Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Genesis, History, and Functioning of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC): A Formal-Institutional Analysis

This article aims to analyze the functioning and efficacy of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) by applying a formal-institutional method. This approach attends to the inner mechanism of an organization, in preference to the “milieu” method, that examines an organization with reference to its members' capacities and other conditions. Thus, analytical focus is on the formal edifices of an organization: its charters, voting procedures, and committee structures. This article embeds the formal/institutional method with the thesis that the absence from the OIC's structure of (i) an informed and costly membership requirement and (ii) a rule-enforcing body, accounts for its current functionality problems. To substantiate this argument, the paper compares the OIC with some other international inter-governmental organizations such as the European Union and the United Nations. The conclusion follows that any reform plan should acknowledge that the extant membership rules are a structural problem and the absence of enforceable regulations are a functional problem for the OIC. The analysis also suggests that intra-OIC formations are necessary in order to stimulate the organization's performance and effectiveness.
Adherence to hand hygiene protocol by clinicians and medical students at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre-Malawi.

BACKGROUND While communicable diseases are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Malawi, the contribution of nosocomial or hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) is unknown but could be substantial. The single most important method of preventing nosocomial infections is hand hygiene. We report a study which was conducted in 2011 to investigate adherence to hand hygiene protocols by clinicians and medical students working at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre, Malawi. METHODS There were two parts to the study: a single blinded arm in which participants were observed without their knowledge by trained nurses; and a second arm which included self-completion of questionnaire after participant consent was obtained. The 2009 World Health Organization hand hygiene technique and recommendations which were adopted by Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital were used to define an opportunity for hand washing and effectiveness of hand washing. Hand hygiene effectiveness was defined as adherence to at least 6 out of 7 steps (80%) of the hand hygiene technique when using alcohol-based formulation or at least 8 out of 10 steps (80%) of the hand hygiene technique when using water and soap formulation before and after having direct contact with patients or their immediate surroundings. RESULTS Clinicians were found to have disinfected their hands more than medical students (p<0.05) but effectiveness was similar and very low between the two groups (p=0.2). No association was also found between having a personal hand sanitizer and hand hygiene practice (p=0.3). Adherence to hand hygiene was found to be 23%. Most of the participants mentioned infection transmission prevention as a reason for disinfecting their hands. Other reasons mentioned included: a routine personal hand hygiene behaviour and discomfort if not washing hands. The top three reasons why they did not disinfect hands were forgetfulness, unavailability of sanitizers and negligence. CONCLUSION Adherence to hand hygiene practice was found to be low, with forgetfulness and negligence being the major contributing factors. A hospital-wide multifaceted program aiming at clinicians and students education, adoption of alcohol based hand rubs as a primary formulation, production of colored poster reminders and encouraging role modeling of junior practitioners by senior practitioners can help improve compliance to hand hygiene.
the good, the bad and the pacifier

In this article, interviews with eight managers and questionnaires from 75 practitioners are analysed to explore their perceptions of the role of pacifiers (or dummies) within the nursery. Managers and practitioners source their knowledge from the media, family/friends, and short professional speech and language courses; however, their perceptions of pacifiers derive from mainly contested research that has filtered into the public domain. This creates tensions between perceived parental rights to offer a child a pacifier, current UK guidelines and participants' own, often ambivalent, views. The article engages with Foucauldian concepts to explore how authoritative knowledge filters into everyday practice and to deconstruct relations of power within the early years setting.
Geometry Constrained N-(5,6,7-Trihydroquinolin-8-ylidene)arylaminopalladium Dichloride Complexes: Catalytic Behavior toward Methyl Acrylate (MA), Methyl Acrylate-co-Norbornene (MA-co-NB) Polymerization and Heck Coupling

A new pair of plladium complexes (Pd4 and Pd5) ligated with constrained N-(5,6,7-trihydroquinolin-8-ylidene)arylamine ligands have been prepared and well characterized by 1H-, 13C-NMR and FTIR spectroscopies as well as elemental analysis. The molecular structure of Pd4 and Pd5 in solid state have also been determined by X-ray diffraction, showing slightly distorted square planar geometry around the palladium metal center. All complexes Pd1–Pd5 are revealed highly efficient catalyst in methyl acrylate (MA) polymerization as well as methyl acrylate/norbornene (MA/NB) copolymerization. In the case of MA polymerization, as high as 98.4% conversion with high molecular weight up to 6282 kg·mol−1 was achieved. Likewise, Pd3 complex has good capability to incorporate about 18% NB content into MA polymer chains. Furthermore, low catalyst loadings (0.002 mol %) of Pd4 or Pd5 are able to efficiently mediate the coupling of haloarenes with styrene affording up to 98% conversion.
Field Trips and Follow-Up Activities: Fourth Graders in a Public Garden

Abstract In this study the relationship among cognitive learning, field trips, and follow-up activities was examined. One hundred eleven fourth-grade students participated in a pretest-posttest control group design. Three groups participated in and received the same standardized field trip. Two treatment groups then received a follow-up activity relevant to the field trip, whereas a placebo group received an informative but not relevant follow-up activity. Statistical analyses were conducted comparing posttest scores for two groups and score changes for all three groups. Significant differences were detected between some posttest scores and between all pretest and posttest scores. Changes suggested that the related follow-up activity reinforced some of the concepts presented during the field trip.
Too Exhausted for Operation? Anxiety, Depleted Self-control Strength, and Perceptual–motor Performance

We tested the hypothesis that the interaction of self-control strength and state anxiety predicts perceptual–motor performance in a hand–eye coordination task. We predicted a stronger negative relation between anxiety and performance in a perceptual–motor task for participants whose self-control strength had been temporarily depleted compared to participants whose self-control strength was intact. In an experiment (N = 60), we manipulated self-control strength, measured state anxiety after an evaluative instruction, and assessed performance in the board game Operation as an indicator of perceptual–motor performance. The data supported our hypothesis: Only for participants whose self-control strength was temporarily depleted was there a statistically significant negative relation between anxiety and performance. Boosting self-control strength may help to prevent the potentially negative anxiety effects.
Entrepreneurship and the characteristics of the entrepreneurial personality

Examines the characteristics of the entrepreneurial personality and the effects of changes in the entrepreneur’s personal relationships. According to the empirical findings, becoming an entrepreneur and acting as an entrepreneur are both aspects of the entrepreneur’s learning process, which in turn has an effect on the personality characteristics of the entrepreneur. The entrepreneur’s drive to solve problems (= mastery) had increased, and control by powerful others decreased since the start‐up phase. Changes in the entrepreneur’s relations with others were also observed to have an effect on the entrepreneur’s personality characteristics. The empirical findings also show that as the number of co‐operative partners decreased, control by powerful others also decreased, and that, since the start‐up phase, entrepreneurs whose personal relations had increased also showed a clear increase in mastery.
Apparent diffusion coefficient: potential imaging biomarker for prediction and early detection of response to chemotherapy in hepatic metastases.

PURPOSE To evaluate the ability of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) to help predict response to chemotherapy in patients with colorectal and gastric hepatic metastases. MATERIALS AND METHODS Institutional review board approval was obtained; all patients provided informed consent. Standard magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and diffusion-weighted (DW) MR imaging were performed before and 3, 7, and 42 days after initiating chemotherapy for 87 hepatic metastases in 23 colorectal and gastric cancer patients (16 men, seven women; mean age, 55.7 years; range, 33-71 years). Lesions were classified as either responding or nonresponding, according to changes in size at the end of therapy. Linear mixed-effects modeling was applied to analyze change in ADCs and size following treatment. The Pearson correlation test was calculated between those ADC parameters and tumor response. RESULTS Thirty-eight responding and 49 nonresponding metastatic lesions were evaluated. Pretherapy mean ADCs in responding lesions were significantly lower than those of nonresponding lesions (P = .003). An early increase in ADCs (on day 3 or 7) was observed in responding lesions but not in nonresponding lesions (P = .002). Weak but significant correlations were found between final tumor size reduction and both pretreatment ADCs (P = .006) and early ADC changes (day 3, P = .004; day 7, P < .001). CONCLUSION ADC seems to be a promising tool for helping predict and monitor the early response to chemotherapy of hepatic metastases from colorectal and gastric carcinomas.
Validation of gait analysis with dynamic radiostereometric analysis (RSA) in patients operated with total hip arthroplasty

We simultaneously examined 14 patients with OTS and dynamic radiostereometric analysis (RSA) to evaluate the accuracy of both skin‐ and a cluster‐marker models. The mean differences between the OTS and RSA system in hip flexion, abduction, and rotation varied up to 9.5° for the skin‐marker and up to 11.3° for the cluster‐marker models, respectively. Both models tended to underestimate the amount of flexion and abduction, but a significant systematic difference between the marker and RSA evaluations could only be established for recordings of hip abduction using cluster markers (p = 0.04). The intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.7 or higher during flexion for both models and during abduction using skin markers, but decreased to 0.5–0.6 when abduction motion was studied with cluster markers. During active hip rotation, the two marker models tended to deviate from the RSA recordings in different ways with poor correlations at the end of the motion (ICC ≤0.4). During active hip motions soft tissue displacements occasionally induced considerable differences when compared to skeletal motions. The best correlation between RSA recordings and the skin‐ and cluster‐marker model was found for studies of hip flexion and abduction with the skin‐marker model. Studies of hip abduction with use of cluster markers were associated with a constant underestimation of the motion. Recordings of skeletal motions with use of skin or cluster markers during hip rotation were associated with high mean errors amounting up to about 10° at certain positions. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:1515–1522, 2017.
Some Dimensions of Mathematics Anxiety: A Factor Analysis Across Instruments

The factor structure of the items of three commonly used measures of mathematics anxiety was examined using a sample of 323 undergraduates enrolled in a required college algebra course. Six oblique factors were identified: Mathematics Test Anxiety, Numerical Anxiety, Negative Affect Toward Mathematics, Worry, Positive Affect Toward Mathematics, and Mathematics Course Anxiety. In general, the factors tended to be specific to the particular mathematics anxiety scales with few items from one scale combining with items from another scale to define a given factor. Of particular interest was the identification of the dimensions of positive and negative affect toward mathematics. Additionally, the inter correlations among the factors were subjected to structural equation modeling to see if the factors measured a common dimension. The results did not support the existence of a single common dimension of mathematics anxiety as represented by the six factors.
Retinotopic mapping of the primary visual cortex – a challenge for MEG imaging of the human cortex

Magnetoencephalography (MEG) can be used to reconstruct neuronal activity with high spatial and temporal resolution. However, this reconstruction problem is ill‐posed, and requires the use of prior constraints in order to produce a unique solution. At present there are a multitude of inversion algorithms, each employing different assumptions, but one major problem when comparing the accuracy of these different approaches is that often the true underlying electrical state of the brain is unknown. In this study, we explore one paradigm, retinotopic mapping in the primary visual cortex (V1), for which the ground truth is known to a reasonable degree of accuracy, enabling the comparison of MEG source reconstructions with the true electrical state of the brain. Specifically, we attempted to localize, using a beamforming method, the induced responses in the visual cortex generated by a high contrast, retinotopically varying stimulus. Although well described in primate studies, it has been an open question whether the induced gamma power in humans due to high contrast gratings derives from V1 rather than the prestriate cortex (V2). We show that the beamformer source estimate in the gamma and theta bands does vary in a manner consistent with the known retinotopy of V1. However, these peak locations, although retinotopically organized, did not accurately localize to the cortical surface. We considered possible causes for this discrepancy and suggest that improved MEG/magnetic resonance imaging co‐registration and the use of more accurate source models that take into account the spatial extent and shape of the active cortex may, in future, improve the accuracy of the source reconstructions.
Idiopathic calciphylaxis

A 68‐year‐old woman presented with a painful necrotic ulcer on her right calf and necrotic breakdown of a left below‐knee amputation stump as a result of calciphylaxis. No cause could be identified and corrected. Treatment comprised wound care, substituting low molecular weight heparin for warfarin, hyperbaric oxygenation and etidronate disodium, none of which were helpful and major limb amputations were considered the best option for this patient.
'Hot topics' in hypertension.

DOI:10.1097/HCO.0b013e328353e702 This edition of Current Opinion in Cardiology contains four reviews of important and timely topics in the area of hypertension. Unfortunately, none of them deals directly with the Eighth Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC 8), which has had its release delayed yet again. Perhaps the biggest news in hypertension came just before the new year, with the announcement that the Aliskiren Trial In Type 2 diabetes Using cardiorenal Disease Endpoints study had been terminated prematurely because of an excess risk of nonfatal stroke, hypotension, hyperkalemia, and renal problems in individuals randomized to aliskiren (rather than placebo), in addition to ‘conventional therapy’ (which, by protocol, included at least one renin– angiotensin system blocker) [1]. In addition to being consistent with the results of the Ongoing Telmisartan Alone and in Combination with Ramipril Global Endpoint Trial [2] and its renal endpoint substudy [3], this outcome may well dampen enthusiasm for development of new antihypertensive drugs (especially inhibitors of the renin–angiotensin– aldosterone system), given the large number of generically available agents already on the market. Yet, answers to important questions continue to be published, from systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and epidemiological surveys, all of which could positively impact public health. One of the larger recent controversies involves the lower blood pressure (BP) targets recommended by JNC 7 [4] and other recent American guidelines [5–7]. Although these are reasonable from a public health and preventive medicine standpoint (e.g., higher risk individuals should benefit more from a lowered therapeutic target, as seen in recent guidelines for dyslipidemia [8,9]), several recent authors point out that, in diabetics (based on both metaanalyses [10] and recent clinical trial data [11]), and in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) [10,12], the literature is inconsistent, at best. Because it is expected that all forthcoming US hypertension guidelines should be firmly ‘evidence based,’ there is concern that the lower BP target for CKD patients is not only unlikely to be supported by direct clinical trial data but also may increase healthcare costs and the risk of adverse effects of more intensive treatment. Some have pointed out that, in some trials,
Building an integrated model of chromosome congression

ABSTRACT A universal feature of mitosis is that all chromosomes become aligned at the spindle equator – the halfway point between the two spindle poles – prior to anaphase onset. This migratory event is called congression, and is powered by centromere-bound protein machines called kinetochores. This Commentary aims to document recent advances concerning the two kinetochore-based force-generating mechanisms that drive mitotic chromosome congression in vertebrate cells: depolymerisation-coupled pulling (DCP) and lateral sliding. We aim to explore how kinetochores can ‘read-out’ their spatial position within the spindle, and adjust these force-generating mechanisms to ensure chromosomes reach, and then remain, at the equator. Finally, we will describe the ‘life history’ of a chromosome, and provide a working model for how individual mechanisms are integrated to ensure efficient and successful congression. Summary: This Commentary documents recent advances concerning the two kinetochore-based force-generating mechanisms that drive mitotic chromosome congression in vertebrate cells.
Contextualizing Public Opinion on Consumer Racial Profiling: A Marxist Approach

Using a Marxist foundation, this article sought to contextualize public opinion related to consumer racial profiling (CRP). CRP is when customers are profiled as shoplifters because of their race or ethnicity. This study tested 2 hypotheses related to those who classified themselves as “haves” and “have-nots. ” More specifically, it was hypothesized that those identifying themselves as haves will more likely support the practice of CRP and also believe that the practice of CRP was widespread. Although only 1 of the 2 hypotheses was supported, the research did uncover other important variables for understanding public opinion on CRP.
Victimization in Childhood of Male Sex Offenders: Relationship between Violence Experienced and Subsequent Offenses through Discourse Analysis

Abstract This study aims at better understanding how the form of childhood violence experienced and the type of offense subsequently committed affect how sex offenders recall punishments and difficult events. Fifty-four male perpetrators convicted of sexual offenses against children (SOCs) or against adults (SOAs) were interviewed in France, Belgium, and Switzerland using the Lausanne Clinical Interview (Entretien Clinique de Lausanne or LCI). Almost three-quarters of the sex offenders reported having been victimized during childhood. The correspondence analysis identified several factors that differentiated them. Their appraisal of the distressing event, method of coping with and distancing themselves from it, and how they dealt with emotions varied markedly depending on whether they recognized having experienced various forms of violence during childhood and on what type of offense they subsequently committed. Victimization can be identified as much by the events experienced as by their effect on the sex offender’s discourse. Identification of these discursive indicators may lead to an improved therapeutic approach for potentially traumatic childhood experiences.
Domestic violence: A hidden and deeply rooted health issue in India

Domestic violence was identified as a major contributor to the global burden of ill health in terms of female morbid-ity leading to psychological trauma and depression, injuries, sexually transmitted diseases, suicide and murder. The study was conducted to find out the prevalence of different types of life time domestic violence against women; fac-tors associated with it and care seeking behavior. An observational cross-sectional study was done among 260 ever married women of 15-49 years of age using a predesigned pretested pro-forma from April 2011 to January 2012 by face to face interview. Data were compiled and analyzed by Epi Info 6 version and SPSS 17 version. The overall prevalence of any form of violence during the life time among the study population was 40.4%. Verbal/psychological violence was the most common form of domestic violence (85.7%) followed by physical (71.4%) and sexual violence (57.1%). Slapping and or beating, kicking, object throwing were the major forms of physical vio-lence; humiliation (91.1%) was the commonest form of psychological violence and most common form of sexual violence was forced sexual intercourse (58.3%). About 21% of the study population faced violence every day. Older age, lower age at marriage, longer duration of marriage, lower education of husband and wife, lower family income, unemployment of the husband and alcohol consumption of husband were associated with occurrence of domestic violence. We have found that the prevalence of domestic violence in this group of population is high. The alarming issue is that approximately one third of women (31.24%) who faced violence in their life-time had never sought any help. The findings indicate to develop appropriate and culturally relevant public health interventions to increase awareness and implement policies regarding violence against women. South East Asia Journal of Public Health 2013; 3(1): 17-23 DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.3329/seajph.v3i1. 17706