Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Psychological Need Fulfillment Among Workers in an Exercise Intervention

The purpose of this study was to explore the perceived factors affecting workers' participation in an exercise intervention and interpret the findings within self-determination theory (Ryan & Deci, 2000a; 2007). Research examining the impact of psychological need satisfaction on exercise outcomes is not well established (McDonough & Crocker, 2007; Ryan & Deci, 2007). Even less is known about the processes through which workers negotiate a range of individual, group and context-based factors to fulfill these basic needs in exercise settings. To provide such insight, focus group interviews were conducted with 10 factory workers to discuss their involvement in a 7-week exercise intervention. Results indicated that a negotiation of complementary and competing factors (i.e., skill acquisition and regaining physical capabilities, a sense of camaraderie, characteristics of the trainer, exercise context, a sense of obligation, scheduling) affected workers' need fulfillment, which ultimately affected their exercise adherence. The implications for health practitioners aiming to meet the psychological needs of workers involved in exercise interventions are discussed.
Effect of Long‐Term Exposure to Fluoride in Drinking Water on Risks of Bone Fractures

Findings on the risk of bone fractures associated with long‐term fluoride exposure from drinking water have been contradictory. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of bone fracture, including hip fracture, in six Chinese populations with water fluoride concentrations ranging from 0.25 to 7.97 parts per million (ppm). A total of 8266 male and female subjects ≥50 years of age were enrolled. Parameters evaluated included fluoride exposure, prevalence of bone fractures, demographics, medical history, physical activity, cigarette smoking, and alcohol consumption. The results confirmed that drinking water was the only major source of fluoride exposure in the study populations. A U‐shaped pattern was detected for the relationship between the prevalence of bone fracture and water fluoride level. The prevalence of overall bone fracture was lowest in the population of 1.00‐1.06 ppm fluoride in drinking water, which was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than that of the groups exposed to water fluoride levels ≥4.32 and ≤0.34 ppm. The prevalence of hip fractures was highest in the group with the highest water fluoride (4.32‐7.97 ppm). The value is significantly higher than the population with 1.00‐1.06 ppm water fluoride, which had the lowest prevalence rate. It is concluded that long‐term fluoride exposure from drinking water containing ≥4.32 ppm increases the risk of overall fractures as well as hip fractures. Water fluoride levels at 1.00‐1.06 ppm decrease the risk of overall fractures relative to negligible fluoride in water; however, there does not appear to be similar protective benefits for the risk of hip fractures.
Physics-based compact model of nanoscale MOSFETs-Part I: transition from drift-diffusion to ballistic transport

In this paper, we present a physics-based analytical model for nanoscale MOSFETs that allows us to seamlessly cover the whole range of regimes from drift-diffusion (DD) to ballistic (B) transport, taking into account quantum confinement in the channel. In Part I we focus on MOSFETs with ultrathin bodies, in which quantum confinement is structural rather than field-induced, and investigate in detail an analytical description of the transition from drift-diffusion to B transport based on the Bu/spl uml/ttiker approach to dissipative transport. We first start from the derivation of a closed form analytical expression of the Natori model for B MOSFETs, and show that a MOSFET with finite scattering length can be described as a suitable chain of B MOSFETs. Then, we are able to compact the behavior of the B chain in a simple analytical model. In the derivation, we also find a similarity between the B limit in the chain and the saturation velocity effect, that leads us to propose an alternative implementation of the saturation velocity effect in compact models.
A comparison of the neuropsychological profiles of people living in squalor without hoarding to those living in squalor associated with hoarding

Squalor affects 1 in 1000 older people and is regarded as a secondary condition to other primary disorders such as dementia, intellectual impairment and alcohol abuse. Squalor frequently is associated with hoarding behaviour. We compared the neuropsychological profile of people living in squalor associated with hoarding to those presenting with squalor only.
Heterogeneity of human serum amyloid A proteins

Serum amyloid A proteins (SAA), presumed precursors of the tissue amyloid A proteins (AA) characteristic of secondary amyloidosis, have been isolated from the plasma high-density lipoproteins (HDL) of normals after etiocholanolone-induced inflammation and from patients with Wegener's granulomatosis, systemic lupus erythematosis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia, and Goodpasture's syndrome. At least six polymorphic forms of SAA wer identified among the low molecular weight proteins of HDL, and these comprosed up to 27% of the total HDL protein. Gel and ion-exchange chromatography permitted isolation of the SAA polymorphs in homogeneous form. Their amino acid compositions were very similar, they were indistinguishable in cationic and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis systems, and each had the terminal sequency COOH- Tyr-Lys-Phe-. Charge heterogeneity in anionic-urea polyacrylamide gel electropherograms was unaffected by neuaminidase treatment, and none of the SAA protein bands stained with the periodate-Schiff reagent. The two major SAA polymorphs, designated SAA4 and SAA5 according to their order of elution from DEAE-cellulose, had different NH2-terminal sequences. Manual Edman degradation demonstrated NH2-arg-ser-phe-phe- for SAA4 and NH2-ser-phe-phe- for SAA5. This NH2-terminal heterogeneity corresponds to that most frequently reported for AA and suggests that microheterogeneity in SAA may underlie that already documented in AA. Sufficient quantitites of the other SAA polymorphs were not available for similar analyses, but the amino acid compositions do not indicate that NH2-terminal heterogeneity accounts for all of the observed polymorphism. Artifactual polymorphism also appears unlikely, and the heterogeneiy of SAA may reflect origin from more than one cell type with or without posttranslational modificaton. We calculate from quantitative COOH-terminal analyses that SAA is of 11,000-11,900 mol wt. Primary structure studies have shown AA t be a single chain protein of 76 residues, and SAA, therefore, appears to contain a peptide of 33 amino acids that is missing from AA.
Body composition of English Premier League soccer players: Influence of playing position, international status, and ethnicity

Abstract Body composition is a key consideration in the physical make-up of professional soccer players. The aims of the present study were to determine whether the body composition of professional soccer players varied according to playing position, international status or ethnicity, and to establish which variables best distinguished the soccer players from a reference group. Body composition was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in 64 male professional soccer players. Measured variables included bone mineral density and the relative amounts of lean and fat mass. Data were analysed using analysis of variance and stepwise discriminant function. The soccer players recorded better values than a reference group (n = 24) for all body composition compartments. Percent lean mass and bone mineral density were the variables best able to identify the soccer players (95.5% correctly classified). Differences in body composition were evident between goalkeepers and outfield players, but not between outfield playing positions. No differences were found on the basis of international status. The non-Caucasian players demonstrated significantly lower percent body fat (9.2 ± 2.0%) than the Caucasian players (10.7 ± 1.8%). It was concluded that body composition is important for elite soccer players, but that homogeneity between players at top professional clubs results in little variation between individuals.
A comparative study of seed localization and dose calculation on pre- and post-implantation ultrasound and CT images for low-dose-rate prostate brachytherapy

This work investigates variation in the volume of the prostate measured at different stages through the prostate brachytherapy procedure for 30 patients treated with I-125 radioactive seeds. The implanted seeds were localized on post-implantation ultrasound (US) images and the effect of prostate enlargement due to edema on dose coverage for 15 patients was studied. The volume of the prostate was measured at four stages as follows: (a) 2–3 weeks prior to implantation using US imaging, (b) then at the start of the intra-operative prostate brachytherapy procedure on the day of the implant, (c) immediately post-implantation using US imaging in the operating room and (d) finally by CT imaging at nearly 4 weeks post-implantation. Comparative prostate volume studies were performed using US imaging stepper and twister modes. For the purpose of this study, the implanted seeds were localized successfully on post-implant ultrasound twister images, retrospectively. The plans using post-implant US imaging were compared with intra-operative plans on US and plans created on CT images. The prostate volume increases about 10 cm3 on average due to edema induced by needle insertion and seed loading during implantation. The visibility of the implanted seeds on US twister images acquired post-implantation is as good as those on CT images and can be localized and used for dose calculation. The dose coverage represented by parameters such as D90 (dose covering 90% of the volume) and V100 (volume covered by 100% dose) is poorer on plans performed on post-implantation twister US studies than on the intra-operative live plan or the CT scan performed 4 weeks post-operatively. For example, the mean D90 difference on post-implantation US is lower by more than 15% than that on pre-implantation US. The volume enlargement of the prostate due to edema induced by needle insertion and seed placement has a significant effect on the quality of dosimetric coverage in brachytherapy prostate seed implants. Here, we introduced a new approach based on the use of post-implant US twister images to correct for prostate enlargement intra-operatively. Besides the ability to localize the seeds and superior soft tissue visibility, the twister US images include effects of the enlargement of the prostate gland and seed migration during the implantation procedure.
Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in critical surgical illness.

BACKGROUND Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) is the leading cause of death in surgical patients and in trauma patients who survive the first 24 h. First observed systematically among Vietnam War-era battle casualties who began to survive previously fatal injuries owing to improved evacuation, triage, and resuscitation, only to develop catastrophic manifestations of organ failure never before seen, the syndrome was recognized formally in 1975 as "multiple organ failure. " Ensuing observations and investigations, undertaken in large part by surgeon-scientists, have refined our current understanding of MODS, yielding better outcomes. METHODS Review and synthesis of pertinent literature with personal observations and recollections of the senior investigator. RESULTS The MODS is now recognized as a continuum of physiologic derangements, rather than an all-or-nothing phenomenon. The most common precipitant appears to be ischemia-reperfusion injury, although severe sepsis also is commonplace. Descriptive biology has enhanced the understanding of the pathogenesis and outcomes of MODS, although the therapy is largely supportive, making prevention of paramount importance. Measures such as drotrecogin alfa (activated), intensive insulin therapy, corticosteroids, and low tidal volume ventilation may be effective. CONCLUSIONS Although current treatment of MODS remains primarily supportive, the mortality rate appears to be decreasing. Appreciation of the interrelations between the inflammatory and coagulation systems provides hope in the battle against this frequent, elusive, deadly, and costly syndrome.
Islamic religious leaders' knowledge and attitudes towards AIDS and their perception of people living with HIV/AIDS: a qualitative study.

PURPOSE This qualitative descriptive study explored Muslim religious leaders' perception, knowledge and attitudes towards AIDS, AIDS prevention and their attitudes towards people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). METHODS Twenty Islamic religious leaders (males and females) participated in two audio-taped focus group discussions. A content analysis approach was used to analyse the data as appropriate for descriptive qualitative inquiry. FINDINGS The study results showed that Muslim religious leaders do not perceive AIDS as a major health problem in Jordan, and that following the Islamic values lowers the risky behaviours. The religious leaders reflected varied responses to PLWHA but they agreed that they have responsibilities towards the prevention of HIV/AIDS, and that sex education contributes to healthy behaviours, and consequently to the prevention of HIV transmission. CONCLUSION The findings of this study provided an insight into Muslim religious leaders' perception of PLWHA and highlighted the importance of their role in the prevention of AIDS. The study recommended that health care professionals, including nurses and health policy makers, should involve religious leaders in all efforts directed at planning and setting policies aimed at the prevention of HIV/AIDS and the treatment of infected people. Nurses should be responsible for conducting HIV/AIDS prevention programs in different settings utilizing relevant religious guidelines and teachings, in addition to providing holistic care to AIDS patients with emphasis on the spiritual dimension.
Being Involved and Making a Difference

Background: The relationships between poverty, empowerment, and health are of theoretical and practical interest to nurses, yet few researchers have examined volunteerism in poor communities from a holistic health perspective. Purpose: This study explores the experiences of women engaged in community volunteer work in the context of economic poverty. Method: Individual, in-depth interviews were conducted with 8 women, ages 21 to 77 years, who qualified for federal assistance or self-identified as low-income and were currently involved in volunteer community work. Findings: Participants’ stories of being involved and making a difference illustrated women making connections, developing relationships, gaining knowledge and skills, increasing self-esteem and confidence, reaching out to help others, and strengthening communities. Conclusion: At both the individual and community level, well-being was enhanced through women’s community volunteerism in the context of economic poverty. Implications: At the individual and community levels, well-being was enhanced through women’s community volunteerism in the context of economic poverty. From a holistic nursing perspective, the findings provide support for community volunteerism as a health-promoting strategy among women living in economic poverty.
Are Patients Aware of Their Rights? A Turkish study

The ability to differentiate between what is just and what is unjust may be considered as the precondition to demand one's own rights. Starting from this point, this research was carried out to describe the level of awareness of patients concerning their rights. The main hypothesis was: the higher the socioeconomic and cultural level of patients, the higher is their awareness of their rights. This research was conducted in one of the state hospitals in Turkey in 1998. It is a descriptive study carried out on 128 inpatients in medical and surgical wards. The data were collected by a questionnaire, which included questions on the rights of patients and gave sample cases. The sample cases were designed by referring to the World Health Organization Declaration on the Promotion of Patients' Rights in Europe. Only 23% of the participants were able to recognize patient rights, while 32% could not; the majority (45%) were undecided in recognizing patient rights. The awareness scores were statistically significantly different for educational level categories (F = 5.84; p<0.001). A continuously declining trend was observed for patient rights awareness scores from the highest educational level to the lowest. This partly proves the hypothesis of the research. However, the awareness scores were not significantly different for the other background variables (p>0.05). Most strikingly, 38% of the patients had no idea about their diagnosis and 63% of those who had undergone surgery did not know why they had had the operation.
Price comparison of high-cost originator medicines in European countries

ABSTRACT Background: In recent years, high-cost medicines have increasingly been challenging the public health budget in all countries including high-income economies. In this context, this study aims to survey, analyze and compare prices of medicines that likely contribute to high expenditure for the public payers in high-income countries. Methods: We chose the following 16 European countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden, Slovakia, Spain and United Kingdom. The ex-factory price data of 30 medicines in these countries were collected in national databases accessible through the Pharmaceutical Price Information (PPI) service of Gesundheit Österreich GmbH (Austrian Public Health Institute). Results: The ex-factory prices (median) per unit (e.g. per tablet, vial) ranged from 10.67 cent (levodopa + decarboxylase inhibitor) to 17,000 euro (ipilimumab). A total of 53% of the medicines surveyed had a unit ex-factory price (median) above 200 Euro. For two thirds of the medicines, price differences between the highest-priced country and lowest-priced country ranged between 25 and 100%; the remaining medicines, mainly low-priced medicines, had higher price differential, up to 251%. Medicines with unit prices of a few euros or less were medicines for the treatment of diseases in the nervous system (anti-depressants, medicines to treat Parkinson and for the management of neuropathic pain), of obstructive airway diseases and cardio-vascular medicines (lipid modifying agents). High-priced medicines were particularly cancer medicines. Conclusion: Medicine prices of Greece, Hungary, Slovakia and UK were frequently at the lower end, German and Swedish, as well as Danish and Irish prices at the upper end. For high-priced medicines, actual paid prices are likely to be lower due to confidential discounts and similar funding arrangements between industry and public payers. Pricing authorities refer to the higher undiscounted prices when they use price data from other countries for their pricing decisions.
Immune cell differentiation in mammary gland tissues and milk of cows chronically infected with Staphylococcus aureus.

This study identifies and compares the distribution of mononuclear cells in the mammary gland tissues and milk of healthy and chronically infected with Staphylococcus aureus cows. Somatic cell counts (SCCs) during the 3 months before the study were > 1 x 10(6) cell/ml in the infected quarters and < 1 x 10(5) cell/ml in the infection-free quarters. Immediately after slaughter, samples from the tissues above the gland cistern and supra-mammary lymph node were collected. No histological differences were found between the supra-mammary lymph nodes of the healthy and infected udders, and both appeared normal. In the milk of the healthy infection-free mammary glands, SCC was < 50,000 cells/ml) while epithelial cells were the predominant type. The percentage of CD18+ was low than 45%, of which over three-quarters were polymorphonuclear (PMN), and less than one- quarter were mononuclear cells. The later comprised CD4+ or CD8+ T-lymphocytes, macrophages (Mo) but not B-cells. In the tissues, there were few CD18+ leukocytes, and most of the cells were T-lymphocytes. The number of B-lymphocytes bearing CD21+ was similar to that of CD8+ and were localized in the connective tissue as clusters of 2-5 cells, mainly in areas with no alveoli, or as single cell having a dendritic like form. The number of Mos was negligible. In the milk of the infected glands, SCC exceeded 700,000 cells/ml, of which > 95% were CD18+ positive. The distribution of the leukocytes had two patterns: one presented (> 80%) of PMN cells and a small number of mononuclear cells; the second had less than 50% PMN and many mononuclear cells. The CD8+ cells in these infected sections were observed throughout the mammary epithelial cells (MEc) around the alveoli and in the alveolar lumen (AL). The numbers and the location of CD21+ B-lymphocytes were similar to those in the infection-free mammary glands. The number of CD5+ positive cells was lower than T and B- cells combined and were located throughout the mammary epithelial cells, around the alveoli and within the connective tissue. Mo numbers were high in most of those infected quarters, and were localized around the connective tissue and within the AL.
On Ricardo and Cambridge

David Ricardo’s key place in the history of economic thought is well established. However, both the understanding of his Principles of Political Economy and Taxation and its role in the development of economic analysis is much more controversial. Cambridge economists have contributed significantly to both of these issues. They have played an important part in two extremely divergent interpretations of Ricardo’s place in the development of economic thought. Understanding how Ricardo has been viewed in Cambridge does not result in homogeneity, but in a spectrum of interpretations. In this paper, we focus on the role of Ricardo’s Principles in the development of economics as seen by Cambridge economists.
The influence of functional limitations and various demographic factors on self-reported activity restriction at older ages

Purpose. The study analysed some differentials in self-reported restrictions for personal care activities. Activity restrictions are the result of basic functional limitations (vision, mobility …), but such limitations do not evenly reduce activity performance. We assessed how age, sex and the place of residence (household or institutions) changed the risk of reporting restrictions for similar functional problems. Method. We used the French disability survey data on personal care activity restrictions and functional limitations (physical, visual, time orientation) for people aged 55 years and older (n = 16961). A logistic regression model shows the separate impact of the nature of functional limitations and of age, gender and residence on the risk of reported restrictions. Results. Half of the people aged 55 and older reported functional problems; 20% of them also reported personal care activity restrictions. The probability of reporting restrictions was higher for people with several types of limitations, especially orientation and physical controlling for such limitations, the probability of restriction increased with age beyond 70, was higher for men than women below 70, and was higher in institutions than in households. Conclusion. Self-reported activity restrictions are not solely related to functional limitations but also to various demographic variables likely to modify the impact of these limitations on activity performance. These findings suggest studying differentials in the resources allowing to compensate limitations and to prevent reported restrictions.