Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Facilitators and Barriers to Traditional Food Consumption in the Cree Community of Mistissini, Northern Quebec

To identify barriers to traditional food consumption and factors that facilitate it among the Cree community of Mistissini, a series of four focus groups was conducted with a total of twenty-three people. Two ecological models were created, one for facilitating factors and a second for obstacles, illustrating the role of numerous interconnected influences of traditional food consumption. Environmental impact project, laws and regulation, local businesses, traditional knowledge, youth influence, employment status, and nonconvenience of traditional food were named among numerous factors influencing traditional food consumption. The findings of this study can be used by political and public health organizations to promote traditional food where more emphasis should be invested in community and environmental strategies.
Teaching and learning online: a correspondence education for the 21st century?

In this paper, the author reflects on his first experience of tutoring on an online course. He compares online courses with their classroom and distance learning equivalents, from the point of view of both tutors and learners. This leads to a consideration of the multiple roles of the online tutor and how they can be acquired. The paper ends with an appraisal of some of the risks and drawbacks of online courses.
An in service model for enhancing faculty computer self-efficacy

Computer self-efficacy is a significant factor that differentiates adopters and non-adopters of computer technology among university faculty. Faculty who judge themselves unable to use computers effectively and confidently will not adopt them in the classroom even when the hardware and software are available to them. In this case study, a program was designed and implemented to enhance faculty computer self-efficacy. Using Bandura's four sources of efficacy information as a guide, the program consisted of showcases, seminars, workshops and funding. The in service program had a positive impact on both faculty and administration. The in service program was a cost-effective way for administrators to support faculty in the use of computer technology in instruction. The faculty gained confidence and enhanced their computer self- efficacy resulting in a community of faculty with shared interests in using computers in the classroom. Components of the program, its evaluation and recommendations for implementation are discussed. Higher education cannot realize the potential impact of computer technology until faculty are comfortable using technology for instructional activities. Current computer hardware and related information technologies are now faster, possess greater memory, and are available at lower costs than their predecessors. Faculty in higher education can and should make imaginative use of these technologies to enrich the learning environment and support student learning. Many faculty are sufficiently comfortable with the technology to use it in the classroom; however, many others are not. Indeed, the pace of the information revolution has left many faculty members bewildered and unsure of how or when they can utilize this ever-changing phenomenon. Academic administrators must, therefore, develop mechanisms to help faculty become comfortable with the use of computers in their instructional activities (Olivier and Shapiro, 1993). The purpose of this article is to describe an in service program designed to improve instructional computer use by faculty at a university campus. The authors found that computer self-efficacy is related to adoption among the faculty on this campus as it is at others (Faseyitan and Hirschbuhl, 1992). Therefore, the program objective was to enhance the computer self-efficacy of the faculty and their desire to integrate computers into instruction. First, we establish how improved self-efficacy is linked to computer usage in instruction, establishing the framework for the in service program. Next, a detailed description of the program is presented. Finally, we present an evaluation and an assessment of the impact of the in service program on the self-efficacy of faculty at our campus.
The Prognostic Impact of Myocardial Late Gadolinium Enhancement

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance using late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) provides a unique opportunity to assess myocardial tissue in vivo. LGE enables tissue characterization in ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathies and other cardiac diseases. LGE is associated with adverse clinical outcomes across a range of different cardiac conditions and may improve risk stratification for death, sudden cardiac death, or serious adverse events beyond traditional prognostic markers. Generally, matching data for the prognostic impact of LGE are frequently reached in cardiac disorders. In other diseases, only a limited number of trials are available, but it is anticipated that the prognostic impact of delayed enhancement will become evident. The development and validation of new cardiovascular magnetic resonance methods for diffuse myocardial fibrosis measurements would even improve the prognostic impact of LGE. The evaluation of diffuse myocardial fibrosis has a great potential in large-scale diseases, including their initial phases, with the possibility to identify patients at risk for subsequent development of clinical heart failure, to assess repeatedly the stage and progression of cardiac diseases, and to monitor the effect of treatment.
Emergency cesarean section: 25 women's experiences

The purpose of this study was to investigate the possibility to categorize women's experiences of emergency cesarean section based on the patterns displayed in their narration of the event, and to describe, if possible, typical features of those categories. Twenty-five consecutive women were interviewed a few days and 1-2 months after emergency cesarean section. The narratives of the women were recorded according to a time-spatial model from disaster psychiatry. The occurrence of a traumatic delivery experience and of posttraumatic intrusive stress reactions 6 weeks postpartum in the various categories was assessed. The narratives of the 25 women can be categorized as follows: Pattern 1 - confidence whatever happens (n=5); Pattern 2 - positive expectations turning into disappointment (n=7); Pattern 3 - fears that come true (n=9); and Pattern 4 - confusion and amnesia (n=4). In the second and third groups all women had experienced the delivery as traumatic. The women in the second group had the highest prevalence of posttraumatic intrusive stress reactions 6 weeks after the emergency cesarean section.
Collaborative mentor support in a learning context using a ubiquitous discussion forum to facilitate knowledge sharing for lifelong learning

The Internet has recently been identified as a potential enabler of lifelong learning. Web-based learning systems enable learners easily to access rich resources and actively participate in learning activities without time and distance limits. The main challenge in lifelong learning is providing the opportunity for discussion and collaborative knowledge construction to engage learners in acquiring and applying knowledge in the context of learning, working and collaboration. Moreover, knowledge sharing is a key component in the formation of communities of lifelong learners. Most online collaborative learning communities use Web text-based discussion forums for knowledge sharing. However, such discussion forums are separated from the context of learning activities. Furthermore, the facilitation of beneficial dialogue through discussion forums, requires the involvement of mentors as facilitators. This study proposes an e-book interface that enables learners easily to annotate or enter queries in a text in which questions arise, where a query context is transferred to a discussion forum. The subsequent anchors of questions are linked to a discussion forum for actuating sustained participation. A mentor finder recommends a collaborative peer based on learner knowledge level to answer the questions. Learners can also use mobile phones to access this ubiquitous discussion forum using voice/text anytime and anywhere. The experimental results showed a clear increase in the level of discussions, and most learners indicated that they benefited considerably from collaborative mentor support in an e-book learning context through the provision of a ubiquitous discussion forum.
The Effects of Long-Chain Omega-3 Fish Oils and Multivitamins on Cognitive and Cardiovascular Function: A Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial

Objective: Fish oils and multivitamins are two of the most commonly used dietary supplements. Fish oil use may reduce vascular risk factors associated with cognitive decline, thus providing benefits to both heart and brain health. Multivitamins may also have direct effects on brain function. The present study investigated the effects of fish oil, with and without the addition of a multivitamin, on cognitive and cardiovascular function. Methods: In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind fashion, 160 healthy adults aged 50–70 years were randomized to receive either 3 g of fish oil (240 mg eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] + 240 mg docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]) with a multivitamin, 6 g of fish oil (480 mg EPA + 480 mg DHA) with a multivitamin, or 6 g of fish oil without a multivitamin or a placebo. Cognitive performance, brachial blood pressure, and aortic (central) blood pressure were measured at baseline, 6 weeks, and 16 weeks. Results: Treatment allocation had no effect on the primary cognitive outcomes at endpoint. Absolute increases in the red blood cell omega-3/6 ratio were associated with improvements in spatial working memory. The group receiving 6 g fish oil without the multivitamin displayed a significant decrease in aortic pulse pressure and aortic augmentation pressure, two measures of aortic blood pressure and aortic stiffness. Conclusions: Fish oil decreased aortic pulse pressure and augmentation pressure. Reductions in aortic blood pressure were not accompanied by consistent improvements in cognition.
Critical Appraisal on the Utility of Echocardiography in the Management of Acute Pulmonary Embolism

Echocardiography can be used for rapid and accurate risk stratification of patients with pulmonary embolism to appropriately direct the therapeutic strategies for those at high risk. Echocardiography is an ideal risk stratification tool in this regard because of its easy portability to the emergency room or to the bed side. It can be performed at a relatively low cost and at no risk to the patient. Furthermore, echocardiography allows repetitive noninvasive assessment of the cardiovascular and hemodynamic status of the patient and the response to the therapeutic interventions. Right ventricular hypokinesis, persistent pulmonary hypertension, a patent foramen ovale, and a free floating right heart thrombus are echocardiographic markers that identify patients at a higher risk for morbidity and mortality. Such patients warrant special consideration for thrombolysis or embolectomy.
Impact of a Shared Medical Appointment Lifestyle Intervention on Weight and Lipid Parameters in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes: A Clinical Pilot

Background: There is a growing awareness that lifestyle behavior modifications may reduce weight and the atherogenic dyslipidemia associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Objective: We pilot the effectiveness of a diabetes educational program combining shared medical appointments (SMAs) with an 8-week DVD-based diabetes education program emphasizing a plant-based diet in lowering weight and lipids in individuals with T2DM. This pilot also employed a nonrandomized convenience sample to explore which of the educational program's target behaviors were associated with the greatest risk factor reduction. Design: Forty-six adult patients with T2DM voluntarily self-selected to enroll in the educational quality improvement initiative run as part of a community clinical practice. Target behaviors measured weekly were (1) days with beans for breakfast, (2) days of exercise, (3) minutes of exercise per day, (4) days with light evening meals, (5) days with no evening meals, (6) days with no red meat, (7) days with plant-based diet, and (8) number of 8-ounce cups of water per day. Biometric measurements were taken at the beginning and end of the 2-month program. These included high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol, and triglycerides. Weight was measured weekly. Regression analysis was performed to identify which target behaviors were associated with changes in lipids and weight. Results: There was a statistically significant (F = 2.429; df = 8.21; p < 0.05) decrease in weight (mean −8.9 lbs, or 4.05 kg, or 4.1% body weight, p < 0.01) during the 8-week study period. There was a positive trend in all lipid parameters, but none reached statistical significance with this sample. Exploratory weighted least-squares regression found that weight loss in the study group was most associated with higher water consumption (t = 3.16; p < 0.01), days per week with no evening meal (t = 3.03; p < 0.01), and days per week consuming beans for breakfast (t = 2.06; p = 0.05. Conclusions: In this pilot study, the DVD-based educational program delivered as part of an SMA was associated with significant weight loss but insignificant lipid changes. Behavior changes most closely associated with weight loss were increasing water consumption, eliminating evening meals, and increasing the consumption of beans for breakfast. These potentially important findings in this small sample suggest the need for a randomized clinical trial with a larger and planned sample.
Prognostic value of the syntax score in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting for three‐vessel coronary artery disease

The Syntax score prognostic value has recently been highlighted in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD), however its prognostic value in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for multivessel CAD is still unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of the Syntax score in patients undergoing CABG for 3‐vessel CAD.
The Effect of Curare and Curare-like Substances on the Central Nervous System

1. Crystalline d-tubocurarine, dihydro-beta-erythroidine, quinine ethochloride, nicotine and thiamine inhibited and suppressed the electrical activity of the frog brain. 2. Prostigmine, which itself depresses brain potentials, failed to influence the effect of these substances on the brain potentials, although it counteracted their effects on the neuromuscular junction. 3. Prostigmine partially inhibited the electrical activity of the frog brain; a subsequent injection of acetylcholine suppressed the electrical activity completely. 4. Monoiodoacetic acid and sodium cyanide abolished the brain potentials of pithed frogs. 5. The findings are interpreted as an inhibition of central synaptic transmission by curare and substances with a curare-like action.
Validation of a Brief Dietary Assessment Tool for Estimating Dietary EPA and DHA Intake in Australian Adults at Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

Background: Short food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) are powerful screening instruments for estimating nutrient intakes and play an important role in risk stratification in vulnerable populations. Omega-3 fatty acids are of increasing importance in the prevention of chronic and degenerative disease, especially in older adults who are at higher risk of these chronic conditions. A short FFQ exists to rapidly assess omega-3 intake from marine sources, however it has not previously been validated for agreement with total omega-3 intake and ability to identify suboptimal omega-3 intakes in older adults or for use in Australia. Objective: The aim of the study was to validate a 9-item marine omega-3 FFQ (MFQ) for assessment of omega-3 intake against a validated 74-item semiquantitative FFQ. Methods: One hundred and eight participants (mean age 67 ± 10 years, 47% male) completed the MFQ designed to estimate omega-3 intake from marine sources and the 74-item FFQ designed to estimate usual omega-3 and total energy intake in addition to other nutrients. To test agreement between the two questionnaires for estimating total omega-3 intake, mean bias and 95% limits of agreement (LOA) were calculated. Sensitivity and specificity were assessed using 2 × 2 contingency tables based on whether participants did or did not meet National Heart Foundation (NHF) recommendations for omega-3 intake per day. Results: Mean intake of omega-3 estimated from the MFQ was 210 ± 235 mg/day compared with 295 ± 260 mg/day as estimated by the FFQ. Mean bias (95% LOA) for omega-3 assessed by the two questionnaires was 89 mg/day (−475 mg to 653 mg). The MFQ achieved 98% sensitivity and 31% specificity for the omega-3 cut-off of 500 mg/day. When nutrient composition of the marine products were replaced with Australian data, mean intake of omega-3 was 230 ± 253 mg and the mean bias improved to 64 mg (−681 mg to 553 mg) and achieved 93% sensitivity and 40% specificity. Conclusions: The MFQ shows promise as a rapid screening tool for identifying older adults with intakes of omega-3 fatty acids likely to be below recommendations for chronic and degenerative disease risk reduction. Given the clinically meaningful mean bias and wide LOA, it cannot be recommended as an appropriate tool for the purpose of reporting average intake of individuals. Use of Australian nutrient data improved the mean bias of the tool in estimating total omega-3 intake. The values should be replaced and the MFQ could then be a useful tool for research purposes at the population level.
ICT teacher training: Evidence for multilevel evaluation from a national initiative

This paper is one of a pair that re-examines the evidence from a national initiative to train all teachers in England to bring them up to the level of newly qualified teachers, who are required to know when to use and when not to use information and communication technologies (ICT) in their professional practice. Reanalysis of data gathered for the 2004 evaluation uncovers the complexity of such professional development. The effectiveness of contrasting approaches to ICT-related teacher training was analysed using the national survey of 496 trainees and experts’ reports on 11 of the 47 training providers. multilevel evaluation of professional development was shown to be robust for ICT teacher training, including a significant correlation between the views of experts and those of teachers. The presence of the middle level of ‘organisational support and change’ emerged as a particularly discriminating factor, indicating that higher-quality teacher training supports change in the classroom and in the school. Therefore, we recommend that all five of Guskey's levels be consistently adopted for the evaluation of ICT teacher training, and that research should also adopt a multilevel model. A second paper delves deeper to describe and contrast the highest and lowest-rated approaches to ICT teacher training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Measuring Biomarkers for an Innovative Personal Food Profile

Measuring the level of inflammation with an innovative approach (with blood analyses to evaluate the action of cytokines such as B-cell activating factor [BAFF], platelet activating factor [PAF], interleukin-6 [IL-6], sirtuin) allows you to better understand the body's language. The body recognizes foods and food antigens through a mapping performed by means of immunoglobulin G (IgG). Recent studies have shown that high levels of IgG in a nutrient express the personal excess of that food in the daily nutrition. Food is the most important source of hidden inflammation but is also the main tool for regaining wellness. Europeans have reactions to milk, yeast, and gluten, whereas the Japanese have reactions to rice and soybeans. Scientific knowledge of inflammatory mediators allows the discovery of new drugs, new supplements, and new plant compounds (Resveratrol, Maqui, oil of Perilla) that are able to reduce inflammation and support well-being. The interaction between the environment, nutrition, and knowledge of inflammation is an evolution and at the same time a revolution to gain and maintain health.
Em busca de uma instituição para a pessoa idosa morar: motivos apontados por familiares

Con el fin de comprender las situaciones que motivan a las familias a asilar un miembro anciano de su familia se realizo un estudio de abordaje metodologica cualitativa, de la cual participaron seis familiares responsables por ancianos recluidos. La colecta de las informaciones ocurrio por medio de entrevistas abiertas. El analisis condujo a dos categorias denominadas: El aislamiento como forma de atender a las necesidades del anciano y Buscar el mejor lugar para que el anciano viva y mantenga el vinculo con la familia. Vivir el proceso de asilar un familiar anciano es un periodo de transicion en que diferentes factores son considerados y contribuyen para esta decision. Cuando hay esta deliberacion, la familia busca la mejor residencia para el viejo en terminos de estructura fisica, cuidados y convivencia social con sus congeneres y otras personas. Entienden que por medio de visitas podran mantener vinculos familiares y afectivos.
Visualizing and monitoring effective interactions in online collaborative groups

Online education based on small self-managing groups, with slight supervision by a professional tutor, is a strategically interesting methodology for lifelong learning. This solution may combine aspects of cost-effectiveness (reducing tutors' work) with the demands for active and engaging learning methods based on the exchange and sharing of experiences. In such a context, how can information on collaborative attitudes and behaviour be gathered? A typical tool for online learning activities is the threaded web forum. This study proposes a methodology for assessing effective collaborative interactions within the add-on module, Forum Plus, for the Moodle learning management system (LMS). The methodology here presented is able to supply an early overview of the level of effectiveness of the collaborative group and therefore it may provide a useful instrument to guide further qualitative observations conducted directly in the web forum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Initial Development of the Mental Health Assessment and Dynamic Referral for Oncology (MHADRO)

The Mental Health Assessment and Dynamic Referral for Oncology (MHADRO) is a program that conducts a computerized assessment of physical, psychological, and social functioning related to oncology treatment, prints personalized summary reports for both the patient and the provider, and for those who provide consent, faxes a referral and assessment summary report to a matched mental health treatment provider (i.e., dynamic referral). The functionality, feasibility, and end user satisfaction of the MHADRO were tested in a comprehensive care center. Of the 101 participants enrolled, 61 (60%) exhibited elevated distress on at least one of the mental health indices, and, of these, 12 (20%) chose a dynamic referral for mental health services. Patients and health care providers exhibited high levels of satisfaction with the program. The MHADRO has potential for assisting in meeting the psychosocial needs faced by individuals with cancer and should be tested further for its facilitation of mental health treatment initiation.