Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Differential Item Functioning by HIV Status and Sexual Orientation of the Center for Epidemiological Studies–Depression Scale: An Item Response Theory Analysis

The Center for Epidemiological Studies–Depression Scale (CES-D) is the most widely used instrument to assess depressive symptoms in people living with HIV. However, its differential item functioning (DIF) by HIV status and sexual orientation has yet to be explored. This study examined DIF and measurement invariance of the CES-D using an item response theory (IRT) framework, and a more traditional factor analytic approach. Data from 841 HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected individuals, from Miami, Florida, were analyzed. Uniform DIF by HIV status was detected in Items 4, 12, and 16 from the Positive Affect factor. Nonuniform DIF was detected in Items 13 and 17. Uniform DIF by sexual orientation was detected in Items 2, 15, and 19, two of them from the Interpersonal factor. Nonuniform DIF was detected in Item 2. Using a factor analytic approach, the CES-D was invariant at the configural and metric levels by HIV and sexual orientation. These findings indicate that overall, however, using IRT, the magnitudes of DIF were negligible, the CED-D was somewhat invariant using factor analytic methods; the CES-D may be reliably used to compare by HIV status or sexual orientation.
Long non-coding RNA TCONS_00000200 as a non-invasive biomarker in patients with intracranial aneurysm

Abstract We performed long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) microarray assay to identify lncRNAs with differential expression between patients with intracranial aneurysm (IA) and healthy control individuals to evaluate their potential use as biomarkers of IA. Arraystar Human lncRNA Microarray v3.0 was performed to identify differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs in plasma samples (4 ml). lncRNAs with the most pronounced differential expression were used to select gene markers, and results were validated by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Plasma levels of TCONS_00000200 (fold change: 2.28) and ENST00000511927 (fold change: 2.50) were significantly higher in IA patients than in healthy individuals (P<0.001), and plasma levels of ENST00000421997 (fold change: 0.45) and ENST00000538202 (fold change: 0.43) were significantly lower in IA patients than in healthy individuals (P<0.001). qRT-PCR confirmed the same trends of up- and down-regulation of these four lncRNAs. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for TCONS_00000200 showed that the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.963 (95% confidence interval, 0.919–1.000), optimal cut-off point was 0.0081, sensitivity was 90.0%, and specificity was 96.7%. These results indicate that the lncRNA TCONS_00000200 is differentially expressed in the plasma of IA patients and could serve as a biomarker of IA.
Estimating ages of bear claw marks in Southeast Asian tropical forests as an aid to population monitoring

Abstract Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) and sun bears (Helarctos malayanus) in Southeast Asia leave claw marks on climbed trees that provide a cumulative history of their presence and activities, but this record can be difficult to interpret without knowing the age of the marks. We conducted an experiment to estimate ages of bear claw marks by monitoring 212 fresh claw mark sets (most of which we created to mimic real claw marks) on 122 trees from 17 families in Thailand. We categorized marks as looking fresh (presence of woody grit, sharp edges), recent (absence of woody grit), or old (bark growth in the gouges), and estimated the duration of these age categories using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Most marks (81%) remained fresh for at least 2 months, but by 3 months, 75% had transitioned to recent (median 2.6 months). By 10 months, 90% of fresh marks became old (median 7.3 months). Wood hardness had no effect on aging rates. Marks created in the rainy season and those on thin-barked trees aged slightly faster than dry season marks or marks on thick-barked trees, but these differences were slight enough that they could be disregarded in population monitoring programs based on abundance of sign. Simulation models we constructed indicated that the density of fresh (or fresh plus recent) sign would more closely correspond with the number of bears in an area than would the density of all sign or the ratio of new∶old sign, because old sign persists for a long (≥24 months) and variable time, so would tend to be a poor reflection of bear abundance. Fresh claw marks also can be linked to phenology and fruit production of climbed trees, so could provide information on bear feeding habits.
Distribution of human killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptors and ligands among blood donors of Catalonia

Killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptors (KIR) belong to a diverse family of receptors present in NK cells and certain subsets of T cells. They bind to HLA class I molecules and, such as these, are highly polymorphic. This study is the first to determine KIR gene content diversity and perform high‐resolution genotyping of corresponding HLA class I ligands in 445 unrelated blood donors resident in Catalonia (northeast Spanish region) and registered in the Blood and Tissue Bank of Barcelona between 2017 and 2018. The study was performed using a new next‐generation sequencing method developed and validated by our group, with an important hands‐on‐time reduction and very cost‐effectiveness. Thirty‐eight KIR genotypes were observed. Haplotype combination frequencies were 24.49% for AA, 75.51% for BX. The most frequent genotype, found in 109 individuals (24.49%), was genotype ID 1. Seventeen genotypes occurred only once. Thirty individuals carried all KIR genes (genotype ID 6). We detected 46 HLA‐A, 63 HLA‐A‐B, and 40 HLA‐A‐C alleles. A majority of individuals were heterozygous for C1/C2 (42.24%), 38.43% were homozygous for C1, and 19.33% were homozygous for C2. The most common KIR‐HLA ligand pair was KIR3DL1‐Bw4+, present in 75.73% of cases. No differences were found in KIR gene frequencies between the Catalan cohort and other Iberian Peninsula populations. Our findings will be useful for guiding further research evaluating the functional significance of KIR‐ligand associations in specific diseases.
INFLUENCE OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY ON EMPLOYEES’ PERFORMANCE IN THE FLOWER INDUSTRY IN KENYA: A CASE STUDY OF PENTA FLOWERS LIMITED, THIKA SUB-COUNTY

Human Resource is one of the most valuable assets that organizations have. Effective and efficient use of human resource foresees any organization at top level due to high human resource job performance. However, there have been instances of lack of occupational health and safety measures at workplace which has left employees exposed to various kinds of health hazards. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of occupational safety and health on employees’ performance in Flower Industry in Kenya; A Case Study of Penta Flowers Limited in Thika Sub-county. The specific objectives included; to investigate the influence of OSHA training and employees’ attitudes towards OSHA on employees’ performance in Penta Flowers Limited, Thika Sub-county, Kiambu County, Kenya. The study adopted mixed methods approach and applied explanatory sequential design. The target population comprised of 20 management officers, 50 supervisors and 130 general workers all totaling to 200. Questionnaires were used to collect data from supervisors whereas interviews were used to collect data from management officers and general workers. The study established that training of employees and employees’ attitudes influenced their performance. However, this was not the case in Penta Flowers Firm. There had not been frequent training and employees rarely manifested positive attitude towards OSHA. The study recommended that the Management of Penta Flowers should develop integrated training approach for all employees where employees could access effective training at different times convenient for them. Employees should be encouraged to develop positive attitude towards OSHA as a way of mitigating the injurie s often incurred at workplaces. Key Words: Training, Employees Attitudes, Employee Performance, Health and Safety
Random and Gene Specific Amplification as Tool for Phylogenetic Assessment: A Study of HIV Subjects From North India

Genetic polymorphisms are frequent variations at a specific location in the genome. They arise from the mutation at a locus. This preliminary work is aimed to assess the application of random and gene specific amplification as tools for phylogenetic study in HIV +ve subjects from two North Indian states (Punjab and Rajasthan). DNA extracted from 44 samples of HIV +ve blood (22 samples from each location) was subjected to random amplified polymorphic DNA – polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR) by using 12 different primers. These include RAPD as well as human gene specific primers for liver function parameters. The results were subjected to phylogenetic assessment as well as analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) for estimating population differentiation. When combined primers were used, AMOVA indicated that, higher percentage of variation (84 %) was attributed to within the population variation than among the population variation (16 %) of region under study. Our results confirm the authenticity of molecular marker analysis as the cluster pattern generated by combined primer analysis seems to be an extended pattern of analysis based on different individual primer sets. A combination of all primer sets will therefore help to provide whole genome coverage and reduce the errors in genetic similarity estimation based on any one marker system alone. These results can be of significant importance in future studies on assessment of genetic polymorphisms by using RAPD as well as gene specific primers.
The impact of financial constraints on innovation: evidence from French manufacturing firms

This paper examines the impact of financial constraints on innovation for established firms. We make use of a qualitative indicator of the existence of financial constraints based on firms' own assessment obtained thanks to a French specific survey. Thus, the existence of financial constraints for innovation is measured by a direct indicator whereas previous studies rely on proxies (like the cash-flow sensitivity) subject to interpretation problems. The descriptive analysis of balance sheet structures reveals that innovative firms without financial constraints have the best profile in terms of economic performances, financing structure and risk whereas non innovative firms facing financial constraints have the poorest profile. From the econometric point of view, the probabilities of implementing innovative projects and of facing financial constraints are simultaneously estimated by a recursive bivariate probit model to account for the endogeneity of the financial constraint variable. We then find that firms having innovative projects face financial constraints that significantly reduce the likelihood that they implement their innovative investment. The probability of facing financing constraints is explained by firms' ex ante financing structure and economic performances, by industry sector and it decreases with firms' size.
Obesity and dental caries in early childhood: A systematic review and meta‐analyses

Obesity and dental caries in children are significant health problems. The aims of this review are to identify whether children aged 6 years and younger with overweight and/or obesity have higher dental caries experience compared with children with normal weight and, secondly, to identify the common risk factors associated with both conditions. Medline, Embase, and seven other databases were systematically searched followed by lateral searches from reference lists, grey literature, theses, conference proceedings, and contacting field experts. Longitudinal observational studies addressing overweight and/or obesity and dental caries in children aged 6 years and younger were included. A random effects model meta‐analyses were applied. Nine studies were included in this review. Children with overweight and obesity had a significantly higher dental caries experience compared with children with normal weight (n = 6). The pooled estimates showed that difference in caries experience between the two groups was statistically significant. Low levels of parental income and education were identified to be associated with both conditions in the sample population. Children with overweight and obesity are more vulnerable to dental caries. Low levels of parental income and education influence the relationship between the two conditions. However, the quality of evidence varied considerably; therefore, findings should be interpreted cautiously.
The effect of sensory brand experience and involvement on brand equity directly and indirectly through consumer brand engagement

Purpose This study aims to examine the effect of sensory brand experience and involvement on brand equity directly and indirectly through cognitive, emotional and behavioral consumer brand engagement (CBE). Design/methodology/approach A survey was administered to the customers of a Finnish tableware brand using relevant Facebook channels. A total of 1,390 responses were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling. Findings The empirical findings suggest that both involvement and sensory brand experience are directly related to the three facets of CBE. Further, involvement, sensory brand experience and CBE jointly explain more than 50 per cent of the variance in brand equity. In addition, the results reveal that emotional engagement was the most influential factor in determining consumers’ overall engagement level. Research limitations/implications The framework should be tested in other contexts, and the application of longitudinal research setting is encouraged. Practical implications The study highlights not only the importance of holistic CBE management but also the necessity to manage sensory aspects of consumer–brand interactions. In this way, managers can build sustainable consumer–brand relationships. Originality/value The nomological network of CBE is not well-known. This study integrates two central constructs (sensory brand experience and brand equity) with the concept of CBE and examines their effects on brand equity both directly and indirectly through cognitive, emotional and behavioral CBE.
Diagnostic Evaluation of a High-Sensitivity Troponin I Point-of-Care Assay.

BACKGROUND Increasing numbers of patients are presenting worldwide to emergency departments with suspected myocardial infarction. The use of point-of-care troponin assays might enable faster decision-making in this high-risk population and reduce the burden on emergency facilities. Here, we evaluate the diagnostic performance of a point-of-care high-sensitivity troponin I assay. METHODS We conducted a prospective cohort study including patients presenting to the emergency department with suspected myocardial infarction from July 2013 to July 2016. A diagnostic algorithm for a high-sensitivity troponin I point-of-care assay was developed in a derivation data set with 669 patients and validated in an additional 610 patients. RESULTS The derived 0/1 h algorithm for the point-of-care assay consisted of an admission troponin I <4 ng/L and a δ from 0 h to 1 h <3 ng/L for rule out and an admission troponin I ≥90 ng/L or a δ from 0 h to 1 h ≥20 ng/L for rule in of non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Application to the validation cohort showed a negative predictive value of 99.7% (95% CI, 98.1%-100.0%) and 48.0% of patients ruled out, whereas 14.6% were ruled in with a positive predictive value of 86.5% (95% CI, 77.6%-92.8%). The diagnostic performance of the point-of-care high-sensitivity assay was highly comparable to guideline-recommended use of a laboratory-based high-sensitivity troponin assay. CONCLUSIONS The clinical application of a 0/1 h diagnostic algorithm based on a high-sensitivity troponin I point-of-care assay is safe, and diagnostic performance is comparable to a laboratory-based high-sensitivity troponin I assay.
Explorer Image Description using Visual Dependency Representations

Describing the main event of an image involves identifying the objects depicted and predicting the relationships between them. Previous approaches have represented images as unstructured bags of regions, which makes it difficult to accurately predict meaningful relationships between regions. In this paper, we introduce visual dependency representations to capture the relationships between the objects in an image, and hypothesize that this representation can improve image description. We test this hypothesis using a new data set of region-annotated images, associated with visual dependency representations and gold-standard descriptions. We describe two template-based description generation models that operate over visual dependency representations. In an image description task, we find that these models outperform approaches that rely on object proximity or corpus information to generate descriptions on both automatic measures and on human judgements.
TRANSIT ROUTE CHARACTERISTICS AND HEADWAY-BASED RELIABILITY CONTROL

Previous research has provided a method for improving transit service reliability through headway-based control by using models developed and validated from empirical data. In implementing this strategy, identification of transit routes the characteristics of which can potentially yield significant reductions in passenger wait time is a critical issue. In this paper, several characteristics of the transit route are examined to identify the most appropriate conditions under which headway-based control should be exercised. The paper includes an evaluation of several boarding and alighting profiles that typify ridership characteristics of metropolitan bus systems, sensitivity analyses to determine if small boarding changes or increased volumes affect the benefits of headway-based control, the effects of changes in the weight assigned to passengers detained at the control stop compared with those waiting downstream, the impact of initial headway variation at the route origin, and the effect of parking considerations along a route. The results indicate that profiles with passengers boarding at the middle and alighting at the end of a route produce the most significant savings in passenger wait time when headway-based control is implemented. Improvements in wait-time reduction diminish as more passengers board at early stops and are enhanced as the total ridership increases. Increases in the initial headway variation and amount of parking permitted along a route help deteriorate route reliability and thus improve the effectiveness of implementing a control strategy. The effect of assigning more importance to passengers detained at the control point compared with passengers waiting downstream of control decreases the effectiveness of implementing a headway-based control strategy, as expected. Collectively, the findings are intuitively appealing and suggest preferred conditions under which headway-based control is a viable operating strategy.
GSTM1 and Liver Iron Content in Children with Sickle Cell Anemia and Iron Overload

Chronic blood transfusions in patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA) cause iron overload, which occurs with a degree of interpatient variability in serum ferritin and liver iron content (LIC). Reasons for this variability are unclear and may be influenced by genes that regulate iron metabolism. We evaluated the association of the copy number of the glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) gene and degree of iron overload among patients with SCA. We compared LIC in 38 children with SCA and ≥12 lifetime erythrocyte transfusions stratified by GSTM1 genotype. Baseline LIC was measured using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), R2*MRI within 3 months prior to, and again after, starting iron unloading therapy. After controlling for weight-corrected transfusion burden (mL/kg) and splenectomy, mean pre-chelation LIC (mg/g dry liver dry weight) was similar in all groups: GSTM1 wild-type (WT) (11.45, SD±6.8), heterozygous (8.2, SD±4.52), and homozygous GSTM1 deletion (GSTM1-null; 7.8, SD±6.9, p = 0.09). However, after >12 months of chelation, GSTM1-null genotype subjects had the least decrease in LIC compared to non-null genotype subjects (mean LIC change for GSTM1-null = 0.1 (SD±3.3); versus −0.3 (SD±3.0) and −1.9 (SD±4.9) mg/g liver dry weight for heterozygous and WT, respectively, p = 0.047). GSTM1 homozygous deletion may prevent effective chelation in children with SCA and iron overload.
Narratives of inquiry learning in middle-school geographic inquiry class

ABSTRACT This study aimed at modifying a teaching and learning model for a geographic inquiry to enhance both the subject-related skills of geography and so-called twenty-first century skills in middle-school students (14–15 years old). The purpose of this research is to extend our understanding of the user experiences concerning certain tools for learning such as maps and information and communication technology when they are used alongside the inquiry learning model by examining the narratives produced by the students in one compulsory middle-school geography course. The data comprised interviews with students from three different classes in the same school. The narrative of the “negotiating master of self-regulation” was identified as the dominant narrative of the experiences of the progressive inquiry model. This narrative depicts a learner who benefits from progressive inquiry and has the appropriate communication and collaboration skills to cope and succeed in the twenty-first century. Two counter-narratives – the “solo learner in need of support” and “solo master of self-regulation” narratives – in which the skills for self-regulated learning and negotiation varied from high to low, were also identified. The results also indicate experiences of under-using the available technological applications.
Coping with Problems of Understanding in Interorganizational Relationships: Using Formalization as a Means to Make Sense

Research into the management of interorganizational relationships has hitherto primarily focused on problems of coordination, control, and to a lesser extent, legitimacy. In this article, we assert that partners cooperating in such relationships are also confronted with ‘problems of understanding’. Such problems arise from differences between partners in terms of culture, experience, structure and industry, and from the uncertainty and ambiguity that participants in interorganizational relationships experience in early stages of collaboration. Building on Karl Weick’s theory of sensemaking, we advance that participants in interorganizational relationships use formalization as a means to make sense of their partners, the interorganizational relationships in which they are engaged and the contexts in which these are embedded so as to diminish problems of understanding. We offer a systematic overview of the mechanisms through which formalization facilitates sensemaking, including: (1) focusing participants’ attention; (2) provoking articulation, deliberation and reflection; (3) instigating and maintaining interaction; and (4) reducing judgement errors and individual biases, and diminishing the incompleteness and inconsistency of cognitive representations. In this way, the article contributes to a better understanding of the relationships between formalization and sensemaking in collaborative relationships, and it carries Karl Weick’s thinking on the relationship between sense-making and organizing forward in the context of interorganizational management.