Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High fascioliasis infection in children linked to a man‐made irrigation zone in Peru

We detected 10 protozoan and nine helminth species in surveys of 338 5–15 year‐old Quechua schoolchildren in three communities of the Asillo zone of the Puno region, located at a very high altitude of 3910 m in the Peruvian Altiplano. The area proved to be hyperendemic for human fascioliasis with a 24.3% overall mean prevalence of Fasciola hepatica, local prevalences ranging between 18.8 and 31.3%, and infection intensities of up to 2496 eggs per gram of faeces (epg), with 196–350 epg (mean: 279 epg) and 96–152 epg (123 epg) as arithmetic and geometric means, respectively. Prevalences did not significantly vary between schools and in relation to sex. No statistical differences were found in intensities between schools, nor according to sex or age groups between and within schools, although the highest overall egg counts were detected in girls and in the youngest age group. Asillo zone is a man‐made irrigation area built only recently to which both liver fluke and lymnaeid snails have quickly adapted. The region appears to be isolated from the Northern Bolivian Altiplano natural endemic area. Such man‐made water resources in high altitude areas of Andean countries pose a high fascioliasis risk. Significant positive association of F. hepatica with protozooses following a one host life cycle, such as Giardia intestinalis, suggests that human infection mainly occurs through drinking water. This is supported by additional evidence such as the absence of typical aquatic vegetation in the drainage channels inhabited by lymnaeid snails, the absence of aquatic vegetables in the traditional nutrition habits of the Quechua inhabitants, and the lack of potable water systems inside dwellings, which requires inhabitants to obtain water from irrigation canals and drainage channels.
Responsiveness, behavioural arousal and awareness in fetal and newborn lambs: experimental, practical and therapeutic implications

Abstract This review distinguishes between physical responsiveness, behavioural arousal, and awareness in fetal and newborn lambs, and summarises the physical and physiological factors which activate and suppress behavioural arousal. Important activators include: rising blood oestrogen concentrations just before birth; physical stimuli during delivery; exposure to cold on delivery and; elevation in blood oxygen levels following the onset of pulmonary respiration. Suppressors of behavioural arousal and awareness are: low oxygen levels and high concentrations of progesterone and its metabolites in the fetal circulation; and exposure to a warm intrauterine environment and to a circulating placental factor that inhibits activity including breathing. In view of the relatively high levels of oxygen required to sustain awareness in adult animals, the low levels in fetal circulation, and the actions of other suppressors, it is unlikely that awareness occurs in the fetus. Nevertheless, fetuses perform a range of physical acts that would be supported or initiated by brainstem activity. In addition, they show physical responses to potentially painful stimuli during late gestation, but it has yet to be demonstrated that these are linked to perception of pain. It is postulated that perception of pain could only occur once there is a level of oxygenation that supports overall awareness, and under normal circumstances this would only occur once the newborn starts breathing air. The implications for the welfare of fetal lambs and calves during experimental surgery, slaughter of the pregnant dam, collection of blood (serum) from fetuses at slaughter, and during fetotomy are favourable, indicating that current practices, when carefully undertaken, are humane.
Oral outpatient chemotherapy medication errors in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Although medication errors are 1 of the most common types of medical errors, their frequency in pediatric patients receiving oral outpatient chemotherapeutic agents is unknown. The prescribing, dispensing, and parental administration of these medications to children receiving treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) were systematically reviewed to determine the rate and types of medication errors occurring in these patients.
Design and Implementation of a New Six-DOF Maglev Positioner With a Fluid Bearing

This paper proposes a new six degrees-of-freedom (6-DOF) electromagnetic precision positioner, made of a hybrid mechanism utilizing both a magnetic driving force and the uplifting force of the fluid, for which a new structure, the electromagnetic actuator, and an effective controller have been developed. The concept of the mechanism design involves not only the magnetic driving mechanism, but also the fluid buoyancy and damping properties, which help to counterbalance the weight of the platen so as to achieve a very low steady-state power consumption. The four goals of the new system design include the following: 1) to have a large range of motion (at the mm level); 2) to achieve precision positioning; 3) to design a compact but low-cost mechanism; and 4) to achieve low power consumption. In this system, there are a total of eight permanent magnets (PMs) attached to the movable carrier, and eight electromagnetic coils appropriately mounted on a fixed base. After exploring the characteristics of the magnetic forces between PMs and electromagnetic coils, the general 6-DOF dynamic model of this system is derived and analyzed. Then, because of the naturally unstable behavior and uncertainties of the underlying system, a robust adaptive sliding-mode controller is proposed to guarantee system stability for both regulation and tracking tasks. Finally, extensive experiments have been conducted to demonstrate the performance of the proposed system. The experimental results show that the range of motion is 3 mm × 3 mm × 4 mm, and the tracking error in each axis is kept to within 10 μm, which reaches the limit of our optical sensors. These experimental results demonstrate satisfactory performance of the positioner in terms of theoretical analysis and experimental results.
Effects of the novel NMDA receptor antagonist, CGP 39551, on field potentials and the induction and expression of LTP in the dentate gyrus in vivo

The effects of the novel competitive N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, CGP 39551 [the carboxyethylester of CGP 37849; DL‐(E)‐2‐amino‐4‐methy‐5‐phosphono‐3‐pentenoic acid], on extracellular field potentials and long‐term potentiation (LTP) induced in the dentate gyrus by stimulation of the perforant path were studied in anesthetized rats. CGP 39551 attenuated the population spike (PS) and excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) amplitude of dentate field potentials, reduced the NMDA receptor‐mediated component of train‐evoked burst potentials, and prevented the induction of LTP. The decrease in PS and EPSP amplitude produced by CGP 39551 was observed mainly in non‐potentiated synaptic populations; potentiated field potentials were only minimally affected by drug treatment. These results are consistent with the in vivo blockade of NMDA receptors by CGP 39551. They also indicate that NMDA receptors may contribute in a tonic manner to the state of dentate granule cell excitability. Finally, the differential modulation of potentiated and non‐potentiated synapses by CGP 39551 suggests that a change in some properties of postsynaptic AMPA receptors is involved in the expression of LTP. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Calcium waves in dissociated retinal glial (Müller) cells are evoked by release of calcium from intracellular stores

Calcium imaging techniques were used to study intracellular free calcium ion regulation in isolated Müller cells in response to changes in extracellular potassium concentration and to caffeine and ryanodine. Müller cells were dissociated from the adult tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum) retina and studied using the calcium indicator Fura‐2 and video imaging microscopy techniques. Our results demonstrate that elevation of extracellular potassium in the presence of extracellular calcium evokes an increase in intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) throughout the length of the Müller cell. In contrast, in the absence of extracellular calcium, elevation of extracellular potassium can trigger a long latency, wave‐like increase in [Ca2+]i that begins in the apical region of the Müller cell and moves toward the endfoot. A similar calcium wave can be evoked in Müller cells when they are exposed to caffeine or ryanodine, agents that cause release of calcium from intracellular stores in many cell types. These data suggest that [Ca2+]i may be altered in Müller cells through an extracellular pathway as well as through a ryanodine‐sensitive intracellular release mechanism. The functional consequences of these changes in [Ca2+]i remain to be elucidated. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
[Value of diffusion-weighted imaging for diagnosing vertebral metastases due to prostate cancer in comparison to other primary tumors].

PURPOSE Several publications have reported that the apparent diffusion coefficient is generally lower in metastatically affected vertebrae. Therefore, metastases are represented in diffusion-weighted images by increased signal intensity in comparison to unaffected vertebrae. However, there were indications that metastases due to prostate cancer may differ from this. Therefore, the contrast behavior of vertebral metastases due to prostate cancer or tumors with another histology are to be systematically studied using diffusion-weighted images. The present study is intended to examine whether the two groups differed and whether possible differences depended on the degree of sclerosis. MATERIALS AND METHOD In a retrospective study the vertebral metastases of patients with prostate cancer (n = 18) were compared to those of patients with tumors of another histology (n = 20). A steady-state free precession sequence was used for the diffusion-weighted imaging. Additionally, a T1 weighted sequence before and after administration of contrast agent as well as a fat suppressed T2 weighted sequence were performed. The contrast behavior of the metastases was evaluated for all four sequences and was compared to that of the unaffected parts of the vertebra. RESULTS In 18 patients of the tumor group, the vertebral metastases showed positive contrast in the diffusion-weighted images, and 2 had minimally negative contrast up to - 0.04. In the prostate cancer group, the contrast was positive in 9 patients and negative in 9. 6 of the metastases with negative contrast had an osteoblastic metastasization, 1 had an osteolysis, and 1 had a normal finding in the conventional X-ray image. Between the tumor group and the prostate cancer group, the medians of the contrasts were not significantly different (p = 0.054). CONCLUSION In general, the metastatically affected vertebrae appear hyperintense in the diffusion-weighted images. This observation is only true for some vertebral metastases due to prostate cancer. The cause for this seems to be the degree of sclerosis of the metastases. Thus, it cannot be generally deduced from the hypointensity in diffusion-weighted images that a lesion is benign.
TQM implementation in developing countries: A case study of the Libyan Industrial Sector

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent of total quality management (TQM) implementation in Libyan manufacturing companies (LMCs), and evaluates the impact of ISO 9000, and company size on its implementation.Design/methodology/approach – A framework, comprised of six TQM elements is proposed. Data was collected by means of a survey questionnaire distributed to those companies which agreed to participate.Findings – The results are the responses of a comprehensive survey which showed that Libyan companies are still struggling to effectively embark on TQM. The correlations among the six investigated TQM elements were positive and significant. This study also investigated whether the level of TQM implementation is influenced by contextual factors, including company size and ISO 9000 certification. It was found that there were no differences between TQM elements across ISO and non‐ISO certified companies. The findings also revealed that there is no significant difference between small .
The Compatibility of National Culture in International Mergers and Acquisitions

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Challenges of knowledge sharing in the petrochemical industry

Knowledge sharing is one of the important and also challenging parts in the success of KM implementation. The objective of this paper is to find out knowledge sharing barriers in the petrochemical companies in a Middle East country. Three main categories are found to have an impact on knowledge sharing in the companies. These categories are potential individual knowledge sharing barriers, potential organizational knowledge sharing barriers and potential technological knowledge sharing barriers. Data were collected by using a convenience sampling survey method. 500 questionnaires were distributed among employees and 302 questionnaires were returned. Trust, knowledge as power, communication, organizational hierarchy and knowledge sharing technological systems are found to have relationships with knowledge sharing. However, reward and recognition system have less significant relationship with knowledge sharing in the petrochemical companies.
Is the world really "flat"? Culture issues in manufacturing industry

Globalization has brought companies to compete around the world: local companies have started to act globally, and facilities and subsidiaries have been founded, with the aim to exploit cost opportunities as well as market possibilities. It follows, that manufacturing strategies are spread across the world; as a consequence managers have started to heed to cultural values that are different from their own. The central idea of the thesis, is that what is “best” for one company might not be so for another. In line with this, among the several contingencies national culture, might exert a relevant role. The suggestion behind the research is that national cultural values might affect the way through which companies act and consequently the way through which businesses are managed and goals are achieved. Three research articles constitute the core of the dissertation. The first investigates how, given a set of competitive priorities, the level of the investments applied by companies in manufacturing “best” practices change, according to the national culture of the country in which the plant is located. The second study, addresses the role of national cultural values in affect the extent through which companies have invested in information sharing, either with their customers and suppliers. Lastly, the third article focuses on those manufacturing practices that have been deemed as a suitable to cope with market uncertainties, i.e. forecasting and flexibility, investigating how national cultural values might change their effectiveness in improve companies’ cost performance. The thesis aims to contribute to the research stream of global manufacturing strategy and supply chain management. From a managerial perspective, managers should recognize the importance of national cultural values when decide to apply investments abroad, in order to put in place programmes that are effective in improve companies’ performance.
STRATEGIC SATISFICING? A BEHAVIORAL--AGENCY THEORY PERSPECTIVE ON STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENTS

Executives confront potentially conflicting pressures - to maximize shareholder wealth in the long term and to appease shareholders in the near term. Because near-term pressures must be addressed to preserve tenure and to realize the potential benefits of long-term strategies, executives are increasingly likely to rely on shareholder mollification initiatives. We develop a behavioral-agency theoretical framework to study how stock repurchase programs are used to help top managers appease shareholders. Analysis of 250 large U.S. firms suggests that stock repurchase programs are variously a function of information asymmetry, risky stock-based incentives, and performance expectations.
New strategies to prevent mastitis.

Bovine mastitis remains as the disease causing the biggest economic losses to the dairy industry, despite the intensive research and prevention measures at herd level carried out for decades. Antibiotics are widely used to combat mastitis, but focus should be shifted from treatment to more economical and efficient prevention. The bacteriological aetiology of mastitis has changed from contagious to environmental pathogens, which has reduced the efficacy of the traditional mastitis control strategies. Considerable progress in the understanding of epidemiology, immunology, diagnostics and pathogenesis of mastitis has been made. The modern molecular biological methods offer good possibilities for the research of the epidemiological and virulence aspects of bacteria, which may help in building-up specific mastitis control strategies for dairy herds. Studies on the host response and relationship between somatic cell count and susceptibility to mastitis offer tools for genetic improvement of dairy cows. Biotechnological approaches for mastitis prevention are in the developmental stage, but many problems are associated, e.g. with vaccination of dairy cows against mastitis. Different methods of immunomodulation for the prevention of mastitis have shown promise in experimental trials, but the evidence is not yet enough to support commercial applications. Improving nutrition, housing and environment of dairy cattle are still crucial in the prevention of mastitis, especially during the most susceptible period after parturition. New milking techniques including robotic milking may provide better possibility for proper milking and improved udder health. Mastitis control should be part of the herd health programme in the dairy herds. In this paper, results from recent research and proposals for new prevention strategies in the field of mastitis are reviewed.
Robotic-Arm Assisted Total Hip Arthroplasty Results in Smaller Acetabular Cup Size in Relation to the Femoral Head Size: A Matched-Pair Controlled Study

Purpose To compare the acetabular component size relative to the patient's native femoral head size between conventional THA (CTHA) approach and robotic-arm assisted THA (RTHA) to infer which of these techniques preserved more acetabular bone. Methods Patients were included if they had primary osteoarthritis (OA) and underwent total hip replacement between June 2008 and March 2014. Patients were excluded if they had missing or rotated postoperative anteroposterior radiographs. RTHA patients were matched to a control group of CTHA patients, in terms of preoperative native femoral head size, age, gender, body mass index (BMI) and approach. Acetabular cup size relative to femoral head size was used as a surrogate for amount of bone resected. We compared the groups according to 2 measures describing acetabular cup diameter (c) in relation to femoral head diameter (f): (i) c-f, the difference between cup diameter and femoral head diameter and (ii) (c-f)/f, the same difference as a fraction of femoral head diameter. Results 57 matched pairs were included in each group. There were no significant differences between groups for demographic measures, femoral head diameter, or acetabular cup diameter (p>0.05). However, measures (i) and (ii) did differ significantly between the groups, with lower values in the RTHA group (p<0.02). Conclusions Using acetabular cup size relative to femoral head size as an approximate surrogate measure of acetabular bone resection may suggest greater preservation of bone stock using RTHA compared to CTHA. Further studies are needed to validate the relationship between acetabular cup size and bone loss in THA.
Stronger Than the Sum of Its Parts? The Performance Implications of Peer Control Combinations in Teams

Integrating theorizing on situational strength and complementarity with control theory, we investigate the mediating processes that transmit peer control combination effects to team performance. We argue that two critical peer control mechanisms-norm strength and peer pressure-complement each other such that their joint impact on team members becomes stronger than the sum of their parts. In a multiple mediator model, we identify effort and trust as two distinct mediating processes that explain the relationship between peer control combinations and team performance. Multisource, multiwave data from 41 self-managing healthcare teams largely support our model. The pattern of mediation was more complex than we anticipated, revealing an indirect effect of peer controls on effort via trust. Together, our findings offer insight into how controls complement each other and the processes through which they do so.
Characterization of Different Osteosarcoma Phenotypes by PET Imaging in Preclinical Animal Models

The aim of this study was to characterize the different phenotypes of osteosarcoma by PET, comparing the uptake of 3 tracers (18F-FDG, 18F-fluoromisonidazole [18F-FMISO], and 18F-fluoride) in preclinical mouse models that reflect the heterogeneity of the human disease. Methods: Mouse LM8 osteosarcoma, human 143B, and Caprin-1 stably overexpressing SaOS-2 cells were injected intratibially in C3H and severe-combined immunodeficient mice. PET imaging with 18F-FDG, 18F-FMISO, and 18F-fluoride was performed in these mouse models, and a ratio between the standardized uptake value of the primary tumor and a control area of bone was calculated and compared among the models. Histology and immunohistochemistry were performed to confirm the PET findings. Results: The pattern of tracer uptake differed among the primary tumors of the 3 models in accordance with the histology and immunohistochemistry on primary tumor sections. The osteolytic tumors in the 143B model showed the highest uptake of 18F-FDG, an indicator of glucose metabolism, which was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than in the SaOS-2/Caprin-1 model and correlated with the percentage of Ki67-positive cells in the primary tumors. Hypoxia, indicated by 18F-FMISO accumulation, was higher in the SaOS-2/Caprin-1 and 143B cell line–derived tumors (P < 0.01). Finally 18F-fluoride, a marker of bone remodeling, correlated with the osteoblastic phenotype. The SaOS-2/Caprin-1 cell–derived tumors showed a significantly higher uptake than the moderately osteoblastic LM8 (P < 0.05) and the osteolytic 143B (P < 0.01) cell line–derived tumors. Conclusion: Differential PET imaging with tracers indicating metabolic activity, hypoxia, or bone remodeling will be helpful for the characterization of different osteosarcoma phenotypes and subsequent evaluation of more specific treatment modalities targeting the processes that are predominant in each specific tumor type or subtype.