Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Person-Centred Dementia Care to Prevent Agitation and Other Neuropsychiatric Symptoms and Enhance Quality of Life in Nursing Home Patients: A 10-Month Randomized Controlled Trial

Aims: We examined whether Dementia Care Mapping (DCM) or the VIPS practice model (VPM) is more effective than education of the nursing home staff about dementia (control group) in reducing agitation and other neuropsychiatric symptoms as well as in enhancing the quality of life among nursing home patients. Methods: A 10-month three-armed cluster-randomized controlled trial compared DCM and VPM with control. Of 624 nursing home patients with dementia, 446 completed follow-up assessments. The primary outcome was the change on the Brief Agitation Rating Scale (BARS). Secondary outcomes were changes on the 10-item version of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI-Q), the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD) and the Quality of Life in Late-Stage Dementia (QUALID) scale. Results: Changes in the BARS score did not differ significantly between the DCM and the control group or between the VPM and the control group after 10 months. Positive differences were found for changes in the secondary outcomes: the NPI-Q sum score as well as the subscales NPI-Q agitation and NPI-Q psychosis were in favour of both interventions versus control, the QUALID score was in favour of DCM versus control and the CSDD score was in favour of VPM versus control. Conclusions: This study failed to find a significant effect of both interventions on the primary outcome. Positive effects on the secondary outcomes indicate that the methods merit further investigation.
Do time use patterns influence fertility decisions? A cross-national inquiry

Birth rates are falling throughout the western world. There is no definitive answer as to why this is so. This paper investigates whether time use analysis could offer a useful perspective. It explores the way parenthood affects time allocation in four countries with different work-family policies, using data from the Multinational Time Use Survey (MTUS) World 5 series to compare the impact of children on adult time in Italy, Germany, Norway and Australia. It considers whether fertility decisions may be influenced by i) the gap between parents and nonparents in total paid and unpaid work undertaken, ii) how paid and unpaid work is divided between mothers and fathers, and iii) the proportion of total male and female work time that is paid before and after parenthood, and conducts multivariate analysis to isolate the effects of nationality, sex and parenthood. The study is very preliminary, but the results suggest that domestic gender inequity and low female workforce participation are associated with lower fertility and may affect parity progression. Further research using more extensive and detailed time use analysis could make an important contribution to understanding of fertility decline.
Metformin Causes a Reduction in Basal and Post‐venous Occlusion Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor‐1 in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

The effects of metformin on the fibrinolytic system were studied pre‐ and post‐venous occlusion in 38 Type 2 diabetic patients in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial. After a 3‐week run‐in period, 21 patients received metformin and 17 placebo, for 6 weeks. In the metformin‐treated patients basal plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 antigen (PAI‐1Ag) fell from 57.4 μg l−1 before treatment to 36.1 (p < 0.05) and 41.0 μg l−1 (p < 0.01) after 3 and 6 weeks therapy. In this group post‐venous occlusion PAI‐1Ag also fell after 3 weeks (p < 0.002) and 6 weeks (p < 0.05) treatment. There were no changes in either basal or post‐venous occlusion concentrations of PAI‐1Ag in the placebo treated group. The fall in PAI‐1Ag was not associated with an increase in basal plasminogen activator activity (PAA) which remained unchanged in both groups. Post‐venous occlusion values for PAA in the metformin treated patients were increased at 3 weeks (p < 0.05) although there was no difference at 6 weeks.
Option Prices and the Underlying Asset's Return Distribution

This work examines the relation between option prices and the true, as opposed to risk-neutral, distribution of the underlying asset. If the underlying asset follows a diffusion with an instantaneous expected return at least as large as the instantaneous risk-free rate, observed option prices can be used to place bounds on the moments of the true distribution. An illustration of the paper's results is provided by the analysis of the information concerning the mean and standard deviation of market returns contained in the prices of S&P 100 Index Options. Copyright 1991 by American Finance Association.
Determination of Salmonella spp., E. coli VTEC, Vibrio spp., and Norovirus GI-GII in Bivalve Molluscs Collected from Growing Natural Beds in Sardinia (Italy)

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the presence of Salmonella spp. , verotoxigenic E. coli (VTEC), Vibrio spp. , and Norovirus GI-GII in bivalve molluscs, cockles, and European grooved carpet shells (Cerastoderma spp. and Ruditapes decussatus) collected from a class B growing natural bed in Sardinia (Italy). All of the samples were analysed for Salmonella spp. detection according to European Commission Regulation (EC) 2285/2015. Detection and enumeration of Vibrio spp. were performed according to previously published methods. Presumptive identification of Vibrio spp. isolates was performed by means of conventional biochemical tests. E. coli VTEC was isolated following a direct multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) screening test. Norovirus GI and GII were determined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). No Salmonella spp. were detected. The prevalence of Vibrio spp. was 90%, and the average contamination levels were 3.19 ± 1.07 and 2.84 ± 0.31 Log10 cfu/g in cockles and European grooved carpet shells, respectively. The prevalence of E. coli VTEC was 6.6%. All of the isolates showed a complete pathogenicity profile. The presence of Norovirus was highlighted in 25% of European grooved carpet shells samples. Results showed the typical microbiological profile of bivalve molluscs collected from backwaters and confirmed the capability of shellfish to accumulate E. coli VTEC, pathogenic vibrios, and Norovirus. The presence of such pathogens in shellfish is of major concern for the safety of consumers.
Student perspectives on pharmacy curriculum and instruction in Egyptian schools.

OBJECTIVES To determine student attitudes and opinions towards pharmacy education in Egyptian universities to provide information for designing delivery of a revised pharmacy curriculum. METHODS Students were recruited from the pharmacy faculties at a government-sponsored university and a privately funded university. Data were gathered using a structured questionnaire and statistically analyzed. Responses from open questions were subjected to thematic analysis. RESULTS Students spent widely differing amounts of time on non-classroom study, little of which was self-directed. This was reflected in the low frequency of use of library facilities and the preference of students for passively acquired information. Themes that emerged on how students would improve the curriculum were to increase the use of computers and the Internet; make the course more relevant to pharmacy practice and/or clinical pharmacy; improve and expand the practical components of the course; increase their own involvement in learning; and increase their understanding of subjects as well as their knowledge. For many of the questions, there was a significant different between the responses of students at the 2 universities. CONCLUSIONS Students relied on classroom teaching and devoted little time to self-directed study. However, students were aware of international developments in pharmacy education and practice and are receptive to change.
False promise or false premise? Evaluating the Job Network

This paper contends that the replacement of the Commonwealth Employment Service (CES) with a market-like system for employment services has formed part of a broader set of neo-liberal policy shifts, which have served to replace the goal of full employment with the diminished goal of full employability. While proposed changes to the funding and operation of the Job Network may generate further, and narrowly conceived, efficiency gains, they will not improve aggregate employment outcomes in the absence of a policy commitment to restore full employment. We argue that finessing the roles of the public, private and not-for-profit sectors in the provision of employment services is a second-order issue relative to restoring the role of the public sector as an employer of last resort.
The effect of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist therapy on body mass index in adolescents with severe obesity: a randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial.

IMPORTANCE Medical treatment options for pediatric obesity remain limited. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists induce weight loss by suppressing appetite and increasing satiety, but few studies have evaluated this therapy as a treatment for obesity. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of exenatide on body mass index (BMI; calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) and cardiometabolic risk factors in adolescents with severe obesity. DESIGN Three-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical trial followed by a 3-month open-label extension. SETTING An academic medical center and an outpatient pediatric endocrinology clinic. PATIENTS A total of 26 adolescents (12-19 years of age) with severe obesity (BMI ≥ 1.2 times the 95th percentile or BMI ≥ 35). INTERVENTION All patients received lifestyle modification counseling and were equally randomized to exenatide or placebo injection, twice per day. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary end point was the mean percent change in BMI measured at baseline and 3 months. Secondary end points included absolute change in BMI, body weight, body fat, blood pressure, hemoglobin A1c, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and lipids at 3 months. RESULTS Twenty-two patients completed the trial. Exenatide elicited a greater reduction in percent change in BMI compared with placebo (-2.70% [95% CI, -5.02% to -0.37%]; P = .03). Similar findings were observed for absolute change in BMI (-1.13 [95% CI, -2.03 to -0.24]; P = .02) and body weight (-3.26 kg [95% CI, -5.87 to -0.66 kg]; P = .02). Although not reaching the level of statistical significance, reduction in systolic blood pressure was observed with exenatide. During the open-label extension, BMI was further reduced in those initially randomized to exenatide (cumulative BMI reduction of 4%). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE These results provide preliminary evidence supporting the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy for the treatment of severe obesity in adolescents. TRIAL REGISTRATION clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01237197.
Potential prognostic factors predicting secondary amputation in third-degree open lower limb fractures

BACKGROUND With regard to the improved surgical possibilities and the rising tendency of attempted limb salvage, the topic of secondary amputation becomes increasingly important. The aim of this study was to identify potential prognostic factors predicting secondary amputation in third-degree open lower limb fractures. METHODS All patients experienced third-degree open fractures of the lower limb without primary amputation (1994–2012). Prognostic factors were investigated to explain the final outcome of these patients (limb salvage vs. secondary amputation). RESULTS From a total of 408 open diaphyseal tibia fractures, 93 consecutive fractures were identified (Gustilo-Anderson [G/A] type IIIA, n = 38; G/A type IIIB, n = 41; G/A type IIIC, n = 14) including seven patients with primary amputation. Definite limb salvage was achieved in 72 patients (88%), whereas in 10 patients (12%), secondary amputation was necessary. The median time to secondary amputation was 12 days (range, 2–1,573 days). The median Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 11 (range, 9–41), and the median Mangled Extremity Severity Score (MESS) was 4 (range, 2–9). The MESS was significantly higher in the amputation group compared with the limb salvage group (p = 0.0001). Furthermore, statistical testing revealed that the amount of complex fractures (p = 0.0132), the soft tissue damage (p = 0.0050), the vascular injury rate (p = 0.0110) and the fasciotomy rate (p = 0.0468) were significantly higher in the amputation group. In 60%, the limitations for limb salvage were infectious complications and/or, in 40%, was irreversible vessel occlusion after initial vessel reconstruction. CONCLUSION The current study findings indicate that MESS is highly prognostic, but considering the significant advances in reconstructive techniques, decision making in patients with an MESS of 7 or greater should be reevaluated for the everyday clinical use. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic study, level III. Therapeutic study, level IV.
Arenavirus defective interfering particles mask the cell-killing potential of standard virus.

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCM) and Pichinde virus grew readily and produced cytopathology in MDCK and PK-15 cells. It is known that in these cell lines, the synthesis or function of defective interfering (DI) virus particles is restricted. Survival curves of single MDCK cells infected with low multiplicities of LCM showed one-particle-to-kill kinetics. At high multiplicities of infection, there was a maximum degree of cell-killing, or even a reduction in the amount of cell-killing, depending on how much DI virus was present in a particular standard virus stock. DI LCM virus could completely prevent standard virus from producing c.p.e. in MDCK monolayers with one-particle-to-protect kinetics. It could still prevent killing of the cells when added within a short time after infection with standard virus, but was able to interfere with synthesis of standard virus when added even later, On passage of LCM or Pichinde virus without dilution in MDCK cells, there was no homologous auto-interference. Furthermore, there was only slight interference with the synthesis of standard virus when these cells were pre-treated with DI virus.
INCORPORATING AFROCENTRIC CURRICULUM FOR K-12 AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENTS

The historical legacy of racial discrimination in the United States points to the need for continued recognition of cultural diversity. DuBois (1935), Woodson (1933). Karenga (1980) and Asante (1987) pointed to the failure of the public school system and challenged African Americans to develop a new system for themselves. For many African American educators and parents, the Afrocentric multicultural curriculum has been a viable option. A review of literature was conducted to answer the research question: "What is the feasibility of incorporating an Afrocentric curriculum in K-12 public school systems, which provides instruction geared toward African American students' learning styles? " As addressed in the study, an Afrocentric curriculum is viable if Afrocentric instructional materials are adopted that address African culture and history (Hilliard, 1990); the learning styles of African American students are considered to facilitate learning (Giddings, 2001); Constructivist and culturally relevant pedagogical approaches are adopted to facilitate intellectual development (Pasteur and Toldson, 1982); teacher training is given high priority (Irvine, 1992); a positive school culture exists (Fullan, 1990); and parents are involved (Smith-Maddox, 1999). The premise of this study was that the curriculum of the school and the instructional materials should convey a message of equal educational opportunity and inclusion of all students. Training teachers to facilitate an Afrocentric curriculum requires the exploration of new materials, ideas, and perspectives that recognize the culture of African American students. Asante predicts, "Future historians will write that no intellectual idea has been so maligned in the 20th century as Afrocentric theory, the idea that African people are agents and actors in history" (Asante, 1996, p. 31). Based on the findings in this study, Afrocentric Curriculum implementation of an Afrocentric curriculum is feasible and necessary because it assures greater success for African American Students.
[Single nucleotide polymorphisms of growth hormone receptor gene in Chinese Han ethnic population].

OBJECTIVE To analyze the distribution of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of growth hormone receptor (GHR) gene in Chinese Han ethnic population. METHODS The sample of 106 unrelated healthy Chinese Hans was studied by sequencing exons of the GHR gene to detect SNP. RESULTS There were 6 SNP spots identified in exon 6 and exon 10. Five of them were found in exon 10, and one in exon 6. There were differences between the allele frequencies of the SNP we found and those in the NCBI database. The highest heterozygosity of the SNP was found at 1630 A > C (I526L), which was 47.6%. The SNP 1483 A > C (P477T), 1735 A > C (P561T) and 1319 G > T (C422F) had polarity change. The SNP 536 A > G in exon 6 from the NCBI database was not detected in this population. The allele distribution of SNP was in good unity with the Hardey-Weinberg equilibrium. CONCLUSION It is suggested that the SNP of GHR are unevenly distributed and different in different ethnic populations.
Agricultural and Structural Transformation in a Developing Economy

The purpose of this paper is to examine the interdependence between the agricultural and non-agricultural sectors during the course of economic growth. An underlying premise is that agricultural development must be viewed as a part of a broader "process of modernization. " The society created by the modernization process is characterized not only by comparatively high and rising per capita income, but also by widespread literacy and access to education, considerable geographical and social mobility, an extensive network of transport and communications, a comparatively high degree or urbanization, and widespread participation by members of the society in modern economic processes characterized by extensive use of capital equipment and inanimate energy. I This process is also associated with changes in attitudes with respect to family size that result, after a time lag, in a lowering of birth rates to a level consistent with drastically reduced mortality rates.
The impact of subjectivity in performance evaluation practices on public sector managers’ motivation

We conduct an explorative study to investigate the effect of subjectivity in performance evaluation practices on managerial motivation in public sector organisations. Increased subjectivity can enhance motivation if supervisors are able to provide better informational feedback. However, subjectivity is likely to reduce motivation if it reduces perceived mission clarity or negatively affects relations between supervisors and subordinates. Our analysis is based on a survey among 94 public sector managers in the Netherlands. We predict and find that subjectivity in performance evaluation practices reduces perceived mission clarity, which in turn decreases motivation. We also find that subjectivity negatively affects subordinate managers’ trust in their supervisor, which also reduces motivation. Jointly, these results indicate that the negative effects of subjectivity in performance evaluation practices outweigh its potential positive consequences, suggesting that New Public Management's focus on more objective performance measures can indeed be beneficial. By itself, however, this does not automatically imply that more objective systems in general are optimal in all public sector organisations as such systems may have dysfunctional side effects such as distortion of performance measures, gaming or manipulation. In addition, we find that the effects of subjectivity are moderated by organisational characteristics.
Fiscal Policy and the Economics of Financial Balances

This paper presents the main features of the macroeconomic model being used at The Levy Economics Institute of Bard College, which has proven to be a useful tool in tracking the current financial and economic crisis. We investigate the connections of the model to the 'New Cambridge' approach, and discuss other recent approaches to the evolution of financial balances for all sectors of the economy. We will show the effects of fiscal policy in the model, and its implications for the proposed fiscal stimulus on the US economy. We show that the New Cambridge hypothesis, which claimed that the private sector financial balance would be stable relative to income in the short run, does not hold for the short term in our model, but it does hold for the medium/long term. This implies that the major impact of the fiscal stimulus in the long run will be on the external imbalance, unless other measures are taken.
Bubbles in Experimental Asset Markets: Irrational Exuberance No More

The robustness of bubbles and crashes in markets for finitely lived assets is perplexing. This paper reports the results of experimental asset markets in which participants trade two assets. In some markets, price bubbles form. In these markets, traders will pay even higher prices for the asset with lottery characteristics, i.e., a claim on a large, unlikely payoff. However, institutional design has a significant impact on deviations in prices from fundamental values, particularly for an asset with lottery characteristics. Price run-ups and crashes are moderated when traders finance purchases of the assets themselves and are allowed to short sell.
Technology and Industrial Agglomeration: Evidence from Computer Usage

Although the association between industrial agglomeration and productivity has been widely examined and documented, little work has explored the possibility that these `external' productivity shifts are the product of more advanced technologies. This paper offers a look at this hypothesis using data on individual-level computer usage across a sample of U.S. metropolitan areas over the years 1984, 1989, 1993, and 1997. The results indicate that, for a wide array of industries at the two-, three-, and four-digit SIC level, an industry's scale within a metropolitan area is positively associated with the frequency of computer use by its workers. However, in spite of these observable differences in workplace technology, I also find that estimated localization effects on wages are largely not explained by computer usage. Even after controlling for computer use, there remain significant own-industry scale effects in labor earnings.