Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Awareness and motivation: a narrative intervention on EFL learners

AWARENESS AND MOTIVATION: A NARRATIVE INTERVENTION ON EFL LEARNERS Brent Dingler M.A. in Teaching English as a Foreign Language Supervisor: Asst. Prof. Dr. Aikaterini Michou July 2019 The aim of this study was to describe EFL learners’ self-awareness of their motivation as well as the evolution of it through a narrative-based intervention. It also sought to determine the students’ perceptions of this intervention. A series of writing prompts was created based on Narrative Therapy (NT; White & Epston,1990). Classroom activities were included on the topic of motivation as defined by Self-determination theory (SDT; Ryan & Deci,2017) to provide concepts to better define their motivation. The study took place in a preparatory program in a Turkish university in Ankara over eight weeks. Data was collected from responses to the writing prompts, notes taken by the instructor, and interviews. Content analysis was employed utilizing rubrics based on emergent themes, SDT, and the purpose of each prompt. Data was categorized, analyzed, and quantified in terms of frequency by category. The findings revealed these learners had identified motivation regarding their academic and professional goals, and viewed English as a tool to accomplish these goals. A positive shift in quality of motivation was found for a few students. A noticeable difference in quality of motivation between the global and local domain was observed among a number of students. It was found that awareness of motivation was expanded for some. The study supports existing literature stating that EFL students in Turkey are generally motivated by professional and academic goals and that even a small motivational intervention can have a positive impact.
Healthy mahjong, little mahjong: social gambling among older Chinese immigrants in the U.S

ABSTRACT Mahjong is considered a popular form of gambling in the Chinese culture, especially among older Chinese populations. However, there is a lack of research on mahjong playing among older Chinese immigrants and its impact on their lives. The current study explored the beliefs and experiences of mahjong through the lens of older Chinese immigrants residing in New York City. A total of 14 participants who played mahjong were included in the analysis. Thematic analysis revealed two major themes: The first theme, healthy mahjong, encompasses the positive roles and meaning of mahjong among older Chinese immigrants as it promotes social engagement and cognitive activity, and eliminates boredom. The second theme, little mahjong, focuses on the attitudes and behaviours used to keep their play under control, through small-scale betting, casual acceptance of winning and losing, and not making it a habit. Negative cases were also included to provide a full illustration of the participants’ views. The findings suggest that, despite a low risk of problem gambling, there may be a need for an intervention in order to increase awareness to prevent health consequences contributed by long periods of time spent sitting to play mahjong.
The avoidance of absolute commitment in speech acts: Modality

Grice (1990), in his Cooperative Principle, proposes that speakers engaged in discourse may assume mutually cooperative truth. Yet, in daily discourse, we observe occasions in which speakers of English seemingly attempt to avoid absolute commitment to the propositional truth in their speech. In this context, I propose that speakers of English intend to avoid absolute commitment through their use of modality. After defining speaker commitment as it pertains to propositional truth in speech acts and exploring influences· and motivations that may affect speaker commitment, this thesis will introduce and define modality in the context of actual speech. The scope of modality will then be narrowed to a focus on core and periphrastic modals. Specifically, discussion of these modals will include their identification and meanings/functions. Finally, a survey . of commitment and truth in commo·n modal usage will be presented. The survey's findings will particularly address the following questions: Do speakers express absolute commitment through modal usage? What modals do speakers perceive to convey the strongest and weakest
On the belief that beliefs should change according to evidence: Implications for conspiratorial, moral, paranormal, political, religious, and science beliefs

Does one’s stance toward evidence evaluation and belief revision have relevance for actual beliefs? We investigate the role of having an actively open-minded thinking style about evidence (AOT-E) on a wide range of beliefs, values, and opinions. Participants indicated the extent to which they think beliefs (Study 1) or opinions (Studies 2 and 3) ought to change according to evidence on an 8-item scale. Across three studies with 1,692 participants from two different sources (Mechanical Turk and Lucid for Academics), we find that our short AOT-E scale correlates negatively with beliefs about topics ranging from extrasensory perception, to respect for tradition, to abortion, to God; and positively with topics ranging from anthropogenic global warming to support for free speech on college campuses. More broadly, the belief that beliefs should change according to evidence was robustly associated with political liberalism, the rejection of traditional moral values, the acceptance of science, and skepticism about religious, paranormal, and conspiratorial claims. However, we also find that AOT-E is more strongly predictive for political liberals (Democrats) than conservatives (Republicans). We conclude that socio-cognitive theories of belief (both specific and general) should take into account people’s beliefs about when and how beliefs should change – that is, meta-beliefs – but that further work is required to understand how meta-beliefs about evidence interact with political ideology.
Relationship of sympathetic skin response and clinical presentation in acute cerebral infarction

Objective To investigate the abnormal pattern of sympathetic skin response(SSR)in patients with acute cerebral infarction and its correlation with clinical presentation of the patients.Methods 94 patients with acute cerebral infarction were divided into three groups:cortical-subcortical,basal ganglia-thalamus and pons group.Barthel index(BI)and national institute of health stroke scale(MESSS)(缩写与全称不符)were studied on the first day after they admitted to hospital,with grading was made according to the degree of paralysis as well.SSR was performed in all the patients within 3 days after they entered hospital.Results(1)The abnormality rate of SSR was 40.4%. The abnormality rate in basal ganglia-thalamus group was the highest,and pons group was the lowest. (2)The abnormality of SSR and disappearance of waveform had positive correlation with degree of paralysis and MESSS,and negative correlation with BI,however,prolonged latency and low amplitude had no correlation with them.Conclusion(1)Sympathetic reflex activity is suppressed after acute cerebral infarction.SSR can be used as an objective index to asses quantitatively the condition of sympathetic nerve function. (2)The abnormality of SSR and disappearance of waveform reflect the impairment condition of motor function.
Leadership Mentoring: A Study of the Mentoring Experiences of Female Federal Civil Service Employees

This dissertation in practice used the phenomenological qualitative method to explore the perceptions of the mentoring experiences of female federal civil service employees at a major Marine Corps installation in eastern North Carolina. The sample consisted of 15 female civil servants in senior leadership positions in the grades GS-12 to GS-14. Data was collected through the interview method using open-ended questions that discovered the types of mentoring the participants experienced throughout their careers and how mentoring, if at all, contributed to their professional career development in the federal service. The findings showed most interviewees experienced informal mentoring during their careers, and the partnership with the mentor positively influenced their personal and professional development. However, in the federal service, most sample members were unaware of or did not participate in the Marine Corps’ formal mentoring program, an extensive, service-sponsored effort to purposely pair protégés with mentors as part of a broader leadership development program for federal civil servants. Analysis of the data suggested that creating a dedicated Mentor Program Coordinator, whose only duties are administering the formal mentoring program, is the most efficient solution to furthering mentoring partnerships, and thus leadership development, at the installation. Finally, proof of the efficacy of having a sole Mentor Program Coordinator may demonstrate the need for similar billets at other Marine Corps bases, providing enhanced mentoring services to all federal employees employed by the Marine Corps.
Impact of artificial UV light sources on the skin

UV radiation has the ability to cause erythema, photoaging and photo-cancer. In 2010 Westminster wanted information on sources of artificial UV radiation in particular sunbeds. The objective of this study was to measure the spectral outputs from artificial tanning units throughout England and to compare the outputs to European and British compliance levels. The emissions from the collated data allowed the calculation of exposure doses of each sunbed. By applying plausible sunbed exposure habits (no of sunbed sessions per year) it was possible to use this data in a skin cancer mathematical model. The time-dose model is based on cumulative lifetime exposure dose and age. The first step was to apply plausible sunbed habit scenarios using the collated emission data which was used in a mathematical model to estimate the risk of developing non-melanoma skin cancer. Another objective of this study was to determine the optical properties of skin tissue that govern the transport of light through tissue and secondly to develop a model for light transport in tissue that makes it possible to investigate the number of photons absorbed beneath the skin. Different skin types of various pigmentation levels were investigated. To this end, the absorption and scattering properties of tissue as a function of wavelength were derived. The effect of photo-lesion formation from DNA damage was investigated. To study light transport in tissue, a Monte Carlo model has was developed. This model gives a full 3-D simulation of light transport, and takes into account specular reflection and refraction at the tissue boundaries. To validate the model, predictions have been tested against reliable analytical data. Monte Carlo simulations are implemented to investigate the propagation of UV photons in skin tissue. In this thesis, a data driven semi-empirical model is presented that used spectra obtained from sunbed emissions in the Monte Carlo Radiative Transfer (MCRT) code. A number of applications of the model, together with results from experiments are presented such as skin type photo-shielding and quantification of DNA damage. UV radiation can affect the appearance and the sensitivity of human skin by triggering a biophysical response such as eythema (redness). A pilot study is presented that investigates if multiple sub-erythemal doses can induce erythema in the skin. The study involved healthy volunteers and photosensitive patients. It is demonstrated that the multiple sub-erythemal doses have an additive mechanism.
Improving the measurement and detection of serious adverse drug reactions in databases of stored electronic health records

Background: Adverse drug reactions are responsible for a significant proportion of hospitalisations. This PhD aimed to develop and optimise methods for detecting serious adverse drug reactions in databases of electronic health records for use in pharmacoepidemiology and genetic epidemiology, with a focus on cholestatic liver injury. Methods: A systematic review was performed before developing a multiple database source (“multisource”) algorithm for identifying cholestatic liver injury. Multisource algorithm case status was used to guide the development of another algorithm using data from a standard UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) record only (the CPRD algorithm). Testing of the CPRD algorithm was performed within a cohort analysis of an established cause of the injury (flucloxacillin), before carrying out a casecontrol study investigating a number of putative associations (drug exposures carbamazepine, celecoxib, duloxetine, ramipril and risperidone). Results: The majority of reviewed studies lacked a reproducible case definition, and case assignment generally required information external to database records. Secondary care (HES) data provided little additional information than that found in primary care (CPRD), meaning that the CPRD algorithm had a very good ability to discriminate between multisource algorithm cases statuses (ROC area under the curve 0.95). The flucloxacillin 45-day risk estimate obtained from the cohort study using the highest specificity CPRD algorithm (6.15 per 100 000 users, 95% CI 4.61 – 8.04) was very similar to previous studies. Celecoxib and risperidone were associated with cholestatic liver injury (celecoxib multivariablemultivariable RR recent vs. current users low specificity CPRD algorithm 1.89, 95% CI 1.11 – 3.22, risperidone multivariablemultivariable RR high specificity CPRD algorithm 2.59, 95% CI 1.41 – 4.75). Conclusions: The CPRD algorithm detected similar flucloxacillin effects as (1) the multisource algorithm and (2) previous studies. Associations with risperidone and celecoxib were also detected. Algorithm characteristics that could facilitate (1) pharmacovigilance and (2) recruitment to genetic association studies include the ability to (a) detect cases without using information external to the EHR and (b) apply varying levels of specificity and sensitivity.
THE IMPORTANCE OF CLASSROOM INTERACTION IN THE TEACHING OF READING IN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Interaction is needed in the classroom activity. It helps the teaching and learning process run smoothly and it can increase learners’ communicative. It tells how the students have interaction among them and teacher even with the whole class. The aim of this study is giving the teacher some suggestions to achieve classroom interaction in the teaching reading. It offers some strategies to improve the interaction in the classroom. Then it can be applied in the teaching of reading. Several previous studies about classroom interaction which is show the different outcome happen. Several studies show that classroom interaction is important in the teaching learning process. Some studies show that the students’ interaction happens in the classroom. By using classroom interaction, the students are more active in the learning process. The result of the study concludes that classroom interaction has important role in the teaching and learning process.
The effect of ambient scent on affiliation behaviors and social interactions

The Effect of Ambient Scent on Affiliation Behaviors and Social Interactions by Dina Marie V. Zemke Dr. Stowe Shoemaker, Examination Committee Chair Associate Professor William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration University of Nevada, Las Vegas The intent of the study was to explore if the focus group and the meetings industries can provide meeting environments that would be more conducive to communication and more productive. The concepts tested in this study are based in environmental psychology, or the study of how the physical environment affects individual and group behavior within the environment. Past studies have examined various ambient conditions and other aspects of the physical environment and their effects on retail environments. However, the characteristics that set services businesses apart from product marketing and retail businesses require new techniques to evaluate the effect of the physical environment on the people within the environment. This study proposed a new methodology for examining the effect of one of the ambient conditions, scent, in a services environment.
High-Achieving, Non-First-Generation, Female, Undergraduate Student Views of Family Influence on Career Decisions

Date of Award 12-2018 Document Type Dissertation Degree Name Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Department Educational Leadership Higher Education Committee Member Pamela Havice, Committee Chair Committee Member Tony Cawthon Committee Member Cynthia Deaton Committee Member William Havice Abstract This qualitative study sought to understand how high-achieving, non-firstgeneration, female, undergraduate students viewed the influence parents and families had on their career decisions. This study’s six participants were students in the same honors college at a large, four-year, public university in the Southeast United States. Data from a pre-interview survey, initial interview, in-depth interview, and interview observation protocols were used to understand participants’ career decision-making processes and the influence their parents and families had on those processes. Thematic coding was used to identify three common themes found among participants: (a) parent and family support (b) family influence on career decision-making process; and (c) career experiences of women. Within each theme, several sub-themes also emerged. This study served as a way to gain information about and understand career decision-making of high-achieving, nonfirst-generation, female, undergraduate students, an understudied population of students, and to contribute new information to the body of knowledge. The findings of this study provided insight into the influence families have on the career decisions of this particular population. Additionally, the findings offered a greater understanding of how gender identity impacts career experiences of high-achieving, female undergraduate students. Recommended Citation Maxwell, Katryna Bower, "High-Achieving, Non-First-Generation, Female, Undergraduate Student Views of Family Influence on Career Decisions" (2018). All Dissertations. 2262. https://tigerprints.clemson. edu/all_dissertations/2262  Download
A System to Assess the Achievement of Doctor of Pharmacy Students 1

PURPOSE The purpose of this document is to make evidence-based recommendations regarding a system to assess outcome achievement of students enrolled in Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) programs in the United States. Data collected from the recommended assessment system could be used for the multiple purposes of program assessment and continuous improvement, pass/fail, or grading decisions (summative evaluation), and student feedback to maximize individual learning(formative evaluation). The emphasis of the system, however, is as part an institution’s assessment plan that aims to continuously improve the quality of the educational programs offered at the institution(1). Particular importance is placed on developing a system that would be able to, with the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy’s (AACP) facilitation and upon request by a college or school, provide assessment data that could be used by individual institutions to compare achievement of their students with that of students from similar institutions. The recommended system is not meant to replace all student evaluation activities at a college or school, but is meant to provide a starting point for collection of assessment data for the primary purpose of quality assurance.
The origins and consequences of kin networks and marriage practices

In the first chapter, I investigate a potential channel to explain the heterogeneity of kin networks across societies. I argue and test the hypothesis that female inheritance has historically had a positive effect on in-marriage and a negative effect on female premarital relations and economic participation. In the second chapter, my co-authors and I provide evidence on the positive association of in-marriage and corruption. We also test the effect of family ties on nepotism in a bribery experiment. The third chapter presents my second joint paper on the consequences of kin networks. Taking a bigger-picture approach, we define a kinship intensity index based on basic elements of kinship systems such as marriage practices, residence patterns, and lineage organizations. Combining data on 20 psychological outcomes, we show that a significant portion of the existing psychological variation around the world originates in the differences of kin networks. Using historical measures of Church exposure, we also show that the variation in these differences arose historically from the Catholic Church’s marriage and family policies.
Evaluation of receptive and expressive language skills of children with language impairment in Lagos State, Nigeria

This study examined the receptive and expressive language skills of children with speech/language impairment in three centres in Lagos State, Nigeria, sampling ninety two children between the ages of eighteen months and six years, with evidence of speech/ language defects; using simple random technique. Five research questions generated were tested at 0.05 level of significance, using mean, standard deviations, ttest and Analysis of Variance. The participants were tested with the use of the Preschool Language Scale IV, and a selfdeigned questionnaire; with the reliability rate set at 0.82, using the test-retest method. The findings showed that the receptive language skills strength of the participants is higher than their expressive language skills strength; the chronological age and the age equivalent was different; receptive and expressive language equivalent was not gendersensitive; expressive language skills strength based on neuropathological conditions was comparable; and participants exposed to speech therapy have better receptive and expressive language skills than participants without. Based on these findings, it was recommended that help should be sought for the child with suspected deviations from speech/language development, and that the government should establish adequately-equipped early intervention centres in every local government area of the nation.
Association of Hyperuricemia and Contrast Induced Nephropathy

Objective To evaluate the predictive value of hyperuricemia in the development of contrast induced nephropathy(CIN) in patients accepting emergency percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI). Method A total of 216 patients with serum creatinine176.8μmol/L who underwent emergency PCI were divided into hyperuricemic group(n=59) and normouricemic group(n=157) according to the level of preoperative serum uric acid(SUA). Preoperative SUA serum creatinine(Scr) and blood urea nitrogen(BUN) as well as postoperative Scr and BUN were measured in all patients.Baseline characteristics and in-hospital clinical complications were registered.Results Incidence of CIN was 37% in hyperuricemic group and 20% in normouricemic group(P=0.01). The rate of CIN requiring renal replacement therapy was 6.8% and 0%,respectively(P=0.005). Only one case of the hyperuricemic group died during hospitalization.The multivariate logistic regression analysis,adjusting for potential confounding factors,indicated that odds ratio of hyperuricemia for CIN was 4.31(95% confidence interval,1.85-10.04;P=0.001). Conclusion Hyperuricemia is a independent risk predictor for CIN in patients with serum creatinine176.8μmol/L after emergency PCI.