Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Survey Research Methodology in Management Information Systems: An Assessment

Survey research is believed to be well understood and applied by management information systems (MIS) scholars. It has been applied for several years and it has precise procedures which, when followed closely, yield valid and easily interpretable data. Our assessment of the use of survey research in the MIS field between 1980 and 1990 indicates that this perception is at odds with reality. Our analysis indicates that survey methodology is often misapplied and is plagued by five important weaknesses: (1) single-method designs where multiple methods are needed, (2) unsystematic and often inadequate sampling procedures, (3) low response rates, (4) weak linkages between units of analysis and respondents, and (5) overreliance on cross-sectional surveys where longitudinal surveys are really needed. Our assessment also shows that the quality of survey research varies considerably among studies of different purposes: explanatory studies are of good quality overall, exploratory and descriptive studies are of moderate to poor quality. This article presents a general framework for classifying and examining survey research and uses this framework to analyze the usage of survey research conducted in the past decade in the MIS field. In an effort to improve the quality of survey research, this article makes specific recommenoations that directly address the major problems highlighted in the review.
Effect of Partnership Quality on IS Outsourcing Success: Conceptual Framework and Empirical Validation

Recently, increasing attention has been paid to building successful partnerships in information systems (IS) outsourcing. This study establishes partnership quality as a key predictor of outsourcing success. We propose a theoretical framework for outsourcing partnership based on a social, rather than an economic, perspective. We identify the partnership-related variables from the relevant literature and clarify the concept of partnership quality by distinguishing between its components and its determinants. We then examine the impact of partnership quality on outsourcing success. Hypotheses on partnership quality were tested for 74 outsourcing relationships between 36 service receivers and 54 service providers. Results indicate that partnership quality may serve as a key predictor of outsourcing success. Partnership quality was found to be positively influenced by factors such as participation, communication, information sharing, and top management support, and negatively affected by age of relationship and mutual dependency.
Long‐term follow‐up of patients with asymptomatic occlusion of the internal carotid artery with good and impaired cerebral vasomotor reactivity

Background: Cerebral hemodynamic status might be prognostic for either the symptomatic or asymptomatic course of carotid occlusive disease. It is determined by evaluating cerebral vasomotor reactivity (VMR). We assessed VMR in asymptomatic patients with total occlusion of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and followed them to evaluate the role of impaired VMR in predicting ischaemic stroke (IS).
Clinical and Basic Aspects of Intrauterine Growth Retardation

Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) is a clinical condition characterized by insufficient fetal growth for the duration of gestation. By definition this occurs in 2.5% of newborns when birth length or birth weight are expressed as 2 SDS below the mean for gestational age. This indicates that IUGR is a moderately common disorder. Poor growth in fetal life can have devastating effects on morbidity and mortality during the neonatal period. It has been also described that long-term consequences of poor fetal growth have some relationships with an increased incidence of hypertension, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in adulthood (1). As for postnatal growth, it is observed that some IUGR newborns do not catch up and remain small in adult height (2, 3). Clinical trials of human growth hormone therapy for IUGR short children have been undertaken in several countries, to prevent this persistent height deficit throughout childhood and adolescence (4-6). This article therefore focuses on two areas in which there has been recent progress in the understanding of the postnatal growth of IUGR and the specific endocrine mechanism of fetal growth.
Participant Evaluations of Rate and Communication Efficacy of an AAC Application Using Natural Language Processing

This research explores the efficacy of an AAC application, Converser, that uses natural language processing to assist in communication. Converser uses speech recognition of the speaking partner to predict contextually appropriate utterances. This article reports on the subjective data gathered from an experimental evaluation of Converser's efficacy (see Wisenburn and Higginbotham, for a full description of Converser and the objective results). Converser was evaluated in two communication tasks (a Conversation and an Interview task) under two conditions: a simple alphabet board without Converser (alpha-only condition), and an identical board with Converser (alpha-Converser condition). Subjective data was gathered through rating questionnaires and written comments. Program users rated the speed of communication faster in the alpha-Converser condition. Program user ratings of quality, and speaking partner ratings of speed and quality, showed no difference between the two conditions; however, the participant comments about Converser were positive.
Beliefs and habits: staff experiences with key word signing in special schools and group residential homes

Abstract Even though use of aided augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) by staff has been extensively researched, few studies relate to unaided AAC strategies such as key word signing (KWS). We explored the KWS views of two groups: direct support staff in group residential homes and teachers from special education secondary schools. We examined transcripts from individual semi-structured interviews with five direct support staff and five teachers using thematic analysis. Participants discussed consistency of KWS use and reasons for implementing KWS. Compared to direct support staff, teachers described more use of KWS throughout the day with more individuals with intellectual disability. Teachers discussed use of KWS to facilitate students’ present and future interactions, while direct support staff primarily discussed immediate effects. Participants experienced KWS implementation as a learning process and aimed to turn the use of manual signs into a routine habit. This required considerable self-monitoring, and the effort that this continuous self-feedback required, combined with environmental factors, could hinder KWS implementation. These preliminary findings suggest that preservice KWS training and on-site KWS assistance may need to be enhanced.
Treatment of Digital Mucous Cysts With Intralesional Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate Injection

BACKGROUND Digital mucous cysts (DMCs) are benign myxoid cysts typically involving the distal interphalangeal joint or over the proximal nail fold. There are various treatment modalities for DMCs, and intralesional sodium tetradecyl sulfate injection has been reported as an alternative treatment. OBJECTIVE To assess the efficacy and safety of intralesional sodium tetradecyl sulfate injection in treating DMCs. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed intralesional injection of sodium tetradecyl sulfate in 17 patients (6 men and 11 women) with 20 DMCs. At each session, 1% to 3% sodium tetradecyl sulfate of 0.2 to 0.5 mL was injected into a lesion and repeated every 4 weeks if the cyst persisted. Changes in lesions and adverse reactions were recorded, and therapeutic efficacy was evaluated. RESULTS Of the 20 lesions treated with intralesional sodium tetradecyl sulfate injection, 80% responded. Recurrences were observed in 2 patients, and 2 patients did not respond well to the treatment. No patient reported any major adverse effects. CONCLUSION Intralesional sodium tetradecyl sulfate injection is a simple, safe, and effective modality for distal mucous cyst. Treatment was well tolerated with few side effects and favorable cure rate. Therefore, we believe that intralesional sodium tetradecyl sulfate injection should be considered an alternative treatment of DMCs.
Comparison of the Effect of Diode Laser Versus Intense Pulsed Light in Axillary Hair Removal

BACKGROUND Devices such as diode laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) are in constant development aiming at permanent hair removal, but there are few comparative studies between these technologies. OBJECTIVE The objective was to comparatively assess axillary hair removal performed by diode laser and IPL and to obtain parameters of referred pain and evolution response for each method. MATERIALS AND METHODS A comparative prospective, double-blind, and randomized study of axillary hair removal performed by the diode laser and IPL was conducted in 21 females. Six sessions were held with application of the diode laser in one axilla and the IPL in the other, with intervals of 30 days and follow-up of 6 months after the last session. Clinical photographs and digital dermoscopy for hair counts in predefined and fixed fields of the treated areas were performed before, 2 weeks after the sixth session, and 6 months after the end of treatment. A questionnaire to assess the pain was applied. RESULTS The number of hair shafts was significantly reduced with the diode laser and IPL. The diode laser was more effective, although more painful than the IPL. No serious, adverse, or permanent effects were observed with both technologies. CONCLUSION Both diode laser and the IPL are effective, safe, and able to produce lasting results in axillary hair removal.
Renal function improves with the treatment of hypothyroidism

ABSTRACT Background: It has been known that thyroid hormones may affect renal function. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of levothyroxine replacement on renal function in hypothyroid patients before and after treatment. Methods: We retrospectively investigated free T3 (fT3), free T4 (fT4), TSH, creatinine, and eGFR measurements during both hypothyroid and euthyroid states of hypothyroid patients. The eGFR was calculated using the simplified Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula. Results: fT3, fT4, and eGFR measurements increased, meanwhile creatinine and TSH levels decreased significantly after euthyroidism was achieved with levothyroxine treatment (p < 0.0001 for all). The correlation analyses revealed that ∆creatinine and ∆TSH levels were significantly correlated before and after levothyroxine treatment (r: 0.288, p < 0.0001). ∆eGFR and ∆TSH levels were significantly correlated before and after LT4 treatment (r: −0.272, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: In this study, we evaluated creatinine and eGFR levels in patients with hypothyroidism and found out that renal function improved in most patients after euthyroidism was achieved. In some patients, above-normal creatinine levels completely returned to normal once the patients became euthyroid.
TWINKLE gene mutation: report of a French family with an autosomal dominant progressive external ophthalmoplegia and literature review

Background: Multiple mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) deletions usually have a mendelian inheritance secondary to mutation in nuclear genes. One of these is the Twinkle gene whose mutation is responsible for autosomal dominant progressive external ophthalmoplegia (PEO). The number of reported cases with mainly myopathic symptoms and possible nervous system involvement related to Twinkle gene mutation is limited. We present a new French family of whom two members displayed myopathy and neuropathy associated with PEO, and we perform a clinical review in light of other observations reported in the literature.
High Dose Chlorpromazine Therapy in Chronic Schizophrenia: Report of National Institute of Mental Health—Psychopharmacology Research Branch Collaborative Study Group

THIS STUDY on the efficacy of high dose chlorpromazine treatment in chronic schizophrenia was developed under the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) psychopharmacology program during 1964 and was initiated in seven collaborating public mental hospitals early in 1965. The hospitals participating in this study were Boston State Hospital, Boston; Broughton State Hospital, Morganton, NC; Dorothea Dix State Hospital, Raleigh, NC; Kentucky State Hospital, Danville, Ky; Manhattan State Hospital, New York; St. Louis State Hospital, St. Louis; and Springfield State Hospital, Sykesville, Md. These hospitals were selected to represent the entire urbanrural continum. Three hospitals admitted patients exclusively from large urban centers, two hospitals served areas which included both urban and rural communities, and two hospitals served areas which were almost exclusively rural. Background During the past 13 years, a large number of studies have been published on the use of chlorpromazine with chronic schizophrenic
Investigation of benthic phosphorus flux controls in Lake Waco, Texas

Investigations were completed to quantify the amount of phosphorus (P) available for release from the sediment of Lake Waco, Texas, as part of the Lake Waco Comprehensive Lake Management Study. Sediment oxygen demand and benthic nutrient flux measurements were obtained using an in situ chamber and an in situ nutrient analyzer available from Systea Inc. Sediment samples were also collected to determine the amount of loosely sorbed, iron-bound and total P present in the lake sediments by fractionation. Initial results indicated no orthophosphate, nitrate/nitrite or ammonia flux from the sediments into the water column during incubation periods. Sediment fractionation revealed nondetectable loosely sorbed P, low amounts of iron-bound P and moderate total P present in the sediments. Review of these data and comparison with other research suggests that calcium is responsible for controlling P cycling in Lake Waco. This hypothesis was examined by determining the mineral composition of the sediment samples utilizing X-ray diffraction methods. Results indicated the presence of enough calcium-phosphorus minerals to account for all of the total phosphorus reported in the sediments. Unlike many lakes where iron controls P cycling, release of P from calcium compounds in available forms is negligible in Lake Waco, even under anoxic conditions. Management for reduced water column P levels should focus on watershed sources.
Enamel hypoplasia in Danish and Lithuanian Late Medieval/Early Modern samples: a possible reflection of child morbidity and mortality patterns

Numerous studies and various interpretations of the prevalence of linear enamel hypoplasias (LEH) based on populations living in different cultural and economic conditions are causing some confusion and raising doubts about whether or not such LEH are reliable indicators of life conditions. An analysis of LEH prevalence patterns was performed on the adults of three populations: Tirup—a Danish Medieval rural population of the 12–14th centuries (131 individuals), Subaciaus str. in Vilnius—a Lithuanian Late Medieval urban population of the 16–17th centuries (88 individuals), and the aristocracy—a Lithuanian pooled sample population from several churches of the 15–18th centuries (66 individuals). Statistical testing of the influence of population affinity, sex and age at death was also performed. Since the same investigator scored all the samples, possible inter-observer error bias was minimized. In all the populations, LEH formation ages were similar. Statistically significant sex differences were found only in the aristocratic sample (with higher male frequency). It was found that the town population was characterized by the highest frequency of affected individuals, with the highest severity and highest number of stress episodes per individual. A reliable relationship with age at death was found only in the town sample: individuals with more numerous and more marked LEH had shorter life expectancies in adulthood. Different “most vulnerable years” for subsequent life expectancies were noted for different populations. A tentative explanation of these differences could be the pooled effect of differential morbidity and mortality. It seems that the rural population experienced the highest morbidity and nutrition deficiency as well as the highest child mortality whereas, in the urban sample, high morbidity was accompanied by a lower child mortality. Both lower morbidity and mortality seem to be characteristic for the aristocracy. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Extreme Ritualistic Alcohol Consumption Among College Students on Game Day

Abstract Alcohol use and the related consequences associated with college football games are a serious public health issue for university communities. Objective: Examining “Extreme Ritualistic Alcohol Consumption” (ERAC), defined as consuming 10 or more drinks on game day for a male, and 8 or more drinks for a female, is the focus of this study. Participants: In the fall of 2006, college students ages 18 to 24 were randomly selected to complete the Game Day Survey. Methods: Researchers utilized a cross sectional research design to collect data. Results: Sixteen percent of the respondents engaged in ERAC on game day, whereas 36% drank 5 or more drinks (4 or more for females). Male, Caucasian, Greek (members of a social fraternity or sorority), and students of legal drinking age consumed alcohol at disproportionately high rates. Conclusion: Alcohol use is common on game day, with a significant percentage of students placing themselves at risk by drinking large amounts of alcohol.
Characteristics of Patients Involved in Psychotherapy in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine the demographic and clinical characteristics of Bosnian and Herzegovinian patients involved in psychotherapeutic treatments in order to explore the current situation of psychotherapy in Bosnia and Herzegovina.Methods: The study included 213 patients (154 women and 47 men) undergoing diverse psychotherapeutic treatments. Data about demographic and clinical characteristics were collected by questionnaire. Following characteristics were documented: age, sex, education, employment status, marital status, specific problem that got the client involved in psychotherapy, type of psychotherapy, and use of psychopharmacology.Results: Majority of the patients undergoing psychotherapy are age up to 40 and female. They are by vast majority holding a university degree and are employed. Nearly equal number of patients is living in partnership or marriage compared to single or never been married. Most frequent reasons for getting involved in the psychotherapy treatment are of the intrapersonal nature (depression, anxiety and panic attacks). Majority of the patients were involved in gestalt and cognitive behavioral psychotherapy, and at the same time majority of those were not prescribed medicaments.Conclusions: We point out and overview some of the most prominent socio-demographic traits of patients undergoing psychotherapy, the ones that could be important in the future research with the higher degree of control. In the terms of personal initiative, psychotherapy stops being a taboo in Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, there is still a long path until it reaches integration in daily life of the people.
Severity of dystonia is correlated with putaminal gray matter changes in Myoclonus‐Dystonia

Background: Myoclonus‐dystonia (M‐D) is an autosomal dominantly inherited movement disorder characterized by myoclonic jerks and dystonic postures or movements. Morphometric studies have been performed in other, mainly heterogenous, types of dystonia producing conflicting results. However, all these studies agree on abnormalities in sensorimotor structures, mainly in the basal ganglia. We aimed to study gray matter (GM) volumes in sensorimotor brain structures with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a genetically homogeneous form of dystonia, M‐D.
Disregulated Alcohol-Related Behavior Among College Drinkers: Associations With Protective Behaviors, Personality, and Drinking Motives

Abstract Objective: This study investigated the psychometric properties of the Disregulated Alcohol-Related Behaviors Inventory (DARBI), a measure of harmful alcohol-related behavior, and the relationship between protective behavior use and scores on the DARBI and several other measures. Participants: Participants were 281 undergraduate volunteers (60% female) enrolled in introductory psychology sections in Summer and Fall 2007. Methods: Participants completed the DARBI along with paper-and-pencil self-report measures of broad personality domains, trait resilience, protective behavior use, and drinking motivations and consequences. Results: The DARBI's internal consistency was good (alpha = .85). DARBI scores correlated negatively with conscientiousness scores but positively with neuroticism, the Michigan Alcohol Screening Test (MAST), Rutgers Alcohol Problem Index (RAPI), and positive-reinforcement motives scores. The self-reported use of protective behaviors related negatively to DARBI, MAST, RAPI, and enhancement motives scores. Protective behavior use was unrelated to broad personality domains. Conclusions: The DARBI may prove a useful tool in campus interventions. Further research should determine the dispositional and situational determinants of protective behavior use.
Drugs and drug delivery in PD: optimizing control of symptoms with pramipexole prolonged‐release

Intermittent or pulsatile dopamine‐receptor stimulation is postulated to induce plastic changes in motor systems that are responsible for the development of motor fluctuations and dyskinesia, complicating long‐term levodopa therapy of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Continuous dopamine stimulation (CDS) is a concept that refers to the hypothesis that more continuous dopamine‐receptor stimulation will reduce the risk of motor complications, particularly dyskinesias, and may also treat established dyskinesias. In line with this hypothesis, the intermittent administration of dopaminergic agents with short half‐lives induce motor complications in animal models, whilst the continuous administration of the same compounds via mini‐pumps substantially reduces such symptoms. Continuous drug delivery (CDD) strategies are therefore explored in clinical trials to prevent or manage motor complications. The early use of a dopamine agonist reduces the risk of motor fluctuations compared with levodopa. Conversely, the early combination of the catechol‐O‐methyltransferase inhibitor entacapone with levodopa has failed to demonstrate a comparable advantage. Outcomes of uncontrolled long‐term studies of PD patients with motor complications treated for several months with subcutaneous continuous infusion of apomorphine or intraduodenal levodopa are compatible with CDS. New once‐daily prolonged‐release formulations of dopamine agonists have demonstrated antiparkinsonian efficacy in randomized trials conducted in early as well as advanced patients with PD. Once‐daily administration is convenient and may improve compliance. Other theoretical advantages in terms of efficacy or tolerability deserve further exploration.