Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Access and Success in Rigorous Math Courses: English Learners and Reclassified Students in High School

This study focused on access and successful completion of A-G math courses for English Learner (EL) students. Access and success rates in A-G math courses for current and former ELs from six districts were analyzed, including how the rates vary by EL levels and time of reclassification. Relevant literature was reviewed, including state guidance for EL reclassification, tracking and placement, scholarship about EL access to rigorous coursework related to the English requirement for college, access to advanced courses, and math serving as a gatekeeper to more rigorous math courses and college access. This study focused on two research questions 1) How is the classification level of current and former English Learners related to their access to and success in rigorous (A-G approved) math courses in high school? 2) How does this vary by EL level and time of reclassification? The results of the study were analyzed through Bourdieu’s cultural capital framework and it was ascertained that EL students’ accessed and succeeded in A-G math courses at significantly lower rates than RFEP students. While higher level EL students accessed rigorous math courses at a higher rate than lower level EL students, success in these courses was not related to EL level. The results of the study further indicated that third and fourth grades are critical grades for reclassification as related to experiencing success in rigorous math courses. Based on the results, five recommendations for addressing these inequities are offered follow by ideas for future research.
Effect of Self-Care Education on Social Adaptability in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system (CNS), which affects the adaptability and interaction skills of the patient with family, relatives, and the society. Maintaining proper social relationships is very important for patients with MS. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of self-care education on the social adaptability of patients with MS. Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 50 patients with MS, referred to the MS society of Markazi province, Iran. They were selected based on inclusion criteria and were randomly divided into 2 groups, intervention and control. The patients were educated face-to-face, through a 5-session program on self-care behaviors. Social adaptability scores of the groups prior to the intervention and 1 and 4 weeks after the intervention were compared. Demographic data and the personal resource questionnaire (PRQ) were used for data collection. PRO was translated into Persian and assessed psychometrically by the researchers. Results: In the intervention group, the mean social adaptability score 1 and 4 weeks after the intervention showed a significant increase as compared with the mean score prior to the intervention (57.36 ± 6.6 and 87.8 ± 9.7, respectively, vs. 29.04 ± 5.6; P = 0.0001). Such a significant increase was also observed between the social adaptability scores at Week 1 and 4 (P = 0.0001). No increase was observed in the scores of the control group. The mean social adaptability score 1 and 4 weeks after the intervention was significantly higher in the intervention group (57.36 ± 6.6 and 87.8 ± 9.7, respectively) than it was in the control group (30 ± 6.6 and 30 ± 6.6, respectively) (P = 0.0001). Conclusions: Results of the current study indicate that face-to-face education about self-care behaviors improved social interactions in patients with MS. Hence, this intervention can be utilized to enhance social skills in this patient population.
Biochemical, Physiological and Yield Characteristics of Red Basil as Affected by Cultivar and Fertilization

Unconventional fertilizers can act as elicitors to encourage the synthesis of phyto-pharmaceuticals in aromatic plants. In the present research, the effects of factorial combination between two red basil cultivars, ‘Opal’ and ‘De Buzau’, and four fertilization types, biosolids, organic, microorganisms and chemical, plus an unfertilized control, were assessed on fresh and dry yield, biometrical parameters, soil plant analysis development (SPAD) and antioxidant compounds and activity. Chemical fertilization increased fresh yield compared with the control, with no difference in organic and microorganism fertilization regarding dry weight. ‘De Buzau’ enhanced the number of lateral stems and plant height, the latter being better affected by chemical and microorganisms compared to the control. Chemical fertilization showed the highest leaf dry matter, nitrate content and SPAD, whereas the control showed the lowest. Compared to the unfertilized control, biosolids increased total phenolics in ‘Opal’; microorganisms, organic and biosolids enhanced total flavonoids in ‘Opal’, with the same effect under microorganisms and organic treatments in ‘De Buzau’. Total anthocyanins showed the highest content in ‘Opal’ under organic fertilization. The highest antioxidant activity in the basil extracts was detected under microorganisms and organic applications in ‘Opal’. The present investigation results demonstrate that unconventional fertilizers increase the synthesis of antioxidants and represent a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilization for growing red basil.
Correlates of Listening Comprehension in L1 and L2: A Meta-analysis

The present meta-analysis aimed to explore the correlates of listening comprehension in first (L1) and second language (L2). In this regard, the overall average correlation scores, obtained from several primary studies retrieved from several databases, between linguistic (vocabulary size, vocabulary depth, syntactic knowledge), cognitive (working memory, metacognitive skills), and affective factors (anxiety and self-concept) and oral comprehension were measured. The results of the analysis revealed that in terms of strengths of association with listening comprehension, linguistic correlates were superior to cognitive correlates in L2 listening comprehension. There existed positive correlations with large effect sizes between vocabulary and grammar knowledge and listening comprehension while working memory yielded a positive correlation with a small effect size. Metacognitive skills, on the other hand, demonstrated a positive correlation with L2 listening comprehension with a large effect size. A similar pattern was observed in L1 listening comprehension with smaller strengths of association. Vocabulary and grammar knowledge yielded positive correlations with L1 listening comprehension and the effect size was medium while working memory weakly correlated with listening comprehension. An important distinction between L1 and L2 listening comprehension was observed in the affective domain. Anxiety and self-concept which were not reported to correlate with L1 listening comprehension were found to display large correlations with listening comprehension in L2. Overall, it was found that listening comprehension in both L1 and L2 is a multi-faceted process with different types of components involved.
Genomic Characterization of SiGRFs in Foxtail Millet and SiGRF1-overexpression in Arabidopsis thaliana Promotes Plant to Avoid Salt Stress

In plants, 14-3-3 proteins are recognized as mediators of signal transduction and function in both development and stress response. However, their functions have not been reported in the C4 crop foxtail millet. Here, phylogenetic analysis categorized foxtail millet 14-3-3s (SiGRFs) into ten discrete groups (Clusters I to □). Transcriptome and qPCR analyses showed that all the SiGRFs responded to at least one abiotic stress. All but one SiGRF-overexpressing (OE) Arabidopsis thaliana line (SiGRF1) exhibited insensitivity to abiotic stresses during seed germination and seedling growth. Compared with the Col-0 wild-type, SiGRF1-OEs had slightly lower germination rates and smaller leaves. However, flowering time of SiGRF1-OEs occurred earlier than that of Col-0 under high-salt stress. Interaction of SiGRF1 with a foxtail millet E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase (SiRNF1/2) indicates that the proteinase system might hydrolyse SiGRF1. Further investigation showed that SiGRF1 localized in the cytoplasm, and its gene was ubiquitously expressed in various tissues throughout various developmental stages. Additionally, flowering-related genes, WRKY71, FLOWERING LOCUS T, LEAFY and FRUITFULL, in SiGRF1-OEs exhibited considerably higher expression levels than those in Col-0 under salinity-stressed conditions. Results suggest that SiGRF1 hastens flowering, thereby providing a means for foxtail millet to complete its life cycle and avoid further salt stress. Highlight SiGRFs in foxtail millet: SiGRF1 hastens flowering in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana exposed to salt stress
The Changes of Position and Angulation of Condyle Mandible Before and After Orthodontic Treatment in Class II Malocclusion by Using Cephalometric Radiograph

The condyle position is important for the balance of the stomatognathic system. The changes of the condyle position from the normal position can cause Temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Malocclusions may cause condyle position changes at the Temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Treatment of skeletal class II malocclusion is expected to change the position of the condyle into a normal position. The condyle position is measured using two reference lines; Tuberculum sella to Cribiform (TC line) and vertical T line. TC line is formed by tuberculum sella (T) and Cribiform (C); the vertical T line is formed by the line that passing through point T and is perpendicular to the TC line. The angular measurement of condyle is formed by point Condylion (Co)-T-vertical T line and the position of condyle is formed by Co to TC line and Co to vertical T line. This research is cross sectional design study with analytical statistical approach which compared the position and angular condyle from tracings 36 lateral cephalometric radiograph before and after fixed appliances orthodontic treatment in skeletal Class II malocclusion with maxillary pragmatism. The different condyle position in Co-TC line, Co-vertical T line and angular Co-T-vertical T line shows a significant results (P=0.001) in skeletal Class II malocclusion with maxillary pragmatism. The distance of the Co to TC line increased, Co to vertical T line and angular Co-T-vertical T line is reduced after fixed appliances treatment in skeletal Class II malocclusion with maxillary pragmatism. Keywords–skeletal Class II malocclusion, maxillary pragmatism, condyle position, TMJ
Transplantation of autologous neural stem cells for treatment of Parkinson's disease: study protocol for a non-randomized controlled trial

Background and objectives: As degenerative changes in dopaminergic neurons occur only in the substantia nigra and striatum of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), cellular therapy is suitable for this condition. However, previous clinical studies using stem cells for treatment of PD have short follow-ups. Thus, studies with longer follow-ups are required to further investigate the efficacy of stem cell-based therapy. Design: A non-randomized controlled trial. Methods: Ninety eligible PD patients will be recruited from the Department of Neurology at the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, China. These patients will be assigned to three groups according to each patient's or their legal guardians’ wishes (n = 30 per group). In the control group, 12-week routine drug treatment will be performed. In intrathecal administration and intravenous administration groups, intrathecal administration of autologous neural stem cells (NSCs) into the subarachnoid space or intravenous administration of autologous NSCs will be performed once a week for 4 successive weeks in addition to the 12-week routine drug treatment. Outcome measures: The primary outcome measure is symptom improvement rate at 36 months post-treatment. Secondary outcome measures are nigrostriatal dopamine content, α-synuclein content in blood and cerebrospinal fluid, Barthel index, and safety indicators. Discussion: This study will be performed to demonstrate efficacy of autologous NSC transplantation as a prospective treatment for PD and investigate differences between intrathecal and intravenous transplantation routes, thus providing objective quantitative evidence for clinical applications. Ethics and dissemination: This study was designed in July 2017. Ethics approval from Medical Ethics Committee of the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University of China was achieved on December 22, 2017 (approval No. XYFY2017-KL052-01). The study protocol was registered on December 25, 2017. Patient recruitment began in January 2018 and will end in January 2019. Each patient will be followed up for 36 months. Follow-ups will be completed in January 2022. Data analysis will be performed in July 2022. Results will be disseminated by publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Trial registration: This trial was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (registration number: ChiCTR-ONC-17014141). Protocol version (1.0).
Inferring Multi-Type Birth-Death Parameters for a Structured Host Population with Application to HIV Epidemic in Africa

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) dynamics in Africa are purely characterised by sparse sampling of DNA sequences for individuals who are infected. There are some sub-groups that are more at risk than the general population. These sub-groups have higher infectivity rates. We came up with a likelihood inference model of multi-type birth-death process that can be used to make inference for HIV epidemic in an African setting. We employ a likelihood inference that incorporates a probability of removal from infectious pool in the model. We have simulated trees and made parameter inference on the simulated trees as well as investigating whether the model distinguishes between heterogeneous and homogeneous dynamics. The model makes fairly good parameter inference. It distinguishes between heterogeneous and homogeneous dynamics well. Parameter estimation was also performed under sparse sampling scenario. We investigated whether trees obtained from a structured population are more balanced than those from a non-structured host population using tree statistics that measure tree balance and imbalance. Trees from non-structured population were more balanced basing on Colless and Sackin indices.
Phonological memory training and its effect on second language vocabulary development

Recent studies highlight the important contribution of phonological working memory (PM) in the early stages of both native and foreign language development. However, research on the effects of PM training on language development is very limited. This study aimed at assessing the effectiveness of a PM training educational intervention as a means of fostering vocabulary development in beginner-level young learners of English as a second/foreign language (L2). A double-blind pretest–posttest quasi-experimental design was adopted, with an experimental group (n = 50) and a matched active control group (n = 47). All participants were initially assessed with an English-sounding nonword repetition test and an English language vocabulary test (receptive and productive). In addition, the experimental group students participated in the PM training (33 sessions of 15-minutes length within 12 weeks), while the control students participated in non-phonological-memory related English language activities. After the conclusion of the intervention, PM and L2 vocabulary were reassessed in both groups. Results confirm previous findings on the significant relationship between PM and L2 vocabulary size and provide evidence for PM trainability, as well as on resultant L2 productive vocabulary gains. No effect of PM training was detected on receptive vocabulary development. Results are discussed with regard to their theoretical implications, and to possible applications of PM training as a method for supporting vocabulary development in the L2 classroom.
Coblation versus dissection tonsillectomy in children

Background and objective: Tonsillectomy is the surgical procedure of removing the tonsils. Various methods of tonsillectomy have been practiced aimed at decreasing or eliminating intraoperative and postoperative morbidity. This study was conducted to determine the different outcomes of tonsillectomy surgery in both coblation and dissection techniques. Methods: A prospective control study was conducted with a total sample size of 66 patients. Each patient underwent tonsillectomy by using ArthroCare Coblator on the right side and dissection method on the left side. Children between the age of 3-12 years old were selected with indications of recurrent tonsillitis and/or kissing tonsil causing snoring and/or sleep apnea. Children with peritonsillar abscess, malignancy, bleeding disorder were excluded. Operative time and blood loss, postoperative pain, bleeding and healing process were compared between two methods. Operations performed by the same surgeon. Results: The intraoperative time was significantly shorter (P <0.001) and intraoperative blood loss was significantly lesser (P <00.01) in coblation as compared to dissection tonsillectomy, while there were no significant differences in the postoperative pain scores on 1st, 2nd, 7th and 14th postoperative days. There was a significant healing process in tonsillar fossa in favor of coblation rather than dissection. No primary or secondary postoperative bleeding was reported. Conclusion: Coblation tonsillectomy is a safe procedure with significantly less intraoperative time and less blood loss and better surgical wound healing with similar postoperative pain in comparison with dissection tonsillectomy.
Characterization of Lignocellulosic Biomass from Malaysian’s Yankee Pineapple AC6 Toward Composite Application

ABSTRACT The aim of this paper is to study the properties of the newly Malaysian pineapple variety, namely, Yankee pineapple’s leaf fibers (PALF) biofillers in composite applications. The fibers were extracted from the leaves, which were currently being thrown away or burned down. Comprehensive characterization of Yankee’s PALF was carried out to determine its chemical composition, surface morphology, and mechanical, crystallinity, and thermal properties. The results showed that the fiber had a high thermal degradation of 340°C (34% yield). On top of that, the fiber surface elemental composition captures carbon (53.56%) which had the highest atomic percentage followed by oxygen (42.93%) and potassium (3.51%). In addition, the fiber had a rough external surface observed through atomic force microscope analysis, resulting in good compatibility with the matrix polymer. The crystal index of fiber and its size give 55.22% and 2.17-nm values, respectively. Furthermore, 40 mm gauge length of single fiber had the highest tensile strength, which is 420.3 MPa compared to other values of the gauge length.
Diagnostic Laparoscopic for Subfertility and PCO

For women, problems with impregnation arise mainly from either operational problem in the Fallopian tube or uterus or problems regarding releasing eggs. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a health problem that affects 1 in 10 women of child rearing age. PCOS is also now a common and treatable cause of subfertility. To find out the diverse types of pelvic pathologies, female subfertility along with PCOS may be treated through Diagnostic Laparoscopy where a small incision is made in the abdomen which is a thin laparoscope which is a flexible microscope with a light at the end is inserted through it. Objectives: To reassess the importance of Diagnostic laparoscopy in subfertility investigation treatment plan determination. Methods: This study was carried out in Government and Private Hospital at Patuakhali, Bangladesh. The study enrolled 100 patients with subfertility problems who attended in that institution during the study time. The institution was chosen because of its available facilities for the infertile women and patient with PCOS and other subfertility related diseases. Female patient’s, who have significant infertile condition due to abdominal abnormalities, PCOS, endometriosis and others, assessment was carried out before starting the endoscopic procedures followed by thorough general, abdominal and pelvic examinations then Laparoscopy was performed under general anaesthesia. Results: Patient’s age ranged from 18 to 42 years and with subfertility duration >1 year were selected as study sample. The study was conducted on 100 female patients with problems regarding subfertility. Uterine pathology data shows that 12% of the selected patients had enlarged uterus and the uterus of 8% had smaller than normal sized uterus. Ovarian pathology data shows 32% patients had normal ovaries, 12% had peri-ovarian adhesions, 42% had polycystic ovaries (PCO), and 1% had small ovaries. 2% patient had tubo-ovarian mass, 8% had simple cysts while 3% of the patients had chocolate cysts. Tubal pathology data shows 66 patients (66%) had normal tubes. 10 patients (10%) had some form of peri-tubal adhesion. 17 patients (17%) had tubal block. Amongst them 9% patients had unilateral block and 8% patients had bilateral tubal block. 2 patients (2%) had hydrosalpinx and 2 patients (2%) had tubo-ovarian mass. The tubes could not be visualized in 3 cases due to gross adhesions. Peritoneal pathology data shows 16% had pelvic adhesions and 10% had endometriosis. Conclusion: This study helps to re-evaluate the controversial means concerning the use of laparoscopy in subfertility work-up, the findings in the study provides a clear description of the abnormal circumstances that motivates changes in intended initial treatment plan for infertile men and women.
Deficiency and Inadequacy of Vitamin E in the Maternal-Infant Group

These damages can also occur by the reduction of the antioxidant capacity of the newborn, either by the reduced activity of the antioxidant enzyme complex or by a low concentration of non-enzymatic antioxidants, such as vitamin E [6-7]. This reduction of vitamin E may occur more easily in preterms, as a consequence of the placental transfer occurring more intensely at the end of gestation, besides the immaturity of the lipid metabolism [8-9].
Repeatability of reclaimed asphalt pavement as related to properties of bitumen

Material recycling is one of the best solution that support sustainability aspect and at the same time reduce the construction and material cost. One of the common method in bituminous recycling is using reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP). Although usage of RAP in the pavement has been established, properties of bitumen after repeated recycling process is unclear. Bitumen was extracted from recommended recycled mixtures that had undergone through repeated recycling process. In this study, bitumen was assessed in three different ageing stages namely 0 Cycle, 1st Cycle and 2nd Cycle. 0 Cycle is the sample which extracted from fresh mixture (represents 100% fresh materials). 1st and 2nd Cycles represent the number of recycling process. Penetration, softening point and viscosity test were used to evaluate the properties of extracted bitumen. From the tests, the results indicate that repeated recycling process generally increased hardness of the bitumen. This result was proven with the reduction in penetration value and increased in softening point temperature. Furthermore, it was also discovered that multiple recycling stages reduced the mixture workability, which was demonstrated by the increment of viscosity value. Hence, recycling process without any rejuvenator is applicable up to certain levels only.