Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Competing Globally: Institutional Voids in Emerging Markets

This dissertation addresses institutional development in emerging economies, as well as its implications on firm strategy. Specifically, as emerging markets are characterized by “institutional voids”, that is, the absence of information or contracting intermediaries that effectively connect economic agents, I take imperfect information as a defining characteristic of emerging economies, and investigate how the ever-increasing societal demand for information disclosure and transparency affects firm behavior and competiveness. The three chapters of my dissertation examine “institutional voids” at product markets, capital markets and labor markets, respectively. In examining these questions, I utilized various empirical methods including natural, field and online survey experiments, and large-sample dataset econometric analyses.
Characteristics of patients with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy eligible for the Ischemic Optic Neuropathy Decompression Trial.

OBJECTIVE To describe the baseline clinical characteristics of patients in the Ischemic Optic Neuropathy Decompression Trial (IONDT). DESIGN The IONDT is a single-masked, multicenter, randomized clinical trial. SETTINGS Twenty-five US clinical centers. PATIENTS Eligibility criteria for randomization to either optic nerve sheath decompression surgery or careful follow-up included a diagnosis of acute unilateral nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a visual acuity of 20/64 or worse and better than no light perception, and an age of 50 years or older. Patients who were eligible except for having visual acuity better than 20/64 were not randomized, but were followed up. METHODS Each patient underwent a standardized history and examination by certified study personnel within 14 days of the onset of symptoms. Masked personnel performed outcome measurements. RESULTS Of 420 patients with NAION, 258 were randomized, and 162 were not randomized and are being followed up. Sixty-two percent of the patients were men and 95% were white. The mean +/- SD age at onset was 66.0 +/- 8.7 years. Hypertension was reported in 47% of the patients in the IONDT, and 24% of the patients had diabetes mellitus. Forty-two percent of the patients recalled the onset of visual symptoms to be within 2 hours of awakening. Initial visual acuities in the study eye ranged from 20/20 or better to light perception, with 49% of the patients seeing better than 20/64 and 34% of the patients seeing 20/200 or worse. The mean Westergren sedimentation rate was 18.4 mm/h, with 9% of the patients having a rate greater than 40 mm/h. The nonrandomized patients (visual acuity better than 20/64) were younger, 72% were male, and they had a lower prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus. CONCLUSION Although our baseline findings are derived from a selected population of patients with NAION who were eligible for the IONDT, they provide the first description of NAION from a large prospective study that used a standard definition of NAION and only included patients who were identified within 2 weeks of the onset of symptoms.
Anatomical Variability in the Termination of the Basilar Artery in the Human Cadaveric Brain.

AIM The basilar artery (BA) is the prominent median vessel of the vertebrobasilar circulation and usually terminates into two posterior cerebral arteries forming the posterior angle of the Circle of Willis (CW). To tackle different variations of CW, basilar artery acts as a guideline for neuroradiologists and neurosurgeons. Basilar termination is the most frequent site of aneurysm. Abnormalities at the site of termination may compress the oculomotor nerve. Variations at the termination may complicate surgeries at the base of brain. The present study aims to add to the knowledge regarding the termination pattern of the BA. MATERIAL AND METHODS 170 BA terminations were studied. Morphological variations in the termination pattern were noted. Frequency of variations in termination patterns was recorded. Dimensions of BA were measured. Data were analyzed. RESULTS Morphological variations in termination were seen in 17.64%. Bifurcation, Trifurcation, Quadrifurcation, Pentafurcation and Nonfurcation of BA was seen in 82.35%, 5.29%, 5.88%, 3.52% and 2.94% respectively. BA associated with aneurysm and Fenestration was seen in 3.52% and 1.17% respectively. Mean length and diameter of BA was 30.27 mm and 4.8 mm respectively. CONCLUSION Awareness of these anatomical variations in termination patterns of BA is important in neurovascular procedures.
False-negative rate cannot be reduced by lowering the haemoglobin concentration cut-off in colorectal cancer screening using faecal immunochemical test

The aim of this study was to analyse false-negative (FN) results of the faecal immunochemical test (FIT) and its determinants in a colorectal cancer screening programme in Catalonia. We carried out a cross-sectional study among 218 screenees with a negative FIT result who agreed to undergo a colonoscopy. A false-negative result was defined as the detection, at colonoscopy, of intermediate/high-risk polyps or colorectal cancer in a patient with a previous negative FIT (<20 µgHb/g). Multivariate logistic regression models were constructed to identify sociodemographic (sex, age) and screening variables (quantitative faecal haemoglobin, colonoscopy findings) related to FN results. Adjusted odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals were estimated. There were 15.6% FN FIT results. Faecal haemoglobin was undetected in 45.5% of these results and was below 4 µgHb/g in 94.0% of the individuals with a FN result. About 60% of the lesions were located in the proximal colon, whereas the expected percentage was 30%. Decreasing the positivity threshold of FIT does not increase the detection rate of advanced neoplasia, but may increase the costs and potential adverse effects.
Is the atopic march related to confounding by genetics and early‐life environment? A systematic review of sibship and twin data

A popular hypothesis known as the atopic march proposes a set of sequential allergy and respiratory disorders in early childhood contributes enormously to the burden of disease in developed countries. Although the concept of the atopic march has been refined and strengthened by many cross‐sectional and longitudinal studies linking eczema as the initial manifestation with progression to hay fever and then asthma, there is yet no definitive proof that the atopic march is the primary causal factor in childhood allergic disease. This debate is mainly related to the controversy around potential confounding of these associations by genetic and environmental factors. Family studies are ideally suited to unravelling the role of these factors. While multiple reviews have synthesized evidence from studies investigating this question, no review to date has explored specific evidence generated by twin and sibling studies to understand the aetiology of atopic march diseases. Our aim was to conduct a systematic review of twin and sibling studies that examine the allergic phenotypes that form the atopic march, to determine whether such analyses of data from these studies attempt to control for the effect confounding by shared factors, and to report estimates of the magnitude of associations between multiple phenotypes. Our review suggests that (1) genetics play a bigger role predisposing eczema to hay fever and eczema to asthma than environmental factors, and (2) the link between eczema and asthma and hay fever is independent of shared early‐life environmental factors.
PREDICTION OF VISUAL PROGNOSIS WITH SPECTRAL-DOMAIN OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY IN OUTER RETINAL ATROPHY SECONDARY TO CLOSED GLOBE TRAUMA

Purpose: To investigate the structural features of outer retinal atrophy secondary to closed globe trauma and their correlation with visual prognosis, using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). Methods: In this retrospective study, patients with outer retinal atrophy secondary to closed globe trauma were examined with Topcon 3D OCT-1000. The foveal thickness was measured. The severity of outer retinal atrophy was graded into three levels: disruption of inner/outer segment layer, reduced thickness of outer nuclear layer, and disappearance of outer nuclear layer. Cases with >180 days of follow-up were included. The correlations between OCT features and best-corrected visual acuity at the last follow-up were analyzed. Results: Overall, 52 eyes of 52 patients were included, with mean follow-up of 286 ± 200 days. Spectral-domain OCT revealed disruption of the inner/outer segment layer with atrophy of outer nuclear layer and disorganization of inner retina in severe cases. The final best-corrected visual acuity significantly correlated with foveal thickness (r = −0.813; P < 0.001) and the grade of outer retinal atrophy (r = 0.796; P < 0.001). Conclusion: Spectral-domain OCT revealed disruption of the inner/outer segment layer and atrophy of outer nuclear layer in cases of commotio retinae. Foveal thickness and grade of outer retinal atrophy were predictors for final visual outcome in these cases.
Reading between the (party) lines : how political news is seen and shared

This thesis uses mixed methods and datasets to explore how political news is perceived and shared within and across party lines in the context of the 2016 US presidential elections. We begin by examining the impact of political context versus article content on the reader through a crowdsourced study, and follow up with a large scale analysis of story sharing on the social platform Twitter to find cases where popularity transcends political affiliation. In Part One, we look at reader reactions. We investigate the question of trust in political news by performing a study online. We look at the impact of content features (reading level of the article) versus context clues (media brands) to find that political affiliation and brand outweigh all other aspects. In the second part of this thesis, we focus on reader actions. In particular, we look at how political news stories from the same time period are shared on the social media platform Twitter. As we found party loyalty and media brand perceptions to be significant influences on the reader’s opinion of news, we are especially interested in examining emotional features that cause stories to become popular beyond political boundaries. Together, these two parts hope to form a more complete view of factors affecting and driving readers in an election cycle that is heavily influenced by media coverage, both traditional and new. Thesis Supervisor: Deb Roy Title: Associate Professor
Comparison of Naftopidil 75 mg with Tamsulosin Hydrochloride 0.2 mg in the Treatment of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Objective: To compare the efficacy of two α1‐adrenoceptor antagonists, α1D‐adrenoceptor‐selective naftopidil (Naf) 75 mg and α1A‐adrenoceptor‐selective tamsulosin hydrochloride (Tam) 0.2 mg, for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Clinical Characterization and Analysis of the SRD5A2 Gene in Six Korean Patients with 5α-Reductase Type 2 Deficiency

Aims: The aim of this study was to perform a 5α-reductase type 2 gene (SRD5A2) analysis in 6 Korean patients with external genitalia ranging from predominantly female to male in whom 5α-reductase type 2 deficiency was suspected. Patients: Six patients from five unrelated families participated, and all of their parents were non-consanguineous. Three patients presented with ambiguous genitalia at birth, and 2 were referred owing to delayed puberty. The other patient was presented incidentally during an operation for inguinal hernia. Basal and post-human chorionic gonadotropin-stimulated serum testosterone and dihydrotestosterone levels were determined, but neither the levels nor ratio yielded enough information for differential diagnosis. Confirmative diagnosis was achieved by SRD5A2 gene analysis. Results: Four different pathologic mutations were identified. All have already been reported, and are located in exon 1 (p.Q6X), exon 4 (p.G203S and c.655delT), and exon 5 (p.R246Q). p.R246Q was the most frequently identified mutation in our study, and c.655delT has been detected only in Korean patients to date. Conclusion: The molecular analysis is the most reliable method for a correct diagnosis of 5α-reductase type 2 deficiency. Identification of mutations also enables genetic counseling for families at risk.
Reliability of flip chip assemblies subjected to extreme low temperatures

Electronic assemblies are approximately "stress free" near their assembly temperature, which is typically above 150 degC when encapsulants and solders are involved. As the assemblies are cooled below room temperature, the temperature difference between ambient and "stress free" conditions becomes extremely high, and the thermal expansion mismatch induced stresses, strains, and deformations in the assembly can become very large. This phenomenon is exacerbated by the changes in material behavior that occur at extreme low temperatures present in proposed NASA lunar and Mars missions. In particular, encapsulants become much more stiff/brittle losing their typical nonlinear/inelastic stress-strain characteristics and high strains to failure, and the yield stresses for solders become very high. In this work, we evaluated the mechanical performance and reliability of flip chip on laminate assemblies subjected to extreme low temperatures. Stress measurements have been made in the flip chip assemblies during thermal cycling using stress test chips incorporating piezoresistive sensor rosettes. The (111) silicon test chips were 5 times 5 mm in size, with perimeter solder balls on a 200-micron pitch. The obtained stress measurement data correlated well with the predictions of nonlinear finite element models. A microtester has been used to characterize the stress-strain behavior of the solder, underfill encapsulant, and PCB from -180 to +150 C to aid in the numerical simulations
BENCHMARKING ANALYSIS IN ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION

ABSTRACT As competition is introduced into electricity generation, incentive regulation of distribution utilities has become more common. Most of the regulation schemes used in practice are based on benchmarking that is, measuring a company’s efficiency against a reference performance. In benchmarking applications the regulator is generally interested in obtaining a measure of firms’ efficiency in order to reward (or punish) companies accordingly. The reliability of efficiency scores is therefore crucial for an effective implementation of the incentive mechanism. There are a wide variety of methods to measure efficiency. These methods can be classified into two main categories: non-parametric or linear programming methods such as data envelopment analysis, and parametric or econometric methods such as stochastic frontier analysis. A main problem faced by regulators is the choice of the benchmarking method (parametric and non-parametric) and within each method the choice among several legitimate models, especially as different models usually produce different results. Part of this discrepancy is related to the unobserved heterogeneity across firms namely those related to network characteristics and other external differences that are beyond the firm’s control. In the context of parametric methods, panel data could be helpful to distinguish efficiency differences from unobserved heterogeneity. This paper studies how panel data models can be used for this purpose. After a brief overview of the different methods for estimating efficiency and the regulatory practice in Europe, several stochastic frontier models have been applied to a panel of 59 Swiss distribution utilities operating over a nine-year period. The estimated coefficients and inefficiency scores are compared across different specifications. This paper also discusses an alternative approach to conventional benchmarking that uses panel data models for predicting the expected costs rather than efficiencies. This method can be used as an alternative regulation instrument in order to narrow the information gap between the regulator and the regulated companies. Generally, the study concludes that benchmarking analysis should be used to support rather than to determine regulatory decisions, for instance the value of the price cap. With this respect, the use of econometric models to predict the expected costs appears to be an interesting instrument.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: Current Technology and Future Directions

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement as an alternative to open surgical repair is rapidly becoming more used in high-risk patients with aortic stenosis. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement offers the benefit of being much less invasive than traditional surgical repair and has evolved as a therapeutic option for patients with prohibitive surgical risk or those deemed surgically inoperable. Nevertheless, despite its potential to mitigate risk in this frail population, it comes with its own unique set of complications. Technological advancements in valve structure, function, and delivery have and continue to attempt to minimize these risks. This review aims to summarize current advancements in transcatheter aortic valve replacement technology while also introducing areas of future direction in this exciting new field.
The effect of specialized cancer treatment centers on treatment efficacy in Hodgkin's lymphoma.

BACKGROUND The presumed benefits of centralization and minimum case numbers often guide health-policy decisions, but these benefits remain inadequately documented, particularly in oncology. In this study, we aim to measure the effect of the type of treatment center and/or the number of patients treated in it on the outcome of patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma. METHODS From 1988 to 2002, 8121 patients with newly diagnosed Hodgkin's lymphoma were treated in Germany in multicenter randomized and controlled trials (RCTs) of the German Hodgkin Study Group (GHSG). Center-related effects on progression-free survival (PFS) were assessed univariately with Kaplan-Meier plots and log-rank tests, as well as with a multivariate Cox regression model. RESULTS The 500 participating centers in Germany included 52 university hospitals, 304 non-university hospitals, and 144 medical practices specializing in hematology and oncology. No significant differences in PFS were found between patients from centers with high or low case numbers (5-year-PFS: 78.7% and 78.6% for centers with fewer than 50 and more than 50 patients, respectively) or from different types of centers [5-year-PFS: university hospital, 77.7%; non-university hospital, 79.4%; practice, 79.8%]. Even after statistical controls for the effect of other known and unknown prognostic factors and validation in further datasets, no center effects were found. CONCLUSIONS The type of center and the minimum number of patients treated in a center have no impact on the treatment outcome of patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma in Germany. In all GHSG centers, regardless of type, the quality standards for successful treatment are apparently met on all levels of patient care.
On Well-Partial-Order Theory and its Application to Combinatorial Problems of VLSI Design

The existence of decision algorithms with low-degree polynomial running times for a number of well-studied graph layout, placement, and routing problems is nonconstructively proved. Some were not previously known to be in $\mathcal{P}$ at all; others were only known to be in $\mathcal{P}$ by way of brute force or dynamic programming formulations with unboundedly high-degree polynomial running times. The methods applied include the recent Robertson–Seymour theorems on the well-partial-ordering of graphs under both the minor and immersion orders. The complexity of search versions of these problems is also briefly addressed.
Endogenous occurrence of some anabolic steroids in swine matrices

Following findings of 17β-19-nortestosterone (150–200 µg kg−1) in pigs of unspecified gender imported into the European Union, a study to determine steroid and hormone levels in swine from six age/gender categories (uncastrated ‘old’ boars, cryptorchids, one intersex, barrows, gilts and sows) was initiated. Indeed, for some hormones there has been a discussion about their being endo- or exogenous. Tissue and urine samples from swine from each of the six categories were obtained in Belgium, France, the Netherlands and the USA. Samples were analysed in three laboratories. Quantitation was obtained for norandrostenedione, 19-nortestosterone and boldenone. The results give a well-documented overview of the status of the presence of these hormones in swine. The data illustrate that uncastrated ‘old’ boars produce the highest percentage of ‘positive’ matrices, followed by the cryptorchids. Concentrations in the matrices of the barrows and the gilts are lower. Also, sow matrices contain low amounts of nor-steroids. Furthermore, urine samples from an intersex pig contains a higher concentration of nortestosterone than sows and can therefore be suspected for illegal use of these hormones. Veterinarians taking samples in pig farms for the analysis of hormones need to be aware of the presence and concentrations of these substances in the different categories.
Physical activity and quality of life after radical prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND There are significant post-surgical reductions in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in prostate cancer (PCa) patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP). Physical activity (PA) interventions have improved treatment outcomes for PCa patients undergoing radiation and hormone therapy, but PA effects have not previously been examined in the RP setting. This study examined the relationship between preoperative PA levels and postoperative HRQOL outcomes in PCa patients treated with RP. METHODS Sixty patients were interviewed regarding lifetime PA and completed preoperative (2 weeks prior to surgery) and postoperative (4 weeks after surgery) HRQOL questionnaires. Aerobic fitness testing was conducted on a subsample of 22 patients. RESULTS Higher levels of total past-year PA and occupational PA significantly correlated with lesser HRQOL declines from presurgery to 4 weeks post-surgery (Beta = -0.364, p = 0.037 and Beta = -0.243, p = 0.089, respectively) in models adjusted for age, postoperative questionnaire completion date, Gleason score and education. Past-year occupational PA was highly positively correlated with past-year total PA (r = 0.785, p < 0.001). Lifetime total PA was correlated with estimated VO(2) max (r = 0.486, p = 0.026) in the 22 patients who were aerobically tested. Lifetime and past-year PA volumes were not correlated with waist circumference or body mass index. INTERPRETATION Declines in HRQOL after RP may be reduced in patients with higher preoperative levels of self-reported PA. These findings require further study with larger samples to confirm results. If confirmed, findings suggest exercise preoperatively may improve HRQOL outcomes after RP.