Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Horse Injury during Non-Commercial Transport: Findings from Researcher-Assisted Intercept Surveys at Southeastern Australian Equestrian Events

Simple Summary Research on the transportation of horses has largely focused on the movement of horses by commercial livestock carriers. Information on factors associated with horse injuries sustained during private (non-commercial) transportation in small horse trucks and trailers is limited. This study surveyed drivers transporting their horses to equestrian events in southeastern Australia. Information on drivers, travel practice, vehicle characteristics and horse injury was collected. A total of 55/223 (24.7%) participants reported transportation related injuries to their horses. Of these 72% were described as horse associated (scrambling, slipping and horse-horse interaction), 11% due to mechanical failure, and 6% due to driver error. The risk of horse injury was not associated with driver age or gender, or experience. Drivers that answer the telephone whilst transporting horses, were more likely to report a previous injury experience. There was a trend for participants with <8 hours sleep prior to the survey to have previously had a horse injured. There was a modest positive association between increasing trailer age and the number of injuries. The range of trailer models prevented identification of the importance of individual design features. The study highlights the potential for horses to sustain transportation injuries in privately owned vehicles and warrants further study to address this risk to their welfare. Abstract Equine transportation research has largely focused on the commercial land movement of horses. Data on the incidence and factors associated with horse injuries during non-commercial transportation (privately owned horse trucks and trailers) is scant. This study surveyed 223 drivers transporting horses to 12 equestrian events in southeastern Australia. Data collected encompassed driver demographics, travel practice, vehicle characteristics, and incidents involving horse injury. Approximately 25% (55/223) of participants reported that their horses were injured during transportation. Of these 72% were owner classified as horse associated (scrambling, slipping and horse-horse interaction), 11% due to mechanical failure, and 6% due to driver error. Horse injury was not significantly associated with driver age, gender, or experience. Participants that answer the telephone whilst driving were more likely to have previously had a horse injured (p = 0.04). There was a trend for participants with <8 hours sleep prior to the survey to have experienced a previous transportation-related injury (p = 0.056). Increased trailer age was associated with a greater number of injury reports (r² = 0.20; p < 0.04). The diversity in trailer models prevented identification of the importance of individual design features. This study highlights the potential for horses to sustain transportation injuries in privately owned vehicles and warrants further study to address this risk to their welfare.
The effect of heat and ammonia treatment on colour response of oak wood (Quercus robur) and comparison of some physical and mechanical properties

In this paper the effect of heat and ammonia treatment on the change in colour of oak wood (Quercus robur.) and comparison of physical and mechanical properties were investigated. Wood specimens were made from heartwood and sapwood in dimensions 30×30×30 mm3. The specimens were subjected to heat treatment at 180°C and 230°C for 2 and 4 hours, others were treated by ammonia for 24 hours. After these processes, CIELAB colour, hardness, EMC, density and MOE of wood were tested in comparison with untreated samples. The results show that the heat treatment contributed to darkening of sapwood and heartwood and the total colour change increased up to 38.47 units (CIELAB) in the radial direction and 37.75 units (CIELAB) in the tangential direction. Previous research into ammonia treatment shows that the most significant changes were noticed after 1 day. The colour changes between sapwood and heartwood were more noticeable in ammonia treatment than in the case of heat treatment. All other observed properties were decreased in the case of heat treatment. Ammonia treatment does not have a significant influence on the other observed properties. The results proved that ammonia treatment is a modification that improves the decorative value but has a minimal effect on technologically relevant properties of solid wood. Nevertheless, the heat treatment can be used as comparable process for colour change of wood.
Rapid degradation of mutant SLC25A46 by the ubiquitin-proteasome system results in MFN1/2-mediated hyperfusion of mitochondria

SCL25A46 is a mitochondrial carrier protein that localizes to the outer membrane. Mutation L341P causes rapid degradation of SLC25A46 by the ubiquitin-proteasome system, independent of activated stress pathways, including mitophagy and apoptosis. SLC25A46 regulates oligomerization of MFN1/2 and mitochondrial dynamics.
Fast Image/Video Contrast Enhancement Based on WTHE

We present a fast and effective method for image contrast enhancement based on weighted and thresholded histogram equalization (WTHE). In our proposed method, the probability distribution function of an image is modified by weighting and thresholding before the histogram equalization (HE) is performed. We show that such an approach provides a convenient and effective mechanism to control the enhancement process while being adaptive to various types of images. We also discuss applications of the proposed method in video enhancement
Beyond Cognition to Commitment: English Language Teaching in South Korean Primary Schools.

In order to understand teacher cognition-the thoughts, beliefs, and knowledge of language teachers-it is helpful to understand why people commit to language teaching in the first place. However, few studies of language teachers have directly examined the nature and development of commitment in language teachers, across their language learning, teacher education, and teaching experience within their context. This study aims to do just that. Four primary school teachers in South Korea participated-two experienced teachers and two novice teachers-who at the time of the study were teaching English as a foreign language. Data from reflective writing, interviews, and classroom observations from a wider 18-month study on language teacher cognition and development were iteratively analyzed for the aims of this study. The findings show that commitment transfers between language learning and teaching through both positive and negative experiences, involves multiple and evolving intentions and mindsets in language teaching, and occurs in action in particular contexts. The findings also show that the teachers' early commitment to language learning contributed to their commitment to act on improving their English proficiency and classroom practices through professional development. The study concludes with implications and research suggestions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Partial nucleotide sequencing and characterization of human parvovirus B19 genome DNAs from damaged human fetuses and from patients with leukemia

While human parvovirus B19 is associated with fetal damage and chronic suppression of bone marrow in patients with leukemia, much less is known of the genomic characteristics of B19 isolated from damaged human fetuses and leukemia patients. B19 genome DNAs from human fetal organs and fluids and sera from leukemia patients were amplified by the polymerase chain reaction. The nucleotide sequences of amplified products in the region between nucleotide (nt) 3141 and nt3411 were determined following molecular cloning in M13 phage. The genome types of B19 from the fetuses and leukemia patients were similar to the types from patients with aplastic crisis and an asymptomatic individual. Wide diversity of the nucleotide sequence, i.e., six or more (6-11) substitutions, were evident in ten M13 phage clones of each DNA source from fetal materials, while substitutions in sera from patients with leukemia and aplastic crisis and of an asymptomatic individual numbered four or fewer (0-4). This wide diversity of B19 viruses in the fetus, revealed after many rounds of DNA replication, probably depends on a persistent state of infection.
Redistribution, recognition and representation: working against pedagogies of indifference

This paper reports on an Australian government-commissioned research study that documented classroom pedagogies in 24 Queensland schools. The research created the model of ‘productive pedagogies’, which conjoined what Nancy Fraser calls a politics of redistribution, recognition and representation. In this model pedagogies are differentiated to support the role of schooling as a positional good, a good in itself, and a good towards the betterment of the broader social world. In contrast with the model’s intentions, the pedagogies mapped in the study’s classrooms lacked differentiation; indeed, they reflected ‘pedagogies of indifference’ and were seen as producing and legitimising social inequalities. The paper theorises the redistributive, recognitive and representative justice possibilities of ‘productive pedagogies’ towards more equitable outcomes for marginalised students. The paper justifies its reprising of this research in light of the contemporary policy emphasis on teaching quality, the reductive impact on pedagogies of high-stakes testing, and the context of growing inequality which limits the potential effects of schools and teacher pedagogies.
Analyzing Profiles and Predictors of Students’ Social-Ecological Engagement

Using data from the Educational Longitudinal Study (2002), this study employed latent class analysis (LCA) to explore the relationship between students’ engagement-related dispositions and their behavioral engagement in home, school, and community activities. The primary aim was to identify and describe the engagement characteristics of distinct subpopulations of students. Our higher-order LCA models yielded five subpopulation profiles of students’ social-ecological engagement. In contrast to extant participation-identification models, these new profiles suggested that the relationship between students’ behavioral engagement and their school-related identities and dispositions is nonlinear and nonhomogeneous. This major finding recommends comprehensive school–community improvement models as well as nuanced interventions that are tailor-made to fit the engagement needs and identity-related characteristics of each student subpopulation.
Fractional esterification rate of cholesterol and ratio of triglycerides to HDL-cholesterol are powerful predictors of positive findings on coronary angiography.

BACKGROUND We examined the predictive value of various clinical and biochemical markers for angiographically defined coronary artery disease (aCAD). Specifically, we assessed the value of the ratio of plasma triglyceride (TGs) to HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) and the fractional esterification rate of cholesterol in plasma depleted of apolipoprotein B (apoB)-containing lipoproteins (FER(HDL)), a functional marker of HDL and LDL particle size. METHODS Patients (788 men and 320 women) undergoing coronary angiography were classified into groups with positive [aCAD(+)] and negative [aCAD(-)] findings. Patient age, body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure (BP), medications, drinking, smoking, exercise habits, and plasma total cholesterol (TC), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), HDL-unesterified cholesterol, HDL-C, TGs, FER(HDL), apoB, log(TG/HDL-C), and TC/HDL-C were assessed. Lipids and apoproteins were measured by standard laboratory procedures; FER(HDL) was determined by a radioassay. RESULTS Members of the aCAD(+) group were older and had a higher incidence of smoking and diabetes than those in the aCAD(-) group. The aCAD(+) group also had higher TG, apoB, FER(HDL), and log(TG/HDL-C) and lower HDL-C values. aCAD(+) women had greater waist circumference and higher plasma TC and TC/HDL-C. aCAD(+) men, but not women, had higher plasma LDL-C. In the multivariate logistic model, the significant predictors of the presence of aCAD(+) were FER(HDL), age, smoking, and diabetes. If only laboratory tests were included in the multivariate logistic model, FER(HDL) appeared as the sole predictor of aCAD(+). Log(TG/HDL-C) was an independent predictor when FER(HDL) was omitted from multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS FER(HDL) was the best laboratory predictor of the presence of coronary atherosclerotic lesions.
The ultrastructural localization of serotonin immunoreactivity within the nucleus of the solitary tract of the cat

Using a modification of the peroxidase-antiperoxidase technique, serotonin immunoreactivity was localized at the ultrastructural level in the nucleus of the solitary tract of the cat. Structures containing serotonin immunoreactivity included unmyelinated axons, varicosities (0.5 to 2 micrometers in diameter), and synaptic terminals. The serotonin-containing synaptic terminals were found less frequently than axons or varicosities. Within unmyelinated axons and varicosities, the immunoreactivity was associated mainly with large granular vesicles (80 to 150 nm). While large granular vesicles were found in all immunoreactive structures, greater numbers were observed in axons and nonsynaptic varicosities. Serial sections of several nonsynaptic serotonin-immunoreactive varicosities indicated the lack of synaptic specializations associated with these structures. In a typical section, only one or two granular vesicles were in synaptic terminals which contained numerous small clear vesicles. Serotonin-immunoreactive terminals formed asymmetrical contacts with dendrites and spines. No synaptic contacts involving immunoreactive terminals were found on cell bodies or other axonal structures. Serotonin-containing neuronal perikarya within the nucleus of the solitary tract were never observed. The abundance of nonsynaptic varicosities containing large granular vesicles suggests a possible neurohumoral role for serotonin within the feline nucleus of the solitary tract. This is discussed in relation to previous reports concerning the paucity of genuine synaptic contacts involving serotonin in other regions of the central nervous system. The presence of serotonin-immunoreactive terminals in the nucleus of the solitary tract also suggests its function as a putative neurotransmitter.
GRADUATE SCHOOL READINESS IN PSYCHOLOGY: A NATIONAL STUDY

of Thesis Presented to the Graduate School of the University of Florida in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science GRADUATE SCHOOL READINESS IN PSYCHOLOGY: A NATIONAL STUDY By Geoffrey A. Lee August, 2005 Chair: Greg J. Neimeyer Major Department: Psychology The increased demand for admissions into graduate school in psychology programs has placed greater pressure on undergraduate programs to provide informed and effective graduate school guidance and preparation. Previous studies have begun to identify the limited knowledge that students have about the requirements, procedures, and components of a graduate school application. The present study provides a multi-site assessment of graduate preparation. A total of 590 undergraduate psychology majors across the United States reported the mechanisms they used to prepare themselves for their graduate school applications, and their overall levels of self-efficacy and knowledge concerning the graduate school application process, using the Grad Prep Quiz. Results examine the nature and patterns of graduate school preparation over the course of undergraduate education in psychology
Safety and efficacy of rocuronium for controlled intubation with paralytics in the pediatric emergency department

Background Controlled intubation in the pediatric emergency department (ED) requires a paralytic agent that is safe, efficacious, and of rapid onset. The safety of succinylcholine has been challenged, leading some clinicians to use vecuronium as an alternative. Rocuronium’s onset is similar to that of succinylcholine. Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of rocuronium for controlled intubation with paralysis (CIP) in the pediatric ED. Methods A retrospective, observational study reviewed the records of patients less than 15 years of age, who received controlled intubation with paralytics at two Dallas EDs. The patients received either vecuronium or rocuronium. Results The study included 84 patients (vecuronium 19, rocuronium 65). Complications were similar between the two groups. Rocuronium had a shorter time from administration to intubation when compared to vecuronium (P < 0.05). Conclusion Rocuronium is as safe and efficacious as vecuronium for CIP in the pediatric ED.
Teachers' work engagement: Considering interaction with pupils and human resources practices as job resources

The goal of these 2 studies was to investigate whether teachers' work engagement is related to the extent to which they experience their interactions with pupils and human resource (HR) practices within their schools as motivating. Study 1 was a qualitative study, including document analysis and interviews with 23 respondents within 4 schools to give more insight into prevailing HR practices. Study 2 was a quantitative study, in which 342 teachers in 13 schools were surveyed. As expected, the interactions with pupils were positively related to work engagement. Furthermore, HR practices were positively related to vigor and dedication. Not in line with our expectations, HR practices weakened the relationship between the interaction with pupils and dedication.
SARNA-Predict: Accuracy Improvement of RNA Secondary Structure Prediction Using Permutation-Based Simulated Annealing

Ribonucleic acid (RNA), a single-stranded linear molecule, is essential to all biological systems. Different regions of the same RNA strand will fold together via base pair interactions to make intricate secondary and tertiary structures that guide crucial homeostatic processes in living organisms. Since the structure of RNA molecules is the key to their function, algorithms for the prediction of RNA structure are of great value. In this article, we demonstrate the usefulness of SARNA-Predict, an RNA secondary structure prediction algorithm based on Simulated Annealing (SA). A performance evaluation of SARNA-Predict in terms of prediction accuracy is made via comparison with eight state-of-the-art RNA prediction algorithms: mfold, Pseudoknot(pknotsRE), NUPACK, pknotsRG-mfe, Sfold, HotKnots, ILM, and STAR. These algorithms are from three different classes: heuristic, dynamic programming, and statistical sampling techniques. An evaluation for the performance of SARNA-Predict in terms of prediction accuracy was verified with native structures. Experiments on 33 individual known structures from eleven RNA classes (tRNA, viral RNA, antigenomic HDV, telomerase RNA, tmRNA, rRNA, RNaseP, 5S rRNA, Group I intron 23S rRNA, Group I intron 16S rRNA, and 16S rRNA) were performed. The results presented in this paper demonstrate that SARNA-Predict can out-perform other state-of-the-art algorithms in terms of prediction accuracy. Furthermore, there is substantial improvement of prediction accuracy by incorporating a more sophisticated thermodynamic model (efn2).
The Disinfectant Effects of Benzalkonium Chloride on Some Important Foodborne Pathogens

Antimicrobial chemicals are widely applied in the food processing industry. In attention to extent uses of disinfectants, it is necessary to evaluate and certificate the efficacy of disinfectants and employing the minimum effective dosages. In this research the antibacterial influences of a common disinfectant solution used in food industry, benzalkonium chloride that is a quaternary ammonium compound, were evaluated on six important foodborne pathogens including three Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes and Bacillus cereus) and three Gram negative bacteria (Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). According to the obtained results after three times conducing experiments, Listeria monocytogenes and Bacillus cereus were the most sensitive and resistant studied bacteria with MIC and MBC equal to 30 & 35 mg/L and 140 & 160 mg/L respectively. In attention to obtained results, the used disinfectant has good antibacterial effects. Benzalkonium chloride was more effective on Gram positive than Gram negative bacteria, except Bacillus cereus because of its ability to spore formation. In attention to extent resistance towards quaternary ammonium compounds, further studies have to be done to verify if the bacteria develop resistance toward common disinfectants such as the benzalkonium chloride.
A Preliminary Investigation on Angular Parameters Estimation in a Simplified IR-UWB Indoor Multipath Scenario

This paper presents an algorithm that interprets the waveforms associated with received mutipath components in order to estimate their Direction of Arrival (DoA), Direction of Departure (DoD) and Incident Angle to the Indoor Surface (IAIS) in the context of Impulse Radio - Ultra Wide Band (IR-UWB) communications. The proposed solution combines a deterministic description of the filtering effects of antennas and materials with a simple statistical model for IAIS. Iteratively, a set of jointly estimated path parameters is chosen according to the cross-correlation values obtained with currently resolved paths and predicted waveforms. Following an estimation tree approach, impossible sets are progressively discarded. An Estimation Quality Indicator is defined, in order to handle aberrant configurations made up of five single-bounce estimated paths. We show here that the IR-UWB transmission technology, which benefits from fine resolution capabilities, looks particularly suitable to the discussed algorithm. Assuming known walls material, simulation results are provided to illustrate the performance of such a technique in a simplified peer-to-peer multipath scenario. The proposed solution discloses new perspectives for context-awareness through classical communication links.
A Descriptive Study of Cooperating Teachers' Perceptions Regarding Student Teacher PreparationA Descriptive Study of Cooperating Teachers' Perceptions Regarding Student Teacher Preparation

The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of cooperating teachers regarding the level of preparedness of specific student teachers at the beginning of the student-teaching experience. Fifty-three secondary ensemble teachers (orchestra, band, and choir) completed a survey rating how prepared their most recent student teacher was in the areas of personal skills, teaching skills, and musical skills and provided feedback regarding the skill that needed the most attention from the university to improve music teacher preparation. Cooperating teachers rated student teachers similarly in all three categories. Differences were found between orchestra, band, and choir teachers relative to the skill that was selected in each category as needing the most attention. Orchestra and band teachers selected effective rehearsal pace, knowledge of subject matter, and secondary instrument skills as needing additional focus from university programs, while choral teachers selected piano skills and teaching and learning strategies as important areas to develop. Additional trends were noted between orchestra, band, and choral teachers and implications for music teacher education were discussed.