Resumen Uno de los temas que más interés ha despertado en la investigación relativa al comportamiento de los negociadores durante el proceso de gestión de un conflicto ha sido el relacionado con el estudio de las características de personalidad de dichos sujetos, que puedan estar contribuyendo al éxito o al fracaso del proceso en cuestión. Así pues, la presente investigación tuvo como objetivo principal averiguar en qué medida los factores de personalidad considerados en el Modelo de los Cinco Factores (Amabilidad, Apertura a la Experiencia, Responsabilidad, Extraversión y Neuroticismo) influyen sobre la eficacia en la negociación y los estilos de gestión del conflicto (Integración, Evitación, Compromiso, Dominación y Servilismo). Los principales resultados obtenidos en el estudio, utilizando una muestra de 255 sujetos, demuestran que: el estilo “Integración” se relaciona positivamente con todos los factores de personalidad considerados, a excepción del factor “Neuroticismo”. Los estilos de “Evitación” y “Compromiso” se relacionan positivamente con la “Amabilidad”; mientras que el estilo de “Dominación” se relaciona negativamente con dicho factor de personalidad. La “Extraversión”, la “Amabilidad”, la “Apertura a la Experiencia” y la “Responsabilidad” serían los factores de personalidad que mejor predicen un desempeño negociador eficaz.
COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL SELF-INTERVENTION VERSUS SELF-MONITORING OF ANGER: EFFECTS ON ANGER FREQUENCY, DURATION, AND INTENSITY

In the self-regulation of anger, it is unclear whether the effects are due to self-monitoring or actual self-intervention. This is especially important in the light of the reactivity often attributed to self-monitoring. The present study compared both procedures within a reversal design involving college students with moderate levels of anger. Intervention consisted of behavioral contracting and relaxation as well as cognitive strategies of reappraisal and imagery. Measures included anger frequency, duration, and intensity, all of which were obtained in naturalistic settings. Results revealed significant and dramatic reductions in anger frequency and duration during self-intervention but no such improvements with self-monitoring apart from a slight reduction in anger intensity. The return to baseline self-monitoring was associated with no relapse in anger but a maintenance of treatment gains. Secondary findings of interest were a correlation between anger intensity and anger duration and a predominance of anger directed at persons rather than situations. In general, the outcome of this study adds strength to the inference that cognitive-behavioral self-interventions are effective for anger and that this effectiveness goes beyond mere reactivity. The effects are most pronounced for anger frequency and duration and this offers clues for future focal points in the practice of anger management.
Cultivating focus: insights from dedicated yoga practice and the implications for mental health and well-being

Abstract Yoga has demonstrated some promising impacts on mental health and well-being. The ability to focus is a possible mechanism through which yoga practice influences mental health and well-being. Furthermore, there are relatively few empirical studies that have explored the experience of maintaining focus or the process of developing this capacity within yoga. This study explored focus in terms of its development within the practice of yoga. The two objectives of the study were: (1) to examine the experience of focus in individuals with extensive accumulated practice, and (2) to learn how they developed this ability to focus. Eight participants were selected based on duration and frequency of their practice. Two one-hour interviews were conducted with each participant in a semi-structured format and qualitative thematic analysis was used. The findings are discussed within two main themes: the practice and the nature of yogic awareness. Results are discussed in relation to the enhancement of mental health and well-being, and future directions are recommended.
Feedback and Self-Regulated Learning: A Theoretical Synthesis

Self-regulated learning (SRL) is a pivot upon which students’ achievement turns. We explain how feedback is inherent in and a prime determiner of processes that constitute SRL, and review areas of research that elaborate contemporary models of how feedback functions in learning. Specifically, we begin by synthesizing a model of self-regulation based on contemporary educational and psychological literatures. Then we use that model as a structure for analyzing the cognitive processes involved in self-regulation, and for interpreting and integrating findings from disparate research traditions. We propose an elaborated model of SRL that can embrace these research findings and that spotlights the cognitive operation of monitoring as the hub of self-regulated cognitive engagement. The model is then used to reexamine (a) recent research on how feedback affects cognitive engagement with tasks and (b) the relation among forms of engagement and achievement. We conclude with a proposal that research on feedback and research on self-regulated learning should be tightly coupled, and that the facets of our model should be explicitly addressed in future research in both areas.
Enhancing School Engagement in At-Risk, Urban Minority Adolescents Through a School-Based, Adult Mentoring Intervention

ABSTRACT The current study investigated whether a 5-month, adult mentoring intervention delivered by school personnel could enhance the school engagement of ninth grade urban minority adolescents. Compared to 20 at-risk students who did not receive an intervention, 20 at-risk students who were randomly assigned to mentoring exhibited significantly less decline during the first year of high school in perceived teacher support and decision making and were less likely to enter the discipline system. The effects were stronger and included sense of school belonging for participants who were “mentored as intended. ” Moreover, mentee and mentor reports of relationship quality were associated with changes in mentored participants' school-related cognitions and behaviors. The findings indicate that adult mentoring may help to prevent normative declines in urban minority youths' school engagement.
GSM-based commsense system to measure and estimate environmental changes

Classical radar systems have been designed primarily for military operations. Of late many interesting ways of using radio-frequency spectrum for radar purpose have been under research. One such concept is commensal1 or passive radar, which uses signals of opportunity to detect targets without affecting the functionality of the parent system [1]–[7].
Development of Wireless Sensor Network using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for Construction Noise Monitoring

Abstract In this paper the development of a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) for construction noise identification and sound locating is investigated using the novel application of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). Three WSNs using different system-on-chip (SoC) devices and networking protocols have been prototyped using a Raspberry Pi as the gateway in the network. The functionality of the system has been demonstrated with data logging experiments and comparisons has been made between the different WSN systems developed to identify the relative advantages of BLE. Experiments using the WSN for vehicle noise identification and sound location have further demonstrated the potential of the system. This paper demonstrates the versatility of a BLE WSNs and the low power consumption that is achievable with BLE devices for noise detection applications.x