Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative Effectiveness of Muscle Energy Technique and Static Stretching for Treatment of Subacute Mechanical Neck Pain

Background: Neck pain is a common problem within our society. Upper trapezius and the levator scapulae are the most common postural muscles that tends to get shorten leading to restricted neck mobility. If these group of muscles are treated it may provide with best results. There is lack of evidence to allow conclusions to be drawn about the effectiveness of Muscle energy technique (MET) when compared with stretching exercises for relieving mechanical neck pain. It would be interesting to study if these two techniques yield comparable outcomes and if one technique is superior to the next which should be the alternate choice of therapy . Objective: To evaluate the comparative effectiveness of Muscle energy technique and static stretching on pain and active cervical range of motion (ROM) in subacute mechanical neck pain Subjects and methods: 45 patients with subacute mechanical neck pain were randomly assigned to receive Muscle Energy Technique plus conventional physiotherapy (group 1, n = 15), static stretching plus conventional exercise program (group 2, n = 15) and conventional physiotherapy only (group 3, n = 15). Intervention: Group 1 received 6 sessions of Muscle Energy Technique and 10 sessions of conventional physiotherapy. Group 2 received 6 sessions of static stretching and 10 sessions of conventional physiotherapy. Group 3 received 10 sessions of conventional physiotherapy. All groups were treated for 2 weeks. Outcome measures: Pain intensity on 100mm VAS, active cervical lateral flexion range of motion, active cervical rotation range of motion. Results: Paired t-test was used for within group analysis. ANOVA followed by post hoc analysis was employed for between group comparisons. No significant difference was found in any of the outcome measure between MET and static stretching groups (p > 0.05) while both were found to be significantly better than the conventional exercise group (p < 0.05) between the 3 groups. Statistically significant improvements were found in all the 3 groups for all the outcome measures (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study concluded that both the treatment techniques, muscle energy technique and static stretching were effective in alleviating the mechanical neck pain in terms of decreasing pain intensity and increasing active cervical range of motion as there was no significant difference between the two groups, however MET was superior than static stretching in decreasing pain intensity and increasing active cervical range of motion.
The Impact of Gender on Mid-Career Labour Income: The Case of Bulgaria

The impact assessment of education and gender on mid-career labour income in a transitional economy could provide for better understanding of the influence of the labour market dynamics over individuals with different characteristics. Here, we attempt to find an answer to the question: How education and gender determine mid-career labour income? We estimate the returns to education depending on gender using Mincerian equations and regressions. The data set we use is from the Structure of Earnings Survey conducted by the National Statistical Institute in 2002 and 2006. The analysis covers over 130,000 employees between 35 and 49 years old. The impact assessment allows conclusions about the wage gap between men and women, working in different economic sectors incl. the division of public and private sector, services and industry. The access to managerial position and gender differences in the type of the labour contract have been investigated for their contribution to the persistence of a gender pay gap among the individuals with a tertiary education.
Effects of Mixed Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers Application on Soil Properties and the Growth of Kenaf ( Hibiscus cannabinus L.) Cultivated on Bris Soils

The demand for kenaf in the world increases rapidly by the years. Cultivation of the crop in Malaysia is a challenging task, especially when kenaf is grown on sandy soils with low fertility, such as the BRIS S oils (Beach Ridges Interspersed with Swales). A pot stud y was conducted in a glasshouse at Universiti Putra Malaysia to evaluate the potential of inorganic and organic fertilizers or their combination for growi ng kenaf on very sandy BRIS Soils, using variety V36. There were altogether sixteen treatments: (T 1)-control (100% BRIS soil), (T 2)-NPK (chemical fertilizer), (T 3)-CM (chicken manure), (T 4)-B (biochar), (T 5)-Z (zeolite), (T 6)-NPK+CM, (T 7)-NPK+B, (T 8)-NPK+Z, (T 9)-CM+B, (T 10 )-CM+Z, (T 11 )-B+Z, (T 12 )-NPK+CM+B, (T 13 )-NPK+CM+Z, (T 14 )-CM+B+Z, (T 15 )-NPK+B+Z and (T 16 )- NPK+CM+B+Z. Results showed that application of inorganic material or organic fertil izer in combination with chemical fertilizer (T 2 and T 16 ) improved soil fertility, which are reflected by the increase inexchangeable K, Ca and Mg, CEC, total N, total C and available P. The highest kenaf growth w as observed in T 15 treatment.Application of biochar, zeolite or chicken manure alone on the soils did no t result in better kenaf growth compared to the con trol. Zeolite and biochar should be applied with other fe rtilizers or organic substrate to obtain a positive yield of crop and increase the soil properties. In addition, more studies on the application of chicken manure at different ratios should be conducted to obtain the best yield. Combination treatment, T 15 (NPK + biochar + zeolite) can be suggested to the farmers especially cultivation of kenaf on sandy BRIS soil in order t o obtain the best kenaf growth performance and indirectly re duce excessive use of chemical fertilizers.
Trade liberalization and inter-provincial dumping in a spatial equilibrium model: the case of the Canadian dairy industry

The paper introduces imperfect competition in a spatial equilibrium model of provincial dairy markets to analyze the welfare impacts of trade liberalization. Our model accounts for output restrictions at the farm level and the potential presence of market power at the processing level. Our model builds on the reciprocal dumping model of Brander and Krugman (1983) because processing firms from different provinces compete with one another in several provinces. Simulations reveal that welfare in the Canadian dairy sector could increase by as much as $1 billion per year if aggressive tariff cuts were made while moderate liberalization plans would yield annual gains of $234.5 million. Even large producing provinces like Quebec and Ontario gain from trade liberalization. In comparison, a perfect competition model yields more modest welfare gains in the range of $15.6 million and $34.5 million. Finally, we show that the switch in the sign of the transport cost-welfare relation identified by Brander and Krugman (1983) occurs at transport costs that are too high to be policy-relevant.
Gravity or turbulence? II. Evolving column density PDFs in molecular clouds

It has been recently shown that molecular clouds do not exhibit a unique shape for the column density probability distribution function (Npdf). Instead, clouds without star formation seem to possess a lognormal distribution, while clouds with active star formation develope a power-law tail at high column densities. The lognormal behavior of the Npdf has been interpreted in terms of turbulent motions dominating the dynamics of the clouds, while the power-law behavior occurs when the cloud is dominated by gravity. In the present contribution we use thermally bi-stable numerical simulations of cloud formation and evolution to show that, indeed, these two regimes can be understood in terms of the formation and evolution of molecular clouds: a very narrow lognormal regime appears when the cloud is being assembled. However, as the global gravitational contraction occurs, the initial density fluctuations are enhanced, resulting, first, in a wider lognormal Npdf, and later, in a power-law Npdf. We thus suggest that the observed Npdf of molecular clouds are a manifestation of their global gravitationally contracting state. We also show that, contrary to recent suggestions, the exact value of the power-law slope is not unique, as it depends on the projection in which the cloud is being observed.
Hidden Liquidity: Determinants and Impact

We cross-sectionally analyze the presence of aggregated hidden depth and trade volume in the S&P 500 and identify its key determinants. We find that the spread is the main predictor for a stockâ€™s hidden dimension, both in terms of traded and posted liquidity. Our findings moreover suggest that large hidden orders are associated with larger transaction costs, higher price impact and increased volatility. In particular, as large hidden orders fail to attract (latent) liquidity to the market, hidden liquidity provision gives rise to negative liquidity externalities.
The Effects of Household Sizes on the Living Standard in Uyo Municipality, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Nigeria sector policies on birth control and child spacing are all aimed at household size reduction and enhanced better standard of living. This is because increased household sizes in most cases progressively increases poverty, thus lowering the household living standard. This study examines the effect of household size, among other correlates, on the standard of living of the sampled respondents in Uyo, metropolis using income and basic needs approach. The results revealed an inverse relationship between household sizes and monthly income per capita, housing density, availability of medical facilities as well as for pipe borne water. Larger household sizes were found to live in rented apartment within densely populated area and the housing type was composite. Majority of the categorized household sizes lived in concrete wall and zinc roof type of building and were all connected to the national grid for power supply. However, irrespective of household sizes, respondents complained of irregular electric power supply in the study area. The study concluded that increase household size had negative effect on the living conditions of the respondents. It recommended for an “all inclusive” vigorous house hold size reduction policy for the country and an aggressive cultural campaign with an effective enforcement strategy. Original Research Article Frank et al.; AJEBA, 5(2): 1-8, 2017; Article no.AJEBA. 35890 2
Online Or Delayed Olfactometry – a Comparison Based on Results from Four Different Types of Pig Housing Or Mitigation Systems

The performance of on-site measurements by dynamic olfactometry using a mobile laboratory with online measurements was compared with delayed olfactometric analysis carried out by two external laboratories using the same kind of olfactometer as the mobile laboratory. All sampling and analyses were performed according to CEN 13725:2003, and analyses at the external laboratories were carried out within 24 hours of sampling. Sampling was not performed at the mobile laboratory, since the olfactometer was connected directly to the source with a heated sampling tube. In total, results for 120 odour measurements, representing four different types of pig housing or mitigation systems, were compared. Due to the direct connection between the olfactometer and the source in the mobile laboratory, there was no time delay or other effects (e.g. sampling bags, temperature or condensation) that could affect the results. The number of panellists used in the mobile laboratory was lower than that used in one of the two external laboratories. The results for each sample were compared in order to evaluate the overall performance of the three laboratories with regard to concentration levels and variance. The study shows a statistically significant difference between the results from the three laboratories. The variance in the mobile laboratory with online measurements was lower than that in the two laboratories using delayed olfactometry, and most of the difference was due to day-to-day variance.
Equivalent circuit of single-core cable line with ground return wire and variable earth resistivity along its path

This paper presents an approach of modelling single-core cable line and a parallel laid additional conductor. Results are presented from various analyzed cases, which include situations when the additional conductor is not laid along full cable length. The proposed approach besides offering a possibility to reduce complex multiphase cable line to a single equivalent π-circuit enables decision making on the length of the additional conductor. Namely, its length could be reduced in order to reduce costs without compromising the safety levels of touch and step voltages. Streszczenie. W artykule zaprezentowano podejście do modelowania linii kablowej jednordzeniowej I rownolegle polozonego przewodu dodatkowego. Wyniki otrzymano z dla roznych przypadkow analizowanych, wlączających takie sytuacje kiedy dodatkowy przewod nie jest polozony wzdluz calej dlugości kabla. Zaproponowane podejście, oprocz dostarczenia mozliwości redukcji wielofazowej linii kablowej do pojedynczego zastepczego π-obwodu, umozliwia podejmowanie decyzji co do dlugości dodatkowego przewodu, Mianowicie, jego dlugośc moze byc zredukowana w celu redukcji kosztow bez zmniejszenia poziomow bezpieczenstwa w zakresie napiecia dotykowego i krokowego. (Obwod zastepczy jedno- rdzeniowej linii kablowej z przewodem ziemnopowrotnym i zmienną rezystywnością ziemi wzdluz jego ściezki )
Characterizing Conflict in Wikipedia

Wikipedia serves as the Internet’s most widely viewed reference. In order to ensure its success, editors who create and maintain articles must resolve conflicts over appropriate article content. Previous research has measured Wikipedia conflict at two levels: single articles and categories of pages. I observe conflicts within small groups of articles, identifying their frequency, size, and intensity. Additionally, I identify individual conflicts spanning multiple articles and effects of conflict upon users’ editing habits. I analyze cross-article conflict in three stages. First, I cluster a group of 1.4 million Wikipedia articles. Next, I find individual user conflicts within each article cluster using a list of reverts. Finally, I characterize the individual conflicts and analyze population statistics. While most conflicts are low-intensity and take place in a single article, high-intensity conflicts frequently span multiple articles.
Malolactic Fermentation Induced by Lactobacillus plantarum in Malbec Wines from Argentina

The current market requirements to obtain wines with enhanced complexity and varietal character propose the finding of new microorganisms capable of driving the malolactic fermentation (MLF) and contributing to new and distinctive sensory profiles in wines. During MLF, malic acid naturally present in the must is converted into lactic acid by a decarboxylation reaction driven by lactic acid bacteria. Recently, a new strain of Lactobacillus plantarum suitable for MLF in high-pH wines was selected. This study evaluates the capacity of the L. plantarum V22 starter culture to complete MLF at laboratory and semi-industrial scale in different Malbec musts from Argentina. Malbec musts were co-inoculated with S. cerevisiae D254 and L. plantarum V22 to conduct alcoholic fermentation and MLF respectively. Two groups of Malbec musts were identified according to the ability of L. plantarum to consume malic acid. A first group, called “High Feasibility for MLF”, is characterised by the high viability of L. plantarum and the completion of MLF. On the other hand, a second group was identified, termed “Partial Feasibility for MLF”, and is characterised by a decreased viability of L. plantarum and incomplete MLF. This study shows that the capacity of L. plantarum to conduct MLF in Malbec musts is dependent on must composition, further suggesting that the evolution of pH during the fermentation process, rather than initial pH, is a critical factor affecting the successful completion of MLF.
A Comparison of Yield Potential and Cultivar Performance of 20 Collected Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) Accessions Employing Seeds vs. Stem Cuttings

A glasshouse experiment was conducted in Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) to evaluate the regeneration and yield potential in purslane using both seeds and stem cuttings of 20 collected accessions from different locations in Western Peninsular Malaysia. Analysis results revealed significant variations (P< 0.05) for morphological traits viz., plant height, number of main branches, number of nodes, internodal distance, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, number of flowers, root length, fresh and dry weight but no significant difference were observed for physiological traits viz., total chlorophyll, net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration, water vapor deficit and for either major micro or macro minerals. Hope our research findings will eliminate the doubt of using cutting methods for purslane propagation and cultivation among producers and consumers and will promote their determination to follow purslane production in this summer at any season and anywhere. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt to evaluate and to detect any significant variations arising in morphological, physiological, and especially mineral nutrition in purslane propagated through cuttings vs. through seeds.
New evidence on the impact of fees on mutual fund performance of two types of funds

The impact of fees on mutual fund performance has received little research attention as is also the cases of performance differences of two classes of funds, one the common mutual funds and the other mutual funds with strict compliance with filters based on a number of binding restrictions as in Islamic mutual funds. After confirming the average returns over 20 years against the market benchmark of equity only funds, this paper reports significant reductions due to fees. The publicly reported performance of substantial returns to investors is whittled away to a small return once the different fees charged by funds are factored in. Another significant finding is that the evidence in prior research in support of market timing ability of funds disappears once the econometric problems of the methodology in prior research are addressed by using panel regression method. We believe that these two findings add new insights on the impact of different fees on returns to investors and further help to highlight the need to address methodological problems in mutual fund studies. © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Some biological characteristics of Sefidrud loach, Oxynoemacheilus bergianus (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae), in Aras River, northwestern Caspian Sea basin

Some 190 specimens of Sefidrud loach, Oxynoemacheilus bergianus , were collected from Aras River (Northwestern Iran) and age, size, and some biological characteristics of the samples were investigated from March to July 2013. The maximum age was 3 + years. The specimens ranged in size from 42 to 64mm for males and 45 to 61mm for females in total length, weighing from 0.62 to 2.03g for males and 0.63 to 1.66g for females. Length-weight relationship was estimated as W= 0.00005TL 2.81 for females, W= 0.000005TL 3.11 for males and W= 0.000008TL 2.97 for the sexes combined. Sex ratio was 1M:0.9F, in favor of males (P<0.05). The growth model was isometric for males, females and sexes combined. The calculated maximum Fulton’s condition factor ( K F ) and allometric condition factor ( K A ) were 0.900 and 0.010 in males and 1.000 and 0.009 in females, respectively. The most frequent age classes in the samples were 2 + years for both males and females. In general, as most other loaches, Sefidrud loach is also a small short lived species with a low frequency in Aras River.
The Effects of Violent Video Games on Aggression

With the increase in both violence in video games and aggression in children and young adults, psychologists are investigating whether these are related. The purpose of this review will be to look at the existing empirical research in order to discover whether there is a causal relationship between playing violent video games and aggression. The conclusions will help parents and educators make decisions about what games they allow their children and students to play.
Sampling and exploitation of genetic variation exist in locally adapted accessions using phenotypic and molecular markers for genetic improvement of cotton.

Inherent diversity and parenthood of germplasm play an important role in genetic improvement of cotton. The present investigation was conducted to assess the genetic divergence among 19 elite lines of cotton that are more frequently employed in regional cotton breeding programs using morphological (multivariate Mahalanobis D2 statistics) and molecular (cluster analysis using simple sequence repeats or SSR) markers. The genotypes were grouped into nine different groups based on 16 yield and fibre quality
The narrow entrance door of Brazil's National Health System (SUS): an evaluation of accessibility in the Family Health Strategy

Este estudo objetivou analisar a percepcao dos usuarios sobre o acesso a Estrategia de Saude da Familia (ESF) em suas dimensoes geografica, organizacional, sociocultural e economica. Fez-se uma avaliacao de processo com abordagem qualitativa por meio de entrevista aberta, observacao direta e analise documental, em Recife, Pernambuco. Os principais problemas foram: deficiente sistema de referencia e contra-referencia; demora no retorno dos resultados dos exames laboratoriais; excessivo numero de familias por equipe; dificuldades para marcar consultas; despesas com medicamentos. Foram observadas facilidades na relacao profissional-usuario, bem como na proximidade geografica da unidade de saude. A ESF revelou-se uma estreita porta de entrada do SUS, merecendo um olhar distinto, que adote como ponto de partida as necessidades dos individuos demandatarios de suas acoes, bem como as logicas que norteiam as acoes dos sujeitos envolvidos no cuidado.
Effects of long-range aerosol transport on the microphysical properties of low-level liquid clouds in the Arctic

Abstract. The properties of low-level liquid clouds in the Arctic can be altered by long-range pollution transport to the region. Satellite, tracer transport model, and meteorological data sets are used here to determine a net aerosol–cloud interaction (ACInet) parameter that expresses the ratio of relative changes in cloud microphysical properties to relative variations in pollution concentrations while accounting for dry or wet scavenging of aerosols en route to the Arctic. For a period between 2008 and 2010, ACInet is calculated as a function of the cloud liquid water path, temperature, altitude, specific humidity, and lower tropospheric stability. For all data, ACInet averages 0.12 ± 0.02 for cloud-droplet effective radius and 0.16 ± 0.02 for cloud optical depth. It increases with specific humidity and lower tropospheric stability and is highest when pollution concentrations are low. Carefully controlling for meteorological conditions we find that the liquid water path of arctic clouds does not respond strongly to aerosols within pollution plumes. Or, not stratifying the data according to meteorological state can lead to artificially exaggerated calculations of the magnitude of the impacts of pollution on arctic clouds.