Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relationship between supervisor’s role and job performance in the workplace training program

This study was conducted to measure the effect of the supervisor’s role in training programs on job performance in a state library in Sarawak, Malaysia. A survey method was used to collect 91 us-able items from employees who have worked in the studied organization. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted to assess the survey questionnaire data and found that the measurement scales met the acceptable standards of validity and reliability analyses. Next, a stepwise regression analysis was used to test the research hypotheses and their results showed two important findings: first, supervisor support positively and significantly correlated with job perform-ance. Second, supervisor communication positively and insignificantly correlated with job performance. Statistically, this result demonstrates that supervisor support can increase job perform-ance, but supervisor communication cannot increase job performance. Further, this result confirms that supervisor’s role acts as a partial predicting variable in the training program of the organizational sample.
E-Business Adoption by SMEs--Prerequisites and Attitudes of SMEs in a Swedish Network

The context for this research is the transformation process of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from traditional (t-) businesses toward e-businesses and the accompanying development of the knowledge and competence among employees. SMEs constitute a great part of the Swedish industry and economy. This and the fact that they have special prerequisites concerning human and technology resources makes SMEs an interesting research focus when looking at the transformation process toward e-business. The aim of this research is to investigate SMEs with the purpose of designing, implementing, and evaluating information technology-supported activities that will allow SMEs to approach e-business. This article presents results from parts of an ongoing study, that involves seven SMEs. This study will be conducted in two main phases: first, informative and preparatory activities and second, business transformation and competence development activities. This article focuses on the first phase of the study, but an insight in its current status and further research is given. The underlying prerequisites for SMEs as well as the research approach are described. A working model is presented that illustrates stages of maturity for taking an enterprise toward e-business. The last sections present the research design, that is, planning, actions, observations, and reflections of the study up until now. New actions to take are discussed at the end of this article.
Femoral Neurogram Before Transpsoas Spinal Access at L4–5 Intervertebral Disk Space: A Proposed Screening Tool

Study Design: Observational study. Objective: To illustrate the variability of the course of the femoral nerve across the L4–5 disk space, and to present a novel application of transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESI) in the visualization of femoral nerve roots. Summary of Background Data: A concern regarding the lateral retroperitoneal transpsoas approach is the proximity of the lumbar plexus. Current techniques of assessing the proximity of neural tissue to the L4–5 disk space have limited capabilities. Methods: A total of 100 patients were selected for L4–5 TFESI (L4 selective nerve root blocks) because of lumbar radiculopathy. L4 neurograms were obtained while performing L4–5 TFESI under flouroscopic guidance, using a retroneural technique. The course of the L4 root/femoral nerve was then evaluated under fluoroscopy in the anteroposterior and lateral planes. Images were then reviewed by a radiologist, physiatrist, and 2 orthopedic spine surgeons. Results: Fluoroscopic evaluation revealed that the pattern of location of the femoral nerve was highly variable. In males, it was located 4.7% in zone 2, 32.5% in zone 3, 53.5% in zone 4, and 9.3% in zone P. In female patients, it was located 7.0% in zone 2, 14% in zone 3, 54.4% in zone 4, and 24.6% in zone P. Conclusions: An L4 neurogram will provide an accurate trajectory of L4 root/femoral nerve as it crosses the L4–5 intervertebral disk space. An accurate assessment is essential to help minimize the increasing frequency of thigh pain, paresthesias, and weakness associated with the lateral access to the L4–5 intervertebral disk space. Femoral nerves that fall within zones 2 and 3 will require more manipulation during retraction and may be better suited with a different surgical approach.
Earnings Management and Earnings Surprises: Stock Price Reactions to Earnings Components *

We examine the stock price reactions to earnings announcements. We use a database that contains analysts' forecasts of earnings and revenues. This allows us to decompose earnings surprises into three components: innovations to expected cash flow and expected normal accruals, and an abnormal accrual component. We find that abnormal stock returns are contemporaneously positively related to all three components of the earnings surprise. The impact on stock prices varies, however, across the components. The marginal value of innovations to expected normal accruals much exceeds the marginal value of innovations to expected cash flow, which exceeds the marginal value of abnormal accruals. We also examine the relation between the earnings components and future cash flow and stock returns. Innovations to the earnings components are positively related to future cash flow.
Postoperative Bile Duct Strictures: Management and Outcome in the 1990s

ObjectiveTo describe the management and outcome after surgical reconstruction of 156 patients with postoperative bile duct strictures managed in the 1990s. Summary Background DataThe management of postoperative bile duct strictures and major bile duct injuries remains a challenge for even the most skilled biliary tract surgeon. The 1990s saw a dramatic increase in the incidence of bile duct strictures and injuries from the introduction and widespread use of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Although the management of these injuries and short-term outcome have been reported, long-term follow-up is limited. MethodsData were collected prospectively on 156 patients treated at the Johns Hopkins Hospital with major bile duct injuries or postoperative bile duct strictures between January 1990 and December 1999. With the exception of bile duct injuries discovered and repaired during surgery, all patients underwent preoperative percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography and placement of transhepatic biliary catheters before surgical repair. Follow-up was conducted by medical record review or telephone interview during January 2000. ResultsOf the 156 patients undergoing surgical reconstruction, 142 had completed treatment with a mean follow-up of 57.5 months. Two patients died of reasons unrelated to biliary tract disease before the completion of treatment. Twelve patients (7.9%) had not completed treatment and still had biliary stents in place at the time of this report. Of patients who had completed treatment, 90.8% were considered to have a successful outcome without the need for follow-up invasive, diagnos tic, or therapeutic interventional procedures. Patients with reconstruction after injury or stricture after laparoscopic cholecystectomy had a better overall outcome than patients whose postoperative stricture developed after other types of surgery. Presenting symptoms, number of stents, interval to referral, prior repair, and length of postoperative stenting were not significant predictors of outcome. Overall, a successful outcome, without the need for biliary stents, was obtained in 98% of patients, including those requiring a secondary procedure for recurrent stricture. ConclusionsMajor bile duct injuries and postoperative bile duct strictures remain a considerable surgical challenge. Management with preoperative cholangiography to delineate the anatomy and placement of percutaneous biliary catheters, followed by surgical reconstruction with a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy, is associated with a successful outcome in up to 98% of patients.
The renoprotective effect of curcumin in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity

Abstract The polyphenol curcumin has several pharmacological effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer features. In this study, we evaluated the effects of curcumin in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: (1) control; (2) cisplatin (7 mg/kg body weight, intraperitoneal as a single dose); (3) curcumin (100 mg/kg via gavage, for 10 days); and (4) cisplatin and curcumin. The cisplatin-treated rats exhibited kidney injury manifested by increased serum urea and creatinine (p < 0.05). The kidney tissue from the cisplatin treated rats also exhibited a significant increase in the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (p < 0.05). The treatment with curcumin prevented a rise in the serum urea, creatinine and MDA levels when compared to the control group kidneys (p < 0.05). The analysis the nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) and sirtuin (SIRT) proteins (SIRT1, SIRT3 and SIRT4), which play important roles in the resistance to stress and the modulation of the threshold of cell death, showed similar trends (p < 0.05). In the cisplatin-only treated rats, the induced renal injury decreased the levels of the NAMPT and SIRT proteins. Conversely, the curcumin increased the levels of the NAMPT and SIRT proteins in the cisplatin-treated rats (p < 0.05). These data suggest that curcumin can potentially be used to reduce chemotherapy-induced nephrotoxicity, thereby enhancing the therapeutic window of cisplatin.
Two Japanese Families with Pk Members

Abstract. Two individuals with the blood group Pk found in the Japanese population are reported, as well as the results of family studies. A second Pk sibling was found in the second family. Red cells from four members of the first family, who presumably were heterozygous for the gene responsible for Pk, showed no evidence of having a weaker P antigen. One of the two propositi gave birth to a baby, whose red cells gave a doubtful reaction in the direct antiglobulin test, but who showed neither clinical nor hematological signs of hemolytic disease of the newborn.
Inhaled steroids for episodic viral wheeze of childhood.

BACKGROUND Recurrent episodic wheeze in association with viral upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) is a specific clinical illness distinct from persistent atopic asthma. OBJECTIVES The objective of this review was to identify whether corticosteroid treatment, given episodically or daily, is beneficial to children with viral episodic wheeze. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Cochrane Airways Group trials register and reference lists of articles. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of corticosteroid treatment versus placebo in children under 17 years of age who suffer from 'episodic viral wheeze', which is defined by wheeze in association with coryzal symptoms with minimal or no intercurrent lower respiratory tract symptoms. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Trial quality was assessed independently by two reviewers. Study authors were contacted for missing information. Studies were categorised according to whether treatment was given episodically or daily (maintenance). The primary outcome was episodes requiring oral corticosteroids. Secondary outcomes addressed episode severity, frequency and duration and parental treatment preference. MAIN RESULTS Five randomised controlled trials in children with a history of mild episodic viral wheeze were identified. Most of the children had previously required no or infrequent oral corticosteroids and had very infrequent hospital admissions. There were three studies of preschool children given episodic high dose inhaled corticosteroid (1.6 - 2.25 mg per day), two using a crossover and one a parallel design. The two studies of maintenance corticosteroid (400 micrograms per day) were parallel in design, one of pre-school children the other of children aged 7 -9 years. Results from the two cross-over studies of episodic high dose inhaled corticosteroids showed a reduced requirement for oral corticosteroids (Relative risk (RR)=0.53, 95% CI: 0.27, 1.04). In these 2 double blind studies, this treatment was preferred by the children's parents over placebo (RR=0.64, 95% CI: 0.48,0.87). Maintenance low dose inhaled corticosteroids did not show any clear reduction over placebo in the proportion of episodes requiring oral corticosteroids (N=2 trials, RR=0.82, 95%CI: 0.23,2.90) or in those requiring hospital admission (N=1 trial, RR=0.21, 95% CI: 0.01,4.11). REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS Episodic high dose inhaled corticosteroids provide a partially effective strategy for the treatment of mild episodic viral wheeze of childhood. There is no current evidence to favour maintenance low dose inhaled corticosteroids in the prevention and management of episodic mild viral induced wheeze.
Characterization of virulence factors in Escherichia coli isolated from diarrheic and healthy calves in Austria shedding various enteropathogenic agents.

Faecal samples from 230 diarrhoeic and healthy calves aged 0-6 weeks, from 100 farms in Austria, were examined between October 2004 and February 2005 for the presence of bacteria, especially Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), viruses and parasites. Escherichia coli was detected in 17% of all the faecal samples and was more prevalent in healthy calves. However, E. coli F5 was identified only in one calf without diarrhoea. Overall, 35 out of the 230 (15.2%) samples analyzed carried the Shiga toxin gene: stx1, stx2 or both stx1 and stx2 in their faeces, STEC. Nevertheless, out of 39 pathogenic E. coli positive samples observed, only two carried the Shiga toxin genes: stx1, in a diarrhoeic calf and both and stx2 in a healthy calf. eaeA and Ehly genes were detected more frequently in the strains from diarrhoeic calves 57.1% and 50.0%, respectively. Clostridium perfringens was detected in twenty-one samples, the most prevalent toxin type of Clostridium perfringens was found to be type A (76.2%). Other bacteria such as Klebsiella spp. and Proteus spp. were present in 1.3% and 0.4% of all samples. Salmonella spp. was not detected. The detection rates of other enteropathogens were 25.7% bovine coronavirus, 11.7% Cryptosporidium spp. , 10.4% Eimeria spp. , 9.1% group A rotavirus and Giardia spp. 6.1%. We demonstrated the presence of the STEC virulence genes in healthy and diarrhoeic Austrian calves but the importance of the virulence factors of STEC (stx1, stx2, eae and Ehly) in calf diarrhoea and systemic disease is not well defined. Therefore, further studies are necessary to identify reservoirs or potential sources of virulent STEC strains in order to establish control and prevention strategies for STEC associated diseases in animals and humans.
Serological and histological findings in infection and transmission of GBV‐C/HGV to macaques

Seven healthy macaques were inoculated with the GBV‐C/HGV‐RNA serum from a non‐A‐E hepatitis patient. The serology and pathology of the liver in the animals were observed. The results indicated that all inoculated animals were infected with a GBV‐C/HGV‐RNA viremia and had mildly abnormal alanine transaminase levels during the infectious period. The histology, immuno‐histochemistry, and in situ hybridization in the liver tissues of the inoculated animals also showed that there was a very mild hepatitis with the positive antigenic expression and the genome of GBV‐C/HGV‐NS5 in hepatocytes. The pathological changes in the infected animals appeared to become normal whether or not GBV‐C/HGV‐RNA viremia persisted. There is a possibility that the mild virulence of the GBV‐C/HGV to the host became harmless with time after inoculation. Infection and the transmission of the GBV‐C/HGV virus in the macaques provides an appropriate animal model and new information about GBV‐C/HGV infection in both humans and animals. It is possible that this virus is a mild and self‐limited pathogenic agent to the hepatic cells of primates. J. Med. Virol. 60:28–33, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence of Low Automated Platelet Counts in Cats: Comparison with Prevalence of Thrombocytopenia Based on Blood Smear Estimation

Abstract: True thrombocytopenia is uncommon in cats; however, low platelet counts frequently are found using automated cell counters. Although this discrepancy is a well known problem, the prevalence of low automated platelet counts in feline blood samples has not been documented. We retrospectively compared the prevalence of low automated platelet counts with low blood smear‐estimated platelet counts in feline blood samples. Results of blood sample analysis from 359 cats during a 1‐year period at the University of Glasgow Veterinary Haematology Laboratory were examined. Smear estimates of platelet number were done in those cases in which records did not indicate adequate platelet numbers. Platelet counts obtained with an impedance counter (Minos Vet, Abx Hematologie) were <200×109 cells/L in 256 samples (71%) and <50×109 cells/L in 43 samples (12%). However, based on estimation of platelet numbers from blood smears, only 11 samples (3.1%) had platelet counts of <200×109 cells/L and 9 samples (2.5%) had counts of <50×109 cells/L. Four cats with thrombocytopenia estimated by blood smear evaluation had clinical signs of a bleeding disorder. Disorders associated with thrombocytopenia included neoplasia, cytotoxic chemotherapy, and infectious diseases. There was no evidence that delay due to mailing of samples was associated with lower automated platelet counts than would have been obtained on the day of sampling. The high prevalence of apparent thrombocytopenia in automated platelet counts was attributed to a combination of platelet aggregation and the impedance method of cell differentiation by size. Vigilance and careful examination of blood smears is required to identify the few cats with true thrombocytopenia.
Fixed-ratio performance with and without a postreinforcement timeout.

Pigeons pecked a key, producing food reinforcement on fixed-ratio (FR) schedules requiring 50, 100, or 150 responses. In each session, 30-second timeouts were inserted before a random half of the FR trials, whereas the other trials began immediately after reinforcement. In general, preratio pauses were shorter on trials preceded by timeouts. On these trials, the probability of a first response tended to be highest in the first 20 seconds of the trials, suggesting that the shorter pauses were the result of transient behavioral contrast. Direct observations and analyses of interresponse times (IRTs) after the preratio pause indicated that IRTs could be grouped into three categories: (1) IRTs of about . 1 second, which were produced by small head movements in the vicinity of the key; (2) IRTs of about . 3 second, which were produced by distinct pecking motions; and (3) IRTs greater than . 5 second, which were accompanied by pausing or movements away from the key. At all ratio sizes, as a subject progressed through a trial, the probability of a long IRT decreased, whereas the probability of an intermediate IRT usually increased at first and then decreased. The probability of a short IRT increased monotonically across a trial. The results show that responding changes systematically as a subject progresses through a ratio on an FR schedule. Some characteristics of performance varied as functions of the absolute size of the response requirement, whereas others appeared to depend on the relative location within a ratio (i.e., the proportion of the ratio completed at a given moment).
Relationship between the characteristics of the coronary artery stenosis and the cardiovascular risk factors in a large cohort of Chinese catheterized patients

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in many countries over the world despite major advances in its diagnosis and treatment. Advancing age, male gender, smoking, hypertension, lipid abnormalities, diabetes, positive family history for premature CAD and obesity are classic established risk factors that tend to cluster and interact multiplicatively in promoting CAD. However, the risk of CAD is not uniform among different populations. Ethnic differences as well as socioeconomic, environmental and genetic factors play a determining role in the development of cardiovascular diseases. In the present study, our aim was to examine the prevalence of several CAD risk factors in a group of Chinese Catheterized patients and to evaluate their role as predictors of the disease, the relationship between the characteristics of the coronary artery stenosis and CAD risk factors. Methods: 7968 consecutive patients underwent coronary angiography for suspected CAD during Jan 2000 to Dec 2014 from the department of Cardiology in Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University Medical School. CAD severity was assessed by the calculated Gensini cumulative scores and the number of major coronary arteries (0-3) with ≥50% stenosis in the angiography, Results: Age, male, systolic blood pressure, smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, cerebrovascular disease, fasting plasma glucose, Creatinine, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly higher in CAD group than those in Non-CAD patients. Total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, were significantly lower in CAD group than those in Non-CAD patients. However, there were no difference in body mass index, diastolic blood pressure, Family history of CAD, and obesity between both groups. Conclusions: we conclude that age, male gender, hypertension, DM and CKD are independent risk factor of CAD, however, total bilirubin is an independent protective factor for CAD in this cohort of Chinese catheterized patients.
Agricultural Dust Exposure and Respiratory Symptoms Among California Farm Operators

Objective:To study whether dust exposure in California agriculture is a risk factor for respiratory symptoms. Methods:A population-based survey of 1947 California farmers collected respiratory symptoms, occupational and personal exposures. Associations between dust and respiratory symptoms were assessed by logistic regression models. Results:The prevalence of persistent wheeze was 8.6%, chronic bronchitis 3.8%, chronic cough 4.2%, and asthma 7.8%. Persistent wheeze was independently associated with dust in a dose–response fashion odds ratio, 1.2 (95% confidence interval[CI] = 0.8–2.0) and 1.8 (95% CI = 1.1–3.2) for low and high time in dust. A borderline significant association between chronic bronchitis and dust exposure was found. Asthma was associated with keeping livestock, but not with dust exposure. Conclusions:Occupational dust exposure among California farmers, only one third of whom tended animals, was independently associated with chronic respiratory symptoms.