Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interactive computer-assisted instruction vs. lecture format in dental education.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to compare computer-assisted instruction (CAI) with lecture format using recent hardware and software advances. A pre- and post-test was used to determine student performance and instructional preference. In addition, a post-instruction survey was used to determine student learning preferences. METHODS Seventy-five first-year University of North Carolina (UNC) dental students who were registered for the introductory radiology course were asked to participate. All agreed and were randomly placed in one of three groups: interactive CD only, interactive CD and lecture, and lecture only. The content of the multimedia instruction focused on intraoral radiography. A pre- and post-test was administered to determine if there was a significant difference between interactive CD and lecture formats, and an evaluation instrument was used to determine if there was a student learning preference between CAI and lecture format. Analysis of covariance and the sign test were used to determine significance (p<.05). RESULTS There was no significant difference between pre- and post-test outcomes, indicating that similar learning took place using the interactive CD and/or lecture format. However, students preferred CAI to lecture format.
An investigation of consumer traits and their relationship to merchandise borrowing with undergraduates

Merchandise borrowing is defined as purchasing items with the intention to return them once they have been used satisfactorily. The purpose of this research was to identify consumer traits that influenced merchandise borrowing. Selected psychological characteristics, a social group influence variable, and a selected demographic characteristic were investigated for their influence on attitudes toward merchandise borrowing. Data were collected using selfadministered questionnaires from 268 college students. Participants (18.3%) indicated that they had borrowed merchandise in the past. Attitudes toward merchandise borrowing were significantly related to social group influence and retail employment. Attitudes toward merchandise borrowing were also significantly related to prior borrowing behavior. Social group influence appears to be a key variable in predicting attitudes toward merchandise borrowing.
In vitro activation of antigen‐presenting cells (APC) by defined composition of Quillaja saponaria Molina triterpenoids

The capacity of adjuvants to stimulate cytokine production by APC is important for the initiation of the immune response. Novel adjuvant formulations based on the iscom technology have been developed using selected triterpenoid components from Quillaja saponaria Molina. Five of these new Quillaja formulations were used to prepare matrix (an antigen‐free particle) and tested for their capacity to stimulate IL‐1 secretion by murine peritoneal cells in vitro. The formulation denominated QH 7.0. 3 was superior to the other matrix formulations, including the original spikoside matrix. The QH 7.0. 3 formulation in iscoms containing influenza virus envelope antigens induced IL‐1 secretion more efficiently than the antigen‐free matrix, or a mixture of matrix and viral antigens, or the free Quillaja components of similar composition. Compared with adjuvants known as IL‐1 inducers, QH 7.0. 3 flu‐iscoms were as efficient as the most prominent IL‐1 inducer, i.e. lipopolysaccaride (LPS) and superior to cholera toxin (CT) and muramyl dipeptide (MDP). These results indicate that the composition per se of triterpenoids included in iscoms or matrix has a prominent influence on the level of APC activation which may result in qualitatively different immune responses in vivo
Prevalence of treatment-resistant depression in primary care: cross-sectional data.

BACKGROUND Antidepressants are often the first-line treatment for depression in primary care. However, not all patients respond to medication after an adequate dose and duration of treatment. Currently, there are no estimates of the prevalence of treatment-resistant depression (TRD) from UK primary care. AIM To estimate the prevalence of TRD in UK primary care. Design and setting Data were collected as part of a multicentre randomised controlled trial, from 73 general practices in UK primary care. METHOD Potential participants (aged 18-75 years who had received repeated prescriptions for antidepressants) were identified from general practice records. Those who agreed to be contacted were mailed a questionnaire that included questions on depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory [BDI-II]), and adherence to antidepressants. Those who scored ≥14 on the BDI-II and had taken antidepressants for at least 6 weeks at an adequate dose were defined as treatment resistant. RESULTS A total of 2439 patients completed the questionnaire (84% of those who agreed to be contacted), of whom 2129 had been prescribed an adequate dose of antidepressants for at least 6 weeks. Seventy-seven per cent (95% CI = 75% to 79%) had a BDI score of ≥14. Fifty-five per cent (95% CI = 53% to 58%) (n = 1177) met the study's definition of TRD, of whom 67% had taken their antidepressants for more than 12 months. CONCLUSION The high prevalence of TRD is an important challenge facing clinicians in UK primary care. A more proactive approach to managing this patient population is required to improve outcome.
PC1/3, PC2 and PC5/6A are targeted to dense core secretory granules by a common mechanism

There are seven members of the proprotein convertase (PC) family of secreted serine proteases that cleave their substrates at basic amino acids, thereby activating a variety of hormones, growth factors, and viruses. PC1/3, PC2 and PC5/6A are the only members of the PC family that are targeted to dense core secretory granules, where they carry out the processing of proteins that are secreted from the cell in a regulated manner. Previous studies have identified α‐helices in the C‐termini of the PC1/3 and PC2 proteases that are required for this subcellular targeting. In the current study, we demonstrate that a predicted α‐helix in the C‐terminus of PC5/6A is also critical for the ability of this domain to target a heterologous protein to the regulated secretory pathway of mouse endocrine AtT‐20 cells. Analysis of the subcellular distribution of fusion proteins containing the C‐terminal domains of PC1/3, PC2 and PC5/6A confirmed that all three domains have the capacity to redirect a constitutively secreted protein to the granule‐containing cytoplasmic extensions. Analysis of the predicted structures formed by these three granule‐sorting helices shows a correlation between their granule‐sorting efficiency and the clustering of hydrophobic amino acids in their granule‐targeting helices.
A Micro-Level View of Housing Affordability in Malaysia Using an Age Cohort-Housing Type Analysis

Housing affordability has been an important issue for both developed and developing countries. Prior literature has used the price-income ratio as the main standard to assess housing affordability with the median disposable household income of the sample population commonly used. As such, conclusions drawn from macro-level analyses lack practical policy considerations. This paper attempts to address the problem in greater detail by considering age cohorts, income percentiles and different house types. The results show that for those aged 20-24 and 60-64, housing is severely unaffordable across all house types, except for the 75th income percentile group. The most expensive – semi-detached and detached housing types – remain unaffordable to all income and age groups, except for the 75th income percentile group aged 30 and above. Terrace and high rise housing types are the most affordable across each income percentile. Based on the results, we extend the housing affordability literature through recommendation of several policy measures that may ameliorate the affordability conundrum.
A Comparative Study of Input–Output Stability Results

At present, many similar but disparate input–output (I–O) stability criteria exist. Without means for comparison, it is unclear which result is best used in any given application. This paper proposes a means for comparison between I–O stability results involving norms and inner products of inputs and outputs. The extended conic sector theorem provides a framework for determining which results are least conservative and most broadly applicable. In so-doing, numerous existing stability results are unified and revealed as more powerful than previously thought.
Effect of Acalypha wilkesiana MuellArg Leaf Extract on the Oxidative Indices, Liver Enzymes and Liver Integrity of Rats Infected with Plasmodium berghei

This study investigates the effect of the methanolic extract of Acalypha wilkesiana on the oxidative stress caused by Plasmodium berghei infection and on the liver of parasitized animals. Phytochemical screening of the extract reveals that it is rich in flavonoids, carotenoids and sterols. Our results showed that liver Malondialdehyde (MDA) significantly (p<0.05) increased while Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), (Glutathione peroxide) GSH-P, reduced Glutathione (rGSH) and Catalase (CAT) decreased (p<0.05) in the parasitized non-treated rats, evident of increase in lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress following P. berghei infection. Extract treatment of the parasitized rats was observed to reverse the effects of the oxidative stress and restore the elevated liver enzymes; on the other hand, extract treatment of the non-parasitized rats increased antioxidant molecule levels, thus increasing their free radicals scavenging activity. The extract was also observed to extend the mean survival time of treated rats and improve malaria symptoms. Histological examination of the liver of treated and non-treated animals reveals that the extract may have a hepato-protective as there were no observable cellular defects. These findings suggest that the extract can be useful in management of oxidative stress to the biological system e.g., during malaria infection.
A Longitudinal Study of Nonoriginal Content in Final-Year Computing Undergraduate Projects

This paper describes a four-year longitudinal study of the extent of nonoriginal material in final-year undergraduate computing projects. This was done in conjunction with the establishment of a proactive departmental policy on academic integrity which emphasized education and prevention as well as detection and penalty. The intention of the project was to attempt to reduce the amount of nonattributed nonoriginal (plagiarized) content in the projects. The amount of nonoriginal material contained in each of approximately 900 projects over all four years was automatically measured and subsequently investigated and evaluated. Despite problems caused by the continual development of the measurement tools during the project, the conclusion can be drawn that the amount of nonoriginal material has declined and that which remains is being used with greater integrity.
Distribution of N-acetyltransferase Type 1 (NAT1) genotypes and alleles in a Turkish population

NAT1 is an intronless gene on chromosome 8p21.3 encoding a 290-amino-acid-long protein showing acetyltransferase activity. Some 26 alleles of NAT1 gene have been identified in human populations. In the present study we determined the distributions of NAT1 genotypes and alleles in a sample of 201 individuals from the Turkish population in Central Anatolia. The most frequent genotypes were NAT1*4/NAT1*4 (51.74%), NAT1*10/NAT1*4 (22.39%), NAT1*11/NAT1*4 (7.46), NAT1*10/NAT1*10 (3.98%). Frequencies of NAT1*3, *4 (wild-type), *10 and *11 alleles were 3.73%, 69.6%, 17.66% and 7.2%, respectively. The frequency of NAT1*11 was the highest amongst the populations studied so far, the other allele frequencies being close to those described in Caucasian populations.
Trends in drug resistance mutations in antiretroviral‐naïve intravenous drug users of Rio de Janeiro

DNA sequencing of a pol gene fragment from drug‐naive injecting drug users samples obtained at two time points of the Brazilian AIDS epidemic (Pre‐HAART era: 1994 to early 1997, n = 27; post‐HAART era: 1999–2001, n = 38) was undertaken to assess HIV‐1 antiretroviral drug resistance mutations and subtyping profiles. Genotypic analysis revealed the presence of PR primary L90M, D30N, M46I, and V82A mutations in 7.9% of the post‐HAART group, and a high frequency of secondary mutations (84.2%). Nucleoside RT‐associated mutations were observed in 13.2%. In the pre‐HAART group, a higher frequency of RT mutations was observed (22.2%) and no PR primary mutations were found, in agreement with the introduction of protease inhibitors (PIs) in therapy during the same period. The identification of 7.9% of drug‐naive injecting drug users already bearing RT/PR primary resistance mutations in the post‐HAART era group constitutes a major concern in terms of dissemination of drug resistant viruses. The resistance mutations profile of the individuals may reflect the context of antiretroviral treatment in Brazil at the sample collection periods (1994–1997 and 1999–2001). In spite of the differences observed in the drug resistance profiles, similar frequencies of subtype B (63.0 vs. 73.7%), F (22.2 vs. 10.5%), and recombinant B/F (14.8 vs. 15.8%) viruses were found, respectively, in the pre‐ and post‐HAART groups. J. Med. Virol. 78:764–769, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence of coeliac disease in Italian patients affected by Addison's disease

Objective. It is well known that coeliac disease is associated with autoimmune endocrine diseases, such as autoimmune thyroid disease and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Recently, coeliac disease has been shown in ∼10% of patients with autoimmune Addison's disease. Addison's disease is the most common cause of primary adrenocortical insufficiency and it shares several clinical features with coeliac disease. Although hyperpigmentation and hypotension are the most specific signs, gastrointestinal symptoms are common and can be the first complaints of the patients. The aim of our study was to investigate the prevalence of coeliac disease in Italian patients with Addison's disease. Material and methods. Seventeen consecutive patients affected by Addison's disease (14 F, mean age 53.9 years, range 26–79 years) were enrolled in the study. Eleven of them were affected by Addison's disease associated with autoimmune thyroid disease and/or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus; the other 6 patients were suffering from isolated Addison's disease. Diagnosis had been performed at the age of 40.5 years (range 23–55). Steroid treatment had already been started in 16 of the patients. Endomysial antibodies were tested in all of them and a duodenal biopsy was taken in those found to be positive for antiendomysial antibody (EMA). Results. One out of 17 patients was found to be EMA positive. Duodenal biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of coeliac disease by showing subtotal villous atrophy. Conclusions. Although we studied only a small sample, our preliminary results confirmed that Addison's disease is associated with coeliac disease, being present in 5.9% of patients with Addison's disease. Since the symptoms can be similar and treatment of Addison's disease can mask coeliac disease, this association should always be actively investigated.
Market Discipline through Credit Ratings and Too-Big-to-Fail in Banking

We assess whether credit ratings help enforce market discipline on banks. We nd that rating downgrades for internal reasons, such as adverse changes in the operating performance or capital structure of the banks, are associated with a significant CDS spread widening, but only for banks that are not perceived to be Too-Big-to-Fail. Our findings question the reliability of credit ratings as a tool to discipline large banks and suggests regulatory monitoring should remain the main mechanism for disciplining these banks.
How do Banks use Bailout Money? Optimal Capital Structure, New Equity, and the TARP

Between October 28, 2008 and June 30, 2009 over 600 banks and bank holding companies accepted money from the United States government in exchange for preferred shares and warrants. Based on a matched sample of banks participating and not participating in this Capital Purchase Program (CPP), of each dollar of new government equity, on average participants levered roughly 13 cents to support increased lending while they used roughly 60 cents to increase their regulatory capital ratios. Over the previous business cycle, 2000–2008, allocation of new capital to support lending was higher than in 2008–2009 by nearly 30 cents per dollar of new capital. Moreover, in the previous downturn, 2000–2001, allocation to new lending was higher by an even greater amount. Banks’ exposure to past-due loans, which was higher in 2008 than in 2000 or in any other sample year, negatively predicts allocation of new capital to new lending. Characteristics of CPP participants suggest they were of two types: those with high commitments and opportunities for new lending, and those with exposures to certain troubled loan classes. Banks with high leverage and high expected costs of regulatory downgrades also were more likely participants. All of these results are consistent with banks having an optimal, target capital structure based on some form of tradeoff theory.
Determinants of adoption of biosecurity principles by poultry farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria

The study assessed the determinant factors influencing the adoption of biosecurity principles by poultry farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria. The major objective was to determine poultry farmer awareness and adoption of various biosecurity principles. A multistage sampling technique was used to select the respondents. Data for the study were collected from 92 respondents, through the use of structured questionnaire and interview schedule. Data were subjected to both descriptive and inferential statistic (Logit regression analysis). The results revealed that majority of the poultry farmers were still within their productive and active age (M=47years), majority were well educated (M=15years) and majority (60 %) reared both broilers and layers. The study also showed that there was 100% awareness and trial of all the biosecurity principles under consideration The most adopted biosecurity principles with 100% adoption however, were provision of adequate ventilation, removal of dead birds, offering of good quality feed and water, vaccination and provision of proper medication. The result further revealed that respondents with larger number of birds (1.994), access to credit (1.715), frequent contact with extension agents (2.183) and access to training (2.083) had high propensity to adoption of biosecurity activities. The respondents perceived all the biosecurity principles under consideration as effective in preventing looses in their farms. They however, perceived the following constraints as severe constraints: inadequate capital (M=2.96), disease and parasites (M=2.97) and inadequate credit facility (M= 2.74). The study concludes that poultry farmers’ awareness of biosecurity activities was high, with moderate rate of adoption of the activities; they however, perceived biosecurity principles as effective means of preventing diseases infection. Keywords : Adoption, biosecurity principles, poultry, farmers
Access to Primary and Specialty Care and Emergency Department Utilization of Medicaid Enrollees Needing Specialty Care

Objective. Medicaid enrollees are more likely to use the emergency department (ED) than the privately insured and uninsured, yet little is known about enrollees’ problems in accessing primary care and specialty care providers among those needing specialty care. Data sources. The study sample is from the 2003–2010 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) of 2,733 Medicaid enrollees reporting a need for specialty care. Methods. This paper estimates a two-part model to analyze the relationship between enrollees’ access to providers and ED visits. Principal findings. Perceived problems accessing a primary care physician are associated with ED use among Medicaid enrollees. Despite reporting need and facing barriers, access to specialty care is not significantly related to ED use. Conclusions. As states prepare for the impending expansion of Medicaid funded via the Affordable Care Act, they should address barriers to accessing primary care providers for Medicaid enrollees with high need.
Using Ants to Detect Fraudulent Financial Statements

Fraudulent financial reporting is a matter of great social and economic concern. Managers may distort financial statements so as to present their companies more favorably to investors or creditors. On the other hand, auditors are the ones who are expected to identify fraudulent financial statements; however several limitations on auditorsâ€™ performance are reported. Therefore, decision support systems that can support auditorâ€™s characterization and identify fraudulent statements can be of great benefit for the auditor himself but also for all stakeholders. In this work, we investigate the use of a swarm intelligence technique, mimicking the functions of natural ants for fraudulent financial statements detection. More specific, an Ant miner classifier is applied on a real dataset arising from the Athens Stock Exchange firms. The method is compared against commonly used statistical and machine learning classifiers. The obtained results are promising. Apart from the high classification accuracy, Ant miner offers interpretation ability, by extracting compact rules regarding the decisions made, which is a further advantage.
Effect of Characteristics and Entrepreneurial Orientation towards Entrepreneurship Competence and Crafts and Arts Small and Medium Enterprises Business Performance in Makassar

This study was designed to test and analyze the characteristics and entrepreneurial orientation towards entrepreneurial competence and business performance. The population in this study were 117 owners/managers of small and medium enterprises crafts in the city of Makassar, with a rate of return of 79.49%. Convenience sampling technique is used with a total sample of 93 owners/managers. The results of the partial least squares Warp 5.0 analysis of provides evidence that the characteristics of entrepreneurs who are low in the opposite direction but it is significant to improving the entrepreneurial competence. High entrepreneurial orientation in the same direction and significant impact on improving the competence of the entrepreneurial characteristics of entrepreneurs who are low in the opposite direction and significant impact on business performance improvement. The owners or managers high autonomy are entrepreneurs strong desire to develop self-sufficiency in trying to have a significant impact on business performance. Low entrepreneurial competence in the opposite direction and no significant effect on business performance.