Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Early‐Phase Adaptations of Traditional‐Speed vs. Superslow Resistance Training on Strength and Aerobic Capacity in Sedentary Individuals

We performed a randomized exercise training study to assess the effects of traditional Nautilus-style (TR) or superslow (SS) strength training on muscular strength, body composition, aerobic capacity, and cardiovascular endurance. Subjects were 14 healthy, sedentary women, 19–45 years of age (mean ± SD age, 32.7 ± 8.9 years), randomized to either the SS or TR training protocols and trained 3 times per week for 10 weeks. Measurements were taken both before and after training, which included a maximal incremental exercise test on a cycle ergometer, body composition, and 1 repetition maximum (1RM) tests on 8 Nautilus machines. Both groups increased their strength significantly on all 8 exercises, whereas the TR group increased significantly more than the SS group on bench press (34% vs. 11%), torso arm (anterior lateral pull-down) (27% vs. 12%), leg press (33% vs. 7%), leg extension (56% vs. 24%), and leg curl (40% vs. 15%). Thus, the TR group's improvement in total exercise weight lifted was significantly greater than that of the SS group after testing (39% vs. 15%). Exercise duration on the cycle ergometer and work rate significantly improved for both groups, but there was no group-by-training interaction. No significant differences were found for body composition or additional aerobic variables measured. Both strength training protocols produced a significant improvement in strength during a 10-week training period, but the TR protocol produced better gains in the absence of changes in percentage of body fat, body mass index, lean body mass, and body weight. In addition, strength training alone did not improve Vo2max, yet short-term endurance increased.
Rotavirus in diarrheic rabbits: prevalence and characterization of strains in Italian farms.

The multifactorial rabbit enteropathy has a great i mportance in rabbit meat production for its economical impact. Stating the pathogenic role and importance as primary agent of rotavirus, the purposes was to estimate the prevalence of lapine r otavi us (LRV), identified by negative staining electron microscopy (nsEM), on samples from rabbits showing either a “generic” enteropathy or lesions referable to mucoid enteropathy-caecal impa ction and then to relate their presence with the symptoms and lesions observed. During the 2002-2007 , 243 samples taken mainly from rabbits showing catarrhal, haemorrhagic or necrotic enteroiflitis, mucoid enteropathy and caecal impaction were examined. By nsEM, the presence of viral parti cles was observed in 45.3% of them; rotavirus was identified in 16.0%, coronavirus-like virus in 24.7%, parvovirus in 9.0% and enterovirus-like virus in 5.8% of the positive samples. In addition, adenovirus, calicivirus and reovirus were sporadically found and, in 29 cases, 2 or 3 differe nt viruses were contemporarily observed in association in the same sample. Using the criteria fo the classification of rotavirus strains based o n the VP4 (P type) and VP7 (G type) genotyping, almost al l the strains were characterized as P[22] G3 confirming the presence of the newly-recognized rot avirus P[22] VP4 allele in Italian rabbits. The availability of the results of microbiological and parasitological analysis allowed to correlate nsEM observations with the contemporary presence of othe rs pathogenic agents such as rotavirus, enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) and Staphyloccoccus aureus in suckling rabbits; EPEC, Cl. spiroforme and flagellate protozoa in the others. The pathoge nic role and importance of rotavirus as primary aetiological agent rabbit enteritis are dis cussed.
UWB wide slot antenna with band-notch function

A novel UWB wide slot antenna that has both enhanced impedance bandwidth enough to cover UWB systems and band-notch function of 5 GHz WLAN band limited by IEEE 802.11a and HIPERLAN/2 is proposed. To achieve these two characteristics of wide bandwidth and partial band-notch, a fork-shaped and tapered microstrip feed line and conductor lines in the slot are used, respectively. From the results, it is observed that wide bandwidth from 3.1 to 10.6 GHz for the VSWR<2 is achieved, while 5.15 ~ 5.825 GHz is band-notched
Hypersensitivity and Intradermal Allergy Testing in Psittacines

Pathologic feather picking in companion avian species has been attributed to multiple underlying disorders, and many of these birds are thought to be pruritic. Allergies have been discussed as possible contributors to this common and devastating dermatologic disease. This article reviews published information and research currently being conducted on hypersensitivity disorders in avian species. Allergic dermatitis is given special emphasis, with a focus on diagnostic techniques, such as intradermal allergy testing and histopathologic findings in feather-picking birds. Avian dermatology is an important segment of companion bird practice, with feather picking being by far one of the most common, but also most challenging, dermatologic disorders in psittacine pet birds. Pathologic feather picking occurs when a bird damages its feathers or traumatically removes them from areas on the body that are accessible to its beak (Figure 1). In severe cases, the underlying skin can be considerably damaged, even to the point of fatal hemorrhage. Feather picking is not a specific disease but is rather the result of an underlying disease process or psychologic disorder. The most common causes of self-mutilation include nutritional deficiencies, toxins, infections, internal organ pathology, and psychologic factors. However, identification of an underlying disease often proves difficult, and many cases remain undi-
Teledermatology: Outcomes and Economic Considerations

Teledermatology is defined as the provision of dermatologic care through the use of communications technology (Goldyne & Armstrong, 2010). It offers many benefits that include increased access to dermatologic services and potential reduction in costs associated with care. Teledermatology is traditionally categorized into two different models based on the technology that is employed: store-and-forward (S&F) teledermatology, and live, interactive (LI) teledermatology (Goldyne & Armstrong, 2010). While hybrid models (a combination of S&F and LI technology) are practiced at selected institutions, this chapter focuses primarily on S&F and LI models. We will present operational flows of these two technology-enabled modalities, common outcomes measures used for evaluation of teledermatology quality metrics, and economic analyses. At the end of the chapter (in section 5), we will consider a novel, technology-independent framework for categorizing teledermatology models as well. This system relies on classification of teledermatology based on healthcare delivery models, and serves as an alternative way to organize and evaluate the provision of teledermatologic care.
Asthma prevalence in European, Maori, and Pacific children in New Zealand: ISAAC study

The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) demonstrated that the highest prevalence of asthma in the world is in English‐speaking countries, including New Zealand. In this paper, we compare asthma symptom prevalence in the three major ethnic groups (Maori, Pacific, and European) in the six participating centers in New Zealand. Hospital admission rates for asthma are higher among Maori and Pacific children compared to European children. The working hypothesis was that there were important differences in prevalence of asthma symptoms or diagnosis between ethnic groups which might explain these observed differences in asthma morbidity. In each center in 1992–1993, we sampled approximately 3,000 children at each of the age brackets 6–7 years and 13–14 years. There were 37,592 participants. Maori children had higher rates of diagnosed asthma and reported asthma symptoms than Pacific children in both age groups (diagnosed asthma in 6–7‐year‐olds: Maori, 31.7%; Pacific, 21.2%; 95% confidence interval on difference (CID), 7.2, 13.8; P < 0.001; 13–14‐year‐olds: Maori, 24.7%; Pacific, 19.2%; CID 2.5, 8.5; P < 0.001; recent wheeze in 6–7‐year‐olds: Maori, 27.6%; Pacific, 22.0%; CID, 2.6, 8.6; P < 0.001; 13–14‐year‐olds: Maori, 30.8%; Pacific, 21.1%; CID, 4.8, 14.5; P < 0.001;). European children had rates intermediate between those of Maori and Pacific children (6–7‐year‐olds) or similar to those of Maori children (13–14‐year‐olds), but had the lowest prevalence of night waking with wheeze in both age groups (e.g., 6–7‐year‐olds: European, 2.6%; Maori, 5.8%; Pacific, 5.7%; European‐Maori CID: −4.2, −2.2, P < 0.001; European‐Pacific CID: −4.7, −1.7, P < 0.001; Maori‐Pacific CID: −1.7, 1.8, P = 1.0). The pattern of differences closely resembled that in a 1985 Auckland study, despite a 1.5–1.7‐fold overall increase in prevalence. In conclusion, there are important differences in asthma prevalence among Maori, Pacific, and European children. These differences are small compared to worldwide variation, but their pattern is stable over time. The higher rate of severe asthma symptoms that Maori and Pacific children report may be one reason for the increased asthma morbidity in these groups. Further studies are needed to determine the reasons for these apparent differences in asthma severity. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2004; 37:433–442. © 2004 Wiely‐Liss, Inc.
Application of Structural Equation Modeling to Investigate Factors Affecting the Intention to Adopt Internet Banking in Jordan

The purpose of this study was to investigate the key determinants of Internet banking adoption in Jordanian context. This study further attempted to validate the appropriateness of the modified Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) within the context of Internet banking in Jordanian context. According to technology acceptance model (TAM), the perceived ease of use (PEU) and perceived usefulness (PU) constructs are believed to be fundamental in determining the acceptance and use of various IT applications, such as Internet banking. Using the technology acceptance model (TAM) as a theoretical framework, this study has introduced “perceived trust” as a new factor that reflects the user's security and privacy concerns in the acceptance of Internet banking. Based on a sample of 317 users, structural equation modeling technique was applied, using AMOS 7.0 (Analysis of Moment Structure), to investigate the suggested model. The results strongly supported the modified TAM in predicting the intention of users to adopt Internet banking. The two main predictors relevant to this study (perceived trust and perceived usefulness) were significant and explained a significant amount (59%) of the variance in predicting a customer's intention to adopt Internet banking. The findings also showed that perceived ease of use had no significant direct effect on behavioral intention; instead, it had indirect effect through the perceived usefulness on behavioral intention to adopt Internet Banking.
Acquisition, Earnings Management and Firm’s Performance: Evidence from Malaysia

This paper examined the relationship between earnings management and performance of acquiring firms in Malaysia during period of 2004-2010. Earnings management measured by discretionary accruals derived from modified Jones model and firm’s performance estimated by monthly Cumulative Abnormal Return. Firms are selected from both listed cash and share acquirers firms on Bursa Malaysia in the period of 2004-2010. The results indicated that share acquirer firms unlike cash acquirers manipulated their earnings preceding acquisition announcement date. Furthermore, the presented a negative relationship between earnings management preceding and performance of firms following the acquisition date for share acquirer firms.
The increase in working years due to elimination of cancer as a cause of death

The relative significance of various forms of cancer in terms of causing death is analysed by estimation of the increase in person‐years of working age (20‐64 years) following elimination of the disease. Methods based upon the theory of competing risks are applied to the statistics on causes of death in Finland during the years 1966‐70. It is estimated that if there were no lung cancer (the commonest type of cancer in both morbidity and mortality statistics in males in Finland) the annual deaths saved would yield 5,900 working years (both sexes combined). Leukaemia and cancer of the stomach would be next in rank order, with figures of respectively 4,000 and 3,900 working years more. Female cancer with the highest incidence, that of the breast, would be characterized by 2,900 additional working years. The significance of types of cancer that affect young people is stressed in these calculations: leukaemia, brain tumours and lymphomas (both sexes combined) are 6th, 12th and 11th respectively in the statistics of cancer causes of death, but 2nd, 4th and 6th respectively in the list of additional working years to be gained by elimination of the disease. On the other hand, cancer of the prostate, 3rd in males according to the annual numbers of cancer deaths, would take the 15th position for the increase in working years in males. If no risk of cancer existed, the annual deaths saved would produce 36,000 working years, a figure exceeded only by those for cardiovascular diseases (55,000 working years) and accidents (51,000 working years). The results indicate that no practical differences exist between the results derived under the assumptions of various models for competing risks, but that the exclusion of competing risks may result in considerable degrees of bias in estimation if the population has a high general mortality.
Obstacles and Countermeasures for Building Unified Urban and Rural Construction Land Market

Long-existing urban-rural dualistic structure system in our country has formed separated land use markets and seriously distorted rural land market price and reasonable allocation on land resource. The research takes ruralurban construction land use as objective, expounds its current situation and analyzes those obstructive conditions hindered construction of unified rural-urban land use market at the same time offers logical measures, to finally realize “same land, same right, same price” among rural collective construction land and urban (state) construction land and to provide theoretical basis and policy support for unified construction land market. Key word: Collective construction land; Urban and rural construction land market; Build unified market; Building obstacles and countermeasures C h e n , J . L . ( 2 0 1 5 ) . O b s t a c l e s a n d C o u n t e r m e a s u r e s f o r Building Unified Urban and Rural Construction Land Market. Cross-Cultural Communication, 11(6), 127-132. Available from: h t t p / /www.cscanada . ne t / i ndex . php /ccc / a r t i c l e /v i ew/7142 DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.3968/7142
Electrical conductivity of synergistically hybridized nanocomposites based on graphite nanoplatelets and carbon nanotubes

In this investigation, a recent model for assessing the electrical conductivity of nanocomposites comprising a single type of conductive nanofiller was expanded to cases with mixtures of nanofillers. The extended model considers electron tunneling as the effective mechanism for insulator–conductor transition. The model was validated with relevant experimental data based on a mono-nanofiller. Using the extended model, the effective electrical conductivity of a nanocomposite comprising both graphite nanoplatelets and carbon nanotubes was investigated. It was observed that the hybridized nanocomposites filled with a mixture of these conductive nanofillers attain, synergistically, enhanced electrical conductivities at lower volume fractions. The lower filler contents assist in preserving the intrinsic properties of the host polymer in support of several applications. It was also observed that the relative aspect ratios of the conductive fillers play significant roles on the electrical conductivity of the hybrid nanocomposite. Simulations revealed that, generally, the addition of minimal amounts of a higher aspect ratio auxiliary phase to a lower aspect ratio main phase enhances the electrical conductivity of the composite by orders of magnitude
Corporate governance disclosure and the assessment of default risk

This paper investigates whether the quality of a firm's corporate governance disclosures are inversely related to its assessed default risk. It is expected that high reported standards of corporate governance will reduce the assessment of a company's default risk by lenders, underwriters and ratings agencies, and therefore reduce the cost of debt for such companies. A corporate governance index based on annual report disclosures was developed to rate each company's corporate governance disclosure quality. Derivation of this index was centred on corporate governance indicators suggested by prior research and best practice; particularly the Australian Stock Exchange Principles of Good Corporate Governance and Best Practice Recommendations. The assessment of default risk is captured by a firm's individual credit rating supplied by Standard and Poor's. Our results indicate that annual report disclosures about corporate governance practices are not significantly related to assessed default risk.
Director Ownership, Corporate Performance, and Management Turnover

One of the goals of the corporate governance movement has been to replace the current procedurally based duty of care with an equity-based model. For such an approach to be viable, a linkage between better director management monitoring and heightened board equity ownership must be demonstrated. This Article finds such a linkage empirically. The authors report that based on an examination of a substantial number of public companies, the greater the dollar value of the outside director equity ownership: (i) the better the company? s overall performance, and (ii) the more likely in a poorly performing company that there will be a disciplinary-type CEO turnover.
Safe withdrawal rates from retirement savings for residents of emerging market countries

Researchers have mostly focused on U.S. historical data to develop the 4 percent withdrawal rate rule. This rule suggests that retirees can safely sustain retirement withdrawals without outliving their wealth for at least 30 years, if they initially withdraw 4 percent of their savings and adjust this amount for inflation in subsequent years. But, the time period covered in these studies represents a particularly favorable one for U.S. asset returns that is unlikely to be broadly experienced. This poses a concern about whether safe withdrawal rate guidance from the U.S. can be applied to the situation in other countries. Particularly for emerging economies, defined-contribution pension plans have been introduced along with under-developed or non-existing annuity markets, making retirement withdrawal strategies an important concern. We study sustainable withdrawal rates for a sample of 25 emerging countries and find that the sustainability of a 4 percent withdrawal rate differs widely and can likely not be treated as safe. The results suggest, as well, high stock allocations in the portfolio mix are not the optimal choice for retirees in emerging market countries.
Using PDA for undergraduate student incidental vocabulary testing

Abstract Recent studies have explored English vocabulary learning in environments where students used mobile technologies for prescribed vocabulary learning tasks, or tested designed personalized learning systems to enhance student vocabulary learning for short periods of time in language related courses. Dictionary use via mobile devices has mostly been used for referential purposes. Referential use refers to applications that provide student access to content such as dictionaries, e-books, etc. at places where learning activities occur, taking advantage of the portability and mobility of mobile devices. Research on free student use of mobile devices to foster incidental vocabulary learning in non-English courses remains scant, and no in-depth studies have been carried out to investigate the value of dictionary use on mobile devices for incidental vocabulary learning in higher education. This one-year multiple-case study investigated undergraduate students' dictionary and other uses of Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) to enhance their incidental vocabulary learning in an English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) university. The research findings show: (a) the students made various uses of the PDA to improve their vocabulary learning, namely, referential, situated, constructive, reflective, explorative and conversing uses, (b) the students adopted integrated uses of the tools on the PDA and the computer for their incidental vocabulary learning, and (c) the integrated use of the PDA and the computer shaped the vocabulary learning activities and vice versa. These research results indicate that PDAs can be used in more flexible, novel and extended ways for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) vocabulary teaching and learning in higher education, taking student needs and contexts into consideration.
Effects of Curcumin on Tobacco Smoke‐induced Hepatic MAPK Pathway Activation and Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition In Vivo

Tobacco smoke is a major risk factor for hepatic cancer. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) induced by tobacco smoke is crucially involved in the initiation and development of cancer. Mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways play important roles in tobacco smoke‐associated carcinogenesis including EMT process. The chemopreventive effect of curcumin supplementation against cancers has been reported. In this study, we investigated the effects of tobacco smoke on MAPK pathway activation and EMT alterations, and then the preventive effect of curcumin was examined in the liver of BALB/c mice. Our results indicated that exposure of mice to tobacco smoke for 12 weeks led to activation of ERK1/2, JNK, p38 and ERK5 pathways as well as activator protein‐1 (AP‐1) proteins in liver tissue. Exposure of mice to tobacco smoke reduced the hepatic mRNA and protein expression of the epithelial markers, while the hepatic mRNA and protein levels of the mesenchymal markers were increased. Treatment of curcumin effectively attenuated tobacco smoke‐induced activation of ERK1/2 and JNK MAPK pathways, AP‐1 proteins and EMT alterations in the mice liver. Our data suggested the protective effect of curcumin in tobacco smoke‐triggered MAPK pathway activation and EMT in the liver of BALB/c mice, thus providing new insights into the chemoprevention of tobacco smoke‐associated hepatic cancer. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.