Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Efficiency of attentional processes in bilingual speakers with aphasia

ABSTRACT Background: Globalization has resulted in a growing bilingual population worldwide; thus, bilingual speakers with aphasia are also increasing. The ability to juggle languages has been reported to enhance attentional control abilities in healthy populations. However, few studies have looked at the impact of bilingualism on attentional control abilities in individuals with aphasia. Different subcomponents of attention are seldom studied in bilingual aphasia. Aims: The goal of the study is to explore the influence of bilingualism on three subcomponents of attention in individuals with aphasia, namely alerting, orienting and executive control. The study aimed to examine whether (1) individuals with aphasia show evidence of an attentional deﬁcit in comparison to language-matched healthy peers, (2) there is evidence of a bilingual advantage in attentional mechanisms, and (3) there is a relationship between bilingualism and subcomponents of attention. Methods and Procedures: All the participants (10 French-English bilingual and 7 French monolingual adults with aphasia and 32 monolingual and bilingual healthy controls) performed a behavioural version of the Attention Network Test. The efficiency of the three attentional networks was assessed by measuring how response times varied with different warning cues and flanker type, resulting in alerting, orienting and executive control effects. Objective and subjective measures of bilingualism were also included. Results: Results confirmed a bilingual advantage in attentional mechanisms with and without aphasia. More specifically, group difference for healthy controls was evident in the accuracy rate only. For individuals with aphasia, between-group comparisons revealed differences in alerting ability: the bilingual group presented a significantly greater difference score than the monolingual group in the mu (μ) component of the response time distribution, whereas the monolingual group was able to take advantage of the alerting cue in the tau (τ) component. Furthermore, the monolingual and bilingual speakers with aphasia exhibited reduced alerting and more interference effect when compared to their respective healthy controls. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that bilingualism impacts attentional mechanisms in individuals with aphasia as well as healthy controls. Specifically, bilingual individuals with aphasia showed more efficient alerting skills than monolinguals with aphasia. Ex-Gaussian data analysis revealed effects that might otherwise be thought to be non-existent. Considering the growing bilingual population, an understanding of the behavioural signs and symptoms of attentional abilities in individuals with aphasia is necessary for both theoretical and clinical purposes.
Modal Analysis of a Utility Bicycle From the Perspective of Riding Comfort

The correlation between the modal properties and the comfort characteristics of a utility, step-through frame bicycle are investigated. In-plane modal testing of the vehicle is carried out both without and with the rider, and the major differences between the results obtained with the two conditions are highlighted. In order to have an insight into the contribution of the various bicycle components to the transmission of vibrations, the frequency response functions (FRFs) between the main interface points in the vehicle structure are measured and studied. Finally, the modal characteristics are compared with road tests data, emphasizing the relationship between the in-plane vibration modes and the main peaks in the acceleration power spectral densities (PSDs) measured on the road.
Approach to Drug Allergy in Family Physicians

Objective: Allergic reactions that occurring as a result of drug allergy can result in anaphylaxis, even death. These reactions often evaluated by the primary care physicians. Primary care physicians who often encounter with drug allergy reactions should be able to evaluate the patients with drug allergy, if necessary, make first emergency intervention, and refer patients to an allergy specialist for further evaluation and treatment. In this study, we aimed to measure general approach and the level of knowledge family physicians about allergic reactions occurred after the drug allergy. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and five family physicians who work in the region of Malatya and Samsun participated in this study. We interviewed face-to-face with family physicians about drug allergy. After that, family physicians completed a questionnaire previously prepared by allergy specialists about drug allergy. Results: The median age was 38 years old (min: 24, max: 61), median length of professional experience was 13 (min: 1, max: 35) years old and 124 (60.5%) of participants were male gender. 90.2% of family physicians in this study expressed to encounter with drug allergy before. 52.2% of them explained to cut medication in case of allergic reaction that developed after drug intake and to refer patients to allergy specialist for further investigation. 39.5% of the participants didn’t know that a systemic reaction will be able to occur after local drug using. 56.6% of family physicians stated that they needn’t to cut responsible medication in mild drug reactions and only 35.1% of them knew that severe drug reactions can be fatal. Only 31.7% of participants explained that adrenaline is the first option when anaphylactic reaction occurs after drug allergy. Conclusion: The knowledge of primary care physicians about treatment and management of patients with drug allergy is insufficient. Therefore, it will be useful to be educated the primary care physicians about drug allergies.
Comparison of the incidence of new malignancies in diabetic patients in urban and rural populations in Poland in the years 2008–2014 based on the database of the National Health Fund

Introduction Many epidemiological studies show a correlation between the risk of cancer and type 2 diabetes mellitus in various populations. Material and methods The material was obtained from the database of the National Health Fund. This publication presents a comparison of the incidence of new malignancies in rural and urban populations of diabetic patients in Poland based on the database of the National Health Fund for the period between 1.05. 2008 and 30.09. 2014. Results Comparison of the mean incidence of selected malignancies in diabetic patients in the population analysed indicated significant differences between the incidence rate in the urban and rural populations (p < 0.001). The mean incidence of gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, kidney cancer, brain tumours and leukaemia in both sexes was significantly higher in rural areas compared to urban. The mean incidence of oesophageal cancer and pancreatic cancer in females was significantly higher among in the urban population compared to the rural areas (p < 0.001). No differences in the incidence rate of these neoplasms were observed in men (p > 0.05). Conclusions The incidence of gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, laryngeal cancer, lung cancer, testicular cancer, kidney cancer, lung cancer, lymphocytic leukaemia and myeloid leukaemia is higher in diabetic males in rural areas than the incidence in the urban population. The incidence of the malignancies liver cancer, malignant skin melanoma, malignant skin, prostate cancer, urinary bladder cancer and multiple myeloma in male diabetic patients living in urban areas is higher than the incidence in rural areas.
THE EFFECT OF COMPUTERIZED-ADAPTIVE TEST ON REDUCING ANXIETY TOWARDS MATH TEST FOR POLYTECHNIC STUDENTS

Although much work has been done on computerized-adaptive test (CAT) in reducing anxiety towards exam, CAT in Malaysian educational setting is less explored among educational researchers. Some of the reason is due to technical difficulty in developing, maintaining the testing bank items, and insufficient hardware facilities for huge number of examinees in Malaysia. Hence, traditional assessment method is preferred to assess students’ performance. However, traditional assessment induced students’ anxiety towards examination. The effect of anxiety towards mathematics examination has deteriorated students’ performance particularly at polytechnics that offers technical-vocational-education-and-training (TVET). Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effect of CAT in reducing examinees’ anxiety towards mathematics examination in comparison with traditional testing approaches at three polytechnics in northern Malaysia that offered diploma certification in engineering. These three polytechnics were chosen because it is classified as conventional and accessibility of the researchers to these samples. In order to ensure the homogeneity of the samples, students in their first year of study who enrolled in engineering mathematics were chosen. This research used quasi-experimental research method with non-equivalent control group design involving 300 students. Item-response-theory was used to describe examinees’ interaction with the test items. The results show that CAT has reduced examinees’ anxiety towards mathematics test in comparison to those of traditional testing. This study implies that CAT has benefited students in term of reducing their anxiety towards mathematics examination in the case of Malaysian polytechnics students, and has the potential to be adopted in TVET because it improves testing efficiency.
Adrenocortical response to competitive athletics in students from a Nigerian Tertiary Institution

Exercise is a voluntary stressor. It activates the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) as well as hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which results in an increase of cortisol secretion. Very little is known however about adrenocortical response at basal state, just before the onset of exercise (pre-exercise) and immediately after exercise (post-exercise) with relationship to gender especially in this environment. This study is therefore aimed at investigating the cortisol response during competitive athletics in male and female athletes during the basal state, just before the exercise commences, and after the exercise. Twenty male and female athletes (22.13 ± 3.37 years) participated in this study. They were divided into two groups based on gender. Each Group consisted of 10 athletes who participated in a 30-minute competitive sprint round the track. Blood samples were taken at basal states, pre-exercise and post-exercise states for the analysis of cortisol using an ELISA cortisol kit. From the results, the pre-exercise and post exercise cortisol levels were significantly higher than at the basal state in both male and female athletes. Also, there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the cortisol level during basal and pre-exercise states between the male and female athletes. The female athletes had a significant (p<0.05) higher cortisol level in the post-exercise state compared to male athletes. conclusively, exercise increases cortisol levels during the anticipation state of exercise and after strenuous exercise in male and female athletes and the female athletes’ hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis maybe more responsive in the secretion of cortisol during strenuous exercise hence the greater increase seen. Keywords: Adrenocortical response, Athletes, Competitive athletics, Nigerians
A nonlinear MPC approach to minimize toxicity in HIV-1 infection multi-drug therapy

: This work addresses the problem of minimizing the toxicity of the therapy applied to control HIV-1 infection when a multi-drug therapy is (as usually) employed. An approach based on nonlinear model predictive control (MPC), in which the input is a train of impulses corresponding to periodic pill administration to the patient, is followed. Patient adherence to treatment and their impact on virus drug resistance is considered in the model used. The control objective consists of driving the viral load to a low speciﬁed value while minimizing the amount of drugs administered to the patient. Since various dose combinations of reverse transcriptase inhibitor (RTI) and protease inhibitor (PI) drugs can be given depending on the weights of the cost function minimized by periodic MPC while attaining the same control objective, it is proposed that these weights can be adjusted to minimize the toxicity of the drug cocktail administered. This approach is illustrated by means of simulation in a model that incorporates both pharmaco-kinetics and pharmaco-dynamics of the drugs considered. Copyright CONTROLO 2012 .
Surgical Treatment of Obesity in Latinos and African Americans: Future Directions and Recommendations to Reduce Disparities in Bariatric Surgery

Introduction: Obesity and metabolic syndrome are increasingly prevalent in the United States, particularly among African Americans and Latinos. Bariatric surgery has become one of the primary treatment modalities for obesity and type 2 diabetes. However, fewer Latinos and African Americans are undergoing bariatric surgery than whites. The aim of this article is to describe the disparities in seeking and accessing bariatric surgery, describe the outcomes following bariatric procedures in Latinos and African Americans, and offer recommendations and future research directions that may assist in addressing these disparities. Methods: Original research and review articles published in English were reviewed. Results: Potential reasons why Latinos and African Americans have low rates of seeking bariatric surgery are described. Disparities in access to care and financial coverage, low rates of referral by primary care providers, and cultural attitudes toward obesity in conjunction with mistrust of the healthcare system are discussed as potential contributors to the low rate of bariatric surgery in Latinos and African Americans. Finally, disparities in bariatric surgery outcomes, comorbidities, and complications are reviewed. Conclusions: Additional research studies in bariatric surgical disparities are needed. Recommendations and future directions that may help to reduce disparities in bariatric surgery are discussed.
Development and validation of genetic markers for sex and cannabinoid chemotype in Cannabis sativa L.

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is an emerging dioecious crop grown primarily for grain, fiber, and cannabinoids. There is good evidence for medicinal benefits of the most abundant cannabinoid in hemp, cannabidiol (CBD). For CBD production, female plants producing CBD but not tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are desired. We developed and validated high‐throughput PACE (PCR Allele Competitive Extension) assays for C. sativa plant sex and cannabinoid chemotype. The sex assay was validated across a wide range of germplasm and resolved male plants from female and monoecious plants. The cannabinoid chemotype assay revealed segregation in hemp populations, and resolved plants producing predominantly THC, predominantly CBD, and roughly equal amounts of THC and CBD. Cultivar populations that were thought to be stabilized for CBD production were found to be segregating phenotypically and genotypically. Many plants predominantly producing CBD accumulated more than the current US legal limit of 0.3% THC by dry weight. These assays and data provide potentially useful tools for breeding and early selection of hemp.
Workplace HIV / AIDS programs: an action guide for managers.

Many companies recognize the HIV/AIDS epidemic as a serious threat to productivity and profitability. Workplace HIV/AIDS Programs: An Action Guide for Managers provides practical steps for developing and implementing workplace prevention and care programs that will serve both employees and managers. The guide is designed for use by companies’ human resources managers medical officers and union representatives. Users will find guidance in assessing the real and potential impact of HIV/AIDS on their company in developing an HIV/AIDS policy to cover the workplace and on designing and implementing HIV/AIDS prevention and care programs for the workplace. The guide includes a series of checklists to aid in decision-making about particular components of workplace HIV/AIDS programs. Further the guide suggests strategies for company managers and union leaders to obtain assistance for their HIV/AIDS programs. It also includes examples and case studies of how other companies have responded to the epidemic. Workplace HIV/AIDS Programs: An Action Guide for Managers reflects over a decade of global effort by Family Health International and other organizations to address HIV/AIDS in the workplace. As such users will find it both comprehensive and action-oriented. (excerpt)
Effect of biofertilizers and micronutrients on growth and quality attributes of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.)

The present field experiment was conducted during Rabi season of 2016-17 and 2017-18 at the Experimental Farm, Department of Vegetable Science, Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, (HP). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) Factorial with three replications comprising of fourteen treatment combinations having two levels of biofertilizers i.e. B0= No biofertilizers & B1= Biofertilizers (Azotobacter + PSB + KSB) and seven levels of micronutrients viz., M0= No micronutrient, M1= Boric acid @ 0.5%, M2= Zinc sulphate @ 0.5%, M3= Ferrous sulphate @ 0.5%, M4= Manganese sulphate @ 0.5%, M5= Ammonium molybdate @ 0.5%, M6= Multiplex @ 0.5%. The results revealed that growth attributes and quality status of cabbage were found significantly increased with the application of biofertilizers and micronutrients. The minimum number of days to 50 per cent head maturity (67.50) was recorded in treatment combination B1M1 (Biofertilizers + Boric acid 0.5%). The significantly maximum polar diameter (13.75 cm) and maximum equatorial diameter (13.36 cm) was recorded in treatment combination B1M3 (Biofertilizers + Ferrous sulphate 0.5%). Maximum TSS (5.72 ˚Brix) was observed in treatment combination B1M1 (Biofertilizers + Boric acid 0.5%). However, maximum Vitamin C content (59.97 mg/100 g) was recorded in treatment combination B1M2 (Biofertilizers + Zinc sulphate 0.5%).
A study on risk factors, maternal and foetal outcome in cases of preeclampsia and eclampsia at a tertiary care hospital of South India

Hypertension in pregnancy remains still a major health issue for women and their descendants throughout the world but remains a major issue in developing countries rather than developed countries. Globally preeclampsia [PE] and eclampsia are responsible for approximately 14% of maternal deaths with variable incidences in developed and developing countries. Eclampsia accounts for 24% of maternal deaths during pregnancy in India according to FOGSI study in India. Gestational hypertension affects 5-10% of pregnancies, but is associated with fewer and less severe complications. Eclampsia is defined as the new onset of generalized ABSTRACT
O32 A randomised controlled trial investigating the effects of a 4-week ankle rehabilitation program on hopping tasks in high school athletes with chronic ankle instability

Study Design Randomised Controlled Trial. Objectives To determine effects of three ankle rehabilitation programs on hopping ability of high-school athletes with Chronic Ankle Instability (CAI). Background CAI interventions have been evaluated; however, a specific program that is most effective has not been determined. Methods and Measures Thirty-six patients with ‘giving way’ and history of ankle sprains (i.e. CAI) were randomised into four rehabilitation groups: Resistance band (RB) (n=12, 171.24±10.13 cm, 65.75±11.16 kg, 16.42±0.99 years), Biomechanical Ankle Platform System (BAPS) (n=9, 178.22±10.36 cm, 77.52±22.84 kg, 16.133±1.00 years), Combination (BAPS/RB) (n=7, 172.00±12.16 cm, 68.61±17.94 kg, 16.57±1.13 years), and Control (CON) (n=8, 171.45±11.52 cm, 71.78±25.66 kg, 16.75±0.89 years). Two tests were used to assess hopping abilities: figure-of-8-test (FET) and side-hop-test (SHT). FET required patients to hop 5-metre distance in a figure-of-8 pattern two times. SHT required patients to hop 30 centimetres medially/laterally 10 times. Hopping ability was measured in time to complete (sec). Shorter time indicated improvement. Rehabilitation programs were completed 3/week for four weeks. RB completed 3 sets of 10 repetitions of ankle dorsiflexion/plantarflexion/inversion/eversion. BAPS completed 5 sets of 40 s trials of clockwise/counterclockwise rotations, changing direction every 10 s. BAPS/RB completed both programs and CON completed no exercises. After 4 weeks, baseline measurements were repeated. Two 4 × 2 mixed-model ANOVAs were used for data analysis (α=0.05). Tukey’s HSD post-hoc tests were conducted on significant interactions. Results Main effects for time were significant for FET (p<0.00001) and SHT (p<0.003). Main effects for group were not significant for FET (p=0.608) or SHT (p=0.229). Significant group by time interaction was found for FET (F1,32=4.08, p=0.015) but not SHT (F1,32=2.10, p=0.119). FET post-hoc testing showed BAPS/RB (p<0.003) improved pretest to posttest whereas CON, RB and BAPS did not. Conclusion All rehabilitation programs showed improvement from pretest to posttest with BAPS/RB showing more improvement. Each can be used to improve hopping abilities in individuals suffering from CAI.
Respeaking certification Bringing together training, research and practice

Research and training in respeaking are still lagging behind professional practice. One of the consequences of this lack of training opportunities is the UK government’s refusal, in 2016, to use the Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA) to provide for respoken subtitles, arguing that respeaking was not a qualified profession. In order to tackle this issue, the Galician Observatory for Media Accessibility set up LiRICS, the Live Respeaking International Certification Standard, which aims to set and maintain high international standards in the respeaking profession. In 2019, after assessing the online certification process proposed by LiRICS, the Department of Education in the UK concluded that it meets their requirements and that LiRICS-certified respeakers are eligible for Disabled Students’ Allowances funding. This article outlines, first, the current provision of respeaking training around the world and the assessments of live subtitling quality carried out to date, both of which inform the LiRICS online certification process presented here. The focus is then placed on the actual certification process, including a description of the tests, the platform used and the quality assurance process. This is followed by an analysis of the respeakers’ performance, which has been shown to be in line with current professional standards.
A study on prevalence of obesity and life-style behaviour among medical students

Overweight/obesity is the fifth leading risk factor for global death. At least 2-8 million adults die each year as a result of being overweight or obese. 2 A variety of factors including faulty diet, genetic predisposition, physical inactivity and behavioural factors are implicated as contributing factors to obesity. 3 Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation in the body that may impair health. Body mass index (BMI) is commonly used to classify overweight and obesity among adults. 2 Raised BMI is an important risk factor for chronic diseases such as hypertension, type II diabetes mellitus, infertility, hyperlipidaemia and coronary disease. 4