Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improving paediatric tuberculosis and HIV clinical record keeping: the use of audit and a structured pro forma in a South African regional level hospital

We report on the impact of revisions made to an existing pro forma facilitating routine assessment and the management of paediatric HIV and tuberculosis (TB) in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. An initial documentation audit in 2010 assessed 25 sets of case notes for the documentation of 16 select indicators based on national HIV and TB guidelines. Using the findings of this initial audit, the existing case note pro forma was revised. The introduction of the revised pro forma was accompanied by training and a similar repeat audit was undertaken in 2012. This demonstrated an overall improvement in documentation. The three indicators that improved most were documentation of maternal HIV status, child’s HIV status and child’s TB risk assessment (all P < 0.001). This study suggests that tailor-made documentation pro formas may have an important role to play in improving record keeping in low-resource settings.
High throughput and low power enhancements for LDPC decoders

Modern VLSI decoders for low-density paritycheck (LDPC) codes require high throughput performance while achieving high energy efficiency on the smallest possible footprint. In this paper, we present two optimizations to enhance the throughput and reduce the power consumption for these decoders. As a first optimization, we seek to speedup the decoding task by modifying the processing step known as syndrome check. We partition this task and perform it in on-the-fly fashion. As a second optimization, we address the topic of iteration control in order to save energy and time on unnecessary decoder operation when processing undecodable blocks. We propose an iteration control policy that is driven by the combination of two decision metrics. Furthermore, we show empirically how stopping criteria should be tuned as a function of false alarm and missed detection rates. Throughout this paper we use the codes defined in the IEEE 802.11n standard to show performance results of the proposed optimizations. Keywords—LDPC codes; iterative decoding; syndrome calculation; throughput enhancement; stopping criteria; iteration control; low power.
Incidence and etiology of new liver lesions in pediatric patients previously treated for malignancy.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the time course, cause, and imaging characteristics of all new liver lesions in pediatric patients with a previously treated malignancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS Our hospital cancer registry was used to identify patients between 1980 and 2005 who met the following criteria: solid tumor, survival > 2 years after diagnosis, no liver lesions at a posttreatment baseline, and cross-sectional imaging follow-up of > 2 years. Final dictated reports of all cross-sectional imaging examinations including the abdomen were reviewed for any mention of new liver lesions. Positive reports were followed by consensus review of the images and clinical data. Patients were divided into three groups: those with suspected or proven focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH), those with suspected or proven metastases, and those with other lesions. An exact Wilcoxon test was used to evaluate the differences between the groups. RESULTS Of 967 patients who met the initial inclusion criteria, 273 had adequate follow-up to be included in the study. Forty-six patients (16.8%) developed new liver lesions during the study period, and 14 of those 46 were classified into the FNH group (30.4%) and seven were classified into the metastasis group (15.2%). A significant difference was found in the median time to the development of FNH versus metastasis and other lesions (FNH, 92.9 months; metastasis, 43.2 months; other lesions, 18.5 months; p < 0.0001). A significant difference was also seen in the median length of follow-up between the groups (FNH, 115.6 months; metastasis, 57 months; other lesions, 50.8 months; p = 0.002). The imaging features of the groups also differed. CONCLUSION The most common liver lesion encountered in pediatric patients previously treated for malignancy was FNH, which occurred farther from the time of diagnosis and had different imaging characteristics from both metastases and other liver lesions.
Potential anti‐inflammatory effects of Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil on human peripheral blood leukocytes

The fungicidal and bactericidal actions of the essential oil (EO) of Melaleuca alternifolia seem well established, but their anti‐inflammatory and antioxidative effects remain unclear. This study investigated in vitro the possible role of whole Melaleuca alternifolia EO as a modulator of the inflammatory/non‐specific immune response by exploring the chemotaxis and kinetic radical oxygen species (ROS) production of leukocytes and cytokine secretion in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in humans.
A Necropsy Report of a Patient with Xanthoma Disseminatum

XA N T H O M A disseminatumis a rare form of xanthomatosis in which dermal deposits of lipid-laden macrophages tend to localise on the flexural surface of the extremities, the axillae, side of the neck, face and perineum. Deposits may also occur under the mucous membrane of the mouth, pharynx, larynx and bronchus; occasionally, involvement of the pituitary and hypothalamus produces an accompanying diabetes insipidus. In contrast with other forms of xanthomatoses, blood lipid levels are normal or almost normal (Harrison et al., 1963). Only 5 necropsy reports have been published. The present case, presenting some unique features, was described clinically in this journal by Harrison et al. (1963).
An Efficient Approximation for Weapon-Target Assignment

The weapon-target assignment (WTA) problem is a fundamental problem arising in defense-related applications of operations research. The WTA problem can be formulated as a nonlinear integer programming problem and is known to be NP-complete. We present firstly a technique founded on the use weapon cell, which enables one-to-many mapping about weapon-target to become one-to-one mapping. Next, we introduce a framework of solving the WTA problem. Based on this framework, an approximation algorithm that is grounded on the rules about weapon cells and targets is proposed. Finally, the simulative results show that the proposed algorithm indeed is very efficient.
CD34+ peripheral blood progenitor cell and monocyte derived dendritic cells: a comparative analysis

Dendritic cells (DC) have been generated in vitro from either CD34+ haemopoietic progenitor cells (HPC) or peripheral blood monocytes (Mo) in the presence of specific cytokine combinations, including granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF). Since differences between DC from either source may be important for the clinical use of these antigen‐presenting cells (APC), a comparative analysis was performed. HPC were expanded in the presence of interleukin (IL)‐3, IL‐6 and stem cell factor (SCF) (days 1–7) and subsequently induced by IL‐4 + GM‐CSF (days 8–26) to differentiate to Langerhans‐type cells (pLC). The latter cytokines were similarly used to generate Mo‐derived LC (mLC). Maturation of both cell types, pLC and mLC, to interdigitating DC‐type cells (iDC) was induced by tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Analysis of mLC/pLC and miDC/piDC with respect to morphology, phenotype, antigen uptake and presentation revealed a high similarity of DC from either source. The majority of mLC, however, exhibited a more mature differentiation stage, compared to pLC, evidenced from lower numbers of multilaminar MHC class II compartments and less efficient APC function for extracellular protein antigens. Although macropinocytosis was performed by LC, neither LC nor iDC from either source were able to take up 0.5 μm latex beads. However, phagocytosis of 0.5 μm and 1 μm beads was performed by Mo that could subsequently be induced to become iDC, thus providing the unique opportunity to present phagocytosed material in DC‐type fashion. Mo may be the preferential source for clinical use of iDC‐type cells since preparation and culture are easier to perform and are less costly while APC function is similar to HPC‐derived iDC.
Assessing the Effects of Post-Purchase Dissatisfaction and Complaining Behavior on Profitability: A Monte Carlo Simulation

The authors present a Monte Carlo simulation demonstrating the effect of post-purchase dissatisfaction and complaining behavior on profitability. Although it is widely believed that improvements in complaint management can increase profits, empirical evidence is lacking. Based on pre-specified probabilities of complaint behaviors, and inputs regarding different outcomes (specifically justice, repatronage, and word-of-mouth), a simulation model is developed. The model allows one to estimate the opportunity costs of post-purchase dissatisfaction and complaint behavior. "What if" analyses are also conducted in order to estimate the impact of changes in complaint management and recovery outcomes on profitability.
CORRELATION ANALYSIS BETWEEN THE SERVICE QUALITY, CUSTOMER SATISFACTION, AND CUSTOMER LOYALTY OF VIVA GENERIK PHARMACY IN SEMARANG

Today, pharmacy service has become more developed along with the enhancement of society awareness of the importance of health. Therefore, as one of the health service facilities, pharmacy is required not only to give priority on product prices and varieties but also to provide qualified service for the patients. Viva Generik pharmacy as a new comer should have the ability to understand the situation and should have the competitive advantage. This study used a survey method. Data were collected with a purposive sampling method using the instrument of closed questionnaires. The questionnaires were tested for the validity and the reliability to 40 respondents who were the consumers of Viva Generik pharmacy. Questionnaires were given to 150 respondents, then were analyzed using qualitative descriptive statistics to identify the respondents’ characteristic. Quantitative analysis was used to identify the quality of the service and to see the correlation between service quality, satisfaction, and customer loyalty of Viva Generik pharmacy. As a result, Viva Generik pharmacy’s consumers tended to agree that the quality of service given by Viva Generik pharmacy was good. Simultaneously, service quality variables gave a positive impact to the customer satisfaction and the customer loyalty. It was just the tangible dimension that gave the significant impact on the customer satisfaction and customer loyalty. It was also disclosed that the customer satisfaction brought a significant impact on the customer loyalty to Viva Generik pharmacy.
Measuring social value

Being able to demonstrate the social value you achieve is important in being able to win new work in establishing you have successfully made the change you set out to. You might be expected to set out how you will measure the social value in the bidding process and, if you are successful in winning a contract report on the social value, delivery should be part of the contract management process
Growing Up in a Recession: Beliefs and the Macroeconomy

Do generations growing up during recessions have different socio-economic beliefs than generations growing up in good times? We study the relationship between recessions and beliefs by matching macroeconomic shocks during early adulthood with self-reported answers from the General Social Survey. Using time and regional variations in macroeconomic conditions to identify the effect of recessions on beliefs, we show that individuals growing up during recessions tend to believe that success in life depends more on luck than on effort, support more government redistribution, but are less confident in public institutions. Moreover, we find that recessions have a long-lasting effect on individuals' beliefs.
Boards’ Gender Diversity and Firm Performance Before and after the Egyptian Revolution

Given the endogenous and contingent nature of firms’ governance choices, it is not surprising that the results of prior studies investigating the association between board attributes and firm performance are mixed. In this paper, we exploit the presence of an exogenous shock represented in the Egyptian revolution in 2011 to assess the effect of gender diversity in the board on firm performance. Our results show that gender diverse firms perform better when their environment becomes more complex and unpredictable. The presence of foreign directors on the other hand has the opposite effect. Our results challenge the notion that diversity attributes are additive, and underscore the benefits of gender diversity in more complex and unpredictable contexts. Overall, we provide evidence that board structure/diversity-performance relationship is contingent upon the social, political and economic context, and changes in response to external shocks.
A Long-Term, Multitrophic Level Study to Assess Pulp and Paper Mill Effluent Effects on Aquatic Communities in Four US Receiving Waters: Background and Status

Abstract An industry-funded, long-term, receiving water study was initiated in 1998/1999 to address questions about the potential effects of pulp and paper mill effluent discharges on US receiving waters. Although the study continues, the knowledge gained to date provides an opportunity to reflect on the study development process, its progress, and its outcomes. As a backdrop to a series of articles in this special issue describing study results, this article describes the process by which study information objectives were identified as well as the process by which the experimental design was developed. A review of past literature and research identified gaps in long-term population/community data about effluent effects and that, consequently, emerged as a primary information objective. The selected streams for study included 1) Codorus Creek (Pennsylvania, USA), 2) Leaf River (Mississippi, USA), 3) McKenzie River (Oregon, USA), and 4) Willamette River (Oregon) represent a blend of mill process types, coldwater and warmwater stream types, and a range of effluent concentrations. Measurements included numbers of periphyton, macroinvertebrate, and fish communities; the assessment of water and effluent quality; laboratory bioassays; and fish full–life-cycle assays. Information objectives included addressing natural variability and, consequently, the study included long-term temporal (>10 y) and watershed-scale spatial frameworks. Regional-scale ecological risk assessments were performed for each site that aided in placing each site in an ecological and regulatory context. An adaptive-management process is described that allowed for modifications over time as a result of lessons learned as the study progressed. Results from the initial 7 to 8 y of monitoring, as described in the series of articles in this special issue, provide a unique data set with respect to addressing point-source pulp and paper mill effluent discharge concerns and may serve as a template for others to use in developing monitoring or management programs to assess or address water quality conditions or concerns.
Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology Emergencies at the Jos University Teaching Hospital: Study of Frequency, Management, and Outcomes

Background: Studies from Nigeria on pediatric otorhinolaryngology (ORL) emergencies are rare in literature with most focusing on emergencies involving individual systems. Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of all ORL emergencies among children in our region to provide a baseline data for future health planning. Patients and Methods: This is a 1-year retrospective cross-sectional study of patients aged 16 years and below presenting to the Accident and Emergency Department of the Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria. Results: A total of 203 otolaryngology emergencies were attended of which 129 (63.5%) were pediatric emergencies. Records of 87 patients were retrievable with age range 2 months to 15 years (mean 3.44 years; standard deviation ± 3.35). There were 55 males and 32 females with a male to female ratio of 1.7:1. The majority of cases were aged under 5 years (64; 73.6%). Acute tonsillitis accounted for 32 (36.7%) cases with 6 (6.9%) having peritonsillar abscesses. Acute pharyngitis accounted for 11 (12.6%) presentations followed closely by foreign bodies (FBs) in the ear with 10 (11.5%) presentations. FB in the throat occurred in 4 (4.6%) patients who had removal under general anesthesia. Three (3.4%) cases of maxillofacial injuries occurred as a result of insurgent terror attacks and 3.4% presented following corrosive substance ingestion. Conservative management was commenced in 76 (87.4%) patients, 23 (26.4%) had surgery with 68 (78.2%) admitted and discharged, 18 (20.7%) treated as outpatients, and 1 (1.1%) died on admission. Otolaryngologists attended most (95.4%) patients. Conclusion: Pediatric ORL emergencies are common in our region involving a wide range of pathologies. Expansion is required in the ORL training of the emergency room physician to enhance emergency services.
Time for our field to grow up

Compared to centuries of physics and millennia of mathematics, the 50-year-history of computer science and information management research makes us the toddlers of the scientific community. Yet during our brief existence, we've revolutionized the world and, not content with that, gone on to build and study virtual worlds. We have justly taken pride in our accomplishments, and developed our own unique way of conducting research, unlike other scientific and engineering fields. But cracks have appeared in this edifice we have built. The conference system that served us so well for our first 50 years is falling apart. Our ever-increasing population competes ever more energetically for a finite set of resources. Other scientific and engineering disciplines still think that our field equates to programming, and look down on us. While we may also look down on them, it is undeniably true that high-energy physicists get many more research dollars per capita than we do, and our computer science colleagues wonder whether all the data management problems haven't already been solved. Other departments have started to teach courses that overlap our turf. Are we our own worst enemies? Why doesn't everyone understand how important our research is? Do we have to abandon the conference system? Must we become more like the stodgy old fields of science and engineering? Or can we find our own way?
Tracking Origins and Spread of Sulfadoxine-Resistant Plasmodium falciparum dhps Alleles in Thailand

ABSTRACT The emergence and spread of drug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum have been a major impediment for the control of malaria worldwide. Earlier studies have shown that similar to chloroquine (CQ) resistance, high levels of pyrimethamine resistance in P. falciparum originated independently 4 to 5 times globally, including one origin at the Thailand-Cambodia border. In this study we describe the origins and spread of sulfadoxine-resistance-conferring dihydropteroate synthase (dhps) alleles in Thailand. The dhps mutations and flanking microsatellite loci were genotyped for P. falciparum isolates collected from 11 Thai provinces along the Burma, Cambodia, and Malaysia borders. Results indicated that resistant dhps alleles were fixed in Thailand, predominantly being the SGEGA, AGEAA, and SGNGA triple mutants and the AGKAA double mutant (mutated codons are underlined). These alleles had different geographical distributions. The SGEGA alleles were found mostly at the Burma border, while the SGNGA alleles occurred mainly at the Cambodia border and nearby provinces. Microsatellite data suggested that there were two major genetic lineages of the triple mutants in Thailand, one common for SGEGA/SGNGA alleles and another one independent for AGEAA. Importantly, the newly reported SGNGA alleles possibly originated at the Thailand-Cambodia border. All parasites in the Yala province (Malaysia border) had AGKAA alleles with almost identical flanking microsatellites haplotypes. They were also identical at putatively neutral loci on chromosomes 2 and 3, suggesting a clonal nature of the parasite population in Yala. In summary, this study suggests multiple and independent origins of resistant dhps alleles in Thailand.
Development of an Instrument for Predicting Success of Persons in Real Estate Sales Careers.

The purpose of this research was to develop a biodata instrument that would validly predict individuals with zero or non-zero sales production in real estate sales careers. Correlational and factorial procedures were used to develop keys for the biodata instrument. A logistic regression analysis was performed to measure the ability of the instrument to correctly predict the dichotomous forms o f the dependent variables. Follow-up data on sales production was gathered at three and six months after the biodata instrument was administered. Subjects were real estate salespersons enrolled in entry-level training classes across the country. Dependent variables in this study were Sales Dollars Produced and number of Transaction Sides completed. For each respondent for whom there was sales data, a biodata score was computed from the item correlation coefficients. Correlational analysis of the dependent variables with biodata scores indicated that the dependent variable Sales Dollars Produced collected at the end of six months exhibited the greatest predictive ability (R=.274). Factorial analysis of the data resulted in 59 items from the original biodata instrument within 16 factors. Correlation of the independent variables with the dependent variables failed to yield significant Rs. The Logistic regression of the dichotomous dependent variables with the independent variables found that individuals with non-zero sales production could be correctly predicted 82 percent of the time.
Decorin in Human Colon Cancer

Decorin is generally recognized as a tumor suppressing molecule. Nevertheless, although decorin has been shown to be differentially expressed in malignant tissues, it has often remained unclear whether, in addition to non-malignant stromal cells, cancer cells also express it. Here, we first used two publicly available databases to analyze the current information about decorin expression and immunoreactivity in normal and malignant human colorectal tissue samples. The analyses demonstrated that decorin expression and immunoreactivity may vary in cancer cells of human colorectal tissues. Therefore, we next examined decorin expression in normal, premalignant and malignant human colorectal tissues in more detail using both in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry for decorin. Our results invariably demonstrate that malignant cells within human colorectal cancer tissues are devoid of both decorin mRNA and immunoreactivity. Identical results were obtained for cells of neuroendocrine tumors of human colon. Using RT-qPCR, we showed that human colon cancer cell lines are also decorin negative, in accordance with the above in vivo results. Finally, we demonstrate that decorin transduction of human colon cancer cell lines causes a significant reduction in their colony forming capability. Thus, strategies to develop decorin-based adjuvant therapies for human colorectal malignancies are highly rational.