LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Effect of cooperative learning strategy on students’ retention in circle geometry in secondary schools in Benue State, Nigeria

This study investigated the effect of cooperative learning method compared with the conventional learning method in order to find out the retention level of students’ in circle geometry. The study was carried out on senior secondary II students in the three education zones (Zone A, Zone B and Zone C) in Benue State, Nigeria. The ability of students to grasp and memorize a mathematical concept or topic that was taught has become a basic problem in secondary schools. These problems may arise due to inappropriate teaching methods being used to explain these topics. Hence, this study adopted the cooperative learning strategy to teach 358 senior secondary two (SSII) students circle geometry, and see how well the learning method may effectively improve on students’ ability to retain concepts in mathematics in comparison to the conventional learning method of teaching. An independent T-test analysis was used to determine whether a statistical significant difference existed between the cooperative learning approach and the conventional learning approach in terms of students’ retention of the taught concept (t(356)= 8.474, p= 0.001). The findings of the study confirmed that students who were subjected to the cooperative learning strategy were able to retain the concepts of circle geometry more than those students who were taught using the conventional learning approach. Hence the recommendations were that, students would be able to retain taught and learnt concepts in mathematics for a longer period of time if mathematics teachers applied the cooperative learning strategy in teaching.
Excess mortality in patients with advanced chronic hepatitis C treated with long-term peginterferon.

UNLABELLED
Chronic hepatitis C virus infection can cause chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and liver cancer. The Hepatitis C Antiviral Long-term Treatment against Cirrhosis (HALT-C) Trial was a prospective, randomized controlled study of long-term, low-dose peginterferon therapy in patients with advanced chronic hepatitis C who failed to respond to a previous course of optimal antiviral therapy. The aim of this follow-up analysis is to describe the frequency and causes of death among this cohort of patients. Deaths occurring during and after the HALT-C Trial were reviewed by a committee of investigators to determine the cause of death and to categorize each death as liver- or nonliver-related and as related or not to complications of peginterferon. Rates of liver transplantation were also assessed. Over a median of 5.7 years, 122 deaths occurred among 1,050 randomized patients (12%), of which 76 were considered liver-related (62%) and 46 nonliver-related (38%); 74 patients (7%) underwent liver transplantation. At 7 years the cumulative mortality rate was higher in the treatment compared to the control group (20% versus 15%, P = 0.049); the primary difference in mortality was in patients in the fibrosis compared to the cirrhosis stratum (14% versus 7%, P = 0.01); comparable differences were observed when liver transplantation was included. Excess mortality, emerging after 3 years of treatment, was related largely to nonliver-related death; liver-related mortality was similar in the treatment and control groups. No specific cause of death accounted for the excess mortality and only one death was suspected to be a direct complication of peginterferon.


CONCLUSION
Long-term maintenance peginterferon in patients with advanced chronic hepatitis C is associated with an excess overall mortality, which was primarily due to nonliver-related causes among patients with bridging fibrosis.
Physical and Graphical Simulation of an Ackermann Steered Vehicle BACHELOR ’ S

The Institute of Computer Aided Automation at the Technical University of Vienna founded an interest group for autonomous driving. The idea is to attract students as well as teachers to this topic and provide them with easy access to the required hardware and software. Therefore a fleet of autonomous robots will be built. A prototype based on a RC-model car equipped with a Raspberry Pi as computation unit and an Arduino Uno as a micro controller to control the vehicle was already created [5]. In the future, this robot will be extended with sensors to facilitate autonomous driving. In order to achieve this goal, validation of systems and algorithms is imperative. For that purpose, a physical simulation and visualization of the prototype is created. The creation of the real and the simulated robot as well as their common interface was presented within a student paper [3] at the ARW (Austrian Robotics Workshop) 2016. The focus of this thesis is on the creation of this simulation and its accuracy. Since the primary interest of the research is in the motion of the robot, it is sufficient to only simulate the chassis. Specifically, the simulation of the steering which is the defining part of Ackermann robots is explained. ROS [7] (Robot Operating System) is used as middle ware for the simulation and visualization software [10]. A ROS node able to communicate with the simulation and visualization tool is used to control the simulated robot. This node is responsible for the steering, powering the wheels, and the necessary calculations. Additionally, it enables communication between the robotic tools used. On the one hand, the node receives motion commands and on the other hand it publishes velocity motion model [9, 12] based odometry data as well as the ground truth based odometry data. Different ways to visualize these kinds of odometry data will be introduced. A ROS node is created to visualize the estimated pose and its uncertainty as well as the ground truth pose. A pose by definition holds both the position and the orientation of the robot. The comparative advantage of this node over previously existing nodes is the visualization of the pose uncertainty. This is required to determine whether the estimated pose is credible in comparison with the ground truth pose. Since the simulation and the tracking system aim to be used for self localization, this is a important issue. Conclusively, the comparison of the velocity motion model odometry data with the ground truth odometry data will show that the simulation meets the requirements of accuracy with respect to the tracking model. Ways to improve the accuracy of the simulation will be introduced as well.
Consistency and asymptotic distribution of the Theil–Sen estimator

In this paper, we obtain the strong consistency and asymptotic distribution of the Theil-Sen estimator in simple linear regression models with arbitrary error distributions. We show that the Theil-Sen estimator is super-efficient when the error distribution is discontinuous and that its asymptotic distribution may or may not be normal when the error distribution is continuous. We give an example in which the Theil-Sen estimator is not asymptotically normal. A small simulation study is conducted to confirm the super-efficiency and the non-normality of the asymptotic distribution.
Effects of resuscitation with crystalloid fluids on cardiac function in patients with severe sepsis

BACKGROUND
The use of hypertonic crystalloid solutions, including sodium chloride and bicarbonate, for treating severe sepsis has been much debated in previous investigations. We have investigated the effects of three crystalloid solutions on fluid resuscitation in severe sepsis patients with hypotension.


METHODS
Ninety-four severe sepsis patients with hypotension were randomly assigned to three groups. The patients received the following injections within 15 min at initial treatment: Ns group (n = 32), 5 ml/kg normal saline; Hs group (n = 30), with 5 ml/kg 3.5% sodium chloride; and Sb group (n = 32), 5 ml/kg 5% sodium bicarbonate. Cardiac output (CO), systolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure (MAP), body temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate and blood gases were measured.


RESULTS
There were no differences among the three groups in CO, MAP, heart rate or respiratory rate during the 120 min trial or the 8 hour follow-up, and no significant differences in observed mortality rate after 28 days. However, improvement of MAP and CO started earlier in the Sb group than in the Ns and Hs groups. Sodium bicarbonate increased the base excess but did not alter blood pH, lactic acid or [HCO3]- values; and neither 3.5% hypertonic saline nor 5% sodium bicarbonate altered the Na+, K+, Ca2+ or Cl- levels.


CONCLUSION
All three crystalloid solutions may be used for initial volume loading in severe sepsis, and sodium bicarbonate confers a limited benefit on humans with severe sepsis.


TRIAL REGISTRATION
ISRCTN36748319.
A Multi-Turbine Power Curve Approach

A simple methodology is described – the multi-turbine power curve approach – a methodology to generate a qualified estimate of the time series of the aggregated power generation from planned wind turbine units distributed in an area where limited wind time series are available. This is often the situation in a planning phase where you want to simulate planned expansions in a power system with wind power. The methodology is described in a stepby-step guideline.
Museus, liberalismo e indústria cultural

This article analyzes cultural practices developed by museums in different periods in order to understand the different dimensions of the institutions and the contradictions inherent in them. Initially, it highlights the social role of museums in reinforcing the national-popular imaginary in the ’1930s, in the postwar period and during the military dictatorship. Then is discusses the intertwinement between museums and the laws of the market, as well as their economic potential as they fulfill functions of social inclusion and strengthening of particular identities. The main question is about the possibility of coexistence between the museum’s different dimensions and aesthetic values. Key words: museums, cultural policy, market, identity, nation.
Perioperative outcomes of laparoscopic and open distal pancreatectomy: our institution's 5-year experience.

BACKGROUND
Application of minimally invasive techniques in the surgical management of distal pancreatic lesions is increasing. Despite this, numbers of laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy remain low and limited to treatment of benign and premalignant lesions.


METHODS
Retrospective analysis of 31 patients who underwent distal pancreatectomy from 2005 to 2010. Patients were grouped according to mode of surgical access: open (ODP) or laparoscopic (LDP). Perioperative parameters were compared.


RESULTS
Twenty-one (67.7%) patients underwent ODP and 10 (32.3%) LDP (median age 61; 80.0% females in LDP group, p = 0.030). Postoperative morbidity rate were comparable between the two groups. In the LDP group, there were significantly lower estimated blood loss (p < 0.001) and amount of blood transfusion (p = 0.001), smaller tumor size (p = 0.010) and fewer lymph nodes harvested (p = 0.020), shorter postoperative length of stay (p = 0.020), and shorter length of stay in surgical high dependency (p = 0.001).


CONCLUSION
LDP is a safe, efficient technique for resection of benign and premalignant pancreatic lesions. Indices reflecting perioperative outcomes in this study are highly competitive with those in other major centers.
An improved variable tap-length LMS algorithm

An improved variable tap-length LMS algorithm is proposed in this paper. As compared with the original fractional tap-length LMS (FT-LMS) algorithm, the proposed algorithm can obtain both a fast convergence rate and a small steady-state error of the tap-length. Algorithm analysis is given which also provides a guideline for the parameter choice of the proposed algorithm. Simulations are performed under low noise and high noise conditions with time varying impulse responses. All simulation results show the advantages of the proposed algorithm as compared with the FT-LMS algorithm, and confirm the algorithm analysis. & 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Bone mineralisation in premature infants cannot be predicted from serum alkaline phosphatase or serum phosphate.

BACKGROUND
The bone mineral content of premature infants at term is lower than in mature infants at the same postconceptional age. Serum alkaline phosphatase and serum phosphate are often used as indicators of bone mineralisation.


OBJECTIVE
To analyse the association between bone mineral content and serum alkaline phosphatase and serum phosphate.


METHODS
Serum alkaline phosphatase and phosphate were measured at weekly intervals during admission in 108 premature infants of gestational age below 32 weeks (mean (SD) gestational age 29 (2) weeks; mean (SD) birth weight 1129 (279) g). Bone mineral content was measured at term (mean gestational age 41 weeks) by dual energy x ray absorptiometry and corrected for body size.


RESULTS
Serum alkaline phosphatase was significantly negatively associated with serum phosphate (p < 0.001). Bone mineral content was not associated with mean serum alkaline phosphatase (p = 0.8), peak serum alkaline phosphatase (p = 0.5), or mean serum phosphate (p = 0.2) at term.


CONCLUSION
Routine measurements of serum alkaline phosphatase and serum phosphate are of no use in predicting bone mineralisation outcome in premature infants.
Magnetic amplification in cylindrical cosmological structure

We derive the amplification of the cosmological magnetic field associated with forming gravitational structure. The self-similar solutions of magnetohydrodynamic equations are computed both in linear and nonlinear regimes. We find that the relatively fast magnetic field enhancement becomes substantial in the nonlinear phase.
Comprehensive evaluation criteria for English learning websites using expert validity surveys

This study aimed to develop a set of evaluation criteria for English learning websites. These criteria can assist English teachers/web designers in designing effective websites for their English courses and can also guide English learners in screening for appropriate and reliable websites to use in increasing their English ability. To fulfill our objective, we employed a three-phase research procedure: (a) establishing a preliminary set of criteria from a thorough review of the literature, (b) evaluating and refining the preliminary criteria by conducting interviews with in-service teachers and learners, and (c) validating and finalizing the criteria according to expert validity surveys. The established criteria have 46 items, classified into 6 categories (the number of items within the category) – general information (12), integrated English learning (13), listening (4), speaking (6), reading (5), and writing (6). The general information evaluates the authority, accuracy, and format of the learning websites. The integrated English learning evaluates the overall information relevant to English learning materials as well as the common features of the four language skills. The criteria for listening, speaking, reading, and writing, for example, examine the suitable intonation, skills of discourse, classification of reading articles by their attributes, and the proper use of discussion boards for students when practicing their writing skills. Based on qualitative and quantitative analysis of the interviews and expert validity surveys, we confirmed the effectiveness of the developed evaluation criteria with satisfactory indexes of inter-rater reliability, content validity, and factorial validity. 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Molecular Characterization of Clinical Isolates of Aeromonas Species from Malaysia

BACKGROUND
Aeromonas species are common inhabitants of aquatic environments giving rise to infections in both fish and humans. Identification of aeromonads to the species level is problematic and complex due to their phenotypic and genotypic heterogeneity.


METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS
Aeromonas hydrophila or Aeromonas sp were genetically re-identified using a combination of previously published methods targeting GCAT, 16S rDNA and rpoD genes. Characterization based on the genus specific GCAT-PCR showed that 94 (96%) of the 98 strains belonged to the genus Aeromonas. Considering the patterns obtained for the 94 isolates with the 16S rDNA-RFLP identification method, 3 clusters were recognised, i.e. A. caviae (61%), A. hydrophila (17%) and an unknown group (22%) with atypical RFLP restriction patterns. However, the phylogenetic tree constructed with the obtained rpoD sequences showed that 47 strains (50%) clustered with the sequence of the type strain of A. aquariorum, 18 (19%) with A. caviae, 16 (17%) with A. hydrophila, 12 (13%) with A. veronii and one strain (1%) with the type strain of A. trota. PCR investigation revealed the presence of 10 virulence genes in the 94 isolates as: lip (91%), exu (87%), ela (86%), alt (79%), ser (77%), fla (74%), aer (72%), act (43%), aexT (24%) and ast (23%).


CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE
This study emphasizes the importance of using more than one method for the correct identification of Aeromonas strains. The sequences of the rpoD gene enabled the unambiguous identication of the 94 Aeromonas isolates in accordance with results of other recent studies. Aeromonas aquariorum showed to be the most prevalent species (50%) containing an important subset of virulence genes lip/alt/ser/fla/aer. Different combinations of the virulence genes present in the isolates indicate their probable role in the pathogenesis of Aeromonas infections.
Migraine in menopausal women: a systematic review

Evidence suggests that migraine activity is influenced by hormonal factors, and particularly by estrogen levels, but relatively few studies have investigated the prevalence and characteristics of migraine according to the menopausal status. Overall, population-based studies have shown an improvement of migraine after menopause, with a possible increase in perimenopause. On the contrary, the studies performed on patients referring to headache centers have shown no improvement or even worsening of migraine. Menopause etiology may play a role in migraine evolution during the menopausal period, with migraine improvement more likely occurring after spontaneous rather than after surgical menopause. Postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy has been found to be associated with migraine worsening in observational population-based studies. The effects of several therapeutic regimens on migraine has also been investigated, leading to nonconclusive results. To date, no specific preventive measures are recommended for menopausal women with migraine. There is a need for further research in order to clarify the relationship between migraine and hormonal changes in women, and to quantify the real burden of migraine after the menopause. Hormonal manipulation for the treatment of refractory postmenopausal migraine is still a matter of debate.
Social Psychology and Neuroscience: Strange Bedfellows or a Healthy Marriage?

In this paper, we assess what neuroscience theory and method have contributed to the study of group processes and intergroup relations and what we see as potential future contributions to the discipline. We briefl y review the historical relation between neuroscience and social psychology, identify issues that may limit the value of neuroscience to the study of group processes and relations, and then argue that social neuroscience indeed holds signifi cant promise for understanding many key elements of group processes and intergroup relations. Both the potential problems and the potential benefi ts of bridging neuroscience and social psychology are considered in terms of theoretical considerations, empirical issues, and practical implications. We conclude that, although not all group phenomena may be reducible to neural activity and pathways, there are signifi cant benefi ts to social psychology by having an even broader multidisciplinary orientation within social psychology, one that incorporates the complementary perspectives, techniques, and knowledge of neuroscience.
The relationship between pelvic organ prolapse, genital body image, and sexual health.

AIMS
Pelvic organ prolapse involves physical changes to the genitals, potentially distressing to women. We hypothesized poorer genital body image in prolapsed women versus controls and that genital body image would correlate with sexual health.


METHODS
Seventy-four sexually active women, 13 with prolapse, 24 with surgically corrected prolapse, 37 without prolapse, completed the Genital Self Image Scale (GSIS-20), Body Esteem Scale (BES), and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).


RESULTS
In prolapsed women median GSIS-20 scores were 28/40, women with surgically corrected prolapse 32/40 and never prolapsed 34/40 (χ(2) = 9.6, P < 0.01). Post hoc analysis showed significant differences between prolapsed and never prolapsed groups (P < 0.05). After adjusting for BES, GSIS-20 correlated with overall FSFI (r = 0.384, P < 0.01), and its subscales of desire (r = 0.34, P < 0.05) and satisfaction (r = 0.41, P < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Women with prolapse are at risk for poorer genital body image and reduced sexual health.
The effect of exercise and antioxidant enzyme levels in syndrome X and coronary slow flow phenomenon: an observational study.

OBJECTIVE
In this study the antioxidant enzyme [catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) ] levels at rest in patients with syndrome X and coronary slow flow are measured. Then it has been investigated whether there is any enzymatic difference between the normal controls and syndrome X patients or patients with coronary slow flow and ascertain if exercise has any effects on the antioxidant enzyme levels.


METHODS
Fifty-five patients were included in this prospective observational controlled study. Patients were divided into 3 groups: Group 1- normal controls (n=20); Group 2-patients with coronary slow flow (n=20); and Group 3-patients diagnosed with syndrome X (n=15). In all patients, blood samples were collected at rest and after maximal exercise. The antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, Gpx) in the erythrocytes were studied for these three groups of blood sample. Statistical analysis was performed using Student t-test, Mann-Whitney U and Chi-square tests, Kruskal-Wallis variance analysis and ANOVA.


RESULTS
Under basal conditions the lowest SOD and GPx levels were measured in the 2nd Group, whereas significant differences in paired comparisons were observed only between the 2nd and 3rd Groups (p=0.024 vs. p<0.01, respectively) during paired comparisons. The post-exercise SOD levels were decreased significantly in the 3rd Groups when compared with the basal concentrations (p=0.014), however no significant pre- and post-exercise differences were observed in the CAT and GPx concentrations (p>0.05).


CONCLUSION
The post-exercise SOD level when compared with basal SOD levels were decreased significantly in the syndrome X group, however no differences were observed between the other groups. This can be interpreted as the reduction in the exercise related symptoms and ischemic findings are resulting from the decrease of SOD activity.