Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sleep Disorders and Occupational Accident in Shift Work Nurses

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of symptoms of sleep related breathing disorders in shiftwork nurses and to evaluate relationship between occupational accident and the symptoms. Material and Method: Data of 410 nurses was evaluated. A questionnaire was administered to get information on their socio-demographic data, presence of witnessed apnea during sleep, the prevalence of snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness and frequency of other symptoms and having any occupational accident. Results: The prevalence of habitual snoring, witnessed apnea, excessive daytime sleepiness was 5.4%, 22.4%, 47.1% respectively. Snoring (p<0.001) and witnessed apnea (p<0.001) prevalence was higher in overweight nurses. Mean values of the body mass index (p<0.001), neck circumflex (p=0.03), co-morbid disease (p<0.001) and the prevalence of witnessed apnea (p<0.001) among the nurses with habitual snoring were statistically higher than the nurses without habitual snoring. 51 nurses (12.4%) had been involved in an occupational accident. The prevalence of snoring (p=0.008) and mean Epworth Sleepiness Score (ESS) were higher than the group without accidents. The ESS was higher than 10 points in 63 (15.4%) of the interviews. In this group occupational accident prevalence was 4.1 times higher than the group with less than 10 points ESS. Conclusion: We come to the conclusion that interrogating the sleep related disorders symptoms in adults and also performing diagnostic procedures and treatment in case of suspicion may decrease the morbidity of sleep related breathing disorders. (Tur Toraks Der 2010; 11: 105-8)
Responding to change: the case of community pharmacy in Great Britain

In recent years pharmacy has increasingly striven sharply to define and establish its role in the face of technological advance. The pre-packaging of medicines by the pharmaceutical industry and the use of computers in pharmacies and general practitioners’ surgeries would seem to obviate pharmacists’ traditional activities in the compounding and dispensing of medicines, and challenge their claim to professional status with an associated decline in their social and economic rewards. This paper draws on the literature of the sociology of the professions to analyse the response of this occupational group to threats to its status as a professional primary health care provider. It is argued that pharmacy has the necessary knowledge base to control the symbolic transformation of the pharmacological entity—the drug—into the social object—the medicine, yet has failed to capitalise on this when attempting to define its professional role.
The status of Healthcare-associated Infection Control among Healthcare Facilities in Korea

Abstract The purpose was to describe the state of healthcare-associated infection(HAI) control. Data were collected from 134 hospitals. The questionnaire developed by Kang[8] were modified. The mean of hospital beds was 556.4, 26.9% of hospitals were less than 300 beds. 99.3% of hospitals had infection control committee(ICC). ICC met 3.4 times a year. 54.5% of hospitals had one infection control practitioner(ICP). 95.5% of ICPs were nurse, 48.7% of ICPs had more than master's degree. Hospital experience of ICPs was 13.5 years. ICP experience was 3.2 years. 30.8% of ICPs worked for less than 1 year. All hospitals investigated HAI, 75.4% performed improvement activities. There are significant differences in existence of ICD, negative pressure room, computer program, numbers of ICPs according to hospital size. Manpower, organization, and facilities lacked in less than 300 beds. This conclusions will give baseline data to establish infection control system, manpower and practice in small-medium hospitals.
The changing landscape of IS project failure: an examination of the key factors

Purpose Information systems (IS) project failure has been a recurring problem for decades. The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to examine the key factors that influence project failure and an analysis of the major areas that can have a significant impact on success; and second, to explore some of the key aspects that have an impact on project management performance from the practitioner perspective and discusses the problems faced by organizations in the closer integration of change and project management. Design/methodology/approach This study critically reviews the IS failure literature developing a synthesized view of the key issues and common reasons for projects to fail. The approach taken in this study is one that focuses on a number of key questions that pull together the relevant themes in this genre of research whilst highlighting many of the implications for practitioners and organizations alike. Findings Key questions remain on the underlying causes of instances of poor project management as an IS failure factor. The literature has omitted to develop a deeper analysis of the associations between failure factors and the potential causal relationships between these factors. The realization of project benefits relies on the success of both change and project management yet the formal integration of these two disciplines is constrained by separate standards bodies and an immature body of research. Research limitations/implications This study is limited by its theoretical nature lacking an empirical element to provide a deeper analysis of IS failure factors and their interrelationships. This specific area is a recommendation for future research, where causal relationships between failure factors could be developed via a mathematic-based method such as interpretive structural modeling. Practical implications With failure rates of IS projects still unacceptably high after decades of attempts to significantly change outcomes, a deeper analysis of this topic is required. The research gaps and recommendations for practitioners highlighted in this study have the potential to provide valuable contributions to this topic of research. Originality/value The intent of this study is to present a new perspective of this genre of IS research that develops the main arguments and gaps in the literature from the practitioner viewpoint.
Changes in Meal Participation, Attendance, and Test Scores Associated with the Availability of Universal Free School Breakfasts

This study investigates student outcomes associated with changes in the availability of universal free breakfasts at elementary schools in the Guilford County Schools (GCS) in North Carolina. In 2007–8, the GCS offered universal free breakfasts in schools with high proportions of economically disadvantaged students. In 2008–9, the GCS reduced its universal free programs, with the affected schools returning to eligibility-based programs. We examine how breakfast and lunch participation, attendance, and reading, math, and science test scores changed across years at affected and unaffected schools. We find that the switch from a universal free to an eligibility-based School Breakfast Program reduced breakfast participation substantially with the largest changes occurring among students who were not eligible for free or reduced-price meals. The changes to eligibility-based provision were associated with decreases in lunch participation for paid-eligible students but not for other students. The changes to eligibility-based provision did not harm test scores or attendance.
Investigating the Influence of Formal Methods

Practitioners and researchers continue to seek methods and tools for improving software development processes and products. Candidate technologies promise increased productivity, better quality, lower cost, or enhanced customer satisfaction. We must test these methods and tools empirically and rigorously to determine any significant, quantifiable improvement. We tend to consider evaluation only after using the technology, which makes careful, quantitative analysis difficult if not impossible. However, when an evaluation is designed as part of overall project planning, and then carried out as software development progresses, the result can be a rich record of a tool's or technique's effectiveness. In this study, we investigated the effects of using formal methods to develop an air-traffic-control information system.
Factors affecting e-business adoption in SMEs: an empirical research

Purpose – Nowadays, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are incrementally using e-business tools in order to compete in an extremely hostile market and gain global access. The importance of e-business adoption for the economic success and survival of SMEs creates a very interesting field of research. The purpose of this paper is to develop and empirically test a conceptual framework that investigates the factors affecting the e-business adoption decision in SMEs. Design/methodology/approach – The examination of the proposed conceptual framework was made with the use of a newly developed structured questionnaire that was distributed to a group of Greek SMEs. The questionnaire was distributed to 600 companies, while 161 usable questionnaires were finally returned. exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, linear regression methods and the structural equation modelling (SEM) technique were used to test the research hypotheses. Findings – The proposed model explains 71 per cent of the varianc.
Facial Nerve Palsy in the Pediatric Population

Paralysis of the seventh cranial nerve (CN VII), the facial nerve, is a relatively uncommon condition in the pediatric population. Although it appears 2 to 4 times less frequently in children than in adults, the dramatic appearance of the affected child is often of great immediate concern to the child and parents. Regardless of the cause, the result is weakness of the facial musculature, affecting facial expression, oral competence, verbal communication, social interaction, taste, and potentially vision. Sir Charles Bell first discovered in 1821 that the facial nerve is responsible for facial muscle movement. Whereas idiopathic facial nerve palsy, also termed Bell’s palsy, accounts for the majority of adult cases of facial weakness, secondary causes are more often identified in children with facial nerve palsy. This makes early recognition, diagnosis, and treatment increasingly important in the pediatric population. In this article, we provide a review of the relevant anatomy and a discussion of the clinical presentation and current management of this condition.
Determinant factors of information communication technology (ICT) adoption by government-owned universities in Nigeria: A qualitative approach

– The purpose of this paper is to specifically investigate and prioritize the effects of 13 factors in determining ICT adoption in Nigerian universities. , – The constructs of theoretical framework of technology‐organization‐environment (T‐O‐E) underpin the survey. The survey adopted in‐depth unstructured and semi‐structured interviews with 30 senior executives drawn purposefully from at least one university in each of the five state capitals in south‐eastern Nigeria. , – Evidence from the study shows that, irrespective of the perceived competitive pressures and perceived benefits of ICT solutions, government‐owned universities are yet to exploit its full potentials in their operations. This behaviour is informed by incessant corrupt practices; irregular energy supply and internet connectivity/accessibility; lack of financial capacity, expert skills, managerial and technical flexibility/support; and poor regulatory policies and government supports. , – The paper raised some challenges that will serve as points of departure to future researchers and provides university management, government, policy makers, and other stakeholders the bases for encouraging ICT adoption.
Case Report: Six-Year-Old Girl With Recurrent Episodes of Blue Toes

Bluish discoloration of fingers and toes is a frequently observed phenomenon in children. It is usually transient and is caused by peripheral vasoconstriction in response to exposure to cold. In the absence of central cyanosis and systemic diseases, bluish discoloration of fingers and toes is quite often a benign condition in children. Rarely, there can be an abnormal response of blood vessels to the cold exposure causing persistent vasoconstriction and reduction of blood flow to the local tissue. This abnormal vascular response can lead to discoloration, pain, and formation of cutaneous lesions over the hands and feet and requires diagnostic evaluation for appropriate treatment intervention. In this report, we summarize the clinical course and management of a 6-year-old girl with a history of chronic and relapsing episodes of bluish discoloration of fingers and toes since the age of 2 years, who was diagnosed to have pernio or chilblains.
Treatment of addiction in the elderly

Although it is often not considered and frequently undiagnosed, addiction disorders are a significant problem in the elderly. Elders are at a higher risk for the consequences of abuse or addiction owing to changes related to aging, multiple medications and chronic illness. The consequences of addiction disorders in this population include delirium, memory loss, suicide, falls and fractures, as well as drug–drug or drug–disease interactions. Abuse or addiction to alcohol or prescription or illicit drugs often presents differently in the elderly, may be inadvertent or prescriber-related and requires a different approach to assessment. Coexisting psychiatric or physical disorders together with addiction need to be considered in the overall functional status of the elderly. Treatment should be individualized based on the patient’s needs, readiness for change and available resources, and should vary from brief outpatient intervention to inpatient care. Treatment outcomes for elders are as good as or better tha.
Don’t Children Grow Out of Their Obesity? Weight Transitions in Early Childhood

Background. Expert opinion and cross-sectional analyses posit that obese young children will likely “outgrow” their obesity. However, given the nature of the US childhood obesity epidemic, this assertion may no longer hold true. Objective. To compare the weight transitions between early childhood (3-5 years) and midchildhood (7-10 years) in 2 different longitudinal cohorts: black preschool children from the inner city and from a nationally representative sample. Results. Weight transitions for children who were normal weight at baseline were not markedly different between cohorts. However, overweight and obese low-income black children had a very high probability of becoming or remaining overweight or obese by follow-up (>90% probability) in comparison with the nationally representative cohort (50%-60% probability). Conclusion . Low-income black preschool children do not necessarily “outgrow” their obesity. These findings have implications for optimal timing of obesity interventions and suggest the need for an increasing focus on children during the early preschool years.
Identifying the “Tipping Point” Age for Overweight Pediatric Patients

According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2007, nearly half of all American children are either overweight or obese. Retrospective chart review identified patients with the diagnostic codes for overweight, obese, and/or excessive weight gain. Inclusion criteria were current age between 2 and 20 years, a minimum of 5 visits with weight and height measurements, and a body mass index (BMI) at or above the 85th percentile. A total of 184 patients met inclusion criteria. More than half the children became overweight before age 2, and all patients were obese or overweight by age 10. The rate of gain is approximately 1 excess BMI unit/year, therefore causing most children to be overweight by age 2 (R 2 = .53). This study indicates that the critical period for preventing childhood obesity in this subset of identified patients is during the first 2 years of life and for many by 3 months of age.
Ka-band propagation measurements and statistics for land mobile satellite applications

Ka-band (20/30 GHz) will be used extensively for fixed and mobile satellite communications in the next few years, especially for wide-band and multimedia applications. For this reason, a good knowledge of the propagation impairments and adequate propagation models for that frequency range are needed. In this paper, cumulative distribution functions (CDFs) of the received signal variations due to shadowing/blockage events at Ka-band using the 18.7-GHz beacon of the Italsat satellite for a number of representative environment types are presented. Approximate availability levels for three shadowing/blockage margins (5, 10, and 15 dB) are provided for three orientations of the road with respect to the satellite and for different environments: urban, suburban, and tree-shadowed. All measurements correspond to an elevation angle between 28/spl deg/ and 36/spl deg/.
Natural Disasters and Mass-Casualty Events Affecting Children and Families: A Description of Emergency Preparedness and the Role of the Primary Care Physician

Objectives. To determine the compliance of a select number of families with national recommendations for disaster preparedness. Patients and Methods. A questionnaire focusing on knowledge of community evacuation plans and the presence of a family emergency response plan was distributed simultaneously in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, and Bronx County, New York. Results. A total of 1024 questionnaires were analyzed, and it was found that 35% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 32-38) of families were familiar with community evacuation plans, and 43% (95% CI = 40-46) had a family emergency response plan. Also, 17% (95% CI = 15-19) of respondents had discussed preparedness with their primary care physician; this subset of respondents was more likely to be familiar with community evacuation plans and was more likely to have a family emergency response plan. Conclusions. These data show that families are, for the most part, not in compliance with national recommendations for preparedness. Families who discussed preparedness with their primary care physician were more likely to be compliant.
To what degree does the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) correctly identify DSM‐IV disorders? Testing validity issues in a clinical sample

This paper compares diagnoses of the DSM‐IV algorithms of the computer‐assisted version of the Munich‐Composite International Diagnostic Interview (M‐CIDI) with clinical diagnoses made by treating physicians using the standard LEAD procedure. A random sample of 68 patients being treated in three psychiatric and one neurological ward of the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry were first examined with the CIDI, using the M‐CIDI/DSM‐IV algorithms. Diagnostic findings were then compared with lifetime and cross‐sectional diagnoses assigned by the treating physician, who was blind to the CIDI findings, taking into account all available symptom and diagnostic information from current and previous charts as well as his own assessments. Clinicians were encouraged to use the DSM‐IV manual to assign multiple lifetime diagnoses and not to focus exclusively on primary diagnoses. To explore agreements and disagreements further, all discrepant cases were subsequently discussed with the treating physicians. There was generally good concordance between clinicians and interview DSM‐IV diagnoses, with the exception of psychotic disorders (kappa: 0.21), dysthymia (0.54) and somatoform disorders (0.50), with kappa values for the remaining categories ranging from 0.63 (any panic disorder) to 0.96 (any depressive episode). It is concluded that the M‐CIDI, in clinical cases, provides valid diagnoses for almost all non‐psychotic disorders and is sensitive for all disorders but might have reduced specificity and predictive value in some anxiety and somatoform disorders. Copyright © 1998 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Younger Asthmatics Are Less Likely to Receive Inhaled Corticosteroids and Asthma Education After Admission for Exacerbation

Background: Recommended care prior to discharge from an asthma hospitalization includes prescribing controller medications, providing asthma education, and scheduling a follow-up appointment. Objective:To identify factors associated with receipt of recommended preventive care among children hospitalized for asthma. Methods: Retrospective chart review of patients 2-18 years with primary diagnosis of asthma admitted to MUSC Children’s Hospital in 2005. Gender, race, age (2-6 yrs v. 7-18 yrs), primary payer, and season of admission were recorded. Outcome variables were: prescription for inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), asthma education, and scheduling a follow-up appointment. Results: Of the 146 subjects analyzed, 59% were male, 69% non-white, 64% 2-6 years old, 73% Medicaid/other, and 66% were admitted between Oct-March. 73% were prescribed ICS, 71% got asthma education, and 66% had a follow-up appointment scheduled. Bivariate analyses showed that 2-6 year olds were less likely to get ICS (65% v. 88% p < .01) and asthma education (64% v. 84% p < .05). Multivariable analyses demonstrated that younger children were less likely to get ICS (OR= 0.27 95% CI 0.10 - 0.70), younger children were less likely to get asthma education (OR 0.29 95% CI 0.11- 0.74), and commercial payer patients were less likely to get follow-up appointments scheduled (OR 0.39 95% CI 0.18 -0.87) (all models, p < .05). Conclusions: Among children hospitalized for asthma at our institution, younger patients are significantly less likely to receive inhaled steroids and asthma education. Targeting younger asthmatics may be a way to efficiently and effectively improve delivery of recommended preventive care in the hospital.
Drug Information Sources: Reported Preferences By General Practitioners

Objective : To estimate general practitioners’ (GPs) self-reported exposure, use, andvalue assessments of different drug information sources, and explore strategies for information seeking in regard to newly approved drugs . Participants and methods A self-administered questionnaire was sent to GPs (n = 291) in an urban area of Sweden covering approximately 10% of the Swedish population. Results Response rate was 69% (202). More verbal noncommercial information was requested by 61% of the respondents. Two out of the three sources rated as most valuable were noncommercial. Commercial written information was received weekly by 67%. Regarding awareness of new drugs, the top sources were direct mail advertisements and written information from the regulatory authority. Differences in how quickly the GPs would consider prescribing a new drug were reported depending on the drug class. For example, 64% of GPs reported that they would try a new low-sedating antihistamine rather quickly, while only 6% said so regarding a new H2-blocker. Conclusion Noncommercial drug information sources have high credibility. GPs would like more verbal noncommercial drug information. Individualized information strategies tailor-made for different drug categories appear to be important.