Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Contribution of Peace Education as a Determinant of Holistic Education of Students in Secondary Schools in Kiambu and Samburu Counties, Kenya

DOI: 10.15580/GJER.2018. 5.072118102 This study sought to determine the contribution of peace education as a determinant of holistic education of students in secondary schools in Kiambu and Samburu Counties, Kenya. An explanatory mixed methods research design that involves both quantitative and qualitative strands was adopted for the study. The actual sample reached for both phases was 707 participants. The research instruments used during the first quantitative strand of the study were questionnaires for principals, students and senior teachers. The qualitative data in the second phase was collected using observation checklists and interview guidelines for principals, senior teachers, members of BoM as well as Quality Assurance and Standards Officers from the Ministry of Education. Quantitative data from questionnaires was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The major finding was that majority of respondents in Kiambu County compared to their counterparts in Samburu County considered peace education as one of the determinants of holistic education. The results especially based on regression analysis and corroborated by qualitative data from interviews and observations led to the conclusion that the use of a combination of peace education was one of the determinants of holistic education. It was thus recommended that Peace Education should be integrated into the syllabuses at all levels of learning from pre-unit to university to facilitate development of holistic education. Submitted: 21/07/2018 Accepted: 30/07/2018 Published: 31/07/2018
Dynamic self-tuning PD control for tracking of robot manipulators

Motivated by the passivity-based robot control scheme under unknown dynamics, a self-tuning PD controller with bounded time-varying gains is proposed for trajectory tracking of robot manipulators. The tuning procedure is synthesized on-line by means of a neuro-fuzzy recurrent scheme which produces smooth control input for smooth desired trajectories. Semi-global exponential stability of the closed-loop system is guaranteed via Lyapunov theory. Simulation results make evident and viable the potential characteristics of the proposed controller.
Parasites as biological tags for stock discrimination in marine fish from South American Atlantic waters

Abstract The use of parasites as biological tags in population studies of marine fish in the south-western Atlantic has proved to be a successful tool for discriminating stocks for all species to which it has been applied, namely: Scomber japonicus, Engraulis anchoita, Merluccius hubbsi and Cynoscion guatucupa, the latter studied on a broader geographic scale, including samples from Uruguayan and Brazilian waters. The distribution patterns of marine parasites are determined mainly by temperature–salinity profiles and by their association with specific masses of water. Analyses of distribution patterns of some parasite species in relation to gradients in environmental (oceanographic) conditions showed that latitudinal gradients in parasite distribution are common in the study area, and are probably directly related to water temperature. Indeed, temperature, which is a good predictor of latitudinal gradients of richness and diversity of species, shows a latitudinal pattern in south-western Atlantic coasts, decreasing southwards, due to the influence of subtropical and subantarctic marine currents flowing along the edge of the continental slope. This pattern also determines the distribution of zooplankton, with a characteristic specific composition in different water masses. The gradient in the distribution of parasites determines differential compositions of their communities at different latitudes, which makes possible the identification of different stocks of their fish hosts. Other features of the host–parasite systems contributing to the success of the parasitological method are: (1) parasites identified as good biological tags (i.e. anisakids) are widely distributed in the local fauna; (2) many of these species show low specificity and use paratenic hosts; and (3) the structure of parasite communities are, to a certain degree, predictable in time and space.
OPPOSING EFFECTS OF TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR RECEPTOR 1 AND 2 IN SEPSIS DUE TO CECAL LIGATION AND PUNCTURE

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, a cardinal molecule in the cascade of sepsis-induced host injury, binds to two distinct receptors: tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) 1 and TNFR2. We used the cecal ligation and puncture model of polymicrobial sepsis to elucidate the role of these receptors in sepsis pathogenesis. Mice lacking TNFR1 had prolonged survival with less hypothermia, whereas mice lacking TNFR2−/− had shortened survival and more profound hypothermia than wild-type mice. TNFR1−/− and TNFR2−/− mice had increased serum concentrations of interleukin (IL) 1β and total TNF-α (free plus receptor bound) compared with wild-type mice, but there were no differences in IL6 or IL10 concentrations. Furthermore, free TNF-α was markedly elevated in the serum and peritoneal fluid of mice lacking TNFR2, supporting a role for this receptor in regulating the concentration of TNF-α. Lastly, apoptosis of ileal crypt epithelial cells was increased in mice lacking TNFR1, but there were no differences in lymphocyte apoptosis. These data suggest that in sepsis, TNFR1 mediates much of the TNF-α-induced pathology, whereas TNFR2 mediates protective effects.
The role of pili in the interactions of pathogenic Neisseria with cultured human endothelial cells

The influence of the two surface structures of Neisseria meningitidis, capsule and pili, in bacterial interactions with human endothelial cells was investigated. Increased association correlated with the presence of pili on bacteria while capsule type had no apparent effect. Strains expressing both Class I and Class II pili associated with endothelial cells in significantly larger numbers compared with the non‐piliated variants of the same strains (>10×). Variants of Neisseria gonorrhoeae strain P9 expressing antigenically distinct pili also associated with endothelial cells in larger numbers (>30×) compared with the non‐piliated variant. Electron microscopic studies confirmed these data and showed that gonococci were internalized more frequently compared with meningococci. One consequence of increased association was an increase in the cytopathic effect of bacteria on the target cells.
Changing population dynamics and uneven temperature emergence combine to exacerbate regional exposure to heat extremes under 1.5 °C and 2 °C of warming

Understanding how continuing increases in global mean temperature will exacerbate societal exposure to extreme weather events is a question of profound importance. However, determining population exposure to the impacts of heat extremes at 1.5 °C and 2 °C of global mean warming requires not only (1) a robust understanding of the physical climate system response, but also consideration of (2) projected changes to overall population size, as well as (3) changes to where people will live in the future. This analysis introduces a new framework, adapted from studies of probabilistic event attribution, to disentangle the relative importance of regional climate emergence and changing population dynamics in the exposure to future heat extremes across multiple densely populated regions in Southern Asia and Eastern Africa (SAEA). Our results reveal that, when population is kept at 2015 levels, exposure to heat considered severe in the present decade across SAEA will increase by a factor of 4.1 (2.4–9.6) and 15.8 (5.0–135) under a 1.5°- and 2.0°-warmer world, respectively. Furthermore, projected population changes by the end of the century under an SSP1 and SSP2 scenario can further exacerbate these changes by a factor of 1.2 (1.0–1.3) and 1.5 (1.3–1.7), respectively. However, a large fraction of this additional risk increase is not related to absolute increases in population, but instead attributed to changes in which regions exhibit continued population growth into the future. Further, this added impact of population redistribution will be twice as significant after 2.0 °C of warming, relative to stabilisation at 1.5 °C, due to the non-linearity of increases in heat exposure. Irrespective of the population scenario considered, continued African population expansion will place more people in locations where emergent changes to future heat extremes are exceptionally severe.
An investigation of the partial adjustment effect of

Global literature reports positive initial return in IPOs, or “money left on the table” by the issuing companies. One possible cause is that when the underwriter perceives high demand, she adjusts upward the offer price, but not the full fair price. This partial adjustment creates positive first day return, which is used to compensate informed investors for revealing truthful information during the book building process. We investigate Brazilian IPOs issued between 2004 and 2012 and find evidence similar to the findings in the US. The launching price is lower than the first day closing price, and underwriter increases the number of shares in the aftermarket with the overallotment option. The new shares issued in the aftermarket reduces the “money left on the table” and at the same time compensates informed investors. Surprisingly the underpricing is less than half of the one reported in the US.
Dynamic response of tactile sensor applying cantilever in elastomer

We report on the dynamic characteristics of a tactile sensor using a micro standing cantilever embedded in a silicone elastomer. Vibration test results show that the dynamic characteristics of the sensor, which is composed of a cantilever and a surrounding elastomer, depend on those of the elastomer part. Moreover, no matter how much the resonant frequency of the cantilever is, it can follow the oscillating deformation of the elastomer as long as the oscillation frequency is below the resonant frequency of the combined sensor structure.
Blood lead levels in the US population. Phase 1 of the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III, 1988 to 1991)

OBJECTIVE To determine mean blood lead levels and their sociodemographic correlates in the US population. DESIGN Nationally representative cross-sectional health examination survey that included measurements of venous blood lead. PARTICIPANTS A total of 13,201 persons aged 1 year and older examined during phase 1 of the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988 to 1991). RESULTS The overall mean blood lead level for the US population was 0.14 mumol/L (2.8 micrograms/dL). Blood lead levels were consistently higher for younger children than for older children, for older adults than for younger adults, for males than for females, for blacks than for whites, and for central-city residents than for non-central-city residents. Other correlates of higher blood lead levels included low income, low educational attainment, and residence in the Northeast region of the United States. National estimates for children 1 to 5 years of age indicate that 8.9%, or approximately 1.7 million children, have blood lead levels 0.48 mumol/L (10 micrograms/dL) or greater. These levels are high enough to be of health concern under 1991 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. CONCLUSIONS The low overall mean blood lead levels demonstrate a major public health success in primary prevention efforts. However, exposure to lead at levels that may adversely affect the health of children remains a problem especially for those who are minority, urban, and from low-income families. Strategies to identify the most vulnerable risk groups are necessary to further reduce lead exposure in the United States.
PERSPECTIVE: EVOLUTION OF FLOWER COLOR IN THE DESERT ANNUAL LINANTHUS PARRYAE: WRIGHT REVISITED

Abstract Linanthus parryae, a diminutive desert annual with white or blue flowers, has been the focus of a long-standing debate among evolutionary biologists. At issue is whether the flower color polymorphism in this species is the product of random genetic drift, as Sewall Wright argued, or of natural selection, as proposed by Carl Epling and his colleagues. Our long-term studies of three polymorphic populations in the Mojave Desert demonstrate that flower color is subject to selection that varies in both time and space in its direction and magnitude. For all sites taken together, blue-flowered plants produced more seeds than white-flowered plants in years of relatively low seed production, whereas white-flowered plants had higher fitness in years of high seed production. Evidence of selection on flower color was found in two of the three study sites. Differences in fitness between the color morphs were sometimes large, with selection coefficients as high as 0.60 in some years. Our longest period of observations was at Pearblossom site 1, where plants reached appreciable densities in seven of the 11 years of study. Here we found significant differences in the seed production of the color morphs in six years, with three years of blue advantage and three years of white advantage. For all sites taken together, total spring precipitation (March and April) was positively correlated with both absolute and relative seed production of the color morphs. At Pearblossom site 1, blue-flowered plants typically had a fitness advantage in years of low spring precipitation, whereas white-flowered plants had a fitness advantage in years of high spring precipitation. This temporal variation in selection may contribute to the maintenance of the flower-color polymorphism at Pearblossom site 1, whereas gene flow from neighboring populations is proposed as the principal factor maintaining the polymorphism at the other study sites. We found no significant differences between the color morphs in pollinator visitation rate or in their carbon isotope ratio, a measure of water-use efficiency. Although the mechanism of selection remains elusive, our results refute Wright's conclusion that the flower color polymorphism in L. parryae is an example of isolation by distance, a key component of his shifting balance theory of evolution. Corresponding Editor: C. Eckert
Efficacy of a separate informed consent for anesthesia services: A prospective study from the Caribbean

Background and Aims: This study aimed to determine whether a separate written consent form improved the efficacy of the informed consent process for anesthesia in adult patients undergoing elective surgery at a tertiary care teaching hospital. Material and Methods: We randomized patients into two groups prospectively. The first group (Group A) signed the hospital's standard Consent for Operation form only while the second group (Group B) signed a separate Consent for Anesthesia form additionally. Patients were interviewed postoperatively with an eight-item questionnaire with responses in a 5-point Likert scale. A composite adequacy of consent index was generated from the responses and analyzed. Results: Two hundred patients (100 in each group) were studied. All patients indicated that the anesthesiologist(s) had their permission to proceed with their anesthesia care. The mean adequacy of consent index score in Group B was higher than that of Group A (30.6 ± 4.6 [standard deviation (SD)] vs. 27.9 ± 5.2 [SD]) (P < 0.001). The separate written consent had a positive impact on the patients’ understanding of the nature and purpose of the intended anesthesia procedures (P = 0.04), satisfaction with the adequacy of information provided about common side effects (P < 0.001) and rare but serious complications (P = 0.008). Conclusions: A separate written consent for anesthesia improved the efficacy of the informed consent process with respect to better information about the nature and purpose of anesthesia, common side effects, and rare but serious complications.
Efficient quantization schemes for LDPC decoders

LDPC codes have attracted much attention recently for their near-capacity performance and high throughput owing to parallel decoding architectures. While simulations are normally done with floating point computation, any practical implementation (ASIC or FPGA) will be built with fixed-point computation. Obviously, decoder speed will increase, and resource requirements will drop, with low-precision implementations, say 3,4, or 5-bit architectures. In this paper we study the effects of quantization in this regime, using density evolution and decoder simulation. Detailed sum-product decoder implementations are given, and performance losses relative to floating point decoding are given. In particular, 4-bit decoder architectures sustain only 0.1 dB penalty.
Direct Association of Protein-tyrosine Phosphatase PTP-PEST with Paxillin*

Tyrosine phosphorylation of focal adhesion-associated proteins may be involved in the regulation of the cytoskeleton and in the control of signals for growth and survival. The focal adhesion kinase (FAK) functions in regulating tyrosine phosphorylation of several of these proteins, including paxillin, tensin, and p130 cas . Protein- tyrosine phosphatases, the counterparts of protein-tyrosine kinases, also presumably regulate phosphorylation of these proteins. We have tested the hypothesis that FAK intimately associates with a protein-tyrosine phosphatase. Protein-tyrosine phosphatase activity associated with the recombinant C-terminal domain of FAK in vitro and could be coimmunoprecipitated with both FAK and paxillin from lysates of chicken embryo cells. However, the interaction with FAK appeared to be indirect and mediated via paxillin. The protein-tyrosine phosphatase was subsequently identified as protein-tyrosine phosphatase-PEST, a nonreceptor protein-tyrosine phosphatase. The C-terminal noncatalytic domain of protein-tyrosine phosphatase-PEST directly bound to paxillinin vitro. The association of both a protein-tyrosine kinase and a protein-tyrosine phosphatase with paxillin suggests that paxillin may play a critical role in the regulation of the phosphotyrosine content of proteins in focal adhesions.
MR Myelography in Patients with Lumbosacral Radicular Pain: Diagnostic Value and Technique

Lumbosacral radicular sciatic pain can frequently be the result of nerve root compression, for instance by a herniated lumbar disc. Spinal imaging may however reveal disc herniations which are not associated with sciatica, even present in individuals without any complaints. In addition, sciatic pain may be the result of spinal or even paraspinal pathology without any involvement of the nerve root: so-called “pseudo” radicular pain. It is important therefore in clinical diagnostic imaging to match the potential cause of sciatica (e.g. a disc herniation) as closely as possible with its effect (actual compression of the nerve root). Assessing nerve root compression is not always easy on standard MR images. MR myelography provides a high-resolution image of the normal or compressed nerve root in a very brief acquisition time which enables the MRM acquisition to be added on to the standard examination. The MRM images provide valuable supplementary information but cannot replace the standard T1- and T2-weighted sagittal and axial images.
Clinical correlates of verbal aggression, physical aggression and inappropriate sexual behaviour after brain injury

Abstract Primary objective: To explore the relationships between verbal aggression, physical aggression and inappropriate sexual behaviour following acquired brain injury. Research design: Multivariate statistical modelling of observed verbal aggression, physical aggression and inappropriate sexual behaviour utilizing demographic, pre-morbid, injury-related and neurocognitive predictors. Methods and procedures: Clinical records of 152 participants with acquired brain injury were reviewed, providing an important data set as disordered behaviours had been recorded at the time of occurrence with the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Trust (BIRT) Aggression Rating Scale and complementary measures of inappropriate sexual behaviour. Three behavioural components (verbal aggression, physical aggression and inappropriate sexual behaviour) were identified and subjected to separate logistical regression modelling in a sub-set of 77 participants. Main outcomes and results: Successful modelling was achieved for both verbal and physical aggression (correctly classifying 74% and 65% of participants, respectively), with use of psychotropic medication and poorer verbal function increasing the odds of aggression occurring. Pre-morbid history of aggression predicted verbal but not physical aggression. No variables predicted inappropriate sexual behaviour. Conclusions: Verbal aggression, physical aggression and inappropriate sexual behaviour following acquired brain injury appear to reflect separate clinical phenomena rather than general behavioural dysregulation. Clinical markers that indicate an increased risk of post-injury aggression were not related to inappropriate sexual behaviour.
Depression and Self-Efficacy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in Northern Greece.

BACKGROUND Depression represents one of the most common disorders in diabetic patients and frequently complicates the health care of this population. Poor self-efficacy has been associated with increased depressive symptoms as well as poor glycemic control. OBJECTIVE To assess depression and self-efficacy in adults with type 2 diabetes in Northern Greece and to explore the factors which may affect them in this group of population. METHOD A descriptive study was conducted in a tertiary hospital in the largest city of Northern Greece. The study group included a convenience sample of 170 adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus who completed the General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) and the Diabetes Empowerment Scale- short form (DES) questionnaire. RESULTS The overall rate of diabetic patients showing psychological distress in the present study was 50.6%. Adults with low and moderate income experienced higher levels of depression and anxiety, compared to those with high economical status (p<0,001). Also, adults who graduated elementary education experienced higher levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms than those with a higher educational level (p =0,038). There was a statistically significant difference between age (p<0.001), type of residence (p=0.019), family status (p=0,002), financial status (p<0.001) and self-efficacy. Also, there was a negative correlation between BMI and self-efficacy (r=-0.206, p<0.001) and a negative correlation between depression and self-efficacy scale (r=-0.439, p<0.001). CONCLUSION The results of the present study highlight the importance of well-planned interventions in order to reduce depression and increase self-efficacy in diabetic adults and to help them further improve their quality of life.