Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Revisiting the Educational Effects of Fetal Iodine Deficiency

Recent research has reported positive effects on schooling due to in utero protection from iodine deficiency resulting from iodized oil capsule distribution in Tanzania. We revisit the Tanzanian experience by investigating how these effects differ over time and across surveys; across different treatment specifications; and across additional educational outcome measures. Contrary to previous studies, we find that the estimated effects tend to be small and not robust across specifications or samples. Using all available data and a medically motivated iodine depletion function, we find no evidence of a positive long-run effect of iodine deficiency protection on educational attainment.
Using Instructional Technology in Transformed Learning Environments

Abstract This study compared standardized test scores in reading and mathematics for second- and fifth-grade students from two similar technology-rich elementary schools in Miami-Dade County, Florida. One school implemented Project CHILD (Computers Helping Instruction and Learning Development) as its instructional model. The other did not. Project CHILD is a K–5 instructional model that transforms the traditional grade-specific, self-contained elementary classroom into a three-classroom cross-grade cluster. Each classroom in the cluster has at least six learning stations to accommodate varied learning modalities. Students rotate to each classroom in the cluster throughout the day for instruction in reading, writing, and mathematics. Students spend three years working with the same teacher team. Project CHILD students who had completed a full three-year cycle of the program scored higher on all test comparisons. Significant differences were obtained in mathematics applications (Grade 2), reading comprehension (Grade 5), mathematics computation (Grade 5), and mathematics application (Grade 5).
Mielinização, desmielinização e remielinização no sistema nervoso central

As bainhas de mielina que envolvem axonios no SNC sao feitas e mantidas por oligodendrocitos. Estas celulas gliais formam um numero variavel de segmentos de mielina (internodulos): entre 1 e 200, de modo que quando uma celula e lesada junto com ela podem ser destruidos numerosos internodulos, constituindo um processo desmielinizante. Como consequencia da destruicao da celula-bainha e internodulos relacionados ha uma resposta celular rapida e abundante. Esta resposta e feita por fagocitos residentes (microglia) e hematogenos. Ambas as celulas fagocitam os detritos celulares e de. mielina, deixando os axonios desmielinizados. Estes axonios podem permanecer desprovidos de suas bainhas e aglutinados, podem ser separados por processos de astrocitos ou podem ser remielinizados. A ocorrencia do processo de remielinizacao depende da intensidade e tempo de exposicao ao agente desmielinizante. A remielinizacao, com total restabelecimento da conducao, pode ser realizada por oligodendrocito ou por celula de Schwann que invade o SNC sempre que os astrocitos sao destruidos.
To study the efficacy of ropivacaine (0.75%) with or without butorphanol as an adjuvant in single shot epidural anaesthesia in lower limb orthopedic surgeries

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of Butorphanol as an adjuvant to Ropivacaine (0.75%) Plain in Single Shot Epidural Anaesthesia on: Onset of Sensory & Motor Block; Duration of Sensory & Motor Block. ; The Hemodynamic Changes Intra operatively & Post operatively; Duration of post-operative analgesia, Side Effects / Complications if any. Material and Methods: 60 adult patients of ASA I/II, posted for elective lower limb surgeries in orthopaedics were divided in to two groups randomly. Group R (n = 30) were given a single shot dose of epidural Ropivacaine 0.75% 20ml and Normal Saline equivalent to 15gm/kg of Butorphanol. Group B (n = 30) were given a single shot dose of epidural Ropivacaine 0.75% 20ml with 15ug/kg Butorphanol as an adjuvant. Results: The mean onset time to achieve desired sensory block was rapid in the Group-B compared to Group-R. The mean time to achieve motor block was faster in Group-B compared to Group-R. The hemodynamic parameters were comparable at all the time among both the groups. Total duration of analgesia was significantly prolonged in Group-B compared to Group-R. No major side effects were observed in either of the group. Conclusion: Epidural 0.75% Ropivacaine with Butorphanol showed better clinical profile as compared to 0.75% Ropivacaine plain for lower limb orthopedic surgeries in single shot epidural anaesthesia.
Demonstration of the Berkeley UXO Discrimination at Live Sites

Abstract : In 2003, the Defense Science Board observed: The problem is that instruments that can detect the buried UXOs also detect numerous scrap metal objects and other artifacts, which leads to an enormous amount of expensive digging. Typically 100 holes may be dug before a real UXO is unearthed! The Task Force assessment is that much of this wasteful digging can be eliminated by the use of more advanced technology instruments that exploit modern digital processing and advanced multi-mode sensors to achieve an improved level of discrimination of scrap from UXOs. Significant progress has been made in discrimination technology. To date, testing of these approaches has been primarily limited to test sites with only limited application at live sites. Acceptance of discrimination technologies requires demonstration of system capabilities at real UXO sites under real world conditions. Any attempt to declare detected anomalies to be harmless and requiring no further investigation will require demonstration to regulators of not only individual technologies, but of an entire decision making process. This characterization study was be the second phase in what is expected to be a continuing effort that will span several years.
Study of Hemoglobin in Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian Diet in Obese Women with risk of cardiac Problem in Lucknow city -

Introduction: Hemoglobin level and pattern of food intake is closely associated with risk of cardiovascular diseases. The cardiovascular diseases are primarily may be due to altered lipid profile which is depend on type and pattern of food intake. Association of vegetarian and non-vegetarianisms in obese women is controversial. Method: The study was conducted on vegetarianism and non-vegetarianism obese female. A total of 55 subjects were enrolled (35 cases and 20 control) for the study. The Anthropometric measurements viz. height, weight, BMI and WHR, BP, were taken and hemoglobin level (Hg %) was assessed in vegetarian and non-vegetarianism obese women. Results: Our results showed that hemoglobin level (Hg %) in non-vegetarianism obese women was (12.35±1.083) high than vegetarian (9.036±1.002) obese women. The blood pressure systolic and diastolic was higher in the non-vegetarian obese women than vegetarians obese female. There were no significant difference was found in heart rate in both groups i.e. vegetarianism and non-vegetarianism obese female. The Blood pressure systolic and diastolic was (127.63± 20.16 and 79.23±10.78) and (128.71± 23.14 and 83.26±9.23) in Vegetarian Non-vegetarian respectively. Discussion: Thus Hemoglobin Level (Hg %) of non-vegetarianism were high in obese women than vegetarian. Due to Some nutrients intake, hemoglobin level was better in non-vegetarians than vegetarians.
Hebbian Synaptic Modifications in Spiking Neurons that Learn

In this paper, we derive a new model of synaptic plasticity, based on recent algorithms for reinforcement learning (in which an agent attempts to learn appropriate actions to maximize its long-term average reward). We show that these direct reinforcement learning algorithms also give locally optimal performance for the problem of reinforcement learning with multiple agents, without any explicit communication between agents. By considering a network of spiking neurons as a collection of agents attempting to maximize the long-term average of a reward signal, we derive a synaptic update rule that is qualitatively similar to Hebb's postulate. This rule requires only simple computations, such as addition and leaky integration, and involves only quantities that are available in the vicinity of the synapse. Furthermore, it leads to synaptic connection strengths that give locally optimal values of the long term average reward. The reinforcement learning paradigm is sufficiently broad to encompass many learning problems that are solved by the brain. We illustrate, with simulations, that the approach is effective for simple pattern classification and motor learning tasks.
Histopathological examination of all resected gall bladder specimens Requisite or redundant

Unsuspected gall bladder carcinoma constitutes 0.3 to 2.85% of cholecystectomies. In the light of its poor prognosis and aggressive nature, the importance of incidentally diagnosed carcinoma cannot be highlighted enough. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of various gall bladder lesions in insured patients of a model hospital and highlighting the need of gallbladder resection. Histopathological study of cholecystectomy specimens was conducted over a period of 2 years. 229 were chronic cholecystits among which 177 were associated with calculi. 27 cases were cholesterolosis, in whom 16 had associated chronic inflammation in the wall induced by calculi. Two cases of adenocarcinoma were detected in clinically and grossly unsuspected cholecystitis cases with associated gall stones (mixed type). Histopathological detection of carcinoma is a gold standard and will continue to be superior to clinical and radiological examination.
Reading Comprehension: Strategies for Independent Learners

Learning about Comprehension from Good Readers. A Closer Look at Comprehension: Context, Processes, Strategies, and Instruction. Creating an Effective Classroom for Comprehension Instruction. Finding a Starting Point: Ways to Assess Comprehension. Strategies for Reading for Information. Strategies for Reading Fiction. Strategies for Vocabulary Development. Strategies for Engaging in Research. Strategies for Performing Tasks, Studying, and Taking Tests. Strategies That Encourage Lifelong Reading.
Activity of ortho-phthalaldehyde against biofilm bacteria using an in-vitro model system

Biofilm associated infections relating to endoscopic procedures may result in asymptomatic colonisation to potentially death. An appropriate high-level disinfectant and adequate pre-cleaning steps are therefore required to prevent the risk of hospital acquired infections relating to endoscopes. Ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA) is an alternative high-level disinfectant to glutaraldehyde (GTA) used for the disinfection of endoscopes. The aims of this thesis were to: i) investigate the efficacy of OPA against planktonic, surface dried bacteria and bacterial biofilm ii) to develop and test a novel in-vitro sodium alginate biofilm method for the testing of OPA iii) to develop a predictive mathematical model for measuring the effect of OPA against bacterial biofilm and iv) to investigate the effect of in-situ re-processing steps used to re-process endoscopes colonised with bacterial biofilm.
Children Starting School: A Guide to Successful Transitions and Transfers for Teachers and Assistants

Planning the start of school: admission Marketing Expectations and preparation Preparing schools for children: the role of the Inclusion Coordinator Transition activities The first day at school Pre-schools, schools and families working together: liaison between settings Early links between home and school On-going collaboration between home and school Settling into school: making sense of school Friendship and social well-being Self-esteem and emotional well-being Continuity during transitions and transfers - transitions and transfers: within phase, cross-phase and pupil mobility Transfer and academic progress Monitoring and evaluating induction and transitions.
IN VITRO COMPARISON OF THE EFFECTS OF GARLIC JUICE AND CHLORHEXIDINE MOUTHWASH ON ORAL PATHOGENS

Background: Mouthwash is used to complete the process of mechanical plaque removal. Chlorhexidine is the most common ingredient in mouthwash so we can use it as a gold standard to compare the effects of new products. Garlic is a strong antimicrobial agent and acts as an inhibitor on both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Objectives: The present study was conducted to compare the effect that garlic juice and Chlorhexidine mouthwash has on oral pathogens. Materials and Methods: Fresh garlic bulbs were used to extract the antibacterial juice. The yellow juice was separated from the pulp with Whatman filter paper. After filtration the liquid was freeze dried and stored at 4°C until required. The bacteria that were tested were: Streptococcus mutans , S. sanguis , S. salivarius and Lactobacillus casei . After cultivation of the bacteria, the Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of the garlic juice and Chlorhexidine were measured using the E-test method, then the Minimal Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of the Chlorhexidine and garlic juice were measured by tube test. Results: The lowest MIC of garlic juice was for S. mutans 0.25 µg/mL and the highest was for L. casei 2. 5 µg/mL. The MIC of Chlorhexidine for these two bacteria was 0.62 µg/mL and 5 µg/mL respectively. The MBC of Chlorhexidine and garlic for S. mutans had the lowest concentration compared with the other tested bacteria. The MBC of Chlorhexidine and garlic for S. mutans was 0.35 µg/mL and 0.3 µg/mL respectively. The highest MBC of Chlorhexidine was for S. sali-varius 10 µg/mL. The MBC of garlic for S. sanguis was similar at 10. 4 µg/mL. Conclusions: The efficacy of garlic juice was higher than Chlorhexidine against target bacteria and could be used as an effective mouthwash, but its side effects need to be investigated.
Energy efficient enabling technologies for semantic video processing on mobile devices

Semantic object-based processing will play an increasingly important role in future multimedia systems due to the ubiquity of digital multimedia capture/playback technologies and increasing storage capacity. Although the object based paradigm has many undeniable benefits, numerous technical challenges remain before the applications becomes pervasive, particularly on computational constrained mobile devices. A fundamental issue is the ill-posed problem of semantic object segmentation. Furthermore, on battery powered mobile computing devices, the additional algorithmic complexity of semantic object based processing compared to conventional video processing is highly undesirable both from a real-time operation and battery life perspective. This thesis attempts to tackle these issues by firstly constraining the solution space and focusing on the human face as a primary semantic concept of use to users of mobile devices. A novel face detection algorithm is proposed, which from the outset was designed to be amenable to be offloaded from the host microprocessor to dedicated hardware, thereby providing real-time performance and reducing power consumption. The algorithm uses an Artificial Neural Network (ANN), whose topology and weights are evolved via a genetic algorithm (GA). The computational burden of the ANN evaluation is offloaded to a dedicated hardware accelerator, which is capable of processing any evolved network topology. Efficient arithmetic circuitry, which leverages modified Booth recoding, column compressors and carry save adders, is adopted throughout the design. To tackle the increased computational costs associated with object tracking or object based shape encoding, a novel energy efficient binary motion estimation architecture is proposed. Energy is reduced in the proposed motion estimation architecture by minimising the redundant operations inherent in the binary data. Both architectures are shown to compare favourable with the relevant prior art.
A SURVEY OF AWARENESS REGARDING DIABETES AND ITS MANAGEMENT AMONG PATIENTS WITH DIABETES IN PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN

Objective: To determine and compare the level of awareness regarding diabetes mellitus, its complications and management in male & female diabetic patients of Peshawar, Pakistan. Methodology: A cross sectional study conducted in Peshawar, from Februaryto July 2013. A well organized questionnaire was used, having fourteen items.The participants were interviewed and the questionnaire was filled by trainedpersons (Diabetes Educators). The correct answers were marked as aware andincorrect as unaware, and made conversions to percentage. Total 561 diabeticpatients were assessed. The data was analyzed using SPSS v.16 software andexcel 2007. Results: The level of awareness regarding diabetes and its management wasfound inadequate. Amongst, 36.3% male and 13% female diabetics were awarethat why glycemic control is important, 63% male and 32.4% females wereaware that diabetes could produce some complications. Similarly 23.7% maleand 10% female respondents know importance of blood glucose monitoring.Only 181 male and 31 female diabetics were aware of hypoglycemia symptomsand management. Over all level of awareness in female patients as compared tomale patients was found low. Conclusion: The overall level of awareness in both male and female diabeticswas found low; and comparatively female patients have poorer awareness.
Fundamental methodologies and tools for the employment of webometric analyses - a discussion and proposal for improving the foundation of webometrics

The paper Fundamental methodologies and tools for the employment of webometric analyses defines the most important rules to keep in mind before performing webometric analyses. The paper deals with the two basic elements, that constitutes the foundation for webometric analyses: the documents being analysed, and the tools that are applied for the data collection. The concepts of a citation theory and a link theory are discussed through a study of the current litterature. Different methodologies for uncovering motivations for making references in scientific articles are reviewed and discussed. A methodology for uncovering motivations for making links on webpages is proposed and applied on six researchers' websites at the Royal School of Library and Information Science in Denmark, and on all the institutes at the same institution and at selected institutes at The Technical University of Denmark. The paper further contains a review on the linktopology of the Internet and the current status for the tools available for data collection. Finally, alternative possible tools for applying webometric analyses are proposed. The alternative tools are the Researchindex invented by Lawrence and Giles (Lawrence, Bollacker & Giles, 1999b; Giles, Bollacker & Lawrence, 1998), Kleinberg's HITS algorithm employed in the Clever search engine (The Clever Project, n.d.; Kleinberg, 1998), Proposals for possible extensions to the HTTP protocol to facilitate the collection and navigation of backlink information in the world wide web made by Chakrabarti, Gibson and McCurley (Chakrabarti, Gibson & McCurley, 1999c) and finally Link Agent, a program we have developed for this paper. The program makes it possible to uncover the reciprocal linking webpages, that exist in relation to the outgoing links from a chosen webpage.
Polymer Dielectrics Design Using First Principles Computations and Machine Learning

The current standard for capacitive energy storage applications is bixally-oriented polypropylene (BOPP) which has a large band gap and a high breakdown strength, but a small dielectric constant. To meet the growing needs for high energy density capacitors, we use high throughput density functional theory (DFT) calculations in combination with machine learning (ML) methods to design new polymer dielectrics with high dielectric constant and large band gap. Different polymer classes are considered, from C-based organic polymers to novel Si-, Ge-, and Sn-based polymers. Newly developed high throughput DFT methods were used first to accurately determine the dielectric constant and band gap of different polymer systems for a set of limited compositions and configurations. ML methods were then used to predict the properties of systems spanning a much larger part of the configurational and compositional space. Based on this strategy, we are able to identify a set of new polymers with simultaneously high dielectric constant and large band gap.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Nursing Ethics and Law among Nurses at Federal Medical Centre, Bida

It is universally acknowledged that nursing profession is guided by both ethic and legal principles as it is the tools for professional discipline which gives the nurse a broad idea of what is expected of her as she moves from the protective ambiance of school into the society. Social changes such as right to healthcare, increasing cost of healthcare and conflicting institutional policies create ethico-legal problems for the nurses. This study is a cross-sectional descriptive study designed to determine knowledge, attitude and practice of nursing ethics and law among nurses at Federal Medical Centre, Bida. A total of 149 questionnaires were administered using simple random sampling technique. The main findings of this study established that the participating nurses possess considerably good knowledge, attitude and practice of nursing ethics and law. Majority (82.6%) of the participants obtained knowledge about ethical dilemma mostly (36%) through seminar/workshops followed by those (31%) who knew about it right from their respective schools of training. Three factors of professional progression in this study; professional qualification (p=.015), years of experience (p=.000) and rank (p=.002) had noticeable effects on knowledge, attitude and practice of nursing ethics and law among the participants. Several options were identified by the participants as remedies to reduce the incidence of ethical and legal issues in their practice area. These include; periodic workshops, adherence to nursing code of ethics, utilization of hospital policy and personal development. Although participants differedon whether providers should adhere to patients' wish at all times,they possess good knowledge on nursing ethics and law. The overall results of the study suggested that there is need for nurses to understand the relationship and limitations between ethics, hospital policy and legal issues as they relate to nursing practice.
Therapeutic and anti-oxidant activity of vitamin E and selenium in bovine Staphylococcal mastitis

Therapeutic and anti-oxidant potential of vitamin E and selenium was evaluated in mastitic cows. The CMT point score and milk somatic cell count (SCC) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in mastitic cows prior to treatment. Reduced activity of enzymatic anti-oxidant catalase was observed in mastitic animals. The parameters studied in mastitic cows treated amoxicillin sulbactum (group II) and with amoxicillin sulbactum, vitamin E and selenium (group III) were compared with that of group I healthy cows. Significant reduction (P < 0.05) in CMT and SCC was observed in both the treated groups. However, reduction in CMT point score and SCC was more pronounced in group III than group II cows. Synergistic action of antibiotic and vitamin E selenium significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced the activity of catalase in group III mastitic animals on day 8 time period. Therefore, vitamin E and selenium supplementation could be advised in the therapy of mastitis.