Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Physical activity, illness and nutritional status among adults in a rural Ethiopian community.

BACKGROUND From Africa, our knowledge on how malnutrition and diseases influence the ability to work is limited. In a one-year population-based study, we investigated the effects of nutritional status, illness and socioeconomic factors on the activity pattern in a rural population in southern Ethiopia. METHODS From July 1991 to June 1992, 226 people (109 men and 117 women) from the Elka na Mataramofa village in the Rift Valley were examined every 3 months. Information on the occurrence of illness and measurement of nutritional status were collected every 3 months. At the same time we interviewed each person for seven consecutive days to assess the pattern of activities. RESULTS Men and women had a mean estimated energy expenditure (SD) of 2937 kcal (951) and 1977 (513) kcal, respectively. The mean body mass index (BMI) (SD) was 19.7 (2.3) for men and 20.0 (2.6) for women. Men showed a significant seasonal variation in estimated energy expenditure that was highest during the pre-harvest time. Women did not show such a seasonal variation. In a multivariate analysis, sex, age, state of nutrition, period prevalence and severity of diseases and seasonality influenced estimated energy expenditures. CONCLUSIONS Both low BMI and illness are significantly associated with low estimated energy expenditure. Most likely, this represents an example of the vicious circle of malnutrition, disease and activity that affects subsistence farming communities. Development work that improves the state of nutrition and health of the adult population may therefore enhance the work performance of rural populations.
Students Turned Off by Turnitin? Perception of Plagiarism and Collusion by Undergraduate Bioscience Students

Abstract Research on undergraduate bioscience students and the incidence of plagiarism is still in its infancy and a key problem arises in gauging the perception of undergraduate students on plagiarism and collusion in biosciences subjects because of the lack of empirical data. The aim of this study was to provide qualitative data on the perceptions of plagiarism and collusion of final year Pharmacology students. Data with respect to student ethnicity, age and gender are discussed. The results from the pilot study suggested that students did not find Turnitin (UK) easy to use neither did they perceive it as a useful learning tool. This study demonstrated that the overall majority of the students would like an alternative way to detect for plagiarism and collusion. Understanding these perspectives of undergraduate bioscience students can assist educators in developing new strategies when encountering plagiarism and collusion in final year undergraduate biosciences.
Various Strategies for Pain-Free Root Canal Treatment

Introduction: Achieving successful anesthesia and performing pain-free root canal treatment are important aims in dentistry. This is not always achievable and therefore, practitioners are constantly seeking newer techniques, equipments, and anesthetic solutions for this very purpose. The aim of this review is to introduce strategies to achieve profound anesthesia particularly in difficult cases. Materials and Methods: A review of the literature was performed by electronic and hand searching methods for anesthetic agents, techniques, and equipment. The highest level of evidence based investigations with rigorous methods and materials were selected for discussion. Results: Numerous studies investigated to pain management during root canal treatment; however, there is still no single technique that will predictably provide profound pulp anesthesia. One of the most challenging issues in endodontic practice is achieving a profound anesthesia for teeth with irreversible pulpitis especially in mandibular posterior region. Conclusion: According to most investigations, achieving a successful anesthesia is not always possible with a single technique and practitioners should be aware of all possible alternatives for profound anesthesia.
Personality characteristics of temporomandibular disorder patients using M.M.P.I.

It is generally recognized that psychological factors play an important role in chronic orofacial pain patients. This study analysed psychological profiles of chronic pain patients affected with temporomandibular disorders (TMD), by means of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) test. Fifty consecutive TMD patients were examined and were then divided into two subgroups: 1. myofascial pain and 2. temporomandibular joint articular disorders. Sixty-two percent of the whole sample presented pathological MMPI scores. Both subgroups presented similar profiles with alteration of the neurotic triad (hypochondriasis, depression, hysteria), and pathological values of hypochondriasis and hysteria ("V" configuration). Since the personality profile did not differ between the two subgroups investigated, it was not dependent on the dysfunctional origin of the pathology (myalgia or primary TMJ pathology). Chronic TMD patients presented personality characteristics similar to those of other chronic pain patients according to the MMPI.
Economic Theory of Choice and the Preference Reversal Phenomenon: A Reexamination

In a recent issue of this Review, David Grether and Charles Plott (1979, hereinafter referred to as G-P) presented a series of experiments that show that individual decisions are made in a manner inconsistent with standard preference theory. This inconsistency can be illustrated by the following example: Individuals under suitable laboratory conditions first have a choice between a lottery with a high probability of winning a small sum of money, the P bet (probability bet); and a lottery with a high stake but low probability of winning, the M bet (money bet). After indicating a preference for one of the lotteries in the pair, the same subjects are then asked to place a monetary value on each of the individual lotteries. Grether and Plott found that a large number of participants stated a preference for the P bet in the first round; but placed a higher value on the other lottery, the M bet, in the second round. This behavior, a preference reversal, is inconsistent with the traditional statements of preference theory.
Muscle activation and the slow component rise in oxygen uptake during cycling.

PURPOSE During constant-rate high-intensity exercise, a steady state for oxygen uptake (VO2) is not achieved and, after the initial rapid increase, VO2 continues to increase slowly. The mechanism underlying the slow-component rise in VO2 during high-intensity exercise is unknown. It has been hypothesized that increased muscle use may be a contributing factor, but only limited electromyograph (EMG) data are available supporting this hypothesis. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is an association between the VO2 slow component and muscle use assessed by contrast shifts in magnetic resonance images (magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)). METHODS The VO2 slow component was measured in 16 subjects during two 15-min bouts of cycling performed at high and low intensities. EMG and MRI transverse relaxation times (T2) were obtained after 3 and 15 min to determine muscle activity at each intensity. RESULTS Low-intensity cycling produced no VO2 slow component, and no increases in muscle activity, except for a small increase (P < 0.05) in the T2 of the vastus lateralis. During high-intensity cycling, VO2, T2 of the vastus lateralis, rectus femoris and whole leg, and EMG activity and median power frequency of the vastus lateralis rose significantly (P < 0.05) from 3 to 15 min. Percent increases in VO2 and muscle T2 were related during high-intensity cycling (r = 0.63), but not during low-intensity cycling (r = 0.00). CONCLUSION We conclude that increased muscle use is in part responsible for the slow component rise in oxygen uptake. The results support the hypothesis that during constant-rate exercise at intensities above lactate threshold, progressively greater use of fast-twitch motor units increases energy demand and causes concomitant progressive increases in VO2 and lactate.
Directors Skill and Financial Reporting Quality

Motivated by theoretical models in economics which show that there is matching between CEO skill and firm size, we introduce a new measure of director skill which is based on the aggregate size of firms on which the director serves as an independent director. We validate our measure by showing that it is positively associated with director experience, financial expertise, industry expertise, and managerial experience. We then examine whether our average measure of skill across board members is positively associated with monitoring quality. Controlling for the endogenous relation between board composition and financial reporting quality, we find a positive association between our board measure for skill and monitoring quality, and we show that directors have a causal impact on monitoring effort and outcomes. Furthermore, consistent with the enhanced monitoring provided by skilled directors, we document a positive association between the level of and changes in our measure and firm value.
Reassessing social inclusion and digital divides

Purpose – Digital and social inclusion are becoming more talked about as approaches to what has been discussed as the digital divide. But what is digital or social inclusion? The purpose of this paper is to explore the notion of social exclusion as a variety of, sometimes conflicting, social programmes which embody ideas of what society should be. Becoming more aware of this variety of approach can give insights into programmes addressing the digital divide and the political, cultural and social aspects of policies of social inclusion.Design/methodology/approach – The paper analyses the notion of social inclusion as a variety of social policies to address social exclusion and develop the nation state. It uses an example of a telecentre in Jordan's knowledge station (KS) programme to illustrate and extend this analysis.Findings – The analysis and discussion of the KS initiative shows how different notions of social and digital inclusion are important features of strengthening the Jordanian state and are us.
Targeted Disruption in Murine Cells Reveals Variable Requirement for Smad4 in Transforming Growth Factor β-related Signaling*

The tumor suppressor gene Smad4 has been proposed to be a common mediator of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ)-related signaling pathways. We investigated the role ofSmad4 in TGFβ-related pathways by targeted disruption of its locus in murine cell lines. TGFβ responses, including growth arrest, induction of the endogenous PAI-1 gene, and other extracellular matrix components, were normal in Smad4-deficient fibroblasts. Assembly of a TGFβ-induced DNA-binding complex on one of two regulatory regions in the human plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1 promoter did not require Smad4 but was, instead, dependent on a TFE-3 binding site. In contrast, Smad4 was required for activation of the Xenopus Mix.2 promoter in response to TGFβ/activin. Smad4 was also involved in the regulation of the Msx homeobox protein family members in response to bone morphogenetic protein (BMP). Interestingly, the expression of the endogenous Msx-2 was reduced, whereas that of Msx-3 was activated in differentiating Smad4 −/− ES cells relative to wild-type cells. Moreover, reporter assays of the Msx-2promoter revealed an absolute requirement for Smad4 in fibroblasts and ES cells for activation. Our results indicate that Smad4 is dispensable for critical TGFβ-induced responses but is required for others in murine fibroblasts. We have identified transcriptional targets for Smad4 in the BMP signaling pathway, which may contribute to the genetic defect observed in theSmad4-deficient embryos.
Lesbian expectations and experiences with family doctors. How much does the physician's sex matter to lesbians?

OBJECTIVE To identify the factors lesbian women find important in selecting a family physician and to describe their attitudes toward the sex of a physician. To determine their attitudes about disclosure of sexual orientation to physicians, their fears upon disclosing, and their actual experiences with disclosure. DESIGN Anonymous, self-administered, written questionnaire survey of lesbians in the Fraser Valley. SETTING Lesbian community in the Fraser Valley. PARTICIPANTS Volunteer responses were obtained from 53 of 125 women attending gay and lesbian dances, on mailing lists of gay and lesbian advocacy groups, and known to me as lesbians. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Demographic variables, attitudes toward family physicians, and experience of disclosing sexual orientation to their physicians. RESULTS Most participants considered it important to disclose their sexual orientation to their family physicians, and most had. Although some feared lower quality health care upon disclosure, the group as a whole was not particularly concerned about a decrease in quality. Most preferred a female family doctor. While female physicians were more frequently ascribed such characteristics as openness, kindness, and an accepting manner, male physicians were more frequently ascribed such characteristics as intolerance and homophobia. When participants rated their perceptions of their doctors' reactions upon disclosure, however, there was no significant difference between male and female physicians. CONCLUSIONS Most lesbians want to disclose their sexual orientation to their family physicians. Regardless of their own sex or sexual orientation, family physicians can provide valuable support to their lesbian patients.
$N$-Person Card Game Approach for Solving SET $K$-COVER Problem in Wireless Sensor Networks

Solutions to SET K-COVER problem can prolong the lifetime of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) by partitioning the sensors into sets. In this paper, a novel purely distributed method for solving SET K-COVER problem is introduced based on the game theory, in which we consider the SET K-COVER problem as a noncooperative N-person card game. The sensors in WSN are considered as the players, the cover sets chosen by N sensors are considered as the strategies, and the sensing area covered alone is considered as the payoff function for each sensor. After the gaming process, the best strategies that all of the players have chosen constitute the Nash equilibrium. In addition, we analyze the effects of the initial strategies on the gaming result and propose a solution to avoid this effect in order to obtain a better coverage performance. We also extend the optimality of Nash equilibrium in the coverage game to a more general case. Besides that, the analysis of the convergence performance and the message complexity of the proposed algorithm are also presented. Extensive simulations have been conducted to show the superiority of the proposed algorithm in convergence, robustness, and coverage, comparing with the random, K-COVER, and synchronous Nash equilibria convergence algorithms. Finally, based on the results from real experiments on both small- and large-scale WSNs, we conclude that the proposed algorithm can be applied in real application environment and is also of good performance in both convergence and coverage. Furthermore, we also provide the comparisons between results from simulations and real experiments when some practical issues are considered.
ANALISIS HUBUNGAN PROFITABILITAS TERHADAP PENGUNGKAPAN INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the profitability with the level of Intellectual Capital Disclosure on banking industry in Indonesia. The profitability is measured using the ratio of Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) and net income to its total assets, and the level of Intellectual Capital Disclosure (ICD) is measured using Intellectual Capital Disclosure Index. The population on this study was a banking industry listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) for the year 2010 and 2011. The research sample is 54 companies. Type of data used is secondary. Analysis tool used was pearson correlation. The analysis data technique and hypothesis testing using SPSS software. The result of this research supported a statistically significant inverse relationship between the level of intellectual capital disclosure with EBITDA and net income. The simultaneous analysis resulted that both EBITDA and net income affect the level of intellectual capital disclosure but not inferential for all populations sampled research.
Rapid isolation of high molecular weight DNA from marine macroalgae

Application of molecular techniques to study marine rnacroalgae is in its infancy, and is likely to be facilitated by the ability to routinely isolate high quality DNA from these plants. The generally high polysaccharide and polyphenol content in rnacroalgae, however, often interferes with the isolation and subsequent enzymatic manipulation of their nucleic acids. We describe the use of a CTAB method for the isolation of high molecular weight DNA from marine macroalgae. The method is rapid, simple, inexpensive, does not require density gradient ultracentrifugation, and has general applicability to red, brown and green seaweeds. The isolated DNA appears sufficiently pure for application of most commonly used molecular techniques such as restriction endonuclease digestion, Southern blot hybridization, cloning, and ampl~fication using the polymerase chain reaction. The method was also tested on the marine angiosperm Zostera marina (eelgrass).
Clinical and Economic Impact of Adverse Drug Reactions in Hospitalized Patients

OBJECTIVE: To identify the classes of drugs that most commonly cause adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and the characteristics of these ADRs and to determine the economic impact of ADRs on patients' length of stay and hospitalization costs. METHODS: Data on ADRs from patients admitted to a hospital in New Jersey were collected, studied, and analyzed over a five-month period. To determine the economic impact of ADRs, patients who experienced ADRs during hospitalization were matched to controls. Each ADR was rated with regard to its severity, the patients' outcomes were determined, and specific classes of medications were identified as particularly causative of ADRs. RESULTS: A total of 196 patients experienced ADRs; 131 of these individuals were matched with 1338 patients who did not experience an ADR, based on their diagnosis-related group code. The leading causal drugs according to therapeutic class were antiinfective (17%), cardiovascular (17%), antineoplastic (15%), and analgesics/antiinflammatory agents (15%). The organ systems most often affected were gastrointestinal (24%), dermatologic (19%), and immune systems (15%). The mean length of stay per patient differed significantly between the ADR case group and matched control group (10.6 vs. 6.8 d; p = 0.003), as did the total hospitalization cost ($22 775 vs. $17 292; p = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Length of hospital stay and total hospitalization costs were significantly higher for patients experiencing ADRs than those who did not experience ADRs. ADR reporting systems in hospitals need to be changed and strengthened to decrease the incidence of avoidable reactions.
Local Heroes, Regional Champions or Global Mandates? Empirical Evidence on the Dynamics of German MNC Subsidiary Roles in Central Europe

SUMMARY In this paper we analyze the influence of a subsidiary's external environment, of its task and of its mode of ownership and its mode of market entry on the development of its role for the case of German subsidiaries in Central Europe. We define a subsidiary's role as a three-dimensional construct, consisting of a subsidiary's tasks, its value chain activities and its respective geographical scope. Drawing on a sample of 99 subsidiaries from the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland, we find that a subsidiary's host country, its tasks and its mode of market entry influence the development of its role. We find no evidence for the influence of subsidiary's mode of ownership. Especially, “geographical market proximity seeking”-subsidiaries seem to follow a different path of development than subsidiaries where this task is of minor importance as they tend to perform a smaller number of value chain activities and tend to expand these value chain activities with regard to their geographical scope more incrementally.
Evidence that Differences in Bankruptcy Law Among Countries Affect Equity Returns

We provide the first empirical evidence that differences in firm equity returns are correlated with differences in bankruptcy code among six of the G-7 countries (Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, Japan and the U.S.). We document patterns in both filing data and equity returns for a sample of bankrupt firms in these countries and tie these to differences and similarities in law. We find evidence of both intra- and inter-country factors that affect returns for bankrupt firms, though our results suggest that both categories of factors are unsystematic in an ex ante pricing sense. Among our more striking findings are that British firms lose 89% of equity value in the three years prior to a bankruptcy filing and the loss occurs quickly. In contrast, U.S. firms lose 61% and lose it much more slowly. Patterns in France are largely unrelated to other countries, which we believe occurs because of the emphasis on protecting labor. Firms in Japan and Germany lose 77% of equity value and are highly correlated with each other, which appears to be an outgrowth of the similarity in the interlocking relationships between banks and firms in both countries. Finally, Canadian firms drop 84% in value, second only to Britain, but have important similarities to the other countries. These findings have important implications for financing choices that firms make in these countries, and for the development of capital markets, generally. They also provide important information to consider as the European Union moves towards developing common bankruptcy policies.
Parents’ expectations, awareness, and experiences of accessing evidence-based speech-language pathology services for their children with autism

Abstract The aim of this study was to explore the expectations, awareness, and experiences of parents in their efforts to access evidence-based speech-language pathology (SLP) services for their children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Four focus groups were conducted with 20 parents of pre school aged children with ASD and transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Two themes emerged to account for the participants’ expectations, awareness, and experiences. The two themes, “Speech-language pathology: More than just a business”, and “Parents and power”, represented the complex interaction between factors including the parents’ access to information, their involvement in the therapy process, and their sense of empowerment. The parents in this study expressed a strong desire for evidence-based practice (EBP) to be employed. However, the parents had different views on how EBP should be achieved. The findings of this study demonstrate the importance of involving parents in therapeutic relationships as partners in the decision-making process. This means providing parents with comprehensive information, including research evidence to support the clinical decisions that need to be made, and respecting parents’ preferences in the therapy process.