Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Learning and Educational Programs for Entrepreneurs

This chapter summarizes the latest studies in entrepreneurial learning in order to highlight their implications for the design of educational programs (Pittaway & Thorpe, 2012). It examines in detail the latest thinking on the subject, summarizes the key concepts and empirical contributions with a particular focus on expanding understanding of ‘situated’, social and contextual learning (Lave & Wenger, 1991). The chapter stems from Pittaway and Thorpe’s (2012: 850) summary of Cope’s framework. Here it highlights critical concepts, such as dynamic temporal phases, forms and characteristics of learning (Cope, 2010) and lays out the underlying principles of each concept. Following this initial framework recent contributions to the subject of entrepreneurial learning, both conceptual and empirical, are presented to provide an up-to-date picture of thinking in the field. The latter part of the chapter highlights implications of current thinking on the design of development programs for entrepreneurs. It focuses on how concepts in this field can be used to enhance efforts to consider, design and deliver educational programs for entrepreneurs. A number of forms of educational practice are recommended based on this analysis. The chapter closes by considering future developments and lines of inquiry in entrepreneurial learning.
Experimental Evaluation of Streamline Patterns and Separated Flows in a Series of Branching Vessels with Implications for Atherosclerosis and Thrombosis

Flow conditions in four models representing the aortic bifurcation, iliac bifuraction, and a renal artery branch were investigated at volumetric flow rates corresponding to Reynolds numbers from 1000 to 4000 over the complete range of flow division between daughter vessels. Qualitative flow streamline patterns and quantitative definition of those flow conditions leading to disturbed flow (flow separation) were determined primarily at steady flow with a limited set of pulsatile experiments. Under conditions of no flow separation, common characteristic streamline patterns not parallel to the center lines of parent or daughter tubes were found for all models. These effects were accentuated with increasing Reynolds number. Flow separation was inducible through alteration of flow division between daughter vessels or by an increase in flow rate. Each of the four models had distinct combinations of flow division ratio and flow rate which gave: (1) no flow separation, (2) flow separation at the outside of the right daughter tube, and (3) flow separation at the outside of the left daughter tube. Models representing the renal artery also had regions of simultaneous left- and righthand separation on the outside of their daughter tubes. The separated flows observed here displayed streamlines forming an open vortex with flows entering and leaving. These regions, which occur only at distinct combinations of flow rate and flow division, may be key centers where platelet aggregates may form, release constituents, and cause vessel injury.
The incidence of bacterial endosymbionts in terrestrial arthropods

Intracellular endosymbiotic bacteria are found in many terrestrial arthropods and have a profound influence on host biology. A basic question about these symbionts is why they infect the hosts that they do, but estimating symbiont incidence (the proportion of potential host species that are actually infected) is complicated by dynamic or low prevalence infections. We develop a maximum-likelihood approach to estimating incidence, and testing hypotheses about its variation. We apply our method to a database of screens for bacterial symbionts, containing more than 3600 distinct arthropod species and more than 150 000 individual arthropods. After accounting for sampling bias, we estimate that 52% (CIs: 48–57) of arthropod species are infected with Wolbachia, 24% (CIs: 20–42) with Rickettsia and 13% (CIs: 13–55) with Cardinium. We then show that these differences stem from the significantly reduced incidence of Rickettsia and Cardinium in most hexapod orders, which might be explained by evolutionary differences in the arthropod immune response. Finally, we test the prediction that symbiont incidence should be higher in speciose host clades. But while some groups do show a trend for more infection in species-rich families, the correlations are generally weak and inconsistent. These results argue against a major role for parasitic symbionts in driving arthropod diversification.
Physicians’ Involvement in the Smoking Cessation Process of their Patients

Abstract This report relates to the 1 667 responses to a selfadministered mail-back questionnaire sent by BELTA to a sample of 4 643 physicians (17.3% current smokers) who are in professional contact with patients (response rate: 35.9%). Links between active smoking and disease are considered as well-demonstrated by 98.8% physicians and for passive smoking by 85.3%, for foetal consequences of smoking during pregnancy by 96.4%. Nicotine dependence is admitted by 83.3%. Interaction of smoking with drug metabolism is insufficiently known. Modulation of the specific approach of smoking cessation, according to the various stages of the cessation cycle, to the level of nicotine dependence and to the psychological status of the smoker is not sufficiently perceived by the physicians. Patient's smoking status is systematically determined by less than half the physicians, of whom nearly 90% claim to inform their smoking patients on smoking-related risks, and 84.2% to tackle the problem of cessation. The intervention is mostly limited to a firm advice, completed by nicotine replacement for a maximum of 50% of smokers (especially gum and patch). Referral to specialized structures is unfrequent (between 10 and 20%). Follow up after cessation is clearly deficient. In this retrospective study of their activity patterns, physicians' reports may reflect their intentions rather than their actual practices. We conclude that smoking issues and cessation techniques should be more intensively taught both at graduate and postgraduate levels, in order to obtain a more active behaviour of health professionals against smoking.
Combined Spinal Epidural Does Not Cause a Higher Sensory Block than Single Shot Spinal Technique for Cesarean Delivery in Laboring Women

BACKGROUND:The combined spinal epidural (CSE) technique has been shown to result in a higher sensory block than an equivalent single shot spinal (SSS) in women undergoing elective cesarean delivery. We tested whether this is true also in laboring women who may have variable epidural pressures. METHODS:We randomized 40 ASA I parturients in established labor for cesarean delivery into our double-blind study. Group S (n = 20) intrathecally received 2 mL of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine by SSS and group CS received CSE (n = 20) of an equivalent dose of hyperbaric bupivacaine. RESULTS:We found that similar maximal sensory blocks were achieved in both groups (group S: median T3 [min–max] T6-1 versus group CS: median T3 [min–max] T4-C7, P = 0.517). CONCLUSION:As compared with previous reports in nonlaboring parturients, the block characteristics of CSE in our study were indistinguishable from those of SSS in laboring parturients for cesarean delivery.
An efficient resource allocation in strategic management using a novel hybrid method

– The purpose of this paper is to suggest a novel hybrid method by integrating a decision sciences approach with balanced scorecard (BSC) in order to scientifically enable the efficient strategic management of an organization under limited resources. The proposed research model endeavors to improve critical basis deficiencies of the original BSC as well as formerly improved forms of BSC by appropriately integrating three disparate methods: BSC, analytic network process (ANP), and zero-one goal programming (ZOGP). , – The designed approach is separated into three major parts. At first, the traditional BSC, concentrating on both financial and intellectual capital, was adopted as the strategic management framework, and then priorities as well as the importance of tactical drivers derived from BSC application were consecutively identified by the application of ANP. Finally, the study further applied the obtained results of integrated BSC and ANP to ZOGP in order to scientifically identify the optimal strategic investment under simulated constraints of the considered organization. , – An application of BSC, ANP, and ZOGP with a case study of an academic institution provided an improved strategic management approach for optimally and scientifically utilizing the limited resources of the organization. The suggested results indicated that only 11 of the 23 strategic projects should be executed. Moreover, the selected tactical tasks would efficiently use less than 36 percent of the strategic expenses of the traditional management approach. , – Based on the intensive literature reviews, the proposed method could be determined as a novel hybrid approach. It newly conveyed the practical management approach by innovatively including the proper decision sciences method to BSC. This improvement scientifically considered on the resource allocation process that has never been studied before in formerly improved BSC.
Downregulation of Mouse Intestinal Na+-coupled Glucose Transporter SGLT1 by Gum Arabic (Acacia Senegal)

Intestinal Na+-coupled glucose transporter SGLT1 determines the rate of glucose transport, which in turn influences glucose-induced insulin release and development of obesity. The present study explored effects of Gum Arabic (GA), a dietary polysaccharide from dried exudates of Acacia Senegal, on intestinal glucose transport and body weight in wild-type C57Bl/6 mice. Treatment with GA (100 g/l) in drinking water for four weeks did not affect intestinal SGLT1 transcript levels but decreased SGLT1 protein abundance in jejunal brush border membrane vesicles. Glucose-induced jejunal short-circuit currents revealed that GA treatment decreased electrogenic glucose transport. Drinking a 20% glucose solution for four weeks significantly increased body weight and fasting plasma glucose concentrations, effects significantly blunted by simultaneous treatment with GA. GA further significantly blunted the increase in body weight, fasting plasma glucose and fasting insulin concentrations during high fat diet. In conclusion, the present observations disclose a completely novel effect of gum arabic, i.e. its ability to decrease intestinal SGLT1 expression and activity and thus to counteract glucose-induced obesity.
Chronic renal failure among HIV-1-infected patients

Background:The role of exposure to antiretrovirals in chronic renal failure (CRF) is not well understood. Glomerular filtration rates (GFR) are estimated using the Cockcroft–Gault (CG) or Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equations. Methods:Baseline was arbitrarily defined as the first recorded GFR; patients with two consecutive GFR ≤ 60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 were defined as having CRF. Logistic regression was used to determine odds ratio (OR) of CRF at baseline. ART exposure (yes/no or cumulative exposure) prior to baseline was included in multivariate models (adjusted for region of Europe, age, prior AIDS, CD4 cell count nadir, viral load, hypertension and use of nephrotoxic anti-infective therapy). Results:Using CG, the median GFR at baseline (n = 4474) was 94.4 (interquartile range, 80.5–109.3); 158 patients (3.5%) had CRF. Patients with CRF were older (median, 61.9 versus 43.1 years), had lower CD4 cell count nadirs (median, 80 versus 137 cells/μl), and were more likely to be diagnosed with AIDS (44.3 versus 30.4%), diabetes (16.5 versus 4.3%) or hypertension (53.8 versus 26.4%), all P < 0.001. In a multivariate model any use of indinavir [odds ratio (OR) 2.49; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.62–3.83] or tenofovir (OR, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.25–3.81) was associated with increased odds of CRF, as was cumulative exposure to indinavir (OR, 1.15 per year of exposure; 95% CI, 1.06–1.25) or tenofovir (OR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.20–2.15). Highly consistent results were seen using the MDRD formula. Conclusions:Among antiretrovirals, only exposure to indinavir or tenofovir was associated with increased odds of CRF. We used a confirmed low GFR to define CRF to increase the robustness of our analysis, although there are several potential biases associated with this cross-sectional analysis.
Ambulatory ECG and analysis of heart rate variability in Parkinson's disease

OBJECTIVES Cardiovascular reflex tests have shown both sympathetic and parasympathetic failure in Parkinson's disease. These tests, however, describe the autonomic responses during a restricted time period and have great individual variability, providing a limited view of the autonomic cardiac control mechanisms. Thus, they do not reflect tonic autonomic regulation. The aim was to examine tonic autonomic cardiovascular regulation in untreated patients with Parkinson's disease. METHODS 24 Hour ambulatory ECG was recorded in 54 untreated patients with Parkinson's disease and 47 age matched healthy subjects. In addition to the traditional spectral (very low frequency, VLF; low frequency, LF; high frequency, HF) and non-spectral components of heart rate variability, instantaneous beat to beat variability (SD1) and long term continuous variability (SD2) derived from Poincaré plots, and the slope of the power law relation were analysed. RESULTS All spectral components (p<0.01) and the slope of the power-law relation (p<0.01) were lower in the patients with Parkinson's disease than in the control subjects. The Unified Parkinson's disease rating scale total and motor scores had a negative correlation with VLF and LF power spectrum values and the power law relation slopes. Patients with mild hypokinesia had higher HF values than patients with more severe hypokinesia. Tremor and rigidity were not associated with the HR variability parameters. CONCLUSIONS Parkinson's disease causes dysfunction of the diurnal autonomic cardiovascular regulation as demonstrated by the spectral measures of heart rate variability and the slope of the power law relation. This dysfunction seems to be more profound in patients with more severe Parkinson's disease.
Childhood-onset scleroderma: is it different from adult-onset disease.

OBJECTIVE To distinguish childhood-onset scleroderma from adult-onset disease. METHODS The clinical and serologic features of 58 patients with childhood-onset scleroderma (11 patients with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis [SSc], 16 with linear SSc, 14 with linear morphea, and 17 with morphea) were examined in the largest cohort of such patients studied to date. These parameters were compared with data obtained from patients with adult-onset disease. RESULTS Childhood-onset scleroderma resembled adult-onset disease with regard to the heterogeneity of clinical expression and subsets of disease, but it also differed from adult-onset disease in a number of clinical and laboratory parameters. The predominant childhood-onset disease presentation was the localized form of the disease, with limited and diffuse SSc being less notable. There was a significant association of trauma with childhood-onset scleroderma (P < 0.0001), which was not noted in adult-onset disease. Furthermore, in contrast to adult disease, patients with childhood-onset disease had normal levels of parameters of vascular activation (von Willebrand factor, angiotensin-converting enzyme, E-selectin, and endothelin-1), T cell activation (soluble interleukin-2 receptors), and collagen synthesis (carboxy-terminal type I and amino-terminal type III), a notable lack of anticentromere antibodies, and abnormal coagulation indices. CONCLUSION A number of features distinguish childhood-onset scleroderma from adult-onset disease.
Mechanism of protection during the early phase of a generalized viral infection. I. Contribution of phagocytes to protection against ectromelia virus.

Effects of carrageenan and gamma-irradiation on virus titre in the liver were observed after intravenous inoculation of 8 X 10(3) p.f. u. of ectromelia virus which was not lethal for untreated mice. Trapping of virus by the liver within 30 min and an initial transient reduction in titre by day 1 were not affected by gamma-irradiation but were inhibited by pretreatment with carrageenan. An increase from day 1 to day 3 was not affected by gamma-irradiation but was augmented by pretreatment with carrageenan. Therefore, protection within 3 days may depend principally upon carrageenan-sensitive and irradiation-resistant cells, namely, fixed macrophages. Elimination of virus from day 4 to day 7 depended upon cell-mediated immunity. When carrageenan was given 3 days after virus inoculation, the titre of virus increased progressively from day 4 ultimately to kill the hosts. The cytotoxic activity of spleen cells against infected target cells was raised in carrageenan-treated mice as well as in untreated mice. Immune elimination of virus may be mediated by a mechanism requiring the cooperation of sensitized T lymphocytes and blood monocytes.
Statin and Aspirin Use Among Hispanic and Latino Adults at High Cardiovascular Risk: Findings From the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos

Background Despite variations in the prevalence of cardiovascular disease and related risk factors among US Hispanic/Latino adults of diverse backgrounds, there is little information on whether disparities exist in the use of medications for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. We examined the prevalence of statin and aspirin use among diverse US Hispanic/Latino adults at high cardiovascular risk. Methods and Results A multicenter population‐based study, the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study Of Latinos, included a total of 16 415 participants of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Dominican, South American, and Central American backgrounds who were aged 18 to 74 years and enrolled between March 2008 and June 2011. Our analyses were limited to 4139 participants considered to be at high cardiovascular risk. Age‐adjusted prevalence of statin and aspirin use was 25% and 44%, respectively, overall but varied by Hispanic/Latino background among those at high cardiovascular risk; statin use was significantly higher (P<0.001) among adults of Puerto Rican (33%) and Dominican (28%) backgrounds compared with adults of other backgrounds (Mexican, 24%; Cuban, 22%; Central American, 20%; South American, 22%). There was no difference in aspirin use. After adjusting for health insurance coverage, the difference in prevalence of statin use was substantially reduced among participants with a Puerto Rican background, from an odds ratio of 1.73 (95% CI 1.30–2.31) to 1.30 (95% CI 0.97–1.75), and with a Dominican background, from an odds ratio of 1.45 (95% CI 1.04–2.02) to 1.07 (95% CI 0.75–1.52), in comparison to their counterparts. Conclusions Among Hispanic/Latino adults of diverse backgrounds, statin use was more prevalent among adults with Puerto Rican and Dominican backgrounds at high cardiovascular risk. These differences in statin use were explained, in part, by differences in insurance coverage. These findings have important implications for the prevention of disparities in cardiovascular outcomes within the growing US Hispanic/Latino population.
EDC IMPACT: Chemical UV filters can affect human sperm function in a progesterone-like manner

Human sperm cell function must be precisely regulated to achieve natural fertilization. Progesterone released by the cumulus cells surrounding the egg induces a Ca2+ influx into human sperm cells via the CatSper Ca2+-channel and thereby controls sperm function. Multiple chemical UV filters have been shown to induce a Ca2+ influx through CatSper, thus mimicking the effect of progesterone on Ca2+ signaling. We hypothesized that these UV filters could also mimic the effect of progesterone on sperm function. We examined 29 UV filters allowed in sunscreens in the US and/or EU for their ability to affect acrosome reaction, penetration, hyperactivation and viability in human sperm cells. We found that, similar to progesterone, the UV filters 4-MBC, 3-BC, Meradimate, Octisalate, BCSA, HMS and OD-PABA induced acrosome reaction and 3-BC increased sperm penetration into a viscous medium. The capacity of the UV filters to induce acrosome reaction and increase sperm penetration was positively associated with the ability of the UV filters to induce a Ca2+ influx. None of the UV filters induced significant changes in the proportion of hyperactivated cells. In conclusion, chemical UV filters that mimic the effect of progesterone on Ca2+ signaling in human sperm cells can similarly mimic the effect of progesterone on acrosome reaction and sperm penetration. Human exposure to these chemical UV filters may impair fertility by interfering with sperm function, e.g. through induction of premature acrosome reaction. Further studies are needed to confirm the results in vivo.
Statistical analysis of electromagnetic radiation measurements in the vicinity of indoor microcell GSM/UMTS base stations in Serbia

To determine the level of radiofrequency radiation generated by base stations of Global System for Mobile Communications and Universal Mobile Telecommunication System, extensive electromagnetic field strength measurements were carried out in the vicinity of 664 base station locations. These were classified into three categories: indoor, masts, and locations with installations on buildings. Although microcell base stations with antennas installed indoors typically emit less power than outdoor macrocell base stations, the fact that people can be found close to antennas requires exposure originating from these base stations to be carefully considered. Measurement results showed that maximum recorded value of electric field strength exceeded International Commission on Non‐Ionizing Radiation Protection reference levels at 7% of indoor base station locations. At the same time, this percentage was much lower in the case of masts and installations on buildings (0% and 2.5%, respectively). Bioelectromagnetics. 37:69–76, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A 48-kilodalton Mycoplasma fermentans membrane protein induces cytokine secretion by human monocytes

Mycoplasma fermentans is one of several Mycoplasma species that have been reported to stimulate tumor necrosis factor (TNF) secretion from monocytes. This activity has been associated primarily with the mycoplasma membrane fraction. In this article, we have characterized a membrane protein that stimulates TNF and interleukin 1 beta secretion. The TNF-releasing activity partitioned into the Triton X-114 detergent phase, suggesting that the molecules is hydrophobic. The secretion of TNF is elevated in the presence of serum, which suggests that a serum component may play a role in the interaction between this mycoplasma protein and monocytes. Treatment of monocytes with monoclonal anti-CD14 antibody had no effect on the levels of TNF-releasing activity. By using the monocyte Western blot (immunoblot) technique, we have determined the molecular mass of the active molecule to be 48 kDa. This molecule appears to be distinct from the recently described family of variable lipoproteins of M. fermentans. Mycoplasma particulate material treated with proteinase K lost all inducing activity, whereas lipoprotein lipase-treated samples retained some level of activity.