Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Dasymetric Mapping Techniques for Small-Area Population Estimates

Dasymetric mapping techniques can be employed to estimate population characteristics of small areas that do not correspond to census enumeration areas. Land cover has been the most widely used source of ancillary data in dasymetric mapping. The current research examines the performance of alternative sources of ancillary data, including imperviousness, road networks, and nighttime lights. Nationally available datasets were used in the analysis to allow for replicability. The performance of the techniques used to examine these sources was compared to areal weighting and traditional land cover techniques. Four states were used in the analysis, representing a range of different geographic regions: Connecticut, New Mexico, Oregon, and South Carolina. Ancillary data sources were used to estimate census block group population counts using census tracts as source zones, and the results were compared to the known block group population counts. Results indicate that the performance of dasymetric methods varies substantially among study areas, and no single technique consistently outperforms all others. The three best techniques are imperviousness with values greater than 75 percent removed, imperviousness with values greater than 60 percent removed, and land cover. Total imperviousness and roads perform slightly worse, with nighttime lights performing the worst compared to all other ancillary data types. All techniques performed better than areal weighting.
"True and Fair View?" A critical discourse analysis on how companies report on negative corporate social responsibility events

This Master’s thesis studies the reporting practices of two Finnish case companies, Stora Enso Oyj and Kesko Oyj, with regard to their reporting practices on their negative corporate social responsibility events. The objective of the study is to understand how a negative corporate social responsibility event affects and changes reporting practices of a company. In particular, as the legislative requirements regarding non-financial reporting have been becoming more stringent, this Master’s thesis evaluates the reporting practices especially in the light of the accounting principle of “true and fair view”, which is more and more becoming a standard concerning non-financial information. The research questions set forth for this Master’s thesis are: 1) How does a negative event in the field of corporate social responsibility affect a company’s social responsibility reporting; and 2) How does a company strive to legitimate its non-compliance with socially accepted norms and values in its corporate social responsibility reporting. Through critical discourse analysis, I identify practices utilized by the companies both affecting the overall reporting of the company and reporting on the respective negative events of both case companies. The theoretical framing builds up on the theory of legitimacy and the conceptualization of moral legitimacy, arguing that corporate social responsibility is constantly renegotiated through dialogue and conflicts between the company and its stakeholders. Based on the data analysis, it is clear that company practices with regard to their responsibility tend to alter as a result of a negative event. This is made possible as the concept of corporate social responsibility is defined partially ambiguously in the corporate social responsibility reports of the companies, leaving room to modify the definition when facing negative events. In addition, the companies had tendencies of emphasizing positive aspect of their performance and discussing less the negative sides of their business. This tendency was highlighted also when discussing the respective negative events of the case companies as practices such as discussing future performance and measures instead of focusing on the past performance, and avoiding culpability were identified. In 2014, the European Union approved the directive on disclosure of non-financial and diversity information by certain large undertakings and groups (2014/95/EU), making non-financial reporting mandatory and a legal requirement for many large undertakings. This raises the level of reporting requirements substantially as non-financial reporting becomes more binding by nature and legally constrained. Consequently, this study raises the question whether corporate social responsibility reporting practices on negative events gives the “true and fair view” on the companies’ performance, which currently is required in financial accounting but will become more and more as the leading principle also with regard to non-financial reporting.
A Comprehensive Drug Review on Macitentan: A Preeminent Inclusion to Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Therapy

Macitentan is a radically novice oral orphan drug which was approved by FDA in Oct 2013 (under trade name Opsumit®). It belongs to the class of the endothelin receptor antagonist (ETRA) and is indicated for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). PAH is a chronic disorder of raising blood pressure in the artery between the aisle of heart and lung. Till the date, the disease remains incurable and possesses a poor prognosis. A ray of hope in this direction is shown by Macitentan, which has been proved beneficial in decreasing disease progression symptoms and reducing hospitalization. Phase III SERAPHIN trials clearly indicate that it improves morbidity, mortality and 6MWD data compared with other drugs of the same class. Furthermore, its use is seemingly increasing for the treatment of other cardiovascular disorders related to ET system. However, the pharmacokinetics dose adjustments of Macitentan in patients with renal or hepatic impairment are extraneous. Drug–drug interactions are occult, and one circulating pharmacologically active metabolite (ACT-132577) is omnipresent. The safety profile of Macitentan is superior to other drugs of same ETRA’s class with prolonged receptor binding properties, greater tissue penetration, hepatic safety, edema/fluid retention and easy dosing, but it is similar when the decrease in hemoglobin concentration is taken into account. Macitentan attributes, hence, are appended and revolutionary important in the therapeutic long-term treatment and a better alternative remedy for PAH. The present review thus delineates the complete drug profile of Macitentan from the data of studies carried out till date and alleges it as a sanguine future for an overall improved CVS healthcare contributor.
DISTURBANCES OF AMINO ACID METABOLISM IN NEUROLOGIC DISORDERS

During recent years an increasing number of hereditary metabolic disorders have been described in which there are disturbances both of the amino acid metabolism and the central nervous system. This group of disorders is vcry heterogeneous. In some of them, the amino acid disturbance is the fundamental metabolic defect giving rise to the cerebral damage, and in others i t is secondary to another metabolic defect, a defect which can also be responsible for the damage to the nervous system. The connection between the amino acid disturbance and the neurological symptoms is in other conditions still obscure. The diseases to be considered below generally manifest themselves in childhood or even in early infancy. Although mainly of interest to the pediatricians neurologists have paid increasing attention to these disorders.
Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism Using Enoxaparin in Day Surgery

We aimed to confirm the results of randomized, controlled trials on enoxaparin prophylaxis in unselected patients undergoing day surgery. The primary end point was the incidence of thromboembolic events during prophylaxis and up to 48 hours thereafter. A total of 11 794 patients, consisting of 52.1% male with mean age of 49.2 ± 15.7 were included. In all, 61.5% had no predisposing risk factors and 67.1% received no concomitant medication with the potential to increase bleeding. Patients were exposed to 20 mg (63.6%) and 40 mg (36.4%) of enoxaparin for a mean of 12.4 ± 9.8 days. Forty-four patients (0.39%) had confirmed symptomatic deep venous thrombosis and 1 patient confirmed pulmonary embolism. Bleeding occurred in 3.47% of patients (3.29% minor bleeding). Differences between 20 and 40 mg enoxaparin were negligible. Adverse drug reactions were experienced by 3.1% of patients. The present study results demonstrate that it is effective and tolerable to use a risk stratified dose of 20 or 40 mg enoxaparin in patients undergoing day surgery.
Reinforcement of Sliced Tragal Cartilage Perichondrium Composite Graft with Temporalis Fascia in Type I Tympanoplasty: Our Techniques and Results

Abstract: In our otological practice, we prefer sliced tragal cartilage- perichondrium grafting for reconstruction of the tympanic membrane perforations. In an attempt to reduce residual and recurrent perforations in our series of cartilage tympanoplasty using sliced tragal cartilage perichondrium composite graft, we reinforce tragal cartilage with temporalis fascia in large perforations. Aim: The purpose of this study is to evaluate anatomical and audiological results after primary cartilage tympanoplasty using sliced tragal cartilage reinforced with temporalis fascia in large perforations. Methods and Materials: We carried a prospective study of 28 patients operated from March 2010 to January 2011 in M.I. M.E. R Medical College and Sushrut ENT Hospital using sliced tragal cartilage reinforced with temporalis fascia. The surgical technique is described in detail. Results: Successful closure of the tympanic membrane was achieved in all patients at 2 years of follow up. The average postoperative Air Bone Gap was 9.6429+/-2.6557 dB. Conclusion: Reinforcement of temporalis fascia with sliced tragal cartilage is a reliable technique for tympanoplasty, especially in large perforations. To our knowledge, this is the first study involving the reinforcement of sliced tragal cartilage with temporalis fascia in type I tympanoplasty.
Ocular lesions associated with systemic hypertension in dogs: 65 cases (2005-2007).

OBJECTIVE To characterize ocular findings in hypertensive dogs, determine prevalence of hypertension in dogs with ocular disease suggestive of hypertension, and examine possible relationships between degree of hypertension and ocular disease. DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 65 dogs initially referred for blood pressure measurement (n = 22), ophthalmic examination (25), or both (18). PROCEDURES Medical records were reviewed to identify dogs examined at the teaching hospital that underwent a complete ophthalmic examination and blood pressure measurement within a 24-hour period between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2007. Signalment, history, blood pressure measurements, ophthalmic examination findings, and any vasoactive drug treatments were recorded. Ocular lesions considered likely to be associated with systemic hypertension included retinal hemorrhage, retinal detachment, hyphema, tortuous vessels, and subretinal edema. RESULTS Of the 65 dogs, 42 were hypertensive (systolic blood pressure ≥ 160 mm Hg) and 23 were normotensive. Sixty-two percent (26/42) of hypertensive dogs had ≥ 1 type of ocular lesion identified. Retinal hemorrhage was the most common ocular lesion in hypertensive dogs (17/42 [40%]). The presence of ≥ 1 type of ocular lesion had moderate sensitivity and specificity of 62% and 61 %, respectively, for identification of hypertension. Fifteen of the 25 (60%) dogs referred for blood pressure measurement after initial ophthalmic examination were found to be hypertensive. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Ocular lesions are common in dogs with systemic hypertension. Dogs with hypertension or diseases associated with hypertension should be monitored carefully for evidence of ocular target organ damage, and hypertension should be systematically ruled out in dogs with characteristic ocular lesions.
Impact of different power reduction techniques at architectural level on modern FPGAs

In this work, the impact of different power reduction techniques at architectural level on modern FPGAs is evalua ted. Starting from the 65 nm technology node, manufacturers have implemented a number of technologies to reduce overall powe r consumption. In our study we are performing real life measurements and proposing several architecture level power reduc tion techniques. Our solutions are then implemented and evaluat ed in an image processing intellectual property block. Obtainedresults demonstrate that certain techniques such as clock gating ma y result in up to 90% power savings.
The acute effects of alcohol on sleep architecture in late adolescence.

BACKGROUND Alcohol consumption is prevalent in late adolescence; however, little is known about its effect on sleep in this group. In mature adults, alcohol decreases sleep onset latency (SOL) and sleep efficiency (SE) and increases wake after sleep onset (WASO). It also increases slow wave sleep (SWS) and decreases rapid eye movement (REM) sleep in the first half of the night, with the inverse occurring in the second half. Alcohol's effect on sleep during late adolescence is of interest given that this age group shows both dramatic increases in alcohol consumption and significant developmental changes in the central nervous system. This study examined the effect of alcohol on sleep architecture in women and men aged 18 to 21 years and whether previously reported sleep architecture effects may have been as an artificial result of changes to sleep cycle length. METHODS Twenty-four (12 women) healthy 18- to 21-year-old light social drinkers (19.1 ± 1.0 years) underwent 2 conditions: presleep alcohol (target breath alcohol concentration [BAC] 0.10%) and placebo-administered under controlled conditions, followed by standard polysomnography. RESULTS In the alcohol condition, mean BAC at lights out was 0.084 ± 0.016%. Time in bed, total sleep time, and SOL (all p > 0.05) did not differ between conditions. However, there was less REM (p = 0.011) and more stage-2 sleep (p = 0.035) in the alcohol condition. Further, alcohol increased SWS (p = 0.02) and decreased REM sleep (p < 0.001) in the first half of the night and disrupted sleep in the second half, with increased WASO (interaction: p = 0.034), and decreased SE (p = 0.04) and SWS (p = 0.01) and no REM sleep rebound in the second half of the night (p = 0.262). Additionally, alcohol had no effect on sleep cycle length (p = 0.598). CONCLUSIONS The results were broadly consistent with the adult literature with the novel extension that half night sleep architecture effects could not be attributed to changes in sleep cycle length. However, alcohol did not reduce SOL, or result in a REM rebound following reduced REM in the first half of the night. The results suggest that the effects of alcohol on sleep are modified by sleep's prevailing developmental stage.
Multiple mini-interviews for pharmacy residency candidates.

We read with interest the recent article by Oyler et al.[1][1] describing the incorporation of the multiple mini-interview (MMI) technique into their postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) pharmacy practice residency interview process. We implemented the MMI into our own PGY1 interview process in February 2014
Spectrum of salivary gland tumors-A five year study

Introduction: Salivary gland tumors are common neoplasms of head and neck region. These tumors are complex and exhibit great clinicopathological variation which may show racial and geographical differences. Aim: The aim of the present study was to analyze the relative incidence, clinical presentation and the spectrum of neoplasms in the salivary glands at our institute which is a tertiary referral hospital in south India. Material and methods: A retrospective and prospective study of all salivary gland tumors which were received in the department of Pathology for histopathological examination at our institute during a 5 year period from March 2010 to February 2015 was done. The clinical data like age, sex and site of the tumor were recorded. Grossly representatitive bits from the tumor were processed, sections made, stained with H& E and examined microscopically. Data of 53cases recorded during the 5yr period was analyzed. Results: 53 cases were studied during the 5 year period. Of them 40 cases were benign neoplasms and 13 cases were malignant. The commonest site of presentation of benign tumors was the parotid gland whereas malignant tumors occurred more commonly in the minor salivary glands. Pleomorphic adenoma was the commonest benign neoplasm. Adenoid cystic carcinoma was the most common malignant neoplasm. Most of the benign tumors occurred in 4 th decade while the malignant tumors were more common in the 6 th decade. Conclusion: Benign tumors are more common than malignant tumors. The majority of benign tumors occurred in the major salivary glands whereas the minor salivary glands harbor malignant neoplasms. Narala Srivani, Shyamala Srujana, Syeda Shahista, O. Shravan Kumar. Spectrum of salivary gland tumors A five year study. IAIM, 2016; 3(7): 132-136.
Proliferative Response of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Japanese Encephalitis Virus

Cell‐mediated immune response to Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) and its purified envelope (E) protein was measured in 45 laboratory confirmed JE patients using a proliferation assay of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). In parallel, JEV‐specific IgM antibodies were measured by ELISA. No correlation was observed between the antibody response and results of the lymphocyte proliferation assay. Only 11 of the 42 patients positive in the antibody test were positive in the proliferation assay, and PBMC from 14/45 (31%) patients did not respond to either phytohemagglutinin and to JEV and/or its purified E protein antigen. No correlation was observed between the cell‐mediated immune response and the final clinical outcome (fatality vs. recovery).
Genetic Variation in CYP2R1 and GC Genes Associated With Vitamin D Deficiency Status

This cross-sectional study enrolled 180 patients at a private family practice in Virginia. Total serum vitamin D concentrations were obtained weekly from January 30, 2013, through March 30, 2013, in consecutive patients regularly scheduled for laboratory work at the practice. Patients were categorized into 2 groups and analyzed for variant alleles in vitamin D receptor (VDR; rs2228570), cytochrome P450 2R1 (CYP2R1; rs10741657), 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase (DHCR7; rs12785878), and group-specific component (GC; rs2282679) to determine whether variants of those alleles influenced total serum 25(OH)D concentrations. One-hundred and eighty patients were enrolled, with 40 (22%) being sufficient, 25-hydroxy vitamin D level 25(OH)D ≥ 30 ng/mL, and 140 (78%) being insufficient, 25(OH)D < 30 ng/mL. Of the 4 genes, 2 genes, CYP2R1 (rs10741657) and GC (rs2282679), demonstrated a significant association related to vitamin D status. Subjects with 1 or more variant alleles at rs10741657 were almost 3.7 (odds ratio [OR] 3.67; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.35-9.99) times more likely be insufficient in vitamin D and subjects with 1 or more variant alleles at rs2282679 were about half (OR 0.42; 95% CI: 0.18-0.93) as likely to be insufficient in vitamin D. Allelic variations in CYP2R1 (rs10741657) and GC (rs2282679) affect vitamin D levels, but variant alleles on VDR (rs2228570) and DHCR7 (rs12785878) were not correlated with vitamin D deficiency, 25(OH)D < 30 ng/mL.
Recognizing facial expressions of emotion in infancy: A replication and extension

Infants may recognize facial expressions of emotion more readily when familiar faces express the emotions. Studies 1 and 2 investigated whether familiarity influences two metrics of emotion processing: Categorization and spontaneous preference. In Study 1 (n = 32), we replicated previous findings showing an asymmetrical pattern of categorization of happy and fearful faces in 6.5-month-old infants, and extended these findings by demonstrating that infants' categorization did not differ when emotions were expressed by familiar (i.e., caregiver) faces. In Study 2 (n = 34), we replicated the spontaneous preference for fearful over happy expressions in 6.5-month-old infants, and extended these findings by demonstrating that the spontaneous preference for fear was also present for familiar faces. Thus, infants' performance on two metrics of emotion processing did not differ depending on face familiarity.
The oestrogen receptor β contributes to sex related differences in endothelial function of murine small arteries via EDHF

Sex related differences in cardiovascular function have been reported in oestrogen receptor β knockout (ERβKO) mice. In this study we examined the role of endothelium‐derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) in differences in small artery endothelial function between ERβKO and wild‐type (WT) mice. Small femoral arteries were isolated from ERβKO and WT mice and mounted on a wire myograph. Concentration–response curves to ACh were compared before and after incubation with inhibitors of nitric oxide (NO) and prostacyclin (PGI2) synthesis. Comparison of the expression of the principal vascular connexins (Cx37, 40 and 43), implicated in EDHF‐mediated dilatation were undertaken by immunohistochemistry. Vascular ultrastructure was studied by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. ACh‐induced relaxation of arteries (< 200 μm internal diameter) was greater in WT females versus males and was attributable to a greater EDHF component of relaxation. This sex difference was absent in ERβKO mice. Arteries from ERβKO males (but not females) were more sensitive to ACh compared to WT. The pharmacological evidence and morphological prerequisite for involvement of gap junctions in EDHF‐mediated responses was confirmed in male arteries. The absence of ERβ had no influence on expression of main Cx subtypes within vascular wall or on ultrastructure and morphology of the endothelium. The data suggest that in WT male mice, ERβ reduces EDHF‐mediated relaxation through gap junction communication.
Barriers to the Use of Long Acting Contraceptive Methods among Married Women of Reproductive Age in Kicukiro District , Rwanda Bikorimana

Rwanda‟s high population growth constitutes a major challenge to the economic development. In 2010 Rwanda‟s population growth rate was of 2.6%. Over time, the use of Long Acting Contraceptive Methods (LACM) has not been opted for as short acting methods. In the study conducted in Kicukiro District to assess barriers to the use of LACM, the main objective was to identify the barriers to the use of LACM. Specifically, to measure prevailing rate of LACM use, to measure the association between socio-demographic characteristics and the use of LACM, to identify current knowledge and attitudes regarding LACM and to assess the accessibility to LACM. To meet all those objectives, a cross sectional study was conducted. The study participants were 96 women and proportionate sampling method was used. About 95.8% of participants had general knowledge about LACM. The study showed that LACM use increases significantly with the level of education (OR: 6.500; p=0.012), the number of children alive (four and above: OR: 14.25 p<0.001), the family size (four and above: OR: 8.591 p<0.046), the joint discussion with partner on the number of children to bear (OR: 5.053; P=0.048) and partner agreement to the use of LACM (OR: 3.659; P=0.038). According to the study, the use of LACM decreases significantly with desire of having another child (OR: 0.389; P=0.040) and negative attitude toward LACM (OR: 0.166, P=0.014). Campaigns against negative attitudes toward LACM should be strengthened.