Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Role of Reflective Practices in Building Social Capital in Organizations From an HRD Perspective

Social capital has been receiving increasing attention in the field of human resource development (HRD). However, little is known as to how social capital has been formed or has grown over time with HRD interventions. There is limited research and discussion on how reflective practices play a role in the development of social capital as individuals reflect together in interactive social contexts such as networking activities. This article looks at how reflective practices can inform organizational social capital building. This article reviews relevant social capital and reflective practices literatures. An integrative model of institutional social capital and reflective practices is introduced to help explain how the two areas can be interrelated. The article suggests future efforts to integrate research and practice to better develop social capital in organizations.
Influence of Brand Name on Consumer Choice & Decision

Brand image or Brand name plays a crucial role to enhance the performance of any company or business. Brand name is the tool which can positively change people's buying behavior. The purpose of this study is to examine the Effect of brand name on consumer buying behavior in University students of Gujranwala, Faisalabad and Lahore. Questionnaire survey was used to collect the data by using non probability convenient sampling technique. The researchers sent 300 questionnaires to the different university students in above mentioned cities, in which 250 responses were collected in the period of one month. Findings show that brand image or brand name has significant positive relationship with consumer buying behavior. This study was conducted in university students of Gujranwala, Faisalabad, and Lahore and it shows that they are brand conscious and prefer branded products. In the last part of article with conclusion the future recommendations and practical implications are also included.
A Parieto-Medial Temporal Pathway for the Strategic Control over Working Memory Biases in Human Visual Attention

The contents of working memory (WM) can both aid and disrupt the goal-directed allocation of visual attention. WM benefits attention when its contents overlap with goal-relevant stimulus features, but WM leads attention astray when its contents match features of currently irrelevant stimuli. Recent behavioral data have documented that WM biases of attention may be subject to strategic cognitive control processes whereby subjects are able to either enhance or inhibit the influence of WM contents on attention. However, the neural mechanisms supporting cognitive control over WM biases on attention are presently unknown. Here, we characterize these mechanisms by combining human functional magnetic resonance imaging with a task that independently manipulates the relationship between WM cues and attention targets during visual search (with WM contents matching either search targets or distracters), as well as the predictability of this relationship (100 vs 50% predictability) to assess participants' ability to strategically enhance or inhibit WM biases on attention when WM contents reliably matched targets or distracter stimuli, respectively. We show that cues signaling predictable (> unpredictable) WM–attention relations reliably enhanced search performance, and that this strategic modulation of the interplay between WM contents and visual attention was mediated by a neuroanatomical network involving the posterior parietal cortex, the posterior cingulate, and medial temporal lobe structures, with responses in the hippocampus proper correlating with behavioral measures of strategic control of WM biases. Thus, we delineate a novel parieto-medial temporal pathway implementing cognitive control over WM biases to optimize goal-directed selection.
Design and Analysis of an Acknowledgment-Aware Asynchronous MPR MAC Protocol for Distributed WLANs

Multi-packet reception (MPR) promises significant throughput gains in wireless local area networks (WLANs) by allowing nodes to transmit even in the presence of ongoing transmissions in the medium. However, the medium access control (MAC) layer must now be redesigned to facilitate - rather than discourage - these overlapping transmissions. We investigate asynchronous MPR MAC protocols, which successfully accomplish this by controlling the node behavior based on the number of ongoing transmissions in the channel. The protocols use the backoff timer mechanism of the distributed coordination function, which makes them practically appealing. We first highlight a unique problem of acknowledgment delays, which arises in asynchronous MPR, and investigate a solution that modifies the medium access rules to reduce these delays and increase system throughput in the single receiver scenario. We develop a general renewal-theoretic fixed-point analysis that leads to expressions for the saturation throughput, packet dropping probability, and average head-of-line packet delay. We also model and analyze the practical scenario in which nodes may incorrectly estimate the number of ongoing transmissions.
Case Studies of School Community and Climate: Success Narratives of Schools in Challenging Circumstances.

This paper reports on a Canadian qualitative case study project funded by the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario. The paper describes success stories of students and communities affected by poverty from a diverse sam ple of eleven elementary schools throughout the province of Ontario. Over the period of one school year (2007-2008) and through school visits, interviews, focus groups, and document analysis, researchers developed narratives that describe the ways that adult members (teachers, parents, administrators, and community groups/partners) in the sample schools thought about and shaped their work with students living in challenging socioeconomic circumstances. The paper illustrates examples from the project that draw on themes related to: commitment to high-quality collaboration, teacher mentorship, and community building; parent and community partnerships; and administrative leadership and the culture of leading.
Solitary pulmonary nodules: evaluation of blood flow patterns with dynamic CT.

PURPOSE To evaluate the efficacy of dynamic computed tomography (CT) for differentiating benign from malignant solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs). MATERIALS AND METHODS Sixty-five patients with noncalcified SPNs (diameter, < or = 30 mm; 42 malignant, 16 benign, seven inflammatory) underwent single-location dynamic contrast material-enhanced (100 mL, 4 mL/sec) serial CT. Peak height of time-attenuation curves and ratio of peak height of the SPN to that of the aorta were measured. Precontrast attenuation and enhancement pattern were recorded. Perfusion was calculated from the maximum gradient of the time-attenuation curve and the peak height of the aorta. RESULTS Peak heights of malignant (41.9 HU +/- 2.8) and inflammatory (43.6 HU +/- 7.7) SPNs were significantly higher than that (13.4 HU +/- 2.2) of benign SPNs (P < .001; P < .01). SPN-to-aorta ratios in malignant and inflammatory SPNs were significantly higher than that in benign SPNs (P < .001, P < .05). No statistically significant differences in the peak height and SPN-to-aorta ratio were found between malignant and inflammatory SPNs. Precontrast attenuation of inflammatory SPNs was lower than that of malignant SPNs (P < .05). Perfusion values in malignant and inflammatory SPNs were significantly higher than that of the benign SPNs (P < .01). CONCLUSION Dynamic CT provides quantitative information about blood flow patterns of SPNs and is an applicable diagnostic method for differentiating SPNs.
Exceptions that Make the Rule? Koizumi Jun'ichirō and Political Leadership in Japan

The orthodox view or ‘rule’ of Japanese politics over past decades has been that Japanese leadership is weak and reactive. As such, Koizumi Jun'ichirō, a recent Japanese prime minister, is seen as a great exception to this rule. This article seeks to re-evaluate this orthodoxy in light of wider leadership theory and recent studies on Japanese political leadership. Focusing especially on how assessments of Koizumi's leadership compare to those of previous leaders, it looks at how the literature on Japanese politics has viewed both Japan's political environment and its political leaders. It argues that Koizumi interacted with, not merely reacted to, his political environment. At the same time, he employed a leadership style which, although distinctive, shared important similarities with previous leaders. Accordingly, he was less an exception to this rule than a confirmation of the historical diversity of Japanese political leadership.
Verbal Responses to Music Listening by Adult Nonmusicians

The central purpose of this research was to determine the nature of musically untrained adults' verbal response to repeated hearings of music excerpts when asked questions that encouraged interpretive responses. Two specific research questions served as the basis for the investigation: What categories emerge from an analysis of verbal responses? How does the musical understanding represented by verbal responses compare to extant literature on the music listening of adult nonmusicians? Twelve adult nonmusicians ranging in age from 28 to 77 were interviewed individually after they had listened twice to six musical excerpts, followed by a repetition of the procedure after a one-week interval. A content analysis of their responses employed a grounded theory approach to generate a list of categories. Results indicate that participants responded across a range of musical, extramusical, affective, and preference categories, and that repeated hearings of selected pieces resulted in more detailed responses for several participants.
Curcumin improves the efficacy of cisplatin by targeting cancer stem-like cells through p21 and cyclin D1-mediated tumour cell inhibition in non-small cell lung cancer cell lines

Natural compounds such as curcumin have the ability to enhance the therapeutic effectiveness of common chemotherapy agents through cancer stem-like cell (CSC) sensitisation. In the present study, we showed that curcumin enhanced the sensitivity of the double-positive (CD166+/EpCAM+) CSC subpopulation in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines (A549 and H2170) to cisplatin-induced apoptosis and inhibition of metastasis. Our results revealed that initial exposure of NSCLC cell lines to curcumin (10–40 µM) markedly reduced the percentage of viability to an average of ~51 and ~54% compared to treatment with low dose cisplatin (3 µM) with only 94 and 86% in both the A549 and H2170 cells. Moreover, sensitisation of NSCLC cell lines to curcumin through combined treatment enhanced the single effect induced by low dose cisplatin on the apoptosis of the double-positive CSC subpopulation by 18 and 20% in the A549 and H2170 cells, respectively. Furthermore, we found that curcumin enhanced the inhibitory effects of cisplatin on the highly migratory CD166+/EpCAM+ subpopulation, marked by a reduction in cell migration to 9 and 21% in the A549 and H2170 cells, respectively, indicating that curcumin may increase the sensitivity of CSCs to cisplatin-induced migratory inhibition. We also observed that the mRNA expression of cyclin D1 was downregulated, while a substantial increased in p21 expression was noted, followed by Apaf1 and caspase-9 activation in the double-positive (CD166+/EpCAM+) CSC subpopulation of A549 cells, suggested that the combined treatments induced cell cycle arrest, therefore triggering CSC growth inhibition via the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. In conclusion, we provided novel evidence of the previously unknown therapeutic effects of curcumin, either alone or in combination with cisplatin on the inhibition of the CD166+/EpCAM+ subpopulation of NSCLC cell lines. This finding demonstrated the potential therapeutic approach of using curcumin that may enhance the effects of cisplatin by targeting the CSC subpopulation in NSCLC.
The reflected appraisal process in small-group interaction

The symbolic interactionist model of self-concept, also known as the reflected appraisal process, was adopted as the theoretical framework to investigate the effects of social interaction processes on the self-appraisals of adult participants in a small group. Interpersonal behavior ratings of actual other, reflected, and self-appraisals were collected in a two-wave panel design from 99 adults participating in human relations training groups. Covariance structure models were used to estimate the causal paths of the reflected appraisal process. Evidence supporting the conventional model of reflected appraisal was mixed. Actual appraisals had moderate effects on reflected appraisals, and had no effects on self-appraisals when reflected appraisals were controlled
VISUAL SIZE AND FAMILIAR SIZE: INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES*

Recent experiments show that, in the absence of distance cues, accurate estimates of the size of familiar objects can be achieved on the basis of memory alone. It is by no means certain, however, that memory is operative in size estimates of familiar objects seen in ordinary perceptual situations, since distance cues normally present are themselves sufficient to mediate the perception of the real sizes of things. In investigating this problem use is made of the characteristic individual differences that occur when subjects are obliged to make use of visual cues to size (i.e. in size estimates of non-familiar objects). There is also a considerable variance in individual estimates from memory of the size of a familiar object. For a group of subjects data on these two sources of variance can be related to the variance in their visual estimates of the size of a common object. By this means the relative weights accorded to past experience with the object and to present visual cues can be determined. Results suggest that prior knowledge of familiar ‘homogeneous’ objects (occurring environmentally mainly in one standard size) entirely determined the estimate of their size, while even for less familiar and for ‘heterogeneous’ objects there is evidence, in some cases, that non-visual factors were partly active.
Age-specific prevalence of human papillomavirus by grade of cervical cytology in Tibetan women.

BACKGROUND Human papillomavirus (HPV) is believed to be the most common sexually transmitted infection. However, little is known about the prevalence and distribution of HPV types in China. We aimed to assess the prevalence and the distribution of HPV types as well as risks for abnormal cervical cytology in women who reside in the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China. METHODS A cross-sectional study was performed involving a sample of 3036 women. An epidemiological questionnaire was applied and cervical specimens were obtained for liquid-based cytology and HPV DNA detection. Statistical analysis included chi-square and Logistic regression model. RESULTS In this population, 3.66% (111/3036) had atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS), 1.45% (44/3036) low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) and 1.09% (33/3036) had high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL). Tibetan women (5.74%, 137/2387) exhibited lower abnormal cytology rates than non-Tibetan women (8.01%, 52/649, P = 0.03). The overall prevalence of HPV infection was 9.19% (279/3036). We failed to identify any differences in HPV prevalence by age. In the groups with normal, ASCUS, LSIL and HSIL, the overall HPV prevalences were 7.41% (211/2847), 24.32% (27/111), 56.82% (25/44) and 45.45% (15/33), respectively. HPV 16 (1.52%, 46/3036) was the most common type, and was also the most prevalent in women with ASCUS (8.11%, 9/111) and HSIL (15.15%, 5/33). The most common HPV type for Tibetan women was HPV 16 (1.42%, 34/2387), whereas for non-Tibetan individuals it was HPV 33 (2.31%, 15/649). Of the 279 HPV-infected women, 40 individuals (14.34%) presented with multiple HPV positivity. Women who had two pregnancies were more likely to have abnormal cytology smear (OR = 1.67; 95%CI: 1.07 - 2.61). CONCLUSIONS A low prevalence of HPV positivity was observed in women who reside in the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China. The prevalence of abnormal cervical cytology and HPV type distributions were different between Tibetan and non-Tibetan women.
METHODS FOR ESTIMATING FLUXES AND ABSORPTIONS OF FAINT X-RAY SOURCES

X-ray sources with very few counts can be identified with low-noise X-ray detectors such as the Advanced CCD Imaging Spectrometer on board the Chandra X-ray Observatory. These sources are often too faint for parametric spectral modeling using well-established methods such as fitting with XSPEC. We discuss the estimation of apparent and intrinsic broadband X-ray fluxes and soft X-ray absorption from gas along the line of sight to these sources, using nonparametric methods. Apparent flux is estimated from the ratio of the source count rate to the instrumental effective area averaged over the chosen band. Absorption, intrinsic flux, and errors on these quantities are estimated from comparison of source photometric quantities with those of high signal-to-noise spectra that were simulated using spectral models characteristic of the class of astrophysical sources under study. The concept of this method is similar to the long-standing use of color–magnitude diagrams in optical and infrared astronomy, with X-ray median energy replacing color index and X-ray source counts replacing magnitude. Our nonparametric method is tested against the apparent spectra of ∼2000 faint sources in the Chandra observation of the rich young stellar cluster in the M 17 H ii region. We show that the intrinsic X-ray properties can be determined with little bias and reasonable accuracy using these observable photometric quantities without employing often uncertain and time-consuming methods of nonlinear parametric spectral modeling. Our method is calibrated for thermal spectra characteristic of stars in young stellar clusters, but recalibration should be possible for some other classes of faint X-ray sources such as extragalactic active galactic nuclei.
An Empirical Study of Consumer Adoption on 3G Value-Added Services in China

Focus on the 3G value-added services market, influence factors of customers' adoption intention are discussed in this paper. Through reviewing on the previous research papers, a conceptual model of customer adoption is developed and nine important factors are proposed, namely perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived price, perceived security, perceived enjoyment, need for uniqueness, network context compatibility, use experience and social influence. Then we conduct a big sample of questionnaire investigation in 3G value-added services market in China. Our empirical findings are as follow: (1) security and social influence are two of the most important factors in 3G market, (2) 3G value-added services should be perceived as enjoyment and useful, and (3) using context should be friendly and compatible.
Before sex education: An evaluation of the sexual knowledge, experience, feelings and needs of people with mild intellectual disabilities

The collection of systematic data in the area of sexuality among people with intellectual disabilities has largely been ignored. This paper is concerned with evaluating the data that are available on the sexual knowledge, experience, feelings or needs of these people. The area of sexuality has assumed increased importance with the current emphasis on the relocation of people with intellectual disabilities into the community. If this transition is to enhance the quality of life of these people, there is a need for them to be informed on sexual and relationship issues. The data suggest that in fact they have very limited sexual knowledge and experience. Further, most current sex education programs focus on isolated aspects of sexuality, and these are generally areas which are seen to present potential problems in people's lives. There is an urgent need to obtain accurate information on the sexuality of people with intellectual disabilities across a broad range of areas. From this base it will then be possib.
Factors Associated with Adoption and Adoption Intentions of Nonparental Caregivers

ABSTRACT Data from the 2011–2012 National Survey of Children's Health and the 2013 National Survey of Children in Nonparental Care were used to fit a multinomial logistic model comparing three groups to those who never considered adoption: those who ever considered but are not currently planning adoption, those planning adoption, and those who adopted. Adoption may be more likely when the caregiver is a non-kin foster parent, a foster care agency was involved, and/or financial assistance is available. Those with plans to adopt but who have not adopted may face adoption barriers such as extreme poverty, lower education, and being unmarried.
Serum Levels of Proinflammatory Cytokines in Painful Knee Osteoarthritis and Sensitization

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disorder in the world. Among the mechanisms involved in osteoarthritis, biomarkers (cytokines profile) may be related to pain and pain intensity, functional capacity, and pressure pain thresholds (PPT). Thus, the study of these relationships may offer useful information about pathophysiology and associated mechanisms involved in osteoarthritis. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the seric concentration of pro (IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines in patients with painful knee osteoarthritis and to correlate the levels of these biomarkers with the patients' functional capacity and pressure pain threshold (PPT) values.
Neuropsychological functioning in adolescent marijuana users: Subtle deficits detectable after a month of abstinence

In adults, studies examining the long-lasting cognitive effects of marijuana use demonstrate subtle deficits in attention, executive function, and memory. Because neuromaturation continues through adolescence, these results cannot necessarily generalize to adolescent marijuana users. The goal of this study was to examine neuropsychological functioning in abstinent marijuana using and demographically similar control adolescents. Data were collected from 65 adolescent marijuana users (n = 31, 26% females) and controls (n = 34, 26% females) 16–18 years of age. Extensive exclusionary criteria included independent psychiatric, medical, and neurologic disorders. Neuropsychological assessments were conducted after > 23 days of monitored abstinence. After controlling for lifetime alcohol use and depressive symptoms, adolescent marijuana users demonstrated slower psychomotor speed (p < .05), and poorer complex attention (p < .04), story memory (p < .04), and planning and sequencing ability (p < .001) compared with controls. Post hoc analysis revealed that the number of lifetime marijuana use episodes was associated with poorer cognitive function, even after controlling for lifetime alcohol use. The general pattern of results suggested that, even after a month of monitored abstinence, adolescent marijuana users demonstrate subtle neuropsychological deficits compared with nonusers. It is possible that frequent marijuana use during adolescence may negatively influence neuromaturation and cognitive development. (JINS, 2007, 13, 807–820.)
Mobile push: delivering content to mobile users

The increasing popularity of information services that rely on content delivery in mobile environments motivates the need for a mobile push service - an efficient and flexible content dissemination service that targets mobile users. We analyze the features of a mobile push service by investigating representative usage scenarios and propose an architecture for mobile content delivery systems. The architecture is based on the publish/subscribe (P/S) paradigm which supports many-to-many interaction of loosely-coupled entities. We define the set of services that need to collaborate with the P/S infrastructure to address the dynamics of mobile environments.