Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Preterm birth and its associated risk factors. A study at tertiary care hospitals of Karachi, Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE To study the factors associated with the risk of preterm birth among local population of Karachi, Pakistan. METHODS This case control study was carried out on all those patients who were admitted in the post-partum wards of Civil Hospital and Abbasi Shaheed Hospital Karachi, during the period of January to May 2011. A total of 600 patients were part of this study. All those women who had preterm delivery (delivery at <37 weeks of gestation) were grouped together as case-group (n=300), while women who had term delivery (delivery ? 37 and <42 weeks of gestation) were grouped as control-group (n=300). Data was collected by the help of a questionnaire which included questions related to the previous and current gestational history of the mothers, their nutritional status, drug addictions, urogenital, dental or systemic diseases they suffered, along with any physical or emotional stress they experienced during pregnancy. Last menstrual period and ultrasound reports were brought into use to calculate the precise gestational age of the baby. Data collected from the two groups were then compared to find out the possible risk factors of preterm delivery. RESULTS A total of 600 subjects were divided into two equal groups of cases (n=300) and controls (n=300). There were 30 (10%) patients in the case-group and 33 (11%) patients in the control-group who were above 35 years of age (p<0.05). At the time of delivery, 111 (37%) cases and 51 (17%) controls weighed <50 kg (p <0.01). There were 264 (88%) cases and 117 (39%) controls with a haemoglobin level <10 gm/dL (p <0.01). In the case-group, 15 (5%) patients had a history of previous multiple preterm deliveries, 24 (8%) had one previous preterm delivery, and 261 (87%) had no previous preterm delivery. In the control-group, no patient had a history of multiple preterm deliveries, 15 (5%) had one previous preterm delivery, and 285 (95%) had no previous preterm deliveries (p<0.05). Common symptoms experienced in the gestational period in the case-group were dizziness/weakness (228; 76%), pain/malaise (213; 71%) and emotional stress such as anger (207; 69%). In the control-group the distribution was as follows: dizziness/weakness (168; 56%), emotional stress such as anger (165; 55%) and pain/malaise (141; 47%) (p<0.01). In the case-group, 69 (23%) women consumed fish, milk and pulses on a weekly basis, 177 (59%) on a monthly basis, and 54 (18%) did not take them at all. In the control-group, 174 (58%) patients consumed fish, milk and pulses on weekly basis, 90 (30%) on a monthly basis, and 36 (12%) did not take them at all (p<0.01). About 66 (22%) patients from the case-group and 21 (7%) in the control-group had evidence of periodontal disease on physical examination (p<0.05). CONCLUSION Low maternal weight, multiple previous preterm deliveries, periodontal diseases, maternal anaemia, physical and emotional stress are among the factors associated with the risk of preterm birth among the local population delivering in tertiary care, governmental hospitals of Karachi, Pakistan.
Electrical stimulation of acupuncture points for analgesia during bone marrow aspiration and biopsy: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial

Background: Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy (BMA/BMB) is a painful procedure mostly used in diagnosing and staging of a broad spectrum of hematological diseases. In spite of local anesthesia, the prevalence and intensity of the pain and patient discomfort caused by this procedure are considerable. The effect of acupuncture and electrical stimulation of acupoints (acupuncture points) in the treatment of many medical conditions, including pain, have been approved. The study is designed to evaluate the effect of electrical stimulation of acupoints to decrease the pain during BMA/BMB in adults. Materials and Methods: In a double-blind controlled clinical trial, 50 patients undergoing BMA/BMB were randomly allocated into two groups, to receive either true or placebo electrical stimulation of acupoints LI-4 (large intestine 4, Hegu) and LI-11 (large intestine 11, Quchi), bilaterally. Both groups received infiltrative local anesthesia. The pain level caused by BMA/BMB was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Results: The means of the VAS in the case and control groups were 41.84 ± 20.54 and 69.40 ± 20.06 respectively (P < 0.001). The systolic and diastolic blood pressure and pulse rate rose significantly in both the groups compared to the basal values. The rise was lower in the acupuncture group compared to the placebo group regarding systolic blood pressure and pulse rate (P = 0.018 and P < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions: The results of this study show that the electrical stimulation of acupoints significantly decreases the pain caused by BMA/BMB and some of the complications of the pain.
Why Are Losses Less Persistent than Profits? Curtailments versus Conservatism

It is well documented that losses are less persistent than profits and that stock prices anticipate the lower persistence of losses. Yet the underlying explanation for these results is unclear. One explanation lies in the abandonment option, whereby firms with losses are more likely to curtail operations (e.g., Hayn 1995). Another explanation involves timely loss recognition stemming from conservative accounting (e.g., Basu 1997). We provide direct evidence that curtailments are an important factor contributing to the lower persistence of losses. An implication of our results is that popular measures of conservatism, such as the measure proposed by Basu (1997), also reflect curtailments.
Can Non-Linear Real Shocks Explain the Persistence of PPP Exchange Rate Disequilibria?

A core stylized fact of the empirical exchange rate literature is that half-life deviations of equilibrium real exchange rates from levels implied by Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) are very persistent. Empirical efforts to explain this persistence typically proceed along two distinct paths, resorting either to the presence of real shocks such as productivity differentials that drive equilibrium exchange rates away from levels implied by PPP, or the presence of non-linearities in the adjustment process around PPP. By contrast, we combine these two explanations in the context of an innovative panel estimation methodology. We conclude that both explanations are relevant to the behavior of exchange rates and that resulting half-lives are much shorter than estimated using linear PPP and more consistent with the observed volatility of nominal and real exchange rates.
Exploring the Gender Gap

We attempt to further the `normal' study of public opinion in the European Union (EU) by examining the relationship of gender to attitudes toward integration. Using Eurobarometer 42 we demonstrate that a modest gender gap exists, with women being less enthusiastic about the EU than men. We then construct a model to explain male and female attitudes using measures of political distance, women's values, ideology, economic vulnerability and national tradition. Women's attitudes are more sensitive to knowledge about the EU and to economic pessimism than men's, while men's attitudes are determined more by interest in politics, traditionalist values, ideology, and working-class status. We conclude by analyzing interesting differences that emerge when respondents are grouped by `type of welfare state'.
ELECTRICITY ON SALE NOW

This paper provides the first insights from a Dutch smart grid study with real time pricing, including enabling technology, amongst a large group of households. The study demonstrates that participating households shift their electricity demand in time. Saving money is an important motivation to do so. At the same time, participants report that they do not know the exact price of electricity during the day. It is argued that the way the pricing scheme is presented is very important. Caused by the fact that electricity is still very cheap, potential financial gains remain limited for the domestic electricity consumer. Thus, financial incentives alone are not seen as convincing enough. We need good design to facilitate the development of simple behavioural rules that are easy to perform and maintain.
Community-Based Planning as a Source of Political Change: The Transit Equity Movement of Los Angeles' Bus Riders Union

Abstract Metropolitan regions in the U.S. are increasingly turning to public transit to address the serious problems of air pollution and traffic congestion. But they may not be capable of simultaneously luring suburban commuters out of their cars while maintaining good access to dispersing metropolitan opportunities for people who cannot drive. After an expensive rail rapid transit system to the suburbs was built in Los Angeles, a grassroots citizen movement used a civil rights lawsuit to force policymakers to meet the needs of poor, minority bus riders in the inner city. This article demonstrates a link between politics and planning by first identifying the crucial political changes, using a model from social movement theory, then examining how planning skills were used by citizen activists when they induced these changes. It suggests a new direction for equity planning, in which practice is based in community institutions acting as a complement to government planning.
EARLY ASSESSMENT OF LEUKOCYTE ALTERATIONS AT DIAGNOSIS OF SEPTIC SHOCK

A dramatic decrease in circulating lymphocyte number is regularly described after septic shock. However, it is unknown how early this alteration develops after diagnosis of shock and if it remains stable over time. Twenty-one septic shock patients with no comorbidities were included within 2 h after the beginning of vasopressive treatment. Flow cytometry phenotyping of circulating leukocyte subpopulations and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction of T-bet, GATA-3, FOXP3, and ROR&ggr; mRNA were performed in patients from the diagnosis of shock and every 6 h during the subsequent 48 h. From their admission in the intensive care unit, patients present with major alterations of circulating leukocyte count (leukocytosis, neutrophilia, and major lymphopenia). The numbers of every lymphocyte subpopulations (T, B, and natural killer cells) were diminished. Gene expression analysis of transcription factors specific for TH1, TH2, CD4+CD25+ regulatory, and TH17 lymphocytes showed a severe decrease in comparison with healthy individuals' values. These alterations remain stable during the first 48 h after inclusion in the protocol despite early and aggressive resuscitation and antibiotherapy administered in patients. At the time of diagnosis of shock and admission in the intensive care unit, septic patients already present with severe lymphopenia involving every lymphocyte subsets including CD4+ T-cell subpopulations. No significant variation could be detected within the first 48 h. This should be taken into account in the forthcoming clinical trials testing immunomodulating therapies in septic shock patients.
Framing Young Childrens Oral Health: A Participatory Action Research Project

Background and Objectives Despite the widespread acknowledgement of the importance of childhood oral health, little progress has been made in preventing early childhood caries. Limited information exists regarding specific daily-life and community-related factors that impede optimal oral hygiene, diet, care, and ultimately oral health for children. We sought to understand what parents of young children consider important and potentially modifiable factors and resources influencing their children’s oral health, within the contexts of the family and the community. Methods This qualitative study employed Photovoice among 10 English-speaking parents of infants and toddlers who were clients of an urban WIC clinic in North Carolina. The primary research question was: “What do you consider as important behaviors, as well as family and community resources to prevent cavities among young children? ” Five group sessions were conducted and they were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using qualitative research methodology. Inductive analyses were based on analytical summaries, double-coding, and summary matrices and were done using Atlas.ti. 7.5. 9 software. Findings Good oral health was associated with avoidance of problems or restorations for the participants. Financial constraints affected healthy food and beverage choices, as well as access to oral health care. Time constraints and occasional frustration related to children’s oral hygiene emerged as additional barriers. Establishment of rules/routines and commitment to them was a successful strategy to promote their children’s oral health, as well as modeling of older siblings, cooperation among caregivers and peer support. Community programs and organizations, social hubs including playgrounds, grocery stores and social media emerged as promising avenues for gaining support and sharing resources. Conclusions Low-income parents of young children are faced with daily life struggles that interfere with oral health and care. Financial constraints are pervasive, but parents identified several strategies involving home care and community agents that can be helpful. Future interventions aimed to improve children’s oral health must take into consideration the role of families and the communities in which they live.
Strategy and performance of new ventures: A contingency model of the role and influence of the venture capitalist

The strategic activities of venture capitalists are regarded as their major contributions to their portfolio companies' performance. However, apart from a general consensus as to the different supporting roles the VC provides, little is known about how the VC specifically adds value to the venture's strategy and performance. In our paper, we address the expected fit between the value-adding activities of the VC on the one hand and the venture's strategy on the other hand, showing that a multi-theoretical approach is instrumental to explore the value-adding contribution of the VC to the venture's strategy and performance.
SATELLITE TELEVISION AND THE DEMAND FOR FOOTBALL: A WHOLE NEW BALL GAME?

A recent development in the U.K. television industry has been the emergence of satellite coverage of sporting events. This paper examines the relationship between broadcasting and football, culminating in the 1992 joint BBC and BSkyB contract to televise the English Premier League. A demand function is estimated which extends the familiar model of attendance to incorporate television together with quadratic functions. The authors find that, although live transmission reduces attendance, the net financial consequences are positive for Premier League teams. Moreover, significant estimators are found for the quadratic functions of price, earnings, distance, seasonal trend, and length of Premier League status. Copyright 1996 by Scottish Economic Society.
Planning and Financial Literacy: How Do Women Fare?

Many older US households have done little or no planning for retirement, and there is a substantial population that seems to undersave for retirement. Of particular concern is the relative position of older women, who are more vulnerable to old-age poverty due to their longer longevity. This paper uses data from a special module we devised on planning and financial literacy in the 2004 Health and Retirement Study. It shows that women display much lower levels of financial literacy than the older population as a whole. In addition, women who are less financially literate are also less likely to plan for retirement and be successful planners. These findings have important implications for policy and for programs aimed at fostering financial security at older ages.
Visual impairments in the first year after traumatic brain injury

Background: This article reviews literature regarding individuals with traumatic brain injury who have vision related impairments up to one year, post-injury. Such impairments may impact rehabilitation of activities of daily living and mobility since vision is integral in much of what one does on a daily basis. Methods: Search of Medline, Ovid, and PubMed was performed using terms including: traumatic brain injury, visual deficits after brain injury, vision and traumatic brain injury, and ADLs after brain injury. Results: Eighteen studies were analyzed and reviewed. A range of visual and visual-motor impairments are seen across the severity of traumatic brain injury. Visual impairment negatively impacts independence in mobility and activities of daily living. Common sensorimotor visual symptoms reported by those with traumatic brain injury include blurred vision, reading problems, double vision or eyestrain, dizziness or disequilibrium in visually-crowded environments, visual field defects, light sensitivity, and color blindness. Conclusions: This review should alert the reader to common visual complaints and defects seen after traumatic brain injury. It is important to screen persons who have suffered traumatic brain injury for sensorimotor vision deficits early on in recovery so that these issues may be addressed and recovery of function and independence in the community are not delayed.
Epidemiology of acephalus/acardius monozygotic twins: New insights into an epigenetic causal hypothesis

Apart from a series of 10 acephalus/acardius (Ac/Ac) cases described from a pathological point of view, and the analysis of a review of published cases, we have been unable to find any epidemiological studies on Ac/Ac. Using data from the Spanish Collaborative Study of Congenital Malformations (ECEMC), we present here what seems to be the first epidemiological analysis of a consecutive series of the Ac/Ac type of monozygotic twins (MZT). Among a total of 2,281,604 consecutive births, 11 cases of Ac/Ac MZT were detected, giving a frequency of 0.48 per 100,000 births. However, we consider the period 1980–1985 as the baseline for our data, as in this period voluntary termination of pregnancy was not possible in Spain, and the frequency of Ac/Ac MZT was 0.49 per 100,000 births. Nonetheless, this frequency should be considered as a minimal estimation. The characteristics of these Ac/Ac cases indicate that they are more frequent in males (sex ratio 2.67). In addition, gestational age in Ac/Ac cases was 2.41 and 3.12 weeks lower than in malformed and control twins, respectively. Similarly, their mothers are 4.54 and 4.68 years younger than mothers of separate malformed and control twins, respectively. To understand the biological basis behind the occurrence of MZT in the context of recent observations, we evaluate the hypothesis that the epigenetic processes involved in the early cleavage of the embryo, and in blastocyst formation during development, may be implicated in twinning. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Computer technology adoption in Saudi Arabia: Correlates of perceived innovation attributes

In this paper we investigate how perceived attributes of computer technology influence its rate of adoption in the workplace. In order to achieve this, the diffusion of innovation literature was reviewed looking for a set of common attributes that could be responsible for the largest rate of adoption. The literature suggests that Rogers' five attributes of innovation namely, relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability, and observability explain up to 87% of the innovation rate of adoption. About 1200 knowledge workers in 56 public and private medium and large organizations across Saudi Arabia of different managerial levels and spanning a wide spectrum of industries and services have participated in this study. The findings highlight the role and direction of these factors toward computer technology adoption in developing countries. This should help decision makers in this part of the world cultivate the positively correlating factors to enhance computer technology adoption while trying to reduce the effects of the negative factors. We contend that the findings are also valuable for practitioners from western cultures in applying computer-based information systems solutions to developing countries.
Engagement in multimedia training systems

Two studies examined user engagement in two types of multimedia training systems-a more passive medium, videotape, and a less passive medium, interactive software. Each study compared engagement in three formats: the text format contained text and still images, the audio format contained audio and still images, and the video format contained audio and video images. In both studies, engagement was lower in the text condition than in the video condition. However, there were no differences in engagement between text and audio in the videotape-based training and no differences between audio and video in the computer-based training.
Reproducibility-Repeatability of Choroidal Thickness Calculation Using Optical Coherence Tomography

Purpose. To evaluate the repeatability and reproducibility of subfoveal choroidal thickness (CT) calculations performed manually using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Methods. The CT was imaged in vivo at each of two visits on 11 healthy volunteers (mean age, 35.72 ± 13.19 years) using the spectral domain OCT. CT was manually measured after applying ImageJ processing filters on 15 radial subfoveal scans. Each radial scan was spaced 12° from each other and contained 2500 A-scans. The coefficient of variability, coefficient of repeatability (CoR), coefficient of reproducibility, and intraclass correlation coefficient determined the reproducibility and repeatability of the calculation. Axial length (AL) and mean spherical equivalent refractive error were measured with the IOLMaster and an open view autorefractor to study their potential relationship with CT. Results. The within-visit and between-visit coefficient of variability, CoR, coefficient of reproducibility, and intraclass correlation coefficient were 0.80, 2.97% 2.44%, and 99%, respectively. The subfoveal CT correlated significantly with AL (R = −0.60, p = 0.05). Conclusions. The subfoveal CT could be measured manually in vivo using OCT and the readings obtained from the healthy subjects evaluated were repeatable and reproducible. It is proposed that OCT could be a useful instrument to perform in vivo assessment and monitoring of CT changes in retinal disease. The preliminary results suggest a negative correlation between subfoveal CT and AL in such a way that it decreases with increasing AL but not with refractive error.
The impact of supply chain integration on firm performance in the pork processing industry in China

Purpose – Supply chain integration (SCI) is one of the most distinctive dimensions in achieving long‐term competitive advantage in the business world. Although considerable state‐of‐the‐art studies regarding the SCI concept and its dimensions have been conducted, empirical research by using the data from agri‐food firms in China to examine the relationship between SCI and firm performance attract little attention. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of SCI on firm performance in pork supply chains in China.Design/methodology/approach – The study follows a causal research approach and survey methodology to collect data from 229 pork processors. The SCI‐firm performance link is examined in two relationships: the pork processors with their upstream pig (meat) suppliers and with their downstream customers. Partial least squares method was used to test the causal relationships.Findings – The results suggest that internal integration and buyer‐supplier relationship coordination are significa.