Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bilateral Alternating Tactile Stimulation (BLAST) and the Stress Response

Anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent psychiatric illnesses and contribute to a significant chronic morbidity and decreased psychosocial functioning. Often, these disorders have their roots in past traumatic experiences, which manifest as a disordered or excessive stress (“flight or fight”) response. Treatment of these disorders is primarily pharmacologic, and although somewhat effective, many common anxiolytic drugs have side effects and are habit-forming. Therefore, there has been considerable interest in developing alternative non-pharmacologic treatment modalities. In particular, recent studies have shown that bilateral alternating tactile stimulation (BLAST) can attenuate the stress response, an effect correlated with quantifiable changes in EEG patterns. In this paper, we review the neuroanatomical structures and associated networks that are implicated in mediating the stress response and how they may contribute to various anxiety disorders. We also review the clinical effects of BLAST and other rhythmic stimulation techniques on the stress response in both normal healthy subjects and those with anxiety disorders, as well as the work showing how these effects might be mediated. Finally, we present recent work looking at the effects of BLAST on the stress response using non-invasive, wearable devices that deliver self-directed BLAST therapy. We show significant reductions in subjective levels of psychologic and physical stress through quantifiable modulation of activity in brain regions known to mediate the stress response. Future research should explore how the technology
The Relationship between Creativity Processes and Organizational Culture in Five- Star Hotel Cuisines

Cuisine is a department that is open to innovations in terms of quality, development and creativity of human resources. However, there is likely to be some relationship between the perceived organizational culture in the cuisine department and the creativity processes of the employees. Based on this suggestion, this study has the main objective of analyzing the relationship between the organizational culture perceptions of kitchen staff at hotels and their creativity processes. In addition, this study has the sub-objective of examining the relationship between kitchen employees’ demographic characteristics and personal features and their creativity processes and organizational culture perceptions. In this purpose, 275 kitchen employees from 17 five-star hotels operating in the Kemer district of Antalya were involved during the field survey of the study. Quantitative research methods were used in the research and data was collected by questionnaire technique. As a result of the research, it was found that there was a statistically significant relationship between the perception of organizational culture and the processes of creativity of kitchen employees. Besides, it was concluded that there were significant relationships between the various demographic characteristics and personal features of the kitchen employees and their organizational culture perceptions.
Bjursell , Cecilia When theories become practice-a metaphorical analysis of adult-education school-leaders ’ talk

Marketization has changed the education system. If we say that education is a market, this transforms the understanding of education and influences how people act. In this paper, adult-education school-leaders’ talk is analysed and seven metaphors for education are found: education as administration, market, matching, democracy, policy work, integration and learning. Exploring empirical metaphors provides a rich illustration of coinciding meanings. In line with studies on policy texts, economic metaphors are found to dominate. This should be understood not only as representing liberal ideology, as is often discussed in analyses of policy papers, but also as representing economic theory. In other words, contemporary adult education can be understood as driven by economic theories. The difference and relation between ideology and theory should be further examined since they have an impact on our society and on our everyday lives.
COPD_A_202580 1365..1376

Nigel Cook Jennifer Gey Beyza Oezel Alexander J Mackay Chitresh Kumari Vinay Preet Kaur Noel Larkin Jennifer Harte Sara Vergara-Muro Florian S Gutzwiller 1Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland; 2Airways Disease Section, Imperial College London, London, UK; 3Novartis Healthcare Private Ltd, Hyderabad, India; 4Novartis Global Service Center, Dublin, Ireland; 5Ipsos Healthcare, London, UK Background: Qualitative research provides real-life information on patients’ condition and facilitates informed design of future clinical studies. Objective: We used Online Communities as a qualitative research tool to evaluate the effect of cough and mucus on COPD patients. Methods: Two 2-week Online Communities were run in parallel in the UK and in the USA, including COPD patients with persistent cough and excessive mucus. Patients anonymously posted their responses to pre-assigned tasks, supervised and guided by a trained moderator. Five themes around the impact of cough and mucus were explored with new questions posted every 2–3 days. On the final day, high-level conclusions were shared with patients for feedback. Data were analyzed following the principles of grounded theory. Results: Twenty COPD patients (UK, n=10; USA, n=10) participated in the Online Communities. We found that cough and mucus disrupted COPD patients’ lives at functional, emotional, social and economic levels. Patients created daily rituals and adjusted their lifestyle to cope with the impact of these symptoms. Patients identified themselves with our conclusions and saw the Online Community as an effective forum to share their experiences. Conclusion: Findings of our study add to the body of evidence on the negative impact of COPD symptoms and unmet needs of these patients.
The Derivation of Wh-Questions in Najrani Arabic

The study explores the derivation of wh-questions in Najrani Arabic and attempts to answer the following questions: (i) Can wh-questions in Najrani Arabic be derived in VSO or SVO or both? , and (ii) How can Najrani Arabic wh-questions be accounted for within Chomsky’s (2001,2005, 2013,2015 ) Phase approach? The objective of the study is to present a unified analysis of the derivation of wh-questions in Najrani Arabic and show the interaction between Najrani Arabic data and Chomsky’s Phase framework. It has been shown that Najrani Arabic allows the derivation of wh-questions from the argument and non-argument positions in VSO word order. Given this, we assume that VSO is the unmarked order for the derivation of wh-questions in Najrani Arabic. In VSO, the subject DP does not raise to Spec-TP because the head T does not have the EPP feature: the latter attracts movement of the former. The verb raises to the head T of TP, while the subject DP remains in-situ in Spec-vP. Moreover, in Najrani Arabic intransitive structures, the phase vP does not have a specifier because it does not have an external thematic argument whereas in transitive constructions the vP has. Concerning case assignment, the phase vP merges with an abstract tense af (fix) on the head T, which agrees with and assigns invisible nominative case to the subject wh-word man ‘who’. We assume that the phase head C is the probe and has the Edge feature which attracts the raising of the subject wh-phrase to Spec-CP. Besides, we argue that the light transitive head v has an Edged feature which attracts the raising of the object wh-phrase aish ‘what’ to be the second (outer) specifier of vP. Being the phase head, the v probes for a local goal and finds the object wh-phrase aish; the v agrees with and assigns accusative case to the object wh-phrase aish. As the TP merges with a null interrogative head C, the phase head C has an Edge feature that attracts the raising of the object wh-word aish to Spec-CP for feature valuation. Following this, the null copies of the moved entities left after movement receive a null spellout in the phonological level and, hence, cannot be accessed for any further operation.
The role of the clinical laboratory in the detection and monitoring of acute kidney injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common syndrome presenting in multiple clinical settings and is frequently associated with serious short and long term adverse outcomes, which not only have impact on the patient but also on the health service increasing hospitalisation time and the costs related to the treatment. Early diagnosis and identification of the aetiology are essential for the management of the patients. During the last ten years, significant advances have been made towards the definition of this syndrome. The current consensus definitions of AKI include both changes in serum creatinine concentration and urine output. Although proposal have been made for the inclusion of novel biomarkers in the diagnostic workup of AKI as independent diagnostic markers these are not currently included in these definitions. In this review we will focus on these definitions and we will try to highlight their strengths and limitations in diagnosis and staging of AKI. Moreover, we will try to highlight the contribution of the clinical laboratory in AKI diagnosis in both the clinical and research settings.
Epidemiology of Campylobacter species in poultry and humans in the four agricultural zones of Sokoto State, Nigeria

A study was conducted to establish the epidemiology of Campylobacter species in the four agricultural zones of Sokoto. A total of 798 (506 cloacal and 292 fecal) swabs from poultry and humans respectively were screened and analyzed using standard culture isolation technique and biochemical characterization. A total of 152 (30%) and 160 (55%) were positive for Campylobacter spp. in poultry and humans respectively. The prevalence rates of 53, 28, and 18% were for Campylobacter coli, Campylobacter lari and Campylobacter jejuni in poultry while 39, 37 and 24% were for C. coli, C. lari and C. jejuni in humans, respectively. The prevalence rate of 30% was recorded in both chicken and guinea fowl, while 14, 56 and 50% were found in pigeon, ducks and turkey, respectively. The prevalence rates were slightly higher in males than females in both poultry and humans. There was no significant statistical association (P>0.05) between prevalence rate and species. The prevalence in agricultural zones revealed 42, 39, 28 and 13% in Gwadabawa, Isah, Sokoto and Tambuwal, respectively in poultry, while in humans, 65, 25, 50 and 70% were recorded in the same order. There was no significant statistical association (P>0.05) between prevalence rate and sex, but the association between prevalence and zones were statistically significant (P<0.05) in both poultry and humans. Poultry in the state have been shown to harbor Campylobacter spp. and may serve as reservoir of infection for humans. Humans independent of age and sex, were infected with Campylobacter spp. The transportation of poultry together with humans in the same truck while moving birds from different locations to live bird markets should be discouraged. Adequate environmental sanitation and strict hygiene measures should be implemented in the poultry slaughter slabs and processing units in the state. Key words: Campylobacter species, poultry, humans, agricultural zones, Sokoto State, Nigeria
Morphological Pattern of Ovarian Tumour : Experience in a Tertiary Level Hospital

Background : Ovarian tumor is a common type of gynecological neoplasm and accounts for 15-25% of all gynecological malignancies. It is associated with high mortality and an accurate histological diagnosis is essential for management of patient. Objective : The study was performed to find out the morphological pattern, nature and age distribution of ovarian tumour in our hospital. Material and methods : It was a prospective study,conducted in the Department of Histopathology and Cytopathology, BIRDEM General Hospital, Dhaka for a period of two years from Jan 2014 to Dec 2015. This study included 186 cases of ovarian tumors sent in the Department of Pathology for histopathological evaluation. Non-neoplastic lesions and tumour-like conditions were excluded from the study. Histological diagnosis, age and laterality of ovary were recorded. Morphological pattern, nature and age distribution of ovarian neoplasms were calculated. Result : 84.95% cases of ovarian tumour were benign, 1.61% cases were borderline and 13.44% cases were malignant. ORIGINAL ARTICLES Surface epithelial tumour was the commonest type of tumour (61.83%), according to the histogenesis , followed by germ cell tumour. Benign serous tumour was the most common type of benign tumor (37.98% cases), followed by mature cystic teratoma (33.55% cases). Serous cystadenocarcinoma was the most common type of malignant tumour (36.0%), followed by endometrioid carcinoma (28.0%). Benign tumours were more frequent in all age group. The incidence of malignant ovarian tumour increased with age and was most frequent in >50 years age group. Benign tumours were commonly cystic, whereas malignant tumours were commonly solid and cystic. 11.23% cases of ovarian tumours were bilateral. Conclusion : Benign ovarian neoplasms were more common than malignant ones and benign serous tumour was the commonest type of benign neoplasm whereas serous cystdenocarcinoma was the commonest type of malignant neoplasm. The pattern and age distribution of ovarian tumour of our study were quite similar with other studies with some variation. J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2018; 36(1): 5-10
Effects of mowing regimes and climate variability on hay production of Leymus chinensis (Trin.) Tzvelev grassland in northern China

Leymus chinensis (Trin.) Tzvelev grassland is the most widely distributed native steppe vegetation type suitable for haymaking in the semiarid pastoral regions of north-east Asia. The long-term effects of four mowing regimes (mowing once a year, twice a year, once every 2 years and twice every 3 years), and climatic variability on the hay production from L. chinensis grassland were investigated using permanent plots over 27 years. The results showed that (i) the overall cumulative annual herbage production over the 27 years was the highest under ‘mowing once a year’, and ‘mowing twice a year’ did not produce any significant change in the amount of harvested herbage; (ii) mowing induced a reduction in herbage production mostly in the first couple of years, and the reduction was larger under frequent than less frequent mowing. The annual herbage production in harvest years was higher under less frequent mowing (once every 2 years, or twice every 3 years) than that under annual mowing, but the higher herbage production in harvest years under less frequent mowing could not compensate for the herbage not made into hay in the years without harvest; (iii) annual herbage production generally increased with annual precipitation, but the response of annual herbage production to precipitation was best described by quadratic (instead of linear or logarithmic) equations, which suggested a decline in annual herbage production under the highest annual precipitation in the region, and the relationships stood under different mowing regimes; and (iv) an analysis of hay yield and quality, and costs of the mowing operation, showed that the haymaking from L. chinensis grassland was financially viable as long as the herbage production was not extremely low under drought. It is concluded that the best practice for haymaking from L. chinensis grassland should be based on the rule of ‘mowing once a year’ in high-production years and grazing in low-production years; and a light grazing early in the season may increase hay quality mowed in the autumn if the grassland grows well early in the season in high-production years.
EVALUATION OF ANTIDIABETIC AND ANTIHYPERLIPIDEMIC EFFECT OF VERNONIA DIVERGENS IN STREPTOZOTOCIN-INDUCED DIABETIC RATS

Objective: The current investigation for antidiabetic activity of the plant Vernonia divergens (DC.) Edgew. has not been reported till date. However, to enlighten the folkloric claim of the plant, the study was carried out on various animal models such as albino mice, albino rabbits, Wistar rats, rabbits, hamsters, dogs, and monkeys. Methods: The whole plant of V. divergens was studied on various animal models. Screening methods generally have been carried out on rodents and non-rodents, respectively. Various biochemical and hematological parameters such as serum glucose, plasma insulin, lipid profile and activities of liver enzymes, red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, and differential counts were measured to assess the antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activities as well as safety profile of the extract. Results: Among all experimental extracts of V. divergens, it was found that the aqueous and methanolic extracts had maximum control of blood glucose in diabetic Wistar rats. While comparing with normoglycemic animals, it was observed that reduction of blood sugar level and increase in plasma insulin level are maximum with test extract. Among the study, the effects of the methanolic extract of V. divergens (MEVD) and aqueous extract of V. divergens (AEVD) were done through oral route in both the models, i.e., normoglycemic and hyperglycemic animal models. The safety profile was evaluated by toxicological evaluation and observed that, even at a higher dose level of 3000 mg/kg body weight, the MEVD and AEVD were safe and retain normal physiological and behavioral effect. The whole protein, whole cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity of streptozotocin-administered rats showed significantly higher than normal rats, and the test extract-treated rats significantly reduced the elevated levels. Conclusion: It is concluded that the MEVD and AEVD (DC.) Edgew. might be beneficial in effectively reducing the blood glucose concentration and managing the various complications of diabetes. However, in comparison between both the extracts, the methanol extract was found to be significantly more potent than that of the A.E. in all aspects.
Preparation of a chitosan-based anionic exchanger for removal of bromide, chloride, iodide and phosphate ions from aqueous solutions

The development of a chitosan anion exchanger, obtained from shrimp shells, and its adsorption capacity for chloride, bromide, iodide and phosphate anions are provided. Dependence of exchange processes with the anions as a function of pH and contact time between exchanger and anions were initially investigated. Results showed that the best adsorption of ions occurred at pH 3.0. Exchange isotherms were then developed by the Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich mathematical models. Results demonstrated that chitosan produced from shrimp shells may be used as feedstock in the manufacture of anion exchange microspheres.
Executive Remuneration and the Financial Performance of Quoted Firms: The Nigerian Experience

This study examined executive remuneration and firms’ performance in Nigeria. Specifically, the study seeks to ascertain the nexus between executive remuneration, firm size and board size variables and the performance of quoted companies. The population of the study consists of all the quoted firms as at 31st December, 2014. A sample of sixty (60) companies excluding non- financial firms was selected for the period 2013 and 2014. Summary statistics such as descriptive, correlation and granger causality tests were used. Inferential statistics, using panel Generalized Least Square (EGLS) with fixed effect was used for the purpose of empirical validations. This was after the application of diagnostic test to enhance the study. The study ascertained that executive remuneration has a relationship with firm performance, but negatively impacted on it; though was not statistically significant. Firm size was ascertained not to have significant positive relationship with firms’ performance; though it has a causality relationship with the performance of the firms. Board size was found to negatively affect the performance of firms and is statistically not significant. Premised on this, the study suggests that executive remuneration of quote firms should be pegged constantly in a flexible manner. This will enable shareholders known the causality relationship between what is paid to the executive and how that influence performance.
Imitation of successful behaviour in cournot markets

In an experimental standard Cournot oligopoly we test the importance of models of behaviour characterised by imitation of successful behaviour, in particular when the environment becomes more complex. We find that the players do not rely more on imitation in more demanding environments. We explain that the different pattern of output decisions in such environments seems predominantly related to a general disorientation of the players, and more specifically to a significant decrease of best-responses. Copyright 2003 Royal Economic Society.
Mineralogical and Geotechnical Characterization of Maiduguri Black Cotton Soil by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), X-Ray Photoelectron (XPS) And Scanning Electron Spectroscopy (SEM)

The focus of this paper is to characterize clayey soil samples along the Maiduguri-Gamboru Road, Borno State, Nigeria using advanced characterization techniques in order to improve the soil engineering properties for road pavement construction and foundations. Soil samples were mineralogically characterized using X-ray Powder diffractometry (XRD), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Scanning Electron Spectroscopy (SEM), soil index properties (Atterberg Limits) and strength tests. X-ray powder diffraction analysis detected the presence of four minerals: Quartz, SiO2; Calcite, CaCO3; Larnite, Ca2SiO4; and a clay mineral Kaolinite, Al2(Si2O5)(OH)4. XPS peak analysis by CasaXPS software confirmed the availability of eight (8) elements with Percentage Atomic Concentration as: Oxygen (65.14%), Silicon (15.79%), Aluminium (7.53%), Carbon (5.96%), Magnesium (2.11%), Ferrous (1.96%), Calcium (0.82%) and Nitrogen (0.68%) with traces of Sodium (0.00%) and Sulphur (0.00%). The ratio of the exchangeable cation Calcium / Magnesium is less than 0.5 indicating an unstable soil. The EDS chemical analysis by SEM detected eleven (11) elements. The distribution of the chemical elements by atom% in descending order is: Oxygen (63.67%), Silicon (18.66%), Aluminium (10.36%), Ferrous (3.44%), Carbon (1.66%), Calcium (0.6%), Potassium (0.52%), Tin (0.37%), Sodium (0.36%), Magnesium (0.25%), Phosphorous (0.13%), with traces of Sulphur and Barium. The Percentage Atomic concentration of carbon and aluminium given by XPS are much higher than that given by SEM (atomic %) while that of Oxygen is similar. The soil index properties: high liquid limit (68%), low plastic limit (25.3%), high plasticity index (41.7%) and free swell (50%) indicate a high swelling and highly compressible soil with an estimated uplift pressure of 151.8kN/m 2 . This is due to the presence of clay minerals. The soil strength characteristics: Maximum Dry Density (1708.9 Kg/m 3 ); Un-soaked CBR (36%) and the soaked CBR (17%) fall below the minimum requirement for sub-base and base course. The frequent damages to road pavements and foundations in the area can be attributed to the chemical composition and mineral assemblage of the soil in the area. The characterization and knowledge of the chemical assemblage will make possible the effective stabilization as chemical stabilization will be directed at the different chemical compounds in the soil.