Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of Turkish and South Korean Mothers' Views about Preschool Education and Their Expectations from Preschools.

The preschool period which comprises the years from birth to age of six, is one of the most critic periods of life because of its future effect on the formation and shaping of the personality, moulding the social and emotional life, and the acquisition of basic knowledge, skills, and habits. Most of the behaviors which are acquired in the childhood shape one’s personality, attitudes, habits, beliefs, and values in the adulthood. Although Turkey and South Korea are geographically distant countries, there is a close relationship between them in terms of their late history. The paths of historical development of preschool education in these countries are similar, but their current schooling rates are different. Their development levels, cultures, and systems of education are also different. This study aims to compare the views of mothers’ with children in preschools about preschool education and expectations from preschools in both of these countries. This study includes mothers in the neighborhoods where families with middle socio-economic levels live in Istanbul (Turkey) and Seul (South Korea), whose children are between three and six years old and go to the preschools registered under the Ministry of Education. A survey with closed-ended questions was administered to 279 mothers (139 Turkish mothers and 140 South Korean mothers) who were included in the study according to the principle of voluntariness. The research results indicated that Turkish and South Korean mothers have some similar views as well as some different views. Their answers to six questions which seek their views about preschool education show that mothers from both countries consider preschool education as an important issue; they do not consider preschools as a caring institution; they think rather than themselves, preschools affect their children, and they try to learn about preschool education and children in this period. According to the mothers’ answers to seven questions about their expectations from preschools, both Turkish mothers and South Korean mothers sent their children to preschools and were against strict discipline. While most South Korean mothers supported that their children go out and play in summer and winter, and learn how to read and write in preschools, few Turkish mothers agreed with this view. Both Turkish mothers and South Korean mothers supported teaching simple add-subtract operations, foreign languages, and computer, but this rate was higher in the latter.
Developing the Bangla RST Discourse Treebank

We present a corpus development project which builds a corpus in Bangla called the Bangla RST Discourse Treebank. The corpus contains a collection of 266 Bangla text, which are annotated for coherence relations (relations between propositions, such as Cause or Evidence ). The texts represent the newspaper genre, which is further divided into eight sub-genres, such as business-related news, editorial columns and sport reports. We use Rhetorical Structure Theory (Mann and Thompson, 1988) as the theoretical framework of the corpus. In particular, we develop our annotation guidelines based on the guidelines used in the Potsdam Commentary Corpus (Stede, 2016). In the initial phase of the corpus development process, we have annotated 16 texts, and also conducted an inter-annotator agreement study, evaluating the reliability of our guidelines and the reproducibility of our annotation. The corpus upon its completion could be used as a valuable resource for conducting (cross-linguistic) discourse studies for Bangla, and also for developing various NLP applications, such as text summarization, machine translation or sentiment analysis.
UvA-DARE (Digital Academic Repository) Is Older Age Associated with Higher Self- and Other-Rated ASD Characteristics?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) characteristics seem to abate over time, but whether this protracts until late adulthood is largely unknown. We cross-sectionally investigated self- and other-reported ASD characteristics of adults with (ASD: N max-self = 237, N max-other = 130) and without ASD (COM: N max-self = 198, N max-other = 148) aged 19–79 years. Within the ASD group, self-reported ASD characteristics, and sensory sensitivities were highest in middle adulthood, while age was not associated to empathy. Sex differences were also found. However, age-and sex-related differences were not revealed by others and self- and other-report were poorly concordant. These results show that ASD characteristics in adulthood are differently perceived across age, sex, and informants and suggest that it is important to repeatedly assess self-reported ASD characteristics during adulthood.
Impact of Guidance and Counselling Services on Students’ Social and Emotional Adjustment in Public Urban and Rural Secondary Schools in Nakuru and Uasin Gishu Counties, Kenya

: The study sought to establish impact of guidance and counselling services on students’ social and emotional adjustment in the selected public urban and rural secondary schools in Nakuru and Uasin Gishu Counties, Kenya. The study adopted descriptive cross-sectional survey research design since the researcher wished to gather information on the basis of the current status. The research population was form 4 students in 24 secondary schools from Urban Setting: Eldoret, Naivasha and Nakuru,and Rural Setting: Soi, Kuresoi and Molo. Simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used to select 336 students, 45 school counsellors and 45 school administrators as respondents. Quantitative data was collected by administering questionnaires to students and school guidance counsellors while Qualitative data was collected through conducting an interview schedule to school administrators. Questionnaires were pilot tested using Cronbach’s coefficient alpha to determine the internal consistency of the items and were found to have reliability coefficient of 0. 8. Descriptive statistical techniques involved frequencies and percentages were employed to analyze the collected data. The Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. 0. helped in data analysis. The findings of the study indicated that guidance and counselling services in secondary schools had high levels impact on students’ social and emotional adjustments. Rural schools indicated high level of impact of guidance and counselling services where female students expressed higher level of social and emotional adjustment It was concluded that guidance and counselling services helps in enhancing positive social and emotional adjustments amongst secondary school students. Stakeholders in education sector and other youth institutions could find these findings useful in addressing secondary schools students’ social and emotional needs.
Deficiency of the basic helix‐loop‐helix transcription factor DEC1 prevents obesity induced by a high‐fat diet in mice

Obesity is a major public health problem in developed countries resulting from increased food intake and decreased energy consumption and usually associated with abnormal lipid metabolism. Here, we show that DEC1, a basic helix‐loop‐helix transcription factor, plays an important role in the regulation of lipid consumption in mouse brown adipose tissue (BAT), which is the major site of thermogenesis. Homozygous Dec1 deletion attenuated high‐fat‐diet‐induced obesity, adipocyte hypertrophy, fat volume and hepatic steatosis. Furthermore, DEC1 deficiency increased body temperature during daytime and enhanced the expression of uncoupler protein 1, a key factor of thermogenesis, and various lipolysis‐related genes in interscapular BAT. In vitro experiments suggested that DEC1 suppresses the expression of various lipolysis‐related genes induced by the heterodimer of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ and retinoid X receptor α (RXRα) through direct binding to RXRα. These observations suggest that enhanced lipolysis in BAT caused by DEC1 deficiency leads to an increase in lipid consumption, thereby decreasing lipid accumulation in adipose tissues and the liver. Thus, DEC1 may serve as an energy‐saving factor that suppresses lipid consumption, which may be relevant to managing obesity.
Indigenous Trichoderma Isolated from Maize Rhizosphere with Potential for Enhancing Seedling Growth Katriani Mantja, Yunus Musa, Ambo Ala, Ade Rosmana

Plants and microorganisms interaction often occur in the rhizosphere and improve plant growth. In this research, we tried to isolate Trichoderma from maize rhizosphere and evaluated for its role in stimulating of seedling growth. Three isolates of this fungus were collected from maize plantation in Maros, Takalar, and Jeneponto regencies, Sulawesi, Indonesia. The tree isolates have same characteristic apparent with thick and velvety in texture, dark green in color, and rapid growth in PDA medium. Comparing with control, the application of these isolates offered no any impact on seed germination, but significantly increased root length, shoot length, dry root weight, and dry shoot weight. No significant different between isolates, except the root treated by Jeneponto isolate was more longer than that treated by Maros and Takalar isolates. These data showed the potential of this indigenous Trichoderma as agent of
Men’s Preconception Health: A Primary Health-Care Viewpoint

The purpose of this article is to theoretically explore men’s preconception health as a mechanism to enhance fertility, as well as the health and well-being of the subject and his descendants. Premorbid risk factors and behaviors associated with stress, environmental toxins, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, lack of exercise/obesity, and the use of illicit drugs are all known to affect fecundity. While there are many health clinics available to women, where advice in areas such as postnatal care of the newborn, family planning, and couples fertility is provided, there are few, if any, equivalent health clinics available to men. Additionally, getting men to attend primary health-care services has also been continuously problematic, even in the context of there being a clearly discernible need for treatment. It is argued in this article that an impetus is required to encourage men to focus on and improve their preconception health and to utilize primary health-care services to take action. An assertive men’s preconception health outlook can positively influence the conjugal relationship, fathering, male self-esteem, and continued good health. Using the sometimes complex concept of preconception health as a motivating factor for healthy lifestyle adaptation has the potential to improve male fertility outcomes and general health and well-being, as well as the health of future generations.
Potassium and zinc fertilization of wheat (Triticum aestivum) in western arid zone of India

A field experiment was conducted during rabi 2007-08 and 2008-09 at Jobner on loamy sand soil to assess the influence of different levels of K and Zn on wheat [Triticum aestivum (L.) emend Fiori & Paol]. Treatments com- prised of four levels each of fertilizer K (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg K O/ha) and Zn (0, 3, 6 and 9 kg Zn/ha) in a random- 2 ized block design with four replications. Results revealed that the application of 40 kg K O/ha recorded the signifi- 2 cantly highest dry matter accumulation (881 g/m2), effective tillers (257/m2), grains/spike (46.2), test weight (39.4 g), grain yield (3.20 t/ha) and biological yield (8.0 t/ha) of wheat. However, uptake of N, P, K, S and Zn in wheat was increased significantly up to 60 kg K O/ha. Application of 60 kg K O/ha also recorded the highest values of 2 2 net returns ( 29,502), B:C ratio (1.55) and returns/rupee invested ( 2.51). Zn fertilization in wheat at 6 kg Zn/ha was found to be statistically best in terms of growth, yield attributes, and yield. The nutrient uptake (N, K, S and Zn) in wheat, except uptake of P was increased significantly up to 9 kg Zn/ha, which also recorded the highest net returns ( 29,425), B:C ratio (1.52) and returns/rupee invested ( 2.47). The values of efficiency indices were de- creased with increasing doses of K and Zn.
Structure of APP-C991-99 and Implications for Role of Extra-Membrane Domains in Function and Oligomerization

The 99 amino acid C-terminal fragment of Amyloid Precursor Protein APP-C99 (C99) is cleaved by γ-secretase to form Aβ peptide, which plays a critical role in the etiology of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). The structure of C99 consists of a single transmembrane domain flanked by intra and intercellular domains. While the structure of the transmembrane domain has been well characterized, little is known about the structure of the flanking domains and their role in C99 processing by γ-secretase. To gain insight into the structure of full-length C99, REMD simulations were performed for monomeric C99 in model membranes of varying thickness. We find equilibrium ensembles of C99 from simulation agree with experimentally-inferred residue insertion depths and protein backbone chemical shifts. In thin membranes, the transmembrane domain structure is correlated with extra-membrane structural states. Mean and variance of the transmembrane and G37G38 hinge angles are found to increase with thinning membrane. The N-terminus of C99 forms β-strands that may seed aggregation of Aβ on the membrane surface, promoting amyloid formation. The N-terminus, which forms α-helices that interact with the nicastrin domain of γ-secretase. The C-terminus of C99 becomes more α-helical as the membrane thickens, forming structures that may be suitable for binding by cytoplasmic proteins, while C-terminal residues essential to cytotoxic function become α-helical as the membrane thins. The heterogeneous but discrete extra-membrane domain states analyzed here open the path to new investigations of the role of C99 structure and membrane in amyloidogenesis.
Prevalence of symptomatic BPE among Malaysian men aged 50 and above attending screening during prostate health awareness campaign.

OBJECTIVE To study the prevalence of symptomatic BPE among Malaysian men age 50 and above attending prostate health awareness campaign and to identify differences in prevalence between different ethnic groups residing within metropolitan Kuala Lumpur. MATERIALS AND METHODS Demographic data and the completed International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), maximal uroflow rate (Qmax) and prostate size of volunteers, aged 50 and above, who attended the prostate health awareness campaign were analyzed. Subjects with known prostate diseases or prostate surgery, bladder disorders and neurological disorders were excluded. RESULTS 2086 volunteers attended the campaign. 575 men fulfilled the inclusion criteria and their demographic data, IPSS; peak flow rate and prostate volume were analysed. Overall, 18.9% and 39.6% of the men were severely and moderately symptomatic, respectively. The prevalence of moderate to severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in Malays, Chinese and Indians were 70%, 59% and 50% respectively (p = 0.004). The commonest bothersome symptoms were nocturia (56%), frequency (50.4%) and sense of incomplete voiding (43.5%). The mean peak flow rate of the subjects was 15.4 ml/s. 20.9% and 55.2% of the subjects had peak flow less than 10 ml/sec and 15 ml/sec respectively. The mean prostate size was 25.1 cc. There is no significant difference in term of maximal flow rate and prostate size among Malays, Chinese and Indians in Malaysia. A good correlation was found between the total symptom score and the single disease-specific quality of life question (r = 0.69, p < 0.001). The correlation between IPSS and peak flow rate (r = -0.22, p < 0.001) and prostate volume (r = 0.11, p = 0.009) was weak. There was no correlation between IPSS and age (r = 0.06, p = 0.17). The prevalence of symptomatic benign prostate enlargement (BPE) was 39.3%. The prevalence increased 8% per decade from 41.7% for men aged 50 to 59 to 65.4% for men aged 70 or more. There is no significant difference in prevalence of symptomatic BPE among the three ethnic groups. The Prevalence of BPO was 15.8%. CONCLUSION The correlation between symptom score, maximal flow rate and prostate size was poor and one cannot predict the value of one parameter by knowing one or more of the other parameters. There is a high prevalence of LUTS suggestive of benign prostatic obstruction in the apparently healthy Malaysian aged 50 and above attending the prostate health awareness campaign.
The cortical damage, early relapses, and onset of the progressive phase in multiple sclerosis

Objective To investigate the relationship among cortical radiologic changes, the number of early relapses (ERs), and the long-term course of multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods In this cohort study, we assessed the number of cortical lesions (CLs) and white matter (WM) lesions and the cortical thickness (Cth) at clinical onset and after 7.9 mean years among 219 patients with relapsing remitting (RR) MS with 1 (Low-ER), 2 (Mid-ER), and ≥3 (High-ER) ERs during the first 2 years. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses investigated early factors influencing the risk of secondary progressive (SP) MS. Results Fifty-nine patients (27%) converted to SPMS in 6.1 mean years. A larger number of CLs at onset predicted a higher risk of SPMS (hazard ratio [HR] 2.16, 4.79, and 12.3 for 2, 5, and 7 CLs, respectively, p < 0.001) and shorter latency to progression. The High-ER compared to the Low-ER and Mid-ER groups had a larger volume of WM lesions and CLs at onset, accrued more CLs, experienced more severe cortical atrophy over time, and entered the SP phase more rapidly. In the multivariate model, older age at onset (HR 1.97, p < 0.001), a larger baseline CL (HR 2.21, p = 0.005) and WM lesion (HR 1.32, p = 0.03) volume, early changes of global Cth (HR 1.36, p = 0.03), and ≥3 ERs (HR 6.08, p < 0.001) independently predicted a higher probability of SP. Conclusions Extensive cortical damage at onset is associated with florid inflammatory clinical activity and predisposes to a rapid occurrence of the progressive phase. Age at onset, the number of early attacks, and the extent of baseline focal cortical damage can identify groups at high risk of progression who may benefit from more active therapy.
Divergent Trends in Gender Segregation by Occupation in the United States: 1970-92

A number of papers in the 1980s have documented the changing pattern of occupational segregation by gender across Western economies, utilizing the Index of Dissimilarity (e.g., the international studies in Rubery, 1988; the Swedish work of Jonung, 1984; U.S. studies by Beller, 1985; Albelda, 1986; Jacobs, 1989; and King, 1992; and the Australian work of Lewis, 1982, 1985). In this paper, the evolution of the occupational structure of employment by gender in the United States over the period 1970-92 is examined using a new index devised by Karmel and Maclachlan (1988), which overcomes the problems with the Index of Dissimilarity identified by Watts (1992). Changes in this new index over time can be broken down into mix and composition effects. The latter is the true measure of occupational integration of the sexes (Watts, 1992). The mix effect can be subdivided into an occupation effect, a gender effect, and an interaction effect. The skill requirements and gender shares of employment differ markedly across occupations, so the occupations are sub-divided into four occupational groups (OGs), according to the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) for the years 1983-92, namely managerial, professional, and technical (PM); sales, administrative support, and service (CS); precision production, craft and repair (SK), and operators, fabricators, and laborers (US), which is in the spirit of Piore's work (1975) and Buchele (1981). '
Autologous Stem Cells in Achilles Tendinopathy (ASCAT): protocol for a phase IIA, single-centre, proof-of-concept study

Introduction Achilles tendinopathy (AT) is a cause of pain and disability affecting both athletes and sedentary individuals. More than 150 000 people in the UK every year suffer from AT. While there is much preclinical work on the use of stem cells in tendon pathology, there is a scarcity of clinical data looking at the use of mesenchymal stem cells to treat tendon disease and there does not appear to be any studies of the use of autologous cultured mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for AT. Our hypothesis is that autologous culture expanded MSCs implanted into an area of mid-portion AT will lead to improved pain-free mechanical function. The current paper presents the protocol for a phase IIa clinical study. Methods and analysis The presented protocol is for a non-commercial, single-arm, open-label, phase IIa proof-of-concept study. The study will recruit 10 participants and will follow them up for 6 months. Included will be patients aged 18–70 years with chronic mid-portion AT who have failed at least 6 months of non-operative management. Participants will have a bone marrow aspirate collected from the posterior iliac crest under either local or general anaesthetic. MSCs will be isolated and expanded from the bone marrow. Four to 6 weeks after the harvest, participants will undergo implantation of the culture expanded MSCs under local anaesthetic and ultrasound guidance. The primary outcome will be safety as defined by the incidence rate of serious adverse reaction. The secondary outcomes will be efficacy as measured by patient-reported outcome measures and radiological outcome using ultrasound techniques. Ethics and dissemination The protocol has been approved by the National Research Ethics Service Committee (London, Harrow; reference 13/LO/1670). Trial findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. Trial registration number NCT02064062.
Risk Factor Analysis for Secondary Malignancy in Dexrazoxane-Treated Pediatric Cancer Patients

Purpose Dexrazoxane has been used as an effective cardioprotector against anthracycline cardiotoxicity. This study intended to analyze cardioprotective efficacy and secondary malignancy development, and elucidate risk factors for secondary malignancies in dexrazoxane-treated pediatric patients. Materials and Methods Data was collected from 15 hospitals in Korea. Patients who received any anthracyclines, and completed treatment without stem cell transplantation were included. For efficacy evaluation, the incidence of cardiac events and cardiac event-free survival rates were compared. Data about risk factors of secondary malignancies were collected. Results Data of total 1,453 cases were analyzed; dexrazoxane with every anthracyclines group (D group, 1,035 patients) and no dexrazoxane group (non-D group, 418 patients). Incidence of the reported cardiac events was not statistically different between two groups; however, the cardiac event-free survival rate of patients with more than 400 mg/m2 of anthracyclines was significantly higher in D group (91.2% vs. 80.1%, p=0.04). The 6-year cumulative incidence of secondary malignancy was not different between both groups after considering follow-up duration difference (non-D, 0.52%±0.37%; D, 0.60%±0.28%; p=0.55). The most influential risk factor for secondary malignancy was the duration of anthracycline administration according to multivariate analysis. Conclusion Dexrazoxane had an efficacy in lowering cardiac event-free survival rates in patients with higher cumulative anthracyclines. As a result of multivariate analysis for assessing risk factors of secondary malignancy, the occurrence of secondary malignancy was not related to dexrazoxane administration.