Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
To screen or not to screen: the issue of breast cancer screening in older women.

INTRODUCTION The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that women aged 50-69 receive timely breast cancer screening, but does not make a recommendation for women aged 70 and older. Our purpose is to assess the relationship between age and breast cancer screening trends, and to consider the issue of breast cancer screening of women 70 years of age and older in light of demographics, disease burden, life expectancy, and activity level. METHODS Data were analyzed from the state-based Behvioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) on breast cancer screening practices and activity limitation status of women 50 and older. RESULTS The percentage of women who reported receiving mammography and clinical breast examination within two years was lower among older women compared with younger women, and the gap has widened over time. In 1991-92, 61.4% of women 50-69 received screening within two years, compared to 49.5% of women 70 and above, while in 1997-98, the percentages were 71.1 and 56.7, respectively. Among both age groups and in both time periods, those unable to perform a major activity of daily living were less likely to report receiving mammography within two years than those with no limitation, and the gap was much wider in the elderly. Most (62.7%) women 70 and older reported having no activity limitation; only 5.5% reported being unable to perform a major activity. DISCUSSION These results suggest that elderly women are less likely than younger women to receive timely breast cancer screening. The USPSTF does not recommend continued screening in elderly women because most studies of breast cancer efficacy included inadequate numbers of these women. Few, if any, studies have yielded evidence that screening is ineffective in women 70 and over. Given the higher breast cancer incidence and mortality seen in elderly women, as well as the increased life expectancy with little or no activity limitation seen among today's elderly, consideration should be given to including elderly women in the recommendation to receive timely breast cancer screening. Since surgical and adjuvant therapy for breast cancer in older women has less complications than therapy for other cancers of the elderly, the cost-benefit ratio for breast cancer screening in this age group may prove to be more promising.
From CALL, MALL to PALL

This chapter explores aspects of portable handheld language learning that are likely to benefit many mobile assisted language learning (MALL) practitioners. Portable handheld language learning refers to mobile, virtual, and ubiquitous language learning mediated through mobile handheld devices. Currently, both computer assisted language learning (CALL) and MALL seem to dominate the act of language learning. Against this background the chapter first provides a brief review of CALL, highlighting CALL technologies helping mediate language learning. Second, it delineates features typifying e-Learning and contends that CALL is more closely linked to traditional e-Learning than MALL. Third, it provides empirical instances of MALL and argues that the future of language learning lies more with MALL and especially with pen assisted language learning (PALL) than with CALL. Finally, it maintains that an all-encompassing and multidimensional definition of mobile learning is necessary if MALL is to evolve into a mainstream virtual learning enterprise.
System-Wide Program Assessment with Performance Indicators: Alberta’s Performance Funding Mechanism

Abstract: This article outlines the development and implementation of performance indicators (PIs) and performance funding in Alberta’s higher education system. Subsequently, the model of organizational functioning that underlies performance funding is made explicit. Finally, this article explores the effectiveness of performance funding at increasing goal attainment based upon the literature and our emerging experience.
Molecular, C-value and morphological analyses of somaclonal variation in three olive cultivars

The occurrence of somaclonal variation was studied in three olive cultivars ( Olea europaea L.) by using Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), C-value and morphological analyses. The tissue culture of the cultivars was performed using internode cuttings. The experiment was carried out up to the fifth and seventh subculture in different cultivars. Significant difference was observed in morphological characters among the regenerated plants of different subcultures in all cultivars. Grouping of the genotypes based on morphological data separated some of the regenerated plants from the others due to their morphological differences, however this was not correlated with the time period of subculturing. RAPD analysis produced polymorphic and specific bands in the genotypes studied. Grouping of the genotypes based on RAPD data revealed that in all cultivars the parental genotype and regenerated plants of the first and second subcultures are placed close to each other while the regenerated plants of the latter subcultures stand far from the other genotypes due to their genetic difference. No significant difference occurred in C-value in mother plants and the regenerated plants, indicating that genetic differences are mainly of nucleotide polymorphism/mutations and not due to quantitative change in DNA amount during tissue culture process.
The Effect of Bank Image and Trust on Loyality Mediated by Customer Satisfaction

The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of the banks image and trust on customer satisfaction, as well as the effect of the image of the bank, trust, and satisfaction on customer loyalty. The study used sample of 100 people who were taken by purposive sampling technique. This research utilized multiple linear regression analysis and path analysis. Based on the hypothesis test, the results show that the image of the bank was significantly has positive effect on customer satisfaction, but trust has no significant effect on customer satisfaction. In addition, the banks image has no significant effect on customer loyalty. Moreover, trust and customer satisfaction significantly have positive effect on customer loyalty. Mediation test shows that customer satisfaction mediates the effect of the banks image on customer loyalty and customer satisfaction does not mediate trust on customer loyalty.
Funneled flow mechanisms in a sloping layered soil: Laboratory investigation

Artificial capillary barriers are being used to divert water away from sensitive underground regions. Conversely, funneled flow over natural capillary barriers may increase the danger of groundwater contamination by decreasing the travel time and contact area. There have been relatively few experimental studies of capillary barrier flow patterns. In this study, water was applied uniformly across the top surface of a backlit tilting chamber, 1 cm thick, 110 cm high, and 180 cm long, in which a coarse sand layer was imbedded in a fine sand. Bedding slope and water application rates were varied between 0° and 12° and 1 and 3 cm h−1, respectively. After attaining steady state, matric potential was measured along the textural interface, and photos of dye traces were taken in order to visualize streamlines. The funneled flow was characterized by three discrete regions: an initial capillary diversion, a breakthrough region, and a toe diversion. The breakthrough region consisted of a significant zone of partial breakthrough where the vertical flux into the coarse layer was less than the water application rate. The lateral distance of the capillary diversion was explained well by previously published relationships when the water entry value at the textural interface was replaced by lower, observed matric potential at which breakthrough occurred at the most upslope point. The length of the capillary diversion was overpredicted using the air entry value. Finally, the toe of the coarse layer had significant, observed effects on funneled flow patterns, which have previously received little, if any, attention. The results of this study imply that the slope of the coarse layer and infiltration rate will largely govern the effectiveness of capillary barriers and that capillary barriers are less effective than previously assumed.
Energy utilization of light and heavy weaned piglets subjected to different dietary energy levels

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary metabolisable energy (ME: 3.25, 3.40, 3.55, or 3.70 Mcal kg−1) and weaning weight (WW: light 4.0±0.7 kg, and heavy: 6.3±0.6 kg) on productive response and energy utilization of weaned piglets. Sixty-four male piglets were housed in 32 metabolic cages (two animals per cage) during the first 14 d postweaning. At day 15, only one animal per cage was kept until day 28. Body composition, energy, and nutrient deposition rates and energy utilization efficiency were measured through a comparative slaughter procedure. Piglets with light WW had a poorer feed conversion ratio and lower weight gain and feed intake when expressed per live weight. Increased ME led to greater daily fat deposition in the empty bodies (defined as weighted mean of the carcass + organs + blood, no intestinal content), while light WW piglets had a reduced protein deposition. Light WW piglets increased heat production with increased ME, but no effect was seen for the heavy WW piglets. By contrast, heavy WW piglets increased empty body gross energy as ME increased, while no influence was observed on light WW piglets. Increasing dietary energy levels did not contribute to the subsequent growth performance of piglets that were lighter at weaning. The lack of interaction between weaning weight and dietary ME content on growth performance does not support the hypothesis that light piglets at weaning do not exhibit compensatory growth because of limitations in energy intake.
UDK 551.583+1e(497.113):632.112+591.35 IMPACT OF CLIMATIC FACTORS TO THE PERCENTAGE OF YOUNG IN THE POPULATION OF BROWN HARE (Lepus Europaeus P) IN THE BA^KA DISTRICT

Climatic factors, especially temperature and precipitations, greatly affect the dynamics of the hare number and population. Climatic factors directly affect the physiological and reproductive processes of both individuals and entire populations, or indirectly, through the availability of food, competition with other species, predators and other. The age structure of the hare population at the end of the period of reproduction is an important indicator of the population growth that is used for planning the level of explotation of the hare population (hunting). The rational use of the hare's population is one of the most important protection procedures and it should be well monitored and controlled by the hunting professionals. We used the average monthly temperature and the sum of monthly precipitations in the hare reproductive period (March-September) during ten years (2000 2009), together with the percent of young in the hare population, on the territory of Ba~ka, for multiple regression (stepwise) analysis. Results of the regression analysis show an association between the percentage of young hares and the influence of climatic factors. The average temperature and sum of precipitation in June, are the strongest predictor of the percent of young in the hare’s population in Ba~ka. According to the coefficient of determination (R2=0.50) climatic parameters account for 50% of variance in the percentage of young hares in Ba~ka. The regression correlation coefficient of all factors was R=0.70, which is on the border line between medium and high correlation.
MANAGEMENT OF SALINE SODIC SOILS THROUGH CULTURAL PRACTICES AND GYPSUM

Management of saline sodic soils requires combination of agronomic practices in addition to the chemical and organic amendments. However, the relative efficiency of the amendments under variable cultural practices is not well documented. We evaluated the efficiency of gypsum, farmyard manure (FYM) and cultural practices on the yield and yield components of wheat grown in saline-sodic soil during Rabi 2003-04. The soil under study was clay loam in texture containing 0.17% organic matter with 20.5% lime content and alkaline in reaction (pHe 8.8). The electrical conductivity (ECe) was 9.4 dS m -1 with sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) of 21.4. Seven treatments viz., conventional method, Flat bed + FYM, Flat bed + Gypsum, Raised bed + FYM, Raised bed + Gypsum, Ridges + FYM, and Ridges + Gypsum were arranged in RCB design with three replications. Gypsum was applied at variable rates dependent upon the gypsum requirements of the soil, while FYM was applied @ 20 t ha -1 . Significant improvement in soil properties i.e., ECe, SAR and pHe was recorded in plots treated with gypsum in ridges and resulted 42% grain yield increase over conventional method. The significantly higher grain yield (3055 kg ha -1 ) may be associated with ameliorative effect of gypsum and less saline environment in ridges as irrigation next to the seed row caused movement of salts away from the seeds and into the top of the ridge. This allowed the seed to germinate and establish in less saline conditions there by increasing yield. The lowest grain yield (1781 kg ha -1 ) of wheat was produced in plots grown by conventional method. The soil samples analyzed after the termination of experiment showed that gypsum + ridges sown treatment significantly reduced the soil ECe, SAR and pHe at 0-15 and 15-30 cm soil depths as compared to conventional method. There was a positive significant relation between wheat grain yield with leaf K + (r²=0.70) while negative significant relationship between the grain yield with leaf Na + (r²=0.745). This study suggests that wheat grown on ridges supplied with gypsum was the most useful management tool in saline-sodic conditions
Third‐person knowledge ascriptions: A crucial experiment for contextualism

In the past few years there has been a turn towards evaluating the empirical foundation of epistemic contextualism using formal (rather than armchair) experimental methods. By-and-large, the results of these experiments have not supported the original motivation for epistemic contextualism. That is partly because experiments have only uncovered effects of changing context on knowledge ascriptions in limited experimental circumstances (when contrast is present, for example), and partly because existing experiments have not been designed to distinguish between contextualism and one of its main competing theories, subject-sensitive invariantism. In this paper, we discuss how a particular, “third-person”, experimental design is needed to provide evidence that would support contextualism over subject-sensitive invariantism. In spite of the theoretical significance of third-person knowledge ascriptions for debates surrounding contextualism, no formal experiments evaluating such ascriptions that assess contextualist claims have previously been conducted. In this paper, we conduct an experiment specifically designed to examine that central gap in contextualism’s empirical foundation. The results of our experiment provide crucial support for epistemic contextualism over subject-sensitive invariantism.
Effects of Mineral N and P Fertilizers on Yield and Yield Components of Flooded Lowland Rice on Vertisols of Fogera Plain, Ethiopia

Despite its very recent history of cultivation in Ethiopia, rice is one of the potential grain crops that could contribute to the efforts for the realization of food security in the country. However, the scientific information available with regards to the response of flooded rice to N and P fertilizers for its optimum production on Vertisols of Fogera Plain is very limited. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted on Vertisols of Fogera plain, northern Ethiopia to study the yield and yield components response of rice and to establish the optimum N and P fertilizer levels required for improved grain yield of flooded rice. Six levels of N (0, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 kg ha −1 ) and five levels of P (0, 13.2, 26.4, 39.6 and 52.8 kg ha −1 ) laid down in a randomized complete block design with four replications were used as treatments. Nitrogen was applied in two equal splits (50% basal and 50% at maximum tillering) as urea and the entire dose of P was applied basal as triple super phosphate at sowing. The main effects of N and P fertilizer levels showed significant differences (P ≤ 0.01) for all yield and yield components studied. The effects of N by P interaction were significant only for grain yield (P ≤ 0.05), number of panicles per m 2 (P ≤ 0.01), number of spikelets per panicle (P ≤ 0.05) and plant height (P ≤ 0.01) among the different yield and yield components studied. Application of N and P significantly (P ≤ 0.01) increased grain yield of rice up to the levels of 60 kg N and 13.2 kg P ha−1. However, maximum grain yield (4282 kg ha −1 ) was obtained with the combined application of 60 kg N and 13.2 kg P ha −1 , and the yield advantage over the control was 38.49% (1190 kg ha −1 ). Moreover, application of both N and P fertilizers have increased the magnitudes of the important yield attributes including number of panicles per m 2 , number of spikelets per panicle, panicle length, dry matter accumulation, straw yield and plant height significantly (P ≤ 0.01). Besides, grain yield was positively and significantly associated with number of panicles per m 2 (r = 0.61∗∗), number of spikelets per panicle (r = 0.49∗∗), panicle length (r = 0.54∗∗), dry matter accumulation (r = 0.46∗), thousand grain weight (r = 0.41∗) and harvest index (r = 0.39∗). These indicate that N and P application increased grain yield of rice by positively affecting the important yield components of the crop. Therefore, taking the findings of the present study into consideration, it may be tentatively concluded that the farmers at the Fogera plain may apply a combination of 60 kg N and 13.2 kg P ha −1 to improve the grain yield of flooded lowland rice cultivated on heavy black clay soils (Vertisols) under rain fed conditions.
Superiority of Laparoscopic Appendectomy over Open Appendectomy: The Hyderabad Experience

Objective: To compare the out come of laparoscopic and open appendicectomies in terms of operative time, analgesic requirement, postoperative complications, hospital stay, return to normal activity and condition of scar. Methods: This prospective study was carried out in Department of Surgery, Liaquat University Hospital Hyderabad/ Jamshoro from September 1997 to August 2000. One hundred consecutive patients of age ranging from 15-45 years with features suggestive of acute appendicitis were equally divided into laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) and open appendectomy (OA) groups, after taking informed consent. LA was done with the help of three trocar/cannulae creating pneumoperitoneum with CO2 whereas OA was performed by Lanz incision. The data were analyzed by Student t-test and Chi square tests using SPSS version 10. Results: The operating times in OA and LA were 20-70 minutes (mean 30) and 25-95 minutes (mean 55) respectively. Increased doses of analgesics, antibiotics and antiemetics were required in OA, as compared to LA. The mean postoperative hospital stay in LA group was 1.4 days (range 1-3 days) whereas it was in OA group, it was 3.5 days (range 2-6 days). Conclusion: LA is safe and has major benefits like less postoperative pain, decreased wound infection, early hospital discharged, early return to work and a better cosmetic scar than OA. (Rawal Med J;33:165-168).
Distribution of Synechococcus in the dark ocean

Synechococcus is widely distributed in the world's ocean surfaces, and is often found in sediment traps. However, its distribution and ecological importance have not been well studied in meso- and bathypelagic waters. We measured Synechococcus abundance in the Suruga Bay (central Japan) and the subtropical NW Pacific. Synechococcus abundance at depths of 200 m and below var- ied from 2.4 to 190 cells ml -1 , but was in proportion to the surface abundance, suggesting transport of epipelagic populations to greater depths. Surprisingly, Synechococcus was evenly distributed from 200 m down to 1420 m (Suruga Bay) or to 2000 m (subtropical NW Pacific), regardless of season. The contribution of deep Synechococcus to the total population was highest in spring in the Suruga Bay (36 to 77%), and lowest in summer in the Suruga Bay (1 to 9%) and in the subtropical NW Pacific (4 and 10%). These results suggest effective transport of Synechococcus cells down the water column during productive seasons by attachment to large particles and limited transport under oligotrophic and stratified conditions. Deep Synechococcus abundance decreased from fall to winter in the Suruga Bay, though in filtered deep seawater it did not significantly decrease for 30 d in the dark, and it increased in a light/dark cycle. Our investigations show that the standing stock of Synechococcus has been significantly underestimated in previous studies of epipelagic waters conducted during produc- tive seasons and that Synechococcus seems to be grazed and to contribute to biogeochemical cycles in the dark ocean.
Association between the A1298C Polymorphism of the Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Gene and Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion

Introduction: A factor known to cause thrombophilia in women with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is the A1298C polymorphism of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene (MTHFR). This study aimed to determine the association between RPL and this polymorphism in Iranian patients. Methods: In this case-control study, 30 patients with a previous history of two or more consecutive unexplained abortions and 10 women with at least two live births without a miscarriage, who referred to Baqiyatallah Hospital and Avicenna Infertility Clinic, were analyzed for MTHFR A1298C polymorphism using PCR-RFLP method. The results obtained via estimating the genotype of each polymorphism were analyzed using SPSS v16. Results: Thirteen subjects (43.3 %) with RPL and 6 women (20 %) in the control group were heterozygous for MTHFR A1298C polymorphism. C allele frequency in the patient group was higher than the control group (41.7% and 40% for the patient and control groups, respectively). Conclusion: The prevalence of MTHFR A1298C polymorphism was slightly higher in RPL patients compared to the controls. This finding failed to support the relationship between this polymorphism and the increasing risk of RPL in the evaluated Iranian women.