Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Family structure and decision making styles among Iranian couples

Purpose – This paper aims to determine whether family structure influences decision-making styles (DMSs) of Iranian couples. Design/methodology/approach – A self-administered mall survey was conducted to discover the family structures and DMSs of Iranian couples. Data were randomly collected from a sample of 800 spouses in four big cities of Iran. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and multivariate analysis of variance were used to examine proposed hypotheses. Findings – The EFA and CFA results show seven DMSs for Iranian couples. Also, the findings indicate family structure has a significant effect on DMS. In the other words, the results show a difference between DMSs of egalitarian and husband-dominated spouses. Research limitations/implications – One of the limitations of the study deals with product involvement, because consumer DMSs for each product category may vary. Also, children’s influences are not considered in this study, while gender/number of children may b.
Adherence to disease management programs in patients with COPD

The management of COPD is complex and patient adherence to treatment recommendations is known to be poor. In this paper the methods used for evaluating adherence in COPD are compared. Self-reporting has satisfactory reliability and offers a cheap, simple and easy method for assessing adherent behaviors. Unlike the objective measures of adherence such as electronic monitoring, self-reporting helps in identifying the reasons for nonadherence, which in turn would be useful in addressing adherence issues. Patients do not follow their treatment recommendations either intentionally or unintentionally. Intentional deviations are driven by patient beliefs and experiences about illness and treatment, which are in turn influenced by social and cultural factors. Unintentional deviations are often due to cognitive impairment and lack of routines. Factors associated with adherence in COPD have been explained using the Becker-Maiman model. Strategies for overcoming nonadherence have to be formulated based on the nature and reasons for nonadherence. In the event of unintentional nonadherence, the use of adherence aids like Dosette boxes, calendar packs and reminders should be promoted. Understanding patient beliefs and experiences, patient education focusing on the pathology of COPD and the role of treatment, periodic monitoring and reinforcement are critical for overcoming the barriers of intentional nonadherence.
Mathematics Achievement in Cooperative versus Individualistic Goal-Structured High School Classrooms

AbstractTwo high school general mathematics classrooms were differentially taught a unit on percentages, one with a cooperative and the other an individualistic goal structure. A design using pre- and posttests with a three-way ANOVA analysis of treatment by time within subjects was used. Neither group was found to be significantly different from the other on the pretest. Although both groups obtained significant (p < .05) gains on their posttest scores as contrasted with their pretest scores, the cooperatively goal-structured classroom demonstrated significantly (p < .05) higher achievement posttest scores than the individualistic group. The data strongly support theories concerning the effectiveness and motivation associated with intergroup competition of small cooperative groups.
Symmetric two-user MIMO BC with evolving feedback

Extending recent findings on the two-user MISO broadcast channel (BC) with imperfect and delayed channel state information at the transmitter (CSIT), the work here explores the performance of the two user MIMO BC, in the presence of feedback with evolving quality and timeliness. Under standard assumptions, and in the presence of M antennas at the transmitter and N antennas per receiver, the work derives the DoF region, which is optimal for a large range of current and delayed CSIT quality. This region concisely captures the effect of having predicted, current and delayed-CSIT, as well as concisely captures the effect of the quality of CSIT offered at any time, about any channel realization. In addition to the progress towards describing the limits of using such imperfect and delayed feedback in MIMO settings, the work offers different insights that include the fact that DoF optimality, in the presence of an increased number of receiving antennas, can be achieved with reduced quality feedback.
The Validity of Direct Observation Measures of Pupil Classroom Behavior

An evaluation of the validity of direct observation measures of pupil classroom behaviors is presented. The evaluation is based on a survey of analyses bearing on their construct, criterion-related, and treatment validities. Three types of measures are discussed. These include molar measures, where the focus is on broad dimensions of classroom behavior (e.g., “on-task” vs. “off-task”), molecular measures, where the focus is on more specific dimensions of behavior, and molecular-composite measures, where the data are collected in terms of molecular units but scored in terms of composite categories. Consistent support for the validity of molar and molecular-composite types of measures was revealed, but support for the molecular schedules was less consistent. The paper also contains a set of recommendations for users of these instruments and some suggestions for future research on the measures.
Social Support and Well-being in Adults who are Visually Impaired

This study explored multiple aspects of social support and their links to the well-being of working-age adults with visual impairments. Instrumental help from family members was the most frequent type of positive support that was received, and underestimation of the participants’ capabilities was the most frequent type of negative support that was received. Less-optimal well-being appeared to be linked with experiencing a lack of support and with receiving only negative support.
Self-Concept in Gifted Children: Differential Impact in Boys and Girls

Gifted 9-12-year-old children were compared with non-gifted children on three paper and pencil measures of self-concept. Additional personality and behavioral information on each child was provided by his/her mother and teacher. Giftedness seemed to be an advantage for girls but not for boys. Gifted girls described themselves as having a more positive self-concept and a more internal locus of control than did non-gifted girls. No such differences were found with boys. In fact, gifted boys gave some evidence of lower self-satisfaction, particularly in areas of physical strength and aggressiveness, when compared to non-gifted boys. Mothers and teachers similarly reported fewer problem areas for gifted girls but no such differences between gifted and non-gifted boys. The findings are discussed in the context of cultural sex-role expectations.
iN dEfENSE Of rEligiON: SharEd rEaliTy mOdEraTES ThE uNCONSCiOuS ThrEaT Of EvOluTiON

This research demonstrates that stability and change in self-described religiosity is regulated by the particular interpersonal relationships in which religious beliefs are shared, along lines implied by shared reality theory (e.g., Hardin & Conley, 2001). In Experiment 1, exposure to evolution-related words reduced the religiosity and anti-atheist prejudice of participants who perceived their religious experience to be unshared with their fathers, but not of participants who perceived their religious experience to be shared with their fathers. In Experiment 2, exposure to evolution-related words reduced the religiosity and anti-atheist prejudice of insecurely attached participants but not securely attached participants. Together results suggest that dynamics in religiosity and religion-related prejudice are regulated by the two key elements postulated in shared reality theory: relationship quality and the degree to which relationship-relevant experiences are perceived to be shared.
Does Computer-Assisted Instruction + Problem Solving = Improved Science Outcomes? A Pioneer Study

Abstract The relative effectiveness of a problem-solving-based computer-assisted instruction (PSCAI) and a lecture-Internet-discussion instruction (LIDI) were compared for Taiwan senior high school students' science achievement and attitudes toward science. A pretest-posttest control group experimental design involving 8 classes was used. Experimental-group students (n = 156) received the PSCAI; comparison-group students (n = 138) received the LIDI. Instruments included the Earth Science Achievement Test (C. Y. Chang, 2000) and the Attitudes Toward Earth Science Inventory (C. Y. Chang & S. L. Mao, 1999). A multivariate analysis of covariance suggested that (a) students taught using the PSCAI scored higher but not significantly higher than did students in the LIDI group and (b) there were statistically significant differences in favor of the PSCAI on student attitudes toward the subject matter.
The Palomar Distant Cluster Survey. III. The Colors of the Cluster Galaxy

We present a color analysis of the galaxy populations of candidate clusters of galaxies from the Palomar Distant Cluster Survey (Postman et al.\ 1996). The survey was conducted in two broad band filters that closely match $V$ and $I$ and contains a total of 79 candidate clusters of galaxies, covering an estimated redshift range $0.2 \simless z \simless 1.2$. We examine the color evolution in the 57 richest clusters from this survey. The intermediate redshift ($0.2 \simless z \simless 0.4$) clusters show a distinct locus of galaxy colors in the color--magnitude diagram. This ridge line corresponds well with the expected no--evolution color of present--day elliptical galaxies at these redshifts. In clusters at redshifts of $z \simgreat 0.5$, this red envelope has shifted bluewards compared to the ``no--evolution'' prediction. By $z \sim 0.8$ there are only a few galaxies which are as red in their rest-frame as present--day ellipticals. The detected evolution is consistent with passive aging of stellar populations formed at redshifts of $z \simgreat 2$. Though the uncertainties are large, the Butcher--Oemler effect is observed in the Palomar clusters. The fraction of blue galaxies increases with the estimated redshift of the cluster at a 96.2\% confidence level. The measured blue fractions of the intermediate redshift clusters ($f_{b} \sim 0.2 - 0.3$) are consistent with those found previously by Butcher \& Oemler (1984). The trend in the Palomar clusters suggests that $f_{b}$ can be greater than 0.4 in clusters of galaxies at redshifts of $z \simgreat 0.6$.
Meeting the need to belong: predicting effects of a friendship enrichment program for older women.

PURPOSE This study explores the effects of participation in a program designed to enrich friendship and reduce loneliness among women in later life. Several hypotheses based on the need to belong, socioemotional selectivity theory, and the social compensation model were tested. DESIGN AND METHODS Study 1 involved two measurement points, one at the end of the program and the other 1-year later. Study 2 used a pretest-post-test control group design with a follow-up measurement. A combination of semistructured interviews and structured questionnaires was used to collect data. A comparison group was also drawn from a nationwide representative sample. RESULTS Participants were characterized by deprivation on the need to belong; that is, loss of a partner, higher levels of loneliness and negative affect, and lower positive affect compared with a nationwide representative sample of same-aged women. Participants were more likely than women in a control group to report the development of new friendships and an improvement in friendship. The combination of new and improved friendships contributed to a significant reduction in loneliness within a year. There was no evidence of satiation of the need to belong among those who did not expand or improve friendships. Loss of a partner had no influence on friendship development; however, age did. Older participants were less likely to improve friendships. IMPLICATIONS The action-oriented approach that focused on friendship development in this intervention might be applied to other goals considered important in later life (optimal health, autonomy, harmonious family relations).
THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN SCHOOL INSPECTIONS, SCHOOL CHARACTERISTICS AND SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT

ABSTRACT: The effects of school inspections on school improvement have been investigated only to a limited degree. The investigation reported on in this article is meant to expand our knowledge base regarding the impact of school inspections on school improvement. The theoretical framework for this research is partly based on the policy theory behind the Dutch Educational School Supervision Act (the latter includes assumptions about how school inspections lead to school improvement). Interviews and a survey with school inspectors gave insight into how school inspectors implement the Supervision Act and how they assess schools, and stimulate schools to improve. The results of ten case studies showed that all schools started to improve after a school visit. The innovation capacity of the school and the school environment do not seem to contribute to school improvement after school inspections. No effects were found on school-improvement processes of the number of insufficient scores that schools received from inspectors, the extent of feedback and suggestions for improvement, and the number of agreements. The provision of feedback about weaknesses, the assessment of these weak points as unsatisfactory, and the agreements between an inspector and the school regarding improvement activities do appear to make a difference in promoting school improvement.
A Cluster-Analytic Investigation of Subtypes of Adult Career Counseling Clients: Toward a Taxonomy of Career Problems

Two hundred and seventy-eight adults who ranged in age from 18 to 69 years and were voluntarily in career counseling completed measures pre- and postcounseling to assess career-related variables (e.g., vocational identity) and psychological issues that may affect career concerns (e.g., level of psychological distress). Participant-clients received 1 to 14 sessions of individual career counseling, according to the need of each participant. The counselors were trained to use a holistic method of career counseling that emphasized the importance of considering career and psychosocial concerns together in working with the client. Using cluster analysis, four distinct types of career counseling clients were identified that provides an initial taxonomy of career problems with adult career clients. Pre- and postcounseling differences among clusters were examined. Implications of the findings for career counseling practice and further research are discussed.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Pediatric Oncology Patients in Eastern Turkey

The use of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) among children with cancer is becoming increasingly popular. Therefore, it is important to gain insight into the prevalence and factors related to the use of CAM. This study presents findings from a study of parents of 88 children with cancer who were receiving or had received conventional therapy for treatment of childhood cancer at a pediatric oncology unit in eastern Turkey. The findings indicated that 48.9% of the respondents reported the use of 1 or more CAM therapies. The most commonly used modality was herbal products such as herbal tea and herbal meal, mostly stinging nettle (Urtica dioica). The findings of this study indicate that CAM users were children who were an average of 3 years older than nonuser children and that CAM use was more prevalent among the children who had been diagnosed with cancer for a longer time than nonusers. There were no significant difference between users and nonusers regarding sociodemographic characteristics (such as age education level, economic status), hopelessness score of parents, gender of child, and treatment status. Healthcare providers should remain informed about the benefits and adverse effects of complementary and alternative therapies to discuss treatment options with patients and their families and to monitor treatment efficacy.
Role of PLB1 in Pulmonary Inflammation and Cryptococcal Eicosanoid Production

ABSTRACT Cryptococcal phospholipase (PLB1) is a secreted enzyme with lysophospholipase hydrolase and lysophospholipase transacylase activities. To investigate the role of PLB1 in the evasion of host immune responses, we characterized pulmonary immune responses to the parental (H99), the plb1 mutant, and the plb1rec reconstituted mutant strains of Cryptococcus neoformans in mice. PLB1 was required for virulence during infection acquired via the respiratory tract. Mice infected with either H99 or the plb1rec strain generated a nonprotective inflammatory response with subsequent eosinophilia, while mice infected with the plb1 mutant generated a protective immune response that controlled the infection. Because PLB1 is believed to facilitate virulence through host cell lysis, we examined the interaction of these strains with macrophages. The plb1rec mutant exhibited decreased survival during coculture with macrophages. One factor which may be involved in the survival of yeast in the presence of macrophages is fungal eicosanoid production. Host eicosanoids have been shown to down-modulate macrophage functions. plb1 exhibited a defect in eicosanoid production derived from exogenous arachidonoyl-phosphatidylcholine, suggesting that PLB1 is required for the release of arachidonic acid from phospholipids. These data suggest that cryptococcal PLB1 may act as a virulence factor by enhancing the ability to survive macrophage antifungal defenses, possibly by facilitating fungal eicosanoid production.
Expression of Emotion as Part of the Work Role

Research in organizational behavior focuses on expressed and felt emotions as indicators of employee health and satisfaction. In contrast, less conceptual and empirical work addresses the display of feelings as part of the job. This paper proposes a conceptual framework to guide theory development and research about the causes, qualities, and consequences of emotions that are expressed to fulfill role expectations.
A Gift Economy:

Theories of gift and exchange have been well developed in anthropology. David Cheal applies his own findings to modern, industrial societies showing how the sociology of the gift relates to current theories about gender, family and religion. This book should be of interest to students and lecturers of sociology, anthropology, economic sociology and social psychology.
Identifying Antecedents of Risky Appearance Management Behaviors

Acts of appearance management include a range of activities to control the presentation of the body that one makes to self and to others. Appearance management behaviors (AMBs) can be divided into two categories: risky and non-risky. Risky AMBs can all be linked to some threat to health if engaged in for extended periods of time. We investigated body-related variables predicting engagement in three specific categories (i.e., cosmetic procedures, extreme dieting, use of diet aids) of risky AMBs with female undergraduates from the U.S. (n = 349) and from South Korea (n = 338). The predictor variables were objectified body consciousness (OBC) and body image investment (BII). Mediating variables investigated were body comparison (BC) and body satisfaction (BS). Across all risky AMBs investigated and with participants from both countries, as BC increased, BS decreased. Similarly, OBC and BII significantly predicted BC for both groups of women. For Korean women, OBC predicted engagement in cosmetic procedure and extreme dieting through BC. For U.S. women, OBC and BII predicted extreme dieting and use of diet pills through BS. Further, there was a difference between the two countries in terms of the specific risky AMBs engaged in. Korean participants engaged in cosmetic procedures followed by extreme dieting. U.S. participants engaged in the use of diet aids followed by extreme dieting.
Performance in solving arithmetic problems: a comparison of children with different levels of achievement in mathematics and reading

The aim of the present study was to investigate the performance in arithmetic related to achievement levels in reading and mathematics. Basic arithmetical facts and multi‐step calculations were examined. The participants were 941 pupils aged 8 (N = 415), 10 (N = 274) and 13 (N = 252) years. The pupils were divided into four groups by standardized achievement tests. One group showed low achievement in both mathematics and reading (MLRL), a second group showed low achievement in mathematics only (ML‐only), a third group in reading only (RL‐only) and a fourth group showed normal achievement in both mathematics and reading (NA). The ML‐only and the MLRL groups did not differ significantly in basic arithmetical facts at any age level, but both groups performed below the RL‐only and NA groups. The two latter groups also performed similarly at all year levels. In multi‐step calculation all groups differed significantly at the lowest age level, with the NA as the group with the best achievement, followed by RL‐only, ML‐only and the MLRL group. At the two highest age levels the relations between the groups, in multi‐step calculation, were in accordance with the results regarding basic facts. The findings indicate, for both normal and low general mathematical ability, that low achievement in reading to a small extent interferes with the pupils’ development of arithmetic performance
Managing the Role Stress of Public Relations Practitioners in International Schools

This article examines the diverse role and work of public relations practitioners in the growing body of international schools. It examines evidence of ‘role stress’ in the form of the subsets of role overload, role ambiguity, role conflict and role preparedness. Three particular aspects were identified. The role seems prone to change alongside the sudden and unplanned development of the school. An organizational culture of an informal, isolationist and highly individualistic nature seems to exist. The character of personality also seems to be a factor. Possible strategies for managing role stress are then discussed. The overall list of tasks might be cut, and some tasks delegated. A more detailed job description within a planned framework could be produced. A restructuring process within the school might simplify role diversification. These strategies seem to provide a forum for research and partnership for the newly emerging Alliance for International Education
Heart rate variability, homeostasis, and brain function: A tutorial and review of application.

Measures of heart rate variability (HRV) are major indices of the sympathovagal balance in cardiovascular research. These measures are thought to reflect complex patterns of brain activation as well and HRV is now emerging as a descriptor thought to provide information on the nervous system organization of homeostatic responses in accordance with the situational requirements. Current models of integration equate HRV to the affective states as parallel outputs of the central autonomic network, with HRV reflecting its organization of affective, physiological, “cognitive,” and behavioral elements into a homeostatic response. Clinical application is in the study of patients with psychiatric disorders, traumatic brain injury, impaired emotion-specific processing, personality, and communication disorders. HRV responses to highly emotional sensory inputs have been identified in subjects in vegetative state and in healthy or brain injured subjects processing complex sensory stimuli. In this respect, HRV measureme.