Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Computational modeling of prefrontal cortex circuits

The most outstanding feature of the human brain is its ability to perform highly complex cognitive tasks and one key region of the brain involved in these elaborated tasks is the prefrontal cortex. However, little is known about the basic neuronal processes that sustain these capacities. This dissertation describes the computational study of the biophysical properties of neurons in the prefrontal cortex that underlie complex cognitive processes with special emphasis in working memory, the ability to keep information online in the brain for a short period of time while processing incoming external stimuli. The goal of this study is to link basic mechanisms occurring at the cellular level with the activity of the neuronal network that generates the memory trace, and ultimately to understand the mechanisms underlying working memory function. The current models built to simulate working memory are susceptible to drifts in the memory representation that contribute to deviate it from the original stimulus properties. To improve the stability of the working memory trace, we investigated three slow biophysical mechanisms that are activity-dependent and prominently present in neurons of the prefrontal cortex: depolarization-induced
Effects of Nigella sativa oil on Th1/Th2, cytokine balance, and improvement of asthma control in children

Background Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by involvement of a variety of inflammatory cells. Asthma is associated with imbalances between Th1/Th2 cells and their characteristic cytokine profiles. Nigella sativa is a plant that possesses immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Objective To investigate the potential anti-asthmatic effect of Nigella sativa oil on Th1/Th2 cells, IFN-ɣ/IL-4 cytokines, and improvement of asthma control. Methods Children aged 6-15 years with asthma in Dr. Saiful Anwar Hospital, Malang, were enrolled in this study. All patients were treated based on standard treatment guidelines for asthma. Nigella sativa oil (NSO) was given per oral as supplementary treatment at a dose of 15-30 mg/kg/day for 8 weeks, in a randomized, single-blind, controlled trial. Peripheral Th1 and Th2 cells were counted by flow cytometry and IFN-ɣ and IL-4 cytokines were measured by ELISA. Improvement of asthma control was assessed by the asthma control test (ACT) score. Results Twenty-eight patients completed the study, 14 in the NSO treatment group and 14 in standard treatment group. No significant differences were found in the number of Th1 and Th2 cells, or in the Th1/Th2 ratio between groups after treatment (P=0.074, P=0.481, and P=0.265, respectively). Compared to the control, the NSO group showed a significant elevation of IFN-ɣ (P=0.046) and reduction of IL-4 (P=0.002). At the end of study, ACT score was not significantly different between groups (P=0.413). Conclusion Supplementation with Nigella sativa oil improves IFN-ɣ/IL-4 balance and asthma control in children with asthma.
Purpura Fulminans with Peripheral Gangrene in Severe Falciparum Malaria: A Case Series

Background : Purpura fulminans is an acute fatal illness consisting of septicaemia, shock, and disseminated intravascular coagulation, often manifesting with gangrene of the distal extremities and necrosis of skin. Purpura fulminans associated with severe malaria has rarely been reported among children. Case Report : Two cases of purpura fulminans with disseminated intravascular coagulation probably due to severe falciparum malaria, are presented from a tertiary health facility in Nigeria. Both cases were males, and were infants aged 6 and 7 months respectively. They presented with fever, seizures, loss of consciousness and features of shock and had associated peripheral gangrene which developed hours into admission. Investigations showed P. falciparum hyper-parasitemia and evidence of disseminated intravascular coagulation. No focus for sepsis was identified and there were no bacterial isolates from blood culture. The second child survived but was left with amputated digits and audiovisual deficits. Conclusion : The cases presented demonstrate that purpura fulminans can occur in children with severe malaria even in P. falciparum endemic settings.
Sickness certification in general practice: a comparison of electronic records with self-reported work absence

Background Reports of work absence usually come from self-report or company absence records; however, these records are limited to just one company. Electronic recording of sickness certification in primary care medical records may provide an alternative source of data, but its relation to other sources of sickness absence information is unknown. Comparing general practitioner electronic sickness certification records with self-reported work absence would enable the comparability of these electronic records to be established. Aim To investigate the comparability of electronic medical records of sickness certification in primary care, with self-reported work absence. Methods Analysis included 292 primary care low-back pain consulters who consented to medical record review. A within-group design was used to match electronic records of sickness certification with self-reported sickness absence. Findings Overall 95% of the electronic medical records of sickness certification matched with self-reported absences; 96% in employed consulters and 95% in unemployed consulters. In all, 94% of employed participants were a direct match, 2% a consistent match and 4% a mismatch. Including consistent matches increased matching to 97% in employed consulters and to 100% in unemployed consulters. Electronic records of sickness certification in general practice are a useful method of analysing sickness absence in the population, as they are comparable with other sources of data. Additionally, electronic records of sickness certification will allow the investigation of sickness absence where data from one company are too limited and self-report is not available or unreliable. To facilitate the use of electronic medical records of sickness certification, data need to be accurately recorded and evaluated or audited to ensure completeness and validity. Furthermore, methods should be developed to ensure straightforward linkage between sickness certification records and other data held on the electronic medical record.
Leg Ulcers and Oedema: A Study Exploring the Prevalence, Aetiology, and Possible Significance of Oedema in Venous Ulcers

Oedema is commonly associated with venous leg ulcers, and is thought to discourage wound healing. However, little attention has been paid to the mechanism or significance of oedema in this condition. This study assessed the prevalence of oedema and lymphatic insufficiency and their influence on wound healing amongst 56 patients. Two populations were studied – community and hospital-managed, with an almost equal number of cases in each. The presence of oedema and lymphatic insufficiency was assessed clinically and, the duration of the current ulcer was used as an indicator of healing rate. Oedema was present in 55% of patients, but its prevalence in the community-treated group was much greater than in the hospital-treated group. Lymphatic insufficiency was present in 22% of patients with an equal prevalence in the two groups. The presence of oedema was associated with a longer duration of ulcer whereas the use of diuretics was associated with a shorter duration. This suggests that oedema may be an important factor in discouraging the healing of ulcers. Greater attention should be paid clinically to the prevention of oedema, as its presence suggests inadequate treatment and a failure to heal.
EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY OF PREVALENCE OF ANEMIA AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS IN A RURAL COMMUNITY; A HOME-BASED SCREENING

Objective: The prevalence of anemia is disproportionately high in developing countries due to poverty, inadequate diet, certain diseases, pregnancy and lactation, and poor access to health services. It is a risk factor for cardiovascular health and early death in adult. To estimate the prevalence of anemia and its associated risk factors in a rural a community in India. Methodology: Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, an observational house-to-house survey was conducted for a period of 6 months, by screening for anemia, using digital strip type hemoglobin meter. Result: Out of 200 people, 146 were anemic of which 77 were with mild anemia, 67 with moderate anemia and only 3 had severe anemia. There were more number of anemic patients in the group of normal and underweight (Normal=86, 58.90%; Underweight=27, 18.49%) than that of overweight and obese (Overweight=22, 15.06%; Obese=11, 7.53%). The newly diagnosed cases of anemia were 138 and previously diagnosed cases of anemia were 8. Out of 146 anemic populations, 13 were hyperlipidemics, 20 were hypertensives, 18 were diabetics, 5 were thyroid patients and 4 were cardiac patients. Conclusion: This screening program helps to diagnose anemia in a selected population and benefit avoiding further complications by offering adequate patient counseling. Study population was enriched with information on nutrition intake and importance of maintaining hemoglobin concentration at normal level in day-to-day life of an individual. Keywords: Anemia, Nutrition, Screening, Hemoglobin.
Construct heterogeneity and proliferation in advertising research

Abstract This paper presents results from a study of measurement practice in leading advertising journals. The focus is on heterogeneity in measurement operationalizations of the same construct and construct proliferation (i.e. when constructs have different names but overlapping content). These issues were addressed by analyzing the measurement operationalizations in all articles published in three leading advertising journals between 2012 and 2014. Results show considerable heterogeneity in the operationalizations of three common advertising constructs (ad credibility, ad irritation and perceived humour) for which almost every study used a unique operationalization. Results also show considerable construct proliferation as different names were used for the same constructs and there was overlap in the operationalizations of several advertising constructs. The paper offers a discussion of implications for advertising research and suggests steps that can be taken towards improving measurement practice.
Lexical and Textual Translation Problems Encountered by Palestinian Professional Diploma Students at the Islamic University of Gaza

تهدف هده الدراسة الى التعرف على الصعوبات والمشاكل اللغوية و الصعوبات المتعلقة بالنص التي يواجها طلبة الدبلوم المهني في الترجمة في الجامعة الإسلامية بغزة. و اعتمد الباحث في تحليل النصوص المترجمة على أدوات تقيم مختلفة ،وخلصت الدراسة الى وجود صعوبات عدة في الترجمة من العربية الى الانجليزية لدي الطلبة ,وأوصى الباحث بضرورة ان يتعرف الطلبة على أسباب هذه الصعوبات وايجاد الحلول المناسبة لها من أجل تفاديها في المستقبل.
Circumstance not context: the Neolithic of Scotland as seen from outside

An overall survey of the relative strengths and weaknesses of research on the Scottish Neolithic is attempted, focusing particularly on recent work. The high quality of much of the evidence is stressed as is the variability of the attention paid to it. Particular themes have been chosen to exemplify these and to provide some opportunity for a wider perspective.
Usage Data, E-journal Selection, and Negotiations: An Iranian Consortium Experience

Abstract This article reports on the analysis of COUNTER-compliant usage data of Elsevier ScienceDirect journals for the period of 2004–2009 by Consiran, an Iranian national consortium with fifty-eight institutions. The aim of the analysis was to develop a license model for subscription purchases. The results show that journal use followed the “80/20 rule” or Pareto principle. The conclusion is that, for a cost-benefit license model, institutions should be grouped into three or four categories based on their subject fields and amount of use. The article also discusses the problem with usage data and highlights the need for implementing a system to locally collect and analyze usage data rather than relying on the usage data provided by vendors and publishers.
China vs. The Rest: A New Era of Global Energy Dealmaking

China’s recent global energy policy suggests an acquisitive attitude to deal-making, coming as it does fourteen years after a failed high profile 2005 bid for the U.S. giant Unocal. Our study of 726 global oil and gas mergers and acquisitions for the period 2006 to 2012 reveals that by entering risky oil regions, China is executing deals globally and doing them (relatively) well. By median, Chinese state backed energy giants paid 6.5 percent less than comparable energy dealmakers. Findings suggest that by undertaking deals in risky countries, typically those with high trade barriers to entry and significant political risk, China achieves observably more favourable deal pricing terms, achieving acquisitions at significant discount.
Bioelectrical impedance analysis and anthropometry for the determination of body composition in rats: effects of high-fat and high-sucrose diets

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to determine the impedance of Wistar rats treated with high-fat and high-sucrose diets and correlate their biochemical and anthropometric parameters with chemical analysis of the carcass. METHODS: Twenty-four male Wistar rats were fed a standard (AIN-93), high-fat (50% fat) or high-sucrose (59% of sucrose) diet for 4 weeks. Abdominal and thoracic circumference and body length were measured. Bioelectrical impedance analysis was used to determine resistance and reactance. Final body composition was determined by chemical analysis. RESULTS: Higher fat intake led to a high percentage of liver fat and cholesterol and low total body water in the High-Fat group, but these changes in the biochemical profile were not reflected by the anthropometric measurements or bioelectrical impedance analysis variables. Anthropometric and bioelectrical impedance analysis changes were not observed in the High-Sucrose group. However, a positive association was found between body fat and three anthropometric variables: body mass index, Lee index and abdominal circumference. CONCLUSION: Bioelectrical impedance analysis did not prove to be sensitive for detecting changes in body composition, but body mass index, Lee index and abdominal circumference can be used for estimating the body composition of rats.
The Birth of Christianity: Discovering What Happened in the Years Immediately after the Execution of Jesus

John Dominic Crossan explores the lost years of earliest Christianity, the years immediately following Jesus' execution. He establishes the contextual setting through a combination of literary, anthropological, historical and archaeological approaches. He challenges the assumptions about the role of Paul and the meaning of resurrection, and forges a new understanding of the birth of the Christian church. Here is a vivid account of early Christianity's interaction with the world around it, and of the new traditions and communities established as Jesus' companions continued their movement after his death.
Smart grids for green communications [Industry Perspectives]

The challenge of the smart grid is formidable. What makes a grid smart, or at least different from the grid of today, is the fact that it must deliver both energy and information. The delivery of both energy and information must also be end-to-end and bidirectional. Energy will be generated both at traditional generation facilities as well as in local or distributed generation facilities. Information covering every aspect of electricity from generation to consumption will also be conveyed. The relationship between the smart grid, homes, and consumers is an important and tightly coupled part of the overall system. The energy stakeholders have been enhancing the ZigBee Smart Energy standard to serve the growing set of needs required of the relationship including the ability to run over a variety of mainstream communications protocols, wired and wireless, like IEEE 1901, 802.3, 802.11 and 802.16 in addition to the original 802.15. 4.
Rational Speculative Bubbles in Istanbul Stock Exchange

Turk hisse senedi piyasasi ozellikle 2002 yilindan bu yana bir boga piyasasinin kosullarini yasamaktadir. Ayrica son yillarda Turk hisse senedi piyasasi, hisse senedi fiyatlarinin temel degerleri yansitip yansitmadigina iliskin bir supheyi uyandiran cesitli ani asiri yukselis ve cokus dongulerine taniklik etmistir. Herhangi bir varliktaki temel degerlerle aciklanamayan bir fiyat hareketine, spekulatif balon adi verilir. Bu makalede, Turk hisse senedi piyasasinda, herhangi bir spekulatif balon olup olmadigi 2002 – 2010 donemi icin test edilmektedir. Goreceli olarak yeni kabul edilebilecek bir yontem olan sure bagimliligi testi, Turk hisse senedi piyasasinda bir rasyonel spekulatif balonun var olup olmadigini tespit etmek amaciyla kullanilmaktadir. Bu makalede parametrik olmayan sure bagimliligi testi sonuclari, pozitif asiri getiri kosularinda negatif sure bagimliligi olmadigini gostermektedir. Analiz sonuclari, orneklem doneminde Turk hisse senedi piyasasinda bir rasyonel spekulatif balonun var olmadigi cikarimiyla tutarlidir.
Building a novel pediatric intensive care iPad handover aid for residents

Abstract There is no consensus on how effective patient handover in the pediatric intensive care unit should occur. Complex patients with rapidly moving clinical trajectories are difficult to summarize and comprehend. We aimed to redesign our current handover instrument to encourage higher-level cognitive interactions, questioning and understanding for pediatric residents. Through an iterative process with five pediatric intensive care unit intensivists, the current hardcopy handover tool was reviewed and compared to other formats published in medical and non-medical domains. Several handover formats on the iPad were created and proposed, but continual feedback from intensive care unit physicians led to a selection, and further revisions were made. A mock handover with completed data fields allowed pediatric residents to provide the final feedback in both a semi-structured group review and a survey with responses on a 1–5 Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree; 2 = disagree; 3 = neither agree or disagree; 4 = agree; 5 = strongly agree). A novel two-axis data grid combining the ‘systems’ and ‘problem list’ approach was developed, with read back prompts, and off the shelf applications such as “burn notices”. Residents found ease with the organizational format (4.0 ± 0.67 Likert scale response) and the transition to the iPad device (4.3 ± 0.67). Improving physician handovers may be achieved efficiently and economically through physician led iterative processes. Pediatric residents were at ease when the novel handover was combined with newer iPad technologies and applications.
Idéologie et dynamique du marketing : Quelles responsabilités ?

La vitalité du marketing suppose la mobilisation des marketers et l’idéologie du marketing management qui fournit des justifications à leurs pratiques . Une perspective historique permet de montrer que la dynamique du marketing résulte de sa double capacité à segmenter de plus en plus finement le marché, et à récupérer la critique pour construire de nouvelles offres et de nouveaux discours. Un tel processus ne se fait pas contre le consommateur mais avec lui : c’est une co-production et donc une co-responsabilité. Le cas français est ici analysé afin de mettre en évidence les convictions qui constituent cette idéologie et les critiques contemporaines qui lui sont adressées. Cette épreuve soulève des questions qui sont autant de programmes de recherche .
CLUSTER RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL TO EVALUATE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A MULTIFACETED ACTIVE STRATEGY TO IMPLEMENT LOW BACK PAIN PRACTICE GUIDELINES; EFFECT ON COMPETENCE, PROCESS OF CARE AND PATIENT OUTCOMES IN PHYSICAL THERAPY

The study was a cluster randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the effectiveness of an active strategy to implement practice guidelines for low back pain in physical therapy. Physical therapy clinics (clinics=28, therapists=41) were randomized to receive a multifaceted active intervention (education, audit, feedback) (clinics=16, therapists=24) to increase awareness regarding key recommendations in guidelines or mailed guidelines (clinics=12, therapists=18). Primary outcome measures were change in pre to post intervention competence score (18 clinical vignettes), adherence to guidelines and change in patient Oswestry scores from first to last visit. The competence test was administered at baseline and on completion of the education course. Data on LBP patients treated by participating therapists in a 12-week pre (therapists=41, patients=50) and post (therapists=41, patients=107) intervention period (education, audit and feedback) was extracted from the UPMC electronic database. Patient care was classified as being adherent or non-adherent using 6 quality indicators developed to reflect recommendations in the guidelines. Overall percentage of adherence and adherence to individual criterion on the guidelines were also calculated. The results of the study indicated that education did not have an effect improving knowledge measured by change in total competence score. However, there were significant differences between groups on the ability to appropriately identify directional preference with movement testing, where the intervention group did better than the control. Adherence to guidelines and patient outcomes did not improve as a result of the active intervention strategy. The groups were not significantly different when comparing overall adherence to guidelines or to individual criterion on guidelines. There was an underutilization of mobilization thrust (82.3%), traction (78.5%) and graded exercises (47.6%) for fear avoidant patients, while stabilization was over-utilized in 51% of patients. Although therapists demonstrated moderate to high scores on the competence test, they failed to apply this knowledge in clinical practice. Future research should focus on a qualitative inquiry into organizational and environmental barriers to adoption of clinical practice guidelines. These include evaluating if payment policies and reimbursement from providers are aligned with guidelines and also assessing the extent to which patient demands and compliance influences adherence to guidelines.