Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association between work stress, physical exercise, and chronic shoulder/neck pain: the HUNT Study

Background: It is well documented that high work stress and low job control is associated with increased risk of shoulder/neck pain while regular physical exercise reduces this risk. However, there is limited knowledge about the combined effect of work stress and physical exercise on risk of chronic pain in shoulders/neck. The first objective of this study was to investigate the role of work stress and physical exercise as individual risk factors for chronic shoulder/neck pain in a large unselected population of women and men. A second objective was to investigate the combined effect of work stress and physical exercise on risk of chronic shoulder/neck pain.Methods: The Nord-Trondelag health study (the HUNT Study) was conducted in 1984-1986 (HUNT 1), with follow-up in 1995-1997 (HUNT 2). All women and men who participated in both surveys were included in the present study. After exclusions, the study population consisted of 12,530 women and 16,896 men for the analysis of work stress and job control on risk of chronic shoulder/neck pain, and 8,057 women and 11,028 men for the analysis including physical exercise. Relative risk (RR) of chronic shoulder/neck pain in HUNT 2 associated with work stress, job control, and physical exercise at baseline (HUNT 1) was estimated by a general lineal model.Results: At follow-up, 4,357 (34,7%) women and 4,470 (26.5%) men reported chronic shoulder/neck pain. Work stress showed a strong dose-response association with risk of chronic shoulder/neck pain (P-trend <.001) for both women and men. Women and men who reported to be exposed to work stress almost all the time had RRs of 1.32 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.11-1.58) and 1.68 (95% CI 1.41-2.00), respectively. The effect of job control on chronic shoulder/neck pain was weak, both among women and men. The different measures of physical exercise (i.e., frequency, duration, and intensity) all showed a moderate inverse dose-response effect on risk of chronic shoulder/neck pain in both women and men (10-20% reduced risk among the most active). The combined analysis showed that individuals who reported high stress levels and who exercised ≥2 sessions per week had a RR of 1.35 (95% CI 1.06-1.72) compared to a RR of 1.64 (95% CI 1.26-2.12) among inactive individuals with similar stress level.Conclusion: This prospective study indicates that women and men who perceive their work situation as stressful have an increased risk of chronic shoulder/neck pain. There was a moderate inverse relation between physical exercise and risk of chronic shoulder/neck pain for both women and men. Regular physical exercise can, to some extent, compensate for the adverse effect of work stress on risk of chronic shoulder/neck pain.
Implementation of criteria and standards-based assessment: an analysis of first-year learning guides

Assessment expectations are communicated to students in various ways and at different points in the semester. The provision of written information in learning guides given to students at the start of semester articulates what they are to do and how well they are to perform in assessment tasks. This paper examines how assessment expectations at an Australian university were communicated by staff in 159 first-year units (subjects) in the first year of university-wide implementation of criteria and standards-based assessment and learning guides policies. A framework was developed to analyse the extent and types of assessment information provided in learning guides. The paper provides a snapshot of the types of assessment used in the first year, including exams and analytical, reflective and authentic tasks. The paper contributes to an understanding of how university-wide assessment policy implementation can be evaluated through an examination of documents produced by staff.
Assessing What Really Matters to Student Learning Inside The National Survey of Student Engagement

ttending college is more important than ever. Social and political issues are increasingly complicated, and will become more so as the pace of change escalates. Virtually every sector of the economy l requires workers with skills and competencies beyond those most people acquire in high school. It's no surprise then that there is widespread interest in the quality of undergraduate education. State legislators, accreditors, parents, employers, and others want to know what students are learning and what they can do. George D. Kuh is Chancellors' Professor and Director of the National Survey of Student Engagement for the Center $ for Postsecondary Research and Planning at Indiana Unr5 versity Bloomington. i: p c I z e < > -
Call to friendship: some passing thoughts at 70

During these Christmas holidays, I received a greeting card from Professor Marcia Hiriart of Mexico with a message saying "May our growth factors continue to grow in a collaborative effort between our labs. " Our in-house evaluation reveals that this should be the thought of Brain-and-Heart Friendship (BHF) for the year 2010. This definitely contrasts to the word of year 2009 "to unfriend" as chosen by the New Oxford American Dictionary, primarily used by Facebook. Biomedical Reviews 2010; 21: iii-iv.
Genetic variation and relationships among eight Indian riverine buffalo breeds

Twenty‐seven microsatellite loci were used to define genetic variation and relationships among eight Indian riverine buffalo breeds. The total number of alleles ranged from 166 in the Toda breed to 194 each in the Mehsana and the Murrah. Significant departures from the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium were observed for 26 locus‐breed combinations due to heterozygote deficiency. Breed differentiation was analysed by estimation of FST index (values ranging from 0.75% to 6.00%) for various breed combinations. The neighbour‐joining tree constructed from chord distances, multidimensional scaling (MDS) display of FST values and Bayesian clustering approach consistently identified the Toda, Jaffarabadi, and Pandharpuri breeds as one lineage each, and the Bhadawari, Nagpuri, Surati, Mehsana and Murrah breeds as admixture. Analysis of molecular variance refuted the earlier classification of these breeds proposed on the basis of morphological and geographical parameters. The Toda buffaloes, reared by a tribe of the same name, represent an endangered breed from the Nilgiri hills in South India. Divergence time of the Toda buffaloes from the other main breeds, calculated from Nei's standard genetic distances based on genotyping data on seven breeds and 20 microsatellite loci, suggested separation of this breed approximately 1800–2700 years ago. The results of the present study will be useful for development of rational breeding and conservation strategies for Indian buffaloes.
Discriminacy of the minimum range approach to blind separation of bounded sources

The Blind Source Separation (BSS) problem is often solved by maximizing objective functions reflecting the statistical dependency between outputs. Since global maximization may be difficult without exhaustive search, criteria for which it can be proved that all the local maxima correspond to an acceptable solution of the BSS problem have been developed. These criteria are used in a deflation procedure. This paper shows that the “spurious maximum free” property still holds for the minimum range approach when the sources are extracted simultaneously.
Enhanced Microphone-Array Beamforming Based on Frequency-Domain Spatial Analysis-Synthesis

Distant-talking hands-free communication is hindered by reverberation and interference from unwanted sound sources. Microphone arrays have been used to improve speech reception in adverse environments, but small arrays based on linear processing such as delay-sum beamforming allow for only limited improvement due to low directionality and high-level sidelobes. In this paper, we propose a beamforming system that improves the spatial selectivity by forming multiple steered beams and carrying out a spatial analysis of the acoustic scene. The analysis derives a time-frequency mask that, when applied to a reference look-direction beam, enhances target sources and improves rejection of interferers that are outside of the specified target region. The performance of the system is demonstrated by simulations and audio examples.
Automatic Extraction of Signatures from Bank Cheques and Other Documents

An innovative approach for extracting signatures from bank cheque images and other documents is proposed based on the integration of the crop method with the sliding window technique. The idea is to estimate the approximate area in which the signature lies using the sliding window technique. In this approach, a window of adaptable height and width is moved over the image; one pixel at a time and the density of pixels within the window is calculated. This density is then used to find the entropy, which in turn helps fit the box that can segment the signature. The signatures thus extracted are then fed to a known fuzzy based off-line signature verification and forgery detection system. The proposed method has been applied with almost 100% success on several bank cheques from India, Malaysia and Australia. Signature extraction has also been shown on two typical types of documents which have varied and noisy backgrounds.
A Clearer Vision

Frances Egan argues that the states of computational theories of vision are individuated individualistically and, as far as the theory is concerned, are not intentional. Her argument depends on equating the goals and explanatory strategies of computational psychology with those of its algorithmic level. However, closer inspection of computational psychology reveals that the computational level plays an essential role in explaining visual processes and that explanations at this level are nonindividualistic and intentional. In conclusion, I sketch an account of content in which content does the sort of explanatory work that Egan denies is possible.
Molecular characterization of Aspergillus section Flavi isolates collected from peanut fields in Argentina using AFLPs

Aims: The objectives of this study were: (i) to evaluate genetic relatedness among Aspergillus section Flavi strains isolated from soil and peanut seeds in Argentina; (ii) to determine if AFLP molecular markers could be useful to identify isolates up to species level, and to correlate these markers with the isolates’ toxigenic potentials and/or vegetative compatibility group (VCG) affiliations.
Lack of Association between NLGN3, NLGN4, SHANK2 and SHANK3 Gene Variants and Autism Spectrum Disorder in a Chinese Population

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication, absence or delay in language development, and stereotyped or repetitive behaviors. Genetic studies show that neurexin-neuroligin (NRXN-NLGN) pathway genes contribute susceptibility to ASD, which include cell adhesion molecules NLGN3, NLGN4 and scaffolding proteins SHANK2 and SHANK3. Neuroligin proteins play an important role in synaptic function and trans-synaptic signaling by interacting with presynaptic neurexins. Shank proteins are scaffolding molecules of excitatory synapses, which function as central organizers of the postsynaptic density. Sequence level mutations and structural variations in these genes have been identified in ASD cases, while few studies were performed in Chinese population. In this study, we examined the copy numbers of four genes NLGN4, NLGN3, SHANK2, and SHANK3 in 285 ASD cases using multiplex fluorescence competitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We also screened the regulatory region including the promoter region and 5′/3′ untranslated regions (UTR) and the entire coding region of NLGN4 in a cohort of 285 ASD patients and 384 controls by direct sequencing of genomic DNA using the Sanger method. DNA copy number calculation in four genes showed no deletion or duplication in our cases. No missense mutations in NLGN4 were identified in our cohort. Association analysis of 6 common SNPs in NLGN4 did not find significant difference between ASD cases and controls. These findings showed that these genes may not be major disease genes in Chinese ASD cases.
Comparison of receptors required for entry of Leishmania major amastigotes into macrophages

We investigated the mechanisms of entry of amastigotes of Leishmania major from two different sources into macrophages by comparing their use of the Fc receptor (FcR), complement receptor type 3 (CR3), and mannose-fucose receptor (MFR). Amastigotes were obtained from BALB/c mice and SCID mice. FcR involvement was examined by opsonizing L. major with parasite-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG). Antiparasite IgG did not alter the uptake of amastigotes from BALB/c mice since these amastigotes had antibody bound to their surface: IgG1 was the most predominant antibody, followed by IgG2b, IgM, and IgG2a. However, opsonization with antiparasite IgG enhanced the entry of amastigotes that lacked antibody on their surface, namely, amastigotes obtained from SCID mice or from macrophages infected in vitro. These results indicate that the FcR is important for amastigote entry into macrophages. Down-modulation of FcRs onto immune complexes, however, did not reduce the entry of amastigotes containing surface-bound IgG into macrophages. Monoclonal antibodies against the CR3 inhibited the entry of amastigotes from either BALB/c or SCID mice into J774A.1 macrophage-like cells. Simultaneous blocking of FcR and CR3 further increased the inhibition of phagocytosis. Treatment of macrophages with soluble mannan or down-modulating the MFR onto mannan-coated coverslips had no effect on the entry of amastigotes from BALB/c or SCID mice. Thus, the MFR does not appear to be used by amastigotes of L. major. We show that ingestion of amastigotes appears to occur primarily through the FcR and CR3; however, additional receptors may also participate in the uptake of amastigotes.
Knowledge and opinions regarding oral cancer among Yemeni dental students.

BACKGROUND Oral cancer presents with high mortality rates, and the likelihood of survival is remarkably superior when detected early. Health care providers, particularly dentists, play a critical role in early detection of oral cancers and should be knowledgeable and skillful in oral cancer diagnosis. PURPOSE The aim of the present study was to assess the current knowledge of future Yemeni dentists and their opinions on oral cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS A pretested self-administered questionnaire was distributed to fourth and fifth year dental students. Questions relating to knowledge of oral cancer, risk factors, and opinions on oral cancer prevention and practices were posed. RESULTS The response rate was 80%. The vast majority of students identified smoking and smokeless tobacco as the major risk factors for oral cancer. Most of the students (92.6%) knew that squamous cell carcinoma is the most common form of oral cancer, and 85.3% were aware that tongue and floor of the mouth are the most likely sites. While the majority showed willingness to advise their patients on risk factors, only 40% felt adequately trained to provide such advice. More than 85% of students admitted that they need further information regarding oral cancer. As expected, students of the final year appeared slightly more knowledgeable regarding risk factors and clinical features of the disease. CONCLUSIONS The findings of the present study suggest that here is a need to reinforce the undergraduate dental curriculum with regards to oral cancer education, particularly in its prevention and early detection.
Effects of Low-Dose-Gamma Rays on the Immune System of Different Animal Models of Disease

We reviewed the beneficial or harmful effects of low-dose ionizing radiation on several diseases based on a search of the literature. The attenuation of autoimmune manifestations in animal disease models irradiated with low-dose γ-rays was previously reported by several research groups, whereas the exacerbation of allergic manifestations was described by others. Based on a detailed examination of the literature, we divided animal disease models into two groups: one group consisting of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), experimental encephalomyelitis (EAE), and systemic lupus erythematosus, the pathologies of which were attenuated by low-dose irradiation, and another group consisting of atopic dermatitis, asthma, and Hashimoto's thyroiditis, the pathologies of which were exacerbated by low-dose irradiation. The same biological indicators, such as cytokine levels and T-cell subpopulations, were examined in these studies. Low-dose irradiation reduced interferon (IFN)-gamma (γ) and interleukin (IL)-6 levels and increased IL-5 levels and the percentage of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Treg cells in almost all immunological disease cases examined. Variations in these biological indicators were attributed to the attenuation or exacerbation of the disease's manifestation. We concluded that autoimmune diseases caused by autoantibodies were attenuated by low-dose irradiation, whereas diseases caused by antibodies against external antigens, such as atopic dermatitis, were exacerbated.
Self-directed lifelong learning in hybrid learning configurations

Present-day students are expected to be lifelong learners throughout their working life. Higher education must therefore prepare students to self-direct their learning beyond formal education, in real-life working settings. This can be achieved in so-called hybrid learning configurations in which working and learning are integrated. In such a learning configuration, learning is typically trans-boundary in nature and embedded in ill-structured, authentic tasks. The goal of this study is to develop a set of design guidelines for an intervention that would strengthen students’ capacity for self-directed lifelong learning within a hybrid learning configuration, a one-semester elective course at a university of applied sciences in the Netherlands. The research approach was educational design research. An intervention was designed, implemented and evaluated during two iterations of the course. Evaluation methods included interviews with students and the course facilitator, questionnaires, and students’ logs and reports. We developed five intervention design guidelines that will promote self-directed learning. Our conclusion is that the intervention was usable and effective: at a basic level, the students did develop their capacity for self-directed lifelong learning. Further research is needed to investigate conditions for realizing higher levels of proficiency in self-directed lifelong learning throughout the curriculum and beyond.
The Dyad as the Unit of Analysis: Conceptual and Methodological Issues

This work assesses conceptual and methodological issues in the use of the dyad as the unit of analysis in family research. Illustrative examples from dyadic research and a table to aid researchers in the generation of dyadic studies using one or two informants are included. The focus of dyadic research is the relationship between two people. All components of a study must be at the level of the dyad and each stage of research must have the relationship as the object of study. Conceptualizing the pattern between two people is an essential first step. The pattern can take many forms reflecting different conceptual models of relationships and interactions. Individual properties such as values or needs must be distinguished from relationship properties such as norms or roles. Information about the partners individual characteristics or relationship may come from many sources and it is necessary to specify whose construction is under examination. Issues of subjectivity or objectivity self-report or observation and one informant or two relate to generalizability of information. How relationships are conceptualized must also be congruent with choice of sampling procedures. Two major weaknesses are common at the level of data analysis: data from both members of the dyad are aggregated rather than reflecting the pattern between the two or the conceptual basis of the constructed relationship pattern is not clear. The paper concludes with a discussion of the range of research questions that can appropriately be addressed using one or both partners as informants.
True Random number generator method based on image for key exchange algorithm

In this paper we propose a new method for generating True random numbers based on image which generates 256 bits key or higher for key exchange algorithm. True random numbers are always secured and good, compared to pseudo random numbers. Diffie-Hellman key exchange algorithm has two weaknesses: Discrete logarithm attack and Man-in-the-Middle attack. Our proposed method can easily overcome the above problems. This method of implementation is very easy, cost effective and convenient for transmission of shared session keys. Our proposed method rapidly increases the security of the key exchange protocols over an unsecured channel and can also be used for Public key cryptosystem.
Testing Transferability of a Self-Developed Teaching Effectiveness Measure across Colleges of Business.

teaching effectiveness (TE). Techniques of evaluation have varied from informal, open-ended questions such as: "What did you like about this course/instructor? "; and "What did you dislike about this course/instructor? "; to highly structured, multi-item quantitative measures. In search of valid and reliable quantitative measures, institutions have borrowed from one another, have reworked instruments that originally were designed for personnel evaluative purposes in noneducational settings, and have created their own measures through individual or committee effort [4]. Overwhelmingly, these efforts have focused on the development of standardized instruments comprised of a set of believed to be universally applicable criteria for use across disciplines within a university. A review of the literature reveals that a number of major institutions have ongoing programs pertaining to the development and use of standardized teaching evaluation instruments. These institutions include: the University of Michigan, the University of Illinois, the Educational Testing Service, the University of Arizona,
Linearly polarized and circularly polarized Arrays in LTCC Technology for 60GHz Radios

Designs towards low-cost highly-integrated 60GHz transceivers have been carried out using the multi-layer low temperature cofired ceramic (LTCC) based System-in-Package (SiP) technology [1]. 60GHz antenna designs are also shifting from conventional discrete designs to Antenna-in-Package solutions [2,3]. In this paper we present two antennas for 60GHz radios in Ferro A6 LTCC package with a relative dielectric constant of εr = 5.9. The two antennas are fed by stripline (SL) structures. This makes the antenna performance less sensitive to the surrounding package- and PCB-level dielectric and metal layers. These structures also decouple the design of the antenna from the exact physical properties of the package, simplifying simulation and modeling complexity. The two antennas have different polarization characteristics. One antenna is circularly polarized (CP), which is realized by an aperture-coupled 2×4 patch array with a sequential rotation scheme. With this scheme, wide axial ratio (AR) and impedance bandwidth are achieved. The other antenna is linearly polarized (LP), which is realized by a grid array antenna. This type of antenna is particularly suitable for fabrication in LTCC with rectangular meshes of microstrip lines for radiation. It also avoids the complicated feeding network associated with the commonly used patch array antenna. In view of wireless access applications, the CP property is very desirable for 60GHz antennas [4]. This is because the LP antenna requires the transmitting and receiving antenna to be rotated properly to achieve polarization matching. Using the CP antenna, this problem can be eliminated. In this paper, we not only present the design of two antennas but also the measurement to show the wireless access advantage of the CP patch array over the LP grid array antenna.