Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Emergency nurses' perceived knowledge and comfort levels regarding pediatric patients.

OBJECTIVE To assess emergency nurses' levels of preparation and education regarding pediatric patients, their levels of knowledge and comfort with specific medical conditions of these patients, and the need they perceive for special policies for pediatric patients. METHODS Surveys were mailed to nurse managers and emergency nurses in six diverse counties, including Los Angeles and vicinity. Fifty-one nurse managers and 362 emergency nurses from 51 hospitals responded to the questionnaires. RESULTS More than half of the emergency nurses had 6 or more years of experience; many had certificates, professional designations, and pediatric nursing education. Those with more pediatric education and those designated Pediatric Advanced Life Support, Certified Emergency Nurse, and Mobile Intensive Care Nurse reported the greatest comfort and knowledge with pediatric patients. The greatest discomfort and least knowledge were associated with neonatal emergencies, major trauma, child abuse or sexual abuse, sudden infant death syndrome, envenomation, psychiatric emergencies, meningococcemia, near-drowning, respiratory arrest, and cardiac arrest. Opinions regarding the need for special pediatric policies differed in some cases from current practice. CONCLUSION Pediatric medical conditions associated with high nurse discomfort and low knowledge point to areas of need for specific education.
Rapid casting of patterned vascular networks for perfusable engineered three-dimensional tissues

In the absence of perfusable vascular networks, three-dimensional (3D) engineered tissues densely populated with cells quickly develop a necrotic core 1 . Yet the lack of a general approach to rapidly construct such networks remains a major challenge for 3D tissue culture 2–4 . Here, we printed rigid 3D ﬁlament networks of carbohydrate glass, and used them as a cytocompatible sacriﬁcial template in engineered tissues containing living cells to generate cylindrical networks that could be lined with endothelial cells and perfused with blood under high-pressure pulsatile ﬂow. Because this simple vascular casting approach allows independent control of network geometry, endothelialization and extravascular tissue, it is compatible with a wide variety of cell types, synthetic and natural extracellular matrices, and crosslinking strategies. We also demonstrated that the perfused vascular channels sustained the metabolic function of primary rat hepatocytes in engineered tissue constructs that otherwise exhibited suppressed function in their core.
Enterprise Resource Planning System Adoption and Stock Price Crash Risk

Enterprise Resource Planning system (ERP) reshapes the way information is collected, processed, and disseminated, but extant evidence on its effects on a firm’s transparency and internal control is mixed. We add to the debate by showing that firms’ stock price crash risk decreases following ERP adoption. The negative effect of ERP adoption on crash risk is concentrated in firms whose adoption represents a conscious business decision and firms in more competitive industries, and can be explained by the effects of ERP adoption on improving the quality of internal control and reducing the chance of financial restatements.
The Novel Sorting Nexin SNX33 Interferes with Cellular PrPSc Formation by Modulation of PrPc Shedding

The cellular prion protein (PrPc) is a glycosyl‐phosphatidylinositol (GPI)‐anchored protein trafficking in the secretory and endocytic pathway and localized mainly at the plasma membrane. Conversion of PrPc into its pathogenic isoform PrPSc is associated with pathogenesis and transmission of prion diseases. Intramolecular cleavage in the middle, the extreme C‐terminal part or within the GPI anchor and shedding of PrPc modulate this conversion process by reducing the substrate for prion formation. These phenomena provide similarities with the processing of amyloid precursor protein in Alzheimer’s disease. Sorting nexins are a family of proteins with important functions in protein trafficking. In this study, we investigated the role of the newly described sorting nexin 33 (SNX33) in trafficking and processing of PrPc. We found that overexpression of SNX33 in neuronal and non‐neuronal cell lines resulted in increased shedding of full‐length PrPc from the plasma membrane and modulated the rate of PrPc endocytosis. This was paralleled by reduction of PrPSc formation in persistently and newly infected cells. Using deletion mutants, we demonstrate that production of PrP fragment N1 is not influenced by SNX33. Our data provide new insights into the cellular mechanisms of PrPc shedding and show how this can affect cellular PrPSc conversion.
Influence of semen collection interval and tactile stimuli on semen quality and sperm output in bulls.

Most semen characteristics of eight Holstein bulls 28 to 36 months old were significantly affected (P<.01) by intervals between semen collections. First and second ejaculates, and ejaculates after five and two days of sexual rest were, respectively: ejaculate volume (ml), 5.55, 5.24, 5.69, and 5.09; sperm concentration (109/ml), 1.72, 1.08, 1.53, and 1.27; initial sperm motility (%), 52.5, 52.3, 52.2, and 52.6; post-thaw motility (%), 36.5, 37.5, 36.7, and 37.3; and total sperm per ejaculate (109), 9.59, 5.55, 8.76, and 6.38. Bull differences were highly significant (P < .01) for all criteria studied. The length and temperature of the artificial vagina had little effect on any characteristics studied. Sperm output per week averaged 30.3 billion, and when adjusted for losses averaged 35.4 billion. Sperm output was positively correlated with maximum testes-scrotal circumference, r = . 76 (P < .05). A concurrent experiment showed that ejaculation of sperm directly into a centrifuged tris-egg yolk extender caused a slight but significant (P < .001) increase from 36.2 to 37.5% in motility after freezing and thawing.
Evaluation of market efficiency and trading behavior of investors: Evidence from Borsa Istanbul

After the financial crisis of 2007-08, debates on structures and characteristics of financial markets have become the subject of much concern in both industry and academia. One of the most debated issues related to financial markets is whether they are efficient or not. With an intent to enter into discussions, this paper evaluates the market efficiency by using individual and institutional trade data from a specific stock exchange, namely Borsa Istanbul. To do so, we first form several measures of market efficiency through daily investor data covering five years. By using these measures, we show that there is a negative relationship between market efficiency and turnover. That is, the more efficient the market, the lower the turnover. This result contributes to the debate of irrationality of investor behavior. The data also suggests that the efficiency in Borsa Istanbul has been increasing after the crisis, showing that the effect of the crisis has been vanishing as time passes.
Essays on the efficiency of pension funds and financial markets

Part I concentrates on the operational efficiency of pension funds. The essays in this part focus on the Dutch occupational pension system, which provides an interesting case study as it is well-developed and relatively large in terms of size. The results suggest that pension funds can gain considerable benefits from economies of scale. Larger pension funds benefit from economies of scale in the investment costs for standardized asset classes such as fixed income and equity, while they pay less performance fees for a given level of excess return for most alternative asset classes. The findings highlight that it is important for pension fund boards to include cost structures and the economies of scale within these structures when determining their asset allocation.
Consumer Behaviour and Marketing Strategy

This research is on the buying behaviour and purchase pattern of consumers with reference to choices, service preferences and wants of various services offered by the cellular service operators in Karnataka state. An empirical study was conducted in order to know and understand the needs and wants of consumers using the cellular services. Hypotheses testing, factor analysis and cluster analysis was used for the purpose. The impact of income, education, occupation and gender analyzed with the help of cross tabulation. In order to arrive at this we made use of Statistical Analysis System (SAS) application and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). It was found out that private cellular services were preferred compared to that of public service provider, irrespective of rural and urban consumers.
The expanded criterial donor dilemma in cadaveric renal transplantation

Background. Outcomes of expanded criteria donor (ECD) kidney transplants are known to be superior to dialysis but inferior to transplant with a standard donor. Because of recent policy changes, ECD kidneys will be offered only to patients who have agreed to consider such an organ in advance. There is wide variation in opinion concerning the composition of ECD wait lists. However, the relative benefits of accepting an ECD versus waiting for a standard donor have not been quantified. Methods. A Markov model was developed to determine when an individual patient should accept or reject an offer of an ECD kidney to optimize their personal expected quality-adjusted life years (QALY). Input variables were estimated from the United States Renal Data System (USRDS) database using a sample of 35,030 recipients. Results. Recipients of ECD kidneys waited 77 days longer for transplant than recipients of standard donors. The average patient could wait 3.2 years longer, in addition to the time they have already waited, for a standard donor than an ECD and expect equivalent QALYs. Selected subsets revealed differences in wait times that equated QALYs for ECD and standard donors: African American, 4.4 years; age under 30, 4.0 years; age over 60, 11 months. Conclusions. Existing policy is likely to be in the best interests of only certain sets of patients awaiting cadaveric kidney transplantation unless ECDs dramatically reduce expected waiting for transplantation. This is most possible in elderly patients because of the short wait-time reduction required to make ECDs beneficial. Data reported here have been supplied by the USRDS. The interpretation and reporting of these data are the responsibility of the authors and in no way should be seen as an official policy or interpretation of the US Government. The data and analyses reported in the 2001 Annual Report of the United States Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network and the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients have been supplied by the United Network for Organ Sharing and University Renal Research and Education Association under contract with Health and Human Services. The authors alone are responsible for reporting and interpreting of these data.
Shear bond strength evaluation of composite resin on enamel and dentin after nonvital bleaching.

BACKGROUND Studies have shown that bleaching agents interfere with the adhesion of composite resin placed immediately after bleaching. PURPOSE The aim of this study was to evaluate the shear bond strengths of composite resin after four different durations since the time of nonvital bleaching (1 d and 1, 2, and 3 wk). MATERIALS AND METHODS Two hundred seventy bovine teeth were assigned to nine groups (n = 30) according to the bleach used and the time between bleaching and restoration: group 1--sodium perborate (SP), 1 day after bleaching (AB); group 2--SP, 1 week AB; group 3--SP, 2 weeks AB; group 4--SP, 3 weeks AB; group 5--37% carbamide peroxide (CP), 1 day AB; group 6--CP, 1 week AB; group 7--CP, 2 weeks AB; group 8--CP, 3 weeks AB; group 9--control group (no treatment). After the bleaching treatment, the teeth in each group were sectioned and the enamel and dentin were separated. The teeth were cut, embedded in polyester resin, and polished to obtain flat enamel and dentin surfaces. The adhesive system was applied and a cylinder of composite resin was bonded on each flat surface. The specimens were stored in distilled water for 7 days at 37 degrees C. The shear bond strength test was performed in a universal test machine (Emic DL-500, São José dos Pinhais, São Paulo, Brazil) at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. RESULTS The data were subjected to analysis of variance, Dunnett's t-test, and Tukey's least significant difference at p < or = . 05 and showed a statistically significant decrease in bond strengths of composite resin for enamel and dentin 1 day after the nonvital bleaching. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE The decrease in shear bond strength values is time dependent. A delay in bonding procedures for composite resin restoration is recommended. According to the results, a satisfactory time to perform the restoration of composite resin for both enamel and dentin is 2 weeks after bleaching.
Maternal and neonatal outcomes in labor and at delivery when long QT syndrome is present

Abstract Objective: Women during labor may be susceptible to torsades de pointes (TdP), which may cause the fetal condition to deteriorate. The aim of the present investigation was to analyze maternal and fetal outcomes during labor when long QT syndrome (LQTS) was present. Methods: We examined the maternal and neonatal outcomes of 25 pregnancies (18 women) with LQT between 1995 and 2012 at the Department of Perinatology, National Cardiovascular Center, Japan. Maternal and neonatal outcomes including cardiovascular events, cardiovascular events within a week after delivery, caesarean delivery rate, still births, preterm births, and non-reassuring fetal heart rate pattern (NRFHR) during labor were investigated. Results: All the mothers survived, and no cardiovascular events occurred in labor or postpartum due to LQTS in either vaginal delivery or caesarean delivery. A total of 23 women (92%) had used beta blockers in this study. Caesarean delivery was performed due to NRFHR during labor in 5 pregnancies (20%). Conclusion: Delivery when LQTS is present has a low likelihood of cardiovascular events, but pregnancy with LQTS had a higher caesarean delivery rate due to NRFHR in labor. Most women used beta blockers in this study, and it is possible that beta blocker use prevents cardiovascular events during labor. NRFHR during labor may be related with inherited LQT through the mother.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND PROFITABILITY IN THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY IN KENYA

Purpose: The Study sought to find the relationship between investment strategies and profitability in the insurance industry in Kenya Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive survey research design.This study used both primary data from the respondents of the research instruments and the secondary data available from the financial statements. The study took 50% of the population as the sample size. This yielded 22 insurance companies. Both qualitative and quantitative data was collected using a questionnaire that consisted of both open ended and close ended questions. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and results presented in frequency tables to show how the responses for the various questions posed to the respondents. Results: Results indicated that there is a positive and significant relationship between investment strategies and profitability, ROA and ROE of insurance companies. Specifically, it was revealed that passive strategies are more superior to active strategies as they enhance profitability. The results imply that insurance firms invest in local stocks, international equity, cash equivalents, bonds and investment in associates and subsidiaries in an effort to diversify. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommends that insurance firms should continue investing in local stocks, international equity, cash equivalents, bonds and investment in associates and subsidiaries in an effort to diversify their portfolio. It is also recommended that insurance firms should reduce their holdings in real estate to safeguard their liquidity. The study recommends that insurance firms should use passive strategies as opposed to active strategies as this would enhance their profitability. Passive strategies are less costly compared to the active strategies.
A systemic logic for platform business models

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to introduce a new business model logic, highlighting value processes in and properties of platform business models to inform business model thinking from a systemic and dynamic perspective. It challenges the idea of firms managing, influencing and controlling entire activity systems. Design/methodology/approach The study traces the evolution of different approaches to business models and assesses theories that explain value cocreation and systemic value capture to develop a new business model logic. Findings Business model thinking has evolved away from Porter’s value chain to a new logic based on open networks and platforms. This study develops a framework for understanding platform business models from a systemic perspective. Derived from service-dominant logic, this new business model logic responds to phenomena in contemporary business environments characterized by increasing connectivity and sociality among actors. Research limitations/implications The framework, developed from an extensive body of business model literature, has yet to be subjected to empirical investigation. Future research may involve the exploration of business model design processes and business model innovation from a systemic perspective. Practical implications Managers who aim to design their business models based on the logic of platform businesses require an understanding of their organization’s collaboration potential, technological interfaces and potential to leverage network relationships. This research guides start-ups and incumbents to evaluate their platform potential. Originality/value This study systematically emancipates the business model logic from a firm-centered, inside-out perspective, focuses on network relationships beyond the customer–firm dyad, explains value processes beyond organizational borders and rethinks value capture from a systemic perspective.
Summary of Research on the Association between State Interventions in Chronically Low-Performing Schools and Student Achievement. REL 2016-138.

This report summarizes the research on the association between state interventions in chronically low-performing schools and student achievement. Most of the research focused on one type of state intervention: working with a turnaround partner. Few studies were identified that examined other types of interventions, such as school closure, charter conversion, and school redesign. Most studies were descriptive, which limits the conclusions that can be drawn about the effectiveness of the interventions. Results of studies of turnaround partner interventions were mixed and suggested that student achievement was more likely to improve when particular factors—such as strong leadership, use of data to guide instruction, and a positive school culture characterized by trust and increased expectations for students—were in place in schools.
Moving Beyond the Valley of Death: Regulation and Venture Capital Investments in Early-Stage Biopharmaceutical Firms

Can regulation reduce risks associated with investing in early-stage firms? Using the passage of the European Orphan Drug Act (EU-ODA), we examine this question in the biopharmaceutical industry. We provide causal evidence that venture capitalists (VCs) are more likely to invest in early-stage firms operating in sub-fields disproportionately affected by EU-ODA. The switch to early-stage investments appears strongest among VCs that previously faced greater levels of information asymmetry. We also find that the level of syndication declined for early-stage investments and exit performance improved. We conclude discussing the implications of our findings for public policy, entrepreneurship and innovation.
Island-specific preferences of tourists for environmental features: implications of climate change for tourism-dependent states

Climate change may affect important environmental components of holiday destinations, which might have repercussions for tourism-dependent economies. This study documents the importance of environmental attributes in determining the choice and holiday enjoyment of tourists visiting Bonaire and Barbados, two Caribbean islands with markedly different tourism markets and infrastructure. Three hundred and sixteen and 338 participants from Bonaire and Barbados, respectively, completed standardized questionnaires. Warm temperatures, clear waters and low health risks were the most important environmental features determining holiday destination choice. However, tourists in Bonaire thereafter prioritized marine wildlife attributes (i.e. coral and fish diversity and abundance) over other environmental features, whereas tourists in Barbados exhibited stronger preferences for terrestrial features, particularly beach characteristics. The willingness of tourists to revisit these islands was strongly linked to the state of the preferred environmental attributes. More than 80% of tourists in Bonaire and Barbados would be unwilling to return for the same holiday price in the event, respectively, of coral bleaching as a result of elevated sea surface temperatures and reduced beach area as a result of sea level rise. Climate change might have a significant impact on Caribbean tourism economy through alteration of environmental features important to destination selection. Island-specific management strategies, such as focusing resources on the protection of key marine or terrestrial features, may provide a means of reducing the environmental and economic impacts of climate change.
Organizational Size and Administration: The Problems of Causal Homogeneity and a Heterogeneous Category

The relationship between total organization size and relative size of the organizational administrative component has been the object of several studies over the past few years. These studies began in 1951 with Seymour Melman's study of the manufacturing industry which suggested that the two variables were inversely related. ' However, subsequent studies in a variety of organizational settings have failed to produce consistent results: some findings uggest a positive correlation, others a negative correlation, and still others question whether there is any correlation at all. " In light of this, one may be disposed to argue that organizational size has no systematic effect on the relative size of the administrative component. It is possible, however, that the inconsistent results are due to a methodological artifact as well as, or instead of, the true nature of events. In most studies a wide range of occupations are included as "administrative personnel," the assumption being, of course, that all the occupations are similarly affected by changes in organization size. But it is possible that the relative size of some "administrative" occupations increase with organizational size while others decrease; considering the heterogeneous quality of occupations in the category of administrative personnel, it is quite probable that this is true. If it is true, and if the relative proportion of the different occupations are not consistent from organization to organization and from time to time, inconsistent results would be expected. In any case, the objective of this paper is to determine whether or not different classes of "administrative personnel" are indeed associated with overall organizational size in different ways. As in Melman's study, census materials provide the data.