Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Identification of occupational therapy clinical expertise: decision-making characteristics.

BACKGROUND Experts are usually determined on the basis of length of experience, reputation, peer acknowledgement, and certification. While these characteristics are important they may, however, not be sufficient for this purpose. Another method for determining clinical expertise is to look at how individuals make decisions in their area of expertise. This study aims to identify clinician expertise on the basis of participants' decision performance and examines this in relation to their length of experience and type of decision-making. METHODS The Cochran-Weiss-Shanteau (CWS) is a statistical method that can be used to examine individuals' expertise on the basis of how they discriminate between hypothetical cases and consistency in their decision-making. Participants comprised 18 occupational therapists, each with more than 5 years of experience working with children with cerebral palsy. They were required to make treatment judgements for 110 cases (20 of which were repeated) of children with cerebral palsy. The CWS was calculated for each participant. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Two groups of participants were identified on the basis of their CWS index--one with both high consistency in decision-making and the ability to discriminate between cases, the other with low consistency and poor discrimination. These two groups did not differ significantly on the basis of length of experience or work setting but did differ on the basis of intervention chosen and their type of decision-making. The CWS method seems to offer promise as a means of determining clinical expertise on the basis of clinical decision-making. Its application to the investigation of clinical reasoning and education is discussed.
Training Needs and Training Programs for Academic Leadership at Northern Border University

The study aims to identify the leadership training needs and the development programs to improve the skills of academic leaders at Northern Border University. The training needs will be considered at three levels: individual, job and organisational level. This paper is based on a descriptive survey method where 88 academic leaders answered a refereed questionnaire, which was tested to insure its validity and reliability. Moreover, the researcher analyzed data by calculating means and standard deviations. The results showed that the degree of need for training programs was high, and that there are no statistically significant differences between the study variables (years of experience, job title, qualification, gender) . This study is limited to a sample of academic leaders at Northern Border University for the academic year 2014-2015. Designing training programs for academic leaders is based on modern analysis methods that involve academic leaders in identifying training needs at a personal, job and organisational level. The main objective is to develop adequate training programs for academic leaders based on their perception and perspective .
INTEGRATED PLANNING AND SCHEDULING CAPABILITIES TO SUPPORT SPACE ROBOTICS

This paper focuses on the ESA A PSI software platform for developing planning and scheduling applications for space missions. In particular, it describes work performed by CNR-ISTC developing new APSI-compliant features that address aspects considered as “improvable” in the current APSI distribution. The APSI version used within the GOAC project has been considered as the starting state for the new work. In particular, two aspects are described: (a) two new planning systems able to integrate causal and resource reasoning (called E PSL and J-TRE); (b) the KEEN knowledge engineering environment that allows an integrated use of various research facilities we have developed over time. Some examples are shown taken from the GOAC space robotics domain.
Design of a microstrip square-ring slot antenna filled by an H-shape slot for UWB applications

A novel microstrip slot antenna for UWB (ultra wideband) antenna applications is proposed. A square ring slot antenna is filled by an H shape slot as a parasitic element. This structure is fed by a single microstrip line with a fork like-tuning stub. Experiments are carried out to investigate its return loss, its radiation behavior, which exhibit good radiation pattern and impedance bandwidth over the entire band of frequency.
Molecular recognition of Fc‐specific ligands binding onto the consensus binding site of IgG: insights from molecular simulation

Immunoglobulin G (IgG) plays an important role in clinical diagnosis and therapeutics. Meanwhile, the consensus binding site (CBS) on the Fc domain of IgG is responsible for ligand recognition, especially for Fc‐specific ligands. In this study, molecular simulation methods were used to investigate molecular interactions between the CBS of the Fc domain and seven natural Fc‐specific ligands. The analysis on the binding energy of the Fc–ligand complex indicated that hydrophobic interactions provide the main driving force for the Fc–ligand binding processes. The hot spots on the ligands and Fc were identified with the computational alanine scanning approach. It was found that the residues of tryptophan and tyrosine on the ligands have significant contributions for the Fc–ligand binding, while Met252, Ile253, Asn434, His435, and Tyr436 are the key residues of Fc. Moreover, two binding modes based on tryptophan or tyrosine were summarized and constructed according to the pairwise interaction analysis. Guidelines for the rational design of CBS‐specific ligands with high affinity and specificity were proposed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High predictive value of CYP2B6 SNPs for steady-state plasma efavirenz levels in South African HIV/AIDS patients

Introduction Efavirenz is primarily metabolized by CYP2B6, with a minor contribution from CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP3A4 and CYP3A5. Genetic variability in these genes contributes towards differences in plasma efavirenz concentration, which ultimately leads to either development of adverse drug events or emergence of virus resistance. However, the clinical utility or validity of introducing genotype-assisted dosing is not known. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the effects of 14 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in five drug-metabolizing enzyme genes on steady-state plasma efavirenz levels in South African HIV/AIDS patients as well as their clinical validity. Methods HIV/AIDS patients were recruited from Themba Lethu Clinic, at Helen Joseph Hospital, Johannesburg. Blood samples for plasma drug levels and DNA extraction were obtained from each participant. PCR/RFLP and SNaPshot genotyping were used for SNPs in CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2B6, CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 among 464 Bantu-speaking South Africans. Plasma efavirenz concentrations were measured using LC/MS/MS. Genotypes and plasma efavirenz levels were used to calculate predictive values. Multivariate analysis was used to select the minimal set of SNPs with significant clinical validity. Results Qualitative and quantitative differences in allele frequencies were observed when comparing South Africans with African, Caucasian and Asian populations. CYP2B6 516T and 785G (*6) and CYP2B6 983C (*18) alleles were significantly associated with high plasma efavirenz levels. CYP2B6 A-G-A-C-C and A-T-G-T-C haplotypes (with respect to CYP2B6 136A>G; CYP2B6 516G>T; CYP2B6 785A>G; CYP2B6 983T>C; and CYP2B6 1459C>T) were associated with higher levels of efavirenz, whereas G-G-A-T-C and A-G-A-T-C haplotypes showed significantly lower levels of efavirenz. The CYP2B6*1/*6 genotype was significantly associated with an increased risk of loss to follow-up. The sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive values for the CYP2B6*6/*6 genotype in predicting efavirenz levels above 4 µg/ml were 46, 97 and 88%, respectively. However, these values improved to 49, 100 and 100%, respectively, when either the CYP1A2 −163A (*1F) allele or the NR1I3 8784C/C genotype was present. Conclusion Screening for CYP2B6 516G>T SNP has a high specificity and positive predictive value for efavirenz levels above 4 µg/ml and could be used in deciding on efavirenz dosage among individuals homozygous for this variant, which could lead to better precision medication.
Cross Sectional Observational Study Performed to See for Relation of Mallampati Score and Extended Mallampati Score with Body Mass Index.

INTRODUCTION There is increasing incidence of obesity worldwide. Since obese patients have an increased fatty tissue distributed in a truncal fashion, they may have an important and negative impact on the airway patency and respiratory function. Various scoring systems have been used to predict difficult airway, the most commonly used universal bedside tool is the Modified Mallampati Scoring (MMS). It was shown that the Extended Mallampati Score (EMS) predicted difficult laryngoscopy better than the MMS in the obese populations. AIM To evaluate the association of Mallampati score and EMS in adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS This cross-sectional prospective observational study was performed on 323 subjects. The selection method included convenience sampling technique. Patient data which included name, age, sex, weight, height, Body Mass Index (BMI) and Neck Circumference (NC), Mallampati Score, and EMS were collected by two observers, anaesthesiologists. The observers noted their findings of MMS and EMS on the same patient independently. Their findings were entered independently and disclosed only during analysis. RESULTS There was good agreement between the observers (kappa value 0.635) for MMS and EMS. The intraobserver correlation coefficient was 0.8 for MMS (p<0.001) and 0.7 (p=0.004) for EMS which was significant. A positive correlation between sex and NC with BMI, MMS and EMS was seen. CONCLUSION From this study we concluded that there was no difference between the MMS and EMS. There was interobserver agreement between MMS and EMS and a positive correlation of body mass index with MMS and EMS was seen.
Modified value-added intellectual coefficient (MVAIC) and traditional financial performance of Indonesian biggest companies

The purpose of this study is to examine the influences of intellectual capital performance - measured with modified value added intellectual coefficient (MVAIC) - to four traditional financial performances: return on assets, return on equity, market to book value and price earnings ratio. The data were drawn from 50 biggest market capitalisation companies listed in the Indonesia stock exchange for 8 years (2007-2014). It is an empirical study using WarpPLS 3.0 for the data analysis. The finding shows that: MVAIC influences positively to current and future financial performance. It means that MVAIC can be used to predict the future of financial performance. The results extend the understanding of the role of intellectual capital in creating corporate value and building sustainable advantages for companies in emerging economies.
Relative Toxicity and Occurrence Patterns of Pesticide Mixtures in Streams Draining Agricultural Watersheds Dominated by Corn and Soybean Production

Abstract To evaluate the relative toxicity and the occurrence patterns of pesticide mixtures in streams draining agricultural watersheds, a 3-step approach was used. First, a landscape of interest was identified, defined, and isolated. Second, the relative toxicity of mixtures, on the basis of pesticide toxicity index scores, was compared with the relative toxicity of the highest individual pesticide, on the basis of highest toxicity quotient values. Third, occurrence patterns of pesticide mixtures were identified for use in follow-up mechanistic studies. The landscape of interest was identified as the corn and soybeans crop setting and concentrations of pesticides in streams within this crop setting were determined from US Geological Survey data. Pesticide toxicity index scores for individual samples were highest for the primary producers, Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata and Lemna gibba; with 95th percentile pesticide toxicity index scores of 4.7 and 1.9, respectively. The 95th percentile pesticide toxicity index score for Daphnia magna was 0.40 when a chronic sublethal endpoint was used. Pesticide toxicity index values were above the highest toxicity quotient values, indicating that consideration of mixtures does increase the estimated risk, but pesticide toxicity index scores were generally within a factor of 2 of highest toxicity quotient values, indicating that the increased risk is not large for most samples. Pesticide toxicity index scores tended to be dominated by individual pesticides and simple mixtures. Two different prioritization strategies were used to identify important mixtures for further study on the basis of potential effects on P. subcapitata. Both techniques decreased the complexity of the pesticide mixtures to consider by reducing the number of components within the identified mixtures as well as identifying a few specific combinations that constitute the majority of mixtures within the sample. Nearly all important pesticides for P. subcapitata were herbicides from 2 chemical classes: Acetanilide and triazine herbicides.
Anatomy of the cruciate ligaments and their function in extension and flexion of the human knee joint.

The areas of the femoral origin of the cruciate ligaments have approximately the shape of sectors of ellipses, the one for the anterior ligament on the lateral condyle posteroproximally and the one for the posterior ligament on the medial condyle distally. By means of a new technique of dissection, combined with the use of X-rays, the change in distance between the origin and insertion and so the change of tension of single bundles of the ligaments could be analyzed. Only a rather thin bundle in each cruciate ligament is in constant tension: "guiding bundles. " The maximal diminution of distance between the origin and insertion for some bundles is 65%. In the anterior cruciate ligament the majority of fibres are taut in extreme extension: "limiting bundles. " The same is true in the posterior cruciate ligament in extreme flexion. There are also some fibres, especially in the posterior cruciate ligament, that are taut only in an intermediate position. The geometric analysis of the function of different groups of fibers was performed by a modification of Menschik's concept of a four-bar link.
XPD Polymorphisms, Cigarette Smoking, and Bladder Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis

Genetic polymorphisms in DNA repair genes may be involved in increased risk for bladder cancer. Association studies on the XPD Asp312Asn and Lys751Gln polymorphisms with bladder cancer development reported conflicting results. A meta-analysis from eligible cancer case-control studies was performed to assess potential associations. In total, eight studies were used with a fixed effects model or a random effects model to estimate the odds ratio (OR) for XPD polymorphisms and occurrence of bladder cancer. The overall risk for the variant homozygote Asn/Asn and genotype (Asp/Asn + Asn/Asn) of Asp312Asn polymorphism showed a significant correlation with increased bladder cancer occurrence compared to wild genotype Asp/Asp (OR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.02–1.49 for Asn/Asn vs. Asp/Asp; OR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.01–1.28 for Asp/Asn + Asn/Asn vs. Asp/Asp). In contrast, no significant association with elevated risk of bladder cancer was found for Lys751Gln polymorphism. In the stratification analysis, there was no significant association between increased risk of bladder cancer in the XPD polymorphisms among Caucasians. Similarly, XPD polymorphisms did not show a significant increased risk among never-smokers or ever-smokers. This meta-analysis suggested that the XPD Asp312Asn but not Lys751Gln polymorphism may be more genetically susceptible to bladder cancer development. Further studies based on larger populations and gene–environment interactions are needed to determine the role of XPD polymorphisms in bladder cancer risk.
Volcanic perturbations of the marine environment in South China preceding the latest Permian mass extinction and their biotic effects

The Dongpan section in southern Guangxi Province records the influence of local volcanic activity on marine sedimentation at intermediate water depths (∼200–500 m) in the Nanpanjiang Basin (South China) during the late Permian crisis. We analyzed ∼100 samples over a 12‐m‐thick interval, generating palynological, paleobiological, and geochemical datasets to investigate the nature and causes of environmental changes. The section records at least two major volcanic episodes that culminated in deposition of approximately 25‐ to 35‐cm‐thick ash layers (bentonites) and that had profound effects on conditions in both the Dongpan marine environment and adjacent land areas. Intensification of eruptive activity during each volcanic cycle resulted in a shift toward conifer forests, increased wildfire intensity, and elevated subaerial weathering fluxes. The resulting increase in nutrient fluxes stimulated marine productivity in the short term but led to a negative feedback on productivity in the longer term as the OMZ of the Nanpanjiang Basin expanded, putting both phytoplankton and zooplankton communities under severe stress. Radiolarians exhibit large declines in diversity and abundance well before the global mass extinction horizon, demonstrating the diachroneity of the marine biotic crisis. The latest Permian crisis, which was probably triggered by the Siberian Traps flood basalts, intensified the destructive effects of the earlier local eruptions on terrestrial and marine ecosystems of the South China craton.
Role and Current Status of IFRS in the Completion of National Accounting Rules – Evidence from Malta

Abstract We analyse the extent to which International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) have influenced the development of the national generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the transposition of Directive 2013/34/EU in Malta including whether they are used as a reference point in the interpretation of the national GAAP. Malta mandated the use of IFRS by all companies for a significant number of years. This has resulted in IFRS influencing the development of the national GAAP; and enforcers and other key stakeholders viewing IFRS positively.
Macroeconomic Uncertainty: Measurement and Impact on the Spanish Economy

This article characterises the level of uncertainty in the Spanish economy. Various indicators are analysed, distinguishing their source: financial market volatility, degree of disagreement between agents on the economic situation and economic policy uncertainty. Aggregate uncertainty in the Spanish economy increased in 2016, although it remained at levels below the average for the 2008-2013 recession. The changes in uncertainty captured by financial indicators are shown to have a higher impact on economic activity, and particularly on investment. Finally, it is illustrated how a significant part of the macroeconomic effect of the heightened uncertainty in the past year originated outside the Spanish economy.
Corporate Innovation Strategy, Analyst Forecasting Activities and the Economic Consequences

We examine the impact of corporate innovation strategy on analyst following and forecasting performance, as well as the associated economic consequences. Using a sample of US firms from 1992&#8722;2012, we find that firms pursuing an exploration&#8208;oriented innovation strategy (as opposed to an exploitation&#8208;oriented innovation strategy) are associated with lower analyst coverage, higher forecast error and dispersion. The effect is less pronounced for firms with greater disclosure of innovation activities, and for firms followed by analysts with more firm&#8208;specific experience. We also examine how innovation strategy affects the perceived credibility of analyst forecasts and find that investors appear to be less responsive to forecast revisions issued for exploratory firms. Such firms also incur a higher level of cash holdings, greater internal financing, and lower dividend ratio. The findings of this paper advance our understanding of how a public company's choice of innovation strategy affects its performance in the capital markets as well as the associated economic consequences.
ON THE MACROECONOMIC AND WEALTH EFFECTS OF UNCONVENTIONAL MONETARY POLICY

This paper focuses on the macroeconomic and wealth effects of unconventional monetary policy. To this end, we estimate a Bayesian structural vector autoregression (B-SVAR) using U.S. monthly data for the post-Lehman Brothers' collapse period. We show that a positive shock to the growth rate of central bank reserves does not have a substantial impact on industrial production or consumer prices. However, it also gives a strong boost to asset prices, which is larger in magnitude for stock prices than for housing prices. Thus, unconventional monetary policy typically operates via portfolio-rebalancing effects. A VAR counterfactual exercise confirms the role of the shocks to the growth rate of central bank reserves in explaining the dynamics of the variables included in the system, especially in the case of asset prices. Finally, additional empirical assessments uncover an important change in the conduct of monetary policy from “standard” to “exceptional” times and the suitability of our model to capture such a structural transformation.
Training techniques in laparoscopic donor nephrectomy: a systematic review

The learning curve to achieve competency in laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) is poorly outlined. Online databases were searched for training in LDN. Abstracts and manuscripts were excluded if they did not address introduction of a laparoscopic technique for donor nephrectomy. Relevant manuscripts were reviewed for surgical technique, use of animal models, co‐surgeons, surgeon specialty and training, institution type/volume, and assessment of training method. Forty‐four met inclusion criteria, with 75% describing the evolution from open to LDN. Eighty‐two percent were from academic centers, and 36% were from centers performing <25 donor nephrectomies each year. The learner was an attending surgeon 80% of the time, mostly urologists with prior laparoscopy or open nephrectomy experience. The learning curve, defined by decreased operating time, averaged 35 cases. Improved intra‐operative, patient, and recipient outcomes were observed for centers performing ≥50 LDNs annually. The United Network of Organ Sharing requires 15 cases as surgeon or assistant to be certified as the primary LDN surgeon. This falls below the described learning curve for LDN. The assessment of training and competency for LDN is heterogeneous, and objective learner‐based metrics could help surgeons and institutions reach a quality standard for performing this operation.
Perceptions of Health Care Providers' Communication: Relationships Between Patient-Centered Communication and Satisfaction

Specific communication practices of multiple professionals in health care settings can impact patient outcomes. This study, conducted at a large Children's Hospital, sought to determine the extent to which patient-centered communication (PCC) affected satisfaction with communication and with care itself. Parents of child patients (N = 195) reported on the communication practices of physicians, nurses, and hospital staff members during their most recent stay in the hospital. Surveys were completed on site. Health care providers' use of PCC behaviors, especially immediacy and perceived listening, was positively associated with satisfaction with care and with communication. In addition, PCC behaviors were perceived to be used more frequently with children in better health than with children with poorer health status.