Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Plasma adiponectin levels and endometrial cancer risk in pre- and postmenopausal women.

BACKGROUND Adiponectin, an adipocytokine secreted by adipose tissue, is decreased in obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and polycystic ovary syndrome, all of which are well-established risk factors for endometrial cancer. METHODS We conducted a case-control study nested within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition to examine the relation between prediagnostic plasma adiponectin levels and endometrial cancer risk. Among pre- and postmenopausal women who were not currently using exogenous hormones, 284 women developed incident endometrial cancer during an average of 5.1 yr of follow-up. Using risk set sampling, 548 control subjects were selected, matched on center, age, menopausal status, phase of menstrual cycle, time of blood draw, and fasting status. Conditional logistic regression models were used to estimate relative risks and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS Adiponectin levels were inversely associated with endometrial cancer risk [body mass index-adjusted relative risk for the top vs. bottom quartile = 0.56 (95% confidence interval 0.36-0.86), P(trend) = 0.006]. There was evidence of a stronger inverse association among obese women than among nonobese women (P(heterogeneity) = 0.03). The inverse association also appeared stronger for women who were postmenopausal or perimenopausal than premenopausal at baseline, but this was not statistically significantly heterogeneous (P(heterogeneity) = 0.51). The association remained statistically significant after separate adjustment for other obesity-related physiological risk factors such as C-peptide, IGF binding protein-1, IGF binding protein-2, SHBG, estrone, or free testosterone but only marginally statistically significant after simultaneous adjustment for these factors. CONCLUSIONS High circulating adiponectin levels are associated with reduced endometrial cancer risk, largely independent of other obesity-related risk factors.
3–5 GHz CMOS Power Amplifier design for ultra-wide-band application

This paper presents the design of a wideband class AB cascode Power Amplifier (PA) using UMC 0. 18μm CMOS process for UWB applications covering lower band of 3-5 GHz. Designed class AB PA delivers an output power of 1.80267 dBm at an input 1-dB compression point of -11.144 dBm for a 4 GHz frequency. It achieves a good gain flatness of 13.3±1.0 dB over the entire 3-5 GHz. The matching networks are designed to achieve an input and output return loss of <;-7.5 and <;-7.0 dB respectively, with an excellent reverse isolation of <;-37 dB. Power Added Efficiency (PAE) is found to be 15.32% at -5 dBm input RF power. The designed PA also found to be un-conditionally stable.
Enterprise System Post-Implementation Use Practices: Analysis of Individual Purchasing Business Processes in Greek SMEs

This is a field study of the use of purchasing best practice processes by Greek SMEs and their implementation with packaged enterprise systems (ES). The study focuses especially on process and ES use deficiencies and their causes. Individual processes are analyzed from the implementor’s point of view over a sample of 19 Greek SMEs which have successful ES (ERP system) implementations. The following categories of purchasing processes are studied: Purchasing requisitions, requests for quotation, quotations, supplier evaluation and selection, orders, material requirements planning methods, receipts and invoicing, as well as B2B e-commerce processes and Business Intelligence analytics. The observed deficiencies in process and ES use can be classified in the following three categories: Firstly, processes which are not used, or are not implemented using best practices, because of a general lack of company maturity, which is to some degree independent from the ES. Secondly, processes which are used but are not carried out with the ES. Thirdly, advanced ES-enabled processes which are not used at all or are not used to their full potential. Major causes of the observed deficiencies are the lack of know-how and sufficient manpower which are related to the size of the companies. The proposed analysis of the use of individual processes can support business process orientation and ES maturity evaluations, especially under low process and ES use maturity conditions.
Washing of stored red blood cells by an autotransfusion device before transfusion

Background and Objectives The use of an autotransfusion device to wash blood of the incision site is increasing. After washing, this blood is retransfused without side effects caused by activated plasma factors and cell release products. This procedure could be extended to washing of donor blood, which may be particularly useful for red blood cells (RBCs) stored for more than 4 weeks that contain high concentrations of free haemoglobin, potassium, lactate and other metabolites. It is not known whether stored RBCs can withstand the cell washing procedure with the use of an autotransfusion device, while keeping their primary functions intact. The objective of this study was to determine the quality of RBCs, after cell washing in comparison to untreated RBCs.
The cultural flavours of problem‐based learning

Editor – Frambach and her colleagues reported interesting findings about how students’ cultural backgrounds impact on problembased learning (PBL) in Hong Kong, the Middle East and the Netherlands. Although some readers will think it an over-simplification because culture is a complex dynamic issue that cannot be interpreted with one theory, it is interesting to consider these findings within the cultural domains identified by Hofstede. The results reported by Frambach et al. appear to resonate very well with this model, which suggests that it might be used to help further interpret their findings and build on their theoretical basis. Specifically, students’ readiness for PBL in Asian, Arab and Dutch contexts can be interpreted in view of three cultural indices studied by Hofstede.
The Accuracy of Local Death Certificates in Cancer of the Lung and Stomach

The study analysed the accuracy of local death certificates (LDC) for patients with lung cancer (424 males, 36 females) and stomach cancer (99 males, 62 females) who died between 1979 and 1984. All the diagnoses were confirmed histologically. For a subgroup of lung cancer (males), we also evaluated the national death certificate (NDC) and the correspondence of LDC vs. NDC. The reliability of LDC was quite poor. This paper examines the different reasons for the underevaluation of cancer in LDC and the variables which modify the accuracy of cause of death on the death certificate.
Identifying the Reasons for Coordination Failure in a Laboratory Experiment

We investigate the effect of absence of common knowledge on the outcomes of coordination games in a laboratory experiment. Using cognitive types, we can explain coordination failure in pure coordination games while differentiating between coordination failure due to first- and higher-order beliefs. In our experiment, around 76% of the subjects have chosen the payoff-dominant equilibrium strategy despite the absence of common knowledge. However, 9% of the players had first-order beliefs that lead to coordination failure and another 9% exhibited coordination failure due to higher-order beliefs. Furthermore, we compare our results with predictions of commonly used models of higher-order beliefs.
Self‐Reported Function More Informative than Frailty Phenotype in Predicting Adverse Postoperative Course in Older Adults

Current preoperative assessment tools such as the American College of Surgeons Surgical Risk Calculator (ACS Calculator) are suboptimal for evaluating older adults. The objective was to evaluate and compare the performance of the ACS Calculator for predicting risk of serious postoperative complications with the addition of self‐reported physical function versus a frailty score.
Association of Lupus Anticoagulant With Long‐Term Damage Accrual in Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody–Associated Vasculitis

Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) are frequently present in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody–associated vasculitis (AAV) patients; however, the prognostic impact of aPL in such patients has not been elucidated. The objective of this study was to determine whether persistent aPL positivity in AAV patients was associated with increased long‐term damage accrual.
Clinical significance of phospholipase A2 group IIA (PLA2G2A) expression in primary resected esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

AIM The aim of this study was to clarify the clinico-pathological outcome and prognostic significance of phospholipase A2 group IIA (PLA2G2A) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS Immunohistochemical staining for PLA2G2A was performed on surgical specimens obtained from 132 patients with ESCC, and 43 from matched adjacent non-malignant sites. Differences in PLA2G2A expression and clinical characteristics were compared by χ2 test. Correlations between prognostic outcomes and with PLA2G2A expression were investigated using Kaplan-Meier analysis and the Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS Immunoreactivity of PLA2G2A was observed in 32% (42 of 132) of ESCC tissues compared with negative staining in matched adjacent non-malignant sites. In addition, PLA2G2A expression inversely correlated with pathological classification (p < 0.05 for T, N, and M classifications) and clinical staging (p = 0.03). Furthermore, patients with positive PLA2G2A had prolonged overall survival (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Reduced PLA2G2A expression may be a risk factor for advanced clinicopathological classification and poor patient survival. These findings suggest that PLA2G2A may serve as a useful marker for the prognostic evaluation of ESCC patients.
Water mites from Mount Kinabalu and the Crocker Range, Borneo, Malaysia (Acari: Hydrachnidia), with the description of 34 new species.

Descriptions are presented of new species of water mites from two mountains in the Malaysian part of Borneo. A new subgenus of the genus Javalbia (Hygrobatidae), i.e. Megapes n. subgen. , and 34 new species are described: Limnocharidae: Limnochares (Limnochares) spinosa n. sp. ; Oxidae: Oxus (Oxus) fuscus n. sp. ; Hydryphantidae: Protzia borneoensis n. sp. ; Sperchontidae: Sperchon kinabaluensis n. sp. , Sperchonopsis orientalis n. sp. ; Hygrobatidae: Hygrobates (Hygrobates) acutipalpis n. sp. , H. (Hygrobates) hamatoides n. sp. , H. (Hygrobates) striatus n. sp. , Atractides (Atractides) neospatiosus n. sp. , A. (Atractides) sabahensis n. sp. , A. (Atractides) crockerensis n. sp. , A. (Atractides) curtisetus n. sp. , A. (Tympanomegapus) borneoensis n. sp. ; Frontipodopsidae: Frontipodopsis suturalis n. sp. ; Aturidae: Javalbia (Javalbia) montana n. sp. , J. (Javalbia) solitaria n. sp. , J. (Javalbiopsis) borneoensis n. sp. , J. (Javalbiopsis) kinabaluensis n. sp. , J. (Javalbiopsis) magniseta n. sp. , J. (Javalbiopsis) reticulata n. sp. , J. (Megapes) uncinata n. sp. , Albaxona mahuaensis n. sp. , Axonopsis (Axonopsis) longigenitalis n. sp. , A. (Axonopsis) rugosa n. sp. , A. (Paraxonopsis) truncata n. sp. , A. (Brachypodopsis) latipalpis n. sp. , A. (Vicinaxonopsis) caeca n. sp. , Erebaxonopsis kipungitensis n. sp. , Ljania inconspicua n. sp. , L. obliterata n. sp. , Albia (Albiella) crocker n. sp. , Aturus borneoensis n. sp. ; Athienemanniidae: Africasia acuticoxalis n. sp. ; Arrenuridae: Thoracophoracarus uniacetabulatus n. sp. A key is presented for the Javalbia species of Borneo. New records are given for 10 further species. In the course of revisional work, lectotypes are designated for the following species: Atractides cognatus (K. Viets) and A. propatulus (K. Viets).
Type 1 diabetes and LADA--occurrence of HLA-DRB1 *03 and DRB1 *04 alleles in two age different groups of diabetics.

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1D) with an onset in adulthood and Late Autoimmune Diabetes of Adults (LADA) are connected with autoimmune insulitis (associated with islet cell autoantibodies) and the specific high-risk HLA class II genotype. The study was aimed at analyzing time and clinical characteristics of the diabetics with an onset of the disease after 35 y. (T1D and LADA). Main target of the study was to assess possible role of the old age onset and compare it with diabetics with the onset in the middle age (incl. analyzing HLA-DRB1 genotype). In the study, we included 103 diabetics with an onset of autoimmune diabetes at 35+ y. who were hospitalized and afterwards long-term observed in the diabetological outpatient department. 46 men and 57 women of the average age 65.7 +/- 13.8 y. (range 35-93 y.) were out of this number. 41 were assessed as the T1D patients and 61 as the LADA ones. As a control group we used 99 healthy individuals. Patients of the T1D subgroup developed diabetes in the age of 50.8 +/- 15.1 y. and of the LADA subgroup in the age of 52.6 +/- 12.8 y. Its duration in the time of this study was 10.7 +/- 11.6 y. ; respectively 5.3 +/- 7.1 y. Fasting and postprandial C-peptide levels were statistically higher (p < 0.01) in the LADA subgroup vs. T1D. Obesity 1st and 2nd grade were present together only in 12.6%. BMI was not statistically significantly different between both groups. We found in our diabetic patients the predisposition alleles HLA-DRB1*03, HLA-DRB1*04 and particularly their combination. The occurrence of these HLA alleles is significantly higher in T1D patients in comparison to control groups (p = 0.01, OR = 4.0). In our study, the occurrence of the susceptible HLA-DRB1*03 and HLA-DRB1*04 alleles in T1D patients is higher than in LADA. The presence of these alleles identifies patients of high risk and requirement of insulin therapy. Since risk alleles are similarly present in middle and old age, environmental factors probably play similar role in these onsets of autoimmune diabetes.
A Comparative Study of Growth and Financial Performance of Islamic and Conventional Banks in GCC Countries

IV LIST OF TABLES . X LIST OF FIGURES . XVI CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION . 1 1.1 Background . 1 1.2 Evolution of Banking . 3 1.3 Motivation of the Research . 5 1.4 Scope of the Study. 7 1.5 Variables of Growth . 7 1.5. 1 Total Assets . 7 1.5. 2 Customer Deposits . 7 1.5. 3 Loans . 7 1.5. 4 Financing and investing activities . 8 1.5. 5 Total Operating Income . 8 1.5. 6 Operating Expenses . 8 1.5. 7 Operating Profit . 8 1.6 Financial Performance Indicators. 8 1.7 Efficiency . 10 1.8 Research Objectives . 10 1.9 Research Methodology . 10 1.10 Organization of the Thesiss . 11 1.11 Summary . 12 CHAPTER 2 : LITERATURE REVIEW . 14 2.1 Model Studies Taken for the Research . 14 2.2 Studies on Growth Variables and Financial Performance . 20 2.3 Review of Studies on Efficiency of the Banks . 32 2.4 Research Gap. 42 CHAPTER 3 : RESEARCH METHODOLOGY . 44 3.1 Problem Statement . 44 vii 3.2 Objectives . 45 3.3 Sources of Data . 45 3.4 Methodology . 45 3.5 Variables of Growth . 46 3.5. 1 Total Financing and Investing Activities . 47 3.5. 2 Loans and Advances . 47 3.5. 3 Total Assets . 47 3.5. 4 Customer Deposits . 48 3.5. 5 Net Interest Income . 48 3.5. 6 Total Income from Financing and Investing Activity. 48 3.5. 7 Operating Profit . 48 3.6 Financial Performance Indicators. 49 3.6. 1 Profitability Ratio. 50 3.6. 2 Liquidity Ratios . 51 3.6. 3 Risk and Solvency Ratios . 52 3.6. 4 Efficiency Ratios . 53 3.7 Research Design and Sample . 53 3.7. 1 Formulation of Research Hypotheses . 55 3.7. 2 Hypotheses Based on Dimension of Variables of Growth . 55 3.7. 3 Hypotheses Based on Financial Performance Indicators . 56 3.8 Application of t-Test . 58 3.9 Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) . 58 3.10 Limitations of the Study . 59 CHAPTER 4 : ISLAMIC BANKING . 61 4.1 Origin and Scope . 62 4.2 Islamic Banking Growth Round the Globe . 65 4.2.1 Islamic Banking in Europe . 66 4.2.2 Islamic Banking in the South Asia. 67 4.2.3 Islamic Banking in the South-East Asia . 68 4.2.4 Islamic Banking in the GCC Countries . 68 4.3 The Main Characteristics of Islamic Banking . 71 4.4 Similarities of Islamic Bank and Conventional Bank . 72 4.5 Operational Differences of Islamic Bank and Conventional Bank . 73
Microbiologic Findings in Acute Facial Palsy in Children

Objective Microbiologic causes of facial palsy in children were investigated. Study Design Prospective clinical study. Setting Tertiary referral center. Patients Forty-six children aged 0 to 16 years with peripheral facial palsy. Interventions Paired serum samples and cerebrospinal fluid were tested to find indications of microbes associated with facial palsy. The microbes tested were herpes simplex virus 1 and 2, varicella-zoster virus, human herpesvirus-6, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Borrelia burgdorferi, influenza A and B virus, picorna, cytomegalovirus, parainfluenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, coxsackie B5 virus, adenovirus, and enterovirus, Chlamydia psittaci, and Toxoplasma gondii. Besides the routine tests in clinical practice, serum and cerebrospinal fluid samples were tested with a highly sensitive microarray assay for DNA of herpes simplex virus 1 and 2; human herpes virus 6A, 6B, and 7; Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, and varicella zoster virus. Results Incidence for facial palsy was 8.6/100,000/children/year. Cause was highly plausible in 67% and probable in an additional 11% of cases. Borrelia burgdorferi caused facial palsy in 14 patients (30%), varicella zoster virus in 5 (11%) (one with concomitant adenovirus), influenza A in 3 (6%), herpes simplex virus 1 in 2 (4%) (one with concomitant enterovirus), otitis media in 2 (4%), and human herpesvirus 6 in 2 (4%). Mycoplasma pneumoniae, neurofibromatosis, and neonatal age facial palsy affected 1 child (2%) each. Conclusion Microbiologic etiology association of pediatric facial palsy could frequently be confirmed. Borreliosis was the single most common cause; hence, cerebrospinal fluid sampling is recommended for all pediatric cases in endemic areas. Varicella zoster virus accounted for 11% of the cases, being the second most common factor.
Mediterranean diet reduces endothelial damage and improves the regenerative capacity of endothelium.

BACKGROUND Endothelial dysfunction is a fundamental step in the atherosclerotic disease process. Activation or injury of the endothelium leads to a variety of inflammatory disorders, including the release of microparticles. Endothelial progenitor cells may contribute to the maintenance of the endothelium by replacing injured mature endothelial cells. OBJECTIVE We studied the influence of dietary fat on the release of endothelial microparticles (EMPs) and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in elderly subjects. DESIGN Twenty healthy, elderly subjects (10 men and 10 women) consumed 3 diets following a randomized crossover design, each for 4 wk: a saturated fatty acid diet; a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet; and a Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) enriched in monounsaturated fatty acids. We investigated total microparticles, EMPs from activated endothelial cells (activated EMPs), EMPs from apoptotic endothelial cells (apoptotic EMPs), EPCs, oxidative stress variables, and ischemic reactive hyperemia (IRH). RESULTS The MedDiet led to lower total microparticle, activated EMP, and apoptotic EMP concentrations and higher EPC numbers than did the other diets (P < 0.001). We detected lower superoxide dismutase activity (P < 0.001), a higher plasma β-carotene concentration (P < 0.001), and lower urinary isoprostane and plasma nitrotyrosine concentrations after consumption of the MedDiet than after consumption of the other 2 diets (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the occurrence of IRH was higher after consumption of the MedDiet than after consumption of the other 2 diets (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Consumption of the MedDiet induces a reduction in endothelial damage and dysfunction, which is associated with an improvement in the regenerative capacity of the endothelium, in comparison with 2 other diets.
Strategic Capabilities as a Strategic Tool in Commercial Bank of Africa

In today's fast-changing competitive environment, firms' competitive positions are constantly challenged by the emergence of new technologies, products, and markets and competitors. As a result, organizations have to respond strategically to environmental factors in order to be sustainable. Quickness to accurate, relevant and precise information is crucial to the success of firms operating in such a competitive environment. Such competitive advantage emanates from resources unique to a firm such as key competencies, assets, capabilities, resources, information, and knowledge. An organizations strategic capability has been known to be such a great resource to a firm obtaining sustainability. The study aimed at determining the how strategic capabilities is utilized as a strategic tool by the Commercial bank of Africa. In attempting to get the objective, a case study research design was adopted. Five respondents were interviewed and gave information that helped in arriving at the research objective and conclusion. The study established that organization gives attention to the identification, development and harnessing its strategic capabilities in its strategic process. Some of the banks strategic capabilities include advanced information technology, trained human resource Base, adequate capital base, the banks brand name and customers who provide the bulk of the business. The increased performance of the bank has been attributed by with such core competencies that have enabled it to realize its strategic objectives in time. This study also found out that the harnessing of strategic capabilities structures by organizations may not necessarily be driven by the level of awareness of the concept, but may also arise from the organization efforts to create a proactive business environment and thus gain competitive advantage.
STATE OWNERSHIP, AGENCY CONFLICT AND EFFECTIVE TAX RATES: EVIDENCE FROM CHINA

Agency conflict between minority and controlling shareholders in state owned firms has to be considered in order to examine the variability on effective tax rates. In China, state ownership helps the government to achieve its social objectives by optimizing corporate income tax. We provide a significant result to prove that state owned firms paid higher corporate income taxes than private firms. Our results also indicate that corporate effective tax rates are positively associated with firm sized and inventory intensity. However, we have no strong evidence to support the association with leverage, return on assets and capital intensity.
The Mortality of Elderly People with Diabetes

To assess the full effect of diabetes on survival in elderly subjects, residents of Melton Mowbray aged 65, 70, 75, 80, and 85 years were screened by glucose tolerance test and followed up for 4.5 years. Death occurred in 56 of 520 normal subjects, 9 of 44 subjects with impaired glucose tolerance, 7 of 19 newly diagnosed diabetic subjects, and 27 of 52 known diabetic subjects. Diabetic subjects were 4.5 times (95% confidence interval 2.9‐7.0) more likely to die than subjects with normal glucose tolerance. Thus elderly diabetic subjects have a substantially increased risk of death compared to their normal glucose tolerant peers.