Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effect of an educational intervention on alcohol consumption, at-risk drinking, and health care utilization in older adults: the Project SHARE study.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a patient-provider educational intervention in reducing at-risk drinking among older adults. METHOD This was a cluster-randomized controlled trial of 31 primary care providers and their patients ages 60 years and older at a community-based practice with seven clinics. Recruitment occurred from July 2005 to August 2007. Eligibility was determined by telephone and a baseline mailed survey. A total of 1,186 at-risk drinkers were identified by the Comorbidity Alcohol Risk Evaluation Tool. Follow-up patient surveys were administered at 3, 6, and 12 months after baseline. Study physicians and their patients were randomly assigned to usual care (n = 640 patients) versus the Project SHARE (Senior Health and Alcohol Risk Education) intervention (n = 546 patients), which included personalized reports, educational materials, drinking diaries, physician advice during office visits, and telephone counseling delivered by a health educator. Main outcomes were alcohol consumption, at-risk drinking (overall and by type), alcohol discussions with physicians, health care utilization, and screening and intervention costs. RESULTS At 12 months, the intervention was significantly associated with an increase in alcohol-related discussions with physicians (23% vs. 13%; p ≤ .01) and reductions in at-risk drinking (56% vs. 67%; p ≤ .01), alcohol consumption (-2.19 drinks per week; p ≤ .01), physician visits (-1.14 visits; p = .03), emergency department visits (16% vs. 25%; p ≤ .01), and nonprofessional caregiving visits (12% vs. 17%; p ≤ .01). Average variable costs per patient were $31 for screening and $79 for intervention. CONCLUSIONS The intervention reduced alcohol consumption and at-risk drinking among older adults. Effects were sustained over a year and may have been associated with lower health care utilization, offsetting screening and intervention costs.
Fully probabilistic seismic source inversion - Part 1: Efficient parameterisation

Abstract. Seismic source inversion is a non-linear problem in seismology where not just the earthquake parameters themselves but also estimates of their uncertainties are of great practical importance. Probabilistic source inversion (Bayesian inference) is very adapted to this challenge, provided that the parameter space can be chosen small enough to make Bayesian sampling computationally feasible. We propose a framework for PRobabilistic Inference of Seismic source Mechanisms (PRISM) that parameterises and samples earthquake depth, moment tensor, and source time function efficiently by using information from previous non-Bayesian inversions. The source time function is expressed as a weighted sum of a small number of empirical orthogonal functions, which were derived from a catalogue of >1000 source time functions (STFs) by a principal component analysis. We use a likelihood model based on the cross-correlation misfit between observed and predicted waveforms. The resulting ensemble of solutions provides full uncertainty and covariance information for the source parameters, and permits propagating these source uncertainties into travel time estimates used for seismic tomography. The computational effort is such that routine, global estimation of earthquake mechanisms and source time functions from teleseismic broadband waveforms is feasible.
Exploring individual personality factors as drivers of M-shopping acceptance

– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate how personality variables related to technology (innovativeness, compatibility and affinity) can modify the influence of classical technology acceptance model (TAM) variables on behavioural adoption intention of mobile shopping. , – The impact of innovativeness, compatibility, affinity, TAM beliefs (ease of use and usefulness) and attitude on mobile shopping adoption is tested through structural equation modelling techniques. The sample consisted of 470 Spanish mobile telephone users selected on the basis of convenience. , – Data analysis shows that the effect of perceived usefulness and, in a minor degree, perceived ease of use are over dimensioned if personality variables are omitted making intention formation to be perceived as more rational than it really is. Personality variables (affinity to mobile telephones, compatibility and innovativeness) have a direct and positive influence on the intention to engage in M‐shopping. , – This research enables mobile shopping agents to know what aspects to highlight in their communication strategies to increase the M‐services adoption rate. The complementary use of the mobile and the internet is recommended since the similarities between both methods may favour the acceptance of distance shopping systems. Mobile services should not be simply designed as easy to use, but also as an enjoyable experience. , – Despite the importance of personality factors on mobile shopping adoption, they were explicitly ignored when the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology was formulated. This research does not try to propose an extension of the TAM model, but analyses the degree in which the explicit rejection of personality variables could impoverish its performance.
Perception of point‐of‐care ultrasound performed by emergency medicine physicians

Point‐of‐care ultrasound (POCUS) is integral to the practice of emergency medicine (EM). Furthermore, EM‐performed POCUS (EM‐POCUS) offers consultants the opportunity to avoid delays in care due to wait times for confirmatory imaging studies. This study is the first to describe the perception of POCUS to consulting services at a single institution where EM‐POCUS is routinely performed.
Is standardised (18)F-FDG uptake value an outcome predictor in patients with stage III non-small cell lung cancer?

PURPOSE Recent studies have demonstrated the relevance of (18)F-FDG uptake as an independent prognostic factor for recurrence of operable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This corresponds with the experimental finding that FDG uptake correlates with the proliferative activity of tumour cells (Higashi et al., J Nucl Med 2000;41:85-92). On the basis of these observations, we studied the influence of FDG uptake on prognosis and occurrence of distant metastases in patients with advanced NSCLC. METHODS One hundred and fifty-nine patients with NSCLC of UICC stage IIIA or IIIB were included in the study. In all patients, neoadjuvant treatment was planned to achieve operability. FDG PET was performed as an additional staging procedure prior to the initiation of therapy. Clinical outcome data in terms of overall survival, disease-free survival and incidence of distant metastases could be obtained for 137 patients and were correlated with the average standardised uptake value of the tumour (SUV(avg)). Furthermore, other factors influencing SUV(avg) and patient outcome (histological tumour type, grading, UICC stage, tumour size) were analysed. RESULTS SUV(avg) was significantly influenced by tumour histology, UICC stage and tumour size. No significant difference could be shown for grading. In 38 out of the 159 patients (24%), FDG PET revealed previously unsuspected distant metastases. The incidence of distant metastases significantly correlated with SUV(avg). Overall survival tended to decrease with increasing SUV(avg); however, significance was only reached when a cut-off of 12.0 was applied (p=0.05). CONCLUSION FDG uptake is an independent prognostic factor in patients with UICC stage III NSCLC, although less distinctively so than has been reported for stage I/II tumours.
A Prospective Study on Modulation of Immunosuppression for Epstein-Barr Virus Reactivation in Pediatric Patients Who Underwent Unrelated Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation

Background. Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV-PTLD) is a severe complication after allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT). We evaluated whether the modulation of immunosuppression (IS) guided by quantitative polymerase chain reaction for EBV (EBV-PCR) was effective as a first-line therapeutic approach for EBV reactivation. Methods. Eighty-nine pediatric patients who received an HSCT from an unrelated donor were prospectively assessed by quantitative EBV-PCR. The EBV-PCR threshold to modulate IS was set to more than 300 genomic copies (gc)/105 peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Results. EBV-PCR positivity was observed in 56 (63%) of 89 patients at a median time of 44 days after HSCT. The variables associated with EBV-PCR positivity were bone marrow stem cells (P=0.047) and a lower total dose of nuclear cells reinfused (P=0.03). Thirty-one patients (35%) had more than or equal to 300 gc. IS was withdrawn or reduced in 18 (58%) and 13 (42%) of the 31 patients, respectively. EBV viral load (EBV-VL) less than 300 gc was achieved in 30 of these 31 patients at a median of 25 days. Only 1 (1%) of the 89 patients progressed to EBV-PTLD. The patients with EBV-VL more than 300 gc had a lower incidence of acute graft versus host disease III-IV than patients with EBV-VL less than 300 gc: 13% vs. 36%, P=0.02. No differences in terms of chronic graft versus host disease, overall survival, event-free survival and transplant-related mortality were observed between the two groups. Conclusions. We conclude that PCR-guided modulation of IS may play a role in early intervention for EBV-PTLD and a prospective, randomized study is needed.
RETROSPECTIVE CONVERSION OF BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORDS IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN NIGERIA

The paper highlights the retrospective conversion of bibliographic records in academic libraries in Nigeria as well as the dynamics of doing so. It provides a procedure on how libraries can undertake retrospective conversion. In particular, the need for careful planning, meticulous implementation of plans and periodic evaluation of plan implementation was stressed. The paper concludes that though retrospective conversion is expensive, computerized libraries in Nigeria must brace up to the challenges and so integrate both old and new records in the online database for maximum access. Recommendations were proffered such as training and retraining of staff for better job performance, professionals using the same software should master the software and sourcing for additional funds for the management and sustainability of the project.
Client and Employee Satisfaction: Non-Financial Measures for Gauging Performance of Small and Medium Construction Firms (SMCFs) in Abuja, Nigeria

The study investigated the performance of small and medium construction firms in Nigeria using non-financial measures particularly client and employee satisfaction. Information from ninety-four SMCFs who engaged in estate development were employed for this study to enhance ease of access to clients and employees on their project sites; one firm was considered per project site, therefore the study considered 94 firms with 94 project sites. Two employees and two clients of each of the firms were selected for questionnaire administration. Hence, a total of 376 copies of questionnaire were administered, out of which 238 were retrieved. The data were analysed using frequency, percentages, multiple response percentages and mean score (MS). Findings revealed that SMCFs had good communication strategy with employees and clients, good management / managerial capabilities, delivery to cost and specification but performed poorly with regards to project management skills that had to do with quality, time when delivering products to clients. SMCFs also recorded low performance with employees’ satisfaction on short term and long term benefits. The study therefore recommended that SMCFs should pay attention to project management skills and employees’ salary, health, pension, mentoring and training benefits. Keywords: Performance, SMCFs, Clients’ satisfaction, Employees’ satisfaction
ANALISIS FAKTOR-FAKTOR YANG MEMPENGARUHI PREDIKSI PERINGKAT OBLIGASI

The current paper analyze the prediction of the obligation rating and how they are ditermined. Unlike the previous studies, we include both the accounting and the non-accounting factors, and test the explanatory power of the following six variables: (1) the growth , (2) the size (3) the sinking fund, (4) the risk (with or without guarantee), (5) the maturity structure and, (6) the auditor’s judgement. The data consists of the bank and the financial firms listed in Jakarta Stock Exchange and Surabaya Stock Exchange. As the endogenous variable is discrete, we apply the probit regression model on the data and test how the six exogenous variable above can influence the rating of obligation. The results indicates that in general, the obligation of Indonesian firms are investment grade. The study also conform the significance of the growth, the sinking fund, the maturity and the auditor, while the size and the risk are both insignificant to predict the rating of obligation.
The South African fertility decline: Evidence from two censuses and a Demographic and Health Survey

Inadequate data and apartheid policies have meant that, until recently, most demographers have not had the opportunity to investigate the level of, and trend in, the fertility of South African women. The 1996 South Africa Census and the 1998 Demographic and Health Survey provide the first widely available and nationally representative demographic data on South Africa since 1970. Using these data, this paper describes the South African fertility decline from 1955 to 1996. Having identified and adjusted for several errors in the 1996 Census data, the paper argues that total fertility at that time was 3.2 children per woman nationally, and 3.5 children per woman for African South Africans. These levels are lower than in any other sub‐Saharan African country. We show also that fertility in South Africa has been falling since the 1960s. Thus, fertility transition predates the establishment of a family planning programme in the country in 1974.
Strategy and integrated financial ratio performance measures: A longitudinal multi-country study of high performance companies

Purpose – This study investigates the links between strategy, execution, and financial performance with particular attention to the underlying performance drivers that describe how a company executes strategy to create financial value. Methodology – This study empirically investigates companies in the United States and 22 other countries over a 20-year period (11 successive 10n-year periods: 1988–2007): (1) to compare financial performance characteristics of HPC versus non-HPC; (2) to study the sustainability of performance in HPC; and (3) to identify the companies that exit or enter the HPC classification and the performance drivers and performance measures that characterized the change in HPC classification. Findings – The 20-year longitudinal results confirm the results of prior studies as to the long-term superior performance of HPC over other companies (Objective 1). For sustaining HPC, results were consistent as to total asset management, profitability, financial risk, and liquidity (Objective 2). Declining HPC companies fail at total asset management, profitability, and operating asset management and significantly increase their financial risk. Emerging HPC companies improve liquidity through improved operating asset management and cash flows (Objective 3). Practical implications – To become a HPC management must generate increased cash flows from income, manage receivables and inventory vigorously, and reduce its debt in relation to equity. Thereafter, management must concentrate on maintaining its asset turnover and growth in revenues while maintaining its profit margin and not increasing its debt to equity. Value of the paper – The results provide direction for management of companies that aspire to HPC status and to maintain HPC status.
Changes in mucosal homeostasis predispose NHE3 knockout mice to increased susceptibility to DSS-induced epithelial injury.

BACKGROUND & AIMS NHE3 is a target of inhibition by proinflammatory cytokines and pathogenic bacteria, an event contributing to diarrhea in infectious and idiopathic colitis. In mice, NHE3 deficiency leads to mild diarrhea, increased intestinal expression of interferon (IFN)-gamma, and distal colitis, suggesting its role in epithelial barrier homeostasis. Our aim was to investigate the role of NHE3 in maintaining mucosal integrity. METHODS Control or dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-treated, 6- to 8-week-old wild-type (WT) and NHE3(-/-) mice were used for the experiments. Small intestines were dissected for further analysis. RESULTS NHE3(-/-) mice have elevated numbers of CD8alpha(+) T and natural killer cells in the intraepithelial lymphocytes and lamina propria lymphocytes compartments, representing the source of IFN-gamma. NHE3(-/-) mice display alterations in epithelial gene and protein expression patterns that predispose them to a high susceptibility to DSS, with accelerated mortality resulting from intestinal bleeding, hypovolemic shock, and sepsis, even at a very low DSS concentration. Microarray analysis and intestinal hemorrhage indicate that NHE3 deficiency predisposes mice to DSS-induced small intestinal injury, a segment never reported as affected by DSS, and demonstrate major differences in the colonic response to DSS challenge in WT and NHE3(-/-) mice. In NHE3(-/-) mice, broad-spectrum oral antibiotics or anti-asialo GM1 antibodies reduce the expression of IFN-gamma and iNOS to basal levels and delay but do not prevent severe mortality in response to DSS treatment. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that NHE3 participates in mucosal responses to epithelial damage, acting as a modifier gene determining the extent of the gut inflammatory responses in the face of intestinal injury.
A qualitative study on the effects of participation in pre-college engineering programs on first-year engineering students

As a result of the growth of formal and informal pre-college engineering opportunities, many students are enrolling in university engineering programs with significant prior exposure to engineering ideas and practices. This study explores how participation in pre-college engineering programs and activities affects the experiences of students in a first-year engineering program. Twenty-three students selected for maximum variation in their experiences were interviewed and the resulting transcripts analyzed using a phenomenographic research framework. Preliminary results suggest seven broad categories of description encompassing a broad range of both positive and negative effects resulting from pre-college engineering experiences.
A monograph of the genus Rosa in North America. I. R. acicularis

Summary(1)Rosa acicularis Lindl. , the only species ofRosa indigenous to both North America and Eurasia, has the most extended distribution of any species in the genus. (2)The populations ofR. acicularis Lindl. in North America and Eurasia differ by nine morphological characters: pedicel glandulation, auricle width, number of serrations per half leaflet, kind of leaflet serration, serration glandulation, leaflet glandulation, petiole bristles, number of leaflets per leaf, and width of the sepal. (3)Morphologically intermediate as well as typical North American and Eurasian individuals occur in Alaska and eastern Siberia. (4)Approximately 1000 pollen grains measured for representatives of this species in both continents (North America, x = 38.5 μ.; Eurasia, x = 40.4 μ) illustrate a significant difference in size between the North American diploid (x = 27.9 μ) and tetraploid (x = 33.4 μ) species. (5)The percentage of abortive pollen for 24 individuals selected at random throughout the range of the species is low. Only one plant from Alaska, found to be morphologically intermediate between the two populations, had highly abortive pollen (65%). (6)Rosa acicularis Lindl. is hexaploid (2n = 42) in chromosome number in North America and octoploid (2n = 56) in Eurasia. (7)From gross morphological, phytogeographical, and cytological evidences,R. acicularis Lindl. has been separated into two subspecies,R. acicularis Lindl. subsp.acicularis in Eurasia andR. acicularis Lindl. subsp.sayi (Schw.) Lewis in North America. (8)The first heptaploid (2n = 49) chromosome number inRosa is recorded for an artificial hybrid from these subspecies. (9)About fifty binomials, trinomials, pre-Linnaean phrases, and misapplied species names are listed under the subspecies.
Colorectal Cancer: Intrinsic Characteristics Modulate Cancer Energy Expenditure and the Risk of Cachexia

Purpose: To conduct a prospective longitudinal study in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients: 1) to evaluate resting energy expenditure (REE), weight/dietary intake changes, and response to treatment, taking into consideration cancer stage and histology; 2) to determine their potential interrelations; and 3) to quantify the relative contributions to REE of cancer/nutrition/treatment. Patients and Methods: 101 CRC patients proposed for neoadjuvant radiotherapy (RT) were evaluated before and after RT: REE (indirect calorimetry measurements), percentage of weight loss, usual diet (diet history), current diet (24 hour recall), and treatment response. Results: REE was higher in Stages III/IV versus I/II, at the RT onset (p < 0.002) and end (p = 0.02), and in moderately/poorly/undifferentiated cancers vs well differentiated (onset, p < 0.001) and (RT end, p = 0.01); weight/intake reductions were also greater in Stages III/IV versus I/II (p < 0.01) and in moderately/poorly/undifferentiated cancers versus well differentiated (p < 0.02). According to patients' response to treatment, REE was increased in Stage III/IV (p < 0.005) and Grade 2/3 histology (p < 0.003). In nonresponders, REE increased 7.2 ± 1.3 kcal/kg/day and decreased 2.8 ± 0.4 kcal/kg/day in responders. REE changes were not-significantly influenced by weight/intake. Relative contributions to baseline REE were determined in 25 percent by stage, in 25 percent by histology, in 3 percent by intake and in 4 percent by weight loss. At the end of RT, higher REE was attributed in 26 percent to stage, in 27 percent to histology, in 30 percent to nontreatment response, in 9 percent to intake, and in 8 percent to weight loss. Conclusions: In this CRC patient population, higher metabolic rates were mainly determined by the tumor burden and aggressiveness in association with response to treatment clearly disclaiming the effect of weight loss and/or dietary intake reductions.
Health status of hearing-impaired children and adolescents.

This descriptive study was conducted to identify factors that affect the general health status of hearing-impaired children and adolescents aged 6-18. One hundred six hearing-impaired students were sampled from two primary schools and a high school in Izmir, Turkey. The data were collected utilizing the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ). Children and adolescents' physical health mean score and psychological health mean score were M = 47.4 ± 10.2 and M = 49.4 ± 9.5, respectively. Statistically significant differences in health status were found between the categories of age, mother's educational level and economic status of the family. The general health status of children and adolescents was found to be positive.