Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Supporting implicit learning via the visualisation of COGA multi-objective data

The paper speculates upon the development of human-centric evolutionary conceptual design systems that support implicit learning through the succinct visual presentation of data relating to both variable and objective space. Various perspectives of multi-objective design information support a constantly improving understanding of both subjective and quantitative relationships between variables and objectives. This information emerges from cluster-oriented genetic algorithm (COGA) output and is further defined by appropriate data mining, processing and visualization techniques. The intention is to support implicit learning and reduce complexity through the presentation of differing perspectives relating to solution / objective interaction and dependencies. It is proposed that the developing systems could support intuitional understanding of the problem domain. Further proposed agent-based support and interactive elements for the various processes are also introduced.
Intellectual characteristics of Muslim personality and job characteristics as determinants for organizational citizenship behavior among Yemeni Secondary School Teachers

The main finding of this study is that Islamic piety motivates schoolteachers to exceed the demands of their formal job description in the practice of their profession. The study also yielded an instrument to measure the degree to which a Muslim schoolteacher fits the description of a God-conscious person in carrying out his professional responsibilities. The objectives of the study was first to determine antecedents of Organizational Citizenship Behaviour (OCB) in the context of schools. Second the study aimed to construct-validate the multi-dimensionality of the organizational citizenship behavior. Drawing on earlier OCB studies, the proposed construct for School OCB has two dimensions, which are OCB towards individuals and OCB towards organization, and two groups of antecedents, which are job characteristics and personality characteristics. The job characteristics are grouped under two headings: Job Demand and Job Autonomy. For personality characteristics, the researcher chose to investigate what constitute indicators of the Moral Character of the Intellectual Muslim (MCIM) as given in the Qur’an, and found nine character traits that can be grouped under the rubrics of Interpersonal Characteristics, Self-Purification Characteristics and Endurance Characteristics. The results on data collected from 334 Yemeni secondary school teachers confirm the twofold dimensionality of School OCB. The measurement model for MCIM is also validated. The hypothesized construct for School OCB was tested through Structural Equation Modeling and the results show that Muslim personality characteristics do predict OCB, but job characteristics do not. There are several implications from the study that call for further research.
Social stories as a tool to help preschool aged children with autism spectrum disorders utilize self-regulation strategies to promote increased functional behaviors

A multiple baseline across participants design was used to evaluate the effects of Social Stories as a tool to help preschool aged children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) utilize self-regulation strategies to promote increased functional behaviors. Three children from a self-contained preschool classroom designed to educate children with ASD were selected to participate in the study. The intervention included reading individualized Social Stories that discussed target behaviors and self-regulation strategies, along with practicing the self-regulation strategies with the interventionist. I measured the percentage of intervals in which the participants engaged in self-regulatory behaviors and/or demonstrated desired behaviors as defined by the researcher and classroom teacher. Following intervention, the frequency of desired behaviors increased for all 3 participants while the use of self-regulatory behaviors varied across participants. These findings suggest that the intervention was successful in teaching self-regulation strategies and increasing functional behaviors in preschool aged children with ASD.
Formulation, optimization and characterization of cationic polymeric nanoparticles of mast cell stabilizing agent using the Box–Behnken experimental design

Abstract Objective: The present research work was intended to develop and optimize sustained release of biodegradable chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) as delivery vehicle for sodium cromoglicate (SCG) using the circumscribed Box–Behnken experimental design (BBD) and evaluate its potential for oral permeability enhancement. Methods: The 3-factor, 3-level BBD was employed to investigate the combined influence of formulation variables on particle size and entrapment efficiency (%EE) of SCG-CSNPs prepared by ionic gelation method. The generated polynomial equation was validated and desirability function was utilized for optimization. Optimized SCG-CSNPs were evaluated for physicochemical, morphological, in-vitro characterizations and permeability enhancement potential by ex-vivo and uptake study using CLSM. Results: SCG-CSNPs exhibited particle size of 200.4 ± 4.06 nm and %EE of 62.68 ± 2.4% with unimodal size distribution having cationic, spherical, smooth surface. Physicochemical and in-vitro characterization revealed existence of SCG in amorphous form inside CSNPs without interaction and showed sustained release profile. Ex-vivo and uptake study showed the permeability enhancement potential of CSNPs. Conclusions: The developed SCG-CSNPs can be considered as promising delivery strategy with respect to improved permeability and sustained drug release, proving importance of CSNPs as potential oral delivery system for treatment of allergic rhinitis. Hence, further studies should be performed for establishing the pharmacokinetic potential of the CSNPs.
Improving the Effectiveness of Health Care Innovation Implementation

The rate of successful health care innovation implementation is dismal. Middle managers have a potentially important yet poorly understood role in health care innovation implementation. This study used self-administered surveys and interviews of middle managers in health centers that implemented an innovation to reduce health disparities to address the questions: Does middle managers’ commitment to health care innovation implementation influence implementation effectiveness? If so, in what ways does their commitment influence implementation effectiveness? Although quantitative survey data analysis results suggest a weak relationship, qualitative interview data analysis results indicate that middle managers’ commitment influences implementation effectiveness when middle managers are proactive. Scholars should account for middle managers’ influence in implementation research, and health care executives may promote implementation effectiveness by hiring proactive middle managers and creating climates in which proactivity is rewarded, supported, and expected.
Structure-rheology relationship for a homogeneous colloidal gel under shear startup

The structural anisotropy and shear rheology of colloidal gels under startup of shear flow are calculated by Brownian dynamics simulations modified to include particle surface-mediated attractions, which is a model for thermoreversible colloidal gels. Shear-induced structural changes are analyzed in both real and reciprocal space through computation of the pair distribution function and structure factor. A distinct structural anisotropy is evident as alignment along the compressional and vorticity axes. A spherical harmonics expansion of pair distribution function is calculated to analyze structural anisotropy. In reciprocal space, structural anisotropy is quantified through an alignment factor, which shows overshoot behavior similar to the stresses. Based on the microstructure analysis, the evolution of the structural anisotropy is explained by the anisotropic rupture of the colloidal gel microstructure. This result provides evidence for how shearing creates structural anisotropy. The structural anisotro.
ASSESSING THE PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF IRRIGATED SOILS FOR SUSTAINABLE RICE PRODUCTION IN PATI

This paper evaluates the productive capability of irrigated soils of Patigi, a rice producing area in Kwara State with a view to identify the limiting properties of soil whose proper management can enhance and increased rice productivity to meet its demand in the country. Forty 100m x100m quadrats were demarcated from the 80 hectares of irrigated rice field in Patigi, 80 composite soil samples were randomly collected at 0-15cm and 15-30cm representing Top and Sub soils respectively. The samples were treated and subjected to standard laboratory analysis using standard procedures. Sixteen physico-chemical soil elements that are essential in rice nutrition were analyzed. Coefficient of Variation (C.V), Analysis of Variance and Factor analysis (FA) were used to summarize the data. Factors with eigenvalues >1 were retained, and the factors subjected to varimax rotation that reduced the 17 measured soil properties into Five Factor Components (FCs). This structure model identified level of soil functionality. The result shows that Available Potassium and Water Holding Capacity fall within the medium group. This implies that they must be available in balance proportions to support sustainable rice cultivation. Contents of sodium, Nitrogen and Bulk density fall within the low group. This implies that they limit rice growth in this area. The study recommends that soil parameters in the medium and low groups should be adequately managed for better sustainability of rice production in the study area and similar environment throughproperly management of irrigation system such that it allows regular water supply to the farmland and adequate and timely application of fertilizer; to prevent the soils from being less suitable for plant growth, either through chemical or physical changes.
Insulin receptor substrate 1 gene variation modifies insulin resistance response to weight-loss diets in a 2-year randomized trial: the Preventing Overweight Using Novel Dietary Strategies (POUNDS LOST) trial.

BACKGROUND Common genetic variants in the insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) gene have been recently associated with insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia. We examined whether the best-associated variant modifies the long-term changes in insulin resistance and body weight in response to weight-loss diets in Preventing Overweight Using Novel Dietary Strategies (POUNDS LOST) trial. METHODS AND RESULTS We genotyped IRS1 rs2943641 in 738 overweight adults (61% were women) who were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 diets varying in macronutrient contents for 2 years. We assessed the progress in fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and weight loss by genotypes. At 6 months, participants with the risk-conferring CC genotype had greater decreases in insulin (P=0.009), HOMA-IR (P=0.015), and weight loss (P=0.018) than those without this genotype in the highest-carbohydrate diet group whereas an opposite genotype effect on changes in insulin and HOMA-IR (P≤0.05) was observed in participants assigned to the lowest-carbohydrate diet group. No significant differences were observed across genotypes in the other 2 diet groups. The tests for genotype by intervention interactions were all significant (P<0.05). At 2 years, the genotype effect on changes in insulin and HOMA-IR remained significant in the highest-carbohydrate diet group (P<0.05). The highest carbohydrate diet led to a greater improvement of insulin and HOMA-IR (P for genotype-time interaction ≤0.009) in participants with the CC genotype than those without this genotype across 2-year intervention. CONCLUSIONS Individuals with the IRS1 rs2943641 CC genotype might obtain more benefits in weight loss and improvement of insulin resistance than those without this genotype by choosing a high-carbohydrate and low-fat diet. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION http:www.clinicaltrials. gov. Unique identifier: NCT00072995.
Update on sporadic inclusion body myositis.

Sporadic inclusion body myositis (IBM) is the most frequent acquired myopathy seen in adults aged over 50 years. Despite the presence of conspicuous inflammatory infiltrates, sporadic IBM is essentially resistant to immunosuppressive treatment and carries an ominous prognosis. In this issue of Brain , two long-term observational studies re-examine the course and prognosis of this enigmatic disease (Benveniste et al. , 2011; Cox et al. , 2011). The paper by Cox et al. (2011) reports on a Dutch cohort of 64 patients with sporadic IBM followed for a median of 12 years, and the paper by Benveniste et al. (2011) describes a French–British cohort of 136 patients followed for a median of 8.6 years (Table 1). View this table: Table 1 Comparison of the main results of the Dutch and French–British sporadic IBM studies Viewed together, the new studies confirm previous observations (e.g., Lotz et al., 1989), and substantiate a number of text book features of sporadic IBM, such as the age of onset (∼60 years, with considerable variation), male preponderance (male/female ratio 67% in the Dutch and 57% in the French/British study), relentless progression (mean/median time to wheel chair 14–16 years) and characteristic distribution of affected muscles (finger flexors, quadriceps, lower leg muscles with relative sparing of shoulder and hip abductors and neck muscles). The mean rate of decline in muscle strength was surprisingly consistent across both studies despite the fact that different methods and scores were used. For example, the mean (±SD) decline in muscle strength per year was 3.5 ± 1.6% by manual muscle testing (using the MRC score; Cox et al. , 2011), 5.4 ± 3.5% by quantitative muscle testing (Cox et al. , 2011) and ∼4% by sporadic IBM weakness composite index (IWCI; estimated from Fig. 1 in Benveniste et al. , 2011). In individual patients, the rate of progression may be …
Different Requirements for Protein Synthesis in Acquisition and Extinction of Spatial Preferences and Context-Evoked Fear

Many molecular accounts of long-term memory storage postulate that the synthesis of new proteins is necessary for long-term changes in neuronal function. These experiments generally have examined the learning that occurs as associations are acquired between neutral and biologically important stimuli. Little is known about the importance of protein synthesis in the establishment of memories for extinction, which occurs as the relations established during acquisition are severed. Extinction appears to be an active learning process that results in the formation of new memories rather than in the simple erasure or forgetting of memories from acquisition. Furthermore, under certain circumstances, extinction can result in long-term changes in behavior lasting for days to weeks. Here we show that although memories for the acquisition of spatial and contextual learning required protein synthesis, memories for extinction formed in the absence of protein synthesis. These results suggest that acquisition and extinction are mediated by distinct molecular mechanisms and that long-term memories can form in the absence of protein synthesis.
Sex Disparities in Stroke: Women Have More Severe Strokes but Better Survival Than Men

Background Uncertainty remains about whether stroke affects men and women similarly. We studied differences between men and women with regard to stroke severity and survival. Methods and Results We used the Danish Stroke Registry, with information on all hospital admissions for stroke in Denmark between 2003 and 2012 (N=79 617), and the Danish Register of Causes of Death. Information was available on age, sex, marital status, stroke severity, stroke subtype, socioeconomic status, and cardiovascular risk profile. We studied only deaths due to the index stroke, with the assumption that death reported on death certificates as due to stroke was related to the index stroke if death occurred within the first week or month after stroke. Multivariate Cox regression analysis and multiple imputation were applied. Stroke was the cause of death for 4373 and 5512 of the 79 617 patients within 1 week (5.5%) or 1 month (6.9%), respectively. After the age of 60 years, women had more severe strokes than men. Up to ages in the mid-60s, no difference in the risk of death from stroke was seen between the 2 sexes. For people aged >65 years, however, the risk gradually became greater in men than in women and significantly so (>15%) from the mid-70s (adjusted for age, marital status, stroke severity, stroke subtype, socioeconomic status, and cardiovascular risk factors). Results were essentially the same when analyzing deaths within 1 week, 1 month and ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke separately. Conclusions Stroke affects women and men differently. Elderly women were affected more severely than elderly men but were more likely to survive.
Coping Similarity And Psychosocial Risk Factors In Couples With Chronic Pain

COPING SIMILARITY AND PSYCHOSOCIAL RISK FACTORS IN COUPLES WITH CHRONIC PAIN by AMY WILLIAMS August 2014 Advisor: Dr. Annmarie Cano Major: Psychology (Clinical) Degree: Doctor of Philosophy Chronic pain is an important public health problem that is associated with a host of negative individual and relationship outcomes. Chronic pain is a chronic stressor that both the individual in pain and their spouse must cope with. The current study examined how pain coping similarity within the couple predicted not only patient adjustment, but also spouse adjustment in a longitudinal study. Participants were 108 heterosexual couples in which one partner had chronic pain. The participants completed measures at 3 time points at 6 month intervals. Both the patient and spouse individually completed questionnaires pertaining to their marriage, mood, pain and relationship. The sample was diverse for both patients (41.7% Caucasian, 47.2% African-American), and spouses (41.7% Caucasian, 46.3% African-American). The gender of the patients was balanced with 45.4% male (n = 49). The average ages of patients and spouses were 52.29 years and 52.00 years, respectively, and were married an average of 21.26 years. Patients reported average pain duration of 11.72 years. Overall, there were sparse findings in regards to couples coping similarity; however, the findings on each partner’s coping strategies and adjustment were more
Screening for high-grade dysplasia in gastroesophageal reflux disease: is it cost-effective?

OBJECTIVE:The present study aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of endoscopic screening in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) to rule out high-grade dysplasia of Barrett's esophagus.METHODS:Using an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio as outcome measure, the cost-effectiveness of endoscopic screening was compared to not screening in a decision tree. It was assumed that GERD patients at age 60 yr undergo a one-time endoscopy with esophageal biopsies, targeting abnormal-appearing epithelium. Positive biopsies with respect to high-grade dysplasia or early esophageal adenocarcinoma result in esophagectomy. Transition rates were estimated from U.S. cancer statistics, as well as published data of endoscopic sensitivity, specificity, and surgical outcome. Costs of screening and cancer care were estimated from Medicare reimbursement data from the perspective of a third-party-payor.RESULTS:Compared with no screening, screening endoscopy cost $24,700 per life-year saved. The cost-effectiveness of screening is quite sensitive to the prevalence of Barrett's esophagus, high-grade dysplasia, and adenocarcinoma, as well as the sensitivity, specificity, and cost of screening endoscopy. A small drop in the health-related quality of life associated with postsurgical states markedly reduced the effectiveness of screening. Simultaneous variations of the prevalence, specificity, and health-related quality of life can easily change screening endoscopy from a life-saving into a life-losing strategy.CONCLUSIONS:Under favorable conditions, general screening by endoscopy of all patients with reflux symptoms to prevent death from esophageal adenocarcinoma may represent a cost-effective strategy; however, such conditions may be difficult to meet.
The effects of online homework on achievement and self -efficacy of college algebra students

______________________________ ______________________________ Kurt Becker, Ph.D. Jim Dorward, Ph.D. Major Professor Committee Member ______________________________ ______________________________ Joanne Bentley, Ph.D Gary Straquadine, Ph.D. Committee Member Committee Member ______________________________ ______________________________ Lisa Boyce, Ph.D Byron Burnham, Ed.D. Committee Member Dean of Graduate Studies
Emotional Behavior in Couples with bvFTD: Implications for Caregiver Relationship Satisfaction and Psychological Well-being

Author(s): Sapozhnikova, Anna | Advisor(s): Levenson, Robert W | Abstract: AbstractEmotional Behavior in Couples with bvFTD: Implications for Caregiver Relationship Satisfaction and Psychological Well-beingbyAnna SapozhnikovaDoctor of Philosophy in PsychologyUniversity of California, BerkeleyProfessor Robert W. Levenson, ChairEmotions are an important part of marital life. Prior research indicates that patients with behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) experience significant impairments in socioemotional functioning, including emotional blunting, inappropriate behavior and decreased empathy (Neary et al., 1998). These changes in patients often strain marriages and can lead to a decline in marital satisfaction and increase the risk of depression in the healthy spouse (Ascher et al., 2010, Braun et al., 2010). However, few studies have explored the emotional dynamics of couples living with bvFTD in a systematic way (Braun et al., 2009). The aim of this study was to extend our understanding of the emotional dynamics of couples where one spouse has bvFTD as well as to understand the association between emotional behavior during the marital interaction and the caregiving spouse’s relationship satisfaction and psychological well-being, looking specifically at depression. This study examined emotional behavior and emotional reciprocity of couples where one spouse is diagnosed with either bvFTD (N=30) or Alzheimer’s disease (N=30) in the context of a 10-minute naturalistic marital interaction in comparison to healthy controls (N=29). Emotional behavior was coded using the Specific Affect Coding System (SPAFF), which consists of five positive emotional behavior codes, ten negative emotional behavior codes, and a neutral code. Emotional reciprocity between spouses was established using the Allison and Liker (1982) statistic. The study also examined the relationship between positive and negative emotional behavior as well as escalating and de-escalating patterns of emotional reciprocity and the caregiving spouse’s self-reported marital satisfaction and levels of depression. The current findings reveal a loss of humor and reciprocity of positive emotion and an exacerbation in negative emotion (e.g., criticism, sadness) and conflict escalation in couples with bvFTD during a marital interaction. Furthermore, low positive emotion, high negative emotion and conflict escalation are associated with low marital satisfaction and high negative emotion is related to increased levels of depression in the spousal caregiver.