Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
International Social Survey Programme (ISSP)

The ISSP is a continuing annual programme of cross-national collaboration on surveys covering topics important for social science research. It brings together pre-existing social science projects and coordinates research goals, thereby adding a cross-national, cross-cultural perspective to the individual national studies. The ISSP researchers especially concentrate on developing questions that are meaningful and relevant to all countries, and can be expressed in an equivalent manner in all relevant languages. Each year over 44 countries participate in the International Social Survey Programme (ISSP) in which the same module of questions is asked cross-nationally. Northern Ireland has taken part in this exercise since 1989 via the Northern Ireland Social Attitudes Survey (NISA) until 1996, and then more infrequently via the Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey (NILT). Tables of results for ISSP modules are available on the NILT website. In addition, the Surveys Online (SOL) resource within ARK includes results for the NISA surveys, as well as for Britain and the Republic of Ireland.
INTRAVITREAL PEGAPTANIB SODIUM (MACUGEN) FOR TREATMENT OF MYOPIC CHOROIDAL NEOVASCULARIZATION: A Morphologic and Functional Study

Background: To report the morphologic and functional outcomes resulting from the use of intravitreal pegaptanib (IVP) sodium (Macugen) in patients with myopic choroidal neovascularization. Methods: An open-label, nonrandomized, prospective clinical trial was performed. Morphologic outcome, such as foveal thickness, was assessed by optical coherence tomography, whereas functional outcomes were assessed by best-corrected visual acuity and microperimetry. Treatment protocol consisted of 3 consecutive IVP (0.3 mg/0.05 mL; baseline, 6th week, and 12th week). Follow-up checks were scheduled at the following intervals: baseline, 18, 24, 36, and 48 weeks. Results: Twenty eyes from 20 patients were studied. All patients completed follow-up at 48 weeks. After IVP, a significant decrease in foveal thickness occurred (−20%), and at the end of follow-up, choroidal neovascularization closure was obtained in all eyes. An improvement of functional parameters was recorded in all patients (best-corrected visual acuity from 25.5 ± 8.09 letters to 45.5 ± 8.16 letters, P < 0.0001; microperimetry from 8.40 ± 2.14 dB to 10.8 ± 2.05 dB, P < 0.01). The mean number of IVP was 3, and none of patients met the re-treatment criterion during the entire follow-up period. Neither ocular nor systemic side effects were observed. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that the selective inhibition of VEGF-165 isoform by IVP is an effective treatment for myopic choroidal neovascularization.
Emerging Adjuvant Therapy for Cancer: Propolis and its Constituents

ABSTRACT Propolis is a bee-metabolized resinous substance (bee glue) from plant sap and gums. It has been in usage as a healing agent since antiquity, yet has not garnered global popularity as a health promoter. Its biological effects, which range from antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, dermatoprotective, anti-allergic, laxative and immunomodulatory to anticancer, have been validated. Propolis has shown efficacy against brain, head and neck, skin, breast, liver, pancreas, kidney, bladder, prostate, colon and blood cancers. The inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases, anti-angiogenesis, prevention of metastasis, cell-cycle arrest, induction of apoptosis and moderation of the chemotherapy-induced deleterious side effects have been deduced as the key mechanisms of cancer manipulation. The components conferring antitumor potentials have been identified as caffeic acid phenethyl ester, chrysin, artepillin C, nemorosone, galangin, cardanol, etc. These compounds target various genetic and biochemical pathways of cancer progression. Depending on the botanical sources and the geographical origin, biological activities of propolis vary. Despite phenomenal development in cancer research, conventional therapy falls short in complete malignancy management. The findings obtained so far build hope that propolis as a complementary medicine may address the lacunae. This review documents the recent advances and scope of amendement in cancer remediation with adequate emphasis on the mechanistic aspect of propolis.
Optimizing treatment outcomes with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction: Opening windows to enhanced sexual function and overall health

Purpose: Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors have proved to be efficacious, safe, and well tolerated, in clinical trials and practice, for men with erectile dysfunction (ED). However, many patients are not satisfied with treatment and discontinue it prematurely. This review discusses evidence‐based strategies that nurse practitioners (NPs) can use to improve diagnosis of ED, optimize patient outcomes, and identify opportunities to detect other potentially serious comorbid conditions. Data sources: This article was based on a previously published review, which involved a PubMed‐MEDLINE search of the clinical literature from January 1, 1998 (year of sildenafil's approval in many markets), through August 30, 2008 (date of search). Conclusions: Strategies to optimize responses to PDE5 therapy are summarized by the mnemonic “EPOCH”: Evaluating and educating to ensure realistic expectations of therapy; Prescribing a treatment individualized to the couple's needs and preferences; Optimizing drug dose/regimen and revisiting key educational messages at follow‐up visits; Controlling comorbidities via lifestyle counseling, medications, and/or referrals; and Helping patients and their partners to seek other forms of therapy if they have decided not to use a PDE5 inhibitor. Implications for practice: The “EPOCH” mnemonic may remind NPs of steps to optimize treatment outcomes with PDE5 inhibitors.
A Human–Humanoid Interaction Through the Use of BCI for Locked-In ALS Patients Using Neuro-Biological Feedback Fusion

This paper illustrates a new architecture for a human–humanoid interaction based on EEG-brain computer interface (EEG-BCI) for patients affected by locked-in syndrome caused by Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The proposed architecture is able to recognise users’ mental state accordingly to the biofeedback factor <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\text {B}_{\text f}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, based on users’ attention, intention, and focus, that is used to elicit a robot to perform customised behaviours. Experiments have been conducted with a population of eight subjects: four ALS patients in a near locked-in status with normal ocular movement and four healthy control subjects enrolled for age, education, and computer expertise. The results showed as three ALS patients have completed the task with 96.67% success; the healthy controls with 100% success; the fourth ALS has been excluded from the results for his low general attention during the task; the analysis of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${B}_{f}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> factor highlights as ALS subjects have shown stronger <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${B}_{f}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> (81.20%) than healthy controls (76.77%). Finally, a post-hoc analysis is provided to show how robotic feedback helps in maintaining focus on expected task. These preliminary data suggest that ALS patients could successfully control a humanoid robot through a BCI architecture, potentially enabling them to conduct some everyday tasks and extend their presence in the environment.
An empirical characterization of the effects of public debt on economic growth

ABSTRACT Based on a data set of 115 economies, this article empirically investigates the relation between public debt and economic growth. Using the World Bank’s classification for income groups, we initially find that those countries that present the lowest public debt are characterized by the highest economic growth, while the smallest growth rates are associated with the highest public debt. Nevertheless, this conclusion is tempered when we analyse the countries by income level: low-income countries have a different behaviour with respect to lower-middle, upper-middle and high-income countries. When using the IMF’s country classification, the results do not suggest a clear pattern in the public debt–economic growth nexus across different countries, but indicate a heterogeneous relationship between such key macroeconomic variables.
Local attitudes towards tourism and conservation in rural Botswana and Rwanda

The establishment of protected areas is an accepted means of achieving biodiversity conservation and associated tourism development; yet, there is limited evidence of the relationship between the two and how this influences local communities’ attitudes to conservation and tourism. Joint venture models are one way to achieve these two outcomes. The African Wildlife Foundation conservation enterprise model aims to improve the quality of life of local communities and encourage positive local attitudes to conservation; yet, this has not been tested. This research adopted one-on-one structured questionnaire interviews to examine community and tourism lodge staff’s attitudes towards conservation of, and tourism in, protected areas in two case-study sites in rural Botswana and Rwanda. Findings indicate that at both case-study sites lodge staff and the local community were generally supportive of conservation, and had positive attitudes towards conservation and tourism.
Prediction of institutionalization in the elderly. A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE in the past decades, many studies have examined predictors of nursing home placement (NHP) in the elderly. This study provides a systematic review of predictors of NHP in the general population of developed countries. DESIGN relevant articles were identified by searching the databases MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and PSYNDEXplus. Studies based on population-based samples with prospective study design and identification of predictors by multivariate analyses were included. Quality of studies and evidence of predictors were determined. RESULTS thirty-six studies were identified; one-third of the studies were of high quality. Predictors with strong evidence were increased age, low self-rated health status, functional and cognitive impairment, dementia, prior NHP and a high number of prescriptions. Predictors with inconsistent results were male gender, low education status, low income, stroke, hypertension, incontinence, depression and prior hospital use. CONCLUSIONS findings suggested that predictors of NHP are mainly based on underlying cognitive and/or functional impairment, and associated lack of support and assistance in daily living. However, the methodical quality of studies needs improvement. More theoretical embedding of risk models of NHP would help to establish more clarity in complex relationships in using nursing homes.
The Historical Perspective of Business Cycles in Nigeria

The short-run exploration of macroeconomic fluctuations provides the policy maker with a foundation for regulating the economy, while the long-run analysisgrowth determinants- is concerned with longer term planning purposes. This work presents a historical perspective of the occurrence of business cycles in Nigeria over the last 5 decades with emphasis on changes in endogenous factors like macroeconomic fluctuations as well as exogenous changes like oil boom. The work has succeeded in highlighting, with evidence, the occurrence of business cycles in Nigeria. Therefore the consequences of fluctuations in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), hence business cycles in Nigeria, has brought about unemployment, inflation, and increase in size and composition of government expenditure.
Modulation of Hippocampal Plasticity and Cognitive Behavior by Short-term Blueberry Supplementation in Aged Rats

Abstract During aging, reductions in hippocampal neurogenesis are associated with memory decline indicating a causal relationship. Indeed, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), a major activator of the extracellular receptor kinase pathway that is central in learning and memory processes, is also a key modulator of hippocampal neurogenesis. Previously, we showed that age-related declines in spatial memory tasks can be improved by antioxidant-rich diets containing blueberries. In this study, to begin to understand the mechanisms responsible for the beneficial effects of blueberries, we assessed changes in hippocampal plasticity parameters such as hippocampal neurogenesis, extracellular receptor kinase activation, and IGF-1 and IGF-1R levels in blueberry-supplemented aged animals. Our results show that all these parameters of hippocampal neuronal plasticity are increased in supplemented animals and aspects such as proliferation, extracellular receptor kinase activation and IGF-1 and IGF-1R levels correlate with improvements in spatial memory. Therefore, cognitive improvements afforded by polyphenolic-rich fruits such as blueberries appear, in part, to be mediated by their effects on hippocampal plasticity.
A Hybrid Design of Printed Antenna Fed by Coplanar Waveguide With and Without Back Conductor

A hybrid design of coplanar waveguide (CPW)-fed printed antenna with and without back conductor (BC) is presented. An E-shaped strip protruded from the signal strip of the feedline is used to connect the two side (ground) planes of the antenna, and a pair of thin slits cut in the side planes adjacent to the two side arms of the E-shaped strip is employed to tune the input impedance of the antenna with BC. When BC is placed, the antenna is a conductor-backed CPW (CBCPW)-fed side-plane patch antenna, while when BC is removed, the antenna becomes a CPW-fed slot dipole antenna. The antenna is designed to have the side-plane patch and the slot dipole operate at the same frequency, so that it can adapt itself to the presence or absence of a BC. Resonant behaviors and radiation characteristics of the proposed hybrid antenna with and without a BC are presented. Design details and simulation and measurement results are also presented and discussed.
Performance, treatment pathways, and effects of alternative policy options for screening for developmental dysplasia of the hip in the United Kingdom

Aims: To compare, using a decision model, performance, treatment pathways and effects of different newborn screening strategies for developmental hip dysplasia with no screening. Methods: Detection rate, radiological absence of subluxation at skeletal maturity and avascular necrosis of the femoral head, as favourable and unfavourable treatment outcomes respectively, were compared for the following strategies: clinical screening alone using the Ortolani and Barlow tests; the addition of static and dynamic ultrasound examination of the hips of all infants (universal ultrasound) or restricted to infants with defined risk factors (selective ultrasound); “no screening” (that is, clinical diagnosis only). Results: Universal or selective ultrasound detects more more affected children (76% and 60% respectively) than clinical screening alone (35%), results in a higher proportion of affected children with favourable treatment outcomes (92% and 88% respectively) than clinical screening alone (78%) or no screening (75%), and the highest proportion of these achieved without recourse to surgery (64% and 79% respectively) compared with clinical screening alone (18%). However, ultrasound based strategies are also associated with the highest number of unfavourable treatment outcomes arising in unaffected children treated following a false positive screening result. The detection rate of clinical screening alone becomes similar to that reported for universal ultrasound when based on studies using experienced examiners (80%) rather than junior medical staff (35%). Conclusion: From the largely observational data available, ultrasound based screening strategies appear to be most sensitive and effective but are associated with the greatest risk of potential adverse iatrogenic effects arising in unaffected children.
Harmonic filtering of high-power 12-pulse rectifier loads with a selective hybrid filter system

Current distortion of 12-pulse rectifier loads is significantly lower compared to six-pulse rectifier loads. However, in passive filtering of the lowest and dominant characteristic 11th and 13th harmonics, the use of 5th and 7th filters is often required in order to prevent possible parallel and series resonance between the passive filter and source impedance which can be excited by source background distortion or by load current residual noncharacteristic harmonics at the 5th and 7th harmonic frequencies. In hybrid filter systems, an active filter (AF) can be added in series with the passive filter in order to isolate the source and load. In most proposed hybrid filter systems, AF control is based on the detection of total current distortion and high-frequency inverters. With a selective AF control system and voltage-controlled inverter, the AF can be controlled to isolate the load at the critical frequencies only while at all other frequencies the passive filter function is preserved so that lower switching frequency and AF rating is required. In this paper, the authors present a selective AF filter control system and simple hybrid filter topology suitable for the compensation of high-power 12-pulse rectifier loads. Harmonic current controllers based on the second-order infinite-impulse response digital resonant filters are used, as they can be considered as simple digital algorithms for more complex double cascaded synchronous-reference-frame-based proportional plus integral controllers. They are centered to the targeted harmonic frequencies by using an adaptive fundamental frequency tracking filter. This approach gives good results, even if the reference waveform (in our case, a load voltage) is highly distorted or unbalanced and no separate phaselocked loop is required. Test results for a laboratory model of this system and stability analysis are presented and the importance of delay-time compensation is discussed.
Cloud computing framework for smart grid applications

The future power grid expected to accommodate and integrates all new kinds of distributed renewable energy generations, intelligent energy management systems to accommodate the ever growing energy demand. This fact leads the trend of power grid to shift to the Smart Grid that uses advanced communication, smart meters, sensors and information technologies to create an automated, intelligent and widely distributed energy delivery network. A huge amount of row data is collected by smart meters and sensors from the end user and different part of the network to the computation system. Subsequently, this considerably big amount of data must be processed, analyzed and stored in a cost effective ways. In this manner, an enormous pool of computing resources and storage must be provided to compute this vast amount of data. Researchers have been suggesting different solutions. A distributed and parallel computing techniques for future power system, Grid computing [1], fast parallel processing of the mass data in cloud computing [2], and smart grid control software in cloud computing architecture [3]. This paper discussed the feasibility study of the handling of monitoring of renewable energy in smart grid on cloud computing framework retaining smart grid security, analysis of the availability of Energy management software tools in smart grid using cloud computing, design of a demonstrator and realization of demonstration for further education purpose to utilize the advantage of cloud computing distributed and scalable nature.
Testing The Fisher Hypothesis In The Presence of Structural Breaks and Adaptive Inflationary Expectations: Evidence From Nigeria

This paper tested for the validity of the Fisher hypothesis in Nigeria during the period 1970 – 2014. The Gregory and Hansen Co-integration test confirmed the existence of a long-run relationship between nominal interest rates and inflation, albeit with a structural break in October 2005. In addition, the obtained Fisher coefficient in the cointegrating relation was 0.08, implying a weak form of Fisher effect in the long-run. On the basis of these findings, we upheld a weak Fisher effect in the long-run and nonexistence of Fisher effect in the short-run. This implied that short term nominal interest rate is a good characterization of monetary policy stance. Also, the obtained partial Fisher effect indicated that changes in monetary policy are capable of altering the long term real interest rate and influencing economic growth through the interest rate channel. We therefore recommend a more forward looking monetary policy as a way of anchoring inflationary expectations and ensuring low and stable prices in Nigeria.
Critical Role for TNF in the Induction of Human Antigen-Specific Regulatory T Cells by Tolerogenic Dendritic Cells

TNF is a pleiotropic cytokine with differential effects on immune cells and diseases. Anti-TNF therapy was shown to be effective in rheumatoid arthritis but proved inefficient or even detrimental in other autoimmune diseases. We studied the role of TNF in the induction of Ag-specific regulatory T cells (Tregs) by tolerogenic vitamin D3-modulated human dendritic cells (VD3-DCs), which previously were shown to release high amounts of soluble TNF (sTNF) upon maturation with LPS. First, production of TNF by modulated VD3-DCs was analyzed upon maturation with LPS or CD40L with respect to both secreted (cleaved) TNF (sTNF) and expression of the membrane-bound (uncleaved) form of TNF (mTNF). Next, TNF antagonists were tested for their effect on induction of Ag-specific Tregs by modulated DCs and the subsequent functionality of these Tregs. VD3-DCs expressed greater amounts of mTNF than did control DCs (nontreated DCs), independent of the maturation protocol. Inhibition of TNF with anti-TNF Ab (blocking both sTNF and mTNF) during the priming of Tregs with VD3-DCs prevented generation of Tregs and their suppression of proliferation of CD4+ T cells. In contrast, sTNF receptor II (sTNFRII), mainly blocking sTNF, did not change the suppressive capacity of Tregs. Blocking of TNFRII by anti-CD120b Ab during Treg induction similarly abrogated their subsequent suppressive function. These data point to a specific role for mTNF on VD3-DCs in the induction of Ag-specific Tregs. Interaction between mTNF and TNFRII instructs the induction of suppressive Tregs by VD3-DCs. Anti-TNF therapy may therefore act adversely in different patients or disease pathways.