Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nurses' perceptions of ethical climate governing the teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Medical Sciences Shahid Sadughi Yazd

Hospital ethical climate is typically an organizational climate, comprising interpersonal relationships amongst treatment personnel as well as personnel’s rapport with patients and their families. Since ethical climate could be influenced by various working conditions and managerial policies, it may vary from one organization to the next. The present study was designed and implemented to investigate nurses’ perception of the ethical climate governing teaching hospitals in a centrally located town in Iran. This was a descriptive-sectional study using Olson’s hospital ethical climate questionnaire conducted on 370 nurses employed at selected hospitals in 2012. Study results revealed mean nurses’ perception of the hospitals ethical climates was (3/22±0/78). The most favorable climate was found among the management (3/56±0/98), and the least among doctors (2/83±0/78). Also, ethical climate significantly correlated with gender (P=0/05) and with marital status (P=0/001). Given the ethical climate score obtained in this study (that was lower than that obtained in previous studies), and given the importance of ethical climate and consequences of its deficiency, it is seems necessary for hospital officials and policy makers to adopt appropriate plans to enforce more favorable ethical climate in hospitals.
MULTIVARIATE PREDICTIVE WINDOW BLIND CONTROL MODELS FOR INTELLIGENT BUILDING FAÇADE SYSTEMS Vorapat Inkarojrit Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture, Chulalongkorn University

This paper presents results from a window blind usage field study that was conducted in California, USA. In this study, the measurements of physical environmental conditions were cross-linked with participants’ window blind controlling preferences (n=83). A total of seven predictive window blind control multivariate logistic models were derived. As hypothesized, the probability of a window blind closing event increased as the magnitude of physical environmental and confounding factors increased (p < .01). The main predictors were window/ background luminance level and vertical solar radiation at the window. The confounding factors included MRT, direct solar penetration, and participants’ self-reported sensitivity to brightness. The results showed that the models correctly predict between 84 – 89 % of the observed window blind control behavior. This research extends the knowledge of how and why building occupants manually control window blinds in private offices, and provides results that can be directly implemented in energy simulation programs.
Homicide Rates and the Multiple Dimensions of Urbanization: A Longitudinal, Cross-National Analysis

Sustainability scholars frame urbanization as a multidimensional concept with divergent environmental impacts. Through synthesizing recent quantitative studies of urbanization in criminology, we evaluated this multidimensional framework in a longitudinal, cross-national analysis of homicide rates for 217 countries between 2000 and 2015. For the analysis, we also highlighted the issue of missing data, a common concern for cross-national scholars in a variety of disciplines. While controlling for other relevant factors, we compared results from panel models that use the common technique of listwise deletion (n = 113) and from structural equation models (SEM) that handle missing values with full information maximum likelihood (n = 216). While the estimates for the control variables are non-significant in the SEM approach, the findings for the urbanization variables were robust and multidimensional. In particular, while the proportion of the population that is urban is positively related to homicide, the proportion of the population living in large cities of at least one million inhabitants is significantly and negatively related to homicide in all models. Given our focus on urbanization, we outline our contribution not only in the context of criminology but also the cross-national sustainability literature, which often uses similar variables with missing values.
Strategic alliances : Tools for managing Latin American foreign policy or discursive strategies ?

1 The development of strategic alliances concept is one of the most important conceptual contribution of my PhD Dissertation. So, this paper summarizes the conceptual construction process, the main findings and, includes the comments collected throughout the research time that helped to improve the research work. An earlier draft version was delivered at ISA-ABRI Joint Conference in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). 2 Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Faculty of Politic Sciences and International Relations, Argentina. Doctorate in International Relations, researcher in the National Council of Scientific Research (CONICET), Argentina. E-mail: male_lorenzini@yahoo.com. ar ABSTRACT
Dexmedetomidine versus Remifentanil for Controlled Hypotensive

Objective: During functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), sufficient control of bleeding is essential in order to increase the visibility in the operative field and reduce the risk of injury to the optic nerve or internal carotid artery. However, choosing the ideal agent is still a controversial topic. The aim of this study is to compare the effects and possible side effects of remifentanil and dexmedetomidine for controlled hypotension in FESS.
Role of black carbon mass size distribution in the direct aerosol radiative forcing

Abstract. Large uncertainties exist when estimating radiative effects of ambient black carbon (BC) aerosol. Previous studies about the BC aerosol radiative forcing mainly focus on the BC aerosols' mass concentrations and mixing states, while the effects of BC mass size distribution (BCMSD) were not well considered. In this paper, we developed a method of measuring the BCMSD by using a differential mobility analyzer in tandem with an Aethalometer. A comprehensive method of multiple charging corrections was proposed and implemented in measuring the BCMSD. Good agreement was obtained between the BC mass concentration integrated from this system and that measured in the bulk phase, demonstrating the reliability of our proposed method. Characteristics of the BCMSD and corresponding radiative effects were studied based on a field measurement campaign conducted in the North China Plain by using our own measurement system. Results showed that the BCMSD had two modes and the mean peak diameters of the modes were 150 and 503 nm. The BCMSD of the coarser mode varied significantly under different pollution conditions with peak diameter varying between 430 and 580 nm, which gave rise to significant variation in aerosol bulk optical properties. The direct aerosol radiative forcing was estimated to vary by 8.45 % for different measured BCMSDs of the coarser mode, which shared the same magnitude with the variation associated with assuming different aerosol mixing states (10.5 %). Our study reveals that the BCMSD as well as its mixing state in estimating the direct aerosol radiative forcing matters. Knowledge of the BCMSD should be fully considered in climate models.
Consumers' Management of Risk in Daily Life through Digital Virtual Consumption

The term “risky consumption” elicits visions of extreme contexts, such as leaping from amoving airplane at 30,000 feet above ground or using illicit hallucinogenic drugs. However, this study aims to answer the call for understanding risk that is inherent in consumers’ risk-laden life events. Specifically, we examine the process by which consumers use digital virtual consumption (DVC) to negotiate tensions related to risk and the implications that this process holds for consumers’ identity narratives. Findings demonstrate how consumers, upon a triggering risk-laden life event, can turn to DVC to both cope with risk, as well as to engage in pleasurable risk. The research extends the theoretical understandings of risk and identity as intertwined with DVC. Managerial and social welfare implications are also of-
A three-dimensional moisture-stress FEM analysis for timber structures

In this paper a moisture-stress analysis based on a 3D orthotropic-viscoelastic-mechanosorptive model for wood is performed by using the Abaqus FEM code. The constitutive model and the needed equations of moisture flow are implemented into some Abaqus user subroutines. The method, which was previously validated with respect to existing experimental data on small wood specimens and glulam cross sections, is used for the moisture-stress analysis of a dowel-type joint under natural relative humidity.
ePubWU Institutional Repository

The aim of the study was to find out if there are features of an image which influence the emotional output to improve the affective pictorial stimuli for advertisements especially in tourism. The present study bases upon emotional pictures of the IAPS which were modified in several ways. In a first step the 18 most desperate images according to Russell’s affective space were selected. The second step was the modification from an original picture to a grayscale picture, to a low luminance picture, to a high luminance picture, to a vertical reflected picture, to a high chroma picture and to a blurred picture. In a third step participants were asked to fill out a questionnaire and to rate the evoked emotions using SAM. Results show, that there are important factors of an image which influence the emotional reaction and which could be used to improve the pictorial stimuli for marketing.
On the Relevance of Seizure Activity to Suicide Risk

It is evident to researchers that the detection of the increased risk of suicide, as a result of the use of certain psychotropics, is a difficult task due to the inherently high risk of suicide in patients prescribed these medications. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), for example, were found to increase the risk of suicide, especially, in younger age groups, even when adjusting for risks caused by the illness itself (FDA review). We seem to be faced with a similar situation in relation to the use of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). The latter is evident in a large FDA meta-analysis that has shown AEDs to increase the risk of suicide in three different groups of patients: patients with epilepsy, patients with psychiatric disorders (e.g. depression), and patients with other disorders (e.g. chronic pain) [2]. Naturally, this is a complex area considering that all three groups of patients do potentially have a higher risk of depression and suicide! Notwithstanding the finding that patients with psychiatric disorders on AEDs were found to have a lower suicide risk, when compared to patients with epilepsy on AEDs, is interesting. The latter observation is consistent with three more studies, all of which have failed to detect an increase in suicide rates in patients with bipolar affective disorder receiving AEDs, but paradoxically, an increased rate in patients with epilepsy receiving AEDs [3-5]. The FDA finding that suicide risk is higher in the AED arm of patients with epilepsy when compared to the AED arm of psychiatrically ill patients, from the outset sounds almost counter-intuitive. However, the mystery is amenable to understanding if we entertain the possibility that in some patients, the risk of suicide can directly be affected by seizure activity (increased or decreased) irrespective of the underlying psychopathological ailments (e.g. depression).
Pharmacological Prevention of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review

Introduction. Various interventions, both psychological and pharmacological, have been studied for their efficacy in preventing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following trauma exposure. However, the preventive effect of pharmacotherapy has not been systematically assessed. Methodology. A systematic review of all clinical trials of drug therapy to prevent PTSD, available through the PubMed and EMBASE databases, was conducted. This included an assessment of each study’s quality. Results. A total of 13 studies were reviewed. The drugs examined in these papers included propranolol, hydrocortisone, serotonin reuptake inhibitors, gabapentin, omega-3 fatty acids, and benzodiazepines. There was marked heterogeneity across studies in terms of quality, study populations, and methodology. Analysis of the outcomes revealed preliminary evidence for the efficacy of hydrocortisone, particularly in critical care settings. There was no consistent evidence to support the use of other drugs to prevent PTSD. Discussion. There may be a limited role for hydrocortisone in preventing the development of PTSD in specific settings. Results with other drugs are inconsistent. Further large-scale studies should assess the efficacy of these approaches in other contexts, such as natural disasters, and the time frame within which they should be used.
Halotolerant Rhizobacterial Strains Mitigate the Adverse Effects of NaCl Stress in Soybean Seedlings

Background Salinity is one of the major abiotic constraints that hinder health and quality of crops. Conversely, halotolerant plant growth-promoting rhizospheric (PGPR) bacteria are considered biologically safe for alleviating salinity stress. Results We isolated halotolerant PGPR strains from the rhizospheric soil of Artemisia princeps, Chenopodium ficifolium, Echinochloa crus-galli, and Oenothera biennis plants; overall, 126 strains were isolated. The plant growth-promoting traits of these isolates were studied by inoculating them with the soil used to grow soybean plants under normal and salt stress (NaCl; 200 mM) conditions. The isolates identified as positive for growth-promoting activities were subjected to molecular identification. Out of 126 isolates, five strains—Arthrobacter woluwensis (AK1), Microbacterium oxydans (AK2), Arthrobacter aurescens (AK3), Bacillus megaterium (AK4), and Bacillus aryabhattai (AK5)—were identified to be highly tolerant to salt stress and demonstrated several plant growth-promoting traits like increased production of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), gibberellin (GA), and siderophores and increased phosphate solubilization. These strains were inoculated in the soil of soybean plants grown under salt stress (NaCl; 200 mM) and various physiological and morphological parameters of plants were studied. The results showed that the microbial inoculation elevated the antioxidant (SOD and GSH) level and K+ uptake and reduced the Na+ ion concentration. Moreover, inoculation of these microbes significantly lowered the ABA level and increased plant growth attributes and chlorophyll content in soybean plants under 200 mM NaCl stress. The salt-tolerant gene GmST1 was highly expressed with the highest expression of 42.85% in AK1-treated plants, whereas the lowest expression observed was 13.46% in AK5-treated plants. Similarly, expression of the IAA regulating gene GmLAX3 was highly depleted in salt-stressed plants by 38.92%, which was upregulated from 11.26% to 43.13% upon inoculation with the microorganism. Conclusion Our results showed that the salt stress-resistant microorganism used in these experiments could be a potential biofertilizer to mitigate the detrimental effects of salt stress in plants via regulation of phytohormones and gene expression.
What are the factors that guide an osteopath during the process of technique choice

ii Appendix A – Declaration of work iv Acknowledgements v Table of contents vi Table of figures ix CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION Introduction 1 Background 2 Why study ‘the factors that influence osteopathic technique choice’? 3 Rationale for study 4 Aims and objectives 5 Summary 6 CHAPTER TWO – LITERATURE REVIEW Introduction 8 Introduction to osteopathy 10 The role of the osteopath 10 The osteopathic process 12 Osteopathic techniques 14 Osteopathic scope of practice 14 Myofascial release 15 Strain counter-strain 16 Functional technique 16 Balanced ligamentous tension 17 Visceral technique 17 High-velocity low-amplitude (HVLA) thrust technique 18 Soft-tissue technique 19 Muscle energy technique 19 Articulatory technique 20 Clinical decision-making 22
Increased Gene Expression of RUNX2 and SOX9 in Mesenchymal Circulating Progenitors Is Associated with Autophagy during Physical Activity

Lack of physical exercise is considered an important risk factor for chronic diseases. On the contrary, physical exercise reduces the morbidity rates of obesity, diabetes, bone disease, and hypertension. In order to gain novel molecular and cellular clues, we analyzed the effects of physical exercise on differentiation of mesenchymal circulating progenitor cells (M-CPCs) obtained from runners. We also investigated autophagy and telomerase-related gene expression to evaluate the involvement of specific cellular functions in the differentiation process. We performed cellular and molecular analyses in M-CPCs, obtained by a depletion method, of 22 subjects before (PRE RUN) and after (POST RUN) a half marathon performance. In order to prove our findings, we performed also in vitro analyses by testing the effects of runners' sera on a human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem (hBM-MSC) cell line. PCR array analyses of PRE RUN versus POST RUN M-CPC total RNAs put in evidence several genes which appeared to be modulated by physical activity. Our results showed that physical exercise promotes differentiation. Osteogenesis-related genes as RUNX2, MSX1, and SPP1 appeared to be upregulated after the run; data showed also increased levels of BMP2 and BMP6 expressions. SOX9, COL2A1, and COMP gene enhanced expression suggested the induction of chondrocytic differentiation as well. The expression of telomerase-associated genes and of two autophagy-related genes, ATG3 and ULK1, was also affected and correlated positively with MSC differentiation. These data highlight an attractive cellular scenario, outlining the role of autophagic response to physical exercise and suggesting new insights into the benefits of physical exercise in counteracting chronic degenerative conditions.
Experimental study of a particulate turbulent confined jet by optical methods

A new experimental set-up has been developed to improve the understanding of dispersion in a dilute two-phase flow. A confined jet flow (figure a) is used to generate quasi homogeneous and isotropic turbulence. An original seeding system injects glass particles (40/50μm) in the flow. Particle and gas velocities are measured simultaneously by a PIV/PTV algorithm. Accuracy of 2D2C PIV measurements in isotropic turbulent flow is tested with synthetic images created from DNS calculations. Cell shifting and deformation are used for PIV calculation, optimal mesh size, seeding diameter and seeding displacement are evaluated. Effects of the third component and of the laser sheet energy shape are also estimated. The cut-off effect due to the presence of particles on the images upon the measured PIV spectrum in the gas phase is tested. The characterisation of the turbulence of the gas phase (figure b) gives good agreement with the results obtained by Risso & Fabre (1997). Preliminary results concerning the dynamics of the dispersed phase are discussed (figure c).
EFFECT OF SOME SEED TREATMENTS BEFORE STORAGE ON WHEAT SEED QUALITY.

This investigation was conducted under the laboratory conditions of Seed Technology Research Unit, Mansoura, Dakahlia Governorate, (ARC) during 2011 year to study the effect of seed moisture content (11, 14 and 17%) and seed treatments (Fungicide, plant material and fumigation) on wheat (C. V. Sakha 93) seed quality after six months from storage. The experiments were arranged in a Completely Randomized Design with four replicates. The main results could be summarized as follows:Increasing wheat seed moisture content before storage more than 14% significantly decreased standard germination and increased fungi infestation percentage. After storage with six months, standard germination also decreased specially wheat seed had 17% moisture content meanwhile, storage pests (insect infestation and fungi infestation) and seed dry weight loss percentage were increased. Significant differences among wheat seed treatments on insect infestation percentage, seed dry weight loss and fungi infestation percentage were detected. Treated seed with recommended dose (3 tablets /m 3 PH3) under low levels of relative humidity 37% and 57% for 3 days was effective in maintains wheat seed quality fore six months. The interaction among seed moisture content and seed treatments had a significant effect on all studied traits. From the former results, wheat seed c.v. (Sakha 93) could be store in open air with maintain good quality seed at moisture content not exceeded 14% after treatment with (fungicide + fumigation with PH3 at relative humidity up to 57%) or (neem oil + fumigation with PH3 at relative humidity up to 57%).
DDDT_A_185191 1421..1436

Laiba Arshad Ibrahim Jantan Syed Nasir Abbas Bukhari 1Department of Pharmacy, Forman Christian College (A Chartered University), Lahore, Pakistan; 2School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia; 3Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Al Jouf University, Aljouf, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia Background: 3,5-Bis[4-(diethoxymethyl)benzylidene]-1-methyl-piperidin-4-one (BBP), a novel synthetic curcumin analogue has been revealed to possess strong in vitro and in vivo immunosuppressive effects. Purpose: The aim of present study was to prepare and characterize BBP-encapsulated polylactic-co-glycolic acid-block-polyethylene glycol (PLGA-b-PEG) nanoparticles and to evaluate its in vivo efficacy against innate and adaptive immune responses. Methods: Male BALB/c mice were orally administered with BBP alone and BBPencapsulated nanoparticles equivalent to 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg of BBP in distilled water for a period of 14 days. The immunomodulatory potential was appraised by determining its effects on non-specific and specific immune parameters. Results: The results showed that BBP was successfully encapsulated in PLGA-b-PEG polymer with 154.3 nm size and high encapsulation efficiency (79%) while providing a sustained release for 48 hours. BBP nanoparticles showed significant enhanced dose-dependent reduction on the migration of neutrophils, Mac-1 expression, phagocytic activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, serum levels of ceruloplasmin and lysozyme, immunoglobulins and myloperoxidase (MPO) plasma levels when compared to unencapsulated BBP. Enhanced dose-dependent inhibition was also observed on lymphocyte proliferation along with the downregulation of effector cells expression and release of cytokines, and reduction in rat paw oedema in BBP nanoparticles treated mice. At higher doses the suppressive effects of the BBP nanoparticles on various cellular and humoral parameters of immune responses were comparable to that of cyclosporine-A at 20 mg/kg. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the immunosuppressive effects of BBP were enhanced as PLGA-b-PEG nanoparticles.