Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Measurement of the functional improvement in patients receiving physiotherapy for musculoskeletal conditions

Purpose: In order to objectively assess whether a clinically significant improvement in a patient’s function has occurred, it is important that physiotherapists monitor change in their patients’ functional disability. Methods: This study assessed the difference between the functional disability score (FDS) during the initial assessment with the FDS recorded on discharge, for each patient presenting with low back pain or a lower extremity condition. Two validated FDSs were used: The Roland-Morris Disability Index and the Lower Extremity Functional Scale. Sixty-eight (68) consecutive participants with low back pain or lower extremity conditions completed a functional disability questionnaire on their initial assessment and again on discharge from the clinic following a course of physiotherapy treatment. Results: The patients’ functional disability was reduced by an average of 70%. The mean number of treatments given was 5.1. Conclusion: A statistically significant improvement was seen in the patients’ functional ability following a course of physiotherapy treatment for low back pain or lower extremity conditions. This process provides an objective measurement of functional improvement in individual patients, as well as average improvement across patients with varying presenting conditions. It is hoped this report will encourage other physiotherapists to perform similar studies within their own clinical settings. Monk C (2006): Measurement of the functional improvement in patients receiving physiotherapy for musculoskeletal conditions 34(2): 50-55.
Validation of aerosol and cloud layer structures from the space-borne lidar CALIOP using a ground-based lidar in Seoul, Korea

We present initial validation results of the space-borne lidar CALIOP onboard CALIPSO satellite us- ing coincidental observations from a ground-based lidar in Seoul National University (SNU), Seoul, Korea (37.46 N, 126.95 E). We analyze six selected cases between Septem- ber 2006 and February 2007, including 3 daytime and 3 night-time observations and covering different types of clear and cloudy atmospheric conditions. Apparent scattering ratios calculated from the two lidar measurements of to- tal attenuated backscatter at 532 nm show similar aerosol and cloud layer structures both under cloud-free conditions and in cases of multiple aerosol layers underlying semi- transparent cirrus clouds. Agreement on top and base heights of cloud and aerosol layers is generally within 0.10 km, particularly during night-time. This result confirms that the CALIPSO science team algorithms for the discrimina- tion of cloud and aerosol as well as for the detection of layer top and base altitude provide reliable information in such atmospheric conditions. This accuracy of the plane- tary boundary layer top height under cirrus cloud appears, however, limited during daytime. Under thick cloud con- ditions, however, information on the cloud top (bottom) height only is reliable from CALIOP (ground-based lidar) due to strong signal attenuations. However, simultaneous space-borne CALIOP and ground-based SNU lidar (SNU- L) measurements complement each other and can be com- bined to provide full information on the vertical distribution of aerosols and clouds. An aerosol backscatter-to-extinction ratio (BER) estimated from lidar and sunphotometer synergy at the SNU site during the CALIOP overpass is assessed to be 0.023±0.004 sr 1 (i.e. a lidar ratio of 43.2±6.2 sr) from
Ecotoxicity of Ionic Liquids Towards Vibrio fischeri: Experimental and QSAR Studies

Ionic liquids (ILs) have gained significant attention within the academic and industrial circle owing to their attractive and unique characters. However, the usual green image of the ionic liquids mainly associated with their low vapour pressure has become increas- ingly doubtful. Several recent studies have highlighted the underestimated ILs toxicity which has not been adequately addressed. Therefore, improving the understanding of the ionic liquids toxicity towards aquatic organisms will undoubtedly lead to formula-tion of right solutions to address the toxicity problem hence contributing towards the development of green and sustainable ILs‐based technology. The chapter provides a collective review of studies conducted on the effect of ILs structure on toxicity, specifically focussing on the various types of cations and anions, and the length of the alkyl chain attached. Based on the qualitative outcome from the review, a discussion on the develop- ment of statistical modelling on the impact of ILs structural features towards the overall toxicity is presented. The application of quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) for developing the predictive model for toxicity is highlighted.
Photometric distances to young stars in the inner Galactic disk

We present results of the first extensive and deep CCD photometric survey carried out in the field of the open cluster Trumpler 27, an object in the constellation of Sagittarius not far from the Galaxy center. We look for young stars clumps that might plausibly be associated with spiral structure. Wide-field UBVI photometry combined with infrared information allows us to reconstruct the distribution in reddening and distance of young stars in the field using the Color-Color and Color-Magnitude diagrams. The analysis of our data, combined too with extensive spectroscopy taken from literature shows that the real entity of Trumpler 27 as an open cluster is far from being firmly stated. In fact, instead of finding a relatively compact group of stars confined to a small distance range, we found that stars associated to Trumpler 27 are, indeed, a superposition of early type stars seen along the line of sight extending over several kiloparsecs beyond even the center of the galaxy. We demonstrate that at each distance range it becomes possible to generate a color-magnitude diagram resembling that of an open cluster. This way, our analysis indicates that what was considered an open cluster characterized by a significant age spread is a stellar continuum that reaches its maximum number of stars at approximately 3.5 kpc from the Sun, the distance of the Scutum-Crux arm approximately. At the same time, and after analyzing the way early type stars distribute with distance, we found some of these stellar groups may be linked, within the distance errors, with other inner spiral arms of our galaxy, including the Near 3 kpc arm at approximately 5 kpc from the Sun. However, very young stars by themselves do not seem to trace strongly the inner spiral arms since they are distributed evenly across several kiloparsecs toward the center of the Galaxy.
The Correlation between Nurse's image, Biomedical ethics and Professionalism in Nursing Students

This study was done to identify the relationship between nurses's image, biomedical ethics, and professionalism of nursing students. Subjects were 223 nursing students in Korea. Data were collected using self-report questionaires from September 4 to 19, 2014. Data were analyzed by frequency, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation using SPSS Win 20 program. Nurse's image was significantly correlation with biomedical ethics and professionalism in nursing students. Therefore, to increase nurse's image, biomedical ethics and professionalism of nursing students, it is necessary to develop and test program for improving nurse's image, biomedical ethics and professionalism of nursing students.
Quality of Environmental Impact Statements in Ghana

Studies are normally undertaken to evaluate quality of EIS because it gives an indication of the usefulness of the EIA process. However, such study is lacking in Ghana. 30 sampled EISs were reviewed in this paper using Lee and Colley review package. About 93% of EISs were rated satisfactory. Out of this, 50% were rated “good” whilst the remaining 50 were rated “borderline”. None of them was rated “A”. Many factors accounted for the satisfactory rating. These are availability of guidance and guidelines from EPA and use of consultants in preparation of the statements. However there were many significant omissions within review categories and sub-categories. These included determination of magnitude of impacts, estimating quantities of waste materials and methods employed, estimating quantities of raw materials, consideration of alternative sites for projects and avoidance of bias in EISs. Although their effects on overall assessments were masked by higher ratings in other categories and sub-categories, improvements are required to rectify these omissions. Keywords: proponent, review area, categories, environmental impact assessment (EIA), environmental impact statement (EIS), environmental protection agency (EPA).
Major- and Trace-Element Geochemistry of Basalts from ťjin, Nintoku, and Suiko Seamounts of the Emperor Seamount Chain: DSDP-IPOD Leg 55

Alkali series and tholeiitic basalts from öjin, Nintoku, and Suiko Seamounts of the Emperor Seamount chain are very similar in their major and LIL (large-ion lithophile) trace-element chemistry to the alkaline and tholeiitic basalts erupted on the island of Hawaii. They are characterized by high total content of alkalis, high TiO2 and "FeO" contents, low A12O3 contents, and low Mg/(Mg + Fe ) relative to mid-ocean ridge basalts (MORBs). LIL element abundances in one tholeiite from öjin Seamount are enriched by factors of 5 to 10 relative to MORBs. REE (rare-earth element) patterns in all the samples are highly fractionated; the heavy rare-earth elements (HREE) are depleted markedly. This is consistent with residual garnet in the source regions. LIL element variations among the seamount basalts suggest variable degrees of partial melting. Olivine fractionation, presumably in a shallow magma chamber, accounts for some of the intrasite major-element compositional variations. There are between the seamount basalts and those from the island of Hawaii no systematic differences that might be attributed to the temporal evolution of a single hot-spot source.
Can governments boost voluntary retirement savings via tax incentives and subsidies? A German case study for low-income households

Since 2002 the German government has promoted private retirement saving plans by means of special subsidies and tax incentives (Riester scheme). This policy mainly targets low-income households. Using data from the German Socio-economic Panel, we scrutinize the impact of the Riester scheme on private savings. Our empirical strategy consists of treating the introduction of the Riester scheme as a natural experiment. The estimation results cast some doubts on the effectiveness of the Riester scheme in raising private savings and call for enhanced systematic efforts to evaluate that policy.
Host Status of Plantain Hybrids FHIA 21 and PITA 3 for Populations of Radopholus similis and Pratylenchus coffeae in Côte D’ivoire

DOI: 10.15580/GJAS.2016. 9.101416162 Background: The work herein reported has been conducted in the framework of the implementation of the strategy of food security strategy in Côte d’Ivoire. In this perspective, FHIA 21 and PITA 3, two high yielding plantain hybrids, resistant to black Sigatoka have been assessed relatively to their response to Radopholus similis and Pratylenchus coffeae. Methods: FHIA 21 and PITA 3 were inoculated with increasing inoculum levels of the parasites under monoxenic conditions: 5, 10, 15 and 20 R. similis or P. coffeae/g roots and dixenic conditions: 3 R. similis and 3 P. coffeae; 5 R. similis and 5 P. coffeae; 10 R. similis and 10 P. coffeae; 10 R. similis and 5 P. coffeae; 5 R. similis and 10 P. coffeae/g roots. The cultivar HORNE 1 served as susceptible reference in both trials that were conducted in the glasshouse for eight weeks. Results: FHIA 21 appeared resistant to R. similis (R=0.98) and susceptible to P. coffeae (R=2.99). As to PITA 3, it was susceptible to both R. similis (R=2.47) and P. coffeae (R=2.94). Host suitability was further confirmed when comparing nematode reproduction under the hybrids to that under HORNE 1. FHIA 21 was designated slightly resistant to R. similis with a reproduction of 40.22 % and susceptible to P. coffeae (83.27%). The susceptibility of PITA 3 was also confirmed to R. similis (83.27%) and P. coffeae (73.63%). Conclusion: With R. similis, the threshold of 10 nematodes/g of roots commonly used for rational nematicide applications in banana cultivation was confirmed. In the light of the predominance of P. coffeae in banana and plantain agrosystems in Côte d’Ivoire, the new reference threshold of 5 P. coffeae/g roots is recommended for an effective management of plant-parasitic nematode pressure. Submitted: 14/10/2016 Accepted: 21/10/2016 Published: 31/10/2016
A genetic assessment of population connectivity in mutton snapper, Lutjanus analis

Elucidating patterns of marine population connectivity is a central concern among biologists. Genetic markers are commonly utilized to quantify patterns of connectivity since they can reveal information about the exchange of genes, and thus migration events. The development of microsatellites as polymorphic, high resolution markers has significantly contributed to our understanding of population genetic structure in marine organisms. In this study, microsatellite loci were isolated from an enriched genomic library for the mutton snapper, Lutjanus analis, a commercially and recreationally valuable fish. This species is of particular interest to both conservationists and fishery managers, as the last known mutton snapper spawning aggregation in United States’ waters was recently targeted for the establishment of the Dry Tortugas Ecological Reserve (DTER). In order to evaluate the potential utility of the reserve as a source population for fisheries of the southeastern United States, mutton snapper from five locations around the Caribbean were genotyped at eight loci to estimate interpopulation gene flow. Analyses ranging from population-based F-statistics to individual-based assignment indicated that population genetic substructure was largely absent from the five sample locations. The only evidence for structure identified the population from the west coast of Puerto Rico as most distinct, suggesting that future work on populations in the eastern Caribbean is warranted. The genetic similarity of mutton snapper populations implies free gene flow between populations; however, because the genetic composition of each sample was so similar, it is impossible to discern between the relative contributions of potential source populations. Thus we cannot rule out the possibility that the DTER serves as a significant source of recruits to the southeastern United States. Yet based on the results of this study we cannot confirm that is doe Further research will be required to properly evaluate the utility of the DTER and to clarify corridors of connectivity across both the eastern and western portions of the Caribbean.
Search for the decay modes D-0 -> e(+) e(-), D-0 -> mu(+) mu(-), and D-0 -> e(+/-) mu -/+

We present searches for the rare decay modes D^0→e^+e^-, D^0→μ^+μ^-, and D^0→e^±μ^∓ in continuum e^+e^-→cc events recorded by the BABAR detector in a data sample that corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 468 fb^(-1). These decays are highly Glashow–Iliopoulos–Maiani suppressed but may be enhanced in several extensions of the standard model. Our observed event yields are consistent with the expected backgrounds. An excess is seen in the D^0→μ^+μ^- channel, although the observed yield is consistent with an upward background fluctuation at the 5% level. Using the Feldman–Cousins method, we set the following 90% confidence level intervals on the branching fractions: B(D^0→e^+e^-)<1.7×10^(-7), B(D^0→μ^+μ^-) within [0.6,8.1]×10^(-7), and B(D^0→e^±μ^∓)<3.3×10^(-7).
Household Responses To Malaria: Cost Implications In Anantigha Area of Calabar South LGA of Cross River State, Nigeria

A study of household responses in terms of types and costs of treatment of malaria was carried out in Anantigha area of Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State. A total of 180 households were involved in the survey. Households had an average of 25 episodes of malaria per year with treatment costing an average of 10% of the total household income. The people had a good knowledge of the disease with resultant prompt response to malaria. Preventive measures include, use of insecticides and mosquito nets. Out of the 108 persons interviewed in the survey, 51% engaged in self medication, 28% used hospitals and health centres and 11% used traditional methods (use of herbs and roots) and 10% did noting since they could not afford the cost. Lthe results show that the malaria parasite in the area is Plasmodium falciparum. Although malaria is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Nigeria, the costs of treatment has not been well documented. Knowledge of the cost of treatment and health-care seeking behaviour of people will form baseline data for more research in the control of malaria in the community.
Prevalence and herd-level risk factors for bovine tuberculosis in the State of Paraná, Brazil

Bovine tuberculosis results in economic losses in livestock production and poses a risk to public health. This study aimed to characterize the epidemiological status of bovine tuberculosis in adult cows in the state of Goias, Brazil. The state was divided into three sampling strata, corresponding to different livestock production circuits. A total of 18,659 animals were tested with the comparative cervical tuberculin test (CCT), in 300 randomly sampled bovine herds per stratum. An epidemiological questionnaire was used to identify health and management practices that may be associated with the presence of tuberculosis infection in the herd. In Stratum 1, dominated by beef cattle, no animals reacted to the CCT. In Stratum 2, which covers the main dairy regions of the state, the prevalence was estimated at 8.67% [5.73 to 12.74%] for herds and at 0.9% [0.21 to 1.58%] for animals. In Stratum 3, characterized by a mix of dairy, beef and dual-purpose herds, the prevalence was estimated at 1.00% [0.21 to 2.89] for herds and 0.30% [0.10 to 0.49 %] for animals. The overall prevalence in the state of Goias was 3.43% [2.20 to 4.67%] for herds and 0.30% [0.10 to 0.49%] for animals. The multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that herd-level risk factors associated with the presence of the bovine tuberculosis are: the location of the herd in Stratum 2 (OR = 12.05 [3.52 to 41.28]) and the number of times a cow is milked per day (OR = 6.27 [2.72 to 14.44]). Regular veterinary care was identified as a protective factor (OR = 0.38 [0.15-0.94]). These results indicate that bovine tuberculosis is endemic in the state; its spatial distribution is heterogeneous with a strong concentration in dairy regions. The most intensive dairy farms are those with the highest risk, which is consistent with what other authors’ found elsewhere in Brazil. The epidemiological information generated by this study provides information for planning of risk-based surveillance actions, and justifies the adoption of free-herd certification programs for bovine tuberculosis in the main dairy regions of Goias.
Performance Assessment of Single Stage and Multi-Stage L-WIXCs Considering Coherent and Incoherent Crosstalk

The statistical impact of Coherent and Incoherent Crosstalk Contributions on the performance of a proposed single stage and a multi-stage Share-per- Node L − WIXC configuration and a multi-stage Share-per-Wavelength L − WIXC configuration in terms of different Optical Propagation Delay Differences, Bit Duration etc., is compared both theoretically and analytically. Besides, considering Coherent and Incoherent Crosstalk contributions for each of those cases, analytical expressions of Electric Field, Leakage Crosstalk, Bit-Error-Rate (BER) and Power Penalty (pp) are being developed. Finally, the results obtained numerically, are thoroughly compared on the basis of Optimum Number of Wavelength Converters, Number of Inputs and Number of Wavelengths per Input Channel.
PHYTOTOXIC EFFECT OF EUGENOL TOWARDS TWO WEEDY SPECIES

A study was undertaken to assess the inhibitory / allelopathic potential of eugenol–a volatile monoterpene found in Eugenia spp. and several other aromatic plants, against two weedy species viz. Cassia occidentalis and Bidens pilosa. Eugenol significantly inhibited the germination of both the weeds even at very low concentration. However, the effect was more on B. pilosa compared to C. occidentalis. Likewise, the seedling growth measured in terms of seedling length and dry weight of both the test weeds was appreciably reduced in response to the test monoterpene. Not only the growth, even the content of the total chlorophyll and cellular respiration in both the test weeds were appreciably reduced, thereby indicating that eugenol negatively affects the photosynthetic efficiency and the energy metabolism of the weed species. Based on the study, it is concluded that eugenol possesses weed-suppressing ability and can be used for future weed management programmes either directly or by serving as a lead molecule.
Determinants of Sustainable Relationships in the Albanian Apple Production Sector

This paper analyses the behaviour of Albanian apple growers and their relations with buyers based on a structured survey. We develop a model of relational governance that highlights the importance of sustainable (lasting) relationships and draws upon different theoretical frameworks such as transaction cost economics and social network theory and focuses on determinants of relational exchange. The findings support the social network argument that the presence of verbal agreements between business partners strongly and positively affects exchange relationships. Asset specificity and competition among buyers also affects such relationships. The results and their implications at the management and policy-making level are discussed in detail.
Formulation of Subgrid Variability and Boundary-Layer Cloud Cover in Large-Scale Models

Abstract : This report describes work on the Oregon State University (OSU) atmospheric boundary-layer (ABL) model under AFOSR Grant NO. F49620-96-1-0058. This model was developed to provide ABL and land-surface parameterization schemes for large-scale numerical weather prediction models. We address five classes of model development and testing: (1) A simple two-source canopy model is proposed which accounts for canopy sparseness and turbulent mixing between the surface and canopy, and directly between the surface and air above the canopy. (2) Using updated land-surface and ABL parameterizations, a case study investigates land-surface and ABL simulations without land-surface/ABL interaction (decoupled mode), then coupled land-surface/ABL simulations where more complicated interactions and feedbacks are possible, including the formation and interaction with ABL clouds. (3) The model is used to test how different ocean surface flux forcings interact to determine marine ABL structure and development. (4) The ABL fractional cloud cover formulation is updated using a more computationally efficient tophat distribution of specific humidity rather than the previous Gaussian distribution of relative humidity. (5) The land-surface scheme is tested using different observational data sets to assess model performance in calculating surface fluxes and soil processes.