Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Color Doppler Analysis of Nifedipine‐Induced Posterior Ocular Blood Flow Changes in Open‐Angle Glaucoma

Purpose:This pilot study used color Doppler imaging to investigate the effects of nifedipine on the posterior ocular blood flow of patients with glaucoma progression at normal intraocular pressures. Patients and Methods:Eighteen patients. 11 men and seven women with a median age of 61.7 years, were imaged before and 6 weeks after the initiation of 30 mg of sustained-release nifedipine (Procardia XL; produced by either Pfizer or Pratt) daily. Results:There was no statistically significant change in the blood velocity of the ophthalmic artery, central retinal artery, and main nasal and temporal short posterior ciliary arteries after treatment with nifedipine. Conclusion:The routine use of nifedipine in patients with normal tension glaucoma progression is not supported by this study.
Galaxy Zoo: comparing the demographics of spiral arm number and a new method for correcting redshift bias

The majority of galaxies in the local Universe exhibit spiral structure with a variety of forms. Many galaxies possess two prominent spiral arms, some have more, while others display a many-armed flocculent appearance. Spiral arms are associated with enhanced gas content and star formation in the discs of low-redshift galaxies, so are important in the understanding of star formation in the local universe. As both the visual appearance of spiral structure, and the mechanisms responsible for it vary from galaxy to galaxy, a reliable method for defining spiral samples with different visual morphologies is required. In this paper, we develop a new debiasing method to reliably correct for redshift-dependent bias in Galaxy Zoo 2, and release the new set of debiased classifications. Using these, a luminosity-limited sample of ∼18 000 Sloan Digital Sky Survey spiral galaxies is defined, which are then further sub-categorized by spiral arm number. In order to explore how different spiral galaxies form, the demographics of spiral galaxies with different spiral arm numbers are compared. It is found that whilst all spiral galaxies occupy similar ranges of stellar mass and environment, many-armed galaxies display much bluer colours than their two-armed counterparts. We conclude that two-armed structure is ubiquitous in star-forming discs, whereas many-armed spiral structure appears to be a short-lived phase, associated with more recent, stochastic star-formation activity.
Co-branded services: perceived benefits and involvement of co-branded credit cards

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to further the consumer services theory in financial services marketing by examining how perceived benefits influence consumer intention-to-use a co-branded credit card and further how intention-to-use is moderated by involvement. Design/methodology/approach A conceptual model is developed and tested. A convenience sample of users of a co-branded credit card was surveyed. The responses were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Findings Results show a strong association between perceived benefits and co-brand equity and between co-brand equity and co-brand preference, as well as between perceived benefits and intention-to-use. The research also identifies four perceived benefits of a co-branded credit card. They also show that highly involved consumers are less affected by perceived benefits than their low involvement counterparts. Research limitations/implications Further research might consider co-branding across categories of services and explore the ambivalent results of co-brand preference in the mode. This research is limited by the use of a convenience sample and a cross-sectional survey. A probability sample and a longitudinal element to the study would have added weight to the study’s findings. Practical implications Managers with co-branding responsibilities should focus on improving the perceived benefits of co-branded credit cards. Social implications This study has a wider application to understanding how co-branding services may be applied in not-for-profit situations, specifically affinity card co-branding, thus generating greater revenue for charitable and social concerns. Originality/value This research advances research in the financial services consumer theory by demonstrating a strong association between perceived benefits and intention-to-use a co-branded credit card, distinguishing between the behavioral traits of consumers with high and low levels of involvement. It thus advances the consumer theory in co-branding.
The challenge of policy coordination

Abstract Policy coordination is one of the oldest challenges for governments, but has become even more important as the problems confronting governments change, and the ideas of “New Public Management” are diffused. This paper examines the causes for coordination problems and the mechanisms that may be available for improving coordination. It concludes by discussing the limits on coordination as a solution for the problems of governing.
Pharmacotherapy of Schizophrenia

Numerous advances in our understanding of schizophrenia and its pharmacotherapy have occurred over the last forty years, reflected in basic research endeavours exploring the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, as well as efforts to establish new medications with a more selective psychotropic action and fewer side effects. Ongoing clinical research has, at the same time, provided valuable information regarding the applicability of the various agents, appropriate dosing, symptom response patterns and side effect profiles. This growth in knowledge also has served to underscore the limitations and drawbacks of currently available drugs, leading to a more cautious approach in their use. Newer technologies, such as positron emission tomography, hold considerable promise in our efforts to further clarify the precise mechanisms mediating schizophrenia, and to establish treatment alternatives.
Illness Perceptions, Coping Strategies, and Symptoms Contribute to Psychological Distress in Patients With Recurrent Symptomatic Atrial Fibrillation

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a prevalent, life-complicating illness associated with psychological distress. Interventions to manage the psychological challenges of living with AF are needed. Evidence suggests that illness perceptions, coping strategies, and symptoms that contribute to psychological distress may be modified by psychoeducational interventions to reduce psychological distress. However, little is known about how illness perceptions, coping strategies, and symptoms contribute to psychological distress in patients with AF. Objective: The aim of this correlational study guided by Levethal’s Common Sense Model of Self-regulation was to identify the extent to which illness perceptions, coping strategies, symptom frequency, and symptom severity contributed to psychological distress in patients with recurrent symptomatic AF. The contribution of these factors was considered with respect to the effects of gender, age, type of AF, and time since AF diagnosis. Methods: Participants (n = 207; 56% male; 64.2 ± 12.3 years old) completed the Illness Perception Questionnaire–Revised, the COPE Inventory, the Symptom Checklist–Frequency and Severity, and the Profile of Mood States. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and hierarchical multiple regression. Results: Illness perceptions contributed most to psychological distress, followed by coping strategies and symptom frequency. Illness perceptions explained the largest portion of the total variance for the following: Tension-Anxiety, 44/56%; Depression-Dejection, 38/50%; Fatigue-Inertia, 43/53%; Confusion-Bewilderment, 41/49%; Vigor-Activity, 24/35%; and Total Mood Disturbance, 47/63%. Illness perceptions of AF as having serious consequences, a psychological cause, and perceived poor understanding of AF together contributed more (.47) to Total Mood Disturbance than did coping by focusing on emotion (.08) or symptom frequency (.06). Conclusions: Illness perceptions are important contributors to psychological distress in patients with AF. Assessment of patients’ illness perceptions may reveal those that increase the risk for psychological distress. Research is warranted to evaluate interventions to modify psychological cause and consequence beliefs and to promote understanding of AF.
An educational programme to improve acute care nurses' knowledge, attitudes and family caregiver involvement in care of people with cognitive impairment

BACKGROUND The population is ageing in South Korea, increasing the incidence of dementia and delirium. Despite this, registered nurses in South Korea tend to have poor understanding and limited involvement in the assessment of delirium. AIM To evaluate the effect of an educational programme on acute care nurses' knowledge, attitudes and the potential for family caregiver involvement in care for older adults with cognitive impairment. METHODS A mixed-methods study that included a single group, pre-post design and individual interviews was used. Forty registered nurses were recruited from four medical wards of one regional general hospital in South Korea. A 3-month educational programme on care for older adults with cognitive impairment tailored to the specific learning needs of nurses and guided by adult learning principles was provided to participants. A purposive sample of 12 registered nurses who participated in the quantitative component, and a nominated sample of six family caregivers whose older family members were cared for by participating nurses, joined individual interviews. RESULTS The educational programme had a positive impact on nurses' knowledge of cognitive impairment and attitudes towards older adults. The qualitative data indicated that the educational programme improved nurses' knowledge of cognitive impairment and their attitudes towards older adults with cognitive impairment. It also increased nurses' initial efforts to involve family caregivers in cognitive impairment care. CONCLUSION Educational programmes are an effective means of improving nurses' knowledge and attitudes, but more research is required to explore the impact of such a programme on practice change and patient health-related outcomes including incidence of delirium, length of hospital stay and hospital-acquired complications.
Managing Pre-Retirement Anxiety Among Teachers in the Yilo-Krobo Municipality in the Eastern Region of Ghana

The purpose of the study was to investigate pre-retirement anxiety among teachers in the Eastern region in Ghana. The descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The total population for the study was made up of all the teachers due for retirement in the 2017 academic year in the Yilo-Krobo Municipality in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The estimated population for the study was 200 retirees. Simple random sampling was used in sampling 70 teachers enlisted for retirement in the Yilo-Krobo Municipality. A questionnaire was used in gathering data. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. It emerged from the study that the sources of pre-retirement anxiety are inadequate fund, managing mental health, managing a new and lower social status, inadequate planning for retirement, and difficulty in time management. The study revealed that the challenges faced by respondents are related to inadequate financial preparation, retirement contributing to faster ageing, retirement leading to early death, retirement contributing to loneliness, and contributing to friends upon retirement. The study showed that there are no retirement counselling services available in the Yilo-Krobo Municipality. The study further revealed that there was a negative correlation between social support and pre-retirement anxiety. The study therefore recommends that the Yilo-Krobo Municipal educational directorate and the Municipal Social Security Insurance Office should collaboratively work with the various counsellors in the Municipality to fully assist teachers for adequately plan financially, make arrangement for accommodations, the educational directorate, and the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) should make retirement processes less bureaucratic and costly. Counsellors should educate teachers on ageing and life after retirement to improve their level of adjustment.
Leader behaviour to achieve employee engagement in Ghana: a qualitative study

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the behaviour of leaders that enhances employee engagement (EE) in organisations. It locates the importance of EE and the role leaders play within the public sector in a developing country and finds answer to the question on the behaviour of the leader that causes employees to be engaged.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses qualitative method to identify the behaviour of leaders that causes and enhances employees to be engaged. It proposes a framework outlining what the leader does to ensure EE.FindingsBased on results of data analysed, six behaviours of leaders were identified: seeking employee welfare and caring; openness and information flow; conscientiousness; good and cordial relationship; fairness and trust and lastly involvement in decision making.Research limitations/implicationsLimitation of the study was that it did not focus on the entire public sector but was carried out in only one company. It is therefore recommended that further studies could be carried out with focus on other public sector organisations to confirm the leader behaviour identified. Again, a comparative study between public and private sector organisations could be carried out to ascertain if there are differences in the behaviour of the leaders that cause employees to be engaged in these two different sectors.Practical implicationsThe study develops a framework outlining behaviour which leaders within organisations could exhibit to enhance EE and thus organisational success.Originality/valueThe paper provides a framework that shows leader behaviour that causes EE in organisations in a developing country. This framework will be helpful to leaders in organisations to behave in specific ways to enhance EE and for researchers who want to conduct research in this field of study.
Using parental profiles to predict membership in a subset of college students experiencing excessive alcohol consequences: findings from a longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVE Previous research identified a high-risk subset of college students experiencing a disproportionate number of alcohol-related consequences at the end of their first year. With the goal of identifying pre-college predictors of membership in this high-risk subset, the present study used a prospective design to identify latent profiles of student-reported maternal and paternal parenting styles and alcohol-specific behaviors and to determine whether these profiles were associated with membership in the high-risk consequences subset. METHOD A sample of randomly selected 370 incoming first-year students at a large public university reported on their mothers' and fathers' communication quality, monitoring, approval of alcohol use, and modeling of drinking behaviors and on consequences experienced across the first year of college. RESULTS Students in the high-risk subset comprised 15.5% of the sample but accounted for almost half (46.6%) of the total consequences reported by the entire sample. Latent profile analyses identified four parental profiles: positive pro-alcohol, positive anti-alcohol, negative mother, and negative father. Logistic regression analyses revealed that students in the negative-father profile were at greatest odds of being in the high-risk consequences subset at a follow-up assessment 1 year later, even after drinking at baseline was controlled for. Students in the positive pro-alcohol profile also were at increased odds of being in the high-risk subset, although this association was attenuated after baseline drinking was controlled for. CONCLUSIONS These findings have important implications for the improvement of existing parent- and individual-based college student drinking interventions designed to reduce alcohol-related consequences.
ANALISIS PENGARUH LINGKUNGAN KERJA DAN BUDAYA ORGANISASI TERHADAP KOMITMEN ORGANISASIONAL DENGAN KEPUASAN KERJA SEBAGAI VARIABEL INTERVENING(Studi Pada Karyawan Bagian Produksi PT. Apac Inti Corpora, Bawen)

This research is based on the phenomenon in the company by the high number of employee turnover and absenteeism. It indicates that there is a decline in the organizational commitment. Work environment and organizational culture are several factors that can enhance organizational commitment. This study aims to analyze the relationship between work environment and organizational culture to organizational commitment, with job satisfaction as intervening variable. This research was conducted using survey method which the data was collected through the distribution of questionnaires to 98 employees in spinning B division, part of production division PT. Apac Inti Corpora with the characteristics of permanent employees who have worked more than 1 year. Technique of sampling using non probability sampling that is purposive sampling. The method of data analysis that used is multiple regression, path analysis, and sobel test for the mediation effect. The result showed that, work environment has positive and significant effect on the job satisfaction and organizational commitment. Organizational culture has positive and significant effect on job satisfaction and organizational commitment. Job satisfaction has positive and significant effect on organizational commitment. And, job satisfaction is proven as mediator relationship between work environment and organizational culture to organizational commitment.
Linguistic and pragmatic skills in toddlers with cochlear implant.

BACKGROUND An increasing number of deaf children received cochlear implants (CI) in the first years of life, but no study has focused on linguistic and pragmatic skills in children with CI younger than 3 years of age. AIMS To estimate the percentage of children who had received a CI before 2 years of age whose linguistic skills were within the normal range; to compare linguistic skills of children implanted by 12 months of age with children implanted between 13 and 26 months of age; and to describe the relationship among lexical, grammar and pragmatic skills. METHODS & PROCEDURES The participants consisted of children who were included on the patient lists of the Service of Audio-Vestibology of the Circolo Hospital in Varese, Italy, and met the following criteria: chronological age between 18 and 36 months; CI activated between 8 and 30 months of age; absence of other reported deficits; hearing parents; and not less than 6 months of CI experience. Language development was evaluated through MacArthur-Bates CDI; pragmatic skills (assertiveness and responsiveness) were evaluated through the Social Conversational Skills Rating Scale. The scores obtained were transformed into z-scores and compared with normative data. The relationship among lexical, grammar and pragmatic skills were tested using Spearman Rho correlations. Children with CI were divided into groups based on the age at CI activation and the differences between the two groups were tested using the Student's t-test. OUTCOMES & RESULTS Data from 23 deaf children were collected. Fewer than half of the children were within the normal range for lexical production and use of sentences; more than one-third of them fell below the normal range for both lexical and grammar skills. No significant difference was found in vocabulary size or early grammar skills when comparing children who received the CI by 12 months of age with those implanted during the second year of life. Despite the strong relationship among lexical, grammar and pragmatic skills, the delays found for grammar and pragmatic skills were greater than expected based on the vocabulary size. Age at diagnosis of hearing loss was the only predictor of vocabulary size. CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS CI may provide deaf children with a good opportunity to develop language skills, but severe difficulties in early social experiences and interaction mediated by language still remain. Delays in these aspects suggest that interventions improving pragmatic skills are recommended even on very young children with CI.
A standardized evaluation of artefacts from metallic compounds during fast MR imaging.

OBJECTIVES Metallic compounds present in the oral and maxillofacial regions (OMRs) cause large artefacts during MR scanning. We quantitatively assessed these artefacts embedded within a phantom according to standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). METHODS Seven metallic dental materials (each of which was a 10-mm3 cube embedded within a phantom) were scanned [i.e. aluminium (Al), silver alloy (Ag), type IV gold alloy (Au), gold-palladium-silver alloy (Au-Pd-Ag), titanium (Ti), nickel-chromium alloy (NC) and cobalt-chromium alloy (CC)] and compared with a reference image. Sequences included gradient echo (GRE), fast spin echo (FSE), gradient recalled acquisition in steady state (GRASS), a spoiled GRASS (SPGR), a fast SPGR (FSPGR), fast imaging employing steady state (FIESTA) and echo planar imaging (EPI; axial/sagittal planes). Artefact areas were determined according to the ASTM-F2119 standard, and artefact volumes were assessed using OsiriX MD software (Pixmeo, Geneva, Switzerland). RESULTS Tukey-Kramer post hoc tests were used for statistical comparisons. For most materials, scanning sequences eliciting artefact volumes in the following (ascending) order FSE-T1/FSE-T2 < FSPGR/SPGR < GRASS/GRE < FIESTA < EPI. For all scanning sequences, artefact volumes containing Au, Al, Ag and Au-Pd-Ag were significantly smaller than other materials (in which artefact volume size increased, respectively, from Ti < NC < CC). The artefact-specific shape (elicited by the cubic sample) depended on the scanning plane (i.e. a circular pattern for the axial plane and a "clover-like" pattern for the sagittal plane). CONCLUSIONS The availability of standardized information on artefact size and configuration during MRI will enhance diagnosis when faced with metallic compounds in the OMR.
How do small business owners actually make their financial decisions? Understanding SME financial behaviour using a case-based approach

ABSTRACT Conventional approaches to the study of SME finance tend to focus on the changing financing options and preferences as small businesses move through different stages. However, one of the limitations of such approaches is that they do not explain how small businesses make decisions that lead to their financial structures. This paper suggests that small business owners deliberately choose how they manage their firms’ finance as a direct consequence of their personal objectives for owning a business. This paper summarizes the findings of a qualitative study with 11 small business owners using a novel qualitative model developed by Holmes and Gupta [2015, Opening Aladdin’s cave: Unpacking the factors impacting on small businesses. In A. Moore & J. Simon (Eds.), Small business conditions and finance (pp. 37–56). Sydney: Reserve Bank of Australia. ]. The results uncover a series of underlying factors (such as personal perspectives, life events and future outlook) which shape the goals and perceptions of small business owners, and influence their financial decision, actions and future funding options, thereby reinforcing the view that small firms are an extension of their personal objectives.