Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Acute effects and recovery time following concussion in collegiate football players: the NCAA Concussion Study.

CONTEXT Lack of empirical data on recovery time following sport-related concussion hampers clinical decision making about return to play after injury. OBJECTIVE To prospectively measure immediate effects and natural recovery course relating to symptoms, cognitive functioning, and postural stability following sport-related concussion. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Prospective cohort study of 1631 football players from 15 US colleges. All players underwent preseason baseline testing on concussion assessment measures in 1999, 2000, and 2001. Ninety-four players with concussion (based on American Academy of Neurology criteria) and 56 noninjured controls underwent assessment of symptoms, cognitive functioning, and postural stability immediately, 3 hours, and 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, and 90 days after injury. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Scores on the Graded Symptom Checklist (GSC), Standardized Assessment of Concussion (SAC), Balance Error Scoring System (BESS), and a neuropsychological test battery. RESULTS No player with concussion was excluded from participation; 79 players with concussion (84%) completed the protocol through day 90. Players with concussion exhibited more severe symptoms (mean GSC score 20.93 [95% confidence interval [CI], 15.65-26.21] points higher than that of controls), cognitive impairment (mean SAC score 2.94 [95% CI, 1.50-4.38] points lower than that of controls), and balance problems (mean BESS score 5.81 [95% CI, -0.67 to 12.30] points higher than that of controls) immediately after concussion. On average, symptoms gradually resolved by day 7 (GSC mean difference, 0.33; 95% CI, -1.41 to 2.06), cognitive functioning improved to baseline levels within 5 to 7 days (day 7 SAC mean difference, -0.03; 95% CI, -1.33 to 1.26), and balance deficits dissipated within 3 to 5 days after injury (day 5 BESS mean difference, -0.31; 95% CI, -3.02 to 2.40). Mild impairments in cognitive processing and verbal memory evident on neuropsychological testing 2 days after concussion resolved by day 7. There were no significant differences in symptoms or functional impairments in the concussion and control groups 90 days after concussion. CONCLUSIONS Collegiate football players may require several days for recovery of symptoms, cognitive dysfunction, and postural instability after concussion. Further research is required to determine factors that predict variability in recovery time after concussion. Standardized measurement of postconcussive symptoms, cognitive functioning, and postural stability may enhance clinical management of athletes recovering from concussion.
Ultraviolet Radiation and the External Eye

The external eye is constantly exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and many eye conditions are believed to be caused or aggravated by longterm UV exposure. Among these are conditions that affect the external eye, such as neoplasms and solar damage to the skin of the eyelids, pinguecula, pterygia, UV keratitis, and climatic droplet keratopathy. This article will review these conditions and the role of UV radiation in their etiology. It will also deal with methods to protect the external eye from the adverse effects of UV radiation.
Evaluation of anti-lock braking systems effectiveness

A literature review of advanced technology braking systems and vehicle stability control systems available or under development around the world was undertaken. An analysis was also performed on local data sources to assess potential safety benefits in Australia. The findings from this review were somewhat inconclusive. Some evidence suggested that vehicles equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) were involved in fewer crashes with opposing, adjacent or same direction vehicles compared to non-ABS fitted cars but were over-involved in run-off-the-road crashes. The analyses performed on local data suggested that ABS may have had some benefit in reducing injury severity to vehicle occupants in some specific models but these findings were rather weak and inconsistent. Preliminary evidence suggested that Electronic Stability Programs (ESP), currently gaining popularity in new vehicles, are having a very positive influence on safety with claims of reductions in crashes and injuries by up to 35 per cent. More comprehensive data that allow the effectiveness of ESP in improving safety in all surface conditions and for all types of crash configuration are required. (a)
Biomarkers Associated with the Outcome of Traumatic Brain Injury Patients

This review focuses on biomarkers associated with the outcome of traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients, such as caspase-3; total antioxidant capacity; melatonin; S100B protein; glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP); glutamate; lactate; brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF); substance P; neuron-specific enolase (NSE); ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L-1 (UCH-L1); tau; decanoic acid; and octanoic acid.
A 13-year survey of bacteraemia due to beta-haemolytic streptococci in a Danish county.

During 1981-1993, 229 episodes of bacteraemia due to beta-haemolytic streptococci of groups A, B, C and G were diagnosed in the County of Northern Jutland, Denmark. The annual rates for bacteraemia were quite constant during the 13-year period for each streptococcal group. Group A streptococcal (GAS) bacteraemia was the most frequent, comprising 1.4% of all bacteraemias. The incidence of GAS bacteraemia was 1.8/100,000/year in children < 5 years of age and 4.7/100,000/year in patients > 60 years old. With the notable exception of group B streptococcal (GBS) bacteraemia in neonates, beta-haemolytic streptococci of groups B, C (GCS) and G (GGS) were isolated mostly from elderly patients. Except for GBS bacteraemia in neonates, approximately one-third of the bacteraemias in each group was nosocomially acquired. Predisposing factors included operative procedures in GAS and GCS bacteraemia, and diabetes mellitus in GBS bacteraemia. The skin was the most common primary focus in GAC, GCC and GGS bacteraemias, whereas the urinary tract was the commonest focus in GBS bacteraemia in adults. The mortality rates in GAS, GCS, GGS, and adult GBS bacteraemia were 23%, 16%, 17% and 19%, respectively. Of the 23 fatal cases of GAS bacteraemia, 57% died within 24 h after blood cultures had been obtained.
Imaging corticotropin-releasing-factor and nociceptin in addiction and PTSD models

Abstract Addiction is composed of three phases: intoxication, withdrawal, and craving. Negative reinforcement, strengthening a behaviour by removing an aversive stimulus, has been associated with the withdrawal phase. An imbalance of neurotransmitters within the brain’s stress (nociceptin, neuropeptide Y) and anti-stress (CRF, norepinephrine, etc.) system is attributed to negatively reinforced compulsive behaviours associated with relapse. Similarly, post-traumatic stress disorder is characterized by an overactive stress system. In a PTSD mouse model, rodents exhibited impaired cued-fear memory consolidation when nociceptin transmission was blocked. Furthermore, a single-nucleotide polymorphism has been identified between women diagnosed with PTSD and the severity of PTSD symptoms, suggesting a genetic basis. Therefore, it is critical to understand the functions and interactions between the brain’s stress and anti-stress neurotransmitters, specifically nociceptin. This paper will examine the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis, evaluate the functions of corticotropin-releasing-factor and nociceptin, discuss nociceptin’s role as an anxiolytic or anxiogenic, and discuss PET-imaging studies—all of which targeted nociceptin receptors (NOP-R). Finally, the discussion of pharmacological interventions will be proposed as preventative or therapeutic treatments for those suffering from PTSD and substance-use disorders.
Information seeking and utilisation among agricultural researchers in Nigeria.

Information is crucial to the performance of researchers in Nigeria. The awareness of the existence of agricultural databases, library sources, and Internet facilities were examined among the researchers that were randomly selected from all over Nigeria. The result shows little awareness and little patronage of agric databases among those who were aware. The paper also considered the independent variable to isolate variables and explain the information seeking behaviour of the researchers. The paper concludes with policy implication for the access and use of agricultural information among researchers in Nigeria.
The Informational Content of Financial Options for Quantitative Asset Management: A Review

This paper surveys the literature that deals with the informational content of market option prices for the purposes of quantitative asset management. We review studies that have investigated whether market option prices may help a portfolio manager in the stock selection process, portfolio construction, risk measurement and management. The main ideas are highlighted and the advantages and limitations are outlined. The use of market option prices for stock market and style timing is also discussed and some key papers on the informational role of option’s volume are presented.
The efficacy of music therapy for people with dementia: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To (1) perform a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials pertaining to the efficacy of music therapy on disruptive behaviours, anxiety levels, depressive moods and cognitive functioning in people with dementia; and (2) clarify which interventions, therapists and participant characteristics exerted higher and more prominent effects. BACKGROUND Present study was the first to perform a meta-analysis that included all the randomised controlled trials found in literature relating to music therapy for people with dementia over the past 15 years. DESIGN A meta-analysis study design. METHODS Quantitative studies were retrieved from PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library Database, CINAHL, SCOPUS and PsycINFO. A meta-analysis was used to calculate the overall effect sizes of music therapy on outcome indicators. RESULTS Music therapy significantly improved disruptive behaviours [Hedges' g = -0·66; 95% confidence interval (CI) = -0·44 to -0·88] and anxiety levels (Hedges' g = -0·51; 95% CI = -0·02 to -1·00) in people with dementia. Music therapy might affect depressive moods (Hedges' g = -0·39; 95% CI = 0·01 to -0·78), and cognitive functioning (Hedges' g = 0·19; 95% CI = 0·45 to -0·08). CONCLUSION Music therapy exerted a moderately large effect on disruptive behaviours of people with dementia, a moderate effect on anxiety levels and depressive moods, and a small effect on cognitive functioning. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Individual music therapy provided once a week to patients with cognitive functioning and manual guided in music intervention construction is suggested. Group music therapy is provided several times a week to reduce their disruptive behaviours, anxiety levels and depressive moods. Music therapy is a cost-effective, enjoyable, noninvasive therapy and could be useful for clinical nurses in creating an environment that is conducive to the well-being of patients with dementia.
Risk of having a sexually transmitted infection in women presenting at a termination of pregnancy clinic in Pretoria, South Africa

This study was undertaken to assess the risk of being infected with a known sexually transmitted pathogen at the time of presentation for termination of pregnancy. Endocervical and vaginal swabs were collected for the diagnosis of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis and Trichomonas vaginalis. Single infections were found in 21.5% of the women, with C. trachomatis being the commonest (10.0%). Mixed infections were found in nine women, with trichomoniasis and chlamydial infections in six. During speculum examination, vaginal discharge was observed in 73% of the women. The commonest organism detected in patients with vaginal discharge was C. trachomatis (11.6%), while T. vaginalis (11.1%) was the most common in women without visible vaginal discharge. No significant differences were found when comparing symptomatic and non-symptomatic women. This study strongly recommends that women presenting for termination of pregnancy be screened for STIs and receive relevant sexual health education.
Benchmarking e-government in Europe and the US

Existing studies of e-government concentrate on the supply-side by focusing on the availability and level of sophistication of online services and usage. This study addresses the demand-side of egovernment not only usage, but also perceptions and barriers to utilisation that have not been treated previously. Indicators to measure acceptance and adoption of e-government were used to build two surveys that were then piloted among members of the ‘general population’ in the 15 EU Member States, Switzerland and Europe and to decision makers (IT managers) in the commercial sector in seven EU countries. The results of first survey indicated a preference for online services that do not require users to provide a great deal of personal information. Also, familiarity with using the Internet tended to correlate with a higher interest in online services. Reasons for preferring online services to their traditional counterparts include added convenience and increased efficiency. Attitudes toward egovernment tended to vary by country, although reasons for this are not clear at this time. The decision makers’ survey shows that only about one third of businesses are currently using egovernment. Among these, only about one third prefer this method over existing methods. Benchmarking e-Government 2
Cardiovascular risk factors in tobacco-chewers: a controlled study.

BACKGROUND Influence of habitual tobacco chewing on cardiovascular risk has not been well studied. To determine prevalence of major cardiovascular risk factors in subjects who habitually chew tobacco we performed a controlled study. METHODS A population based case-control study was performed in Bikaner in North-western India where the prevalence of tobacco-chewing is high. Successive 200 subjects who agreed to participate in the evaluation and had a history of isolated tobacco-chewing (range 10-60 years) were enrolled (Group III). The prevalence of major coronary risk factors- obesity, truncal obesity, hypertension, fasting hyperglycemia, and lipid levels were estimated using current guidelines. Electrocardiogram was also performed in all subjects. Chest radiography and treadmill stress test was done in subjects when indicated by symptoms. 200 age- and gender-matched controls who did not use tobacco in any form (Group I) and 200 subjects who had history of smoking bidis or cigarettes for more than 10 years (range 10-55 years) (Group II) were also evaluated. RESULTS The body-mass index and obesity were lowest in smoker group. Tobacco chewers had a significantly higher (p<0.001) systolic blood pressure (BP), diastolic BP, resting heart rate, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides as compared to controls and was similar to smoker group. There was a significantly greater (p<0.01) prevalence of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, radiographic cardiomegaly and positive stress test in Group III as compared to controls. Prevalence of these risk factors was similar among Group II and Group III subjects. HDL cholesterol levels were the lowest in tobacco-chewing group (44.3+/-8.1 mg/dl) as compared to the Group I (48.4+/-7.8) and Group II (47.4+/-7.5) (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS There is a significantly greater prevalence of multiple cardiovascular risk factors obesity, resting tachycardia, hypertension, high total and LDL cholesterol, and low HDL cholesterol, and electrocardiographic changes in tobacco users, chewing or smoking, as compared-to tobacco non-users. Chewing tobacco is associated with similar cardiovascular risk as smoking.
Application of the Reporting Entity Concept and Lodgement of Special Purpose Financial Statements

This Research Report analyses the application of the reporting entity concept and the adoption of special purpose financial reporting, particularly by entities lodging financial statements with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and with state-based regulators in Australia’s three most populous states, namely, Consumer Affairs Victoria, NSW Fair Trading and Queensland Office of Fair Trading. This Report does not cover entities that have their equity interests traded in a public market, such as listed companies, and some other entities with ‘public accountability’.
Purchasing and Supply Chain Management

SECTION ONE: UNDERSTANDING THE PROCUREMENT AND SOURCING PROCESS. Introduction to Purchasing. The Purchasing Process. Purchasing Organization. Purchasing Policy and Procedures. Purchasing as a Boundary Spanning Function. SECTION TWO: STRATEGIC SUPPLY MANAGEMENT. Procurement and Sourcing Strategy Development. Insourcing/Outsourcing. Supplier Evaluation and Selection. Supplier Quality Management. Supplier Management and Development. Global Sourcing. SECTION THREE: APPROACHES FOR MANAGING THE PROCUREMENT AND SOURCING PROCESS. Purchasing Tools and Techniques. Cost/Price Analysis. Negotiation. Managing Contracts. SECTION FOUR: ACTIVITIES THAT SUPPORT THE PROCUREMENT AND SOURCING PROCESS. Legal Issues and Purchasing Contracts. Inventory Management for Purchasers. Purchasing and Transportation. Purchasing Information Systems. Performance Measurement and Evaluation. SECTION FIVE: FUTURE DIRECTIONS. Future Trends: Purchasing and Sourcing Strategy.
The Impact of the Host Country Corruption on Inward FDI

Globalization creates investment opportunities for enterprises worldwide. FDI is one of the traditional options to expand into international markets. According to Dunning’s ownership, location, and internationalization paradigm FDI location is driven by the search for markets, resources, efficiency, and strategic assets. Corruption can be considered as a significant factor of the attractiveness of a location and can affect also other OLI conditions. Most of the theoretical literature as well as case study and microeconomic evidence support the notion that corruption negatively impacts inward FDI flows and growth. However the macroeconomic evidence is not so unambiguous. Some macro-studies do not detect any significant negative relationship between corruption and FDI. The aim of the paper is to analyze the relationship mechanism between corruption and FDI and to evaluate the impact of the host country corruption on inward FDI flows. The results of the empiric analysis presented in the paper provide evidence of the significant negative impact of host country corruption on inward FDI. One of the main benefits from the decrease of corruption level is quantitatively valued as an additional inward flow of the foreign capital in the economy. The econometric analysis is based on panel dataset that includes data for 178 economies during the period of 2004 to 2009. The Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index is used as a proxy for host country corruption level.
On the performance of broadcast schemes over one-dimensional manets

Numerous broadcast schemes have been proposed to reduce redundant retransmissions in wireless ad hoc networks. In this paper, we statistically derive the performance metrics in terms of various network parameters for one-dimensional MANETS, which are useful in designing MANET broadcast protocols. Index Terms—Ad-hoc network, broadcast schemes, perfor- mance analysis I. INTRODUCTION
Chemical hormesis: its historical foundations as a biological hypothesis

Despite the long history of hormesis-related experimental research no systematic effort to describe its early history has been undertaken. The present paper attempts to reconstruct and assess the early history of such research and to evaluate how advances in related scientific fields affected the course of hormesis-related research. The purpose of this paper is not only to satisfy this gap in current knowledge, but also to provide a foundation for the assessment of how the concept of hormetic dose-response relationships may have affected the nature of the bioassay especially with respect to hazard assessment practices within a modern risk assessment Eramework.
Liver natural killer cell inoculum for liver transplantation with hepatocellular carcinoma

Purpose of reviewNatural killer (NK) cells are innate immune lymphocytes. NK cells contribute to host antimicrobial and antitumor immunity. Liver transplantation in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has increased recently. The possibility of NK cell immunotherapy for liver cancer has been studied. Recent findingsAdoptive transfer of interleukin-2 (IL-2)-stimulated NK cells extracted from donor liver perfusate could increase an antitumor response without causing toxicity against 1-haplotype identical recipient intact tissues in patients with live donor liver transplant. Donor liver NK cells showed the most vigorous cytotoxicity against an HCC after in-vitro IL-2 stimulation, compared with donor and recipient peripheral blood NK cells and recipient liver NK cells. IL-2 stimulation led to an increased expression of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) on liver NK cells. T-cell contamination and risk of graft-versus-host disease can be minimized with a T-cell depleting agent such as anti-CD3 antibody. SummaryAllogeneic NK cells might have an advantage for adoptive immunotherapy. Liver NK cells from a deceased donor liver can be used safely as adoptive immunotherapy under current good manufacturing practice conditions for the treatment of liver transplantation with HCC. IL-2-stimulated liver NK cells have strong cytotoxicity, express TRAIL and secret interferon-&ggr;.
Defence styles and social adaptation during a depressive episode: bipolar depression vs. major depression

Objective: The aim of this study was to perform a comparative investigation of defense styles in major and bipolar depression patients and to determine the relationship between defense styles and social functions. Method: Patients in an acute depressive episode diagnosed with major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder were included, along with healthy controls. The Defense Styles Questionnaire-40 was used to determine participants' defense styles and the Social Adaptation Self-evaluation Scale to determine social adaptation. Results: Total mature defense scores were lower in both depression groups than in the controls. Total immature defense scores were higher in the bipolar group than in the controls. A positive correlation was determined between social adaptation and mature defense in both depression groups. Self-esteem emerged as a predictor for social adaptation in both depression groups, and depression level as a predictor for social adaptation in the bipolar group. Conclusion: Focus on mature defenses, self-esteem and severity of depression is required in order to enhance social adaptation in depressive episodes.
Quantitative food webs of dipteran leafminers and their parasitoids in Argentina

The quantitative structure of two host–parasitoid communities based on leaf-mining flies (Diptera, Agromyzidae) in Argentina is described. The two communities consisted of 29 and 27 hosts, 46 and 40 parasitoids, and 193 and 179 recorded host–parasitoid associations. Also, food webs were constructed for one community based solely on samples taken in the wet and dry seasons. Data were expressed as quantitative food webs, and the manner in which food web properties, such as connectance and compartmentalization, were influenced by sampling intensity was explored. The potential importance of indirect effects between hosts mediated by parasitoids (e.g. apparent competition) was assessed using quantitative parasitoid overlap diagrams. The study’s results suggest that indirect effects are likely to be important in these highly connected communities. The limitations of the study’s analysis, and how the conclusions can be tested experimentally, are discussed.