Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Postgraduate Perspectives on E-feedback

This research project examined the assessment feedback method used for summative coursework on a postgraduate, blended learning programme within the Institute of Health and Society. The aim was to determine if and how the introduction of electronic feedback changes the way students interact and learn from feedback. This study was undertaken with the participants from four student c ohorts from the same Master’s degree programme. An electronic survey questionnaire with primarily open -ended questions was utilised to collect qualitative data about their learning exper ience and the proposed changes. Data was analysed for thematic content using the principles of grounded theory. Responses were analysed manually for key words or sentences, phrases and themes. Codes were applied and then sorted into category schemes. Responses were received from 28 students. Data analysis of the questionnaire responses identified 22 codes. The codes were further analysed to identify simple category schemes, these were identified as relating to convenience, timing, the student’s processing of feedback, contact with the tutor or about the actual comments given in the feedback. 10 of the responders had received electronic feedback via the student online learning environment (SOLE) system via one of the trial modules. 17 responders had not received electronic feedback via the SOLE system. Results highlight the importance of timely feedback within modular postgraduate study and the importance of regular access to face-to-face tutorial contact with academic staff. Electronic feedback has the potential to allow students more time to review and engage with feedback and to deliver many benefits that are perceived as convenient and timely, however it is still perceived by some as impersonal and offering no added benefits when compared to handwritten feedback. The main recommendations are to use e -feedback on all modules within the postgraduate programme whilst formalising the offer of face to face or telephone feedback tutorials to maintain personal contact. Formative feedback sessions within modules should continue to be developed, building reflective skills of learners en couraging both self and peer assessment.
MANAGEMENT OF DIABETIC FOOT ACCORDING TO WAGNER'S CLASSIFICATION AND FREQUENCY OF DIABETIC FOOT DISEASE IN OTHER FOOT A STUDY OF 98 CASES

Objective: To find the grade wise distribution of diabetic foot ulcer, the best surgical management for different grades of diabetic foot ulcer and factors that can decrease the rate of morbidity and mortality in these patients. Material and Methods: The study was conducted in Surgical “A” Unit, PGMI Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan from April 2007 to April 2008. 98 patients with diabetic foot disease were included. Detailed history, clinical examination and investigations were recorded. Lesions of the diabetic foot were graded according to the Wagner classification and appropriate medical and surgical treatment carried out. Results: Fifty nine patients were males and thirty nine were females. Common age group was above 40 years and mostly between 40-60 years. Ninety nine percent of the patients were suffering from Type II Diabetes Mellitus. In more than half (58.16%) of the patients family history of diabetes was absent. Eleven patients had grade 1, 15 grade 2, 19 grade 3, 32 grade 4 and 21 patients had grade 5 lesions. Staphylococcus aureus was the commonest organism (74.28%) isolated. On Doppler studies of the patients 61.9% patients were found to have stenosed leg vessels (Popliteal, Anterior tibial and Posterior tibial). Other co-morbid conditions like hypertension were found in 75 patients, ischemic heart disease in 40 patients and renal disease in 28 patients. Seven patients were treated with conservative antibiotics alone, 22 had incision and drainage, 28 had debridement and dressing, 38 needed amputations of different types and 2 patients needed skin graft for chronic ulcer. Disease in other foot was noted to be in 50 patients, 28 with grade 0 and 22 with grade 1. Conclusion: In patients of Diabetic foot disease all grades were seen. Lesser grade lesions responded well to conservative treatment with antibiotics while higher grades needed incision and drainage, debridement and dressing and even amputation. Early hospital admission, good glycemic control, appropriate medical and surgical treatment along with patient councelling in foot care can decrease morbidity and mortality due to the complications of diabetic foot disease.
Online Course Design Elements to Better Meet the Academic Needs of Students with Dyslexia in Higher Education.

This study sought to determine if an online course designed and delivered in Second Life can meet the needs of higher education students with dyslexia. the course design incorporated strategies from Gagne’ and Briggs’ principles of instruction, Gagnon and Collay’s constructivist learning design, Powell’s key learning needs of dyslexics, and elements of universal design. Specific design elements are discussed including screen captures from the design. the study employed a mixed methods approach incorporating an online survey, recorded observation session, and two follow up interviews. the observation session and interviews were only completed by the sample population of eight participants, which included three participants with dyslexia and five participants without dyslexia. the sample population was selected using purposeful sampling techniques to ensure the widest representation of the population with a small sample. Extensive excerpts of the sample participants’ interview responses are presented and discussed, including participants’ suggestions for improving the course design. Key findings from all three data sources are discussed. Finally, implications for instructional design and special education and suggestions for further research are presented.
Cellular neuro-fuzzy networks (CNFNs), a new class of cellular networks

A new architecture based on the cellular neural network (CNN) paradigm is proposed. If the linear combinator and the piecewise-linear function of a CNN is replaced by a fuzzy-logic unit, a new cellular network is obtained with improved capabilities. This network is called a cellular neuro-fuzzy network (CNFN). CNFNs inherit all the excellent properties of the CNNs, with the advantage of a greater flexibility at the expense of a higher complexity. Nevertheless, the CNFN can be efficiently built by means of modern analog integrated circuit technology.
LVQPAK: A software package for the correct application of Learning Vector Quantization algorithms

An overview of the software package LVQPAK, which has been developed for convenient and effective application of learning vector quantization algorithms, is presented. Two new features are included: fast conflict-free initial distribution of codebook vectors into the class zones and the optimized-learning-rate algorithm OLVQ1. <<ETX>>
Repurposing multiple sclerosis drug dimethyl fumarate, a promising fast track candidate for systemic cutaneous T cell lymphoma treatment

In their recent publication in Blood , Nicolay et al . (1) report that the immune-modulatory drug dimethyl fumarate (DMF), which is approved for treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) exerts profound effects on cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) cells from human patients in vitro and inhibits tumor growth and distant metastasis in two different animal models of CTCL. Mechanistically, DMF restored the sensitivity of CTCL cells towards apoptosis by down-modulating elevated NF-κB activity in these cells as well as NF-κB-dependent target gene expression in tumor cells. Importantly, this restoration of apoptosis sensitivity was observed only in tumor cells but not in healthy lymphocytes, hence pointing towards a highly attractive tumor-specific mechanism with minor side effects and a well-known safety profile.
Acid-induced lung injury: Role of nuclear factor-κB

BACKGROUND Aspiration of acidic gastric contents leads to acute lung injury and is still one of the most common clinical events associated with acute lung injury. This study was performed to assess acid-induced lung inflammation in vitro and in vivo with respect to the time pattern of activated transcription factor nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and proinflammatory molecules. METHODS L2 cells (alveolar epithelial cells) were exposed for various periods to a medium with a pH of 6. In the in vivo model, 1 ml/kg of 0.1 n acidic solution was instilled into the lungs of rats. NF-kappaB binding activity and expression pattern of inflammatory mediators were determined. Blocking studies were performed with the NF-kappaB inhibitor pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate. RESULTS In vitro NF-kappaB binding activity showed a biphasic expression pattern with a first peak at 1 h and a second one at 6-8 h. In acid-injured rat lungs, NF-kappaB binding activity was confirmed in a biphasic manner with a first increase at 0.5-2 h (608 +/- 93% and 500 +/- 15%, respectively, P < 0.05) and a second peak at 8 h (697 +/- 35% increase, P < 0.005). Whole lung mRNA for macrophage inflammatory protein-1beta and macrophage inflammatory protein-2 showed a similar expression pattern, which could explain the biphasic neutrophil recruitment. Intratracheal pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate attenuated lung injury as evidenced by a reduction of neutrophil accumulation and expression of inflammatory mediators. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that NF-kappaB binding activity plays a key role in molecular and cellular events in acid-induced lung injury.
ACSM's primary care sports medicine

BASIC SCIENCE AND SPORTS MEDICINE Primary Care Perspective Douglas B. McKeag and James L. Moeller Epidemiology of Athletic Injuries Eric D. Zemper and Randall W. Dick Exercise Physiology and Exercise Testing Carl Foster, Matthew J. Faber, and John P. Porcari Nutrition Leslie Bonci PREVENTIVE SPORTS MEDICINE Preparticipation Screening James L. Moeller and Douglas B. McKeag Conditioning and Training Programs for Athletes/Nonathletes Sally E. Nogle and Jeffrey S. Monroe Exercise as Medicine: The Role of Exercise in Treating Chronic Disease Eric J. Anish and Chris A. Klenck Injury Prevention Michael P. Montico, Joanne Nguyen, Scott W. Eathorne, and Martha A. Steele Covering Athletic Competition Thomas R. Terrell and James L. Moeller CLINICAL SPORTS MEDICINE Management of On-site Emergencies Brent S.E. Rich, Benjamin B. Betteridge, and Spencer E. Richards Respiratory System Jeffrey R. Kovan and James L. Moeller Gastrointestinal System Scott A. Paluska Cardiovascular System Vivien Lim, Aarvind Rao Kokkirala, and Paul D. Thompson Head Injuries Margot Putukian Peripheral Neuropathy Philip D. Zaneteas Genitourinary System Kevin B. Gebke Dermatologic Conditions in Athletes Delmas J. Bolin Acute Infections Christopher A. McGrew Hematology Thomas H. Trojian and Diana L. Heiman Endocrine Thomas H. Trojian Environment Thomas H. Trojian Challenged Athletes Katherine L. Dec Common Sports-Related Injuries and Illnesses: Generic Conditions Douglas B. McKeag Head and Neck Scott H. Grindel The Shoulder and Upper Extremity David J. Petron and Umar Khan The Elbow Roger L. McCoy, II and C. Edward Clark, III Wrist, Hand, and Finger Injuries Wade A. Lillegard Chest and Abdominal Wall Sami F. Rifat Thoracic and Lumbar Spine Scott W. Eathorne Pelvis, Hip, and Upper Leg David M. Peck Knee Injuries E. James Swenson, Jr. Lower Leg and Ankle Neeru Jayanthi Foot and Toes Katherine L. Dec DIAGNOSTIC STUDIES, REHABILITATION, AND ASSOCIATED AREAS Imaging in Sports Medicine Jonathan A. Staser and Kenneth A. Buckwalter Rehabilitation Michael D. Jackson Sport Psychology Christopher M. Carr Drug Use Richard T. Ferro SPORTS MEDICINE AND YOUR COMMUNITY Building a Sports Medicine Practice and Network Christopher Madden Patient and Community Education on Physical Fitness Eric D. Zemper
Periodontitis and perceived risk for periodontitis in elders with evidence of depression

Background: Depression and periodontitis are common conditions in older adults. There is some evidence that these two conditions may be related. Aims: To study a population of dentate elders and assess the prevalence of depression, self-assessment of risk for periodontitis and tooth loss, in relation to periodontal disease status. Material and methods: Data were obtained from 701 older subjects (mean age 67.2 years (SD′4.6), of whom 59.5% were women. Self-reports of a diagnosis of depression, scores of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and self-assessment of risk for future tooth loss and periodontitis were compared with a diagnosis of periodontitis based on probing depth, and bone loss assessed from panoramic radiographs. Other systemic diseases and smoking habits were also determined and studied in relation to depression. Results: A history of depression was reported by 20% of the subjects. GDS scores ≥ 8 were reported by 9.8% of the elders. Periodontitis was identified in 48.5% of the subjects. Depression was associated with heart attack (p<0.05), stroke (p<0.01), high blood pressure (p<0.02), all combined cardiovascular diseases (p<0.001), chronic pain (p<0.01), osteoarthritis (p<0.001), and osteoporosis (p< 0.001) but not with periodontitis (p = 0.73). Subjects with depression had a higher self-reported risk score for future tooth loss (p<0.02). No group difference emerged for self-perceived risk for periodontitis. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that a past history of tooth loss (p<0.001), self-perceived risk for periodontitis (p<0.02), the number of years with a smoking habit (p<0.02), and male gender (p<0.02) were associated with a diagnosis of periodontitis but neither measure of depression could be included in an explanatory model for periodontitis. Conclusions: Evidence of depression (self-report or by GDS) is not associated with risk for periodontitis in older subjects but is associated with tooth loss and chronic conditions associated with pain.
Does Holding a Teacher Education Degree Make a Difference in School Counselors' Job Performance?.

An important hiring criterion maintained by some school districts is that school counselors possess a teaching certificate and prior teaching experience. The present study examined the actual job performance of novice school counselor (interns) in relation to whether they had teacher certification and at least two years of teaching experience, or entered the school counseling profession as non-teachers. Results showed that standardized supervisors’ evaluations of counselor interns’ performance in four main skill areas (Professional Behavior, Clinical Skills, Teaching Skills, Hireability) were not associated with prior teacher training and/or experience. However, male, novice counselors were rated somewhat lower on the domain of Professional Behavior than female counselors. The methodological advantages of studying the teachercounselor question using novice counselors and expert supervisor-evaluators are discussed. The implications for graduate program training and hiring practices are summarized.
An Analytical Model for Deriving the 3-D Potentials and the Front and Back Gate Threshold Voltages of a Mesa- Isolated Small Geometry Fully Depleted SOI MOSFET

For a mesa-isolated small geometry SOI MOSFET, the potentials in the silicon film, front, back, and side-wall oxide layers can be derived three- dimensionally. Using Taylor's series expansions of the trigonometric functions, the derived potentials are written in terms of the natural length that can be determined by using the derived formula. From the derived 3-D potentials, the minimum values of the front and the back surface potentials are derived and used to obtain the closed-form expressions for the front and back gate threshold voltages as functions of various device parameters and applied bias voltages. Obtained results can be found to explain the drain- induced threshold voltage roll-off and the narrow width effect of a fully depleted small geometry SOI MOSFET in a unified manner.
3D soft-tissue, 2D hard-tissue and psychosocial changes following orthognathic surgery.

A 3D imaging system (C3D®), based on the principles of stereophotogrammetry, has been developed for use in the assessment of facial changes following orthognathic surgery. Patients’ perception of their facial appearance before and after orthognathic surgery has been evaluated using standardised questionnaires, but few studies have tried to link this perception with the underlying two-dimensional cephalometric data. Comparisons between patients’ subjective opinions and 3D objective assessment of facial morphology have not been performed. Aims: (1) To test the reliability of the 3D imaging system; (2) to determine the effect of orthognathic surgery on the 3D soft-tissue morphology; (3) to assess skeletal changes following orthognathic surgery; (4) to evaluate soft-tissue to hard-tissue displacement ratios; (5) to ascertain the impact of orthognathic surgery on patients’ perception of their facial appearance and their psychosocial characteristics, (6) to explore the dentofacial deformity, sex and age on the psychosocial characteristics; (7) to evaluate the extent of compatibility between the cephalometric and the three-dimensional measurements and (8) to determine if the magnitude of facial soft-tissue changes affects the perception of facial changes at six months following surgery. Results and Conclusions: C3D imaging system was proved to be accurate with high reproducibility. The reproducibility of landmark identification on 3D models was high for 24 out of the 34 anthropometric landmarks (SD£0.5 mm). One volumetric algorithm in the Facial Analysis Tool had an acceptable accuracy for the assessment of volumetric changes following orthognathic surgery (mean error=0.314 cm3). The error of cephalometric method was low and the simulation of mandibular closure proved to be reproducible. 2D soft-tissue measurements were compatible with 3D measurements in terms of distances, but angular measurements showed significant differences (p<0.05).
Application of Role and Role Conflict Theory to Administration in Occupational Therapy Education

The purpose of this study was to determine and define, for chairpersons of occupational therapy education programs, role expectations as held by the role incumbents and those who border that role, to identify possible areas of conflict arising from differences in those expectations, and to relate those findings to theoretical writings on role and role conflict theory. The theoretical basis of this study was the work of Getzels and associates on administration as a social system. Through the instrument developed for this study from the available literature on chairperson role expectations, answers were sought to questions about ideal and actual chairperson role expectations, perceived role conflict, and the relationship of the perceived ideal role to the theoretical role found in the literature. Copies of the instrument were mailed to the dean, chairperson, and a representative number of faculty of 48 of the 49 professional education programs in occupational therapy approved by The American Occupational Therapy Association. Usable responses were received from a total of 32 deans, 38 chairpersons, and 127 faculty members. The data were analyzed by means of frequency distributions and, where comparisons were required, the Kruskal- Wallis-H test and the Wilcoxon T test were used. Results indicated areas of agreement and disagreement about chairperson role expectations and highlighted areas of potential conflict.
Statistical multiplexing and connection admission control in ATM networks

Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) technology is widely employed for the trans­ port of network traffic, and has the potential to be the base technology for the next generation of global communications. Connection Admission Control (CAC) is the most effective traffic control mechanism which is necessary in ATM networks in order to avoid possible congestion at each network node and to achieve the Quality-of-Service (QoS) requested by each connection. CAC determines whether or not the network should accept a new connection. A new connection will only be accepted if the network has sufficient resources to meet its QoS requirements without affecting the QoS commitments already made by the network for exist­ ing connections. The design of a high-performance CAC is based on an in-depth understanding of the statistical characteristics of the traffic sources. The aim of this research is to investigate the statistical characteristics of the ATM traffic, and develop a computationally efficient and robust CAC scheme based on a novel closed-loop architecture which is capable of achieving high network resources utilization while satisfying the QoS requirements of all con­ nections. First, loss performance analysis of heterogeneous traffic sources is performed. A cell loss rate function is defined which is used to characterize the cell loss of heterogeneous traffic sources in the bufferless fluid flow model. Cell loss rate function is a convenient and effective tool to study the loss performance. The stochastic ordering theory is used to analyze the cell loss rate function. The loss performance of heterogeneous traffic sources, especially heterogeneous on-off
Stress and coping strategies among medical students in National University of Malaysia, Malaysia University of Sabah and University Kuala Lumpur Royal College of Medicine Perak

Introduction : Stress is part of our life. It can happen anywhere including in medical school. Medical school is perceived as being stressful because their difficulties in education, longest period of study and dealing with the patients. Stress can be perceive as negative or positive. Coping strategies are the method that we can use to prevent stress when it comes to us. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of stress and coping strategies among of medical students in National University of Malaysia, Malaysia University of Sabah and Universiti Kuala Lumpur Royal College of Medicine Perak. Methods : This study involved 450 medical students through stratified sampling in which 150 medical students from each of the three universities. This study was conducted through self administered questionnaires. The questionnaires included were socio demographic factor, Personal Stress Inventory (using Stress Symptoms Scale with 52 items), BRIEF COPE (Coping Orientation for Problems Experienced with 28 items). The determination of cut off point for stress symptoms score was using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve. Results : Response rate was 90.8%. The prevalence of stress among medical students were 44.1%. The contributory factors to the stress were financial problems, stress of up coming examination period, relationship problems with parents, peers, siblings and lecturers. Coping mechanisms which had significant association with stress includes self distraction, venting of emotion, denial, behavioral disengagement, humor and self blaming. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed a significant association (p<0.05) between stress scores and venting of emotion, self blaming, problems of relationship with peers, parents, lecturers and financial problems. These factors explained the 30.1% variation of stress score symptoms. Conclusion : Almost half of the medical students had stress and they have used coping strategies during handling the stress from worsening. Financial problems and relationship problems were the two most influencing factors in stress. Therefore, the results of this study can be used to determine the preventive steps in stress among medical students and the coping strategies used in handling stress.
Two systems for automatic software diversification

This paper investigates the use of redundancy and artificial diversity in information security. We discuss two fundamentally different approaches to creating diversity: syntax-based software mutation, and alternate representations of the program's semantics obtained by abstract interpretation. We describe two prototype systems, one implementing each approach, and we discuss the practical strengths and weaknesses of each approach.