Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Is Cerebral Palsy Research Focusing on the Right Outcome Measures and Using the Right Methodology

Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most prevalent lifelong disability in the UK and affects around 1 in 400 live births. Treatment of this disorder has not focussed on the needs of the patients. This is largely due to problems with outcome measures and methodology used by numerous disciplines. Methodological issues in rehabilitation techniques largely stem from a lack of a proper control group.Aims/Objectives: To highlight the inconsistencies in outcome measures and issues concerning methodologies used in the research of CP treatment and rehabilitation. A comprehensive review was undertaken to identify ways how treatment of CP can be improved and enhanced.Conclusions: Outcome measures differ between pharmacological and rehabilitation research. Overall, the outcome measures tend to be near-transfer effects rather than far-transfer effects. The methodological techniques in rehabilitation approaches are inadequate and need to use randomised control trials and crossover designs. The role of metacognition has been ignored to date. Virtual reality may provide the potential to employ motor/mental imagery training in a more suitable and economical way. Future research needs to investigate pharmacological treatment for dyskinesia and ataxia, but must also increase consultation with patients with CP and their families/carers. Null findings need publishing to enhance future research.
Saudi Arabian students' attitudes to and perceptions of social networking for educational purposes

Web 2.0 applications, in the form of social networking sites, are increasingly being repurposed as academic tools in higher education institutions. In this context, social networking sites are used to support a number of key academic functions including the sharing of ideas between students and academic staff, the forming of dedicated study groups, the exchange of links and other academic objects and self-publication. While these tools are readily being adopted in mainstream Western contexts, little is currently known regarding whether -and how -social networking sites are used in other geo-cultural regions. This study sought to redress this research gap by investigating how often and in what ways Saudi Arabian students use social networking for learning purposes as well as how they perceive these instruments as educational instruments. The study was based on the analysis of results derived from focus group discussions with university students at four Saudi Arabian universities. The research found that Saudi Arabian students are aware of, and welcome, social networking sites and are starting to use them for academic purposes in the same way that university students do in more mainstream contexts. However, it is evident that, in Saudi Arabia, the utilization of these sites for teaching and learning purposes is not yet widespread, nor is it particularly sophisticated in terms of user knowledge of a range of social networking sites and their application to higher education. The study concluded that, due to students' enthusiastic reception of these sites, Saudi Arabia is wellplaced to adopt them in a considered and organized manner, looking to global best practice usage. This study is part of a wider research project and the outcomes will be used as the basis of an in-depth survey which will be published in future research.
Antennal morphology and localization of a general odorant-binding protein in the great wax moth, Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

The great wax moth, Galleria mellonella (L.), is a globally distributed pest for bee hives and, therefore, of significant importance for apiculture. In this study, the antennal morphology of G. mellonella was elucidated by light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Moreover, the putative function of the sensilla was studied by in situ hybridization of an odorant-binding protein (OBP)-encoding gene. Thus, an OBP subclass called general odorant-binding protein (GOBP) was used. Currently, GOBPs are related to the transport of sex pheromone and general volatiles in the sensilla of insects. Results indicate sexual dimorphism, with longer antennae for females than males. Sensilla morphology was similar to that reported in other moths, especially pyralids, with a total of seven types of sensilla, namely chaetica (SCH), trichodea (STR), coeloconica (SCO), styloconica (STY), auricilica (SAU), basiconica (SBA) and squamiformia (SSQ). Böhm’s bristles (BB) were also found. As expected due to the inverse sexual communication of G. mellonella, a higher abundance of pheromone-related STR subtype I, were determined in female compared to male antennae. More interestingly, we report the presence of a GOBP-encoding gene, found mainly in female STR and SCH. Therefore, the cross information between reported sensilla function and that of OBPs provides evidence to support not only the olfactory function of STR and SCH, but also the uncommon sexual communication that G. mellonella has developed.
Numerical Study of the Comparison of Symmetrical and Asymmetrical Eddy-Generation Scheme on the Fire Whirl Formulation and Evolution

A numerical study of the fire whirl formation under symmetrical and asymmetrical entraining configuration is presented. This work aims to assess the effect of eddy-generation configuration on the evolution of the intriguing phenomenon coupled with both flow dynamics and combustion. The numerical framework implements large-eddy simulation, detailed chemistry to capture the sophisticated turbulence-chemistry interaction under reasonable computational cost. It also adopts liquid-based clean fuel with fixed injection rate and uniformed discretisation scheme to eliminate potential interference introduced by various aspects of uncertainties. The result reveals that the nascent fire whirl formulates significantly rapidly under the symmetrical two-slit configuration, with extended flame height and constrained vortex structure, compared with the asymmetrical baseline. However, its revolution orbit gradually diverges from domain centreline and eventually stabilises with a large radius of rotation, whereas the revolution pattern of that from the baseline case is relatively unchanged from the inception of nascent fire whirl. Through the analysis, the observed difference in evaluation pathway could be explained using the concept of circular motion with constant centripetal force. This methodology showcases its feasibility to reveal and visualise the fundamental insight and facilitate profound understanding of the flaming behaviour to benefit both research and industrial sectors.
The data-technology nexus in South African secondary cities: The challenges to smart governance

This article focuses on two critical and intersecting issues on the global urban agenda: the growing importance of secondary cities in urban development policies, and the proliferation of digital technologies and data to support smart urban governance. This article contends that smart governance is a critical factor in urban technological transformation processes. Smart governance aims at improving urban management through enhanced data-informed decision-making and the commensurate inclusion and participation of civic actors in this process. Drawing on interviews with administrators in three South African secondary cities, the analysis highlights the complex challenges that limit the effective inculcation of smart governance practices in these cities. It focuses specifically on the strategic, organisational and political challenges of municipal administrations, and the obstacles to effective interaction between key actors in developing an effective municipal data-technology ecosystem. In doing so, this article contributes new insights into enhanced governance practices in smartening secondary cities; it initiates a critical inquiry on the uneven ways these small, less resourced and socio-economically contentious cities negotiate complex social, administrative and political dynamics in incipient processes of urban smartening.
Anesthetic management of a neonate with Antley-Bixler syndrome: A case report

Received: September 28, 2010. Revised: 1st, October 15, 2010; 2nd, November 9, 2010. Accepted: November 9, 2010. Corresponding author: Kye-Min Kim, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Sanggye Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, 761-1, Sanggye 7-dong, Nowon-gu, Seoul 139-707, Korea. Tel: 82-2-950-1173, Fax: 82-2-950-1323, E-mail: kyemin@paik. ac.kr Antley-Bixler syndrome is a congenital anomaly of multiple bones and cartilage, and this was first reported by Antley and Bixler in 1975. It is characterized by craniosynostosis, midface hypoplasia with choanal stenosis and atresia, radiohumeral synostosis and femoral bowing. This is sometimes accompanied by cardiac, renal, gastrointestinal and genital malformations. The risk of respiratory distress is high in the infants with this syndrome, and this is most commonly caused by choanal stenosis and atresia. Careful anesthetic management is needed for these infants because of the potential risk of a difficult airway and respiratory complications. We report here on our experience with the anesthetic management of a neonate with Antley-Bixler syndrome and we review the relevant literature. (Anesth Pain Med 2011; 6: 89∼92)
Primary School Assistant Headship: An Exploratory Study

This research study examines and documents the nature of work carried out by the assistant head teachers (AHTs) in the Fiji primary schools. It also examines the knowledge, skills, successful past experiences and qualifications that collectively contribute to the success of the AHTs as educational leaders. It attempts to understand the work of AHTs from the perspectives of the research informants from the two schools, which include the AHTs, the head teachers, teachers, school management committees and Ministry of Education officials. The research methodology employed in this study was drawn from the phenomenological and qualitative-case study research literature. The data gathering methods included observation, in-depth interviewing and documentary analysis. The study design and the research process are informed by relevant local and international literature and the data received from fieldwork findings. The conceptual framework of the study evolved as the study unfolded. This research study has also benefited from the work of Southworth (1998) that looks at primary school headship. The important findings of the study are: • The AHTs are not well aware of important educational policies. • The rules, regulations and policies are interpreted and translated into action based on ineffective models. • The AHTs employ bureaucratic, collegial, democratic and other leadership styles, including laissez-faire to suit the needs and circumstances. • There is no qualitative data available to gauge the learning outcomes of all the students in the case study schools. • The HTs do not delegate sufficient responsibility and authority to the AHTs. • The AHTs are sandwiched between the HTs and the teachers. • The role of the AHT is considered to be one of ensuring stability and order in the school, a maintenance rather than development or leadership role. They juggle their time between teaching and management roles. • The AHTs, who are mindful of and sensitive to the various functions, concerns and aspirations of the wide range of factors depicting school environment respond positively, receive approval and achieve success.
Study of subclinical hypothyroidism in elderly and its correlation with lipid profile

Background: Although hypothyroidism accompanying dyslipidemia previously recognized as important risk factor for cardiovascular disease, but now subclinical hypothyroidism emerged as important risk factor for atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction especially in elderly people. Subclinical Hypothyroidism (SCH) is a state characterized by normal serum T3 and T4 level with elevated TSH level having minimal signs and symptoms. There are limited studies on SCH and dyslipidemia in elderly people in India, so this study was undertaken to correlate thyroid function abnormality with lipid profile in elderly population. Methods: This observational study was conducted in 74 elderly people more than 60 years age group having symptoms of SCH i.e. fatigue, weakness mild thyroid swelling, weight gain etc. who did not previously have a diagnosis of hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, previous thyroidectomy, renal failure, hepatic failure, systemic hypertension etc. They had normal T3, T4 level and raised TSH value. Cases with TSH value >5 mIU/L but normal T3, T4 level were evaluated further for lipid profile. Results: Elderly females suffered more from SCH in the age group of 60-70 years. Participants with SCH had significantly higher cholesterol (p value=0.0216), higher LDL (p value=0.0241) and higher triglyceride (p value =0.0004) with increasing TSH showing positive correlation. There is no significant correlation between decreasing HDL and TSH value. Conclusions: All elderly people should be routinely screened for thyroid function abnormality. Those have SCH should also be evaluated for dyslipidemia so that they can be treated with lipid lowering drugs and low dose thyroxine judiciously to prevent atherosclerosis.
Impurity profiling of illicit drugs

The pharmaceutical analysis of illicit drugs and the associated impurity profiling can contribute to a harm reduction approach. Impurities in illicit drugs represent a complex problem that requires detailed and reproducible analysis, in part because cutting agents are not often reported by the forensic science community. This research project is focussed on characterising Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS) and determining their purity/impurity (adulteration) employing a wide range of spectroscopic and chromatographic methods, mainly NMR spectroscopy and Mass Spectrometry. Another aim is to develop a routine, rapid, and quantitative analytical protocol to identify illicit drugs and their impurities (cutting agents) in seized street samples. These two major aims were achieved. A comprehensive, but critical review of the current literature is provided with respect to the analytical chemistry aspects of illicit drugs and especially their cutting agents. This literature review has a focus on the global concern arising from the current and continuing emergence of NPS and their diverse public health effects. Evidence is provided of illegal drugs, mainly so-called “legal highs” (NPS), from detailed analysis of the contents of amnesty bins and their adulterants provided by the Police from a Bristol night club and from the 2013 Glastonbury music festival, besides other samples they had seized. An accurate chemical assignment of flephedrone regioisomers is made and compared with mephedrone. Impurity profiling of street mephedrone and ketamine samples and their adulterants is presented. A possible link between mephedrone samples is investigated by applying PCA and HCA statistical methods to the 1H NMR data.
Comparison of Propofol with Desflurane for Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy in Morbidly Obese patients: A Prospective Randomized Trial

Background: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy has become one of the most effective treatment options for adults with severe obesity. However, optimal anesthetic management for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy has not been described yet. Methods: In this prospective randomized study, we compared the effects of propofol anesthesia (Group 1) with desflurane anesthesia (Group II) in morbid obese patients for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. We compared postoperative recovery and hemodynamic parameters of the patients. We also investigated the changes in tracheal cuff pressure and peak airway pressure of these obese patients during orogastric tube insertion and peritoneal CO2 insufflation. Results: Eye opening and extubation time were longer in the propofol group than in the desflurane group (p 0.05). Six patients in Group I and eight patients in Group II had sore throat (p > 0.05). Eight patients in Group I a.
Pancytopenia- A clinicopathological analysis of 132 cases

Introduction: Pancytopenia is a challenging clinical entity for both clinicians and hematologists. The severity of pancytopenia and the underlying pathology determine the management and prognosis of these patients. Laboratory plays central role in determining the etiology of pancytopenia and thereby guiding the clinician in proper management of patient. The objective of the present study was to study the etiological factor, clinical features, peripheral blood picture, hematological parameters and bone marrow findings in different causes of pancytopenia in this region. Materials and Methods: In the prospective study carried out, a total of 132 patients of pancytopenia were evaluated for clinical features, hematological parameters, peripheral smear and bone marrow findings in Department of Pathology, Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital and Research Center, Bhilai, C . G. during a two years study period from March 2009 to April 2011. Results: Among the 132 cases studied, the age of patients studied ranged from 2.5 to 76 years with a mean age of 38.10 years. The maximum number of patients (53.7%) were noted in 2nd to 4th decade of age. Slight male preponderance was observed with male: female ratio 1.5:1. On analyzing for the specific causes of pancytopenia, majority of cases were found to be due to megaloblastic anemia (50 .7%), followed by hypersplenism (10.6.%), malaria (9.8%), leukemia (9.0%) and aplastic anemia (7.5%) cases. Other rare causes includes Wilson disease, Kala azar, HIV, alcoholism etc. Clinical presentation of the patients with pancytopenia varied but pallor was the most common clinical finding (96.9%) followed by fever (59.8%). Dimorphic with macrocytic anemia was the predominant peripheral blood picture. Bone marrow aspiration was done in 101 cases and biopsy in 10 cases. The commonest finding was hypercellularity in marrow with megaloblastic erythropoiesis. Conclusion: The present study concludes that detailed clinical examination along with readily available diagnostic tools like hematological parameters, peripheral smear and bone marrow aspiration can help in prompt diagnosis and treatment in patients with pancytopenia.
Comparison of the Performance of Three Commonly Used Electrocardiographic Indexes for the Diagnosis of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Black Hypertensive Patients with Reduced Kidney Function Managed at a Tertiary Healthcare Hospital: A Post-Hoc Analysis

Background: Reduced kidney function in blacks is associated with an increased frequency of left ventricular hypertrophy. Given the unavailability of echocardiography in most developing countries, the diagnostic performance of current ECG indexes needs to be evaluated. Objective: To compare the diagnostic performance of 3 commonly used ECG indexes (Sokolow-Lyon, Cornell voltage and Cornell product) in black hypertensive patients. Methods: Electrocardiography and echocardiography estimated left ventricular mass of 155 consecutive hypertensive patients who participated from January 2012 to January 2013 to an echocardiographic cross-sectional study of left ventricular structure was analyzed to compare Cornell voltage and Cornell product indexes with Sokolow-Lyon voltage index as a reference. Reduced kidney function was defined as eGFR 2. ROC curves in relation to LVH diagnosis were used to estimate the sensitivities and specificities of each index. P
Oral yeasts infection among patients with diabetes mellitus

Immunocompromised individuals are prone to opportunistic infections including superficial candidiasis. Individuals with severely suppressed immune functions (AIDS, neoplastic malignancies) as well as pregnant women and diabetics are examples of immunocompromised hosts who have been reported to have a higher prevalence of yeast infections. In this study, diabetic individuals were selected as a model of an immunocompromised group to examine host-pathogen interactions which might be important in colonization and development of disease due to yeasts. Oral candidiasis is associated with the genetic characteristic of non-secretion of ABH blood group antigens. The general objectives of this project were to assess by epidemiological studies the contribution of non-secretion and environmental factors to colonization by yeasts and development of oral candidiasis among diabetics; and, to assess by laboratory studies effects of the differential distribution of H and Lewis blood group antigens on epithelial cells of secretors and non-secretors on attachment of Candida albicans. Since insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) is distinct from non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) with respect to aetiology, pathogenesis and management, these two groups were considered separately. A total of 439 diabetic individuals (231 with IDDM, 205 with NIDDM, 3 with unclassified diabetes) were sampled for carriage of yeasts and oral diseases (denture stomatitis in particular). Yeasts were isolated by swabbing five different sites to assess colonization of different parts of the oral cavity and an oral rinse technique for quantitative assessment of oral carriage. Yeast isolates were identified by conventional means as well as by the API 20C Auxanogram kit. Results obtained solely with the kit were not always accurate; the most frequently misidentified species was C. albicans. The germtube production test in horse serum is, therefore, necessary for accurate identification of this species. The epidemiological studies emphasized the need to assess results by multivariate analyses. Using Wilk's stepwise multivariate analysis, quantitative carriage, assessed by the oral rinse technique, among individuals with NIDDM who did not wear dentures was associated with glycaemic control (glycosuria p < 0.01, plasma glucose p < 0.05)); and, non-secretion was a marginally significantly factor (p = 0.05). Palatal carriage was, however, associated only with glycaemic control (glycosuria p <
Why Do Privatized Firms Pay Higher Dividends?

Newly privatized firms increase dividends after divestment, and also pay significantly higher dividends compared to always-private firms. We examine a sample of 83,468 firm-years (358 privatized and 4,894 always-private firms) across 26 countries and show that the dividend premium is significantly positively related to new agency costs induced by privatization and is associated with levels of increased operating efficiency and higher earnings. The premium manifests in both civil and common law countries, but is significantly higher in civil law countries. Our findings hold invariant to home-country economic development or to the cross-country and temporal variation in the dividend tax penalty.
Genetic diversity of Plum pox virus in Ukraine

Aim. Establishing the genetic diversity of Plum pox virus (PPV) in Ukraine. Methods. Double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA), polymerase chain reaction with reverse transcription (RT-PCR), DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Results. The samples with visual symptoms of virus infection were collected from different regions of Ukraine and diagnosed using DAS-ELISA. The amplicons of the coat protein (CP) gene were obtained using RT-PCR and sequenced. The obtained viral cDNAs were analyzed using phylogenetic methods to elucidate the genetic diversity of PPV in different regions of Ukraine. The phylogenetic relationships between Ukrainian isolates were studied and compared to PPV isolates from neighboring countries. Conclusions. The PPV strains M and D circulate in Ukraine. For the first time, PPV was found in the Kharkiv region. The PPV isolates circulating in Ukraine are similar to the isolates from Germany, Turkey, Hungary, and Canada. The results can be used to predict the spread of the virus in different Ukrainian regions and in neighboring countries and to establish its origin and predict the development of possible epidemics.