Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A study to assess the utilization of the influenza vaccine amongst doctors and nurses in the medical wards at Mater Dei Hospital

Introduction: Seasonal influenza may be associated with a high morbidity and mortality rate. Efforts at promoting effective influenza vaccination in the general population and amongst health-care workers have been of increasing importance over recent years. Aim: To assess use of influenza vaccine amongst doctors and nurses working in the medical wards at Mater Dei Hospital. Method: Data was collected using questionnaires supplied to nurses on the wards and posted online to doctors. Results: A total of 130 questionnaires were completed. Results showed underutilization of the vaccine, with only 34% of respondents taking the vaccine in 2015. 43% of doctors (n=76) and 20% of nurses (n=54) confirmed taking the vaccine. 44% of senior doctors (HST level and above; n=27), were compliant with the vaccination; 43% of the junior doctors (n=49) took the vaccine, of which foundation-year doctors formed the larger portion (FY 55%; BST 19%). In the case of nurses, 25% of the 8 senior nurses took the vaccine, and 19% of the 46 staff nurses were compliant. The commonest reasons for non-compliance to vaccination included doubt about its beneficial effects and fear of side effects. The most effective method for promoting the influenza vaccine included nurses handing out the vaccine on site Conclusion: The influenza vaccination coverage-rate in Malta amongst health-care workers during the 2015-2016 season was estimated to be 33.8%. The audit was limited by its small sample size and selection bias. Improved education about the beneficial effects of the vaccine is recommended in order to improve outcomes.
Intratumoral genetic heterogeneity in sporadic colorectal cancer and its association with underlying genomic instability

Two major mechanisms of genomic instability, microsatellite instability (MIN), also referred to as a replication error positive phenotype (RER+) and chromosomal instability (CIN), have been identified to date in sporadic colorectal cancer. Each leads to the development of a distinct phenotype of colorectal cancer. This thesis has analysed genetic intratumoral heterogeneity in 22 sporadic colorectal cancers and its association with two known types of underlying genomic instability. It has also established the relevance of colorectal cancer xenografts as models for investigating the genetics of colorectal cancer. This study has identified the presence of genetic intratumoral heterogeneity in sporadic colorectal cancer. It has shown that the RER+ phenotype is characteristic of a proportion of sporadic colorectal cancer and confirmed that a single sample analysis is sufficient for determining RER+ phenotype in these tumours. The analysis of chromosome copy number changes in the RERand RER+ groups of sporadic colorectal cancers confirmed previously reported higher incidence of chromosomal abnormalities occurring in RERcancers. Different patterns of chromosomal changes were found to occur in RERand RER+ tumours. In this study the most frequently detected chromosomal abnormalities in RERand RER+ cancers were 20q+, 18q-, 13q+, 8p-, lp-, 8q+and lp-, 19del respectively. The most important finding of this study is the identification of a novel group of sporadic colorectal cancers which do not display instability of either chromosomes or microsatellites (called non-MIN, non-CIN cancers). These tumours do not show any striking differences in clinical and pathological features compared with RERtumours exhibiting high levels of chromosomal instability, but may harbour fewer abnormalities of p53. It is likely that non-MIN, non-CIN colorectal cancers represent a distinct entity in sporadic colorectal cancer and, based on this data, their prevalence might be as high as 35% of RERcolorectal cancers or 25% of sporadic colorectal cancers in total. The analysis of colorectal cancer xenografts established from samples collected from multiple sites from primary tumours showed that a xenograft established from a
A very rare side effect of amlodipine: non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema

ÖZ Kalsiyum kanal blokerleri kardiyovasküler tıpta en çok kullanılan ilaçlar arasındadır. Hem düşük maliyetli, hem de günde bir kez kullanılan amlodipin, en sık reçete edilen ilaçlardan biridir. Periferik ödem amlodipinin iyi bilinen bir yan etkisi ise de amlodipin ile ilişkili kardiyojenik olmayan pulmoner ödem çok nadirdir. Bu yazıda, intihar amacıyla 300 mg amlodipini oral yoldan alan, kardiyojenik olmayan pulmoner ödemli 24 yaşında bir kadın olgu sunuldu. Hasta sıvı replasmanı, inotropik ajanlar ve mekanik ventilasyon ile başarı ile tedavi edildi. Bildiğimiz kadarı ile bu Türkiye’de sunulan ilk olgudur. Anah tar söz cük ler: Amlodipin; ilaç; aşırı doz; pulmoner ödem; intihar teşebbüsü. ABSTRACT Calcium channel blockers are among the most widely used drugs in cardiovascular medicine. Amlodipine, which is both cost-effective and taken once daily, is one of the most commonly prescribed agents. Although peripheral edema is a well-known side effect of amlodipine, non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema associated with amlodipine is very rare. Herein, we describe a 24-year-old female case of non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema after ingestion of 300 milligram of amlodipine orally for a suicide attempt. The patient was successfully treated with fluid replacement, inotropic drugs, and mechanically ventilation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case reported in Turkey.
Analysis of Ecosystem Service Value Dynamics in Sub-Sahara Africa

Dwindling ecological service value (ESV) is a key challenge in Ethiopia and Hare River Catchment (HRC). As studies made about ESV of HRC were rare, it was vague to understand the supply and threats of the services in the area. So, this study was aimed at analyzing magnitude, trend and drivers of ESV change in HRC. Data were captured from remote sensing sources, survey, questionnaire, etc. LULC data and valuation coefficients of Costanza et al., (1997) and Kindu et al., (2016) were used for estimating ESV dynamics. Sensitivity analyses were run to verify accuracy of the estimated ESV changes. HRC, with an area of 23,432.7ha, revealed net ESV loss by US$ 6.035 million within 1967 - 2015. The lion share of ESV loss was triggered by land use/land cover change and farm expansion at the cost of forest, woodland, etc. So, gov’t policy should be targeted on resilience of ecological services and on agro-forestry options to curb farm expansion-led ESV loss in HRC, Southern Ethiopia.
Laparoscopic versus open appendectomy retrospective study

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is taken into account as a standard method of performing cholecystectomy and has substituted the old method throughout the world, while laparoscopic appendectomy still not attaining that reputation. In this paper, a retrospective study was done to compare between both laparoscopic and open appendectomy. Methods: Two hundred eighty-five patients were analyzed after appendectomy using either open or laparoscopic procedures. The data was compared over a period of 36 months. Surgical technique was the same among 6 surgeons, standard postoperative care for all patient groups. The outcome measures included comparing of mean operative time, days of hospitalization, postoperative pain and rate of wound infection. Results: Concerning open appendectomy the mean time was 28 minutes with 2 days of hospitalization. The postoperative pain extent was for 36 hours and rate of wound infection was 8/159. While in laparoscopic appendectomy the mean time was 55 minutes with one day hospitalization. The postoperative pain was for 12 hours and zero rate of wound infection. Conclusions: In general laparoscopy has plenty of gains over open surgery as discussed before but laparoscopic appendectomy is not easier, nor does it avoid general anesthesia. The cost for laparoscopic appendectomy is higher than for open appendectomy. The operative and post-operative complications are more critical (e.g.: intra-abdominal abscesses & perforation of bowel) as compared to open appendectomy. We have to assess the advantages and disadvantages, indications and contraindications when taking a decision for laparoscopic surgery. We suppose it would be very early to say that laparoscopic appendectomy is superior or can replace open appendectomy.
Depression and Anxiety in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disabilities

Background: All parents always plan for perfect, healthy and normal babies. They never expect or think about children with disability. But if they confront with such situation in their lives, they face many emotional problems such as grief, loss, disbelief, guilt, rejection, helplessness, denial, shame, anxiety, anger and depression for a long period. Social stigma that itself attaches to the family and frustration and helplessness for not able to cure the condition leave parents sad and depressed Methodology: The sample consisted of 60 mothers of children between ages 6 to 12 years; out of 60, 30 were mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder and 30 were mothers of children with intellectual disabilities. The data was collected from hospitals and special schools in Mumbai Results: In the present study, it was found that depression and anxiety is higher in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder as compared to mothers of children with intellectual disability. The factors that lead to high depression and anxiety in mothers of children with ASD were behavioral issues in children like hyperactivity, aggressiveness, self-injurious behavior and stereotyped movements. They also have difficulties in their day to day life such as managing household chores plus looking after the child, financial problems and restricted social life. Conclusions: The findings indicate that depression and anxiety is higher in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder as compared to mothers of children with intellectual disability. The results obtained are in line with hypotheses and past research.
Construção e Validação de cartilha para prevenção da transmissão vertical do HIV

Resumo Objetivo: Descrever processo de construcao e validacao de cartilha educativa para prevencao da transmissao vertical do HIV. Metodo: Estudo metodologico em tres etapas: levantamento bibliografico, elaboracao da cartilha e validacao do material por especialistas no assunto e representantes do publico-alvo. Realizou-se a validacao por 9 juizes e 30 representantes do publico-alvo. Considerou-se o Indice de Validade de Conteudo (IVC) minimo de 0,78, para validacao de conteudo e concordância minima de 75% para validacao de aparencia. Resultados: A cartilha apresentou IVC global de 0,87 pelos juizes e nivel de concordância excelente entre os juizes (91,1%-100%) e representantes do publico-alvo (98,1%-100%). Entretanto, os juizes propuseram sugestoes de melhorias da cartilha, que foram acatadas e modificadas para versao final do material. Conclusao: A cartilha foi validada quanto ao conteudo e aparencia, devendo-se ser considerada no contexto das atividades educativas como instrumento capaz de favorecer para prevencao da transmissao vertical do HIV
New Instructor Teaching Experience in a Research-Intensive University: Implications for Professional Development

This study explores the adjustment of new chemical and biological sciences faculty members at a research university. Eleven faculty members were interviewed twice, first in 2007, shortly after they came to the university, and again three years later. The study documented their participation in professional development activities, with special attention to their participation in activities that were organized by the disciplinary Teaching and Learning Center. Changes in teaching philosophy were evident, including modification of teaching goals and greater use of appropriate terminology. Based on these findings, the authors suggest resources that universities can offer to facilitate new faculty members’ adjustment to their new positions and, moreover, help prepare them to be change agents within their new institution by taking leadership roles in departmental cultural change.
Lymphatic Filariasis in Muri Emirate: Clinical and Parasitological Studies in Jalingo LGA, Taraba State, Nigeria

Survey of prevalence of clinical manifestation of lymphatic filariasis was carried out in Jalingo LGA. Informed oral consent of individuals were sought and obtained before they were examined in secrecy for clinical signs and symptoms of filariasis. Night blood samples of consenting individuals were also obtained using finger-prick method between 20.00hrs and 01.00hrs. Four-hundred and fifty eight night blood samples were collected, and 33.58% were infected with Wuchereria bancrofti. There was a significant difference in infection among the different age groups. The various clinical manifestations encountered were: itching, adenolymphagitis, dermatitis, elephantiasis, hydrocoele, hernia and lymphoedema of breast at varying rates. There was a close association between the occurrence of W. bancrofti and itching, adenolymphagitis, hydrocoel, dermititis; while weak Original Research Article Elkanah et al.; AJMAH, 6(1): 1-7, 2017; Article no.AJMAH. 33898 2 association were observed between microfilaraemia and Hernia, elephantiasis of the limb and lymphoedema of the breast. The prevalence of chronic and irreversible manifestations of the disease create strong imperative on the need to initiate control programmes within the province.
It's Not a Lie If You Believe the Norm Does Not Apply: Conditional Norm-Following with Strategic Beliefs

This paper presents the results of a randomized controlled trial set to evaluate the effects of a pay-for-performance scheme that rewarded community health worker cooperatives for the utilization of five targeted maternal and child health services by their communities. The experiment took place in 19 districts in Rwanda between 2010 and 2014. The analysis finds no impact of the performance payments on coverage of the targeted services, attitudes and behaviors of community health workers, or outcomes at the cooperative level. No synergies are found between the scheme and a demand-side, in-kind transfer intervention that was independently effective in increasing coverage rates of targeted services.
Credit Accessibility Model of Small Enterprises Based on Firm Characteristics and Business Performance (Case Study at Small Enterprises in West Sumatera Indonesia)

The purpose of this research is to empirically test the influence of firm characteristics and business performance on credit access in small businesses. The study was conducted with 221 small enterprises in West Sumatera Province-Indonesia using a survey instrument. Data analysis using the Structural Equation Model Lisrel 8.72. The result of this study indicates those firm characteristics have a positive and significant influence on credit access. Business performance as mediating in the relationship between firm characteristics and credit access. It means the stronger of firm characteristics will lead to an increase in the business performance of small enterprises, which will finally have an effect on credit access. Therefore, it is recommended that there should be a strategy to strengthen the firm characteristics to improve the credit accessibility of small businesses.
Small and medium ‑sized accommodation managers and opportunities for water conservation

espanolA fin de lograr una mejora de la gestion ambiental de las pequenas y medianas empresas de alojamiento es importante comprender los factores y motivaciones que impulsan a sus gestores a adoptar tecnologias mas eficientes y practicas ecologicamente responsables. Una muestra de 18 hoteles y campings en la destinacion turistica madura de la Costa Brava (Espana), todos ellos gestionados por empresas familiares independientes, fueron contactados para el proyecto. La investigacion se baso en la combinacion de encuestas y entrevistas semi‑estructuradas con los maximos responsables de los establecimientos. El ahorro de agua se revela como una cuestion de baja prioridad para la mayoria de gestores, mientras que las ventajas competitivas y la competencia por el uso de agua por parte de otros grupos sociales aparecen como factores menos relevantes que en la mayor parte de la literatura cientifica publicada. Se concluye que incidir sobre los factores organizativos tiene un mayor potencial de transformacion de las empresas para el ahorro hidrico que no los cambios que puedan realizarse a nivel estructural o tecnologico. EnglishTo improve the environmental performance of small and medium‑sized accommodation enterprises, it is important to understand the factors and motivations that move managers to adopt more efficient technologies and ecologically responsible practices. A sample of 18 independent family‑run hotels and campsites were contacted in the mature tourist resort area of the Costa Brava (Spain). The research worked with a combination of surveys and semi‑structured interviews directed at top managers. Saving water is revealed as a matter figuring low on the list of priorities of most managers, while competitive advantages and stakeholder pressures appear as less relevant drivers than is posited in most of the scientific literature. We conclude that addressing organizational factors holds more promise in terms of transformative power supporting water conservation than structural or technological changes.
Determinants of behaviour of working capital requirements of BSE listed companies: An empirical study using co-integration techniques and generalised method of moments

Abstract The paper investigates the determinants of working capital to forecast the future requirement of working capital of BSE-listed top 150 companies in India. The study is conducted by collecting the data of 150 top-performing BSE listed companies for the time period of 2009–2017. The ten firm-level explanatory variables and one dummy variable to characterize the nature of business i.e. manufacturing and service sector companies are used to discover the significant determinants of gross and net working capital of selected companies. The four alternative methods are used to verify and validate the results obtained from each other viz. Ordinary Least Square (OLS), fully modified OLS (FMOLS), dynamic OLS (DOLS) and generalized methods of moments (GMM). The empirical findings of four different methods indicate that tangibility, leverage, nature of business and board size are observed as significant factors to forecast the future requirements of net working capital. Return on common equity (ROCE), board size; indicate the positive association with gross working capital. On the other hand, tangibility, nature of business and size of the firm show a negative relationship with gross working capital requirements. The findings from different methods have resulted in similar significant determinants to predict the future requirement of the net and gross working capital. The outcome of the study will be useful for management authorities for maintaining the optimum level of working capital and to forecast future requirements of working capital.
Money and Credit Revisited

Gu, Mattesini, and Wright (2016) show that if money is essential, then nomonetary credit (i.e., deferred payment to sellers) is irrelevant. We find that in an otherwise same model that also allows monetary credit (i.e., borrowing money from third parties), nonmonetary credit is relevant when money is essential. While nonmonetary credit can still be neutral locally, this result critically depends on the tightness of monetary credit. A tight monetary credit limit and loan market clearing restrict how real balances can respond to changes in nonmonetary credit. Money may serve as an accelerator or stabilizer, depending on the types of credit changes and overall credit condition. Our results suggest a subtle three-way relationship among money and the two types of credit.
Modeling Framework for Capacity Analysis of Freeway Segments: Application to Ramp Weaves

This research proposes a new modeling framework for the analysis of freeway segments. The framework provides a continuum from the operation of ramp weave segments to an equivalent basic segment serving the same traffic with the same number of lanes and free-flow speed. This approach distinguishes between congestion effects caused by high v/c ratios from turbulence caused by merging, diverging, and weaving traffic, thus greatly simplifying the model form, and its extensibility to other freeway segment types. The paper presents an application of this new framework to the analysis of ramp weaves, which were not sufficiently sampled in the development of the HCM6 methodology. The proposed model is shown to be superior to the HCM6 method both in relation to explaining field observations of speeds and in its simplicity in application. The results include a new formula for capacity estimation that is highly sensitive to segment length, and a speed estimation model that converges for low weaving volumes or at very high weaving segment lengths to that observed at a basic segment. Because the proposed model is calibrated with data mostly from North Carolina, it is recommended that data at additional sites be included in a larger calibration effort to ensure its applicability to a broader set of weaving segment configurations.
Male androgenetic alopecia treated with finasteride

Background Dihydrotestosterone causes micronization of scalp hair follicles, resulting in androgenetic alopecia. Finasteride inhibits type II 5α-reductase, thereby, decreasing the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. Objective To determine the efficacy of finasteride in male androgenetic alopecia. Patients and methods 16 men from 18-42yrs of age with moderate vertex pattern hair loss received 1mg finasteride daily for 2 yrs. Efficacy was determined by patients self assessments, investigator assessment and assessment of clinical photographs. safety was assessed by clinical analysis of adverse experience if any Results After 6 months-1yr treatment, there was a significant improvement in patient, investigator and photographic assessment. Efficacy was improved and maintained throughout the second year of the study. Finasteride was generally well tolerated. Conclusion In men with male pattern hair loss finasteride 1mg for 2 yrs slowed the progression of hair fall and increased hair growth.
Loose farrowing systems: challenges and solutions

The use of farrowing crates is increasingly questioned from an animal welfare point of view. Even so, since a number of attempts to develop loose farrowing systems have been unsuccessful, leading to high levels of piglet mortality due in the main to crushing, many farmers remain sceptical as to whether or not alternative systems can be viable. On the other hand, several European countries have introduced legislation requiring loose farrowing systems, thus promoting research into this type of housing and allowing for performance studies based on large samples of commercial farms. As a consequence of these recent developments, we think it timely to reconsider the evidence available on loose farrowing systems. In our review, we first address the normal peri-parturient behaviour of domestic pigs, as well as studies comparing behaviour and stress physiology in sows kept in both crates and loose systems during farrowing. We then review approaches taken to develop alternative farrowing systems in different countries, and focus lastly on pen, piglet and sow characteristics that contribute to piglet survival in loose farrowing systems. Taking scientific evidence as well as practical experience into account, we conclude that piglet mortality in loose farrowing systems need not exceed that of crate systems. To obtain good performance results, sows due to farrow should be kept individually in sufficiently large pens, structured for preference into a nest area and an activity area. Furthermore, both management and breeding aspects, resulting in high piglet viability and good maternal behaviour, are essential to achieve high production in loose farrowing systems.