Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reform of Retirement Income Policy: International and Canadian Perspectives

Canada is hardly unique in this respect. Countries around the world are engaged in similar debates, and their experience holds important lessons. Through the perspectives of international and Canadian researchers, Reform of Retirement Income Policy focuses on many key reform issues: future income prospects for the elderly, roles of the public and private sectors, fairness and intergenerational equity, affordability and economic impacts, public expectations, and political constraints. Contributors include Bob Baldwin (Canadian Labour Congress), Keith G. Banting (Queen's), Ken Battle (Caledon Institute of Social Policy), Gordon Betcherman (Ekos Research), Robin Boadway (Queen's), Thomas J. Courchene (Queen's), James Cutt (Victoria), James Davies (Western), Andrew Dilnot (Institute of Fiscal Studies, England), Estelle James (World Bank), Newman Lam (Victoria), Harvey Lazar (Queen's), Jack M. Mintz (U of T), Brian Murphy (Statistics Canada), John Myles (Florida State), Paul Pierson (Harvard), Michael Prince (Victoria), Jill Quadagno (Florida State), William B.P. Robson (C.D. Howe Institute), Monica Townson (economic consultant), Thomas A. Wilson (U of T), Michael Wolfson (Statistics Canada).
Entropy of Ultrasound-Contrast-Agent Velocity Fields for Angiogenesis Imaging in Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer care can benefit from accurate and cost-efficient imaging modalities that are able to reveal prognostic indicators for cancer. Angiogenesis is known to play a central role in the growth of tumors towards a metastatic or a lethal phenotype. With the aim of localizing angiogenic activity in a non-invasive manner, Dynamic Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound (DCE-US) has been widely used. Usually, the passage of ultrasound contrast agents thought the organ of interest is analyzed for the assessment of tissue perfusion. However, the heterogeneous nature of blood flow in angiogenic vasculature hampers the diagnostic effectiveness of perfusion parameters. In this regard, quantification of the heterogeneity of flow may provide a relevant additional feature for localizing angiogenesis. Statistics based on flow magnitude as well as its orientation can be exploited for this purpose. In this paper, we estimate the microbubble velocity fields from a standard bolus injection and provide a first statistical characterization by performing a spatial entropy analysis. By testing the method on 24 patients with biopsy-proven prostate cancer, we show that the proposed method can be applied effectively to clinically acquired DCE-US data. The method permits estimation of the in-plane flow vector fields and their local intricacy, and yields promising results (receiver-operating-characteristic curve area of 0.85) for the detection of prostate cancer.
Preferences for separating or combining events.

This research investigates people's preferences for temporally separating or combining emotionally impactful events. For instance, do people prefer to experience 2 negative events (e.g., manuscript rejections) on the same day or on different days? Do people prefer to experience 2 positive events (e.g., manuscript acceptances) on the same or different days? This article proposes a renewable resources model that combines elements of decision-making models (prospect theory) with the notion that people possess limited but renewable physiological, cognitive, and social resources for dealing with emotionally impactful events. As predicted, Ss preferred to separate 2 positive events (the gain-savoring hypothesis), to separate 2 negative events (the multiple-loss-avoidance hypothesis), and to combine a positive and a negative event (the loss-buffering hypothesis). Ss displayed identical preferences for events from the academic, financial, and social domains.
Community College Student Success

Nationwide, low percentages of community college students graduate. Although community colleges’ higher percentages of low income, academically underprepared, non-traditional, and minority students are often cited as the reason for low graduation rates, this study sought to examine common characteristics of community college students who do graduate. The qualitative study included interviews of community college graduates from a large, public community college in the Southeastern United States, as well as interviews of faculty and staff members at the institution. The students in this study were found to have the following characteristics in common: clear goals, strong motivation and a drive to succeed, ability to manage external demands, and self-empowerment.
Persistent perfectionism, symmetry, and exactness after long-term recovery from anorexia nervosa.

OBJECTIVE It is well recognized that patients with anorexia nervosa have perfectionistic and obsessive behaviors. This study investigated whether such behaviors persist after recovery. METHOD Twenty subjects who had recovered from anorexia nervosa were recruited for the study. They had been at normal weight and their menses had been regular for more than a year. These subjects were compared with 16 healthy women with the use of the Eating Disorder Inventory, the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, and the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale. RESULTS The recovered anorexic patients had significantly higher scores than the comparison women on the measures of perfectionism on the Eating Disorder Inventory and on overall perfectionism on the Frost scale. Moreover, the recovered patients had higher scores on the Yale-Brown scale, with target symptoms suggesting that many had specific concerns with symmetry and exactness. CONCLUSIONS Certain characteristics of anorexia nervosa, such as a need for order and precision, persist after good outcome and recovery, raising the question of whether these behaviors are traits that contribute to the pathogenesis of this illness.
“Management by Satellite”—Management Education in the South Pacific

The main lessons for tutors working in the developing world, gained from the teaching of management education over a dispersed area by the University of the South Pacific, are that students demand structured pre‐planned course materials, which must not ossify due to lethargic teaching staff or organisational rigidity; teaching staff must recognise the constraints facing Pacific Islanders, and the implications for academic standards; and if the role of management education is to be of value then materials used and topics covered must be relevant to the limited resources and organisation structures found in that area.
Depoliticisation, demoralisation and depersonalisation – and how to better them

In this article the author reflects on three key processes – depoliticisation, demoralisation and depersonalisation – which have been evident during recent decades in his experience of education. He argues that he does this from the standpoint of someone who had a working commitment to pastoral care and personal‐social education, but for whom such commitments now make up a very small part of his professional life. The context referred to is the UK, and England in the main, although the processes discussed are also evident in other countries. His purpose is not merely to catalogue these processes, but to consider how they have had their effects and how such effects may be worked against in current times for the good of pupils’ and teachers’ personal‐social development.
Perfect-sweep NLMS for time-variant acoustic system identification

Fast and robust acoustic system identification is still a research topic of interest, because of the typically time-variant nature of acoustic systems and the natural performance limitation of electroacoustic measurement equipment. In this paper, we propose NLMS-type adaptive identification with perfect-sweep excitation. The perfect-sweep is derived from the more general class of perfect sequences and, thus, it inherits periodicity and especially the desired decorrelation property known from perfect sequences. Moreover, the perfect-sweep shows the desirable characteristics of swept sine signals regarding the immunity against non-linear loudspeaker distortions. On this basis, we first demonstrate the fast tracking ability of the perfect-sweep NLMS algorithm via computer generated simulation of a time-variant acoustic system. Then, the robustness of the perfect-sweep NLMS algorithm against non-linear characteristics of real measurements in a time-invariant case is presented. By finally addressing the measurement of quasi-continuous head-related impulse responses, we face the combined challenge of time-variant and possibly non-linear distorted acoustic system identification in a real application scenario and we can demonstrate the superiority of the perfect-sweep NLMS algorithm.
Software support for online mentoring programs: a research‐inspired design

This article provides an overview of Telementoring Orchestrator™ (TMO), a new web‐based software tool designed to aid small or large organizations in supporting telementoring programs (also called online mentoring or e‐mentoring programs). In this report, we review the research that inspired the design of the software, and survey the major components of the system, explaining the rationale behind our design choices. Since software designers cannot avoid making assumptions about an application’s users and its uses, our goal is to explain the assumptions that TMO makes about telementoring programs and telementoring relationships, and how these relate to our own research and field experiences. We aim to help potential users understand the range of programs that TMO might help manage and study in its current form, and to help the prospective designers of similar systems understand other design choices that might be made. We conclude by setting an agenda for future work, including both feature extensions for the software itself, and new research that could be carried out with it.
Coping Strategy in Hospitality Internships: A Mixed Method Approach

A mixed method with embedded design was applied in this study to explore coping strategies used in hospitality internships. Students shared internship experiences for 3 time periods, and managers of the student internship provided midterm and final performance evaluations. Both qualitative information and quantitative data were combined as dyad information to analyze student coping from a longitudinal perspective. In terms of theoretical implications, we found longitudinal differences and performance differences in the use of problem-focused and emotion-focused coping. In addition, based on the findings, we propose the existence and importance of information-focused coping in hospitality internships. In terms of practical implications, schools should cooperate with hotels to provide student training, meetings, or workshops before internships. In addition, positive social interaction and an encouraging atmosphere should be the main concerns to improve employee morale. Moreover, hotel managers should design activities, such as empowerment, to retain high-performing students by enhancing their recognition from customers and self-achievement.
A Review of Parent Education Programs for Parents of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders

Benefits of parent education have been demonstrated for decades. However, there exists a lack of formative evaluation of parent education for parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), limiting the interpretation of ongoing and future research. To understand the current status, key characteristics, and evaluation methods of parent education specific to ASD, relevant research was reviewed with an emphasis on presentation format, evaluation methods, and participant demographics. Of the 30 articles that met inclusion criteria, more than half included descriptions of programs for parents of children with ASD ages 3—5 years, 76% involved a one-on-one training approach, 40% relied on a manual or curriculum, 86% included data on parent and child outcomes, and 70% used single-case designs to evaluate program effectiveness. None of the researchers reported data on fidelity of implementation. Suggestions for further evaluation and next-generation research are provided.
Evaluation of variables responsible for hospital mortality in patients with rheumatic heart disease undergoing double valve replacement

Objective To describe the hospital mortality and associated clinical and echocardiographic variables in patients with rheumatic disease who underwent double valve replacement surgery. Methods This is a cross sectional descriptive study of mortality, performed in a referral hospital in Salvador, Bahia. Records from patients with rheumatic disease who underwent double valve replacement surgery during the years 2007-2011 were analyzed. Results The studied sample comprises 104 patients and 60 (57.7%) were male. The mean age was 38.04±14.45. Sixty five bioprostheses and 38 mechanical prostheses were used in these patients at the time of surgery. There were statistically significant differences between the two groups, when we analyzed the following variables: the mean age (36.30±13.03 vs. 45.35±17.8 years-old, P=0.011), mean hemoglobin (11.10±2.19 vs. 9.22±2.26 g/dL, P=0.002), mean hematocrit (34.22±5.86 vs. 28.44±6.62%, P<0.001). New York Heart Association functional class III and IV (NYHA) (P=0.022) was statistically associated with mortality. Conclusion We concluded that the mean hemoglobin/hematocrit level and the NYHA functional class was the major variables associated to the mortality among these patients. Based on these data one may concern about the patient best moment for surgery and the patient hemoglobin level.
Emotion, cognitive structure and action tendency

Abstract In current cognitive emotion theory emotional experiences are described as particular types of cognitive structures. Two studies are reported that test an implication of this theory, namely, the prediction that intuitive similarity of emotion or mood states corresponds with similarity between such structures. Cognitive structures of different emotions (“appraisal profiles”) were obtained by having subjects rate a number of emotions or mood words as to presence of a number of appraisal components. Intuitive similarity measures consisted of correlations between mood adjective questionnaire items and (in Study 2) outcomes of a word sorting task. High correspondence was found between appraisal profile similarities and intuitive similarities. Exploratory analyses confirmed the importance of several appraisal components discussed in the literature and provided tentative evidence for some additional ones. In a third study, the hypothesis was explored that cognitive structures of emotions also include re.
Phenytoin enhances collagenization in excision wounds and tensile strength in incision wounds.

BACKGROUND Hard-to-heal wounds present a major medical problem. The anticonvulsant drug phenytoin has been shown to have prohealing effects in various types of wounds. In this study we evaluated the effect of phenytoin on some phases of wound healing in a rat excision wound model. METHODS A total of 98 adult male Wistar rats were used in this study. The effect of phenytoin ointment on the time for complete wound closure, as well as its biochemical and histological effects were evaluated in an excision wound. In addition, mechanical effect of phenytoin was evaluated in an incision wound rat model. RESULTS Phenytoin hastened the healing and increased protein and hydroxyproline contents as well as histological collagenization of excision wounds. In addition, it increased the tensile strength in incision wound model. CONCLUSION This study is the first to profile in detail the effects of phenytoin on morphology and biochemistry of excision wounds. We have shown that phenytoin not only shortens the time for wound healing but also improves the quality of the healing tissue. These effects are sought for in various clinical settings in which unaided healing is inconveniently prolonged or where the forming scar is not fully developed, allowing relapse of the wound.
Engineering Candida tenuis Xylose Reductase for Improved Utilization of NADH: Antagonistic Effects of Multiple Side Chain Replacements and Performance of Site-Directed Mutants under Simulated In Vivo Conditions

ABSTRACT Six single- and multiple-site variants of Candida tenuis xylose reductase that were engineered to have side chain replacements in the coenzyme 2′-phosphate binding pocket were tested for NADPH versus NADH selectivity (Rsel) in the presence of physiological reactant concentrations. The experimental Rsel values agreed well with predictions from a kinetic mechanism describing mixed alternative coenzyme utilization. The Lys-274→Arg and Arg-280→His substitutions, which individually improved wild-type Rsel 50- and 20-fold, respectively, had opposing structural effects when they were combined in a double mutant.
Depression: What Is the Role of Physiological Dysregulation and Circadian Disruption?

ately lends itself to testing via a number of resultant hypotheses. Perhaps more importantly, this approach to depression opens the door a bit more to novel and exciting potential collaborations between previously (mostly) unrelated schools of thought—for example, psychodynamic theory and basic neuroscience. Such a wide-reaching collaboration promises many exciting and paradigm-shifting discoveries. REFERENCE
Provision of pharmaceutical care services in North Carolina: a 1999 survey.

OBJECTIVE To describe the extent of and factors associated with the provision of pharmaceutical care services (PCS) and value-added pharmaceutical services (PS) by pharmacists in North Carolina, the physical changes made in pharmacies to accommodate these services, the nature and extent of prior consent or collaborative practice arrangements between North Carolina pharmacists and prescribers, and the frequency of reimbursement for PCS. DESIGN Descriptive study based on a mail survey. PARTICIPANTS Pharmacist-managers at each of the 2,048 licensed pharmacy sites in North Carolina; a list of licensed pharmacies provided by the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy was used as the sampling frame. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Pharmacists' reports of PCS and pharmacy demographics. RESULTS Response rate was 40%. More than 30% of respondents provided PCS at their site, although only 20% met our more stringent definition of PCS (i.e., ensuring appropriate pharmacotherapy, ensuring patient understanding and adherence, and monitoring and reporting patient outcomes). Services were more frequently offered by university-affiliated (35%) or independent (32%) pharmacies. The median number of patients receiving PCS across all sites was 10 per week. Diabetes was the most common health problem for which PCS were offered. Three variables-weekly prescription volume (positive correlation); number of staff pharmacists with advanced training, specifically fellowship training; and medical clinic/health maintenance organization setting-were significant predictors of the numbers of patients provided PCS. Independent community pharmacies were most likely to have private counseling areas and to bill for and receive payment for PCS. CONCLUSION In North Carolina, a substantial number of pharmacists provided PCS in 1999 or planned to do so in the near future. However, the number of patients receiving PCS was relatively low. Practice setting, pharmacist education level, and prescription volume were weakly predictive of the number of patients receiving PCS. Pharmacists commonly used prior consent arrangements with physicians in their practices, but primarily to facilitate generic substitution. Relatively few pharmacists billed for PS or PCS.
Sensory over-responsivity in adults with autism spectrum conditions

Anecdotal reports and empirical evidence suggest that sensory processing issues are a key feature of autism spectrum conditions. This study set out to investigate whether adults with autism spectrum conditions report more sensory over-responsivity than adults without autism spectrum conditions. Another goal of the study was to identify whether autistic traits in adults with and without autism spectrum conditions were associated with sensory over-responsivity. Adults with (n = 221) and without (n = 181) autism spectrum conditions participated in an online survey. The Autism Spectrum Quotient, the Raven Matrices and the Sensory Processing Scale were used to characterize the sample. Adults with autism spectrum conditions reported more sensory over-responsivity than control participants across various sensory domains (visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, gustatory and proprioceptive). Sensory over-responsivity correlated positively with autistic traits (Autism Spectrum Quotient) at a significant level across groups and within groups. Adults with autism spectrum conditions experience sensory over-responsivity to daily sensory stimuli to a high degree. A positive relationship exists between sensory over-responsivity and autistic traits. Understanding sensory over-responsivity and ways of measuring it in adults with autism spectrum conditions has implications for research and clinical settings.
Television Viewing Preferences: Programs, Schedules, and the Structure of Viewing Choices Made by Israeli Adults

Using analysis of program content and programming features, this study identifies patterns of television viewing preferences that explain why certain shows are frequently watched with certain other shows. Principal components analysis (PCA) of data collected from a sample of 750 Israeli adults was used to identify groups of shows often watched by the same viewers. A further analysis was conducted to uncover common features of these shows. The results replicate earlier findings indicating that program viewing preferences are explained by channel loyalty and genre loyalty, but the study adds a focus on the importance of programming language in non-English-speaking television markets.
Improved link analysis method for user interface design – modified link table and optimisation-based algorithm

Link analysis (LA) is one of most widely used methods in user interface design to arrange control elements on user interfaces. However, traditional LA method is insufficient for evaluating transitional cost associated with accessibility (the easiness for the operator to reach certain control element on the interface) and the link table commonly used contains no directional information for assessing difficulty. To address these two problems, an improved LA method based on a modified link table and a branch-and-bound algorithm is proposed in this study. A case study on a simplified control interface of a boiling water reactor (BWR) in a real-world nuclear control system was exemplified to elucidate the improved method and an experiment was conducted to validate the effectiveness of the method in improving users’ performance time. The results showed that the total completion time (CT) and the completion time of accessibility-associated operations were significantly shorter on the interface modified by the improved method than by the traditional LA method, while the difference of the completion time of proximity-associated operations between the two interfaces was non-significant. Therefore, although the traditional LA method can significantly ameliorate the random interface by optimising the proximity between control elements, the improved method can further improve the CT by optimally trading off the accessibility and proximity. The method can be applied to the interface which requires physical movements between the user and the interface and within the interface, especially touch screen and control panels.