Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Heart Valve Disease B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Clinical Activation in Aortic Stenosis Impact on Long-Term Survival

Results In 1,953 consecutive patients with at least moderate AS (aortic valve area 1.03 0.26 cm; mean gradient 36 19 mm Hg), median BNP level was 252 pg/ml (interquartile range: 98 to 592 pg/ml); BNP ratio 2.46 (interquartile range 1.03 to 5.66); ejection fraction (EF) 57% 15%, and symptoms present in 60% of patients. After adjustment for all survival determinants, BNP clinical activation (BNP ratio >1) independently predicted mortality after diagnosis (p < 0.0001; hazard ratio [HR]: 1.91; 95% CI: 1.55 to 2.35) and provided incremental power to the survival predictive model (p < 0.0001). Eight-year survival was 62 3% with normal BNP levels, 44 3% with BNP ratio of 1 to 2 (adjusted HR: 1.49; 95% CI: 1.17 to 1.90), 25 4% with BNP ratio of 2 to 3 (adjusted HR: 2.12; 95% CI: 1.63 to 2.75), and 15 2% with BNP ratio of 3 (adjusted HR: 2.43; 95% CI: 1.94 to 3.05). This strong link to survival was confirmed in asymptomatic patients with normal EF (adjusted HR: 2.35 [95% CI: 1.57 to 3.56] for BNP clinical activation and 2.10 [95% CI: 1.32 to 3.36] for BNP ratio of 1 to 2, 2.25 [95% CI: 1.31 to 3.87] for BNP ratio of 2 to 3, 3.93 [95% CI: 2.40 to 6.43] for BNP ratio of 3). Aortic valve replacement was associated with survival improved by a similarly high margin (p 1⁄4 0.54) with BNP ratio of <2 (HR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.52 to 0.89; p 1⁄4 0.003) or BNP ratio of >2 (HR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.47 to 0.66; p < 0.0001).
Nurses' Attitude Towards Patients with Mental Illness in a General Hospital in Kuwait

Introduction: Stigma and discrimination have been reported to cause unnecessary delay in mentally-ill patients seeking help, which adversely affects a patient's outcome. The attitude of health care professionals has been described as being, even more, negative than that of the general public, which worsens the prognosis for patients with a mental illness. Aims: The aim of this study was to describe the attitude of nurses toward mentally-ill patients in a general hospital. Methods: All the nurses in the hospital were administered a 40-item Community Attitudes Toward the Mentally-Ill (CAMI) questionnaire which determines whether the mentally-ill are viewed as “inferior;” deserve “sympathy;” perceived as a “threat” to society or “acceptable” if residing in community dwellings. The analysis of variance was performed to determine association of the four subscales with the individual characteristics, including age, gender, education, qualification type, position held, contact and contact type. Results: Out of a total of 990 nurses, 308 (31%) completed the CAMI questionnaire. The mean scores for the authoritarian (2.85), benevolent (3.66), social restrictiveness (2.97) and community mental health ideology (3.48) subscales reflected a negative attitude of nurses toward mentally-ill patients. The direct or indirect utilization of the mental health facilities resulted in significantly higher authoritarian and lower benevolence scores, indicating a positive attitude change in this group of nurses. Conclusion: Despite the small size and selective nature of the sample, the nurses' negative attitude toward the mentally-ill patients provides useful baseline data for further large-scale studies and underscores the need for psychoeducation of different health care professionals, including nurses.
U.S. Industry-Level Returns and Oil Prices

This paper takes a closer look at the puzzle uncovered by Driesprong et al. (2008) and finds empirical support for the "oil effect" in equity returns. Using forty nine US industry-level returns series and changes in oil spot and future prices, we address whether industry-level returns are predictable. We find that using changes in oil spot prices, the answer is yes; but for just under a fifth of industries in our sample. We find weak support for the predictability of industry-level returns based on changes in oil futures prices. Our findings are consistent with the delayed reaction to new information, a variant of Hong and Stein (1996)'s "underreaction" hypothesis.
UNI AND MULTIDIMENSIONAL POVERTY OF "CHILD WITHIN HOUSEHOLD" IN URBAN AND RURAL AREAS OF IRAN IN 2012

Poverty has affected the lives of millions of children around the world. Poverty, However, has multiple dimensions. The aim of the current study is to measure Uni and Multidimensional poverty of child within household in Urban and Rural areas of Iran based on Iran‟s Development Plans in 2012. In this study we used the statistical data on Household for measuring Uni and Multi-dimensional of poverty indices, in this article information theory approach, as formulated by Maasoumi and Logo, and weak focus approach on poverty of this approach was employed in measuring multidimensional poverty. With childhood divided into four age groups, Uni and Multidimensional poverty among households with child were examined. The results showed that Uni and Multi-dimensional of poverty indices in all studied age groups was higher in rural households than urban ones. Furthermore multidimensional poverty of the younger age group (0-5) has been more than the other three age groups, suggesting the existence of multidimensional deprivations in the early children‟s lives. Research findings can have implications for policy makers about seeking of efficient and effective policies in the field of child welfare. At the end, considering research findings, some recommendations have been offered.
Thermally stimulated current in SiO 2

Thermally stimulated current (TSC) techniques provide information about oxide-trap charge densities and energy distributions in MOS (metal-oxide-semiconductor) capacitors exposed to ionizing radiation or high-®eld stress that is dicult or impossible to obtain via standard capacitance±voltage or current±voltage techniques. The precision and reproducibility of measurements through repeated irradiation/TSC cycles on a single capacitor is demonstrated with a radiation-hardened oxide, and small sample-to-sample variations are observed. A small increase in E 0 d center density may occur in some non-radiation-hardened oxides during repeated irradiation/TSC measurement cycles. The importance of choosing an appropriate bias to obtain accurate measurements of trapped charge densities and energy distributions is emphasized. A 10 nm deposited oxide with no subsequent annealing above 4008C shows a dierent trapped-hole energy distribution than thermally grown oxides, but a similar distribution to thermal oxides is found for deposited oxides annealed at higher temperatures. Charge neutralization during switched-bias irradiation is found to occur both because of hole-electron annihilation and increased electron trapping in the near-interfacial SiO2. Limitations in applying TSC to oxides thinner than 05 nm are discussed. # 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Restructuring restructuring: postmodernity and the prospects for educational change

This paper examines the concept, implications and dilemmas of school restructuring. The meanings of restructuring are confusing and complex. Restructuring can be a synonym for top‐down reform or ruthless retrenchment. Or it can point to the redefinition of power relationships in the classrooms, staffrooms and communities of schooling. The paper identifies four different dilemmas of restructuring within which these different possibilities are contained and analyses their implications for educational policy. The dilemmas are those of vision versus voice; trust in persons versus trust in processes; mandates of imposition versus menus of choice; and structural change versus cultural change.
A Simple Method for Calculating the Seepage at the Foundation of Embankment Dams with Blanket and Clay Trench

Controlling the seepage at the foundation of embankment dams is of great importance. In order to reduce the seepage, various approaches are available any of which can be selected based on the condition of the foundation. The correlations recommended in the design codes for calculating the seepage, have been derived for critical conditions and mostly provide conservative values. On the other hand, some effective parameters in seepage at the foundation have not been taken into account in those correlations and thus sometimes the values obtained from them differ a lot with the real values. In this paper, a simple correlation is proposed for calculating the reduction in seepage at the foundation of embankment dams due to construction of clay trench, clay blanket or a system composed of both clay blanket and trench. In order to derive these correlations, the results from 1382 numerical analyses performed by the SEEP/W program have been used. The effect of physical and geometrical factors related to the clay blanket and trench such as the coefficient of permeability, slope of trench, width of the bottom of trench, length and thickness of the blanket have also been considered. Eventually, with regard to the effect of the mentioned factors, the results of numerical analyses have been analyzed with the SPSS 18 software. The results obtained from the suggested correlation have been compared with those obtained from the software analyses as well as internationally recommended formulas. This comparison reveals that in some cases, the values obtained from the equations proposed in those references show a considerable difference with the results of numerical modeling. However, the difference between the results of the suggested formula in this study is shown to be very small with those of numerical analyses.
Study of morbidity pattern and outcome of patients admitted in paediatric intensive care unit in a tertiary care rural teaching hospital

Background: The care of the critically ill children remains one of the most demanding and challenging aspects in the field of paediatrics. The main purpose of Paediatric Intensive care unit is to prevent mortality by intensively monitoring and treating critically ill children who are considered at high risk of mortality. In the developing countries, there is a scarce data on paediatric critical care. Evaluation of the outcome of medical interventions can assess the efficacy of treatment. This helps in better decision making, improving the quality of care and modifying the future of management if required. This study will also help to study the causes of morbidity and mortality among paediatric age group in our hospital. Aims and Objectives of the study is to evaluate the morbidity pattern and outcome of admissions in the PICU of a rural teaching hospital, and to take measures to prevent morbidity and mortality by improving critical care facilities.Methods: This was a retrospective study, the cases admitted in paediatric ICU in our teaching hospital in last two and a half considering the estimated sample size. Data will be collected from PICU and Medical record Department. Details will be studied with the help of medical record and will be analysed and interpreted according to the medical record details.Results: During a period of 30 months of the study, total of 417 patients were admitted in our PICU. Of the total cases studied, Maximum i.e. 180(43.2%) had age below 1 year. The minimum – maximum range of age was between 1 day to 18 years. About 228(54.7%) cases were males and 189(45.3%) were females. The most common diagnosis was LRTI which was observed in 61(14.7%) of cases. The most common system involved was respiratory system which was observed in 101(21.8%) cases. Of total cases studied, 357(85.6%) were discharged, 36(8.6%) had DAMA (discharge against medical advice) and 24(5.8%) expired.Conclusions: Mortality was low in our PICU. We conclude based on the present study that in our rural set up PICU, with better treatment protocols, skilled expertise/ Paediatric Intensivist we have chances to facilitate the care of critically ill patients giving desirable outcome.
Consistencies And Inconsistencies In Personality Ratings Among Knowledgeable Other Reporters

Most personality assessments rely on self-report, but the Realistic Accuracy Model (RAM) proposes that personality may be accurately perceived by others. The strongest reporters of a target's personality besides the target themselves are knowledgeable others. Research supports that spouses exhibit the strongest correspondence between self-reports and other-reports, followed by family members, then friends. This study uses a sample of 197 targets, 197 friends, and 151 family members to examine the consistencies and inconsistencies of personality ratings across nine traits. Based on the literature, I hypothesized that self-family reports and self-friend reports would be positively correlated, and that there would be stronger correlations between self-family reports than between self-friend reports. I also hypothesized that there would be a positivity bias for family reports of the target’s personality, and no significant bias among friend reports the target’s personality, relative to the self-reports. Both sets of knowledgeable others (friend-reporters and family-reporters) were consistent with their personality judgments of the target, with similar average correlations. Parents tended to be positively biased, relative to self-reports, for the traits Extraversion, Agreeableness, Self-Esteem, and Integrity. Friends tended to be negatively biased, relative to self-reports, for the traits Openness to Experience and Intellect.
Polychromatic visible photoluminescence in porous ZnO nanotubes

In this paper, we report the photoluminescence (PL) properties of porous ZnO nanotubes prepared by a two-step hydrothermal method. The nanotubes show a nearly homogeneous size of about 250 nm diameter, 50 nm wall thickness and 500 nm length. There are always some scattered nanoholes with sizes ranging from several tens of nanometres to about 200 nm on the side wall of each nanotube. A polychromatic PL band consisting of blue, green and orange emissions was realized by introducing the unwanted native defects into the ZnO lattice. Both the porous structure and the production of the unwanted defects are closely correlated with the non-equilibrium reaction condition during the preparation of porous ZnO nanotubes. The origin of the polychromatic PL was discussed together with the measurements of the PL features of the nanotubes annealed at different atmospheres and the lifetime of the three visible emissions. Porous ZnO nanotubes with polychromatic emission are expected to find much potential application in UV-excited wide-spectrum phosphors.
Common Stochastic Trends and Long-Run Price Leadership in the US Gasoline Market

This paper investigates long-run price leadership in the US gasoline market. Cointegration and common stochastic trends are reviewed, and the concept of longrun price leadership is discussed in the framework of cointegrated vector autoregression. Weekly data for gasoline prices in three areas of the US (New York Harbor, Los Angeles and Gulf Coast) are then analyzed using a cointegrated vector autoregressive model. It is demonstrated that the price set in Gulf Coast plays the role of long-run leadership in the gasoline market, in‡uencing the price determination in the remaining locations.
Effect of cassava wastewater on physicochemical characteristics and fatty acids composition of meat from feedlot-finished lambs

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of includingcassava wastewater (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, or 1.5 L animal -1 day -1 ) in diets of feedlot-finished lambs on the physicochemical characteristics and fatty acid composition of their meat. Thirty-two uncastrated lambs atan average age of 167 days and an average body weight of 24.76 ± 3.00 kg were distributed into four groups in a completely randomized design with eight animals per group for each treatment. Inclusion of cassava wastewater linearly reduced cooking losses, shear force, and yellow intensity and linearly increased the fat content of the meat. The amounts of myristic, stearic, linoleic, and total fatty acids were changed. Additionally, an effect of cassava wastewater was observed on the amounts of saturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, desirable fatty acids, and n-6:n-3ratio. A positive quadratic effect was observed for the following nutritional quality indices: Δ9 desaturase 16, elongase, at herogenicity, and thrombogenicity. Cassava wastewater changesthe physicochemical characteristics and fatty acid composition of lamb meat. Furtherstudies should be carried outto more accurately determine the fatty acid composition of cassava wastewater to better understand its effectson animal nutrition.
Efficacy of Intravenous Ondansetron on Hemodynamic Complications in Women Undergoing Spinal Anesthesia for Cesarean Section: A Randomized Placebo Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Several methods are used for the prevention or decreasing the incidence of spinal anesthesia hemodynamic complications. Ondansetron is a 5HT3 receptor antagonist with known efficacy on preventing nausea and vomiting and probably on intrathecal opioid-induced pruritus. The present study aims to evaluate the effects of intravenous Ondansetron on the attenuation of blood pressure and heart rate, by 5HT3 blocking in vagal nerve endings and effect on Bezold Jarish reflex. Material and Methods: One hundred and two candidates for elective cesarean section were randomized into 2 groups of 51 cases, the Ondansetron group received 4mg Ondansetron intravenously before performing spinal anesthesia, and placebo group received 2cc sterile water. Hypotension was defined: Systolic blood pressure less than 100 MmHg or fall more than 20% from primary BP which was treated by administration of Ephedrine in case of any. In both groups, Ondansetron effect was studied on hypotension occurrence, bradycardia, consumed Ephedrine amount, pruritus, nausea and vomiting. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in systolic/diastolic blood pressure, Mean Arterial Pressure, heart rate and pruritus in both groups (P=0.081). Nausea and vomiting in the first 10 minutes after spinal anesthesia were lesser in Ondansetron group (P= 0.001). Mean consumed Ephedrine was significantly lesser in Ondansetron group (5.8 mg in Ondansetron and 10.7 mg in placebo group, P=0.009). Conclusion: Ondansetron given intravenously with antiemetic dose (4 mg) decreases mean consumed Ephedrine and nausea and vomiting after spinal anesthesia, but does not have an influence on blood pressure, heart rate and pruritus. [GMJ. 2016;5(1):13-18]
Bankers’ Views Towards Islamic Banking and Islamic Marketing: The Case of Libyan Main Wahda Bank in Benghazi City

The research topic of this paper is about the transformation process of Libyan Main Wahda Bank to Islamic Banking, and how Islamic Marketing has been practiced in this bank. The study aims to investigate bankers’ views towards Islamic Banking and Islamic Marketing practices in Benghazi City. Few interviews with bankers were conducted to design the research instrument, which validated and circulated to bankers responsible for Islamic Banking affairs at Wahda Bank. Data were collected and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Tests of normality mean scores, T-test, Anova, Correlations and Reliability Analysis were all used in this research paper. The key finding is that there is a consensus among participants that the bank faces numerous challenges including: cultural obstacles, insufficient regulations, increasing environmental challenges, weaknesses of higher authorities responsible for banking affairs, weakness of technology, and poor administrative performances. The study exhibited low level of customer satisfaction on Islamic banking products marketed. The study urges the need to develop a governmental Islamic banking strategy to focus on spreading Islamic Banking and Islamic Marketing culture. Learning from leading Islamic countries’ experiences would be a critical future step to develop Libyan banks’ practices. It also advises reconsidering the current banking legislations, and explaining their implications properly. Islamic Marketing and customer satisfaction measurement should be given a priority in bank’s future strategies. Finally, the paper concludes with research limitations, implications and suggests future research.
International Equity Portfolio Risk Modeling: The Case of the NIG Model and Ordinary Copula Functions

Financial risk modeling and management are very important and challenging tasks for financial institutions’ quantitative units. Owing to the complex nature of portfolios, and given recent financial market developments, contemporary research is focused on tail modeling and/or dependency modeling. The main objective of this paper is to examine the potential contribution of Levy-based subordinated models coupled by ordinary elliptical copula functions to the estimation of the distribution pattern of international equity portfolios. The authors observe that the subordinated NIG model coupled with the Student copula function, and in particular its combined estimation version, allows them to get very good estimates of portfolio risk measures.
What Do You Mean, “What Does It All Mean?” Atheism, Nonreligion, and Life Meaning

Nonreligion is often thought to be commensurate with nihilism or fatalism, resulting in the perception that the nonreligious have no source of meaning in life. While views to this effect have been advanced in various arenas, no empirical evaluation of such a view has been conducted. Using data from the 2008 American General Social Survey (N = ~1,200), we investigated whether atheists, the religiously unaffiliated, and persons raised religiously unaffiliated were more likely than theists, the religiously affiliated, and persons raised with a religious affiliation to report greater levels of fatalism, nihilism, and the perception that meaning in life is self-provided. Results suggested that these groups did not differ with regard to fatalism or nihilism. However, atheists and the religiously unaffiliated (but not persons raised in a religiously unaffiliated household) were more likely to indicate that meaning in life was endogenous—that is, self-produced. While atheists and the nonreligious differed from their counterparts on source of meaning in life, this was not associated with any “penalty” for overall existential meaning.