Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Acupuncture for vascular dementia.

BACKGROUND Dementia is a widespread condition characterized by acquired global impairment of intellect, memory and personality, but with no impairment of consciousness. There is no definitive medical or surgical treatment for vascular dementia. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese method which has been used for both the prevention and treatment of diseases for over three thousand years. Preliminary searches revealed more than 105 studies of acupuncture for treating vascular dementia. Benefit was reported in up to 70-91% of the treatment group. Body acupuncture and electroacupuncture were the most commonly used techniques. A comparison of electroacupuncture and acupuncture therapy alone suggested that the former was more effective in promoting the recovery of cognitive function. OBJECTIVES The objective is to assess the efficacy and possible adverse effects of acupuncture therapy for treating vascular dementia. SEARCH STRATEGY The trials were identified from a search of the Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement group's Specialized Register on 2 February 2007 which contains records from all major health care databases and many ongoing trials databases. In addition the Allied and Complementary Medicine Database was searched and the web was searched using the search engine Copernic. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomized controlled trials testing acupuncture therapy in the treatment of vascular dementia were included regardless of language and publication types. The intervention and control group had to receive identical treatment apart from the acupuncture intervention. In view of possible confounding, studies in which acupuncture was combined with other treatments were subjected to subgroup analyses. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Titles and abstracts identified from the searches were checked by two reviewers. If it was clear that the study did not refer to a randomized controlled trial in vascular dementia, it was excluded. If it was not clear from the abstract and title, then the full text of study was obtained for an independent assessment by two reviewers. The outcomes measured in clinical trials of dementia and cognitive impairment often arise from ordinal rating scales. Summary statistics were required for each rating scale at each assessment time for each treatment group in each trial for change from baseline. MAIN RESULTS In the absence of any suitable randomised placebo-controlled trials in this area, we were unable to perform a meta-analysis. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The effectiveness of acupuncture for vascular dementia is uncertain. More evidence is required to show that vascular dementia can be treated effectively by acupuncture. There are no RCTs and high quality trials are few. Randomised double-blind placebo controlled trials are urgently needed.
Effect of Supply Reliability in a Retail Setting with Joint Marketing and Inventory Decisions

This paper studies the impact of supply reliability on a retail firm's performance under joint marketing and inventory decisions. The firm sells a product in a single selling season and can exert marketing effort to influence consumer demand. We develop a modeling framework to quantify the value of improving supply reliability and investigate how this value depends on different model parameters. Our results provide useful insights into how firms should make investment decisions on adopting new technologies to improve supply reliability. First, we establish a necessary and sufficient condition under which the maximum unit cost a firm is willing to pay to improve supply reliability increases in product price. We further show that this condition would hold in most practical situations. Thus, with some caveats, our result supports the intuition that a firm is willing to pay more to improve supply reliability for products with a higher price. Next, we show that for two products with the same price, a firm is willing to pay more to improve supply reliability for the product with a higher product cost. This implies that it is not necessarily true that emerging technologies for improving supply reliability should be first adopted for products with the highest unit contribution margin. Finally, we show that a product with a lower marketing cost function always benefits more from improved supply reliability than a product with a higher marketing cost function. This finding suggests that the priority of adopting new technologies should be given to situations where the firm can effectively induce greater demand through promotional effort.
A comparison of two molecular methods for diagnosing leptospirosis from three different sample types in patients presenting with fever in Clinical Microbiology and Infection

showed that buffy coat samples were more frequently inhibitory to qPCR than either serum or urine (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Serum and urine are better samples for qPCR than buffy coat, and 16SrRNA/ LipL32 qPCR performs better than rrs qPCR on urine. Quantitative PCR on admission is a reliable rapid diagnostic tool, performing better than MAT or culture, with signi ﬁ cant implications for clinical and epidemiological investigations of this global neglected disease. K. Woods, Clin Infect Society Clinical Diseases. (http://creativecommons.org/
Prevalence of abnormal glucose homeostasis in Chinese patients with non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy

Purpose: To determine the prevalence and underlying pathology of abnormal glucose homeostasis in Chinese patients with non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT). Patients and methods: In this study, we enrolled 211 patients aged 4 – 63 years with NTDT, including 79 β thalassemia intermedia patients, 114 Hb H disease patients and 18 Hb E/ β thalassemia patients. All had oral glucose tolerance test, serum ferritin (SF), homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) and liver iron concentration (LIC) measurement. One hundred and twenty healthy age-matched controls were also used for the comparative purpose. Iron load was assessed by using SF and hepatic load by LIC using validated MRI techniques. Results: The 211 patients were divided into three groups according to their fasting and 2 hrs postprandial blood glucose levels: hypoglycemic, normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and hyperglycemic groups. In this study, 149 patients had NGT, 33 had hypoglycemia, 4 had diabetes and 25 had impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). None had impaired fasting glucose. There was a signi ﬁ cant correlation between 2 hrs postprandial blood glucose levels and age, PINS120, HOMA-IR, alanine aminotransferase and LIC ( P <0.05). Risk factors for IGT in NTDT patients were older age ( ≥ 24 years) and SF concentration of ≥ 2,500 ng/mL. Conclusion: Age ≥ 24 years and SF ≥ 2,500 ng/mL of NTDT patients were at a greater risk for impaired glucose tolerance.
Extended UTAUT to examine the acceptance of web based training system by public sector ’ s employees

With the development of information technology, organizations have applied e-learning system to train their employees in order to enhance the its performance. In this respect, applying web based training will enable the organization to train their employees quickly, efficiently and effectively anywhere at any time. This research aims to extend Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use Technology (UTAUT) using some factors such flexibility of web based training system, system interactivity and system enjoyment, in order to explain the employees’ intention to use web based training system. A total of 290 employees have participated in this study. The findings of the study revealed that performance expectancy, facilitating conditions, social influence and system flexibility have direct effect on the employees’ intention to use web based training system, while effort expectancy, system enjoyment and system interactivity have indirect effect on employees’ intention to
Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders & Disorders

Abstract Purpose:Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative study was to document the experience of using a computer-based simulated (Simucase, 2019) learning opportunity in a Master of Science in speech-language pathology program. Method:Method: Focus groups were held utilizing a semi-structured interview format. Themes were identified using a qualitative methodological approach. Participants were first year graduate students (N=10) that were interviewed after completing an eight-week simulated learning opportunity. Results:Results: Seven themes emerged from the data. The themes were as follows: setup of the computer-based simulation, the incorporation of computer-based simulation in courses, supplemental information that assisted in development of clinical knowledge, increased knowledge of assessments and testing procedures, authenticity, confusion regarding feedback and how to benefit more from computer-based simulation. Conclusions:Conclusions: Results were consistent with previous literature in simulated learning. Students reported positive and negative feelings regarding the computer-based simulated experience. The simulated learning experience resulted in overall positive perceptions for using stimulation to improve familiarity with assessments and understanding testing procedures.
Use of the forced-oscillation technique to estimate spirometry values

Purpose: Spirometry is sometimes difficult to perform in elderly patients and in those with severe respiratory distress. The forced-oscillation technique (FOT) is a simple and noninvasive method of measuring respiratory impedance. The aim of this study was to determine if FOT data reflect spirometric indices. Patients and methods: Patients underwent both FOT and spirometry procedures prior to inclusion in development (n = 1,089) and validation (n = 552) studies. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to identify FOT parameters predictive of vital capacity (VC), forced VC (FVC), and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV 1 ). A regression equation was used to calculate estimated VC, FVC, and FEV 1 . We then determined whether the estimated data reflected spirometric indices. Agreement between actual and estimated spirometry data was assessed by Bland–Altman analysis. Results: Significant correlations were observed between actual and estimated VC, FVC, and FEV 1 values (all r . 0.8 and P , 0.001). These results were deemed robust by a separate validation study (all r . 0.8 and P , 0.001). Bias between the actual data and estimated data for VC, FVC, and FEV 1 in the development study was 0.007 L (95% limits of agreement [LOA] 0.907 and - 0.893 L), - 0.064 L (95% LOA 0.843 and - 0.971 L), and - 0.039 L (95% LOA 0.735 and - 0.814 L), respectively. On the other hand, bias between the actual data and estimated data for VC, FVC, and FEV 1 in the validation study was - 0.201 L (95% LOA 0.62 and - 1.022 L), - 0.262 L (95% LOA 0.582 and - 1.106 L), and - 0.174 L (95% LOA 0.576 and - 0.923 L), respectively, suggesting that the estimated data in the validation study did not have high accuracy. Conclusion: Further studies are needed to generate more accurate regression equations for spirometric indices based on FOT measurements.
On Generalized Zagreb Indices of Random Graphs

Random graphs play an important role in the study of graph theory. The two most common models are G(n, p) and G(n,m) random graphs. In this paper, we first introduce a graphic polynomial analogous to the degree sequence polynomial and use it to compute the expected values of generalized first Zagreb indices for G(n, p) random graphs. Then we turn to G(n,m) random graphs and employ a different method to compute the expected values of the first Zagreb index and of the forgotten index. Using the same approach we also compute the expected MATCH Communications in Mathematical and in Computer Chemistry MATCH Commun. Math. Comput. Chem. 84 (2020) 499-511 ISSN 0340 6253 values of the second Zagreb index for both considered classes of random graphs. We validate our results by comparing them with results of numerical simulations conducted over wide range of parameters.
Unintended Pregnancy and Associated Factors Among Women Attending Antenatal Care in Public Hospitals During COVID-19 Pandemic, Southwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background COVID-19 pandemic directly or indirectly increases the burden of unintended pregnancy by limiting women’s access to family planning and other reproductive health services. COVID-19 results in extra 15 million unintended pregnancies over a year. Almost all previous studies conducted about unintended pregnancy were before COVID-19 pandemic in Ethiopia. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of unintended pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic among women attending antenatal care in public hospitals of southwest Ethiopia. Methods This study was cross-sectional and conducted among women attending antenatal care at public hospitals of southwest Ethiopia from June 14 to July 14, 2021. Data were collected using a face-to-face interview. Factors associated with unintended pregnancy were analyzed using binary and multiple logistic regressions with an adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval. Finally, the p-value was used as a graded measure of evidence to quantify the degree of significance. Results A total of 405 women participated in this study. The overall prevalence of unintended pregnancy was 19.5% (95% CI: 1.44–6.92) among women attending antenatal care during COVID-19 pandemic. Of which, 50.6% were mistimed and 49.4% unwanted. Urban residence (AOR: 3.1 95% CI: 1.44–6.92) and not being primary decision-maker (AOR: 2.85 95CI: 1.18–6.88) had high significance with unintended pregnancy. Not having ANC in a previous pregnancy (AOR: 3.40; 95% CI: 1.02–11.94) and not being exposed to community education about maternal health care (AOR: 2.36; 95% CI: 1.06–5.27) had medium significance with unintended pregnancy. Conclusion One-fifth of women attending antenatal care had unintended pregnancies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Efforts to scale up women’s decision-making power on family planning services and access to community education are needed to prevent unintended pregnancy.
Working Paper No . 483 On the Spatial Economic Impact of Global Warming

We propose a dynamic spatial theory to analyze the geographic impact of climate change. Agricultural and manufacturing firms locate on a hemisphere. Trade across locations is costly, firms innovate, and technology diffuses over space. Energy used in production leads to emissions that contribute to the global stock of carbon in the atmosphere, which affects temperature. The rise in temperature differs across latitudes and its effect on productivity also varies across sectors. We calibrate the model to analyze how climate change affects the spatial distribution of economic activity, trade, migration, growth, and welfare. We assess quantitatively the impact of migration and trade restrictions, energy taxes, and innovation subsidies.
Prevalence of undiagnosed airflow obstruction among people with a history of smoking in a primary care setting

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to define the prevalence of undiagnosed airflow obstruction (AO) among subjects with a history of smoking but no previous diagnosis of chronic lung disease. The finding of AO likely represents diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Patients: People aged $ 30 years with a history of smoking who attended public outpatient clinics for primary care services were included in this study. Methods: A cross-sectional survey in five clinics in Hong Kong using the Breathlessness, Cough, and Sputum Scale, the Lung Function Questionnaire, and office spirometry was conducted. Results: In total, 731 subjects (response rate = 97.9%) completed the questionnaires and spirometry tests. Most of the subjects were men (92.5%) in the older age group (mean age = 62.2 years; standard deviation = 11.7). Of the 731 subjects, 107 had AO, giving a prevalence of 14.6% (95% confidence interval = 12.1–17.2); 45 subjects with AO underwent a postbronchodilator test. By classifying the severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease using the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, 27 (60%) were considered to be in mild category and 18 (40%) in moderate category. None of them belonged to the severe or very severe category. The total score of Lung Function Questionnaire showed that majority of the subjects with AO also had chronic cough, wheezing attack, or breathlessness, although most did not show any acute respiratory symptoms in accordance with the Breathlessness, Cough, and Sputum Scale. Diagnosis of AO was positively associated with the number of years of smoking (odds ratio = 1.044, P = 0.035) and being normal or underweight (odds ratio = 1.605, P = 0.046). It was negatively associated with a history of hypertension (odds ratio = 0.491, P = 0.003). Conclusion: One-seventh of smokers have undiagnosed AO. Spirometry screening of smokers should be considered in order to diagnose AO at an early stage, with an emphasis on smoking cessation. significantly associated with airflow obstruction. BCSS, Breathlessness, Cough, and Sputum Scale; BMI, body mass index; CI, confidence interval; FEV 1 , forced expiratory volume in the first second; FVC, forced vital capacity; LFQ, Lung Function Questionnaire; OR, odds
Temperature is a cryptic factor to shape the geographical pattern of genetic variation in Ceratophyllum demersum across a subtropical freshwater lake

Macrophyte habitats exhibit remarkable heterogeneity encompasses the spatial variation of abiotic and biotic components such as water condition changes, climates and anthropogenic stressors. Environmental factors have been proposed as important drivers in shaping genetic and epigenetic variation of aquatic plants, yet the linking between genetic diversity, epigenetic variation and environmental variables remain largely unclear, especially in clonal aquatic plants. Here, we applied population genetic and epigenetic analysis, in conjunction with the habitats discriminations to detail the environmental factors of which drive intraspecies genetic and epigenetic variations of Ceratophyllum demersum from a subtropical lake. Our results demonstrated that environmental factors were highly correlated to the genetic and epigenetic variation of C. demersum , temperature was a key driver in generating the genetic variation of this aquatic herb. Genetic and epigenetic variation were positively driven by water temperature, climate temperature was deﬁned to exert negative eﬀects on genetic and epigenetic variation. These ﬁndings indicate that the genetic and epigenetic variations of this clonal aquatic herb could not be related to the geographic feature, but driven by environmental hierarchal, which confers new beneﬁts of temperature to local genetic and epigenetic variation in aquatic systems.
Classroom-based Diagnostic Assessment Practices of EFL Instructors

Diagnostic assessment (DA) in language classrooms is reported to have a substantial role in providing immediate and quality feedback for remedial work that would improve learning (Alderson, Brunfaut & Harding; 2014; Hattie & Timperley, 2007; Huhta, 2008; Jang & Wagner, 2013). However, applying DA in class remains a challenge for many practitioners for at least two reasons: First, there is no clear conceptualization of DA in the field of second language acquisition (Alderson, 2005; Alderson et al., 2015; Knoch & Macqueen, 2017). Despite advancements in teacher education (TE) programs, they mostly provide only a handful of courses to equip teacher candidates with necessary classroom assessment knowledge (Popham, 2011). To address the issue, this study attempted to explore DA practices and procedures of experienced university EFL instructors with the hope of developing a sound and empirically supported framework for classroom-based DA in the EFL context. The data came from 17 instructors with an MA in TEFL and related fields with more than 5 years of teaching experience. They received scenarios presenting certain problems, asked to explain what procedures and processes they would employ to diagnose the problem, and what they would do as remedial instruction. Based on the findings, we propose a data-driven framework for classroom-based DA. The paper also provides a discussion of the need to incorporate theoretical and practical dimensions of DA in pre-service and in-service TE programs.
Features of propagation of droplets of water and special water-based compositions in a sample of forest fuel material

The article presents the results of experimental studies of water droplets propagation through the sample of typical forest fuel materials: needles, leaves, and their mixture. Different conditions are considered: without any additional energy supply, with heating, in the course of intensive thermal decomposition and flaming combustion. Three methods of registration are applied: thermocouple measurements, control of the weight of the sample as a whole and of its individual layers, and high-speed video recording. Water-based compositions with special additives (bentonite, bischofite, and foaming agents) typical for forest fire extinguishing systems are used. The experiments are carried out using aerosol and single water drops, as well as a small group of the latter. It is shown that the mechanisms, conditions and characteristics of droplet propagation through the layers of needles, leaves and their mixtures differ significantly. The scientific novelty of the work is the determining of the values of all the key characteristics of these processes in the conditions of intensive pyrolysis of the material, as well as through its inert layers.
Socioeconomic differences in childhood growth trajectories: at what age do height inequalities emerge?

Background Socioeconomic differentials in adult height are frequently observed, but the age at which these inequalities emerge and the patterns they follow through childhood are unknown. Subjects and Methods Using data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), height trajectories from birth to 10 years (N ¼ 12366) were modelled. Individual trajectories were estimated using mixed-effects models. Differences in trajectories by socioeconomic position (SEP) were investigated. Results There was a clear gradient in birth length across categories of maternal education; average birth length in boys was 0.41 cm lower in the lowest maternal education category compared with the highest, which is 0.9% of the average birth length for the highest SEP category (equivalent results for girls 0.65 cm, 1.3%). birth for with some small widening of inequality in later childhood, suggesting that they are driven by genetic, epigenetic or maternal intrauterine characteristics.
Single pixel target detection using multispectral background changes

Possible methods to help a remote sensing analyst to find a static or moving single pixel target over vast areas of terrain were examined in this work. Specifically, the research deals with the particular problem of how to find these targets using multiple images of the same area that were collected with the same multispectral (6 bands) imaging sensor but with a background that changes between images. For this, hyperspectral quadratic covariance-based anomalous change detection algorithms were investigated to see if they could be used with multispectral data to find a moving target. In addition, a new method based on change vector analysis was developed to find a static target. In the case of the moving target problem, the performance of the Chronochrome, Covariance Equalization, and the Hyperbolic anomalous change detection algorithms were compared relative to each other and to a