Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Factors Influencing the Value of CPD Activities among VET Teachers.

Context: Teachers in vocational education and training (VET teachers) have specific conditions for their continuing professional development (CPD). They have a background in an initial occupation, in which they now teach and train the next generation. Thus, as VET teachers, they are expected to master the knowledge and skills of that occupation, even if they have now crossed the boundary from the community of their initial occupation to the community of the school. This study explores the perceived values among VET teachers of different activities that may contribute to their CPD in teaching subjects/initial occupations. The study examines VET at the upper secondary level in Sweden. Here, the VET teachers have the main responsibility for students' vocational learning in the vocational subjects, including the work-based parts. In the latter parts, the teachers are supplemented by supervisors at the workplace.Approach: We argue for the duality of a VET teacher identity with a professional competence that comprises two intertwined parts -- teaching skills, and knowledge of the teaching subjects based in the teachers' initial occupations. Our study is based on a situated learning perspective, and the empirical findings particularly concern values created from learning through participation and boundary crossing. CPD activities typically include some form of participation in and/or boundary crossing between school and work-life practices. In the analysis we also include the possible influence of institutional, situational, and dispositional drivers and barriers for participation in different activities. The research question was: what factors can explain the variation in perceived values created by participation in different CPD activities among VET teachers? The study was conducted as a survey of 886 Swedish VET teachers. Focus was put on the values created through different types of activity, values for the teachers' vocational knowledge, for networks in working life, and for teaching. The data were primarily analysed using logistic regression modelling.Findings: Dispositional drivers, the teacher's sex, and regular performance of the activity are important for the perceived value. The dispositional factor is the one most commonly retained, and it has a consistently positive effect. Factors such as educational background and vocational training have weaker influence, which suggests that individual driving factors are important when VET teachers assess the value of CPD activities.Conclusions: The study covers a general challenge for VET teachers, but is of particular relevance in systems with a high degree of school-based VET, full-time employed VET teachers, and VET teachers who are responsible for students' vocational learning. Here, the values for vocational knowledge, for networks, and for teaching that are created through different activities are important for the VET teacher identity. They are also interrelated, and together they provide professional development in relation to the initial occupation, and for the occupation as a vocational teacher.
Quantification of Diffusion and Permeability of MRI in the Head and Neck Region

Diffusion Weighted Image (DWI) has various roles such as tissue characterization, the prediction and monitoring of the response to treatment and differentiation of recurrent tumors from post-therapeutic changes. The malignant tumors have a lower ADC compared to benign lesions. Follow-up of early response to cancer treatment is reflected in an ADC increase in the primary tumor and nodal metastases; whereas nonresponding lesions tend to reveal only a slight increase or even a decrease in ADC during follow-up. However, there are many limitations regarding the performance of DWI in the head and neck region, therefore, many attempts has been performed to overcome the flaws of the diffusion-weighted single-shot-echo planar imaging. The pharmacokinetic analyses of dynamic contrast enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) can provide physiological condition of the tissue, and Tofts and Kermode Model has been applied to the head and neck region. Some researchers have used it for the prediction and monitoring of the tumor response to cancer therapy. The general consensus is that the early changes of these parameters during the early phase after the treatment are useful for the interpretation of the response to the treatment. However, the parameters reported in the literature vary considerably; therefore, it is difficult to compare the values of the parameters among research groups. Both DWI and the pharmacokinetic analysis of the DCE-MRI have shown a wide range of potential benefits in this region, but more comparative studies with established scan techniques and the quantification of the data are required. Review Article Quantification of Diffusion and Permeability of MRI in the Head and Neck Region Toru Chikui1*, Masahiro Ohga2, Erina Kitamoto1, Tomoko Shiraishi3, Shintaro Kawano4, Takashi Yoshiura5 and Kazunori Yoshiura1 1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Kyushu University, Japan 2Department of Medical Technology, Kyushu University, Japan 3Department of Diagnostics and General Care, Fukuoka Dental College, Japan 4Section of Oral and Maxillofacial Oncology, Kyushu University, Japan 5Department of Clinical Radiology, Kyushu University, Japan Central Chikui et al. (2014) Email: J Radiol Radiat Ther 2(2): 1047 (2014) 2/13 Echo Signals; CRT: Chemoradiotherapy; RT: Radiotherapy; CR: Complete Response; PR: Partial Response, DTI: Diffusion Tensor Imaging; FA: Fractional Anisotropy; BV: Blood Volume; BF: Blood Flow; GRE-EPI: Gradient Echo Type EPI; EES: Extra vascular Extracellular Space; AIF: Arterial Input Function; SPGR: Spoiled Gradient Echo Sequence; UD: Undifferentiated; SCC: Squamous Cell Carcinoma; ML: Malignant Lymphoma; HNSCC: Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma; PG: Parotid Gland; FA: Flip Angle
Correlation of panoramic radiograph and CBCT findings in assessment of relationship between impacted mandibular third molars and mandibular canal in Saudi population

Purpose: The aim of this study is to assess the reliability of seven panoramic radiographic markers in predicting the absence of corticalization between the mandibular canal and the third molar which carries the risk of inferior alveolar nerve injury during extraction on cone beam computed tomography images. Materials and methods: The study samples consisted of 270 impacted third molars from 136 patients who showed a close relationship between the mandibular canal and third molars on panoramic radiographs and were referred for the examination with CBCT to assess the relationship between the tooth and the mandibular canal. Panoramic images were evaluated for the seven radiographic markers. CBCT images were used to assess the continuity of the mandibular canal cortical bone. The association of the panoramic and CBCT findings was examined using a Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test. Results: Panoramic radiographic markers were statistically associated with CBCT findings (P<0.01). In cases of darkening roots, interruption of white line as an isolated finding or in association with each other. Conclusion: Panoramic radiography is an effective and efficient method for the assessment of impacted mandibular third molars. Interruption of white line and darkened roots on panoramic radiographs, as both isolated findings and in association with each other are effective in determining the relationship between the tooth roots and the mandibular canal requiring evaluation with cone beam computed tomography. Correspondence to: Ahmed Nasser, Bachelor of dental surgery, Oral and Maxillofacial department, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Tel. +966501314141,
Nutritional Status of Infants 0-23 Months of Age and its Relationship with Socioeconomic Factors in Pangkep

Background and Objective: Nutritional status of infants during a thousand 1st day of life has been used to monitor the achievement of the program. Obviously, nutritional status affected by several factors including the socio-economic of the family. This study specifically asked a question the relationship between nutritional status and socio-economic factors in urban areas of district of Pangkep. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study whereas, subjects were selected from four areas, closed to capital city of Pangkep district. Most of children under two were visited and measured by field workers. A pre-tested questionnaires was used and anthropometric measurements as well as weight, length were measured by trained field workers. Data was analyzed using SPSS, nutritional status was determined by using WHO anthro program. Results: Results showed that prevalence of undernutrition, stunting and wasting were 23.6, 17.8 and 23.0%, respectively. According to sex, the prevalence were higher in boys compare to girls (32.6 vs.14.2%, 25.9 vs. 9.4% and 27.0 vs. 18.0%, respectively for undernutrition, stunting and wasting. The variation of nutritional status was seen also through villages whereas higher in Bontolangkasa and Biraeng and lower in Kabba and Bonto Kio. Bivariate analysis showed no relationship between socioeconomic variables and all nutritional status indices except for relationship mother’s education. In addition, after controlling for recent breastfeeding status, the underweight and stunting was significantly related to protein intake (p = 0.036 and p = 0.044, respectively). Conclusion: Finally, it could be concluded that the problem of malnutrition in the study was acute malnutrition and it related to mother’s education. Protein intake should be an important nutrient to prevent underweight and stunting.
Understanding Learning Styles, Attitudes and Intentions in Using e-Learning System: Evidence from Brunei

This study investigates the students’ learning style, their attitudes about educational technologies in general ande-learning management system (e-LMS) in particular and their behavioral intentions to use the e-learning platform ina single institution of higher learning in Brunei Darussalam. In this study, a survey, using the VARK Questionnaire asa tool to describe the learning styles of students, was conducted among 120 students. The data analyzed throughSPSS confirmed that there existed a relationship between students’ learning style (Kinesthic-doing), their attitudetowards e-LMS and their intention to adopt university’s e-learning platform “Ask-n-Learn”. Recommendations weremade in order to enhance pedagogy in the context of e-learning.
Oncogenic Wnt3a: a promising specific biomarker in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still one of the most common and rapidly fatal malignancies worldwide with a multi-factorial, multi-step, complex process, and poor prognosis. Early discovery and effective therapy of HCC are of utmost importance. Recent studies demonstrated that Wnt/β-catenin pathway play important roles in occurrence and development of HCC including hepatocytes malignant transformation, metastasis, chemoresistance and liver cancer stem cells. Oncogenic wingless-type MMTV integration site family member 3a (Wnt3a) signaling is a promising biomarker in diagnosis and prognosis for HCC. This review presents current data on mechanisms of hepatocarcinogenesis involving participation of the Wnt canonical pathway, and focuses on the Wnt3a expression in HCC progression and its clinical application.
Boronate Affinity Chromatography Accurately Measures HbA1c also in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease - Performance Evaluation of the A1c HPLC Analyzer.

BACKGROUND Boronate affinity chromatography is widely used, and the method has lately been improved and designed for HbA1c measurements. We report performance evaluation of the affinity chromatography HbA1c HPLC analyzer. METHODS Within- and between-run imprecision was assessed based on the results of a series of measurements in three different EDTA blood samples and in control materials. HbA1c levels were measured and compared in 349 EDTA blood samples and 50 samples from patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) using the Premier Hb9210 analyzer (affinity chromatography) and the D-10 Hemoglobin Testing System (ion-exchange chromatography). RESULTS The within- and between-run imprecision CVs ranged from 0.72% to 2.01%. Median HbA1c level measured by the Premier Hb9210 was significantly lower (6.4% [46 mmol/mol] vs. 6.6% [49 mmol/mol], p < 0.001). The Passing-Bablok agreement test yielded a slope of 1.0 (95% CI: 1.0 to 1.0) and intercept of -0.1 (95% CI: -0.1 to -0.1). Correlation coefficient and the mean difference amounted to 0.992 and -0.13% (95% CI: -0.11 to -0.15), respectively. Similar results were obtained for HbA1c levels < 7% [< 53 mmol/mol] and ≥ 7% [≥ 53 mmol/mol]. In ESRD patients, median HbA1c level measured by the Premier Hb9210 was also significantly lower (6.0% [42 mmol/mol] vs. 6.5 [48 mmol/mol], p < 0.001) with the mean difference equal to -0.52% (95% CI: -0.59 to -0.46). CONCLUSIONS Although the Premier Hb9210 gave lower HbA1c levels, good results agreement with the D-10 Hemoglobin Testing System was found. Analytical performance found for HbA1c measurements in ESRD patients was similar. The Premier Hb9210 analyzer is suitable for routine HbA1c testing in clinical practice.
New Dimensions of Moving Bed Biofilm Carriers: Influence of biofilm thickness and control possibilities

The moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) is a biological wastewater treatment process in which microorganisms grow as biofilms on suspended carriers. Conventionally, MBBRs are mainly designed and optimized based on the carrier surface area, neglecting the dynamic relationship between carrier design, reactor operation and biofilm characteristics, such as biofilm thickness and the composition of the microbial community. The purpose of this research project was to learn more about the roles of the biofilm carriers in the MBBR process, with the intention to improve process performance and develop new MBBR applications. In doing so, the MBBR performance was evaluated in several lab studies, considering different aspects such as carrier design and operational strategies. A new carrier type, the Z-carrier, was developed, with which it was possible to control the biofilm thickness in the MBBR. Hence, the Z-carrier enabled the evaluation of having different, pre-defined biofilm thicknesses in the MBBR process, something that has not previously been achievable. This thesis shows that biofilm thickness control can be used to ensure a more stable process performance as well as to avoid carrier clogging and minimize issues with biofilm scaling that may have detrimental effects on the MBBR performance. It was also shown that the microbiology in biofilms can be altered by biofilm thickness control. Based on these findings, a novel process configuration was developed, showing that successful nitritation of mainstream municipal wastewater could be achieved when combining thin, controlled biofilms with a periodic exposure of the biofilm to reject water from sludge dewatering. Finally, the role of suspended biomass in the MBBR was evaluated in relation to carrier surface area, HRT and loading rate, showing that the suspended biomass can have a considerable effect on the overall process performance, and that the design of MBBRs should not always be solely based on biofilm surface area. For future studies, the potential of using biofilm thickness as a control parameter for the MBBR should be investigated further, especially for specific microbial applications such as nitritation and anammox, and the importance of suspended biomass in the MBBR should be studied in relation to the settling characteristics of the excess sludge. (Less)
THE TEMPORAL WEIGHTING OF THE LOUDNESS OF TIME-VARYING SOUNDS REFLECTS BOTH SENSORY AND COGNITIVE PROCESSES

In two experiments, listeners judged the loudness of sounds consisting of 10 contiguous 100-ms wide-band noise segments. On each trial, the sound pressure levels of the segments weredrawn independently from a normal distribution. Analyses of the trial-by-trial data were usedto estimate temporal perceptual weights ("molecular psychophysics"). In Experiment 1, threelevel profiles were presented (flat, and increasing or decreasing over the first three segments). The temporal weights showed a primacy effect and an increase of the weights with mean level,compatible with previous results [Oberfeld, Canad. J. Exp. Psych. 62, 24-32 (2008)]. Trialby-trial feedback had no significant effect on these patterns of weights, indicating that thepotential for top-down control is limited. In Experiment 2, weights for a flat level profile werecompared to weights for profiles with a 3, 6, or 9 dB increase in level during the first threesegments. The weights in the latter two conditions differed significantly from the weights forthe flat profile. It is demonstrated that these results indicate two independent mechanisms: aprimacy/recency weighting pattern compatible with processing of the segment levels asserially sorted information, and an increase of the weights with mean level that could be dueto either the specific sensory continuum underlying the decision process, or to selectiveattention to the louder elements.
Isolation, molecular identification and antimicrobial susceptibility of Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from Baghdad hospitals

Increasing resistance to antimicrobial agents used in the treatment of burns and wounds infections with Acinetobacter baumannii strains has become an important concern. Isolation and identification of A. baumannii strains from patients with burns and wounds infections by conventional and molecular methods and detection of their antimicrobial susceptibility. Antibiotics resistance of 96 A. baumannii strains isolated from the samples collected between February 2015 and June 2015 were evaluated. Identification of A. baumannii isolates were determined by CHROMagar Acinetobacter¸ API 20E and automated system VITEK 2 and molecular methods by detection 16S rRNA and blaOXA-51 genes. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed by agar disk diffusion and broth microdilution methods. Among 476 samples included burns and wounds infections, 96 isolates of A.baumannii were obtained, 65 belonged to burns and 31 from wounds. CHROMagar Acinetobacter had 100% sensitivity and specificity for isolation of A. baumannii. The PCR results showed that 16S rRNA sequence and blaOXA-51 gene exists in all A. baumannii collected from positive samples, and this confirmed the accuracy of other identification tests. In the present study, 87.5% of the isolates had Multi-Drug Resistance (MDR). It has been found that A. baumannii strains had high resistance to most antibiotics used: Cefotxime (87.5%), Ciprofloxacin (80.2%), Amikacin (79.2 %), Meropenem (75%) Imipenem (81.3%) and Pipracillin (81.3%) but low resistance to Tigecycline (11.5%) and Colistin (7.3%). The present results indicate that antimicrobial resistance of A. baumannii in Iraq has increased, which may very well affect the antimicrobial resistance of this organism worldwide. Therefore their early detection is essential for stimulates effective treatment in intensive care units. Detection of blaOXA-51-like gene and CHROMagar Acinetobacter can be used as a simple and reliable method to differentiate A. baumannii strains.
Transformation and fate of microphytobenthos carbon in subtropical shallow subtidal sands: A 13C‐labeling study

Microphytobenthos (MPB) in photic sediments are highly productive but the fate of this production remains uncertain. Over 33 d, tracing of 13C from added bicarbonate in subtropical shallow subtidal sand showed rapid transfer of MPB‐derived carbon to deeper sediment; below 2 cm (31% within 60 h) and 5 cm (18%). Despite their high turnover (5.5 d) and only representing ~ 8% of sediment organic carbon, MPB represented up to 35% of the 13C retained in sediments, demonstrating substantial carbon recycling. Carbon was rapidly transferred to heterotrophs, but their contribution to sediment 13C was similar to their biomass contribution (< 0.1% to 3.8%), with the exception of the foraminifera Cellanthus craticulatus, which accounted for up to 33% of the 13C within sediment. There was little loss of MPB‐derived carbon via dissolved organic carbon (DOC) effluxes (3%) or resuspension (minimal). Respiration was the major loss pathway (63%), reflecting the high microbial biomass typical of lower latitudes. Given that MPB take up dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) from overlying water, and the carbon they fix is released as DIC, MPB in subtropical sands are unlikely to substantially alter the form of carbon transported offshore (i.e., there is no conversion to DOC), but processing within the sediment may alter its δ13C value. Given that 31% of fixed carbon remained in sediments after 33 d, subtropical sands may act as a carbon sink, thereby affecting the quantity of carbon transported offshore.
The disabled people, a tool for rural re-development. the case of Marvejols (Lozère, France)

Marvejols is a small town located in Lozere (France). Traditionally, the region was poor with an agricultural oriented economy. However, by the 1960s a new type of business was launched: the residential care facilities for disabled people, especially in relation to Jacques Blanc, a key person in the organization and development of this business. This economic activity brought jobs and new attractiveness, counterbalancing decline in traditional sectors. Nevertheless, currently, situation is less favourable, and the local players try to find out a new strategy, particularly in relation to diversification. In this study, our main aim was to understand conditions of starting and growing of this business. Moreover, we would like to understand current fragilities and attempts to adapt the economy of the territory. In this way, our students and we have chosen this area in relation to the economic and historical weight of its activity. The organization of field trips and survey was conducted in a comprehensive approach perspective. Therefore, we took account parameters working in this territory, such as strategies, psychologies (individual and collective), networks and identities. Human dimensions are strong, especially in discourses, and our main result is a better understanding of the local situation, with comparisons to close cases (Correze, Creuse). Furthermore, the quality of the geographical analysis provides working relations with the stakeholders
Time-varying Industrial Portfolio Betas under the Regime-switching Model: Evidence from the Stock Exchange of Thailand

Applications of beta are crucial in determining equity pricing and portfolio strategy. The conditional Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) theory suggests thatsystematic risk factor (henceforth “beta”) is changing over time. Therefore, this paper investigates the time-varying beta behavior in the Stock Exchange of Thailand using the two-regime Markov-switching model. The monthly returns of eight industrial portfolios from July 2005 to September 2014were used in this study. In comparison, the results from the unconditional CAPM beta and three-year rolling regression show that betas are unstable over time. In addition, the linearity LR tests confirmed non-linearity in all of the industrial portfolio returns, suggesting that betas are time-varying. The empirical results from the Markov-switching model showed that the conditional betas could be classified into two regimes: low beta one and high beta one. Overall, the results confirmed that the systematic risk of industrial portfolios is time-varying and regime-dependent. Therefore, the performance of asset allocation and risk management strategies could be improved if investors considered the regime-switching behavior of industrial portfolio returns in the portfolio construction instead of the traditional approach with constant beta.