Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cost-utility of collaborative care for the treatment of comorbid major depressive disorder in outpatients with chronic physical conditions. A randomized controlled trial in the general hospital setting (CC–DIM)

Purpose Major depressive disorder (MDD) is highly prevalent in patients with a chronic physical condition, and this comorbidity has a negative influence on quality of life, health care costs, self-care, morbidity, and mortality. Research has shown that collaborative care (CC) may be a cost-effective treatment. However, its cost-effectiveness in this patient group has not yet been established. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the cost-utility of CC for the treatment of comorbid MDD in chronically ill patients in the outpatient general hospital setting. The study was conducted from a health care and societal perspective. Patients and methods In this randomized controlled trial, 81 patients with moderate-to-severe MDD were included; 42 were randomly assigned to the CC group and 39 to the care as usual (CAU) group. We applied the TiC-P, short-form Health-Related Quality of Life questionnaire, and EuroQol EQ-5D 3 level version, measuring the use of health care, informal care, and household work, respectively, at baseline and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months follow-up. Results The mean annual direct medical costs in the CC group were €6,718 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3,541 to 10,680) compared to €4,582 (95% CI: 2,782 to 6,740) in the CAU group. The average quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained were 0.07 higher in the CC group, indicating that CC is more costly but also more effective than CAU. From a societal perspective, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was €24,690/QALY. Conclusion This first cost-utility analysis in chronically ill patients with comorbid MDD shows that CC may be a cost-effective treatment depending on willingness-to-pay levels. Nevertheless, the low utility scores emphasize the need for further research to improve the cost-effectiveness of CC in this highly prevalent and costly group of patients.
Legitimation processes of sport organizations: the case of Norwegian youth sport policy and the 2016 Lillehammer Winter Youth Olympic Games

This article discusses the successful bid for the 2016 Lillehammer winter Youth Olympic Games (YOG) and its incorporation within the broader youth sport strategy within organised sport in Norway. Although it is widely accepted that the argument that major sports events are a solution to problems of low levels of involvement in sport is not generally supported by evidence Norwegian sport organisations used this argument as a primary justification for hosting the YOG. The aim of the research is to investigate: a) why NIF used this argument even though there was so little evidence to support its validity; and b) how and why this seemingly contradictory argument was successfully ‘sold’ to the public. The research was guided by the methodological approach of discourse analysis and the theoretical framework of the neo-institutionalist concept of legitimacy. Based on this analysis I show how the institutionalised rhetoric of the Norwegian youth sport policy (YSP) adopted by the Norwegian Olympic Committee and Confederation of Sports (NIF) became the main argument for the YOG bid. Further findings show that rather than responding to the youth sport participation problem, NIF used the development of youth sport as a convenient rationale to bid for the YOG in order to secure legitimacy from two of its main stakeholders – the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Norwegian government. Rather than hosting the YOG as solution to a youth sport participation problem, NIF used the institutionalised rhetoric of the YSP, defining a problem to fit the solution.
Performance evaluation of rapid diagnostic test for malaria in high malarious districts of Amhara region, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES Malaria is one of the leading public health challenges in Ethiopia. To address this, the Federal Ministry of Ethiopia launched a laboratory diagnosis programme for promoting use of either rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) or Giemsa microscopy to all suspected malaria cases. This study was conducted to assess the performance of RDT and influencing factors for Giemsa microscopic diagnosis in Amhara region. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in 10 high burden malaria districts of Amhara region from 15 May to 15 June 2014. Data were collected using structured questionnaire. Blood samples were collected from 1000 malaria suspected cases in 10 health centers. RDT (SD BIOLINE) and Giemsa microscopy were performed as per standard procedures. Kappa value, logistic regression and chi-square test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS The overall positivity rate (PR) of malaria parasites by RDT and Giemsa microscopy was 17.1 and 16.5% respectively. Compared to Giemsa microscopy as "gold standard", RDT showed 83.9% sensitivity and 96% specificity. The level of agreement between first reader and second reader for blood film microscopy was moderate (Kappa value = 0.74). Logistic regression showed that male, under five year of age and having fever more than 24 h prior to malaria diagnosis had statistically significant association with malaria positivity rate for malaria parasites. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION The overall specificity and negative predictive values of RDT for malaria diagnosis were excellent. However, the sensitivity and positive predictive values of RDT were low. Therefore, in-service training, quality monitoring of RDTs, and adequate laboratory supplies for diagnostic services of malaria would be crucial for effective intervention measures.
Stimulative Effects of Temporary Corporate Tax Cuts

Policymakers often rely on temporary corporate tax cuts in order to provide incentives for business investment in recession times. A common motivation is that such policies help relax financing frictions, which might bind more during recessions. Our aim is to assess whether this mechanism is effective at raising aggregate investment and output. We consider an industry equilibrium model where some firms are financially constrained, and therefore have high marginal propensities to invest. By increasing current cash flows, corporate tax cuts are effective at stimulating investment. We quantify by how much aggregate investment and output increase, and describe the effects in the cross-section of firms. We find that, on impact, a temporary reduction in corporate taxation increases aggregate investment by 26 cents per dollar of tax stimulus, and aggregate output by 3.5 cents. The cumulative effect multipliers yield increases of investment and output of 4.6 and 7.2 cents, respectively. A major factor preventing larger effects is that this policy tends to significantly crowd out investment among the larger, unconstrained firms.
Models of Selection, Isolation, and Gene Flow in Speciation

Many marine ecologists aspire to use genetic data to understand how selection and demographic history shape the evolution of diverging populations as they become reproductively isolated species. I propose combining two types of genetic analysis focused on this key early stage of the speciation process to identify the selective agents directly responsible for population divergence. Isolation-with-migration (IM) models can be used to characterize reproductive isolation between populations (low gene flow), while codon models can be used to characterize selection for population differences at the molecular level (especially positive selection for high rates of amino acid substitution). Accessible transcriptome sequencing methods can generate the large quantities of data needed for both types of analysis. I highlight recent examples (including our work on fertilization genes in sea stars) in which this confluence of interest, models, and data has led to taxonomically broad advances in understanding marine speciation at the molecular level. I also highlight new models that incorporate both demography and selection: simulations based on these theoretical advances suggest that polymorphisms shared among individuals (a key source of information in IM models) may lead to false-positive evidence of selection (in codon models), especially during the early stages of population divergence and speciation that are most in need of study. The false-positive problem may be resolved through a combination of model improvements plus experiments that document the phenotypic and fitness effects of specific polymorphisms for which codon models and IM models indicate selection and reproductive isolation (such as genes that mediate sperm-egg compatibility at fertilization).
Statins Exert Endothelial Atheroprotective Effects via the KLF2 Transcription Factor*

3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, statins, have been shown to positively impact vascular function independent of their plasma lipid-lowering action. Several of these beneficial effects involve modulation of gene expression. Here we explored whether the transcription factor Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2), a biomechanically activated gene we recently identified as part of the endothelial “atheroprotective phenotype,” is regulated by statins and whether this mechanism is important for the non-lipid lowering beneficial effects mediated by these drugs in endothelium. The mRNA levels of KLF2 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells increased in the presence of various statins. KLF2 induction was observed within 8 h after drug treatment and remained elevated for at least 24 h. This statin effect on KLF2 expression was reversed by addition of mevalonate and its downstream metabolite geranygeranyl pyrophosphate. Furthermore, inhibition of protein geranylgeranylation with GGTI-298 significantly induced KLF2 levels, whereas inhibition of farnesylation did not. Statin-mediated KLF2 expression was followed by the up-regulation of several of its downstream transcriptional targets. Using small interfering RNA to block KLF2 expression, we demonstrated that this transcription factor is necessary for the statin-mediated regulation of several pathophysiologically relevant genes. These results strongly implicate KLF2 as a transcriptional regulator of the statin-mediated effects in vascular endothelium and provide a novel mechanism for the well established non-lipid lowering beneficial cardiovascular effects of statins.
Egypt: Exploring Management in the Middle East

control the fiscal receipts of the Egyptian government in order to repay the external debt. Egypt, legally part of the Ottoman Empire, was under the influence of the British consul general, until the British declared Egypt a protectorate in 1914. Egypt was recognized as a sovereign state in 1922, but the British continued to maintain their military influence in the country until the Free Officers seized power in 1952 and established a republic. Under the late President Nasser, Egypt experienced its second surge in establishing a large industrial sector that was to be state-owned and operated (Ikram, 1980). Egypt, a socialist democratic republic, has established the People's Assembly as the legislative authority that approves the state policies, development plan, and state budget. In a multiparty system, the members of the People's Assembly are elected on a party-list basis, while the president of the republic appoints ten members to the assembly.
Effect of single and double backpack strap loading on gait and perceived exertion of young adults.

BACKGROUND/AIM Backpack effect posture, walking and physiological costs but there is dearth of literature on effects of backpack strap (1 versus 2 straps) on gait and perceived exertion among young adults. We determined the influence of type of backpack shoulder strap on gait parameters and perceived exertion of young adults in a free-living normal walking speed. METHODS Twenty-five young adults with a mean age of 22 years underwent a self-selected normal speed walking for six minutes each under 3 testing conditions: without a backpack; with 1 strap; and with 2 straps. Selected gait parameters and perceived exertion were assessed. RESULTS There were no significant difference in stride length, stride time, step length, step time, gait speed, and cadence among the three walking conditions. However, perceived exertions were significantly higher when the backpack was carried with 15% irrespective of 1 strap or 2 straps. CONCLUSION Momentary carriage of a backpack either on 1 strap or 2 straps does not appear to influence gait phases. However, this short bout of normal walking appear to increase perceived exertion in young adults irrespective of whether the backpack is wore on single or double shoulder strap.
Prion Variants and Species Barriers Among Saccharomyces Ure2 Proteins

As hamster scrapie cannot infect mice, due to sequence differences in their PrP proteins, we find “species barriers” to transmission of the [URE3] prion in Saccharomyces cerevisiae among Ure2 proteins of S. cerevisiae, paradoxus, bayanus, cariocanus, and mikatae on the basis of differences among their Ure2p prion domain sequences. The rapid variation of the N-terminal Ure2p prion domains results in protection against the detrimental effects of infection by a prion, just as the PrP residue 129 Met/Val polymorphism may have arisen to protect humans from the effects of cannibalism. Just as spread of bovine spongiform encephalopathy prion variant is less impaired by species barriers than is sheep scrapie, we find that some [URE3] prion variants are infectious to another yeast species while other variants (with the identical amino acid sequence) are not. The species barrier is thus prion variant dependent as in mammals. [URE3] prion variant characteristics are maintained even on passage through the Ure2p of another species. Ure2p of Saccharomyces castelli has an N-terminal Q/N-rich “prion domain” but does not form prions (in S. cerevisiae) and is not infected with [URE3] from Ure2p of other Saccharomyces. This implies that conservation of its prion domain is not for the purpose of forming prions. Indeed the Ure2p prion domain has been shown to be important, though not essential, for the nitrogen catabolism regulatory role of the protein.
Future Cash Flow Predictability of Non‐IFRS Earnings: Australian Evidence

The global proliferation of reporting non-International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) (pro forma)earnings has been subject to academic debate and regulatory reform. This study examines whether non-IFRS earnings contain statistically significant information on future cash flow predictability that could be useful for investors. The study uses data from large Australian listed companies over a six-year period (2006–11) covering three distinctive periods around the global financial crisis (GFC): pre-GFC, GFC and post-GFC. Results based on fixed effects panel estimation methods suggest non-IFRS earnings do exert a significantly positive impact on future cash flow predictability but only during pre-crisis and crisis periods.
Mental Health Help-Seeking Intention and Organizational Climate in a Population of Military Service Members

IV TABLE OF CONTENTS . V LIST OF FIGURES . VII CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION . 1 4.1 Research purpose. 6 4.2 Contributions . 7 4.3 Organization of Dissertation . 9 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW . 11 HELP-SEEKING . 11 2.1 Mental Health Help-seeking. 12 2.2 Antecedents of Mental Health Help-seeking . 13 2.3 Gender and Mental Health Help-seeking . 16 2.4 Mental Health Help-seeking in Women . 17 2.5 Mental Health Help-seeking in Men . 18 2.6 Help-seeking Cost . 19 2.7 Help-seeking Strategies . 20 2.8 Mental Health Help-seeking in Military Service Members . 21 ORGANIZATIONAL CLIMATE . 24 2.9 Organizational Climate in Promotion of Mental Health Care. 26 2.10 Organizational Climate and Employee Mental Health . 28 2.11 Leadership Support Climate . 29 2.12 Coworker Support Climate. 29 2.13 Military Climate and Warrior Ethos . 30 THEORY OF REASONED ACTION AND PLANNED BEHAVIOR . 31 2.14 Intentions . 36 2.15 Perceived Behavioral Control and the Theory of Planned Behavior . 36 2.16 Sufficiency of the Theory of Planned Behavior . 38 CHAPTER 3: HYPOTHESIS DEVELOPMENT . 39 CHAPTER 4: METHODOLOGY . 45 4.1 Participants and Procedures . 45 4.2 Measures. 45 4.3 Design and Analysis . 49 4.4 Power Analysis . 50 4.5 Mediation Test. 50 4.6 Common Method Variance . 51 CHAPTER 5: RESULTS . 52 5.1 Descriptive Data . 52 5.2 Measurement Model . 54 5.2.1 Individual tem Reliability . 54 5.2.2 Internal Consistency. 55
Association between CD14 gene promoter polymorphisms with serum total-IgE and eosinophil levels in atopic and non-atopic asthma patients in a Chinese Han population

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between CD14 gene promoter SNPs with serum total-IgE and eosinophil levels in atopic asthma and non-atopic asthma in Chinese Han. Methods: A total of 152 patients with asthma were divided into atopic asthma (n = 100) and non-atopic asthma (n = 52) groups for this study. Six CD14 gene SNPs were analyzed using PCR and gene sequencing. Serum total-IgE and eosinophil levels were measured. The association between genotype frequencies of the CD14 gene loci with total-IgE and eosinophil levels in atopic asthma and non-atopic asthma was evaluated by the ANOVA test method. Hundred and sixteen healthy subjects constitute the control group. Results: We found that serum total-IgE and eosinophil levels were significantly higher in individuals with atopic asthma when compared to individuals with non-atopic asthma (p < 0.01). For non-atopic asthma, the total-IgE levels of the heterozygous genotypes were significantly higher than the corresponding levels for the homozygous genotypes in CD14-260C > T, CD-651C > T, CD-911A > C and CD-1247A > G (p < 0.01). In atopic asthma, there was no statistical significance for either serum total-IgE or eosinophil levels among the genotypes of the CD14 gene SNPs. In addition, allele A frequency of CD14-1247A > G was significantly different between the atopic asthma and non-atopic asthma groups (p = 0.025). Conclusions: There was a statistical association between the serum total-IgE level and the CD14 gene promoter SNPs in the non-atopic asthma group. The eosinophil level was not found to be statistically associated with the CD14 gene promoter SNPs in either the atopic asthma or non-atopic asthma groups.
The EFL Pre-Service Teacher Training in Iran: Is it Adequate or not?

Teacher training programs should provide evidence that they are preparing teacher trainees for their teaching career. However, the literature contains few evaluation reports of the layout of the pre-service EFL teacher training program in Iranian EFL context, a gap which this study tries to fill. The participants of the study were high school EFL teachers (n = 346), teacher trainees (n = 97) and teacher trainers (n = 20) from Guilan Province. This study utilized a concurrent mixed-method design to evaluate the adequacy of the program. Different components of the program, including needs analysis, objectives specification, instructional materials, teaching activities, and assessment procedures were evaluated in this study. The results of the questionnaire and observation checklist were analyzed quantitatively. For interview results, both quantitative (percentages) and qualitative analyses were deployed. The results revealed that the program had not been adequately laid-out. Finally, some practical solutions for the improvement of the program are suggested.
Neonatal Neural Progenitor Cells and Their Neuronal and Glial Cell Derivatives Are Fully Permissive for Human Cytomegalovirus Infection

ABSTRACT Congenital human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection causes central nervous system structural abnormalities and functional disorders, affecting both astroglia and neurons with a pathogenesis that is only marginally understood. To better understand HCMV's interactions with such clinically important cell types, we utilized neural progenitor cells (NPCs) derived from neonatal autopsy tissue, which can be differentiated down either glial or neuronal pathways. Studies were performed using two viral isolates, Towne (laboratory adapted) and TR (a clinical strain), at a multiplicity of infection of 3. NPCs were fully permissive for both strains, expressing the full range of viral antigens (Ags) and producing relatively large numbers of infectious virions. NPCs infected with TR showed delayed development of cytopathic effects (CPE) and replication centers and shed less virus. This pattern of delay for TR infections held true for all cell types tested. Differentiation of NPCs was carried out for 21 days to obtain either astroglia (>95% GFAP+) or a 1:5 mixed neuron/astroglia population (β-tubulin III+/GFAP+). We found that both of these differentiated populations were fully permissive for HCMV infection and produced substantial numbers of infectious virions. Utilizing a difference in plating efficiencies, we were able to enrich the neuron population to ∼80% β-tubulin III+ cells. These β-tubulin III+-enriched populations remained fully permissive for infection but were very slow to develop CPE. These infected enriched neurons survived longer than either NPCs or astroglia, and a small proportion were alive until at least 14 days postinfection. These surviving cells were all β-tubulin III+ and showed viral Ag expression. Surprisingly, some cells still exhibited extended processes, similar to mock-infected neurons. Our findings strongly suggest neurons as reservoirs for HCMV within the developing brain.
Three Essays on Financial Crises

Chapter 1 The effect of early and salient investment experiences on subsequent asset allocations: An experimental study In this paper I examine the effect of early and salient experiences on asset allocation decisions using two experiments, and a third one as a robustness check. The first experiment assesses the impact of salient and early risky asset returns on subsequent investment decisions. The findings of the study show that subjects that experience a market bust early in the investment lifecycle invest less in risky assets compared to subjects that experience market booms, even when the asset return stream is identical over a twenty year investment period. In the second experiment I tried to isolate the saliency from the early timing of the boom and the bust effect, in order to examine which of the two matters the most. The results indicate that the “size” of a bust matters more than its timing. Results from the third experiment confirm the findings in experiments one and two. Chapter 2 Revisiting the Stock Market Boom and Crash of 1927-1933 Did a speculative bubble cause the stock market crash of 1929? I study the price dynamics of 26 publicly traded companies in the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) during the years 1927-1933 using daily data from the Wharton Research Data Service (WRDS) database and find evidence in support of a speculative bubble. Furthermore, evidence of high volatility in the volume of shares traded for these 26 companies