Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The impact of the organisation of work and employment at sea on the occupational health, safety and well-being of seafarers

This thesis explores the health, safety and well-being experiences of seafarers in relation to the organisation of work and employment at sea. Work at sea entails many features – such as long working hours, scheduling uncertainty and social isolation – which have been shown in other industries to be associated with a deterioration in workers’ health, safety and well-being. Moreover, the structure of the seafaring industry has changed beyond recognition in recent decades with the vast majority of today’s seafarers employed by third-party agencies on a temporary basis, and in shore-based industries the organisation of employment in this manner has also been associated with poorer occupational health, safety and well-being outcomes. This study used a mixed-methods approach, including both semi-structured interviews with seafarers onboard four ships and the secondary analysis of three shipping companies’ safety data. Seafarers’ health, safety and well-being experiences were related to the structure and organisation of their work and employment and fluctuated in relation to specific time periods within a tour of duty. In particular, the most substantial adverse well-being outcomes were apparent at both an early and late stage of a tour of duty, whilst safety outcomes were seen to significantly improve during the last week of a tour of duty for seafarers onboard offshore vessels. Further qualitative analysis revealed some strong associations between poor occupational health, safety and well-being experiences and the ways in which employment is organised at sea, and indicated a failure to address such associations in the arrangements in place to manage the health, safety and well-being of seafarers during their periods of employment. In particular, it indicated that there were substantial mismatches between the experiences of seafarers and the requirements of them determined by their shore-side management, and found that the reporting mechanisms that might demonstrate this were inadequate.
Fungistatic and fungicidal activity of East African medicinal plants

Summary. Extracts of the traditionally used medicinal plants Entada abyssinica (stem bark), Terminalia spinosa (young branches), Harrisonia abyssinica (roots), Ximenia caffra (roots), Azadirachta indica (stem bark), Zanha africana (stem bark) and Spilanthes mauritiana (roots and flowers) were investigated for fungistatic and fungicidal activity against Candida spp. and Aspergillus spp. by a microtitre serial dilution technique. Entada abyssinica, T. spinosa, X. caffra, A. indica, and Z. africana showed activity against various Candida species. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranged from 0.006 to > 8 mg ml‐1 and the minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFCs) from 0.06 to >8 mg ml‐1. Extracts from S. mauritiana (both roots and flowers) exhibited no activity against Candida spp. , but against Aspergillus spp. , the MIC and MFC values ranged from 0.13 to 0.25 mg ml‐1 and from 0.13 to 1 mg ml‐1 respectively. It is concluded that the extracts contain compounds with high antifungal potency.
Incidence of Community-Acquired Versus intensive care unit Acquired Acute Kidney Injury in Two Tertiary intensive care units among aged patients

1 Anaesthetist, EL Matarya Teaching Hospital, Cairo, Egypt. 2 Associate Professor, Geriatrics and Gerontology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt. *Corresponding author’s E-mail: rania_geriatric@yahoo.com, raniaabouhashem_ger@med.asu. e du.eg Tel. : 00966544103388 Acute Kidney Injury is increasing over the last years despite advances in health care system. Elderly had higher chances of experiencing acute kidney injury with devastating effects. A prospective study was conducted on elderly aged ≥ 60 years who were admitted to two intensive care units, over 6 months. Acute kidney injury was diagnosed based on Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes criteria, 2012. All patients admitted to any of the two intensive care units with acute kidney injury, community acquired acute kidney injury (CA.AKI) or developed acute kidney injury during the stay, intensive care unit acquired AKI (ICUA.AKI), were identified. The study included 196 critically ill elderly patients. Their mean age was 68.2± 5.5. The incidence of Acute Kidney Injury “AKI” was 22.4%, 16.3% had CA.AKI and 6.1% had ICUA.AKI. Patients with AKI had significantly higher age and baseline renal failure on dialysis and higher prevalence of risk factors including septic shock, hypovolemia and anemia. Regarding outcomes, patients with AKI had significantly worse SOFA, and more discharge with new acute kidney disease “AKD”. In ICUA.AKI, septic shock, diuretic use and higher age were the significant predictors for the occurrence of AKI. In CA.AKI, hypovolemia, older age and lower hemoglobin were the significant predictors for the occurrence of AKI.
Factors Of Staff Turnover In Textile Factories Of Ensenada City, B.C. Los Factores De La Rotacion De Personal En Las Maquiladoras De Exportacion De Ensenada, B.C

Textile factories on the Northern border between the United States and Mexico, specifically in Baja California, have been examined from different perspectives. Examinations exist from the point of view of employment generation, exports, competitiveness, technological aspect, sociodemographic and women's participation. This paper discusses the phenomenon of staff turnover in textile factories. We highlight factors that influence or determine staff turnover in textile factories of the city of Ensenada. We evaluate the strategies of the companies to retain their best performers. We hypothesize factors that determine staff turnover of the maquiladoras of Ensenada, BC. The approach is multivariate. It appears that companies are not adopting the best strategies to encourage the permanence of workers. As a result voluntary rotation of personnel continues generating costs and consequences for the organization. The methodological part in this research is theoretical and empirical. In theory, it is developed as a conceptual framework regarding the rotation of personnel in the maquiladoras as an unquestionable fact; as well as its costs and its consequences for businesses and individuals. In the empirical, predominantly quantitative, will be based on the application of a questionnaire to the operative workers of some maquiladoras of Ensenada BC, being a representative sample that will allow to analyze and to conclude what are the factors that influence or determine the (voluntary) staff turnover
Destabilization of the internal kink by energetic-circulating ions.

A stability analysis is carried out for the [ital m]=1 internal kink mode, in the presence of energetic circulating particles. It is found that, including the effect of finite radial particle-orbit excursion, the [ital m]=1 internal kink mode is strongly destabilized by the resonance interaction with the energetic passing particles. Such an instability could explain the experimental observations of the fishbone'' oscillations during tangential neutral beam injection [W. W. Heidbrink [ital et] [ital al]. , Phys. Rev. Lett. 57, 835 (1986)].
Methods to Identify the Lactate and Glucose Thresholds During Resistance Exercise for Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes

Moreira, SR, Arsa, G, Oliveira, HB, Lima, LCJ, Campbell, CSG, Simões, HG. Methods to identify the lactate and glucose thresholds during resistance exercise for individuals with type 2 diabetes. J Strength Cond Res 22: 1108-1115, 2008-The purpose of this study was to compare different methods to identify the lactate threshold (LT) and glucose threshold (GT) on resistance exercise for individuals with type 2 diabetes. Nine men with type 2 diabetes (47.2 ± 12.4 years, 87.6 ± 20.0 kg, 174.9 ± 5.9 cm, and 22.4 ± 7.2% body fat) performed incremental tests (ITs) on the leg press (LP) and bench press (BP) at relative intensities of 10, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90% of one-repetition maximum (1RM) at each 1-minute stage. During the 2-minute interval between stages, 25 μl of capillary blood were collected from the earlobe for blood lactate [Lac] and blood glucose [Gluc] analysis (YSI 2700S). The LT in the LP and BP was identified at IT by the inflexion in [Lac] response as well as by an equation originated from a polynomial adjustment (LTp) of the [Lac]/% 1RM ratio responses. The lowest [Gluc] during the IT identified the GT. The analysis of variance did not show differences among the 1RM at the thresholds identified by different methods in the LP (LTLP = 31.0% ± 5.3% 1RM; GTLP = 32.1% ± 6.1% 1RM; LTpLP = 36.7% ± 5.6% 1RM; p > 0.05) and BP (LTBP = 29.9% ± 8.5% 1RM; GTBP = 32.1% ± 8.5% 1RM; LTpBP = 31.8% ± 6.7% 1RM; p > 0.05). It was concluded that it was possible to identify the LT and GT in resistance exercise by different methods for individuals with type 2 diabetes with no differences between them. The intensities (kg) corresponding to these thresholds were between 46% and 60% of the body weight on the LP and between 18% and 26% of the body weight on the BP, in which the exercise prescription would be done to this intensity in 3 sets of 20 to 30 repetitions each and 1 minute of rest while alternating the muscle groups for blood glucose control for individuals with characteristics similar to the participants.
Survey on Fault-Tolerant Techniques for Power Electronic Converters

With wide-spread application of power electronic converters in high power systems, there has been a growing interest in system reliability analysis and fault-tolerant capabilities. This paper presents a comprehensive review of conventional fault-tolerant techniques regarding power electronic converters in case of power semiconductor device failures. These techniques can be classified into four categories based on the type of hardware redundancy unit: switch-level, leg-level, module-level, and system-level. Also, various fault-tolerant methods are assessed according to cost, complexity, performance, etc. The intent of this review is to provide a detailed picture regarding the current landscape of research in power electronic fault-handling mechanisms.
Health‐related quality of life among adult patients with moderate and severe von Willebrand disease

Summary. Background: von Willebrand Disease (VWD) is the most frequent inherited bleeding disorder. It is unknown how this disorder affects quality of life. Objectives: This nationwide multicenter cross‐sectional study determined health‐related quality of life (HR‐QoL) in adult patients with moderate or severe VWD, and assessed whether bleeding severity and type of VWD are associated with HR‐QoL. Methods: HR‐QoL was assessed using the Short Form (SF)‐36, and bleeding severity was measured using the Bleeding Score (BS). Results: Five hundred and nine patients participated; 192 males and 317 females, median age and range 45 (16–87) and 47 (16–84) years, respectively. Compared with the general population, HR‐QoL in VWD patients was lower in the vitality domain (61 vs. 66 P < 0.001 for females, 67 vs. 72 P < 0.001 for males). Patients with the most severe bleeding phenotype (highest quartile BS, BS > 17) had a lower HR‐QoL in eight domains than patients with a less severe bleeding type (lowest quartile BS, BS < 7) in the univariate analysis. After adjustment for age, gender, co‐morbidity and employment/educational status, a more severe bleeding phenotype was associated with lower scores on the domains of physical functioning, role limitations due to physical functioning, bodily pain, general health, social functioning and physical component summary. Conclusions: HR‐QoL is lower in VWD patients compared with the general population. HR‐QoL is strongly associated with bleeding phenotype.
Induction of accessory corpus luteum by gonadorelin in relation to the time of treatment and the follicle size in inseminated cows

Doležel R. , Chambert C. , Musilová D. , Čech S. , Páleník T. (2017): Induction of accessory corpus luteum by gonadorelin in relation to the time of treatment and the follicle size in inseminated cows. Czech J. Anim. Sci., 62, 195–200. This study evaluated the occurrence of two corpora lutea (CL) and the pregnancy rate in cows treated with gonadorelin on days 5, 6 or 7 after insemination in relation to the day of treatment and the size of the largest follicle on the ovaries at the time of treatment. Cows bearing one CL on days 5 (n = 40), 6 (n = 48), and 7 (n = 47) after insemination with defined size of the largest follicle on the ovaries (small ≤ 9 mm, n = 34; medium 10–14 mm, n = 59; large 15–20 mm, n = 42) were included in the study. Gonadorelin was administered after examination (day 0) and ultrasonographic examination was repeated on days 14, 28, and around day 90. The occurrence of 2 CL vs 1 CL was higher in pregnant cows on day 14 as well as on day 28 (86 vs 14% and 82.5 vs 14%, n = 57). Pregnancy rates on day 28 and around day 90 were higher in cows bearing 2 CL (n = 57) vs cows bearing 1 CL (n = 54) (82.5 vs 18.5% and 79.0 vs 18.5%, P < 0.001). The occurrence of 2 CL on day 28 was higher in cows treated on day 5 compared to cows treated on day 6 or 7 after insemination (60.0 vs 33.3 or 36.2%, P < 0.05). No significant differences in the number of CL and pregnancy rate were found in relation to follicle size at the time of treatment. Our results showed the higher efficiency of accessory CL induction by gonadorelin administration in cows treated on day 5 vs those treated on day 6 or 7 post insemination, however efficiency of the treatment was not influenced by the size of the largest follicle on the ovaries.
Stochastic Actor-Oriented Models for the Co-Evolution of Networks and Behavior: An Introduction and Tutorial

Stochastic actor-oriented (SAO) models are a family of models for network dynamics that enable researchers to test multiple, often competing explanations for network change and estimate the extent and relative power of various influences on network evolution. SAO models for the co-evolution of network ties and actor behavior, the most comprehensive category of SAO models, examine how networks and actor attributes—their behavior, performance, or attitudes—influence each other over time. While these models have been widely used in the social sciences, and particularly in educational settings, their use in organizational scholarship has been extremely limited. This paper provides a layperson introduction to SAO models for the co-evolution of networks and behavior and the types of research questions they can address. The models and their underpinnings are explained in nonmathematical terms, and theoretical explanations are supported by a concrete, detailed example that includes step-by-step model building and hypothesis testing, alongside an R script.
Plasma levels of nitric oxide and nitric oxide synthase vis à vis ovarian steroid hormones at and around estrus in cycling cows-a short communication

________________________________________________________________________________________ ShaRma, S. , R. NiGam, V. PaNdey, S. S. GhumaN: Plasma levels of nitric oxide and nitric oxide synthase vis à vis ovarian steroid hormones at and around estrus in cycling cows a short communication. Vet. arhiv 86, 867-872, 2016. aBSTRaCT Blood samples were collected from cycling Sahiwal cows at -2,-1, 0, +1, and +2 days of the estrus cycle and analyzed for plasma levels of Nitric oxide (NO) and Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS) vis a vis ovarian steroidal hormones viz. estradiol-17β and progesterone. The results revealed a gradual increase in NO, NOS and Estradiol-17β levels from day -2 and they peaked at the day of estrus, followed by a steep fall up to day +2. The values of NO, NOS and estradiol-17β ranged between 7.93 to 18.92 μM/L, 0.39 to 0.95 U/L and 5.46 to 20.16 pg/mL, respectively. The levels of progesterone ranged from 0.15 to 0.71 ng/mL and showed a significant decline from day -2 to the day of estrus and then remained statistically parallel. In addition, levels of estradiol17β exhibited a highly significant (P<0.01) association with levels of NO and NOS. The present study generated data on NO, NOS, estradiol-17β and progesterone at and around estrus in cows, which is of practical importance for clinical and experimental interpretation.
Adapting Perception, Action, and Technology for Mathematical Reasoning

Formal mathematical reasoning provides an illuminating test case for understanding how humans can think about things that they did not evolve to comprehend. People engage in algebraic reasoning by (1) creating new assemblies of perception and action routines that evolved originally for other purposes (reuse), (2) adapting those routines to better fit the formal requirements of mathematics (adaptation), and (3) designing cultural tools that mesh well with our perception-action routines to create cognitive systems capable of mathematical reasoning (invention). We describe evidence that a major component of proficiency at algebraic reasoning is Rigged Up Perception-Action Systems (RUPAS), via which originally demanding, strategically controlled cognitive tasks are converted into learned, automatically executed perception and action routines. Informed by RUPAS, we have designed, implemented, and partially assessed a computer-based algebra tutoring system called Graspable Math with an aim toward training learners to develop perception-action routines that are intuitive, efficient, and mathematically valid.
Walking the Talk: Assessing companies' progress from SDG rhetoric to action

Three years after the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reliable information on how companies are working to contribute to the SDGs remains sparse. This paper uses five general themes (prioritization; integration; ambition; human rights and gender equality; and reporting) to review the SDG engagement of 76 of the world’s largest companies. It finds that while uptake of the SDGs by companies is high, there is little evidence of the SDGs changing companies’ sustainability strategies with regards to priorities, ambition or transparency. The paper points to good practice for how business can more effectively engage with the SDGs.
A Moderated Nonlinear Factor Model for the Development of Commensurate Measures in Integrative Data Analysis

Integrative data analysis (IDA) is a methodological framework that allows for the fitting of models to data that have been pooled across 2 or more independent sources. IDA offers many potential advantages including increased statistical power, greater subject heterogeneity, higher observed frequencies of low base-rate behaviors, and longer developmental periods of study. However, a core challenge is the estimation of valid and reliable psychometric scores that are based on potentially different items with different response options drawn from different studies. In Bauer and Hussong (2009) we proposed a method for obtaining scores within an IDA called moderated nonlinear factor analysis (MNLFA). Here we move significantly beyond this work in the development of a general framework for estimating MNLFA models and obtaining scale scores across a variety of settings. We propose a 5-step procedure and demonstrate this approach using data drawn from n = 1,972 individuals ranging in age from 11 to 34 years pooled across 3 independent studies to examine the factor structure of 17 binary items assessing depressive symptomatology. We offer substantive conclusions about the factor structure of depression, use this structure to compute individual-specific scale scores, and make recommendations for the use of these methods in practice.
IMPACT OF FINANCIAL LEVERAGE ON DIVIDEND POLICY OF LISTED CONSUMERS GOODS FIRMS IN NIGERIA

This study examine the impact of leverage on the dividend policy of listed consumers’ goods firms in Nigeria. The study covers a period of ten years from 2007 to 2016. Secondary source of data was used. Panel multiple regression techniques was used to analysis the data. The study made use of ex-post facto research design. Sample of seventeen (17) listed consumers’ goods firms was used. Two formulated research hypotheses were achieved after tested. The findings from this study shows that total debt ratio and long-term debt ratio has negative and significant impact on the dividend policy of listed consumers goods firms in Nigeria. Based on these findings, it therefore, concludes that leverage has significant negative impact on the dividend policy of listed consumers goods firms in Nigeria. It is therefore, recommended that Managers should employ financial leverage in a way that enhances value for their company owners, that is, leading to an increase in returns to equity holders. Debt financing in the financial mix of the firm should be done at the optimal level so as toensure appropriate utilization of the firms’ assets.
A Paradigm Shift in Banking: Unfolding Asia’s FinTech Adventures

Abstract The chapter studies the role of Financial Technology (FinTech) in disrupting the existing traditional banking system. It identifies FinTech’s evolution in Asia across Deposits & lending, Capital Raising, Investment Management, Market provisioning, Payments, and Insurance. This technology revolution allows us to have a banking system based on values that serve customers better, reduce risk to the society and improve returns for the shareholders. Data on unbanked population, smartphone penetration, and Internet penetration has led to retail side innovations such as Mobile Wallets, P2P Payments, and Real-time Payments in the most of Asia (except China). A total of 49% of Global Investments in FinTech are in Asia and the Chinese dragon alone accounts for 46%. India is witnessing a strong amount of FinTech deals in 2017 and it is being driven by payment and lending solutions. ASEAN FinTech industry is dominated by m-wallets and online payments; this is followed by retail investment and financial comparison. The chapter dives into the challenges Asian banks are facing because of this disruption. Now more than ever, is the important role governments and central banks of each nation play to assess the path these start-ups are headed on and this will unfold the landscape of banking in Asia a few years down the lane.
Correlates of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–2 (MMPI-2) Personality Psychopathology Five (PSY-5) Scales in a Forensic Assessment Setting

Empirical correlates of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–2 (MMPI-2) Personality Psychopathology Five (PSY-5) scales in a forensic assessment setting were identified. Archival extratest data, including demographics, psychosocial history, criminal behavior history, and current mental status and psychodiagnosis, were extracted from the case files of 593 men and women referred to a forensic assessment clinic for criminal courtordered evaluations. Zero-order and multiple correlations were calculated between the MMPI-2 PSY-5 scales and relevant criterion variables. Findings indicated that the PSY-5 scales’ empirical correlates in a forensic setting are similar to and consistent with those found in general mental health settings. Linear combinations of MMPI-2 PSY-5 Scale scores accounted for moderate proportions of variance in the collateral indicators.
Interaction between HLA-DR2 and abnormal brain MRI in optic neuritis and early MS

Article abstract The association of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR2 allele with brain MRI signal abnormalities and with the development of MS was assessed in 178 patients enrolled in the Optic Neuritis Treatment Trial. HLA haplotype DR2 was present in 85 (48%) of the 178 patients. Its presence was associated with increased odds of probable or definite MS at 5 years (odds ratio, 1.92; 95% confidence interval, 1.01 to 3.67; p = 0.04). The association was most apparent among patients with signal abnormalities on baseline brain MRI.