Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gastroesophageal reflux and pediatric otolaryngologic disease: the role of antireflux surgery.

OBJECTIVE To determine the role of antireflux surgery in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux-induced otolaryngologic disease (GEROD). DESIGN A retrospective medical record analysis was performed. Patient demographics, otolaryngologic disease secondary to gastroesophageal reflux (GER), method of GER diagnosis, medical treatment used before antireflux surgery, and response to surgical intervention were considered. SETTING Tertiary care children's hospital. PATIENTS Among patients undergoing antireflux surgery between January 1, 1996, and December 31, 1999, children with GEROD were included in the study. INTERVENTIONS Children with GEROD who failed medical therapy underwent antireflux surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The demographics of patients requiring antireflux surgery for treatment of their otolaryngologic disease and their clinical response to surgery were reviewed. RESULTS Fourteen (17%) of 82 children, ranging in age from 48 days to 3 years (mean age, 9.7 months), who underwent antireflux surgery for GER at our institution between 1996 and 1999 were diagnosed as having GEROD. Twelve (86%) of the 14 patients were found to have upper airway abnormalities, including subglottic edema, fixed subglottic stenosis, reflex apnea, and recurrent croup. Two patients (14%) had severe chronic sinusitis and otitis media. Nine (64%) of the 14 had normal neurologic function for their age vs 5 (36%) who had neurologic impairment. After antireflux surgery, all 14 patients with GEROD had complete resolution of clinical symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Gastroesophageal reflux has an important role in the cause of numerous otolaryngologic disorders. Although medical management should remain the mainstay of GER therapy, antireflux surgery provided definitive and successful treatment of potentially life-threatening manifestations of GEROD.
An Investigation of e-Government Adoptionin Bahrain and Evaluate the key DeterminingFactors for Strategic Advantage

This study investigated the e-Government initiatives in developing countries and analysed Bahrain’s government stance through a case study where the e-Government system is considered as a core strategy. This research therefore sought to address citizens and expatriates' adoption of e-Government services in Bahrain as one of developing countries, which has spent millions of dollars to launch the e-Government initiative, in order to meet the strategic objectives of Bahrain’s government vision 2030. The study included an empirical study using exploratory method to comprehend how citizens/expatriates of Bahrain accept the e-Government service, and evaluated the factors influenced users to adopt this new technology (i.e. e-Service). The research also examined the two aspects of the e-Government services and their stakeholders, including users and service providers. Through a descriptive study, this qualitative case study methodology was conducted via an interview with a key official in the e-Government authority in Bahrain, and the focus group with four specialists in e-Government systems, to determine the e-Government’s usability from the implementation aspects. The quantitative method, on the other hand, was implemented through questionnaires with both citizens and expatriates to determine the e-Government’s usability from the adoption aspects in Bahrain. The extended technology acceptance model (TAM) was used as predictive modelling and a technique for analysing results of the user survey. The newly developed conceptual model via a structural analysis indicated that citizens and expatriates in Bahrain are willing to accept and use the e-Government system, and it is the most determinant methods of peoples' intention with the system. However, the research indicated there are some issues related to the trust and cultural constructs that need to be addressed by the government based on the attitude of citizens and expatriates determined toward Behaviour Intention (BI) directly, and through the perceived usefulness and ease of use. The research indicated the common factors influence e-Government's adoption from both demand and supply aspects in Bahrain, and the best solutions proposed by the respondents. The conclusion of this study based on the findings comprised of a conceptual framework that explained why the citizens and expatriates' adoption of e-Government services as the core strategic enabler to Bahrain's vision 2030.
Deposited in DRO : 21 August 2015 Version of attached le : Accepted Version Peer-review status of attached

A graph is H-free if it has no induced subgraph isomorphic to H. We continue a study into the boundedness of clique-width of subclasses of perfect graphs. We identify five new classes of H-free split graphs whose clique-width is bounded. Our main result, obtained by combining new and known results, provides a classification of all but two stubborn cases, that is, with two potential exceptions we determine all graphs H for which the class of H-free split graphs has bounded clique-width.
The LIFE Cognition Study: design and baseline characteristics

Observational studies have shown beneficial relationships between exercise and cognitive function. Some clinical trials have also demonstrated improvements in cognitive function in response to moderate–high intensity aerobic exercise; however, these have been limited by relatively small sample sizes and short durations. The Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders (LIFE) Study is the largest and longest randomized controlled clinical trial of physical activity with cognitive outcomes, in older sedentary adults at increased risk for incident mobility disability. One LIFE Study objective is to evaluate the effects of a structured physical activity program on changes in cognitive function and incident all-cause mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Here, we present the design and baseline cognitive data. At baseline, participants completed the modified Mini Mental Status Examination, Hopkins Verbal Learning Test, Digit Symbol Coding, Modified Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure, and a computerized battery, selected to be sensitive to changes in speed of processing and executive functioning. During follow up, participants completed the same battery, along with the Category Fluency for Animals, Boston Naming, and Trail Making tests. The description of the mild cognitive impairment/dementia adjudication process is presented here. Participants with worse baseline Short Physical Performance Battery scores (prespecified at ≤7) had significantly lower median cognitive test scores compared with those having scores of 8 or 9 with modified Mini Mental Status Examination score of 91 versus (vs) 93, Hopkins Verbal Learning Test delayed recall score of 7.4 vs 7.9, and Digit Symbol Coding score of 45 vs 48, respectively (all P<0.001). The LIFE Study will contribute important information on the effects of a structured physical activity program on cognitive outcomes in sedentary older adults at particular risk for mobility impairment. In addition to its importance in the area of prevention of cognitive decline, the LIFE Study will also likely serve as a model for exercise and other behavioral intervention trials in older adults.
Current Research on Entrepreneurship and SME Management: 7th edition of Inter-RENT, an initiative of ECSB

Prior studies have investigated various aspects of academic spin-off ventures from different perspectives and at different levels. At meso-level, six groups of scholars have investigated why some universities generate more spin-offs than others, mainly in the North American context. This study builds upon these seminal works and aims at explaining why European universities differ in the number of spin-offs generated from a resource-based perspective. Using linear regression on a sample of 268 universities in 21 countries, the results mainly point to the interaction between a university’s size and general resource base on one hand and policies and mechanisms to support entrepreneurial initiatives on the other. In a statistically significant model with nine variables, almost 60% of total variation is explained. As main implication, universities and policy makers should be willing to devote a substantial amount of their scarce resources to research and invest in technology transfer offices to support further commercialisation of the research outcome by installing effective and efficient support mechanisms.
ROLE OF CARBON DIOXIDE IN THE DIMORPHISM OF COCCIDIOIDES IMMITIS

Converse (J. Bacteriol., 74, 106, 1957) described a procedure for the conversion of arthrospores and mycelial fragments of strain AM-11 of Coccidioides immitis to the spherule form. He used a defined medium containing Tamol "N," and reported maintenance of the spherule form the density of the culture generally increased to 4.0 to 4.5 mg per ml as determined by the dry weight of material retained by an HA Millipore membrane. Transfers were made to fresh medium after the cultures were centrifuged and the supernatant medium discarded. These cultures have
Developing the Media Zoo in Second Life

Second Life (SL), an immersive virtual environment, is increasingly being adopted in education for both formal and informal teaching and learning uses. This paper addresses the process of developing a demonstrator presence in SL, the potential of the system for formal teaching and some practical ideas on how to successfully integrate such emerging technologies into practice.
Plasma fibrinogen: a possible link between job stress and cardiovascular disease among Chinese workers.

BACKGROUND Little is known about the effect of effort-reward imbalance (ERI) on fibrinogen. We aimed to examine the association between ERI and fibrinogen among Chinese workers. METHODS A total of 732 subjects without vascular diseases were analyzed. Associations between job stress evaluated by ERI model and plasma fibrinogen were explored by multiple regression. RESULTS Effort, overcommitment, and ERI were significantly positively associated with fibrinogen, while reward was negatively related with fibrinogen both for men and for women. Compared with low level group, high level of effort, overcommitment, and ERI significantly increased risk of elevated fibrinogen (more than mean concentration) with adjusted OR of 3.3, 12.5, and 7.7 for men; 2.9, 7.2, and 7.2 for women, respectively; however, high reward reduced 80% risk for elevated fibrinogen. CONCLUSIONS Effort, overcommitment, and ERI are significantly associated with fibrinogen among Chinese workers. High fibrinogen may be a possible link between job stress and cardiovascular disease.
Effect of raffinose family oligosaccharides on seed germination of wild and mutant types of chickpea (Cicer arietinum).

The raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs) are a group of soluble galactosyl derivatives which include raffinose and stachyose thought to play a number of roles in plant development. They are providing a source of rapidly metabolizable carbohydrate during germination. In contrast to their potential for promoting germination, RFOs represent anti-nutritional units for monogastric animals when consumed as a component of feed. The exact role of RFOs during seed development and germination has not been experimentally determined, but it has been hypothesized that RFOs are required for successful germination. To serve as an energy sources, RFO's must be degraded into their component monosaccharides. However, low RFO had not significantly delayed or reduced in chickpea seed germination. It is concluded that RFOs are not an essential source of energy during chickpea seed germination in chickpea seeds.
Effects Of Celebrity Endorsement On Customer Trust And Loyalty: Case Study On Pilgrims In Aceh

The increasing of fraud cases against umrah pilgrims in Indonesia, causing travel companies to be observant in doing their marketing. One of their marketing strategies is to increase the trust and loyalty of pilgrims to their travel companies. To increase customer trust and loyalty, travel companies use celebrity endorsement to help promote their products. In Aceh, many travel companies use celebrity endorsement to assist the promotion of their umrah packages. The people of Aceh are known as a society that implements Islamic shariah as the foundation of their life. Many Islamic Boarding School (pesantren) leaders, mosque imams, and influential public figures have become celebrity endorsements. They are believed to be able to make people believe to do umrah with travel companies that use them as celebrity endorsements. The purpose of this study was to examine important criteria in creating customers’ loyalty. The relationship between celebrity endorsement and trust are investigated for this purpose. This study discussed how celebrity endorsement affected customer trust and its impact on customer loyalty umrah pilgrims in Aceh. A sample was drawn from umrah pilgrims in Aceh with 218 respondents. Primary data was used in this study in form of questionnaire with Likert scale. SPSS was used to analyze demographic characteristics of the respondents and descriptive analysis. AMOS 22 was adopted for the Structural Equation Modeling of the survey model for verified analysis using regression weight/loading factor. The findings of this study have shown significant relationships among the variables under investigation. Customers’ trust was found as moderate variable between celebrity endorsement and customers’ loyalty. The results of this study could provide input for travel companies in Aceh to use celebrity endorsement if they wanted to increase customer trust and loyalty of Umrah pilgrims.
Economic evaluations of vaccines in Canada: Exploring the epidemiologic and economic impact of chickenpox vaccine strategies in Canada using an agent-based model

ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . iv TABLE OF CONTENTS . v LIST OF TABLES . ix LIST OF FIGURES . x LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS . xi CHAPTER 1INTRODUCTION . 1 1.1. Rationale and aims of this research . 1 1.1.1. Economic evaluations of vaccines . 1 1.1.2. Chickenpox and shingles . 3 1.1.3. Agent-based modelling of chickenpox and shingles . 3 1.1.4. Optimal scheduling of the chickenpox vaccine in Canada . 4 1.1. 5. Economic evaluation of chickenpox vaccine in Canada . 4 1.2. Theoretical foundation for the research . 5 1.2. 1. History and economic theories underlying economic evaluations . 5 1.2. 2. Theoretical foundation and history for agent-based modelling in economic evaluations . 8 1.3. Outline of thesis . 9 1.4. References . 11 CHAPTER 2ECONOMIC EVALUATIONS OF VACCINES IN CANADA: A SCOPING REVIEW . 15 2.
Parent Interest in a School-Based, School Nurse-Led Weight Management Program

Because one in three children is already overweight or obese, school-based interventions targeting secondary obesity prevention merit consideration. This study assessed parent interest in participating in a school-based, school nurse-led weight management program for young school-aged children. A random sample of parents (n = 122) of second and fourth grade students in one large midwestern suburban school district completed a mailed survey. Associations between parent and child characteristics and interest in a school nurse-led after school weight management program for children, parent support group, and school nurse meeting with parent and child for weight management education were assessed using multivariate logistic regression. Non-White parents, parents concerned about their child’s weight, and parents of girls were significantly more likely to express interest in program components than their counterparts. Future studies that develop, implement, and evaluate school-based, school nurse-led weight management programs targeting children who are overweight and obese merit attention.
That’s Entertainment: Crafting a Creative Ecology within Public Television

ABSTRACT Television has gone through a period of rapid disruption in the last few years. New technologies, increased globalization, shifting demographics, and evolving consumer demand have impelled widespread change to business models. Consequently, Broadcasters have been forced to re-examine their approaches to creativity and ideation including capacities and enabling methods. Following analysis of recorded interviews with key personnel behind three recent television productions a better understanding of the cultural ecology surrounding creativity was developed. Findings emphasized the decisive influence that internal sense of community, tacit realization practices, and quality leadership – all working together – play in delivering a distinctive production to a mass-market media audience.
Influences of volitional and forced intentions on physical activity and effort within the theory of planned behaviour

Abstract In the present study, we examined the utility of volitional and forced intentions in predicting participation in physical activities and effort within the theory of planned behaviour. Four hundred and forty-four participants (184 males, 260 females) aged 19.1 ± 3.3 years (mean ± s) completed self-report measures of intentions, attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, volitional intentions, forced intentions, and past behaviour in a physical activity context. Six weeks later, they completed self-report measures of physical activity behaviour and effort. Results indicated that volitional intentions and forced intentions contributed to the prediction of effort over and above intentions, attitudes, subjective norms, perceptions of control, past behaviour, and the product terms of attitudes×intentions and subjective norms×intentions. Volitional intentions and forced intentions did not predict participation in physical activities over and above effort. We concluded that volitional intentions and forced intentions assist in the explanation of effort in the context of physical activity behaviour.
Analysis of Content

This contribution issues an overview of the frame conditions for the utilization of Digital CAADRIA Proceedings representing in its entirety an important asset for the CAADcommunity. The process of the extended use of electronic copies of CAADRIA conference papers in pdf-format is described as well as the respective decisions taken in this context. Results of a content analysis regarding the topics of CAAD and referencing are presented.
Sustainable fashion themes in luxury brand storytelling: The sustainability fashion research grid

ABSTRACT “Sustainable fashion”, also known as “eco fashion”, is a part of the growing design, manufacturing, and consumption philosophy and trend toward system maintainability. The goal of system maintainability is to create regularity which is supportable indefinitely in terms of human impact on the environment and social responsibility. Sustainable fashion is an alternative trend against fast fashion. The severe environmental damage that the fashion industry firms and consumers cause now is the main rationale for embracing sustainable fashion – following the petroleum industry, the fashion industry is the second largest cause of pollution worldwide. Specific sustainable fashion trends are identifiable that focus on nurturing the reduction of the pollution caused by fashion. These trends include innovative behavior by a growing number of firms and segments of fashion consumers. Relevant literature identifies specific sustainability topics requiring the most attention by firms in the fashion industry include the following top two: promoting sustainable fashion thinking and achieving ethical/responsible production is supply chains. Attention among scholars to the issue of how to accomplish sustainable fashion objectives is growing.
A Permissioned Blockchain Business Model for Green Sourcing

Problem Definition: End-consumers pay substantial price premia for green certified sustainably sourced products. In addition to the cost of sustainable practices themselves, record keeping required to keep track of those practices and auditing by certifying agencies are costly for the supplier. To make matters worse, information problems among supply chain partners -- moral hazard, adverse selection, and hold-up -- hinder both investments in technology and efforts toward green certification. We investigate whether the pairing of a new technology like blockchain with an access-based business model, where users of a technology pay for access rather than make large up-front investments, can alleviate these three information problems. Academic/Practical Relevance: Moral hazard, adverse selection, and hold-up are pervasive information problems in supply chains. We examine whether and how the recent phenomenon of companies setting-up permissioned blockchains can help address all three information problems concurrently for green supply~chains. Methodology: We build a game theoretic model of the interaction between the buyer and the supplier. We extend existing models by explicitly modeling the supplier's operational decisions in an open market as the supplier's outside option rather than assume fixed outside option values. Results: The implementation of blockchain technology allows the buyer to share more of its green premium with the supplier -- lowering moral hazard. By appropriately pricing access, the buyer can induce a separating equilibrium and address the adverse selection problem. By placing the burden of investment in technology with the buyer, an access-based business model also eliminates the hold-up problem. Managerial Implications: Our results show that blockchain technology -- on its own -- cannot alleviate all of the information problems faced by a green supply chain. Large buyers need to pair blockchain technology with an access-based business model to unleash its full potential.
Detecting Management Fraud in Public Companies

This paper provides a methodology for detecting management fraud using basic financial data. The methodology is based on support vector machines. An important aspect therein is a kernel that increases the power of the learning machine by allowing an implicit and generally nonlinear mapping of points, usually into a higher dimensional feature space. A kernel specific to the domain of finance is developed. This financial kernel constructs features shown in prior research to be helpful in detecting management fraud. A large empirical data set was collected, which included quantitative financial attributes for fraudulent and nonfraudulent public companies. Support vector machines using the financial kernel correctly labeled 80% of the fraudulent cases and 90.6% of the nonfraudulent cases on a holdout set. Furthermore, we replicate other leading fraud research studies using our data and find that our method has the highest accuracy on fraudulent cases and competitive accuracy on nonfraudulent cases. The results validate the financial kernel together with support vector machines as a useful method for discriminating between fraudulent and nonfraudulent companies using only publicly available quantitative financial attributes. The results also show that the methodology has predictive value because, using only historical data, it was able to distinguish fraudulent from nonfraudulent companies in subsequent years.
The Influence of Human Resource Practices on Job Satisfaction: Empirical Investigation of Jordan Hotels

The present study examined the influence human resource practices on job satisfaction in the context of hotel industry in Jordan. The present study used five human resource practices such as recruitment and selection, performance appraisal, training and development, compensation, and employee participation. A total of 120 responses from 8 hotels were collected and analyzed objectively. Multiple regression was used to test the hypotheses. Results showed that all practices of human resource (i.e. recruitment and selection, performance appraisal, training and development, compensation, and employee participation) had positive influence on job satisfaction.