Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Seroepidemiology and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in undergraduate university female students in Jordan

SUMMARY This study estimated the seroprevalence and risk factors for acquiring Toxoplasma gondii infection by undergraduate female university students in Jordan. A cross-sectional study from September 2013 to July 2014 analysed 202 blood samples for IgG and IgM antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and a semi-constructed questionnaire was completed by participants to gather information about Toxoplasma infection risk factors. T. gondii IgG antibodies were detected in 66·5% of the females. Only one sample was positive for both IgG and IgM. Using χ 2 test, six factors showed significant association with T. gondii infection (P ⩽ 0·01). The multivariate logistic regression model showed that female students living in houses, wet areas, with income >US$750/month and using spring (untreated) water were 47·42, 10·20, 5·00, 3·25 more times at risk to be seropositive for T. gondii, respectively, compared to female students living in apartments, dry areas, with income ≤US$750/month and using treated water, respectively. This study concluded that T. gondii infection in female university students in Jordan is high and most women become infected before marriage; however, congenital toxoplasmosis is still likely to occur in Jordan. Thus, dissemination of protective measures and knowledge by healthcare professionals is essential especially for pregnant women.
Epilation for Minor Trachomatous Trichiasis: Four-Year Results of a Randomised Controlled Trial

Background Trachomatous trichiasis (TT) needs to be managed to reduce the risk of vision loss. The long-term impact of epilation (a common traditional practice of repeated plucking of lashes touching the eye) in preventing visual impairment and corneal opacity from TT is unknown. We conducted a randomized controlled trial of epilation versus surgery for the management of minor TT (fewer than six lashes touching the eye) in Ethiopia. Here we report the four-year outcome and the effect on vision and corneal opacity. Methodology/ Principal Findings 1300 individuals with minor TT were recruited and randomly assigned to quality trichiasis surgery or repeated epilation using high quality epilation forceps by a trained person with good near vision. Participants were examined six-monthly for two-years, and then at four-years after randomisation. At two-years all epilation arm participants were offered free surgery. At four-years 1151 (88.5%) were re-examined: 572 (88%) and 579 (89%) from epilation and surgery arms, respectively. At that time, 21.1% of the surgery arm participants had recurrent TT; 189/572 (33%) of the epilation arm had received surgery, while 383 (67%) declined surgery and had continued epilating (“epilation-only”). Among the epilation-only group, 207 (54.1%) fully controlled their TT, 166 (43.3%) had minor TT and 10 (2.6%) had major TT (>5 lashes). There were no differences between participants in the epilation-only, epilation-to-surgery and surgery arm participants in changes in visual acuity and corneal opacity between baseline and four-years. Conclusions/ Significance Most minor TT participants randomised to the epilation arm continued epilating and controlled their TT. Change in vision and corneal opacity was comparable between surgery and epilation-only participants. This suggests that good quality epilation with regular follow-up is a reasonable second-line alternative to surgery for minor TT for individuals who either decline surgery or do not have immediate access to surgical treatment.
Psychiatric hospital utilization in patients treated with clozapine for up to 4.5 years in a state mental health care system.

OBJECTIVE We wished to study long-term psychiatric hospital utilization in a large sample of patients with schizophrenia and/or schizoaffective disorders who were treated with clozapine for up to 4.5 years, and to determine whether or not the reduction in hospital utilization we previously observed in smaller groups for up to 2.5 years was sustained with larger groups and in the longer term. METHOD Patients in Texas state hospitals who had schizophrenia and/or schizoaffective disorder took either clozapine or traditional antipsychotics for 1.5 to 4.5 years. The number of patients in the clozapine group ranged from 383 (1.5 years of treatment) to 29 (4.5 years). The group of patients who took traditional antipsychotics was made up of all patients (N = 233) with similar diagnoses, symptom severity, and duration of illness present in Texas state hospitals on an index day. RESULTS The clozapine group showed a rapid and continuing decrease in hospital bed-days compared with controls who took traditional antipsychotics. The number of clozapine-treated patients who required little or no hospitalization during successive 6-month periods became significant (p < .0001) within 1.5 years, and continued to increase. Conversely, the number of patients taking clozapine who required virtually continuous state hospitalization decreased markedly compared with those taking traditional antipsychotics. CONCLUSION Potential hospital cost savings are substantial, even though overall group results are diluted by clozapine nonresponders. Most treatment costs for clozapine nonresponders were related to hospital care; most or all of such costs would have been present in any event had these patients remained on traditional antipsychotic therapy. We believe a trial of clozapine therapy provides a low-cost opportunity for a highly effective and highly cost-saving outcome in those patients who will favorably respond to this therapy. We discuss clinical, social, and economic advantages of modern pharmaceutical treatments over traditional drugs.
The impact of earthquakes on Chile's international tourism demand

This paper investigates the impacts of three earthquakes on international tourist arrivals in Chile. The shocks under analysis occurred on 21 April 2007, 14 November 2007 and 27 February 2010, in the north, south and center of Chile, respectively. The impacts are measured as the difference between the predicted and the effectively observed volume of visitor arrivals after the quakes in each Region. The predictions are computed using Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average models on monthly visitor arrivals during the period January 2004 to June 2010. The results indicate that the impacts depend on the magnitude of the earthquake, the perception of safety generated by news coverage and the type of tourism characterizing the region where the earthquake has occured. In the case of the most recent earthquake of 27 February 2010, the recovering status of visitors arrivals is studied, showing that the inbound arrivals to some regions have fully recovered from the devastation after 4 months while other regions have not.
Comparing the Costs of Three Sealant Delivery Strategies

We analyzed the cost-effectiveness of 3 sealant delivery strategies: Seal all (SA), seal children assessed to be at risk by screening (TARGET), and seal none (SN). We assumed a nine-year analytic horizon, a 3% discount rate, and zero screening costs. Estimates for sealant costs ($27.00) and restoration costs ($73.77), annual caries increment (0.0624 surfaces), sealant failure rate (20% in yr 1 and 3% thereafter), annual amalgam failure rate (4.6%), and sensitivity (0.635) and specificity (0.795) of screening were obtained from published studies. Under baseline assumptions, TARGET dominated (cost less and reduced caries) SA and SN. If annual caries increment exceeded 0.095 surfaces, SA dominated TARGET, and if increment exceeded 0.05 surfaces, TARGET dominated SN. If sealant costs decreased to $6.00 (reported cost for school programs), TARGET dominated SN for caries increments exceeding 0.007 surfaces, and SA dominated TARGET for caries increments exceeding 0.034 surfaces.
Stopover decision during migration: physiological conditions predict nocturnal restlessness in wild passerines

During migration, a number of bird species rely on stopover sites for resting and feeding before and after crossing ecological barriers such as deserts or seas. The duration of a stopover depends on the combined effects of environmental factors, endogenous programmes and physiological conditions. Previous studies indicated that lean birds prolong their refuelling stopover compared with fat birds; however, the quantitative relationship between physiological conditions and stopover behaviour has not been studied yet. Here, we tested in a large sample of free-living birds of three European passerines (whinchats, Saxicola rubetra, garden warblers, Sylvia borin and whitethroats, Sylvia communis) whether the amount of migratory restlessness (Zugunruhe) shown at a stopover site depends on physiological conditions. An integrated measure of condition based on body mass, amount of subcutaneous fat and thickness of pectoral muscles strongly predicted the intensity of Zugunruhe shown in recording cages in the night following capture. These results provide novel and robust quantitative evidence in support of the hypothesis that the amount of energy reserves plays a major role in determining the stopover duration in migratory birds.
Method for Evaluating the Eddy Current Loss of a Permanent Magnet in a PM Motor Driven by an Inverter Power Supply Using Coupled 2-D and 3-D Finite Element Analyses

To evaluate eddy current losses of permanent magnets (PMs) in motors driven by inverter power supplies in less computation time, we propose the coupled 2-D analysis of the motor and 3-D eddy current analysis of only the PM. In the proposed method, we carry out 2-D nonlinear magnetostatic analysis of the PM motor by rotating the rotor. We then perform 3-D eddy current analysis of only the PM using the temporally varying flux distributions in the PM obtained from the 2-D analysis. For 3-D eddy current analysis, we investigate methods that do and do not consider the compensation field generated by eddy currents. Moreover, for the case in which the compensation field is considered, we demonstrate the method of considering the reluctance of the motor core by the equivalent gap. Finally, we verify the proposed method by comparing results obtained using the proposed method and results obtained by full 3-D analysis for an interior PM motor. We show that the eddy current loss can be estimated in 1/15 of the computation time required for full 3-D analysis when the proposed method takes both the compensation field and the reluctance of motor core into account.
A Critique of Middle-Range Theory in Archaeology

For the past decade, several archaeologists have advocated the development of middle-range theory as a way to give objective meaning to the archaeological record (e.g., Bettinger 1987; Binford 1977, 1983b; Thomas 1983, 1989; Torrence 1986). They argue that we must translate the static archaeological record into behaviorally dynamic terms by documenting causal linkages between relevant behaviors and their static material by-products. This is accomplished, they argue, by making observations today that establish signature patterns allowing the unambiguous recognition of particular dynamics from their static by-products, and inferring past dynamics from identification of signature patterns in the archaeological record. Further, it has been emphasized that the operations and products of middle-range theory must remain logically independent of the general theory we use to explain the past to avoid automatically confirming our ideas about the past through a tautology. This approach to middle-range research is flawed in two major respects. First, the justification of inferences relies on the establishment of universal behavioral laws and unambiguous signature patterns to validate the use of uniformitarian assumptions, neither of which can be accomplished in the manner proposed. Second, the tautological relationship between description and explanation is not only an unavoidable, but also a necessary aspect of science. Solutions to these problems lie in using the physical characteristics of the archaeological record itself as our source of knowledge about the past rather than translating the record into untestable behavioral reconstructions.
Supporting Self-Care of Adolescents with Nut Allergy Through Video and Mobile Educational Tools

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction which is rapid in onset. Adolescents living with anaphylaxis risk often lack the knowledge and skills required to safely manage their condition or talk to friends about it. We designed an educational intervention comprising group discussion around videos of simulated anaphylaxis scenarios and a mobile application containing video-based branching anaphylaxis narratives. We trialed the intervention with 36 nut allergic adolescents. At 1-year follow-up participants had improved adrenaline auto-injector skills and carriage, disease- and age-specific Quality of Life and confidence in anaphylaxis management. At 3-year follow-up adrenaline carriage improved further and confidence remained higher. Participants expressed how the education session was a turning point in taking control of their allergy and how the app facilitated sharing about anaphylaxis with others. We contribute insights regarding design of mobile self-care and peer-support applications for health in adolescence, and discuss strengths and limitations of video-based mobile health interventions.
Studying the Characteristics of Polypyrrole and its Composites

Polypyrrole and its composites were prepared chemically using FeCl3 as an oxidant in aqueous and non-aqueous media. The effect of various solutions such as water, ethylacetate, acetonitrile, methylacetate, methanol, ethylmethylketone and surface active agents, poly (ethylene glycol) and poly (vinyl acetate) on the properties of pro duct were studied. The electrically conducting polymer and its composites have been characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance ( 1 H NMR) spectroscopy. The results indicate that the morphology, conductivity and structure of products are dependent on the type of solution and additive.
Achievement Anxiety Test: Dimensionality and Utility.

Data collected from 378 university subjects on 21 variables enabled a study of the dimensionality of the Achievement Anxiety Test (AAT) using item analysis, correlations with other variables, and factor analysis. These analyses pointed to the viability of a unidimensional construct. Also, the utility of a unidimensional scale in association with other variables related to academic achievement situations was tested using extreme selections of subjects based on the total AAT. Among the variables that exhibited differences when considered in this fashion were those reflecting previous academic work, confidence in work done previously, quantitative ability, enjoyment of subject, self-view of ability, and self-concept in a university setting. These findings may be of value to those devising programs to alleviate test anxiety. Another outcome of the investigation was the stronger relation of test anxiety to performance during an individualized method of instruction in comparison with that during a conventional lecture/examination method of instruction.
Relations Between Narrative Construction of Ethnicity-Based Discrimination and Ethnic Identity Exploration and Pride

Narrative identity work can offer fruitful insights into how individuals explore ethnic identity and develop a sense of ethnic pride. This study examined links between status and narrative approaches to ethnic identity development in a small sample of ethnically diverse college students. Findings revealed few differences in narratives about ethnicity-based discrimination between majority ethnicity (n = 41) and minority ethnicity participants (n = 36). However, within-group analyses suggest that discrimination narratives show stronger relations to ethnic identity among minority ethnicity participants, as compared to majority participants. The results are discussed in terms of their implications for ethnic identity development in emerging adulthood.
Offensive strategies in the European Football Championship 2012

The aim of this study was to identify the independent and interactive effects of possession strategy, pitch location, and game period on the offensive actions performed by the winning teams in the 2012 European Football Championship. The non-clinical magnitude-based inferences method was used to interpret the true effect of the performance indicators on the response variable. The offensive team possessions were grouped into winning (n = 2035) and losing (n = 2071). The winning teams performed offensive processes mainly using the possession play strategy (OR: 0.75, very likely negative effect of the direct play). When the analysis included the pitch location, negative interaction effect was found for the direct play, which ended up in the central path (OR: 0.70, very likely negative effect). On the contrary, the direct play in the second half of the match seemed to produce an effect on the probability of the winning teams performing offensive processes (OR: 1.59, most likely positive effect). The results of multivariate analyses showed that the offensive team possession profiles required a careful investigation because the possession strategy changed under the conjoint effect of pitch location and game period.
Unraveling Key Metabolomic Alterations in Wheat Embryos Derived from Freshly Harvested and Water-Imbibed Seeds of Two Wheat Cultivars with Contrasting Dormancy Status

Untimely rains in wheat fields during harvest season can cause pre-harvest sprouting (PHS), which deteriorates the yield and quality of wheat crop. Metabolic homeostasis of the embryo plays a role in seed dormancy, determining the status of the maturing grains either as dormant (PHS-tolerant) or non-dormant (PHS-susceptible). Very little is known for direct measurements of global metabolites in embryonic tissues of dormant and non-dormant wheat seeds. In this study, physiologically matured and freshly harvested wheat seeds of PHS-tolerant (cv. Sukang, dormant) and PHS-susceptible (cv. Baegjoong, non-dormant) cultivars were water-imbibed, and the isolated embryos were subjected to high-throughput, global non-targeted metabolomic profiling. A careful comparison of identified metabolites between Sukang and Baegjoong embryos at 0 and 48 h after imbibition revealed that several key metabolic pathways [such as: lipids, fatty acids, oxalate, hormones, the raffinose family of oligosaccharides (RFOs), and amino acids] and phytochemicals were differentially regulated between dormant and non-dormant varieties. Most of the membrane lipids were highly reduced in Baegjoong compared to Sukang, which indicates that the cell membrane instability in response to imbibition could also be a key factor in non-dormant wheat varieties for their untimely germination. This study revealed that several key marker metabolites (e.g., RFOs: glucose, fructose, maltose, and verbascose), were highly expressed in Baegjoong after imbibition. Furthermore, the data showed that the key secondary metabolites and phytochemicals (vitexin, chrysoeriol, ferulate, salidroside and gentisic acid), with known antioxidant properties, were comparatively low at basal levels in PHS-susceptible, non-dormant cultivar, Baegjoong. In conclusion, the results of this investigation revealed that after imbibition the metabolic homeostasis of dormant wheat is significantly less affected compared to non-dormant wheat. The inferences from this study combined with proteomic and transcriptomic studies will advance the molecular understanding of the pathways and enzyme regulations during PHS.
How students create motivationally supportive learning environments for themselves: The concept of agentic engagement.

The present study introduced “agentic engagement” as a newly proposed student-initiated pathway to greater achievement and greater motivational support. Study 1 developed the brief, construct-congruent, and psychometrically strong Agentic Engagement Scale. Study 2 provided evidence for the scale’s construct and predictive validity, as scores correlated with measures of agentic motivation and explained independent variance in course-specific achievement not otherwise attributable to students’ behavioral, emotional, and cognitive engagement. Study 3 showed how agentically engaged students create motivationally supportive learning environments for themselves. Measures of agentic engagement and teacher-provided autonomy support were collected from 302 middle-school students in a 3-wave longitudinal research design. Multilevel structural equation modeling showed that (a) initial levels of students’ agentic engagement predicted longitudinal changes in midsemester perceived autonomy support and (b) early-semester changes in agentic engagement predicted longitudinal changes in late-semester autonomy support. Overall, these studies show how agentic engagement functions as a proactive, intentional, collaborative, and constructive student-initiated pathway to greater achievement (Study 2) and motivational support (Study 3).
Compliments and Compliment Responses in Kunming Chinese

This article describes the way compliments and compliment responses are executed in Kunming Chinese, a Mandarin dialect spoken in Kunming, China. By looking at data collected through DCT questionnaires and natural observations, the author examines the semantic formulas used in forming compliments and compliment responses and the syntactic patterns of compliments in the two types of data. It is found that explicit compliments are the most common form of complimenting in the dialect. Implicit compliments, on the other hand, are much rarer and tend to occur by themselves. Syntactically, over 90% of the compliments fall into one of 4 syntactic structures paid through the third person/impersonal or second person perspectives. In replying to a compliment, speakers of Kunming Chinese are found to be drifting away from the tradition of rejecting compliments outright. They are more willing to accept compliments now although often indirectly. A quarter of the time, in real life situations, they just smile away a compliment they receive. While the DCT data and natural data are similar in the use of a majority of the semantic formulas, some differences are also found between the two types of data. Some methodological and cross-cultural implications are discussed at the end of the article. Key words: Kunming Chinese, descriptive study, compliment event, DCT data, natural data
Importance of window shape for phase-only reconstruction of speech

The authors recently conducted a human perception experiment to measure the intelligibility of speech stimuli synthesised either from short-time magnitude spectra or short-time phase spectra. The results of the experiment indicate that even for small window durations (of relevance for automatic speech recognition applications), the phase spectrum can contribute to speech intelligibility as much as the magnitude spectrum if the analysis-modification-synthesis parameters are properly selected. This intelligibility is significantly more than that reported by Liu et al. (1997), who carried out a similar experiment with the same analysis-modification-synthesis framework. The significant improvement in intelligibility over Liu's results may be attributed to the differences in the parameter settings adopted. In this paper, we review our previous experiment and conduct an additional experiment to determine the contribution that each parameter setting provides towards the intelligibility of stimuli reconstructed from short-time phase spectra. The parameter selection that contributes most to the intelligibility of the phase-only stimuli is that of a rectangular analysis window, as opposed to a Hamming window (which is generally used in speech analysis).