Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Strength, physical activity, and age predict fatigue in older breast cancer survivors.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To determine whether clinical characteristics, physical fitness, or physical activity predict fatigue in older, long-term breast cancer survivors. DESIGN Cross sectional. SETTING National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in Portland, OR. SAMPLE 47 women (X age = 69 years) who were at least one year beyond treatment completion, including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy, for early-stage breast cancer. METHODS Participants completed one two-hour testing session to determine fatigue ratings, clinical information, submaximal aerobic fitness, lower-extremity muscle strength, body composition, and physical activity levels. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES Self-reported fatigue assessed by the Schwartz Cancer Fatigue Scale, cancer and treatment history obtained by self-report, submaximal aerobic fitness assessed by 12-minute walk distance, lower-extremity muscle strength assessed by number of chair stands completed in 30 seconds, body composition assessed as percentage of body fat, and physical activity levels assessed by self-reported hours per week. FINDINGS Fatigue was significantly correlated with all independent variables, with the exception of aerobic fitness. Fatigue was higher with lower age, greater percentage of body fat, fewer years after diagnosis, more adjuvant treatments, poorer lower-extremity muscle strength, and less physical activity. In regression analyses, lower-extremity muscular strength, physical activity levels, and age each were significant independent predictors of fatigue. Lower-extremity muscle strength, physical activity, and age all were inversely related to fatigue and accounted for 15%, 7%, and 15% of the variance in fatigue scores, respectively. CONCLUSIONS In this sample of older breast cancer survivors, fatigue was linked to physical activity and muscle strength; women with better lower-extremity muscle strength, higher physical activity levels, and advanced age reported less fatigue. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING A physical activity program aimed at improving lower body strength could mitigate persistent fatigue in older, long-term breast cancer survivors.
Non-Explosive blast injury of the ear

Abstract Non-explosive blast injury of the ear refers to the otological trauma caused by a blow to the ear that seals the external auditory meatus. It results in a sudden increase of air pressure within the ear canal that strikes the tympanic membrane. The present study portrays the various aspects of middle and inner ear damage in 91 patients resulting from an assault we entitled a ’non-explosive blast injury' to the ear. Sixty cases were caused by a slap or a fist, 13 patients suffered sport accidents, mostly in ball games, and 18 patients were injured during swimming and water sports activities. The common symptoms were hearing loss, earache, tinnitus, vertigo and otorrhoea. All 91 patients presented with acute perforations of their eardrums. The mean conductive hearing loss was 11.2 dB. A high tone sensorineural hearing loss was detected in only 20 per cent of the patients. A spontaneous closure of the perforation with a conservative management approach was observed in 94.8 per cent of the patientsHealing of the perforation was always associated with closure of the air-bone gap, while the results of the sensorineural hearing loss recovery were less favourable.
Magnetized Cosmological Models in Saez Ballester Theory of Gravitation

Bianchi type-I magnetized cosmological model in scalar tensor theory proposed by Saez and Ballester (Phys. Lett. A 113 (1986) 467) with perfect fluid as a source is investigated. The source of the magnetic field is due to an electric current produced along the x-axis. F23 is the non-vanishing component of electromagnetic field tensor. To get deterministic model, it has been assumed that the component σ 1 , of eigenvalue of shear tensor σ j is proportional to expansion scalar θ. The behavior of models in presence and absence of magnetic field with physical properties are discussed. PACS codes: 04.20. -q, 98.80. Cq
The Relationship between Foreign Direct Investments and EU Funding During the 2007–2013 Programming Period

The review of economic literature indicates that the 2007–2013 programming period has not yet been completely analyzed in terms of the EU funds and stock of FDI. Moreover, previous studies omitted most of the EU funds because they focused mainly on structural funds and cohesion funds. The main question of this paper is organized around whether there is a positive relationship between the stock of FDI and specific EU funds. We use a panel of 27 EU countries to analyze fifty policy variables from the 2007–2013 programming period with panel linear regression models. In contrast to analysis of previous programming periods, the results did not indicate that there was a statistically significant relationship between structural or cohesion funds and the stock of FDI. The results indicate instead that ceteris paribus FDI stock is influenced by EU funds for preservation and management of natural resources and the media 2007 programme. And more specifically that EUR 100 million increase of funds for preservation and management of natural resources increased FDI stock by 1,01%–2,02%. A one million increase of funds for media 2007 related programs increased FDI stock by 3,36%–4,29%. Additionally, the results indicate that there is an interaction between GDP per capita and funds for the preservation of animal and plant health, and GDP per capita with funds for solidarity and management of migration flows. This research is a pilot study. According to the author’s knowledge this is the first analysis that takes into account all EU policy variables, and not just a selected few as well as the first study that analyses FDI and all EU funds during the 2007–2013 programming period.
The Power of Group Investigation Model on Student Critical Thinking, Attitude, and Character in Learning Physics

Learning physics in senior high school by using a teacher-centered teaching habit must be changed. It has to empower the investigated-based collaboration. This quasi experimental study aims to analyze the effect of group investigation (GI) model compared to direct instruction (DI) model on critical thinking skills, social and spiritual attitudes, and students character. This experimental study employed a posttest only control group design. The population was 15 classes or 488 students of class X MIPA from three SMAs in Klungkung regency. The research sample was chosen by random assignment technique, and 2 classes were determined in each school, so there were 6 classes (194 students, or 39.8% of the population), 3 classes using GI and 3 other classes using DI. The study was conducted for 5 weeks each 3 hours on energy and momentum learning material. Critical thinking skills were collected by using 15 essay test items. Students social and spiritual attitudes and their character were collected by using questionnaire, every 30 items, 30 items, and 18 item respectively. Data were analyzed by one way MANOVA. The results show that GI model was better than DI model for achieving students critical thinking, social attitudes, spiritual attitudes, and their character in learning physics in the senior high schools. Keywords— Collaborative investigation, critical thinking, social attitudes, spiritual attitudes, character
Impact of repeated prolonged exercise bouts on cardiac function and biomarkers.

PURPOSE The present study examined the impact of repeated bouts of prolonged (< 60 min) exercise on left ventricular function and cardiac biomarkers. METHODS Ten athletes completed a 15.3-mile hill run on three consecutive days and were assessed before, immediately after, 1 h after, and 20 h after each bout. Six of the athletes completed a fourth bout. Left ventricular (LV) function was examined echocardiographically using two-dimensional M-mode, Doppler, and flow propagation velocity (Vp). Venous blood samples were analyzed for cardiac biomarkers including cardiac troponin T (cTnT). RESULTS Ejection fraction (EF) significantly decreased (P = 0.027) after the third exercise bout compared with baseline (mean +/- SD: 56.3 +/- 4.4 vs 51.3 +/- 5.9%), accompanied by a nonsignificant decrease in systolic blood pressure/end systolic volume (SBP/ESV) ratio. A sustained depression in systolic function 20 h after bout 3 also persisted in the subset who completed a fourth bout, yet this did not reach clinical levels. Significant (P < 0.01) reductions in early to late diastolic filling (E:A) ratio pre-to post-bout 1 (mean +/- SD: 1.9 +/- 0.5 vs 1.4 +/- 0.3) and pre- to post-bout 3(2.0 +/- 0.5 vs 1.3 +/- 0.4) normalized after each 20-h recovery period. A similar pattern of change was observed in Vp. Cardiac troponin T was elevated in four individuals 1 h after bout 1 (range: 0.013-0.125 microg.L(-1)) but was undetectable thereafter except in one athlete. CONCLUSION Repeated bouts of prolonged exercise induce short-term reductions in diastolic filling and a cumulative decrease in systolic function, yet these alterations seem to have minimal clinical or functional impact. Elevated cTnT after the initial bout, but not thereafter, may represent an adaptive response to prolonged exercise.
The Differential Effect Of Auditor Type on the Value Relevance of Earnings and Book Values: Evidence from Listed Firms in Nigeria

A determining factor of investorsâ€™ decision is mostly represented by the auditing of financial statements carried out by a Big4 company, because investors appreciate the quality of the auditing service in terms of image, size and reputation of the auditing firm. This study examines the differential effect of auditor type classified as Single Big4 audit firm; Single Non-Big4 audit firm; and joint audit team of Big4/Non-Big4 audit firms, on the value relevance of earnings and book values of listed firms in Nigeria. A sample of one hundred and seventeen listed (117) firms trading on the floor of Nigerian Stock Exchange from 2009 to 2015 were examined. The study adopted Ohlson model (1995) modified to include auditor type variable and control variables. A simultaneous pooled OLS regression using the Seemingly Unrelated Regression Estimates (SUEST) approach was utilized in running the analysis of all relevant data collected. The findings of the study reveal that while Nigerian investors perceive the earnings of firms audited by a Single Big4 to be of high quality, they seem indifferent as to whether it is audited by a joint audit team of Big4/Non-big4, or a Single Non-Big4 audit firm. The study therefore recommends that investors looking for more value relevant EPS should focus on firms audited by single Big4, since they are more likely to have greater value relevant earnings with stronger positive connection to price.
Quality Assessment of Computational Techniques and Software Tools for Planar-Antenna Analysis

The goal of this paper is a thorough investigation of the quality of the software tools widely used nowadays in the field of planar-antenna analysis and synthesis. Six simulation tools - five well-known commercial tools and one developed in-house - are compared with each other for four different planar antennas. It is crucial to point out that all possible efforts have been made to guarantee the most optimal use of each of the software packages, to study in detail any discrepancies between the solvers, and to assess the remaining simulation challenges. The study clearly highlights the importance of understanding EM simulation principles and their inherent limitations for antenna designers. Finally, some designing guidelines are provided that also can simplify the initial selection of EM solvers.
SITE RESPONSE ACROSS THE LOS ANGELES BASIN FROM AMBIENT NOISE RECORDED BY A HIGH DENSITY ARRAY

Sedimentary basins, such as the Los Angeles basin, can substantially amplify ground motion and increase its duration. To account for site response and develop better seismic hazard assessment and mitigation, it is essential to determine site characteristics across the basin at a high spatial resolution. We investigate site response within the Los Angeles Basin through the application of the microtremor Horizontal-to-Vertical Spectral Ratio (HVSR) approach on 3-component broadband waveforms from the Los Angeles Syncline Seismic Interferometry Experiment (LASSIE). LASSIE is a dense array of 73 broadband seismometers that were active for one month, transecting the Los Angeles basin at 1 km spacing from La Puente to a dense cluster in Long Beach. The spectral peak amplitudes and peak frequencies of the HVSR curves both show variation across the LASSIE network, even between stations that are spaced only 1 km apart, emphasizing the importance of micro-zonation. Our results show an average resonance period at the basin center of 6 to 10 sec. Secondary intermittent shorter period peaks are also observed near the basin edge and may be explained using basin edge resonance, the presence of small scale basins, and/or topographic effects based on their location within the array. Amplified shaking from resonance is characterized by long period HVSR peak amplitudes ranging from 2 to 5.5. The HVSR peak frequencies are higher than those predicted by a simple quarter wavelength function using a weighted velocity from 1-D profiles through the Southern California Earthquake Center Community Velocity Model – Harvard, especially near the center of the basin. Possible factors that may contribute to this discrepancy are oversimplifications used in the calculation, errors in the velocity model, resonance due to a more complex interaction between waves and physical complications introduced by the large dimensions of the LA basin. Graduate Student, ConocoPhillips School of Geology and Geophysics, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73069 (email: raymond.ng@ou.edu) Professor, Geological Sciences Department, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA 91768 (email: jpolet@cpp.edu) Ng R, Polet J. Site Response Across The Los Angeles Basin From Ambient Noise Recorded By A High Density Array. Proceedings of the 11 National Conference in Earthquake Engineering, Earthquake Engineering Research Institute, Los Angeles, CA. 2018. Site Response Across The Los Angeles Basin From Ambient Noise Recorded By A High Density Array
AN INVESTIGATION ON NANOCOMPOSITES BEAHVIOR UNDER BALLISTIC IMPACT The nanocomposites were manufactured following the procedure described in

This paper focuses on ballistic tests of a new class of composite materials, i.e. nanocomposites. The two nanoComposites studied are fiber glass/epoxy/nanoclay and fiber glass/epoxy/graphite nanoflakes. The fiber glass used is a plain weave 200 g/m, while the nanoclay is organically modified montmorillonite ceramic (Nanomer I30E) and the expandable graphite used to generated the nanoflakes was from Graftech (grade 160-80N). Ballistic tests were performed considering two types of ammunition, i.e. 38 caliber and 9 mm full metal jacketed. The results showed that for a 38 revolver projectile a 5 mm thick nanocomposite was able to absorb the energy efficiently. A 9 mm projectile, with speed close to 380 m/s was stopped by a two plate (5 mm each) arrangement with elastic deformation of the second plate less than 18 mm. The energies during the ballistic tests ranged from 315 to 576 joules.
An LMS-Like Predictive Estimation for Fading MIMO Channels

The time varying channel between transmitter and receiver in wireless communications necessitates the receiver to be informed about the channel between the transmitter and the receiver periodically in the detection procedure. This paper introduces a geometrical model for channel matrix in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication system, where the channel is supposed to be fast fading.Then an auto regressive (AR) model is proposed for the channel matrix variations at each time instant, based on which an LMS-like procedure for tracking the channel is suggested to increase the time period required for channel training in order to increase the data transmission rate. The efficiency of the method for channel matrix estimation is studied through simulation.The results show satisfactory match between the true and the estimated channel.
Effect of seed priming on growth parameters of Okra ( Abelmoschus esculentus L . )

To study the effect of seed priming on growth parameters of okra, a field experiment was conducted in 2013. For this experiment, seeds were primed in PEG-8000 (polyethylene glycol) and Mannitol solutions having 0, -0.4, -0.8, -1.2, -1.6, -2 and -2.4 Mpa osmotic potential while dry seeds were used as control. Randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two factors and sixteen treatments replicated three times was used for this experiment. Field experiment results showed that days to flowering, days to edible maturity, plant height, absolute growth rate and relative growth rate were unaffected by priming agents but significantly affected by osmotic potential, reduction indays to flowering and days to edible maturity occurred as osmotic potential increased from -2.4 to 0 Mpa. Maximum absolute growth rate was recorded at -1.2Mpa osmotic potential. Significantly lowest plant height was recorded for plants raised from unprimed seeds followed by plants raised from seeds primed at lowest osmotic potential i.e at -2.4 and -2 Mpa osmotic potential respectively while highest plant height was recorded for -1.2 Mpa and above this osmotic potential. Highest relative growth rate was recorded for plants grown from unprimed seeds and seeds primed at lower osmotic potential while lowest relative growth rate was observed for plants raised from seeds which were primed at higher osmotic potential.
Soil subtypes classified in Nature Reserve Arboretum Mlyňany , Slovakia

polláková, n. 2013. Soil subtypes classified in Nature Reserve Arboretum Mlyňany, Slovakia. Folia oecol. , 40: 91–96. Main aim of this work was soil classification in Nature Reserve Arboretum Mlyňany. In Arboretum locality were dug nine soil pits and in detail characterized soil properties. Near each pit were made 3 soil bores which were analysed only for selected chemical properties. It was found that on the majority of Arboretum area was soil forming substrate loess without carbonates on which was developed Stagni-Haplic Luvisol. Carbonate loess was found at north part of area with EastAsiatic dendroflora, where was developed Haplic Luvisol. Cultivated Stagni-Haplic Luvisol was classified on the area with North-American dendroflora, which was until 1975 used as a vineyard and homogenization characters of ploughing horizon are still clear. Compared to the soil under the rest of natural Oak-hornbeam forest (control), anthropically changed type of vegetation significantly influenced soil chemical properties mainly in humus horizons. The heterogeneity of soil properties was also caused by heterogeneous soil forming substrate, different way of soil use before trees planting, and earth works during Arboretum establishment.
A Convenient Assay for Estimating the Possible Involvement of Efflux of Fluoroquinolones by Streptococcus pneumoniae andStaphylococcus aureus: Evidence for Diminished Moxifloxacin, Sparfloxacin, and Trovafloxacin Efflux

ABSTRACT We developed a simplified assay for estimating efflux by measuring the effect of reserpine on the growth of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus over 7 h. Reserpine enhanced ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin 17 to 68%. The hydrophobic drug trovafloxacin and the drug moxifloxacin, with a bulky C-7 substituent but hydrophilicity similar to that of levofloxacin, showed little (0 to 11%) reserpine-enhancing effect. The ease of resistant mutant strain selection correlated with efflux susceptibility.
The effect of volleyball training program on students’ depression levels in private primary and secondary schools

The purpose of the study was to investigate the the effect of volleyball training program, as a leisure activity, on students depression levels. The sample of the study consists of 202 students (intervention group), 201 students (control group). Eight weeks training program was prepared and conducted at the intervention group. This study was a pretest posttest experimental research design with control group. The data of the research were collected with demographic information form and Depression Scale for Children. To revealed that whether there were differences between pretest and posttest depression scores of intervention and control groups ANCOVA analysis was conducted. Results revealed that there was a significant difference between students pretest and posttest depression scores of intervention and control groups (p = .000). According to ANCOVA findings, students of intervention and control groups’ pretest depression scores were controlled, there were significant differences between intervention and control group students’ posttest depression scores (F(2-400) = 821.24, p = . 000). It was revealed that volleyball training program have an impact on having a lower depression scores of the students in the intervention group than depression scores of the students in the control group. In this respect, in order to ensure that children are away from depression and to be healthier individuals in their physical and spiritual life, their educational processes should be supported by participating sport, physical activities and games. It is considered that students should be directed to various sporting activities by family, school administration and physical education teachers.
Evaluation of a First-Line Spectrophotometric Screening Test for Increased Urine Porphyrin Excretion

We compared a spectrophotometric screening test for urine porphyrin concentration with a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. The screening test gave lower values than those obtained by HPLC, but the overall correlation was good. Occasionally, spectrophotometry failed to detect porphyrins in the urine which were detected by HPLC. The type of porphyria had no influence on the efficacy of the screening method. Receiver operating characteristic plot analysis of the screening test led to a cut-off value of 110 nmol/24 h with a sensitivity of 96% and a specificity of 86%. We conclude that the spectrophotometric screening method is useful for detection of increased total urine porphyrin concentration.
Activity Based Mathematics Instruction: Experiences in Addressing the 21st-Century Skills

The teaching and learning of mathematics in schools of Nepal is primarily focused on passing the examination. 21st-century skills are the crosscutting skills to be addressed by each subject area. Different games, practical oriented activities, math lab activities, exhibition and projects were designed and implemented in a school in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. Based on the implementation of these activities, it is observed that mathematics learning through activities is helpful for learning mathematics as well as all-around development of students. Students are engaged in the learning process. They utilize their leisure time with activities. They even invite other individuals to participate in the activity. Apart from learning mathematics, students also learn different skills, such as working in a team, leading group members, communication and presentation, creativity, etc. Thus, these activities are great for learning mathematics as well as other skills required for the 21stcentury.
Super compact on-chip wilkinson power divider using bridged-T coils

In this work, on-chip Wilkinson power divider design with very compact size is proposed. By using bridged-T coils to replace the quarter-wavelength transmission lines in a conventional Wilkinson power divider, the circuit size can be largely reduced while the bandwidth remains almost intact. Specifically, a GaAs two-way power divider with a center frequency of 2.5 GHz and a 15-dB return loss/isolation bandwidth of 65.2% is demonstrated. The circuit size is 1.48 mm × 0.85 mm and the corresponding electrical size is only 0. 012λ0×0. 007λ0 at 2.5 GHz, which is substantially smaller than the previous state-of-the-arts.