Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Age-Based Preferences and Player Experience: A Crowdsourced Cross-sectional Study

We tend to treat the 18-55 demographic of gamers as a monolithic and homogenous group, even though the older ones witnessed the entire rise of the videogame and the younger ones were born into a world with MMORPGs. We present a cross-sectional study of 2747 crowdsourced players aged 18-55 and conduct linear regressions of age on several measures of play habits, preferences, and play experiences. Our results show a consistent pattern that with increasing age, preferences, play motive, play style, identification as a gamer, and player experience shift away from a focus on performance and towards a focus on completion, choice, and enjoyment. We situate our results in developmental psychology, which suggests that as we age, we exhibit an increased focus on goals that prioritize emotional regulation and relationships and less on the acquisitions of new skills. Our work provides new insights into the large and core demographic of gamers.
The Social Organization of Local Areas

Consistent with previous theorizing, two forms of social organization exist at the local level in metropolitan Seattle: the "urban village," which rests on a foundation of close primary relationships, and the "community of limited liability," which is composed of less intimate social relations. l he thirst torm of organization most often appears in areas of low residential and functional mobility, while the second type is concentrated in higher-status and childbearing areas. Other dimensions of lifestyle and behavior are also found to vary between the two types of locality. In general, those areas that approximate the urban village model engender relatively strong emotional feelings of attachment, while the limited liability areas are more frequently perceived as "nice" places in which to live.
Determinants Of Ethical Climate In The Firm: The Role Of Governance Control Systems And Environmental Uncertainty

Corporate governance mechanisms essentially reside in the control structure/systems of most organizations and provide, theoretically at least, a conduit to support a better organizational ethical climate. This linkage, however, has seldom been portrayed this way in the literature and, correspondingly, there are virtually no empirical studies to offer increased understanding, especially with respect to the professional accountant in practice. Accordingly, this paper empirically assesses the governance mechanisms sanctioned by the International Federation of Accountants (2009) as determinants of an organization’s ethical climate based on evidence from a Canadian sample of CFOs/controllers. The ethics/leadership literature relating to ethical climate provides the theoretical underpinnings while organizational contingency theory supports examining the moderating effects of perceived environmental uncertainty (PEU). Increases in corporate governance control mechanisms are found to positively influence ethical climate. A significant relationship persists under both low and high levels of PEU but, as expected, it is much stronger when the level of PEU is low – which raises concerns about how to embrace a stronger ethical climate when uncertainty is high. This paper contributes to the governance and ethics literature by providing empirical evidence that normative directives on evaluating and improving governance in organizations from global accounting authorities, such as the IFAC, are effective in shaping firms’ ethical climates in practice.
Change in fruit and vegetable intake over 24 months in older adults: results of the SENIOR project intervention.

PURPOSE We test the efficacy of an intervention based on the transtheoretical model to increase the intake of fruits and vegetables and to describe differences in psychosocial variables based on the achievement of the 5 A Day Program target. DESIGN AND METHODS This study is a randomized controlled trial comparing a 12-month fruit and vegetable intervention to a control condition with a 12-month follow-up. Participants included 1,277 community-residing persons who were 60 years of age or older; 834 provided dietary data at all three time points and are included in our outcome analyses. RESULTS The intervention group increased intake by 0.5 to 1.0 serving more than the control group over 24 months as measured by the NCI Fruit and Vegetable Screener and the 5 A Day Program screener. The majority of the participants (58%) perceived that they maintained 5 or more servings per day for 24 months. These maintainers had a higher intake at each time point for all dietary measures and differed from those who failed to progress (11%) for most transtheoretical model variables. IMPLICATIONS The intervention was effective in increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables in older adults. Those who maintained their level of perceived intake as 5 or more servings per day consumed 2-4 servings per day more than those who failed to progress.
Making Progress Toward Graduation Evidence from the Talent Development High School Model

Low-performing public high schools in U.S. cities are often seen as places of little hope. High proportions of students drop out, many students who stay in school are not well prepared for college or the workforce, and efforts to make substantial improvements in ailing schools tend to meet with little success. Two recent trends offer some good news, however. Educators and policymakers — including President Bush, state governors, and foundation and business leaders — have recently recommitted themselves to addressing the challenge of reforming secondary education in urban settings. In addition, a number of comprehensive school reform models have been developed over the past ten years, and some have begun to show evidence of being effective.
Differentiation of neuromyelitis optica from multiple sclerosis in a cohort from the mainland of China.

BACKGROUND Although there were criteria for diagnosis of neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and multiple sclerosis (MS), it is still difficult to differentiate NMO from MS, due to the overlapping clinical manifestations. Therefore it is necessary to characterize clinical features of NMO and MS patients in the mainland of China, to simplify the process of disease diagnosis, and to identify criteria for the differential diagnosis of NMO and MS. METHODS A total of 138 Chinese Han patients from the mainland of China including 73 NMO, 60 MS and 5 MS-like patients with positive NMO-IgG were included in the study. Clinical records were reviewed retrospectively and the results of clinical examination, laboratory experiments, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and evoked potentials (EPs) were compared between NMO and MS patients. In addition, the relationship between the NMO-IgG serologic status and clinical characteristics were analyzed. RESULTS Compared with MS patients (1.3: 1.0), more female prevalence was observed in NMO patients (4.2: 1.0; P = 0.003). There were also statistically significant differences in visual EPs, oligoclonal bands, brainstem lesions in MRI and longitudinally extensive spinal cord lesions (LESCLs) between NMO and MS patients. Brainstem lesions observed in brain MRI were found in 17.9% of MS patients, over 3.7 times higher than in NMO patients (4.8%, P = 0.024). When stratified NMO patients by NMO-IgG, LESCLs were found in 42.1% of NMO-IgG-negative NMO patients, over 3.5 times higher than in NMO-IgG-positive patients (11.9%, P = 0.008). Statistical difference was also observed in CD4+/CD8+ ratios between NMO-IgG-positive and -negative NMO patients. CONCLUSIONS Comprehensive analysis of MRI, laboratory and EPs data can facilitate differential diagnosis of MS and NMO. In addition, the combination of LESCLs and brain MRI findings failing to satisfy MRI criteria for MS is highly sensitive and specific for NMO.
Managing for growth: decision making, planning, and making changes

The competencies that need to be developed and deployed in coping with accelerating changes in the business environment have been the subject of much work dating back at least to the 1960s. Two broad themes are discernible in this work. On the one hand there are those who argue that the speed of change is so fast that organisations and managers who can respond almost instinctively and improvise responses quickly will do well. On the other, there are those who argue that more formalised systems of strategic development and control are needed to give organisations a competitive advantage. The results from an empirical study of some 267 organisations are used to shed some light on this debate. The evidence supports the idea that a growing organisation is associated with the existence of internal strategic systems that support the firm’s growth ambitions, allowing it to make not only “good” business decisions and to monitor how well the organisations is doing against its strategy, but to do so speedily.
Smoothed Interest Rate Setting by Central Banks and Staggered Loan Contracts

We investigate a new source of economic stickiness: namely, staggered loan interest rate contracts under monopolistic competition. The paper introduces this mechanism into a standard New Keynesian model. Simulations show that a response to a financial shock is greatly amplified by the staggered loan contracts though a response to a productivity, cost-push or monetary policy shock is not much affected. We derive an approximated loss function and analyse optimal monetary policy. Unlike other models, the function includes a quadratic loss of the first-order difference in loan rates. Thus, central banks have an incentive to smooth the policy rate.
Pitfalls in Smoothing Interest Rate Term Structure Data: Equilibrium Models and Spline Approximations

The interest rate term structure refers to the array of discount rates on a collection of pure discount bonds that differ one from another only by the timing of their redemption. The most common approximation to the term structure is, of course, the yield to maturity curve, which is usually depicted as a smooth curve that relates rates of return on such bonds held to maturity to their term to maturity. Other expressions of the term structure also could be constructed, but underlying them all is the discount or present value function that we may denote δ(t). δ is the discount applied to a unitary payment to be made t periods hence. Expressing the term structure in this way does not necessarily imply that the term structure is itself driven by t, payment timings. Most economists would generally agree, however, that it is possible to draw smooth discount curves over the time axis. It is necessary to assume only that yield curves are continuous and smooth. By resort to arbitrage arguments implicit in equilibrium theories of the term structure, many economists are willing to live with these assumptions.
Capitalism and its future: remarks on regulation, government and governance

The article relates capitalism's distinctive dynamic to the nature of the wage relation and self-valorization of capital. Capitalism has no final telos: its future remains open in the face of structural changes and social struggles. This source of capitalist dynamism also opens it to external influence. Some key changes in the 'government and governance' of economics and politics are also discussed. These include: the denationalization of statehood, a partial de-statization of politics, and the internationalization of policy regimes. Among counter-trends are the survival of the national state as an instance of meta-governance.
California Social Work Education Center

iv CALSWEC PREFACE vi ABOUT THE AUTHORS viii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ix INTRODUCTION xi Rationale for the Module.xi Background.xi Literature Review.xii CURRICULUM OVERVIEW xiv Competencies and Objectives.xiv Intended Audience.xvii Curriculum Organization.xvii Materials and Tools.xix MODULE I: MEXICAN AND VIETNAMESE IMMIGRANT FAMILIES: CHARACTERISTICS, PARENTING AND ACCULTURATION 1 Public Child Welfare Competencies Addressed.2 Learning Objectives.2 Agenda.3 Materials Needed.3 Mexican and Vietnamese Immigrants in the U.S. and in California.4 Reasons for Emigration Among Mexican Immigrants.5 Reasons for Emigration Among Vietnamese Immigrants.6 Acculturation and Parenting Among Mexican Immigrant Families.7 Acculturation and Parenting Among Vietnamese Immigrant Families.8 Qualitative Study Findings for Research Question 1: What Are the Characteristics of Mexican and Vietnamese Immigrant Families Involved in the Child Welfare System? 9 Implications for Child Welfare Practice and Policy.17 Practice Exercises.19 MODULE II: CHARACTERISTICS OF MEXICAN AND VIETNAMESE IMMIGRANT FAMILIES INVOLVED IN THE CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM 23 Public Child Welfare Competencies Addressed.24 Learning Objectives.24
Challenges in developing a reseeded, tissue-engineered aortic valve prosthesis.

OBJECTIVES Biological heart valve prostheses are characterized by a limited durability due to the degenerative processes after implantation. Tissue engineering may provide new approaches in the development of optimized valvular grafts. While re-endothelialization of decellularized heart valves has already been successfully implemented, interstitial repopulation still remains an unaccomplished objective although it is essential for valvular functionality and regeneration potential. The aim of this study was to compare different concepts for an improved in vitro interstitial repopulation of decellularized heart valves. A novel 3D heart valve model has been developed to investigate the cell behaviour of valvular interstitial cells (VIC) in their physiological environment and to evaluate the potential of in vitro repopulation of acellular heart valves. METHODS Ovine aortic heart valves were decellularized by detergent solutions and additionally treated with trypsin or laser perforation. Subsequently, the decellularized extracellular matrices (dECM) were reseeded with ovine VIC using reseeding devices to provide a repopulation of the matrix on a defined area under controlled conditions. After an initial attachment of the VIC, reseeded dECM were transferred into a transwell system to improve the nutrient supply inside the valvular matrix. Cell migration and expression of cell markers were analysed histologically. The results were compared with VIC cultivation in a biological scaffold. RESULTS VIC did not migrate into the matrix of untreated dECM and reseeding in laser perforated dECM showed inconsistent results. However, trypsinization increased the susceptibility of the valvular cusps to VIC penetration and repopulation of superficial areas. Additionally, the cultivation of reseeded dECM in a transwell system significantly increased the total number of cells repopulating the valvular matrix and their mean migration distance, representing the best repopulation results. Immunohistological analysis and in situ zymography revealed a low activation status of repopulating VIC after 7 days of culture. CONCLUSIONS A comparison of different techniques for increasing interstitial repopulation of detergent dECM revealed that an additional limited trypsin treatment was most effective. Nevertheless, a complete interstitial repopulation of decellularized heart valves remains a challenging endeavour. Additional experimental fine-tuning may improve the in vitro results of heart valve tissue engineering.
Quantitative Analysis of Serum Lipid Profile in Gallstone Patients and Controls

The present study was undertaken to explore the possible role of serum lipid profile in gallstone formation. For this serum lipid profile such as total, free and bound cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triacylglycerols and total lipids were determined in 109 gallstone patients and 100 controls (matched for age, sex and with negative personal or family history of gallstones) treated at Liaquat University Hpspital, Jamshoro, Pakistan. Comparison for serum lipid profile between different groups of gallstone patients and controls revealed no significant variation except for the triacylglycerols and total lipids, which were differed significantly between females of up to 45 and above 45 years age. Comparison for serum lipid profile between pure cholesterol and mixed composition gallstone formers showed no significant difference (p>0.05) between the two groups. The serum lipid profile significantly varied between gallstone patients and controls except bound cholesterol level. Comparison of total cholesterol, free cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triacylglycerols and total lipids between gallstone patients and controls revealed that there was a significant difference between gallstone patients and controls for (a) females with or without gallstones, (b) females of up to 45 years age and (c) females having more than 3 children. HDL cholesterol is significantly decreased in all the groups of gallstone patients as compared to controls, whereas, bound cholesterol remained non significant in all the groups of gallstone patients when compared with controls. In conclusion, elevated serum total cholesterol, free cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triacylglycerols and decreased levels of HDL cholesterolseem to play major contributing role in the pathogenesis of gallstones in females of upto 45 years age with more than three children.
The magical number .7 +/- .2: meta-meta-analysis of the probability of superior outcome in comparisons involving therapy, placebo, and control.

The "probability of superiority estimate" (PS) estimates the probability that a randomly sampled client from a population given a treatment will have an outcome that is superior to that of a randomly sampled client from a population given another treatment. The meta-analytic clinical outcome literature was examined to calculate mean PS (PS) for comparisons involving therapy versus control, therapy versus placebo, therapy versus therapy, and placebo versus control. The range of PS was found to be approximately . 7 +/- . 2, with median PS greatest when therapy and control are compared (Mdn PSTC = .70, where T = therapy and C = control) and least when 2 therapies are compared (Mdn PSTT = .56). Results suggested that there is more to therapeutic success than placebo effects (Mdn PSTP = .66, where T = therapy and P = placebo) and that placebo is typically better than do-nothing control conditions (Mdn PSPC = .62). The present exceptionally large study, controlling for dependencies and confounding variables, may put to rest the question of the superiority of therapy to placebo. It also appears that the strength of effect of therapy is typically at least average among the effects of independent variables in psychology.
The Combat Soldier: Infantry Tactics and Cohesion in the Twentieth and Twenty-First Century

strategic understanding, let alone as a predictive tool. However, culture merits attention as a factor that conditions thought, but not necessarily that it determines action. As to geography, the challenge is less to recognise its relevance to strategic considerations than to be able to restrict its scope for influence. Finally, strategy is not about technology, but, as is the case with concepts, is an enabler of strategic achievement. There is no doubt that the notion of strategy, whether in relation to war or any other human objective, is complex, and Gray does not set out to make it any less so. He appears not to see the need for clarity of ideas, clarity of writing style or to make any attempt to unpick his arguments. The result is a dense, difficult text, making hard work for the reader with its unnecessarily complex sentence structure and slightly out of place imagery. To misquote Jane Austen, it is a truth universally acknowledged that a man in possession of a difficult story to present must be in want of an editor. It is also pertinent to point out that two major chapters of this book have already been utilised in other academic research publications.
Clinical evaluation of music perception, appraisal and experience in cochlear implant users

Abstract Objectives: The objectives were to evaluate the relationships among music perception, appraisal, and experience in cochlear implant users in multiple clinical settings and to examine the viability of two assessments designed for clinical use. Design: Background questionnaires (IMBQ) were administered by audiologists in 14 clinics in the United States and Canada. The CAMP included tests of pitch-direction discrimination, and melody and timbre recognition. The IMBQ queried users on prior musical involvement, music listening habits pre and post implant, and music appraisals. Study sample: One-hundred forty-five users of Advanced Bionics and Cochlear Ltd cochlear implants. Results: Performance on pitch direction discrimination, melody recognition, and timbre recognition tests were consistent with previous studies with smaller cohorts, as well as with more extensive protocols conducted in other centers. Relationships between perceptual accuracy and music enjoyment were weak, suggesting that perception and appraisal are relatively independent for CI users. Conclusions: Perceptual abilities as measured by the CAMP had little to no relationship with music appraisals and little relationship with musical experience. The CAMP and IMBQ are feasible for routine clinical use, providing results consistent with previous thorough laboratory-based investigations.
Return Predictability and the P/E Ratio

The P/E ratio has been used by practitioners and economists as an indicator of market valuations. Shiller [2000] warned that P/E ratios were dangerously high relative to their historical averages. This ratio, however, should in an efficient market vary with factors such as risk, time preferences, inflation, and market expectations. The authors use the residuals from a regression that controls for the effect of these factors on the E/P ratio to provide information about the behavior of the market. They find that the residuals from the model provide a reliable signal of future market behavior.
A COMPARISON OF SPACED RETRIEVAL TO OTHER SCHEDULES OF PRACTICE FOR PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA

ABSTRACT Spaced retrieval training (Camp, 1989, In Memory, Aging, and Dementia-Theory, Assessment, and Treatment (pp. 212–225), New York: Springer) uses a schedule of practice trials distributed according to a learner's performance. The authors compared spaced retrieval to four alternative schedules of practice to determine whether it is more effective than other schedules for people with dementia. Participants practiced (a) pill names or (b) nonverbal sequences. Spaced retrieval did not produce long-term retention more often than other schedules of practice on either task. Participants with higher scores on one portion of the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test—Revised (Benedict, Schretlen, Groninger, & Brandt, 1998, The Clinical Neuropsychologist, 12, 43–55) were more likely to show long-term retention of pill names regardless of schedule of practice (Experiment 1).
The Stylised Facts of Stock Price Movements

The stylised facts of stock price movements are statistical properties expected to be present in any sufficiently long series of observed stock prices. The below is a review of the current literature on the presence and identification of these stylised facts in observed price series for stocks listed in both developed and developing markets. Frequently identified stylised facts include the heavy tailed distribution of observed stock price returns, the significant autocorrelation of absolute and squared observed returns ("volatility clustering"), the slow decay of the autocorrelation function of absolute observed returns, and the Taylor and Leverage effects.