Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improving Students' Retention in Junior Secondary School Statistics using the Ethno-mathematics Teaching Approach in Obi and Oju Local Government Areas of Benue State, Nigeria

This study was designed to determine the effect of the ethnomathematics teaching approach on Junior Secondary three (JS3) students’ retention in statistics. It is also aimed at determining whether any of the sexes (male and female) would retain statistics concepts more than the other from the teaching. The study was carried out in Obi and Oju education areas of zone C in Benue state of Nigeria using a sample size of 248 junior secondary three (JS3) students. The study employed Quasi- experimental design of non-equivalent but culturally homogenous group. Intact classes were used for both the experimental and control groups. The experimental group was taught using the ethnomathematics approach while control group was taught using conventional approach. Two research questions and two research hypotheses were formulated to guide this study. Statistics Retention Test (SRT) instrument with the reliability coefficient of 0.80 was used as pre, post and retention tests though reshuffled each time for data collection. Mean and Standard deviation were used to answer the research questions while an ANCOVA was used to test the null hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance. The results revealed among others that the ethnomathematics teaching approach was more effective in facilitating and improving students’ retention in statistics than the conventional approach. The ethnomathematics teaching approach did not significantly differentiate between the sexes (male and female) retention scores in statistics. These findings have implications for all Mathematics teachers and stakeholders in mathematics education. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that the ethnomathematics teaching approach be adopted in schools particularly in our junior secondary school education, while teaching statistics since it has proved to be a viable option in promoting meaningful learning and affected students’ retention rate positively. Again, the ministry of education and professional bodies such as Mathematical Association of Nigeria (MAN) and Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN) should be involved in promoting this method through conferences, seminars and workshops so as to expose to teachers an ethno method in teaching mathematics.
Ultracompact multimode interference 3-dB coupler with strong lateral confinement by deep dry etching

Extremely short InP-InGaAsP MMI 3-dB couplers (L/spl sim/15-50 /spl mu/m) with conventional structure have been successfully fabricated. The significant size reduction was achieved by deep dry etching and tapered access waveguide with large S-bend design. Optical transmission measurements on these devices have been performed. An optical bandwidth about 80 nm with a limit of 2-dB excess loss was obtained for most of the couplers. During the whole tunable wavelength range (/spl lambda//spl sim/1485-1580 nm), the imbalance is within /spl plusmn/0.5 dB. Fabrication tolerance and polarization independence are also investigated and the results demonstrated the applicability of these ultracompact devices in high-density photonic integrated circuit.
Ultrastructural and functional characterization of myofibroblasts in lung diseases

Pulmonary fibrosis, lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are severe diseases and common death causes worldwide. Due to the lack of an effective therapy, the investigation of cell biological mechanisms behind these diseases is essential. An activation of stromal cells, including myofibroblasts, is a main feature found in the pathogenesis of lung diseases. Myofibroblasts express alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), have specific ultrastructure, produce extracellular matrix proteins and possess contractile capacity. Detailed structure and function of myofibroblasts and their roles in healthy and diseased lung are not yet wholly understood. The investigation of the myofibroblasts may further offer novel tools for the acquisition of proper diagnosis, prognosis and medical treatment. The study aimed to characterize the ultrastructural, functional and disease-specific features of stromal cells, particularly myofibroblasts, in interstitial and malignant lung diseases. The functional properties evaluated here were differentiation, invasive and contractile properties. The study material included in vitro stromal cells cultured from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluids. The appearance and location of myofibroblasts in different lung compartments of non-smokers and the COPD-patients were examined in vivo. The cells were investigated by light and electron microscopy. The α-SMA expression was analysed by gene or protein assays. The study demonstrated that stromal cells could be cultured from diagnostic BAL fluid samples and lung tissues. Cultured cells were a mixture of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. A small proportion of cells exhibited progenitor-like features. Myofibroblasts revealed differential features in electron microscopy and invasive or contractile assays. When studying tissues from healthy and COPD lungs, myofibroblasts were located both in alveoli and airways. In alveoli myofibroblasts localized in widened alveolar tips which were newly described structures and locations of myofibroblasts in healthy and diseased lung. The amount of myofibroblasts in large airways, but not in peripheral lung, was increased in COPD. We concluded that myofibroblasts have several locations in normal and COPD lung, which suggests a function both in pulmonary regeneration and the pathogenesis of COPD. Smoking altered the phenotype of myofibroblasts regardless of its origin.
Cancer stem cells in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: current evidence

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is highly prevalent in southern China and Southeast Asia. Cancer resistance to therapy, metastasis and disease recurrence are significant hurdles to successful treatment of NPC. Identifying mechanisms by which NPC is resistant is critical to improving patient survival. Evidence gathered in the last decade suggests that tumor progression and recurrence may be fuelled by cancer stem cells (CSCs). Understanding how CSCs contribute to the pathology of NPC will potentially aid the pursuit of novel therapies. In this review we summarize what major methods are currently used to identify CSCs in NPC and the challenges faced.
Some determinants of Academic Exclusion and Graduation in three faculties at UCT

University graduation rates have become increasingly important for institutions and policymakers alike. Academic exclusion, or other forms of withdrawal from university, represents a loss to the individual, the institution and broader society. This paper investigates the determinants of graduation and academic exclusion in UCT's Commerce, Engineering and Built Environment and Science faculties using survival analysis. The sample consists of 11 959 students who registered for a degree in one of these three faculties between 2006 and 2013. The results suggest that there are large differences in graduation and academic exclusion rates between different groups of students. Factors which increased the likelihood of graduating were being female, white, ineligible for financial aid (suggestive of greater affluence), proficient in English, attending a Quintile 5 or independent school and having obtained good Grade 12 grades. On the other hand, students who are male, eligible for financial aid (indicative of coming from poorer backgrounds), non-English-speaking, have attended poorly resourced schools and achieved low school grades are more likely to be academically excluded. Relative to the Commerce faculty, the Science and EBE faculties exclude a substantially greater proportion of poorly performing students in the first and second years. The Commerce Faculty excludes relatively few students in the first two years, but the exclusion rate increases sharply in the third and subsequent years.
Food Stamp Utilization Patterns in Nonmetropolitan Counties in Texas: A Multilevel Analysis of the Micro- And Macro-level Determinants of Caseload Dynamics

This report examines the Food Stamp caseload in metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas in Texas. The primary objectives are to identify and evaluate economic, sociodemographic, and policy factors associated with the dynamics of Food Stamp utilization and to examine the effects of such factors on the decline in the Food Stamp caseload in Texas. Much of the current research examining the dynamics of the Food Stamp caseload in the welfare reform period has examined aggregate caseload data or national surveys. While these findings have demonstrated marginal economic and policy effects on the Food Stamp caseload decline, few regional studies and comparisons of metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas within a state have been completed. Due to the substantial demographic and socioeconomic variation in metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas in Texas, an examination of the effects of economic and policy factors in nonmetropolitan Texas may provide useful information for the evaluation of other vulnerable population groups throughout the South.
Evolución de la mortalidad infantil, neonatal y postneonatal en Andalucía, 1975-1998

Fundamento: La mortalidad infantil, y sus componentes neonatal y postneonatal, son importantes indicadores de salud, lo cual justifica su analisis periodico incluso en paises desarrollados donde sus tasas han descendido considerablemente. El objetivo de este estudio es describir las modificaciones registradas en dichas tasas en Andalucia en el ultimo cuarto de siglo. Metodos: Se han calculado las tasas anuales de mortalidad infantil, neonatal precoz y tardia, asi como post-neonatal en 1975-1998. Mediante regresion de Poisson se han estimado los porcentajes anuales de cambio de las tasas en los dos intervalos de 1975-1986 y 1987-1998 asi como en el periodo completo 1975-1998. Se ha analizado tambien la mortalidad proporcional por causas infecciosas, respiratorias, congenitas, afecciones originadas en el periodo perinatal y el resto de causas, asi como la razon de tasas de mortalidad por afecciones originadas en el periodo perinatal y para el total de causas, en el quinquenio 1994-98 respecto al quinquenio 1975-79, en los periodos infantil, neonatal (precoz y tardio) y postneonatal. Resultados: Los mayores descensos porcentuales se han producido en la mortalidad neonatal precoz (6,38%) y tardia (4,6%). La razon de tasas de mortalidad por afecciones originadas en el periodo perinatal entre 1994-98 y 1975-79 es 10 para la mortalidad postneonatal mientras que es inferior a 1 para la mortalidad neonatal tardia (0,63), precoz (0,33) e infantil (0,30). Conclusiones: La mortalidad en los periodos infantil, neonatal precoz, tardio y post-neonatal ha descendido acusadamente entre 1975 y 1998. El riesgo de fallecer por afecciones originadas en el periodo perinatal de los ninos con mas de 4 semanas y menos de 1 ano de vida (periodo postneonatal) se ha multiplicado por diez entre 1975-79 y 1994-98.
TRANSPOSE RETURN RELATION METHOD FOR DESIGNING LOW NOISE OSCILLATORS J. L. Jimenez-Mart¶‡n 1 , V. Gonzalez-Posadas 1 ,

In this paper, a new linear method for optimizing compact low noise oscillators for RF/MW applications will be presented. The flrst part of this paper makes an overview of Leeson's model. It is pointed out, and it is demonstrates that the phase noise is always the same inside the oscillator loop. It is presented a general phase noise optimization method for reference plane oscillators. The new method uses Transpose Return Relations (RRT) as true loop gain functions for obtaining the optimum values of the elements of the oscillator, whatever scheme it has. With this method, oscillator topologies that have been designed and optimized using negative resistance, negative conductance or re∞ection coe-cient methods, until now, can be studied like a loop gain method. Subsequently, the main disadvantage of Leeson's model is overcome, and now it is not only valid for loop gain methods, but it is valid for any oscillator topology. The last section of this paper lists the steps to be performed to use this method for proper noise optimization during the linear design process and before the flnal non-linear optimization. The power of the proposed RRT method is shown with its use for optimizing a common oscillator, which is later simulated using Harmonic Balance (HB) and manufactured. Then, the comparison of the linear, HB and measurements of the phase noise are compared.
Can impedance cardiography be routinely applied in patients with sepsis and severe sepsis

Introduction: In the European Union only, about 146 000 patients die due to sepsis per year. Impedance cardiography (ICG) is a totally non-invasive and thus devoid of the risk of the above complications method of monitoring numerous hemodynamic parameters. The method recommended for routine application in patients with sepsis and severe sepsis should be precise, repeatable and possible to use in every case. The objective of this study was to determine the quality of the obtained impedance cardiography (ICG) signal and the value of thoracic fluid content (TFC) in patients with sepsis and severe sepsis. Material and methods: It was a prospective study. The study was performed in the Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Unit, Medical University Hospital, in the group of 20 patients with sepsis and severe sepsis. In total 128 ICG measurements (NICCOMO) were performed in all patients. Each time the level of ICG signal (in %) was determined and several hemodynamic parameters were measured including TFC. Results: The quality of ICG was ≥70% in 53.91% of the measurements, ≥30% in 88.28% of the measurements. In 11.72% of the measurements the signal quality was 65kΩ -1 in six measurements (4.69%). The mortality in the studied group was 30%. Conclusions: In conclusion the level of the obtained ICG signal and the measured TFC values in patients with sepsis and severe sepsis allow to apply ICG routinely in this group of patients.
Impact of extensive green roofs on the quantity and the quality of runoff – first results of a test bench in the Paris region

First results concerning the impact of different types of extensive green roof structures on the quantity and quality of runoff are presented. The effect on substrate thickness, type of drainage layer and vegetation on these emissions is discussed. The data have been acquired within the field of the TVGEP project, on an experimental test bench in Paris area. Runoff measurements confirm the ability of green roof to decrease runoff volume, with annual runoff coefficients inferior to 0.5. At the event scale, this retention capacity is however strongly variable and depends on rainfall depth and soil moisture condition. Important levels of conductivity, organic carbon and phosphorus concentrations have been measured in the green roof runoff, which should be taken into consideration if the runoff waters are collected into small detention ponds or small creeks. Pollutant loads emitted are strongly dependent on hydrologic behaviour of the green roofs. Further data is needed for an accurate evaluation of annual pollutant loads.
Biochemical Study of the Endothelial function in persons living at High Altitude in Saudi Arabia

The aim of this study was to investigate the biochemical effect of high altitude on modulation of the adaptive response of endothelial functions in persons’ living at high altitude in Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: this study included 90 apparently healthy individuals, composed of 2 groups: High altitude group; 45 apparently healthy male volunteer subjects from Abha city, (2,200 meters above sea level). Sea level group; 45 apparently healthy control male volunteer subjects from Makkah. Laboratory measurements for all subjects were performed including: Fasting blood sugar, kidney and liver function tests, and plasma lipid profile. In addition, parameters of vascular endothelial functions including: Nitric Oxide (NO) in the form of serum nitrite and nitrate (NO2 -/NO3 ), serum endothelin-1 (ET-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM-1) were also measured. Results: Measurements confirmed higher levels of ET-1 in high altitude subjects compared with those at sea level (P < 0.001). Serum VCAM-1 in high altitude subjects are higher compared with those at sea level (P = 0.015). Our results also, confirmed higher levels of NO in high altitude subjects compared with those at sea level (P = 0.003). conclusion: our data suggest that chronic hypoxia at high altitude may lead to higher circulating concentrations of these important vasoactive compounds (VCAM-1, ET-1 and NO), either as a direct result of hypoxia or as adaptive response to chronic high-altitude exposure. This process could imply a potential role for the measurement of these compounds in the prognostic evaluation of patients with cardiovascular diseases.
Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) 2010 Revision Full Online version - published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology

Authors Jan L. Brożek, MD, PhD – Department of Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics and Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada Jean Bousquet, MD, PhD – Service des Maladies Respiratoires, Hôpital Arnaud de Villeneuve, Montpellier, France, INSERM, CESP U1018, Respiratory and Environmental Epidemiology Team, France, and WHO Collaborating Center for Rhinitis and Asthma Carlos E. Baena-Cagnani, MD – Faculty of Medicine, Catholic University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina Sergio Bonini, MD – Institute of Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine – CNR, Rome, Italy and Department of Medicine, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy G. Walter Canonica, MD – Allergy & Respiratory Diseases, DIMI, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy Thomas B. Casale, MD – Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, USA Roy Gerth van Wijk, MD, PhD – Section of Allergology, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands Ken Ohta, MD, PhD – Division of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Department of Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan Torsten Zuberbier, MD – Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany Holger J. Schünemann, MD, PhD, MSc – Department of Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics and Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
New infections to be considered in health monitoring of laboratory rodents

In 1994 the Federation of European Laboratory Animal Science Associations issued guidelines for health monitoring in breeding colonies of rodents and rabbits recommending specific agents, test methods and sampling sites for each species. Today most commercial breeders in Europe perform health monitoring, which as a minimum fulfils the standards of the FELASA guidelines. Laboratory animal science and microbiology are, however, rapidly developing fields, which has made a revision necessary; a process, which is going on at the moment. This paper describe rodent infections, which need consideration in a revised set of guidelines. The infections considered are Helicobacter, Campylobacter, Haemophilus, Cilia associated respiratory bacillus and orphan parvovirus in rats and mice, as well as adenovirus, cardiovirus and parainfluenzavirus in guinea pigs. Some of these agents were mentioned but not recommended for mandatory screening in the guidelines, some have not been as easily accepted as part of health monitoring schedules as other agents, while some were not, at all, included in the guidelines.
Reconstruction in the gastroesophageal junction- from routine to advanced.

The general aim of the thesis was to contribute to a more evidenced based framework in the surgical treatment of diseases in the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ), by comparing outcome, measured by complication and survival rates, and evaluate different reconstructions regarding long-term symptoms and quality of life (QoL). The GEJ is a poorly defined anatomic area that represents the lower part of the esophagus and its’ junction to the proximal stomach.Diseases in this area cause symptoms that affect negatively the QoL for the patients and often interfere with the ability to eat and drink. The surgical treatments not only aim at eliminating the patient’s symptoms but also to cure her/his sometimes life-threatening condition. In Paper I we compared two different antireflux procedures in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Many patients do not respond to acid suppressor medication making the need of an antireflux procedure with good long-term functional results important. Epiphrenic diverticula are rare but can cause life-threatening conditions. In Paper II we studied the treatment of symptomatic epiphrenic diverticula, and evaluated the outcome after an antireflux procedure had been added to the myotomy, and studied the long-term effect after surgery both regarding symptoms relief and QoL. The incidence of adenocarcinoma (AC) in the GEJ increases rapidly in the Western world. In Paper III we compared the extensive and less used extended gastrectomy with long Roux-en-Y loop with the more commonly used esophagectomy with gastric tube in the treatment of AC in the GEJ. In Paper IV, we validated the paracetamol absorption test for measuring emptying from the gastric tube and compared it to gold standard, scintigraphy. In Paper V, we evaluated if there is a place for redoing reconstruction of the esophagus when the primary reconstruction fails. In conclusion, reconstruction for diseases in the GEJ can, both for benign and malignant diseases, be performed with a low postoperative morbidity and mortality, and with good long-term results. In the treatment of GERD, both a total and an anterior 120° fundoplication result in good long-term QoL. Treatment of epiphrenic diverticula should include a myotomy extended through the LES and an antireflux procedure, although the long-term QoL will remain impaired despite good postoperative regression of the primary symptoms. For AC in the GEJ, the extended gastrectomy can be used safely as a complement to esophagectomy and with good long term functional results and QoL. The paracetamol absorption test may be used as an alternative to scintigraphy for identifying delayed emptying from the gastric tube. In case of failure of the primary reconstruction, the patient should be offered another attempt, since it is possible to achieve an equally good outcome after a redo-reconstruction as after a primary reconstruction. (Less)