Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improvement of Mathematical Problem Solving and Disposition Ability of MTs Students through StrategiesThink Talk Write in Cooperative Learning in Kuantan Singingi Regency

This research is motivated by the low both Mathematical Problem Solving Ability (KPMM) and Mathematical Disposition (DM) in solving problems of grade VII MTs students. This study aims to see an increase in KPMM and DM MTs students in Kuantan Singingi Regency. The form of research was quasi-experimental with pretest-posttest control group design. The population of the study was MTs students in Kuantan Singingi District with the sample being Grade VII students from 3 MTs in Kuansing. Data collection instruments in this study were KPMM tests and DM questionnaires. Data were analyzed using t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, one-way Anova. The results obtained were an increase in KPMM for students who treated with Think Talk Write (TTW) strategies in cooperative learning. They were higher than students who obtained learning with a scientific approach (g_TTW = 0.75> 0.61 = g_PS). So it appears that the increase in KPMM and DM students who get the TTW Strategy in Cooperative Learning is higher than students who get learning with a scientific approach.
Variable selection in elliptical linear mixed model

Variable selection in elliptical Linear Mixed Models (LMMs) with a shrinkage penalty function (SPF) is the main scope of this study. SPFs are applied for parameter estimation and variable selection simultaneously. The smoothly clipped absolute deviation penalty (SCAD) is one of the SPFs and it is adapted into the elliptical LMM in this study. The proposed idea is highly applicable to a variety of models which are set up with different distributions such as normal, student-t, Pearson VII, power exponential and so on. Simulation studies and real data example with one of the elliptical distributions show that if the variable selection is also a concern, it is worthwhile to carry on the variable selection and the parameter estimation simultaneously in the elliptical LMM.
Appropriate buffer sizes for Internet nodal devices: A networks' topologies–based solution

Switched networks' (including the Internet) nodal devices require buffers to hold packets during periods of congestion and when traffic streams on more than one input port need to access the same output port. Appropriately sizing the buffers has been a contentious issue among researchers over the last couple of years. Three main buffer sizing formulas have been reported in literature, which are: bandwidth‐delay product or BDP, small buffer, and the tiny buffer formulas. But researchers are largely agreed that the BDP formula results in unrealistically large and wasteful buffers, while a number of researchers have held with good reasons, that the small and tiny buffer formulas are theoretical formulations that cannot be generally and practically applied to real networks. Some researchers have even asserted that deriving a single, universal formula for sizing buffers may not be possible. The main purpose of this paper is to explain an approach, which we term “network topology point –of –view,” that we developed to derive a novel, empirical, generic, practical, easy‐to‐apply, closed‐form formula that can be used to obtain the buffer capacity that is optimal—in terms of the minimum capacity possible for lossless operation, for any switched network node, including nodes (switches and routers) in the Internet. The results obtained from utilizing the formula to specify typical nodal buffers' capacities are largely in agreement with the values of the tiny buffer formula in literature; but this paper's formula additionally specifies what we term “very tiny buffers. ” The simple approach adopted for presenting this paper makes it a handy tutorial material that explains this “network topology point‐of‐view” concept.
VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR SERUM LEVELS IN WOMEN WITH ADVANCED ENDOMETRIOSIS.

Context Endometriosis is a common gynecological disease, characterized by ectopic deposits of endometrial tissue outside of the uterine cavity, and it is associated with pelvic pain and infertility, with an important impact on the quality of life. At this point there is a controversy regarding the etiology and pathophysiology of endometriosis and it seems that pro-angiogenic growth factors might be involved, but their role is not completely understood. Objective To evaluate the serum concentration of the main growth factors in patients with diagnosed endometriosis compared to healthy controls. Subjects and methods A total of 157 women were divided into two study groups (Group I - endometriosis; Group 2 - healthy women). Serum levels of VEGF, G-CSF, GM-CSF, b-FGF, EGF, and HGF were measured with Human Multiplex Cytokine Panels. Results VEGF serum levels were significantly lower in women with endometriosis compared to controls (1.924±0.145 compared to 1.806±0.078 pg/mL, p<0.001). Serum levels of GM-CSF, b-FGF, EGF, and HGF respectively did not differ significantly between patients with endometriosis and healthy controls. G-CSF had a very low detection rate. Conclusions The present study showed that VEGF serum levels are significantly lower in endometriosis patients compared to healthy controls, indicating a possible role in endometriosis pathogenesis.
Evaluation of Indigenous Knowledge and Fuel Value Index of Some Selected Sudano-Sahelian Fuelwood Species in Damaturu, Yobe State of Nigeria

Fuelwood utilization in the sudano- sahelian region requires massive felling of tree species which in turn resulted to deforestation and sand dunce couple with scarce vegetation in the region. Moreover, fuelwood is not only used for domestic and commercial purposes but for livelihood sustenance. This increases the demand and intensity for fuelwood through indiscriminate felling of trees species for energy use, with a trend that does not appear to have the possibility of meeting the increasing demand in the future. The study aimed to evaluate the indigenous knowledge and fuel value index (FVI) of ten selected sudano-sahelian fuelwood species and the results revealed a significant relationship between the indigenous knowledge and Fuel value index (FVI) of the ten selected fuelwood species. Higher FVI of 13.56MJ/m3 % 2 was obtained in A. leiocarpus followed by 6.61 MJ/m3 % 2 and 6.53MJ/m3 % 2 obtained in B. aegyptiaca and C. arereh meanwhile, lower energy fuelwood ranged from 0.11MJ/m3% 2 obtained in C. lamprocarpum. to 0 85MJ/m3% 2, in S. birrea respectively. Meanwhile, A. leiocarpus, C. arereh, C. molle, and B. aegyptiaca were the most preferred and possessed good fuel quality. The indigenous knowledge might not be solely based on their fuel properties but availability and other possible reasons. Therefore, those fuelwood species identified with higher energy value can be incorporated in to fuelwood plantation establishment programs and those with lower energy value fuelwood should be allowed for environmental restoration and amelioration.
Physical therapies in 19th century Aotearoa/New Zealand: Part 2 - Settler physical therapies

This paper is the second of two reporting on a historiographic study of physical therapies in 19th century Aotearoa/New Zealand. This paper focuses on physical therapies practised by colonists, missionaries, pioneers, and other settlers to Aotearoa/New Zealand before 1900. The paper follows the methodological framework of the first paper and explores early medical development and some of the physical therapy practices of colonial settlers. We examine some of the living conditions experienced by colonial settlers and consider how 19th century ideologies contributed to a lack of formalised medical development in Aotearoa/New Zealand. We then explore the evidence of physical therapy practices and practitioners, who congregated mostly in the country’s larger metropolitan centres, before concluding the paper with a discussion of some of the possible reasons for the distinct lack of physical therapies amongst the colonial settlers, when compared with the concurrent resurgence in physical therapy practices in Europe and North America. Nicholls D, Harwood G (2016) Physical therapies in 19th century Aotearoa/New Zealand: Part 2 – Settler physical therapies. New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy 44(3): 124-132. doi: 10.15619/NZJP/44.3. 02
Assessment of water and soil quality along the coastal region of Mangaluru

Majority of the industries located in the Mangaluru Coastal region, discharge their waste directly or indirectly into the Arabian Sea through the west flowing rivers of the region and also, due to the addition of municipal and sewage wastes, the surface water quality and soil quality were affected and causing the Physicochemical characteristics to alter. 10 Surface water samples and six soil samples were collected from selected locations of the study area and analyzed for various parameters by adopting standard methods. High values of Hardness, BOD and COD were found in the surface waters near Baikampady industrial area. With respect to soil samples, high values of physico chemical parameters were found for the sample 2 compared to other samples and also most of samples were acidic in nature.
Antibacterial and Wound Healing Activity of Dipterocarpus alatus Crude Extract Against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus-induced Superficial Skin Infection in Mice

Background: The bark oil of Dipterocarpus alatus Roxb. ex G. Don (resin tree) has been used for the treatment of ulcerated wounds in Ayurvedic medicine. However, information is still scarce about D. alatus extract and its constituents. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the antibacterial and wound healing effects of D. alatus crude extracts against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a superficial skin infection using a tape-stripping mouse model. Methods: Different parts (bark, leaves, twig, wood, and oleo-resin) of D. alatus were used for extraction. Crude extracts with two pure compounds (α,β-gurjunene and dipterocarpol) were examined for antibacterial activity against methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) and MRSA in vitro. The in vivo antibacterial activity against MRSA was examined in a tape-stripping mouse model of superficial skin infection by evaluating transepidermal water loss (TEWL), colony counts from wound culture swabs, and H&E staining. Results: Dipterocarpus alatus twig extract showed the lowest MIC (250 µg/mL) and MBC (500 µg/mL) against MRSA among extracts from other D. alatus parts. In addition, α,β-gurjunene showed lower MIC (250 µg/mL) and MBC (250 µg/mL) against MRSA than dipterocarpol. In vivo, D. alatus twig extract significantly reduced the number of MRSA recovered from superficial wounds to levels comparable to the non-infected control group on the second day. Oleo-resin, D. alatus wood extract, α,β-gurjunene, and dipterocarpol also significantly reduced the number of MRSA. Moreover, D. alatus twig extract and dipterocarpol healed infected wounds at rates comparable to the non-infected control group. From H&E staining of wounds, fibrin accumulation and neutrophil infiltration were attenuated in mice treated with D. alatus twig extract and dipterocarpol. Conclusions: Dipterocarpus alatus twig extract and dipterocarpol possess antibacterial and wound healing properties against MRSA-induced superficial skin infection in mice.
The effect of exercise on the protein profile of rat knee joint intra- and extra-articular ligaments

Injuries to the intra-articular knee joint ligament (anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)) together with the extra-articular medial collateral ligament (MCL) result in significant joint instability, pain and immobility for the affected individual. Moderate endurance type exercise has been shown to increase ligament strength, however little is known on the effect of short-term high intensity exercise regimes such as treadmill training on the ACL and MCL and whether they may be beneficial to the extracellular matrix (ECM) structure of these ligaments. This study aimed to identify the effect of short-term high intensity exercise on the proteome of the rat ACL and MCL using mass spectrometry. Sprague Dawley male rats (n=12) were split into equal groups of control and exercise animals, which were subjected to high intensity training and followed by proteomic analysis of the ACL and MCL. Knee joint and ligament health was assessed using OARSI scoring or using a validated histological scoring system. Histopathological analyses demonstrated no significant changes in the ACL, MCL or cartilage of the knee joint, indicating that the exercise regime used in this study did not have substantial impact on tissue structure and health of several tissues within the rat knee joint. Some proteins were found to be significantly more abundant in the ACL in the exercised group than the control group. However, no proteins with a significantly different expression were identified between MCL control and MCL exercised groups. The majority of proteins expressed at higher levels in the ACL exercise group were cytoskeletal proteins, ribosomal proteins and enzymes. Several matrisomal proteins were also more abundant such as collagen proteins and proteoglycans in ACL exercise group. In conclusion, our results indicate that short-term high intensity exercise has an impact on ACL ECM protein expression, with the majority of differential expressed proteins being cellular proteins such as actins, ribosomal and heat shock proteins, indicative of metabolic and molecular responses. Further study is necessary to determine the impact of these short-term changes on ligament structure and function.
Balancing the strength of external and internal ties for tacit knowledge management

ABSTRACT From external and internal perspective, this research constructs the model regarding tie strength and tacit knowledge management based on social network theory. To test the proposed model, this study disposes and analyses the data captured from 301 emerging firms located in Chinese large cities. The results confirm the proposition that both external and internal tie strength impose a positive effect on the process of tacit knowledge management. In addition, temperate internal tie strength positively affects the relationship between external tie strength and tacit knowledge acquisition, while excessive internal tie strength negatively moderates this relationship. This study not only expands the theoretical space in the field of social networks and knowledge management, but also provides guidance for the enterprise’s relationship network management and innovation practice.
Him Too? Cristiano Ronaldo and the News Coverage of a Rape Case Allegation

ABSTRACT This paper uses critical thematic analysis to explore the news media coverage of a rape allegation case against the football player Cristiano Ronaldo. After providing the context of the case, we examine the literature on how rape cases are represented by the news media. We then proceed to a critical thematic analysis of a purposive sample of Portuguese national newspapers, first identifying ten sub-themes in a total of 140 news stories and opinion columns and then considering the patterns of three critical themes that tended to dismiss the allegations, highlight the seriousness of the allegations and neutralize sexual victimization. Each of these considers prevailing ideologies, news values and journalistic practices.
Cytogenetic and molecular aberrations in childhood B lineage acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Background: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is a common hematological malignancy in children and is characterized by genetic changes such as mutations and chromosomal translocations. These cytogenetic and molecular abnormalities have got diagnostic and prognostic significance. Identification of these abnormalities helps in risk categorization and appropriate therapy. Aim of the study was to assess the cytogenetic/molecular abnormalities associated with B Lineage ALL in children.Methods: It was a hospital based retrospective observational study of 79 children diagnosed with B Lineage ALL by Bone marrow aspirate morphology and flow cytometry. Bone marrow samples or Peripheral blood were sent for cytogenetic/molecular analysis by Fluorescent in situ Hybridization technique. Descriptive data analysis was done using SPSS software.Results: Out of 199 cases 163(82%) were B Lineage ALL. 79(48%) undergone molecular analysis. Out of 79 cases of B lineage ALL, Translocation t(9;22) BCR-ABL1 was positive in 2(2.5%) cases , Translocation t(12;21) TEL/AML1 was positive 9(11%) cases and MLL (KMT2A) Gene Rearrangements was seen in 6(7.6%) children. Out of 79 cases of B lineage ALL, 6(7.6%) were Infantile ALL (Males 1(17%); Females 5(83%)). 4(67%) cases were positive for MLL (KMT2A) Gene Rearrangement, all of them were female children. Over all 17(22%) cases (Males 4(24%); Females 13(76%)) were positive for molecular abnormalities.Conclusions: Many children with ALL have got Cytogenetic and Molecular abnormalities. The highest percentage of cytogenetic and molecular genetic abnormalities was related to t(12;21)TEL/AML1 in B Lineage ALL children, if present confer favourable prognosis. MLL (KMT2A) Gene Rearrangement was the common molecular abnormality in Infantile B ALL, presence of it leads to high risk categorization and confer poor prognosis. The evaluation of cytogenetic and molecular genetic abnormalities in children is essential in estimating the prognosis in B Lineage ALL children, which will be a great contribution to offer appropriate therapeutic approaches.
Negotiating a Shared Interpretation During Piano Duo Performance

Most notated forms of music require interpretation of loosely-defined score instructions. For music ensembles, coordinating a shared interpretation in which each performer plays a complementary role can be challenging, especially if performers have already established their own individual interpretations. This study aimed to identify the patterns of behavior that distinguish performance in collaborative and solo conditions. We tested the hypothesis that highly skilled pianists would be motivated to create more expressively variable and divergent interpretations in the collaborative duet setting than when performing solo. Pianists recorded solo and duet performances of a new piece following individual rehearsal. MIDI and head motion data were assessed. Contrary to expectations, duet performances were less expressively variable than solo performances and no more or less prototypical; indeed, prototypicality increased with years of training. Leader–follower relationships in note timing emerged, with primos tending to take the lead. Pianists moved less during duet performances, and more smoothly. Coordination in head acceleration patterns also emerged during duet performances. Our findings show how performers’ intent to collaborate encourages more communicative styles of head movement and a conservative or protective style of playing that prioritizes coordination over creativity.
The effect of limited hip mobility on the lumbar spine in a young adult population

DEGREES AND CERTIFICATES 2010 PhD (Spine Biomechanics) Thesis: The effect of limited hip mobility on the lumbar spine in a young adult population University of Waterloo: supervised by Dr. Stuart McGill 2003 Master of Human Kinetics (Applied Human Movement) Thesis: The effect of localized muscle fatigue on tibial impact acceleration University of Windsor: supervised by Dr. 2012 Electromyographic analysis of trunk muscle activation patterns during specific tasks in low back pain populations. Affiliated with Dr. (May, June). Research focus was directed towards understanding and measuring spine stability and trunk muscular function, as well as developing core training programs to prevent injury. Affiliated with Dr. Francisco Vera-Garcia. (unpaid position)
The nutritional knowledge, attitudes and nutrient intakes of children

Due to ever increasing levels of obesity and diet-related diseases e. g. CHD, in the UK, healthy lifestyles need to be established in childhood. The main aim of this thesis was to investigate children's (11 12 y olds) nutrition education in schools today in Merseyside UK, and their nutritional knowledge, attitudes and nutrient intakes, taking into account methodological aspects of dietary assessment methods i. e. portion size estimation and validation of TEI estimates using TEE estimates from CaltracTM. Quantification of the errors in portion size estimation in children compared to those in adults was needed, as well as determining a method for this estimation, which causes minimal errors. Thirty-seven children aged 616 y had more errors in portion size estimation (mean difference range: -43.8% -104.1%) than 47 adults aged 17 82 y (-5.8% 73.5%). Neither method (the descriptions and the standard portion sizes or the food atlas) consistently produced more accurate results in portion size estimation. However the food atlas covered the actual served portion sizes more accurately than the descriptions. Memory was thought not to increase the errors seen with portion size estimation. The use of the CaltracTM as a cost-effective tool for estimating TEE and consequently the use of these estimates to validate TEI data was investigated. Data was used from 44 females and 26 males who kept a 3-day food diary and also wore a CaltracTM. Generally there was group agreement between the mean TEI and TEE, but at the individual level the agreement was not so close. It appeared that the CaltracTM underestimated TEE, hence it was not used in the final study with the 11 12 y olds. CaltracTM could be used at the group level in the future, but the many logistical problems with it need to be resolved first. From 5 schools in Merseyside, 541 11 12 y olds completed a health questionnaire, 104 completed a 3-day food diary (methods based on the findings from the previous 2 studies), and anthropometrie data was obtained from 95. Healthy eating was covered in most schools in food technology and PSE lessons for year 7. The females were more health conscious than the males. Knowledge was greater in the higher SES schools than the low SES schools. Overall the subjects had poor levels of knowledge related to PUFA, carbohydrate, fibre, and energy and fat contents of different foods. Twenty-seven percent of the children were overweight or obese, with levels higher in the low SES school than the high SES school. The 11 12 year olds had unhealthy diets since they had high fat, SFA and sodium intakes, and low intakes of carbohydrate, NSP, iron, calcium, vitamins A and D, and folate. Suggestions were made as to where improvements could be made.