Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Citizen expectations and satisfaction of service performance: lessons from subnational governments in Japan

This article evaluates differences in the effects of citizen expectations and satisfaction in relation to city and prefectural government service performance as bases for detecting effects in the vertical relationships of subnational governments. The results show that the expectations of prefectural governments have a higher impact on satisfaction than the expectations of cities. They indicate that increasing the expectations and related action of prefectural governments would be an effective way of improving citizen satisfaction with the service performance of local governments.
Preterm birth, early growth and adult metabolic health

Children born small-for-gestational-age (SGA) are at risk for short stature, and cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes in later life. There is some preliminary evidence for a similar phenotype in survivors of preterm birth. In contrast to children born SGA, preterm infants born appropriate-for-gestational-age who experienced neonatal growth retardation, resulting in a small size at term, are excluded from growth hormone therapy if they fail to catch up in height subsequently. We tested in 19-year-olds born before 32 gestational weeks from the Project On Preterm and Small-for-gestational-age infants cohort the effect of early growth on the growth pattern and adult metabolic health. Childhood growth and adult height were similar in preterm infants born SGA and those with neonatal growth retardation (weight and/or length at 3 months <-2 SD score). Young adults born preterm had a waist circumference and a waist-to-hip ratio much greater than the population reference mean, especially women. In addition, they showed a tendency towards insulin resistance and a high prevalence of hypertension. These findings were not explained by antenatal glucocorticoid treatment. Carriers of the 23K variant of the R23K polymorphism in the glucocorticoid receptor, associated with a mild glucocorticoid resistance, were less insulin-resistant and showed complete catch-up growth early in infancy and attained height was similar to the population reference mean, whereas stature in non-carriers was on average 0.5 SD below this mean
Culture of Fear: Risk Taking and the Morality of Low Expectation

Frank Furedi Cassell, £11.95, pp 184 ISBN 0 304 33751 X I am not allowed to examine a female patient alone for fear that I may molest her or that she may falsely claim molestation. My colleagues seem not to understand why I get annoyed by this regulation. I try to explain that I do not want to live in a world where doctors are assumed rapists and patients assumed liars. Invariably, a patronising smile and murmurings about “navet” dispatch my vain efforts. Late 20th century society has become so obsessed with depravity, danger, and destruction that it is now common sense to assume only the worst will happen. Culture of Fear documents the origins of this outlook and its corrosive impact on human relations. Fig 1 Radioisotope scan of parathyroid adenoma in the left …
Facteurs de risque modifiables associés à l’incidence, l’élimination et la prévalence d’infections intra-mammaires chez la vache laitière en lactation

Subclinical mastitis is a very frequent and costly health issue that can be detected using somatic cell count (SCC) measurements, but requires the use of milk bacteriological culture for identification of the causal pathogen. Because of this latter difficulty, nearly all subclinical mastitis research has focused on prevalent intramammary infections (IMI) and less is known on risk factors for IMI incidence or elimination. The main objective of this thesis was to identify the manageable risk factors associated with the incidence, elimination, and prevalence of IMI of importance in Canadian dairy herds. First, a systematic review of the literature on the associations between management practices used on farms and SCC was carried out. Management practices consistently associated with SCC were identified and differentiated from other practices for which anecdotic reports were available. Then, a bilingual questionnaire was developed, validated, and employed to measure the practices used on a sample of 90 Canadian dairy herds. To validate this tool, measures of repeatability and of validity of the questionnaire’s items were analyzed and an evaluation of the equivalence of the English and French versions was conducted. These analyses indicated that the questionnaire was, in general, acceptable, but also pinpointed some problematic items. These items were recategorized when possible or otherwise excluded from subsequent analyses to ensure good data quality. Most of the herds studied were already using post-milking teat disinfection and blanket dry cow therapy. Many other frequently recommended practices were not widely adopted. Next, manageable risk factors associated with Staphylococcus aureus IMI incidence, elimination, and prevalence were investigated on the 90 selected herds in a longitudinal fashion. The S. aureus IMI incidence appeared to be a stronger determinant of the herd prevalence than the elimination rate. Among other practices, wearing gloves during milking, using pre-milking teat disinfection, and having an adequate teat end condition showed desirable associations with the outcomes. These results highlight the
Effectiveness of the Board of Commissioners Role: Review of Resources Dependence Theory

One of the roles of the board of directors is to provide advice on policies and strategies to management. This advice requires intellectual ability inherent in the board of commissioners, one of them is social capital. The study aims to determine the effect of social capital on the role of giving advice and counseling, as well as its impact on company performance. The population used is companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange for the period 2008-2015. Based on purposive sampling, 150 observations are obtained. The hypothesis is tested using path analysis. This study provides evidence that social capital influences the role of advising, the role of advising influences the company performance; social capital does not directly affect the company's performance; and the role of advising mediates the influence of social capital on company performance. The results of this study indicate that the role of advising is needed in improving the company.
A study on the relationship of death anxiety and the completion of advance directives for oncology social workers

This study examined the extent to which the death anxiety of oncology social workers impacts the facilitation of the completion of their personal advance directives, and communication about advance directives with patients. Members of the Association of Oncology Social Work completed death anxiety and advance directive communication practices survey instruments. Terror Management Theory and Personal Construct Theory guided the examination of the results. Respondents having more years of work experience reported higher death anxiety scores. And, as the death anxiety scores increased the communication scores decreased related to disclosure of information about advance directives and values in living. In spite of limitations, the study findings contribute to the furthering of understanding oncology social workers in this context. The combined use of Terror Management Theory and Personal Construct Theory has seldom been used to study oncology social workers and the statistically significant findings suggest future research may be warranted.
Practical approach for dispersion compensation in spectral-domain optical coherence tomography

We proposed and demonstrated a digital method of dispersion compensation suitable for spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. The wavelength coordinate of the coherence spectrum was calibrated digitally using a two-order polynomial. A software-based scheme was introduced to determine the polynomial coefficients of the polynomial fitting spectrum wavelength. Therefore, the spectrum deformation introduced by dispersion can be compensated effectively. This method was experimentally validated by in vivo imaging an early-stage chick embryonic heart.
The use of agents in applying to the U.S. higher education: Experience of Chinese undergraduate students

The purpose of this study is three fold: (1) to enhance understanding about Chinese undergraduate students‘ experience when applying to U.S. higher education institutions; (2) to examine rationale of Chinese students using, or not using, an agent to assist their application process and to identify differences or similarities between the two groups; and (3) to explore roles that agents play in Chinese undergraduates‘ application process and to identify to what extent agents assist their college application preparation. This study adopts two theoretical frameworks. Cubillo, Sánchez, and Cerviño‘s (2006) theoretical model of international student college choice and Sharma‘s (1997) agent theory from a perspective of professions are used to explore the experiences of international Chinese students‘ application experiences to a U.S. higher education institution and the role that education agents play in students application. The frame work of international student college choice (Cubillo, Sánchez & Cerviño, 2006) provides an overview of factors that influence international students‘ decision regarding education destination. Sharma (1997) extend agent theory that was first evolved in economics as applied to professions. By using the agent theory from a sociological perspective, relationships between international Chinese students and their agents can be better understood. This study collected both quantitative and qualitative data from two groups: prospective Chinese students in China and international Chinese undergraduate students in U.S. institutions. This study mainly employed a quantitative approach. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to examine demographic characteristics, students‘ social economic status, and their academic performance. Independent samples t-tests were
Divergent definitions of inquiry-based learning in undergraduate mathematics

Inquiry-based learning is becoming more important and widely practiced in undergraduate mathematics education. As a result, research about inquiry-based learning is similarly becoming more common, including questions of the efficacy of such methods. Yet, thus far, there has been little effort on the part of practitioners or researchers to come to a description of the range(s) of practice that can or should be understood as inquiry-based learning. As a result, studies, comparisons and critiques can be dismissed as not using the appropriate definition, without adjudicating the quality of the evidence or implications for research and teaching. Through a large-scale literature review and surveying of experts in the community, this study begins the conversation about possible areas of agreement that would allow for a constituent definition of inquiry-based learning and allow for differentiation with non-inquiry pedagogical practices.
Avaliação do nível de fragilidade em idosos participantes de um grupo de convivência

Frailty Syndrome is a common condition in older people and it can be a precursor of disability and falls. The aims of this study were to evaluate the level of frailty in older adults of a senior citizen center and the relation between frailty, disability and of falls. The sample was composed by 64 older adults, evaluated according to the Phenotype of Frailty, composed by five criteria: unintentional loss of weight, self-reported exhaustion, weakness, low physical activity and slow walking speed. The older adult would be considered frail if three or more criteria were present, pre-frail if one or two were present and not frail if none of these were present. The Instrumental Activities of Daily Life (IADL) Scale, the Basic Activities of Daily Life (ADL) Scale, number of falls and fear of falling were used as well. The Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman coeficient were used (α=0.05). Among older adults, 21 were considered not frail, 42 pre-frail and only one frail. Pre-frail older adults presented greater need of assistance in ADL (p=0.046) and IADL (p=0.011) and higher ocurrence of falls (p=0.004) and fear of falling (p=0.007). Weak association between these variables and the frailty level was found. The results show the importance of preventive interventions for pre-frail older adults and suggest that frailty and disability are distint entities in older adults that participate of a senior citizen center.
A survey on collaboration rate of Semnan University faculties in producing scientific papers during 2002- 2009 Years

Collaboration in research and production of scientific publications is common in all academic areas. The Importance of collaboration in the production of scientific publications in today's complex world where in the age of technology is very apparent. Most of Scientists have realized that in order to get their work wildly used and cited by other experts, they supposed to collaborate together. Scientific cooperation can be considered as a process that during it individuals and groups to research and scientific activities can help each other. Current research aims to survey the rate of collaboration among Semnan University Faculties in production of scientific articles during the 2002- 2009 years. In this research, in addition to survey on quantity amount of Semnan University faculties scientific articles, the amount of their collaboration together and with other domestic and foreign professors were studied. Data were collected through research documents that are publishing by Semnan University annually. Findings indicate that Enigineering College in Semnan University with 316 articles has highlited role in scientific productions in Semnan University. From 316 articles, 69 articles were individual and 247 articles were team. After them, Science College with 157 articles (51 artilces individual and 106 articles team) has second rank.
A cross-sectional study of vitamin D, glycemic control, and inflammatory cytokines in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is markedly prevalent in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Despite accumulating evidence to support the link between vitamin D deficiency and both impaired glucose metabolism and altered immune responses in vitro and in vivo, it is not known whether vitamin D deficiency is linked to poor glycemic control and/or systemic levels of inflammatory cytokines in children and adolescents with T1DM. Aims: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (the functional indicator of vitamin D status) and HbA1c (the standardized index of glycemic control); and to determine whether inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 mediate this relationship in metabolically stable children and adolescents with T1DM. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used to examine these relationships in a convenience sample of 197 children and adolescents with T1DM 7-18 years, recruited from the Diabetes Center for Children at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Non-fasting serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and blood glucose were measured. Data on socio-demographic and disease-related variables including HbA1c were abstracted from medical records. Ageand sex-specific body mass index standard deviation scores (BMI z-score) were calculated. General linear modeling was used to examine the hypothesized relationships between primary variables, while controlling for select socio-demographic and disease-related covariates. Results: Mean HbA1c was 8.6±1.4%; 22.8% subjects had poor glycemic control. Mean 25-hydroxyvitamin D was 54.6±17.8nmol/L; 90.0% subjects had 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels less than 75nmol/L. Mean serum IL-6 was highest in overweight/obese adolescent females (1.57±1.29pg/ml). Mean serum IL-10 was highest in African Americans with poor glycemic control (15.2±22.5pg/ml). Serum levels of IL-8 were not detected in this sample. 25-hydroxyvitamin D was not associated with HbA1c (β=0.008; P=0.108), nor with IL-6 (β=-0.005; P=0.175) or IL-10 (β=0.004; P=0.356). IL-6 was not associated with HbA1c (β=0.09; P=0.418). IL-10 was significantly associated with HbA1c (β=0.21; P=0.008). Conclusions: In this study sample of metabolically stable children and adolescents with T1DM, neither 25-hydroxyvitamin D nor IL-6 were significantly associated with HbA1c. IL-10 was significantly associated with HbA1c. Clinical controlled trials are needed to confirm these results and assess the effect of varied doses of vitamin D supplements on inflammatory cytokines and ultimately measure the effect of inflammatory cytokines on HbA1c in T1DM. Degree Type Dissertation Degree Name Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Graduate Group Nursing First Advisor Terri H. Lipman This dissertation is available at ScholarlyCommons: http://repository.upenn. edu/edissertations/960 Second Advisor Charlene W. Compher Third Advisor Nancy C. Tkacs
Does the 5-strand-graft have superior biomechanical behaviour than 4-strand-graft during ACL reconstruction?

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Controlled Laboratory Study SUMMARY Purpose. This study aimed to compare the biomechanical proprieties of 4 and 5-strandgrafts. Methods. For the present study, fresh-frozen bovine common digital extensor tendons were used. Tendon grafts were prepared and sized to have a length of almost 27 cm and a cylinder 4 strand diameter of 8 mm. In half of all samples (Group A, n=12,), the graft was formed by 2 bundles duplicated around a metallic rod creating a 4-strand-tendon construct. In the other half of samples (Group B, n= 12,) 5-strand-tendon construct was created duplicating a single tendon around the rod, and tripling the other one. The grafts were preconditioned at 50 N for 10 min, followed by 1,000 cyclic loading between 50 and 250 N. Load-to-failure test was then carried out at a rate of 1 mm/s. Results. No statistically significant differences were found between two groups concerning cyclic elongation at the 500th cycle and at the final cycle. An increased stiffness was observed in the Group B during cyclic loads and at pull-out (p<0.05). Significant differences were noted at the ultimate load-to-failure between Group A (1533 ± 454 N) and Group B (1139 ± 276 N) (p< 0.05). Conclusion. This study showed that both graft construct appears to be biomechanically effective in a bovine tendon model. 5-strand-graft showed an increased stiffness and a decreased ultimate load-to-failure comparing to the 4-strand-graft construct. Biomechanically, no real benefit could be observed in the clinical setting increasing the numbers of strands used for the ACL reconstructive surgery.
Numerical Solution of MHD Viscoelastic Nanofluid Flow over a Stretching Sheet with Partial Slip and Heat Source/Sink

We analyze the effect of velocity slip boundary condition on the flow and heat transfer of non-Newtonian nanofluid over a stretching sheet with a heat source/sink, under the action of a uniform magnetic field, orientated normally to the plate. The Brownian motion and thermophoresis effects are also considered. The boundary layer equations governed by the partial differential equations are transformed into a set of ordinary differential equations with the help of local similarity transformations. The differential equations are solved by the variational finite element method (FEM). We have examined the effects of different controlling parameters, namely, the Brownian motion parameter, the thermophoresis parameter, uniform magnetic field, viscoelastic parameter, Prandtl number, heat source/sink parameter, Lewis number, and the slip parameter on the flow field and heat transfer characteristics. Graphical display of the numerical examination is performed to illustrate the influence of various flow parameters on the velocity, temperature, concentration, and Nusselt and Sherwood numbers distributions. The present study has many applications in coating and suspensions, cooling of metallic plate, paper production, heat exchangers technology, and materials processing exploiting.
Salmonella enterica serovar enteritidis in humans and animals : epidemiology, pathogenesis, and control

Since the 1980s, salmonella has become a scourge of pandemic proportions, most commonly in the form of Salmonella Enteritidis, the serotype discussed in this book. This account of Salmonella Enteritidis as a public threat and a medical problem represents the various efforts of health professionals around the world to understand and control this widespread disease. Adopting a perspective that ranges from the globalto the molecular, the authors describe first-hand the epidemiology, prevention, and control of Salmonella Enteritidis in countries including Great Britain, France, Germany, Denmark, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Italy, Austria, and the United States, with an account of an outbreak in New York City from 1993 to 1995. It should be useful to public health planners and medical and animal health agencies, as well as producers whose food products are susceptible to salmonella and its devastating consequences on food safety.
Investor motivations of a New Zealand biopharma start-up: Angels and crowdfunders

The process of funding any start-up can be a complicated process, with a range of options depending on the nature and stage of the enterprise. This article compares the motivations of Business Angels with equity-based crowdfunders of a New Zealand start-up biopharma company, XYZ, who were developing a therapy for a specific disease. The study finds that contrary to previous research, nonfinancial rewards do play a role in crowdfunding investments. Our results are based on a survey, founded on an Investment Motivational Model (4Ps) with components including Philanthropy, People, Product, and Profit.
The profile of diabetic children in Benghazi, Libya 2013

Background and Objectives: Diabetes is a public health challenge and its prevalence appears to be increasing worldwide. We aimed to assess the epidemiological characteristics of diabetes mellitus in children, and to describe its effect of on health. Materials and Methods: Descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in Benghazi pediatric diabetic clinics by interviews questionnaires to the parents of the patients based on published international and national guidelines. Results: Female to male ratio was 1:1.2. History of parental consanguinity was 32.7%. Positive family history of diabetes was 48%. Glycosylated hemoglobin and random blood glucose clinic values indicated suboptimal control. No psychological support in the clinics, but nutritional education was present. Delayed growth or pubertal development reported in 38% of the children. Conclusions: Patients with T1DM do attend on fairly regular follow-up to the clinics, families share the children in healthy diet but health education does not seem adequate and formal psychological support is non-existing whereas it should have been an integral part of standard management. Metabolic control in this convenience sample was poor. There is an amble room for improvement to bring practices to the internationally and nationally accepted standards.