Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of the Binding Communication Paradigm on Attitudes

The binding communication approach is situated at the intersection of research on persuasive communication and commitment. Binding communication refers to the combination of a preparatory act involving commitment and a persuasive message. Two studies showed that differences in attitudes toward recycling (Study 1) or swimming (Study 2) are more likely to occur following a persuasive message combined with a preparatory act involving commitment (i.e., binding communication) as compared to either technique alone. Specifically, in Study 1 we observed a more favorable attitude toward recycling in the binding communication condition compared to the conditions involving only a preparatory act involving commitment or only a persuasive message. In Study 2, we replicated the results of Study 1 and examined the effect on attitudes of performing a preparatory act with a strong versus weak level of commitment when this was preceded versus not preceded by a persuasive message.
Piano pedagogy with a student who is blind: An Australian case

Teaching and learning piano poses challenges when the student is clinically blind. This article addresses the following question: What can be learned from a case study of teaching piano successfully to a student who is blind? The article has three purposes. The first is to document the achievements of a young student who met these challenges. The second is to investigate how an experienced teacher chose effective ways of describing and demonstrating music to meet the needs of her student. A third is to examine the language of teaching and learning between teacher and student using Tait’s theory of language communication in studio music lessons. This article reports on the process of teacher and student in the journey that has led to the formation of a sensitive and gifted musician.
Application of Higher Order Statistics to Surface Electromyogram Signal Classification

We propose a novel approach for surface electromyogram (sEMG) signal classification. This approach utilizes higher order statistics of sEMG signal to classify four primitive motions, i.e., elbow flexion, elbow extension, forearm supination, and forearm pronation. In documented research, the sEMG signal generated during isometric contraction is modeled by a stationary process whose probability density function (pdf) is assumed to be either Gaussian or Laplacian. In this paper, using Negentropy, we demonstrate that the level of non-Gaussianity of sEMG signal recorded in muscular forces below 25% of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) is significant. Therefore, application of higher order statistics in sEMG signal processing is justified, due to the fact that more useful information can be extracted from the corresponding higher order statistics. An accurate classification is achieved by using the sequential forward selection (SFS) method for reducing of the dimensionality of feature space and the K-nearest neighbor (KNN) classifier. The results indicate that the proposed approach provides higher sEMG correct classification rates as compared to the existing methods.
Religiosity and life satisfaction across nations

This paper investigates the relationship between religiosity and life satisfaction in 79 nations using World Values Survey data. Extant literature analyzes religiosity and life satisfaction at person level. But religiosity is an attribute of both, persons and societies. To solve methodological problems evident in previous work a random coefficient multilevel model is employed to account for the fact that individuals are nested within countries. This study shows that the relationship between religiosity and life satisfaction is bimodal. Religious people tend to be either very satisfied or dissatisfied with life. The relationship between religiosity and life satisfaction is also two-dimensional. Forms of religiosity that promote social capital predict high life satisfaction. People have so called “need to belong” and religion helps to satisfy it. On the other hand, forms of religiosity that do not promote social capital do not predict high life satisfaction. Religiosity is also context-dependent. Religious people are happier in religious nations. In other words, it is not only religiosity per se that makes people happy, but rather a social setting it offers.
Digestion, Purification, and Enrichment of Protein Samples for Mass Spectrometry

Proteomic studies rely heavily on the use of liquid chromatography (LC)–mass spectrometry (MS and MS/MS) analyses to provide information about protein composition and function. Profiling the proteome can be the first step to understanding biological pathways, but the challenges scientists face with the complex nature of proteins and proteolysis products can be daunting. Techniques involving fractionation, immunoprecipitation, and phosphopeptide enrichment can simplify complex protein mixtures and enhance the amount of target proteins that are important to the investigator. Emphasis on sample preparation for LC‐MS/MS analyses is essential to acquisition of high‐quality data for proteomic research. Certain classes of reagents, materials, and contaminants that can be introduced during sample processing may limit the effectiveness of LC‐MS/MS analysis. These protocols outline methods for proteolytic digestion of proteins that are compatible with LC‐MS/MS, along with procedures that allow for simplification of complex protein matrices. © 2015 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
An Exploratory Study into the Design of an IT Governance Minimum Baseline through Delphi Research

In many organisations, information technology (IT) has become crucial in the support, sustainability and growth of the business. This pervasive use of technology has created a critical dependency on IT that calls for a specific focus on IT governance. IT governance consists of the leadership and organisational structures and processes that enable the required alignment between business and IT. This practice-oriented research concentrates on the IT governance practices that organisations can leverage to implement IT governance in reality. Based on literature research, pilot case research and delphi research, this paper provides insights regarding the effectiveness and ease of implementation of IT governance practices and provides a minimum baseline of practices that organisations at least should have. Via this research, we want to contribute to new theory building and assist practitioners by providing more guidance on how IT governance can be effectively implemented.
Downsampling Techniques Using Notch Filter for Interference Cancellation in Narrowband Wireless Systems

This paper presents novel downsampling techniques using multiple second-order FIR notch filters for interference cancellation in the frequency division multiplexing (FDM) narrowband wireless systems. The purpose of the presented technique is to reduce the computational complexity of signal prosessor in a low-IF receiver. The presented downsampling technique employs some downsamplers and second-order FIR notch filters where its center notch frequency equals to the half of the sampling frequency. Since its filter are composed of a few adder and register instead of ones of a low pass filter (LPF) with the steep characteristic, the reduction of the computational complexity can be expected. In the presented technique, signal components to be overlapped to desired signal when downsampling is carried out are eliminated by the second-order FIR-NF. The presented technique concentrates in-band channel interferences into a narrow frequency range, and these interferences are cancelled by a harf band filter. Numerical example are shown to valid the effectiveness the presented technique.
Towards the strategies of modern societies: systems and social processes

While several sociological theories have traditionally dealt with rational action by human actors, little attention has been devoted to the possibilities for rational steering of the entire subsystems of functionally differentiated modern societies in the context of their increasing complexity. Although rational intentional action is clearly limited at the macro-level by the complexity emphasized by Luhmann's social systems theory, strategies are required to approach the normative ideal of active society as defined by Etzioni. Understanding the strategic processes requires micro–macro and agency–structure connections. A possible solution to understanding strategy as a social process in this respect is found in the adaptation of the three-level – individuality, reality and totality – approach of Sztompka's theory of social becoming.
A Representational Theory Perspective of Minority Status and People with Disabilities

Minority is a term that has become particularly visible within the rehabilitation literature due to the increasing focus on the application of minority models to the understanding of the disability experience. At the same time, it is also one of the most ill-defined and misunderstood terms. In this article, the authors explore the meaning of minority status by discussing its core elements from a representational theory perspective. By doing so, they show that minority status is different from racial, ethnic, and cultural membership, although it partially overlaps with each of these constructs in some contexts. The authors argue that although race, culture, and ethnic minority status can attenuate or exacerbate minority status in some settings, these demographics are neither necessary nor sufficient conditions for minority status. Finally, the authors illustrate how many people with disabilities meet the essential criteria for minority status as outlined by representational theory and draw implications for rehabilitation practice, education, and research.
The intestinal nuclear receptor signature with epithelial localization patterns and expression modulation in tumors.

BACKGROUND & AIMS The WNT-adenomatous polyposis coli system controls cell fate in the intestinal epithelium, where compartment-specific genes tightly regulate proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Nuclear receptors are transcription factors functioning as sensors of hormones and nutrients that are known to contribute to colon cancer progression. Here we mapped the messenger RNA (mRNA) abundance and the epithelial localization of the entire nuclear receptor family in mouse and human intestine. METHODS We used complementary high-resolution in situ hybridization and systematic real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction in samples of normal distal ileum and proximal colon mucosa and tumors obtained from mouse and human adenomatous polyposis coli-initiated tumor models (ie, Apc(Min/+) mice and familial adenomatous polyposis patients) and in cellular models of human colon cancer. RESULTS We first defined for each receptor an expression pattern based on its transcript localization in the distal ileum and the proximal colon. Then, we compared the mRNA levels between normal intestinal epithelium and neoplastic intestinal tissue. After analyzing the correspondence between mouse and human tumor samples plus genetically modified human colon cancer cells, we used complementary graphic and statistical approaches to present a comprehensive overview with several classification trees for the nuclear hormone receptor intestinal transcriptome. CONCLUSIONS We defined the intestinal nuclear hormone receptor map, which indicates that the localization pattern of a receptor in normal intestine predicts the modulation of its expression in tumors. Our results are useful to select those nuclear receptors that could be used eventually as early diagnostic markers or targeted for clinical intervention in intestinal polyposis and cancer.
Coping with Stress Resulting from Social Value Conflict: Non-Hunters' Response to Anticipated Social Interaction with Hunters

This research investigated nonhunting-hikers' response to social interactions with hunters in outdoor recreation settings. Hikers were presented with a hypothetical scenario describing a social interaction with hunters. Social value conflict and psychological stress/coping theories were used to hypothesize and test a structural equation model. Fifty-two percent of the sample (n = 388) indicated that the social interaction would be stressful. Hikers appraised the social situation as controllable. The coping response combined emotion and problem-focused coping. This plan included confronting the hunters, expressing personal values, and attempting to dissuade the hunters from continuing to use the area as a hunting ground. Hikers followed perceived rules of etiquette for social interactions and tried not to damage opportunities to continue using the area. Coping responses were consistent with previous models in recreation and psychology. Results are discussed in light of previous research to foster theoretical development. This research was supported in part by funds provided by the Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research Institute, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. Dr. Alan Watson is specifically acknowledged for support of this study. Remainder of research supported by Clemson University through Public Services Activities (research) funds.
Altered Expression of Cyclin A 1 In Muscle of Patients with Facioscapulohumeral Muscle Dystrophy (FSHD-1)

Objectives Cyclin A1 regulates cell cycle activity and proliferation in somatic and germ-line cells. Its expression increases in G1/S phase and reaches a maximum in G2 and M phases. Altered cyclin A1 expression might contribute to clinical symptoms in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). Methods Muscle biopsies were taken from the Vastus lateralis muscle for cDNA microarray, RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and Western blot analyses to assess RNA and protein expression of cyclin A1 in human muscle cell lines and muscle tissue. Muscle fibers diameter was calculated on cryosections to test for hypertrophy. Results cDNA microarray data showed specifically elevated cyclin A1 levels in FSHD vs. other muscular disorders such as caveolinopathy, dysferlinopathy, four and a half LIM domains protein 1 deficiency and healthy controls. Data could be confirmed with RT-PCR and Western blot analysis showing up-regulated cyclin A1 levels also at protein level. We found also clear signs of hypertrophy within the Vastus lateralis muscle in FSHD-1 patients. Conclusions In most somatic human cell lines, cyclin A1 levels are low. Overexpression of cyclin A1 in FSHD indicates cell cycle dysregulation in FSHD and might contribute to clinical symptoms of this disease.
Determination of prestenotic flow volume using an automated method based on colour Doppler imaging for evaluating orifice area by the continuity equation: validation in a pulsatile flow model

Objective To evaluate, in a pulsatile flow model simulating flow conditions in valvar stenoses, whether accurate determination of orifice area can be achieved by the continuity equation using automated determination of flow volumes based on spatiotemporal integration of digital colour Doppler flow velocities. Methods A method for automated determination of flow volumes which takes into account the velocity distribution across a region of interest was examined using flow through a tube and various restrictive outlet orifices with areas ranging between 0.2 and 3.1 cm2. The sampling rectangle of the Doppler method was positioned proximal to the obstructions within the flow convergence zone for evaluating prestenotic flow volume. Stenotic jet velocities were recorded by continuous wave Doppler to obtain the integral under the velocity curve. Prestenotic flow volume was then divided by the velocity integral to calculate functional orifice area according to the continuity equation. Results The presence of parabolically shaped velocity profiles across the prestenotic region was demonstrated by the Doppler method. Excellent agreement was found between prestenotic flow volumes measured by the Doppler technique and actual values (r = 0.99, SEE = 1.35 ml, y = 0.99x−0.24). Use of the continuity equation led to a close correlation, with a systematic underestimation of geometric orifice sizes. Correction of Doppler data for flow contraction yielded an excellent agreement with actual orifice areas. Conclusions The study validated the accuracy of a Doppler method for automated determination of flow volumes for quantifying orifice area by the continuity equation. Prestenotic flow volume and functional orifice area could be evaluated reliably in the presence of non-flat velocity profiles. Thus the method contributes to the non-invasive assessment of valvar stenoses.
Medical Students' Confidence Judgments Using a Factual Database and Personal Memory: A Comparison

In order to determine whether medical students can recognize when an information need has been fulfilled and when it has not, this study examined the quality of medical students' confidence estimates in answering short-answer questions dealing with bacteriology, based upon their personal knowledge alone and what they were able to retrieve from a factual database in microbiology. Twelve students, assessed over three occasions, remained in the final sample. The results indicate that students displayed a positive relationship between their expertise in answering the questions and the amount of overconfidence they indicated (the opposite of the hard easy effect) for the personal knowledge task using a partial credit format. For the database-assisted task using the partial credit format, students showed less overconfidence in their answers with greater expertise in using the database. For both the personal knowledge and database-assisted tasks using a binary format (all or nothing correct), the students displayed the opposite of the hard-easy effect. We conclude that the patterns of confidence estimates (in the form of Brier scores), and thus students' ability to recognize whether their information need has been fulfilled, differ with varying degrees of expertise in both the personal knowledge responses and the database-assisted responses for both the partial credit and binary formats. Taking into consideration the fact that when subjects, in this case future medical practitioners, are extremely overconfident, they stop looking for information long before they have found material that is relevant, the results have broad implications for medical practice and information seeking.
Identity Education: A Conceptual Framework for Educational Researchers and Practitioners

This article presents the concept of identity education (IdEd) referring to the purposeful involvement of educators with students’ identity-related processes or contents. We discuss why educators may consider identity important to the realization of educational goals and choose to target aspects of students’ identity in their pedagogical practice. We offer a broad theoretical framework that organizes and focuses the extensive yet scattered discourse on identity and education. Because IdEd is a concept that accommodates diverse educational perspectives and concerns, we outline several parameters that can assist educators in making sense of this diversity and provide a conceptual basis for pedagogical and curricular decision making. These parameters also provide researchers from different scholarly traditions a common framework for constructive dialogue and can serve as a basis for generating focused and productive research directions.
Concurrency-induced transitions in epidemic dynamics on temporal networks

Social contact networks underlying epidemic processes in humans and animals are highly dynamic. The spreading of infections on such temporal networks can differ dramatically from spreading on static networks. We theoretically investigate the effects of concurrency, the number of neighbors that a node has at a given time point, on the epidemic threshold in the stochastic susceptible-infected-susceptible dynamics on temporal network models. We show that network dynamics can suppress epidemics (i.e., yield a higher epidemic threshold) when the node's concurrency is low, but can also enhance epidemics when the concurrency is high. We analytically determine different phases of this concurrency-induced transition, and confirm our results with numerical simulations.
The Importance of School

Using longitudinal data, this study explored the protective effect of a school bond (on violent and nonviolent delinquency) across a variety of risk factors. A strong school bond protected children with early aggression from continuing on in violence 2 years later. A strong school bond also protected children with numerous environmental risks from violent and nonviolent offending. Finally, a strong school bond acted as a protective factor against the influence of peers who were delinquent (for nonviolent offending only). From a policy perspective, these findings suggest that zero-tolerance polices that aim to exclude children considered to be a problem through suspensions or expulsions could be counterproductive.
Inferring Attributes Using Centrality Measures

Information privacy has become one of the most urgent research issues in building next-generation information systems. There is a number of research efforts which is devoted to protect privacy. These efforts effectively prevent (or deny) only direct disclosure. While blocking direct disclosure enhances privacy, techniques based on statistical inference are also devised alongside to effectively work as indirect disclosure. An indirect disclosure is achieved by intelligently combining pieces of seemingly related or unrelated information. Specifically, in scenarios like social networks, where individuals have set some personal attributes as private, through their ties indirect disclosure can be achieved from common or shared attributes. A lot of work is already done regarding attributes inference in online social network. In this paper, we proposed techniques that utilize the centrality measures of graph for attributes inference. We have used two centrality measure "closeness" and "betweenness" for inferring missing attributes first, then used hybrid "Bayesian" and "local" techniques. Best of our knowledge no one have used centrality measure for attributes inference in online social network.