Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Perceptions and Correlates of Co-Worker Substance Use

ABSTRACT Perceptions and consequences of co-worker substance use were assessed to (1) examine perceptions of co-worker use as supplemental measures of substance use problems in organizations, and (2) examine relationships with employee perceptions and attitudes. Support for the hypothesis that exposure to co-worker substance use is negatively associated with job performance and attitudes is presented. Results suggest the utility of evaluating perceptions of co-worker substance use in assessments of drug use in the workplace. These results have implications for training and education programs which should emphasize that employee substance use is a problem that extends beyond the substance-using employee.
HOT SPOT DETECTION AND SPATIO-TEMPORAL DYNAMICS OF DENGUE IN QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA

Dengue has been a major public health concern in Australia since it re-emerged in Queensland in 1992-1993. This study explored spatio-temporal distribution and clustering of locally-acquired dengue cases in Queensland State, Australia and identified target areas for effective interventions. A computerised locally-acquired dengue case dataset was collected from Queensland Health for Queensland from 1993 to 2012. Descriptive spatial and temporal analyses were conducted using geographic information system tools and geostatistical techniques. Dengue hot spots were detected using SatScan method. Descriptive spatial analysis showed that a total of 2,398 locally-acquired dengue cases were recorded in central and northern regions of tropical Queensland. A seasonal pattern was observed with most of the cases occurring in autumn. Spatial and temporal variation of dengue cases was observed in the geographic areas affected by dengue over time. Tropical areas are potential high-risk areas for mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue. This study demonstrated that the locally-acquired dengue cases have exhibited a spatial and temporal variation over the past twenty years in tropical Queensland, Australia. There is a clear evidence for the existence of statistically significant clusters of dengue and these clusters varied over time. These findings enabled us to detect and target dengue clusters suggesting that the use of geospatial information can assist the health authority in planning dengue control activities and it would allow for better design and implementation of dengue management programs.
Prevalence of Neutralizing Antibodies to Adenoviral Serotypes 5 and 35 in the Adult Populations of The Gambia, South Africa, and the United States

ABSTRACT One of the major limitations of the use of adenoviruses as gene therapy vectors is the existence of preformed immunity in various populations. Recent studies have linked failure of adenoviral gene therapy trials to the presence of antiadenoviral neutralizing antibodies (NAb). Understanding the distribution and specificity of such antibodies will assist in the design of successful recombinant adenoviral gene therapies and vaccines. To assess the prevalence of NAb to adenovirus serotypes 5 and 35 (Ad5 and Ad35), we analyzed serum samples from adult immunocompetent individuals living in The Gambia, South Africa, and the United States by using a neutralization assay. Serum samples were incubated with A549 lung carcinoma cells and adenoviruses encoding enhanced green or yellow fluorescent proteins; results were analyzed by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. Using this technique, we found a high prevalence of NAb against Ad5 in Gambian, South African, and U.S. subjects at both low and high titers. Conversely, all subjects displayed a low prevalence of NAb to Ad35; when present, anti-Ad35 NAb were seen at low titers. Because of the ability of adenoviruses to elicit systemic and mucosal immune responses, Ad35 with its low NAb prevalence appears to be an attractive candidate vector for gene therapy applications.
Private Pension Planning: The Rhetoric of Responsibility, The Reality of Insecurity

Over the last twenty years, policy-makers have placed increasing emphasis on individual planning, particularly in relation to pensions. Planning for one's own future, and that of one's family, is increasingly upheld as a morally responsible activity. This article explores the assumptions made by policy-makers in this area. It begins with a discussion of how the rhetoric from policy-makers and policy-commentators makes considerable reference to individual planning and responsibility. The policies themselves, however, sometimes act as disincentives to make private provision and do relatively little to provide security for people's future retirement. The article then draws on empirical research including recent qualitative findings to emphasise the limited nature of private pension planning and the constraints people face in relation to this activity.
Design of a Device for Sky Light Polarization Measurements

Sky polarization patterns can be used both as indicators of atmospheric turbidity and as a sun compass for navigation. The objective of this study is to improve the precision of sky light polarization measurements by optimal design of the device used. The central part of the system is composed of a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) camera; a fish-eye lens and a linear polarizer. Algorithms for estimating parameters of the polarized light based on three images are derived and the optimal alignments of the polarizer are analyzed. The least-squares estimation is introduced for sky light polarization pattern measurement. The polarization patterns of sky light are obtained using the designed system and they follow almost the same patterns of the single-scattering Rayleigh model. Deviations of polarization angles between observation and the theory are analyzed. The largest deviations occur near the sun and anti-sun directions. Ninety percent of the deviations are less than 5° and 40% percent of them are less than 1°. The deviations decrease evidently as the degree of polarization increases. It also shows that the polarization pattern of the cloudy sky is almost identical as in the blue sky.
Image shape representation using curve fitting

We present an approach for representing digital image by using B-spline curve fittings to the segmented digital image. The image is first segmented to form isolated contours and regions. Each region's boundary (contour) is thereafter approximated by a B-spline curve. A cubic B-spline curve is used instead of a far higher degree Bezier curve to approximate the boundary because it has a local control property and is less wiggly. The obtained B-spline curves are collectively composed and used to represent the original image. One of the many practical applications lies in image retrieval, clustering and classification where general shapes, arrangement and composition of control points of those obtained B-spline curves are used to compare and find similarity between images in a collection.
A Case for Software Managed Coherence in Many-core Processors

Processor vendors are integrating more and more cores into their chip. These many-core processors usually implement hardware coherence mechanisms, but when the core count goes to hundreds or more, it becomes prohibitively difficult to design and verify efficient hardware coherence support. Despite this, many parallel applications, for example RMS applications [9], show little data sharing, which suggests that providing a complex hardware coherence implementation wastes hardware budget and design effort. Moreover, in some increasingly important domains, such as server and cloud computing, multiple applications may run on a single many-core chip. Those applications require coherence support among the cores that they are running on, but not between different applications. This indicates a strong requirement for dynamically reconfigurable coherence domains, which is extremely hard to support with hardware-only mechanisms. In addition, hardware coherence is believed to be too complex to support heterogeneous platforms such as combined CPU-GPU systems, regardless whether the GPU is integrated or discrete. In this paper, we argue that software managed coherence is a better choice than hardware coherence for many-core processors. We believe that software managed coherence can make better use of silicon, efficiently support emerging applications, dynamically reconfigure coherence domain, and most importantly, still be able to provide performance comparable to hardware coherence. We implemented a prototype system with software managed coherence over a partially-shared address space and show promising results.
Value of immunohistochemical markers in preinvasive bronchial lesions in risk assessment of lung cancer.

PURPOSE Bronchial carcinogenesis is a multistep process characterized by accumulation of genetic and molecular abnormalities, which precedes and accompanies the preinvasive lesions known as dysplasia and carcinoma in situ (CIS). We hypothesized that the level of accumulated molecular abnormalities in dysplasia assessed by immunohistochemical markers might reflect the severity of the carcinogenic process, thus allowing for risk assessment in smokers. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We performed a prospective analysis of bronchial biopsies in 48 former smokers who had at least one area of metaplasia. Twenty-two of the patients had a previous history of lung cancer. Eighty bronchial lesions were recorded at baseline, including 31 metaplasia, 12 mild dysplasia, 9 moderate dysplasia, 9 severe dysplasia, and 19 CISs. Forty-one percent of the patients had multiple preinvasive lesions. Immunohistochemical analysis of P53, cyclin D1, cyclin E, Bax, and Bcl2 was performed. Aberrant expression of one of these proteins as compared with normal bronchi was recorded as one molecular alteration. RESULTS After 18 months, 17 patients were diagnosed with lung cancer. No isolated parameter, including dysplastic grade or any isolated molecular alteration, was significantly associated with cancer occurrence at 18 months follow-up, using a logistic regression statistical analysis. In contrast, considering CIS and cancer as end point, more than two immunohistochemical abnormalities were associated with cancer or CIS occurrence (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS We concluded that the cumulative index of immunohistochemical abnormalities in a random dysplasia is associated with CIS or lung cancer in the cancerization field of symptomatic smokers, independently of the histopathological grade of dysplasia. This set of histopathological biomarkers might be useful in risk assessment and provide intermediate end points for chemopreventive trials.
The Bicentenary of Technology Assessment

My thesis in this paper is that because technology assessment has an irreducible moral component it challenges some rather common assumptions among scientists, moral philosophers, democratic theorists and philosophers of science. Quite apart from my sympathy both with technology assessment in general and with its moral component in particular, I think the challenge to established modes of thought is very wholesome. Philosophers of science would be failing in their ordinary jobs, let alone in their moral responsibilities, if, having noticed the social phenomenon of a resurgence of interest in technology assessment, they refrained from inspecting its repercussions upon the ontological, epistemological and axiological presuppositions of science, especially of political science and of economics.
Dexmedetomidine Infusion During Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery: The Effect on Recovery Outcome Variables

BACKGROUND:Dexmedetomidine (Dex), an &agr;2 agonist, has well-known anesthetic and analgesic-sparing effects. We designed this prospective, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled dose-ranging study to evaluate the effect of Dex on both early and late recovery after laparoscopic bariatric surgery. METHODS:Eighty consenting ASA II–III morbidly obese patients were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatment groups: (1) control group received a saline infusion during surgery, (2) Dex 0.2 group received an infusion of 0.2 &mgr;g · kg−1 · h−1 IV, (3) Dex 0.4 group received an infusion of 0.4 &mgr;g · kg−1 · h−1 IV, and (4) Dex 0.8 group received an infusion of 0.8 &mgr;g · kg−1 · h−1 IV. Mean arterial blood pressure values were maintained within ±25% of the preinduction baseline values by varying the inspired desflurane concentration. Perioperative hemodynamic variables, postoperative pain scores, and the need for “rescue” analgesics and antiemetics were recorded at specific intervals. Follow-up evaluations were performed on postoperative days (PODs) 1, 2, and 7 to assess severity of pain, analgesic requirements, patient satisfaction with pain management, quality of recovery, as well as resumption of dietary intake and recovery of bowel function. RESULTS:Dex infusion, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.8 &mgr;g · kg−1 · h−1, reduced the average end-tidal desflurane concentration by 19, 20, and 22%, respectively. However, it failed to facilitate a significantly faster emergence from anesthesia. Although the intraoperative hemodynamic values were similar in the four groups, arterial blood pressure values were significantly reduced in the Dex 0.2, 0.4, and 0.8 groups compared with the control group on admission to the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) (P < 0.05). The length of the PACU stay was significantly reduced in the Dex groups (81 ± 31 to 87 ± 24 vs 104 ± 33 min in the control group, P < 0.05). The amount of rescue fentanyl administered in the PACU was significantly less in the Dex 0.2, 0.4, and 0.8 groups versus control group (113 ± 85, 108 ± 67, and 120 ± 78 vs 187 ± 99 &mgr;g, respectively, P < 0.05). The percentage of patients requiring antiemetic therapy was also reduced in the Dex groups (30, 30, and 10% vs 70% in the control group). However, the patient-controlled analgesia morphine requirements on PODs 1 and 2 were not different among the four groups. Pain scores in the PACU, and on PODs 1, 2, and 7, in the three Dex groups were not different from the control group. Finally, quality of recovery scores and times to recovery of bowel function and hospital discharge did not differ among the four groups. CONCLUSIONS:Adjunctive use of an intraoperative Dex infusion (0.2–0.8 &mgr;g · kg−1 · h−1) decreased fentanyl use, antiemetic therapy, and the length of stay in the PACU. However, it failed to facilitate late recovery (e.g., bowel function) or improve the patients’ overall quality of recovery. When used during bariatric surgery, a Dex infusion rate of 0.2 &mgr;g · kg−1 · h−1 is recommended to minimize the risk of adverse cardiovascular side effects.
Exploring the Temporal Relationship Between Race and the Use of Ecstasy

ABSTRACT Previous research has suggested that the use of 3, 4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or “ecstasy”) is primarily concentrated among white users. These studies, however, have all been conducted at single points in time. No research has examined the temporal relationship between race and the use of ecstasy. In the current study, we use data collected from respondents surveyed through the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse between 1990 and 2001. Chi-square statistics are used to explore the temporal relationship between race and the use of ecstasy during this time frame. While lifetime prevalence estimates are low relative to other populations, a consistent, statistically significant relationship between race and ecstasy use is discerned throughout the 1990s. Policy implications are assessed in light of the findings.
Evaluating Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Schizophrenia: Four Single-Case Studies

Cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) has been used infrequently with persons with schizophre nia. This exploratory study delineates the use of CBT strategies, describes the process of treatment, and presents results from the single-subject A-B design (N = 4) that examined the efficacy of CBT of schizophrenia. Standardized measures of psychosocial functioning, severity of symptoms, attainment of treatment goals, and data regarding hospitalizations were used to assess change over the course of 18 months of treatment and follow-up. Analysis of data indicated that the clients experienced considerable reduction in symptomatology and rehospitalizations as well as improvement in psychosocial functioning and attainment of treatment goals. Treatment issues regarding the application of cognitive-behavioral methods with persons with schizophre nia and suggestions for future social work research and practice are discussed.
The great divide

Producing a daily national newspaper live at two centres - the operation conducted between London and Manchester over an 85-year period - assumes a modicum of cooperation, goodwill and mutual understanding. Or so one might have thought, writes author Waterhouse in his new book about national newspaper journalism in the north of England. In reality, the nightly struggle to meet deadlines was exacerbated by distrust, often dislike, permeating whole organisations from editors to messengers, via the composing room and the machine floor. At the heart of the misunderstandings lies a cultural divide. Londoners thought (and think) that Mancunians are thick; Mancunians thought (and think) that Londoners are wide-boys. Londoners assume that nothing outside the capital - and that includes northern editions of the nationals - matters. Mancunians assume that they are in fact superior because Londoners are indolent as well as arrogant. A Mancunian living in London is teased about his accent, which he either loses or hides away among other northern exiles; a Londoner living in Manchester always stands out, although he is usually accepted if he conforms to local rules.
Risk of Thyroid Cancer in the Bryansk Oblast of the Russian Federation after the Chernobyl Power Station Accident

Abstract Davis, S. , Stepanenko, V. , Rivkind, N. , Kopecky, K. J., Voillequé, P., Shakhtarin, V. , Parshkov, E. , Kulikov, S. , Lushnikov, E. , Abrosimov, A. , Troshin, V. , Romanova, G. , Doroschenko, V. , Proshin A. and Tsyb, A. Risk of Thyroid Cancer in the Bryansk Oblast of the Russian Federation after the Chernobyl Power Station Accident. Radiat. Res. 162, 241–248 (2004). This population-based case–control study investigated whether exposure to radiation from the Chernobyl Power Station accident is associated with an increased risk of thyroid cancer in children and adolescents aged 0–19 years at the time of the accident who were residing in the more highly contaminated areas of the Bryansk Oblast. Cases were diagnosed with thyroid cancer before October 1, 1997 (n = 26); two controls per case were identified from the Russian State Medical Dosimetrical Registry and were matched by gender, birth year, and raion of residence and type of settlement (urban, town, rural) on April 26, 1986 (n = 52). Individual radiation doses to the thyroid were estimated using a semi-empirical model and data were collected in interviews, primarily of the participants' mothers. Based on a loglinear dose–response model treating estimated dose as a continuous variable, the trend of increasing risk with increasing dose was statistically significant (one-sided P = 0.009). These data suggest that exposure to radiation from Chernobyl is associated with an increased risk of thyroid cancer, and that the relationship is dependent on dose. These findings are consistent with descriptive reports from contaminated areas of Ukraine and Belarus, and the quantitative estimate of thyroid cancer risk is generally consistent with estimates from other radiation-exposed populations.
XML Processing in the Cloud: Large-Scale Digital Preservation in Small Institutions

Digital preservation deals with the problem of retaining the meaning of digital information over time to ensure its accessibility. The process often involves a workflow which transforms the digital objects. The workflow defines document pipelines containing transformations and validation checkpoints, either to facilitate migration for persistent archival or to extract metadata. The transformations, nevertheless, are computationally expensive, and therefore digital preservation can be out of reach for an organization whose core operation is not in data conservation. The operations described the document workflow, however, do not frequently reoccur. This paper combines an implementation-independent workflow designer with cloud computing to support small institution in their ad-hoc peak computing needs that stem from their efforts in digital preservation.
Geomagnetic activity effects on plasma sheet energy conversion

In this article we use three years (2001, 2002, and 2004) of Cluster plasma sheet data to investigate what happens to localized energy conversion regions (ECRs) in the plasma sheet during times of high magnetospheric ac- tivity. By examining variations in the power density, E·J , where E is the electric field and J is the current density obtained by Cluster, we have studied the influence on Con- centrated Load Regions (CLRs) and Concentrated Generator Regions (CGRs) from variations in the geomagnetic distur- bance level as expressed by the Kp, the AE, and the Dst in- dices. We find that the ECR occurrence frequency increases during higher magnetospheric activities, and that the ECRs become stronger. This is true both for CLRs and for CGRs, and the localized energy conversion therefore concerns en- ergy conversion in both directions between the particles and the fields in the plasma sheet. A higher geomagnetic activ- ity hence increases the general level of energy conversion in the plasma sheet. Moreover, we have shown that CLRs live longer during magnetically disturbed times, hence convert- ing more electromagnetic energy. The CGR lifetime, on the other hand, seems to be unaffected by the geomagnetic ac- tivity level. The evidence for increased energy conversion during geomagnetically disturbed times is most clear for Kp and for AE, but there are also some indications that energy conversion increases during large negative Dst. This is con- sistent with the plasma sheet magnetically mapping to the auroral zone, and therefore being more tightly coupled to au- roral activities and variations in the AE and Kp indices, than to variations in the ring current region as described by the Dst index.
Affective experiences in the Home : measuring emotion

Examples of home applications related to leisure activities and playful consumptions are interactive television programmes, recreational shopping or home music services. Such applications produce emotional experiences enjoyed for their own sake. A number of studies have shown the limitations of traditional evaluation methods like usability for affective applications. As few studies related to emotion assessment could be found in human-computer interaction we turn to the field of consumer behaviour to find appropriate methods. We review and discuss these methods within the framewo rk of affective home applications. The field of consumer behaviour has also highlighted another important aspect related to emotion and affective applications: emotional characteristics of users. Individuals differ in their way of apprehending and reacting to emotions. As, it has some consequences for the evaluation of affective applications and user preferences, individual measures of emotion such as affect intensity are discussed. The purpose of this paper is to facilitate the development of affective applications, by describing theories and studies relevant to the evaluation of these applications. We address here, one specific issue the assessment of emotions. In this way it is hoped that methods related to the evaluation of emotions will prove useful to researchers and practitioners interested in the development of affective applications.