Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of hospital staff’s perceived quality of librarian-mediated literature searching services*,†

Objective The research evaluated the perceived quality of librarian-mediated literature searching services at one of Canada’s largest acute care teaching hospitals for the purpose of continuous quality improvement and investigation of relationships between variables that can impact user satisfaction. Methods An online survey was constructed using evidence-based methodologies. A systematic sample of staff and physicians requesting literature searches at London Health Sciences Centre were invited to participate in the study over a one-year period. Data analyses included descriptive statistics of closed-ended questions and coding of open-ended questions. Results A range of staff including clinicians, researchers, educators, leaders, and analysts submitted a total of 137 surveys, representing a response rate of 71%. Staff requested literature searches for the following “primary” purposes: research or publication (34%), teaching or training (20%), informing a policy or standard practice (16%), patient care (15%), and “other” purposes (15%). While the majority of staff (76%) submitted search requests using methods of written communication, including email and search request forms, staff using methods of verbal communication, including face-to-face and telephone conversations, were significantly more likely to be extremely satisfied with the librarian’s interpretation of the search request (p=0.004) and to rate the perceived quality of the search results as excellent (p=0.005). In most cases, librarians followed up with staff to clarify the details of their search requests (72%), and these staff were significantly more likely to be extremely satisfied with the librarian’s interpretation of the search request (p=0.002). Conclusions Our results demonstrate the limitations of written communication in the context of librarian-mediated literature searching and suggest a multifaceted approach to quality improvement efforts.
Water, Soil and Nutrients Losses by Runoff at Hillslope Scale in Agricultural and Pasture Production in Southern Brazil

Agricultural activity, if not well managed, is an important source of water pollution mainly by surface runoff. The aim of this study was to evaluate losses of water, soil and soluble nutrient (phosphorus, nitrogen and carbon) via runoff in large plots (hillslope from 3,000 to 11,000 m2) at slope of 4 to 5% in annual crops (corn and sunflower) and pasture systems under no-tillage and no-pesticides. The study was carried out at the Canguiri Experimental Farm of the Federal University of Paraná, Southern Brazil, in soil classified as Ferralsol in three systems (crop, pasture and crop-pasture). Soil physical and chemical attributes as well as topographic indices and soil cover were investigated to evaluate the possible impacts of these variables on losses. The runoff was measured after each rainfall event from November 2014 to October 2015. Runoff samples were taken to analyse sediment and nutrients. All systems had low water, soil and nutrients losses compared to no conservative agricultural systems. Higher losses occurred in the annual crops system and were influenced by soil cover, with an annual runoff coefficient of 0.62% (7 mm of water loss) and an annual soil loss of 2.6 kg ha-1. The seasonality (winter/summer) did not influence soil, water and nutrient losses.
On Randomness and the NASDAQ Composite

Analysis of the NASDAQ Composite index in the 36 year period since its inception in 1971 reveals that the probability density function of 1-day returns is highly leptokurtotic; the maximum 1-day loss is more than 9 standard deviations from the mean. The excess kurtosis is, however, reduced by more than an order of magnitude when annual returns are considered. Monte Carlo simulations were performed to test whether this behavior could be attributed to random processes. Widely different 1-day cumulative distribution functions (CDFs) were sampled and it was found that the distribution of annual returns is independent of the shape of the sampling distribution and depends only on the mean and standard deviation of the 1-day returns. The kurtotic behavior of the Monte Carlo results is similar to that observed with the real data and the Monte Carlo simulations do a reasonably good job of bounding the annual return time series data. However, the simulated CDFs do not match the data, i.e., there is a considerably higher probability of loss than predicted by the simulations. This is highly suggestive of non-random behavior and is reinforced by the fact that the standard deviation of M-day returns from the data increased monotonically faster than square-root-M scaling of 1-day returns. To assess whether long-term dependence is present in the NASDAQ time series, rescaled range-statistic calculations were carried out to determine the Hurst exponent, H. It was found that H was 0.59 for 1-day returns and increased monotonically to a value of 0.87 for 250-day (annual) returns. However, most of this increase was also observed in simulated returns derived via a Gaussian random walk. Comparing the two resulted in a DH of 0.06 for 1-day returns and this difference diminished monotonically with increasing period, vanishing altogether after about 100 days.
Inequity outside the Classroom: Growing Class Differences in Participation in Extracurricular Activities.

7 Kaisa Snellman is assistant professor of organizational behavior at INSEAD in Fontainebleau, France. Jennifer M. Silva is assistant professor of sociology at Bucknell University. Robert D. Putnam is the Peter and Isabel Malkin Professor of Public Policy at Harvard University. Ethan, a college freshman at an elite public university, lives in a private housing development on the outskirts of Austin, Texas. His parents chose this neighborhood primarily for the excellent public school system, though the safe streets and leafy backyards with ample room for a swingset and basketball hoop were an added draw. But for Ethan’s Inequity Outside the Classroom: Growing Class Differences in Participation in Extracurricular Activities
Identification and analysis of cytochrome P450IID6 antigenic sites recognized by anti‐liver‐kidney microsome type‐1 antibodies (LKM1)

Anti‐liver‐kidney microsome type‐1 antibodies (LKM1), present in sera from a group of patients with autoimmune hepatitis, are directed against P450IID6. Previous work, using cDNA constructions spanning most of the P450IID6 protein defined the main immunogenic site between the amino acids (aa), 254–271 and predicted the presence of other putative immunogenic sites in the molecule. Fusion proteins from new cDNA constructions, spanning so‐far‐untested regions between aa 1–125 and 431–522, were not recognized by LKM1‐positive sera. Synthetic peptides, representing sequences from putative immunogenic regions or previously untested regions, allowed a precise definition of four antigenic sites located between peptides 257–269, 321–351, 373–389 and 410–429, which were recognized, respectively, by 14, 8, 1 and 2 out of 15 LKM1‐positive sera tested. The minimal sequence of the main antigenic site (peptide 257‐269) recognized by the autoantibody was established to be WDPAQPPRD (peptide 262–270). In addition, deletion and replacement experiments showed that aa 263 (Asp) was essential for the binding of the autoantibody to peptide 262–270. Analysis of the second most frequently recognized peptide between aa 321–351, was performed using peptides 321–339 and 340–351 in competitive inhibition studies. Complete elimination of antibody binding to peptide 321–351 obtained by absorption of both shorter peptides indicated that peptide 321–351 is a discontinuous antigenic site. LKM1‐positive sera reacting against peptide 321–351 recognized either both the shorter peptides or just one of them preferentially. Results of the present study suggest that the production of LKM1 antibodies is an antigen‐driven, poly‐or oligoclonal B cell response. The identification of antigenic sites will allow: (i) the development of specific diagnostic tests and (ii) further studies on the pathogenic value of LKM1 antibodies in autoimmune hepatitis.
Something Old, Something New: Do Genetic Studies of Contemporary Populations Reliably Represent Prehistoric Populations of Pacific Rattus exulan ?

Through our research focusing on genetic studies of both ancient and extant commensal animals in the Pacific for addressing issues of population origins and mobility in the region, we have been able to process a large number of archaeological faunal remains that we can compare to modern samples from the same islands. These comparisons shed light on and provide specific evidence for Rattus exulans population change through time. This information may provide a model for understanding human populations in the region and will illustrate the complexities of using data obtained from modern populations to infer prehistoric relationships. Two case studies are presented here—analyses of modern and archaeological populations of R. exulans from both Chatham Island and New Zealand. These two cases provide very different pictures regarding the relationship between the archaeological and the extant populations.
A Naturalistic Comparison of the Long-Term Metabolic Adverse Effects of Clozapine Versus Other Antipsychotics for Patients With Psychotic Illnesses

Objective Clozapine, an evidence-based treatment of refractory schizophrenia, is associated with increased weight gain and metabolic dysregulation compared with most antipsychotics in short-term clinical trials. However, there are limited data describing comparative long-term metabolic risks. In this report, we examined whether short-term differences persist with long-term exposure to clozapine. Methods The data of all patients in a university-based clinic with a psychotic illness or a mood disorder with psychotic features, based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision diagnosis, and treated with an antipsychotic in calendar year 2012 were examined. A total of 307 patients met the criteria; 96 patients were treated with clozapine and the remaining 211 patients were treated with 1 or more non–clozapine antipsychotics. Body mass index, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity were compared. Results The mean duration of the clozapine treatment was 7.6 years (range, 2 months to 21 y). On all metabolic measures, there were no statistically significant differences between the clozapine and non–clozapine groups (mean body mass index, 31 vs 32; type 2 diabetes, 17% vs 18%; dyslipidemia, 35% vs 38%; hypertension, 32% vs 39%; and obesity, 48% vs 54%). Removing the olanzapine-treated patients (n = 51) from the non–clozapine group did not change the findings. Conclusions In this university-based clinic sample with a large number of clozapine-treated patients, we found no evidence of increased risk in any individual measure for those receiving clozapine. Although speculative, the relative contribution of the increased short-term metabolic risk associated with clozapine may be diminished over time because multiple other variables likely also impact metabolic risk during the life span. Although speculative, the relative contribution of the increased short-term metabolic risk associated with clozapine may be diminished over time due to the accumulated impact of other variables that also impact metabolic risk across the life span.
AHP-based Metric for Tie Strength of Online Friendships

Not all friends have the same importance to an individual, and even the importance of a friend can vary over time. In order to keep friends close, online relational maintenance strategies can be employed. The knowledge about the tie strength of an online relation can be useful to social, technical or commercial purposes. In this paper, we define a metric for tie strength in online friendships. We investigate variables related to friendship maintenance as well as their relative importance. Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is a decision method used to find the relevance of the selected variables. We conduct experiments that show a high acceptance of the metric based on assessments of real users.
Efficacy and safety of the neuraminidase inhibitor zanamivir in the treatment of influenzavirus infections. GG167 Influenza Study Group.

BACKGROUND The sialic acid analogue zanamivir (GG167) is a selective inhibitor of influenza A and B virus neuraminidases. These viral enzymes are essential for the release of virus from infected cells, and they may also reduce the inactivation of virus by respiratory secretions. When administered experimentally directly to the respiratory tract, zanamivir has potent antiviral effects. We assessed the therapeutic activity of zanamivir in adults with acute influenza. METHODS We conducted separate randomized, double-blind studies in 38 centers in North America and 32 centers in Europe during the influenza season of 1994-1995. A total of 417 adults with influenza-like illness of < or =48 hours' duration were randomly assigned to one of three treatments: 6.4 mg of zanamivir by intranasal spray plus 10 mg by inhalation, 10 mg of zanamivir by inhalation plus placebo spray, or placebo by both routes. Treatments were self-administered twice daily for five days. RESULTS Of 262 patients with confirmed influenza-virus infection (63 percent of all patients), the median length of time to the alleviation of all major symptoms was one day shorter (four days vs. five days) in the 88 patients given inhaled and intranasal zanamivir (P=0.02) and the 85 patients given inhaled zanamivir alone (P=0.05) than in the 89 patients given placebo. Among the infected patients who were febrile at enrollment and among those who began treatment within 30 hours after the onset of symptoms, the median time to the alleviation of major symptoms was four days in both zanamivir groups and seven days in the placebo group (P< or =0.01). Viral titers of nasal washings in the group given inhaled and intranasal zanamivir were significantly lower than those in the placebo group. The topically administered zanamivir was well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS In adults with influenza A or B virus infections, direct administration of a selective neuraminidase inhibitor, zanamivir, to the respiratory tract is safe and reduces symptoms if begun early.
Entry, Cost Reduction and Competition in the Portuguese Mobile Telephone Industry

We study the effect of entry on costs and competition in the Portuguese mobile telephony industry. We construct and estimate a model that includes demand, network, and cost equations. The latter accounts for inefficiency and cost reducing effort. We show that failure to account for cost reducing effort leads to biased estimates of competition in the industry. We also find that our estimated price-cost margins are similar to hypothetical Nash margins, if firms are patient, and have optimistic beliefs about the industry growth. Finally, our results suggest that the entry of a third operator in 1998 led to significant cost reductions, and fostered competition.
Social Comparisons, Household Water Use, and Participation in Utility Conservation Programs: Evidence from Three Randomized Trials

Regulation and political opposition often force water utilities to rely on nonprice approaches to manage water demand. Using randomized field experiments in three different water utilities, we assess the effectiveness of social comparisons to reduce demand and analyze their interaction with existing conservation programs. In two utilities, the program decreases consumption by 5%, with significant heterogeneity across the distribution of baseline water use. We do not detect a statistically significant average treatment effect in the third utility. Social norms do not appear to crowd out existing conservation programs: treated households are more likely to participate in additional programs. Of the two utilities with significant treatment effects, higher participation rates in conservation programs account for a very small fraction of water savings (3%) in one utility and a modest fraction (9%–25%) in the second. We discuss evidence that social norms may induce participation among the specific type of consumers that utilities wish to target.
Stratification Economics: Context Versus Culture and the Reparations Controversy

The general intent of any program of reparations for a grievous injustice should be threefold: acknowledgment, redress (restitution or atonement), and closure. Acknowledgment involves recognition and admission of the wrong by the perpetrators and/or beneficiaries of the wrong. In the case of blacks, this would mean the receipt of a formal apology and a commitment for redress on the part of the American community as a whole. Restitution means restoration of the victims to their condition prior to the injustice or to a condition they might have attained had the injustice not taken place. Again, in the case of blacks, this would mean the adoption of a national program that would eliminate racial disparities in wealth, income, education, health, political participation, and future opportunity to engage in American social life. Atonement, an alternative form of redress, involves perpetrators and/or beneficiaries meeting whatever conditions of forgiveness are acceptable to the victims. Substantively these conditions will be the product of good faith negotiations between those wronged and the wrongdoers. These conditions could be identical with the requirements for restitution or could meet a weaker standard of compensation.
Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes among Women with Prior Spontaneous or Induced Abortions

Abstract Objective The aim of the article is to determine whether prior spontaneous abortion (SAB) or induced abortion (IAB), or the interpregnancy interval are associated with subsequent adverse pregnancy outcomes in nulliparous women. Methods We performed a secondary analysis of data collected from nulliparous women enrolled in a completed trial of vitamins C and E or placebo for preeclampsia prevention. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for maternal and fetal outcomes were determined for nulliparous women with prior SABs and IABs as compared with primigravid participants. Results Compared with primigravidas, women with one prior SAB were at increased risk for perinatal death (adj. OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1–2.3) in subsequent pregnancies. Two or more SABs were associated with an increased risk for spontaneous preterm birth (PTB) (adj. OR, 2.6, 95% CI, 1.7–4.0), preterm premature rupture of membranes (PROM) (adj. OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.6–5.3), and perinatal death (adj. OR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.5–5.3). Women with one previous IAB had higher rates of spontaneous PTB (adj. OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.0–1.9) and preterm PROM (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.4–3.0). An interpregnancy interval less than 6 months after SAB was not associated with adverse outcomes. Conclusion Nulliparous women with a history of SAB or IAB, especially multiple SABs, are at increased risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Taxis Response of Various Denitrifying Bacteria to Nitrate and Nitrite

ABSTRACT The taxis response of Rhodobacter sphaeroides 2.4. 1 and 2.4. 3, Rhodopseudomonas palustris, and Agrobacterium tumefaciens to nitrate and nitrite was evaluated by observing the macroscopic behavior of cells suspended in soft agar and incubated under various conditions. R. sphaeroides 2.4. 3, which is capable of both nitrate and nitrite reduction, showed a taxis response to both nitrate and nitrite. R. sphaeroides 2.4. 1, which contains nitrate reductase but not nitrite reductase, did not show a taxis response towards either nitrogen oxide. Insertional inactivation of the nitrite reductase structural gene or its transcriptional regulator, NnrR, in strain 2.4. 3 caused a loss of a taxis response towards both nitrate and nitrite. An isolate of 2.4. 1 carrying a copy of the nitrite reductase gene from 2.4. 3 showed a taxis response to both nitrogen oxides. The taxis response of 2.4. 3 was observed under anaerobic conditions, suggesting that the taxis response was due to nitrate and nitrite respiration, not to inhibition of oxygen respiration by respiration of nitrogen oxides. Strain 2.4. 3 showed a taxis response to nitrate and nitrite under photosynthetic and aerobic conditions. Changing the carbon source in the culture medium caused an unexpected subtle shift in the taxis response of 2.4. 3 to nitrite. A taxis response to nitrogen oxides was also observed in R. palustris and A. tumefaciens. R. palustris exhibited a taxis response to nitrite but not to nitrate, while A. tumefaciens exhibited a response to both compounds.
The Criminal Activity of Sexual Offenders in Adulthood: Revisiting the Specialization Debate

Two major hypotheses have been put forward to describe the criminal activity of sexual offenders in adulthood. The first hypothesis states that sexual offenders are specialists who tend to repeat sexual crimes. The second hypothesis describes sexual offenders as generalists who do not restrict themselves to one particular type of crime. The current state of knowledge provides empirical support for both the specialization and the generality hypothesis. The presence of both generality and specialization in the offending behavior of sexual offenders is not as contradictory as it may first appear. However, methodological problems limit the possibility of drawing firm conclusions. Indeed, the specialization hypothesis is based on just one parameter of criminal activity, that is, recidivism, which only takes into account two consecutive crimes. The generality hypothesis is focused mainly on two criminal activity parameters, participation and variety, which do not take into account the dynamic nature of criminal activity over time. Developmental criminology provides a new paradigm to explore the issue of generality and specialization in the offending behavior of sexual offenders.
Blending Communities and Team-Based Learning in a Programming Course

In recent years, engineering education teachers have needed to incorporate technology-supported collaboration to enhance learning. Implementing these activities requires course redesign, which must be meticulous for their full potential to be reached. This can require a lot of work for first time users, which can be a barrier to implementation. Educational design patterns alleviate this burden by facilitating new course design with practices demonstrated to promote student engagement. This paper reports on the redesign of an introductory programming course and its experimental evaluation. The redesign was based on the community of inquiry learning framework (CoL), using design patterns from online Web communities and team-based learning (TBL). The evaluation included 562 students, 117 of them randomly assigned to two different experimental groups. One group used a CoL approach, and the other a blended TBL and CoL methodology. The remaining students were assigned to control groups. Results showed that students in the experimental groups outperformed those in the control group by the end of the semester, while the experimental CoL and TBL methodology helped students achieve a higher level of understanding in a shorter period of time due to increased participation rates. These data provide empirical evidence of the learning gains offered by online learning communities, and the way in which educational design patterns can facilitate course redesign.