Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
E-Health for Older Adults: Assessing and Evaluating User Centered Design with Subjective Methods

The older adult population is growing at a rapid rate worldwide and society is not prepared for the impact on the health care system. The health care workforce is understaffed and the economic demand of treating and managing older adults’ health conditions with traditional means is too great. Alternative methods are essential for meeting the health care needs of older adults. E-health has the potential to reduce older adults’ dependence on the health care workforce and to support them if they choose to live independently as long as they are able to. Surveys across the globe have shown that aging in place is preferred by most older adults and can increase feelings of well-being (AARP, 2000; Costa-Font, Elvira, & Mascarilla-Miró, 2009; Weeks, Branton, & Nilsson, 2005). Survey data suggest that older adults see the potential of health technologies to support their preference for remaining independent and living in their own homes (AARP, 2008). Three-fourths of the respondents from an AARP survey reported a willingness to use telemedicine as a means for health care professionals to diagnose or monitor ABSTRACT
Effects of C 60 Fullerene and its Derivatives on Selected Microorganisms

The contribution deals with preparation of C60 fullerene derivatives (oxo derivative, bro mo derivative, hydrolyzed bro mo derivative, bro mo-ch loro derivative), their identification and pilot testing of their biological effects on unicellu lar organisms. The contribution describes effects of C60 fullerene derivatives, both on prokaryotic organisms (bacteria, cyanobacteria) and eukaryotic organis ms (algae) and assesses their potential use as biocides.
Problematic Use of Social Networking Sites: Antecedents and Consequence from a Dual-System Theory Perspective

Abstract Problematic use of social networking sites (SNS) and its adverse consequences have become prevalent, yet little is known about the conceptualization and etiology of problematic use of SNS. This study draws on dual-system theory (DST), borrowed from cognitive neuroscience (also known as reflective-impulsive theory of the mind and fast and slow thinking) to investigate what drives this phenomenon. The statistical analyses of time-lagged data collected from 341 Facebook users implicate an imbalance between two systems in the human mind, involving strong cognitive-emotional preoccupation with using the SNS (System 1, impulsive) and weak cognitive-behavioral control over using the SNS (System 2, reflective), as the driver of problematic SNS use behaviors. Problematic use of SNS, in turn, diminishes users’ academic performance. This study contributes to research on the dark side of information systems (IS) use by conceptualizing problematic use and explaining its drivers and consequences. It demonstrates that the dual-system theory is an appropriate theoretical perspective for explaining problematic IS use, superior to planned-behavior–based models. It also explains some of the precursors of the dual system factors and offers practical implications to information technology artifact designers and users.
Journal of Applied Medical Sciences ( SJAMS ) ISSN 2320-6691 ( Online )

This is a cross sectional self-administered questionnaire based study conducted on 67 (response rate 69%) doctors including specialists from medical and surgical branches and junior doctors. Only 15% of junior doctors and 50% of specialists were very confident in their choice of antibiotic. Only 46% had access and used local antibiogram in selection of antibiotics. Use of national guidelines was 18% and 80% is surgical and medical specialities respectively. Only 15% of respondents had any form of education on antibiotics in the last year. 35% of respondents felt there was not enough source of information on antibiotics. 73% of respondents felt that antibiotics are overused in their hospital. Lack of access to local antibiogram (96%), overuse of antibiotics (93%) and self-prescription (85%) were thought as common cause of antibiotic resistance. Respondents failed to recognise hand washing (48%), poor adherence (9%) and use of antibiotics in unknown febrile illness (7%) as cause of antibiotic resistance. Only 24% of the respondents were in favour of an approval committee for use of antibiotics. The study highlights the lack of ongoing education on antibiotics, failure to recognise important causes of antibiotic resistance and non-availability of the local antibiogram data.
Evolution of electrode array diameter for hearing preservation in cochlear implantation

Abstract Conclusion: Residual hearing could be preserved with various arrays ranging from 16 to 18 mm in insertion length and 0.25 to 0.5 mm tip diameter. Whether array insertion is performed through a cochleostomy or a round window, tip diameter is an essential criterion for the array design to improve hearing preservation results. Objectives: The goal of this study was to report the outcome of patients implanted with electric acoustic cochlear implants with various surgical techniques and array designs. Methods: Thirty-two implanted ears (30 patients) were included in this retrospective study. Three array models were inserted: Contour Advance implant (n = 16), Nucleus Hybrid-L (n = 12), and Med-El Flex EAS (n = 4). Postoperative pure tone audiometry was performed at 3 and 12 months after implantation. Results: Three months postoperatively, hearing preservation within 30 dB was achieved in 50%, 50%, and 84% cases of patients implanted with a Contour Advance, Flex-EAS, and Hybrid-L, respectively. Two patients (Hybrid-L group) had a delayed sudden hearing loss (> 30 dB) 3 months postoperatively and three patients (Contour Advance group) had total hearing loss at 1 year. Best results were achieved using arrays with small tip diameters. Cochleostomy or round window insertion did not affect hearing preservation results.
Effects of population characteristics and structure on estimates of effective population size in a house sparrow metapopulation

Effective population size (Ne) is a key parameter to understand evolutionary processes and the viability of endangered populations as it determines the rate of genetic drift and inbreeding. Low Ne can lead to inbreeding depression and reduced population adaptability. In this study, we estimated contemporary Ne using genetic estimators (LDNE, ONeSAMP, MLNE and CoNe) as well as a demographic estimator in a natural insular house sparrow metapopulation. We investigated whether population characteristics (population size, sex ratio, immigration rate, variance in population size and population growth rate) explained variation within and among populations in the ratio of effective to census population size (Ne/Nc). In general, Ne/Nc ratios increased with immigration rates. Genetic Ne was much larger than demographic Ne, probably due to a greater effect of immigration on genetic than demographic processes in local populations. Moreover, although estimates of genetic Ne seemed to track Nc quite well, the genetic Ne‐estimates were often larger than Nc within populations. Estimates of genetic Ne for the metapopulation were however within the expected range (
Innovation Studies Utrecht (ISU) Working Paper Series

: The sharing economy is a fast-growing and heavily debated phenomenon. This study provides an overview of motivations of people willing to participate in different forms of the sharing economy. A survey was held amongst 1,330 respondents from Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Using stated preference data, we investigate the relative importance of (1) economic, (2) social and (3) environmental motivations to participate in peer-to-peer sharing. Hereby we consider differences between (a) sectors of the sharing economy, (b) socio-demographic groups, and (c) users and providers. Results are descriptive as well as based on ordered logit models. Notable differences are observed in the motivations for sharing between sectors. To a lesser extent there is variety in sharing drivers between socio-demographic groups. Finally, users seem more economically motivated than providers of goods.
Detection of an up-regulation of a group of chemokine genes in murine cardiac allograft in the absence of interferon-&ggr; by means of dna microarray1

Backgound. Interferon (IFN)-&ggr; and the IFN-&ggr;-dependent pathway are prominent in vascularized allograft during acute rejection. However, IFN-&ggr; deficient (IFN-&ggr;−/−) mice can rapidly reject cardiac allografts. To bring the alternative pathway during allograft rejection into more precise focus, we investigated the gene expression profile in murine cardiac allografts in IFN-&ggr;−/− mice by means of DNA microarray. Material and Method. We screened for gene expression changes in murine cardiac allografts of BALB/c H-2d into both wild-type C57BL/6 H-2b (n=3) and IFN-&ggr;−/− C57BL/6 H-2b(IFN-&ggr;−/−, n=4) using Affymetrix oligonucleotide arrays to monitor more than 11,000 genes and expressed sequence tag (ESTs). The heart was heterotopically transplanted. Transplanted hearts were harvested on day 5. As a control, isografts (C57BL/6 to C57BL/6) were also harvested on day 5. Results. On day 5, 64 of the 84 genes induced in the allografts in wild-type mice were not up-regulated in IFN-&ggr;−/− mice. We identified a group of 54 genes that were up-regulated in allografts in IFN-&ggr;−/− mice. Several chemokine genes, including monocyte chemoattractant protein=1 and macrophage inflammatory protein, were induced in the allografts in both wild-type and IFN-&ggr;−/− mice. Interestingly, a group of genes, including C10-like chemokine and platelet factor 4, were specifically induced in the IFN-&ggr;−/− mice. Conclusion. DNA microarray analysis reveals a unique pattern of mRNA expression in allografts in IFN-&ggr;−/− mice as well as a group of genes induced in cardiac allografts in both wild-type and IFN-&ggr;−/− mice, including monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1.
A Generalized 3-D Scattering Channel Model for Spatiotemporal Statistics in Mobile-to-Mobile Communication Environment

In this paper, we develop a 3-D geometrical channel model for mobile-to-mobile (M2M) communication environment. The proposed model combines most of the existing 2-D and 3-D geometrical channel models for M2M and fixed-to-mobile (F2M) communication channels into one generalized model. Using the proposed model, closed-form expressions for the joint probability density function of angle-of-arrival and time-of-arrival in azimuth and elevation planes are derived. These results are then verified by simulations and available field measurements. Furthermore, comprehensive comparisons of the proposed channel model are carried out with the existing 2-D and 3-D channel models in the literature, which show that many notable geometrical channel models in M2M and F2M communication environments become the special cases of our proposed generalized 3-D geometrical channel model by adjusting corresponding channel parameters. Consequently, the proposed 3-D channel model can be taken as a useful tool for modeling mobile ad hoc networks , vehicular ad hoc networks, and intelligent transportation systems.
The effects of processing mode and brand scandals on copycat product evaluations

Abstract Conventional wisdom suggests a ‘copycat’ (look-alike) product’s success is due in part to the halo generated by its positive association with national leader brands (NLB). But, what if the NLB is the focus of negative publicity? In the current investigation, we seek to determine the extent to which NLB scandals (i.e. negative news stories) have an impact on consumers’ evaluations of copycat products. Further, we extend recent work on comparative evaluation strategies (consumer information processing modes) by demonstrating that a copycat product is evaluated more favorably when presented separate from (as opposed to adjacent to) the NLB product. However, negative perceptions of the NLB are shown to moderate these effects. Furthermore, a follow-up study supports the notion that visual similarity drives these effects.
Regional, cellular, and subcellular variations in the distribution of D1 and D5 dopamine receptors in primate brain

The pathways governing signal transduction in the mesocortical and nigrostriatal dopamine systems of the brain are of central importance in a variety of drug actions and neurological diseases. We have analyzed the regional, cellular, and subcellular distribution of the closely related D1 and D5 subtypes of dopamine receptors in the cerebral cortex and selected subcortical structures of rhesus monkey using subtype specific antibodies. The distribution of D1 and D5 receptors was highly differentiated in subcortical structures. In the neostriatum, both D1 and to a lesser extent D5 antibodies labeled medium spiny neurons, while only D5 antibodies labeled the large aspiny neurons typical of cholinergic interneurons. In the caudate nucleus, D1 labeling was concentrated in the spines and shafts of projection neurons, whereas D5 antibodies predominantly labeled the shafts, and less commonly, the spines of these cells. The D1 receptor was abundantly expressed in the neuropil of the substantia nigra pars reticulata while the D5 antibodies labeled only a few scattered cell bodies in this structure. Conversely, D5 antibodies labeled cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain more intensely than D1 antibodies. Within the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, D1 and D5 antibody labeling was prominent in pyramidal cells. Double-label experiments revealed that the two receptors were frequently coexpressed in neurons of both structures. Ultrastructurally, D1 receptors were especially prominent in dendritic spines whereas dendritic shafts were more prominently labeled by the D5 receptor. The anatomical segregation of the D1 and D5 receptors at the subcellular level in cerebral cortex and at the cellular level in subcortical areas suggest that these closely related receptors may be preferentially associated with different circuit elements and may play distinct regulatory roles in synaptic transmission.
Advantages of paramagnetic chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) complexes having slow to intermediate water exchange properties as responsive MRI agents

Paramagnetic chemical exchange saturation transfer (PARACEST) complexes are exogenous contrast agents that have great potential to further extend the functional and molecular imaging capabilities of magnetic resonance. As a result of the presence of a central paramagnetic lanthanide ion (Ln3+ ≠ La3+, Gd3+, Lu3+) within the chelate, the resonance frequencies of exchangeable protons bound to the PARACEST agent are shifted far away from the bulk water frequency. This large chemical shift, combined with an extreme sensitivity to the chemical exchange rate, make PARACEST agents ideally suited for the reporting of significant biological metrics, such as temperature, pH and the presence of metabolites. In addition, the ability to turn PARACEST agents ‘off’ and ‘on’ using a frequency‐selective saturation pulse gives them a distinct advantage over Gd3+‐based contrast agents. A current challenge for PARACEST research is the translation of the promising in vitro results into in vivo systems. This short review article first describes the basic theory behind PARACEST contrast agents, their benefits over other contrast agents and their applications to MRI. It then describes some of the recent PARACEST research results: specifically, pH measurements using water molecule exchange rate modulation, T2 exchange contrast caused by water molecule exchange, the use of ultrashort TEs (TE < 10 µs) to overcome T2 exchange line broadening and the potential application of T2 exchange as a new contrast mechanism for MRI. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Internal Control System and Financial Performance in Non-Governmental Organisations in Uganda: A Case Study of International Union for Conservation of Nature

The study set out to investigate the role of internal control system in the financial performance of non-governmental organisations in Uganda. Specifically the study sought to establish the effect of control environment on the financial performance of International Union for Conservation of Nature, to investigate the effect of control activities on the financial performance of International Union for Conservation of Nature, and to examine the significance of monitoring on the financial performance of International Union for Conservation of Nature. The findings of the study revealed a significant relationship between control environment, control activities, monitoring, and financial performance. The study recommended that control environment, control activities, and monitoring should be enhanced in order to further improve the financial performance of International Union for Conservation of Nature. Additionally, performance standards should be established and communicated to employees of International Union for Conservation of Nature in a bid to improve financial performance.
Myogenic constriction and dilation of isolated lymphatic vessels

We tested if lymphatic vessels exhibit myogenic constrictions and dilations to intraluminal pressure changes. Collecting lymphatic vessels were isolated from rat mesentery, cannulated and pressurized for in vitro study. Diameters were measured in response to pressure steps of different magnitudes, starting from various baseline pressures. Myogenic constriction, a time‐dependent decrease in end‐diastolic diameter over a 1‐2 min period following pressure elevation, was observed in the majority of vessels (~74%) and occurred over a relatively wide pressure range (1‐15 cmH2O). Myogenic dilation, a rise in end diastolic diameter following pressure reduction, was observed in over half the vessels equilibrated at a low baseline pressure. The inflammatory mediator substance P, which is known to enhance lymphatic contractility, increased the percentage of vessels exhibiting myogenic constriction, the magnitude and rate of that constriction, and the pressure range over which it occurred. Our results demonstrate that myogenic responses occur in lymphatic vessels and suggest the possibility that the response may aid in preventing vessel overdistention during conditions of inflammation/edema. NIH HL‐089784.
c-Jun NH 2-Terminal Kinase ( JNK ) 1 and JNK 2 Have Distinct Roles in CD 8 T Cell Activation

The c-Jun NH 2 -terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway is induced by cytokines and stress stimuli and is implicated in cell death and differentiation, but the specific function of this pathway depends on the cell type. Here we examined the role of JNK1 and JNK2 in CD8 T cells. Unlike CD4 T cells, the absence of JNK2 causes increased interleukin (IL)-2 production and proliferation of CD8 T cells. In contrast, JNK1-deficient CD8 T cells are unable to undergo antigen-stimulated expansion in vitro, even in the presence of exogenous IL-2. The hypoproliferation of these cells is associated with impaired IL-2 receptor chain (CD25) gene and cell surface expression. The reduced level of nuclear activating protein 1 (AP-1) complexes in activated JNK1-deficient CD8 T cells can account for the impaired IL-2 receptor chain gene expression. Thus, JNK1 and JNK2 play different roles during CD8 T cell activation and these roles differ from those in CD4 T cells.
Using extracted teeth for research: the effect of storage medium and sterilization on dentin bond strengths.

BACKGROUND The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has adopted guidelines for infection control of extracted teeth used for research and teaching, requiring that teeth be sterilized before use. The authors conducted a study to test the null hypothesis that the storage medium and sterilization method have no effect on composite-to-dentin bond strengths. MATERIALS AND METHODS The authors collected 170 bovine incisors, cleaned them and placed them randomly into one of six storage media at 37 degrees C for 60 days: distilled water (dH(2)O), 0.9 percent sodium chloride, 0.5 percent chloramine-T, 5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), 2 percent glutaraldehyde and 10 percent formalin. For sterilization, they autoclaved a subset of 10 specimens from every sample, while they stored another subset of 10 specimens from every sample (except for the 10 percent formalin sample) in 10 percent formalin for 14 days. The authors then embedded the specimens in epoxy and ground flat the facial surface to expose middle-depth dentin, which they polished to 600 grit. They used a dental adhesive to apply composite to the exposed dentin. The authors tested the composite-to-dentin shear bond strength 24 hours after bonding. They analyzed the data using global analysis of variance and, when appropriate, multiple post hoc tests (P = .05). RESULTS Storage in NaClO resulted in significantly lower bond strength than that of the other treatment specimens. Sterilization with the autoclave negatively affected the bond strength of specimens stored initially in dH(2)O or 10 percent formalin, while sterilization with formalin alone had no significant effect on bond strengths. CONCLUSIONS Storing bovine teeth in 5.25 percent NaClO may negatively affect composite-to-dentin bond strengths. Immersion in 10 percent formalin might be the best option for storage and sterilization of bovine teeth that are to be used in dental bonding studies in vitro.
Mapping Functional Similarity of Predators on the Basis of Trait Similarities

Theoretical and empirical studies in community ecology often simplify their study system by lumping together species on the basis of trait similarities (e.g., their taxonomy, resource or microhabitat usage) and then assume species sharing similar traits are functionally similar. To date, no study has directly tested whether species more similar with respect to any of these traits are more similar in their functional effects on population or ecosystem processes. In this study, we examined the association between traits and functional effects of six different aquatic predatory vertebrates. We demonstrated that functional similarity across multiple response variables was not correlated with trait similarity, but differences in trait values were associated with significantly different effects on individual response variables. The exact relationship between species traits and functional effect of predators, however, was different for each response variable. Using traits to predict functional similarity among species may be useful when considering individual response variables, but only if it is known which traits have the greatest influence on the response variable of interest. It is doubtful that any one scheme will predict the functional similarity of species across a diverse array of response variables because each response will likely be strongly influenced by different traits.