Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Examining the effect of xenophobia on “transnational” mega construction project (MCP) success

The purpose of this paper is to argue that modern-day xenophobia has emerged as one of the high-risk factors for transnational mega construction projects (MCP’s). While research in transnational MCP’s remains surprisingly under-explored, this study aimed to examine how transformational leadership (TFL) and HPW practices can still achieve MCP success despite the rise of xenophobia in the global construction industry. ,This study examined survey-based sample evidence from 220 respondents including project team members (operational, quality and technical), project stakeholders (e.g. regulatory authority, subcontractors, functional managers, etc.) and project clients/sponsors. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique was employed to test the theoretical hypotheses and to highlight significance of a holistic and novel framework of MCP success. ,This study’s core finding unveiled a significantly negative effect of xenophobia on MCP success (s=−0.389, t=5.574, p<0.000). Interestingly, PLS-SEM results also showed a significantly negative effect of TFL on MCP success (s=−0.172, t=2.323, p<0.018), whereas HPW practices demonstrated a significantly positive effect on MCP success (s=0.633, t=9.558, p<0.000). In addition, xenophobia and MCP success relationship were positively moderated by TFL (s=0.214, t=2.364, p<0.018) and HPW practices (s=0.295, t=3.119, p<0.002), respectively. ,This study underscores the importance of TFL and HPW practices in explaining the linkage between xenophobia and MCP success. Besides advancement of broader multi-disciplinary research and cross-pollination of research ideas, this study also offers unique research direction to explore the potential impact of TFL and HPW practices in demographically diverse project settings especially in countries where xenophobia has swiftly become inevitable. ,As many countries undertake MCP’s with national pride and high strategic importance, this study provides an exemplary model of transnational MCP success. This study shows that conscious use of TFL and HPW practices could guard against escalating xenophobia in the global construction industry. ,This study is first to provide an empirically grounded model of MCP success that collectively examines the role of xenophobia, TFL and HPW practices. This research has developed practical references for transnational construction companies in strategic planning and management of MCP’s.
Growth hormone and Insulin like growth factor -1 in relation to prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia

The present study investigate the role of growth hormone (GH) in the pathophysiology of prostate and the role of insulin like growth factor I (IGF-I) as a risk factor in aged male patients with prostate cancer (PCa) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). For this purpose, 40 patients with PCa and BPH (54-85 yr.), and 10 control subjects (47-75 yr.) confirmed by digital rectal examination (DRE) and prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels, were enrolled in this study. Blood samples and biopsies were collected from cases while for the control, only blood sera were used. Gleason grading system was used to determine histological pattern of Hematoxylin and Eosin stained sections. Sera GH and IGF-I were measured for all the samples using (ELISA) technique. Biopsy results revealed that 10 cases were identified as PCa with different Gleason grades (3, 4, and 5) depending on five histological patterns, and 30 cases were identified as BPH. Compared with control values, GH level was significantly higher (P 0.05) concerning serum GH level. Statistical analysis also indicates that serum levels of IGF-I was higher and significantly (P< 0.05) associated with PCa compared with controls. Serum IGF-I also showed significant difference between control and BPH patients, and between BPH and PCa patients. The present study demonstrated that the association between serum IGF-I levels and PCa was highly significant in age 60 and declined with the age (p= 0.047), but in concern to the histological grade, IGF-I showed no significant differences (p=0.894) with the progression of disease. In conclusion it's appeared that, IGF-I play an important role in the etiology of PCa and BPH.
Reliability of non‐invasive blood pressure measurement during heavy resistance exercise: A pilot study

It is largely unknown how much heavy resistance exercise induces an acute increase in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and whether such increase can be measured in a reliable manner with non‐invasive equipment. We aimed to investigate test‐retest (day‐to‐day) reproducibility of acute SBP response during heavy resistance exercise using a non‐invasive methodology (Nexfin), which provides continuous hemodynamics in real time. Blood pressure was measured in 10 lean, healthy men (mean age 38 years.) during 3 × 8 repetition maximum leg press machine performance on two different days 48 hours apart. Systematic differences in SBP between day 1 and day 2 were analyzed by paired t test. A correlation analysis using Pearson's product‐moment determined the strength of the relationship of SBP between test days. No systematic bias between test days was found for SBP (day 1; 206 ± 19 vs day 2; 203 ± 20, P = .34). There was a significant correlation between measurements recorded SBP on test day 1 and day 2 (r = .88, P < .001). Limits of agreement were acceptable (upper 15.1 vs lower −21.0), and within‐subject SBP variation was 3.2%. Findings suggest a non‐invasive blood pressure device being reliable in measuring SBP pressure from day‐to‐day in lean, healthy men during heavy resistance exercise.
Effect of Advancing Age on Pulmonary Functions in Petrol Pump Workers of Cuttack:A Cross Sectional Study

Environmental pollution is a worldwide phenomenon. Petrol pump workers are exposed to toxic substances present in petrol and diesel and also to various air pollutants. Long term exposure of these chemical vapours leads to deleterious effects on respiratory functions that range from mild cough to lung cancer. In the present study an attempt has been made to find out the correlation of advancing age and toxic effects of vapours on respiratory system by comparing pulmonary function tests in petrol pump workers and subjects not exposed to petrol. study for more healthy age matched controls. smoking habits, of and health conditions of each subject were The pulmonary function was assessed in all subjects by Medspiror having Helios 401 software. The pulmonary function parameters studied were FVC, FEV , FEV 1 /FVC ratio, FEF 25-75%, PEFR and MVV. The parameters were compared by using Student’s t-test, ANOVA and multiple comparison Bonferroni tests.
Can endometrial volume assessment predict the endometrial receptivity on the day of hCG trigger in patients of fresh IVF cycles: a prospective observational study

Background: Objective of present study was to evaluate the role of three dimensional (3D) endometrial volume measurement on the day of hCG trigger in predicting the endometrial receptivity. The present study is a prospective observational study conducted at assisted reproductive centre of a tertiary care hospital. Methods: Endometrial volume was evaluated by three-dimensional ultrasound in 90 patients undergoing first cycle of IVF on hCG trigger day and was correlated with endometrial receptivity. Results: Out of 90 patients studied 12 patients achieved pregnancy. A significant difference was found in mean endometrial volume on hCG trigger day among pregnant (5.33±2.14 cm) women compared to non-pregnant women (4.17±1.72cm). Using Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis the cutoff value for endometrial volume on hCG trigger day was 3.50 cm corresponding to sensitivity 75% and specificity 37.2%. Conclusions: The endometrial volume on hCG trigger day was significantly higher in pregnant women as compared to non-pregnant.
Perpendicular Parking of Car-Like Robots Allowing a Cusp on the Path

This paper introduces the perpendicular parking algorithm of car-like robots, such that the generated path consists of a cusp. This path planning is based on the car’s turning radii, which can be determined by the car’s geometry and its maximum steering angle. As far as we know, this paper is novel in developing autonomous perpendicular parking based on circular arc and straight line segments, such that a cusp on the generated path is allowed. Since a cusp is allowed, the proposed parking approach is suitable for parking in a small space. The simulation results show the validity of the proposed approach.
Cardiovascular disease risk assessment in Nigerian adults with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome using the Framingham's risk score

Background: Cardiovascular morbidity is a major burden in Nigerian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Aims and Objectives: The aim of the present study was to compare the cardiovascular risk scores of type 2 diabetics with those of individuals with metabolic syndrome and in healthy controls and examine the impact of glycemic control and lifestyle on cardiovascular risk. Subjects and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of adult Nigerians with type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and age- and sex-matched controls. Written informed consent was obtained from all the participants. The Ethics Committee of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria, approved the study protocol. Statistical Analysis: The data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS software version 20.0 package. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk scores between the group with diabetes (20.41 ± 12.98), metabolic syndrome (10.00 ± 6.35) and the control group (6.79 ± 7.81) (P < 0.001), and also in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c),high-density lipoproteins (HDL)-cholesterol, total cholesterol , and triglyceride concentrations between the groups (P < 0.05). CVD risk correlated positively and significantly with HbA1c, body mass index and waist circumference and negatively with the level of education (P < 0.05). Only 52.2% of the people with diabetes on treatment achieved HbA1ctarget of <7%. Conclusion: People with Type 2 diabetes had high CVD risk scores, control of CVD risk factors is not optimum in adult Nigerians. Strategies to achieve better glycemic control, weight reduction, and increase literacy levels will help achieve CVD risk reduction in adult Nigerians.
March Madness “Anomalies”: Are They Real, and If So, Can They Be Explained?

Abstract Previously published statistical analyses of NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament (“March Madness”) game outcomes since the 64-team format for its main draw began in 1985 have uncovered some apparent anomalies, such as 12-seeds upsetting 5-seeds more often than might be expected, and seeds 10 through 12 advancing to the Sweet Sixteen much more often than 8-seeds and 9-seeds—the so-called middle-seed anomaly. In this article, we address the questions of whether these perceived anomalies truly are anomalous and if so, what is responsible for them. We find that, in contrast to conclusions drawn from previous analyses, the statistical evidence for a 12-5 upset anomaly actually is very weak, while that for the middle-seed anomaly is quite strong. We dispel some (but not all) theories for the former and offer an explanation for the latter that is based primarily on the combined effects of a nonlinear relationship between team strength and seed, the lack of reseeding between rounds, and a strong quasi-home advantage accorded to 1-seeds. We also investigate the effects that hypothetical modifications to the tournament would have on the anomalies and explore whether similar anomalies exist in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament.
On- vs. off-hours admission of patients with ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions: data from a tertiary university Brazilian hospital

Introduction: Early reperfusion therapy is crucial in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Off-hours hospital presentation may increase the time from pain to coronary reperfusion, and it may be responsible for increased cardiovascular outcomes. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of different times of presentation (on- and off-hours) on early mortality and major cardiovascular outcomes in patients with STEMI who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: We have included consecutive patients with STEMI who underwent primary PCI between April 2011 and November 2016 in a tertiary university hospital in southern Brazil. Patients were divided into on- and off-hours admission. In-hospital and 30-day outcomes were evaluated. Results: A total of 301 patients (57.4%) were admitted during off-hours, and 223 (42.5%) during on-hours. Baseline characteristics were well balanced between the two groups. Median door-to-balloon time was higher in the off-hours group than in the on-hours group: 75 min (IQR 60-95) vs. 60 min (IQR 50-73.7) respectively (p < 0.001). In-hospital mortality was similar between groups (odds ratio [OR] = 0.56; 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 0.31-1.03; p = 0.06) and at 30-day follow-up (OR = 0.2; 95%CI 0.02-1.72 p = 0.14). In the matched cohort, no difference was found in the rates of in-hospital mortality (OR = 2.0; 95%CI 0.75-5.32; p = 0.16) and 30-day MACE (OR= 0.9; 95%CI 0.49-1.66; p = 0.75). Conclusions: In our center with PCI available 24/7 – without in-house staff – we did not observe any difference in patient characteristics, management, and outcomes, although a significant longer door-to-balloon time was found in patients treated during night shifts. Our results are consistent with those of other trials. Keywords: Myocardial infarction; percutaneous coronary intervention; system delay
Participation of Mothers in the Care of Premature Infants and its Associated Factors

Introduction: Parental participation in the care of and support to premature infants is the main factor in accelerating health improvement and growth of infants in the neonatal unit. Many factors are associated with this participation, whose investigation provides appropriate contexts for parental participation. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the participation of mothers in the care of premature infants and factors associated with it. Material and Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive–analytical study in which 170 mothers with premature infants, admitted to the neonatal ward of the hospitals chosen by the Guilan University of Medical Sciences, were examined using available sampling method. The information collection tool was a questionnaire of two parts: the questionnaire of the participation of parents with hospitalized infants and the researcher-made questionnaire of the factors associated with mothers’ participation in the care of premature infants. After sampling, the data were statistically analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (t– independent, ANOVA, Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficient, and regression models). Results: The results suggest that the participation rate of mothers in infant care is 79.03%, and the birth weight (ß = -0.001, P = 0.017), gender (ß = 0.830, P = 0.024), to become familiar with the physical environment by the nurse (ß = 1.506, P = 0.001), to become familiar with the equipment used for infants in the department by the nurse (ß = 1.152, P = 0.009), explanation by a nurse for the measurements done for the infant and the reasons (ß = 0.818, P = 0.023), and blood sampling or venipuncture or pricking the infant (ß = 0.185, P = 0.041), were considered among the predictors of mothers’ participation. Conclusion: Due to the identification of factors associated with the participation of mothers in the care of premature infants, it is recommended that the managers and nurses use the results to improve and strengthen the participation of mothers in the care of hospitalized infants.
Individual and Social Influences on College Student Compliance with a Gluten-Free Diet

The objective of this study was to examine individual and social influences on college student compliance with a gluten-free diet. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted in 2016-2017 with undergraduates (n=24) at a large public university. Eligible participants were 18-25 years old with self-reported physician-diagnosed celiac disease. The interview question path was based on the Health Belief Model and assessed individual and social influences on eating choices. Transcribed interviews were independently coded by three researchers (ICR=.82) then analyzed for themes using the Health Belief Model as a guiding framework. Barriers to complying with a gluten-free diet included the college meal plan, meal planning and cooking skills, negotiating social interactions around food, financial burden of purchasing gluten-free food, and intentionally eating gluten as self-confidence grew. Students often reframed non-compliance as a “cheat day,” discussing it as they would a reduced-calorie diet, which could reduce perceived threat. Providers discussed threats to health in terms of long-term outcomes but students focused on the immediate impact of eating gluten. Nutritionists, parents, and health care providers can better prepare college students for the transition to independent food choices and how to remain compliant with a gluten-free diet within the challenging college food environment.
Microbial Contamination of Eye Drops in out Patient in Iraq

Acontaminated ophthalmic solutions represent a potential cause of avoidable ocular infection. This study aimed to determine the magnitude and pattern of microbial contamination of eye drops in out patient at the department of ophthalmology, at Baghdad national hospital, Iraq. Fifty four vials from the out patient clinic were obtained for microbial examination after an average use of 2 weeks. The dropper tip and the residual eye drop were examined for contamination. The specimens were cultured, the number of colonies counted, the organisms identified. Eight (15%) out of 54 analyzed vials were contaminated , most bacteria identified belonged to the normal commensal flora of the eye. Isolated contaminants were Staphylococcus auereus, Micrococcus , Neisseria catarrhalis, Gram negative Rods, Candida albicans, and Staph epidermidus.The dropper tip was more often contaminated (n=5) than the residual solution (n=2) and only one vial showed acontamination of both the drop and the tip (n=1) . Our data show acontamination rate of 15%, which is in the medium range of data puplished on the contamination of eye drops elsewhere (0.07% to 35.8%). Key words : Microbial Contamination, Eye Drops
Mycobiota associated with human cadavers: First record in Argentina

ABSTRACT Cadavers are an abundant source of organic matter. During their decomposition, a variety of organisms – insects, bacteria, and fungi – can feed on them. Within the ambit of forensic science, fungi have thus far received little attention. Nevertheless, the current study found that forensic mycology can be developed as a tool that provides useful evidence for case resolution. The fungal biota found growing on the surface of two cadavers with different post-mortem intervals (PMI) was examined and identified. The fungal samples were cultured and identified by morphology and molecular genetics. Fungal species such as Arthrinium arundinis, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus terreus, Candida guillermondii, Candida lypolitica, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Chrysosporium merdarium, and Scopulariopsis brevicaulis were registered. These findings are the first contributions to forensic mycology from Argentine research. In combination with the joint investigations of forensic researchers worldwide, these results should contribute in the discussion of the use of mycology as a valid forensic tool in which fungi can provide evidence in complex cases.
Bendamustine plus rituximab (B-R) versus CHOP plus rituximab (CHOP-R) as first-line treatment in patients with indolent lymphomas: Nine-year updated results from the StiL NHL1 study.

7501Background: This multicenter, randomized, phase III study compared B-R and CHOP-R as first-line treatment in patients (pts) with indolent lymphomas or mantle cell lymphoma and was first published in The Lancet in 2013. The final analysis demonstrated a significantly prolonged progression-free survival (PFS) in the B-R group compared to the CHOP-R group, with a median PFS of 69.5 vs. 31.2 months, respectively. In the current analysis, we present updated results for overall survival (OS), time-to-next-treatment (TTNT), and secondary malignancies (sNPL) with a median follow-up of 113 months for patients with indolent lymphomas (excluding MCL). Methods: 447 pts with indolent lymphomas were randomized to receive B-R or CHOP-R for a maximum of 6 cycles. The primary endpoint was PFS; secondary endpoints included OS, TTNT, and sNPL. Results: Patient characteristics were well balanced between arms; median age was 64 years. The difference in OS between the two treatment arms was not statistically significant, w.
What Do We Know and What Don’t We Know?

Monetary policy is often seen as a principal instrument in the counter-cyclical armoury, mainly directed at smoothing the business cycle. This is an important focus of policy – important both for its own sake and because cyclical variations in demand are the primary living force of inflation. In recent years, however, the longer-term aspects of monetary policy have come to the fore. Monetary policy concerned with more than smoothing the swings in economic activity. While a larger, output gap and a stronger exchange rate both ay an important role in containing inflationary pressures over the course of the cycle, achieving the nirvana of full employment plus price stability requires low, stable price expectations. This raises a number of issues which are the object of vigorous debate at present among monetary authorities worldwide: issues such the appropriate objectives for a central bank and the desirable degree of independence. These are not on my agenda today. Nor will I into the detail of our operating procedures (see Rankin (1992)). I'll confine myself to scribing the links between the RBA's instrument (the cash rate) and the ultimate objectives – economic activity and inflation. The RBA uses the operating technique which has come universal in countries with deregulated financial markets: the Bank can influence liquidity in the payments clearing system, and is allows us to shift interest rates at the very short end of the yield curve. This cash rate is used as the operating instrument to influence activity and prices. The transmission process can be seen as operating something like this: Real output depends, inter alia, on real interest rates. Higher interest rates reduce activity and create an 'output gap' – a deviation of actual'GDP from potential. Inflation responds to this output gap, both directly and through the indirect effect on wages. Changes in interest rates also affect the exchange rate, which feeds directly into prices while at the same time influencing activity. Price expectations depend on past price increases, and also on the anti-inflation reputation which the central bank builds up over time. Schematically, it might look like this:
Operationalizing the knowledge space: theory, methods and insights for Smart Specialisation

ABSTRACT Focusing explicitly on the regional dimensions of technological change, this paper examines the technological evolution of Irish NUTS-3 regions. Employing an index of average relatedness, it is shown that over an extended 25-year period (1981–2005) that the production of technological knowledge exhibits a strong path dependency whereby regions are technologically predisposed to diversify into those areas of the knowledge space that are proximate to their current specialization. Implications for the Smart Specialisation thesis are then discussed.