Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Blood pressure, dyslipidemia and inflammatory factors are related to body mass index in scholar adolescents

Introduction Obesity is associated with increased occurrence of numerous diseases, including hypertension, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, diabetes, and atherosclerosis. Blood pressure (BP), dyslipidemia, and inflammation markers and their relationships with body mass index (BMI) were determined in scholar adolescents. Material and methods Adolescents (n = 210) (sex ratio G/B = 106/104; 11 to 16 years) were recruited in three colleges of Oran city. Anthropometric parameters were measured to classify adolescents as thin (T), normal weight (NW), overweight (OW), or obese (O). Waist circumference (WC) and BP were measured, and serum glucose, uric acid, urea, lipid parameters, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), insulin, leptin, and adiponectin were analyzed. Results Adolescents were classified according to their BMI as T (15%), NW (63%), OW (13%), and O (9%). Compared to NW, increased values of WC, BP (p < 0.001), and glucose (p < 0.01) were noted in OW and O groups. Total cholesterol (TC) level was elevated in O adolescents (p < 0.01). Increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in OW (p < 0.05) and O (p < 0.01), and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations were noted in both OW and O groups (p < 0.05), compared to NW. Elevated triglyceride (TG) values and TG : HDL-C ratio were observed in OW (p < 0.05) and O (p < 0.01). High values of uric acid were noted in OW and O adolescents (p < 0.01). Compared to NW, there was no significant difference in IL-1β whereas IL-6 was elevated in T (p < 0.05), OW (p < 0.01) and O (p < 0.001). Leptin, TNF-α, and CRP concentrations were significantly increased (p < 0.001), whereas adiponectin values were decreased in both OW and O groups (p < 0.01), compared to NW. Conclusions Significant associations were noted between WC, BP, dyslipidemia, inflammation markers, and BMI, indicating that both OW and O adolescents have a tendency to present metabolic syndrome risk factors.
Synchronized Neuronal Discharge in the Basal Ganglia of Parkinsonian Patients Is Limited to Oscillatory Activity

It has been proposed that an increase in synchronization between neurons in the basal ganglia contributes to the clinical features of Parkinson's disease (PD). To examine this hypothesis, we looked for correlations in the discharge activity of pairs of neurons in the globus pallidus internus (GPi), globus pallidus externus (GPe), and the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr). Recordings were performed in PD patients undergoing functional stereotactic mapping for pallidotomy (eight patients) or subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (four patients). A double-microelectrode setup was used to simultaneously record from neurons separated by distances as small as 250 μm. In the five pallidotomy patients without limb tremor during the procedure, none of the 73 GPi pairs and 15 GPe pairs displayed synchronous activity. In the three pallidotomy patients with limb tremor, 6 of 21 GPi pairs and 5 of 29 GPe pairs displayed oscillatory synchronization in the frequency range of the ongoing limb tremor (3–6 Hz) or at higher frequencies (15–30 Hz). Synchronized activity was not observed in the SNr (10 pairs). The findings indicate that oscillatory synchronization between pairs of GPi or GPe neurons is found in patients with limb tremor. These results also suggest that overt neuronal synchronization, which may be attributable to an increase in direct synaptic connections or common collateral afferent inputs, is not present in the basal ganglia of patients with PD.
An intelligent storage-based energy management approach for smart grids

By integrating the Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), the smart grid supports bidirectional information flows between the energy user and the utility grid. Bidirectional flows allow energy users not only to consume energy, but also to generate energy and to share it with the utility grid or with other consumers. Many approaches have been developed in the literature to provide an efficient energy management in the smart grid. However, these approaches have some common drawbacks such as: the lack of integration of storage system and the high frequency of charging and discharging of the storage system. The contribution of this paper is twofold. Firstly, it discusses the effects of battery charging and discharging on the energy cost and the battery life. Secondly, a novel algorithm aiming to help the storage system to fairly meet daily consumers' demands will be presented. Simulation results show that our proposal minimizes consumers' bill, reduces charging and discharging of energy storage system and distributes fairly the stored energy to all consumers.
Bistable Voltage Transition Using Spin-Orbit Interaction in a Ferromagnet-Semiconductor Hybrid Structure

A traveling electron in the high mobility layer with asymmetric charge distribution induces an effective magnetic field that creates an imbalance of spin-up and spin-down energy levels. If a ferromagnet contacts a two-dimensional electron gas layer, the potential depends on the magnetization direction of the ferromagnetic detector. Two different potential levels can be assigned to ldquo0rdquo and ldquo1rdquo states of nonvolatile memory. This new concept of nonvolatile memory using spin-orbit interaction does not need complex magnetic tunneling layers and additional word writing lines.
Sociolinguistic perspectives on variation in non-native varieties of English: The case of Malaysian English

Abstract This paper examines L2 variation by exploring the ways in which the English language is used in everyday communication in Malaysia. It begins with a review of how L2 variation has generally been treated and questions the imbalances perceived to underpin fundamental theoretical notions. Rejecting the traditional analysis of the language of L2 users in terms of transfer and interlanguage models in favour of the more robust communication accommodation theory, the article argues for the need to take account of multilingual realities as opposed to the prevailing monolingual orientation to linguistics in general. Data presented and analysed are taken from a case-study corpus comprising recordings of proficient Malaysian speakers interacting in naturalistic contexts. By combining macro- and micro- aspects of discourse, and triangulating various perspectives, including those of the analyst and the actors, the analysis seeks to describe and understand the nature of linguistic variation in the Malaysian context. Rather than concentrate on misunderstanding and linguistic handicap, the focus is on how language is used collaboratively, strategically, contextually and resourcefully to achieve the varying goals of speakers.
A study of the impact of social support development on job acquisition and retention among people with psychiatric disabilities

The current study examined the relationship between specific techniques for developing social support (i.e., Person Centered Planning) and job related outcomes among 110 individuals with psychiatric disabilities receiving Supported Employment (SE) services in a northeastern state. Seven SE programs participated. All individuals receiving SE services from any of the seven SE programs were eligible to enroll in the study. Participant data were collected on demographics, psychiatric history, work history, and social support over a period of two years. Data on the use of Person Center Planning practices were collected from SE staff every three months for the first 12 months of the study. This information was recorded in the Quality Indicators Survey, an instrument developed for this study. A positive relationship was found between total days employed and the number of non- paid supporters an individual reported having; a negative relationship existed between total days employed and number of paid supporters; and there was a positive correlation between total days employed and Person Centered Planning techniques used at nine and 12 months.
A simple chemically defined medium for the production of phase I Bordetella pertussis.

SUMMARY: A simple, chemically defined medium is described consisting of sodium glutamate, proline, cystine, salts, and growth factors, which is suitable for the large-scale production of phase I Bordetella pertussis. More than 30 x 109 organisms/ml. were produced in 48 to 72 h. growth in shake flasks and fermentors. The cultures were detoxified by the addition of 0.14% formalin to yield vaccines which were non-toxic to mice and guinea pigs and had good mouse-protective antigen levels. The antigenic stability was satisfactory after storage of the final vaccines at elevated temperatures.
Institutionalizing Ethics Into Business Organizations: A Model and Research Agenda

Grounded upon the late 1970s phrase “institutionalizing ethics into business,” I present a multi-component model and research agenda to enhance our understanding of organizations' efforts to integrate ethics into the daily decision-making process of employees. Three research foci are emphasized: (1) the need to establish consistent categorical frameworks to describe business organizations' efforts in the field, (2) the study of the interrelationships between the various components presented in the model, and (3) the exploration of the linkage between organizational efforts to institutionalize ethics and ethical employee behavior. Research and organizational implications evolving from these research foci are discussed.
A Neuroelectrical Brain Imaging Study on the Perception of Figurative Paintings against Only their Color or Shape Contents

In this study, the cortical activity correlated with the perception and appreciation of different set of pictures was estimated by using neuroelectric brain activity and graph theory methodologies in a group of artistic educated persons. The pictures shown to the subjects consisted of original pictures of Titian's and a contemporary artist's paintings (Orig dataset) plus two sets of additional pictures. These additional datasets were obtained from the previous paintings by removing all but the colors or the shapes employed (Color and Style dataset, respectively). Results suggest that the verbal appreciation of Orig dataset when compared to Color and Style ones was mainly correlated to the neuroelectric indexes estimated during the first 10 s of observation of the pictures. Always in the first 10 s of observation: (1) Orig dataset induced more emotion and is perceived with more appreciation than the other two Color and Style datasets; (2) Style dataset is perceived with more attentional effort than the other investigated datasets. During the whole period of observation of 30 s: (1) emotion induced by Color and Style datasets increased across the time while that induced of the Orig dataset remain stable; (2) Color and Style dataset were perceived with more attentional effort than the Orig dataset. During the entire experience, there is evidence of a cortical flow of activity from the parietal and central areas toward the prefrontal and frontal areas during the observation of the images of all the datasets. This is coherent from the notion that active perception of the images with sustained cognitive attention in parietal and central areas caused the generation of the judgment about their aesthetic appreciation in frontal areas.
A Procedure for Divorce Settlements

Adjusted Winner (AW), a dispute-resolution procedure applicable to two-party negotiations over the division of multiple items, is described and applied to divorce cases. AW involves the parties' allocating 100 points over the items to be divided, with a referee or mediator assigning them to each party after an “equitability adjustment,” which may involve splitting or sharing one item. AW can reduce posturing in disputes and lead to a more satisfying outcome for both parties. AW leaves lawyers and mediators with important roles to play in advising their clients on how best to use the procedure.
Comparison of the response to endovascular reperfusion in relation to site of arterial occlusion

Objective: We explored the relationship between the site of vascular occlusion and the response to endovascular treatment in patients with acute ischemic stroke and also considered the impact of mismatch profile. Methods: DEFUSE-2 was a prospective cohort study of patients treated with endovascular therapy. Patients with internal carotid artery (ICA) and middle cerebral artery (MCA) involvement were included in this substudy. Mismatch and reperfusion status was assessed on MRI. Favorable clinical response was defined as an improvement of at least 8 points on the NIH Stroke Scale. Results: Reperfusion rates were comparable in both groups (61% for ICA and 59% for MCA). In the setting of reperfusion, percentages of favorable clinical response were similar between patients with stroke due to ICA (65%) and MCA (63%) occlusions. When reperfusion was not achieved, favorable outcomes were less frequent with obstructions of the ICA (9%) than the MCA (52%). Among target mismatch patients, the adjusted odds ratio for favorable clinical response associated with reperfusion was 39.7 (95% confidence interval 1.4–1,132.8) for ICA occlusions vs 5.1 (95% confidence interval 1.4–19.3) for MCA occlusions. Conclusions: Endovascular reperfusion is associated with favorable clinical response regardless of the location of the arterial occlusion. This association is strongest for target mismatch patients with ICA occlusions. Target mismatch patients with either ICA or MCA occlusions appear to be good candidates for endovascular reperfusion therapy.
Influence of Food Intake on the Predictive Value of the Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Screening Test

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of prior food ingestion on the predictive value of a screening test for gestational diabetes mellitus. METHODS: This prospective, nonrandomized study enrolled 1,387 pregnant women who underwent the 50-g glucose challenge test. Gestational diabetes mellitus was diagnosed according to the National Diabetes Data Group criteria. A nutritional survey of dietary information before the glucose challenge test was conducted. The patients were stratified into three groups based on the time of last food ingestion (fasting interval): 1 hour or less, 1–2 hours, and more than 2 hours. The more than 2-hours fasting interval group was defined as the “fasting” group, and the combined 1 hour or less and 1–2 hours fasting interval groups were defined as the “fed” group. We calculated the positivity rate and the positive predictive value to detect the predictive value. RESULTS: Among women who fasted 1 hour or less, 1–2 hours, and more than 2 hours before a glucose challenge test, 2.5%, 3.1%, and 6.9% were diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus, respectively. The positive predictive value of the glucose challenge test was greater in the fasting group than in the fed group (27.1% compared with 13.7%, P=.003). A multinomial logistic analysis showed that gestational diabetes mellitus was more prevalent in the fasting group than in the fed group (adjusted odds ratio 2.86, 95% confidence interval 1.65–4.95). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that food intake influences the predictive value of the gestational diabetes screening test. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II
Studying Moral Ethos Using an Adapted Kohlbergian Model

Alasdair MacIntyre's (1988) analysis of moral philosophy shows that liberal individualism, the dominant contemporary tradition, has failed to secure consensus on ethical principles. It follows that Kohlberg's stages model of socio-moral development, which proposes universal morality, lacks universal foundations. There are further pitfalls when applying the model to organizational moral ethos (OME). I argue that these problems can be circumvented, and I reformulate the Kohlberg model, building it into a framework for analyzing five interrelated sub-systems of organizational moral ethos. These are: approach to formal moral governance; basis of moral authority; deep implicit socialization; morality behind normative structure; and corporate outlook towards social responsibility. I present 19 propositions based on the core idea that in liberal individualist societies, postconventionally orientated OME would lead to a reduction in ethical dysfunctions such as bribery, discrimination, employee exploitation, dangerous products, and environmental damage. I conclude with six further questions to consider in OME research.
Relationship Between Tests of Physical Qualities and Physical Match Performance in Elite Rugby League Players

Abstract Gabbett, TJ, Stein, JG, Kemp, JG, and Lorenzen, C. Relationship between tests of physical qualities and physical match performance in elite rugby league players. J Strength Cond Res 27(6): 1539–1545, 2013—Previous investigators have reported significant relationships between tests of physical qualities and physical match performance in high-intensity, intermittent team sport (e.g., soccer) players. Although rugby league requires competitors to perform high-intensity running, unlike most other high-intensity intermittent team sports, the physical demands are significantly increased through the large amounts of tackling, wrestling, and grappling that players are required to perform during match play. This study investigated the relationship between tests of physical qualities and match performance in professional rugby league players and determined whether running capacities were associated with the collision and repeated high-intensity effort demands of match play. Thirty-eight elite rugby league players (mean ± SD, age, 23.1 ± 2.7 years) performed tests of repeated sprint ability (12 × 20-m sprints on a 20-second cycle), prolonged high-intensity intermittent running ability (8 × 12-second shuttle sprints on a 48-second cycle), and estimated maximal aerobic power (V[Combining Dot Above]O2max) (multistage fitness test). Global positioning system data were collected during 16 professional rugby league matches. Players with better, prolonged, high-intensity intermittent running ability covered greater total distance and greater distance in high-speed running during match play. However, inconsistent relationships were found between tests of running abilities and other match performance variables, with prolonged high-intensity running ability (negative), V[Combining Dot Above]O2max (positive), and repeated-sprint ability (no relationship) differentially associated with the total number of collisions and repeated high-intensity effort bouts performed in competition. These findings demonstrate the importance of prolonged high-intensity running ability to the match running performance of elite rugby league players but also highlight the need for game-specific conditioning to prepare players for the high-intensity collision and repeated-effort demands of the game.
Women’s Business Ownership: Operating Within the Context of Institutional and In-Group Collectivism

The development of women’s entrepreneurship has positive implications for societal and economic growth. In this study, we examine the effects of culture and, more specifically, collectivism on women’s businesses. With a mixed-method and multilevel approach, we conducted a quantitative country-level analysis followed by a qualitative study of women entrepreneurs. Our results indicate that collectivism at the in-group level (family and close friends and colleagues) is a particularly important predictor of women’s business ownership. Furthermore, it is a balance of both collectivism and individualism at the in-group level that is most conducive to women’s business ownership. Institutional collectivism (at the societal level) acts as a background condition that influences the way in which in-group collectivism directly affects women’s business ownership. More specifically, when engaging in business development, women are primarily influenced by their in-groups. The freedom to pursue individual goals, combined with support from the in-group, provides the most beneficial environment for women to develop businesses, especially in societal-level cultures at the extreme ends of the collectivism spectrum—highly collectivistic or highly individualistic. A better understanding of these cultural factors should help with designing better business development training programs for women entrepreneurs and properly advising policy makers.
A memória histórica do regime militar ao longo de três gerações no Rio de Janeiro: sua estrutura representacional

The present work presents and discusses the results of a study into the memories and the social representations of the Military Regime in Rio de Janeiro. Data consisted of free associations based on the prompting term "Military Regime", produced and ranked in order of importance by 200 adult subjects who lived through this period when they were young, 202 elderly subjects who experienced it as adults, and 432 young people who never witnessed it. Data analysis involved a combination of the frequency of the themes evoked and the order of importance attributed to them. The results of the three age groups are markedly different. Adults exhibited a concise, consistent and critical memory; the more elderly demonstrated less consistency and less criticism; young people seem more critical than adults, but in a loose and imprecise fashion. The analysis of each age group evidenced statistically significant differences among the contributions of those subsets with different political orientations and with different levels of education.