Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Patient compliance for psychotropic medications: a group model for an expanding psychiatric inpatient unit.

Patients can teach nurses about their reasons for not taking psychotropic medications and, when encouraged to do so, can learn to ask for information that helps them make more positive health care decisions. Patients should be encouraged to be well informed about their diagnoses to be better able to distinguish problems that are aspects of the illness. Positive influences on compliance have been shown to be good communication between patients and health care providers, the severity of the illness and symptoms as assessed by the patient, minimal medication side effects, and the convenience of taking the medication as it fits into the patient's lifestyle.
The Impact of Waiting in Line on Consumers

Since consumers feel that time is becoming an increasingly scarcer resource, service organizations are also becoming increasingly sensitive to the economical and psychological costs which they impose on their clients in waiting lines. Reports a study aimed at examining the relations between two variables which are controllable by banks (i.e. service interruption and clients′ participation in the service process) upon the perceived time spent in waiting lines, clients′ mood and perceived service quality. Results show that individuals who find the waiting time “unacceptable” have a very significantly lower mood and perceived the service as being of lower quality. Concludes that perceived waiting time can be modified through managerially controllable variables which also influence strategically important variables such as client mood and perceived service quality.
ABH and Lewis histo‐blood group antigens in cancer

Antigens of the ABH and Lewis histo‐blood group family can be found on many normal cells, mainly of epithelial type. In carcinomas, altered expression of the various carbohydrate epitopes of this family occur, and are often strongly associated with either a good or bad prognosis. A review of the available data on these tumor‐associated markers, their biosynthesis and their prognostic value is proposed here. For a long time it has been unclear whether their presence could affect the behavior of carcinoma cells. Recent data, however, indicate that they play biological roles in the course of tumor progression. The presence of sialyl‐Lea or sialyl‐Lex, which are ligands for selectins, promotes the metastatic process by facilitating interaction with the endothelium of distant organs. The loss of A and B antigens increases cellular motility, while the presence of H epitopes increases resistance to apoptosis by mechanisms that remain to be defined. The Ley antigen has procoagulant and angiogenic activities. All these observations are used to present a model that may account for the described associations between the presence or loss of these markers and the outcome of disease. Finally, their potential clinical applicaitons as tumor‐associated markers or as targets of immunotherapy are reviewed.
Analysis of Ranging Precision in an FMCW Radar Measurement Using a Phase-Locked Loop

The standard deviation in a frequency modulated continuous wave radar distance measurement using a charge pump phase-locked loop (PLL) is calculated analytically. The phase noise of the PLL is modeled as an Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process resulting in a Lorentzian spectrum. We calculate the distance error as a function of the receiver noise bandwidth and the target distance. Depending on the frequency estimation algorithm and the target distance, the rms distance error due to PLL phase noise increases by about 6–9 dB with doubling the target distance. By contrast, the white noise in the radar receiver raises the distance error by about 12 dB in the far field with distance doubling, making this error contribution dominant for large target distances. These findings are verified by measurements on a scalable 61/122-GHz radar sensor platform.
Huanglongbing and the California Citrus Industry: A Cost Comparison of Do Nothing vs. Do Something Management Practices

The disease Huanglongbing (HLB) was first discovered in the United States in Florida in 2005. Since its discovery, HLB has not only decreased citrus production, but has drastically increased production costs. With California contributing over 80% of the nation’s fresh oranges, it is important to attempt to keep HLB from becoming endemic in this state. This study examines two alternative management practices and estimates the potential total loss in production value over a 20-year period due to HLB in the California citrus industry. The total loss is estimated to be $2.7 billion under a do-nothing approach and $2.2 billion under an aggressive mitigation approach. This suggests that limiting the spread of HLB is the preferred management approach. It not only results in total damage savings of $2,803 per acre over the do-nothing approach, but also protects the California citrus industry from HLB and promotes economic growth.
Training Together: How Another Human Trainee’s Presence Affects Behavior during Virtual Human-Based Team Training

Despite research showing that team training can lead to strong improvements in team performance, logistical difficulties can prevent team training programs from being adopted on a large scale. A proposed solution to these difficulties is the use of virtual humans to replace missing teammates. Existing research evaluating the use of virtual humans for team training has been conducted in settings involving a single human trainee. However, in the real world multiple human trainees would most likely train together. In this paper, we explore how the presence of a second human trainee can alter behavior during a medical team training program. Ninety-two nurses and surgical technicians participated in a medical training exercise, where they worked with a virtual surgeon and virtual anesthesiologist to prepare a simulated patient for surgery. The agency of the nurse and the surgical technician were varied between three conditions: human nurses and surgical technicians working together; human nurses working with a virtual surgical technician; and human surgical technicians working with a virtual nurse. Variations in agency did not produce statistically significant differences in the training outcomes, but several notable differences were observed in other aspects of the team's behavior. Specifically, when working with a virtual nurse, human surgical technicians were more likely to assist with speaking up about patient safety issues that were outside of their normal responsibilities; human trainees spent less time searching for a missing item when working with a virtual partner, likely because the virtual partner was physically unable to move throughout the room and assist with the searching process; and more breaks in presence were observed when two human teammates were present. These results show that some behaviors may be influenced by the presence of multiple human trainees, though these behaviors may not impinge on core training goals. When developing virtual human-based training programs, designers should consider that the presence of other humans may reduce involvement during training moments perceived to be the responsibility of other trainees, and should consider that a virtual teammate's limitations may cause human teammates to limit their own behaviors in corresponding ways (e.g. searching less).
Effect of changing the cow's milking system on daily yield and cytological quality of milk

The aim of the study was to analyse the effect of changing the milking sys- tem (from a milking parlour to automatic milking) on daily yield of cows and cytolo- gical quality of their milk. GLM and FREQ procedures of the SAS package were used in the statistical calculations. The change in the milking system caused a short-term decrease in daily yield and an increase in milk somatic cell count (SCC). In the long term (12 months), daily yield increased (P 0.01) from 27.7 kg milk for cows milked in the milking parlour to 31.1 kg milk for cows milked automatically. The change in the milking system from the milking parlour to automatic milking had a positive effect on milk somatic cell count as the natural logarithm of SCC decreased from 12.44 to 11.97. The proportion of milk samples with low SCC ( 400,000 cells ml 1 ) decreased by 5.68%.
Microbiological and observational analysis of cross contamination risks during domestic food preparation

The use of an observational approach in conjunction with isolation techniques for campylobacter and salmonella detection has facilitated a detailed evaluation of the risk of cross contamination during food preparation. Identification of suspected exposure routes has linked naturally contaminated raw foods with important food‐handling malpractices, contaminated contact surfaces and ready‐to‐eat foods. In a model domestic kitchen, 29 per cent of food preparation sessions resulted in positive campylobacter isolations from prepared salads, cleaning materials and food‐contact surfaces. Typing results showed that specific campylobacter strains isolated from prepared chicken salads were the same as the strains isolated from the raw chicken pieces, indicating microbial transfer during food preparation. Data obtained from this study can be used for exposure assessment, risk management and in the development of consumer risk communication strategies.
SIMULTANEOUS VOLTAMMETRIC DETECTION OF ORGANICS FROM WASTEWATER ON A COPPER OXIDE-COPPER ELECTRODE

The amperometric response in dynamic or fixed potential conditions, as cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry (CA) of a copper oxide-copper electrode was studied and proposed for the fast characterization of the simulated wastewaters containing acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and sulfur compounds, i.e., thioacetamide (TA) as organic pollutant models. The additivity of the individual amperometric signals in the overall response of the electrode for mixed solutions corresponded to over 95% recovery degree. Some supplementary considerations on the qualitative and quantitative determination were underlined. The sum amperometric signal could be proposed and used as a easy accessible characterization parameter of organic load from wastewaters and a substituent of classical, time-consuming and poorly recovered COD (chemical oxygen demand). In this way, the copper oxide-copper electrode offered a very cheap support for the practical purposes, e.g., wastewater characterization.
Site of hospital readmission and mortality: a population-based retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND Unplanned hospital readmission is a complex process, particularly if the patient is readmitted to an acute care institution other than the original hospital. This study tested the hypothesis that readmission to an alternative hospital is associated with increased mortality compared with readmission to the original hospital. METHODS We performed a population-based retrospective cohort analysis set between 1995 and 2010 for all 21 acute care adult general hospitals in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. Participants were consecutive adults (age ≥ 18 yr) readmitted through the emergency department within 30 days after hospital discharge. The primary outcome measure was all-cause mortality within 30 days after readmission. RESULTS Of the 198 149 patients included in the study, 38 134 (19.2%) died within 30 days after readmission. Patients readmitted to an alternative hospital were more likely than those readmitted to the original hospital to be older, reside in a chronic-care facility and arrive by ambulance. Alternative-hospital readmission was associated with a higher risk of death within 30 days (22.3% v. 18.6%, p < 0.001; odds ratio [OR] 1.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.23-1.30). The increased risk was substantially less after adjustment for patient- and hospital-level covariables (adjusted OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.02-1.10). Unadjusted Kaplan-Meier survival curves separated early and the absolute difference in mortality continued throughout the entire 1-year follow-up period, but no difference between groups was observed based on adjusted survival analyses. INTERPRETATION Among patients readmitted within 30 days after discharge, readmission to an alternative hospital was associated with a higher risk of death than readmission to the original hospital. Whether this adverse prognosis reflects a true causal relation or residual confounding is unknown.
A model for measuring an ISO 9000 internal audit outcome

This paper developed a model for quantitative assessment of a quality management system internal audit findings showing their potential to contribute to the business performance. This potential is evaluated for each of four groups of company’s strategic goals according to the balanced scorecard approach and for the company as a whole (all four groups of goals included). Literature review showed that no method existed that could be used to monitor and quantitatively evaluate such internal audit findings’ potential. However such a measurement tool has been searched for by professionals and practitioners. The developed Audit Record Assessment Model (ARA model) has wide possibilities of its application. Model results are easily understood by managers and useful for internal audit planning, for comparison of internal audit outcomes through the time and for benchmarking. Model is easy to implement and to use and its results could be used for monitoring the work of the auditors as one of the criteria for their motivation, selection, training, etc.
Consumer information search and credence services: implications for service providers

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the involvement levels and the information search activity of consumers purchasing credence services, in terms of the extent of the search and the information sources used. Design/methodology/approach – A survey was undertaken (n=400) examining consumers ' information search practices for a range of credence services in comparison to non-credence services (search and experience services). Findings – Involvement in the search process is high in terms of importance but not interest. Somewhat surprisingly, consumers of credence services do not undertake a more comprehensive information search than non-credence service purchasers in terms of the use of external sources of information. They do, however, depend more on the opinion of salespeople, the experience of friends and the content of consumer reports. Research limitations/implications – The results of this study differ from similar work that was previously undertaken with students and also in the USA. It .
Governance Matters VIII: Aggregate and Individual Governance Indicators, 1996-2008

This paper reports on the 2009 update of the Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGI) research project, covering 212 countries and territories and measuring six dimensions of governance between 1996 and 2008: Voice and Accountability, Political Stability and Absence of Violence/Terrorism, Government Effectiveness, Regulatory Quality, Rule of Law, and Control of Corruption. These aggregate indicators are based on hundreds of specific and disaggregated individual variables measuring various dimensions of governance, taken from 35 data sources provided by 33 different organizations. The data reflect the views on governance of public sector, private sector and NGO experts, as well as thousands of citizen and firm survey respondents worldwide. The authors also explicitly report the margins of error accompanying each country estimate. These reflect the inherent difficulties in measuring governance using any kind of data. They find that even after taking margins of error into account, the WGI permit meaningful cross-country comparisons as well as monitoring progress over time. The aggregate indicators, together with the disaggregated underlying indicators, are available at www.govindicators. org.
Improving supply chain performance through auditing: a change management perspective

Purpose – Quick scan audit methodology (QSAM) has been adapted to include some change management practices. This paper seeks to relate how the company's dissemination feedback presentation sessions and implementation team‐work added value to the established QSAM by: offering a new method of demonstrating a “listening ear” to employees, providing enhanced verification of the QS results, increasing “buy in” and offering the possibility of a deeper knowledge transfer and increased audit accuracy.Design/methodology/approach – This action research project is oriented around diagnosis and improvement of Company A's production‐planning process using an adapted QSAM procedure, and a qualitative investigation into the effect of increasing employee participation in QSAM with a view to increasing its potential as a change management tool. The primary research was largely conducted through semi‐structured interviews designed according to role. An important change management dimension of the primary research was to cl.
Does Ownership Matter in Private Equity? The Sources of Variance in Buyouts’ Performance

We study the impact of ownership on firm performance in an unexplored governance context: private equity (PE) firms and the buyouts in which they invest. We employ a multiple-membership, cross-classified, multilevel model on a unique database of 6,950 buyouts realized by 255 PE firms between 1973 and 2008 in 77 countries. The results document a significant PE firm effect (4.6%), the importance of which grows as time passes. We then study three contingencies that increase the importance of the PE firm effect: (a) value addition vs. selection strategies; (b) developed vs. emerging economies; and (c) economic downturns. Our findings shed new light on the sources of variance in buyouts’ performance.
Alcohol Use and Sexual Risk Behaviors Among Adolescents With Psychiatric Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

ABSTRACT Adolescents with psychiatric disorders appear to be at increased risk for acquiring HIV and other sexually transmitted infections; however, little is known about the prevalence of behavioral risk factors in this population. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the prevalence of alcohol use and sexual risk behaviors among adolescents with psychiatric disorders. Electronic database searches identified studies sampling adolescents diagnosed with psychiatric disorders and assessing both alcohol and sexual risk behaviors. Fourteen studies sampling 3,029 adolescents with psychiatric disorders were included. The majority of adolescents with psychiatric disorders report alcohol use and sexual risk behaviors. Risk reduction interventions targeting these two behaviors are needed.
Implementation of American Society of Clinical Oncology/College of American Pathologists HER2 Guideline Recommendations in a tertiary care facility increases HER2 immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization concordance and decreases the number of inconclusive cases.

CONTEXT The American Society of Clinical Oncology/ College of American Pathologists (ASCO/CAP) guideline recommendations from January 2007 identified many sources of immunohistochemistry (IHC) testing variation. OBJECTIVE In this current study, we implemented the guidelines and addressed our institution's preanalytic, analytic, and postanalytic variables relating to HER2 testing to improve clinical outcomes. DESIGN We evaluated core biopsies performed on breast lesions from 2006 through 2007. Prognostic/predictive markers obtained by IHC were correlated with HER2 fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Preanalytic sources of biopsy testing variation were studied by collecting data on the number of biopsies that needed repeat testing because of inconclusive FISH results. RESULTS In the year preceding implementation of the guidelines, the HER2 IHC and FISH concordance was 98%. In an additional 10.8% of cases, the FISH results were inconclusive. When additional material became available to retest the inconclusive cases, the results were informative. Further evaluation of the inconclusive cases revealed that the core needle biopsies received, on average, 4 hours of formalin fixation. After implementation of a minimum 6 hours of fixation and the ASCO/CAP guideline recommendations, the HER2 IHC and FISH concordance was 98.5%. The number of FISH inconclusive cases decreased from 10.8% to 3.4% (a 64% reduction). Repeat estrogen-receptor IHC requests decreased by 40% from 38 in 2006 to 23 in 2007. CONCLUSIONS We have shown that standardized fixation and adherence to the ASCO/CAP guidelines for HER2 testing has resulted in a greater HER2 IHC and HER2 FISH correlation, decreased numbers of inconclusive FISH cases, decreased repeat estrogen-receptor requests, and financial savings to the Department of Pathology.
A prospective randomized comparison of Medtronic Mosaic and Carpentier-Edwards-SAV in the aortic position: an interim report.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY The study aim was to compare prospectively the clinical performance and long-term durability of the Medtronic Mosaic and Carpentier-Edwards porcine (CE-SAV) bioprostheses in the aortic position over 10 years. METHODS Between January 2001 and July 2003, a total of 242 patients undergoing bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement (AVR) were prospectively randomized to receive either Medtronic Mosaic (n = 126) or CE-SAV (n = 116) valves, and followed up annually. RESULTS The mean follow up period was 1.7 +/- 0.8 years; total follow up was 411 patient-years. Early mortality and 40-month actuarial survival were 5.5% and 93 +/- 1% for the Mosaic valve, and 2.6% and 90 +/- 1% for the CE-SAV. Among patients, 78% showed symptomatic improvement in their NYHA functional class after AVR. To date there have been no structural failures, and one patient required reoperation for prosthetic valve (Mosaic) endocarditis. Early thromboembolic events occurred in 2.9% of patients (two Mosaic, five CE-SAV). Echocardiographic evaluations between the two valves demonstrated comparable hemodynamic performance for a given size at one year after surgery. CONCLUSION At this stage of the study there were no differences in clinical or hemodynamic outcome in patients undergoing AVR using either the Mosaic or CE-SAV porcine xenograft.
Do Deaf People See Better? Texture Segmentation and Visual Search Compensate in Adult but Not in Juvenile Subjects

The research concerning the visual perception in deaf subjects has led to contradictory results: Deaf subjects have been reported to show enhanced visual perceptual skills compared to hearing subjects (Neville & Lawson, 1987). On the other hand, there are indications that acoustic deprivation may produce an inferiority in all sensory modalities (Myklebust, 1964). These contradictions may be due to methodological differences: The investigators selected different conditions (e.g. attentive/nonattentive) and various samples of deaf subjects (e.g., different age, language, and aetiology groups). In our study, we tested a large sample of deaf subjects with texture segmentation and visual search conditions, which allowed us to differentiate between visual processing with and without attentional load. All deaf subjects had profound hearing loss within the first year of life. Our results suggest that the visual processing capacity of deaf children and adolescents does not exceed that of age- and gender-matched hearing subjects. Rather, deaf school children show deficits in visual processing in conditions with and without attentional load. Age (6 to 20 years), language used (oral, sign, oral + sign), and aetiology for deafness (genetic, maternal rubella, perinatal, infection in the first year of life, unknown) did not consistently influence the results. The deficits in visual processing were partially compensated for in adult deaf subjects. The performances of deaf and hearing adults in trials that could be solved preattentively did not differ statistically significantly, but in attention-dependent trials the deaf subjects were more efficient than the hearing controls. We conclude that visual compensation for deafness is limited to attention-dependent tasks and does not develop until adulthood.