Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Continuing Education Preferences, Facilitators, and Barriers for Nursing Home Nurses.

BACKGROUND The purpose of the study was to determine the continuing education needs for nursing home nurses in rural central Illinois and to determine any potential facilitators or barriers to obtaining continuing education. METHOD Data were collected using the Educational Needs Assessment questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were computed to examine continuing education preferences, facilitators, and barriers among nursing home nurses. Independent samples t tests were used to compare preferences between administrative and staff nurses. RESULTS The sample included 317 nurses from 34 facilities. The five top needs were related to clinical problems. Administrative nurses had greater needs for professional issues, managerial skills, and quality improvement than staff nurses. Barriers included rural settings, need for vacation time for programs, and inadequate staffing. CONCLUSION Continuing education needs of nursing home nurses in Illinois are similar to previous studies conducted in Arizona and North Carolina. Continuing education barriers were mostly organizational, rather than personal. J Contin Nurs Educ. 2018;49(1):26-33.
Teaching personal and social responsibility through physical activity

"Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility Through Physical Activity," now entering its third edition, attests to author Don Hellison's ability to shape and develop character and responsibility in children. Perhaps the success of Hellison's book can be attributed to his status not only as a highly respected scholar-activist but as a teacher in the trenches working with inner-city kids. Kids in any situation will benefit from the thoroughly updated material in this edition, which presents practical, proven, easy-to-implement ideas for teaching personal and social responsibility (TPSR) in school, after school, and in alternative settings. It also supplies direction in teaching affective and social moral goals, an in-depth look into teaching character development and values, and a method for helping students develop personal and social responsibility. "Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility Through Physical Activity "offers much new material: - Strategies for alternative schools, afterschool programs, and the emerging youth development movement - Vignettes sprinkled throughout the chapters, written by TPSR instructors in various settings - Several chapters that have been completely overhauled - An expanded assessment chapter to help readers evaluate the impact of TPSR on their kids and apply the strategies - One new chapter on combining responsibility-based youth development with teacher preparation in physical education In addition, the book features "Kid Quotes" to help readers understand how kids respond to the TPSR approach, as well as forms and charts to help readers put the ideas and strategies to use. The result is a field-tested book that is the accepted curricular model in the field--and a resource that will enable teachers to help their students grow into solid citizens both personally and socially.
Feasibility of Using Fluoresceinyl Cypridina Luciferin Analog in a Novel Chemiluminescence Method for Real-time Photodynamic Therapy Dosimetry

Abstract Singlet oxygen (1O2) is the most important cytotoxic agent in photodynamic therapy (PDT). The feasibility of using a chemiluminescence (CL) probe, 3,7-dihydro-6-[4-(2-(N′-(5-fluoresceinyl)thioureido)ethoxy)phenyl]-2-methylimidazo{1,2-a}pyrazin-3-one sodium salt (fluoresceinyl Cypridina luciferin analog, FCLA), to monitor 1O2 production during PDT is evaluated in vitro. Lymphoma cells were treated with various protocols of PDT. The results show that the FCLA-CL production during PDT is linearly related to the corresponding cytotoxicity, regardless of the treatment protocol. With minimum cytotoxicity and interference to the PDT treatment outcome, the FCLA-CL system is an effective means to quantify PDT 1O2 production and may provide an alternative real-time dosimeter.
The Validity of Proximal Caries Detection Using Magnifying Visual Aids

The purpose of this study was to determine the validity of proximal caries detection supported by a prism loupe and a surgical microscope used by examiners having different professional experience. One hundred and sixty extracted premolars and molars with varying degrees of proximal caries or sound surfaces were embedded in 10 pairs of models with proximal tooth contacts and a simulated gingiva mask. The proximal surfaces were visually evaluated by 14 observers (7 students, 7 dentists) according to a 5-point caries rating scale using a head-worn prism loupe (×4.5), a surgical microscope (×14) and without any magnifying device (control). The validity of observations was expressed as ROC curves calculated for two gold standard thresholds: (a) the presence of caries and (b) macroscopic cavitation. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to determine the effects of ‘observer group’ and ‘diagnostic modality’. An influence of the observer group could not be demonstrated (p > 0.72), whereas significant differences were revealed between the diagnostic modalities (p < 0.002). ROC areas of caries detection with magnifying aids were smaller compared to the control group. It was concluded that the use of a prism loupe or a surgical microscope does not improve the validity of proximal caries detection if the operators, irrespective of being dental students or clinical instructors, are inexperienced in its utilisation. In general only moderate validity was achieved with visual inspection of proximal sites.
The theory and empirics of false news shocks

News articles, which pop up pretending to bear valuable information for investors, cause significant changes in stock prices. But occasionally that information turns out to be false. According to Eugene Fama (1965) and his Efficient Market Hypothesis financial markets are efficient if and when new information about the firm fundamentals is instantaneously incorporated in its stock price. In theory, the recall of false news should lead to a reverse of prices to pre-event levels. In reality, the idea of efficient markets faces many challenges. It will be shown that, besides other market anomalies, public attention induces a persistent rise (fall) in share prices, even though clarifying information has already been published.
Nurse-led cognitive-behavioral group therapy for recovery of self-esteem in patients with mental disorders: A pilot study.

AIM To design a program targeting recovery of self-esteem in patients with mental disorders, and to clarify the changes after the program to determine its effectiveness. METHODS This study employed a one group pre- and post design, which comprised baseline, post-intervention, and 3 month follow-up phases, and recruited 41 Japanese patients with mental disorders living in the community. The authors administered the nurse-led group cognitive-behavioral therapy program for the recovery of self-esteem, which comprised 12 sessions, to the participants. The follow-up investigations were conducted immediately and 3 months after the program. The present authors used the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), Profile of Mood States (POMS), Subjective Well-Being Inventory (SUBI), and Test to Determine the Characteristics of Ideas as subjective measures and the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) as an objective measure. RESULTS After controlling for the factors of medication and use of social services, improvement was observed in all measures of evaluation. The authors identified improvement at post-intervention and follow up. The scores for the RSES, BPRS, confidence in coping, and inadequate mental mastery at post-intervention and follow up were significantly higher than those at baseline, and these beneficial effects were maintained 3 months after the program. CONCLUSION The program may aid in recovering and maintaining self-esteem of patients suffering from mental disorders. However, it is necessary to conduct a randomized controlled clinical trial to confirm these findings.
Novel microstrip bandpass filter with multiple transmission zeros using open/shorted stubs

A novel microstrip bandpass filter with multiple transmission zeros using open/shorted stubs is presented in this paper. By utilizing shorted coupled lines and the open/shorted stubs, eight out-of-band transmission zeros can be realized for the bandpass filter from 0 to 2f0 (f0 is the center frequency of the passband). The eight transmission zeros can be adjusted freely by only changing the electrical length of the open/shorted stubs. A planar bandpass filter (3-dB fractional bandwidth 7.5%, 3.85-4.15 GHz) is designed and fabricated. The theoretical and measured results all show good in-band filtering performances and high selectivity.
Effect of truncal adiposity on plasma lipid and lipoprotein concentrations.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of body fat distribution on plasma lipid and lipoprotein concentrations in healthy individuals. METHODS Subjects were 290 women and 223 men aged 20-66 years old. Lipid panels were obtained and truncal adiposity measurements were determined by total body dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Physical activity was measured using a modification of the Seven Day Physical Activity Recall Questionnaire and dietary intake was collected by 24-hour recall. General linear models were used with covariates included. RESULTS Percent of total body fat in the trunk had the strongest correlation to the android/gynoid regional fat mass ratio determined by regional DXA analyses in both women (r2=0.97, p < 0.001) and men (r2=0.93, p < 0.001). Total cholesterol (r=0.134, p < 0.05), LDL (r=0.140, p < 0.05), HDL (r= -0.181, p < 0.001), total cholesterol to HDL ratio (r=0.240, p < 0.001) and triglyceride (r=0.300, p < 0.001) concentrations had the strongest correlation to percent of total body fat in the trunk in women. Total cholesterol (r= 0.151, p < 0.05), total cholesterol to HDL ratio (r=0.216, p < 0.001), and triglyceride (r=0.227, p < 0.001) concentrations had the strongest correlation to percent of total body fat located in the trunk among men. CONCLUSION Lipid profiles, consistent with increased cardiovascular risk, were associated with percent of total body fat in the trunk independent of lifestyle factors.
Importance of Prudent Antibiotic Use on Dairy Farms in South Carolina: A Pilot Project on Farmers’ Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices

Inappropriate use of antibiotics in humans and animals contributes to decreased antimicrobial susceptibility in bacteria of medical importance. Resistant bacteria being transferred from animals to humans are causing public health concern. In‐person interviews were conducted with 20 dairy farmers in rural counties of South Carolina to determine farmers’ knowledge and attitudes about prudent antibiotic use among livestock. Four focus groups (n = 22) were also conducted to ascertain farmers’ specific information needs about proper antibiotic use. Survey results showed that participants (100%) typically determined a need for antibiotic treatment using symptom assessment and reported following some form of operating procedures regarding administration of antibiotics. Few farmers (32%) had actual written antibiotic protocols. Preferred information sources about antibiotics were veterinarians (100%) and other dairy farmers (50%). Most farmers (86%) were not concerned that overuse of antibiotics in animals could result in antibiotic resistance among farm workers. Qualitative analysis of focus groups revealed significant barriers to following proper antibiotic procedures including limited finances and lack of time. The need for bilingual educational resources for Hispanic/Latino dairy workers was expressed. Desired formats for educational materials were posters, flowcharts, videos, and seminars. Education of South Carolina dairy farmers by veterinarians and public health professionals on the appropriate use of antibiotics in dairy cattle is needed to ensure antibiotic effectiveness in both animals and humans.
Institutional environment quality and the longevity of billionaire entrepreneurs

Using self-made billionaire entrepreneurs in China as a proxy for large Schumpeterian entrepreneurs, we examine the impact of institutional environment quality on the longevity of such entrepreneurs. We find no evidence that property rights institutions and contracting institutions, which are found to be important in explaining macroeconomic growth and small firm growth, matter to the longevity of large Schumpeterian entrepreneurs. However, we find that access to finance matters to the longevity of large Schumpeterian entrepreneurs. Our results help better understand the relative importance of various institutional environment forces to the continuous success of large Schumpeterian entrepreneurs.
Influences of iron loss coefficients estimation on the prediction of iron losses for variable speed motors

This paper addresses the influence of the estimation of hysteresis, eddy current and excess loss coefficients on the prediction of the overall iron losses in traction motors. Two standard iron loss models (according to Bertotti and Jordan) are presented and it is examined how the determination of the corresponding loss coefficients is effecting the iron loss calculation for variable speeds. It is shown that the accuracy of the iron loss calculation does not mainly depend on the number of iron loss terms in the model but rather depends on the computation of the corresponding coefficients. To reduce the uncertainty of the iron loss calculation, common curve fitting methods have to be used carefully. Provided that constant coefficients and exponents of the loss component terms are used, the resulting coefficients estimation by means of curve fitting methods depends on the considered frequency range of the measured losses given by the electrical steel manufacturer. Three different FEM analysis tools are used to compare the iron loss calculations for a simplified electrical machine model and a permanent magnet assisted synchronous reluctance machine (PMaSyRM) model.
HYPOXIA ACTIVATES c-JUN N-TERMINAL KINASE VIA RAC1-DEPENDENT REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES PRODUCTION IN HEPATOCYTES

The earliest events after the induction of hemorrhagic shock (HS) are complex and poorly understood. We have recently demonstrated that decreased tissue perfusion and hypoxia during HS lead to an increased phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in vivo. The purpose of these investigations was to test the hypothesis that hypoxia activates JNK via Rac1-dependent reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling. Mice subjected to HS and resuscitated with Ringer's ethyl pyruvate solution (REPS) or N-acetylcysteine (NAC), two scavengers of ROS, demonstrated decreased levels of phosphorylated JNK. Exposure of primary mouse hepatocytes in culture to 1% oxygen led to increased production of ROS and phosphorylation of JNK. The duration of hypoxia correlated with the level of generation of ROS and JNK activation. The phosphorylation of JNK was attenuated in the presence of ROS scavengers or the nicotinamide adenosine dinucleotide phosphate [NDA(P)H] oxidase inhibitor, diphenyleneiodonium (DPI). In addition, hypoxia increased activation of Rac1. Inhibition of Rac1 activation by adenoviral gene transfer of dominant-negative Rac1 (AdRac1N17) attenuated both ROS formation and JNK activation. Together, these data suggest that ROS generation during hypoxia in the liver directly leads to JNK activation in a Rac1-dependent process.
Comparative Analysis of Gut Microbiota of Native Tibetan and Han Populations Living at Different Altitudes

The factors driving the composition of gut microbiota are still only partly understood but appear to include environmental, cultural, and genetic factors. In order to obtain more insight into the relative importance of these factors, we analyzed the microbiome composition in subjects of Tibetan or Han descent living at different altitudes. DNA was isolated from stool samples. Using polymerase chain reaction methodology, the 16S rRNA V1–V3 regions were amplified and the sequence information was analyzed by principal coordinates analysis and Lefse analyses. Contrasting the Tibetan and Han populations both living at the 3600 m altitude, we found that the Tibetan microbiome is characterized by a relative abundance of Prevotella whereas the Han stool was enriched in Bacteroides. Comparing the microbiome of Han stool obtained from populations living at different altitudes revealed a more energy efficient flora in samples from those living at higher altitude relative to their lower-altitude counterparts. Comparison of the stool microbiome of Tibetan herders living at 4800 m to rural Tibetans living at 3600 m altitude shows that the former have a flora enriched in butyrate-producing bacteria, possibly in response to the harsher environment that these herders face. Thus, the study shows that both altitude and genetic/cultural background have a significant influence on microbiome composition, and it represents the first attempt to compare stool microbiota of Tibetan and Han populations in relation to altitude.
Predicting Traffic Congestions with Global Signatures Discovered by Frequent Pattern Mining

We propose a traffic jam prediction method based on mining frequent patterns correlated to traffic jams. For traffic jam prediction at a given sensor, first, we apply a one-dimensional clustering scheme to identify automatically which sensors are and in what degree correlated to the given sensor in terms that certain volume values with a compact distribution co-occur frequently with the traffic jams of a certain time lag at the given sensor. Then, such co-occurred frequent patterns are represented in an abstract way using Gaussian models. Finally, we score the jam possibility via the weighted sum of the probability that every sensor data belongs to the corresponding Gaussian model. By applying the proposed method, we found that signatures related to traffic jams exist widely in the road network, not a local region, where over 3000 sensors provide information contributive to traffic congestion prediction at every given sensor, and some low-volume patterns act also as signals to warn upcoming traffic jams. The mechanism of the proposed method is different from the existing methods in that the proposed method seeks signatures of traffic jams from globally unbalanced traffic flow distribution.
Two distinct classes of muscarinic action on hippocampal inhibitory synapses: M2‐mediated direct suppression and M1/M3‐mediated indirect suppression through endocannabinoid signalling

The cholinergic system in the CNS plays important roles in higher brain functions, primarily through muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. At cellular levels, muscarinic activation produces various effects including modulation of synaptic transmission. Here we report that muscarinic activation suppresses hippocampal inhibitory transmission through two distinct mechanisms, namely a cannabinoid‐dependent and cannabinoid‐independent mechanism. We made paired whole‐cell recordings from cultured hippocampal neurons of rats and mice, and monitored inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs). When cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) was blocked, oxotremorine M (oxo‐M), a muscarinic agonist, suppressed IPSCs in a subset of neuron pairs. This suppression was associated with an increase in paired‐pulse ratio, blocked by the M2‐prefering antagonist gallamine, and was totally absent in neuron pairs from M2‐knockout mice. When CB1 receptors were not blocked, oxo‐M suppressed IPSCs in a gallamine‐resistant manner in cannabinoid‐sensitive pairs. This suppression was associated with an increase in paired‐pulse ratio, blocked by the CB1 antagonist AM281, and was completely eliminated in neuron pairs from M1/M3‐compound‐knockout mice. Our immunohistochemical examination showed that M2 and CB1 receptors were present at inhibitory presynaptic terminals of mostly different origins. These results indicate that two distinct mechanisms mediate the muscarinic suppression. In a subset of synapses, activation of M2 receptors at presynaptic terminals suppresses GABA release directly. In contrast, in a different subset of synapses, activation of M1/M3 receptors causes endocannabinoid production and subsequent suppression of GABA release by activating presynaptic CB1 receptors. Thus, the muscarinic system can influence hippocampal functions by controlling different subsets of inhibitory synapses through the two distinct mechanisms.
Revisiting the Jevons Paradox of Energy Economics: Empirical Evidence from Bangladesh and India

The significance of enhancement in energy consumption in order to boost the respective national output level within any economy cannot be denied. Moreover, the United Nation’s 2030 Sustainable Development agenda had also called for an improvement in efficiency of energy-use through the adoption of renewable energy technologies in particular, with the ultimate goal of attaining sustainability in global energy supply. The rationale behind escalating the associated efficiency levels is that by doing so the level of energy consumption can be reduced which would complement the direct energy conservation policies as well. However, there has been ambiguity with regard to the precise relationship between efficiency in use and consumption of energy. The aim of this paper is to shed light on the energy efficiency-energy consumption nexus in context of the two South Asian Lower Middle-Income Countries, Bangladesh and India. The study makes a novel attempt at investigating the ‘Jevons Paradox’ by disaggregating energy consumption into primary and secondary energy consumption and by expressing each of these as separate functions of energy-use efficiency and other control variables. This study considers annual data stemming from 1990 to 2016 and employs Fixed Effects (FE), Random Effects (RE) and Three-Stage Least Squares (3SLS) panel regression tools for robustness check. Furthermore, the paper also analyses the long run causal linkages using the Granger causality tests. In light of the estimated results, evidence of a Jevons paradox is found in the context of non-renewable energy, electricity and coal consumption. In addition, no long-run causal association is found to exist.