Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improving Sedation in Intensive Care: New drugs or better methods?

Background: Over-sedation has significant impact on intensive care resources and patient outcome. Recent protocols that constrain and/or interrupt sedation delivery have reduced resource utilisation but have not significantly addressed difficulties in agitation control. Thus, patient outcomes have not changed significantly. The primary objective of sedation delivery in critical care is to control patient agitation at a minimum sedation concentration. Thus, it is a balance between minimizing sedation delivery and managing acute, and sometimes quite significant, episodes of patient agitation. In particular, agitation episodes tend to be sudden, “spiky” or acute, while, for convenience, sedation delivery tends to be continuous. Hence, many current methods and therapeutics used to control patient agitation are not matched to what is demanded by patient behaviour. This review examines sedation management in critical illness and explores how new methods of sedation delivery and new therapeutics can offer advantages over accepted practice. Methods: The current literature is reviewed and results summarized to compare and contrast differing approaches to sedation administration. In particular, emphasis is placed on randomized control trials (RCTs) in the past 5 years highlighting new and existing methods of employing well accepted, existing drug therapies. Over 30 such articles were found and their results summarized for analysis in terms of drug type, critical care unit type. Results and Outcomes: There currently exists no common approach to sedation therapy delivery due to a lack of full understanding of the underlying dynamics (both pharmacological and physiological). In particular, despite a large range of therapeutics, the majority of studies (over 65%) focused on new drug types at the expense of the most commonly used therapeutics. Many studies were hard to compare due to different definitions or applications of patient agitation resulting in potentially very different outcomes for otherwise similar protocols. In addition, different target patient groups and very short term studies with no long-term outcomes also made further analysis difficult. As a result, sedation delivery is still very much a custom therapy, delivered individually to each patient, with great variability across patients and units. Conclusions: The lack of an underlying framework or structure for sedation delivery that is based on a first principles approach to therapy should be a focal point for new research. Questions as to the underlying causes of patient agitation and the specific physiological and psychological goals of sedation delivery should be addressed to provide the foundation for consistent best practice methods. In particular, there is a desperate need for an objective, repeatable and entirely non-subjective approach to measuring or quantifying patient agitation before we can begin to develop a consensus on how best to treat or manage it.
Response of Two Wheat Cultivars Grown in Newly Cultivated Lands to Iron and Slow- Release N Fertilizers

A field experiment was carried out to study the effect of Fe and slow-release N fertilizers on the growth and productivity of two wheat cultivars grown on newly cultivated lands at New Salheyia Region, Sharkia governorate, Egypt. The main results could be summarized as follows: Sakha-69 cultivars exceeded Sids-1 in growth characters at 75, 95 and 115 days after sowing and yield and its components. The addition of slow-release N fertilizer at the rate of 90 kg/fed. (Enciabien) resulted in a significant increment in growth characters of wheat plants in the two seasons in comparison with other treatments (control and 120 kg N/fed.), while plant height at 95 days from sowing and No. of spikes/plant at 115 days from sowing were not significant. Adding 90 kg slow-release N/fed. resulted in a significant increment in plant height, grain yield (g)/m 2 , grain yield ton/fed. and harvest index, while addition of slow-release N fertilizer at the rate of 120 kg/fed. surpassed the other treatments in other characters. The application of iron (FeSO4) fertilizer at the rate of 200 g/fed. significantly increased growth parameters at 75, 95 and 115 days after sowing and yield and its components except 1000 - grain weight compared with 100 g FeSO4/feddan. With respect to the interaction between cultivars, slow-release N fertilizer and iron fertilizers, the interaction between cultivars x slow-release N fertilizer affected significantly growth characters and yield and its components except number of leaves/m 2 at 115 days from sowing. Moreover, the interaction between cultivars x iron fertilizers affected significantly the growth characters, yield and yield components, also the interaction between slow-release N fertilizer and iron fertilizer followed the same trend 1000 - grain weight. The three way interaction between cultivars x slow-release N fertilizer x iron fertilizer observed that Sakha-69 cultivars x 120 kg N/fed. x 200 g FeSO4/fed. lead to the more significant values of growth, yield and its components.
Development and application of a backscatter lidar forward operator for quantitative validation of aerosol dispersion models and future data assimilation

Abstract. A new backscatter lidar forward operator was developed which is based on the distinct calculation of the aerosols' backscatter and extinction properties. The forward operator was adapted to the COSMO-ART ash dispersion simulation of the Eyjafjallajokull eruption in 2010. While the particle number concentration was provided as a model output variable, the scattering properties of each individual particle type were determined by dedicated scattering calculations. Sensitivity studies were performed to estimate the uncertainties related to the assumed particle properties. Scattering calculations for several types of non-spherical particles required the usage of T-matrix routines. Due to the distinct calculation of the backscatter and extinction properties of the models' volcanic ash size classes, the sensitivity studies could be made for each size class individually, which is not the case for forward models based on a fixed lidar ratio. Finally, the forward-modeled lidar profiles have been compared to automated ceilometer lidar (ACL) measurements both qualitatively and quantitatively while the attenuated backscatter coefficient was chosen as a suitable physical quantity. As the ACL measurements were not calibrated automatically, their calibration had to be performed using satellite lidar and ground-based Raman lidar measurements. A slight overestimation of the model-predicted volcanic ash number density was observed. Major requirements for future data assimilation of data from ACL have been identified, namely, the availability of calibrated lidar measurement data, a scattering database for atmospheric aerosols, a better representation and coverage of aerosols by the ash dispersion model, and more investigation in backscatter lidar forward operators which calculate the backscatter coefficient directly for each individual aerosol type. The introduced forward operator offers the flexibility to be adapted to a multitude of model systems and measurement setups.
Cultural Validation of the Adolescent Pediatric Pain Tool ( APPT ) in portuguese children with cancer

Theoretical framework: Pain assessment in children with chronic conditions requires the use of multidimensional tools, such as the Adolescent Pediatric Pain Tool (APPT), which identify the intensity, location and quality of pain. Objectives: To validate the translation and cultural adaptation of the APPT for use in portuguese children and adolescents with cancer. Methodology: The translation was validated through an independent process of translation and back-translation of the tool and its analysis was performed by a panel of reviewers until consensus was reached. The semantic validation of the descriptors of pain quality was performed by children with cancer aged 8-17 years, using the Q-sort method. Results: A final version with conceptual, semantic, idiomatic and experiential equivalence to the original tool was obtained. Children revealed discriminative ability of the descriptors, being able to distinguish the words that they used to describe pain from those that they did not use. Conclusion: The portuguese version of the APPT is a culturally adapted tool to assess the location, intensity and quality of pain in portuguese children with cancer.
Styles Questionnaire of Interaction between Parents and Practitioners in Early Intervention: content validity

espanolEn un momento en el que, la Atencion Temprana en Espana, esta empezando a interesarse por el enfoque centrado en la familia, presentamos el Cuestionario de Estilos de Interaccion entre Padres y Profesionales en Atencion Temprana (EIPPAT). Un instrumento que permite identificar el grado de implementacion de diferentes actuaciones, practicas y estilos de interaccion llevadas a cabo por el profesional de Atencion Temprana para orientar a las familias (practicas relacionales y participativas). El trabajo presenta los items del EIPPAT, en sus versiones para profesionales y cuidadores principales del nino. Previo a ello, detalla los esfuerzos realizados para asegurar su validez de contenido: dos grupos focales de discusion (conformados por 15 profesionales y 11 padres/madres), que posibilitasen la construccion inicial del instrumento; un juicio de expertos sistematizado (11 profesionales y 5 madres); y una aplicacion del EIPPAT, para la valoracion de la importancia otorgada a sus items, por un grupo de 41 profesionales en ejercicio. Los resultados evidencian que el procedimiento seguido para la elaboracion del instrumento cubre sus objetivos, disponiendo de un cuestionario altamente valorado por los profesionales en las dimensiones que evalua. EnglishNowadays, Early Childhood Intervention in Spain is taking interest in a family-centred approach. In this context, we present the Styles Questionnaire of Interaction between Parents and Practitioners in Early Intervention �known as SIPPEI (EIPPAT). This is a tool to identify actions, practices and interaction styles conducted by the practitioner to guide families (participative and relational practices). This paper shows the items set of the aforementioned Questionnaire �versions for practitioners and caregivers. Formerly, we detailed the hard work and effort invested to ensure content validity, as we had two focus group �consisting of 15 professionals and 11 parents) and a systematized expert judgment by 11 professionals and 5 mothers. Subsequently, an implementation of the questionnaire was developed by a group of 41 practitioners in order to assess the importance given to the items. The results show that the procedure followed to create the questionnaire accomplishes the main objectives. Thus, we got a questionnaire highly regarded by professionals in this area
Discursive Digital Reflection: A Method for Enhancing Supervision and Training

The purpose of counselor supervision has evolved to include the development of counseling students’ reflective thinking. This article conceptualizes a method, discursive digital reflection (DDR), which was established to facilitate the development of counselors who are reflective practitioners and involves clients in reflective discourse of the counseling process. DDR has its conceptual roots in reflective journaling, dialogic reflection, interpersonal process recall, and reflecting teams. The article outlines and describes the process of DDR as well as suggestions for its use as a supervision tool. The DDR method holds significant promise for counselor supervision approaches that aim to develop students’ reflective practices and cultural competence through supervision.
Near infrared nadir retrieval of vertical column densities: methodology and application to SCIAMACHY

Abstract. Nadir observations with the shortwave infrared channels of SCIAMACHY on-board the ENVISAT satellite can be used to derive information on atmospheric gases such as CO, CH4, N2O, CO2, and H2O. For the operational level 1b-2 processing of SCIAMACHY data, a new retrieval code BIRRA (Beer InfraRed Retrieval Algorithm) has been developed. BIRRA performs a nonlinear or separable least squares fit (with bound constraints optional) of the measured radiance, where molecular concentration vertical profiles are scaled to fit the observed data. Here we present the forward modeling (radiative transfer) and inversion (least squares optimization) fundamentals of the code along with the further processing steps required to generate higher level products such as global distributions and time series. Moreover, various aspects of level 1 (observed spectra) and auxiliary input data relevant for successful retrievals are discussed. BIRRA is currently used for operational analysis of carbon monoxide vertical column densities from SCIAMACHY channel 8 observations, and is being prepared for methane retrievals using channel 6 spectra. A set of representative CO retrievals and first CH4 results are presented to demonstrate BIRRA's capabilities.
Source location of the 19 February 2008 Oregon bolide using seismic networks and infrasound arrays

[1] On 19 February 2008 a bolide traveled across the sky along a southern trajectory ending in a terminal burst above Oregon. The event was well recorded by the USArray, other seismic networks, four infrasound arrays, and several video cameras. We compare the results of locating the burst using these different sensor networks. Specifically, we reverse time migrate acoustic-to-seismic coupled signals recorded by the USArray out to 800 km range to image the source in 2-D space and time. We also apply a grid search over source altitude and time, minimizing the misfit between observed and predicted arrival times using 3-D ray tracing with a high-resolution atmospheric velocity model. Our seismic and video results suggest a point source rather than a line source associated with a hypersonic trajectory. We compare the seismic source locations to those obtained by using different combinations of observed infrasound array signal back azimuths and arrival times. We find that all locations are consistent. However, the seismic location is more accurate than the infrasound locations due to the larger number of seismic sensors, a more favorable seismic source-receiver geometry, and shorter ranges to the seismometers. For the infrasound array locations, correcting for the wind improved the accuracy, but implementing arrival times while increasing the precision reduced the accuracy presumably due to limitations of the source location method and/or atmospheric velocity model. We show that despite known complexities associated with acoustic-to-seismic coupling, aboveground infrasound sources can be located with dense seismic networks with remarkably high accuracy and precision.
A Mechanism for Biological Control-Tempo-Spatial Synchronization of Natural Enemy and Insect Pest Population Dynamics at the Peak by Increase of Biodiversity

To reveal the mechanism of control of the Woolly Apple Aphid (Eriosoma lanigerum Hausm, WAA) by increase of biodiversity in the apple orchard, a consecutive two-year field trials were conducted in Yunnan province, China. The results showed that the peak of natural enemy density curve in the cover cropping orchard was well temporally synchronized with that of the WAA density on trees, but did not synchronize with that of WAA density on trees in clean orchard. In addition, the frequency of natural enemies and WAA within a same sample in cover cropping orchard was obviously higher than that in clean cultivated orchard during the peak of population curves, indicating that natural enemies spatially synchronized with aphids. The density of WAA for the whole growing season in cover cropping orchard was much less than that in clean orchard. Therefore, the temporal-spatial synchrony of natural enemy and aphid populations was proposed as one of the mechanisms for aphid control in cover cropped orchards.
The use of artificial nests by weaver ants: A preliminary field observation

Weaver ants (Oecophylla spp.) are managed in tropical plantations for their biocontrol of pests and to produce ant larvae as a food source. Main management objectives are to increase ant densities and colony longevity. As weaver ant nests are susceptible to harsh weather, rain storms may decimate populations or destroy colonies. The ants, however, show adaptive nesting behaviour, which may mitigate storm impact. This study tested whether Oecophylla smaragdina was willing to use plastic bottles as safe artificial nesting sites, and whether adoption of artificial nests was seasonally related to harsh weather. Bottles were used for nesting throughout the stormy rainy season in a pomelo plantation with an open canopy, whereas in a mango plantation with a denser canopy the ants, after initial colonisation, left the bottles again at the end of the rainy season, especially in the calmer part of the plantation. This suggests that exposure to harsh weather triggered the use of artificial nests. It was also found that ants preferred to nest in bottles covered with aluminum foil compared to transparent bottles. These findings document an opportunistic nesting behaviour of weaver ants and suggest that provision of artificial nests may become a future tool in their management.
Factors Influencing Use of Monsoonsim Business Simulation by UTM Undergraduate Students

The study was conducted to investigate the factors that influenced the use of MonsoonSIM business simulation by the undergraduate students of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). The objectives of this study were to evaluate the (i) relationship between perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and perceived enjoyment towards attitude to use MonsoonSIM, (ii) relationship between perceived usefulness, perceived enjoyment, and attitude to use towards the behavioral intention to use MonsoonSIM (iii) strongest determinants that influenced the students’ attitude to use MonsoonSIM. Two hundred and sixty UTM undergraduate students answered this e-questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential analyses were used to evaluate the data. The results of this study showed all the relationships were positively correlated, and that perceived enjoyment was the most significant factor influencing the students’ attitude to use MonsoonSIM. In conclusion, there is a higher possibility for the technology to be used by the users if it includes perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and perceived enjoyment.
Trade Regionalisation and Openness in Africa

The intensity of trade among countries belonging to the same region depends not only on the existence and effectiveness of a regional integration agreement, but also on other factors, which include the overall trade policy orientation and the relative level of geo-graphic and economic barriers affecting intra- and extra-regional trade. After presenting a set of indicators aimed at measuring correctly the intensity of bi-lateral trade preferences, this paper shows that most African countries tend to trade more intensely with partners belonging to the same region than with the rest of the world. However, this is not so much the result of the weak regional integration agreements that are in force in Africa, as a consequence of the manifold barriers limiting the degree of international openness of African countries. Under this perspective, a relatively high level of intra-regional trade, far from revealing the success of preferential integration policies, confirms that Africa’s participation in the process of globalisation is still very limited.
The Effects of Over-Education on Returns in the Graduate Labour Market

Using a Household Income Survey (HIS), this study examines the private returns to education in Malaysian financial sector. First, we estimate the private returns to education using the highest certificate qualification or “sheepskin effects". Secondly, we analyse the trend of private returns to education during the years 2002–2007. Thirdly, we examine the effects of educational mismatch on private returns to education. The simple Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) estimator with robust standard errors is employed to estimate the earnings function. Our results indicate the presence of an over-education situation among degree-educated workers despite enjoying higher private returns. Such over-qualification in the financial sector is due to the mismatches in the supply of degree-educated workers for medium-skilled positions, which is now outstripping the supply of high-skilled workers. Interestingly, our results are found to contradict most of the previous empirical studies. Hence, our study is believed to contribute to the literature by explaining the phenomenon of over-education using the signalling hypothesis. Since over-education reflects inefficiencies in the allocation of resources, Institutes of Higher Learning (IHL) need to increase their interaction with industry in order to find a solution to the incidence of mismatch which is partly due to the lack of integration between education providers and employers in the demand driven labour market. © 2016 Published by Future Academy www.FutureAcademy. org.uk
Inefficiency and Bank Failures: A Joint Bayesian Esti-mationof a Stochastic Frontier Model and a Hazards Model

In modeling bank failure, estimating inefficiency separately from the hazards modelresults in inefficient, biased, and inconsistent estimators. We develop a method to si-multaneously estimate a stochastic frontier model and a hazards model using Bayesiantechniques. This method overcomes issues related to two-stage estimation methods,allows for computing the marginal effects of the inefficiency over the probability offailure, and facilitates statistical inference of the functions of the parameters such aselasticities, returns to scale, and individual inefficiencies. Simulation exercises showthat our proposed method performs better than two-stage maximum likelihood, spe-cially in small samples. In addition we find that inefficiency plays a statistically and economically significant role in determining the time to failure of U.S. commercial banks during 2001 to 2010. (This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)
Role of Mergers and Acquisitions on the Performanceof Commercial Banks in Kenya

In today’s globalize economy, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are being increasingly used world over for improving competitiveness of companies through gaining greater market share, broadening the portfolio to reduce business risk, for entering new markets and geographies, and capitalizing on economies of scale among other. The main objective of this study was to establish whether M & As have any impact on the performance of commercial banks in Kenya broken down into the following specific objectives: to determine the profitability of merged institutions pre and post merger/acquisitions; to determine whether mergers/acquisitions have impact on shareholders’ value and to determine the effect of mergers/acquisitions on management efficiency. The population of interest in this study comprised of all the 20 banks that have merged or have been acquired in Kenya. The banks considered in this study were those that either merged or were acquired during the study period of 1997 to 2010. The study used secondary sources of data from published audited annual reports of accounts for the population of interest, C.B. K. , N.S. E. , C.M.A., and bank supervision annual reports from C.B. K. Financial data from Balance Sheets, Profit and Loss Accounts, and Cash Flow Statements of the 20 banks for the 13 years in calculating and analysing accounting ratios, also known as performance indicators. The study used accounting ratios to analyse the financial performance of the 21 banks under study. For the pre-merger/ acquisition period, ratios for both the acquirers and the targets were examined in getting an indication of the relative performance of the acquirer and the target.