Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Struggle for District-Based Health Information Systems in South Africa

This article describes the initial period (1994-2001) of an ongoing action research project to develop health information systems to support district management in South Africa. The reconstruction of the health sector in postapartheid South Africa striving for equity in health service delivery and building of a decentralized structure based on health districts. In terms of information systems (IS) development, this reform process translates into standardization of health data in ways that inscribe the goals of the new South Africa by enhancing local control and integration of information handling. We describe our approach to action research and use concepts from actor-network and structuration theories in analyzing the case material. In the detailed description and analysis of the process of IS development provided, we focus on the need to balance standardization and local flexibility (localization); standardization is thus seen as bottom-up alignment of an array of heterogeneous actors. Building on a social system model of information systems, we conceptualize the IS design strategy developed and used as the cultivation of processes whereby these actors are translating and aligning their interests. We develop a modular hierarchy of global and local datasets as a framework within which the tensions between standardization and localization may be understood and addressed. Finally, we discuss the possible relevance of the results of the research in other countries.
Interprofessional Workshop to Improve Mutual Understanding Between Pharmacy and Medical Students

Objective. To measure changes in pharmacy and medical students’ physician-pharmacist collaboration scores resulting from a workshop designed to promote understanding of the others’ roles in health care. Methods. More than 88% of first-year pharmacy (n = 215) and medical (n = 205) students completed the Scale of Attitudes Toward Physician-Pharmacist Collaboration on 3 occasions in order to establish a baseline of median scores and to determine whether the scores were influenced by an interprofessional workshop. Results. Participation in the interprofessional workshop increased pharmacy students’ collaboration scores above baseline (p=0.02) and raised the scores of medical students on the education component of the collaboration survey instrument (p=0.015). The collaboration scores of pharmacy students greatly exceeded those of medical students (p<0.0001). Conclusion. A workshop designed to foster interprofessional understanding between pharmacy and medical students raised the physician-pharmacist collaboration scores of both. Crucial practical goals for the future include raising the collaboration scores of medical students to those of pharmacy students.
Embodied Energy And Operational Energy: Case Studies Comparing Different Urban Layouts

While significant progress has been made in reducing Operational Energy; Embodied Energy has been largely ignored. However, these topics are strongly linked and should be considered as a “Balance Equation”, where all factors must be carefully measured in order to avoid the excesses of both. A comparative study of urban layout and form utilising VIRVIL plugins (in Sketchup) with HTB2 (Heat Transfer in Buildings) indicates that urban layout have an impact on the Operational and Embodied Energy of buildings. The case studies analysed in this paper suggest that there is an advantage of Mid-rise type of buildings in terms of Operational Energy, however the Embodied Energy scenarios are less clear and seem to depend more on the use of the building.
Musicians' and Nonmusicians' Aural Perception of Orchestral Instrument Families

The purpose of this study was to examine aural perception in a selective listening task using a Continuous Response Digital Interface (CRDI). Undergraduate college students (60 musicians, 60 nonmusicians) listened to an excerpt from Billy the Kid by Aaron Copland. Subjects indicated focus on instrumental family by manipulating the indicator of the CRDI. “Sound intervals” were determined by changes in predominant instrument family in the orchestral texture. Families were divided into five categories: (a) brass, (b) percussion, (c) woodwinds, (d) strings, and (e) all The “all” category indicated focus on three or more families simultaneously (e.g., tutti). Results were based on examination of subjects' category selections in terms of percentages of time focused on each category within each interval Analyses of cumulative seconds across all intervals indicated that nonmusicians focused on brass and percussion longer than did musicians. Musicians focused on strings longer and selected strings mare frequently than did nonmusicians. Musicians also indicated focus on three or more families simultaneously more than did nonmusicians.
Isolation and Structure Elucidation of Pentahydroxyscirpene, a Trichothecene Fusarium Mycotoxin

Pentahydroxyscirpene, a novel trichothecene-type compound, was isolated from Fusarium-inoculated rice. The structure of pentahydroxyscirpene was elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and X-ray single-crystal diffraction. The conformation in solution was determined by NOESY experiments supported by quantum chemical calculations. In vitro toxicity tests showed that pentahydroxyscirpene inhibits protein synthesis as do other trichothecenes.
Getting to the bottom of nappy rash. ALSPAC Survey Team. Avon Longitudinal Study of Pregnancy and Childhood.

BACKGROUND Nappy rash accounts for 20% of dermatology consultations in childhood, but its causes are poorly understood. AIM To determine the incidence of nappy rash during the first four weeks of life in a geographically defined United Kingdom (UK) population, and to study the factors associated with developing the rash. METHOD The data are derived from self-completed questionnaires of parents in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Pregnancy and Childhood (ALSPAC). The response rate to a questionnaire about the child administered four weeks after delivery among parents of singleton infants was 87% (12103/13902). RESULTS The incidence of nappy rash was 25%. Fourteen highly significant possible causal factors emerged, of which 10 were retained in a logistic regression model: dirtying of nappy, contact with doctor about other problems, history of rashes in joints or skin creases, type of nappy worn, being fed cereal, taken to mother's bed when waking at night, history of cradle cap, general state of health, previous stomach upset, and being only breast-fed. However, the relative risks were generally small. CONCLUSIONS The likelihood of nappy rash increases with intercurrent illness and early introduction of cereals. Disposable nappies give little protection, and this finding helps to endorse a recently introduced hospital scheme arising from environmental concerns that encourages parents to use cotton nappies instead of disposables. For many babies, however, the causes of nappy rash remain unknown.
Venous congestive flap salvage with subcutaneous rtPA

Free‐flap success has been the rule with technical advancements in microsurgery. Despite improvements, thrombosis and flap loss still occur occasionally. Salvaging a sick flap can be a harrowing experience, even in the most experienced hands. Thrombolysis using intravenous and intra‐arterial urokinase, streptokinase, and/or tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) administered through the flap vascular pedicle has been reported in free‐flap salvages. In such situations, success depends on early diagnosis and emergent exploration. Recently, we successfully used rtPA subcutaneously to salvage a venous congested free transverse rectus abdominus myocutaneous (TRAM) flap. Here, we report on that case. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2006.
The trouble with resits …

In the criterion‐based clinical assessment context, and more broadly, examination resits continue to present an ongoing dilemma to educators. The number of students involved is generally a small percentage of the cohort, but it is precisely with these students that institutions bear a heavy responsibility in ensuring they reach a sufficiently high standard of performance, and are accurately assessed. The students must be given a “fair” opportunity to reach the appropriate standard(s), but at the same time, especially when clinical skills are being assessed, the public must be protected from incompetent practitioners. However, this creates a delicate tension for institutions since resits present an additional financial burden, and student failures adversely effect external funding. This paper investigates and compares the main clinical assessment and resit profiles of students in two medical schools, each of which employs a different standard setting methodology. The analysis demonstrates that resit students improve their performance by a substantial amount; this finding applies across all undergraduate clinical levels. The key issue under investigation is whether resits, as currently constituted, offer an unfair advantage to the resit student. In essence, are resits are too easy?
Fatty acid composition of subcutaneous and intramuscular adipose tissue in east Balkan pigs

The aim of this study was to provide information on the fatty acid profile of different adipose depots – subcutaneous (upper and inner backfat layers) and intramuscular (m. Longissimus dorsi) in East Balkan pigs. The animals were reared in free-range conditions and slaughtered at an average live weight of 107±1.65kg. The results of the study showed that the various adipose tissues in pigs have different lipid metabolism and hence differ in their fatty acid composition. Intramuscular fat had significantly higher content of the saturated C16:0 and C18:0 (P<0.001), as well as the C16:1 (P<0.001) than the subcutaneous fat. In regards to the content of the polyunsaturated fatty acids, the latter displayed considerably higher content of both C18:2 and C18:3 (P<0.001) in comparison to the intramuscular fat in m. Longissimus dorsi. The differences between the subcutaneous and intramuscular adipose tissue in the individual fatty acids determined the similar trend of change in the total content of saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Significant differences between the backfat layers were detected for C16:1, C18:0 and C18:3 (P<0.001). Stearic acid (C18:0) displayed higher content of the inner, while both C16:1 and C18:3 had higher proportion in the outer backfat layer in the East Balkan pigs. Except for C20:2, the long chain polyunsaturated n-6 and n-3 fatty acids had significantly higher proportions in the intramuscular fat, however no differences were determined between the two backfat layers.
Identity Verification, Control, and Aggression in Marriage

In this research we study the identity verification process and its effects in marriage. Drawing on identity control theory, we hypothesize that a lack of verification in the spouse identity (1) threatens stable self-meanings and interaction patterns between spouses, and (2) challenges a (nonverified) spouse's perception of control over the environment. In response to both of these circumstances, spouses increase control over their partners to counteract disturbances to self-in-situation meanings and to regain the perception of control over their environment. When increased control over the partner does not reaffirm one's identity or restore the perception of control, one may use aggression to gain control. Analysis of data from newly married couples over the first two years of marriage provides results that are consistent with this thesis. In general, we see how the lack of identity verification is tied to the control process, leads to dysfunctional interaction patterns in marriage, and more broadly threatens a stable social structure.
Genetic Covariation Among Facets of Openness to Experience and General Cognitive Ability

Abstract Genetic and environmental sources of covariation among cognitive measures of verbal IQ, performance IQ (PIQ), academic achievement, 2-choice reaction time (CRT), inspection time (IT) and the 6 Openness facets of the NEO Personality Inventory-Revised (NEO PI-R) were examined. The number of twin and twin–sibling pairs ranged from 432 (182 MZ, 350 DZ/sibling) to 1023 (273 MZ, 750 DZ/sibling) for cognitive measures, and between 432 (90 MZ, 342 DZ/sibling) — 437 (91 MZ, 346 DZ/sibling) for Openness facets. Structural equation modeling best supported a model with a 3-factor additive genetic structure. A genetic general factor subsumed the 5 cognitive measures and 5 of the 6 Openness facets (Actions did not load significantly). A second additive genetic factor incorporated the 6 Openness facets, and a third additive genetic factor incorporated the 5 cognitive measures. Specific additive and dominance genetic effects were also evident, as were shared common and shared unique environmental influences, and specific unique environmental effects. The Openness facets of Ideas and Values evidenced the strongest phenotypic correlations with cognitive indices, particularly verbal measures. The genetic correlations among Openness facets and cognitive measures ranged from −. 06 to . 79. Results were interpreted as suggesting that Openness is related to general cognitive ability (g) through a genetic mechanism and that gengenders a minor but discernable disposition towards Openness for the majority of facets.
Virtual Team Effectiveness Using Dyadic Teams

The importance of effectiveness for virtual teamwork continues to gain momentum as technology and globalization of work accelerate. The implementation of virtual teams provides one approach to enhance competitiveness, overcoming the disadvantages of space and time differences through collaborative technologies. The influence of structure to virtual team performance has not been clearly established in the literature. The purpose of this research study was to investigate the effectiveness of a dyad structured approach for virtual teams using a quasi-experimental research design. A virtual dyadic team is considered as two person-structured teams working on a particular task in a virtual collaborative environment. This research investigated four questions related to the influence of structure on virtual team effectiveness related to task performance, communication frequency, and team satisfaction. The results showed significance differences between the two virtual teams. Dyadic teams performed better in arriving at the task solution using less communication to finish the task. Dyadic teams were also more satisfied with their task solution than the self-structured teams. However, results indicated that dyadic teams were not satisfied with operating as a dyadic team in this study. The research also demonstrated that team satisfaction was the most significant predictor of virtual team effectiveness. The paper concludes with implications for technology managers and suggests guidance for improved effectiveness in design and implementation of virtual teams.
Depressive Symptoms before and after Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Men and Women.

STUDY OBJECTIVES To determine prevalence of depressive symptoms in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and the impact of OSA treatment on depression scores. METHODS Consecutive new patients referred for investigation of suspected OSA were approached. Consenting patients completed a patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) for depressive symptoms when attending for laboratory polysomnography. Those with moderate/severe (apneahypopnea index [AHI] ≥ 15 events/h) and/or symptomatic mild OSA (AHI 5-14.99 events/h) were offered continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. PHQ-9 was repeated after 3 months of CPAP with compliance recorded. Of a maximum PHQ-9 score of 27, a cut point ≥ 10 (PHQ-9 ≥ 10) was used to indicate presence of clinically significant depressive symptoms. RESULTS A total of 426 participants (243 males) were recruited. Mean ± standard deviation body mass index (BMI) was 32.1 ± 7.1 kg/m2 and AHI 33.6 ± 28.9 events/h. PHQ-9 was 10.5 ± 6.1 and independently related to AHI (p < 0.001) and BMI (p < 0.001). In those without OSA, PHQ-9 ≥ 10 was more common in women, but no gender difference was evident with OSA. Of 293 patients offered CPAP, 228 were compliant (mean nightly use > 5 h) over 3 months of therapy. In them, with therapy, AHI decreased from 46.7 ± 27.4 to 6.5 ± 1.6 events/h, PHQ-9 from 11.3 ± 6.1 to 3.7 ± 2.9 and PHQ-9 ≥ 10 from 74.6% to 3.9% (p < 0.001 in each case). Magnitude of change in PHQ-9 was similar in men and women. Antidepressant use was constant throughout. CONCLUSIONS Depressive symptoms are common in OSA and related to its severity. They improve markedly with CPAP, implying a relationship to untreated OSA.
Developing a framework for ankle function: a delphi study.

CONTEXT Addressing clinical outcomes is paramount to providing effective health care, yet there is no consensus regarding the appropriate outcomes to address after ankle injuries. Compounding the problem is the repetitive nature of lateral ankle sprains, referred to as functional (FAI) or chronic (CAI) ankle instability. Although they are commonly used terms in practice and research, FAI and CAI are inconsistently defined and assessed. OBJECTIVE To establish definitions of a healthy/normal/noninjured ankle, FAI, and CAI, as well as their characteristics and assessment techniques. DESIGN Delphi study. SETTING Telephone interviews and electronic surveys. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS Sixteen experts representing the fields of ankle function and treatment, ankle research, and outcomes assessment and research were selected as panelists. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS A telephone interview produced feedback regarding the definition of, functional characteristics of, and assessment techniques for a healthy/normal/noninjured ankle, an unhealthy/acutely injured ankle, and FAI/CAI. Those data were compiled, reduced, and returned through electronic surveys and were either included by reaching consensus (80% agreement) or excluded. RESULTS The definitions of a healthy/normal/noninjured ankle and FAI reached consensus. Experts did not agree on a definition of CAI. Eleven functional characteristics of a healthy/normal/noninjured ankle, 32 functional characteristics of an unhealthy/acutely injured ankle, and 13 characteristics of FAI were agreed upon. CONCLUSIONS Although a consensus was reached regarding the definitions and functional characteristics of a healthy/normal/noninjured ankle and FAI, the experts could only agree on 1 characteristic to include in the FAI definition. Several experts did, however, provide additional comments that reinforced the differences in the interpretation of those concepts. Although the experts could not agree on the definition of CAI, its characteristics, or the preferred use of the terms FAI and CAI, our findings provide progress toward establishing consistency in those concepts.
Alexithymia and Psychopathology in Patients with Psychiatric and Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders

Background: Alexithymia and psychopathology may influence the way individuals experience psychological distress and somatic symptoms. This study evaluated patients referred to psychiatric and gastroenterologic outpatient settings in order to investigate the levels of alexithymia and psychopathology, and the possible role of alexithymia in symptom perception and health care utilization. The association between psychiatric disorders and functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) was also assessed. Methods: Psychopathology (by the Revised 90-item Symptom Checklist), alexithymia (by the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale), and gastrointestinal symptoms (by the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale) were evaluated in 52 psychiatric outpatients and 58 medical outpatients with FGIDs. Two comorbid subgroups of 25 psychiatric patients with FGIDs and 38 FGID patients with psychiatric disorders were formed and compared. Results: Forty-eight percent of the psychiatric patients had associated FGIDs, and 65.5% of the FGID patients had associated psychiatric disorders. The FGID patients had significantly less psychopathology, but significantly higher alexithymia and more severe gastrointestinal symptoms, than the psychiatric patients. In the comparison of the two subgroups with comorbidity, FGID patients with psychiatric disorders were still more alexithymic and had less psychopathology than psychiatric patients with FGIDs, but gastrointestinal symptoms were not significantly different. Conclusion: Patients with ‘functional’ gastrointestinal symptoms attending a medical care service are likely to be highly alexithymic, whereas those attending a psychiatric care service are likely to show severe psychopathology. Alexithymia seems to influence the presentation of ‘functional’ somatic symptoms and the type of health care utilization.
Impossibility Theorems and the Universal Algebraic Toolkit

We elucidate a close connection between the Theory of Judgment Aggregation (more generally, Evaluation Aggregation), and a relatively young but rapidly growing field of universal algebra, that was primarily developed to investigate constraint satisfaction problems. Our connection yields a full classification of non-binary evaluations into possibility and impossibility domains both under the idempotent and the supportive conditions. Prior to the current result E. Dokow and R. Holzman nearly classified non-binary evaluations in the supportive case, by combinatorial means. The algebraic approach gives us new insights to the easier binary case as well, which had been fully classified by the above authors. Our algebraic view lets us put forth a suggestion about a strengthening of the Non-dictatorship criterion, that helps us avoid "outliers" like the affine subspace. Finally, we give upper bounds on the complexity of computing if a domain is impossible or not (to our best knowledge no finite time bounds were given earlier).
Reliability and Validity of Adolescents' Scores on the Body Esteem Scale

The present study examined the psychometric properties of the Body Esteem Scale (BES) among 255 girls and 436 boys from Grades 5 through 12. To date, the BES has been found to yield reliable and valid scores for adults, but it has not been used among adolescents. In the present study, internal consistency was evidenced for the gender-specific subscales, with values ranging from . 82 to . 94. Principal components analyses with oblique rotation replicated the original adult, gender-specific factor structures for both boys and girls, although an additional factor was obtained for girls. Convergent validity was evidenced by statistically significant correlations between the BES and cigarette smoking behavior, future smoking intentions, and feelings of self-esteem. Moderate support for divergent validity was demonstrated, with scores on the BES gender-specific subscales being unrelated to socioeconomic status and number of hours per week television is watched. The investigation provides preliminary data that the BES may be a psychometrically defensible assessment of body esteem among adolescents.