Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Community prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases and human immunodeficiency virus infection in Tamil Nadu, India: a probability proportional to size cluster survey.

BACKGROUND Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and AIDS is threatening the survival of many nations. To evaluate ongoing interventional strategies and burden of illness estimates, valid data on the prevalence of HIV are required. Often, in the absence of community prevalence data, estimates are based on surrogate markers such as prevalence of HIV in antenatal clinics. Even though the antenatal prevalence of HIV is easier to measure and can be repeated for evaluation, it is important to establish the association between antenatal and community prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and HIV, so that the validity of the estimates can be verified. METHODS A 'probability proportional to size' cluster survey was conducted in three randomly selected districts of Tamil Nadu in India. The basic unit of the survey was households from rural and urban clusters. Adults 15-45 years of age from the selected households were eligible for recruitment. Demographic, behavioural and laboratory data were collected. Clinical examination was done to identify STD syndromes and blood, urine, vaginal/urethral and endocervical swabs were taken for laboratory diagnosis of STDs from the subjects. Direct smear examination for Trichomonas vaginalis; serological tests for syphilis, hepatitis B, HIV, herpes simplex virus 2, Chlamydia trachomatis; and culture of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Haemophilus ducreyi were performed on the collected specimens. The data were analysed adjusting for cluster effect. RESULT We selected and screened 1981 individuals (1157 women and 824 men) for STDs and HIV from 1114 households representing the 25 million projected adult population of Tamil Nadu. The overall community prevalence of STDs including HIV and hepatitis B in Tamil Nadu was 14.6% (CI: 14.1-15.1), and 8.3% (CI: 7.9-8.6) when HIV and hepatitis B were excluded. Community prevalence of HIV and hepatitis B infection was 1.8% (CI:1.7-1.9) and 5.3% (CI: 5.1-5.5), respectively. The distribution of HIV involved both rural and urban regions of Tamil Nadu. On clinical examination, at least one STD syndrome was noted in 486 (24.5%) of the women subjects; vaginal discharge was the most common and found in 421 women (38.4%). CONCLUSION The prevalence of STD and HIV in Tamil Nadu is higher than expected and has extended into the non-high risk population (generalized epidemic).
Mapping the Impact of Social Media for Innovation: The Role of Social Media in Explaining Innovation Performance in the PDMA Comparative Performance Assessment Study

Social media (SM) allow users to easily create, edit, or share content. The vast numbers of individuals that converge around sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter embody a rich source of external knowledge that could be utilized for new product development (NPD). Complementing other channels for open innovation (OI), SM can provide access to novel information about customer needs and technological solutions unknown to the firm. Anecdotal evidence suggests that there are considerable benefits from using SM during an innovation project, but empirical evidence is scarce. Contributing to the perspective of openness in search, a number of hypotheses propose how SM as a new channel for OI can contribute to firm performance. This model is tested using data from the PDMA Comparative Performance Assessment Study, identifying factors influencing the relationship between SM and NPD performance. The findings indicate that utilizing information from SM channels can lead to higher performance, but that this link is influenced by the formalization of a firm's NPD process. This study also finds that the ability of a firm to benefit from external search in SM strongly depends on complementary internal processes when organizing and conducting this activity. Furthermore, managers have to take care when utilizing information from SM channels in radical projects, as for this kind of project only a weak significant performance contribution of SM could be found.
Simulation-based training improves ITU staff knowledge in the management of head injuries.

Abstract Traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the polytrauma situation is a phenomenon often seen at UK hospitals. Without immediate access to dedicated neurocritical care facilities, the potential for under-treatment of the underlying brain injury and serious neurological sequalae is high, especially if staff on the general intensive care units on which these patients are treated lack confidence in this area of practice, a reality confirmed by our baseline study. We found that by engaging staff by implementing a regular simulation-based team training programme, we were able to boost the skills, knowledge, and ultimately confidence levels in treating TBI amongst these groups of staff. "Buy-in" by those concerned was high, and we found that self-reported scores for the attributes described above were improved considerably and consistently by our intervention. This quality improvement project has been rolled out through several iterations to become sustainable, has significant cost-saving potential, and will hopefully lead to proven improved clinical outcomes for this group of patients.
Regression of columnar esophageal (Barrett's) epithelium after anti-reflux surgery.

Columnar esophageal (Barrett's) epithelium is thought to be a reparative or metaplastic response to gastroesophageal reflux.1 2 3 This epithelium has been associated with dysplasia and adenocarcinoma in situ4 , 5 and with frank adenocarcinoma.6 , 7 There is evidence in individual patients that prolonged severe reflux leads to orad progression of the columnar epithelium,1 , 8 but the effect of surgical correction of reflux on the epithelium is less certain. Two studies suggest that columnar epithelium tends to persist after anti-reflux surgery.9 , 10 We obtained multiple localized suction-biopsy specimens from 10 patients in whom reflux had been surgically treated and preoperative studies had revealed columnar epithelium. The reflux .
Preliminary results of a randomized, equivalence trial of fluoroscopic caudal epidural injections in managing chronic low back pain: Part 1--Discogenic pain without disc herniation or radiculitis.

BACKGROUND Intervertebral discs, facet joints, ligaments, fascia, muscles, and nerve root dura have been described as tissues capable of transmitting pain in the low back. The pathophysiology of spinal radicular pain is the subject of ongoing research and controversy with discogenic pain assuming a major role as a cause of non-specific low back pain. Even though epidural injections are frequently administered in managing axial low back pain, the evidence is lacking. STUDY DESIGN A randomized, double-blind, equivalence trial. SETTING An interventional pain management practice, a specialty referral center, a private practice setting in the United States. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effectiveness of caudal epidural injections with or without steroids in managing chronic low back pain without disc herniation or radiculitis in providing effective and long-lasting pain relief and to evaluate the differences between local anesthetic with or without steroids. METHODS Patients were randomly assigned to one of 2 groups, Group I patients received caudal epidural injections with local anesthetic (lidocaine 0.5%), whereas Group II patients received caudal epidural injections with 0.5% lidocaine 9 mL mixed with 1 mL of steroid. Randomization was performed by computer-generated random allocation sequence by simple randomization. OUTCOMES ASSESSMENT Multiple outcome measures were utilized which included the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), the Oswestry Disability Index 2.0 (ODI), employment status, and opioid intake with assessment at 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months post-treatment. Significant pain relief was defined as 50% or more, whereas significant improvement in disability score was defined as reduction of 40% or more. RESULTS Significant pain relief (> or =50%) was demonstrated in 72% to 81% of patients and functional status improvement was demonstrated by a reduction of 40% in the ODI scores in 81% of the patients. The overall average procedures per year were 3.6 +/- 1.05 in Group I and 3.9 +/- 1.33 in Group II with an average total relief per year of 32.3 +/- 16.93 weeks in Group I and 30.7 +/- 17.94 weeks in Group II over a period of 52 weeks. LIMITATIONS The results of this study are limited by lack of a placebo group and a preliminary report of 36 patients in each group. CONCLUSION Caudal epidural injections with or without steroids may be effective in patients with chronic function-limiting low back pain without facet joint pain, disc herniation, and/or radiculitis in over 70% of the patients.
Incentives of Financial Analysts: Trading Turnover and Compensation

In this paper I investigate whether brokerage houses compensate sell-side security analysts for trading generating research (as argued by Hayes (1998)). I find that analysts are not compensated for covering stocks with high turnover; their income increases only in the form of abnormal turnover that their research generates for the broker. Moreover, in line with studies showing that young analysts are better off herding than issuing bold research, I find that brokerage houses only compensate more experienced analysts for influential research.
Double Quantum Dot Floquet Gain Medium

Strongly driving a two-level quantum system with light leads to a ladder of Floquet states separated by the photon energy. Nanoscale quantum devices allow the interplay of confined electrons, phonons, and photons to be studied under strong driving conditions. Here we show that a single electron in a periodically driven DQD functions as a "Floquet gain medium," where population imbalances in the DQD Floquet quasi-energy levels lead to an intricate pattern of gain and loss features in the cavity response. We further measure a large intra-cavity photon number n_c in the absence of a cavity drive field, due to equilibration in the Floquet picture. Our device operates in the absence of a dc current -- one and the same electron is repeatedly driven to the excited state to generate population inversion. These results pave the way to future studies of non-classical light and thermalization of driven quantum systems.
An unusual myosuppressin from the blood-feeding bug Rhodnius prolixus

SUMMARY The myosuppressin (MS) gene was cloned from a central nervous system (CNS) cDNA library of the hematophagous insect Rhodnius prolixus and is predicted to contain two introns and three exons. The mRNA transcribed from the myosuppressin gene encodes an 88 amino acid prepropeptide, which results in a mature decapeptide after post-translational modification. When compared with the myosuppressins isolated from other insects, the R. prolixus myosuppressin has a unique amino acid sequence (pQDIDHVFMRFamide), with isoleucine (I) in position 3 and methionine (M) in position 8. Reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR shows that Rhopr-MS is expressed in the CNS and posterior midgut in R. prolixus and immunohistochemistry suggests that an RFamide-like peptide is present in endocrine-like cells in the midgut. Physiological assays using Rhopr-MS indicate that, despite the unusual M at position 8, it still retains myoinhibitory activity, inhibiting the frequency and reducing the amplitude of contractions in the anterior midgut and hindgut, and decreasing heart rate.
Prevalence of Molecular Types andmecA Gene Carriage of Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Relation to Nosocomial Septicemia

ABSTRACT Molecular typing of isolates revealed that neonatal coagulase-negative staphylococcal (CONS) septicemia is most frequently caused by predominant, antibiotic-resistant CONS types, which are widely distributed among both neonates and staff of the neonatal unit, suggesting cross-contamination. Therefore, infection control measures may be valuable in the prevention of this common nosocomial septicemia.
A Study of Factors Influencing Positive Word of Mouth in the Iranian Banking Industry

Nowadays because of strong competition in the service sector especially in the banking industry, just those organizations are successful that they can use the most innovative and successful ways for advertisement to attract their customers' attention to the products or services that they provide. One of the ways that banks can be distinguished from others and achieve competitive advantage is using positive word of mouth. There is a prerequisite for applying positive word of mouth and it is full understanding of factors influencing it. Therefore this research is contributed to the factors influencing positive word of mouth in the banking industry. To achieve the goals of this research, the data came from a convenience sample of bank customers in Rasht. The respondents provided the data by means of a self-completed questionnaire and for data analysis and testing the 14 hypotheses, structural equation modeling was used. The results of this research revealed that corporate image, relationship marketing, perceived quality, perceived value, customer expectations, satisfaction and loyalty are the factors influencing positive word of mouth.
Firm Growth, Size and Age in Greek firms

This paper examines the impact of firm level variables on the growth of firms operating in Greece. Using models of optimal firm size as a theoretical framework, the paper analyzes empirically the factors affecting the growth of Greek firms. The study is based on financial data of 178 manufacturing and trading firms, which are present in Greek Stock Market. The financial data set covers the period 1995-2000. Growth rate is defined in terms of the number of employees and sales. In the estimation of growth rate we control for various factors characterizing the sample firms, their capital structure and performance. Our results show that the relationship between growth, size and the age of firms is very sensitive with respect to the methods of estimation and growth and size definitions. Firm growth has been studied at both the theoretical and empirical level. The most famous theory about a firm's growth is Gibrat's law also known as Law of Proportionate Effect (LPE) or proportionate growth. This law essentially states that firm growth is independent of firm size. Empirical literature on the relationship between firm size and growth has for the most past rejected the model, while some have not been able to reject for large firms. However, it is widely accepted that not only the size and age but a number of strategies affect the rate of growth. More detailed empirical analysis on the determinants of growth going beyond the traditional size-age- growth relationship should be of great importance both for economists and policy makers. Also, the empirical literature proves that the relationship between the growth, size and age of firms is very sensitive with respect to the method of estimation, and definition of growth and size. The main contribution of this paper is the consideration of a large set of potential determinants of firm growth like R&D, promotional expenses, financial constraints like leverage and liquidity and the sorting of firms into groups related to their age and size. The data is a panel data set of 178 manufacturing and trading firms operated in Greece covering the period 1995-2000. Also this work emphasizes on the measurement of firm's growth using two different measures- growth in terms of sales and in terms of employees. The paper is organized as follows: Section 2 describes the results of earlier studies referring to the relationships between growth and other potential determinants. In Section 3 descriptive findings of the main variables are presented, while section 4, explains a model of firm growth and draws theoretical predictions about the relation between growth and other firm level variables. Section 5 describes the method of analysis and paper's empirical results while concluding remarks are provided in Section 6.
Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors and Progression of Alzheimer’s Disease

Background/Aims: To assess if cardiovascular disease risk factors (CVDRF) are predictive factors for poorer evolution of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients in terms of cognitive decline. Methods: The Réseau de la maladie d’Alzheimer – France (REAL.FR) study is a prospective multicentre cohort which has recruited 686 community-dwelling patients presenting mild to moderate AD. The presence of CVDRF and associated treatments was recorded at baseline. The rate of cognitive decline of AD patients was assessed using the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Alzheimer Disease Assessment Scale cognitive subscale (ADAS-Cog), after 2 years of follow-up. Results: Of the 629 patients at baseline, 268 (42.6%) had no CVDRF, 256 (40.7%) reported 1 CVDRF and 105 (16.7%) reported 2–3. At inclusion, hypertension was present in 44.1% of patients, hypercholesterolaemia in 22.6% and diabetes in 9.4%. No statistically significant differences (p values of 0.9 for MMSE and 0.8 for ADAS-Cog) in mean cognitive decline after 2 years of follow-up were found comparing different subgroups of patients with CVDRF to the non-CVDRF group. Conclusions: Although there is evidence that CVDRF contribute to the onset of AD, these results suggest that CVDRF may not be part of the underlying processes that affect progression of AD.
The Effects of Providing Therapists With Feedback on Patient Progress During Psychotherapy: Are Outcomes Enhanced?

Patient-focused research attempts to provide information that answers the question: Is this treatment benefiting this patient? Although several systems have been developed to monitor and provide feedback about a patient's response to psychotherapy, few if any have been tested empirically. The current study divided 609 patients into four groups (two experimental and two control) to determine if feedback regarding patient progress, when provided to a therapist, affected patient outcome and number of sessions attended. Results showed that feedback increased the duration of treatment and improved outcome relative to patients in the control condition who were predicted to be treatment failures. Twice as many patients in the feedback group achieved clinically significant or reliable change and one-third as many were classified as deteriorated by the time treatment ended. For those patients who were predicted to have a positive response to treatment, feedback to therapists resulted in a reduction in the number of treatment sessions without reducing positive outcomes.
The effects of three customer-to-customer interaction quality types on customer experience quality and citizenship behavior in mass service settings

Purpose Creating superior customer experience quality is important to firm success, but the link between customer experience quality and customer-to-customer interaction quality – a critical component of customer experience quality in mass service settings – has seldom been spotlighted. This paper aims to propose and test a theoretical model of the relationship among three types of customer-to-customer interaction quality (friend-interaction, neighboring customer-interaction and audience-interaction) and customer experience quality. They also examine these variables’ effects on customer citizenship behavior in mass service settings. Design/methodology/approach The authors collected data through a self-administered survey. The proposed relationships were tested using structural equation modeling. Findings Friend-interaction and audience-interaction quality perceptions significantly influence customer experience quality, with neighboring customer-interaction quality perception significant only for low communication quality. We find that enhancing customer experience quality is crucial to promoting citizenship behavior in mass service settings. Practical implications Neighboring customer-interaction quality perception has a significant effect on customer experience quality, particularly in a low communication quality situation. Therefore, service marketers should provide effective neighboring customer-interaction management schemes to enhance experience quality together with friend-interaction and audience-interaction management schemes when customers experience low communication quality. Additionally, service marketers should focus on enhancing communication quality only when anticipating low neighboring customer-interaction quality. Originality/value The findings highlight the effects of three types of customer-to-customer interaction quality on customer citizenship behavior through experience quality perception in mass service settings, and the effect of neighboring customer-interaction quality perception on customer experience quality, moderated by communication quality.
THE STRUCTURE AND EMISSION MODEL OF THE RELATIVISTIC JET IN THE QUASAR 3C 279 INFERRED FROM RADIO TO HIGH-ENERGY γ-RAY OBSERVATIONS IN 2008–2010

We present time-resolved broadband observations of the quasar 3C 279 obtained from multi-wavelength campaigns conducted during the first two years of the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope mission. While investigating the previously reported γ-ray/optical flare accompanied by a change in optical polarization, we found that the optical emission appears to be delayed with respect to the γ-ray emission by about 10 days. X-ray observations reveal a pair of “isolated” flares separated by ∼90 days, with only weak γ-ray/optical counterparts. The spectral structure measured by Spitzer reveals a synchrotron component peaking in the mid-infrared band with a sharp break at the far-infrared band during the γ-ray flare, while the peak appears in the millimeter (mm)/submillimeter (sub-mm) band in the low state. Selected spectral energy distributions are fitted with leptonic models including Comptonization of external radiation produced in a dusty torus or the broad-line region. Adopting the interpretation of the polarization swing involving propagation of the emitting region along a curved trajectory, we can explain the evolution of the broadband spectra during the γ-ray flaring event by a shift of its location from ∼1 pc to ∼4 pc from the central black hole. On the other hand, if the γ-ray flare is generated instead at sub-pc distance from the central black hole, the far-infrared break can be explained by synchrotron self-absorption. We also model the low spectral state, dominated by the mm/sub-mm peaking synchrotron component, and suggest that the corresponding inverse-Compton component explains the steady X-ray emission.
The Impact of Collaboration among Members on Team’s Performance

In this research the importance team collaboration on its performance is investigated and decided how the administration and group pioneers can enhance the general profitability of the group through the coordinated effort among colleagues. Working exclusively is very little gainful when contrasted with the work done by number of people together. This exploration will propose the associations to take after the joint effort inside the group to pick up favorable position. This study will likewise offer inspiration to the individuals from group that how they can enhance their execution by working together with each other. The data has been collected by interviews research, after which it is coded, this coding is known as post coding. After the coding of the data, the data has been categorized according to understanding of concepts as presented by the subjects and then move to the third stage. The last stage is the analysis of the data. This is the third step of data analysis technique, where the researcher analyzes the collected data according to the categories made earlier. The teamwork has more importance in organizations as compare to the work done individually, to get the results efficiently and effectively. There is a positive relationship between collaboration among members and team performance.