Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Investigating the Removal of Body Piercings

Although body piercing procurement continues to increase, 13% to 18% of them are removed. Reasons for piercing removal in college students were examined with three groups: (a) those who kept all their piercings, (b) those who removed some, or (c) those who removed all of their body piercings. Of the sample, 41% were still pierced; 50% in their lifetime. Their major purpose for the body piercing was “helped them feel unique. ” Females obtained more (in high school) and then removed more, usually as upperclassmen. Males and females reported themselves as risk takers at procedure time and currently; however, only 10% cited deviancy as a reason for the body piercing(s). Only removal elements of “I just got tired of it” and “I just decided to remove it” were present, especially with the Some Removed Group. Further examination of body piercing building personal distinctiveness and self-identity to promote their need of uniqueness is suggested.
Age and synchrony effects in performance on the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test

ABSTRACT Background: There is evidence that individuals perform better on some memory tasks when tested at their preferred time of day, a phenomenon named the synchrony effect. There is also evidence of a predictable change from evening to morning preference during the adult life span. Together, these findings suggest that age effects on memory measures may be overestimated when time of testing is ignored. The aim of this study was to investigate whether synchrony effects could partially explain the well-documented age-related decline in performance on the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT). Methods: Groups of 42 younger adults (aged 18–33 years) and 42 older adults (aged 55–71 years) were administered the RAVLT at either their optimal (n = 21) or non-optimal (n = 21) time of day. Results: Although both age groups benefited moderately from being tested at their optimal time, this effect was greater for older participants and extended to all facets of RAVLT performance except proactive interference. However, younger adults outperformed older adults on three of the five RAVLTs. Conclusions: These findings add to existing evidence of synchrony effects, particularly in memory functioning of older adults, and highlight the need for clinicians to consider optimal time of testing when administering and interpreting the RAVLT.
Magnitude and polarization of P53‐specific T‐helper immunity in connection to leukocyte infiltration of colorectal tumors

The tumor antigen p53 is mutated frequently and overexpressed in colorectal cancer. As a result, patients with this type of cancer commonly display p53‐specific T‐helper (Th) immunity. Examination of the cytokines produced by these Th‐cells showed that a majority of the proliferative p53‐specific T cell cultures produced none of the key cytokines (IFNγ, TNFα, IL‐4, IL‐5 or IL‐10), indicating that these p53‐specific Th‐responses are not polarized. In patients who exhibited p53‐specific reactivity against multiple p53‐epitopes, non‐polarized responses could be found side by side with polarized Th‐responses that produced INFγ or other cytokines such as IL‐10. Patients who exhibited p53‐specific IFNγ‐producing Th cell‐immunity before surgical excision of the tumor displayed higher numbers of tumor infiltrating intraepithelial leukocytes (p = 0.04) than patients lacking such responses, suggesting that the systemic presence of p53‐specific Th‐cells positively affects local tumor‐immunity. Our data concerning the polarization‐state of p53‐specific Th immunity in colorectal cancer patients support the use of vaccine formulations that induce strong Th1‐polarized p53‐specific immunity to ensure proper (re‐)programming of the anti‐tumor response. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Does gender matter in effective management of plant disease epidemics? Insights from a survey among rural banana farming households in Uganda

Crop diseases significantly suppress plant yields and in extreme cases wipe out entire crop species threatening food security and eroding rural livelihoods. It is therefore critical to estimate the extent to which shocks like disease epidemics can affect food availability and the capacity of smallholder farmers to mitigate and reverse the effects of such shocks. This study utilizes sex-disaggregated data from 341 households in Uganda to analyze: first, gender and access to agricultural resources and their control; second, whether men and women in the targeted banana-farming communities share similar perceptions toward the effectiveness of the banana Xanthomonas wilt (BXW) control technologies and their respective information dissemination pathways; third, whether gender and farmer perceptions influence on farm adoption of BXW management practices. Lastly, it determines the impact of adoption of BXW control practices on food security. Results show that whereas most household assets are jointly owned, men have more individual ownership, control, and decision-making on income from household assets than women. Perceptions on effectiveness of BXW control practices and communication channels also differed between men and women. Men rated cutting down of infected plants to be more effective than women, but tissue culture, removal of male buds and disinfecting of farm tools were perceived to be equally effective by both men and women. In addition, apart from newspapers which were more effective in delivering BXW information to men, we found no differences in the effectiveness of other BXW information sources. More importantly, the study finds both gender and farmer perceptions on BXW control to significantly affect adoption of BXW control practices and household food security. For better and sustainable management of plant epidemics in Uganda, it is therefore critical that existing gender-based and underlying perception constraints are addressed. Key words: Gender-based constraints, food security, perceptions, technology adoption, Xanthomonas wilt.
A Novel Class of Herbicides (Specific Inhibitors of Imidazoleglycerol Phosphate Dehydratase)

A new mode of herbicidal action was established by finding specific inhibitors of imidazoleglycerol phosphate dehydratase, an enzyme of histidine (His) biosynthesis. Three triazole phosphonates inhibited the reaction of the enzyme with Ki values of 40 [plus or minus] 6.5, 10 [plus or minus] 1.6, and 8.5 [plus or minus] 1.4 nM, respectively, and were highly cytotoxic to cultured plant cells. This effect was completely reversed by the addition of His, proving that the cytotoxicity was primarily caused by the inhibition of His biosynthesis. These inhibitors showed wide-spectrum, postemergent herbicidal activity at application rates ranging from 0.05 to 2 kg/ha.
Attitudes towards the Elderly among Nursing Students in Poland - Initial

Background: Similarly to many developed countries, the demographic tendency in Poland is that of a systematic increase in the number of elderly persons in the general population structure. In 2013 in Poland the percentage of people over 65 equalled 14.7%, where the average life expectancy for women was 81.1 and 73.1 for men. It is estimated that by 2020 the percentage of elderly citizens in the Polish society will have increased by 18.2%. The aim of the research was the assessment of the nursing students' attitudes towards the elderly in Poland. Methods: The tool used for the assessment of the attitudes towards the elderly in Poland was the KAOP scale (Kogan's Attitudes Toward Old People Scale) first used in 1961 by N. Kogan. Statistical analysis shows that there is a correlation between the attitude towards the elderly and the type of the programme of studies (the day-programme vs. extramural programme), sex of the subjects, age and education. However, the analysis does not indicate a link between the subjects' attitude and their marital status, place of residence, family model and the frequency of contacts with the elderly. Results: According to the Kogan scale, among 360 subjects 133 (36.9%) of them presented a positive attitude towards the elderly, and 227 (63.1%) had a negative viewpoint. 44 students (34.6%) who were raised by their parents and did not have everyday contact with older members of their families presented a positive attitude, and 83 of them (65.4%) showed a negative one.
5-Azadeoxycytidine-induced Chromatin Remodeling of the Inactive X-linked HPRT Gene Promoter Occurs prior to Transcription Factor Binding and Gene Reactivation*

During the process of 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5aCdr)-induced reactivation of the X-linked human hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) gene on the inactive X chromosome, acquisition of a nuclease-sensitive chromatin conformation in the 5′ region occurs before the appearance of HPRT mRNA.In vivo footprinting experiments reported here show that the 5aCdr-induced change in HPRT chromatin structure precedes the appearance of three footprints in the immediate 5′ flanking region that are characteristic of the active HPRT allele. These and other data suggest the following sequence of events that lead to the reactivation of the HPRT gene after 5aCdr treatment: (a) hemi-demethylation of the promoter, (b) an “opening” of chromatin structure detectable as increased nuclease sensitivity, (c) transcription factor binding to the promoter, (d) assembly of the transcription complex, and (e) synthesis of HPRT RNA. This sequence of events supports the view that inactive X-linked genes are silenced by a repressive chromatin structure that prevents the binding of transcriptional activators to the promoter.
Predicting Community Survival in Early Psychosis and Schizophrenia Populations after Receiving Intensive Case Management

Objective: The study was undertaken to assess whether social and living skills functioning predicted community survival between subjects with chronic schizophrenia and early episode psychosis after receiving assertive community-based case management. Method: Forty-two chronic schizophrenia patients and 49 early psychosis subjects were measured on hospitalisation for up to 3 years after receiving equivalent community-based assertive case management. A Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was performed to compare community survival between the two groups. A Cox-regression analysis was used to investigate whether sex, age, social and occupational functioning measured by the social and occupational functional assessment score (SOFAS), living skills measured by the life skills profile score (LSP), and overall role functioning measured by the role functioning scale (RFS) predicted community survival. Subscales of the LSP were also analysed in a subsequent Cox-regression using the forward selection method. Results: Differences in rate of community survival were not statistically significant (using the log-rank Chi-squared test) between subjects with early psychosis and chronic schizophrenia; however, half of the early psychosis subjects survived past the 12-month period while only a third of the chronic schizophrenia subjects did so within the same time period. The life skill profile was a significant predictor of community survival with low scores on the subscale of non-turbulence (i.e. antisocial behaviour) contributing to poorer community survival. Conclusion: The amount of antisocial behaviour displayed while receiving assertive community-based case management may be an important predictor of community survival among subjects with early psychosis and chronic schizophrenia. Treatment of such behaviour may improve community survival among these populations.
Partially purified antibodies used in a solid-phase radioimmunoassay for detecting candidal antigenemia

The development of a solid-phase radioimmunoassay procedure for the detection of Candida albicans antigens in serum of mice is described. Antibodies against C. albicans that were used in the radioimmunoassay procedure were partially purified from immune serum by a C. albicans antigen-coupled affinity column. Elution of anti-C. albicans antibodies from the column was by glucose and mannose; 4 mg of protein was recovered per ml, which contained 50% of the candidal agglutinin activity of immune serum. Also, 81% of the protein (partially purified antibody) recovered was adsorbed by whole C. albicans cells. Anti-C. albicans antibodies were either coupled to Sepharose 4B for use as the solid phase to bind candidal antigen in serum of infected animals, or radioiodinated (125I) for use as a tracer molecule to bind to the candidal antigen solid-phase complex. Although control experiments indicated that at least 100 ng of candidal antigen should be present in a serum specimen for a positive radioimmunoassay test, candidal antigenemia was detected in 70.4% of infected mice even in cases where blood cultures for C. albicans were negative. With further refinement and adaptability to human serum, the radioimmunoassay test may become a helpful tool for use in the diagnosis of systemic candidiasis.
Do chromosome changes in blood cells implicate formaldehyde as a leukemogen?

Abstract Formaldehyde (FA) is a mutagenic chemical – a property mitigated in vivo by rapid detoxification and limited tissue distribution following inhalation of the free agent. Endogenously produced FA is necessary for life and required for one-carbon transfer reactions; however, FA derived from external sources (exogenous FA), which may be in the form of methanol, may increase in vivo concentrations above naturally occurring physiological levels. Both endogenous and exogenous FA produce DNA monoadducts, DNA–DNA and DNA–protein cross-links (DDX and DPX) but, when exposed to exogenously-derived free FA, DNA monoadducts, DDX, and DPX are only produced at initial sites of contact. In contrast, methanol may systemically induce DNA adducts distally. FA also induces oxidative stress/lipid peroxidation with some individuals suggesting the resulting reactive aldehydes may have the potential to induce distal site DNA damage with the resulting reactive aldehydes having the potential to induce distal site DNA damage. Chromosome changes in the form of aberrations or micronuclei in blood cells have been studied in FA-exposed animals and humans, with most of the former being negative. Human occupational studies have given mixed results for such changes in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) which circulate widely but do not reflect recent bone marrow (BM) events. Recent studies reporting changes in human BM or hematopoietic precursor cells (HPCs) either have had confounding exposures or could not distinguish in vivo from in vitro occurrences. The reported genetic changes in circulating blood cells do not provide convincing support for FA’s classification as a human leukemogen.
Social Constructionism, Discourse and Realism

Foreword - Rom Harr[ac]e Realism, Relativism and Critique in Psychology - Ian Parker PART ONE: DEBATES Overview - Vivien Burr Realism, Relativism, Social Constructionism and Discourse Fragments in the Realization of Relativism - Jonathan Potter Language, Practice and Realism - Andrew Collier What Is To Be Done? (With Apologies to Lenin! ) - Ruth Merttens As One in a Web? Discourse, Materiality and the Place of Ethics - Steven D Brown and Joan Pujol with Beryl C Curt Social Constructionism and Revolutionary Socialism - Carla Willig A Contradiction in Terms? PART TWO: COMMENTARIES Across the S-S Divide - Don Foster The Perverse and Pervasive Character of Reality - Maritza Montero Some Comments on the Effects of Monism and Dualism Psychology's Subject - Bronwyn Davies A Commentary on the Relativism/Realism Debate Constructionism and Realism - Kenneth J Gergen How Are We To Go On?
Socio-demographic factors in accidental poisoning in children

Accidental poisoning contributes significantly to c hildhood morbidity and mortality. Previous studies have established the direct causes of accidental po isoning in Nigerian children but the risk factors t hat predispose the children to poisoning have not been sufficiently highlighted. Consequently, this retrospective study examined the contribution of so cial and demographic factors to accidental poisoning in 262 children. Social and demographic f actors were extracted from the case files and analyzed descriptively. Fifty three percent were ag ed ≤ 2 years; 44.1% aged 3 – 5 years; and 2.5% aged ≥ 6 years. Males and females accounted for 56.9% and 43.1% respectively. Seventy two percent and 28% were from low and high social classes respectively. Age, socio economic status of families and birth order are the key factors that contribute to increa sed incidence of poisoning in children. Children ag ed ≤ 2 years are more likely to be poisoned accidentall y as compared to those of them aged 3 - 5 years. Similarly, the proneness to accidental poisoning is higher in children aged 1 – 5 years (93.1%) as compared to those younger than 1 year and ≥ 6 years of age (6.9%). Consequently, one may infer that the risk of AP in children is least before the firs t birth day, peaks at 2 years of age and generally declines as age increases.
Overweight and Obesity: Does It Occur In Nigerian Adolescents in an Urban Community?

Background: Childhood obesity is a serious public health problem because of its strong association with adulthood obesity and the related adverse health consequences. The published literature indicates a rising prevalence of childhood obesity in both developed and developing countries. However, there are few studies on prevalence of obesity on Nigerian adolescents in an urban community. Objective: The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Nigerian adolescents from urban community. Methods: A cross-sectional school based survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity in adolescents of urban Sagamu community. A probability proportional to size was used to select 11 schools where 1638 participants, ages 12-18 years were selected. Their weight, height, body mass index and triceps skinfold were assessed. Overweight and obesity was defined using IOTF, CDC and NHANES III cutoff points. Results: The prevalence of overweight seems high in both genders (0-8.1% and 1.3-8.1% in males and females respectively) while obesity prevalence was low (0-2.7% and 0-1.9% in males and females respectively). More adolescents could be classified as obese when triceps skinfold was used as a measure of obesity.
MEASURING ACCOMMODATION ON FACEBOOK BETWEEN SINGLE-A MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL TEAMS AND FACEBOOK USERS

Social media has changed the ways in which a business communicates with their target consumers (Smith, 2009). While previous computer mediated communications involved businesses communicating through a one-way channel, social media has made businesses become more responsive to consumers by opening up online communications as a two-way channel. Businesses are not only a part of the social media revolution, but have also worked to increase their social media reach. Funk (2013) suggested that social media managers need to continually monitor the success of their posting strategies on all mediums to improve their overall quality of posting strategies. Yet, many of the available measures for Facebook are based off of post’s likes, shares, and number of comments. An avenue which may provide some deeper insights into the ways in which a Facebook page’s fans are interacting with a host’s page can be found through the communication accommodation theory (CAT). Dragojevic, Gasiorek, and Giles (2014) described the communication accommodation theory (CAT) as “[a theory that] seeks to explain and predict such communicative adjustments, and model how others in an interaction perceive, evaluate, and respond to them” (p. 1). CAT’s flexibility has been observed in the ways in which people adapt their language to others (Chen, Joyce, Harwood, & Xiang, 2016), between professor and students (Gasiorek & Giles, 2015), and even on social media (Goode & Robinson, 2013; He, Zheng,
Divide and Conquer? The Role of Governance for the Adaptability of Industrial Districts

This paper develops a simulation model of the behavior of industrial districts in the face of changes in their environment. By applying Kauffman's N/K-C model to the question of optimum governance in industrial districts facing an external shock, the paper sheds light on the optimum co-ordination mechanism among agents in interdependent industrial networks. Simulation results indicate that collective governance structures with agents adjusting for the sake of the district as a whole perform best in adaptation, whereas individualistic governance modes deliver the worst results. Alliance and leader firm governance forms position themselves in-between these two extremes. However, both modes of governance can be preferable to the collective one if the observation and punishment mechanisms in the district's local culture are not strong enough to impose solidarity among its agents. In this case, a prisoner's dilemma emerges and the collective governance form is replaced by the inferior individualistic one. Through these results, the model highlights the link between governance and district adaptability. It provides an explanation for the trend in Italian districts towards more hierarchical governance structures. Moreover, the identification of the role played by governance structure for district adaptability in changing environments could serve as guidance for future research.
Do Demerger Announcements Impact Shareholders Wealth? An Empirical Analysis Using Event Study

Corporate restructuring has been on an increasing trend in India over the past two decades, and demergers are emerging as one of the important forms of corporate restructuring. While there is extensive literature on demergers abroad, there is limited literature on demergers in the Indian context. In this study, the impact of demerger announcements on shareholders’ wealth is analysed using event study. Demerger announcements made by 63 companies spread over 11 years from 2003 to 2014 are taken up for the study. Two different models, namely, mean-adjusted returns model and market model, are applied. Log returns are used in the study. The efficiency of the Indian stock market is also tested in the study. The results show positive abnormal returns during the event window under both mean-adjusted returns model and market model. The results also indicate that the Indian stock market exhibits semi-strong form efficiency.
Getting there and hanging on: the effect of regulatory focus on performance in smoking and weight loss interventions.

OBJECTIVE Our primary objective was to determine whether individual differences in regulatory focus (Higgins, 1998) would differentially predict the initiation and maintenance of behavioral change. We hypothesized that people high in promotion focus because they eagerly pursue new positive end-states, would be better able to initiate behavioral change, whereas people higher in prevention focus because they tend to be vigilant in avoiding losses as a means to preserve desired end-states, would be better able to maintain change. DESIGN We examined our hypotheses in longitudinal studies of smoking cessation and weight loss. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Our outcome measures were smoking status and weight. RESULTS In both interventions, promotion focus, but not prevention focus, predicted successful initiation; people higher in promotion focus had higher quit rates and lost more weight through the first 6 months of follow-up. Of participants who had initial success, prevention focus, but not promotion focus, predicted successful maintenance; people higher in prevention focus were more likely to remain smoke-free and maintain weight loss over the next year. CONCLUSION A fit between behavioral task and regulatory focus can facilitate the successful performance of meaningful behaviors over time.