Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Promoting Patient Care Through Communication Training in a Pre-clerkship Pharmacy Education Course in Japan

Objective. The purpose of this study was to teach communication skills for patient care to pre-clerkship students and observe changes in student perspectives towards communication from pre- to post-training. Methods. Two cohorts of fourth-year pharmacy students completed an eight-week pre-clerkship training course designed to improve their communication skills. The course involved class discussions and in-class research of medications, practicing communication skills, learning to give science-based responses, and developing an awareness of patient education for lifestyle, self-medication, quality of life, and medication adherence. A comparison of students’ pre- and post-training responses to a questionnaire were used to assess changes in students' ability and confidence in communicating with patients. An exploratory factor analysis was used to analyze and compare the data results. Results. Students’ mean post-training scores for perceived ability to make small talk and confidence to communicate with patients increased compared to pre-training scores. Based on the results of the exploratory factor analysis, the greatest increase in students’ scores was in the area of patient education skills. Conclusion. The pre-clerkship communication training improved student understanding of the pharmacy communication skills needed to conduct effective patient education and pharmacist-patient interaction beyond dispensing, affirming the theory that specialized communication training before students’ begin a clerkship may be essential.
Teaching intercultural competence through heavy metal music

What does it mean to teach intercultural competence? Do we need to travel to “other” places? In what way does content need to reflect the traditions of “other” cultures? How can popular musics inform our teaching of these skills? Drawing on the guidelines in the AAC&U Intercultural Knowledge and Competence VALUE Rubric, I argue heavy metal music can serve as a model for using music to increase students’ intercultural knowledge, competency, and awareness, as well as their ability to critically reflect on issues in their own society, including gender, race, and class. I provide background on the genre and explore why it serves as a useful tool for intercultural learning conversations. In making direct connections between the measures in the VALUE rubric and class activities and concepts, this approach can model how others may incorporate intercultural learning and competencies into a wide range of courses.
Utilization of the Safe Surgical Dislocation Approach in the Surgical Management of Early Hip Tuberculosis

We present a rare clinical case of 24 years old female with chronic unilateral hip sepsis not responding to previous surgical debridement and antibiotics. Radiographic assessment showed a deep acetabular destructive lesion with sequestrum and marked synovial hypertrophy. The surgical hip dislocation approach allowed for establishing the diagnosis of hip tuberculosis, and performing radical surgical debridement. hip infection twice during the previous 9 months before presentation, with temporary improvement after each surgery. Medical history was positive for asthmatic bronchitis, controlled on anti-asthma medications. Positive findings on local examination included right hip anterolateral scar, loss of weight bearing on right lower limb; local tenderness and marked limitation of the right hip range of motion due to pain. The pre-operative Oxford hip score was 52. Laboratory investigations included a serum Hemoglobin of 10.8 gm/dl, ESR 1st hour of 60 and CRP of 27 (normal reference up to 5). Available results of the previous surgical biopsies showed no bacterial growth. A trial for hip needle aspiration revealed a limited amount of serous fluid that was negative for bacterial growth. A routine pre operative viral markers check for hepatitis and HIV were negative. Chest radiograph showed a non specific accentuation of bronchovascular markings 1A). Plain radiographs of the pelvis and hips C) showed a radiolucent oval shadow, of the acetabulum obscuring the Hip a the posterior of acetabulum, the hip joint the posterior articular A the marked synovial thickening, posterior column hyper echoic lesion
Effects of different types of training on weight loss

Introduction. The difference between 24-hour daily energy intake and total daily energy expenditure determines whether we lose or gain weight. The resting metabolic rate is the major component of daily energy expenditure, which depends on many different factors, but also on the level of physical activity. The aim of the study was to determine anthropometric and metabolic parameters of athletes engaged in different types of training, to compare obtained results and to examine whether there are statistically significant differences among them. Material and Methods. The study included a total of 42 young male athletes divided into two groups. The first group included 21 athletes who were predominantly engaged in aerobic type of training, and the other group of 21 athletes in anaerobic type of training. Anthropometric measurements were taken and resting metabolic rate was assessed using the indirect calorimetry method. The results were statistically analyzed and the differences in parameters between the two groups were compared. Results. Statistically significant differences were established in total body mass, amount of fat-free mass and muscle mass, body mass index, as well as in the relative metabolic indices between two groups of subjects. Conclusion. The percentage of fat-free body mass has the greatest impact on the resting metabolic rate. The rate of metabolic activity of this body compartment is higher in athletes engaged in aerobic than in athletes engaged in anaerobic type of training.
Determinants of cross-cutting discussion on Facebook: Political interest, news consumption, and strong-tie heterogeneity

Scholarly debate persists as to whether the use of social networking sites (SNSs) encourages or discourages political discussion with people holding different opinions. Drawing on a national survey, this study focuses on Facebook and explores the predictors of cross-cutting discussion on this platform. The results reveal that political interest is positively associated with cross-cutting discussion and this relationship is mediated by the frequency of news consumption on Facebook, suggesting that Facebook use has the potential of exposing the politically attentive to dissonant views. Furthermore, the level of heterogeneity of a person’s strong-tie network is found to accentuate the mediating effect of Facebook news consumption. Implications are discussed for the impacts of Facebook use on deliberative democracy.
Multimodal DTI-TMS assessment of the motor system in patients with chronic ischemic stroke

Background and Purpose Despite the continuing efforts in multimodal assessment of the motor system after stroke, conclusive findings on the complementarity of functional and structural metrics of the corticospinal tract (CST) integrity and the role of the contralesional hemisphere are still missing. The aim of this work was to find the best combination of the motor system parameters, allowing classification of patients into three predefined groups of upper limb motor recovery. Methods 35 chronic ischemic stroke patients (47 [26–66] y.o., 29 [6–58] months post-stroke) with only supratentorial lesion and unilateral upper extremity weakness were enrolled. Patients were divided into three groups depending on the upper limb motor recovery. Non-parametric statistical tests and regression analysis were used to investigate the relationships among structural and functional motor system parameters, probed by diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). In addition, stratification rules were tested, using a decision tree classifier to identify parameters explaining motor recovery. Results Fractional anisotropy (FA) ratio in the internal capsule (IC) and absence/presence of motor evoked potentials (MEPs), were equally discriminative of the worst motor outcome group (96% accuracy). MEP presence diverged for two investigated hand muscles. Concurrently, for the three recovery groups’ classification, the best parameter combination was: IC FA ratio and Fréchet distance between the contralesional and ipsilesional CST FA profiles (91% accuracy). No other metrics had any additional value for patients’ classification. Conclusions This study demonstrates that IC FA ratio and MEPs absence are equally important markers for poor recovery. Importantly, we found that MEPs should be controlled in more than one hand muscle. Finally, we show that better separation between different motor recovery groups may be achieved when considering the whole CST FA profile.
Analysis and Design of Unified Architectures for Zero-Attraction-Based Sparse Adaptive Filters

Zero-attraction-based adaptive filters are widely used for sparse system identification, where a suitable penalty function is integrated with the least mean square (LMS) framework to improve the convergence behavior of the identification process. In this brief, we have made an attempt to implement some of the most popular zero-attracting algorithms in hardware. The complexity of realization associated with these algorithms is investigated in detail. Following the above analysis, several architectural simplifications are proposed for the reduced-complexity implementation of their penalty functions. We then use these realizations to develop a set of novel design strategies for the efficient implementation of these algorithms. Simulation results show that the performance loss for the proposed algorithms is minimal compared to their standard versions. A detailed synthesis study is also carried out to validate the proposed structures, which demonstrates that the hardware overhead in the proposed designs is marginal compared to the existing delayed LMS architecture.
Small-Scale Forest Structure Influences Spatial Variability of Belowground Carbon Fluxes in a Mature Mediterranean Beech Forest

The tree belowground compartment, especially fine roots, plays a relevant role in the forest ecosystem carbon (C) cycle, contributing largely to soil CO2 efflux (SR) and to net primary production (NPP). Beyond the well-known role of environmental drivers on fine root production (FRP) and SR, other determinants such as forest structure are still poorly understood. We investigated spatial variability of FRP, SR, forest structural traits, and their reciprocal interactions in a mature beech forest in the Mediterranean mountains. In the year of study, FRP resulted in the main component of NPP and explained about 70% of spatial variability of SR. Moreover, FRP was strictly driven by leaf area index (LAI) and soil water content (SWC). These results suggest a framework of close interactions between structural and functional forest features at the local scale to optimize C source–sink relationships under climate variability in a Mediterranean mature beech forest.
Mycoflora Associated with Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) Purchased from Major Markets in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria

Background: Pearl millets are a group of highly variable small-seeded grasses; they are widely grown around the world as cereal crops and have a wide array of uses. They harbor a lot of fungi from field to post-harvest which are capable of posing health hazards to humans and animals. The objectives of this research study were to isolate and identify different fungi associated with millet at different periods of storage and determine their mycotoxin profile. Materials and Methods: Millet samples were purchased randomly from vendors in three major markets situated in three different local governments in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria over a three-month period. The samples were brought to the laboratory in sterile polythene bags. Isolation of fungi from the millet samples was done by direct plating on Saboraud’s Dextrose Agar (SDA) incorporated with chloramphenicol to prevent bacterial growth. The plates were incubated at room temperature for 48-72 hours and observed. Results: Pure cultures of fungi were obtained by repeated sub-culturing. A total of fourteen (14) fungi belonging to twelve (12) genera were obtained. Aspergillus fumigatus had the highest (25.7%) frequency of occurrence, with Syncephalastrum spp (6.5%), Rhizopus spp (5.7%), Fusarium spp (3.6%), Alternaria brassicicola (2.8%), Curvularia spp (3.2%), Mucor mucedo (2.4%), Gonatobotrys simplex (1.2%), Acladium conspersum (0.5%), Penicillium spp (2.8%), Aspergillus niger (21.2%), Aspergillus flavus (23.6%) while Nigrospora oryzae and Sporendonema spp had the lowest (0.4%) frequencies. The mycotoxin profile quantification revealed the presence of four aflatoxins: AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2 in the millet samples with the samples purchased from Oje having the highest aflatoxin level of 897 ppb. Conclusion: There is the need to adopt strict hygiene, storage and preservative practices to prevent fungi from infecting millet samples with a view to controlling their aflatoxin level.
Forty-five degree cutting septoplasty

Background The crooked nose represents a challenge for rhinoplasty surgeons, and many methods have been proposed for management; however, there is no ideal method for treatment. Accordingly, the 45° cutting septoplasty technique, which involves a 45° cut at the junction of the L-shaped strut and repositioning it to achieve a straight septum is proposed. Methods From October 2010 to September 2014, 43 patients underwent the 45° cutting septoplasty technique. There were 28 men and 15 women, with ages ranging from 20 to 58 years (mean, 33 years). Standardized photographs were obtained at every visit. Established photogrammetric parameters were used to describe the degree of correction: Correction rate = (preoperative total deviation - postoperative residual deviation)/preoperative total deviation x 100% was proposed. Results The mean follow-up period for all patients was 12.3 months. The mean preoperative deviation was 64.3° and the mean postoperative deviation was 2.7°; the overall correction rate was 95.8%. One patient experienced composite implant deviation two weeks postoperatively and underwent revision rhinoplasty. There were no infections, hematomas or postoperative bleeding. Conclusion Based on the clinical observation of all patients during the follow-up period, the 45° cutting septoplasty technique was shown to be effective for the treatment of crooked nose.
Influence of Earnings per Share on Idiosyncratic Volatility of Stock Returns among Listed Firms in Kenya

Idiosyncratic volatility has not always been considered in pricing of financial assets; this is as a result of capital asset pricing model’s proposition that idiosyncratic volatility is diversifies away and that investors hold portions of diversified portfolio. In reality however, this is not always the case. Research studies have revealed that investors do not always hold diversified portfolios and idiosyncratic risk is therefore priced in order to compensate their inability to hold the market portfolio, therefore the main objective of the study was to establish the effect of financial statement information on idiosyncratic volatility of stocks return among listed firms in Kenya. Idiosyncratic volatility was the dependent variable while independent variable was Earning Per Share (EPS). The study used correlational and descriptive research design, it also used census technique which targeted all 39 listed companies that existed and their shares were actively traded at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) from the year 1998 to 2017. STATA was used to generate Descriptive and inferential statistics. The study employed a dynamic panel data regression model, the analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to reveal the overall model significance, the calculated F-statistic was compared with the tabulated F-statistic and a critical p-value of 0.05 was used to determine whether the overall model is significant. The study results found that there was a positive and significant relationship between EPS and Idiosyncratic Volatility of stock returns among listed firms in Kenya (r= 0.001, p=0.027), and therefore the null hypotheses were rejected. Based on the findings, the study concluded that, EPS has a significant relationship with Idiosyncratic Volatility of stock returns among listed firms in Kenya. The study recommended that market investors analyst should review their investment strategies taking into consideration EPS in pricing firm specific risk. These indicators will further guide in expanding the interpretation of the financial dynamics in the listed firms at the NSE and other related firms. Keywords : Earnings per Share, Idiosyncratic Volatility, Stock Returns, NSE & Kenya. DOI : 10.7176/RJFA/10-22-03 Publication date: November 30 th 2019
Upper Extremity Impairments and Activities in Children with Bilateral Cerebral Palsy

Background: There is a lack of evidence about the upper extremity impairments and function in children with diparetic cerebral palsy. Objectives: This study was planned to investigate the upper extremity impairments, dexterity, grip strength and function in the daily living activities in children with diparetic cerebral palsy (CP). Methods: Eighteen children with diparetic CP and 15 typical peers between the ages 5 - 12 years were included in the study. Manual Ability Classiﬁcation System (MACS) was used for the classiﬁcation of upper extremity ﬁne motor skills; WeeFIM for activities of daily living; Abilhand-Kids for the manual abilities; and Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) for the disability in the daily living activities respectively. Grip strength was evaluated with Jamar Hand Dynamometer, hand functions were assessed with Nine-hole Peg Test and Jebsen-Taylor test. Results: Children with diparetic CP were aﬀected in manual abilities and functions, grip strength, activities of daily living, and levels of disability and the results were statistically signiﬁcant (P < 0.05). Conclusions: As a conclusion, upper extremity impairments, dexterity, grip strength, and functions in the activities of daily living are aﬀected in children with diparetic CP. Physiotherapy interventions for upper extremities and hand should be included as well as the lower extremities in the treatment of the spastic diparetic children.
Searching for the renaissance bureaucrat

Purpose – Since the early 1980s, western governments are assumed to have been either moving toward post-bureaucratic models or transforming into so-called neo-Weberian bureaucracies. As different public-sector (reform) models imply different ideal typical personality traits for civil servants, the purpose of this paper is to ask the question to what extent personality requirements that governments demand from their employees have evolved over time in line with these models. Design/methodology/approach – The authors analyzed the use of big-five traits in a sample of 21,003 job advertisements for local government jobs published between 1980 and 2017, applying tools for computer-assisted text analysis. Findings – Using multilevel regression analyses, the authors conclude that, over time, there is a significant increase in the use of personality descriptors related to all big-five factors. Research limitations/implications – The authors postulate that governments nowadays are actively looking for the “renaissance bureaucrat” in line with the neo-Weberian bureaucracy paradigm. The authors end with a discussion of both positive and negative consequences of this development. Originality/value – First, the authors explicitly link personality, public administration, and public management using the Abridged Big-Five-Dimensional Circumflex model of personality. Second, by linking observed trends in civil servant personality requirements to larger theories of public-sector reform models, the authors narrow the gap between public administration theories and practice. Third, the software tools that the authors use to digitalize and analyze a large number of documents (the job ads) are new to the discipline of public administration. The research can therefore serve as a guideline for scholars who want to use software tools to study large amounts of unstructured, qualitative data
Health-related quality of life in children with Type 1 diabetes: an RCT of hospital-based care and hospital-based home care at diagnosis

Introduction:When a child is diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, it involves extensive lifestyle changes for the whole family. There is limited knowledge of the impact the initial care has for children and parents over time. The aim was to compare children’s diabetes-specific health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in hospital-based care and hospital-based home care (HBHC), 12 and 24 months after the onset of Type 1 diabetes. The aim was also to compare the children’s and parents’ proxy-report of the children’s diabetes-specific HRQOL after 12 and 24 months, regardless of the form of care. Method: The trial took place at a university hospital in Sweden and had a randomised controlled design evaluating the hospital-based care and HBHC, referring to specialist care in a home-based setting. Children aged 5–16 and their parents answered the PedsQLTM 3.0 Diabetes Module, 12 months and 24 months after the onset of the illness. Results: The results showed no difference regarding the children’s diabetes-specific HRQOL. However, 12 months from diagnosis, the children and parents who received HBHC experienced more worry than those who had received hospital-based care at diagnosis (p = .012). Irrespective of the form of care, children reported more discomfort of the disease than their parents reported that the children would have (p = .017). Conclusion: Overall, the result indicates that both hospital-based care and HBHC provide equivalent outcomes in terms of the children’s diabetes-specific HRQOL. However, a more home-based model of care might put more strain on some families. Those families need to be identified and the routines should be flexible in order to meet each family’s need.
Bayesian Selection of Atmospheric Profiles from an Ensemble Data Assimilation System using Infrasonic Observations of May 2016 Mount Etna Eruptions

Observed infrasound arrivals are considered as a way to provide additional knowledge of the middle atmosphere for numerical weather prediction (NWP) models. To do so, a Bayesian approach, based on the discrepancies between predicted and observed infrasound arrival characteristics, is adopted for selecting the most likely atmospheric states, in terms of temperature and wind velocity profiles, among an ensemble of NWP model analyses. The predicted characteristics, in terms of trace velocity and the back azimuth angle, are computed using a three‐dimensional ray‐tracing model and atmospheric profiles extracted once a day from ensemble of analyses produced by the Météo‐France global NWP model. The performance of the method is demonstrated using a set of thousands of volcanic eruptions that correspond to an upsurge in volcanic activity of Mount Etna (Sicily) during May 2016. It is shown that the Bayesian approach allows the identification of the most likely members and hence provides additional knowledge on the atmosphere truly probed by the infrasound. When the atmospheric temperature and wind profiles are reasonably meeting the effective sound speed assumption requirements, the members retrieved are similar in terms of effective sound speed but not in terms of wind and temperature. For improving both temperature and wind velocity profile selection, additional infrasound arrival characteristics are then required (e.g., travel time, amplitude, etc.). The confidence on the retrieved profiles is also sensitive to the time of validity of the meteorological analyses and on the definition of the surface conditions involved in the estimation of the predicted trace velocities.