High-intensity interval training is safe, feasible and efficacious in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis : a randomized controlled trial

Background: High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) involves bursts of high-intensity exercise interspersed with lower-intensity exercise recovery. HIIT may benefit cardiometabolic health in people with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Aims: We aimed to examine the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of 12-weeks of supervised HIIT compared with a sham-exercise control (CON) for improving aerobic fitness and peripheral insulin sensitivity in biopsy-proven NASH. Methods: Participants based in the community [(n = 14, 56 ± 10 years, BMI 39.2 ± 6.7 kg/m2, 64% male), NAFLD Activity Score 5 (range 3–7)] were randomized to 12-weeks of supervised HIIT (n = 8, 4 × 4 min at 85–95% maximal heart rate, interspersed with 3 min active recovery; 3 days/week) or CON (n = 6, stretching; 3 days/week). Safety (adverse events) and feasibility determined a

Human Security and Development in Myanmar : Issues and Implications

The nexus between human security and development as a workable approach towards inclusive development is gaining prominence. In present-day Myanmar, which is currently undergoing transition and reform, human security needs and challenges are acute, particularly in striving for inclusive and equitable social and economic development in tandem with political stability and national reconciliation. Trust among the different interest groups is a crucial element for moving forward with human security issues. There is a role for inclusive and participatory practices to be instituted in Myanmar’s pursuit of human security in the national development plans. The human security and development approach to assistance programs in Myanmar is thus worth consideration. ASEAN and development partners can leverage on ASEAN’s constructive engagement mechanisms in pursuing this approach in Myanmar

Relationship between Principal Leadership Skills and Teachers’ Organizational Citizenship Behaviour

The main aim of the study is to investigate the relationship between principal leadership skills and teachers’ organizational citizenship behaviour at selected Basic Education High Schools in Mandalay. The subjects of this study involved 354 teachers from 9 selected schools. Convenience sampling method and quantitative research design were applied to collect data. In this study, the researcher used two questionnaires (both for Teachers). Questionnaire one for teachers was used to investigate the perceptions of teachers on demographic information of teachers and principal leadership skills based on the instrument of the Principal Leadership Skills developed by Richter et al. (2012). Questionnaire two for teachers was used to investigate the perceptions of teachers on their organizational citizenship behaviour based on the instrument of the Organizational Citizenship Behaviour Inventory developed by Organ and Ryan (1995). The results of this study indicated that the teachers from selected Basic Education High Schools in Mandalay perceived that their principal leadership skills on moderate levels and teachers’ organizational citizenship behaviour on high levels. When studying the relationship between principal leadership skills and teachers’ organizational citizenship behaviour, it was found that these variables were moderately correlated at the 99% confidence level. Result (r=0.546, p<0.01) indicated that a moderate and significant positive relationship existed between principal leadership skills and teachers’ organizational citizenship behaviour at selected Basic Education High Schools in Mandalay

Student Perception of the Effectiveness of Collaborative Learning

The paper analyzed student perception of the effectiveness of collaborative learning. The purpose of the paper was to investigate second year students’ perceptions of collaborative learning in Sagaing University of Education. Thirty eight percent of second year students who involved in collaborative learning were selected as the participants of this study by using purposive sampling method. In this study, a questionnaire for students was used to collect require data and demographic information of these students. In addition, a set of open-ended question was used to know students’ opinions and recommendation for their learning. This study used a descriptive research method. Questionnaire responses indicated that students got a number of advantages in the collaborative learning. Firstly, they promoted social skills by interacting in small groups. Secondly, they got learning benefits because collaborative learning approach would help their deeper understanding. Thirdly, we hoped that they would develop communication skill and interpersonal skill for their future careers

Relationship between Collaborative Learning and Student Engagement

The current study focused specifically on students’ perceptions of the collaborative learning and their engagement. The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between students’ perceptions of collaborative learning and their engagement. Purposive sampling method was used in this study. The subject of this study involved 200 second year students of Sagaing University of Education. In this study, quantitative research method was used. For quantitative study, "Collaborative Learning Questionnaire" developed by Gleeson, McDonald and Williams (2004) to measure the perceptions of students on collaborative learning practiced by teachers and "Students Engagement Questionnaire" developed by Lam & Jimerson (2008)to measure the perceptions of students on their engagement were used. This study used a descriptive research method. According to the results of the study, students’ perceptions on "social benefits" dimension was the highest in three dimensions of collaborative learning. For their engagement, they perceived that "behavioral engagement" was the highest in three dimensions. When examining the relationship between students’ perceptions on collaborative learning and their engagement, it was found that there was a positive correlation between two variables. A significant relationship between students’ perceptions on collaborative learning and their engagement (r=.236, p<0.01) was found based on research findings

The Impact of Exchange Rate on the Trade Balance of Myanmar

This analytical paper investigates how the exchange rates influence the trade balance of Myanmar. The major objectives of this paper are to analyze the different impacts between currency depreciation and appreciation on the trade balance of Myanmar and what are the other factors that influence the trade balance of the country. In this study, the Switching Regression Model was used to estimate the appreciation and depreciation of currency reaction to the trade balance of the country. The study using time series data from 1988 to 2015 and estimating trade balance as a function of the exchange rate. In Myanmar, the official exchange rate has been fixed at the rate varying in the range between slightly below 6 kyats and 8 kyats to the USD for the past three decades, while the black market exchange rate was varying around over 100 times the official rate before adopting managed floating rate system therefore under this exchange rate regime, reference rate is determined between Central Bank of Myanmar and authorized dealer banks. The result which analyzed by switching regression model find out the market exchange of currency depreciation did not significant effect on the trade balance of Myanmar, this means currency depreciation does not improve the trade balance. If the currency appreciation, the trade balance may reduce