Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effect of a core stability, m. gluteus medius and proprioceptive exercise program on dynamic postural control in netball players

Maintaining dynamic postural control is essential for netball players as they frequently find themselves on one leg having to make a precise pass. Evaluation of the physical profile of elite university netball players found poor balance during pre-season. The research aimed to determine if a six-week exercise programme incorporating core stability, m. gluteus medius strengthening and proprioceptive balance exercises would lead to improvement in dynamic postural control in netball players. A crossover randomised clinical trial was performed on nineteen all-female university level netball players. The 19 participants were randomly divided into two groups. Group A (n=8) participated in the exercise programme three times a week for six weeks, while Group B (n=8) acted as the control group after which roles were reversed. Participants were assessed at baseline, after six and 12 weeks using the Star Excursion Balance Test. A statistically significant improvement (p<0.05) was found in dynamic postural control across three reach directions (anterior, medial and posterior) post participation in the exercise programme. A programme incorporating core stability, m. gluteus medius and proprioceptive balance exercises could be beneficial for improving dynamic postural control in all-female university level netball players. Keywords: Core stability; Dynamic postural control; Effect; M. gluteus medius; Proprioceptive balance.
Vegetated Treatment Area Effectiveness at Reducing Nutrient Runoff from Small Swine Operations in Central Texas

Numerous modeling and field studies have evaluated the effectiveness of vegetative treatment systems in treating runoff from animal feeding operations; however, none have evaluated the effectiveness of vegetative treatment areas (VTAs) receiving direct runoff from small swine operations. The project objective was to determine whether a sufficiently sized VTA alone can effectively remediate direct runoff from small swine operations (<100 animals). Three study locations were established in 2012, and sampling sites were installed to measure runoff water quantity and quality at the VTA inlet, VTA outlet, and a nearby control. The VTAs reduced runoff volume by 17%-55%, nutrient concentrations by 23% 91%, and nutrient loads by 50%-96%, although some median NO3-N concentrations and loads increased. The Bell County VTA significantly reduced most nutrient concentrations and loads, many to the level of the control site, which represents "near ideal" performance. The Brazos County VTA also significantly reduced all nutrient concentrations and loads except for NO3-N, but the reductions were not adequate to match levels at the control. The Robertson County VTA inlet and outlet produced low nutrient concentrations and loads that were similar to the control, which is partially attributed to alternative management of solids and enclosed barn pens. Average soil N and P levels decreased from April 2013 to October 2014, although some nutrient build-up did occur near the VTA inlets in Bell and Brazos County. Based on these results, with proper consideration of design and management factors (e.g., solids management, perennial grass cover and subsequent haying and removal, and nutrient loads/VTA area), VTAs can be practical, environmentally-friendly waste management alternatives.
Elimination of Vibrio Cholerae from Raw Sewage Using Chlorella Vulgaris: A Case of Chegutu Waste Reticulation, Zimbabwe

Accepted: 3 Feb. 2022 The research was aimed at eliminating Vibrio cholerae from raw sewage collected from home spills of Chegutu, Zimbabwe. An experimental approach was used in which homogenized raw sewage, inoculated with Chlorella vulgaris culture was distributed equally into three tanks and left to stand for three weeks. Samples were extracted from the three tanks and tested for the presence of Vibrio cholerae and physico-chemical parameters once in seven days. Results showed a continuous decrease in the quantities of Vibrio cholerae as well as physico-chemical parameters. Vibrio cholerae was totally eliminated from the sewage within 21 days. Chlorella vulgaris can be used as a bioremediation agent to eliminate the Vibrio cholerae from sewage. The research recommends that the prototype designed from this research could be used at a large scale in the elimination of Vibrio cholerae in Municipal raw sewage.
Functional Status, Quality of Life, and Physical Activity of Senior Club Members—A Cross-Sectional Study

This study aims to assess the functional status, quality of life, and physical activity (PA) of the elderly who are members of senior social clubs. The study included 63 participants (65–95 years old) who were members of a seniors club. The study utilized the following instruments: Barthel scale, Lawton’s scale of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), WHO Quality of Life-BREF questionnaire, author’s survey questionnaire containing questions about the type of PA. Duration of membership in the senior club has a statistically significant effect on Barthel index score (F = 19.68, p < 0.001) and Lawton’s IADL scale results (F = 17.59, p < 0.001). All four domains of life quality were strongly related to the duration of attendance to senior clubs. Participants who attended the senior club for more than five years were more likely to report a longer PA duration than participants who attended the senior club for less than 5 years (Chi2 = 25.84, p < 0.001). Attendance to senior social clubs has a strong positive impact on functional status, quality of life, and PA of the elderly. Moreover, our study identified numerous social-demographic factors associated with PA, quality of life, and functional status of senior club members.
Stereotyping Older Adults: How Labels and Perceived Age Influence Ratings

ABSTRACT Ageist language can bias research, with past findings indicating that labels such as ‘elderly’ invoke more negative stereotypes than neutral labels. We investigated how labels, contact, and perceived age influence stereotypes of older adults in Germany. One hundred and sixteen German-speaking participants (age-range = 14–33) reported their stereotypes and perceived age for one of three labels for older adults and reported contact with their grandparents. Targets labeled as ‘people the age of grandparents’ were perceived as older (modal age-range 70–90 years) and targets labeled as ‘older adults’ (modal age-range 50–70 years) as younger than those labeled ‘people 70–85 years of age. ’ Stereotype ratings did not vary by label but were more negative when the target was perceived as older and more positive when contact with own grandparents was higher. Researchers and practitioners should use care in selecting labels when conducting and communicating their research as well as working with older adults.
An uncommon case of congenital thoracic venous anomaly and extracardiac sinus venosus defect in an asymptomatic adult first presenting with brain abscesses: a case report

Abstract Background Congenital thoracic venous anomalies (CTVAs) with right-to-left shunt constitute an uncommon source of paradoxical embolization in adults. We present a case of a healthy and physically fit individual with a rare asymptomatic anomaly first presenting with brain abscesses after a visit to the dental office; persistent left superior vena cavae (PLSVC) without bridging vein, over-riding right-sided superior vena cavae (RSVC) connected to the left atrium (LA), and an extracardiac sinus venosus defect. Case summary A 29-year-old male presented to the neurosurgical unit due to intracranial abscesses requiring intervention following a visit to his dentist. The abscess cultures isolated bacteria commonly found in the normal oral flora. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed an enlarged coronary sinus consistent with PLSVC. An agitated saline study was performed and raised suspicion of simultaneous extra- and intracardiac shunting. Magnetic resonance angiography confirmed the presence of a PLSVC and revealed an RSVC connected to the LA; however, no intracardiac shunt was evident. Electrocardiogram-gated computed tomography was therefore conducted and discovered the rudimentary remains of the physiologic RSVC forming a connection to the right atrium, explaining the bilateral contrast loading seen on the agitated saline study and diagnosing an extracardiac sinus venosus defect (SVD). The patient recovered and has been referred for surgery. Discussion This case illustrates a CTVA and a forme fruste type SVD resulting in a severe complication in a healthy adult. We highlight the diagnostic challenges posed, suggest early usage of agitated saline studies, and discuss the rationale for surgical correction of this patient.
Hybrid modeling of collaborative freight transportation planning using agent-based simulation, auction-based mechanisms, and optimization

The sharing economy is a peer-to-peer economic model characterized by people and organizations sharing resources. With the emergence of such economies, an increasing number of logistics providers seek to collaborate and derive benefit from the resultant economic efficiencies, sustainable operations, and network resilience. This study investigates the potential for collaborative planning enabled through a Physical Internet-enabled logistics system in an urban area that acts as a freight transport hub with several e-commerce warehouses. Our collaborative freight transportation planning approach is realized through a three-layer structured hybrid model that includes agent-based simulation, auction mechanism, and optimization. A multi-agent model simulates a complex transportation network, an auction mechanism facilitates allocating transport services to freight requests, and a simulation–optimization technique is used to analyze strategic transportation planning under different objectives. Furthermore, sensitivity analyses and Pareto efficiency experiments are conducted to draw insights regarding the effect of parameter settings and multi-objectives. The computational results demonstrate the efficacy of our developed model and solution approach, tested on a real urban freight transportation network in a major US city.
Pharmaceutical versus Over-the-Counter Potassium Citrate: A Benchtop Comparison

Abstract Introduction: Potassium citrate has been shown to significantly reduce kidney stone recurrence by alkalinizing urine and increasing citrate excretion. However, the cost of potassium citrate can be prohibitive. Thus, over-the-counter use of potassium citrate supplements has gained interest from patients and providers due to reported decreased cost. Prior studies show that fluids such as orange juice, Crystal Light and certain sodas are reasonable sources of alkali citrate; however, the true alkali citrate content among leading over-the-counter supplements is unknown. We investigate popular supplements and compare them to pharmaceutical potassium citrate. Methods: The top 6 potassium citrate supplements were purchased from Amazon.com in October 2020 and April 2021. These supplements and Urocit®-K were dissolved in deionized water and diluted before measurement with a colorimetric citrate assay kit. A pH electrode was used to measure the pH of each sample and the alkali citrate content of each supplement was calculated. Results: Urocit-K and Thorne® had the highest percentage of alkali citrate per gram. NOW® supplements and Nutricost® offered the cheapest alkali citrate at less than 1 cent per mEq. Conclusions: Citrate supplements vary widely in their cost and citrate content. Patients and providers may find this information useful depending on their individual preferences for cost and pill size. Pharmaceutical Urocit-K was not the most cost-effective option; however, it may be the more convenient option as it requires fewer pills.
Comprehensive Social Protection Programming: What is the Potential for Improving Sanitation Outcomes?

Millions of people around the world do not have access to adequate sanitation facilities, undermining progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 6.2 that calls for adequate and equitable sanitation for all. Efforts to improve sanitation outcomes have been rapidly accelerated in the past decade alongside an expansion of different financial incentives or subsidies to promote access to services and motivate sanitation behaviour. In parallel, social protection has become part and parcel of development policy, with many low- and middle-income countries now offering some form of cash transfers to those most vulnerable. Comprehensive interventions that couple financial transfers with complementary support such as behaviour change communication, training, or coaching have also grown increasingly popular. Despite similarities between water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) subsidy schemes and social protection interventions, these policy areas have largely developed in silos and limited cross-sectoral learning has taken place. This paper begins to fill this knowledge gap by assessing the potential for comprehensive social protection in addressing sanitation outcomes and drawing out policy implications for the social protection and WASH communities. It does so by focusing on a social protection programme in the context of extreme poverty in rural Haiti.
EVALUATION OF 2.4-M FENCES AND ONE-WAY GATES FOR REDUCING DEER-VEHICLE COLLISIONS IN MINNESOTA

Two segments of 2.4-m fence with one-way gates along new Interstate highways in Minnesota were evaluated for 18 months for their effectiveness in reducing deer-vehicle collisions. The fences were 4 and 5.1 km long with 9 and 10 pairs of gates, respectively. Passage by deer through the one-way gates was monitored by the use of baler counters and track beds. Sixty-nine percent of 51 passages through the gates were in a positive direction (from inside the fenced highway corridor to the outside). The reported number of deer hit was reduced 60 and 93 percent from the expected number in the two segments. A benefit-cost ratio of 3.61 appeared most appropriate for use in determining whether to erect such fences. Recommendations are made for design considerations in any future such fence construction. (Author)
Effect of Acupuncture on Time-Dependent of Muscle Endurance in Female Elbow Joint: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Immediate characteristics of acupuncture have been confirmed by relevant studies; however, the current study on the time effect of acupuncture in improving upper limb forearm muscle endurance is still limited. The aims of this study are to explore: (1) whether real acupuncture (RA) can improve female forearm muscle endurance compared to sham acupuncture (SA) and (2) whether the changes in forearm muscle endurance after RA are time-dependent. Thirty-six healthy female students were recruited to participate in isokinetic tests of elbow flexion/extension (Flex/Ext) from maximum flexion to maximum extension as much as possible using an isokinetic dynamometer at a speed rate of 60°/sec. Participants in the RA group were stimulated at Quchi (LI11), Shousanli (LI10), Hegu (LI4), Xiaohai (SI8), Tianjing (SJ10), and Waiguan (SJ5) acupoints for 20 min, while the SA group needling was near at these acupoints. The values of the isokinetic parameters and surface electromyography (sEMG) signals were recorded before and after acupuncture. After RA, the isokinetic parameters values (average torque, work, power, and speed), the sEMG values at four major muscles, and the joint stiffness of elbow Flex/Ext were significantly increased (p < 0.05). The enhancement of forearm muscle endurance lasted approximately 7–21 min (from post1 to post3/post4), indicating that the effect of RA to improve elbow Flex/Ext muscle endurance is time-dependent. Therefore, this study found that RA can immediately improve the forearm muscle endurance of healthy women compared with SA, and this effect can last approximately 7–21 min until the acupuncture efficacy decreased or disappeared.
Pleiotrophin, nitric oxide and glutamate AMPA receptors in chick cerebellum morphogenesis.

Avian cerebellum, a highly conserved, laminated and foliated structure, provides an excellent model for developmental studies. During the intermediate embryonic stages, granule cell progenitor proliferation and the inwards migration of post-mitotic granule cells have been implicated in the morphogenesis of cerebellar cortex cytoarchitecture and foliation. The present study questioned the spatio-temporal expression pattern of pleiotrophin, an extracellular matrix growth factor, during the morphogenesis of embryonic cerebellum and the roles of ionotropic AMPA glutamate receptors and the diffusible neuromodulator nitric oxide (NO) in the proliferation pattern of EGL granule cell progenitors. For this, the density of proliferating cells in the developing embryonic external granule layer (EGL) was determined following acute treatment with AMPA receptor antagonist CNQX or NO synthase inhibitor L-NAME, at embryonic stages HH38-41 (E12-E15 days), by means of BrdU immunohistochemistry and double immunofluorescence. Importantly, at earlier stages pleiotrophin-like immunoreactivity showed high expression levels in the EGL that gradually decreased, persisting within the growing folia apices, later in development. Interestingly, blockage of AMPA receptors had no effect; while NOS inhibition resulted in transient age- and region-specific increases of EGL granule progenitor cell proliferation at earlier stages, but decreased the post-mitotic granule cells at folia apices, at a later stage HH41 (E15 day). Taken all together, NO had a transient anti-proliferative effect in EGL similar to mammalian cerebellum, acting as a modulator of the EGL function at different stages, suggesting its possible implication in complex processes guiding cerebellar cytoarchitecture and folia formation.
Crossing Frequency Method Applicable to Intermediate Pressure Plasma Diagnostics Using the Cutoff Probe

Although the recently developed cutoff probe is a promising tool to precisely infer plasma electron density by measuring the cutoff frequency (fcutoff) in the S21 spectrum, it is currently only applicable to low-pressure plasma diagnostics below several torr. To improve the cutoff probe, this paper proposes a novel method to measure the crossing frequency (fcross), which is applicable to high-pressure plasma diagnostics where the conventional fcutoff method does not operate. Here, fcross is the frequency where the S21 spectra in vacuum and plasma conditions cross each other. This paper demonstrates the fcross method through three-dimensional electromagnetic wave simulation as well as experiments in a capacitively coupled plasma source. Results demonstrate that the method operates well at high pressure (several tens of torr) as well as low pressure. In addition, through circuit model analysis, a method to estimate electron density from fcross is discussed. It is believed that the proposed method expands the operating range of the cutoff probe and thus contributes to its further development.
Real-time hybrid simulation for a base-isolated building with the transmissibility-based semi-active controller

The transmissibility-based semi-active (TSA) controller was developed in the existing study by the authors, which can effectively enhance the performance of base-isolated buildings under both strong long- and short-period earthquake ground motions. Since the performance of the TSA controller was only evaluated with numerical simulation in the existing study, this paper further validates its performance experimentally by conducting real-time hybrid simulation (RTHS). A three-story base isolated building was designed based on a simplified design procedure, where the base isolation system of the building consisted of three different devices, that is, a magneto-rheological (MR) damper, rubber bearing, and linear bearings. The base isolation system was experimentally tested with the MR damper controlled by the TSA controller, and the building superstructure was analytically modeled. It was shown that the TSA controller makes the system damping high under long-period ground motions and low under short-period ground motions, which performed uniquely as intended. As a result, the isolator displacement was effectively reduced under long-period ground motions, while the story drift and acceleration responses were also reduced under short-period ground motions, all of which are difficult to achieve at the same time using passive damping only.
Temperature model of steel members exposed to thermal radiation and fire in large space building

In order to study the temperature rise in the steel components exposed to fire,experiment was carried out in one large space building and a theoretical model was built in which the influence of flame radiation on the temperature rise of steel components was taken into consideration.The calculation methods for the thermal radiation from the flame and temperature development in steel were proposed,and the calculated results agree well with the experimental data.
Effects of Wearing a 50% Lower Jaw Advancement Splint on Biophysical and Perceptual Responses at Low to Severe Running Intensities

Acute ergogenic effects of wearing occlusal splints have been reported for aerobic and anaerobic exercises, but the literature centered on performance improvement by using jaw repositioning splints is scarce. We aimed to analyze the effect of wearing a 50% lower jaw advancement splint on biophysical and perceptual responses at low to severe running intensities. Sixteen middle- and long-distance runners performed twice a 7 × 800 m intermittent running protocol (with 1 km·h−1 increments and 30 s rest periods) in an outdoor track field using two lower intraoral splints (a placebo and a lower jaw advancer). These devices were custom manufactured for each participant and a randomized and repeated measure design was used to compare conditions. No differences between placebo and lower jaw advancer were found (e.g., 52.1 ± 9.9 vs. 53.9 ± 10.7 mL·kg−1·min−1 of oxygen uptake, 3.30 ± 0.44 vs. 3.29 ± 0.43 m of stride length and 16 ± 3 vs. 16 ± 2 Borg scores), but small effects were sometimes observed (e.g., 109.2 ± 22.5 vs. 112.7 ± 25.2 L·min−1 of ventilation, ES = −0.42). Therefore, this jaw advancement splint had no substantial ergogenic effect on biophysical and perceptual responses when running at different intensities.
Can early golfing lead to acetabular and lower limb changes? A cross-sectional study

Golf is a sport which is sometimes started early, in particular for players who become professionals. The combination of an early practice (before growth peak) with high training loads could further increase the occurrence of musculoskeletal injuries. The aim of this study was to comparing the morphological and positional parameters of the acetabular and lower limbs of golfers with early or late involvement in the golf practice. Two populations: golfers with early involvement in golf practice (before adolescent growth peak, 12 y.o.), golfers with late involvement (after adolescent growth peak). Subjects underwent a low-dose biplanar radiograph in standard standing position allowing the 3D reconstruction of bones. Morphological parameters were automatically computed from it. Thirty-five male golf players were included: 13 in early group (mean age 27 y.o.), 22 in late group (mean age 56 y.o.). The index of cumulative torsions (sum of the tibial and femoral torsions) was different between sides in early: 7° on the lead-side; 20° on the trail-side (p < 0.01). This index was different between the lead-side of the early group compared to late (22°; p < 0.001). It could be explained by the mechanical stresses applied on lead knee and ankle during the follow-through. Intensive golf involvement by young players could lead to bone morphology modifications.