Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ENDOTRACHEAL TUBE CUFF USING AIR OR SALINE TO PREVENT POSTOPERATIVE HOARSENESS AND SORE THROAT: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Objective: To compare the frequency and severity of sore throat and hoarseness following inflation of the endotracheal cuff using air or saline. Methods: A double-blind, randomized controlled trial in 63 intubated patients was conducted at Queen Alia Military Hospital in 1999. Patients were included if they were ASA 1-3, aged 18 years or older, scheduled for operation below the neck which were expected to last longer than one hour. Following placement of the tracheal tube, the cuff was inflated slowly (using air or saline), until no leak was felt and was connected to a three-way stopcock, extension tubing and connection to a pressure transducer. Intra-cuff pressures were compared to assess any change due to inward diffusion of nitrous oxide. Results: The frequency of significant sore throat and/or hoarseness overall was 15%. There were no statistically significant difference between the groups (air 15%, saline 14.5%). In the air group mean, intra-cuff pressure increased significantly (start 14 mmHg, end 40 mmHg), while in the saline group there was no significant increase (start 12.7 mmHg, end 14.6 mmHg). Conclusion: The substitution of saline reliably results in sustained low intra-cuff pressure but high tracheal pressure, but is not an important factor in the development of sore throat or hoarseness postoperatively within the pressure range and duration of the operations.
Liquidity Management and Profitability of Listed Food and Beverages Companies in Nigeria

s: This study examines the relationship between liquidity management and profitability of listed food and beverages companies in Nigeria over a 10-year period from 2004 to 2013. Out of the 21 listed food and beverages companies in Nigeria, a sample size of 10 firms was drawn. The study adopted an ex-post facto research design. Panel data was obtained from the annual reports and accounts of the sampled firms and was analysed using descriptive statistics and generalized least squaresmultiple regression techniques. The study found that: cash conversion cycle has an insignificant negative impact on Return on Equity and Earnings per Share respectively. The study concludes that management of listed food and beverages companies in Nigeria can maximize the return to shareholders by shortening the cash conversion cycle of the companies to a justifiable minimum. In view of the findings and conclusion drawn, the study recommends among others, that management of listed food and beverages companies in Nigeria should maximize the use of trade credit and ensure effective and efficient management of cash flows, which result to shorter cash conversion cycles and improve profitability.
Repeated Scaling Versus Surgery in Young Adults With Generalized Advanced Periodontitis

Background: Residual probing depth (PD) after subgingival scaling can be treated with repeated scaling or periodontal surgery. Ambiguous results about the additional clinical benefit of a second scaling procedure exist. Therefore, we performed a prospective study comparing the clinical results of repeated subgingival scaling versus periodontal surgery in 30- to 40-year-old subjects with generalized advanced periodontitis.Methods: Twenty-six subjects (mean age, 37 ± 3 years) were treated after an initial examination (t1), initial subgingival scaling, and baseline examination (t2) with a randomly assigned second subgingival scaling (test) and periodontal surgery (control) in a split-mouth design. The final examination (t3) took place 6 months postoperatively. Intraindividual comparisons of mean PD and clinical attachment level (CAL) were analyzed.Results: PD was reduced from 4.1 ± 0.2 mm initially (t1) to 3.1 ± 0.1 mm at baseline (t2), and to 2.9 ± 0.1 mm at the end of the study (t3) for the test sites; and.
Continued use intention of lifestyle mobile applications: the Starbucks app in Taiwan

Purpose In recent years, the ongoing development and rapid popularization of mobile devices, not only has brought new forms of lifestyle but also has boomed a wide array of service contents, allowing users to engage in entertainment, study and other daily activities, in addition to business transactions. To explore the factors that affect users' continued use of mobile app software, this paper aims to take into account the utilitarian value and privacy, as well as security factors and intends to propose an integrated research model based on the information systems success (ISS) model. Design/methodology/approach The data for this study were collected via an online survey questionnaire. A total of 190 valid responses were used to examine the hypotheses in the research model. The casual model was assessed using partial least squares techniques. Findings The results indicated that the three quality factors (information quality, system quality and service quality) in the ISS model significantly affected satisfaction and utilitarian value. Private and security have significant negative association with utilitarian value. The results also showed that private and security did not significantly affect satisfaction. The findings also provide some directions for further research. Practical implications The results show that user's continued use of mobile app software depends upon the perceived utilitarian value and satisfaction. The quality characteristics are the three critical factors that would affect the perceived utilitarian value and satisfaction. Compared to information quality and service quality, system quality has a higher degree of positive impact, which indicates that users are more concerned about the immediate download ability and ease-of-use provided by the system. Furthermore, the research also finds that privacy and security concerns have a negative influence on the utilitarian value, showing that in the context of task-oriented IS, the perceived risk of privacy and security during the process of using mobile app software services, will negatively affect users’ perception of utilitarian value. The insights provided by this study can help mobile app developers optimize design and marketing strategies. Originality/value This study provides a better understanding of how the factors in the theories influence the continuance usage intention of life style mobile applications.
Role of newer drug cabergolin in lactation suppression as compared to estrogen-androgen combination

Objectives: To compare the efficacy of newer drug cabergoline with estrogen-androgen combination in lactation inhibition and suppression. Methods: In a tertiary care teaching hospital, 196 postpartum women in need of inhibition or suppression of lactation were randomly divided into Group A (100 women who were given tablet cabergoline orally) and Group B (96 women who were given estrogen-androgen combination intramuscularly). Both groups were followed till complete cessation of milk expulsion. Number of days and extra doses of drug required were recorded and statistically analyzed on SPSS version 10 of windows 2000. Results: The mean number of days required was significantly less (0.73+0.963) in Group A, (p value=0.001). Extra doses of drug were needed less often in Group A (p value=0.017). Conclusion: Cabergoline is more effective drug for prevention and suppression of lactation with added advantage of oral route and easy dosage schedule.
High Resolution Spatial Modelling Approaches for Monitoring Surface Water and Erosion Impacts of Coal Seam Gas Infrastructure

Coal Seam Gas (CSG) development within the Surat Basin of Queensland, Australia, is expanding, with petroleum leases already approved for tenements covering over 24,000 km2. Many thousands of kilometres of access tracks will be developed to allow transport of vehicles to each of the CSG wells (Figure 1). Studies from agricultural watersheds across the globe have shown that rural roads provide a disproportionate contribution toward sediment loads into water ways. With CSG development, the intensity of roadways in agricultural land will increase significantly and there is a risk that erosion losses will increase likewise. We have evaluated the use of surface water flow models derived from fine-scale digital elevation models for identifying areas where CSG infrastructure has altered surface hydrology and areas of erosion risk. Aerial digital photogrammetry with a ground sample distance of 20 cm was used to create elevation models for a 1200 km2 focal region currently undergoing CSG development. Baseline digital terrain models were processed using a multi-direction flow-path prediction model. The ground elevation model (GEM) was evaluated using survey data at three different sites (a road cross section, a gravel pad, a road crossing a gully) obtained using a hand held Real-time Kinematic Global Navigation Satellite System (RTK GNSS). The water flow model was assessed using manual recording of visible water paths observed in open agricultural field conditions and within native forests where a significant canopy cover could influence predictions of soil surface elevation. Comparison of the GEM with ground surface elevation measurements showed good agreement with many of the predictions showing an error of less than 5 cm. This accuracy is approaching that of the RTK GNSS system (±2 cm) used in the ground surveys. A subset of predictions showed higher levels of error. Investigation found these to predominantly include points where sudden changes in elevation occurred, which suggests error introduced by smoothing algorithms used in creating the GEM. Comparison of predicted water flow paths against those mapped directly indicates that the model is able to accurately identify the location of many water flow paths across roadways. The model was effective in locating the major water flow paths under forest conditions, even when some of the soil surface may be obscured by foliage. Exploration, interpretation and discussion of the datasets with agricultural landholders and CSG staff developed interest in portraying the information as water flow maps such as those presented here.
Canine Viral Diarrhea: Clinical, Hematologic and Biochemical Alterations with Particular Reference to In-Clinic Rapid Diagnosis

Diarrhea is one of most faced medical problems in canine practice; viral causes comprise a good proportion. Thirty-five diarrheic dogs examined in this study for clinical signs, hematologic, serum biochemical alterations; rapid in-clinic immune chromatography test used to determine the causative agents and results were compared to RT-PCR findings. Anemia, leucopenia, neutropenia and lymphopenia were the most observed hematologic alterations in both viruses, increase in ALT, ALP, triglycerides with decrease in albumin, sodium and chloride were the most observed serum biochemical alterations in CPV while increase in BUN and triglycerides and decrease in sodium level observed in CDV. Immune chromatography (IC) test is a rapid, sensitive and accurate tool for in-clinic diagnosis for both CPV and CDV antigen and when compared with RT-PCR for CDV.
Closing the gap between Business Networks and Value Chain Analysis

Purpose – The study discusses alternative ways to bridge the gap between global value chain literature and literature focused on management and strategy in business networks. Design/methodology/approach – The study builds on an article cocitation analysis using bibliographic data from 762 papers retrieved from selected journals. Findings – The results highlight influential constructs and frameworks originating in the business network literature that could leverage the research on Global Value Chains. Originality/value – By better connecting with business network research, global value chain theory may improve its capacity to cope with modern empirical challenges, overcome
The Role of Sphingolipids and Ceramide in Pulmonary Inflammation in Cystic Fibrosis

Sphingolipids and in particular ceramide have been shown to be critically involved in the response to many receptor-mediated, but also receptor-independent, mainly stress stimuli. Recent studies demonstrate that ceramide plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cystic fibrosis, a hereditary metabolic disorder caused by mutations of the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator. Patients with cystic fibrosis suffer from chronic pulmonary inflammation and microbial lung infections, in particular with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Chronic pulmonary inflammation in these patients seems to be the initial pathophysiological event. Inflammation may finally result in the high infection susceptibility of these patients, fibrosis and loss of lung function. Recent studies demonstrated that ceramide accumulates in lungs of cystic fibrosis mice and causes age-dependent pulmonary inflammation as indicated by accumulation of neutrophils and macrophages in the lung and increased pulmonary concentrations of Interleukins 1 and 8, death of bronchial epithelial cells, deposition of DNA in bronchi and high susceptibility to Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections. Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of the acid sphingomyelinase blocks excessive ceramide production in lungs of cystic fibrosis mice and corrects pathological lung findings. First clinical studies confirm that inhibition of the acid sphingomyelinase with small molecules might be a novel strategy to treat patients with cystic fibrosis.
Analgesic efficacy and side effects of oral tramadol and morphine administered orally in the treatment of cancer pain

Aims of the study . To assess the analgesic efficacy and side effects of tramadol and equianalgesic doses of morphine and to assess the quality of life (QL) in patients suffering from cancer pain and to establish equianalgesic doses of oral tramadol and morphine. Patients and methods . Fourty opioid-naive patients with moderate, strong or very strong cancer pain (verbal scale) or at least 45 mm on VAS scale, were treated with tramadol (20 patients) or morphine (20 patients). During the first 7 days the pain was stabilised by the use of immediate release forms of tramadol (drops, capsules) or morphine (water solution). After 7 days, if a satisfactory pain relief was achieved and appropriate daily doses were applied (tramadol 150-600 mg, morphine 20-200 mg) patients were switched to controlled release forms of tramadol – Tramal Long (Retard) tablets – or sustained release morphine (MST Continus tablets or M-eslon capsules) for 28 days. QL was assessed by QLQ C 30 questionnaire. Pain intensity was appraised by VAS and verbal scale, side effects by verbal scale. R e sults . The duration of treatment was 3-310 (mean 87.15±78.23) days for Tramal Retard and 5-502 (mean 100.05±102.67) days for morphine MST Continus and M-eslon. Daily doses were as follows: 200- 600 (mean 322.22±116.60) mg for tramadol and 20-270 (123.5±78.15) mg for morphine. Satisfactory analgesia was achieved in both groups. However, in patients with neuropathic pain better analgesic effect was noted in the morphine group (significant difference in VAS scale after first week of the treatment). 80% of patients in both groups preferred the treatment with controlled release forms of tramadol and morphine. The treatment was well tolerated, 17 patients in tramadol group and 18 in morphine group completed the study. More side effects were noted in morphine group, however significant differences appeared only in drowsiness, difficulties in passing urine, sweating and dizziness intensity. QL results revealed better global QL and less fatigue after 35 days of the tramadol treatment. Conclusions . Tramadol and equianalgesic doses of morphine (up to 270 mg/day) in immediate and controlled release forms are effective in the treatment of different types of moderate and severe cancer pain. Tramadol is less effective in patients with neuropathic pain. Both drugs can be safely used at home. Better global QL and less fatigue was observed after 35 days of the tramadol treatment. Tramadol is recommended in patients with moderate pain (VAS 30-54 mm) and morphine in patients with severe and very severe pain (VAS >54 mm). Equianalgesic doses of tramadol and morphine administered orally are 4:1.
Prevalence of abdominal symptoms in the Polish population Epidemiologia dolegliwości brzusznych w polskiej populacji

Introduction: There are no published data on the prevalence of common gastrointestinal disorders such as dyspepsia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation and bloating in the Polish population. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of these most common abdominal symptoms. Material and methods: The study involved a population sample aged 21 years or older from a medium-sized city. A total of 850 people (age range: 21-76 years) were interviewed. Demographic and anthropometric data, symptoms specific to dyspepsia, GERD, constipation, diarrhoea, bloating, IBS, as well as nutritional habits, alcohol and tobacco use, and presence of concomitant diseases were studied in a face-to-face interview. Results: Approximately 23% of participants suffered from dyspepsia, 36% had GERD, constipation was present in 13% of participants, and bloating in 31%. Only 7 participants reported chronic diarrhoea and 13% of participants had IBS symptoms. All the above-mentioned complaints were slightly more common in diabetic patients, but the difference was not significant. Conclusions: The prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms in the Polish population is high, and similar to the rates reported by investigators from other countries.
Effects of high body mass index on fetomaternal outcome

Background: In our country increasing prevalence of obesity among fertile women is growing public health concern, women with BMI more than 30 are at greater risk adverse reproductive health outcome, this study will provide over view of complications related to high BMI. Objective: To identify the effects of high body mass index (BMI) on feto-maternal outcome Material and Methods: 100 patients were selected randomly from OPD who matched inclusion criteria, their BMI checked at booking and at term, Study design was Case series conducted at Ziauddin University and hospitals Karachi, in 9 month of time duration. Then patients were followed for any complications Results: in our study, results showed PIH developed to 38% of patients, gestational diabetes mellitus to 15%, preeclampsia to 15%, PPH to 13%, Threatened miscarriage occurred to 5 %, wound infection developed to 5%, and 37% babies admitted to NCU of patients who followed for complication with high BMI. According to calculations 55% patients with high BMI delivered spontaneously,28% ended up in emergency LSCS, 11% were elective LSCS and 1 delivered by instrumental delivery . Conclusion: High BMI has adverse effect on PIH,GDM, pre eclampsia, mode of delivery, and threatened miscarriage, whereas, there is no effect of high BMI on wound infection, elective LSCS, instrumental delivery and congenital anomaly which may be due to other factors . More work is required.
New Results on the Second Order Scattering Fading Model: Amount of Fading and Energy Detection

The second order scattering fading (SOSF) channel is a versatile generalization of the Rician fading model. Besides a line of sight (LOS) component and a Rayleigh-diffused scattering component, it also incorporates a double-Rayleigh scattering component. In this letter, we present an exact closed-form formula for the generalized moment generating function (MGF) of the signal-to-noise ratio in SOSF channels, as well as for its moments. This new result allows for the evaluation of important performance metrics in wireless communication systems, such as the amount of fading and energy detection, for which results in the literature are unavailable because of the complicated nature of this fading model. Strikingly, we observe that whereas the amount of fading is monotonic with respect to the fading parameters <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\alpha$</tex-math></inline-formula> and <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\beta$</tex-math></inline-formula>, this is not the case for the energy detection performance under strong LOS conditions.
What are the consequences of the AWG 2018 projections and hypotheses on pension adequacy ? Simulations for three EU member states Simulations for three EU member states June 2018

In preparation of the 2018 Pension Adequacy Report (PAR), the Social Protection Committee working group on Ageing Issues (SPC WG-AGE) invited member states to use their dynamic microsimulation models to describe the consequences of the Ageing Working Group (AWG) hypotheses and assumptions underlying the 2018 Ageing Report (AR) on pension adequacy using commonly-agreed indicators. This request received a favourable reception from Belgium, Sweden, and Italy. The next section of this paper describes microsimulation and the models used in this project. Next the AWG scenarios are being presented briefly, after which a selection of the simulation results are presented and discussed. This report underlies the section 5.1. 2. of the 2018 Pension Adequacy Report. Jel Classification C1, C5, J11, I32, H55
Consumption Pattern and Knowledge about Ill Effects of Junk Food amongst School Children in Urban Area of Jorhat

Introduction: Increased inclination to replace traditional meals with energy-dense imbalanced junk foods is responsible for the inception of many diseases especially Non Communicable Diseases among school going adolescents. Objective: To study the consumption pattern and knowledge about ill effects of junk food in school children of Jorhat urban. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was undertaken in schools of urban area of Jorhat district of Assam over a period of one year from June 2016 to May 2017. Results: Among the study participants who consumed junk food frequently (≥5 days), consumption ranges between 5.6% to 24.1% while those who had the practice of taking junk food infrequently (1-4 days), we found that their habit ranges from 49.4% to 70.8% in different junk food products. Expenditure pattern of pocket money revealed that 33.3% (majority) of the adolescents spend their pocket money to pay vehicle rent, 16% use it to buy chips, 13.5% spend their pocket money to buy ice cream while 6.9% of the adolescents spend it on chocolate. Knowledge on ill effects of junk food revealed that 51.5% (majority) pointed out stomach problem and 16.8 % mentioned obesity as ill effect of junk food consumption while 22.4% of the participants do not know the ill effect of junk food consumption. Conclusion: Consumption of junk food amongst urban school going adolescents in Jorhat district of Assam is highly prevalent. General awareness about the ill effects of junk food amongst the adolescents was average which warrant appropriate public health interventions.