Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The epidemiology of drinking among women of child-bearing age.

OBJECTIVES To estimate the prevalence of drinking, binge drinking (4 or more drinks), and alcohol abuse and dependence and to identify predictors of heavier drinking among women of child-bearing age (18-44 years). METHODS Subjects are part of a national multistage random sample from the 2002 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC). RESULTS Binge drinking, abuse, and dependence are higher in younger (<30 years) pregnant and nonpregnant women. Among pregnant women, binge drinking is highest among Whites; alcohol abuse and dependence rates are relatively low and similar in all racial/ethnic groups. Among nonpregnant women, Whites and mixed race women have the highest rates of binge drinking. Alcohol abuse and dependence are highest among Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders, followed by Native American/Alaska Native women. Women who are White, younger (21-29 years), single, or cohabiting and with a higher income (> 40,000 US dollars) are at a higher risk for heavier drinking. CONCLUSIONS Drinking and heavier drinking remain at high levels among women of child-bearing age. Prevention efforts must be comprehensive and should target pregnant women who are drinking and those who could become pregnant and are drinking at high-risk levels.
Environmental exposure to asbestos: from geology to mesothelioma

Purpose of review This article aims to review the geological background of environmental asbestos exposure and the distribution of asbestos-related disease (ARD) in association with naturally occurring asbestos (NOA), and discusses the potential health risks associated with exposure to non-occupational asbestos. Recent findings With the motion of continental and oceanic plates, in some parts of the world serpentinites in the lower layer of the oceanic plate move into the continental plate and form the so-called ophiolites. Ophiolites consist of soil and rocks containing serpentine-type asbestos. There is an increase in ARDs in regions close to ophiolites. Indoor exposure and outdoor exposure to NOA, outdoor exposure to industrial asbestos and mines, urbanization and construction works in NOA regions are the known sources and types of environmental asbestos exposure. Summary Although there is an expectance of decline in ARDs caused by industrial exposure to asbestos, the environmental exposure to asbestos is still a challenge waiting to be overcome.
Amputation and mortality in new-onset diabetic foot ulcers stratified by etiology.

OBJECTIVE Foot ulcers and their complications are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetes. The present study aims to examine the long-term outcome in terms of amputations and mortality in patients with new-onset diabetic foot ulcers in subgroups stratified by etiology. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Patients presenting with new ulcers (duration <1 month) to a dedicated diabetic foot clinic between 1994 and 1998 were studied. Outcomes were determined until March 2000 (or death) from podiatry, hospital, and district registers. Baseline clinical examination was done to classify ulcers as neuropathic, ischemic, or neuroischemic. Five-year amputation and mortality rates were derived from Kaplan-Meier survival analysis curves. RESULTS Of the 185 patients studied, 41% had peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and 61% had neuropathy; 45%, 16%, and 24% of patients had neuropathic, ischemic, and neuroischemic ulcers, respectively. The mean follow-up period was 34 months (range 1-65) including survivors and patients who died during the study period. Five-year amputation rates were higher for ischemic (29%) and neuroischemic (25%) than neuropathic (11%) ulcers. Five-year mortality was 45%, 18%, and 55% for neuropathic, neuroischemic, and ischemic ulcers, respectively. Mortality was higher in ischemic ulcers than neuropathic ulcers. On multivariate regression analysis, only increasing age predicted shorter survival time. CONCLUSIONS All types of diabetic foot ulcers are associated with high morbidity and mortality. The increased mortality appears to be independent of factors increasing ulcer risk-that is, neuropathy and PVD-in patients with established foot ulcers.
Cross Elasticities of Collegiate Demand

Perhaps no other area of interest to economists has received so much attention over the recent quinquennium as has the economics of higher education.1 Indeed, it is not too much to say that there has been an avalanche of studies in the field and one which gives no sign of abate? ment.2 Yet these studies, when not merely descriptive, have been largely concerned with education as a form of investment leading to cost-benefit analyses, or with cost pressures on the private sector leading to fears for the future of that category.3 Analytically speaking, major attention has been given to the discounting of assumed future returns and to the income elasticity of demand function. These writings, therefore, are characterized by what would be considered a startling void in other industry analyses, i.e., an almost total absence of concern with price elasticity4 of demand and its companion, cross elasticity of demand. These technical stalwarts are of course at the heart of partial equilibrium analysis, the latter's absence being explained by that of the former.5 What accounting can be made for the above noted void? In this writer's view, three factors constitute the rationale : first, the public institutions of higher education currently account for some 69 per cent6 of all enrollments nationally and since these are heavily subsidized there remains little if any analytical scope for price and/or cross elasticities of demand. In passing, we should note that this statement would be far from true were governments to subsidize students rather than institutions. This of course is Milton Friedman's policy recommendation. In his view, all (public and private) institutions of higher learning should be subsidy free and thus be forced to compete in terms of price and quality for custom.7 Second, the private colleges and universities have presumably never regarded themselves as profit-oriented enterprises and thus have pursued a policy of price increase seemingly only in response to cost push. Third, for those many schools operating within reasonably defined and competitive, local (usually state-wide) markets, especially where tuition represents a very substantial proportion of total revenue, pricing policy resolves itself into the simple procedure of following the leader. The plausible reality, in brief, is one in which leader and follower(s), reacting to some status-order however sensed, will raise price in re 222
Obesity and obesity-related secondary conditions in adolescents with intellectual/developmental disabilities.

BACKGROUND To explore the prevalence of obesity and related secondary conditions associated with obesity in adolescents with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD). METHODS In total, 461 parents of adolescents with IDD (M = 14.9 year, SD = 1.9) across 49 US states completed a web-based survey containing questions related to their child's health status, including body weight and existing health conditions. Results were compared with published data for youth without disabilities. RESULTS Adolescents with autism and Down syndrome were two to three times more likely to be obese than adolescents in the general population. Secondary health conditions were higher in obese adolescents with IDD compared with healthy weight adolescents with IDD including high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, diabetes, depression, fatigue, liver or gallbladder problems, low self-esteem, preoccupation with weight, early maturation and pressure sores. CONCLUSION Obesity is as much of a health problem in youth with IDD as it is among youth without disabilities and, in certain disability groups, is a significantly greater health problem. Obese youth with IDD have a high number of obesity-related secondary conditions predisposing them to greater health problems as they transition into adulthood. Federal and local initiatives to reduce obesity among youth in the general population must recognise the need for interventions that are also relevant (i.e. accessible and effective) for youth with IDD.
Low complexity light field compression based on pseudo-temporal circular sequencing

Light fields are gaining more impact in today's filming technology due to post-processing possibilities such as software refocus, perspective shift, reconstruct 3D images, and depth scaling. Light fields are captured light rays at every point in space travelling in every direction, therefore a large amount of data is recorded for representation. For exchange, broadcast and storing of such imagery data, we lack efficient compression techniques. This paper proposes a light field compression approach based on low-complexity preprocessing by pseudo-temporal sequencing frames suitable for state-of-the-art codecs. An efficient novel approach of circular reordering is introduced where the redundancy between frames is maximized and exploited by low-delay HEVC predictive coding. Experimental results showcase a consistent increase in both PSNR and SSIM for several light fields and outperforms available schemes with pseudo-temporal sequencing using HEVC. An increase upto 1 dB gain compared to state-of-the-art reordering techniques using HEVC is achieved.
Evolutionary paths of performance measurement: An overview of its recent development

Purpose - This paper aims to understand the evolutionary paths of performance measurement (PM) from the 1980s to the present. Design/methodology/approach - The paper is a narrative review. The sources of literature reviewed are from diverse academic disciplines (e.g. operations management, strategic management, management accounting and organisational behaviour). Three main types of literature were selected, namely scientific literature, professional journals, and books. The authors' approach is illustrative and selective. It is based on the belief that societal and organisational contexts provide the clues for the appropriateness in design and use of a managerial innovation. It describes the transition in performance measurement, incorporating a number of PM innovations as illustrative exemplars. Findings - Management needs, arriving from the evolving business ecology and focused on creating and sustaining competitive advantage, drive the destiny of PM systems during their evolutionary progression. Performance measurement has evolved from various perspectives. The evolution took place in four major paths, from operations to strategic, measurement to management, static to dynamic and economic-profit to stakeholder focus. Practical implications - The evolutions embody trends in development and use of PM systems over the long periods that point the way for future PM to develop and evolve. Originality/value - The contemporary evolution of PM exhibited in the connection with its evolving contexts that is not explicitly acknowledged in the literature gives the
Converting the parallel treebank ParTUT in Universal Stanford Dependencies

English. Assuming the increased need of language resources encoded with shared representation formats, the paper describes a project for the conversion of the multilingual parallel treebank ParTUT in the de facto standard of the Stanford Dependencies (SD) representation. More specifically, it reports the conversion process, currently implemented as a prototype, into the Universal SD format, more oriented to a cross-linguistic perspective and, therefore, more suitable for the purpose of our resource. Italiano. Considerando la crescente necessità di risorse linguistiche codificate in formati ampiamente condivisi, l’articolo presenta un progetto per la conversione di una risorsa multilingue annotata a livello sintattico nel formato, considerato uno standard de facto, delle Stanford Dependencies (SD). Più precisamente l’articolo descrive il processo di conversione, di cui è attualmente sviluppato un prototipo, nelle Universal Stanford Dependencies, una versione delle SD maggiormente orientata a una prospettiva inter-linguistica e, per questo, particolarmente adatta agli scopi della nostra risorsa.
In Vitro and In Vivo Activities of AM-112, a Novel Oxapenem

ABSTRACT AM-112 [(1′R,5R,6R)-3-(4-amino-1,1-dimethyl-butyl)-6-(1′-hydroxyethyl)oxapenem-3-carboxylate] is a novel oxapenem compound which possesses potent β-lactamase-inhibitory properties. Fifty-percent inhibitory concentrations (IC50s) of AM-112 for class A enzymes were between 0.16 and 2.24 μM for three enzymes, compared to IC50s of 0.008 to 0.12 μM for clavulanic acid. Against class C and class D enzymes, however, the activity of AM-112 was between 1,000- and 100,000-fold greater than that of clavulanic acid. AM-112 had affinity for the penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) of Escherichia coli DC0, with PBP2 being inhibited by the lowest concentration of AM-112 tested, 0.1 μg/ml. Ceftazidime was combined with AM-112 at 1:1 and 2:1 ratios in MIC determination studies against a panel of β-lactamase-producing organisms. These studies demonstrated that AM-112 was effective at protecting ceftazidime against extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing strains and derepressed class C enzyme producers, reducing ceftazidime MICs by 16- and 2,048-fold. Similar results were obtained when AM-112 was combined with ceftriaxone, cefoperazone, or cefepime in a 1:2 ratio. Protection of ceftazidime with AM-112 was maintained against Enterobacter cloacae P99 and Klebsiella pneumoniae SHV-5 in a murine intraperitoneal sepsis model. The 50% effective dose of ceftazidime against E. cloacae P99 and K. pneumoniae SHV-5 was reduced from >100 and 160 mg/kg of body weight to 2 and 33.6 mg/kg, respectively, when it was combined with AM-112 at a 1:1 ratio. AM-112 demonstrates potential as a new β-lactamase inhibitor.
La medición del riesgo en eventos extremos. Una revisión metodológica en contexto

Resumen: En este documento se exploran varias metodologias para el calculo del Valor en Riesgo (VeR)utilizadas actualmente en la regulacion internacional y la administracion de portafolios. Se exponen laslimitantes de las mismas y las posibles consecuencias de ignorarlas, ilustradas por la pasada crisis financiera global (2007-2009). Se estiman tambien medidas de perdida esperada en las colas, basadas en la Teoria del Valor Extremo y se contrastan con las estimaciones del VeR con el fin de generar un ranking de riesgo entre varios mercados accionarios del mundo. El estudio se realiza para varios paises en Latinoamerica y algunos paises desarrollados. Se corrobora la leccion ampliamente senalada por la literatura academica de que el VeR no es adecuado para la medicion del riesgo en momentos en los cuales el mercado se enfrenta a choques extremos. De esa forma se resalta la necesidad de utilizar medidas mas robustas enfocadas en las colas de la distribucion para la medicion del riesgo.Abstract: This paper reviews the basic methodologies for the estimation of Value at Risk (VaR) that are currently in use in international stock and financial market regulation and portfolio management. The main shortcomings of these methodologies are exposed and the direct consequences of ignoring these limitations are analyzed, the latter highlighted by the recent global financial crisis of 2007-2009. In addition, methodologies for the estimation of expected tail losses, based on the Extreme Value Theory, are examined. Both kinds of measures are contrasted with the aim to create a `risk ranking´ of different stock markets around the world. The study explores the major Latin American markets and some in developed countries. The lessons widely highlighted in the academic literature related to the shortcomings of VaR when markets face extreme events are corroborated. The paper concludes by stressing the need for more robust measures focused on the tails of the distribution in the measurement of risk.
Testing a Model of Cognitive Budgetary Participation Processes in a Latent Variable Structural Equations Framework

Abstract Previous accounting research has suggested that subordinate participation in the budgetary process has two cognitive aspects: (1) participation enhances budget quality, and hence the utility of budgets, by allowing subordinates to introduce private knowledge into the budgetary process, and (2) participation enables subordinates to obtain information that is relevant to performing their jobs. This study tests a model that encompasses both cognitive aspects of budgetary participation. Data were gathered with a questionnaire distributed to managers from a variety of different national origins who were working in many different global locations. The data were analysed with latent variable structural equation modelling, which provides several advantages over more conventional analytic methods generally used in budgetary participation and other behavioural accounting research. The results indicated that participation enhances budget quality and that budget quality, in turn, has a positive effect on bud.
Augmented Nurse Care Management in CKD Stages 4 to 5: A Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND Outcomes for patients with late-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the United States are suboptimal. There is poor education and preparation for end-stage kidney disease, as well as a high rate of hospitalization in this group of patients. STUDY DESIGN A randomized, parallel-group, 2-arm, controlled trial. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS The study was conducted at 3 sites: a clinic of an academic medical center, a public hospital academic clinic, and a community-based private practice. All participants had late-stage CKD (stages 4-5 CKD). Patients were excluded only if they had significant cognitive impairment. INTERVENTION The care management intervention involved nurse care manager coordination aided by the use of a disease-based informatics system for monitoring patients' clinical status, enhancing CKD education, and facilitating preparation for end-stage kidney disease. The comparison control group received usual late-stage CKD care alone. OUTCOMES The primary outcome was rate of hospitalization. MEASUREMENTS Rates of preemptive transplantation, home dialysis, hemodialysis (HD) starts without a hospitalization, and HD therapy initiation rates with catheters or with functioning accesses. RESULTS 130 patients were randomly assigned. The hospitalization rate was significantly lower in the intervention group versus controls: 0.61 versus 0.92 per year, respectively (incidence rate ratio, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.43-0.99; P=0.04). Peritoneal dialysis or preemptive transplantation was the initial end-stage kidney disease treatment in 11 of 30 (37%) participants receiving the intervention versus 3 of 29 (10%) receiving usual care. Among HD starts, treatment was initiated without hospitalization in 11 of 19 (58%) participants in the intervention group versus 6 of 26 (23%) in the control group. At the time of HD therapy initiation, a catheter was present in 7 of 19 (37%) participants in the intervention group versus 18 of 26 (69%) in the control group. A functioning arteriovenous access was in place in 10 of 19 (53%) participants in the intervention group and 7 of 26 (27%) in the control group LIMITATIONS: Moderate sample size, limited geographic scope. CONCLUSIONS The augmented nurse care management intervention resulted in reduced hospitalizations in late-stage CKD and there were suggestions of improved end-stage kidney disease preparation. Given suboptimal outcomes in late-stage CKD, care management interventions could potentially improve patient outcomes.
Pharmacokinetic study of piperacillin in newborns relating to gestational and postnatal age

The pharmacokinetics of piperacillin after a single 75-mg/kg intravenous injection as analyzed in 28 neonates with gestational ages of 29 to 40 weeks (A = 29 to 31 weeks, B = 33 to 35 weeks, C = 38 to 42 weeks) and birth weights of 860 to 3900 g during 35 courses. Serum concentrations of piperacillin were determined by high pressure liquid chromatography. A one compartment open model characterized the disposition of piperacillin. Twenty courses were given between Day 3 and Day 5 of life. The elimination half-life and total body clearance were related to gestational age. Differences were significant between Groups A and B and Group C for half-life (4.3 ± 1.9 and 3.35 ± 0.75 vs. 2.47 ± 0.72 hours) and for clearance (1.68 ± 0.6 and 1.8 ± 0.4 vs. 2.46 ± 0.36 ml/min/kg). Volumes of distribution were similar in the 3 groups, from 516 ± 108 to 633 ± 226 ml/kg. Fourteen courses were given from Day 9 to Day 11 of life. The same differences were observed between Groups A and B and Group C. Elimination half-life was significantly reduced with simultaneous increase of the total body clearance. In clinical practice, 75-mg/kg intravenous injections every 12 hours during the first week of life and every 8 hours in the second week provide appropriate concentrations in infants of less than 36 weeks gestational age. In full term newborns the 75-mg dosage is appropriate but the number of injections must be increased to 3/24 h for the first week and 4 times daily there-after.
Assessing the additionality of CDM projects: practical experiences and lessons learned

The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) under the Kyoto Protocol allows industrialized countries to use credits from greenhouse gas (GHG) abatement projects in developing countries. A key requirement of the CDM is that the emission reductions be real, measurable and additional. This article evaluates how the additionality of CDM projects has been assessed in practice. The analysis is mainly based on a systematic evaluation of 93 registered CDM projects and comes to the conclusion that the current tools for demonstrating additionality are in need of substantial improvement. In particular, the application of the barrier analysis is highly subjective and difficult to validate in an objective and transparent manner. Key assumptions regarding additionality are often not substantiated with credible, documented evidence. In a considerable number of cases it is questionable whether the emission reductions are actually additional. Based on these findings, practical recommendations for improving the assessment of additionality are provided.
Phytomass change in natural phytocenosis as an indicator of technogenic pollution of soils with heavy metals

ABSTRACT This study considered the possibility of using plant community phytomass for the assessment of soil pollution with heavy metals (HM) from industrial wastes. The three-year-long field experiment was run under the regional natural meadow vegetation; the polymetallic galvanic slime was used as an industrial waste contaminant. It is shown that soil contamination primarily causes decrease of phytomass in the growing phytocenosis. The vegetation experiments determined nonlinear dependence of cultivated and wild plant biomass on the level of soil contamination; it is described by the equations of logistic and Gaussian regression. In the absence of permanent contaminants, the soil is self-cleaned over time. It reproduces phytomass mainly due to the productivity increase of the most pollution-tolerant species in the remaining phytocenosis. This phenomenon is defined as environmental hysteresis. Soil pollution by industrial waste leads to the loss of plant biodiversity. The research shows that the study of the HM impact on ecosystems is expedient given the consideration of the “soil–phytocenosis–pollutant” complex in the “dose–response” aspect. The reaction of phytocenosis on HM showing decline in phytomass leads to serious limitations in the choice of accumulating plants, because the adsorbed HM are rejected through phytomass.