Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The familiar stimulus as a reducer of anxiety: an experimental study

The hypothesis that a familiar stimulus is liked better than a less familiar one because the familiar serves to reduce anxiety aroused by the person's environmental context was tested. A total of 48 subjects participated in an experiment that orthogonally varied level of anxiety (induced by threat or no threat of shock) and degree of complexity of differentially familiar stimuli. Six frequencies of stimulus exposure were used to induce differential familiarity. The results provided partial support for the anxiety reduction explanation, in that for simple stimuli there was a positive relationship between liking and familiarity in the shock condition but not in the no-shock condition. Complex stimuli, however, produced the usual exposure—liking effect, irrespective of the degree of postfamiliarization anxiety. Shortcomings of the study and a plausible alternative explanation for the results are also discussed.
The Adoption of Homeland Security Initiatives in Texas Police Departments: A Contextual Perspective

The application of theory has been lacking in explaining the advent of homeland security in post–September 11 policing. This study examines the utility of contingency and resource dependency theories in understanding the adoption of homeland security initiatives in Texas police departments. While attending state-mandated leadership training, Texas police chiefs (n = 208) were surveyed as to structural and managerial changes implemented in their respective departments following September 11, 2001. Particular attention was given to the number of homeland security-related initiatives adopted, as reported by the participants. Using zero-inflated negative binomial regression, support was found for resource dependency but not for contingency theory; that is, the extent of homeland security initiatives was significantly associated with homeland security-related grant receipts but not with experience regarding homeland security–related incidents or threat levels.
Family care of the dementing elderly

This paper is in two parts. In the first part we review the findings from ‘first generation’ studies of family care of the dementing elderly. First generation studies tended to trawl the topic, with a few questions asked about many aspects of care; they were largely descriptive and rarely involved hypothesis testing. The first generation studies are examined in relation to eight questions: (1) Is caring for a dementing person stressful? (2) Is caring for someone with dementia more stressful than caring for someone with some other disorder? (3) Which aspects of dementia are most problematic for caregivers? (4) Is level of impairment associated with level of experienced burden? (5) What role do family members apart from the main caregiver play? (6) Are there gender differences in amount of help received or coping? (7) What impact does the provision of services have on carers? (8) What are the predictors of the break-down of family care? Second generation studies are those in which many questions are asked i.
Smoking, awareness of smoking-associated health risks, and knowledge of national tobacco legislation in Gaza, Palestine.

AIMS To assess university students' extent of smoking, knowledge of smoking health risks, and awareness of existing national anti-smoking laws. METHODS Self-administered questionnaire was employed across 7 universities (1,104 students, equal proportions of males and females) located in Gaza Strip, Palestine. RESULTS About 55% of participants reported ever smoking, 31% were current cigarette smokers, and 36% were 'strictly' (only) narghile (water pipe) smokers. Mean age of smoking initiation was 17 +/- 3.15 years. Smokers had less knowledge of smoking associated health risks than nonsmokers. Students' knowledge of existing anti-smoking laws was generally low (11.3-25.5%), and significantly more smokers had knowledge about existing laws (ban of advertisement of smoking, ban of smoking in public places, and ban of selling cigarettes to minors) than non-smokers. About 81% of current smokers tried to quit smoking at least once during their life, 53% felt ready to quit smoking if cessation assistance was provided, 17% were not ready to quit, and 30% were reluctant/felt unsure if they were ready to quit. Most students (94.3%) reported that there were no smoking cessation centres in Palestine, or did not know if such centres existed. Males were associated with almost all categories of smoking (e.g. smoking both cigarettes and narghile, or smoking narghile only). CONCLUSIONS There is a lack of knowledge about the existing national anti-smoking legislation among university students in Gaza, Palestine. Smoking cessation centres also seem non-existent in Gaza. Multi-level interventions and actions are required by policy makers, educators and non-governmental agencies to prevent smoking among university students in Gaza, and to educate them on tobacco cessation counselling, on the dangers of tobacco use, and about effective stress management strategies to help them to cope with stressors. Smoking cessation interventions are required to address both cigarette and narghile use. Efforts need to be invested in ensuring compliance with legislation and for follow-up activities to enforce the anti-smoking laws through coordinated actions across ministries and departments.
Electric-Field Intrabody Communication Channel Modeling With Finite-Element Method

Electric-field intrabody communication (EF-IBC) is a promising new scheme for the data exchange among wearable biomedical sensors. It uses the body as the signal transmission media. Compared with existing body area network (BAN) schemes, EF-IBC can achieve higher data rate with less transmission power. Until now, the detailed EF-IBC channel mechanism is not well understood. In this work, finite-element method (FEM) is utilized for the first time to investigate the EF-IBC channel. A circuit-coupled FEM model is established for the EF-IBC channel. The FEM model is extensively verified by experimental measurements. The new physical model enables the revelation of characteristics and effects of different components in the EF-IBC channel. The FEM investigation finds that the capacitive return path is critical to the characteristics of the EF-IBC channel. Parameters of the capacitive return path are quantitatively measured. The investigation also finds that the body plays an important role to the return path capacitance. The forward body path can be well modeled by a cascade of π-shaped circuits. Based on the FEM model of the EF-IBC channel, a simplified circuit model is derived to provide an efficient tool for the transceiver design.
Understanding Catch-and-Release Behavior Among U.S. Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Anglers

In this paper, we test the hypothesis that bluefin tuna anglers who show a high commitment to fishing or a low consumptive orientation will be more likely to have a positive attitude toward catch-and-release and will be more likely to release caught fish. We also test the relationship between catch-and-release behavior and a number of situational variables. Anglers for whom fishing was more central to their lifestyle and anglers who placed lower importance on keeping fish were more likely to have a positive attitude toward catch-and-release and were more likely to release all bluefin tuna caught on a 1-day fishing trip. The likelihood of releasing all tuna was also negatively related to fishing party size and number of tuna caught. Catch-and-release behavior was not related to hours fished or whether another species of tuna was retained, and catch-and-release attitude and behavior were not related to previous fishing experience, or the importance placed on number of fish caught, catching "something," or catching a trophy fish. Results provide insight into the factors that influence an angler's decision to retain or release caught fish.
Insulin Therapy in Obese, Non-insulin-dependent Diabetes Induces Improvements in Insulin Action and Secretion that Are Maintained for Two Weeks After Insulin Withdrawal

The effects of rigorous insulin treatment on insulin action (insulin clamp) and secretion (plasma insulin response to glucose) were studied in 13 obese patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Improvements were documented in fasting (P < 0.0001) and postprandial (P < 0.0001) plasma glucose concentrations, insulin secretion after oral glucose (P < 0.001), and insulin action (P < 0.005) after 30 days of therapy. Mean integrated plasma insulin response to glucose increased 2.5-fold after insulin therapy, but this improvement varied considerably from patient to patient. Insulin action also increased with insulin treatment and the resulting values were no longer significantly different from a weight- and age-matched group of subjects with normal glucose tolerance. However, there was considerable patient-to-patient variation in the degree to which insulin action was enhanced. The insulin-induced improvements in glucose tolerance persisted for at least 2 wk after insulin withdrawal, and were associated with continued increased insulin secretion and insulin action. In conclusion, control of hyperglycemie for 1 mo led to improvements in both insulin secretion and action in a series of obese patients with NIDDM that persisted for at least 2 wk after cessation of therapy.
Cross-Modal Analysis Between Phonation Differences and Texture Images Based on Sentiment Correlations

Motivated by the success of speech characteristics representation by color attributes, we analyzed the cross-modal sentiment correlations between voice source characteristics and textural image characteristics. For the analysis, we employed vowel sounds with representative three phonation differences (modal, creaky and breathy) and 36 texture images with 36 semantic attributes (e.g., banded, cracked and scaly) annotated one semantic attribute for each texture. By asking 40 subjects to select the most fitted textures from 36 figures with different textures after listening 30 speech samples with different phonations, we measured the correlations between acoustic parameters showing voice source variations and the parameters of selected textural image differences showing coarseness, contrast, directionality, busyness, complexity and strength. From the texture classifications, voice characteristics can be roughly characterized by textural differences: modalgauzy, banded and smeared, creaky porous, crystalline, cracked and scaly, breathy smeared, freckled and stained. We have also found significant correlations between voice source acoustic parameters and textural parameters. These correlations suggest the possibility of cross-modal mapping between voice source characteristics and textural parameters, which enables visualization of speech information with source variations reflecting human sentiment perception.
The Impact of Motor Axon Misdirection and Attrition on Behavioral Deficit Following Experimental Nerve Injuries

Peripheral nerve transection and neuroma-in-continuity injuries are associated with permanent functional deficits, often despite successful end-organ reinnervation. Axonal misdirection with non-specific reinnervation, frustrated regeneration and axonal attrition are believed to be among the anatomical substrates that underlie the poor functional recovery associated with these devastating injuries. Yet, functional deficits associated with axonal misdirection in experimental neuroma-in-continuity injuries have not yet been studied. We hypothesized that experimental neuroma-in-continuity injuries would result in motor axon misdirection and attrition with proportional persistent functional deficits. The femoral nerve misdirection model was exploited to assess major motor pathway misdirection and axonal attrition over a spectrum of experimental nerve injuries, with neuroma-in-continuity injuries simulated by the combination of compression and traction forces in 42 male rats. Sciatic nerve injuries were employed in an additional 42 rats, to evaluate the contribution of axonal misdirection to locomotor deficits by a ladder rung task up to 12 weeks. Retrograde motor neuron labeling techniques were utilized to determine the degree of axonal misdirection and attrition. Characteristic histological neuroma-in-continuity features were demonstrated in the neuroma-in-continuity groups and poor functional recovery was seen despite successful nerve regeneration and muscle reinnervation. Good positive and negative correlations were observed respectively between axonal misdirection (p<.0001, r2=.67), motor neuron counts (attrition) (p<.0001, r2=.69) and final functional deficits. We demonstrate prominent motor axon misdirection and attrition in neuroma-in-continuity and transection injuries of mixed motor nerves that contribute to the long-term functional deficits. Although widely accepted in theory, to our knowledge, this is the first experimental evidence to convincingly demonstrate these correlations with data inclusive of the neuroma-in-continuity spectrum. This work emphasizes the need to focus on strategies that promote both robust and accurate nerve regeneration to optimize functional recovery. It also demonstrates that clinically relevant neuroma-in-continuity injuries can now also be subjected to experimental investigation.
Applied Microbial and Cell Physiology

An in-depth characterization of the entomopathogenic strain Bacillus pumilus 15.1 reveals that it produces inclusion bodies similar to the parasporal crystals of Bacillus thuringiensis Abstract In the present work, the local isolate Bacillus pumilus 15.1 has been morphologically and biochemically characterized in order to gain a better understanding of this novel entomopathogenic strain active against Ceratitis capitata. This strain could represent an interesting biothechnological tool for the control of this pest. Here, we report on its nutrient preferences, extracellular enzyme production , motility mechanism, biofilm production, antibiotic suceptibility, natural resistance to chemical and physical insults , and morphology of the vegetative cells and spores. The pathogen was found to be β-hemolytic and susceptible to penicillin, ampicillin, chloramphenicol, gentamicin, kanamy-cin, rifampicin, tetracycline, and streptomycin. We also report a series of biocide, thermal, and UV treatments that reduce the viability of B. pumilus 15.1 by several orders of magnitude. Heat and chemical treatments kill at least 99.9 % of vegetative cells, but spores were much more resistant. Bleach was the only chemical that was able to completely eliminate B. pumilus 15.1 spores. Compared to the B. subtilis 168 spores, B. pumilus 15.1 spores were between 2.67 and 350 times more resistant to UV radiation while the vegetative cells of B. pumilus 15.1 were almost up to 3 orders of magnitude more resistant than the model strain. We performed electron microscopy for morphological characterization, and we observed geometric structures resembling the parasporal crystal inclusions synthesized by Bacillus thuringiensis. Some of the results obtained here such as the parasporal inclusion bodies produced by B. pumilus 15.1 could potentially represent viru-lence factors of this novel and potentially interesting strain.
Perceived Job Characteristics and Job Satisfaction among Men and Women

This study analyzes relationships between intrinsic and extrinsic job characteristics and overall job satisfaction among men and women. Zero-order correlation and multiple regression analyses ascertain the relationships between eight perceived job characteristics and job satisfaction among a national probability sample of 1,533 workers. The results reveal similar patterns of relationships between perceived job characteristics and job satisfaction for men and women indicating that they require similar job characteristics to be satisfied with their jobs.
Toward a New Way of Learning — Promoting Inquiry and Reflection in Palestinian Early Childhood Teacher Education

The article describes the integration of inquiry, reflective practice, and child-centered teaching approaches in preservice teacher education at the early childhood level. The article reviews relevant literature on the forms and functions of inquiry and reflection as a form of professional development and teacher learning and also describes the current state of Palestinian teacher education and early childhood teaching and learning. The article then describes the preservice program at Al-Quds University in Abu Dis, the West Bank (Palestine) for students pursuing a BA in early childhood education and highlights the program's emphasis on child-centered, discovery-based teaching and learning. To illustrate how the Al-Quds program emphasizes reflection and inquiry at the preservice level, the article presents examples of the student teachers' projects, perspectives, and experiences in implementing an inquiry-based approach to teaching. Taken as whole, the article helps crystallize key issues and advances in teacher education in the West Bank (Palestine) and contributes to the growing awareness in teacher education at the global level of the professional and research benefits of cross-cultural and cross-border dialogue and exchange
Electromagnetic Properties of a New Ferrite-Ceramic Composite Material

NiCuZn ferrite-CaCu3Ti4O12 composite materials which possess both capacitive and inductive properties for suppressing electromagnetic interference (EMI) were synthesized by a solid-state reaction. As the CaCu3Ti4O12 content increases from 1 to 30 wt%, the epsiv' of the composites measured at 100 Hz increases from 35 to 12 000 while the mu' of the composites measured at 100 kHz decreases from 1800 to 27. The microstructures of the sintered ceramics were observed and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The influences of different composition on the electromagnetic properties of the composites were investigated.
[Monitoring of nursing service context factors: first descriptive results of a cross-sectional Swiss study prior the introduction of SwissDRG].

BACKGROUND The adoption of DRG-based payment systems has narrowed hospitals' financial margins, necessitating streamlining and process optimization. The experience of other countries shows that this restructuring can influence context factors essential to the delivery of nursing care. As a result, nursing care quality and patient safety may be impacted. AIM The Sinergia Project aims to develop a monitoring model and related instruments to continuously monitor the impact of DRG-based reimbursement on central nursing service context factors. METHOD The descriptive, quantitative results were collected within the framework of a study with a mixed methods design by means of an online survey in which nurses from five hospitals participated. RESULTS The results show that the nursing service context factors examined (nursing care complexity, quality of the work environment, management, moral distress and job satisfaction), have relevance in all practice areas as regards practice setting and nursing care delivery. Patterns can be recognized that are consistent with those found in the literature and which could be an indication of the relationships between the context factors above, as was hypothesized in the model. CONCLUSIONS The study has provided the participating hospitals with useful data upon which to base discussions on ensuring quality of nursing care and practice development, in addition to information important to the further development of the model and the instruments employed.
The Blank Screen of Cyberspace

Internet communication (cyberspace) media, which have entered our culture in various ways, present novel opportunities—and challenges—for analytic practice. The availability of new modes of interaction prompts reflection about the role of familiar structures for analytic work. We describe the most prominent interactional environments in the cyberspace world; factors affecting analytic work in cyberspace; and ways in which the cyberspace dimension of the outside world may affect even traditional analytic settings. For guidance, we invoke the familiar longstanding discussion of the role of the couch.
Creating Better Citizens? Effects of a Model Citizens' Assembly on Student Political Attitudes and Behavior

Perceiving political engagement to be dangerously low among American citizens, many political science professors in recent years have attempted to promote engagement and “healthier” political attitudes. The effectiveness of these efforts appears variable and generally quite modest. Following the model of Canadian citizens' assemblies, we taught a course called Citizens' Assembly on Critical Thinking about the United States (CACTUS) in spring 2008 in which students considered the question: “Is it time to change the way we elect the President of the United States? ” Because the course employs a form of deliberative democracy CACTUS might be anticipated to encourage engagement. We use a pre-post survey design to measure attitudes of both CACTUS (treatment group) and other (comparison groups) students to examine this. We find that both CACTUS and students enrolled in other political science courses experienced modest growth in their political engagement. More notably, CACTUS students became more extreme in their party identification, ideology, and issue positions and became more supportive of the existing electoral system. We suspect these findings are attributable to the nature and content of CACTUS. Our findings have important implications for future efforts to promote political engagement and for measuring the effects of those efforts.
Asynchronous incremental block-coordinate descent

This paper studies a flexible algorithm for minimizing a sum of component functions, each of which depends on a large number of decision variables. Such formulations appear naturally in “big data” applications, where each function describes the loss estimated using the data available at a specific machine, and the number of features under consideration is huge. In our algorithm, a coordinator updates a global iterate based on delayed partial gradients of the individual objective functions with respect to blocks of coordinates. Delayed incremental gradient and delayed coordinate descent algorithms are obtained as special cases. Under the assumption of strong convexity and block coordinate-wise Lipschitz continuous partial gradients, we show that the algorithm converges linearly to a ball around the optimal value. Contrary to related proposals in the literature, our algorithm is delay-insensitive: it converges for any bounded information delay, and its step-size parameter can be chosen independently of the maximum delay bound.