Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The impact of Facebook usage on academic performance

This research intends to examine how spending time on Facebook affect students' academic performance. It explores behavioural factors affecting students utilising Facebook. Questionnaires were personally distributed to 667 undergraduate and postgraduate students from the University of Malaya to determine their intentions for using Facebook, which will allow us to discern the symptoms related to excessive Facebook usage by students. The AMOS software was used to hypothesise the relationship between the variables. The results show that students use Facebook for entertainment, relaxing/escaping, and passing time, but not for socialising and social information. Spending time on Facebook has a positive effect on their academic performance, which indicated that the time spent on Facebook did not affect their education. It is anticipated that the findings from this study would provide clear insights on how the behavioural factors of a student affect their academic performance. This research would help educationists, parents, and the students themselves development appropriate measures to control and curb excessive usage of Facebook or using Facebook as a learning tool.
Job Satisfaction and Prevalence of Stress Signs

Exposure to environmental stressors exert debilitating effects on the health of employees. Workforce in Egypt does not receive -in most casessuitable preventive measures to face such a problem. Moreover, they lack the awareness of early signs and symptoms of stress. The aim of the present work was to investigate the interrelationship between work stress in terms of physiological and psychological signs and job satisfaction among the Training and capabilities Development Unit (TCD) in National Research Centre of Egypt (NRC). Some personality traits and learning styles were also investigated as predictors of stress. Forty two (12 males and 30 females) employees working at the different departments of TDC were recruited in the study. The sample subjects were asked to complete a survey to estimate their job satisfaction and another for work stress assessment. Participants were asked to fill the Intellectual Style Inventory (ISI) for learning style assessment in addition to some other personality traits. Participants reached 70%. Significant positive association was detected between low job satisfaction and high score on the work stress scale. The judging personality, the front left thinking, the base left perception and the front right thinking styles showed significantly to be the least suffering from signs of stress. Low job satisfaction is associated with work stress prevalence and helps in increasing psychological and physiological signs of distress. The different learning styles as described by the ISI show different responses to work stress and could be beneficial in similar studies.
Apoplasmic Barriers and Oxygen Transport Properties of Hypodermal Cell Walls in Roots from Four Amazonian Tree Species1

The formation of suberized and lignified barriers in the exodermis is suggested to be part of a suite of adaptations to flooded or waterlogged conditions, adjusting transport of solutes and gases in and out of roots. In this study, the composition of apoplasmic barriers in hypodermal cell walls and oxygen profiles in roots and the surrounding medium of four Amazon tree species that are subjected to long-term flooding at their habitat was analyzed. In hypodermal cell walls of the deciduous tree Crateva benthami, suberization is very weak and dominated by monoacids, 2-hydroxy acids, and ω-hydroxycarboxylic acids. This species does not show any morphological adaptations to flooding and overcomes the aquatic period in a dormant state. Hypodermal cells of Tabernaemontana juruana, a tree which is able to maintain its leaf system during the aquatic phase, are characterized by extensively suberized walls, incrusted mainly by the unsaturated C18ω-hydroxycarboxylic acid and the α,ω-dicarboxylic acid analogon, known as typical suberin markers. Two other evergreen species,Laetia corymbulosa and Salix martiana, contained 3- to 4-fold less aliphatic suberin in the exodermis, but more than 85% of the aromatic moiety of suberin are composed ofpara-hydroxybenzoic acid, suggesting a function of suberin in pathogen defense. No major differences in the lignin content among the species were observed. Determination of oxygen distribution in the roots and rhizosphere of the four species revealed that radial loss of oxygen can be effectively restricted by the formation of suberized barriers but not by lignification of exodermal cell walls.
Transient Device Simulation of Floating Gate Nonvolatile Memory Cell With a Local Trap

The single-electron general-purpose device simulator is improved to carry out a wide-range transient analysis from 1 ps to 10 years. We apply this simulator to a floating gate (FG) nonvolatile memory cell in order to simulate a degradation mode of data retention owing to the direct tunneling enhanced by the fixed charge stored by a local trap in an interpoly dielectric. The scaling impact of ideal high-K interpoly dielectric FG nonvolatile memory cell is also investigated.
Good Ideas and Engagement Aren't Enough: School District Central Offices and the Micro-Politics of Implementing Comprehensive Human Resource Reform

This dissertation is about how organizational politics – or what some scholars call micro-politics – shapes the implementation of comprehensive human resource (HR) reform in school district central offices. Over the last decade, education reformers and advocates have promoted comprehensive HR reform as a way to improve teaching and learning in K-12 schools, especially in urban districts. These reforms call on school districts to orient and coordinate all of their HR activities around a common vision of effective teaching and use the way they hire, develop, and retain teachers to systematically build and leverage talent across all schools. For most school districts, this ambitious vision of HR is a profound departure from present practice. Emerging accounts of comprehensive HR reform suggest that implementation is often marked by organizational conflict, but they do not elaborate why this is the case or what it implies for implementation. In investigating the micro-political dynamics of implementing comprehensive HR reform, this study reveals both the sources of conflict that emerge during these ambitious reforms, how actors within central offices negotiate and resolve them, and how micro-political dynamics can -for better or worse -shape the implementation of ambitious bureaucratic reform. THE MICRO-POLITICS OF IMPLEMENTING HR REFORM iv
Treatment of 4-5 year old patients with cleft lip and cleft palate in Tawanchai Center: prevalence and type of associated malformations.

BACKGROUND Patients with cleft lip/palate may have other associated malformations but the reported prevalence and type of associated malformations varied between different studies. OBJECTIVE To report the prevalence and the type of associated malformations in Northeastern Thai patients with cleft lip/palate. MATERIAL AND METHOD A retrospective study of 123 cleft lip/palate patients aged 4-5 years was carried out at the Tawanchai Cleft Center, Khon Kaen University during the periodfrom October to December 2011. Data were collected by reviewing the patients medical records. RESULTS Seventeen (14%) of the 123patients had associated malformations. Four (21%) of the 19patients with cleft palate, eleven (15%) of the 74 patients with clefts lip and palate, and two (7%) of the 30 patients with cleft lip had associated malformations. The organ systems affected by associated malformations were cardiovascular system (41%), craniofacial anomaly (23%), skeletal system (12%), urogenital system (12%) and central nervous systemn (12%). Atrial septal defect and tetralogy ofFallot were most common associated cardiovascular malformation found. CONCLUSION The high prevalence of associated malformationsfound in patients with cleft lip/palate emphasizes the needfor a thorough screening of associated malformations and congenital heart disease ofall cleft lip/palatepatients.
Cervical screening in HIV-positive women in the East of England: recent CD4 as the predictive risk factor

This study examines the relationship between CD4 count and cervical cytological abnormality in HIV-positive women attending two district general hospital genitourinary medicine clinics in the East of England. It aims to determine whether the rate of cervical cytological abnormalities differs in HIV-positive women with CD4 count >350 cells/µl and those with CD4 count ≤350 cells/µl; and to compare the rates of abnormalities with that of the general population. We retrospectively reviewed data from a cross-sectional audit undertaken between December 2010 and December 2011 and analysed them using multivariable statistics. There was a significant association between recent CD4 count ≤350 cells/µl and cervical cytological abnormality (p < 0.001). A total of 6.3% of women with recent CD4 counts >350 cells/µl had abnormal cervical smear results, compared with 6.6% of the general population in the screening period 2010–11 and 7.2% of the general population in the screening period 2009–10. In our study population of women with recent CD4 counts >350 cells/µl, the proportions of mild, moderate and severe dysplasia were also similar to national figures. This raises important questions about the cost effectiveness of blanket annual screening for HIV-positive women.
Theta and Alpha Alterations in Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment in Semantic Go/NoGo Tasks

Growing evidence suggests that cognitive control processes are impaired in amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI); however the nature of these alterations needs further examination. The current study examined differences in electroencephalographic theta and alpha power related to cognitive control processes involving response execution and response inhibition in 22 individuals with aMCI and 22 age-, sex-, and education-matched cognitively normal controls. Two Go/NoGo tasks involving semantic categorization were used. In the basic categorization task, Go/NoGo responses were made based on exemplars of a single car (Go) and a single dog (NoGo). In the superordinate categorization task, responses were made based on multiple exemplars of objects (Go) and animals (NoGo). Behavioral data showed that the aMCI group had more false alarms during the NoGo trials compared to controls. The EEG data revealed between group differences related to response type in theta (4–7 Hz) and low-frequency alpha (8–10 Hz) power. In particular, the aMCI group differed from controls in theta power during the NoGo trials at frontal and parietal electrodes, and in low-frequency alpha power during Go trials at parietal electrodes. These results suggest that alterations in theta power converge with behavioral deterioration in response inhibition, whereas alterations in low-frequency alpha power appear to precede behavioral changes in response execution. Both behavioral and electrophysiological correlates combined provide a more comprehensive characterization of cognitive control deficits in aMCI.
Cortical connections of MT in four species of primates: Areal, modular, and retinotopic patterns

Abstract Cortical connections were investigated by restricting injections of WGA-HRP to different parts of the middle temporal visual area, MT, in squirrel monkeys, owl monkeys, marmosets, and galagos. Cortex was flattened and sectioned tangentially to facilitate an analysis of the areal patterns of connections. In the experimental cases, brain sections reacted for cytochrome oxidase (CO) or stained for myelin were used to delimit visual areas of occipital and temporal cortex and visuomotor areas of the frontal lobe. Major findings are as follows: (1) The architectonic analysis suggests that in addition to the commonly recognized visual fields, area 17 (V-I), area 18 (V-II), and MT, all three New World monkeys and prosimian galagos have visual areas DL, DI, DM, MST, and FST. (2) Measurements of the size of these areas indicate that about a third of the neocortex in these primates is occupied by the eight visual areas, but they occupy a somewhat larger proportion of neocortex in the diurnal marmosets and squirrel monkeys than the nocturnal owl monkeys and galagos. The diurnal primates also have proportionally more neocortex devoted to areas 17, 18, and DL and less to MT. These differences are compatible with the view that diurnal primates are more specialized for detailed object and color vision. (3) In all four primates, restricted locations in MT receive major inputs from short meandering rows of neurons in area 17 and several bands of neurons in area 18. (4) Major feedforward projections of MT are to two visual areas adjoining the rostral half of MT, areas MST and FST. Other ipsilateral connections are with DL, DI, and in some cases DM, parts of inferotemporal (IT) cortex, and posterior parietal cortex. (5) In squirrel monkeys, where injection sites varied from caudal to rostral MT, caudal parts of MT representing central vision connect more densely to DL and IT than other parts. Both DL and IT cortex emphasize central vision. (6) In the frontal lobe, MT has dense connections with the frontal ventral area (FV), but not with the frontal eye field (FEF). (7) Callosal connections of MT are most dense with matched locations in MT of the other hemisphere, rather than with the outer boundary of MT representing the vertical meridian. Targets of sparser callosal connections include FST, MST, and DL. The results support the conclusions that (1) prosimian primates and New World monkeys have at least ten visual and visuomotor areas in common, (2) the connections of MT are remarkably consistent across four species of primates, (3) the anatomical segregation of visual subsystems in areas 17 and 18 is common to all primates, (4) connections from the part of MT representing central vision with visual areas emphasizing central vision are more dense, and (5) MT and the associated fields MST and FST occupy proportionally more cortex in nocturnal than diurnal primates.
Down‐regulation of drebrin A expression suppresses synaptic targeting of NMDA receptors in developing hippocampal neurones

Drebrin is a major F‐actin‐binding protein in the brain. We have recently demonstrated that drebrin A (neurone‐specific isoform) clusters at synapses and governs targeting of the post‐synaptic density 95 protein to synapses during development. To determine the role of drebrin A on excitatory synapse formation, we analysed whether the suppression of drebrin A expression affects filopodia‐spine morphology and synaptic targeting of NMDA receptors in cultured hippocampal neurones. Suppression of developmentally programmed up‐regulation of drebrin A by antisense treatment significantly decreased the density and width of filopodia‐spines. Immunocytochemistry showed that the antisense treatment did not attenuate synaptic clustering of NMDA receptors under conditions that permitted spontaneous activities but inhibited the accelerated targeting of NMDA receptors into synapses by its antagonist d‐(–)‐2‐amino‐5‐phosphonopentanoic acid. These results indicate that drebrin A up‐regulation plays a pivotal role in spine morphogenesis and activity‐dependent synaptic targeting of NMDA receptors.
Identification and characterization of a new and distinct molecular subtype of human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 2

Molecular studies have demonstrated the existence of at least two major subtypes of human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 2 (HTLV-2), designated HTLV-2a and HTLV-2b. To further investigate the heterogeneity of this family of viruses, we have characterized the HTLV-2 subtypes present in several urban areas in Brazil. DNAs from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of a large number of infected individuals, the majority of whom were intravenous drug abusers, were analyzed by using PCR with restriction fragment length polymorphism and nucleotide sequencing analysis. Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of the env region suggested that all individuals were infected with the HTLV-2a subtype, and this was confirmed by nucleotide sequence analysis. In contrast, nucleotide sequence analysis of the long terminal repeat demonstrated that although the viruses were more related to the HTLV-2a than to the HTLV-2b subtype, they clustered in a distinct phylogenetic group, suggesting that they may represent a new and distinct molecular subtype of HTLV-2. This conclusion was supported by nucleotide sequence analysis of the pX region, which demonstrated that the Tax proteins of the Brazilian viruses differed from that of prototype HTLV-2a isolates but were more similar to that of HTLV-2b in that they would be expected to have an additional 25 amino acids at the carboxy terminus. In transient expression assays, the extended Tax protein of the prototype HTLV-2a subtype. The studies suggest that the Brazilian viruses analyzed in this study, while being phylogenetically related to the prototypic HTLV-2a seen in North America, are phenotypically more related to HTLV-2b and can be justifiably classified as a new molecular subtype, which has been tentatively designated HTLV-2c.
Dynamic 3D strain measurements with embedded micro-structured optical fiber Bragg grating sensors during impact on a CFRP coupon

Composite materials are increasingly used in aerospace applications, owing to their high strength-to-mass ratio. Such materials are nevertheless vulnerable to impact damage. It is therefore important to investigate the effects of impacts on composites. Here we embed specialty microstructured optical fiber Bragg grating based sensors inside a carbon fiber reinforced polymer, providing access to the 3D strain evolution within the composite during impact. We measured a maximum strain of −655 με along the direction of impact, and substantially lower values in the two in-plane directions. Such in-situ characterization can trigger insight in the development of impact damage in composites.
Protein stabilisation by polymersome entrapment

We report the use of synthetic vesicles formed by amphiphilic block copolymers in water (or polymersomes) to encapsulate myoglobin varying the vesicle size, and protein concentration. We show that confinement within polymersomes leads to a significant improvement in protein stability against thermal denaturation up to 95degC at neutral pH, with little or no evidence of unfolding or reduced enzymatic activity. The latter parameter actually exhibits a two-fold increase after thermal cycling when the confined protein concentration is higher than 5% v/v. Our results suggest that nanoscopic confinement is a promising new avenue for the enhanced long-term storage of proteins. Moreover, our work has potentially important implications for the origin of life, since such compartmentalisation may well have been critical for ensuring the preservation of early functional proteins under relatively harsh conditions, thus playing a key role in the subsequent emergence of primitive life forms.
Correlation between Tapping and Inserting of Pegs in Parkinson's Disease

Background: Various investigators have developed complex quantitative instrumental procedures for objective assessment of parkinsonian motor impairment, since drawbacks of rating scales are interrater variability, subjective impression, and insensitivity to subtle modifications. Objectives: To determine whether performance of inserting of pegs and tapping (i) correlates with each other (ii) differentiates between parkinsonian subjects and healthy controls and (iii) reflects severity of Parkinson's disease (PD). Subjects and Methods: In 157 previously untreated idiopathic parkinsonian patients and healthy controls, we measured (i) the total time taken to insert 25 pegs from a rack into a series of appropriate holes in a Purdue pegboard-like apparatus and (ii) the number of taps on a contact board with a contact pencil for a period of 32 seconds for assessment of fine motor skills. Results: Results of both tests correlated with each other, differed between parkinsonian subjects and controls and reflected scored severity of PD. Better correlation with intensity of PD was noted with the Purdue pegboard-like task. Conclusion: Both tapping and inserting of pegs represent useful tools for objective evaluation of severity of PD. Peg insertion correlated better with disease severity. Both approaches may be useful in future clinical studies.
Cognitive decline and brain volume loss as signatures of cerebral amyloid-beta peptide deposition identified with Pittsburgh compound B: cognitive decline associated with Abeta deposition.

OBJECTIVE To examine the relation of amyloid-beta peptide (Abeta) levels in the cerebral cortex with structural brain integrity and cognitive performance in cognitively healthy older people. DESIGN Longitudinal study from May 22, 1985, through October 15, 2008. SETTING Washington University Alzheimer Disease Research Center. PARTICIPANTS A total of 135 individuals aged 65 to 88 years with a Clinical Dementia Rating of 0. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The relations between mean cortical carbon 11 ((11)C)-labeled Pittsburgh compound B (PiB) binding potential values, proportional to the density of fibrillar Abeta binding sites in the brain, concurrent regional brain volumes as assessed by magnetic resonance imaging, and both concurrent and longitudinal cognitive performance in multiple domains. RESULTS Elevated cerebral Abeta levels, in some cases comparable to those seen in individuals with Alzheimer disease, were observed in 29 participants, who also had smaller regional volumes in the hippocampus, temporal neocortex, anterior cingulate, and posterior cingulate. Concurrent cognitive performance was unrelated to Abeta levels but was related to regional brain volumes with the exception of the caudate. Longitudinal cognitive decline in episodic and working memory and visuospatial ability was associated with elevated Abeta levels and decreased hippocampal volume. CONCLUSION The in vivo measure of cerebral amyloidosis known as [(11)C]PiB is associated with cross-sectional regionally specific brain atrophy and longitudinal cognitive decline in multiple cognitive domains that occur before the clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer disease. These findings contribute to the understanding of the cognitive and structural consequences of Abeta levels in cognitively healthy older adults.
Dividend Policy and Capital Structure: Testing Endogeneity

The study is aimed at exploring the relationship between dividend payout and capital structure, and to explore the determinants of dividend policy and capital structure of manufacturing sector of Pakistan. Penal data ranging from 2006 to 2011 of selected 100 manufacturing firms of Pakistan is used in this study. Dividend policy and capital structure have their own determinants. Firm’s size, profitability, liquidity, growth opportunities, tangibility and capital structure are used as determinants of dividend policy, while determinants of capital structure which are used in this study are firm’s size, profitability, liquidity, growth opportunities, tangibility, tax saving other than debt and income variability and dividend payout. Two stages least square is used for estimation. Size, profitability, liquidity and leverage are found to have a positive significant impact on dividend policy whereas growth opportunities is found to have a negative significant impact on dividend policy and tangibility has no impact. On the other hand growth opportunities, tangibility and income variability are found to have positive significant relationship with leverage (capital structure), whereas firm’s Size, profitability, liquidity and tax saving other than debt are found to have negative significant relationship with leverage. This study concludes that dividend policy and capital structure are positively correlated with each other.