Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Is hardship during migration a determinant of HIV infection? Results from the ANRS PARCOURS study of sub-Saharan African migrants in France

Objectives:In Europe, sub-Saharan African migrants are a key population for HIV infection. We analyse how social hardships during settlement in France shape sexual partnerships and HIV risk. Design:PARCOURS is a life-event survey conducted in 2012–2013 in 74 health-care facilities in the Paris region, among three groups of sub-Saharan migrants: 926 receiving HIV care (296 acquired HIV in France), 779 with chronic hepatitis B, and 763 with neither HIV nor hepatitis B (reference group). Methods:Hardships (lack of residence permit, economic resources and housing) and sexual partnerships were documented for each year since arrival in France. For each sex, reported sexual partnerships were compared by group and their associations with hardships each year analysed with mixed-effects logistic regression models. Results:Hardships were frequent: more than 40% had lived a year or longer without a residence permit, and more than 20% without stable housing. Most of the migrants had nonstable and concurrent partnerships, more frequent among those who acquired HIV in France compared with reference group, as were casual partnerships among men (76.7 vs. 54.2%; P = 0.004) and women (52.4 vs. 30.5%; P = 0.02), concurrent partnerships among men (69.9 vs. 45.8%; P = 0.02), and transactional partnerships among women (8.6 vs. 2.3%; P = 0.006). Hardship increased risky behaviours: in women, lacking a residence permit increased casual and transactional partnerships [resp. odds ratio (OR) = 2.01(1.48–2.72) and OR = 6.27(2.25–17.44)]. Same trends were observed for lacking stable housing [OR = 3.71(2.75–5.00) and OR = 10.58 (4.68–23.93)]. Conclusion:Hardships faced by migrants increase HIV risks. Women, especially during the period without stable housing, appear especially vulnerable.
Clinical application of high throughput molecular screening techniques for pharmacogenomics

Genetic analysis is one of the fastest-growing areas of clinical diagnostics. Fortunately, as our knowledge of clinically relevant genetic variants rapidly expands, so does our ability to detect these variants in patient samples. Increasing demand for genetic information may necessitate the use of high throughput diagnostic methods as part of clinically validated testing. Here we provide a general overview of our current and near-future abilities to perform large-scale genetic testing in the clinical laboratory. First we review in detail molecular methods used for high throughput mutation detection, including techniques able to monitor thousands of genetic variants for a single patient or to genotype a single genetic variant for thousands of patients simultaneously. These methods are analyzed in the context of pharmacogenomic testing in the clinical laboratories, with a focus on tests that are currently validated as well as those that hold strong promise for widespread clinical application in the near future. We further discuss the unique economic and clinical challenges posed by pharmacogenomic markers. Our ability to detect genetic variants frequently outstrips our ability to accurately interpret them in a clinical context, carrying implications both for test development and introduction into patient management algorithms. These complexities must be taken into account prior to the introduction of any pharmacogenomic biomarker into routine clinical testing.
Multicompartment model to assess body composition in professional water polo players.

AIM The aim of this study was to compare differences between skinfold thicknesses (SK), bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), a 2-compartment model (2C), and 2, 3-compartment models (3C) of percent body fat (%BF) assessment with a 4-compartment model (4C) in professional water polo athletes. METHODS Ten male subjects, 18 to 29 years of age, participated in this study. Under water weighing, deuterium dilution, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) were used to provide the required values for the models. The two, 3C models used were established by Withers et al. (3C-W) and by the DXA manufacturers (3C-DXA). 4C was also established by Withers et al. RESULTS There were no significant differences between 2C, 3C-W, and 3C-DXA when compared with 4C (criterion model). There were no significant differences between 2C and 3C-W. %BF was significantly greater using 2C compared with 3C-DXA. %BF derived from SK and BIA were significantly greater than all other METHODS 4C was best correlated with 3C-W (R2=0.998), followed by 2C (R2=0.806), 3C-DXA (R2=0.5071), SK (R2=0.2945), and BIA (R2=0.2377). CONCLUSION We conclude that 2C and 3C-W assess %BF equally as well as 4C; however, SK and BIA significantly over-estimated %BF in water polo athletes.
CELLULAR MEDIATORS OF ANTI-LISTERIA IMMUNITY AS AN ENLARGED POPULATION OF SHORT-LIVED, REPLICATING T CELLS

An intravenous immunizing infection with the facultative, intracellular parasite, Listeria monocytogenes results in the production in the spleen of a population of immunologically-committed lymphocytes which can adoptively immunize normal recipients against a lethal challenge infection. These cellular mediators of immunity are first produced in the spleen between days 2 and 4 of infection and reach peak production on day 6. Their production then progressively decreases until about day 20 when their presence can no longer be detected. Increased production of cellular mediators is coincident with major increases in cell division, cellularity, and spleen weight. Decreased production of cellular mediators, on the other hand, is associated with decreases in cell division, cellularity, and spleen weight. Again, the level of delayed sensitivity to Listeria antigens expressed by the host at any one time is proportional to the number of cellular mediators in the spleen. Increased production of cellular mediators is also associated with major increases in the total numbers of replicating T cells and B cells in the spleen. That the cellular mediators of immunity are part of the replicating T cell population, rather than the B cell population, is evidenced by their susceptibility to anti-θ serum and by their resistance to anti-Ig serum. Furthermore, they can be completely eliminated from the spleen by a brief pulse of the antimitotic drug, vinblastine. This study allows the conclusion that the cellular mediators of anti-Listeria immunity belong to an expanded population of rapidly dividing, short-lived T cells. It is suggested that they have the same properties as the T cell effectors of allograft immunity.
Airway management and hemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and intubation in supine and left lateral positions.

INTRODUCTION Intubation in the lateral position is desirable in several conditions. We compared the technical ease and hemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and intubation in the lateral (group L) and supine (group S) positions in 120 patients with normal airway in a prospective randomized controlled study. METHODS This was a randomized, controlled observational study. All intubations were performed by a single investigator experienced in lateral intubation. Ventilation score with bag and mask ventilation, laryngoscopy duration and attempts, application of external pressure and Cormac & Lehane grade were measured. Blood pressure and heart rate were observed before and after induction of anesthesia, after laryngoscopy/intubation and then at one minute interval for 6 minutes. RESULTS 90% of patients in group S were ventilated by a single operator compared to 17% in group L. Duration oflaryngoscopy was significantly longer in group L (32 seconds) compared to group S (12 seconds) [p < 0.001]. 78% of the patients in group S had Cormack and Lehane grade 1 versus nil in group L. External pressure was required in 58% patients in group L and 5% in group S. In intra-group comparison at specified time lines no difference was observed in HR but the changes in BP were significantly higher in the lateral position (P-value < 0.001). CONCLUSION Ventilation and intubation in lateral position was more difficult technically than in the suprine position, and the BP response was exaggerated in the lateral position.
Risk Factors for Age-Related Maculopathy

Age-related maculopathy (ARM) is the leading cause of blindness in the elderly. Although beneficial therapeutic strategies have recently begun to emerge, much remains unclear regarding the etiopathogenesis of this disorder. Epidemiologic studies have enhanced our understanding of ARM, but the data, often conflicting, has led to difficulties with drawing firm conclusions with respect to risk for this condition. As a consequence, we saw a need to assimilate the published findings with respect to risk factors for ARM, through a review of the literature appraising results from published cross-sectional studies, prospective cohort studies, case series, and case control studies investigating risk for this condition. Our review shows that, to date, and across a spectrum of epidemiologic study designs, only age, cigarette smoking, and family history of ARM have been consistently demonstrated to represent risk for this condition. In addition, genetic studies have recently implicated many genes in the pathogenesis of age-related maculopathy, including Complement Factor H, PLEKHA 1, and LOC387715/HTRA1, demonstrating that environmental and genetic factors are important for the development of ARM suggesting that gene-environment interaction plays an important role in the pathogenesis of this condition.
Antimicrobial and Biochemical Analysis of Some Spices Extract against Food Spoilage Pathogens

The antimicrobial activity of some food additives used in meat products such as Cumin, Cinnamon, Cloves, Fennel, Red Crushed Pepper, Mustard, Cardomon, Ginger, Poppy and Anise against some microorganisms was investigated. For this purpose, the diethyl ether-treated extracts of spice samples were tested in vitro with Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis, Micrococcus luteus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans as test strains. The disc diffusion method was applied in the trial. Cinnamon was found to be the most effective spice against all the test strains except M. luteus. The weakest antimicrobial activity was displayed by Cloves, cumin, cinnamon and fennel towards this bacterium.
Effect of agrochemical related illness on technical efficiency of lowland rice farmers in Niger and Ogun states Nigeria

This study assessed the effect of agrochemical related illness on technical efficiency of lowland rice farmers in Niger and Ogun States of Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to obtain primary data from a cross section of 304 rice farmers in both states through the use of questionnaire/interview guide. Data were analyzed through the use of descriptive statistics, cost of illness (COI) estimation, data envelopment analysis (DEA) and Tobit regression. The study revealed that cough was the most (58.10%) prevalent health symptom associated with the use of agrochemicals in the study area and that 46.70% of the rice farmers relied on self-medication. Also, the COI estimation revealed that a total of N4,273 was expended per treatment. The results of the DEA showed that rice farmers in the study area were technically inefficient with a mean score of 0.54, and this was influenced by age (𝛼 - 0.002, p < 0.05), sex (𝛼 - 0.243, p < 0.01), distance from home to farm (𝛼 - 0.007, p < 0.10), number of farm plots (𝛼 - −0.007, p < 0.10), cost of illness due to agrochemicals use (𝛼 - 5.510 p < 0.10), location (𝛼 - −0.298, p < 0.01), farm size (𝛼 - 0.112, p < 0.01), and use of fertilizer (𝛼 - 0.308, p < 0.01). The study concluded that farmers in the study area were exposed to agrochemical related illnesses and that the exposure influenced their technical efficiency negatively. The study, therefore, recommends the inclusion/enforcement of safety and health information pertaining to agrochemical use on extension packages. Also, policies on land reforms should be tailored towards reducing land fragmentation. Key words : treatment, cost, tobit, economic, application
Symptom structure of PTSD: support for a hierarchical model separating core PTSD symptoms from dysphoria

Background As of yet, no collective agreement has been reached regarding the precise factor structure of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Several alternative factor-models have been proposed in the last decades. Objective The current study examined the fit of a hierarchical adaptation of the Simms et al. (2002) dysphoria model and compared it to the fit of the PTSD model as depicted in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV), a correlated four-factor emotional numbing, and a correlated four-factor dysphoria model. Methods Data were collected using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale in a mixed-trauma sample of treatment-seeking PTSD patients (N=276). Results All examined models provided superior fit to the three-factor model of DSM-IV. The hierarchical four-factor solution provided a better fit than competing models. Conclusion The present study provides empirical support for a conceptualization of PTSD that includes a higher-order PTSD factor that encompasses re-experiencing, arousal, and effortful avoidance sub-factors and a dysphoria factor.
Characterizing the Cluster Lens Population

We present a detailed investigation into which properties of CDM halos make them effective strong gravitational lenses. Strong-lensing cross sections of 878 clusters from an N-body simulation are measured by ray-tracing through 13,594 unique projections. We measure concentrations, axis ratios, orientations, and the substructure of each cluster, and compare the lensing-weighted distribution of each quantity to that of the cluster population as a whole. The concentrations of lensing clusters are on average 34% larger than the typical cluster in the universe. Despite this bias, the anomalously high concentrations (c > 14) recently measured by several groups appear to be inconsistent with the concentration distribution in our simulations, which predict that <2% of lensing clusters should have concentrations this high. No correlation is found between lensing cross section and substructure. We introduce several types of simplified dark matter halos and use them to isolate which properties of CDM clusters make them effective lenses. The abundance of giant arcs is primarily determined by the mass distribution within an average overdensity of ~10,000. A multiple-lens-plane ray-tracing algorithm is used to show that projections of large-scale structure increase the giant arc abundance modestly, by <7%. We revisit the claimed excess of giant arcs behind high redshift clusters in the RCS survey and find that the number of high-redshift (z > 0.6) lenses is in good agreement with ΛCDM, although our simulations predict more low-redshift (z < 0.6) lenses than observed.
Learning results and terminal values from the players of SimCity and The Sims

ABSTRACT Most research on the topic conducted in the past did not elaborate in depth on the attributes of games that correspond to specific learning results. In this study, the means-end chain theory has been adopted as the theoretical basis to focus on the players of SimCity and The Sims (two of the most representative titles of the simulation game genre) as the subjects of the research. Through in-depth interviews conducted using the Soft Laddering approach, the study aims to examine the key attributes that would trigger learning results for players when playing games and the terminal values that the players would experience internally. The study also featured group comparison of subjects based on their gender. Results of the study showed that gamers still emphasise on the key aspects of Simulated reality and Self-created game content for simulation games. These two attributes have been found to lead to the learning results of Gain authentic experience and Cultivate imagination and creativity, ultimately leading to the terminal value of Sense of accomplishment.
The Wheels on the Bot go Round and Round: Robotics Curriculum in Pre-Kindergarten

clers” that they constructed using parts from LEGO ® Education WeDo™ Robotics Construction Sets. The Robot Recyclers were designed to help carry, push, and/or sort recyclable materials found in the classroom. Researchers were participant-observers in the robotics lessons over the course of curriculum implementation. Each lesson was taught by the researchers, with classroom teachers present in order to facilitate classroom management and assist with small group work. A combination of interviews, video, photographs, and classroom observations were used to document the students’ experiences. Classroom teachers were also interviewed and asked to complete anonymous pre and post surveys. Results from this study provide preliminary evidence that PreKindergarten children can design, build, and program a robot after just one week of concentrated robotics work. Additionally, results indicate that teachers were able to successfully integrate robotics work into their classrooms that included foundational math and literacy concepts while also engaging children in the arts. However, this study also highlights the difficulties and challenges that must be considered before implementing a robotics curriculum into a PreKindergarten classroom, including opportunities for one-to-one adult assistance during building and programming activities.
Privacy-Preserving Location Proof for Securing Large-Scale Database-Driven Cognitive Radio Networks

The latest Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ruling has enforced database-driven cognitive radio networks (CRNs), in which all secondary users (SUs) can query a database to obtain spectrum availability information (SAI). Database-driven CRNs are regarded as a promising approach for dynamic and highly efficient spectrum management paradigm for large-scale Internet of Things (IoT). However, as a typical location-based service (LBS), before providing services to the user, there is no verification of the queried location, which is very vulnerable to location spoofing attack. A malicious user can report a fake location to the database and access the channels that may not be available for its location. This will introduce serious interference to the primary users (PUs). In this study, we identify a new kind of attack coined as location cheating attack, which allows an attacker to spoof other users to another location and make them query the database with wrong location, or allows a malicious user to forge location arbitrarily and query the database for services. To thwart this attack, we propose a novel infrastructure-based approach that relies on the existing WiFi or cellular network access points (or AP) to provide privacy-preserving location proof. With the proposed solution, the database can verify the locations without knowing the user's accurate location. We perform comprehensive experiments to evaluate the performance of the proposed approach. Experimental results show that our approach, besides providing location proofs effectively, can significantly improve the user's location privacy.
T cell-mediated immunotherapy of metastases: state of the art in 2005

Advances in cellular and molecular immunology have led to the development of strategies for effective augmentation of antitumour immune responses in cancer patients. This review focuses on the manipulation of T cell immunity either by active specific immunotherapy (ASI) using tumour vaccines, or by adoptive immunotherapy (ADI) with immune T cells. Such therapies offer exquisite specificity of tumour recognition based on the ability of the T cell to distinguish single amino acid differences in any protein from any compartment of the tumour cell. Examples are presented of clinical survival benefits for cancer patients by postoperative ASI with a modified autologous tumour vaccine of high quality. Furthermore, clinical studies employing ADI with T cells activated and expanded ex vivo have demonstrated ‘proof of principle’ that tumour-specific T cells are capable of mediating anticancer activity in vivo, as measured by regression of metastatic tumours. Translation of these findings into a standardised immunotherapy is, however, not easy and will require coordination and cooperation among academic, private and federal sectors.
The impact of diabetes on adult employment and earnings of Mexican Americans: findings from a community based study.

Epidemiological studies indicate that minority populations in the US - including African Americans, Native Americans and Mexican Americans - are particularly at risk for diabetes and that their complications are more frequent and severe. Using microdata from a 1994-1999 population based study of middle aged and older Mexican Americans in the Southwest, this study analyzes the impact of diabetes on the employment and earnings outcomes of adults 45 years of age and older. The empirical results from estimating maximum likelihood employment and earnings models suggest that diabetes leads to lower productivity and earnings for women but has no statistically significant impact on their employment probability. In the case of men, however, diabetes leads to a lower employment propensity but has no effect on earnings. Thus, the problems associated with this condition could lead to potential future financial difficulties particularly for high-risk populations in their later years.
Measurement Model Quality, Sample Size, and Solution Propriety in Confirmatory Factor Models

Sample size recommendations in confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) have recently shifted away from observations per variable or per parameter toward consideration of model quality. Extending research by Marsh, Hau, Balla, and Grayson (1998), simulations were conducted to determine the extent to which CFA model convergence and parameter estimation are affected by n as well as by construct reliability, which is a measure of measurement model quality derived from the number of indicators per factor (p/f) and factor loading magnitude. Results indicated that model convergence and accuracy of parameter estimation were affected by n and by construct reliability within levels of n. Sample size recommendations for applied researchers using CFA are presented herein as a function of relevant design characteristics.
Education for Developing a Global Omani Citizen: Current Practices and Challenges.

Oman is a developing country which reformed its educational system in 1998 in order to meet the challenges of the 21 st century, especially economic challenges. Strength of national identity and developing a sense of global citizenship were among the priorities of the new educational reform. This paper is based on a review of current practices regarding global citizenship education in educational system. The purpose of this theoretical study was to explore the current provision of the aspects of global citizenship education in Omani schools. Specifically, the study attempts to identify the current practices that are implemented by Omani schools to help Omani students to develop a sense of effective global citizenship. The study indicates that Omani education is not nationally centered as it aims to develop students who have global awareness. The study shows employing different approaches to develop a sense of global citizenship, namely, a separate school subject; integrated theme in social studies education, participation in some international initiatives in global citizenship education, and celebrating the international days and decades.