Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Extending the technology acceptance model to evaluate teachers’ intention to use dynamic geometry software in geometry teaching

The purpose of this study was twofold. Firstly, to extend the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to assess secondary mathematics school teachers’ intention to use Dynamic Geometry Software (DGS) in geometry teaching and, second, to examine the relations between the parameters of TAM and the role of external variables. We extended TAM by integrating in the model the notion of ‘perceived pedagogical-learning fit’, which refers to evaluating the pedagogical learning appropriateness of teaching geometry with DGS based on a cognitive-learning model. The results of the study showed that perceived pedagogical-learning fit and attitude are the strongest predictive factors of intention to use a DGS in geometry teaching. The perceived usefulness did not significantly affect their intention to use it. Personal innovation, facilitating condition and computer anxiety had weak to moderate effects on perceived pedagogical-learning fit and perceived ease of use, and indirect effects on intention to use.
Ankle strength, muscle size, and adipose content following unilateral tibiotalar arthrodesis

Tibiotalar arthrodesis is commonly used to treat end‐stage ankle osteoarthritis. Post‐operative impairments are often attributed to limited ankle motion. However, whether muscular deficits also exist, thereby potentially contributing to impairments, is unknown. This study aimed to identify post‐operative deficits in ankle musculature by examining range of motion, strength (maximum isometric ankle joint torque), and leg composition (cross‐sectional area of individual tissue types: bone, subcutaneous adipose, intramuscular adipose, muscle). Ten individuals with unilateral tibiotalar arthrodesis participated. Paired t‐tests (p < 0.05) identified differences between the fused and contralateral, control limb. The results indicate that individuals with tibiotalar arthrodesis have profound losses of range of motion and strength. Across participants, range of motion in the fused limb was 53.5 ± 11.7%, 66.8 ± 6.3%, 38.2 ± 18.7%, 37.8 ± 13.6% less than the control for dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, inversion, and eversion, respectively. The largest strength deficit was in dorsiflexion, with the fused limb producing 47.2 ± 9.4% less torque than the control. The quantity and quality of muscle tissue was also negatively affected in individuals following tibiotalar arthrodesis. The total cross‐sectional area of the fused limb was 11.4 ± 5.4% smaller than the control limb. This change was primarily due to the 16.1 ± 6.7% decrease in muscle cross‐sectional area. However, intramuscular adipose was significantly increased. Although the posterior compartment demonstrated a significant decrease in cross‐sectional area, when accounting for differences in total cross‐sectional area, the relative sizes of the four muscle compartments were consistent between limbs. This cross‐sectional study motivates longitudinal research examining muscular deficits and whether these deficits are reversible with exercise and rehabilitation. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
Mechanisms of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is one of the most frequent side effects caused by antineoplastic agents, with a prevalence from 19% to over 85%. Clinically, CIPN is a mostly sensory neuropathy that may be accompanied by motor and autonomic changes of varying intensity and duration. Due to its high prevalence among cancer patients, CIPN constitutes a major problem for both cancer patients and survivors as well as for their health care providers, especially because, at the moment, there is no single effective method of preventing CIPN; moreover, the possibilities of treating this syndrome are very limited. There are six main substance groups that cause damage to peripheral sensory, motor and autonomic neurons, which result in the development of CIPN: platinum-based antineoplastic agents, vinca alkaloids, epothilones (ixabepilone), taxanes, proteasome inhibitors (bortezomib) and immunomodulatory drugs (thalidomide). Among them, the most neurotoxic are platinum-based agents, taxanes, ixabepilone and thalidomide; other less neurotoxic but also commonly used drugs are bortezomib and vinca alkaloids. This paper reviews the clinical picture of CIPN and the neurotoxicity mechanisms of the most common antineoplastic agents. A better understanding of the risk factors and underlying mechanisms of CIPN is needed to develop effective preventive and therapeutic strategies.
Influence of acute reduction of blood viscosity on endothelial function.

BACKGROUND The relationship between blood viscosity (BV) and endothelial function is rather complex. An increase in BV causes an increase in blood flow resistance, with negative hemodynamic effects; on the other hand, a moderate increase in BV causes an increase in wall stress shear (WSS), and consequent beneficial effects. As a matter of fact, the effect of changes in BV on endothelial function is not yet clear. OBJECTIVES Aim of the present study was to evaluate in-vivo the effects of the acute reduction in BV on endothelial function, in healthy male subjects. METHODS Fourteen healthy male blood donors were studied before and 48 hours after blood donation. Blood and plasma viscosity were measured at 37C° with a cone-plate viscometer. Endothelial function was evaluated through flow mediated vasodilation (FMD). RESULTS Blood viscosity was reduced after blood donation (BV225 (cP) 4.53±0.59 vs.4. 18±0.31, p < 0.05). FMD 50 s after cuff deflation was unchanged: 6.23±3.84 vs. 6.62±4.81, p = NS. The vasodilation, however, lasted longer and the area under the curve of FMD was significantly increased: 8.74±8.77 vs.16. 14±8.65, p < 0.005. CONCLUSIONS The present results demonstrate that the acute reduction of BV prolongs vasodilation, without affecting the amount of vasodilatation, possibly as adaptive reaction allowing more time for oxygen release.
Longevity and the drift barrier: Bridging the gap between Medawar and Hamilton

Most organisms have finite life spans. The maximum life span of mammals, for example, is at most some years, decades, or centuries. Why not thousands of years or more? Can we explain and predict maximum life spans theoretically, based on other traits of organisms and associated ecological constraints? Existing theory provides reasons for the prevalence of ageing, but making explicit quantitative predictions of life spans is difficult. Here, I show that there are important unappreciated differences between two backbones of the theory of senescence: Peter Medawar's verbal model, and William Hamilton's subsequent mathematical model. I construct a mathematical model corresponding more closely to Medawar's verbal description, incorporating mutations of large effect and finite population size. In this model, the drift barrier provides a standard by which the limits of natural selection on age‐specific mutations can be measured. The resulting model reveals an approximate quantitative explanation for typical maximum life spans. Although maximum life span is expected to increase with population size, it does so extremely slowly, so that even the largest populations imaginable have limited ability to maintain long life spans. Extreme life spans that are observed in some organisms are explicable when indefinite growth or clonal reproduction is included in the model.
Orofacial clefts in California: No decline in Alberta, Canada

Alberta Congenital Anomalies Surveillance System, Clinical Genetics, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada Departments of Pediatrics and Medical Genetics, University of Calgary and Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada Department of Medical Genetics and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada Alberta Perinatal Health Program, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada Correspondence Dr. R. Brian Lowry, Alberta Congenital Anomalies Surveillance System, Clinical Genetics, Alberta Health Services, 28 Oki Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 6A8, Canada. Email: brian.lowry@ahs.ca
Connecting Contextual and Individual Drivers of Anti-Americanism in Arab Countries

Existing studies propose that anti-Americanism in the Arab region is fueled by American interventions, citizens’ religion, and relative deprivation. However, these three have not been addressed simultaneously or integrated into one framework. This study does so by developing and testing a context-dependent framework. Empirically, we apply multilevel regression to 32 Global Attitudes Project and 34 Arab Barometer surveys that cover more than 58,000 respondents. Contrasting dominant understandings, we find that American interventions fuel both political and societal anti-Americanism and that relatively deprived citizens are not more anti-American. Moreover, our results show (highly religious) Muslims are more politically and societally anti-American than (less religious) non-Muslims, particularly in Arab countries with fewer (highly religious) Muslims and American interventions. Altogether, anti-Americanism is context-dependent and shaped by different but interconnected mechanisms.
Reduced Serum Sphingolipids Constitute a Molecular Signature of Malnutrition in Hospitalized Patients With Decompensated Cirrhosis

INTRODUCTION: Malnutrition is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in cirrhosis. Although multiple noninvasive measures of nutritional status have been studied, no consensus exists for early identification of malnutrition in cirrhosis. Serum metabolomics offers a novel approach for identifying biomarkers in multiple disease states. To characterize alterations in metabolic pathways associated with malnutrition in hospitalized cirrhotic patients and to identify biomarkers for disease prognosis. METHODS: In this cross-sectional, observational cohort study, 51 hospitalized cirrhotic patients were classified as malnourished (42.3%) or nourished (57.7%) based on low mid-arm muscle circumference and dominant handgrip strength. Anthropometric measurements and computed tomography body composition analysis were performed. Serum was collected after overnight fasting for unbiased metabolomics analysis. RESULTS: Malnourished cirrhotic patients exhibited mild reductions in skeletal muscle index, with more marked reductions in visceral fat index. Seventy-one biochemicals were significantly altered in malnourished subjects. The serum metabolite profile was significantly different between nourished and malnourished cirrhotic patients. Pathway analysis demonstrated that only sphingolipid metabolic pathways were significantly enriched in altered metabolites. Hierarchical clustering revealed that sphingolipid metabolites clustered into nourished and malnourished cohorts. Spearman analysis demonstrated multiple statistically significant correlations between sphingolipid species and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-Sodium. Using logistic regression, we identified 8 sphingolipids that were significantly associated with malnutrition after controlling for Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-Sodium, age, and gender. CONCLUSIONS: Malnutrition in hospitalized cirrhotic patients is characterized by reductions in multiple sphingolipid species. Dysregulated sphingolipid metabolism may be involved in the pathophysiology of malnutrition in cirrhosis and potentially serve as a biomarker of nutritional status in this population.
Evidence for a regulated Ca2+ entry in proximal tubular cells and its implication in calcium stone formation

ABSTRACT Calcium phosphate (CaP) crystals, which begin to form in the early segments of the loop of Henle (LOH), are known to act as precursors for calcium stone formation. The proximal tubule (PT), which is just upstream of the LOH and is a major site for Ca2+ reabsorption, could be a regulator of such CaP crystal formation. However, PT Ca2+ reabsorption is mostly described as being paracellular. Here, we show the existence of a regulated transcellular Ca2+ entry pathway in luminal membrane PT cells induced by Ca2+-sensing receptor (CSR, also known as CASR)-mediated activation of transient receptor potential canonical 3 (TRPC3) channels. In support of this idea, we found that both CSR and TRPC3 are physically and functionally coupled at the luminal membrane of PT cells. More importantly, TRPC3-deficient mice presented with a deficiency in PT Ca2+ entry/transport, elevated urinary [Ca2+], microcalcifications in LOH and urine microcrystals formations. Taken together, these data suggest that a signaling complex comprising CSR and TRPC3 exists in the PT and can mediate transcellular Ca2+ transport, which could be critical in maintaining the PT luminal [Ca2+] to mitigate formation of the CaP crystals in LOH and subsequent formation of calcium stones. Highlighted Article: Proximal tubular Ca2+ regulation is enigmatic. We identified a regulated Ca2+ entry in PT cells resulting in CaP crystal formation, which could be the rate-limiting step to prevent calcium stone formation.
The Determinants of Migration: Italian Regional Factors and the Relationship with Filipino Migrant Labor Supply

Throughout the years, the segmentation of the Italian labor market across regions, classes, genders, skill-levels and sectors has beneted from the supply of migrant labor. Among these migrant laborers, Filipinos met the demand for labor across various sectors where native supply is insufficient for local demand. Nevertheless, despite demand, the migration inflow fluctuates in response to variations in economic and geographic conditions. This study investigates the region-specific drivers of the annual inflow of Filipino migrants to the various regions in Italy. Using the annual arrivals of labor migrants from the Philippines to Italy for the period of 2007-2017, this paper uses static and dynamic estimation techniques by utilizing regional economic and demographic indices. The results show adherence to and diversion from migration theories and expected movements. Regardless of the substantial regional differences, the Filipino migrant stock is the most stable and significant variable in influencing regional migration inflow.
Relationship of physical activity and sleep with depression in college students

Abstract Objectives: This study examined the relationship between physical activity, sleep and depression among college students and gender differences in physical activity, sleep and depression. Methods: Participants were 1143 students from a large public university in Beijing and completed three questionnaires to measure their physical activity habits, sleep patterns, and depression levels. Data from were analyzed using descriptive statistics, stepwise regression, and an independent t test. Results: Results indicated that vigorous physical activity and sleep variables significantly predicted depression levels for the overall sample (F = 77.286, p = .000). When examined by gender, vigorous and moderate physical activity variables significantly predicted depression for males (t = −2.772, p = .006; t = −2.622, p = .009), whereas no level of physical activity had a significant relationship with depression for females. Conclusions: Rigorous physical activity and quality sleep may be beneficial to helping college students reduce and regulate depressive symptoms, however may vary by gender.
Neurons of the inferior olive respond to broad classes of sensory input while subject to homeostatic control

Cerebellar Purkinje cells integrate sensory information with motor efference copies to adapt movements to behavioural and environmental requirements. They produce complex spikes that are triggered by the activity of climbing fibres originating in neurons of the inferior olive. These complex spikes can shape the onset, amplitude and direction of movements and the adaptation of such movements to sensory feedback. Clusters of nearby inferior olive neurons project to “microzones” which are parasagitally aligned stripes of Purkinje cells. Although it is known that sensory input preferentially recruits coherent climbing fibre activity within one or more microzones, it is still unclear whether individual Purkinje cells within a single microzone integrate climbing fibre input from multiple distinct sources, or how sensory-evoked responses depend on the stimulus strength and recent history of climbing fibre activity. By imaging complex spike responses in cerebellar lobule crus 1 to various types of sensory stimulation in awake mice we find that different sensory modalities and receptive fields have a mild, but consistent, tendency to converge on individual Purkinje cells. Purkinje cells encoding the same stimulus show increased complex spike coherence and tend to lie close together. Moreover, whereas complex spike firing is only mildly affected by variations in stimulus strength, it strongly depends on the recent history of climbing fibre activity. Our data point towards a mechanism in the olivo-cerebellar system that regulates complex spike firing during mono- or multisensory stimulation around a relatively low set-point, highlighting an integrative coding scheme of complex spike firing under homeostatic control. Purkinje cells in the cerebellum integrate input coming from the sensory organs with output generated by the motor control centres of the brain. Purkinje cells use sensory input to adapt motor control to the particularities of the direct surroundings of the animal. This study focused on one of the two main input pathways to Purkinje cells, the climbing fibres originating in the inferior olive, and asked whether they could convey mono- or multi-sensory information. We show that climbing fibres convey multiple types of sensory information and that they provide a mosaic projection pattern facilitating sensory integration in multiple combinations over the cerebellar cortex. Our results reveal that climbing fibres employ a coding pattern that underlies homeostatic control implying that their firing probability depends on their recent history of activity.
Development of a strategic policy for unmanned autonomous ships: a study on Taiwan

ABSTRACT This study established a model for developing a strategic policy for unmanned autonomous ships. The decision matrix was used to develop policy programs, and SWOT analysis was employed to summarize the proposed strategy. This study analyzed programs for the reform of the system of maritime education, the technological development of autonomous ships, and legislative amendments regarding autonomous ships and used a decision matrix to select the most prudent and essential program alternatives. However, insufficient information is currently available on the basis of which to develop and implement an optimal program by using the decision matrix method alone. Therefore, SWOT analysis, which can be used to analyze internal and external factors, was conducted to acquire a concrete strategy. This is the first study to discuss the development of a strategy for unmanned autonomous ships by combining the decision matrix and SWOT method. This study also provides examples for future research and policy development. The strategies proposed herein are developing semiconductor and information technology, hosting and participating in technology exchange meetings, acquiring autonomous technology, and developing autonomous monitoring and navigation technology. This study’s finding have implications for policies on unmanned autonomous ships, represent a valuable reference for the development of such policies in Taiwan, and provide direction for decision-making on a global scale.
The concept of competence: a thematic review and discussion

This paper follows three objectives. The paper aims to demonstrate a synoptic view of the historical evolution of competence, significant growth and changes in conversation. The second objective is to investigate the meaning and definitional usage of competence and competency. The third objective is to present a synoptic view of different dimensions of competence. ,This paper reviews the selected literature spanning from 1959 to date from various databases using the following keywords: competence, competency, employee competence, employee competency, competency management and competency-based management. A total of 170 studies were selected in the first wave. In the second wave, a detailed assessment was made, as suggested by Tranfield Denyer and Smart, to ascertain the relevance of the articles. In this way, only 63 studies were selected for the review. This study also considers other relevant literature. ,The historical evolution demonstrates that competence scholarship has focused on use of the concept in different fields and contexts, theoretical frameworks for competence development and strategic relevance of competence-based (demand-based) human resource management. Results also suggest that the term competency and competence are interchangeably usable. Finally, the review summarizes a total of 16 dimensions of competence, studied in various contexts and classifies them into hard and soft competence and further dividing them into knowledge, skill and self-actualization-related competence. ,This paper discusses various research implications for human resource development scholars and professionals. ,This paper is a unique attempt to review the literature on three themes of employee competence.
Use of 13C-qNMR Spectroscopy for the Analysis of Non-Psychoactive Cannabinoids in Fibre-Type Cannabis sativa L. (Hemp)

Cannabis sativa L. is a dioecious plant belonging to the Cannabaceae family. The discovery of the presence of many biologically-active metabolites (cannabinoids) in fibre-type Cannabis (hemp) has recently given rise to the valorisation of this variety. In this context, the present study was aimed at the multi-component analysis and determination of the main non-psychoactive cannabinoids (cannabidiol, cannabidiolic acid, cannabigerol and cannabigerolic acid) in female inflorescences of different hemp varieties by means of 13C quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (qNMR). The method proposed here for the first time for the determination of cannabinoids provided reliable results in a competitive time with respect to the more consolidated HPLC technique. In fact, it gave sufficiently precise and sensitive results, with LOQ values lower than 750 μg/mL, which is easily achievable with concentrated extracts, without affecting the quality of 13C-qNMR spectra. In conclusion, this method can be considered as a promising and appropriate tool for the comprehensive chemical analysis of bioactive cannabinoids in hemp and other derived products in order to ensure their quality, efficacy and safety.