Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Conversion effect of co-educational schools to single sex schools on female students discipline in Trans-Nzoia District, Kenya

Provision of equal educational opportunities to girls and boys is a key objective of the government of Kenya. This study was conducted in girls’ schools that were converted from co-educational schools in Trans-Nzoia. District, Kenya. It sought to determine the effects of the conversion on girls’ discipline. This is in light of the goal that education must prepare and equip the learner with skills, expertise and attitudes that enable him/her to play an active role in National Development. For meaningful realization of this goal, students’ discipline needs to be enhanced in all learning institutions. Secondary schools in Kenya are broadly categorized into three: Boys only, Girls only and co-educational. Apparently, majority of indiscipline issues have been manifested in co-educational schools which consequentially have led to low realization of learning objectives. Studies have cited that girls in co-educational schools face many challenges that deny them the opportunity to benefit from the school system. In reaction, some coeducational schools have opted to be converted into single sex schools by gender. The target population of this study was 11 girls’ secondary schools. Purposive sample technique of 6 schools (54%) out of 11 schools was used. Respondents comprised of 100%: Principals, Deputy Principals, Education secretaries, Heads of guidance and counseling departments, directors of studies and boarding mistresses, totaling 52. Two research instruments: Questionnaires and Interviews schedules were used to collect data. All principals, deputy principals and education secretaries were interviewed while teachers responded to questionnaires. Findings of this study revealed that the conversion from co-educational to single sex schools yielded positive effects on girls’ discipline. Based on the findings it is recommended that other coeducational schools be converted to single sex schools as the conversion seems to enhance good girls’ discipline that is helpful in the achievement of educational objectives.
Between open and internal privatization: the Argentine educational system from 1940 through 2010

Abstract: The educational system of Argentina has undergone a process of decentralization along with a steady growth in private schools enrolment. This complex process is usually subsumed under the general concept of ‘privatization’. We have considered it necessary to provide a deeper understanding of the multiple dimensions this process of privatization encompasses. In this article we intend to analyze and reflect upon the transformations of the Argentine educational system and to understand the specific levels and aspects where privatization has taken place. We note that the public and the private sectors seem to have experienced divergent trajectories with compromising effects in terms of equity and social cohesion. We argue that the uneasy coexistence of a deregulated independent private sector and a hyperregulated public sector is the result of a partial and inadequate implementation of a public-private partnership scheme.
Distribution and changes in urease (EC 3.5.1.5) activity in Rumen Simulation Technique (Rusitec)

1. The Rumen Simulation Technique (Rusitec) was used in a series of long-term experiments to study the distribution and changes of urease (EC 3.5.1.5) activity in a heterogeneous fermentation system. 2. It was shown that in Rusitec the high urease activity from the inoculum decreased to low values, that the rate of decrease was consistent with simple dilution of ureolytic micro-organisms and that the urease activity could be restored to original values by infusion of urea into the reaction vessels. The magnitude of this urease activity was a direct function of the amounts of urea infused. Single daily additions of the same or greater amounts of urea in food or as solid failed to increase the urease activity significantly. 3. In general, urease activity increased 2–6 h after feeding and the increases were greater with roughage diets. 4. The ureolytic activity per unit volume was always higher in compartment 2 (space occupied by micro-organisms that are loosely associated with the solid) than in compartment 1 (strained rumen contents) or compartment 3 (space occupied by microbial population that cannot be washed out of the solid matrix). 5. The distribution of urease activity between the compartments was different from the distribution of certain other enzymes (e.g. protease and alkaline phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.1)). 6. Apart from the boundary region, the concentrations of urease, ammonia and volatile fatty acids in compartment 2 were constant, while the concentrations of protein, DNA and another enzyme (alkaline phosphatase) increased with the depth of the compartment. Specific urease activity (per unit weight of protein or DNA) was much higher in compartment 1 than in compartment 2 and it decreased markedly with depth of compartment. 7. The concentrations of ammonia were always much higher in the solid matrix (compartments 2 and 3) than in the free suspension of micro-organisms (compartment 1). There was a linear relation between these two quantities. 8. The results are discussed in relation to published work on the entry and metabolism of urea in the rumen.
The involvement of human RECQL4 in DNA double‐strand break repair

Rothmund–Thomson syndrome (RTS) is an autosomal recessive hereditary disorder associated with mutation in RECQL4 gene, a member of the human RecQ helicases. The disease is characterized by genomic instability, skeletal abnormalities and predisposition to malignant tumors, especially osteosarcomas. The precise role of RECQL4 in cellular pathways is largely unknown; however, recent evidence suggests its involvement in multiple DNA metabolic pathways. This study investigates the roles of RECQL4 in DNA double‐strand break (DSB) repair. The results show that RECQL4‐deficient fibroblasts are moderately sensitive to γ‐irradiation and accumulate more γH2AX and 53BP1 foci than control fibroblasts. This is suggestive of defects in efficient repair of DSB’s in the RECQL4‐deficient fibroblasts. Real time imaging of live cells using laser confocal microscopy shows that RECQL4 is recruited early to laser‐induced DSBs and remains for a shorter duration than WRN and BLM, indicating its distinct role in repair of DSBs. Endogenous RECQL4 also colocalizes with γH2AX at the site of DSBs. The RECQL4 domain responsible for its DNA damage localization has been mapped to the unique N‐terminus domain between amino acids 363–492, which shares no homology to recruitment domains of WRN and BLM to the DSBs. Further, the recruitment of RECQL4 to laser‐induced DNA damage is independent of functional WRN, BLM or ATM proteins. These results suggest distinct cellular dynamics for RECQL4 protein at the site of laser‐induced DSB and that it might play important roles in efficient repair of DSB’s.
Stepped-waveguide technique for the extraction of the electromagnetic parameters of conductor-backed absorbers

A technique to extract the electromagnetic properties of conductor-backed absorbing materials is introduced. The sample is first placed into a waveguide, completely filling its cross-section. Then a portion of the sample is fit into a reduced-step guide. The two measured reflection coefficients provide sufficient information to obtain both the complex permittivity and permeability of the sample. The usefulness of the technique may be evaluated by testing the sensitivity of the extracted material parameters to instrumentation uncertainty.
Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS) in systemic necrotizing vasculitis.

The continuing morbidity of patients with vasculitis, despite the improved prognosis with aggressive therapy, underlines the need for accurate disease assessment. We have devised a clinical index of disease activity, and evaluated its use in several forms of necrotizing vasculitis. The weighted score is based on symptoms and signs in nine separate organ systems. Disease features are only scored if they are attributable to active vasculitis. The Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS) was compared with two other published vasculitis activity scores, with the physician's global assessment (PGA), with outcome, and with serological markers of disease activity. In a cross-sectional study of 213 consecutive patients with different forms of vasculitis, all 107 vasculitis patients who were judged completely well on clinical assessment had a BVAS score of 0. Twenty-two patients with active vasculitis prior to treatment had a median score of 7.5 (range 4-30) and 69 with active disease on treatment had a median score of 10 (1-29). Of the 12 who died, median score immediately prior to death was 20.5 (9-30). In a serial prospective study, 30 cases had documented episodes of active disease. During periods of disease activity, the median BVAS values were significantly higher than in remission (15 [range 3-32] vs. 0 [0-2], p < 0.001); the same was true for CRP values (80 [9-361] vs. 13.5 [5-68], p < 0.001). This was not true for erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), haemoglobin (Hb) or von Willebrand factor (VWF). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
USE OF RELEASED PIGS AS SENTINELS FOR MYCOBACTERIUM BOVIS

Identifying the presence of bovine tuberculosis (TB; Mycobacterium bovis) in wildlife is crucial in guiding management aimed at eradicating the disease from New Zealand. Unfortunately, surveys of the principal wildlife host, the introduced brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula), require large samples (>95% of the population) before they can provide reasonable confidence that the disease is absent. In this study, we tested the feasibility of using a more wide-ranging species, feral pig (Sus scrofa), as an alternative sentinel capable of indicating TB presence. In January 2000, 17 pigs in four groups were released into a forested area with a low density of possums in which TB was known to be present. The pigs were radiotracked at 2 wk intervals from February to October 2000, and some of them were killed and necropsied at various intervals after release. Of the 15 pigs successfully recovered and necropsied, one killed 2 mo after release had no gross lesions typical of TB, and the only other pig killed at that time had greatly enlarged mandibular lymph nodes. The remainder were killed at longer intervals after release and all had gross lesions typical of TB. Mycobacterium bovis was isolated from all 15 pigs by mycobacterial culture. Home range sizes of pigs varied widely and increased with the length of time the pigs were in the forest, with minimum convex polygon range-size estimates averaging 10.7 km2 (range 4.7–20.3 km2) for the pigs killed after 6 mo. A 6 km radius around the kill site of each pig would have encompassed 95% of all of their previous locations at which they could have become infected. However, one pig shifted 35 km, highlighting the main limitation of using unmarked feral pigs as sentinels. This trial indicates use of resident and/or released free-ranging pigs is a feasible alternative to direct prevalence surveys of possums for detecting TB presence.
Effects of home exercises on motor performance in patients with Parkinson's disease

Objective: To investigate the effect of home exercises on the motor performance of patients with Parkinson's disease. Design: A prospective blinded study with allocation of patients into their groups by alternate weeks. Setting: A University Hospital neurology and physiotherapy department. Subjects: Recruited from a movement disorders outpatient clinic of Cerrahpasa School of Medicine diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, classified as Hoehn and Yahr Grades I, II and III. Interventions: Patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were recruited to the study. Each patient was evaluated at the end of first and second month after the baseline evaluation. Patients were divided into two groups. Those in the first and third week were put in the exercise group and second and fourth week in the control group. Patients in the exercise group (n=15) were given a schedule of exercises to undertake at home; the others (n=15) did not receive this instruction. Measures: Ten- and 20-m walking test, first pace length, pace number in 10 m, walking around a chair, Nine Hole Peg Board (NHPB) test. Results: Following the home exercise programme, patients in the exercise group showed improvement in walking 10 and 20 m, time elapsed to complete walking around a chair and length of the first pace length, and in the motor performance of both hands (p < 0.001). Conclusions: A home-based rehabilitation programme for patients with Parkinson's disease helped to improve motor performance compared to patients who did not take advantage of a regular, professionally designed exercise programme.
Infectious and Lethal Doses of H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus for House Sparrows (Passer Domesticus) and Rock Pigeons (Columbia Livia)

Terrestrial wild birds commonly associated with poultry farms have the potential to contribute to the spread of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus within or between poultry facilities or between domesticated and wild bird populations. This potential, however, varies between species and is dependent on several virus and host factors, including habitat utilization, susceptibility, and viral shedding patterns. To provide data on susceptibility and shedding patterns of house sparrows (Passer domesticus) and rock pigeons (Columba livia), 20 birds from each species were inoculated with decreasing concentrations of A/whooper swan/Mongolia/244/05 (H5N1) HPAI virus, and the birds were evaluated for morbidity, mortality, viral shedding, and seroconversion over a 14-day trial. The house sparrows were highly susceptible to the H5N1 HPAI virus as evidenced by low infectious and lethal viral doses. In addition, house sparrows excreted virus via the oropharynx and cloaca for several days prior to the onset of clinical signs. Based on these results, house sparrows could play a role in the dissemination of H5N1 HPAI virus in poultry. In contrast, pigeons were resistant to the HPAI virus, requiring a high concentration of virus to produce infection or death. When infection did occur, the duration of viral shedding was brief, and viral titers were low. The data suggests that pigeons would contribute little to the transmission and spread of H5N1 HPAI virus in poultry.
GA-produced conductive resonant elements for orthogonal polarization conversion reflectarray

This paper presents reflectarray resonant elements for orthogonal polarization conversion designed by using the genetic algorithm(GA). These elements have orthogonal two axially symmetrical structure which can be realized that the phase-difference (−180° or 180°) between the TE and the TM incidences, while achieving the reflection-phase range of 360° at the center frequency 15 GHz.
Swiss sports participation in an international perspective

Abstract Switzerland is an interesting test case for international comparisons of sports participation. On the one hand, sports at the intersection of the ‘English’ and the ‘German’ model have a long tradition in Switzerland. On the other hand, the three linguistic regions (French, Italian and German) of the country point to a number of cultural differences with respect to sport which also shed some light on differences at an international level. The article presents data from three 2007 Swiss surveys that included questions on sports participation: the Swiss Health Survey, Sport Switzerland, and the Swiss Household Panel. Depending on the survey used to estimate participation rates, about two thirds (SHS) to three quarters (SPOCH, SHP) of the Swiss population participate in sport at least occasionally. In an international comparison based on recent Eurobarometer data, Switzerland emerges as one of the countries with the highest sports participation rates. However, sports participation varies between the linguistic regions as well as with respect to age, gender, citizenship and socioeconomic status. An international comparison further shows that Switzerland has comparatively high sports participation rates but that differences between linguistic regions and according to respondents’ country of origin are closely linked to differences between countries thus suggesting an impact of historical, cultural and economic factors.
Chlamydospore Formation during Hyphal Growth in Cryptococcus neoformans

ABSTRACT Cryptococcus neoformans, a basidiomycetous fungal pathogen, infects hosts through inhalation and can cause fatal meningoencephalitis in individuals if untreated. This fungus undergoes a dimorphic transition from yeast to filamentous growth during mating and monokaryotic fruiting, which leads to the production of hyphae and airborne infectious basidiospores. Here we characterized a novel morphological feature associated with the filamentous stages of the life cycle of C. neoformans which resembles resting or survival structures known as chlamydospores in other fungi. The C. neoformans chlamydospore-like structure is rich in glycogen, suggesting that it might have a role as an energy store. However, characterization of mutants with decreased or increased levels of glycogen production showed that glycogen levels have little effect on filamentous growth, sporulation, or chlamydospore formation. These results suggest that the formation of chlamydospores is independent of glycogen accumulation level. We also show that chlamydospore formation does not require successful sporulation and that the presence of chlamydospores is not sufficient for sporulation. Although the biological functions of chlamydospores remain to be established for this pathogenic fungus, their formation appears to be an integral part of the filamentation process, suggesting that they could be necessary to support sexual sporulation under adverse conditions and thereby facilitate the production of infectious basidiospores or long-term survival propagules in harsh environments.
Long-Term Blood Pressure Control: What Can We Do?

Abstract There are unique problems associated with the long-term control of blood pressure (BP) in patients with hypertension. Many of these problems warrant specific discussion for the primary care physician. Up to one-third of high-risk patients are estimated to have uncontrolled hypertension. Although long-term control is essential to avoid complications of cardiovascular disease, such as myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease, it can become troublesome because of challenges with patient compliance and adherence to medication regimens. This may be due to low tolerability profiles, complicated regimens, or prohibitive costs. Trials have shown that a combination approach may reduce side effects with complementary therapies such as a calcium channel blocker (CCB)/angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) combination. Combination therapy can be used in any patient group not responsive to monotherapy, or who remain 20 mm Hg higher than their BP goal. This method may achieve the goal of reaching target BP sooner as a first-line approach and, in a fixed-dose combination, may be a more economic choice as well as a simpler regimen for the patient. Together with supportive measures, CCB/ARB combinations are a compelling alternative for the long-term treatment of hypertension.
Prediction of development of fatigue during a simulated ambulance work task from physical performance tests

The aims of this study were (1) to identify which physical performance tests could best explain the development of fatigue during a simulated ambulance work task, (2) to investigate the effect of height and weight and (3) to investigate in what respects these findings differ between female and male ambulance personnel. Forty-eight male and 17 female ambulance personnel completed a test battery assessing cardio-respiratory capacity, muscular strength and endurance, and co-ordination. The subjects also completed a simulated ambulance work task — carrying a loaded stretcher. The work task was evaluated by development of fatigue. Univariate and multiple regression analyses were used to investigate to what extent the tests in the test battery were able to explain the variance of developed fatigue. The explained variance was higher for female than for male ambulance personnel (time > 70% of HRpeak: R2 = 0.75 vs 0.10, accumulated lactate: R2 = 0.62 vs 0.42, perceived exertion: R2 = 0.75 vs 0.10). Significant predictors in the models were VO2max, isometric back endurance, one-leg rising, isokinetic knee flexion and shoulder extension strength. Height, but not weight, could further explain the variance. The high physical strain during carrying the loaded stretcher implies the importance of investigating whether improved performance, matching the occupational demands, could decrease the development of fatigue during strenuous tasks.
Chloride dependence of hyperpolarization‐activated chloride channel gates

1 ClC proteins are a class of voltage‐dependent Cl− channels with several members mutated in human diseases. The prototype ClC‐0 Torpedo channel is a dimeric protein; each subunit forms a pore that can gate independently from the other one. A common slower gating mechanism acts on both pores simultaneously; slow gating activates ClC‐0 at hyperpolarized voltages. The ClC‐2 Cl− channel is also activated by hyperpolarization, as are some ClC‐1 mutants (e.g. D136G) and wild‐type (WT) ClC‐1 at certain pH values. 2 We studied the dependence on internal Cl− ([Cl−]i) of the hyperpolarization‐activated gates of several ClC channels (WT ClC‐0, ClC‐0 mutant P522G, ClC‐1 mutant D136G and an N‐terminal deletion mutant of ClC‐2), by patch clamping channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes. 3 With all these channels, reducing [Cl−]i shifted activation to more negative voltages and reduced the maximal activation at most negative voltages. 4 We also investigated the external halide dependence of WT ClC‐2 using two‐electrode voltage‐clamp recording. Reducing external Cl− ([Cl−]o) activated ClC‐2 currents. Replacing [Cl−]o by the less permeant Br− reduced channel activity and accelerated deactivation. 5 Gating of the ClC‐2 mutant K566Q in normal [Cl−]o resembled that of WT ClC‐2 in low [Cl−]o, i.e. channels had a considerable open probability (Po) at resting membrane potential. Substituting external Cl− by Br− or I− led to a decrease in Po. 6 The [Cl−]i dependence of the hyperpolarization‐activated gates of various ClC channels suggests a similar gating mechanism, and raises the possibility that the gating charge for the hyperpolarization‐activated gate is provided by Cl−. 7 The external halide dependence of hyperpolarization‐activated gating of ClC‐2 suggests that it is mediated or modulated by anions as in other ClC channels. In contrast to the depolarization‐activated fast gates of ClC‐0 and ClC‐1, the absence of Cl− favours channel opening. Lysine 556 may be important for the relevant binding site.
Identification of widely applicable configurations for the electrostimulative total hip revision system

Since the 1980s electrostimulation is used to accelerate the healing of fractures and bone defects. In prior works this effect has been implemented in a numerical model of an electrostimulative hip revision cup which was optimized using a multi-objective evolutionary algorithm. The aim of our simulations is to design an implant which provides optimal electric fields in the acetabular region enhancing the reconstruction of the pelvic bone in such way as to improve the fixation of the prosthesis in the surrounding bone. In the present work we will show that this multi-objective algorithm can also be used to identify a small amount of configurations of the implant that will be able to stimulate a wide range of pelvic bones with different acetabular defects.