Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Trait Emotional Intelligence, Anxiety Sensitivity, and Experiential Avoidance in Stress Reactivity and Their Improvement Through Psychological Methods

Stress pervades daily society, often with deleterious consequences for those prone to react intensely to it. Intervention techniques to attenuate stress reactivity are thus paramount. With that goal in mind, researchers have sought to identify and alter malleable psychological dispositional variables that influence stress reactivity. Trait emotional intelligence (TEI), anxiety sensitivity (AS), and experiential avoidance (EA) are increasingly receiving attention in these research efforts. The self-reported emotional component of stress reactivity has been emphasized in investigations and is our focus. Specifically, this paper overviews the role of TEI, AS, and EA in self-reported stress responses. We also discuss empirically supported psychological methods to adjust suboptimal levels of these variables in normal populations. Both psycho-educational (information, skills) and mindfulness-based interventions (specific mindfulness therapies or components) are covered. Findings include that (1) TEI, AS, and EA are each correlated with the emotional component of stress reactivity to both naturalistic and lab-based stressors; (2) preliminary support currently exists for psycho-educational intervention of TEI and AS but is lacking for EA; (3) adequate evidence supports mindfulness-based interventions to target EA, with very limited but encouraging findings suggesting mindfulness methods improve TEI and AS; and (4) although more research is needed, stress management approaches based on mindfulness may well target all three of these psychological variables and thus appear particularly promising. Encouragingly, some methods to modify dispositional variables (e.g., a mindfulness-based format of guided self-help) are easily disseminated and potentially applicable to the general public.
Uncovering Singapore Teachers' Motivation to Participate in Professional Development Activities

Set against the motivation to enhance Teacher Professional Development (TPD), the question was raised of what makes a teacher want to engage in TPD. While a literature scan has shown numerous studies on TPD that advocate different types of TPD that teachers consider effective, the Singapore literature suffers from a dearth of empirical study to show what motivates a teacher to engage in TPD. Adopting a social psychology framework of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this study seeks to address the research problem through a baseline study and an extended exploration on the factors affecting a teacher's motivation to do TPD. A variety of data collection methods are described to study this. In-depth interview and questionnaire survey will be used to construct the baseline while observations and fieldwork will deepen the exploration and provide the triangulation to data collection, essentially improving the reliability of the study. This paper will report on the findings from the in-depth interviews and elucidate the reasons for teachers taking part in TPD in Singapore.
CONSTRAINTS ON THE PROGENITOR SYSTEM AND THE ENVIRONS OF SN 2014J FROM DEEP RADIO OBSERVATIONS

We report deep EVN and eMERLIN observations of the Type Ia SN 2014J in the nearby galaxy M82. Our observations represent, together with JVLA observations of SNe 2011fe and 2014J, the most sensitive radio studies of Type Ia SNe ever. By combining data and a proper modeling of the radio emission, we constrain the mass-loss rate from the progenitor system of SN 2014J to (for a wind speed of 100 km s−1). If the medium around the supernova is uniform, then n ISM ≲ 1.3 cm−3, which is the most stringent limit for the (uniform) density around a Type Ia SN. Our deep upper limits favor a double-degenerate (DD) scenario—involving two WD stars—for the progenitor system of SN 2014J, as such systems have less circumstellar gas than our upper limits. By contrast, most single-degenerate (SD) scenarios, i.e., the wide family of progenitor systems where a red giant, main-sequence, or sub-giant star donates mass to an exploding WD, are ruled out by our observations. (While completing our work, we noticed that a paper by Margutti et al. was submitted to The Astrophysical Journal. From a non-detection of X-ray emission from SN 2014J, the authors obtain limits of M ☉ yr−1 (for a wind speed of 100 km s−1) and n ISM ≲ 3.5 cm−3, for the ρ∝r −2 wind and constant density cases, respectively. As these limits are less constraining than ours, the findings by Margutti et al. do not alter our conclusions. The X-ray results are, however, important to rule out free–free and synchrotron self-absorption as a reason for the radio non-detections. ) Our estimates on the limits on the gas density surrounding SN2011fe, using the flux density limits from Chomiuk et al., agree well with their results. Although we discuss the possibilities of an SD scenario passing observational tests, as well as uncertainties in the modeling of the radio emission, the evidence from SNe 2011fe and 2014J points in the direction of a DD scenario for both.
Peer Influence and Adolescent Sexual Behavior Trajectories: Links to Sexual Initation

This study aims to revisit the studies reported in the area of peer influence with reference to health behavior. Peer groups are social groups that consist of people of the same age and have similar interests and usually equal in terms of the education and social class. Peer groups are important as they tend to provide a space to make friends. They also help provide social and emotional support as well as an identity and a sense of belongingness to a social group, especially during adolescence. The authors have found that sexual behavior is one of the many areas in which teens are influenced by their best friends and peers. Teens are more likely to have sex if their best friends and peers are older, use alcohol or drugs, or engage in other negative behavior. Similarly, they are more likely to have sex if they believe their friends have more positive attitudes toward childbearing, have permissive values about sex, or are actually having sex. The authors have found that most of the studies in this area have been developed have been assessing the negative aspects of peer influence. Understanding important factors related to sexual behavior is important not only to change that behavior; it is important to identify those teens who are most at risk of having sex and unprotected sex. This paper explains the implications for those working to help youth avoid risky sexual behaviors and potential consequences. It is concluded with the recommendations for conducting studies in this direction.
Ensuring sustainability of the city transportation system: problems and solutions (ICSC)

Ways to increase sustainability of the city transportation system and, particularly, measures to promote safe public transport and non-motorized means of transport are considered in the article. Analysis of the existing positive experience shows that complex decisions for a sustainable development of the city transportation system are necessary. Technical and organizational ways to increase the transportation system’s sustainability and safety are studied. The results of solution of separate tasks, aimed at completing the goal, are presented: defining transport preferences of the citizens of Naberezhnye Chelny, perspective model of bus route network, a model of an adaptive smart-bicycle. It is shown that the proposed solutions for strategic and operational management will help to enhance efficiency and safety of transportation system.
Model Disagreement and Economic Outlook

We study the impact of model disagreement on the dynamics of asset prices, return volatility, and trade in the market. In our continuous-time framework, two investors have homogeneous preferences and equal access to information, but disagree about the length of the business cycle. We show that model disagreement amplifies return volatility and trading volume by inducing agents to have different economic outlooks, which generates a term structure of disagreement. Different economic outlooks imply that investors will trade even if they do not disagree about the current value of fundamentals. Also, we find that while the absolute level of return volatility is driven by long-run risk, the variation and persistence of volatility (i.e., volatility clustering) is driven by disagreement. Compared to previous studies that consider model uncertainty with a representative agent or those that study heterogeneous beliefs with no model disagreement, our paper offers a theoretical foundation for the GARCH-like behavior of stock returns.
Can Student-Driven Changes Increase Salad Bar Usage in Schools?

ii LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND SYMBOLS.iii LIST OF TABLES.v LIST OF FIGURES.vi CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION.1 CHAPTER II: REVIEW OF LITERATURE.3 CHAPTER III: METHODOLOGY.10 CHAPTER IV: ARTICLE MANUSCRIPT.15 Methodology.17 Results.19 Discussion and Conclusion. 27 REFERENCES.32 LIST OF APPENDICES. 39 VITA. 45
Localisation and Acquisition of Knowledge in Software Developing Organisations in the Light of Empirical Research

The purpose of the paper is to present the organisation and results of the empirical research facilitating the localisation and acquisition of knowledge in software developing organisations which have designed, documented, implemented and maintain quality management systems.The author's interest is focused on presenting a project of empirical research aimed at the localisation and acquisition of knowledge in software developing organisations.The paper contains an assessment of the usability of the previously proposed model of transition from quality management systems to knowledge management systems in software developing organisations for the purpose of establishing KMS elements (solely for knowledge localisation and acquisition processes). The assessment of usability is made in relation to quality management systems conformable with the ISO 9001:2000 supplemented by ISO/IEC 90003:2004.
Natural Resource Utilization by Acetic Acid Fermentation: A Method for Post Harvest Management

Acetic acid (commercially known as “vinegar”), one of the culinary products obtains through oxidative fermentation of alcohol, was prepared using different types of raw materials such as chopped vegetables and fruit peels, which otherwise would become kitchen garbage, and all of them show positive results with a very little waste as fermentation sediment that are biodegradable. While reducing the kitchen garbage by adding the culinary items, it acts as an effective post harvest management. It is suggested that post harvest losses of vegetables, cereals and fruits can be reduced using this technology.
High-Performance Teams And Communities Of Practice

This paper compares and contrasts teams and Communities of Practice, and at least partially resolves the rhetorical question “aren’t Communities of Practice just like teams with another name? ” Findings derive from intensive work with both types of work groups, and considered within the extant literature. The study builds on and refines the rich body of knowledge on teams and teamwork and contributes substantially to the emerging understanding of Com-munities of Practice. Similarities and differences between teams and Communities of Prac-tice are sometimes subtle, sometimes striking. Communities of Practice are most like self-directing teams. They share critical success factors including maturity and effectiveness in tools and ways of working that govern and enable collaboration and self-management. Both must possess or be developing skills, knowledge, behaviours, and supporting attitudes in a range of areas, including visioning, defining purpose and objectives, understanding and contending with capabilities, problem-solving, decision-making, managing performance and sustainability, exploiting diversity, reconceptualising and reinventing, and implementing initiatives. In this context, effective collaboration across time, complex tasks, and diversity of membership implies individual and group self-leadership. Neither self-directing teams nor Communities of Practice have or rely solely on external supervision or direction. Thus, the nature and source of leadership is internal. There is some evidence that imposed, external leadership may be counterproductive to the evolving efficacy of self-directed teams and Communities of Practice, or that an enlightened form of collegial, facilitative leadership is required. While questions remain as to whether or not Communities of Practice can be mandated and formally established, certain organisational supports can be helpful.
An appraisal of the risk–need–responsivity (RNR) model of offender rehabilitation and its application in correctional treatment

The science of effective offender rehabilitation remains a very young field: dominated theoretically and empirically by the work of a small group of Canadian psychologists. Their achievements include the ‘what works’ research literature, and the RNR model of offender rehabilitation. First disseminated in 1990, over the following 20 years, the Risk, Need and Responsivity Principles became the core of the theoretical framework used in those correctional systems around the world that use science as a basis for offender rehabilitation. This paper evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of the RNR model as a Level I rehabilitation framework. It proposes that unrealistic expectations and mistranslations of the model into practice are contributing to concerns about its validity and utility, and stifling needed innovation in the development both of mid-level treatment resources, and of RNR-adherent interventions. It concludes that although the RNR model's empirical validity and practical utility justify its place as the dominant model, it is not the ‘last word’ on offender rehabilitation; there is much work still to be done.
Molecular basis for the mechanism of action and resistance to artemisinin combination therapy in Plasmodium falciparum

Plasmodium falciparum malaria remains a leading cause of death among children in Africa. To improve treatment efficacy and delay development and spread of antimalarial drug resistance artemisinin artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) is now globally recommended as first-line treatment of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria as a cornerstone in modern malaria control. The aim of this thesis is to improve the understanding of the molecular basis of potential evolution of P. falciparum resistance to ACT. After the worldwide introduction of ACT several reports demonstrate that the multidrug resistance protein 1 ( pfmdr 1) and chloroquine resistance transporter ( pfcrt ) genes are under selective pressure. This thesis describes the in vivo selective process for pfmdr 1 haplotype coding for aminoacids 86N, 184F 1246D in reinfections after artemether-lumefantrine treatment. The selective window is within 35 days after treatment during the elimination phase of the partner drug.
SOLVENCY OF STOCK VERSUS MUTUAL INSURERS: Evidence from Dutch panel data

We investigate the capital structure of 350 Dutch insurers during the period 1995-2005. Our main findings are: (1) a small company size, a mutual organisation, high profitability, large equity investments, or being a fire insurer, all contribute to higher solvency margins; (2) minimum solvency requirements from the supervisor are less easy to explain by firm characteristics and do not correlate positively with risk; (3) neither do insurers follow solvency requirements closely; (4) most insurers have surplus capital which, together with a large company size and high profitability, reduces the risk of insolvency.
Determining Suitable Fingerprinting Properties for Discrimination of Sediment Sources (Case study: Amrovan and Atary Catchments)

This contribution determines suitable fingerprinting properties for sediment source discrimination within theAmrovan and Atary catchments in Semnan Province, Iran. These catchments are representative of a range of geology formations and should therefore provide a meaningful basis for a general assessment of the degree of sediment source discrimination afforded by a range of fingerprint properties. By field investigation, 10 representative samples were collected from each sediment sources per catchments. Geological formation map was selected as the base of grouping samples. For the case of Amrovan catchment Hezar Dareh, Upper Red and Quaterrnary formations as well as gully walls were selected as the origin of sediments whereas in Atary Catchment karaj, Qum, Upper Red, Hezar Dareh and Quaternary formations were selected as the origin of sediments. The 15 properties selected as a tracer, comprised five groups of fingerprinting properties, including Organic constituents (C, N, P), base cations (Na, K, Ca, Mg), acidextractable metals (Cr, Co), clay minerals (Smectite, Colorite, Illite, Kaolinite) and magnetic properties consisting of Low Frequency Magnetic Susceptibility (XLF) and Frequency Dependent Magnetic Susceptibility (XFD). Several statistical methods were applied to the data including the Kruskal-Wallis, discrimination function analysis (DFA) andmultivariate stepwise selection algorithm. Results indicate that the most powerful individual fingerprint property is organic constituent C, which successfully classifies 70% and 66% of samples in Amrovan and Atary catchmentsrespectively. Composite fingerprints incorporating constituents selected from several groups of properties using astepwise statistical selection procedure consistently provide the most robust discrimination of potential sediment sources. Results show also that organic constituents group of properties is extremely useful for sediment source discrimination in this catchments.
Real Time Estimation of Potential Output and Output Gap for the Euro-Area: Comparing Production Function with Unobserved Components and SVAR Approaches

We develop a new version of the production function (PF) approach usually used for estimating the output gap of the euro area. Our version does not call for any (often imprecise) measure of the capital stock and improves the estimation of the trend total factor productivity. We asses this approach by comparing it with two other multivariate methods mostly used for output gap estimates, a multivariate unobserved components (MUC) model and a Structural Vector Auto-Regressive (SVAR) model. The comparison is conducted by relying on assessment criteria such as the concordance of the turning points chronology with a reference one, the inflation forecasting power and the real-time consistency of the estimates. Two contributions are achieved. Firstly, we take into account data revisions and their impact on the output gap estimates by using vintage datasets coming from the Euro Area Business Cycle (EABCN) Real-Time Data-Base (RTDB). Secondly, the PF approach, generally employed by policy-makers despite of its difficult implementation, is assessed. We thus improve on previous papers which limited their assessment on other multivariate methods, e.g. MUC or SVAR models. The different methods show different ranks in relation to the three criteria. This new PF estimate appears highly concordant with the reference chronology. Its forecasting power appears favourable only for the shortest horizon (1 month). Finally, the SVAR model appears more consistent in real-time.
Evaluation of biogas generating potentials of animal and food wastes

This study was carried out to evaluate biogas production from animal and food wastes. Five agro-based wastes were differently charged with appropriate water to waste ratios into a five 0.1m3 capacity metallic digesters designed and fabricated at the National Centre for Energy Research and Development University of Nigeria, Nsukka. ( each sample to one digester), stirred, with a wooden rod, covered air-tight and allowed to ferment anaerobically for 23 days within the mesophilic temperature range (24 – 330C). The results indicate that cow dung digester gave the highest cumulative biogas yield of 229.2liters(l), followed by swine dung (61.6l), poultry dung (55.3l), cowpea seed coat (50.4l) and plantain peel 44.3l. All the biodigesters produced flammable gas at different days within the period except the cowpea seed coats which were not flammable throughout the experimental periods. The biogas produced from cow dung flamed on the 6 th day while that from plantain peels, swine dung and poultry dung flamed on 5th, 9th, and 22nd day respectively. Flammable gas composition analysis from cow dung, poultry dung, swine dung and plantain peel biodigesters showed significant methane content. The overall results indicated that animal wastes, especially cow dung gave the highest biogas yield.
Profiling E-business Practices amongst Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Using a Fit Perspective

E-business as a multifaceted application has vast capabilities to support today's business. Nevertheless, these capabilities do not equally benefit all firms. Therefore, appropriate selection of e-business solutions would substantially enhance firm efficiency and effectiveness. Despite extensive research in this domain, there are limited works that explore the extent to which SMEs successfully align diverse e-business capabilities to their strategic business functions. This is crucial considering that SMEs have relatively limited resources and thus make them more selective in ebusiness-related investments. This study therefore explores the current state of e-business fit (alignment) among Malaysian SMEs. The next attempt is to reveal any possible patterns that represent firms with respect to their e-business alignment characteristics. A self-administered survey was conducted on 140 SMEs owner/manager in order to investigate present status of ebusiness alignment across various business processes. The results generally indicate that firms perceive a relatively higher level of alignment in terms of information searching, sales, and internalrelated functions relative to other functions. A cluster analysis further classi5ies 5irms into three (3) groups with somewhat distinct alignment patterns. Despite several limitations, this study has provided insights on how e-business penetrates across firm operation and the extent to which it corresponds to the most salient functions of the business. This study, therefore, supports the claim that SMEs have different priorities over e-business solutions in support of various business functions. These findings have also provided more insights such as why some firms do not progress into a higher e-business ladder.
DATA PROCESSING AND RECORDING USING A VERSATILE MULTI-SENSOR VEHICLE

Abstract. In this paper we present a versatile multi-sensor vehicle which is used in several research projects. The vehicle is equipped with various sensors in order to cover the needs of different research projects in the area of object detection and tracking, mobile mapping and change detection. We show an example for the capabilities of this vehicle by presenting camera- and LiDAR-based pedestrian detection methods. Besides this specific use case, we provide a more general in-depth description of the vehicle’s hard- and software design and its data-processing capabilities. The vehicle can be used as a sensor carrier for mobile mapping, but it also offers hardware and software components to allow for an adaptable onboard processing. This enables the development and testing of methods related to real-time applications or high-level driver assistance functions. The vehicle’s hardware and software layout result from several years of experience, and our lessons learned can help other researchers set up their own experimental platform.