Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The differential impact on carers dealing with clients with challenging behaviours

This study addresses the effects of organizational culture on the ways in which carers in small community homes cope with clients with challenging behaviours. Results indicated that carers socialized in a traditional setting (i.e. large institutions) responded to challenging behaviours by becoming more negative in their attitudes towards clients. Strain levels in carers socialized in the Social Services were related directly to client challenging behaviours, and unrelated to their attitudes which remained positive.
OLDER DRIVERS: A CLOSER LOOK

This paper examines the cognitive and motor skills exhibited in the driving performance of older adults. Participants were 11 men and 13 women aged 65-83 (mean age 73) recruited from the community with a valid driver's license, no visual or neurological problems, and good self-reported health. Each completed a demographic questionnaire; a psychophysical test measuring reaction time, movement time, peripheral vision, depth perception, and visual acuity; and a written test that ascertained cognitive decision making related to 15 videotaped driving scenarios. Responses to the 15 scenarios were also assessed using a computerized driving simulator unit. Descriptive statistics, stepwise regression analyses, and t-tests were used to evaluate the data. Results show that men performed much better than women on the driving simulator test, drove more miles/year, and did more of their driving on the highway. All participants performed better during driving simulation than on the cognitive test. Results suggest that older drivers may have more difficulty executing cognitive decision making skills than performing related motor skills.
Wittgenstein’s later philosophy and “pictures” of mixed-method research in psychology: A critical investigation of theories and accounts of methodological plurality

Wittgenstein’s philosophical method and later writings help psychologists to identify and work through “pictures” evoked and used in our linguistic practices especially when these representations appear to be self-evident and they promote fundamental misconceptions. This article applies Wittgenstein’s later philosophy to theories and accounts of combinations of quantitative and qualitative methods in psychology, many of which have now been extended to mixtures of qualitative methods with contrasting theoretical assumptions. In contrast to pragmatist, realist, and social constructionist stances, a Wittgensteinian approach examines metatheoretical and metamethodological pictures of methodological plurality in a treatment of issues that are traditionally explored in terms of epistemological, ontological, interpretative, and paradigm differences. Arguments that Wittgenstein’s work can strengthen existing forms of personal, methodological, and deconstructive reflexivity in psychological research practices are exemplified with a specific example of combining psychosocial and discursive qualitative methods.
The Least You Should Know about Arabic: Implications for the ESL Writing Instructor.

A concern for the particular needs of university-bound Arabic-speaking students has been shared by many in ESL. Out of this concern, and especially out of concern for the characteristic English writing deficiencies of many Arab ESL students, various aspects of written Arabic—from orthographical conventions to rhetorical devices—are discussed. These contrasting features have been identified as potential contributors to observed error production and weaknesses in some reading skills, but most particularly in writing skills. Ideally, a better understanding of the language background of Arab students can aid the ESL specialist in better addressing the special needs of these students through supplemental curricular objectives and appropriate exercises. Although contrastive analysis is no longer seen as a foundation for instructional programs (Schachter 1974), it can be a useful tool in understanding characteristic language-learning weaknesses demonstrated by a particular language group. Implicit in this article is the assumption that a familiarity with some salient contrasting features of written Arabic and English may prove valuable to those in ESL concerned with addressing noted weaknesses in Arab students' English writing skills.
Qualitative undergraduate project supervision in psychology: current practices and support needs of supervisors across North East England and Scotland

ABSTRACT The dissertation is a core component of a psychology undergraduate degree, though very little research has been conducted into supervision processes at undergraduate level. This study examined the accounts of supervisors of qualitative dissertations in order to identify current practices of supervision and possible resources that might support supervision. Seventeen supervisors from psychology departments in North East England and Scotland were interviewed, and three main themes were identified using thematic analysis: the quantitative culture in psychology teaching, supervisors’ expertise, and the supervision process. Supervisors noted that students were typically constrained in their choice of methodology due to limited qualitative methods teaching, lack of training and guidance for supervisors, and concerns about the risks of demanding qualitative projects. Supervisors therefore often reported staying within their comfort zone, electing where possible to supervise only the methods that they themselves use. Recommendations for practical resources are provided to help support students and supervisors in the process of undertaking qualitative psychology dissertations.
From Mao to Memphis: Chinese Immigrant Fathers' Involvement with Their Children's Education

How do adults adapt when they have been inculcated into a particular philosophy of parenting and education and are then expected to adjust to a cultural framework possibly at odds with their worldview? Mainland Chinese fathers represent one immigrant group that has had to successfully learn to navigate various challenges while interacting with their children and the American K-12 educational system. This case study explores the issue of fathers and their chil dren through interviews with five men from Mainland China. The article first highlights the most common concerns expressed by Chinese families toward American schools and details how the fathers in this study developed specific strategies to address similar worries. The findings then focus on the concept of parental involvement in children’s education through the fathers’ perspective and how it might diverge from a more traditional view of involvement held by some educators. Implications for strengthening cross-cultural awareness between families and schools are discussed.
The Effects of Time Constraints on the Prechoice Screening of Decision Options

The purpose of this research was to see if the effects of time constraints on screening are similar to those that have been reported for choice: switching to simpler decision strategies and/or speeding up strategy execution. The first of two studies found that under time constraints, subjects did not switch strategies but that some subjects increased the speed of execution of their existing strategy while others became more inconsistent in executing their existing strategy. The second study found that instructions that stressed the importance of the task led more subjects to speed up and reduced the number who were inconsistent. Again, there was no evidence of use of a simpler version of the strategy. The results show that, like choice, screening under time constraints can lead to speeding up of execution, particularly if the screening decision is important. However, switching to a simpler strategy, which occurs in choice, does not appear to occur in screening. Instead, subjects appear to become less exacting in the execution of their existing screening strategy, which results in inconsistencies in acceptance and rejection of options.
Negative and Positive Affect among the Very Old

The purpose of the study was to measure positive affect (PA) and negative affect (NA), and the factors that might influence these in the very elderly. The study involved 105 people, 90 years and older, who were not cognitively impaired, living in the inner part of Stockholm. The Positive and Negative Affect Schedule was translated and used to measure affect. Results showed that PA and NA were virtually uncorrelated. Furthermore, it was also demonstrated that the factors that influence affect in the very elderly are similar to those influencing affect in younger ages and that personality traits are the major correlates of affect.
Optimal multi-objective discrete decision making using a multidirectional modified Physarum solver

This paper will address a bio-inspired algorithm able to incrementally grow decision graphs in multiple directions for discrete multi-objective optimization. The algorithm takes inspiration from the slime mould Physarum Polycephalum, an amoeboid organism that in its plasmodium state extends and optimizes a net of veins looking for food. The algorithm is here used to solve multi-objective Traveling Salesman and Vehicle Routing Problems selected as representative examples of multi-objective discrete decision making problems. Simulations on selected test case showed that building decision sequences in two directions and adding a matching ability (multidirectional approach) is an advantageous choice if compared with the choice of building decision sequences in only one direction (unidirectional approach). The ability to evaluate decisions from multiple directions enhances the performance of the solver in the construction and selection of optimal decision sequences.
Liver-type arginase is a highly sensitive marker for hepatocellular damage in rats.

Hepatic enzymes in serum, such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), are routinely measured in serum for the diagnosis of hepatic disease; however, these enzymes are not liver specific because they are widely distributed in nonhepatic tissues. In contrast, urea cycle enzymes, i.e., liver-type arginase (ARG), ornithine carbamoyltransferase (OCT), and argininosuccinate synthase (AS), exist almost exclusively in the liver (1)(2)(3) and may serve as more specific markers of liver injury. It has been reported that some of the urea cycle enzymes leak rapidly from hepatocytes when liver cells are damaged (4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11). Although there are several “hepatic marker” enzymes, including the urea cycle enzymes, it is not known which one of them is the most suitable enzyme for early detection of hepatocellular injury. To confirm the most suitable enzyme for this purpose, it is important to verify changes in the serum concentrations of urea cycle enzymes after liver damage, in comparison with enzymes in routine use. Two rat experimental models were designed: (a) a chemical liver injury model induced by carbon tetrachloride, and (b) an ischemia-reperfusion liver injury model. We measured the urea cycle enzymes ARG, OCT, and AS in sera, using procedures that we described previously (9)(12). Anti-OCT and AS IgGs were conjugated with N -hydroxysuccimidobiotin, essentially as described by Akhoundi et al. (13). These conjugates were used as second antibodies. Evaluation was based on the limited localization of the urea cycle enzymes in hepatocytes and the high specificity of our antibody. Serum activities of AST and ALT were measured by an automated blood chemistry analyzer …
Nurses’ role and care practices in decision-making regarding artificial ventilation in late stage pulmonary disease

Background: Decisions regarding whether or not to institute mechanical ventilation during the later stages of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is challenging both ethically, emotionally and medically. Caring for these patients is a multifaceted process where nurses play a crucial role. Research question and design: We have investigated how nurses experienced their own role in decision-making processes regarding mechanical ventilation in later stages of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and how they consider the patients’ role in these processes. We applied a qualitative approach, with six focus-group interviews of nurses (n = 26). Ethical considerations: The Regional Committees for Medical and Health Research Ethics approved the study. Voluntary informed consent was obtained. Findings: The nurses found themselves operating within a cure-directed treatment culture wherein they were unable to stand up for the caring values. They perceived their roles and responsibilities in decision-making processes regarding mechanical ventilation to patients as unclear and unsatisfactory. They also experienced inadequate interdisciplinary cooperation. Discussion: Lack of communication skills, the traditional hierarchical hospital culture together with operating in a medical-orientated treatment culture where caring values is rated as less important might explain the nurses’ absence in participation in the decision about mechanical ventilation. Conclusion: To be able to advocate for the patients’ and their own right to be included in decision-making processes, nurses need an awareness of their own responsibilities. This requires personal courage, leadership who are capable of organising common interpersonal meetings and willingness on the part of the physicians to include and value the nurses’ participation in decision-making processes.
Analyzing Facial Expressions and Hand Gestures in Filipino Students' Programming Sessions

This paper discusses facial expressions and gestures of Filipino students while doing a series of programming exercises. It was found that Filipino students are facially expressive throughout a programming session especially while typing, with the most common facial expressions being the widening of the eye, raising the brow, dimpling, pressing or sucking the lip, and opening the mouth. It was also found that an increase in the frequency of hand gestures occurs during moments of confusion and frustration in programming, which is supported by previous studies. The findings of this study can help towards the development of affectively aware intelligent tutoring systems that are also culturally sensitive.
Poststructuralist theory in practice: Working with ''behaviourally disturbed'' children

In this paper we enter into the debate about the place of poststructuralist theorising and its relation to educational and psychological practices. We argue against a definition of poststructuralist theory as generating inaction and as antithetical to concepts such as ''agency'' and ''choice''. We suggest that poststructuralist theory may well have powerful implications for practice and we illustrate this through a close examination of practices in regular schools and in a school for ''behaviourally disturbed'' children. We show that through making the constitutive force of discourse visible, it is possible to work with students in ways that make them recognisable as legitimate students.
Brazilians in Portugal, Portuguese in Brazil: Constructions of sameness and Difference

In this essay, I seek to understand the contradictions, ambiguities, and accommodations underlying the remodeling of Portugal from an imperial metropolis to an European postcolonial nation. From this perspective, I examine the reconfigurations of sameness and difference between Portugal and Brazil, in the present conjuncture of global capitalism, in two acts. The first discloses a historical conjuncture of intense ideological disputes on “what the Portuguese nation should be” and, the second indicates that the present configuration of Portuguese nationalism increasingly intersects with the politics of investments and the marketing of Portuguese high culture. Both acts bring to the fore the reconfigurations of the Portuguese empire and of the Portuguese “imperial mentality” in this present juncture of global capitalism.
Gratifying the “Self” by Demonizing the “Other”

This qualitative study examines the U.S. media portrayals of African, Arab, and Islamic countries and sheds light on the response to these portrayals by a number of international students (Africans, Arabs, and Asians) in a middle-sized public university in the United States. The study uses Foucault’s power–knowledge constructs, Bhabha’s cultural difference, Bakhtin’s heteroglossia, and Said’s Orientalism as well the framing theory as a conceptual framework. It concludes that negative U.S. media portrayals of Africans, Arabs, and Asians were based on an Orientalist discourse and elicited negative reaction from the African, Arab, and Asian respondents.
How to Become a Persevering Exerciser? Providing a Clear, Future Intrinsic Goal in an Autonomy-Supportive Way

The goal of the present study was to examine partially conflicting hypotheses derived from two motivational theories, namely self-determination theory (SDT; Deci & Ryan, 1985, 2000) and future time perspective theory (FTPT; Lens, 2001; Nuttin & Lens, 1985). In line with SDT, it was found that framing an exercise activity in terms of future intrinsic goal attainment (focusing on health and physical fitness) has a positive effect on effort expenditure, autonomous exercise motivation, performance, long-term persistence, and even sport club membership. On the other hand, framing an exercise activity in terms of future extrinsic goal attainment (focusing on physical appearance and attractiveness) undermined those outcomes compared to a no-future-goal control group. Correlational analyses indicate that future extrinsic goal framing led to non-autonomous persistence while future intrinsic goal framing resulted in autonomously driven perseverance at the free-choice activity. In contrast to FTPT, the no-future-goa.
Success Rate of Motor Evoked Potentials for Intraoperative Neurophysiologic Monitoring: Effects of Age, Lesion Location, and Preoperative Neurologic Deficits

Summary: Transcranial electrical stimulation with myogenic motor evoked potential (MEP) recording was used for intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring in 341 consecutive “high-risk” neurosurgical or orthopedic procedures. Overall, the success rate for establishing reliable MEP response was 94.8% for upper extremities and 66.6% for lower extremities. The rate was only 39.1% for lower extremities in patients with preoperative motor deficit and up to 81% in neurologically intact adults. Further analysis demonstrated that extremes of age or the presence of a lesion in the spinal cord and motor deficit contributed to failure in obtaining reliable MEPs.
Calcium, Phosphorus, Cardiovascular Events and All‐cause Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients: A Single‐center Retrospective Cohort Study to Reassess the Validity of the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy Guidelines

Abstract: Mineral and bone disorders frequently cause cardiovascular complications and mortality in hemodialysis patients, but few observational studies of Japanese patients have investigated this matter. A retrospective cohort study of 99 patients (53 males, 46 females; mean age: 65 ± 12 year; 38% with diabetes mellitus) on maintenance hemodialysis in our dialysis center was conducted. Mean serum Ca, P and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels were 9.2 ± 0.9 mg/dL, 6.1 ± 1.7 mg/dL, and 233 ± 333 pg/mL, respectively. The cutoff values for each of these three parameter were defined according to the target ranges recommended by the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy (JSDT) guidelines (Ca: 8.4–10.0 mg/dL; P: 3.5–6.0 mg/dL; iPTH: 60–180 pg/mL). During a 45‐month follow up, patients with all parameters outside the target ranges showed the highest incidence of cardiovascular events and all‐cause deaths (16.6 and 29.2 per 1000 person‐years, respectively). The relative risks of cardiovascular events and all‐cause deaths were analyzed by multivariate Cox regression models. The hazard ratio (HR) for cardiovascular events was significantly lower for patients who achieved serum Ca and P objectives compared with others (HR: 2.12; 95% CI: 1.04–4.34; P < 0.05), and similar differences were observed for all‐cause deaths (HR: 3.10; 95% CI: 1.13–8.53; P < 0.05). However, the relationship between iPTH levels and each of the endpoints was less pronounced. The results of this study provide support for the JSDT guidelines, which give priority to the control of serum Ca and P levels over the control of parathyroid function.
COMPARISON OF A SELF-ENUMERATIVE PROCEDURE AND A PERSONAL INTERVIEW: A VALIDITY STUDY

An important mark of professional competence is a sophisticated and critical attitude toward the procedures that are used in the performance of professional functions. The best examples of social research have increasingly exhibited this attitude both in the reports of particular projects and in special research inquiries aimed primarily at testing and improving the research procedures that are in common use. It would seem that the greatest progress has been made in the development of scales of measurement and sampling procedures, but important progress has also been made in tests of the validity of the data produced by surveys and other research inquiries. Here is a unique study of the validity of two procedures for obtaining data in surveys. Charles F. Cannell is Program Director and Director of the Field Staff at the Survey Research Center of the University of Michigan and co-author with Robert L. Kahn of a book, The Dynamics of Interviewing. Floyd J. Fowler is an Assistant Study Director at the Survey Research Center and is enrolled in the Doctoral Program in Social Psychology at the University of Michigan.
NEUROMUSCULAR AND BEHAVIOURAL INFLUENCES ON BALANCE AND FALLS

Falls are the number one cause of accidental injury and exert an especially heavy toll on the elderly. Most falls involve a common sequence of events. First, a particular event results in loss of balance. Second, there is a failed attempt at recovering balance, and finally, once the fall is "recognized" to be inevitable, attempts may be made to lessen its severity. My thesis research focuses on neuromuscular and behavioural aspects of balance maintenance and protective responses during faUs. In Chapter 2 and 3, I describe efforts to develop and apply a novel technique to determine how risk for imbalance during daily activities depends on behavioural versus neuromuscular factors. Specifically, I developed the "Reach Utilization Test" to determine whether the tendency to approach imbalance is different between young and elderly women who resided either in nursing homes (Chapter 2) or in the community (Chapter 3). In Chapters 4 to 7, I focus on the measurement and analysis of protective responses during sideways falls. In Chapter 4, r describe the results of experiments to determine whether unexpected sideways falls in young adults elicit a common sequence of responses that might protect against hip fracture. I used a novel experimental paradigm which challenged participants to focus on maintaining balance after experiencing a single large perturbation, which in the vast majority of cases elicited a sideways fall. In Chapter 5, I describe the results of experiments to test whether the ability of humans to after their body configuration during the fall depends on the time when the response is initiated. I hypothesized that a critical time window exists, beyond which one is unable to avoid hip impact. In Chapter 6, I describe the results of experiments to determine whether individuals are able to accurately recall the details of their falls. I addressed this question by interv iewing young adults immediately after they experienced an unexpected sideways falls in our laboratory. Finally, in chapter 7, I describe results from a modelling study to address how fall severity, depend on the cause of the fall (slip vs. trip).