Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Role of Integrity System, Internal Control System, and Leadership Practices on the Accountability Practices in the Public Sectors of Malaysia

Purpose This study aims to assess the status of current practices of accountability and its relationship with the practices of integrity system, internal control system and leadership qualities in the public sector of Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach This study collected primary data from 109 departments and agencies under 24 federal ministries in Malaysia. The data were analysed under descriptive statistics, ordinal regression and structural equation modelling (SEM). Several diagnostic tests were conducted to check the validity and reliability of data and models, such as Cronbach alpha test, Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin test, Shapiro–Wilk test, internal consistency reliability, indicator reliability, convergent validity and discriminant validity. Findings The regression and SEM results show that the practices of integrity system and leadership quality had statistically significant positive relationship, but the practice of internal control system showed mixed relationship with the practices of accountability. Practical implications The findings of the study will help the policymakers to ensure better accountability in the public sector in Malaysia and other countries. Originality/value This is an original study based on primary data to examine the current practices of accountability and its relationship with the practices of integrity system, internal control system and leadership qualities in the public sector of Malaysia.
Oxidation Behavior of C- and Au-Ion-Implanted Biodegradable Polymers

Biodegradable polymers are widely used in biomedical and tissue engineering applications due to their biocompatibility and hydrolysis properties in the body. However, their low surface energy and lack of functional groups to interact with the cellular environment have limited their applications for in vivo studies. Ion beam modification is a convenient method for improving the surface properties of polymeric materials for functional biomedical applications. In the work described here, vacuum arc metal ion implantation was used to modify the composition of the near-surface region of three kinds of polymers-poly(L-lactide), poly(D, L-lactide-co-glycolide), and poly(L-lactide/caprolactone)-chosen as representative of biodegradable polymers. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis was used to characterize the chemical effects of these polymers after implantation with C and with Au, and the results were compared with untreated control samples. We find that oxidation behavior is brought about for certain implantation fluences, resulting in improved surface hydrophilicity.
Quality of life in people with their first diabetic foot ulcer: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND People with diabetic foot ulcers report poor quality of life. However, prospective studies that chart quality of life from the onset of diabetic foot ulcers are lacking. We describe change in quality of life in a cohort of people with diabetes and their first foot ulcer during 18 months and its association with adverse outcomes. METHODS In this prospective cohort study of adults with their first diabetic foot ulcer, the main outcome was change in Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey scores between baseline and 18-month follow-up. We recorded baseline demographics, diabetes characteristics, depression, and diabetic foot outcomes and mortality at 18 months. RESULTS In 253 people with diabetes and their first ulcer, there were 40 deaths (15.8%), 36 amputations (15.5%), 99 recurrences (43.2%), and 52 nonhealing ulcers (21.9%). The 36-Item Short Form Health Survey response rate of survivors at 18 months was 78% (n = 157). There was a 5- to 6-point deterioration in mental component summary scores in people who did not heal (adjusted mean difference, -6.54; 95% confidence interval, -12.64 to -0.44) or had recurrent ulcers (adjusted mean difference, -5.30; 95% confidence interval, -9.87 to -0.73) and a nonsignificant reduction in those amputated (adjusted mean difference, -5.00; 95% confidence interval, -11.15 to 1.14). CONCLUSIONS Quality of life deteriorates in people with diabetes whose first foot ulcer recurs or does not heal within 18 months.
Temporal trends of functional dependence and survival among older adults from 1991 to 2010 in Sweden: toward a healthier aging.

BACKGROUND Declines in functional dependence among older adults were observed before the 1990s, but there is uncertainty about subsequent trends. Our study aimed to verify the temporal trends in disability during 1991-2010 in an older Swedish population and to estimate the associated changes in survival. METHODS Functional status in octogenarians and nonagenarians was assessed at seven occasions with intervals of 2-3 years. Sample size varied at each assessment with an average of 646 (range 212-1096). Disability was defined as difficulty in one or more of personal activities of daily living. We compared prevalence and incidence, as well as mortality, and survival associated with disability over the 20-year period. RESULTS Sex-standardized prevalence of disability remained steady over time with a tendency toward a gradual decline, and a statistically significant decrease was present among nonagenarians. Sex-standardized cumulative incidence also remained steady. The proportion of people with prevalent disability who died <3 years remained stable, as did the survival time of people with incident disability. In contrast, among nondisabled persons, 3-year mortality decreased significantly, and for octogenarians median survival time was 1.3 years longer at the more recent assessment than a decade earlier. CONCLUSIONS Both prevalence and incidence of disability remained stable over the last two decades in this urban Swedish population, with a trend toward a slow decline. Mortality remained steady among disabled persons but decreased among persons without disability, suggesting that increased life expectancy during the last two decades may be essentially driven by longer lives of functionally independent people.
Calcium Dependency of Muscarinic and Nicotinic Agonist‐Induced ATP and Catecholamine Secretion from Porcine Adrenal Chromaffin Cells

Abstract: The secretion of catecholamines and ATP induced by cholinergic agonists and its dependence on extracellular Ca2+ were studied in cultured porcine adrenal chromaffin cells. Both nicotine and methacholine (a selective muscarinic agonist) induced secretion and increases in cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]in), although the activation of nicotinic receptors produced responses that were larger than those produced by activation of muscarinic receptors. The secretion and the increase in [Ca2+]in evoked by nicotine were completely dependent on extracellular Ca2+ and were blocked by prior depolarization of the cells with high extracellular K+ levels. In addition, nicotine induced significant 45Ca2+ influx. In contrast, the secretion and the increase in [Ca2+]in evoked by methacholine were partially dependent on extracellular Ca2+; methacholine also induced 45Ca2+ influx. Prior depolarization of the cells with high extracellular K+ levels did not block methacholine‐induced secretion. In general, nicotinic responses were mediated by Ca2+ influx through voltage‐dependent pathways. In contrast, muscarinic responses were dependent on both Ca2+ influx through an unknown mechanism that could not be inactivated by high K+ concentration‐induced depolarization and presumably also intracellular Ca2+ mobilization.
Teacher-Trainees’ Perceptions of ICT (Information Communication Technology) Integration in Nigerian Teacher Education Programme

ABSTRACT : Teaching nowadays is fast expanding rapidly and it requires modern technologies to provide more flexible and effective ways of improving teacher education, and connect ing teachers to the global community. ICT ( Information and Communication Technology) integration into teacher education , therefore, is the key to equipping and producing professional teachers as well as improved pedagogy. However, there is the need to consider the type and nature of teacher trainees before integrating ICT in teacher education programmes, because their perceptions are likely to differ. This study , therefore , focuses on the perceptions of teacher trainees (regular and sandwich students) regarding the integration of ICT in teacher education programme at the UNILAG ( University of Lagos ) in Akoka, Nigeria. It adopted the descriptive research design. Two hundred and fifty participants were involved. One research question and two hypotheses, based on the specific purposes , were raised and answered in the study. A self-constructed validated and reliable instrument was used to collect data. Results revealed that teacher trainees are favourably disposed to the integration of ICT into teacher education as indicated by the grand mean and standard deviation (M = 3.22; SD = 12.22). Significant differences in the perceptions of teacher-trainees regarding the integration of ICT in teacher education programme based on type of the programme was also discovered (t-cal = -2.315; df = 98; P < .05). Teacher-trainees have to realise that ICT has come to stay in their programme. They need to develop more confidence in their individual ability at becoming computer literate teachers in order to remain relevant in the modern day information age. KEY WORDS: Teacher Education ; Information and Communication Technology ; Teacher-Trainees ; Perceptions ; C omputer L iterate T eachers. About the Authors: Dr. Olusola Angelina Thomas is an Academic Staff at the Department of Educational Administration UNILAG (University of Lagos) in Akoka, Nigeria; and Dr. Maruff Akinwale Oladejo is currently a Lecturer at the Department of Educational Administration UNILAG in Akoka, Nigeria. For academic interests, the authors can be contacted via their e-mails at: soowler@yahoo.com and maoladejo@unilag.edu. ng Suggested Citation: Thomas, Olusola Angelina & Maruff Akinwale Oladejo. (2017). “Teacher-Trainees’ Perceptions of ICT (Information Communication Technology) Integration in Nigerian Teacher Education Programme” in EDUCARE: International Journal for Educational Studies , Volume 10(1), August, pp.1-10. Bandung, Indonesia: Minda Masagi Press owned by ASPENSI, ISSN 1979-7877. A rticle Timeline : Accepted (February 22, 2017); Revised (May 20, 2017); and Published (August 30, 2017).
ARM Domain-dependent Nuclear Import of Adenomatous Polyposis Coli Protein Is Stimulated by the B56α Subunit of Protein Phosphatase 2A*

Inactivating mutations in the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene correlate with progression of colon cancer and familial adenomatous polyposis. The APC tumor suppressor contributes to chromosome segregation and turnover of the oncogenic transcriptional activator β-catenin, and these activities are impaired by truncating cancer mutations. APC was recently identified as a shuttling protein whose subcellular distribution is regulated by two nuclear localization signals (NLSs) and multiple nuclear export signals (NESs). Here, we show that mutant disease-linked truncated forms of APC, most of which lack the two central NLSs and certain NES sequences, retain nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling activity. Nuclear export of truncated APC is mediated by a dominant N-terminal NES. Nuclear import of NLS-deficient APC mutants is facilitated by the N-terminal ARM domain. Furthermore, co-expression of the ARM-binding protein, B56α, increased the nuclear localization of mutant and wild-type APC. The minimal B56α-responsive sequence mapped to APC amino acids 302–625. B56α is a regulatory subunit of protein phosphatase 2A; however, its ability to shift APC to the nucleus was independent of phosphatase activity. We conclude that APC nuclear import is regulated by the ARM domain through its interaction with B56α and postulate that APC/B56α complexes target the dephosphorylation of specific proteins within the nucleus.
Does Public Debt Moderate the Effect of Inflation Rate on Securities Market Returns in Kenya?

While in the last one two decades, Kenya has witnessed increasing levels of public borrowing, both domestic and foreign, economic growth has slowed down and the performance of the securities market has been subdued with falling stock prices. This has prompted stock investors to review and/or realign their investment portfolios. While the inflation rate has been drastically fluctuating, public debt – which is strongly inflationary – has had an exponential increase of about 461 percent between 2008 and 2018. Although Kenya’s level of public debt is approaching unsustainable levels, massive borrowing still continues. Using secondary monthly data obtained from government and securities market databases, this paper analyzed whether public debt moderates the relationship between inflation rate and securities market returns at the Nairobi Securities Exchange. Time series multiple linear regression results show that whereas inflation rate has a statistically significant negative effect on securities market returns, public debt had an insignificant negative effect on securities market returns. More importantly, public debt does not statistically affect the relationship between inflation rate and the securities market in Kenya. Putting in place strategies aimed at reducing inflation as well as public debt can however have the effect of improving securities market performance.
Adult neurogenesis and neuronal regeneration in the central nervous system of teleost fish

Teleost fish are distinguished by their ability to constitutively generate new neurons in the adult central nervous system (‘adult neurogenesis’), and to regenerate whole neurons after injury (‘neuronal regeneration’). In the brain, new neurons are produced in large numbers in several dozens of proliferation zones. In the spinal cord, proliferating cells are present in the ependymal layer and throughout the parenchyma. In the retina, new cells arise from the ciliary marginal zone and from Müller glia. Experimental evidence has suggested that both radial glia and non‐glial cells can function as adult stem cells. The proliferative activity of these cells can be regulated by molecular factors, such as fibroblast growth factor and Notch, as well as by social and behavioral experience. The young cells may either reside near the respective proliferation zone, or migrate to specific target areas. Approximately half of the newly generated cells persist for the rest of the fish’s life, and many of them differentiate into neurons. After injury, a massive surge of apoptotic cell death occurs at the lesion site within a few hours. Apoptosis is followed by a marked increase in cell proliferation and neurogenesis, leading to repair of the tissue. The structural regeneration is paralleled by partial or complete recovery of function. Recent investigations have led to the identification of several dozens of molecular factors that are potentially involved in the process of regeneration.
Impact of atrial fibrillation on clinical outcomes among patients with coronary artery disease undergoing revascularisation with drug-eluting stents.

AIMS Coronary artery disease (CAD) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are major determinants of morbidity and mortality. A combined treatment with antiplatelet agents and vitamin K antagonists limits the risk of stent thrombosis and stroke while increasing the rate of bleeding. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of atrial fibrillation (AF) on long-term clinical outcomes in patients with CAD undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stents (DES). METHODS AND RESULTS Among 6,308 consecutive patients undergoing PCI with DES between 2002 and 2009, 323 (5.3%) patients were diagnosed with AF. We compared clinical outcomes between patients with and those without AF throughout four years. The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), ischaemic stroke, and BARC bleeding type 3b/3c/5a/5b. In adjusted analyses, the primary composite endpoint was more frequent among patients with AF (HR 1.59, 95% CI 1.26-2.00; p<0.001). Differences were driven by an increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR 1.67, 95% CI 1.27-2.20; p=0.003), ischaemic stroke (HR 3.09, 95% CI 1.45-6.56; p=0.003), and intracranial bleeding (HR 4.28, 95% CI 1.36-13.48; p=0.013). We observed a gradient of risk among patients with higher CHA2DS2-VASc scores and modified outpatient bleeding risk index. CONCLUSIONS Among patients with CAD undergoing revascularisation with DES, AF confers an increased risk of all-cause mortality, ischaemic stroke, and intracranial bleeding. The hazard imposed by AF correlates with the CHA2DS2-VASc score.
ICI 35868 (Diprivan): a new intravenous anaesthetic

ICI 35868 (Diprivan), 1–2 mg/kg was used to induce anaesthesia in 20 patients, and the results compared with induction of anaesthesia by Althesin 0·5 ml/kg given to a similar group of 20 patients. ICI 35868 was effective in inducing anaesthesia, but produced more respiratory depression, and cardiovascular effects which were significantly different from those produced by Althesin. ICI 35868 gave a smoother induction. It is concluded that ICI 35868 is a promising new induction agent which may also find application for the maintenance of anaesthesia.
Efficacy of pedicle screw fixation in the treatment of spinal instability and failed back surgery: a 5-year review.

OBJECT The goal of this study was to review retrospectively the outcome of 95 patients with various disorders leading to instability of the thoracolumbar and lumbar spine who were treated consecutively via a posterior surgical approach with pedicle screw fixation in which the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital system was used. METHODS All cases were managed according to the same protocol. Follow-up review averaged 29.6 months. Radiographic evidence of osseous union and the patient's current status were analyzed. Four screws were malpositioned, and there were two dural lacerations of a nerve root and one pedicle fracture. Deep wound infections developed in five patients (5.2%), and three patients had postoperative radicular pain. In one case, the rods disengaged from the screws; in four cases, hardware was removed but there were no broken screws. Neurological deficits improved in 85% of the surviving patients, and no patient was worse neurologically after surgery. The rate of osseous union was 96.8%. Three patients developed pseudarthrosis, one of whom was asymptomatic. Back pain improved in 80 patients. A solid bone fusion, however, was not necessarily associated with decreased back pain. CONCLUSIONS These results support the use of pedicle screw fixation as an effective and safe procedure for fusion of the thoracolumbar and lumbar spine and support the finding that complications can be minimal when a meticulous surgical technique is used. The proper selection of patients for surgery is probably the most important factor associated with good outcomes.
British Dietetic Association evidence-based guidelines for the protein requirements of adults undergoing maintenance haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.

BACKGROUND Existing nutritional guidelines suggest that protein requirements of adults with stage five chronic kidney disease undergoing haemodialysis (HD) or peritoneal dialysis (PD) are increased as a result of protein losses during dialysis. The present review aimed to update previous guidance and develop evidence-based practice guidelines on the protein requirements of adults undergoing maintenance dialysis. METHODS Following a PICO approach (Participants or Population, Intervention or Exposure, Comparison and Outcome), four research questions were formulated to investigate the total protein requirement and protein quality required by adults undergoing HD and PD. A comprehensive, systematic review was undertaken using the databases Medline, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library from 2005 to September 2009 for HD studies and from 1997 to September 2009 for PD studies. RESULTS The literature search yielded 2931 studies, which were assessed for inclusion. Following appraisal, 19 studies in HD and 18 studies in PD met the inclusion criteria and were systematically reviewed. Limited good quality evidence supports the recommendations that: (i) adults undergoing maintenance HD require a minimum protein intake of 1.1 g kg(-1) ideal body weight (IBW) per day; and (ii) adults undergoing maintenance PD require a minimum protein intake of 1.0-1.2 kg(-1) IBW per day, in conjunction with an adequate energy intake. There were no studies that addressed the quality of protein for either HD or PD. CONCLUSIONS Evidence suggests that nutritional status may be maintained with lower protein intakes than previously recommended. However, the evidence base is limited and further randomised controlled trials are required to establish the optimal protein intake for dialysis patients.
Post-traumatic stress disorder in Israeli survivors of childhood cancer.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To investigate the prevalence, symptom severity, and risk factors associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in childhood cancer survivors. DESIGN Descriptive, correlational study. SETTING Follow-up clinic in Petach Tikva, Israel. SAMPLE Convenience sample of 70 adult Israeli survivors of childhood cancer. METHODS Questionnaires (the Post-Traumatic Diagnostic Scale and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support) were distributed to participants, and demographic and clinical data were obtained from medical records. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES Post-traumatic stress, social support, and clinical and demographic data. FINDINGS Twenty (29%) of the participants met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.) criteria for PTSD; 10% experienced mild, 40% moderate, and 50% moderate to severe symptoms. Only 16% of the sample did not experience any symptoms of PTSD. A statistically significant negative relationship was found between PTSD symptom scores and the current age of the respondent (r(s) = -0.27, p = 0.03) and time since medical treatment (r(s) = -0.34, p = 0.004) but not any other demographic or clinical variables or social support. CONCLUSIONS Higher severity of PTSD symptoms was found, possibly because of local living conditions. Most clinical and demographic variables were not risk factors. This population should be studied further in an effort to prevent PTSD via early diagnosis. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Oncology nurses should be aware of the potential risk factors (recent completion of treatment and younger current age) and the high prevalence and severity of PTSD among survivors of childhood cancer to identify patients at higher risk and develop programs that prevent, limit, and treat PTSD.