Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis B virus infection in patients attending a genitourinary medicine clinic: risk factors and vaccine coverage.

BACKGROUND: The hepatitis B virus (HBV) immunisation policy in the United Kingdom includes offering vaccines selectively to those at risk by sexual contact. Among genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic attenders, homosexual men are offered vaccine, but estimates of the vaccine uptake are required to monitor policy and estimate the possible impact on transmission; heterosexuals are not routinely offered vaccine, but this policy might change if the prevalence was found to be high. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of HBV infection and vaccine uptake among patients attending a GUM clinic. METHODS: HBV seroprevalence determined by unlinked anonymous testing of consecutive blood samples sent for syphilis serology. Demographic and risk factor data and history of HBV immunization extracted from clinic notes before unlinking. Prevalence data were compared with a population of first time blood donors from the same area. SETTING: Open access GUM clinic in central London. RESULTS: Samples were obtained and tested from 441 homosexual and 527 heterosexual men and from 821 women over a 4 month period in 1990. After exclusion of injecting drug users and their sexual partners (n = 30) and HBV carriers attending for follow up (n = 12), the prevalence of antibody to HBV core (anti-HBc) was 38.7% in homosexual men, 5.9% in heterosexual men, and 3.5% in women (50.0%, 6.0%, 3.7% respectively if previous vaccinees were also excluded). The prevalence of HBV surface antigen positivity was 4.2%, 0.60%, and 0.39% respectively after exclusion of vaccinees (chi(2) p < 0.001 for homosexual men versus others). The prevalence of the anti-HBc in first time blood donors was 1.1% (8/749). Among male GUM clinic attenders, the prevalence of anti-HBc was higher in those of non-UK origin or place of birth and/or non-white ethnicity (odds ratios 2.87, 95% CI 1.57-5.24 and 8.06, CI 3.39-19.1, in homosexuals and heterosexuals respectively). In homosexual men anti-HBc prevalence increased with age (OR 1.05, CI 1.02-1.07 for each year) and lifetime number of STDs (OR 6.36, CI 3.77-10.8 for > or = 2 versus < 2) and in clinic reattenders compared with new patients (OR 5.42, 95% CI 3.32-9.16). Among heterosexuals, age was associated with anti-HBc prevalence in women (OR 1.09, CI 1.04-1.12) but not men (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.95-1.02). There were no other associations in heterosexuals. A history of HBV immunisation in homosexual men was recorded in 13/131 (9.9%) of new patients and 103/305 (33.8%; OR 4.63, CI 2.49-8.60) clinic reattenders. CONCLUSIONS: Although higher than a sample of blood donors, the prevalence of serological markers of HBV infection among heterosexuals was low, providing little support for extending HBV immunisation to all heterosexuals attending GUM clinics as a targeted strategy for control of HBV infection. Homosexual men remain at high risk of infection, but many are now being immunised. Efforts to improve compliance with existing vaccine policies in GUM clinics should be encouraged.
Host range susceptibility of Enterococcus sp. strains isolated from diseased turbot: possible routes of infection

Experiments were conducted to assess the pathogenicity of Enterococcus sp. strains isolated from diseased turbot for several fish species (turbot, salmon, trout, and seabream), as well as for mice. The intraperitoneal injection assays indicated that the tested strains showed host specificity for turbot, with a high degree of virulence (50% lethal dose of 10(4) cells per g of fish). The Spanish Enterococcus sp. isolates were nonpathogenic for the other fish species studied and for mice. The possible routes of infection were determined by bath exposure (with and without prior abrasion of the skin) and by intragastric inoculations with food and feces contaminated with the pathogen. The bath challenges indicated that the Enterococcus isolates were able to overcome the defense mechanisms present on the surface of the turbot only if the skin was abraded prior to the exposure. The antibacterial activities of components of a glycoprotein nature present in the turbot skin mucus are probably responsible in part for the resistance in noninjured fish to infection. On the other hand, we demonstrated the capacity of this pathogen to overcome adverse conditions in the stomachs of fish when associated with food or fecal material, since it is able to establish an infective state and to produce mortalities after 16 to 20 days postingestion. From all of these findings, we can conclude that horizontal transmissions through water and the fecal-oral route are the main avenues of infection of turbot streptococcosis.
Multi-gap Pseudospark Switches for High Voltage Applications

The long-term goal of the described experiments is to construct multi-gap pseudospark switches, which can handle reliably the specifications of the pulse forming network (PFN) for the injection/extraction kicker magnet system of the future heavy ion synchrotron accelerator complex SIS100/300 at the Gesellschaft fuer Schwerionenforschung (GSI). The PFN requires an high-voltage switch, that can handle an hold-off voltage up to 70 kV, peak currents up to 6 kA and pulse durations up to 7 mus. In this paper most of the reported experimental data have been obtained by using a two-gap prototype pseudospark switch with total hold-off voltage up to 30 kV. There are two major problems correlated with the development of such multi-gap systems. The first one concerns efficient and reliable triggering of switch for the overall switch lifetime. Two trigger systems have been studied, the so-called high-dielectric trigger (HDT), which already has proven its long term capability, and second, a novel system, based upon the electron emission from carbon nanotubes (CNT). The CNT- trigger still suffers from an insufficient small lifetime of 104 discharges. The second critical part concerns the instant breakdown initiation in the individual gaps, separated by a drift space. In the experiments with this prototype an active pre-ionization of the drift space was nor foreseen. For both trigger systems the measured delay and jitter in the first gap vary from 50 to 60 ns and 15 to 30 ns, respectively; corresponding the second gap has a delay and a jitter of up to 200 and 45 ns, respectively.
The Greater Market Mis-Valuation of Accruals When the Stock Performance is Poor

I investigate the relationship between contemporaneous stock price performance and the persistence of accrued earnings, and its impact on the accrual anomaly. I find that in a fiscal year, accrued earnings for stocks that have performed poorly are less persistent in predicting future earnings than accrued earnings for stocks that have performed moderately. I further find that a hedge-strategy based on accruals earns greater abnormal returns following bad-news years. The results are consistent with conservative accounting causing accrued earnings to be even less persistent in bad-news year and investors failing to efficiently price this differential in persistence.
An intensive outpatient lifestyle modification programme improves measures of glycaemia in obese youth

Commentary on: Savoye M, Caprio S, Dziura J, et al. Reversal of early abnormalities in glucose metabolism in obese youth: results of an intensive lifestyle randomised controlled trial. Diabetes Care 2014;37:317–24. [OpenUrl][1][Abstract/FREE Full Text][2] The worldwide epidemic in paediatric obesity has caused an increase in metabolic abnormalities, including type -2 diabetes (T2DM). Precursors of T2DM include insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction, resulting in hyperglycaemia and insufficient insulin response. The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) has been the gold standard for diagnosing diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). While lifestyle interventions have delayed or prevented the progression from IGT to T2DM in adults, the data in children are limited and demonstrate varying efficacy.1 Furthermore, intensive lifestyle interventions in children are practically difficult. The study describes a 6-month, randomised controlled trial of the impact of the Bright Bodies Healthy … [1]: {openurl}? query=rft.jtitle%253DDiabetes%2BCare%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.2337%252Fdc13-1571%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F24062325%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/ijlink? linkType=ABST&journalCode=diacare&resid=37/2/317&atom=%2Febmed%2F19%2F4%2F146.atom
Sector Cost of Equity in African Financial Markets

This paper assesses the effectiveness of Liu (2006) metrics in measuring illiquidity within a multifactor CAPM pricing model. Costs of equity are estimated using this model for the major industrial sectors within Africa’s larger equity markets: Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, Zambia, Botswana and South Africa. In all countries, the cost of equity is found to be highest in the financial sector and lowest in the blue chip stocks of Tunisia, Morocco, Namibia and South Africa. At an aggregate level, Nigeria and Zambia have the highest cost of capital.
Determinants of risk disclosure compliance in Malawi: a mixed-method approach

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate compliance with risk disclosure requirements under International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) 7 by Malawian Stock Exchange-listed companies over a three-year period. Specifically, the paper examines the extent and determinants of risk disclosure compliance with IFRS 7. Design/methodology/approach – The study uses a mixed-method approach. The quantitative approach employs the research index methodology and uses panel data regression analysis to examine the relationship between proportion of non-executive directors (NEDs), size, gearing and profitability and the extent of risk disclosure compliance. The results of the panel data regression analysis are triangulated by the qualitative research approach in the form of personal interviews with company managers. Findings – The results indicate that over the three years, the extent of compliance with IFRS 7 is, on average, 40 per cent which is very low. The regression results suggest that NEDs, size an.
Predicting Pressure Ulcer Risk in Pediatric Patients: The Braden Q Scale

BackgroundWhile there are valid and reliable pressure ulcer risk assessment tools available for adult patients, none exist for infants and children. To remedy this, the Braden Scale was adapted for use in pediatrics, calling it the Braden Q Scale. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to: (a) establish the predictive validity of the Braden Q Scale in an acutely ill pediatric population; (b) determine the critical cutoff point for classifying patient risk; and (c) determine the best time to assess patient risk. MethodsA multisite prospective cohort descriptive study with a convenience sample of 322 patients on bedrest for at least 24 hours without pre-existing pressure ulcers or congenital heart disease were enrolled from three pediatric intensive care units (PICU). The Braden Q score and skin assessment were independently rated and data collectors were blind to the other measures. Patients were observed up to 3 times per week for 2 weeks and then once a week until PICU discharge for a median of 2 observations reflecting 887 skin assessments. ResultsEighty-six patients (27%) developed 199 pressure ulcers; 139 (70%) were Stage I pressure ulcers, 54 (27%) were Stage II pressure ulcers, and 6 (3%) were Stage III pressure ulcers. Most pressure ulcers (57%) were present at the first observation. Using Stage II+ pressure ulcer data obtained during the first observation, a Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) curve for each possible score of the Braden Q Scale was constructed. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.83. At a cutoff score of 16, the sensitivity was 0.88 and the specificity was 0.58. The Braden Q Scale was then modified to eliminate 4 subscales with an AUC <0.7. With 3 subscales (mobility, sensory perception, tissue perfusion/oxygenation) the AUC of this Modified Braden Q Scale was maintained at 0.84. At a cutoff score of 7, the sensitivity was 0.92 and the specificity was 0.59. ConclusionsThe performance of the Braden Q Scale in a pediatric population is similar to that consistently reported for the Braden Scale in adult patients. The Modified Braden Q Scale, with 3 subscales, provides a shorter yet comparable tool.
Buccal and palatal cusps fracture resistance of root filled teeth using various dentine bonding agents and hybrid composite resin

SUMMARY In this study, we aimed to compare the buccal and palatal cusp fracture resistance of endodontically treated primary maxillary premolars with mesial-occlusal-distal cavity which was restored with composite resin by using different types of bonding adhesives. A hundred extracted double rooted human maxillary premolars were randomly separated into five groups in which 20 teeth were included in each group. Group 1 was restorated with total performance hybrid spectrum hybrid composite and Prime&Bond NT, and Group 2 was restorated with total performance hybrid spectrum hybrid composite and Clearfil S-Tri Bond. Group 3 was restorated with total performance hybrid spectrum hybrid composite and Clearfil SE Bond. Group 4 was considered as positive control, and Group 5 was considered as negative control. Also each experimental group was divided into two subgroups of 10 teeth in order to compare the values of buccal and palatal cusp fracture resistance. Group 3, in which Clearfil SE Bond was used showed a higher value of fracture resistance than Group 1, in which Prime&Bond NT was used. When samples were investigated, it was observed that there was no statistically significant difference between buccal and palatal cusps of mesial-occlusal-distal cavities which were restorated with hybrid composite and different bonding adhesives.
Antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli isolates from turkeys and hens in Ireland.

Sir, We read with interest the paper by van den Bogaard and colleagues relating to the antimicrobial susceptibility of Escherichia coli isolates from poultry. Since September 2000 we have been studying the antimicrobial susceptibility of E. coli isolated as pathogens from poultry flocks in two counties in Ireland. Isolates were obtained on culture of tissues or swabs from diseased or dead animals and referred to the Department of Bacteriology, National University of Ireland, Galway, for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The identity of the isolates as E. coli was confirmed by API20E and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by the disc diffusion method of the NCCLS. Susceptibility to 13 antimicrobial agents (Table) was determined, using E. coli ATCC 25922 as control. For isolates categorized as intermediate or resistant to ciprofloxacin by initial disc diffusion susceptibility testing, the ciprofloxacin MIC was determined by Etest. A total of 209 isolates of E. coli have been examined, 171 isolates from turkeys and 38 from hens (broiler and egg layers). The percentage of isolates susceptible, intermediate and resistant to each antimicrobial agent is outlined in the Table. The ciprofloxacin MIC for the five ciprofloxacinresistant isolates was in the range 6 to 16 mg/L. Like van den Bogaard et al., we observed a trend towards higher levels of antimicrobial resistance in turkeys, in which antimicrobial use is more common. Resistance to sulphonamides, trimethoprim and nalidixic acid were more common in E. coli originating from turkeys, and ciprofloxacin resistance, albeit at a low level of 2.9%, was observed only in E. coli isolates from turkeys. Our data differ from those of van den Bogaard et al. in a number of respects. The isolates were considered pathogenic and susceptibility test methods and interpretative Correspondence Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (2001) 48, 587–595
Water Demand Analysis and Irrigation Requirement for Major Crops at Holetta Catchment, Awash Subbasin, Ethiopia

The water demand and irrigation requirement of Holetta Catchment is not fully studied. In addition to this, due to scarcity of the available surface water and increase in water demand for irrigation, the major users of the river are facing a challenge to allocate the available water. Therefore, the aim of this research was to investigate the water demand of the major users of Holetta River and to study the irrigation requirement for major crops at Holetta catchment using questionnaire survey, statistical methods, and CropWat model. Structured questionnaire was used to identify information such as the number of Holetta River users, major crops grown by irrigation and the total area coverage. The major users are Holetta Agricultural Research Center (HARC), Tesdey Farm and Village Farmers. CropWat model was used to calculate the irrigation water requirement for major crops. Based on the result of CropWat model and survey analysis, the total irrigation requirement of all three users of Holetta River was 0.305, 0.575, 0.995, 0.865, and 0.332 MCM for January, February, March, April, and May respectively. The analysis also indicated the total water demand of all three major users of Holetta River during the irrigation season from January to May. The total water demand was 0.313, 0.583, 1.004, 0.873 and 0.341 million cubic meters (MCM) for January, February, March, April, and May respectively. The available river flow from January to May was 0.749, 0.419, 0.829, 0.623 and 0.471 MCM respectively. From the five months, the demand and the supply showed a gap during February, March and April. The total shortage of supply during these months was 0.59MCM. During these months, there was also conflict between users at diversion and water allocation. Therefore, in order to solve water shortage, alternative source of water supply like ground water and water harvesting technologies should be studied and integrated water management system should be implemented. In addition to this, to improve the efficiency of irrigation water, different irrigation methods like drip irrigation should be improved in the area.
Managing Customer and Organizational Complexity in Sales Organizations

Salespeople face increasingly complex work environments, both externally with customers and internally with various departments in their own organizations. Because managing such customer and organizational complexity is crucial to performance, the authors conceptualize and develop measures of customer and organizational complexity and examine the effects on salesperson outcomes. In line with job demands-resources theory, salespeople leverage personal and supervisory resources to manage complexity. The test of the conceptual model uses matched salespeople–sales manager data gathered from a large business-to-business firm. The empirical findings reveal that personal resources (sales self-efficacy) help manage complexity in general but create greater role stress in the face of customer complexity. The effectiveness of supervisory resources (transactional leadership behavior) is contingent on the type of complexity and the personal resources available to a salesperson. These results indicate not only how salespeople manage different complexities but also how sales managers should adapt their leadership behaviors to enhance salesperson performance.
Technology Acceptance in Canadian Retail Banking: A Study of Consumer Motivations and Use of ATMs

In this article the authors report the results of a study of use of automated teller machines (ATMs) in Canada. A total of 255 users and non‐users were interviewed regarding their use of ATMs, shopping motivations, attitudes towards and familiarity with technology, age, education and employment status. Discriminant analysis revealed that convenience shopping orientation, attitudes towards ATM technology, social shopping orientation, familiarity with other new technologies and education were very good predictors of ATM use and non‐use. Implications for developing ATM marketing strategy are given.
Recruitment Gaming: A New Tool at the Interface of Education and Employers.

Individual Differences? The overall goal in doing as much individualizing as possible is to succeed in producing a competency distribution that is as narrow as possible. That does not necessarily require employing all the options listed above. Depending on the subject matter and on the target audience, a single track may suffice. Suitably beefed up to meet presenting requirements, there is no reason why it cannot suffice. The guiding decisions are concerned with just how many options to use, or which options to use, or which combinations to use so that the entire target audience is capable of reaching the end of instructional materials in relatively error-free fashion. The overall premise is that it takes correct practice to reach satisfactory outcomes. Toward that end, error-free, it is hypothesized, is superior to error-correction. Better not to have to unlearn the wrong way to do something. What systematic attention to individual differences does is make that more assuredly possible.
Selective in vivo inhibition of T cell activation by class II MHC-binding peptides administered in soluble form.

A synthetic peptide corresponding to residues 53-61 of hen egg white lysozyme, as well as its N-succinyl C-amide, inhibit in vivo priming for T cell responses when administered in soluble form, in osmotic minipumps implanted s.c. , 1 day before immunization. The inhibition exhibits MHC selectivity that corresponds to the binding specificity of these peptides for class II MHC molecules in vitro. Approximately fourfold higher doses of soluble competitor are required than of competitor in CFA-depot, in order to achieve comparable levels of inhibition. The inhibition of priming to a nonimmunodominant T cell determinant requires lower doses of soluble competitor than the suppression of priming to a dominant T cell determinant. The soluble competitors do not appear to induce class II MHC-restricted T cell response against themselves.
If we build it, will they come? Examining the effect of expansion teams and soccer-specific stadiums on Major League Soccer attendance

Purpose – Two of the primary growth strategies for Major League Soccer (MLS) have been team expansion and the construction of soccer-specific stadiums. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to determine the relationship between these factors and game-specific MLS spectator attendance. Design/methodology/approach – Two multiple regression models, one using multi-level mixed effects linear regression and another using interval regression, were developed to explain the variation in attendance utilizing the two factors of interest along with other control factors that have been identified as attendance determinants in previous literature. Game-specific data were collected for five MLS seasons, 2007-2011. Findings – The two regression models explained approximately 40 percent of the variation in spectator attendance and the results showed that expansion teams and soccer-specific stadiums were significantly related to attendance. However, the effect of soccer-specific stadiums was minimized due to the extreme.