Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Usage of Plastic Bags and Health Hazards: A Study to Assess Awareness Level and Perception about Legislation Among a Small Population of Mangalore City.

INTRODUCTION Plastic bag users are at risk of number of health hazards. There is paucity of data with regard to awareness of health hazards among general population in India. AIM This study was done to find out the status of awareness of the health hazards associated with the usage of plastic bags among people and their perception towards the legislation prohibiting the usage of plastic bags. MATERIALS AND METHODS This cross-sectional study conducted in Mangalore city in August 2013. Data was collected by interviewing any adult member (aged above 18 years) in each of the selected households using an interview schedule. RESULTS Mean age of the 250 participants was 32.8±10.8 years. Majority 160(64%) were females educated up to undergraduate level or above 187(74.8%). Among the participants 216(86.4%) were aware of the health hazards associated with the use of plastic bags. Awareness was significantly more amongst females (p=0.027), well-educated participants (p=0.004) and among professionals and semi-professionals (p<0.001). There were 50(20%) participants reusing plastic bags for shopping after initial usage. The cloth bags were used for shopping in place of plastic bags by 13(5.2%) participants. Among the participants 213(85.2%) were aware of the legislation banning the use of plastic bags and out of which 166(77.9%) were in its favour. Semi-professionals and students favoured the ban on plastic bags whereas unskilled and semiskilled workers were against the ban (p=0.01). CONCLUSION Most of the participants in the settings had the awareness of hazards of plastic bag usage. However, there is a need for spreading the awareness of using alternative strategies and effective implementation of legislation in order to minimize the usage of plastics in the community.
A Quarter Century of Changes in Labor Force Participation

This paper examines the changes in the determinants of labor force participation over time, using the Egypt Labor Market Panel Survey (ELMPS) for the years 1998, 2006 and 2012. Controlling for individual and household characteristics, a multinomial logit model is estimated to analyze the determinants of participation by status and sector of employment. The empirical results show that the effect of parental education on the individual’s decision of employment has weakened if not disappeared over time but the effect of the individual’s own education has increased. For instance, in 2012, fathers’ education has no effect on females’ or males’ employment decisions as used to be the case in 1998 and 2006. This result confirms the decreasing role of background characteristics that are out of the individual’s control and the increasing role of the factors that individuals are able to change through their own decisions. According to Hendy (2015), female labor force participation in Egypt remains relatively low and has even decreased over the period from 2006 to 2012, confirming that the January 25th revolution has had a negative effect on women’s status in the labor market. This is also confirmed in the present paper. The results of the multinomial logit model show that women have lower probability of employment in all sectors (government and private) relative to their males counterparts.
"Specific" scale compared with "generic" scale: a double measurement of the quality of life in a French community sample of obese subjects.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine the aspects of quality of life that are affected by weight in the general population, to develop a specific questionnaire (OSQOL) that can measure with reliability and validity the impact of overweight and obesity on well being, and to compare the results with those obtained using a well known generic tool (the "SF 36" scale). DESIGN: Cross sectional survey with matched control group. SETTING: Community. PATIENTS: A permanent survey base of approximately 10,000 representative ordinary households were screened for weight and height. Five hundred subjects were randomly drawn from the sub-sample of adult people with a body mass index equal or greater than 27. A control sample of 500 subjects matched for sex, age, and employment status was drawn from the non-obese population. MAIN RESULTS: A short specific Quality Of Life scale, the OSQOL, was produced that comprises 11 items belonging to four independent dimensions. Using this scale and the SF36, it was found that: (1) moderately obese subjects (27 < or = BMI < 30) did not significantly differ from the control group except for physical capacity; (2) in the group of obese subjects with a BMI > 30, quality of life seemed to be impaired for five of nine dimensions of the SF36 compared with the control population, all related to physical consequences of obesity. This population essentially perceived itself in terms of poor general health. (3) No significant difference was observed between the samples for the psychological and social dimensions of the SF36. CONCLUSION: The quality of life of patients with severe obesity is impaired, but it mainly affects the physical consequences of the disease. The psychological and social repercussions that could have been expected to affect this population were not demonstrated. The hypothesis of a process of adaptation of the person and their social environment cannot therefore be excluded. Methodologically, comparison of the specific OSQOL with the generic SF3 shows clearly that the two kinds of scales correspond to different objectives and should be considered as complementary.
Fructose Intake, Serum Uric Acid, and Cardiometabolic Disorders: A Critical Review

There is a direct relationship between fructose intake and serum levels of uric acid (UA), which is the final product of purine metabolism. Recent preclinical and clinical evidence suggests that chronic hyperuricemia is an independent risk factor for hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease. It is probably also an independent risk factor for chronic kidney disease, Type 2 diabetes, and cognitive decline. These relationships have been observed for high serum UA levels (>5.5 mg/dL in women and >6 mg/dL in men), but also for normal to high serum UA levels (5–6 mg/dL). In this regard, blood UA levels are much higher in industrialized countries than in the rest of the world. Xanthine-oxidase inhibitors can reduce UA and seem to minimize its negative effects on vascular health. Other dietary and pathophysiological factors are also related to UA production. However, the role of fructose-derived UA in the pathogenesis of cardiometabolic disorders has not yet been fully clarified. Here, we critically review recent research on the biochemistry of UA production, the relationship between fructose intake and UA production, and how this relationship is linked to cardiometabolic disorders.
Elements of knowledge management in the improvement of business processes

Summary The key role in process management is played by the systematic analysis, measurement and improvement of processes. The imperative of continuous introduction of changes in processes is the answer to the changing conditions of competition and the great dynamics in the expectations and preferences of customers. Information related to business process should be collected and formalized in order to improve the execution of processes. In connection with the above, it may be stated that the improvement of processes should be supported by the concept of knowledge management in the institutional sense where we refer to the structure of communication and information which enables the interaction between members of the organization. The purpose of the study is to present relations between process management and the concept of knowledge management, with particular attention being paid to the improvement of processes seen through the prism of knowledge resources. The execution of the objective formulated above made use of such research methods as research on the literature on the subject related to process management and knowledge management as well as the findings from the author’s own surveys conducted in 2015 among medium and lower management personnel in organizations improving processes.
Glycosylation at 158N of the Hemagglutinin Protein and Receptor Binding Specificity Synergistically Affect the Antigenicity and Immunogenicity of a Live Attenuated H5N1 A/Vietnam/1203/2004 Vaccine Virus in Ferrets

ABSTRACT A live attenuated influenza A/Vietnam/1203/2004 (H5N1) vaccine virus (VN04 ca) has receptor binding specificity to α2,3-linked sialosides (α2,3SAL), and a single dose induces a minimal serum antibody response in mice and ferrets. In contrast, A/Hong Kong/213/2003 (H5N1) vaccine virus (HK03 ca) binds to both α2,6SAL and α2,3SAL and generates a stronger serum antibody response in animals. Among the 9 amino acids that differed between the two H5 HA1 proteins, several HK03-specific residues enabled the VN04 ca virus to bind to both α2,3SAL and α2,6SAL receptors, but only the removal of the 158N glycosylation, together with an S227N change, resulted in more-efficient viral replication in the upper respiratory tract of ferrets and an increased serum antibody response. However, the antibody response was HK03 strain specific and did not significantly cross-neutralize VN04 virus. A second approach was taken to adapt the H5N1 VN04 ca virus in MDCK cells to select HA variants with larger plaque morphology. Although a number of large-plaque-size HA variants with amino acid changes in the HA receptor binding region were identified, none of these mutations affected virus receptor binding preference and immunogenicity. In addition, the known receptor binding site changes, Q226L and G228S, were introduced into the HA protein of the VN04 ca virus. Only in conjunction with the removal of the 158N glycosylation did the virus replicate efficiently in the upper respiratory tract of ferrets and became more immunogenic, yet the response was also HK03 specific. Thus, the mask of the antigenic epitopes by 158N glycosylation at the HA globular head and its α2,3SAL binding preference of VN04 ca virus affect virus antigenicity and replication in the host, resulting in a lower antibody response.
Entrepreneurship Education in Higher Education Institutions: Estonian Case

The European Union (EU) faces the daunting challenge of emerging from the crisis and putting economies back on a sustainable growth path – there is still need of innovative, well-educated, and entrepreneurial citizens who have the spirit and inquisitiveness to think in new ways, and the courage to meet and adapt to the challenges. Entrepreneurship education (EE) is much broader concept than entrepreneurship as a practice of trade; it includes the entrepreneurship key competence that refers to an individual’s ability to turn ideas into action. Educational institutions stress the need to offer opportunities to increase entrepreneurial skills development (Bird, 2002). EE in European higher education institutions (HEI) is experiencing a growth; but there are still weaknesses (Varblane & Mets, 2010; Kyro & Carrier, 2005): for example, teaching of entrepreneurship for non-business industries is not sufficiently integrated in HEI’s curricula; education provides little training in entrepreneurship. In the article authors map and analyse the situation of EE in Estonian HEIs. Authors use classification (as proposed in Twaalfhoven, Suen & Prats, 2001), which distinguished three types of approach to entrepreneurship programme development: a) the research-oriented model; b) the “consulting” model; c) the teaching/practice-oriented student development model. Authors use case-study approach and for data-collecting method interview is used. Findings: EE should be more experiential and interdisciplinary; entrepreneurship should be the third career choice for students and be part of curricula; the EE should be supported by ecosystem, teaching methods must change, etc. Also we have recommendations what are implemented in developing special program of EU structural foundations. Keywords: entrepreneurship; Entrepreneurship education; Estonia; Higher education institutions;
Comparison of Tuber Proteomes of Potato Varieties, Landraces, and Genetically Modified Lines1

Crop improvement by genetic modification remains controversial, one of the major issues being the potential for unintended effects. Comparative safety assessment includes targeted analysis of key nutrients and antinutritional factors, but broader scale-profiling or “omics” methods could increase the chances of detecting unintended effects. Comparative assessment should consider the extent of natural variation and not simply compare genetically modified (GM) lines and parental controls. In this study, potato (Solanum tuberosum) proteome diversity has been assessed using a range of diverse non-GM germplasm. In addition, a selection of GM potato lines was compared to assess the potential for unintended differences in protein profiles. Clear qualitative and quantitative differences were found in the protein patterns of the varieties and landraces examined, with 1,077 of 1,111 protein spots analyzed showing statistically significant differences. The diploid species Solanum phureja could be clearly differentiated from tetraploid (Solanum tuberosum) genotypes. Many of the proteins apparently contributing to genotype differentiation are involved in disease and defense responses, the glycolytic pathway, and sugar metabolism or protein targeting/storage. Only nine proteins out of 730 showed significant differences between GM lines and their controls. There was much less variation between GM lines and their non-GM controls compared with that found between different varieties and landraces. A number of proteins were identified by mass spectrometry and added to a potato tuber two-dimensional protein map.
Exponential stability for stochastic neural networks of neutral-type with discrete and distributed time-delays

In this paper, the global robust exponential stability is investigated for uncertain neural networks of neutral-type with mixed time delays. Based on Lyapunov-Krasovskii stability theory and stochastic analysis approaches, several new criteria and derived to guarantee the exponential stability of the system. A numerical example is given to demonstrate the applicability of our proposed stability criteria.
Managerial And Technical Motivation Assessing Needs For Achievement Power And Affiliation

Thank you for downloading managerial and technical motivation assessing needs for achievement power and affiliation. As you may know, people have search numerous times for their chosen readings like this managerial and technical motivation assessing needs for achievement power and affiliation, but end up in malicious downloads. Rather than reading a good book with a cup of coffee in the afternoon, instead they cope with some harmful virus inside their computer.
Maternal plasma transforming growth factor-β1 concentrations in preeclamptic and normotensive pregnant Zimbabwean women

Objective. We examined the relationship between maternal plasma transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) concentrations and risk of preeclampsia among women delivering at Harare Maternity Hospital in Zimbabwe. We evaluated the relationship in the context of maternal systemic inflammation using plasma tumor necrosis factor-α soluble receptor p55 (sTNFp55) as a marker. Methods. 132 women with preeclampsia and 180 controls were included in this case-control study analysis. Maternal post-diagnosis plasma TGF-β1 and sTNFp55 concentrations were determined using immunoassays. Logistic regression procedures were used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) adjusted for confounders. Results. A linear increase in preeclampsia risk was observed with increasing quartiles of TGF-β1 concentrations (p < 0.01). Women whose TGF-β1 concentrations were ⩾ 25.1 ng/ml (quartile 4) had a 2.5-fold (95% CI 1.2–5.6) increased risk of preeclampsia as compared with those women whose concentrations were < 11.2 ng/ml (quartile 1). Relative to women with no evidence of systemic inflammation and no elevated TGF-β1 concentrations, those women who were jointly positive for elevated TGF-β1 and sTNFp55 concentrations experienced a 5.3-fold (95% CI 2.3–12.0) increased risk of preeclampsia. Conclusion. Overall, we noted that elevated TGF-β1 is associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia. We also noted that the preeclampsia risk is exaggerated in the presence of maternal systemic inflammation.
Gelatin Microspheres and Sponges for Delivery of Macromolecules

Gelatin microspheres and gelatin sponges were prepared by coacervation and freeze drying techniques, respectively. Both systems were crosslinked with glutaraldehyde. The mean diameter of the microspheres were in the range of 40–80 mm and the mean pore size of the sponges was 130–220 mm depending on the preparation conditions. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was added into the preparation solutions and entrapped in the microspheres and sponges. BSA addition to sponges was also achieved by addition of BSA-containing microspheres into the sponges. The release kinetics of BSA from the prepared systems were examined. Studies demonstrated that release is dependent on the amount of BSA present in the system and crosslinking densities of microspheres. It was concluded that gelatin microspheres and gelatin sponges are promising carrier matrices for macromolecules.
International patterns and trends in ovarian cancer incidence, overall and by histologic subtype

Internationally, ovarian cancer is the 7th leading cancer diagnosis and 8th leading cause of cancer mortality among women. Ovarian cancer incidence varies by region, particularly when comparing high vs. low‐income countries. Temporal changes in reproductive factors coupled with shifts in diagnostic criteria may have influenced incidence trends of ovarian cancer and relative rates by histologic subtype. Accordingly, we evaluated trends in ovarian cancer incidence overall (1973–1977 to 2003–2007) and by histologic subtype (1988–1992 to 2003–2007) using volumes IV–IX of the Cancer Incidence in Five Continents database (CI5plus) and CI5X (volume X) database. Annual percent changes were calculated for ovarian cancer incidence trends, and rates of histologic subtypes for individual countries were compared to overall international incidence. Ovarian cancer incidence rates were stable across regions, although there were notable increases in Eastern/Southern Europe (e.g., Poland: Annual Percent Change (APC) 1.6%, p = 0.02) and Asia (e.g., Japan: APC 1.7%, p = 0.01) and decreases in Northern Europe (e.g., Denmark: APC −0.7%, p = 0.01) and North America (e.g., US Whites: APC −0.9%, p < 0.01). Relative proportions of histologic subtypes were similar across countries, except for Asian nations, where clear cell and endometrioid carcinomas comprised a higher proportion of the rate and serous carcinomas comprised a lower proportion of the rate than the worldwide distribution. Geographic variation in temporal trends of ovarian cancer incidence and differences in the distribution of histologic subtype may be partially explained by reproductive and genetic factors. Thus, histology‐specific ovarian cancer should continue to be monitored to further understand the etiology of this neoplasm.
Automatic dead time optimization in a high frequency DC-DC buck converter in 65 nm CMOS

A synchronous DC-DC buck converter with integrated power switches is realized in a 65 nm CMOS technology, operating with a power inductor of 350 nH and an output capacitor of 470 nF as a chip-on-board prototype. The converter is designed for loads up to 120 mA and is targeted as replacement for LDOs in VLSI systems where multiple supplies must be provided. A dead time optimization algorithm continuously adjusts the dead times of the power switches in order to minimize body diode conduction losses. The whole converter occupies 0.088 mm2 chip area.
Clinical Utility of Low Dose Dobutamine Echocardiography in Regional Myocardial Viability Detection Before and After Surgical Revascularization

Seventy‐eight consecutive patients (mean 63 ± 10 years, 79.5% men) with a history of myocardial infarction and indication of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) were studied with low dose dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) before (DSE 1) and at 3‐month follow‐up (DSE 2) to evaluate its clinical utility in the detection of viable myocardium. We determined the expected utilities of global patients (P; n = 67) and coronary territories (T; n = 126) with the classic strategy: DSE 1 and results of a rest follow‐up echocardiogram (REST 2) and applying them to a complementary strategy that submitted false positives (Fp) and false negatives (Fn) results to DSE 2. Assigned utilities in each node of the decision tree were maximal (1.0), submaximal (0.75), and intermedium (0.50) using the folding method as a mathematical model. Results: Global P and T expected utilities when performing DSE 1 were 0.84 and 0.89, respectively for positive viability; 0.85 and 0.82, respectively; and for negative viability 0.83 and 0.82, respectively. The expected utilities with the decision of performing a DSE 2 to Fp were 0.74 and 0.76, respectively (viability was detected in 66% of P and in 58% of T) and 0.47 and 0.45, respectively, as applied to Fn. Conclusions: Low dose DSE results in high clinical utility by finding viable or scar myocardium before CABG as well as when discordant results are found in follow‐up, particularly with Fp.
Computer‐aided synthesis of biochemical pathways

The synthesis of biochemical pathways satisfying stoichiometric constraints is discussed. Stoichiometric constraints arise primarily from designating compounds as required or allowed reactants, and required or allowed products of the pathways; they also arise from similar restrictions on intermediate metabolites and bioreactions participating in the pathways. An algorithm for the complete and correct solution of the problem is presented; the algorithm satisfies each constraint by recursively transforming a base‐set of pathways. The algorithm is applied to the problem of lysine synthesis from glucose and ammonia. In addition to the established synthesis routes, the algorithm constructs several alternative pathways that bypass key enzymes, such as malate dehydrogenase and pyruvate dehydrogenase. Apart from the construction of pathways with desired characteristics, the systematic synthesis of pathways can also uncover fundamental constraints in a particular problem, by demonstrating that no pathways exist to meet certain sets of specifications. In the case of lysine, the algorithm shows that oxaloacetate is a necessary intermediate in all pathways leading to lysine from glucose, and that the yield of lysine over glucose cannot exceed 67% in the absence of enzymatic recovery of carbon dioxide.
Digital GNSS PLL Design Conditioned on Thermal and Oscillator Phase Noise

Both thermal and oscillator phase noise pose significant difficulties for phase-lock loops (PLLs) in consumer grade GNSS receivers employing low quality oscillators. Unfortunately, these phenomena impose conflicting constraints on the PLL design and so a trade-off between noise rejection and tracking error must be made. Design rules are developed for optimal, Wiener filter based PLLs conditioned on the influence of the oscillator and thermal noise on consumer-grade receivers. The performance of these PLLs is examined through both simulation and the use of actual GPS signals.