Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Some Everyday Experiences of Voluntarism: Social Capital, Pleasure, and the Contingency of Participation

In this article we report on some initial findings of an ESRC-funded qualitative study of 120 individuals across the United Kingdom involved in voluntary activity for 20 hours a week or more. We suggest for these individuals voluntary activity should be understood as pleasurable everyday activity within a community. This being the case, voluntary activists may find it hard to explain their individual sense of enjoyment to others to get them involved as well. This failure can prove frustrating for some and can cause a decline in the pleasure they gain from voluntary activity. The article explores some of the implications of these findings for policies seeking to develop social capital.
Evidence for direct interaction between mast cells and Leishmania parasites

When stimulated through IgE‐ (or IgG‐) immune complexes with parasite antigens, mast cells can release several cytokines, including IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐12, Interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) that may influence the host response to Leishmania major in modulating lesion size and persistence during experimental infection in the mouse. Moreover, recent data demonstrated that mast cells are able to be antibody‐independently activated by direct contact with bacteria, making them important elements in innate immunity. Given these data, we asked whether cell‐parasite contact could directly induce mast cell mediator release and whether mast cells could be infected by L. major or L. infantum parasites. In this study, we showed that a pure homogeneous population of mouse bone marrow derived mast cells (BMMC) in contact with living L. major or L. infantum promastigotes, but not with attenuated parasites or soluble parasite antigens, released preformed mediators such as β‐hexosaminidase and the preformed pool of TNF‐α within minutes. Furthermore, direct cell‐parasite contact induced TNF‐α synthesis by mast cells within hours. Moreover, we demonstrated by in vitro co‐culture experiments that metacyclic L. major or L. infantum promastigotes are directly infective for a significant proportion of BMMC and are transformed into intracellular amastigotes. Taken together, these data suggest that mast cell can participate in the first line of defence, i.e. innate immunity, during local cutaneous infection with Leishmania parasites.
Geographic Analysis of Health Risks of Pediatric Lead Exposure: A Golden Opportunity to Promote Healthy Neighborhoods

In this retrospective study, the authors investigated pediatric blood lead levels (BLLs) at 2 threshold levels in neighborhoods across the US city of Chicago, examining geographic associations with demographic risk factors and housing characteristics, using data from large-scale childhood BLL screening records from 1997 through 2003. They used logistic regression and geostatistical methods to assess disease dynamics and probability of elevated BLLs. The results showed a significant decline of elevated BLLs, with levels measured at ≥ 10 μg/dL decreasing by 74%, compared with a 40% decrease for the lower levels (6-9 μg/dL). The Westside and Southside neighborhoods, with a high concentration of minority populations, had the highest prevalence rates, which were significantly associated with living in pre-1950 housing units. The findings provided insights for lead prevention, implications for lowering the threshold limit, and suggestions for the urgent task of developing healthy neighborhoods.
A Mixed-Signal VLSI for Real-Time Generation of Edge-Based Image Vectors

A mixed-signal image filtering VLSI has been developed aiming at real-time generation of edge-based image vectors for robust image recognition. A four-stage asynchronous median detection architecture based on analog digital mixed-signal circuits has been introduced to determine the threshold value of edge detection, the key processing parameter in vector generation. As a result, a fully seamless pipeline processing from threshold detection to edge feature map generation has been established. A prototype chip was designed in a 0.35-µm double-polysilicon three-metal-layer CMOS technology and the concept was verified by the fabricated chip. The chip generates a 64-dimension feature vector from a 64x64-pixel gray scale image every 80µsec. This is about 104 times faster than the software computation, making a real-time image recognition system feasible.
Attending to Problems of Practice: Routines and Resources for Professional Learning in Teachers’ Workplace Interactions

The authors investigate how conversational routines, or the practices by which groups structure work-related talk, function in teacher professional communities to forge, sustain, and support learning and improvement. Audiotaped and videotaped records of teachers’ work group interactions, supplemented by interviews and material artifacts, were collected as part of a 2-year project centered on teacher learning and collegiality at two urban high schools. This analysis focuses on two teacher work groups within the same school. While both groups were committed to improvement and shared a common organizational context, their characteristic conversational routines provided different resources for them to access, conceptualize, and learn from problems of practice. More specifically, the groups differed in the extent to which conversational routines supported the linking of frameworks for teaching to specific instances of practice. An analysis of the broader data set points to significant contextual factors that help account for the differences in the practices of the two groups. The study has implications for fostering workplace learning through more systematic support of professional community.
Liquid-State and Solid-State Properties of Nanotube/Polypropylene Nanocomposites Elaborated via a Simple Procedure

Non-modified Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT) and polypropylene (PP) in absence of compatibilizer have been chosen to elaborate MWCNT/PP nanocomposites using a simple melt-mixing dispersing method. Calorimetry results indicate little effect of MWCNTs on crystallinity of PP, revealing not much interaction between nanotubes and PP chains, which is compatible with the employed manufacturing procedure. In any case, a hindering of polymer chains motion by MWCNTs is observed in the molten state, using oscillatory flow experiments, and a rheological percolation threshold is determined. The percolation limit is not noticed by Pressure-Volume-Temperature (PVT) measurements in the melt, because this technique rather detects local motions. Keeping the nanocomposites in the molten state provokes an electrical conductivity increase of several orders of magnitude, but on ulterior crystallization, the conductivity decreases, probably due to a reduction of the ionic conductivity. For a concentration of 2% MWCNTs, in the limit of percolation, the conductivity decreases considerably more, because percolation network constituted in the molten state is unstable and is destroyed during crystallization.
Upper Cretaceous amniotic eggs from Gobi Desert

Polonica, 36, 2, 151-192, 1991. There are described several types of Upper Cretaceous fossil amniote eggs, clutches and eggshells, collected during the Polish-Mongolian Paleontological Expeditions (1963-1971) in several localities of the Gobi Desert. Isotopic ratios of C and 0 are reported and discussed. The eggs may be attributed to saurischian and ornithischian dinosaurs, and palaeognathous birds. Four types of problematica are also described. Taphonomy and restoration of eggshells' diffusive properties as compared with modern hard-shelled eggs suggest paleoecological interpretation of the nesting conditions as rather dry for smooth-shelled eggs, humid for ornamented eggs, and very humid for the thickestahelled eggs. Different nest types are postulated for ornamented and smooth egg, based on taphonomy and shell parameters. K e y w o r d s: Eggshells, Dinosauria, Aves, paleobiology, taphonomy, stable isotopes, Upper Cretaceous, Gobi.
Validity Issues in Test Speededness

Speededness refers to the situation where the time limits on a standardized test do not allow substantial numbers of examinees to fully consider all test items. When tests are not intended to measure speed of responding, speededness introduces a severe threat to the validity of interpretations based on test scores. In this article, we describe test speededness, its potential threats to validity, and traditional and modern methods that can be used to assess the presence of speededness. We argue that more attention must be paid to this issue and that more research must be done to set appropriate time limits on power tests so that speed of responding does not interfere with the construct measured.
Emotional Dynamics and Strategizing Processes: A Study of Strategic Conversations in Top Team Meetings

An important but largely unexplored issue in the study of strategy-as-discourse is how emotion affects the discursive processes through which strategy is constructed. To address this question, this paper investigates displayed emotions in strategic conversations and explores how the emotional dynamics generated through these displays shape a top management team's strategizing. Using microethnography, we analyse conversations about ten strategic issues raised across seven top management team meetings and identify five different kinds of emotional dynamic, each associated with a different type of strategizing process. The emotional dynamics vary in the sorts of emotions displayed, their sequencing and overall form. The strategizing processes vary in how issues are proposed, discussed, and evaluated, and whether decisions are taken or postponed. We identify team relationship dynamics as a key mechanism linking emotional dynamics and strategizing processes, and issue urgency as another important influence.
The role of semantic type in differential object marking

Spanish, like many other languages (e.g. Hindi), exhibits differential object marking (DOM). It is well-known that DOM seems to be sensitive to the animacy and/or specificity of the direct object (Bossong 1985, Aissen 2003). It is argued here that the Spanish prepositional accusative, or a-marking, is a realization of the features [+accusative] and [+animate] within a nominal projection containing a determiner (D). Nominal projections lacking D are property-denoting and are not a-marked. I show that there is a direct map between the presence or absence of a-marking and the semantic type of the (animate) direct object nominal.
Observational Study of Quality of Life in NHS Nursing Homes and a Long-stay Ward for the Elderly

ABSTRACT An observational study was carried out in order to measure the quality of life of elderly people in two different types of long-stay care (two NHS nursing homes and a hospital ward). This formed part of a wider evaluation study of these two forms of institutional care. Qualitative techniques provided insights into the behaviours, moods, interactions and atmospheres in the settings, which were difficult to measure using traditional survey approaches. The observational study showed that it is.essential not to rely solely on interview material, and assessments of mental and physical functioning, when evaluating long-stay care. Characteristics of ‘total institutions’ clearly emerged from the analyses of the hospital ward, although the inclusion of the hospital patients' Club in the study revealed that these need not be inevitable, and that both the ward and the homes could be improved if modelled on the more autonomous and flexible philosophy of the Club.
Leg lengthening and femoral-offset reduction after total hip arthroplasty: where is the problem – stem or cup positioning?

Background Restoration of femoral offset (FO) and leg length is an important goal in total hip arthroplasty (THA) as it improves functional outcome. Purpose To analyze whether the problem of postoperative leg lengthening and FO reduction is related to the femoral stem or acetabular cup positioning or both. Material and Methods Between September 2010 and April 2013, 172 patients with unilateral primary osteoarthritis treated with THA were included. Postoperative leg-length discrepancy (LLD) and global FO (summation of cup and FO) were measured by two observers using a standardized protocol for evaluation of antero-posterior plain hip radiographs. Patients with postoperative leg lengthening ≥10 mm (n = 41) or with reduced global FO >5 mm (n = 58) were further studied by comparing the stem and cup length of the operated side with the contralateral side in the lengthening group, and by comparing the stem and cup offset of the operated side with the contralateral side in the FO reduction group. We evaluated also the inter-observer and intra-observer reliability of the radiological measurements. Results Both observers found that leg lengthening was related to the stem positioning while FO reduction was related to the positioning of both the femoral stem and acetabular cup. Both inter-observer reliability and intra-observer reproducibility were moderate to excellent (intra-class correlation co-efficient, ICC ≥0.69). Conclusion Post THA leg lengthening was mainly caused by improper femoral stem positioning while global FO reduction resulted from improper positioning of both the femoral stem and the acetabular cup.
Relationships between a Dissociative Subtype of PTSD and Clinical Characteristics in Patients with Substance Use Disorders

ABSTRACT The increasing support for a dissociative subtype of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD-D) has led to its inclusion in DSM-5. We examined relationships between PTSD-D and relevant variables in patients with substance use disorders (SUD). The sample comprised N = 459 patients with SUD. The International Diagnostic Checklist and the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale were used to diagnose PTSD. In addition, participants completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and the Dissociative Experiences Scale. The course of SUD was assessed by means of the European Addiction Severity Index. One-fourth of participants fulfilled a diagnosis of PTSD (25.3%). Patients with PTSD-D (N = 32, 27.6% of all patients with PTSD) reported significantly more current depressive symptoms, more current suicidal thoughts, more lifetime anxiety/tension, and more suicide attempts. The PTSD-D group also showed a significantly higher need for treatment due to drug problems, higher current use of opiates/analgesics, and a higher number of lifetime drug overdoses. In a regression model, symptoms of depression in the last month and lifetime suicide attempts significantly predicted PTSD-D. These findings suggest that PTSD-D is related to additional psychopathology and to a more severe course of substance-related problems in patients with SUD, indicating that this group also has additional treatment needs.
On univariate and bivariate aging for dependent lifetimes with Archimedean survival copulas

Let $\mbox{\boldmath$X$} = (X,Y)$ be a pair of exchangeable lifetimes whose dependence structure is described by an Archimedean survival copula, and let $\mbox{\boldmath$X$}_t= [(X-t,Y-t) \vert X>t, Y>t]$ denotes the corresponding pair of residual lifetimes after time $t$, with $t \ge 0$. This note deals with stochastic comparisons between $\mbox{\boldmath$X$}$ and $\mbox{\boldmath$X$}_t$: we provide sufficient conditions for their comparison in usual stochastic and lower orthant orders. Some of the results and examples presented here are quite unexpected, since they show that there is not a direct correspondence between univariate and bivariate aging. This work is mainly based on, and related to, recent papers by Bassan and Spizzichino ([4] and [5]), Averous and Dortet-Bernadet [2], Charpentier ([6] and [7]) and Oakes [16].
The role of the home environment in phonological awareness and reading and writing ability in Tanzanian primary schoolchildren

In developing countries, the role of the home environment in children’s development of literacy skills is largely unknown. This study examines the relationship in a sample of 75 grade two children from rural eastern Tanzania. It also discusses the role of house building material and domestic facilities, in addition to parents’ education and occupation, in describing socioeconomic status in developing countries in general, and in the current study. Most of the factors were significantly (ANOVA) related to phonological awareness and reading and writing. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis identified fathers’ education and mothers’ occupation as strong predictors. The home environment variables accounted for 25% of the variance in phonological awareness and 19% in reading and writing ability. Early screening and support of children in the risk zone of becoming poor readers are proposed. Activities like children’s book projects and school library facilities are suggested, aiming at supporting literacy-related activities in low capacity homes.
Relationship between before-to-after-exercise feeling state changes and exercise session attendance over 14 weeks: Testing principles of Operant Conditioning

Abstract A preliminary field study was conducted to estimate relationships between changes in feelings states occurring from before to after 20- to 30-min bouts of moderate cardiovascular exercise, and two measures of adherence to exercise in 66 adults (M age=38 yrs, 30% males) initiating regimens of 3x/week. Positive pre- to post-exercise changes in participants’ feeling state scores ranged from 0 to 100% (M=73.2%, SD=28.8). Significant positive correlations were found between percentage of positive changes and exercise session attendance (r=0.36, p=0.003), and number of days of adherence to exercise (r=0.37, p=0.002), over 14 weeks. Results were interpreted as supporting principles of operant conditioning, and the possibility of exercise-induced feeling changes having direct reinforcing and punishing properties on the behavior of exercise in adults initiating programs. Accounting for identified correlates of exercise maintenance was suggested for extensions of this research. Applied uses of the abbreviated feeling state measure adapted for this research were suggested, after sufficient replication.
The MYB182 Protein Down-Regulates Proanthocyanidin and Anthocyanin Biosynthesis in Poplar by Repressing Both Structural and Regulatory Flavonoid Genes1[OPEN]

A poplar repressor protein negatively regulates flavonoid and proanthocyanidin pathway genes by interacting with other transcription factors. Trees in the genus Populus (poplar) contain phenolic secondary metabolites including the proanthocyanidins (PAs), which help to adapt these widespread trees to diverse environments. The transcriptional activation of PA biosynthesis in response to herbivory and ultraviolet light stress has been documented in poplar leaves, and a regulator of this process, the R2R3-MYB transcription factor MYB134, has been identified. MYB134-overexpressing transgenic plants show a strong high-PA phenotype. Analysis of these transgenic plants suggested the involvement of additional MYB transcription factors, including repressor-like MYB factors. Here, MYB182, a subgroup 4 MYB factor, was found to act as a negative regulator of the flavonoid pathway. Overexpression of MYB182 in hairy root culture and whole poplar plants led to reduced PA and anthocyanin levels as well as a reduction in the expression of key flavonoid genes. Similarly, a reduced accumulation of transcripts of a MYB PA activator and a basic helix-loop-helix cofactor was observed in MYB182-overexpressing hairy roots. Transient promoter activation assays in poplar cell culture demonstrated that MYB182 can disrupt transcriptional activation by MYB134 and that the basic helix-loop-helix-binding motif of MYB182 was essential for repression. Microarray analysis of transgenic plants demonstrated that down-regulated targets of MYB182 also include shikimate pathway genes. This work shows that MYB182 plays an important role in the fine-tuning of MYB134-mediated flavonoid metabolism.
Moving Beyond Deterrence

Rational choice approaches to reducing terrorist violence would suggest raising the costs of terrorism through punishment, thereby reducing the overall expected utility of terrorism. In this article, we argue that states should also consider raising the expected utility of abstaining from terrorism through rewards. We test effects of repressive (or punishing) and conciliatory (or rewarding) actions on terrorist behavior using the newly developed GATE-Israel dataset, which identifies events by Israeli state actors toward Palestinian targets on a full range of counterterrorism tactics and policies from 1987 to 2004. Results show that repressive actions are either unrelated to terror or related to subsequent increases in terror, and conciliatory actions are generally related to decreases in terror, depending on the tactical period. Findings also reveal the importance of understanding the role of terrorists’ constituencies for reducing violence.
The influence of Masters education on the professional lives of British and German nurses and the further professionalization of nursing.

AIMS This article reports on findings from a qualitative study which explored the influence of a Masters in Nursing on the professional lives of British and German nurses and its role in further professionalizing nursing. BACKGROUND A collaborative Masters programme was delivered in the United Kingdom and Germany. This provided an opportunity to study the influence of the programme on the professionalization of nursing in different country contexts. Continuing education is thought to contribute to furthering professionalization. Evidence to support this in the field of nursing is limited. METHODS An interpretive research design was used and data were collected via semi-structured interviews with ten German nurses and nine British nurses. Data were collected in the United Kingdom and Germany from August 2006 to February 2007. Interviews were recorded and transcribed, and data were analysed using a template approach with further immersion and crystalization of the data. FINDINGS Nurses' personal and professional confidence improved; research-based evidence was used to underpin changes made to practice; new roles and careers emerged; multi-professional working was enhanced; and nurses rediscovered nursing and championed the profession. CONCLUSION A diagram is presented based on the findings. Masters education is at the centre as the catalyst with four interconnecting circles, which depict elements that contribute to professionalization. The diagram highlights overlap and interplay between nurses' increased personal confidence, improved cognitive functioning, evidence-based practice development and enhanced professionalism. Findings support the theory that this Masters in Nursing programme enhanced practice and further professionalization of nursing in both countries.
School context and individual characteristics: what influences principal practice?

Purpose – As they operate in complex schools principals must allocate their attention to numerous responsibilities. This paper seeks to ask three questions: how do principals allocate their attention across major realms of responsibility; to what extent do principals in different contexts emphasize different realms of responsibility; and to what extent do individual attributes affect how principals allocate their attention across realms? Design/methodology/approach – A cluster analysis is applied to data from a daily log of principal practices to identify principals who allocate their attention across major realms of responsibility in similar ways. With the three groups identified in the cluster analysis a discriminant analysis is then used to examine the individual attributes of the principals and the contexts within which these groups work to identify those individual characteristics and contextual conditions that best predict each principal's cluster membership.Findings – The data from the log indicate .