Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
‘We’re not run on Numbers, We’re People, We’re Emotional People’: Exploring the experiences and lived consequences of emerging technologies, organizational surveillance and control among elite professionals

The deployment of digital technologies and data analytics within contemporary organizations are continually seeking to capture vast reams of information to shape employee performance and guide behaviour. However, there is a need to further advance our understanding of the effects and unintended consequences of these technologies within differing organizational contexts. Drawing on the experiences of members connected to a UK-based professional Rugby Union club, we focus on the impact of emerging technologies and ubiquitous surveillance practices in governing employee behaviour, shifting workplace boundaries and providing the ability to resist a mode of organizational control governed by data analytics. Specific emphasis is placed upon exposing the lived consequences and tensions that emerge among employees subjected to an intensive mode of organizational surveillance. In doing so, this study highlights the manner in which emerging technologies and surveillance practices may contribute towards feelings of anxiety, precariousness and performance fatigue among their employees. Through this analysis, we aim to provide a critical understanding of managerial and leadership techniques of control, surveillance and knowledge production that may prove relevant for future research in wider organizational settings shaped by technological transformations and new forms of data-driven management.
Long-term population effects of pneumococcal vaccines on carriage of pneumococcal serotypes and subsequent disease in Kenya

Many African counties, like Kenya, have introduced pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) with financial support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. However, in the near future, they are expected to transition and take up the full costs. Kenya introduced the ten-valent PCV (PCV10) in 2011 and enters the accelerated transition phase in 2022. This work aimed to study the effects of PCV10 vaccination on pneumococcal carriage and disease in the pre- and the immediate post-vaccination period, predict the long-term vaccination impact on carriage of pneumococcus and subsequent invasive pneumococcal disease, evaluate immune factors that may influence that impact and, ultimately, investigate the cost-effectiveness of potential policy options in order to guide Kenya’s decision-making. A dynamic transmission model was fitted to pre-vaccination carriage data and its predictions were validated against post-vaccination carriage data. In order to evaluate immune factors that may influence vaccination impact and thus warrant consideration in the mathematical model, statistical modelling of the association between pre-existing pneumococcal carriage and vaccine responsiveness, and between maternally-derived anti-protein and anti-capsular antibodies and the rate pneumococcal acquisition in newborns, was undertaken. A cost-effectiveness analysis was done based on the disease incidence predictions from the transmission model. The dynamic transmission model was shown be useful as it closely predicted the observed magnitude and timing of serotype replacement. Maternal anti-capsular antibodies were estimated to have a limited role while impaired immune responses were observed among vaccine serotype carriers at the point of vaccination. These two immune factors were evaluated within the decision making structure and considered to have negligible impact on the performance of the model. In the conclusion, I estimated that sustaining PCV10 vaccination in Kenya will be cost-effective but will present a significant challenge to affordability by the Kenyan Government.
Pragmatic Aspects of Discourse Production for the Automatic Identification of Alzheimer's Disease

Clinical literature provides convincing evidence that language deficits in Alzheimer's disease (AD) allow for distinguishing patients with dementia from healthy subjects. Currently, computational approaches have widely investigated lexicosemantic aspects of discourse production, while pragmatic aspects like cohesion and coherence, are still mostly unexplored. In this article, we aim at providing a more comprehensive characterization of language abilities for the automatic identification of AD in narrative description tasks by also incorporating pragmatic aspects of speech production. To this end, we investigate the relevance of a recently proposed set of pragmatic features extracted from an automatically generated topic hierarchy graph in combination with a complementary set of state-of-the-art features encoding lexical, syntactic and semantic cues. Experimental results on the DementiaBank corpus show an accuracy improvement from 82.6% to 85.5% in identifying AD patients when pragmatic features are incorporated to the set of lexicosemantic features. Nevertheless, these results are obtained relying on manual transcriptions, which strongly limits the applicability of computational analysis to clinical settings. Thus, in this work we additionally carry out an analysis of the errors introduced by a speech recognition system and the way in which they impact the performance of the proposed method. In spite of the high word error rates obtained on these data (∼40%), automatic AD identification accuracy decreased only to 79.7%, which is considered a remarkable result when compared with solutions based on manual transcriptions.
Optimum Organic Loading Rates (OLR) for Food Waste Anaerobic Digestion: Study Case Universitas Indonesia

Indonesia currently has a waste generation problem arising from the fact that sixty percent of the waste it produces is organic waste (OW). The scope for anaerobic digestion (AD) of OW has not yet been optimized, with many reactors not functioning properly. The purpose of this study is to determine the suitability of food waste with an organic loading rate (OLR) of 8–14 kgVS/m 3 day to produce the highest volatile solids destruction (VSD) and methane. A semi-continuous pilot-scale dry AD of 0.5 m 3 was run for 134 days in mesophilic conditions. The results showed that the feedstock was suitable for dry AD due to the high total solids (TS) (23.2–27.1%) and organic content (volatile solids of 90–95% TS). Meanwhile, the optimum OLR was 10 kgVS/m 3 day with a VSD of 92.2% and a methane yield of 127 LCH 4 /grVSday. In addition, OLR 10 kgVS/m 3 day had the highest stability, as shown by the pH value of 6.52 and ammonia concentration of 848 mg/l. The VSD values fell with respect to the OLRs of 12 kgVS/m 3 day and OLR 14 kgVS/m 3 day, to 90.42% and 86.73%, respectively.
Frequency and Factors Associated With Occurrence of Seizures in Patients With Tramadol Abuse: An Upper Egyptian Experience

Objectives:Tramadol abuse has spread markedly among Egyptian people with its associated high frequency of seizures. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the frequency of and the probable factors associated with seizure occurrence in a sample of Egyptian tramadol abusers. Methods:Subjects of the study were recruited from Hot Line Clinic of Minia Psychiatric Hospital, Upper Egypt during a 6-month period. After taking their written consent, 63 subjects with a history and a positive urine analysis test of tramadol abuse were included. They were assessed clinically and by electroencephalography. The group with seizures and those without seizures were compared. Results:Sixty-three subjects (range of age 16 to 55 y, 59 male individuals) were included. Seizures occurred in 33 (52.4%) subjects. No past history of epilepsy was observed; a family history of epilepsy was present in only 1 subject. Dose-dependent occurrence of seizures has been noticed and found to be statistically significant. Conclusions:The study shows that frequency of seizure occurrence among the studied Egyptian tramadol abusers is high (52.4%) and tramadol-induced seizures is dose-dependent.
Network Structures, Concurrency, and Interpretability: Lessons from the Development of an AI Enabled Graph Database System

Network Structures, Concurrency, and Interpretability: Lessons from the Development of an AI Enabled Graph Database System Hal James Cooper This thesis describes the development of the SmartGraph, an AI enabled graph database. The need for such a system has been independently recognized in the isolated fields of graph databases, graph computing, and computational graph deep learning systems, such as TensorFlow. Though prior works have investigated some relationships between these fields, we believe that the SmartGraph is the first system designed from conception to incorporate the most significant and useful characteristics of each. Examples include the ability to store graph structured data, run analytics natively on this data, and run gradient descent algorithms. It is the synergistic aspects of combining these fields that provide the most novel results presented in this dissertation. Key among them is how the notion of “graph querying” as used in graph databases can be used to solve a problem that has plagued deep learning systems since their inception; rather than attempting to embed graph structured datasets into restrictive vector spaces, we instead allow the deep learning functionality of the system to natively perform graph querying in memory during optimization as a way of interpreting (and learning) the graph. This results in a concept of natural and interpretable processing of graph structured data. Graph computing systems have traditionally used distributed computing across multiple compute nodes (e.g. separate machines connected via Ethernet or internet) to deal with large-scale datasets whilst working sequentially on problems over entire datasets. In this dissertation, we outline a distributed graph computing methodology that facilitates all the above capabilities (even in an environment consisting of a single physical machine) while allowing for a workflow more typical of a graph database than a graph computing system; massive concurrent access allowing for arbitrarily asynchronous execution of queries and analytics across the entire system. Further, we demonstrate how this methodology is key to the artificial intelligence capabilities of the system.
Perioperative gabapentin as a component of multimodal analgesia for postoperative pain after total knee arthroplasty

Background: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) causes considerable postoperative pain. This study investigated the analgesic effects of gabapentin on postoperative pain in patients undergoing unilateral TKA in Mongolia. Methods: The study randomly assigned 95 patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status class 1 – 3 scheduled for unilateral TKA into two groups. The treatment group (n = 49) was given gabapentin 600 mg 2 h preoperatively and gabapentin 300 mg in the evening for 3 days postoperatively. The control group (n = 46) was given identical looking placebo capsules. Pain using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and postoperative nausea and vomiting were assessed every hour postoperatively for 6 h and then every 3 h for the next 72 h. The total consumption of fentanyl in both groups was recorded at 24 and 48 h postoperatively. Results: The very low VAS scores in both groups did not differ significantly. Patients in the treatment group used less fentanyl on the second day (P = 0.001). The incidence of nausea and vomiting were similar in both groups, except for the low incidence of nausea in the treatment group in the first 6 h postoperatively. Conclusions: Perioperative gabapentin may be a component of a multimodal analgesia method because it reduced fentanyl consumption in patients who underwent TKA. However, the overall low VAS scores do not allow any firm conclusions. (Anesth Pain Med 2017; 12: 169-175)
A revised mechanism of action of hyperaldosteronism-linked mutations in cytosolic domains of GIRK4 (KCNJ5)

G-protein gated, inwardly rectifying potassium channels (GIRK) mediate inhibitory transmission in brain, heart, and adrenal cortex. GIRK4 (KCNJ5) subunits are abundant in the heart and adrenal cortex. Multiple mutations of KCNJ5 cause primary aldosteronism (PA). According to a leading concept, mutations in the pore region of GIRK4 cause loss of K+ selectivity; the ensuing Na+ influx depolarizes zona glomerulosa cells and activates voltage gated Ca2+ channels, inducing hypersecretion of aldosterone. The concept of selectivity loss has been extended to mutations in cytosolic domains of GIRK4 channels, remote from the pore region. We expressed GIRK4R52H, GIRK4E246K, and GIRK4G247R mutants in Xenopus oocytes and human adrenocortical carcinoma cell line (HAC15). Whole-cell currents of heterotetrameric GIRK1/4R52H and GIRK1/4E246K (but not GIRK1/4G247R) channels were greatly reduced compared to GIRK1/4WT. Nevertheless, all heterotetrameric mutants retained full K+ selectivity and inward rectification. When expressed as homotetramers, only GIRK4WT, but none of the mutants, produced whole-cell currents. Confocal imaging, single channel and Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) analyses showed: 1) reduction of membrane abundance of all mutated channels, especially as homotetramers, 2) impaired interaction with Gβγ subunits, and 3) reduced open probability of GIRK1/4R52H. VU0529331, a GIRK4 opener, activated homotetrameric GIRK4G247R channels, but not GIRK4R52H and GIRK4E246K. Our results suggest impaired gating (GIRK4R52H) and expression in plasma membrane (all mutants). We suggest that, contrary to the previously proposed mechanism, R52H and E246K mutants are loss-of-function rather than gain-of-function/selectivity-loss mutants. Hence, GIRK4 openers may be a potential course of treatment for patients with cytosolic N- and C-terminal mutations. Significance Statement Mutations in KCNJ5 gene, which encodes for the GIRK4 subunit of G-protein inwardly rectifying K+ channels, are the main cause of primary aldosteronism, a major contributor to secondary hypertension. We report that three mutations in the cytosolic domain of GIRK4 cause loss-of-function, contrary to the prevailing concept that these mutations cause loss of selectivity and subsequent depolarization, i.e. essentially gain-of-function. Our findings correct the existing misconception regarding the biophysical mechanism that impairs the channel function, and may provide indications for future personalized treatment of the disease.
Time spent together and time spent apart affect song, feather colour and range overlap in tinkerbirds

Most studies on the processes driving evolutionary diversification highlight the importance of genetic drift in geographical isolation and natural selection across ecological gradients. Direct interactions among related species have received much less attention, but they can lead to character displacement, with recent research identifying patterns of displacement attributed to either ecological or reproductive processes. Together, these processes could explain complex, trait-specific patterns of diversification. Few studies, however, have examined the possible effects of these processes together or compared the divergence in multiple traits between interacting species among contact zones. Here, we show how traits of two Pogoniulus tinkerbird species vary among regions across sub-Saharan Africa. However, in addition to variation between regions consistent with divergence in refugial isolation, both song and morphology diverge between the species where they coexist. In West Africa, where the species are more similar in plumage, there is possible competitive or reproductive exclusion. In Central and East Africa, patterns of variation are consistent with agonistic character displacement. Molecular analyses support the hypothesis that differences in the age of interaction among regions can explain why species have evolved phenotypic differences and coexist in some regions but not others. Our findings suggest that competitive interactions between species and the time spent interacting, in addition to the time spent in refugial isolation, play important roles in explaining patterns of species diversification.
Training via Practitioner Journal Articles: A Pathway to Increasing Teachers’ Procedural Integrity

ii Acknowledgments. iii Vita . v List of Tables . x List of Figures . xi Chapter 1: Introduction . 1 Chapter 2: Literature Review . 9 Method . 9 Results . 15 Discussion . 27 Chapter 3: Single-Case Study One . 34 Method . 40 Results and Discussion . 49 Chapter 4: Single-Case Study Two . 57 Method . 60
Implementation of a visual management system in a purchasing organization: Analysis through a change management perspective

The thesis project was conducted in Mojo purchasing department, which is a pseudo name for a big organization in Sweden. Mojo implemented a new way of tracking its performance, which has resulted in a ‘hockey stick-effect’ and showing a stronger result in the third and fourth quarter. As a result of this effect, the profit and loss contribution of Mojo’s purchasing department was uneven and did not match the financial calendar. This means that a lot of the savings for the organization is made in the third and fourth quarters. The current situation has prompted an increased focus on profit and loss to allow savings to be evenly distributed throughout the year. Furthermore, the department is not achieving its financial target because of unreliable forecast. As a result of the above-mentioned challenges, Mojo’s purchasing department has launched a visual management system where an online software known as iObeya is used to show a clear visibility of where the purchasing department stand compared to its target in order to improve its performance. The purpose of the thesis is to analyze the implementation of the visual management system at Mojo’s purchasing department. It will examine it through the lens of organizational change. It will do so by attempting to uncover how several factors that have been shown to affect organizational change, has been considered by the change implementers at Mojo. Furthermore, it will examine how these factors were perceived to be taken into account by the employees affected by the change implementation. The thesis finds that while most of the employees at Mojo are satisfied in seeing their activities visually, there are some areas of the change that could be improved to secure commitment from employees. It highlights the importance of change leaders to not only concentrate on the macro level perspective of change but also the micro level perspective such as employee’s psychological factors which affect their commitment, openness and readiness for the change. Finally, based on the findings, the thesis will recommend improvement ideas that Mojo should consider when implementing a similar project in the future. These recommendations could also be adapted to the ongoing change process at Mojo.
Watch and Wait – Actualities in the Treatment of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Abstract In Western countries, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is one of the most diagnosed leukemia types among elderly patients. CLL is described as an indolent lymphoproliferative disorder, characterized by the presence of a high number of small, mature B-cells in the peripheral blood smear, with a particular immunophenotype (CD5, CD19, CD23 positive and CD20 dim positive) and accumulation in the bone marrow and lymphoid tissue (e.g., lymph nodes, spleen). The experience of the past decades showed that CLL is clinically very heterogeneous; while some patients present a chronic clinical evolution, with a prolonged survival, in which the treatment can be delayed, others suffer from a more aggressive form, which must be treated early and is associated with many relapses. This observation led to several genomic studies that have mapped the genetic modifications involved in the disease conformations, including del(13q14), del(11q), or trisomy 12. On the other hand, certain genetic mutations such as del(17p13)–p53, NOTCH1 mutation, or ZAP70/CD38 increased expression are associated with worse clinical outcome. In order to apply the right treatment strategy, the RAI and BINET staging systems should be considered, which are based on clinical and laboratory assessment, on genetic mutations that may influence the resistance to chemotherapy, as well as the patient’s age and comorbidities. The aim of this manuscript was to present the therapeutic approaches of CLL, in order to attempt to answer the following question: to treat, or not to treat? This clinical update focuses on the managements of CLL patients in the 21st century.
Analysis of psychiatric problems in burn patients in a tertiary burn unit: a prospective study

A burn injury implies damage to or destruction of living tissue, in the overwhelming majority of cases the skin, by thermal, chemical, electrical radiation energy or combination thereof. When the skin is seriously damaged, the properties of that tissue are lost, the barrier functions destroyed, and the internal milieu is exposed to and affected by threatening surroundings. A severe burn injury, where larger areas of the skin are destroyed, is a life-threatening state, and the consequences include fluid and electrolyte imbalance, metabolic disturbances, bacterial contamination of tissues, and complications in all major organ systems. The severity of a burn injury is a function of both the characteristics of the burn injury itself and of factors related to the individual. Such factors include the proportion of the body surface that is damaged, location of injury, depth of the injury, age at injury, presence of associated injuries, and coexisting illness, and associated psychosocial problems like poverty, low socioeconomic status, marital problems, psychiatric problems and substance abuse (alcoholism) which is more prevalent in our country. ABSTRACT
The potential role of blood biomarkers in patients with ischemic stroke

Blood biomarkers are increasingly beginning to play a role in the diagnosis, management, and prognostication of patients with acute ischemic stroke. While imaging biomarkers have played the largest role in determining acute therapies, blood-based biomarkers may have important contributions to make in settings where imaging is not readily available, or when making predictions about future complications and recurrent stroke. Though more research in large, diverse patient populations are needed before blood-based biomarkers become widely accepted for stroke management, preliminary reports suggest their value in several settings and the use of biomarkers is gaining traction. This article discusses the role of several selected readily available protein biomarkers in stroke diagnosis, acute management decisions, and prognosis. Protein biomarkers were primarily selected based on the fact that they have been evaluated in cohort studies and ideally that they have been validated by independent groups.