Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Managers' perceptions of the impact of the immigrant workforce: The case of the hotel industry on Lanzarote, Canary Islands

ABSTRACT The purpose of this research was to analyze managers' perceptions of the positive and negative impacts that an immigrant labor force has on a hotel's outcomes. Specifically, the study explores the case of 19 hotels on the island of Lanzarote. Lanzarote is a clear example of a region that has undergone a change in its environment, especially in the composition of the population, over a very short period of time. The findings show the likelihood that certain nationalities will be employed in certain departments and that recruitment and selection managers are not aware of the importance of diversity for hotel outcomes. The lack of research on this topic in the tourism and human resource management related literature renders this study relevant for gaining a better understanding of the reality of such a social and economic phenomenon and for developing new lines of research.
THE SOCIAL ECONOMY IN THE EUROPEAN UNION 1

he concept and term social economy is very broad, but it is generally understood to refer to all types of economic and social activities that take plac e in many legal forms between the boundaries of the private and public sector. Social economy is a term that is commonly used in continental Europe, and in the European Union institutions, while in the USA, and other countries, the dominant terms tend to be that of Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) and Third Sector, which is also commonly used internationally. There are also other terminologies describing social economy, like solidarity economy. Here we adopt the use of the term social economy as the most appropriate one for the reasons analysed below. And we also make only a brief reference to the differences and similarities between the concepts of social economy and NPOs. Furthermore, as the theoretical and the research areas covering the social economy/third sector are vast, complex and full of different interpretations, particularly on its various sub-components, it is beyond the limits of this paper to deal with these in detail. The paper is divided into two sections. In the first section, we address theoretical and conceptual approaches of social economy, on its evolution, its definitions and on the NPO approach. In the second section, we discuss and describe the current main components of the social economy in the EU and how it is structured, in terms of definition, legal framework, range of activities and institutional representation.
FITNET’s Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Is Ineffective and May Impede Natural Recovery in Adolescents with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. A Review

The Dutch Fatigue In Teenagers on the interNET (FITNET) study claimed that after 6 months, internet based cognitive behaviour therapy in adolescents with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), led to a 63% recovery rate compared to 8% after usual care, and that this was maintained at long term follow up (LTFU). Our reanalysis shows that their post-hoc definition of recovery included the severely ill, the unblinded trial had no adequate control group and it used lax selection criteria as well as outcomes assessed via questionnaires rather than objective outcomes, further contributing to exaggerated recovery figures. Their decision not to publish the actometer results might suggest that these did not back their recovery claims. Despite these bias creating methodological faults, the trial still found no significant difference in recovery rates (“~60%”) at LTFU, the trial’s primary goal. This is similar to or worse than the documented 54–94% spontaneous recovery rates within 3–4 years, suggesting that both FITNET and usual care (consisting of cognitive behaviour and graded exercise therapies) are ineffective and might even impede natural recovery in adolescents with ME/CFS. This has implications for the upcoming costly NHS FITNET trial which is a blueprint of the Dutch study, exposing it to similar biases.
FLASH ELECTRORETINOGRAPHY IN THE BALD EAGLE (HALIAEETUS LEUCOCEPHALUS)

Abstract: Photopic and scotopic flash electroretinograms (fERGs) were done on 12 adult captive anesthetized bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) following a complete ophthalmic exam. The b-wave amplitude in the bald eagle exceeds that seen in other species when using a similar protocol. This data may be used clinically as a reference for bald eagles undergoing fERG evaluation for retinal disease or as a preoperative screening tool before phacoemulsification.
The Determinants of Financial System Structure

Based on the panel data of 78 countries or areas from 1990 to 2009,this paper makes a systematically empirical study of the determinants of financial system structure.The empirical results show that financial system structure is not only related to macroeconomic and financial development,but also is influenced by institutional factors and social culture.From a macroeconomic point of view,the dynamic changes in financial system structure mainly correlate with the speed of economic development while the level of economic development mainly affects the whole scale of the financial system.From the angle of financial development,efficiency and liberalization are the two drivers of the marketization of financial system structure.And from the perspective of cultural institutions,institutional culture advocating rules and authority more easily breeds bankoriented financial system while the one advocating freedom and democracy more easily breeds marketoriented financial system.
Diagnostic pitfalls in sporadic transthyretin familial amyloid polyneuropathy (TTR-FAP)

Transthyretin familial amyloid polyneuropathies (TTR-FAPs) are autosomal dominant neuropathies of fatal outcome within 10 years after inaugural symptoms. Late diagnosis in patients who present as nonfamilial cases delays adequate management and genetic counseling. Clinical data of the 90 patients who presented as nonfamilial cases of the 300 patients of our cohort of patients with TTR-FAP were reviewed. They were 21 women and 69 men with a mean age at onset of 61 (extremes: 38 to 78 years) and 17 different mutations of the TTR gene including Val30Met (38 cases), Ser77Tyr (16 cases), Ile107Val (15 cases), and Ser77Phe (5 cases). Initial manifestations included mainly limb paresthesias (49 patients) or pain (17 patients). Walking difficulty and weakness (five patients) and cardiac or gastrointestinal manifestations (five patients), were less common at onset. Mean interval to diagnosis was 4 years (range 1 to 10 years); 18 cases were mistaken for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, which was the most common diagnostic error. At referral a length-dependent sensory loss affected the lower limbs in 2, all four limbs in 20, and four limbs and anterior trunk in 77 patients. All sensations were affected in 60 patients (67%), while small fiber dysfunction predominated in the others. Severe dysautonomia affected 80 patients (90%), with postural hypotension in 52, gastrointestinal dysfunction in 50, impotence in 58 of 69 men, and sphincter disturbance in 31. Twelve patients required a cardiac pacemaker. Nerve biopsy was diagnostic in 54 of 65 patients and salivary gland biopsy in 20 of 30. Decreased nerve conduction velocity, increased CSF protein, negative biopsy findings, and false immunolabeling of amyloid deposits were the main causes of diagnostic errors. We conclude that DNA testing, which is the most reliable test for TTR-FAP, should be performed in patients with a progressive length-dependent small fiber polyneuropathy of unknown origin, especially when associated with autonomic dysfunction.
Terahertz spectroscopy as a new tool for insulating material analysis and condition monitoring

Spectroscopic and imaging analyses using electromagnetic waves in the far IR or submillimeter region [0.1-20 terahertz (THz)] are emerging technologies in the field of optics research. Thanks to recent advances in related science and technology [l]-[6], it has been proposed that THz technology be applied in many fields such as early diagnosis of cancer, detection of counterfeit bills, and moisture analysis.
Minimal Improvement in Glomerular Filtration Rate in the First Year After Liver Transplantation

Background Renal function is an important predictor of liver transplantation (LT) outcome. This study examines the change in glomerular filtration rate (GFR, mL/min per m2) in the first year after LT, with subgroup analysis by baseline GFR, model for end-stage liver disease (MELD), age, sex, race, and diabetes/hypertension. Methods The records of 1275 consecutive deceased donor, liver, and liver/kidney transplants were reviewed retrospectively, with the liver/kidney data analyzed separately. Glomerular filtration rate was calculated using the modification of diet in renal disease equation. Results Among liver only patients, 25% had GFR less than 60 (mL/min per 1.73 m2) at LT, and this increased to 39% at 1 year. There were 42% of patients with normal renal function (GFR > 90) at baseline, and this decreased to 18% at 1 year. Only patient subgroups with MELD > 25 experienced any 1-year improvement in GFR, whereas all lower MELD groups experienced a significant decline in GFR. At 1 year after transplantation, there were 42% of recipients that had an absolute GFR decrease greater than 20 mL/min per 1.73 m2, and 39% that decreased greater than 25% from their transplant baseline. Only 22% had an absolute improvement in GFR greater than 5 mL/min per 1.73 m2. Conclusions Sixty-four percent of liver transplant recipients overall experience a decrease in GFR 1 year after transplantation. Recipients with severe kidney disease at transplant (GFR < 30) are the group most likely to experience improvement in GFR after transplantation. However, at 1 year, as a group, they remain at GFR less than 60 (stage III chronic kidney disease). These results suggest that severe renal dysfunction may be marginally reversible after LT, but only 22% of the recipients in this cohort experienced any post-LT improvement in renal function.
Nature-assisted therapy: Systematic review of controlled and observational studies

Background: Nature’s potentially positive effect on human health may serve as an important public health intervention. While several scientific studies have been performed on the subject, no systematic review of existing evidence has until date been established. Methods: This article is a systematic evaluation of available scientific evidence for nature-assisted therapy (NAT). With the design of a systematic review relevant data sources were scrutinised to retrieve studies meeting predefined inclusion criteria. The methodological quality of studies and abstracted data were assessed for intervention studies on NAT for a defined disease. The final inclusion of a study was decided by the authors together. Results: The included studies were heterogeneous for participant characteristics, intervention type, and methodological quality. Three meta-analyses, six studies of high evidence grade (four reporting significant improvement), and 29 studies of low to moderate evidence grade (26 reporting health improvements) were included. For the studies with high evidence grade, the results were generally positive, though somewhat ambiguous. Among the studies of moderate to low evidence grade, health improvements were reported in 26 cases out of 29. Conclusions: This review gives at hand that a rather small but reliable evidence base supports the effectiveness and appropriateness of NAT as a relevant resource for public health. Significant improvements were found for varied outcomes in diverse diagnoses, spanning from obesity to schizophrenia. Recommendations for specific areas of future research of the subject are provided.
Valsartan and retinal endothelial function in elderly hypertensive patients

Background. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of short‐term treatment with the angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) valsartan on retinal endothelial function in elderly patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension. Methods. In an open‐labeled study, 20 elderly, male patients with arterial hypertension (WHO I–II) were treated with the ARB valsartan (80–160 mg once daily) over 8 days. Central retinal artery perfusion at rest and during flicker light stimulation was measured before and after treatment using pulsed wave Doppler sonography. Retinal capillary flow was assessed with scanning laser Doppler flowmetry at rest and following systemic infusion of the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor NG‐monomethyl‐l‐arginine (L‐NMMA). Results. While valsartan significantly lowered blood pressure, central retinal artery perfusion at rest as well as after flicker light stimulation was similar before and after treatment. Similarly, retinal capillary flow at rest and after infusion of L‐NMMA did not change with valsartan after 7 days of treatment. Subgroup analysis revealed that changes in retinal capillary flow in response to L‐NMMA might be dependent on serum low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels of study participants. After treatment with valsartan, retinal capillary flow in response to L‐NMMA decreased more in patients with low (<3.54 mmol/l) than with high LDL‐cholesterol levels (−12.6±20.2% vs 12.3±19.5%, p<0.05). Conclusion. Short‐term treatment with valsartan did not improve retinal endothelial function in elderly hypertensive patients.
The accident process preceding overexertion back injuries in nursing personnel. PROSA study group.

OBJECTIVES This prospective dynamic-population-based study investigated factors involved in the accident process preceding overexertion back injuries among nursing personnel. METHODS The study covered all reported occupational overexertion back injuries due to accidents among of the approximately 24 500 nurses in the Stockholm County hospitals during 1 year. It was assumed that several factors interact in the accident process. Detailed information was obtained for each injury by interviews with the injured nurse and head nurse. Risks in the physical environment were identified using an ergonomic checklist. RESULTS During the study 136 overexertion back injuries were reported. Of the 130 nurses participating in the study, 125 had been injured in connection with patient work. Cluster analysis yielded 6 clusters and their pattern of contributing factors. The most frequent injury occurred during patient transfer in the bed or to or from the bed, without the use of transfer devices, when the patient suddenly lost his or her balance or resisted during the transfer and the nurse had to make a sudden movement. However, there were physical conditions, such as shortcomings in the physical work environment or a lack of a transfer device, that compelled the nurses to perform the tasks under unsafe conditions. CONCLUSIONS The clusters showed a complexity of different kinds of accidents and indicated that the measures for preventing accidents, or for blocking an accident process once started, have to be of different kinds and placed at several different levels in the organization of a workplace.
Does ultrasound guidance improve the outcomes of arthrocentesis and corticosteroid injection of the knee?

Objective: The present randomized controlled trial compared arthrocentesis of the effusive knee followed by corticosteroid injection performed by the conventional anatomic landmark palpation-guided technique to the same procedure performed with ultrasound (US) needle guidance. Methods: Sixty-four palpably effusive knees were randomized to (i) palpation-guided arthrocentesis with a conventional 20-mL syringe (22 knees), (ii) US-guided arthrocentesis with a 25-mL reciprocating procedure device (RPD) mechanical aspirating syringe (22 knees), or (iii) US-guided arthrocentesis with a 60-mL automatic aspirating syringe (20 knees). The one-needle two-syringe technique was used. Outcome measures included patient pain by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain (0–10 cm), the proportion of diagnostic samples, synovial fluid volume yield, complications, and therapeutic outcome at 2 weeks. Results: Sonographic guidance resulted in 48% less procedural pan (VAS; palpation-guided: 5.8 ± 3.0 cm, US-guided: 3.0 ± 2.8 cm, p < 0.001), 183% increased aspirated synovial fluid volumes (palpation-guided: 12 ± 10 mL, US-guided: 34 ± 25 mL, p < 0.0001), and improved outcomes at 2 weeks (VAS; palpation-guided: 2.8 ± 2.4 cm, US-guided: 1.5 ± 1.9 cm, p = 0.034). Outcomes of sonographic guidance with the mechanical syringe and automatic syringe were comparable in all outcome measures. Conclusions: US-guided arthrocentesis and injection of the knee are superior to anatomic landmark palpation-guided arthrocentesis, resulting in significantly less procedural pain, improved arthrocentesis success, greater synovial fluid yield, more complete joint decompression, and improved clinical outcomes.
Accuracy of information on apparently credible websites: survey of five common health topics

The internet provides an easily accessible forum to disseminate both accurate and inaccurate health information—so it has the potential to facilitate but also to jeopardise healthcare provision. 1 2 Many criteria have been alleged to capture the quality of health websites, 3 4 but the validity of these criteria needs to be examined.5 The source, currency, and hierarchy of the evidence posted on a website may be used to judge its credibility—that is, the power of inspiring belief. If these criteria were fulfilled, the contents of the website would be expected to be accurate. We determined whether websites that seem to be credible provide accurate health information. We determined the relation between credibility features and accuracy of contents of 121 websites that provided information on five common health topics: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease …
A comparison of midazolam with trimeprazine as an oral premedicant for children

The effect of oral premedication was investigated in a double‐blind, randomised trial in 85 children undergoing tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy. Orally administered midazolam 0.5 mg.kg−1 given 30 min pre‐operatively was compared with trimeprazine 2 mg.kg−1 given 90 min pre‐operatively and a placebo preparation. Compliance, sedation and ease of induction were assessed as were the duration and quality of recovery. Following premedication with midazolam none of the patients was anxious, crying or distressed on leaving the ward, compared with 2/28 in the trimeprazine group and 5/28 in the placebo group (p =0.0007). More patients were calm and quiet on arrival in the anaesthetic room following midazolam than following trimeprazine, with both premedicant agents comparing favourably with placebo. There was no significant difference between the three groups in the time to recovery or the sedation score on discharge to the ward. Midazolam is a safe and effective oral premedicant for children.
Pedestrians' perceptions of walkability and safety in relation to the built environment in Cali, Colombia, 2009–10

Objective To assess pedestrians' perceptions of the walkability of the urban environment and pedestrian safety in Cali, Colombia. Design Standardised intercept interviews were conducted of 400 pedestrians walking in 20 randomly selected urban zones to ascertain frequency of walking, and perceptions of safety, the built environment and security. Four focus group meetings were held with community members and students addressing these issues in an open-ended forum. The study analysed quantitative data collected in street interviews and qualitative information from focus groups addressing respondents' views on problems for pedestrians, how the built environment affects walking and ideal walking conditions. Results Access to public transportation was deemed the most positive characteristic of the built environment and 61% of respondents liked walking in the street. When disaggregating street conditions, the majority of pedestrians were dissatisfied with their walking experiences. Pedestrians cited lack of respect for norms, personal safety and built environment characteristics as their main concerns. Among frequent walkers, residents tended to rate their neighbourhoods more negatively compared with non-residents. Through qualitative interviews it became apparent that narrow sidewalks that are frequently obstructed by motor vehicles are a key reason for pedestrian dissatisfaction. A perception of overall insecurity further determines how pedestrians assess or modulate their walking in this city. Conclusions Overall, walking in Cali was perceived negatively by pedestrians because of built environment characteristics and perceptions of insecurity. Qualitative information used to complement intercept surveys can provide a better way to identify pedestrian-specific transport-related problems.
EXTENDED ENDOSCOPIC TRANSSPHENOIDAL APPROACH FOR TUBERCULUM SELLAE MENINGIOMAS

OBJECTIVE Tuberculum sellae meningiomas are classically removed through several different surgical transcranial approaches, including the pterional transsylvian route. Recently, the indications for the transsphenoidal technique, traditionally proposed only for the treatment of intrasellar lesions, have been extended to include lesions located in the supra- and parasellar areas and, among them, tuberculum sellae meningiomas. We describe the surgical technique for the purely endoscopic endonasal variant of the extended transsphenoidal "low route" to tuberculum sellae meningiomas. PATIENTS AND METHODS Over a 22-month period, six patients (three men and three women; mean age, 56.1 yr; age range, 44-70 yr) underwent an extended endoscopic transsphenoidal approach for the treatment of tuberculum sellae meningiomas. Two lesions were less than 2 cm and four were between 2 and 4 cm in size. The details of the surgical technique have been described. RESULTS Gross total removal of the lesion, without the need for brain retraction and with minimal neurovascular manipulation, was achieved in five patients (83.3%), whereas in one patient, only subtotal removal was possible (>90%) because the mass extended into the right optic canal. Four patients with preoperative visual function defects had complete recovery, whereas two patients experienced a temporary worsening of vision. Both of these patients fully recovered within a few days. One patient had a postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak that required three operations for cranial base defect repair. This patient showed rapid and unexpected worsening with respect to level of consciousness and anisocoria. An intraventricular hemorrhage was discovered, and the patient died 6 days later. Another patient developed new permanent diabetes insipidus that required hormonal replacement therapy. CONCLUSION In experienced hands and in carefully selected patients, the extended endoscopic transsphenoidal approach may constitute a viable alternative to transcranial approaches for tuberculum sellae meningioma. At present, the major limits of the approach include the lack of a reliable technique for the reconstruction of a cranial base defect and inadequate follow-up.
Middle-School Students of United Arab Emirates: Effects of Heterogeneous Small Group Work on Attitudes toward Mathematics

This study compared the effects of two instructional strategies, small heterogeneous cooperative learning experience versus lecture and discussion, on students' attitudes toward mathematics. 54 boys and 57 girls in Grade 8 of four middle-school mathematics classes participated. Two classes (57 students) were taught using a cooperative learning method and the other two classes (54 students) were taught using traditional lecture and discussion. Differences between attitudes of boys and girls were also investigated and discussed in the light of Arabic culture. The results suggested that cooperative learning might be a valuable method with which to teach mathematics concepts to boys.