Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Taken to Health Care Provider or Not, Under-Five Children Die of Preventable Causes: Findings from Cross-Sectional Survey and Social Autopsy in Rural India

Background: Under-five children in India continue to die from causes that can either be treated or prevented. The data regarding causes of death, community care-seeking practices, and events prior to death are needed to guide and refine health policies for achieving national goals and targets. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey covering rural areas of 16 districts from eight states across India was conducted to understand the causes of deaths and the health-seeking patterns of caregivers prior to the death of such children. Mothers of the deceased children were interviewed. The physician review process was used to assign cause of death. The qualitative data were analyzed as per standard methods, while STATA version 10 was used for analysis of quantitative data. Findings: A total of 1,488 death histories were captured through verbal autopsy. Neonatal etiologies, acute respiratory infection (ARI), and diarrhea accounted for approximately 63.1% of all deaths in the under-five age group. The causes of death in neonates showed that birth asphyxia, prematurity, and neonatal infections contributed to more than 67.5% of all neonatal deaths, while in children aged 29 days to 59 months, ARI and diarrhea accounted for 54.3% of deaths. Care providers of 52.6% of the neonates and 21.7% of infants and under-five children did not seek any medical care before the death of the child. Substantial delays in seeking care occurred at home and during transit. For those who received medical care, there was an apparent amongst in their caregivers toward private health providers. Conclusion: The deaths of neonates and postneonates taken to any health facilities highlight the need for providing equitable and high-quality health services in India. The findings could be used for policy planning and program refinement in India.
Improved metabolic and cardiorespiratory fitness during a recreational training program in obese children

Abstract Physical activity may protect from the adverse effects of obesity. In obese children, an increased adherence and a decreased drop-out rate during exercise could be achieved with adaptated activities. We studied a recreational 12-week controlled training program for sedentary obese children, including interactive video games. We enrolled 22 obese subjects (13.23±1.76 years) in an exercise program, implemented twice a week for a 12-week period. The program consisted of a combination of circuit-based aerobics, strength and resistance exercises; specifically soccer, rugby, volleyball and basketball and interactive video game exercises. Outcome measurements included body composition, metabolic profile and cardiorespiratory fitness. During the 12-week training program there was a significant decrease in body mass index (BMI) (p=0.002), SDS-BMI (p=0.003), waist circumference (p=0.004), waist circumference/height ratio (p=0.001),% fat mass (p=0.001), blood glucose (p=0.001), homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (p=0.04), triglycerides (p=0.03) and systolic pressure (p=0.04) before and after exercise. Improvement in estimated maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) (p<0.001) correlated with a decrease in fat mass (p=0.01), triglycerides (p=0.04) and insulin resistance (p=0.02). Exercise improved metabolic and cardiorespiratory fitness in obese children. Exercise training does not necessarily need to be vigorous, recreational programs are also effective and may encourage children to participate in physical activity and limit initial drop-out.
Integrin Based Isolation Enables Purification of Murine Lineage Committed Cardiomyocytes

In contrast to mature cardiomyocytes which have limited regenerative capacity, pluripotent stem cells represent a promising source for the generation of new cardiomyocytes. The tendency of pluripotent stem cells to form teratomas and the heterogeneity from various differentiation stages and cardiomyocyte cell sub-types, however, are major obstacles to overcome before this type of therapy could be applied in a clinical setting. Thus, the identification of extracellular markers for specific cardiomyocyte progenitors and mature subpopulations is of particular importance. The delineation of cardiomyocyte surface marker patterns not only serves as a means to derive homogeneous cell populations by FACS, but is also an essential tool to understand cardiac development. By using single-cell expression profiling in early mouse embryonic hearts, we found that a combination of integrin alpha-1, alpha-5, alpha-6 and N-cadherin enables isolation of lineage committed murine cardiomyocytes. Additionally, we were able to separate trabecular cardiomyocytes from solid ventricular myocardium and atrial murine cells. These cells exhibit expected subtype specific phenotype confirmed by electrophysiological analysis. We show that integrin expression can be used for the isolation of living, functional and lineage-specific murine cardiomyocytes.
Urban conservation : A framework for community involvement in Malaysia.

Whilst interest in conservation planning in Malaysia is growing, there is evidence that it contains several deficiencies, including the commitment and resources to support effective community involvement. This research investigates the underlying factors that contribute to these deficiencies in the system and aims to develop principles to be taken forward for application in a practice-oriented framework, drawn from a critical analysis of the relationships between best practice, as identified through the literature and contemporary practice in Malaysia, as identified through the empirical work.The research examines various examples of community involvement practice from selected developed countries, including the United Kingdom. This suggested a framework of community involvement best practice, which would achieve sustainable conservation results. The current community involvement approach practice in Malaysia (using the Case Study of Historical City of Malacca) was compared to this suggested framework. This comparison to best practice with Malaysia's present practice demonstrates, quite clearly, the vital need for an involvement framework in Malaysia to be improved to make the current practice and provisions more effective.The findings proved that the present process is inefficient. It lacks systematic techniques, adequate communication and awareness. Additionally, there is an imbalance of power and control which requires better coordination and collaboration between both stakeholder organisations (all levels of government, i.e. federal, state and local, as well as private and NGOs) and the communities. The summary of findings from both the authorities and communities was compared and arranged towards a concluding reconciliation of perspectives. This led to the proposed framework for community involvement based on the lessons of best practices explored for the improvement to the present conservation system.The recommended practice-oriented framework comprises of its key principles to guide the reform process and highlights on six main elements, i.e. the emphasis on community focus; policy and approach; involvement and consultation stages; process and procedures; consultation methods; and evaluation and monitoring. The implementation of the framework requires investment in terms of resources, as well as related education and awareness programmes to help secure its success.
The Hispanic Americans Baseline Alcohol Survey (HABLAS)

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between acculturation, birthplace, and alcohol-related social problems across Hispanic national groups. A total of 5,224 Hispanic adults (18+ years) were interviewed using a multistage cluster sample design in Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Houston, and Los Angeles. Multivariate analysis shows no association between acculturation and problems among men or women. Birthplace is a risk factor for social problems among both genders. Among men, Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, and South/Central Americans are more likely to report social problems than Cuban Americans. Other risk factors for men are unemployment, a higher volume of drinking, and a higher frequency of binge drinking. Among women, Mexican American origin and binge drinking are also risk factors for reporting problems. U.S.-born Hispanics may experience stress and other detrimental effects to health because of their minority status, which may increase the likelihood of more drinking and the development of alcohol-related problems.
Analysis of Environmental Samples with Yeast-Based Bioluminescent Bioreporters

Extensive research over the past decade has found the widespread presence of organic wastewater contaminants (OWC) in surface waters around the globe including the United States, (Alvarez et al., 2009; Focazio et al., 2008; Kolpin et al., 2002; Owens et al., 2007; Zheng et al., 2008), Asia (Ma et al., 2007), Europe (Cargouet et al., 2007; Cespedes et al., 2005; Gros et al., 2009; Reemtsma et al., 2006) and South America (Bergamasco et al., submitted; Jardim et al., 2011; Kuster et al., 2009). These OWC include pesticides, plasticizers, pharmaceuticals, and natural and synthetic hormones as well as pollutants from chemical spills into the environment. These compounds may be introduced into surface waters by runoff from land application of biosolids, through leaking sewer lines and septic systems, or by incomplete removal from wastewater treatment systems. Further, a wide variety of these chemicals have been implicated in endocrine disruption in invertebrates and vertebrates (Cooper & Kavlock, 1997; Fang et al., 2000; Folmar et al., 2002; Fossi & Marsili, 2003; Guillette et al., 1999; Hayes et al. 2010; Kavlock et al., 1996; Kidd et al. 2007; Ropstad et al., 2006; Sonne et al., 2006; Tyler et al., 1998). An endocrine disruptor is an exogenous substance that causes adverse health effects in an organism or its offspring by way of alteration in the function of the endocrine system. As such endocrine disruption is a mechanism leading to a variety of adverse health effects, most of which are considered as reproductive or developmental toxicities (OECD, 2002). The complex nature of reproductive and developmental effects suggests that in vivo tests are necessary to detect endocrine disruption. Several in vivo mammalian assays (e.g. O'Connor et al., 2002) and in vitro assays (e.g. Fang et al., 2000; Zacharewski, 1997) exist for measuring estrogenic effects in various biological systems. However, these are not suitable for rapid, high-throughput screening of chemicals or necessarily screening of environmental samples. Yeast-based in vitro estrogen and androgen screens have been firmly established as a means for rapidly identifying chemicals with potential endocrine disrupting activity. This chapter will review the development and use of yeast-based bacterial bioluminescent bioreporters for the detection of endocrine disruption compounds.
A Comparison of Linear and Daily Undulating Periodized Programs with Equated Volume and Intensity for Strength

The purpose of this study was to compare linear periodization (LP) and daily undulating periodization (DUP) for strength gains. Twenty men (age = 21 ± 2.3 years) were randomly assigned to LP (n = 10) or DUP (n = 10) groups. One repetition maximum (1RM) was recorded for bench press and leg press as a pre-, mid-, and posttest. Training involved 3 sets (bench press and leg press), 3 days per week. The LP group performed sets of 8 RM during weeks 1–4, 6 RM during weeks 4–8, and 4 RM during weeks 9–12. The DUP group altered training on a daily basis (Monday, 8 RM; Wednesday, 6 RM; Friday, 4 RM). Analysis of variance with repeated measures revealed statistically significant differences favoring the DUP group between T1 to T2 and T1 to T3. Making program alterations on a daily basis was more effective in eliciting strength gains than doing so every 4 weeks.
The Effect of Board Structure and CEO Tenure on Performance of Financial Institutions in Kenya

The objective of this study was to determine whether a relationship exists amongÂ board structure, CEO tenure, and performance of financial institutions in Kenya. Â The study hypothesized that the influence of board structure on performance is notÂ significant; there is no significant intervening effect of CEO tenure in theÂ association among board structure and performance; and there is no significantÂ joint effect of board structure and CEO tenure on performance. Secondary dataÂ was collected for a ten-year period from 2006 to 2015. Hierarchical regressionÂ analysis was performed on the variables. The results show that, overall, boardÂ structure had independent significant influence on performance of financialÂ institutions. Board activity had a strongest independent influence on performanceÂ of financial institutions followed by board type. The findings further show thatÂ CEO tenure is not a significant intervening variable in this association; and, thatÂ board structure, and CEO tenure jointly have a significant effect on performance. Â The study has reduced the dearth of literature on board structure and performanceÂ and uncovered the importance of CEO tenure on this relationship. Formulation ofÂ managerial policy and practice that promote better governance practices thatÂ improve performance will be enhanced.JEL classification numbers: L25, D22Keywords: Board Structure, CEO Tenure and Firm Performance
Prediction of Experimental Pain Sensitivity by Attention to Pain-Related Stimuli in Healthy Individuals

The aim of the present study was to assess the predictive power of the processing of pain-related information, comprising concepts of hypervigilance to pain, pain catastrophizing, and pain-related anxiety (questionnaires) as well as attentional processes related to pain-related stimuli (dot-probe task) in explaining individual differences in experimental pain sensitivity (pressure/thermal pain threshold). In 160 healthy participants (ages 13–61; 80 females), results of hierarchical multiple regression analyses showed that self-reported hypervigilance contributed significantly to the prediction of pain sensitivity, whereas pain catastrophizing and anxiety did not. However, inconsistent with prediction, the effect was in the opposite direction, indicating that vigilance to pain sensations or stimuli is associated with lower pain sensitivity in healthy individuals. Entering the attentional bias indices from the dot-probe task showed that an increased bias to pain words is related to higher experimental pain sensitivity, which confirms the hypothesis.
A psychological intervention to improve quality of life and reduce psychological distress in adults awaiting kidney transplantation.

BACKGROUND Adults with end-stage renal disease who are awaiting kidney transplantation are at risk for low quality of life, high psychological disturbance and relationship distress. Effective psychological interventions to improve functioning in these areas are lacking. METHODS Sixty-two adults approved for kidney transplantation at one centre in the USA were randomized to quality of life therapy (QOLT), supportive therapy (ST) or standard care (SC) with repeated assessments of quality of life, psychological distress, and social intimacy at pre-intervention (T1), 1 week post-intervention (T2) and 12-week follow-up (T3). RESULTS QOLT patients had higher quality of life scores than ST and SC patients at T2 and T3, and higher social intimacy scores compared with SC patients at T3. Both QOLT and ST patients had lower psychological distress scores compared with SC patients at T2, although only QOLT continued to show reductions in psychological distress scores relative to SC patients at T3. CONCLUSIONS The findings show that it is possible to improve quality of life, psychological functioning and social intimacy with QOLT while patients await kidney transplantation. Study limitations include small sample size, single-centre study and possible patient self-selection biases. Future research will examine whether QOLT effectiveness is affected by treatment modality (face-to-face vs. telephone) and timing (pre- vs. post-transplantation).
TOXICITY EVALUATION OF PETROLEUM BLENDING STREAMS: REPRODUCTIVE AND DEVELOPMENTAL EFFECTS OF LIGHT CATALYTIC REFORMED NAPHTHA DISTILLATE IN RATS

A distillate of light catalytic reformed naphtha (CAS number 64741-63-5, LCRN-D) administered by inhalation was tested for reproductive and developmental toxicity in Sprague-Dawley rats, following a modified OECD Guideline 421, Reproductive/Developmental Toxicity Screening protocol. LCRN-D was administered as a vapor, 6 h/d, 7 d/ wk at target concentrations of 0, 750, 2500 or 7500 ppm to female rats for approximately 6 wk from 2 wk prior to mating, during mating through gestational d 19, and to males beginning 2 wk prior to mating for approximately 7 consecutive weeks. Dams and litters were sacrificed on postnatal d 4 and males were sacrificed within the week after the last litter was necropsied. Parental systemic effects observed at the 7500 ppm exposure level included slightly lower body weights for males throughout the study. Increased kidney to body weight and increased liver to body weight ratio in male rats exposed to 7500 ppm LCRN-D may be related to slightly lower final mean body weights. Body and organ weight data for female rats in all exposure groups were comparable to controls. No test-material-related microscopic changes were observed in the reproductive organs or nasal turbinate tissue of either sex. Reproductive performance was unaffected by exposure to LCRN-D. The mating and fertility indices were 100% in all groups. There were no significant exposure-related differences in implantation sites or live pups per litter, and no gross abnormalities were observed in pups from treated dams. Pups born from LCRN-D-exposed dams showed comparable body weights and weight gain to control pups. The viability index on postpartum d 4 was 97%. Under conditions of this study, the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) for exposure to light catalytic reformed naphtha distillate for parental effects was 2500 ppm and the NOAEL for reproductive and developmental toxicity was 7500 ppm.
A qualitative investigation into the relationship between work–life balance and organisational commitment: Evidence from American software companies in Ireland

The study explores work-life balance and organisational commitment of employees working in American software companies in Ireland. The researcher developed a conceptual framework examining external factors, individual factors, different types of benefits and mediators for utilising work-life balance programmes. The researcher chose an exploratory phenomenological research approach for this study. Seven employees participated in semi-structured interviews, from 4 different organisations. The researcher sought a balance of male and female participants, parents and individuals without children, managers and employees. The results indicate that work-life balance and organisational commitment cannot be viewed in isolation. The main differences were found between working parents and individuals with no children with regards to their perceived experience of worklife balance and organisational commitment. In addition, the influence of technology and flexible working provided challenges and opportunities to workers. While workers were conscious of the negative effects of technology, specifically with regard to switching off after work, commitment levels were not affected by this. Further influence factors, such as organisational culture or quality of work contributed towards employee commitment. The developed framework proved useful throughout the research and together with the empirical findings contributed to the growing collection of literature on worklife balance and organisational commitment.
Anatomic variations between Japanese and Caucasian populations in the healthy young adult knee joint

Our objective was to characterize variations in mechanical knee alignment, tibial torsion, tibial width, and ACL laxity measurements between Japanese and Caucasian populations in the healthy, young adult knee joint. Seventy young adult subjects participated in this study, including 23 Japanese and 47 Caucasian subjects. Coronal magnetic resonance images of the hip, knee, and ankle were acquired for analysis. Japanese subjects had a significantly higher (p = 0.04) varus alignment (1.64 ± 0.43° standard error) than Caucasians (0.55 ± 0.33°), while women exhibited a more valgus alignment (0.16 ± 0.52°) than men (0.94 ± 0.42°, p = 0.04). Significant differences were found in tibial torsion and ACL laxity (p < 0.01) between ethnicities, with Japanese exhibiting lower tibial torsion (33.4 ± 10.0°) and higher ACL laxity (7.5 ± 0.4 mm) measurements compared to Caucasians (38.9 ± 9.5° and 5.7 ± 0.3 mm, respectively). Significant differences between genders were found in hip‐knee‐ankle alignment (p = 0.04), tibial width (p < 0.0001), and ACL laxity (p < 0.01) measurements. Measurements were reliable between observers and for repeated positioning. Our study provides new insight into anatomical and geometric differences in the knee joint between Japanese and Caucasians, as well as between females and males. Further consideration of these results may improve development of implants to accommodate for these differences, and understanding of characteristics leading to increased prevalence of knee OA in certain populations. The use of magnetic resonance imaging to obtain these measurements also allows soft tissue structure characterization without exposure to ionizing radiation. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
Memory and navigation: Compression of space varies with route length and turns

For memory to be efficient and useful during recall, problem‐solving, and planning, retrieval must be compressed in time. Evidence from rodents suggests that neural compression during replay of spatial memories varies widely, with a range of compression ratios reported from 6:1 to 64:1. Anecdotal evidence suggests that similar compression occurs during mental navigation in humans: we recall how to get from one place to another countless times almost every day of our lives, and this recall never takes as long as physically travelling those routes would take. In this experiment we sought to determine whether this behavioural compression could be measured during mental navigation in humans (spatial memory replay), and which factors might affect the compression of such spatial memories. To this end, thirty participants mentally navigated routes between two landmarks, which varied in length and number of turns, as we measured replay times and recorded ratings of familiarity, detail, and presence. A multi‐level model was used to determine which factors were associated with variation in compression. Route length and number of turns emerged from this model as significantly correlated with compression, such that longer routes were more compressed while compression was attenuated as the number of turns in a route increased. This suggests that compression during recall may be affected by specific features of a route, especially those that may act to segment the space or event being represented. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Management of Privatized Moroccan Enterprises?

This article will analyze the impact of the privatization process on the performance of eleven privatized companies through the Moroccan financial market, it concerns an evaluation of the changes in the organization of the latter. The State, by withdrawing its capital from the enterprise, gives the private sector the power to choose the most appropriate modes of governance. Therefore, it is preferable to check that the transfer of ownership as part of the privatization process must be from a bureaucratic managerial system to a market managerial system characterized by its transparency, good productivity and high profitability.