Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Testing the impact of known variables on the attitudes held by Setswana L1-speaking university students towards their L1

Previous language attitudes studies among public university students in South Africa have shown that these five variables – gender, age group, year of study, level of study and field of study – influence students’ attitudes towards languages. Thus, the aim of this survey was to establish if testing these variables on Setswana L1-speaking university students ( n = 247) will confirm previous studies, seeing that this is the first study to gather data exclusively among Setswana L1-speaking university students at five universities (both public and private) in Tshwane and Johannesburg up to doctoral level. Never before had data been gathered among students at private universities in South Africa, and this gap had weakened generalisations that previous surveys could make about all university students. Mixed methods were used to gather data, which were analysed using means, chi-square test and percentages. The five variables were tested for statistical significance in influencing language attitudes. All but one variable (gender) had statistically significant relationships ( p ≤ 0.05) with at least one of the closed-ended questions. Generally, respondents valued their L1 and deemed it relevant in their lives and society they live in.
The Role of the N and C Termini of Recombinant Neurospora Mitochondrial Porin in Channel Formation and Voltage-dependent Gating*

To investigate the role of the N and C termini in channel function and voltage-dependent gating of mitochondrial porin, we expressed wild-type and mutant porins from Neurospora crassa as His-tag fusion products in Escherichia coli. Large quantities of the proteins were purified by chromatography across a nickle-nitrilotriacetic acid-agarose column under denaturing conditions. The purified His-tagged wild-type protein could be functionally reconstituted in the presence of detergent and sterol and behaved in black lipid bilayer membranes indistinguishably from native porin isolated from Neurospora crassa mitochondria. Mutants of porin lacking part of the N terminus (ΔN2-12porin, ΔN3-20porin), part of the C terminus (ΔC269-283porin), or both (ΔN2-12/ΔC269-283porin) also showed channel forming activity. The mutant porin lacking the C terminus had a smaller single channel conductance than the wild-type protein, but its other biophysical properties were identical. ΔN2-12porin and ΔN3-20porin formed noisy channels with decreased channel stability. These channels were still voltage-dependent. ΔN2-12/ΔC269-283porin lost channel stability and had altered gating characteristics. These results are discussed with respect to different models that have been proposed in the literature for the structure of mitochondrial porin channels.
Self-reported suicide attempts and exposure to different types of violence and neglect during childhood: Findings from a young adult population survey in Latvia

Aims: Suicide rates in Latvia are among the highest in the EU. Among 18–25 year-old young adults, it is the second leading cause of death. This study investigates the prevalence of self-reported suicide attempts in young adults and examines its association with neglect or violence of a physical, emotional or sexual nature. Methods: A questionnaire was administered to 1259 young adults 18–25 years of age, selected by targeted quota sampling from secondary and vocational schools. Results: The prevalence of self-reported suicide attempts was 6.1%. Physical and emotional adverse experiences showed clear associations with attempted suicide. Although prevalence of reported physical neglect was higher than for physical violence (27.0% versus 16.3%, respectively) the latter posed a higher risk for attempted suicide (OR = 4.0; 95% CI, 2.4–6.6). Conversely, emotional violence had a higher prevalence than emotional neglect (31.5% vs. 23.6%, respectively), but neglect showed a stronger association with attempted suicide (OR = 4.4; 95% CI, 2.6–7.3). Conclusions: The high OR for attempted suicide associated with emotional neglect, together with findings that emotional violence had the highest prevalence, and that emotional neglect and emotional violence showed the highest population attributable risk fraction (PopAR%) of 46.8 and 40.4, respectively, suggested that emotional factors merit special attention in further investigations of attempted suicide among young adults in Latvia. The targeted quota sampling method from five cities representing all regions of Latvia and 43.8% of its population, ensure national relevance of our findings for policy and program development by legislative, educational and public health institutions.
In Vitro Characterization of Two Different Ultrasmall Iron Oxide Particles for Magnetic Resonance Cell Tracking

Fleige G, Seeberger F, Laux D, et al. In vitro characterization of two different ultrasmall iron oxide particles for magnetic resonance cell tracking. Invest Radiol 2002;37:482–488. Rationale and Objectives.Comparison of two different ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO) particles in terms of their intracellular cell-labeling properties of macrophages and subsequent visualization by MR imaging. Materials and Methods.Cultures containing the macrophage cell line P-388D1 were incubated with a neutral carboxydextran-coated USPIO preparation (DDM 43/34/103) or an acidic citrate-coated USPIO (VSOP-C125). Experiments were performed in which incubation concentration and duration were varied and phagocytosis and pinocytosis suppressed by specific inhibitors. In cell culture specimens iron content was measured quantitatively and signal intensities determined by in vitro MR imaging. Results.VSOP-C125 is incorporated by cells much faster than DDM 43/34/103 and produces significantly higher final intracellular iron concentrations per cell (3420 vs. 727 ng/million cells). Both preparations show similar signal-reducing effects at MR imaging relative to the Fe content per cell. Intracellular USPIO has a much lower detection threshold at MR imaging (50/80 &mgr;mol/L) than extracellular USPIO in free solution (300 &mgr;mol/L). Conclusions.Citrate-coated USPIO particles VSOP-C125 appear to have more favorable properties for magnetic labeling of macrophages than the carboxydextran-coated USPIO preparation DDM 43/34/103.
Testing the EFQM model as a framework to measure a company’s procurement performance

This paper aims at checking whether the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) Business Excellence Model (BEM) can be used as a reference framework for designing a multi-objective performance measurement system (PMS) for the procurement function. The procurement function is becoming increasingly relevant in the achievement of strategic and economic objectives. Thus, understanding the level of maturity of the practices implemented and identifying improvement opportunities are crucial. In this regard, it is necessary for companies to design a multi-objective PMS suitable for understanding whether and to what extent the procurement process contributes to the achievement of corporate objectives. This paper tests the validity of the EFQM BEM for the design of such functional PMS, building on the assumption that the overall rationale of this model is consistent with the need to jointly monitor the drivers and the outcomes of the procurement department, through a multi-objective approach. Using a data set that reports data from 118 companies and that is based on an international survey, our empirical analysis shows that the relationships among the constructs of the EFQM BEM hold also in the procurement function and that this model can be used as a reference framework suitable for measuring and managing the performance of this organisational unit.
CHANGES IN THE IN VITRO PHARMACODYNAMIC PROPERTIES OF METOPROLOL IN ATRIA ISOLATED FROM SPONTANEOUSLY HYPERTENSIVE RATS

1 The present study addressed possible changes in the dissociation constant of metoprolol and its inverse agonist activity in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). In addition, a possible correlation between cardiac hypertrophy and the inverse agonist activity of metoprolol was explored. 2 In order to determine the dissociation constant (expressed as the pKb) of metoprolol, a cumulative concentration–response curve to noradrenaline was constructed in the absence or presence of metoprolol (0.1, 1 or 10 µmol/L). In a second experiment, a cumulative concentration–response curve to metoprolol was constructed to determine its inverse agonist activity. 3 The ventricular weight of SHR was significantly greater compared with Wistar‐Kyoto (WKY) rats. A rightward shift of the concentration–response curve to noradrenaline was observed in SHR compared with WKY rats. The pKb of metoprolol was smaller in SHR compared with WKY rats (6.35 ± 0.14 vs 6.99 ± 0.12, respectively; P < 0.05). No difference was observed in the maximal response (Emax) of the concentration–time effect of metoprolol in WKY rats and SHR (−29.1 ± 7.1 vs−28.2 ± 8.5%, respectively; n = 6 for both). However, the concentration of metoprolol eliciting a half‐maximal effect (expressed as the pEC50) was significantly smaller in SHR compared with WKY rats (4.82 ± 0.07 vs 5.29 ± 0.13, respectively; n = 6; P < 0.05). Although a significant correlation (r = –0.876) between the ventricular weight/bodyweight (VW/BW) ratio and the pEC50 of the chronotropic effect of metoprolol was found, no relationship (r = –0.257) was found between the VW/BW ratio and Emax. 4 In summary, the present study provides the first evidence of a change in the in vitro pharmacodynamic properties of metoprolol in SHR. The sympathetic overactivity present in SHR not only reduces the positive chronotropic effect of noradrenaline, but also diminishes the constant dissociation of metoprolol from atrial β1‐adrenoceptors and its inverse agonist activity. A significant correlation between the VW/BW ratio and the inverse agonist potency of metoprolol was found, suggesting a possible link between cardiac hypertrophy and the reduction of the inverse agonist activity of metoprolol.
Oral health, sense of coherence and dental anxiety among middle-aged women.

AIMS The specific aims of this investigation were to analyze the relationship between sense of coherence (SOC), dental anxiety (DA) and oral health status among middle-aged women, measured both subjectively and objectively and adjusted for socioeconomic status (SES). MATERIALS AND METHODS Randomly selected women, 38 (n = 206) and 50 (n = 287) years of age, were included in a cross-sectional health examination. The participants underwent a series of examination stages, including a clinical and dental radiographic examination. The women responded to questionnaires concerning SES, oral health, DA and SOC. RESULTS The number of teeth was significantly related to SOC, where more missing teeth revealed a lower SOC level among 50-year-olds. The variables of caries, apical periodontitis and filled surfaces were not statistically significantly associated with SOC. However, the self-reported measure of oral health was associated with SOC in both age groups. High DA was significantly related to self-perceived poor oral health regardless of age. Individuals with high DA also had fewer teeth, more filled surfaces and more approximal caries. The multivariate models showed that higher SOC levels were associated with better oral health, as estimated by objective or subjective measures, while the inverse results were seen for DA. Thus, individuals reporting high DA were more likely to have fewer teeth and poor perceived oral health, taking SES into account. CONCLUSIONS Sense of coherence and dental anxiety are psychological aspects with respect to health- and risk-factors of oral health.
An institution-based view of ownership in cross-border acquisitions: mimetism by Latin American firms

This study draws upon the institution-based view to explain the ownership decisions by Latin American multinationals (LAMNCs) in cross-border acquisitions (CBAs). We specifically examine (1) the effect of institutional distance on the ownership acquired, (2) the mimicking behaviors regarding ownership of MNCs from Latin American countries when undertaking CBAs and (3) if acquiring a related business impact the strength of institutional distance and mimetic isomorphism. We endeavor into investigating four levels of imitation sources, including firms own prior experience, home and foreign firms, and industry competitors. The results of the empirical tests, using a logistic regression analysis on a sample of 1,334 CBAs by LAMNCs and a cross-sectional sample of 567 CBAs from the manufacturing industry, over a 20-year period (1995-2015), support an institutional-based framework with different influences in the ownership choices in CBAs. Our findings provide evidence that MNCs prefer to acquire full ownership when investing in institutionally distant countries. Furthermore, we confirmed that the mimicking behavior of MNCs pertaining to ownership in CBAs occurs at four levels. Finally, the influence of institutional distance, mimicking of foreign fims and industry competitors are strengthened by the acquisition of a related business, albeit the effect of mimicking own firm prior experiences and home firms is weakened by the acquisition of a related business. We contribute to the institution-based view of international strategy identifying the specific mimetic behaviors of firms’ internationalization ownership in foreign operations. Moreover, we also contribute to the burgeoning literature on LAMNCs, or multilatinas, by providing a better understanding of their strategies regarding CBAs. We use a multi level approach to bring a new understanding of how LAMNCs mimic ownership decisions in CBAs. To the study on ownership, and specifically ownership in CBAs, we contribute for a behavioral interpretation and consider isomorphism between MNCs, going beyond conventional determinants such as transaction costs, informational asymmetry or uncertainty.
Pilot study of remote telemonitoring in COPD.

BACKGROUND Remote in-home monitoring (RM) of symptoms and physiological variables may allow early detection and treatment of exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is unclear whether RM improves patient outcomes or healthcare resource utilization. This study determined whether RM is feasible in patients with COPD and if RM reduces hospital admissions or length of stay (LOS) or improves health-related quality of life (HRQOL). SUBJECTS AND METHODS Forty-four patients were randomized to standard best practice care (SBP) (n=22) or SBP+RM (n=22). RM involved daily recording of physiological variables, symptoms, and medication usage. RESULTS There were no differences (mean±SD, SBP versus SBP+RM) in age (68±8 versus 70±9 years), gender (male:female 10:12 in both groups), or previous computer familiarity (59% versus 50%) between groups. The SBP group had a lower forced expiratory volume in 1 s (0.66±0.24 versus 0.91±0.34 L, p<0.01) and more current smokers (six versus none, p<0.05). There were no differences in number of COPD-related admissions/year (1.5±1.8 versus 1.3±1.7, p=0.76), COPD-related LOS days/year (15.6±19.4 versus 11.4±19.6, p=0.66), total admissions/year (2.2±2.1 versus 2.0±2.3, p=0.86), total LOS days/year (22.1±29.9 versus 21.6±30.4, p=0.88), or HRQOL between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS The addition of RM to SBP was feasible but did not reduce healthcare utilization or improve quality of life in this group of patients already receiving comprehensive respiratory care.
Changes in Retail Organic Price Premiums from 2004 to 2010

Organic foods are one of the most rapidly growing sectors of the retail food market. This study applies a hedonic model to 2004-10 Nielsen Homescan data to estimate the organic price premiums for 17 products. Eggs and dairy products generally have the highest premiums, while fresh produce has the widest spread of premiums (ranging from 7 percent of the nonorganic price for spinach to 60 percent for salad mix). Processed food premiums range from 22 percent for granola to 54 percent for canned beans. The strong organic premiums, combined with increased sales, suggest that there is continued room for growth in the organic supply.
Super-Convergence: Very Fast Training of Residual Networks Using Large Learning Rates

In this paper, we describe a phenomenon, which we named "super-convergence", where neural networks can be trained an order of magnitude faster than with standard training methods. The existence of super-convergence is relevant to understanding why deep networks generalize well. One of the key elements of super-convergence is training with one learning rate cycle and a large maximum learning rate. A primary insight that allows super-convergence training is that large learning rates regularize the training, hence requiring a reduction of all other forms of regularization in order to preserve an optimal regularization balance. We also derive a simplification of the Hessian Free optimization method to compute an estimate of the optimal learning rate. Experiments demonstrate super-convergence for Cifar-10/100, MNIST and Imagenet datasets, and resnet, wide-resnet, densenet, and inception architectures. In addition, we show that super-convergence provides a greater boost in performance relative to standard training when the amount of labeled training data is limited. The architectures and code to replicate the figures in this paper are available at this http URL. See this http URL for an application of super-convergence to win the DAWNBench challenge (see this https URL).
Reference Values for Multifrequency Bioimpedance Analysis in Dialysis Patients

Background: The role of multifrequency bioimpedance (MF-BIA) in the assessment of fluid status in dialysis patients is still not fully elucidated. Especially, the predictive value of reference values for extracellular water (ECW) has not yet been addressed. Aim of the present study was to validate cut-off values for MF-BIA in the diagnosis of hypervolemia in dialysis patients, using strict clinical criteria and echocardiography as reference techniques. Methods: 90 patients [42 on hemodialysis; 48 on peritoneal dialysis] were divided into the following groups: clinically normovolemic (mean 24- or 48-hour systolic blood pressure below 133 mm Hg without use of antihypertensive agents; n = 12), ‘hypervolemic’ (mean systolic blood pressure above 133 mm Hg with 2 or more antihypertensive agents; n = 34) or undetermined (n = 44). The 80th percentile for normalized ECW in the clinically normovolemic patients was used as reference value. 20 healthy age-matched controls were included for comparison. Results: The 80th percentiles for ECW:body weight (BW) and ECW:height in ‘normovolemic’ subjects were, respectively, 0.245 liters/kg and 10.96 liters/m in males, and 0.232 liters/kg and 9.13 liters/m in females. ECW:BW and ECW:height were above these values in, respectively, 26 (sensitivity 76%) and 29 (sensitivity 86%) of the 34 ‘hypervolemic’ patients. In the undetermined group, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter was significantly different between patients with normalized ECW below and above these cut-off values (49.0 ± 5.1 vs. 52.4 ± 5.7 mm; p < 0.05). Use of the ECW:TBW ratio resulted yielded low sensitivity (45%). ECW:height was lower in the ‘normovolemic’ dialysis patients compared to healthy controls (9.7 ± 1.3 l/m versus 12.2 ± 1.9 l/m). Conclusion: In our study population, ECW by MF-BIA, normalized for height was able to predict hypervolemia, based on strict clinical criteria, with a sensitivity of 86% and a specificity of 80%. The normalization procedure for ECW may influence the classification of hydration status. Strictly normotensive dialysis patients had lower normalized ECW than healthy control subjects.
Age-Related Trends in Adults with Community-Onset Bacteremia

ABSTRACT To understand the epidemiological variation in bacteremia characteristics among differently aged populations, adults with community-onset bacteremia during a 6-year period were studied in a retrospective cohort. A total of 2,349 bacteremic patients were stratified into four age categories: young adults (18 to 44 years old; 196 patients; 8.3%), adults (45 to 64 years old; 707 patients; 30.1%), the elderly (65 to 84 years old; 1,098 patients; 46.7%), and the oldest old (≥85 years old; 348 patients; 14.8%). Age-related trends in critical illness (a Pitt bacteremia score of ≥4) at bacteremia onset, antibiotic-resistant pathogens (extended-spectrum β-lactamase [ESBL]-producing Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species, and Proteus mirabilis [EKP]; methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA]; and levofloxacin nonsusceptible EKP), inappropriate empirical antibiotic therapy (EAT), and 4-week mortality rate were observed. Using a multivariate regression model, critical illness at bacteremia onset (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 9.03; P < 0.001) and inappropriate EAT (AOR, 2.67; P < 0.001) were the two leading predictors of 4-week mortality. Moreover, ESBL-producing EKP (AOR, 12.94; P < 0.001), MRSA (AOR, 8.66; P < 0.001), and levofloxacin-nonsusceptible EKP (AOR, 4.27; P < 0.001) were linked to inappropriate EAT. In conclusion, among adults with community onset bacteremia, significant positive age-related trends were noted in antibiotic-resistant pathogens and bacteremia severity, which were related to the increasing incidence of inappropriate EAT and 4-week mortality with age. Thus, different empirical antimicrobial regimens should be considered for distinct age groups.
ETHNOBOTANICAL SURVEY OF PHOENIX DACTYLIFERA L. POLLEN USED FOR THE TREATMENT OF INFERTILITY PROBLEMS IN ALGERIAN OASES

Background: The Phoenix dactylifera L. (date palm) is known for its traditional medicinal properties across the history of native population in Algerian Sahara. There is a large trend of consumption of date palm pollen preparations in many human infertility cases in our country. However, the validity has not been scientifically tested. There has been no direct scientific research on this application. This study was undertaken to identify cultivars with greater potential in the traditional medicine uses. To evaluate the effects of date palm pollen on some sexual behavioural parameters of male adult rats, we tested the role of pollen powder from Deglet Nour cultivar on some male reproductive parameters. Materials and Methods: An Ethnobotanical survey was conducted in 17 oases in southern Algeria to identify all cultivars with medicinal interest. Local people were interviewed with open questions. A questionnaire and personal interviews for data collection were designed to record important cultivars, parts used and preparations. To determine the active constituents of date palm pollen used in traditional medicine, a phytochemical screening was performed. The effects of oral administration of date palm pollen suspension on male adult rats were investigated on body and testicle weights, serum testosterone level. Results: 131 prominent cultivars were found within 12 cultivars containing various parts with medicinal effects. Some primary and secondary metabolites were detected by phytochemical screening. The pollen increased the weight of the body, testicles and enhanced the serum testosterone level of male rats treated. Conclusion: The present survey has provided the identification and recognition of date palm cultivars used in traditional Saharan medicine. Date palm pollen could improve sexual activities in male infertility cases and may be attempted to derive drugs.