Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Study of the dose-volume parameters variation in tumor target volumes and organs at risk during nasopharyngeal carcinoma radiotherapy applying deformation registration

Background During intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), the volume of the target volume and the organs at risk (OARs) will change constantly, which may lead to differences between the actual dose received and the initial planned dose. In this study, the cumulative dose of the two plans was obtained by deformable registration. This study provides an approach to evaluate the dose volume of IMRT for the NPC objective. Methods From July 2014 to May 2018, eighteen NPC patients who accepted simultaneous integrated boost IMRT were enrolled. All patients underwent simulation CT (CT1) and replanning CT (CT2) scans after 20–25 fractions of radiation therapy. The treatment plans were designed on CT1 and CT2 with the name of Plan1 and Plan2, respectively. The Planreg and Plandef were obtained after registering from CT2 to CT1 using rigidity and deformation technology by Velocity. Then the dose-volume indices of the tumor target volumes and OARs at Plan1, Plan2, Planrig and Plandef were compared. Results The gross tumor volume (GTV) and the left and right parotid gland volumes decreased by 20.8% (P<0.001), 36.8% (P<0.001) and 37.5% (P<0.001), respectively, from CT1 to CT2. There was no significant difference in the dose-volume index on the GTV and plan gross tumor volume (PGTV) between Plan1 and Plan2. The V30 of the left and right parotid gland and the Dmax of the brainstem, left and right eyeballs, left and right lens, and left and right optic nerves were all lower in Plan2 than in Plan1 (the average decrease was 17.0% to 60.1%). The differences in some dose-volume parameters (including Dmean, D99 of the GTV and PGTV, Dmean of the parotid glands, Dmax of the lens and optic nerves) between Plandef and Plan1 were less than 5%. The differences in some dose-volume parameters (including Dmean, D95 of the GTV and PGTV, Dmean, D50 and V30 of the parotid glands, Dmax of lens and optic nerves) between Planrig and Plan1 were less than 10%. The Dyce Similarity Coefficient of the target volume and OARs after deformation registration were higher than that after rigid registration. Conclusions The volume of the GTV and parotid glands were decreased during the IMRT for NPC. The dose-volume indices of the GTV and the OARs in Plandef were similar to those in Plan1. Therefore, the dose-volume indices of Plan1 can be used to evaluate the efficacy of radiotherapy and to predict radioactive damage.
A comprehensive prospective examination of purposeful heading in American interscholastic and collegiate soccer players

ABSTRACT Purpose: The popularity of soccer worldwide is unquestionable, yet the aspect of purposeful heading in the sport has drawn increasing scrutiny over the past 10 years. The reason for this is primarily be-cause of the concern over the potential deleterious effects of repetitive head impacts (RHI) on brain structure and function. Accurate accounts of the header burden in soccer are needed to determine how frequently the activity occurs during practice and competition. Utilizing robust prospective database, this report provides a significant look into soccer heading exposure in both interscholastic (10 yr.-matches) and collegiate (15 yr.-practices & matches) cohorts in the United States. Methods: Headers/game exposure rates were 1.68 (interscholastic girls), 2.36 (collegiate women), and 3.55 (collegiate men). Results: Overall, the data suggests that in our cohorts of soccer players, the exposure to soccer heading in both practice and game settings is relatively low. Conclusions: Our soccer heading tabulation system accounted for 4 types of headers including clear, pass, shot, and unintentional deflection. Fortunately, the “unintentional deflections” (blows to the head) accounted for an extremely low number (range 2-5%) of the total soccer heading exposures. Additional research is needed to best understand the implications of these small number of RHI on long-term brain function and behavior.
Contribution of Transverse Reinforcement Configuration on Concrete Shear Capacity of RC Column

Proper design of transverse reinforcement in the RC column is needed to maintain its ability to deform under axial and shear load safely. Even though mandatory building codes for transverse support of the RC column exist, shear failure was still found in the last high earthquake in Pidie, Aceh, in 2016. Therefore, as an attempt to improve RC column strength and elasticity, the effect of transverse reinforcement configuration was evaluated experimentally to a column subjected to an axial and shear load. The experiment was conducted by using four-column specimens with a cross-section 200 x 200 mm. Four types of transverse reinforcement configurations were applied in each column. The test was carried out by loading an axial load always and shear load gradually until its failure. The test results show that the configuration of transverse reinforcement has a significant effect of maintaining column stiffness, which was subjected to compressive axial load and shear load. Furthermore, the arrangement of transverse reinforcement influences the compressive strength significantly and enhance the concrete shear capacity of a column due to its confinement effect.
Bioactivity of traditional medicinal plants used in the treatment of tuberculosis in the Free State, South Africa

xiii CHAPTER 1 GENERAL INTRODUCTION 1.1. BACKGROUND 1 1.2. THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF TB 2 1.2.1. Latent TB infection 2 1.2.2. TB disease 4 1.2.2.1. Lymph node TB 5 1.2.2. 2. Skeletal TB (Bone and Joint) 5 1.2.2.3. Meningitis TB 5 1.2.2.4. Gastrointestinal or abdominal TB 6
The Influence of VAKT Method Toward Reading Ability to Learning Difficulty Children in Galuh Handayani Elementary School

Reading was one of the aspects of speech skill which should be mastered by either general students or special need children, included difficulty learning children. Difficulty learning students were those who had disorder in learning process influenced by either internal or external factors. For learning difficulty children, mastering reading ability was not easy thing because they had disorder in understanding process or integrating the components of alphabets, words, and sentences. It required a method which could stimulate the learning modality. The Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic, Tactile (VAKT) method was used by interactive video media and counterfeit alphabets. This research had purpose to analyze whether there was influence of VAKT method toward reading ability to learning difficulty children in Galuh Handayani Elementary School. The research kind used was pre-experiment. The design used: one group pre test and post test. The method used to collect the data was test and documentation. For data analysis, the research used analysis technique of statistic non parametric with wilcoxon match pair test. The result after using VAKT method indicated that Zh = 2,20 > Zt = 1,96 it indicated that ―there was significant influence of VAKT method toward reading ability to learning difficulty children‖. Keywords—reading ability; VAKT method; learning difficulty children
Markov Chain Modelling in Finance: Stock Valuation and Price Discovery

In this thesis we present three financial applications of Markov chain models based on three separate papers. The focus is about two important topics in finance, namely stock valuation and price discovery. In the first paper, we propose further advancements in the Markov chain stock model. First, we provide a formula for the second order moment of the fundamental price process with transversality conditions that avoids the presence of speculative bubbles. Second, we assume that the process of the dividend growth is governed by a finite state discrete time Markov chain and, under this hypothesis, we are able to compute the moments of the price process. We impose assumptions on the dividend growth process that guarantee finiteness of price and risk and the fulfilment of the transversality conditions. Subsequently, we develop non parametric statistical techniques for the inferential analysis of the model. We propose estimators of price, risk and forecasted prices and for each estimator we demonstrate that they are strongly consistent and that properly centralised and normalised they converge in distribution to normal random variables, then we also give the interval estimators. An application that demonstrate the practical implementation of methods and results to real dividend data concludes the paper. In the second paper, we propose a dividend stock valuation model where multiple dividend growth series and their dependencies are modelled using a multivariate Markov chain. Our model advances existing Markov chain stock models. First, we determine assumptions that guarantee the finiteness of the price and risk as well as the fulfilment of transversality conditions. Then, we compute the first and second
Enhancing EFL Learners’ Writing Skill via Journal Writing

English writing, for a number of EFL learners, appears to be challenging. Let alone, this language should be mastered by every learner since English is mean of communication between nation and nation, country and country all over the world. This paper aims to investigate whether learners can improve their writing ability and grow out of the writing difficulties by engaging in journal writing activity. 60 second-year students from the two writing classes are involved. One treated as the experimental group (EG) and the other as the control group (CG), at the Faculty of English Department Education of the IAI Al-Qolam Gondanglegi were invited to participate in the study, whose findings shows the benefits of journal writing as an extensive activity to enhance learners' writing motivation and foster their writing skill as well as to build a close interactive communication between teachers and learners.
Exploring Critical Variables That Affect the Policy Risk Level of Industrial Heritage Projects in China

With the rapid development of the transformation and urbanization of Chinese social structures, more and more industrial heritage renewal projects are emerging. However, there are significant policy risks associated with Chinese industrial heritage renewal projects. Through a literature review, a total of 20 policy risk factors were determined, and a total of 10 industrial heritage renewal project managers in six regions nationwide conducted a pilot study. A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect 398 evaluations of these 20 risk factors from relevant professionals. Secondly, through confirmatory factor analysis, a six-part policy risk assessment model was established. The results indicated that the critical variables that affect the policy risk level were: (1) industry maturity, (2) tax policy, (3) financial freedom, (4) the rule of law, (5) local market size, and (6) local market experience. Moreover, there are significant opportunities and policy risks in Chinese industrial heritage renewal projects, and appropriate strategies can capture these opportunities and mitigate risks. As there are few pieces of research on the policy risks of industrial heritage renewal projects in China, this study has a certain reference significance for the policy risk management of industrial heritage renewal projects in China.
The Effect of In-Stem versus Around-Stem Centralizers on Cement Mantle Thickness and Stem Alignment in Total Hip Arthroplasty

The long term success of cemented total hip arthroplasty has been attributed to the presence of a well pressurized, thick cement mantle around a properly designed stem that has been placed in neutral alignment. Femoral centralizers were developed to achieve this goal more consistently. While some centralizers fit into the distal tip, others fit around the tip of the prosthesis. We undertook a study to compare the effect of an into-distal-tip (IDT) centralizer versus around-distal-tip (ADT) one. A retrospective review of three groups of primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients was performed. Group I consisted of a control population of the last 100 consecutive cases performed with no distal centralizer. Group II consisted of the first 100 consecutive cases performed with the IDT design. Group III consisted of 51 consecutive patients performed using an ADT centralizer. All cases were performed with similar cementing technique by the same senior surgeon (E.S.). Our results show that, while adequate mantles can be obtained, either with or without the use of a centralizer, an around-stem centralizer on a tapered distal stem consistently gave a more neutral stem alignment and a thicker, concentric cement mantle.
Comparing activity engagement of people aged 18 to 64 years with and without Parkinson’s disease

Introduction Measuring activity engagement using the Activity Card Sort Australia (18–64) supports occupational therapists and clients to identify goals for therapeutic interventions. The aim of this study was to investigate activity engagement for people aged 18 to 64 years with and without Parkinson’s disease. Method Thirty-two participants, 16 people with Parkinson’s disease (mean age 57.8) and 16 healthy adults (mean age 53.1), were required to sort 85 visual activity cards into one of five categories: ‘never done’, ‘do not do now’, ‘do now’, ‘do less now’ and ‘given up’. The retained activity values were calculated and compared using the Mann–Whitney U Test. Results The overall retained activity scores were not significantly different (p = .81); however, the group with Parkinson’s disease had higher retained scores in the physical activities domain (p = .04) Conclusion The preventative exercise regimes of people with Parkinson’s disease seems to influence activity engagement patterns. A more detailed understanding of activity engagement may further help form the basis of meaningful interventions.
Breast cancer in Jos, Nigeria: An audit on knowledge, attitude, and practices

Objectives: The main purpose of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of women concerning breast cancer in Jos and environs. Methods: A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 400 respondents within the age of 18 years and above residing in Jos North and South Local Government Areas of Plateau state. The data collected were then analyzed using the IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20.0 software programmer. Results: Out of the 400 study populations, only 395 (98.8%) responded to the study and 209 (53.0%) of them fall within the age 18–27 years while 89 (22.6%) were within 28 and 37 years, with only 17.8% and 6.6% in the age groups of 38–47 and ≥48 years, respectively. Two hundred and twenty (55.6%) were single, 153 (38.8%) married, while 8 (2.3%) divorced/separated, and 11 (2.8%) were widowed. The highest number (172 [43.7%]) of the respondents had secondary certificates as their highest academic qualifications, followed by diploma/The Nigeria Certificate in Education/Community Health Extension Workers (25.1%) and first degree (20.8%). Nearly 95% of the respondents have heard of breast cancer, with 30.94% of them having knowledge of the risk factors, 59.9% knew the signs and symptoms of the disease, and their main source of information (35.8%) was the media. Most of the respondents had positive attitude toward the disease, but their cancer breast screening practices were generally poor as majority of them (47.1%) had no idea of the right age to initiate self-breast examination, with majority (28.4%) confessing not practicing self-breast examination very often, neither visiting medical practitioner for breast cancer examination and care. Conclusion: The result of this study shows positive attitudes of the respondents toward the disease though high percentage of them had poor knowledge on risk factors and average knowledge of the signs and symptoms of the disease, in addition to poor breast self-examination practices.
Key challenges faced by Chinese contractors in Malaysian construction industry

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the major challenges faced by Chinese international contractors (CICs) in the Malaysian construction industry. ,An exploratory sequential mixed-methods research approach was adopted where following a detailed literature review and semi-structured interviews with local professionals, 20 prevalent challenges experienced by CICs are identified. Subsequently, a questionnaire survey was used to elicit the views of 100 construction practitioners. Descriptive statistics were used to prioritise the challenges, while exploratory factor analysis was conducted to uncover the underlying factors. ,The five most crucial challenges identified relate to: changes of regulation, cost control, contract clauses, language barrier and quality control. Exploratory factor analysis revealed four major underlying dimensions of these challenges, in connection to financial and government policy management, organisational performance management, supplier relationship management and cross-cultural management. ,The challenges are considered primarily involving CICs in the context of Malaysia; further work can be extended to Western or other East Asian, such as Japanese and Korean, international contractors undertaking construction projects in Malaysia or selected developing countries around the region. ,This study will benefit professionals involved with China-backed construction projects in countries sharing demographics and socio-economic characteristics akin to Malaysia. The outcome of the study is expected to facilitate project managers to devise proactive risk-mitigation measures to reduce the impact of these challenges and to improve project delivery. ,The paper examined the challenges faced by CICs in the Malaysian context. This is a timely study, as China’s Belt and Road Initiative will provide considerable opportunities for Chinese companies in Malaysia.
The Effect of Surgical Decompression and Fusion on Functional Balance in Patients With Degenerative Lumbar Spondylolisthesis.

STUDY DESIGN Prospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE To quantify the effect of lumbar decompression and fusion surgery on balance and stability in patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS) and compare them to controls. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA DLS is a condition in which one vertebra subluxates relative to an adjacent vertebra in the absence of a disruption in the neural arch. While the existing literature demonstrates that decompression and fusion can successfully alleviate pain and reduce disability in patients with DLS, no studies to date have used quantitative dynamic testing to determine the effect of surgery on cone of economy (CoE) measures in this patient population. METHODS Forty-five DLS patients performed a series of functional balance tests a week before and 3 months after surgery and were compared to 28 controls. The outcome measures included range of sway (RoS) and total sway for the center of mass (CoM) and head in the sagittal, coronal, and axial planes, along with leg and back Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Fear/Avoidance Behavior Questionnaire (FABQ), Tampa Scale of Kinesophobia (TSK), and Demoralization scale. RESULTS RoS for the CoM (P < 0.005) and head (P < 0.017) decreased in all planes postoperatively. Reductions in CoM (P = 0.001) and head total sway (P = 0.001) were also observed after surgery. Furthermore, patients with DLS reported strong improvements in VAS low back (P = 0.001), VAS leg (P = 0.001), ODI (P = 0.001), FABQ Physical (P = 0.003), TSK (P = 0.001), and demoralization (P = 0.044) with surgical intervention. Although total sway was reduced after surgery, it did not return to the level of normal controls as demonstrated with more total sway of their CoM (P = 0.002) and head (P = 0.001) as well as more sagittal head RoS (P = 0.048). CONCLUSION This study confirms that surgical intervention for degenerative spondylolisthesis is effective at reducing disability, back and leg pain, demoralization, kinesiophobia, and fear-avoidance beliefs related to physical activity in patients with DLS. Furthermore, such patients exhibit a significantly more stable stance after surgery. However, balance parameters did not completely normalize by 3 months postoperatively. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3.
An assessment of the patterns and severity of diabetic neuropathy using the modified - Toronto Clinical Neuropathy Score in recently detected diabetics

Introduction: Diabetic neuropathy is among the commonest vascular complication of diabetes mellitus. Even individuals with pre-diabetes are at risk of developing diabetic neuropathy (DN). Over 50% of individuals with DN are asymptomatic, keeping them at a higher risk of developing diabetic foot. The study aimed to ascertain the patterns and severity of diabetic neuropathy among patients with recently detected diabetes mellitus, using the ‘modified -Toronto Clinical Neuropathy Score’ (m-TCNS). Materials & methods: This prospective observational study was done on 50 patients with diabetes of less than 1 year duration. Patients who fulfilled the selection criteria were recruited to the study after obtaining a written informed consent. After obtaining details of their medical history, clinical examination and investigations, patients underwent m-TCNS. Laboratory tests included sugar levels, HbA1c and urine albumin. The incidence, severity and patterns of diabetic neuropathy (DN) and its correlation to the duration, diabetes control, presence of retinopathy and albuminuria were analyzed by descriptive statistics, Chi-square test and ‘t’ test. Results: Among the 50 patients, there were 18 males and 32 females with a mean (±SD) age of 56.44 (+10. 82) years. Among them, 29 patients were new to treatment for diabetes. The average random blood sugar (RBS) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were 249.92 (±126.63) mg/dl and 10.532 (±10.64) gm% respectively. Only 46% patients had symptoms and 34% had signs of diabetic neuropathy. Pain being the commonest symptom (24%) and loss of vibration sense the most frequent sign (26%) in these patients. Features of diabetic retinopathy and albuminuria were present in 6/50 (12%) and 20/50 (40%) patients respectively. The presence or severity of neuropathic signs or symptoms had no statistically significant correlation to their glycemic control. There was a significant correlation of presence of neuropathy with albuminuria and retinopathy. Conclusion: The study establishes the use of m-TCNS as a simple and good screening tool to detect diabetic neuropathy. Pain and loss of vibration sense were the most common symptom and sign in DN. The severity of neuropathy was mild in this study, but had a significant correlation with other microvascular complications. We recommend all newly detected patients with diabetes to undergo screening tests for its microvascular complications.