Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Asian Cultural Collectivism, Acculturation, and Life Satisfaction among Ethnic Asian Brides in South Korea

The current study addresses the significance of cultural orientations for life satisfaction among marriage immigrants in South Korea. The subjects of our study have been selected from three ethnic groups of Asian brides living in Korea after their marriage with Korean men ? Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese women. In this study, cultural orientations are classified into two parts: Asian cultural collectivism and acculturation to Korean society (openness to/liking of Korean culture and Korean language skills). Some other important predictors of life satisfaction are also included in the analysis. As the analytic strategy, this study employs the least-squares regression. One of our findings shows that the retention of Asian cultural collectivism contributes to ethnic Asian brides’ life satisfaction in Korean society. Likewise, there is evidence that their life satisfaction rises with their growing knowledge of and attachment to Korean cultural traditions and standards. Finally, their proficiency in the Korean language is also an important factor that exerts a positive effect on their life satisfaction in Korean society.
A Radiographic and Histologic Evaluation of the Patellar Tendon after Harvesting Its Central Third*

Nineteen consecutive patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using the central third of the ipsilateral patellar tendon were included in the study. Serial magnetic resonance images revealed that the donor-site gap in the tendon decreased with time (mean follow-up, 26 months). The thickness was significantly increased compared with the intact contralateral patellar tendon, regardless of when the magnetic resonance imaging was performed. Ultrasonography showed the same findings at a mean follow-up of 26 months. Histologic evaluation of the repair tissue in the central part of the tendon, as well as the tissue in the peripheral part of the patellar tendon at the donor site, revealed a significant increase in cellularity and vascularity as compared with normal control tendons. Thus, 2 years after the harvesting procedure, the patellar tendon displayed significant radiographic and histologic abnormalities. On the basis of these findings, reharvest of the patellar tendon, at least up to 2 years after primary harvest, cannot be recommended.
The effect of hypericum perforatum on kidney ischemia/reperfusion damage

Abstract It has been revealed in recent studies that Hypericum Perforatum (HP) is influential on cancer, inflammatory diseases, bacterial and viral diseases, and has neuroprotective and antioxidant properties. In this study, we investigated the effect of HP, which is known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, on kidney I/R damage. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into three groups, and each of the groups had eight rats: The Control Group; the Ischemia/Reperfusion (I/R) Group; and the IR + HP Group which was treated with 50 mg/kg of HP. The right kidneys of the rats were removed, and the left kidney developed ischemia during the 45th min, and reperfusion occurred in the following 3rd h. The histopathological findings and also the level of Malondialdehyde (MDA), Glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) enzyme activations in the renal tissues were measured. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), Creatinin (Cre) from serum samples were determined. The levels of BUN, Cre, and kidney tissue MDA increased at a significant level, and the SOD, CAT, and GSH-PX enzyme activity decreased at a significant level in the I/R group, compared with the Control Group (p < 0.05). In the I/R + HP group, the levels of MDA decreased at a significant level compared to the I/R group, while the SOD, CAT, and GSH-PX activity increased (p < 0.05). In histopathological examinations, it was observed that the tubular dilatation and epithelial desquamation regressed in the IR + HP Group when compared with the I/R Group. It has been shown with the histological and biochemical results in this study that HP is protective against acute renal I/R.
Computation of the Salience of Features

Humans navigating in unfamiliar environments rely on wayfinding directions, either given by people familiar with the area, or communicated through maps or wayfinding services. The essential role of landmarks in human route communication is well-known. However, mapping the human ability to select landmarks ad hoc for route directions to a computational model was never tried before. Wayfinding services manage the problem by using pre-defined points of interest. These points are not automatically identified and they are not related to a specific route. In contrast, here a computational model is presented that selects salient features along a route where needed, e.g., at decision points. We propose measures to formally specify the salience of a feature. The observed values of these measures are subject to stochastical tests in order to identify the most salient features from datasets. The proposed model is implemented and checked for computability with a use case from the city of Vienna. It is also cross-checked with a human subject survey for landmarks along a given route. The survey provides evidence that the proposed model selects features that are strongly correlated to human concepts of landmarks. Hence, integrating the selected salient features in wayfinding directions will produce directions with lower cognitive workload and higher success rates as compared to directions based only on geometry or on geometry and static points of interest.
The Effect of Six Weeks of Squat, Plyometric and Squat‐Plyometric Training on Power Production

Explosive leg power is a key ingredient to maximizing vertical jump performance. In training, the athlete must use the most effective program to optimize leg power development. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of three training programs — squat (S), plyometric (P) and squat-plyometric (SP) — in increasing hip and thigh power production as measured by vertical jump. Forty-eight subjects were divided equally into four groups: S, P, SP or control (C). The subjects trained two days a week for a total of seven weeks, which consisted of a one-week technique learning period followed by a six- week periodized S, P or SP training program. Hip and thigh power were tested before and after training using the vertical jump test, and the alpha level was set at 0.05. Statistical analysis of the data revealed a significant increase in hip and thigh power production, as measured by vertical jump, within all three treatment groups. The SP group achieved a statistically greater improvement (p < 0.0001) than the S or P groups alone. Examination of the mean scores shows that the S group increased 3.30 centimeters in vertical jump, the P group increased 3.81 centimeters and the SP group increased 10.67 centimeters. The results indicate that both S and P training are necessary for improving hip and thigh power production as measured by vertical jumping ability.
The Martyrs' Revolutions: The Role of Martyrs in the Arab Spring

This article examines popular representations of modern martyrs in the Arab world, comparing national models of martyrdom representations prior to the Arab Spring, namely those from Iran, Palestine and Hizbullah in Lebanon, to portrayals of martyrs during and after the Arab Spring. It argues that the Arab Spring brought forth a new model for the martyr in the Arab world, which (a) moves the production of martyrs' images from the state to the citizen; (b) personalises portrayals of martyrs through stories of their personal lives; and, (c) transitions from portrayals of victimisation to empowerment and agency. In the Arab Spring model, the martyr is both a symbol and narrative framework used to galvanise opposition to state regimes. Unlike the pre-Arab Spring models, which portrayed the martyr's death as an honourable sacrifice for the larger national or religious community, the Arab Spring martyr is portrayed as a needless victim in the fight for the universal values of dignity and human rights, as both a product and producer of meaning associated with agency. As the meaning of the ‘martyr’ continues to evolve in the post-Arab Spring era, it has come to represent the power of the people more broadly.
Attitudinal organizational commitment and job performance: a meta‐analysis

A meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the true correlation between attitudinal organizational commitment and job performance and to identify moderators of this correlation. One-hundred and eleven samples from 93 published studies were included. The corrected mean correlation was 0.20. The correlation was at least marginally significantly stronger for: (a) extra-role performance as opposed to in-role performance; (b) white-collar workers as opposed to blue-collar workers; and (c) performance assessed by self ratings as opposed to supervisor ratings or objective indicators. Four other assumed moderators (commitment measure: Affective Commitment Scale versus Organizational Commitment Questionnaire, job level, age, and tenure) did not have at least marginally significant effects. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Language shift and maintenance in multilingual Mauritius: the case of Indian ancestral languages

Abstract This paper reports on a research study conducted in Mauritius between June and July 2009. The aim of this research was to investigate the use of Indian ancestral languages in the domestic domain by the younger generations. The data were collected in the field by means of a questionnaire and interviews from a quota sample of secondary school population from an Indian background. An outline of the social and linguistic situation is given, followed by a concise account of the methodology and fieldwork. Finally, the results are analysed within the framework of language maintenance and language shift in a multilingual context and discussed with reference to an earlier study carried out by the author in the mid-1990s. The results show that although the ancestral languages are steadily declining and being replaced by Creole and French in the domestic domain, they are nevertheless still being maintained by the older generations and through favourable educational policies. Language choices and attitudes reveal that the study of ancestral languages at secondary level is perceived as ‘not useful’ and ‘cumbersome’ especially in this technological era, where a good command of English and French are associated with upward social mobility and academic success.
Low Impact Directed Sprays and Liquid Baits to Control Argentine Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Insecticide treatments were evaluated for efficacy in reducing outdoor infestations of Argentine ants around homes in southern California. Treatments were applied with the goal of reducing the amount of insecticides applied to control ants. Most effective was an experimental liquid bait formulated with 0.003% thiamethoxam as the toxicant. It reduced the ant numbers near the house by 84% and in the yard by 80%. Similar levels of control were obtained near the house with the same bait containing a lower concentration of AI (0.001%), and two other treatments using low volume applications offipronil sprays. In the yard, though, these treatments were less effective. The results show that less insecticide and more target specific applications can be used effectively to control Argentine ants outdoors. A cost analysis indicated that a standard industry treatment cost 40% less than baiting.
A practical /spl Delta/-/spl Sigma/ modulator design method based on periodical behavior analysis

A method for digital delta-sigma modulator design for fractional-N frequency synthesis is presented in this paper. The design method is based on the modulator periodical behavior analysis. The modulator is designed to maintain a constant output signal sequence length which can be controlled for all input dc levels. As a result, the quantization noise power is spread over a known, arbitrarily large number of tones within the Nyquist bandwidth. Therefore, the quantization noise power never concentrates into a few dominant spurious tones. The sequence length is controlled by applying predefined initial conditions and scaling modulator buses. Consequently, the spurious-free range can be controlled as a function of the bus width. Known modulator sequence length defines the time required for full modulator and synthesizer characterization.
Teachers’ Assessment Patterns and their Effect on Senior Secondary Students’ Achievement and Retention in English Grammar

This study investigated teachers’ assessment patterns and their effect on senior secondary II students’ achievement and retention in English grammar. Two research questions and two hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. A quasi experimental design was used. The instruments used for data collection were English Grammar Achievement Test (EGAT) and Teachers’ Assessment Patterns Questionnaire (TAPQ). The sample size was 78 SS2 students of both sexes drawn from two secondary schools within Makurdi Metropolis. Data collected were analyzed using means and t-test statistics. The results showed that students benefitted from assessment patterns that included assessment for learning and assessment as learning more than those assessed solely by assessment of learning. The results also indicated that both male and female students benefitted equally from assessment patterns that included assessment for and as learning. It was recommended that teachers should employ assessment approaches that involve assessment as and for learning and should not use assessment of learning only. It was further suggested that Educational administrators/implementers, publishers and policy makers, should endeavour to incorporate assessment for learning and assessment as learning into the nation’s education policy and ensure their implementation. Key words: assessment patterns, grammar, achievement, retention
Comparative marker analysis of extracellular vesicles in different human cancer types

Several cell types, including tumour cells, secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs), and tumour-derived EVs play a role in cancer initiation and progression. These vesicles include both a common set of membrane and cytosolic proteins and origin-specific subsets of proteins that likely correlated to cell type–associated functions. To confirm the presence of EVs in the preparations, researchers have identified so-called EV marker proteins, including the tetraspanin family proteins and such cytosolic proteins as heat shock 70 kDa protein 4 (HSP70) and tumour susceptibility gene 101 (TSG101). However, studies have shown that some EV markers are not always present in all EVs, which not only complicates the identification of EVs but also precludes the quantitative evaluation of EV proteins. Thus, it is strongly required to explore well-conserved EV marker proteins that are present at similar levels, regardless of their tissue or cellular origin. In this study, we compared the presence of 11 well-known EV marker proteins by immunoblotting using EVs isolated from 4 human prostate cell lines and 5 human breast cell lines, including cancer cells with different phenotypes. We found that all the tested EVs were positive for CD9 and CD81, with similar abundance that was irrespective of the EV origin. In contrast, other EV marker proteins, such as TSG101, Rab-5b and CD63, were detected in an inconsistent manner, depending on the origin of the EVs. Thus, we propose that the detection of CD9 and/or CD81 should ensure the presence of EVs.
Characterization of a xenograft model of human ovarian carcinoma which produces intraperitoneal carcinomatosis and metastases in mice

A new xenograft model for human epithelial ovarian carcinoma with extensive intraperitoneal (i.p.) carcinomatosis as the predominant disease manifestation, is described. Cells from the established NIH:OVCAR‐5 cell line were injected i.p. into 6‐to 8‐week‐old Swiss nude mice. Comparative analyses between cells cultured in vitro and tumor cells derived ex vivo were performed to assess histologic features, immunohistochemical cell markers, hormonal receptor expression, adhesion to extracellular matrix molecules and chromosomal constitution. Macroscopically, the extent of tumor development appeared to be site‐dependent and tumor cell survival was dose‐dependent. Advanced disease was characterized by extensive solid tumor burden and ascites with parenchymal invasion, lymphatic metastases and vascular dissemination. Individual tumor nodules exhibited developing neovasculature characterized by the absence of mature basement membrane. Despite some histologic loss of cellular differentiation in advanced disease, antigenic expression was preserved, distinguishing these cells as epithelial in origin. Karyotyping of tumor cells demonstrated multiple numeric and structural chromosomal abnormalities. Serum and ascites CA 125 levels were consistently elevated only in tumor‐bearing mice. This new murine model closely resembles the aggressive disease process of human epithelial ovarian carcinoma, in which the efficacy of i.p. and systemic therapeutic modalities can be investigated. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inquiry-Based Professional Development: What does it take to support teachers in learning about inquiry and nature of science?

This study examined the geologic and evolutionary subject matter and views of inquiry and nature of science (NOS) of a group of 5th–9th grade teachers, and a comparison group, before and after participating in an inquiry-based professional development (PD) experience. Project teachers participated in an intensive, week-long, resident institute where they learned about geology, evolutionary concepts, NOS, and inquiry while engaging in an authentic scientific investigation. They were also given support in how to teach these topics using an inquiry-based approach. Analyses of data indicate that project teachers showed greater gains in subject matter than comparison teachers and the relative change was significantly different statistically. Furthermore, most project teachers demonstrated a shift from less informed to more informed views of inquiry and NOS and the relative change between participant and comparison teachers was significantly different statistically. These gains are promising because they suggest that short-term and intensive PD can support teachers in enhancing their knowledge and views. Moreover, analysis of post-programme questionnaires and interviews indicated that supporting teachers in reflecting on the relationship between their former classroom teaching practice, and new knowledge acquired during PD, may be an important link in enhancing teacher knowledge and supporting change in practice. This suggests that enhanced knowledge and views may not be the only factor contributing to changing one's practice. The study points to the importance of reflection in promoting teacher change. Results from this study add insights to supporting teachers in enacting inquiry-based instruction and teaching about NOS in their classrooms.
Comparison of the Acute Rejection Incidence Rate in Spousal Donor Transplantation Before and After Anti‐CD20 Antibody (Rituximab) Protocol as Desensitization Therapy

Recipients of spousal donor transplantation (SDT) have poorer histocompatibility and higher human leukocyte antigen (HLA) sensitization due to pregnancy than those receiving related donor transplantation (RDT). Thus, SDT carries a higher risk of acute rejection (AR). In our department, patients at a high immunological risk, such as those with ABO incompatibility and HLA sensitization, were considered for desensitization by double filtration plasmapheresis and preoperative administration of rituximab. In this study we compared the AR incidence rates between SDT and RDT according to their immunological risk. We performed RDT in 279 and SDT in 100 patients, a total of 379 cases, between 2000 and 2008; 48.7% of RDT and 67.0% of SDT cases were considered to be at a high immunological risk and underwent preoperative desensitization (P = 0.002). Even though the AR incident rate of SDT was higher than RDT in the low immunological risk group, in which the patients had undergone transplantation without desensitization (RDT 24.4%, SDT 37.0%, P = 0.012), there was no significant difference between the two donor type groups in the high immunological risk group, in which transplantation with desensitization occurred (RDT 21.3%, SDT 31.3%, P > 0.05). Preoperative administration of rituximab significantly reduced AR from 37.4% to 10.6% (P < 0.001), especially T‐cell mediated rejection (36.4% to 20.2%, P = 0.01). SDT no longer carries a high risk when appropriate desensitization, including the use of rituximab, is performed. Overall, the five‐year graft survival rates were similar between RDT and SDT.
Teamwork, Motivational Profiles, and Academic Performance in Computer Science Engineering

This paper is aimed at discussing several issues related to the teamwork generic competence, motivational profiles, and academic performance. In particular, we study the improvement of teamwork attitude, the predominant types of motivation in different contexts, and some correlations among these three components of the learning process. The above-mentioned aspects are of great importance. Currently, the professional profile of engineers has a strong teamwork component, and the motivational profile of students determines both their tendencies when they come to work as part of a team and their performance at work. Taking these issues into consideration, we suggest four hypotheses: (H1) students improve their teamwork capacity through specific training and by carrying out a set of activities integrated into an active learning process; (H2) students with higher mastery motivation have a better attitude toward teamwork; (H3) students with different types of motivations reach different levels of academic performance; and (H4) students show different motivation profiles in different circumstances, such as types of courses, teaching methodologies, and different times of the learning process. This study was carried out with Computer Science Engineering students from two Spanish universities. The first results point to an improvement in teamwork competence of students if they have previously received specific training in facets of that competence. Other results indicate that there is a correlation between the motivational profiles of students and their perception of teamwork competence. Finally, the results point to a clear relationship between some kind of motivation and academic performance. In particular, four kinds of motivation are analyzed, and students are classified into two groups according to them. After analyzing several marks obtained in compulsory courses, we perceive that the students who show higher motivation for avoiding failure obtain, in general, worse academic performance.