Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Attitude of B.Ed. students towards information and communication technology (ICT)

The present study aims to examine the attitude of B.Ed. students towards ICT. The investigator has adopted the survey method of research. The sample consists of 250 B.Ed. students from four colleges of education selected by stratified random sampling technique. The investigator developed a self-made questionnaire of 25 items to measure the attitude of the B.Ed. students towards ICT. The investigator established content validity and reliability by split-half method, and the value is 0.76. To find out the meaning, interpretation of the raw scores, the data were analysed using mean, standard deviation ‘t’ test. The findings show (a) there is no significant difference in the attitude of B.Ed. students towards ICT with regard to (i) gender, (ii) discipline, (iii) course of study, and (iv) locality, and (b) aided colleges of education B.Ed. students are better than government college students in their attitude towards ICT.
Financial Conflicts of Interest: An Association between Funding and Findings in Plastic Surgery

Background: Despite a growing interest in examining the effects of industry funding on research in plastic surgery, no study to date has comprehensively examined the effects of financial conflicts of interest on publication outcomes. The authors investigated the association between financial conflicts of interest and reported study findings in plastic surgery research. Methods: The authors reviewed all entries in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Annals of Plastic Surgery, and Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2012. All clinical and basic science articles were analyzed. The following article characteristics were extracted: self-reported financial conflicts of interest, sample size, level of evidence, study design, and prospectiveness. The findings reported in each abstract were blindly graded as not applicable, negative, or positive. Results: Of the 1650 abstracts that resulted from the authors’ initial search, 568 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The majority of the included articles covered breast (20.8 percent), experimental (19.7 percent), and general reconstruction (31.69 percent). Financial conflicts of interest were disclosed in only 17.6 percent of the articles. Of the total studies that met inclusion criteria, 66.2 percent were reviewed as having positive outcomes, and 33.8 percent were reviewed as having negative or not applicable results. Studies that disclosed a financial conflict of interest were 7.12 times more likely (p < 0.0001) to present a positive outcome over a negative outcome compared with studies with no financial conflict of interest. Conclusion: Investigators with a financial conflict of interest are significantly more likely to publish plastic surgery studies with a positive conclusion compared with investigators with no conflicts of interest.
Intestinal bile acid malabsorption in cystic fibrosis.

This study aimed at examining the mechanisms participating in excessive faecal bile acid loss in cystic fibrosis. The study was designed to define the relation between faecal fat and faecal bile acid loss in patients with and without cystic fibrosis related liver disease; to assess terminal ileal bile acid absorption by a seven day whole body retention of selenium labelled homotaurocholic acid (SeHCAT); and to determine if small intestinal bacterial overgrowth contributes to faecal bile acid loss. The study population comprised 40 patients (27 men; median age 18 years) with cystic fibrosis (n = 8) and without (n = 32) liver disease and eight control subjects. Faecal bile acid excretion was significantly higher in cystic fibrosis patients without liver disease compared with control subjects (mean (SEM) 21.5 (2.4) and 7.3 (1.2) micromoles/kg/24 hours respectively; p < 0.01) and patients with liver disease (7.9 (1.3) micromoles/kg/24 hours; p < 0.01). No correlation was found between faecal fat (g fat/24 hours) and faecal bile acid (micromoles 24 hours) excretion. Eight (33%) of cystic fibrosis patients had seven day SeHCAT retention < 10% (normal retention > 20%). SeHCAT retention in cystic fibrosis patients with liver disease was comparable with control subjects (30.0 (SEM) 8.3% v 36.8 (5.9)%; p = NS) while SeHCAT retention in cystic fibrosis patients who did not have liver disease was significantly reduced (19.9 (3.8); p < 0.05). Although evidence of small bowel bacterial overgrowth was present in 40% of patients no relation was found between breath hydrogen excretion, faecal fat, and faecal bile acid loss. The results are consistent with the presence of an abnormality in terminal ideal function in patients with cystic fibrosis who do not have liver disease and that a defect in the ileal absorption of bile acids may be a contributory factor to excessive faecal bile acid loss. Faecal bile acid loss in cystic fibrosis is unrelated to the presence of intraluminal fat or intestinal bacterial overgrowth.
Monte Carlo Model of Tracking Behavior

A Monte Carlo model was devised for simulation of human tracking behavior with a digital computer. The model had four basic equations and included provision for one- and two-dimensional tracking, repetitive and irregular input signals, and practice trials. Four groups of 12 human subjects each were given 40 practice trials on either one- or two-dimensional tracking, and either repetitive or irregular input signals. The model was then used to simulate corresponding data for four groups of 12 hypothetical subjects each, and comparisons of the real and hypothetical subject samples were made for various measures of proficiency. Overall, the adequacy of the simulation was judged as good. Research tactics are discussed for arriving at a generalized model of n-dimensional tracking behavior, and for elaborated models that will include procedural and decision acts to simulate more complex man-machine systems.
Enhancing Brand Credibility Via Celebrity Endorsement

ABSTRACT Building on source-credibility theory, the authors tested a structural model for advertisers and scholars to explain brand outcomes of celebrity endorsement. The empirical context is the global airline industry, with a fitting sample surveyed at an international airport (N = 637). Results of structural equation analyses show that consumers' perception of a celebrity endorser's attractiveness and trustworthiness brought a lift in brand attitude, brand credibility, and purchase intention toward endorsed brands. The contribution to source-credibility theory is the finding that endorser trustworthiness was the only component of source credibility that was important to low-involvement consumers. The takeaway for advertisers in this industry is to use attractive celebrity endorsers with a global appeal who are trustworthy to enhance brand credibility.
Running head : ESCITALOPRAM AND CBT AUGMENTATION 1 Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Augmentation of SSRI Reduces Cortisol Levels in Older Adults with Generalized Anxiety Disorder : A Randomized Clinical Trial

Objectives: Elevated cortisol in stress and aging, such as has been seen in late-life anxiety disorders, is postulated to accelerate cognitive and physiological decline in this large and increasing population. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) are both effective treatments for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) in older adults. On the other hand, there is very little research examining the effect of combining these therapies on peak cortisol levels. For the current analyses, we examined the effectiveness of CBT augmentation on peak cortisol levels in older adults diagnosed with GAD. Methods: The sample consisted of 42 individuals with late-life GAD who received an acute course of the SSRI escitalopram and then entered a 16-week randomized phase. Twenty-one participants were randomized to receive 16 sessions of CBT in addition to continuing escitalopram and the remaining 21 participants continued on escitalopram without CBT. Generalized Estimating Equations were performed to assess the effectiveness of CBT augmentation on peak cortisol levels (30 minutes after waking). Results: Older adults with GAD who received both escitalopram and CBT demonstrated a significant reduction in peak cortisol levels at post-treatment compared to the group who received escitalopram without CBT augmentation. Conclusions: CBT augmentation of SSRI treatment reduced peak cortisol levels for older adults with GAD. Since persistently high cortisol levels in aging are thought to increase age-related cognitive and medical problems, our findings suggest that there may be a benefit to health and cognition of CBT augmentation for late-life anxiety disorders.
From Cash to Cashless Economy: Catalytic Agent for Financial Inclusion?

The announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 1, 2015 towards “making India Digital” was meant to pave Indian economy‟s future for larger proposed changes in terms of financial literacy. The drive intended to associate pastoral areas with highspeed internet so as to improve the digital awareness and usage. Thereafter, the catalytic thrust from demonetisation further accelerated migration towards digital payments in November and December 2016. However, ease in availability of cash by gradual remonetisation jolted the pace of growth of digitalisation in February 2017. In this context, the future outlook of Indian economy guarantees fast-track growth that carries preliminary pre-requisite for the people to be financial literate, to begin with. Thus, „Digital financial literacy‟ shall require more strengthening. This paper spots the rationale and sequencing of the targeted drives to facilitate building on the „financial literacy infrastructure‟ principally to benchmark future India. The key policy implication of the current study includes the solution to the dilemma and apt targeting of the various programmes for financial stability and sustainability through „Digitally Literate Future‟.
Pengaruh Prestasi Kerja, Loyalitas Kerja terhadap Promosi Jabatan di PT. Bali Pawiwahan Coco Group

This study aims to examine the effect of job performance and loyalty towards promotion work in PT. Bali Pawiwahan Coco Group Retail Division, Jimbaran Badung. Samples used were as 86 people were determined with saturated sampling. Data collection techniques used questionnaires and were analyzed data by using multiple linear regression. The results of the analysis of performance show significant positive effect on promotion at PT. Bali Pawiwahan Coco Group Retail Division, Jimbaran Badung. Moreover, loyalty significant positive effect on employment promotion at PT. Bali Pawiwahan Coco Group Retail Division, Jimbaran Badung .
Calculation of Separation Points in Incompressible Turbulent Flows

The purpose ohis paper ivaluate tccuracy with which tocation ourbulent separation c be predicted owo-dimensional ac bodies. Tvaluation wade btudying aonsiderable number of flows that had separation. Calculate d separation points were compared with the experimentally measured location. Fou r methods of predicting separation in turbulent flow were evaluated. The y were Goldschmied' s method, Stratford's method, Head's method, and the Cebeci-Smit h method. I t wa s concluded from the study that the last three listed methods predict separation points with the reliability and accuracy needed for aerodynamic design purposes.
Are sibling relationships protective? A longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND Although the protective effects of familial and parental support have been studied extensively in the child psychopathology literature, few studies have explored the protective quality of positive sibling relationships. METHODS A two-wave longitudinal design was used to examine the protective effect of positive sibling relationships on child adjustment for children experiencing stressful life events. Mothers reported on stressful life events and child adjustment. Older siblings assessed the quality of relationship between themselves and target children. RESULTS Sibling affection moderated the relationship between stressful life events and internalizing symptomatology but not the relationship between stressful life events and externalizing symptomatology. Notably, the protective effect of sibling affection was evident regardless of mother-child relationship quality. CONCLUSIONS Positive sibling relationships are an important source of support for children experiencing stressful life events. Implications for intervention are discussed.
Old Drugs To Treat Resistant Bugs: Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolates with mecC Are Susceptible to a Combination of Penicillin and Clavulanic Acid

ABSTRACT β-Lactam resistance in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is mediated by the expression of an alternative penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a) (encoded by mecA) with a low affinity for β-lactam antibiotics. Recently, a novel variant of mecA, known as mecC, was identified in MRSA isolates from both humans and animals. In this study, we demonstrate that mecC-encoded PBP2c does not mediate resistance to penicillin. Rather, broad-spectrum β-lactam resistance in MRSA strains carrying mecC (mecC-MRSA strains) is mediated by a combination of both PBP2c and the distinct β-lactamase encoded by the blaZ gene of strain LGA251 (blaZLGA251), which is part of mecC-encoding staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) type XI. We further demonstrate that mecC-MRSA strains are susceptible to the combination of penicillin and the β-lactam inhibitor clavulanic acid in vitro and that the same combination is effective in vivo for the treatment of experimental mecC-MRSA infection in wax moth larvae. Thus, we demonstrate how the distinct biological differences between mecA- and mecC-encoded PBP2a and PBP2c have the potential to be exploited as a novel approach for the treatment of mecC-MRSA infections.
Livelihood improvement of poor farmers through goat rearing in Mymensingh district of Bangladesh

The study aimed to examine the feeding, management, income and livelihood improvement through goat rearing in Mymensingh district. The study was conducted at different unions namely Gazirvita, Koichapur and Norail of Haluaghat Upazila in Mymensingh district. Total 45 respondents were randomly selected from three unions where 15 from each union. The respondents were classified into three distinct groups. The farmers belonged to Group-G, who lives in Gazirvita union, Group-K, who lives in Koichapur union and Group-N, belonged to the farmers who lives in Norail union. The period of data collection was from April to June, 2011. The farmer’s families were poorest of the poor and illiterate. The annual total cost of production of Black Bengal goat was Tk. 2154, while gross return and net return per household were Tk. 4296 and Tk. 2142, respectively. Educational status, employment for men, employment for women, social dignity and social acceptance were increased at 35, 24, 58, 26 and 23% through goat rearing in the study area. The result clearly indicates that livelihood increases dramatically through goat rearing in the study area. Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2017. 46 (1): 29-34
Pilot Study of the Effects of ONO-5046 in Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Evidence has linked neutrophil elastase to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), suggesting that inhibiting the activity of this enzyme could prevent the development and progression of ARDS. However, few clinical trials have examined this notion. We therefore examined the effects of ONO-5046 (sivelestat, a specific inhibitor of neutrophil elastase; sodium N-[2-[4-(2,2-dimethylpropionyloxy) phenylsulfonylaminobenzoyl]amino-acetate tetrahydrate]) in a randomized, double-blinded trial in patients with ARDS. We randomly assigned 24 patients with ARDS to groups that received conventional therapy without or with sivelestat (0.2 mg·kg−1·h−1) for 14 days. The variables of interest associated with clinical outcome were the duration of mechanical ventilation; changes in oxygenation from baseline; changes in cytokine levels from baseline; number of patients alive at 30 days who did not need mechanical ventilation; and mortality rate. The length of intensive care unit stay, number of ventilation days, and mortality rates did not statistically differ between groups. ARDS was more persistent in the control than in the sivelestat group (control, 19.5 ± 7.4 days; sivelestat, 13.5 ± 5.9 days; P = 0.039). Neutrophil elastase activity significantly differed between groups at 72 h after treatment. Levels of interleukin-6 were lower in the sivelestat group than in the controls at 24, 48, and 72 h after treatment. ONO-5046 apparently did not affect survival or the duration of mechanical ventilation.
α-Glucosidase inhibition by flavonoids: an in vitro and in silico structure–activity relationship study

Abstract α-Glucosidase inhibitors are described as the most effective in reducing post-prandial hyperglycaemia (PPHG) from all available anti-diabetic drugs used in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. As flavonoids are promising modulators of this enzyme’s activity, a panel of 44 flavonoids, organised in five groups, was screened for their inhibitory activity of α-glucosidase, based on in vitro structure–activity relationship studies. Inhibitory kinetic analysis and molecular docking calculations were also applied for selected compounds. A flavonoid with two catechol groups in A- and B-rings, together with a 3-OH group at C-ring, was the most active, presenting an IC50 much lower than the one found for the most widely prescribed α-glucosidase inhibitor, acarbose. The present work suggests that several of the studied flavonoids have the potential to be used as alternatives for the regulation of PPHG. Graphical Abstract
Interactions between Extrafloral Nectaries, Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), and Other Natural Enemies Affect Biological Control of Grapholita molesta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) on Peach (Rosales: Rosaceae)

ABSTRACT Extrafloral nectaries (EFNs) are reported to benefit some plants when ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) use their secretions and fend off herbivores, but in some cases resulting competitive interactions may reduce biological control of specific herbivores. This research examined the interactions between ants and other natural enemies associated with the EFNs of peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batcsh] and the implications for biological control of a key pest, the oriental fruit moth [Grapholita molesta (Busck)]. Studies using sentinel G. molesta placed on peach trees (‘Lovell’ cultivar) with EFNs present and absent revealed that several natural enemy groups associated with the EFNs contribute to reductions in G. molesta eggs, larvae, and pupae in peach orchards. Ants on trees with EFNs antagonized the G. molesta egg parasitoid Trichogramma minutum (Riley), but the ants were crucial in reducing G. molesta in both the larval and pupal stages. Overall, individual trees with EFNs experienced higher ant and other (nonant) natural enemy densities and subsequent pest reductions, as compared with trees without EFNs. However, the implications of EFN-natural enemypest interactions to orchard-level biological control will likely depend on local G. molesta population dynamics.
Conditions to performance of privately held family firms under a descendant CEO

A recent stream of research investigates family firm characteristics that could have an influence on performance measures. One such specific characteristic is the CEO position in a family firm. Although there are some results that suggest that descendants perform better than their founder CEO counterparts, the majority of studies suggest that descendant CEOs do not have the same degree of positive influence on family firm performance as founder CEOs have. The findings are, however, slightly different on the degree of negative impact on family firm performance. Therefore, there might be situations in which a descendant is detrimental for the performance of a family firm but also other occasions when there might be advantages connected to a descendant CEO in charge of a family business. This study investigates whether the board of directors has a moderating effect on the descendant CEO’s influence on private family firm performance. As performance has several dimensions, we choose to measure performance variability as a proxy for entrepreneurial behavior. Our findings suggest that when a private family firm is lead by a descendant CEO, a vigilant and empowered board of directors will lead to more innovation and entrepreneurial behavior.
Impact of Using Tools in an Undergraduate Software Testing Course Supported by WReSTT

Software continues to affect a major part of our daily lives, including the way we use our phones, home appliances, medical devices, and cars. The pervasiveness of software has led to a growing demand for software developers over the next decade. To ensure the high quality of software developed in industry, students being trained in software engineering also need to be trained on how to use testing techniques and supporting tools effectively at all levels of development. In this article, we investigate how testing tools are used in the software project of an undergraduate testing course. We also investigate how a cyberlearning environment—the Web-Based Repository of Software Testing Tutorials (WReSTT)—is used to supplement the learning materials presented in class, particularly the tutorials on different software testing tools. The results of a study spanning three semesters of the undergraduate course suggest that (1) the use of code coverage tools motivates students to improve their test suites; (2) the number of bugs found when using coverage tools slightly increased, which is similar to the results found in the research literature; and (3) students find WReSTT to be a useful resource for learning about software testing techniques and the use of code coverage tools.
Destinations and the Web: A Network Analysis View

network analysis methods have gained much attention in the last few years and have provided a wealth of insights into the structural and dynamic properties of many systems. here, we apply these methods to the study of tourism destinations’ Web spaces. this exploratory analysis aims at showing how these techniques can be used and what outcomes can be obtained. After a short introduction to network analysis and a brief review of the literature, two cases are presented, namely Austria as a whole country, and a smaller destination within Italy: the island of elba. for each case, data collection methods are described and the characteristic network parameters are calculated. the comparison between the two cases highlights both similarities and differences, which are described and interpreted. finally, the limitations of this approach are discussed.