Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
[Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity in women].

BACKGROUND Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oral cavity occurs mainly in the male population. The objective of the study is to identify the main clinical and epidemiological differences of the oral SCC between men and women. METHODS Retrospective analysis of the charts of 228 cases of SCC of the oral cavity in women treated at the Head & Neck Surgery Service, Heliopolis Hospital, São Paulo, Brazil from 1977 to 1996. The clinical and epidemiological characteristics of these cases were compared with those of 849 male patients. RESULTS The mean age of women was 60.7 years (ranging 2 to 100 years) and in the male group was 55.6 years (p<0.00001). In cases where the alcohol intake and tobacco use were absent, the tumors ocurred in older patients. The isolated tobacco use didn't affect the distribuction by age but for the alcohol intake (alone or combined with tobacco) the patients were younger. On the alcohol intake, 71% of the women and 8% of the man used no alcohol. The most common sites of tumors were tongue and floor of the mouth but in the women group the incidence of tumors in these sites were 43% compared with 61% in the men. CONCLUSIONS The highest incidence of SCC the of oral cavity occurs later in women, than in men. This could be explained by a lesser exposure to alcohol and tobacco in women. Other factors seem to be involved in this issue.
Macroprudential Regulation in the European Union in 1995-2014: Introducing a New Data Set on Policy Actions of a Macroprudential Nature

This paper introduces a new comprehensive data set on policies of a macroprudential nature in the banking sectors of the 28 member states of the European Union (EU) between 1995 and 2014. The Macroprudential Policies Evaluation Database (MaPPED) offers a detailed overview of the “life-cycle” of policy instruments which are either genuinely macroprudential or are essentially microprudential but likely to have a significant impact on the whole banking system. It tracks events of the introduction, recalibration and termination of eleven categories and 53 subcategories of instruments. MaPPED has been based on a carefully designed questionnaire, which has been completed in cooperation with experts from national central banks and supervisory authorities of all EU member states. This paper describes the design and structure of the new data set and presents the first descriptive analysis of the use of policy measures with a macroprudential nature in the EU over the last two decades. The results indicate that there has been a remarkable variation in the use of policies of a macroprudential nature both across EU countries and over time. Moreover, the analysis provides some tentative evidence of an impact of capital buffers, lending restrictions and caps on maturity mismatches on credit to the non-financial private sector in the EU as well as of the relative ineffectiveness of sectoral risk weights in controlling credit growth. JEL Classification: E50, E60, G28
Does capacity building on tobacco control change perception and knowledge among public health professionals? A case study from Puducherry, India

Background: The medical and public health personnel, especially in low- and middle-income countries, are not adequately equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills required to curb the menace of tobacco epidemic. Therefore, this study aims to assess the effectiveness of a tobacco control workshop conducted for doctors, postgraduate medical and master of public health students with a view to possibly integrate tobacco course in medical and public health curricula. Methodology: The contents of the workshop were finalized after an extensive review by a panel of experts in the field of tobacco control in India. The participants of the workshop were provided training in a learner-centered mode by an expert panel of facilitators from varied backgrounds with ample of experience and expertise in the field of tobacco control. At the end of 5-day long workshop, the participant's knowledge, attitude, practice with respect to tobacco control, and contents and comfort of the workshop were assessed using a retro-pre questionnaire. Results: There was statistically significant improvement in the knowledge, attitude, and practice domains related to tobacco control. Around 40%–55% participants were able to appreciate that health-care personnel have a definite role in curbing the menace of tobacco epidemic. Around one-third of the participants felt that they would be able to enquire about tobacco use as part of history taking, counsel using 5A's strategy, and advice to quit tobacco. Nearly 80% participants appreciated the appropriateness of the contents of the workshop and almost all were satisfied with faculty–participants interaction and methods of delivering various concepts for tobacco control. Conclusion: Use of hands-on training with practical sessions, backed by structured modules can help in improving knowledge, attitude, and skills of the health professionals toward tobacco control.
Agile and Attached: The Impact of Agile Practices on Agile Team Members' Affective Organisational Commitment

The current shortage of information systems (IS) specialists is leading to a strongly competitive labour market for the IT workforce. Technology companies need opportunities to prevent high replacement costs and knowledge loss by strengthening the affective organisational commitment (affective OC) of their employees. Using structural equation modelling, we investigate the influence of agile information systems development (ISD) on team members’ affective OC. Our results demonstrate that agile project management (APM) positively predicts affective OC directly as well as indirectly via team members’ job autonomy (JA) and their supervisors’ support (SS). Our study gives empirical evidence on the relationship between agile ISD practices and affective OC and provides implications how to successfully leverage team members’ affective OC. For practitioners, our research expounds why and how agile ISD is a suitable instrument to transform leadership culture within the company so as to raise affective OC beyond the IT workforce.
Seasonal and Spatial Variations in Mercury Methylation and Demethylation in an Oligotrophic Lake

Microbial mercury methylation and methylmercury decomposition were examined in Lake Clara, an oligotrophic northern Wisconsin seepage lake, using radioisotopic tracers. Methylation activity was near background in the water column, was greatest in the profundal surficial sediments, and decreased with depth in sediment cores. Active demethylation occurred in the water column but was variable. Demethylation was greatest in the surficial sediments and decreased slightly with sediment depth. The methylation/demethylation ratio (M/D) was >1 in the water column, exhibited a sharp peak in surface sediments, and decreased in deeper sediments. Methylation and demethylation activity varied in surface sediments collected along a lake transect. The M/D ratio in surface sediments ranged from 1.4 to 5.8. Methylation in attached microbial communities was near background, while demethylation was high. The M/D ratios in the attached communities were all <0.20. Methylation activity in surface sediments incubated at in situ temperature increased from spring to late summer and decreased in the fall. Demethylation increased from early to midsummer and then declined. The M/D ratio in surface sediments increased from mid- to late summer, and decreased in the fall. These results indicate that the greatest potential for methylation in Lake Clara occurs in the surficial sediments and that methylation in surficial sediments is greatest from mid-July through September. In addition, the net rate of methylmercury production may be significantly affected by demethylation.
Balancing Systems and Flexibility Tools in European Gas Markets

This report investigates on the creation of wholesale markets for natural gas, viewed as a consequence of balancing needs following market liberalization. In the first part we analyse the balancing issue and how it evolves with liberalization, creating a demand for individual imbalances clearing that can be provided by wholesale transactions. Once market liquidity increases, wholesale trade can be used as a second source of gas supplying in parallel with long term contracts. Balancing and second sourcing, being linked to the physical delivery of gas, are expected to develop in each national gas transmission system. The third phase that we envisage refers to the development and trading of financial instruments to hedge price risks that may concentrate on a small number of larger gas exchanges. We apply this framework to review in detail the different regulatory steps that must be addressed to create an efficient and functioning wholesale gas market. In the second part we carefully examine the wholesale natural gas market of eight European countries (Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain and UK), analysing their balancing systems and tools for physical and commercial flexibility. The choice of these countries has been dictated by their higher degree of development and their evolving regulation. In our view each of these countries represents a different evolutionary stage in gas market development, and as such will serve to set a case study. JEL Classification: Q48; L95
Evaluating the efficacy of mixture of Boswellia carterii, Zingiber officinale, and Achillea millefolium on severity of symptoms, anxiety, and depression in irritable bowel syndrome patients

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) that affects in different aspects of life and patients experienced depression and anxiety more than others. There are several herbal medicines with positive effects in these patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of mixture of Boswellia carterii, Zingiber officinale, and Achillea Millefolium on severity of symptoms, anxiety, and depression in IBS patients. Materials and Methods: This clinical trial study was done in sixty IBS patients (with mild-to-moderate symptoms) divided into two case and control groups. Patients were assessed at the beginning, 1 month, and 3 months after by IBS-severity scoring system (IBS-SSS) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. IBS-SSS is used for quality of life evaluation too. Results: Sixty IBS patients (with mild to moderate symptoms) with a mean age of 38.75 ± 11.74 participated that 55.4% of cases and 72.8% of controls were men. The most prevalent type of IBS was the mixed type of IBS. The mean score of abdominal pain severity and frequency, bloating score, and depression and anxiety score were decreased in patients administered herbal medication, but changes in these variables in controls were not statistically significant. The changes in quality of life score between cases and controls were significant in men (P = 0.01) although it was not significant in women. Conclusion: A mixture of B. Carterii, Z. officinale, and A. millefolium is effective in eliminating IBS symptoms and its related depression and anxiety and using herbal medicine in IBS treatment is suggested.
Once- versus twice-daily feeding of milk replacer to calves.

Abstract The effects of once-daily as compared to twice-daily feeding of milk replacer, when fed at the rate of 10% of body weight with no supplemental water provided, were studied. Twenty-four Holstein heifer calves were allotted to the two experimental treatments. The results indicated there were no significant differences in average weight, heart girth, and wither height gains; and consumption of milk replacer, calf starter, and hay, from birth to weaning at 40 days of age. Likewise, there were no significant differences in average weight, heart girth, and wither height gains by three months of age. Once-daily as compared to twice-daily feeding did not cause increased numbers of digestive disorders and did not reduce the vigor of the calves.
Sustainability in the Boardroom: An Empirical Examination of Dow Jones Sustainability World Index Leaders

In recent years, there has been a virtual explosion of interest in corporate governance. Corporate scandals and the need to protect minority shareholders' interests are two of the reasons behind the development of corporate governance codes in numerous countries and corporations. At the same time, the concepts of sustainable development, corporate responsibility, and corporate citizenship have taken root in the business world. Although corporate governance and sustainable development have been extensively researched as separate fields of inquiry, less attention has been paid to the interaction between the two. This paper attempts to bridge this gap by examining how corporate governance systems are evolving so as to take account of sustainable development thinking. We analyze the governance systems of the leading companies in the 18 market sectors included in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSWI). We present the results of our in-depth analysis of the 18 cases and propose the Sustainable Corporate Governance Model that emerges from that analysis.
Risk of stroke and coronary heart disease among various levels of blood pressure in diabetic and nondiabetic Chinese patients

Objective: To compare the risk of stroke and coronary heart disease (CHD) among various blood pressure (BP) levels in diabetic and people without diabetes Chinese patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study was part of Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology China study. Patients aged 35 to70 years were recruited from 12 provinces of China between 2005 and 2009. The participants were classified into three groups: hypertension (HTN), high normal BP, and normal BP, and also into SBP and DBP quintiles. Results: A total of 42 959 patients were analyzed with 38 975 (90.7% of total population) people without diabetes and 3984 (9.3% of total population) diabetic patients. Among diabetic patients, the HTN group was associated with an increased risk of stroke (odds ratio, 3.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.47–6.25) and CHD (odds ratio, 2.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.45–3.38), when compared with normal BP group. Similar results were drawn in nondiabetic patients. However, no significant difference in risk of stroke or CHD was found between high normal BP and normal BP groups in either diabetic or nondiabetic patients. Risk of CHD and stroke increased significantly when SBP was above 125 mmHg or DBP above 72 mmHg in people without diabetes, whereas this trend was attenuated in diabetic patients. Conclusion: HTN was associated with a two-fold increased risk of CHD and a three-fold increased risk of stroke compared with normotension irrespective of diabetes status. For diabetic patients with HTN, a more comprehensive method is essential for assessing cardiovascular risk.
Results of anterior interbody fusion of the cervical spine.

I N 1955, Robinson and Smith s described a surgical procedure for the removal of cervical intervertebral discs and interbody fusion of the cervical spine through an anterior approach. In 1958, Smith and Robinson 7 reported the results achieved in the first 14 patients in whom this procedure was performed. In 1962, Robinson, et al., 6 summarized their results in the first 56 consecutive patients treated in such a manner. Since 1958, severaP, s have reported the results obtained with the techniques of anterior cervical fusion as described by Cloward 2 and by Bailey and Badgley. 1 The purpose of this report is to review the results of 93 consecutive patients who have been treated between 1960 and 1964 for neck and upper extremity pain by anterior fusion of one or more levels of the cervical spine by the technique of Robinson and Smith and to define those criteria that are of importance in selecting patients for this procedure.
Revitalization model for village unit cooperative in Indonesia

Rapid expansion by modern businesses impacts significantly on traditional businesses, including Village Unit Cooperative as a business model mandated by The Indonesian Primary Constitution, i.e, The Constitution of 1945. Several weaknesses faced by Village Unit Cooperative against modern business include limited resources (i.e, financial and infrastructure), low level of education for employees and managers, traditional managerial style, and so-forth. Data collected through in-depth interview with the head of the cooperative unit and other related officers as well as village unit cooperativesâ€™ managers and staffs in Banyumas Region, Indonesia as a sample of this study, conclude that almost Village Unit Cooperatives are in bad financial performance. Therefore, it needs an effective revitalization model to strengthen both financial and nonfinancial performances of cooperative to keep the survival of this business. This study aims to find out an effective revitalization model that could be implemented on Village Unit Cooperatives in Banyumas region in particular and as a model for all Village Unit Cooperatives in Indonesia in general. Therefore, the Village Unit Cooperatives are able to survive and contribute in boosting populist economic system for Indonesian people. To achieve this objective this study implements qualitative approach by using observations, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions in data collection during the 2014-2015 period. Then, data is analyzed with the interaction method which consists of data reduction, data presentation and drawing a conclusion to develop the most appropriate revitalization model for Village Unit Cooperatives in Indonesia. Moreover, findings of this study suggest that the revitalization of Village Unit Cooperatives could be developed in several steps, i.e, classifying Village Unit Cooperatives into active and inactive, reactivating and merging inactive Village Unit Cooperatives, restructuring all Village Unit Cooperatives, and strengthening their businesses.
Assessment of oral health status and treatment needs of Santhal tribes of Dhanbad District, Jharkhand

Aims and Objectives: India has an assortment of tribal population living in isolated pockets, and the Santhals are numerically predominant in Jharkhand. This study was aimed at assessing the oral health status and treatment needs of Santhals residing in Dhanbad, Jharkhand. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 921 Santhals of Topchanchi Block was conducted. A modified World Health Organization (WHO) Oral Health Assessment Form (1997) was utilized and examined according to the WHO methodology (1997). The recorded data was statistically analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 15. Results: Based on the occupation, it was seen that 620 (67.3%) participants practiced agriculture and 206 (22.4%) worked as laborers. The mean decayed missing filled tooth (score was 3.56 ± 1.93 in 2–5-year-old participants. In the higher age groups of 35–44 and 65–74 years, the scores were 5.21 ± 2.34 and 7.42 ± 4.29, respectively. Participants with bleeding gums were predominantly seen in the age group of 35–44 years (0.91 ± 0.08). Approximately 138 (54.1%) participants had a loss of attachment of 4–5 mm in the 35–44 year age group. In the 13–15-year-old age group, 0.14 ± 0.05 teeth needed two surfaces fillings. A total of 118 (12.8%) participants needed one-unit prosthesis in the upper jaw. Conclusion: This study showed that a majority of Santhal tribals used twigs to routinely clean their teeth. Poor oral hygiene and periodontal status was seen among the tribes.
Constructing High-stakes Surgical Decisions: It's Better to Die Trying.

OBJECTIVE To explore high-stakes surgical decision making from the perspective of seniors and surgeons. BACKGROUND A majority of older chronically ill patients would decline a low-risk procedure if the outcome was severe functional impairment. However, 25% of Medicare beneficiaries have surgery in their last 3 months of life, which may be inconsistent with their preferences. How patients make decisions to have surgery may contribute to this problem of unwanted care. METHODS We convened 4 focus groups at senior centers and 2 groups of surgeons in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where we showed a video about a decision regarding a choice between surgery and palliative care. We used qualitative content analysis to identify themes about communication and explanatory models for end-of-life treatment decisions. RESULTS Seniors (n = 37) and surgeons (n = 17) agreed that maximizing quality of life should guide treatment decisions for older patients. However, when faced with an acute choice between surgery and palliative care, seniors viewed this either as a choice between life and death or a decision about how to die. Although surgeons agreed that very frail patients should not have surgery, they held conflicting views about presenting treatment options. CONCLUSIONS Seniors and surgeons highly value quality of life, but this notion is difficult to incorporate in acute surgical decisions. Some seniors use these values to consider a choice between surgery and palliative care, whereas others view this as a simple choice between life and death. Surgeons acknowledge challenges framing decisions and describe a clinical momentum that promotes surgical intervention.
Idea generation leveraged from value co-creation process enhances new service development performance

Abstract This study examines the relationship between value co-creation process, idea generation and new service development performance from the perspective of telecommunication companies. Two dimensions of idea generation tested in this framework are internal and external idea generation, and the probable relationship between these two dimensions is further investigated. The data were collected from 78 marketing managers and were statistically analyzed. The findings show that value co-creation crucially influences both external idea generation and internal idea generation, however, the new service development performance can be enhanced through internal idea generation. Nonetheless, the results show that the external idea generation is vital to influence internal idea generation. This study extends theoretical understanding of how to leverage the value co-creation process for idea generation happenings, while the practical contribution of the research is to realize that new service development performance demands internal idea generation, which is supported with external resources of idea generation.
Learning robot tactile sensing of object for shape recognition using multi-fingered robot hands

Robots can deal with different kinds of challenges using tactile sensing arrays as a primary resource. This paper demonstrates the ability of robotic hands to recognize objects' shapes using only a flexible tactile sensor arrays attached to the robotic hand's surface without building the 3D models of objects. A telemanipulation module was developed to achieve a co-moving mechanism between the robotic hand and human hands so that the robotic hand can directly learn the best way to grasp objects from human hands without additional path planning process. Tactile array data were collected while the robotic hand was performing a reiterative grasping process. By extracting the proper features from the tactile sensor array data, the support vector machines (SVMs) were employed to perform object classification. From experiments, the proposed method can achieve 96.67% classification accuracy based on sensory data and SVMs.