LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Physician and pharmacist collaboration to improve blood pressure control.

BACKGROUND
Studies have demonstrated that blood pressure (BP) control can be improved when clinical pharmacists assist with patient management. The objective of this study was to evaluate if a physician and pharmacist collaborative model in community-based medical offices could improve BP control.


METHODS
This was a prospective, cluster randomized, controlled clinical trial with clinics randomized to a control group (n = 3) or to an intervention group (n = 3). The study enrolled 402 patients (mean age, 58.3 years) with uncontrolled hypertension. Clinical pharmacists made drug therapy recommendations to physicians based on national guidelines. Research nurses performed BP measurements and 24-hour BP monitoring.


RESULTS
The mean (SD) guideline adherence scores increased from 49.4 (19.3) at baseline to 53.4 (18.1) at 6 months (8.1% increase) in the control group and from 40.4 (22.6) at baseline to 62.8 (13.5) at 6 months (55.4% increase) in the intervention group (P = .09 for adjusted between-group comparison). The mean BP decreased 6.8/4.5 mm Hg in the control group and 20.7/9.7 mm Hg in the intervention group (P < .05 for between-group systolic BP comparison). The adjusted difference in systolic BP was -12.0 (95% confidence interval [CI], -24.0 to 0.0) mm Hg, while the adjusted difference in diastolic BP was -1.8 (95% CI, -11.9 to 8.3) mm Hg. The 24-hour BP levels showed similar effect sizes. Blood pressure was controlled in 29.9% of patients in the control group and in 63.9% of patients in the intervention group (adjusted odds ratio, 3.2; 95% CI, 2.0-5.1; P < .001).


CONCLUSIONS
A physician and pharmacist collaborative intervention achieved significantly better mean BP and overall BP control rates compared with a control group. Additional research should be conducted to evaluate efficient strategies to implement team-based chronic disease management.


TRIAL REGISTRATION
clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00201019.
Institutional stickiness and the New Development Economics

Research examining the importance of path dependence and culture for institutions and development tells us that “history matters,” but not how history matters. To provide this missing “how,” we provide a framework for understanding institutional “stickiness” based on the regression theorem. The regression theorem maintains that the stickiness, and therefore likely success, of any proposed institutional change is a function of that institution’s status in relationship to indigenous agents in the previous time period. This framework for analyzing institutional stickiness creates the core of what we call the New Development Economics. Historical cases of postwar reconstruction and transition efforts provide evidence for our claim. Teeth-gritting humility, patience, curiosity and independent thinking are called for in learning how superior foreign technology works and how it can be improved. Without these conditions the technical assistance “does not take.” The cut flowers wither and die because they have no roots. Paul Streeten (1995: 11–12)
Sensor fault tolerant control using a robust LPV based sliding mode observer

This paper presents a new sensor fault tolerant control (FTC) scheme inspired by a recently developed LPV based sliding mode observer. The robustly reconstructed sensor faults from the observer are used to `correct' the corrupted measurements before they are used by the existing controller. The modular structure of the sensor FTC scheme allows it to be retrofitted to the existing closed loop system and the observer can be designed independently. The closed-loop system stability analysis with the observer as part of the feedback loop does not require extensive details of the existing controller and does not require a dedicated controller to achieve FTC. Parametric simulation results on the ADDSAFE nonlinear benchmark model, evaluated using an industrial functional engineering simulator shows good robust fault reconstruction and good sensor FTC performance.
A CMOS bandgap voltage reference

A simple micropower CMOS bandgap voltage reference is described. The reference utilizes MOS devices operating in the weak inversion region in conjunction with a process compatible bipolar device. The voltage reference is insensitive to threshold and mobility variations and is independent of the slope factor which characterizes weak inversion.
Serviguration: towards online configurability of real-world services

Current eCommerce is still mainly characterized by the relatively straightforward trading of commodity goods. Nextgeneration efforts in worldwide information infrastructure, especially the Semantic Web and Web Services, contribute some necessary, but not sufficient, steps on the way to much more advanced business scenarios, such as collaborative design over the Internet of sophisticated goods and services. This paper discusses additional steps needed to achieve collaborative eCommerce concerned with real-world services. First, a component-based description of services and what they contain is needed, such that electronic design and production of services can be simplified to a configuration task: 'serviguration'. Second, a configurable service approach must be linked with a clear conception of customer value over the Internet, such that it is ultimately expressable in computational terms. We discuss associated requirements and generic components, in the form of a service ontology needed to achieve online configurability of real-world services in a Semantic Web environment.
Determining African Birth from Skeletal Remains : A Note on Tooth Mutilation

Tooth mutilation existed in sub-Saharan Africa, and was found among slaves transported to the New World. A small number of mutilation cases have been identified in early New World "Negro" skeletons from the Caribbean and Florida. The skeletal evidence alone precludes determining if the individuals were Africanor American-born, but limited ethnohistorical data suggested the former. This hypothesis is considerably strengthened by evidence from 18th-century runaway slave advertisements found in the newspapers of five mainland British colonies. Analysis of these ads shows that every runaway who is identified with tooth mutilation came from Africa. This ethnohistorical evidence supports other sets of bioarchaeological and ethnohistorical data that the African custom of tooth mutilation was not generally practiced by Caribbean or North American slaves. Where filed or chipped teeth appear on skeletons "racially" identified as African in New World sites, there is an excellent chance that the individuals were African-born.
Critical factors for knowledge management in project business

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to identify and examine various factors that influence the success or failure of knowledge management (KM) initiatives in project-based companies. Design/methodology/approach – Following a literature review, the study proposes a conceptual model of six factors of potential importance to the success of KM initiatives. The model is then examined through an online survey of project managers and assistant managers from project-based businesses in Finland. Findings – The study finds that a lack of incentives and the absence of an appropriate information system are the most significant barriers to successful KM initiatives in projects. Research limitations/implications – The findings of the study may be restricted in terms of generalisability because of the limited empirical study. Practical implications – Project managers should formulate an attractive incentive package to encourage project members to participate in KM initiatives and to suggest ideas for new KM opportunities. Managers should also ensure that an effective user-friendly information system is in place before introducing KM initiatives. Originality/value – The study proposes a new model of critical success factors for KM initiatives in the context of project-based business.
A 3-D printed lightweight cavity-backed monocone antenna

A lightweight exponentially tapered cavity-backed mono-cone antenna made by 3-D printing and conductive paint coating is proposed. To make the 3-D printed structure be metalized, three layers of conductive paint are used. To verify the proposed fabrication method, the 3-D printed antenna was fabricated and its return loss and far-field radiation characteristics were analyzed.
Primary coronary intervention versus thrombolytic therapy in myocardial infarction patients in the Middle East

Background Little is known about predictors and outcome differences of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) and thrombolytic therapy (TT) in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients in the Middle East. Objective To compare predictors as well as in-hospital outcomes of PPCI and TT in STEMI patients in six Middle Eastern countries. Setting Sixty-five hospitals (covering at least 85 % of the population) in Oman, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Yemen. Methods This was a prospective, multinational, multicentre, observational survey of consecutive acute coronary syndrome patients who were admitted to 65 hospitals during May 8, 2006 to June 6, 2006 and from January 29, 2007 to June 29, 2007, as part of Gulf RACE (Registry of Acute Coronary Events). Analyses were performed using univariate and multivariate statistical techniques. Main outcome measures Predictors as well as in-hospital outcomes of PPCI and TT in STEMI patients. Results Out of 2,155 STEMI patients admitted to hospitals within 12 h of symptoms onset, 92 % received reperfusion (8 % PPCI and 84 % TT). TT use included reteplase (43 %), tenecteplase (30 %), streptokinase (25 %), and alteplase (2 %). Median age of the study cohort was 50 (44–58) years with majority being males (90 %). There were no significant differences in median onset time to presentation between the TT and PPCI groups (130 vs. 120 min; P = 0.422). Median door-to-needle time and door-to-balloon time were 45 min (29–75) and 75 min (58–120), respectively. Predictors of PPCI included prior PCI, hospitals with catheterization laboratory facilities as well as those involved with academia. Multivariate logistic regression model demonstrated that patients that had PPCI were less likely to have recurrent ischemic attacks than those that had TT (odds ratio, 0.18; 95 % CI, 0.06–0.56; P = 0.003). Conclusions The main reperfusion strategy for STEMI patients in the Arab Middle East region is thrombolytic therapy. Predictors of primary percutaneous coronary intervention included prior percutaneous coronary intervention, hospitals with catheterization laboratory facilities as well as those involved with academia. Primary percutaneous coronary intervention resulted in significant reductions in recurrent ischemic events when compared to thrombolytic therapy.
Effects of ICT: Do we know what we should know?

Many decades after the introduction of ICT into classrooms there are still unanswered questions about the impact of technology in the long and short term on students’ learning, and how it has affected simple and complex learning tasks. These are important for (a) forming government policies; (b) directing teacher education programmes: (c) advancing national curricula; (d); designing or reforming classroom implementation and (e) analysing costs and benefits. While a plethora of studies has been conducted on the effects of ICT in education, major policy and methodological problems have precluded an unambiguous answer to such questions as:—“Does the way in which ICT is implemented have a major/minor impact on students’ knowledge and understanding?” and “Does the impact affect the surface or deep structure of students’ thinking and acting?” To date we have had no large-scale longitudinal studies of ICT’s impact in education such as we have in the form of studies of earlier major curriculum development projects. Nor have we had many comprehensive studies of the complex interactions between various types of ICT implementation and the effects of other factors such as school-based interventions, socio-economic status and school expenditures which have been shown to have a greater impact on education compared with other previous innovations in education. Furthermore we do not know if previous research studies have used research methods that matched learning objectives to instruments/procedures. Many previous studies are vague as to the actual measures used but we can infer that standardized tests were a frequent measure. In other instances, ad hoc analyses, with criteria that may have varied from analyst to analyst and were not “blind” analyses were certainly used to measure “success.” All of these limitations and uncertainties and many more point to the need for a thorough, rigorous, and multifaceted approach to analysing the impact of ICT on students’ learning. This paper draws on previous research evidence to identify relevant research strategies to address the gaps in our knowledge about ICT and students’ learning explained above.
Does pretreatment with lansoprazole influence Helicobacter pylori eradication rate and quality of life?

BACKGROUND/AIMS
It is controversial whether pretreatment with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) before Helicobacter pylori eradication treatment decreases the eradication rate. To determine the effects of pretreatment with lansoprazole alone, followed by an H. pylori eradication regimen (lansoprazole 30 mg, amoxicillin 750 mg and clarithromycin 200 mg twice daily for 1 week), on the eradication rate and quality of life (QoL) of the patient.


METHODS
Patients with H. pylori-positive peptic ulcer were randomly assigned to two groups. The patients received either lansoprazole (30 mg) once daily for 6-8 weeks before H. pylori eradication (group A), or eradication treatment and then lansoprazole (30 mg) for 6-8 weeks (group B). To assess the QoL of the patients, the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) questionnaire was evaluated.


RESULTS
A total of 116 patients were enrolled. The cure rates were 78.9% in group A and 78.0% in group B. In both groups, GSRS analysis showed a significant improvement of the overall GSRS score at the assessment of eradication efficacy, compared to baseline; there was no difference between the groups.


CONCLUSION
With this H. pylori eradication regimen, there was no difference in the cure rates and QoL associated with PPI pretreatment.
Planning against Biological Terrorism: Lessons from Outbreak Investigations

We examined outbreak investigations conducted around the world from 1988 to 1999 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Epidemic Intelligence Service. In 44 (4.0%) of 1,099 investigations, identified causative agents had bioterrorism potential. In six investigations, intentional use of infectious agents was considered. Healthcare providers reported 270 (24.6%) outbreaks and infection control practitioners reported 129 (11.7%); together they reported 399 (36.3%) of the outbreaks. Health departments reported 335 (30.5%) outbreaks. For six outbreaks in which bioterrorism or intentional contamination was possible, reporting was delayed for up to 26 days. We confirmed that the most critical component for bioterrorism outbreak detection and reporting is the frontline healthcare profession and the local health departments. Bioterrorism preparedness should emphasize education and support of this frontline as well as methods to shorten the time between outbreak and reporting.
Indoor carbon monoxide and PM2.5 concentrations by cooking fuels in Pakistan.

UNLABELLED
In developing countries biomass combustion is a frequently used source of domestic energy and may cause indoor air pollution. Carbon monoxide (CO)and particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 lm or less (PM2.5)were measured in kitchens using wood or natural gas (NG) in a semi-rural community in Pakistan. Daytime CO and PM2.5 levels were measured for eight continuous hours in 51 wood and 44 NG users from December 2005 to April 2006. The laser photometer PM2.5 (Dustrak, TSI) was calibrated for field conditions and PM2.5 measurements were reduced by a factor of 2.77. CO was measured by an electrochemical monitor (Model T15v, Langan). The arithmetic mean for daytime CO concentration was 29.4 ppm in wood users; significantly higher than 7.5 ppm in NG users (P < 0.001). The arithmetic mean for daytime PM2.5 concentrations was 2.74 mg/m3 in wood users; significantly higher than 0.38 mg/m3 in NG users (P < 0.001). Higher peak levels of CO and PM2.5 were also observed in wood users. Time spent in the kitchen during fuel burning was significantly related to increasing CO and PM2.5 concentrations in wood users.These findings suggest that cooking with wood fuel may lead to hazardous concentrations of CO and PM2.5.


PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS
Biomass combustion is frequently used in developing countries for cooking. This study showed very high level of air pollution in kitchens using wood as the cooking fuel. Many people, especially women and children, are vulnerable to exposure to very high levels of air pollutants as they spend time in the kitchen during cooking hours.
Spirituality, ethics, religion, and teaching : a professor's journey

This book is a first-person, pedagogical reflection on what the author--an applied philosopher with an appointment in a professional school--has learned about being a teacher and a student, over a thirty-five-year career in a « public ivy university. This narrative candidly recounts a series of life-changing, intellectual, and emotional insights gleaned over three decades from students, colleagues, scholars, and mentors. The author's personal story traces the struggle to create a passionate spirituality of teaching, one that reframes traditional notions of religion and spirituality, as well as one that attempts to correct conventional misunderstandings of postmodernism. Nash's story is every educator's story--lived in unique ways at every level of teaching. « Robert J. Nash's 'Spirituality, Ethics, Religion, and Teaching: A Professor's Journey' tells the story of a common journey of all teachers in an uncommon language. When I was his student, he always encouraged me to respectfully learn the other's language and create my own bricolage. We continue our conversation about the teacher's journey, now as colleagues, and the journey continues to soften from the complexitites of our praxis into spiritual shades, hues, hills, and valleys. (Ernest Nalette, Ed.D., Associate Professor and Chair of Graduate Studies in Physical Therapy, Ithaca College, New York) « The work of the professor is, to most people, a mystery; the stereotype of the academic is characterized by a cold, hyper-rational person who lives a lonely, esoteric life of the mind. In 'Spirituality, Ethics, Religion, and Teaching: A Professor's Journey', Robert J. Nash shatters this image and provides a window intothe passionate world of teaching and learning in higher education. This highly personal and wonderfully inspiring scholarly work is both a portrait of the field of moral philosophy in education, and a more intimate 'letter of the spirit' by a postmodern, restless seeker of spiritual truths. When I walked into my first class with Robert J. Nash over ten years ago, I knew I was in the presence of a commanding intellect; what I now know, after reading this autobiographical narrative, is the depth of his passions for his students, for his evolving pedagogy, and for his own ongoing journey of faith. (Kathleen Knight Abowitz, Associate Professor, Miami University, Author of 'Building Community in an American High School') « A good teacher makes me think. A great teacher stire my emotions, touches the soul of my humanity, and inspires me to learn. Robert J. Nash has always been a great teacher and this memoir demonstrates why. With intelligent philosophy and bold reflections of a life lived in education and lessons learned through education, Robert J. Nash offers a portrait of more than just his life as a 'teacher.' In addition to offering critical insights about educational pedagogy, he calls upon the reader to join him in the storytelling journey of learning. (Ray Quirolgico, University of San Francisco, California)
Dynamic Force Distribution Control for Multi-Wheel-Driven Electric Vehicle Utilizing Actuator Redundancy

of this thesis: Low-dimensional electronic systems confined in semiconductor nanostructures possess unique properties and can be used not only to improve device performances but also
Traumatic Experiences and Mental Health of North Korean Refugees in South Korea

OBJECTIVE
This study was conducted at Hanawon-a government sponsored educational facility for the settlement of North Korean refugees during their initial phase in South Korea-in 2004 to explore their mental health status and traumatic experiences in North Korea and during their escape period.


METHODS
A survey was conducted in November 2004 with 62 North Korean refugees at Hanawon, and the Trauma Checklist was used to measure their traumatic experiences. To measure their psychological-mental health status, the Personality Assessment Inventory was administered.


RESULTS
In comparison with the traumatic experiences of the North Korean refugees found in the study conducted in 2001 at Hanawon using the same methods, the current study showed a relatively lower frequency of traumatic experiences among the participants. The Personality Assessment Inventory results revealed that the study participants scored higher than average South Koreans in all clinical scales. Particularly, their mania (62.51) and schizophrenia (61.75) scores were above 60, a clinically meaningful score. In the gender comparison, the males exhibited meaningfully higher levels of alcohol problem, non-support, and warmth scale scores.


CONCLUSION
Compared to the 2001 study, the overall traumatic experiences among North Korean refugees participated in this study. But continous support is necessary for their successful adaptation to South Korean Society have declined. The North Korean refugees at Hanawon experienced difficulties maintaining their mental health and the men in particular requested more intensive care and support for this purpose.
Peer-to-peer based recommendations for mobile commerce

With the increasing number of mobile commerce facilities, there are challenges in providing customers useful recommendations about interesting products and services.
In this paper a Peer-to-Peer (P2P) based collaborative filtering architecture for the support of product and service recommendations for mobile customers is considered. Mobile customers are represented by software assistant agents that act like peers in the processing of recommendations.
Mercury and its associated mineralizations in southern Siberian Platform

Sixteen geologically definable areas within the Irkutsk amphitheater (maps), with the total of about 100 dispersion halos and indications of mercury in waters, alluvium, and rocks of various origin and age, may contain blind ores of cinnabar, particularly in the zones of fractures on the margins of the Siberian Platform and within the platform itself. --IGR Staff.