Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SKT Short Cognitive Performance Test and Activities of Daily Living in Dementia

Using data from two randomized, placebo-controlled trials involving 806 outpatients, we performed linear regression analyses to evaluate how cognitive abilities in patients with dementia assessed by the SKT (Syndrom-Kurztest – Short Cognitive Performance Test) correlate with activities of daily living rated by means of the Activities of Daily Living International Scale (ADL-IS). There were significant correlations between SKT total score and ADL-IS total mean score at baseline (r = 0.52, p < .001) as well as between change in SKT total score and change in ADL-IS total mean score during the 24-week treatment period (r = 0.48, p < .001). Significant correlations with ADL-IS total mean scores were also found for both memory and attention/concentration subscores of the SKT.
"A Clash of Two Worlds"; Disjuncture between the Norms and Values Held by Educational Practitioners and Parents of Children with Behavioural, Emotional and Social Difficulties.

This article, by Karen Broomhead of Liverpool John Moores University, discusses an exploration of the clashing norms, values and expectations of parenting behaviours between parents of children with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties (BESD) and practitioners. Semi-structured interviews with 15 education professionals, employed in both mainstream and BESD schools, highlighted how parents of children with BESD were deemed to experience chaotic, dysfunctional home circumstances, with no boundaries in place for their children. This contrasted with the structure, routine and stability that educational practitioners perceived themselves to provide for pupils with BESD. Practitioners employed in BESD schools elaborated on the perceived norms of chaos and dysfunction held by these parents, and suggested that these were evident due to an intergenerational continuity of ineffective parenting. Problematically, educational practitioners displayed a tacit acceptance of parental norms. This questioned whether advocating for pupils with BESD was at the top of the agenda for professionals, or whether a conflict-avoidance strategy was adopted instead.
Concept-formation/non-verbal reasoning abilities of children who exhibit specific academic problems with arithmetic.

The Category Test performances of two groups of children who performed at the same impaired level in mechanical arithmetic, but who exhibit quite different patterns of performance on academic and neuropsychological measures are compared. Significant differences between the two groups on the Category Test are interpreted in the light of the different patterns of neuropsychological abilities and deficits of these two groups. Some socio‐emotional and remedial ramifications of the pattern exhibited by the group with “specific”; arithmetic disability are discussed.
The AMPA Receptor Subunit GluR1 Regulates Dendritic Architecture of Motor Neurons

The morphology of the mature motor neuron dendritic arbor is determined by activity-dependent processes occurring during a critical period in early postnatal life. The abundance of the AMPA receptor subunit GluR1 in motor neurons is very high during this period and subsequently falls to a negligible level. To test the role of GluR1 in dendrite morphogenesis, we reintroduced GluR1 into rat motor neurons at the end of the critical period and quantitatively studied the effects on dendrite architecture. Two versions of GluR1 were studied that differed by the amino acid in the “Q/R” editing site. The amino acid occupying this site determines single-channel conductance, ionic permeability, and other essential electrophysiologic properties of the resulting receptor channels. We found large-scale remodeling of dendritic architectures in a manner depending on the amino acid occupying the Q/R editing site. Alterations in the distribution of dendritic arbor were not prevented by blocking NMDA receptors. These observations suggest that the expression of GluR1 in motor neurons modulates a component of the molecular substrate of activity-dependent dendrite morphogenesis. The control of these events relies on subunit-specific properties of AMPA receptors.
La red de apoyo en mujeres víctimas de violencia contra la pareja en el estado de Jalisco (México)

El objetivo de este trabajo es identificar las caracteristicas del apoyo social informal otorgado a la mujer maltratada por su pareja intima, quienes lo aportan, asi como el tipo de apoyo percibido por las entrevistadas. Es un estudio cuantitativo realizado en Guadalajara, Jalisco, en el que se aplico el Cuestionario de Apoyo Social Percibido de las Fuentes de Apoyo (Gracia & Herrero, 2004) a 204 mujeres maltratadas por su pareja. Los resultados del analisis de cluster mostraron que el tipo mas frecuente de red de apoyo presentaba a los amigos como principal fuente de apoyo. Otros tipos de red de apoyo encontradas en este estudio fueron: familia de origen, compuesta principalmente por padre, madre y hermanos(as) y pareja e hijos (que incluia en algunas mujeres al agresor como fuente de apoyo).
Wastewater Treatment Wetlands: Potential Hazardous Wildlife Attractants for Airports

Wetlands constructed for the treatment of urban wastewater effluent have gained world- wide popularity in recent decades. Placement of such wetlands near airports however, is strongly discour- aged by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, other national airport authorities, and the International Bird Strike Committee because they attract birds that may increase strike risks for aircraft. Despite recog- nition of this and other wildlife hazards to aircraft and efforts implemented to limit such land-use activi- ties near airports, validated methods are still urgently needed to mitigate wildlife hazards on or near air- ports because bird populations and bird-aircraft strikes in the U.S. and elsewhere around the world persis- tently trend upward. The city of Augusta, Georgia USA designed and developed 144 ha of wastewater treatment wetlands on land adjacent to its Regional Airport at Bush Field during 1997-2002. In Decem- ber 2001, we began temporal and spatial monitoring of bird activities in this area, recording species, their numbers, and flight characteristics. Within 2 years of completion, the wetlands, dominated by giant cut- grass (Zizaniopsis miliacea) and cattails (Typha spp.), served as a nighttime roost for millions of migrato- ry blackbirds (family Icteridae) that crossed the airfield in massive flocks daily at sunrise and sunset dur- ing November-March. Beginning in December 2005, we investigated the efficacy of habitat alteration techniques to displace the blackbirds, including the use of airboats to mechanically crush wetland vegeta- tion in portions of the treatment wetlands. The results of this method were highly significant, with far fewer blackbirds landing in crushed-vegetation areas than in uncrushed areas. Beginning with the fall of 2008, this vegetation-crushing technique was implemented annually for the entire wetland system; long- term post-crush bird monitoring indicated that blackbird roosting within the wetlands was almost non- existent and blackbird activity around the airport was reduced by about 2 orders of magnitude. The ability of the wetland vegetation to process wastewater effluent was not negatively affected by vegetation altera- tion. This work successfully demonstrated that with thoughtful wildlife hazard management, including the consideration of novel techniques, it may be possible to mitigate large-scale undesirable wildlife attrac- tion associated with certain land-use activities. Importantly, this success was accomplished through non- lethal means, using a relatively simplistic habitat altering technique. Throughout the succession of these events, careful monitoring of bird-aircraft strikes, bird numbers and their movements, and an unbiased evaluation of bird mitigation efforts formed the foundation of the success that was achieved.
Bouncing back from failure: The interactive impact of perceived controllability and stability on self-efficacy beliefs and future task performance

Abstract There is limited empirical evidence of the relationship between attributions following failure and subsequent task performance. Two studies manipulated the perceived controllability and stability of causes of initial task failure and explored the impact of these factors on perceptions of self-efficacy and follow-up performance. Consistent with previous attributional and social identity theorizing, an induced belief that failure was both beyond control and unlikely to change led to lower self-efficacy and worse performance, relative to conditions in which outcomes were believed to be controllable and/or unstable. These findings point to the resilience of beliefs in personal self-efficacy, but suggest that where opportunities for self-enhancement are precluded, personal self-belief will be compromised and performance will suffer.
Sudden cardiac death in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Introduction: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is an inherited myocardial disease associated with sustained ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Patients at high risk of SCD are currently identified by specific clinical characteristics, as outlined in an algorithm proposed by the American College of Cardiology and European Society of Cardiology in 2003. Patients at high risk of SCD are treated with Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICD), but the accuracy of the risk stratification algorithm, the long term outcome of ICD recipients and the nature of ventricular arrhythmias are unclear. Objectives: The aims of the thesis were to: a) characterise the electrophysiological nature of ventricular arrhythmias; b) determine long term outcomes post ICD implantation; c) validate the current risk stratification strategy; d) develop a novel clinical risk prediction model for SCD. Methods: Retrospective, observational cohort studies. Results: Monomorphic ventricular tachycardia is the most common ICD-treated ventricular arrhythmia (86%), and premature ventricular complexes are the most common electrical triggers (72%). ICD recipients had an appropriate shock rate of 2.3%/year (none suffered SCD), but experienced inappropriate shocks (4.6%/year), implant complications (5.1%/year) and heart failure death/transplantation (1.7%/year). Cox proportional hazards analysis showed that the risk of SCD increases with the aggregation of risk factors, but the current risk stratification strategy has poor discrimination (time dependent receiver operating characteristic curve c=0.64 at 5 years). An alternative clinical risk prediction model providing more individualised SCD risk estimates is proposed. The risk prediction model was externally validated in an Italian cohort (Harrell’s c=0.78; calibration slope: 0.82). Conclusions: The mode of initiation and morphology of ventricular arrhythmias suggest that underlying mechanism is re-entry. The current risk stratification strategy has limited predictive capabilities, and as a consequence the majority of ICD recipients do not receive appropriate shocks and are exposed to ICD related complications. The novel SCD risk prediction model offers an alternative approach by providing validated SCD risk estimates.
Coupled model for the determination of full electroelastic sets of 1–3 piezocomposites with various pillar shapes

Due to their enhanced properties with respect to conventional piezoelectric ceramics, 1–3 piezocomposite materials are predominant in high performance transducer applications. The determination of their effective electroelastic modulus has been the subject of numerous investigations. Simple modeling of the thickness mode is well documented in literature, however precise simple modeling of the full effective modulus is less abundant. A coupled model is proposed to predict the complete electroelastic moduli of 1–3 piezocomposites. The main aim of this model is to deliver accurate effective elastic, dielectric and piezoelectric parameters while taking into account the internal geometry of the composite. Various piezoelectric pillar shapes and spatial distribution were tested to assess the effect on the effective parameters.
Constructive Multiuser Interference in Symbol Level Precoding for the MISO Downlink Channel

This paper investigates the problem of interference among the simultaneous multiuser transmissions in the downlink of multiple-antenna systems. Using symbol-level precoding, a new approach to exploit the multiuser interference is discussed. The concept of exploiting the interference between spatial multiuser transmissions by jointly utilizing data information (DI) and channel state information (CSI), in order to design symbol-level precoders, is proposed. To this end, the interference between data streams is transformed under certain conditions into useful signal that can improve the signal to interference noise ratio (SINR) of the downlink transmissions. We propose a maximum ratio transmission (MRT) based algorithm that jointly exploits DI and CSI to glean the benefits from constructive multiuser interference. Subsequently, a relation between the constructive interference downlink transmission and physical layer multicasting is established. In this context, novel constructive interference precoding techniques that tackle the transmit power minimization (min-power) with individual SINR constraints at each user's receivers is proposed. Furthermore, fairness through maximizing the weighted minimum SINR (max-min SINR) of the users is addressed by finding the link between the min power and max min SINR problems. Moreover, heuristic precoding techniques are proposed to tackle the weighted sum rate problem. Finally, extensive numerical results show that the proposed schemes outperform other state of the art techniques.
Spectral oscillations of RR intervals in sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome patients

A recent study has shown that daytime heart rate variability is reduced in obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS) patients. In the present study, the hypothesis was that sympathovagal balance around apnoeas/hypopnoeas and nocturnal autonomic activity are altered in OSAHS patients. Frequency- and time-domain analyses of RR intervals were performed to monitor sympathovagal activity noninvasively. Fourteen untreated OSAHS patients and seven healthy subjects underwent overnight polysomnography. Low (LF) and total (TF) frequency power increased 2 min around the end of apnoeas/hypopnoeas (LF 229±38 ms2, TF 345±45 ms2) compared with undisturbed sleep (LF 106±18 ms2, TF 203±23 ms2). The increase in high frequency (HF) power was not significant. LF increase was proportionally higher than the HF increase (normalised LF (LFn) 67±1 units, normalised HF (HFn) 33±1 units) compared with undisturbed sleep (LFn 52±2 units, HFn 48±2 units). RR duration did not change around apnoeas/hypopnoeas (RR 904±28 ms). The LF and TF power increase was greater around arousal-inducing (LF 260±45 ms2, TF 390±65 ms2) compared with self-terminating (LF 161±31 ms2, TF 249±40 ms2) apnoeas/hypopnoeas; the LF and LFn increases were significant in both groups compared with undisturbed sleep and HF power differences were nonsignificant. RR intervals were longer around self-terminating apnoeas/hypopnoeas (RR 914±29 ms); the differences were not significant compared with undisturbed sleep. RR interval spectral power was not influenced by the event type. RR duration decreased (912±28 ms) and LF, HF and TF power increased (LF 111±16 ms2, HF 62±6 ms2, TF 173±21 ms2) across patients, compared with healthy controls (RR 1138±91 ms, LF 57±3 ms2, HF 35±3 ms2, TF 91±6 ms2). LFn and HFn did not change significantly. Sympathetic activity increases around apnoeas/hypopnoeas. The recurrent nocturnal fluctuations of sympathovagal balance and the overall increase of nocturnal autonomic activity may be of importance in the development of cardiovascular disease in sleep apnoea patients.
Amoebae as Potential Environmental Hosts for Mycobacterium ulcerans and Other Mycobacteria, but Doubtful Actors in Buruli Ulcer Epidemiology

Background The reservoir and mode of transmission of Mycobacterium ulcerans, the causative agent of Buruli ulcer, remain unknown. Ecological, genetic and epidemiological information nonetheless suggests that M. ulcerans may reside in aquatic protozoa. Methodology/Principal Findings We experimentally infected Acanthamoeba polyphaga with M. ulcerans and found that the bacilli were phagocytised, not digested and remained viable for the duration of the experiment. Furthermore, we collected 13 water, 90 biofilm and 45 detritus samples in both Buruli ulcer endemic and non-endemic communities in Ghana, from which we cultivated amoeboid protozoa and mycobacteria. M. ulcerans was not isolated, but other mycobacteria were as frequently isolated from intracellular as from extracellular sources, suggesting that they commonly infect amoebae in nature. We screened the samples as well as the amoeba cultures for the M. ulcerans markers IS2404, IS2606 and KR-B. IS2404 was detected in 2% of the environmental samples and in 4% of the amoeba cultures. The IS2404 positive amoeba cultures included up to 5 different protozoan species, and originated both from Buruli ulcer endemic and non-endemic communities. Conclusions/Significance This is the first report of experimental infection of amoebae with M. ulcerans and of the detection of the marker IS2404 in amoeba cultures isolated from the environment. We conclude that amoeba are potential natural hosts for M. ulcerans, yet remain sceptical about their implication in the transmission of M. ulcerans to humans and their importance in the epidemiology of Buruli ulcer.
Effective Studies of Pedagogical Ethics with Computers? A Quasi‐experimental Process–Product Study of Two Learning Modes

This investigation focused on the development of a study module called Pedagogical Ethics (PEd) in teacher education at the university level. The main aim was to examine both experiences of the study process and learning results. The quasi‐experimental design was developed by student teachers. The experimental group ( n = 32) attended a web‐based PEd course designed using the WebCT tool, while the control group ( n = 65) studied the same material in the traditional way. The same person was the teacher in both teaching–learning modes. Both groups evaluated the content and the mode as excellent, but the traditional teaching–learning mode was slightly more effective than the web‐based course. The quantity and quality of the technology‐mediated discussions concerning the ethical case studies were uneven. The differences in learning results between the experimental and control groups were not statistically significant.
Social capital and political bias in knowledge sharing: An exploratory study

The benefits of social capital for the sharing of knowledge are frequently emphasized in the literature. However, a few authors have also begun to draw our attention towards the drawbacks of social capital for the working of organizations. In particular, instrumental social capital - as opposed to consummatory social capital - is seen as linked to power relations, which can inhibit the sharing of knowledge. To contribute to this debate on the role of social capital, we carried out a qualitative study in two Belgian companies. Our findings reveal that social capital generally tends to enhance the sharing of knowledge but that in its instrumental form it reflects opportunistic and political objectives, and promotes a highly selective form of knowledge sharing.
GmFT2a, a Soybean Homolog of FLOWERING LOCUS T, Is Involved in Flowering Transition and Maintenance

Background Flowering reversion can be induced in soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.), a typical short-day (SD) dicot, by switching from SD to long-day (LD) photoperiods. This process may involve florigen, putatively encoded by FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) in Arabidopsis thaliana. However, little is known about the potential function of soybean FT homologs in flowering reversion. Methods A photoperiod-responsive FT homologue GmFT (renamed as GmFT2a hereafter) was cloned from the photoperiod-sensitive cultivar Zigongdongdou. GmFT2a gene expression under different photoperiods was analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR. In situ hybridization showed direct evidence for its expression during flowering-related processes. GmFT2a was shown to promote flowering using transgenic studies in Arabidopsis and soybean. The effects of photoperiod and temperature on GmFT2a expression were also analyzed in two cultivars with different photoperiod-sensitivities. Results GmFT2a expression is regulated by photoperiod. Analyses of GmFT2a transcripts revealed a strong correlation between GmFT2a expression and flowering maintenance. GmFT2a transcripts were observed continuously within the vascular tissue up to the shoot apex during flowering. By contrast, transcripts decreased to undetectable levels during flowering reversion. In grafting experiments, the early-flowering, photoperiod-insensitive stock Heihe27 promotes the appearance of GmFT2a transcripts in the shoot apex of scion Zigongdongdou under noninductive LD conditions. The photothermal effects of GmFT2a expression diversity in cultivars with different photoperiod-sensitivities and a hypothesis is proposed. Conclusion GmFT2a expression is associated with flowering induction and maintenance. Therefore, GmFT2a is a potential target gene for soybean breeding, with the aim of increasing geographic adaptation of this crop.
Network support and parenting in mothers and fathers who conceived spontaneously or through assisted reproduction

Background: Little is known about the contribution of other significant relationships beyond the partnership for parental adjustment and care in parents who conceived through Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART). Objective: This study examined the role of perceived network support on parenting stress and investment in the child in parents who conceived spontaneously or through ART, during their transition to parenthood. Methods: Thirty‐five couples who conceived through ART and 31 couples who conceived spontaneously completed self‐report questionnaires regarding perceived emotional and instrumental support from their social network members (i.e. nuclear and extended family members and friends) during pregnancy (twenty‐fourth week) and regarding parenting stress and investment in the child four months after the partum. Results: Regardless of method‐of‐conception, instrumental support from the nuclear family was positively associated with maternal investment in the child and emotional and instrumental support from the extended family were positively associated with paternal stress while support from friends was negatively associated with it. Conclusion: Results suggest that parents who conceive through ART and spontaneously are alike in that their adjustment to parenthood and the quality of the care they provide to their children depends on perceived support from nuclear and extended family and friends.
ALCOOLISMO NO TRABALHO EM DEBATE

O consumo de alcool pode ser originario por problemas pessoais, familiares, sociais, por determinadas situacoes no meio laboral ou ainda por uma combinacao desses elementos. Tais problemas nao so repercutem na saude do trabalhador, mas tambem no âmbito laboral, podendo inclusive ocasionar a rescisao contratual desse empregado dependente do uso do alcool. Este trabalho tem como finalidade abordar o cenario do alcoolatra, desde sua conceituacao e atuais problemas, bem como a posicao da OMS, OIT e Ministerio da Saude do Brasil sobre o tema. Observa ainda o tratamento dado ao tema em alguns paises selecionados, alem da legislacao brasileira e, consequentemente, o importante papel dos tribunais regionais e do Tribunal Superior do Trabalho. Analisa tambem a PLS n. 48/2010 do Senador Marcelo Crivella e, por fim, a realidade dos jovens no cenario do alcool. Palavras-chaves: Alcoolismo; Saude; Trabalho.