Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effecst of Patho- Biological Factors on the Survival of Recurrent Breast Cancer Cases

Background: Recurrence of breast cancer after treatment is generally due to loco-regional invasion or distant metastasis. Although patients with metastasis are considered incurable, existing treatments might prolong a patient’s life while also improving its quality. Choice of approach for individual patients requires identification of relevant survival factors. This study concerns factors influencing survival after recurrence in Iranian breast cancer patients. Methods: This study was performed on 442 recurrent breast cancer patients referred to the Cancer Research Center of Shahid Beheshti University between 1985 and 2015. After confirming recurrence as a distant metastasis or loco-regional invasion, the effects of demographic, clinic-pathologic, biological, type of surgery and type of adjuvant treatment on survival were evaluated using univariate and multivariate stratified Cox models. Results: The mean survival after recurrence was 18 months (5 days to 13 years), 219 patients (70.42%) survived two years, 75 patients (24.12%) survived from 2 to 5 years, and 17 patients (5.47%) survived more than 5 years. In this study, it was found through univariate analysis that the factors of age, lymph node status, DFI, place of recurrence and nodal ratio demonstrated greatest influence on survival after recurrence. On multivariate analysis, the most important factors influencing survival were the place of recurrence and the lymph node status. Conclusion: The results of this study enhance our knowledge of effects of different factors on survival of patients after breast cancer recurrence. Thus, they may be used to inform treatment choice.
Information Technology: Personnel, Where Are You?

Many commentators believe that we are racing into the age of Information Technology (IT). If in most cases the reality lags some way behind the image, it nevertheless remains the case that organisations are increasingly investing in, or considering investing in, a wide range of new high technologies. In manufacturing firms, for example, computerised numerically controlled machine tools are in widespread application, and robots, flexible manufacturing systems and computer‐aided design are no longer rare. A similar picture emerges with regard to office‐based technologies, such as management information and word processing systems, and within service‐oriented organisations where innovations include, for example, Electronic Point Of Sale (EPOS) in retailing and direct debit and credit transfer in banking.
Resolution of Financial Distress: Debt Restructurings via Chapter 11, Prepackaged Bankruptcies, and Workouts

This paper examines empirically a comprehensive sample of firms undertaking Chapter 11 reorganizations, prepackaged bankruptcies, and workouts. We provide evidence that the restructuring decision depends on the degree of the firm's leverage, the severity of its liquidity crisis, the extent of creditor's coordination, and the magnitude of its economic distress. The results complement theoretical models of debt restructuring choices. We find that economically viable firms prefer workouts. Further, prepackaged bankruptcies are used by firms that are economically viable but face immediate liquidity problems.
Investor Protection Under Unregulated Financial Reporting

We examine whether availability of higher quality financial information lessens investor losses during a period seen as a stock market crash. We focus on October 1929, which partly motivated sweeping financial reporting regulations in the 1930s. Using a sample of 540 common stocks traded on the New York Stock Exchange during October 1929, we find that the quality of firms' financial reporting increases with managers' incentives to supply higher quality financial information demanded by investors. Moreover, firms with higher quality financial reporting before October 1929 experienced smaller stock price declines during the market crash.
Editorial: Cognitive and Brain Plasticity Induced by Physical Exercise, Cognitive Training, Video Games, and Combined Interventions

1 Studies on Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Group, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), Madrid, Spain, Department of Basic Psychology II, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), Madrid, Spain, 3 Institute of Human Movement Science and Health, Technische Universität Chemnitz, Chemnitz, Germany, Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada, 6 Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
Poststroke constipation in the rehabilitation ward: incidence, clinical course and associated factors.

INTRODUCTION Constipation is a common poststroke complication. This study was designed to document the incidence and clinical course of poststroke constipation in a rehabilitation ward, as well as identify the factors independently associated with the condition. METHODS This retrospective study involved patients who were admitted to the rehabilitation ward of our institute due to an acute stroke between 1 August 2010 and 31 July 2011. The main outcome measured was the incidence of poststroke constipation, defined as the use of laxative after stroke, fulfilment of the Rome II diagnostic criteria for functional constipation and/or stool impaction. The variables examined were basic demographic data, presence of impairment, degree of disability (evaluated using the Barthel index), walking ability, medications taken and medical complications. RESULTS Out of the 155 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 123 (79.4%) had poststroke constipation. All 123 patients used oral laxatives; 56 received additional rectal medications and 13 discontinued their use of laxatives at discharge. Patients with poststroke constipation were more likely to have major medical complications (p = 0.04). Those who used rectal medications had a higher risk of major medical complications than those who used only oral laxatives (p < 0.01). Infratentorial lesions were an independent predictor of poststroke constipation (p = 0.003). More severe disability increased the severity of constipation, as indicated by the use of rectal medication. CONCLUSION Poststroke constipation is a common complication during inpatient rehabilitation. Healthcare providers should be aware of the incidence of poststroke constipation. Further studies are required to establish standard guidelines for screening and managing bowel function in patients with stroke.
Motivation in public management : the call of public service

The bulk of our knowledge concerning motivation in the public sector is based on theories that originate from and are tested in market settings. Although scholars have occasionally pointed to the distinctive character of the motivations of those in public service, it was not until the 1980s that specific theories and empirical research emerged in public administration. In 1982, the terms public service motivation' were first used as a way to expres the specific motivation associated with public service. We like to think of public service motivation' as an individual's orientation to delivering services to people with a purpose to do good for others and society. In this sense, public service motivation can be found among individuals in the public domain- governments and public benefit organizations-and the private sector. Our interests in linking motivation-an object of our academic values-with public service' speaks to our commitments to improving collective action and the status of those seeking to improve the public sphere. We try to approach these commitments with objectivity, but we also have a passion for these commitments as human beings and as citizens. It is our hope that this book advances the several values to which we are committed.
Protective effect of p‐methoxyl‐diphenyl diselenide in lethal acute liver failure induced by lipopolysaccharide and d‐galactosamine in mice

Organoselenium compounds display important antioxidant activity and many biological activities interesting from pharmacological point of view. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of p‐methoxyl‐diphenyl diselenide, a disubstituted diaryl diselenide, on acute liver injury induced by d‐galactosamine (d‐GalN) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in mice. The animals received p‐methoxyl‐diphenyl diselenide (10, 50 and 100 mg/kg; per oral, p.o.) and 1 h after d‐GalN (500 mg/kg) and LPS (50 μg/kg) were administered by intraperitoneal route (i.p.). Twenty‐four hours after LPS/d‐GalN exposure the animals were euthanized to the biochemical and histological analysis. Pretreatment with p‐methoxyl‐diphenyl diselenide (50 and 100 mg/kg; p.o.) protected against the increase in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity induced by LPS/d‐GalN exposure in mice. p‐Methoxyl‐diphenyl diselenide at the doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg protected against the increase in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity induced by LPS/d‐GalN exposure. In this study, no alteration in ascorbic acid levels was observed in livers of mice exposed to LPS/d‐GalN. Glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST) activity was stimulated by LPS/d‐GalN exposure and p‐methoxyl‐diphenyl diselenide, at all doses, protected against this alteration. p‐Methoxyl‐diphenyl diselenide was effective in ameliorating inhibition of catalase activity induced by LPS/d‐GalN exposure. Histological data showed that sections of livers from LPS/d‐GalN‐treated mice presented massive hemorrhage, inflammatory cells and necrosis. p‐Methoxyl‐diphenyl diselenide significantly attenuated LPS/d‐GalN‐induced hepatic histopathological alterations. Based on the results, we suggest the hepatoprotective effect of p‐methoxyl‐diphenyl diselenide on acute liver injury induced by LPS/d‐GalN exposure in mice.
Aspiration-Based Learning in a Cournot Duopoly Model

This paper explores the implication of aspiration-based learning in a simple Cournot duopoly model. When the firms know the average industry-wide profit and perceive it as aspiration level, then the market leads to collusive outcome or collusive equilibrium. In this sense, all firms have the same reference point, i.e., the average industry-wide profit as their aspiration level. However, the firms may have their own aspiration level (e.g., a goal of profit) and will choose their strategy accordingly. Therefore, the firms will try to reach their own aspiration level. This aspiration level is not static and the firms will adjust their aspiration level. In this research we consider a market that consists of several firms with their own aspiration level. We propose an aspiration-based learning shaped by an information searching mechanism to examine the behavior of the firms in the market. A firm updates its aspiration level by searching the information of the other firms’ aspiration level and then compares this information with its current aspiration level. Based on its aspiration level, the firm will choose the best strategy through learning. Simulation results show that the learning model and the information searching mechanism lead the market to competitive outcome, i.e., Nash equilibrium, if the firms have many strategies even if their initial aspiration level is low. However, if the firms have fewer strategies and start with high initial aspiration level, then collusive behavior will occur.
Antimicrobial Efficacy of Different Toothpastes and Mouthrinses: An In Vitro Study

Background: Anti-microbial agents have been used as a chemotherapeutic agent to improve oral health. This in vitro study was carried out to determine antimicrobial efficacy of different toothpastes and mouthrinses against the oral pathogens. Methods: A total of five toothpastes and five mouthrinses were tested for their antimicrobial activity against three oral pathogens namely, Streptococcus mutans (MTCC 890), Escherichia coli (MTCC 579) and Candida albicans (MTCC 854) by well agar diffusion assay. Statistical Analysis was performed using a statistical package, SPSS windows version 15, by applying mean values using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post-hoc least square differences (LSD) method(α = 0.05). Results: Toothpaste formulation A showed maximum zones of inhibition against the test organism, Escherichia coli (P<60;0.001) compared to all other toothpastes formulations. Against Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans, the zones of inhibition were less in comparison to E.coli but were significantly different at higher dilutions (1:8, 1:16 P<60;0.05) for toothpaste formulation A. Mouthrinses formulation H showed maximum efficacy against the test organism, Escherichia coli (P<60;0.001) compared to all other mouthrinse formulations. Against Streptococcus mutans, mouthrinses formulations F, G and J showed significant antimicrobial activity (P<60;0.05) compared to formulation H and I. Conclusion: In the present study, it has been demonstrated that triclosan containing toothpastes formulations are more effective in control of oral microflora compared to non-triclosan containing synthetic toothpastes. Among mouthrinses formulations, chlorhexidine was found to be more effective than or as effective as triclosan against the organisms tested.
Perceptions of personal and governmental actions to improve responses to disasters such as Superstorm Sandy

Superstorm Sandy made landfall in New Jersey on 29 October 2012, leaving tens of thousands homeless, businesses destroyed, and 90% of New Jersey residents without electricity. Widespread infrastructure and property damage, health-related issues, and social dislocations still remain among the challenges. We interviewed 756 people in central and coastal New Jersey to ascertain damage levels, what they would do differently next time, and what governments should do differently. To deal with future events, people thought that they should prepare, buy generators and other supplies, and evacuate sooner. Their actions dealt with preparedness, rather than recovery or resiliency. However, the subjects felt that governmental agencies also had a responsibility for emergency actions, recovery, and resiliency. Preparedness included better warnings and helping to prepare homes for the impending storm. During the storm, people thought government should have faster evacuations, communications, and provide shelter, security, and supplies. Recovery included providing gas and generators, restoring electricity, providing money, and quicker response by FEMA and insurance companies. People thought the government should ensure resiliency of their communities by allowing no beach-front homes, having better building standards, and restoring dunes. Coastal people suffered greater damage for longer, and voiced a higher sense of wanting government actions.
Local Market Characteristics and Online-to-Offline Commerce: An Empirical Analysis of Groupon

We investigate the factors that affect the growth of Groupon, the leading online daily deals platform. We concentrate on the online-to-offline (O2O) aspect of the business that differentiates it from other e-commerce platforms—its strong connection to local markets. We focus on travel cost and store density, the key local characteristics that affect consumer deal demand and merchant deal offering. Using a comprehensive longitudinal data set on deal offerings and sales across local markets, and combining it with local market characteristics, we estimate a simultaneous equation model of the weekly number of deal offerings and deal sales characterizing the two-sided nature of the platform. We find that the word-of-mouth effect on the consumer side and the observational learning effect on the merchant side contribute to and reinforce the expansion of a two-sided platform. However, a larger number of deals intensifies the competition, which then lowers per deal sales and limits the number of deal offerings. We.
On THE CHARACTERISTICS OF INNOVATIVE FIRMS IN KOREA: THE ROLE OF R&D AND INNOVATION TYPE

In spite of the recent extension of our knowledge on technological innovation, little inquiry has been made of the distinctive characteristics between R&D firms and non-R&D firms, as well as between product-innovative firms and process-innovative firms. To this end, the main objective of this empirical study, grounded on a large-scale innovation survey of Korean manufacturing firms, is to contrast these two types of firms. The results were mixed. Some hypotheses were confirmed while others were discordant with expectation. By and large, R&D firms and product-innovative firms seem to share a similar propensity, whereas non-R&D firms and process-innovative firms are alike in character. However, there were some unexpected findings which merit attention and are worthy of in-depth examination. Although the study is subject to limitations in terms of its research design and data gathering, the results render some important policy implications. Furthermore, comparative analyses between different types of innovations need to be addressed more extensively in future research.
Is There Still an Added-Worker Effect?

Using matched March Current Population Surveys, we examine labor market transitions of husbands and wives. We find that the “added-worker effect”—the greater propensity of nonparticipating wives to enter the labor force when their husbands exit employment—is still important among a subset of couples, but that the overall value of marriage as a risk-sharing arrangement has diminished because of the greater positive co-movement of employment within couples. While positive assortative matching on education did increase over time, this shift in the composition of couple types alone cannot account for the increased positive correlation. >
Beyond growth: against the misplaced focus on economic growth

This paper aspires to argue in favour of a simple, but fundamental, hypothesis. This hypothesis is that economic growth is neither the cause of nor the solution to environmental problems and that therefore both anti-growth environmentalists and pro-growth neoclassical environmental economists share a misplaced focus on economic growth. Economic growth is not the issue, environmental problems are. Environmental problems can be solved no matter whether or not economic growth takes place and environmental problems can be solved without any significant detrimental effect on economic growth. On the other hand, economic growth in itself will not solve any environmental problems.
Investigating Muscle Function After Stroke Rehabilitation with 31P-MRS: A Preliminary Study

Background New evidence reveals significant metabolic changes in skeletal muscle after stroke. However, it is unknown if 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P-MRS) can evaluate these metabolic changes. Our objective here was to investigate: (a) if muscle energy metabolism changes in the affected side; (b) if muscle energy metabolism changes after rehabilitation; and (c) if energy metabolism measured by 31P-MRS can reflect changes in the Modified Modified Ashworth Scale (MMAS) and Fugl-Meyer assessment-lower extremity (FMA-LE) scores after rehabilitation. Material/Methods We enrolled 13 patients with stroke symptoms and hemiplegia. Lower-limb motor status on the affected side was evaluated by FMA-LE and MMAS. The 31P-MRS measures included phosphocreatine (PCr), inorganic phosphate (Pi), PCr/Pi, and pH. We statistically compared these measures in the affected and unaffected lower leg muscles before rehabilitation and after rehabilitation on the affected side. Spearman correlational analyses was performed to determine correlations between change in energy metabolism and change in FMA-LE score and MMAS score after rehabilitation. Results PCr and PCr/Pi were significantly lower in the affected muscle compared to the unaffected muscle; however, there were no significant differences in Pi or pH. After rehabilitation, PCr, Pi, PCr/Pi, and pH did not significantly change. However, FMA-LE and MMAS score improved significantly after rehabilitation. Changes in energy metabolism measured by 31P-MRS had no correlation with FMA-LE change after rehabilitation. However, changes in PCr and PCr/Pi were correlated with change in MMAS score after rehabilitation. Conclusions 31P-MRS can evaluate changes in muscle energy metabolism in patients with stroke. PCr measured by 31P-MRS can reflect changes in MMAS after rehabilitation.
Economic Growth, Energy Prices and Technological Innovation*

Energy economists are repeatedly asked to analyze the short run and long run macroeconomic effects of energy price shocks. We examine the effect of energy prices in a dynamic model of economic growth as a function of capital, labor, energy prices, and technological innovation. Our approach extends earlier studies in two ways. First, we depart from the standard approach of modeling strictly in either levels or differences by using an error correction model. The advantage of this approach is that both short run and long run information is used in the model. Second, we construct a measure of technological innovation with patent filings. Typically, deterministic trends have been used to capture technological growth. The increase in energy efficiency since 1974 has been due to energy conservation and improvements in energy intensive capital stock and production processes. We try to simultaneously use energy prices and technological innovation in a model of macroeconomic growth. If energy price symmetry is imposed, we conclude that the short run energy price effects are approximately half the long run energy price effects. When the restriction is relaxed short run price symmetry does not hold. In particular, short run price increases are associated with economic downturns while short run price declines have no significant impact on economic activity. Also, the results show that technological innovation, measured through the stock of patents, contributes both directly to economic growth and indirectly through improvements in the economy's capital stock. Section II briefly reviews empirical and theoretical research on energy and economic activity. The use of patents as measures of technological innovation and their relationship to macroeconomic growth are discussed in section III. In section IV we present a model of macroeconomic
Turnover culture in the hospitality industry

Although turnover culture is considered to be a major problem in the hospitality industry, there is little to no research examining its influence on an employee's decision to stay or leave. This study attempts to address this deficiency by testing a causal model of employee intent to leave using a sample of 246 employees from six five-star accommodation hotels in Australia. The results indicated that turnover culture was the most important determinant of intent to leave, followed by the variables of job search behaviour, job opportunity, organisational commitment, union loyalty, job satisfaction, career development, routinisation, promotional opportunity, role conflict, and negative affectivity. Based on these findings various HR strategies are formulated, which have wider implications for the management of turnover in other work settings.
A test of momentum trading strategies in foreign exchange markets: evidence from the G7

In this trading strategy study, we ask three questions: does momentum exist in foreign exchange markets? What is the impact of transaction costs on excess returns? Can a consolidated trading signal garner excess returns and if so, what is the source of such returns? Using total return momentum strategies in the foreign exchange markets of the G7 for the period 1980 through 2004, the answers from this study are as follows: we find evidence of momentum; however, such momentum appears transitory, particularly for longer lookback periods. As expected, transaction costs have a material negative impact on excess returns. Finally, a consolidated signal garners excess returns; however, a bootstrap simulation finds that the source of these returns is a function of autocorrelation.