Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Performance validity in undergraduate research participants: a comparison of failure rates across tests and cutoffs

Abstract Objective: This study compared failure rates on performance validity tests (PVTs) across liberal and conservative cutoffs in a sample of undergraduate students participating in academic research.Method: Participants (n = 120) were administered four free-standing PVTs (Test of Memory Malingering, Word Memory Test, Rey 15-Item Test, Hiscock Forced-Choice Procedure) and three embedded PVTs (Digit Span, letter and category fluency). Participants also reported their perceived level of effort during testing.Results: At liberal cutoffs, 36.7% of the sample failed ≥1 PVTs, 6.7% failed ≥2, and . 8% failed 3. At conservative cutoffs, 18.3% of the sample failed ≥1 PVTs, 2.5% failed ≥2, and . 8% failed 3. Participants were 3 to 5 times more likely to fail embedded (15.8–30.8%) compared to free-standing PVTs (3.3–10.0%). There was no significant difference in failure rates between native and non-native English speaking participants at either liberal or conservative cutoffs. Additionally, there was no relation between self-reported effort and PVT failure rates.Conclusions: Although PVT failure rates varied as a function of PVTs and cutoffs, between a third and a fifth of the sample failed ≥1 PVTs, consistent with high initial estimates of invalid performance in this population. Embedded PVTs had notably higher failure rates than free-standing PVTs. Assuming optimal effort in research using students as participants without a formal assessment of performance validity introduces a potentially significant confound in the study design.
Relationship between Degree of Financial Leverage and Earning Per Share

Degree of financial leverage refers to the effect of the use of debt capital on the earning per share of a company. This paper studied the relationship between degree of financial leverage and earnings per share of two leading Indian steel companies- Steel Authority of India Limited, and Tata Steel Limited for a period since 2006-07 to 2014-15. This study used the secondary source of data i.e. Annual Reports of SAIL and Tata Steel Limited. We found a negative correlation between degree of financial leverage and earnings per share in SAIL, whereas no relationship was found between degree of financial leverage and earnings per share in Tata Steel Limited.
COMT genotype affects brain white matter pathways in attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Increased dopamine availability may be associated with impaired structural maturation of brain white matter connectivity. This study aimed to derive a comprehensive, whole‐brain characterization of large‐scale axonal connectivity differences in attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) associated with catechol‐O‐methyltransferase gene (COMT) Val158Met polymorphism. Using diffusion tensor imaging, whole‐brain tractography, and an imaging connectomics approach, we characterized altered white matter connectivity in youth with ADHD who were COMT Val‐homozygous (N = 29) compared with those who were Met‐carriers (N = 29). Additionally, we examined whether dopamine transporter gene (DAT1) and dopamine D4 receptor gene (DRD4) polymorphisms were associated with white matter differences. Level of attention was assessed using the continuous performance test before and after an 8‐week open‐label trial of methylphenidate (MPH). A network of white matter connections linking 18 different brain regions was significantly weakened in youth with ADHD who were COMT Met‐carriers compared to those who were Val‐homozygous (P < 0.05, family‐wise error‐corrected). A measure of white matter integrity, fractional anisotropy, was correlated with impaired pretreatment performance in continuous performance test omission errors and response time variability, as well as with improvement in continuous performance test response time variability after MPH treatment. Altered white matter connectivity was exclusively based on COMT genotypes, and was not evident in DAT1 or DRD4. We demonstrated that white matter connectivity in youth with ADHD is associated with COMT Val158Met genotypes. The present findings suggest that different layers of dopamine‐related genes and interindividual variability in the genetic polymorphisms should be taken into account when investigating the human connectome. Hum Brain Mapp, 36:367–377, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Intragastric Maldistribution of a Liquid Meal in Children with Recurrent Abdominal Pain Assessed by Three-Dimensional Ultrasonography

Background: Using two-dimensional (2D) ultrasonography, we previously found indications of impaired adaptive relaxation of the proximal stomach in children with recurrent abdominal pain (RAP). In the present study, we applied a new three-dimensional (3D) ultrasonographic method to investigate intragastric volumes and distribution of a liquid meal in another group of children with RAP. Methods: Twenty patients with RAP (age 10-15 years) and 20 healthy subjects (age 11-15 years) underwent ultrasonographic measurements of the stomach. A position sensor was used based on magnetic scanhead tracking for acquisition of 3D images after a liquid meal. The children scored abdominal symptoms before and after the meal. Results: Expressed as a fraction of ingested volume, the patients had a smaller volume of the proximal stomach and a larger antral volume at 2 r min postprandially compared to healthy subjects ( P r = r 0.03 and P r = r 0.001, respectively). The patients also showed a decreased proximal to distal gastric volume ratio at 2 r min postprandially ( P r = r 0.001). Patients experienced more pain in response to the meal than healthy subjects ( P r = r 0.04), but there was no correlation between pain and proximal or distal gastric volumes. Conclusions: RAP in children may be associated with an early intragastric maldistribution of a meal.
Light-mediated activation reveals a key role for protein kinase A and sarcoma protein kinase in the development of sperm hyper-activated motility.

BACKGROUND Hyper-activated motility (HAM) is part of the sperm capacitation process, which is necessary for fertilization. In this study, we investigated the effect of visible light on sperm motility and hyperactivation and evaluated pathways mediating these effects. METHODS Human sperm (1 × 10⁷ cells/ml) in capacitation media were irradiated for 3 min with 40 mW/cm² visible light (400-800 nm with maximum energy at 600 nm). Sperm motility was assessed and analyzed by computer-assisted sperm analysis. The involvement of sperm capacitation factors was investigated as follows. The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured using 20,70-dichlorofluorescein diacetate. Protein kinase A (PKA) and sarcoma protein kinase (Src) activity were measured using western blot analysis and inhibited using 50 µM H89 and 10 µM PP2, respectively. Soluble adenlyl cyclase was inhibited using 20 µM 2-OH-Estradiol. The intracellular concentration of free Ca(2+) was assessed using the fluorescent calcium indicator, Fluo-4/AM. Sperm DNA fragmentation was determined using the sperm chromatin dispersion test. RESULTS Light irradiation of human sperm caused a significant increase in hyper-HAM but not total motility. The production of ROS and activation of soluble adenylyl cyclase and PKA mediated the effect of light on HAM. Light irradiation also activated Src, and inhibition of Src significantly reduced the effect of light on HAM. Light irradiation caused a rapid increase in intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration and the increase in HAM was significantly reduced when voltage-dependent-Ca²⁺-channel activity was blocked or when Ca²⁺-deficient medium was used. CONCLUSIONS Light irradiation of human sperm for a short time causes a significant increase in HAM in a mechanism mediated by ROS production, activation of PKA, Src and Ca²⁺ influx.
Cost analysis in the Department of Veterans Affairs: consensus and future directions.

OBJECTIVES In 1997, the Management Decision and Research Center of the Department of Veterans Affairs convened cost experts and health economists in a working meeting. Its goal was to provide consensus guidelines for conducting cost analyses in managed care systems, such as VA, that do not have encounter-level cost data or that do not prepare itemized patient bills. The impetus for the meeting was that too often computer-based cost data were proposed or used in studies that were inappropriate for the question being addressed. There was also a sense that often great effort was being expended by VA health economists "reinventing the wheel" in developing new cost components for each study. METHODS A group of 45 VA and non-VA health economists, health researchers, and policy-makers attended a 2 day working meeting organized around a series of case vignettes to identify areas of consensus, controversy, and gaps in knowledge. RESULTS Consensus emerged in the following four areas: (1) Cost Methods. A "hybrid model" was identified as the current standard of cost analysis in VA and entails mixing "micro-costing" primary data collection and "gross-cost" computer-based methods to reflect resource-use variations that are essential to the research question. (2) Cost Infrastructure. VA is developing a new, but unevaluated, costing system that could allow for computer-based cost analyses at much finer levels of detail than is currently possible. (3) Data Quality. Ongoing data validation of existing and developing cost databases is needed, especially concerning interfacility variation. (4) Dissemination. A new cost data center was recommended to provide training, information dissemination, and coordination. CONCLUSIONS Consensus was reached about the hybrid model as the current paradigm for cost analysis in systems like VA.
Essays on Unit Commitment and Interregional Cooperation in Transmission Planning

One of the most challenging problems in the power industry is deciding which transmission lines to build. The process of answering this question leads to some very interesting and complex optimization problems. Answers to subsidiary questions about the detail of generator operations to simulate, generator siting, environmental regulations, political boundaries, and the ways in which these factors interact with each other, together inform the decision of building transmission lines. For example, carbon taxes may favor transmission expansion to areas with high levels of renewable energy, and consequently, fast ramp-rate generation may be desired to balance the variable nature of renewable energy sources. Transmission investment decisions can have far-reaching consequences for investors and a host of other entities connected to the electric grid. In addition to being expensive and time-consuming to build, these lines influence other transmission and generation investments, operations, and electricity prices. This work presents a series of essays on the transmission planning problem. There are two main themes: the effects of short-term operations, and the effects of political ii
Beyond ANOVA: An Introduction to Structural Equation Models for Experimental Designs

Structural equation modeling (SEM) can offer useful features to researchers conducting experiments. Yet most researchers appear not to apply such models when analyzing their data, relying instead on more restrictive (and sometimes inappropriate) approaches, such as analysis of variance (ANOVA). This paper is aimed at introducing experimentalists to the modeling options available in SEM. I compare and contrast ANOVA with two SEM-based approaches, addressing general attributes; specific features, such as the relation to confirmatory factor analysis; and assumptions imposed under each approach. A corresponding decision tree offers additional guidance for selecting between approaches. I then describe a general procedure for building and testing models under the two SEM-based approaches, ranging from preparatory decisions to checking assumptions, to obtaining estimates and conducting hypothesis tests. In addition, I discuss options for latent variable scaling, reporting effect sizes disattenuated from measurement error, incorporating manipulation checks, and adjusting inferences for Type I error inflation. Finally, I offer an example based on a real study (with annotated code for Mplus and R), taking readers though the modeling process and illustrating some implications of modeling choices.
Permutation Tests for Random Effects in Linear Mixed Models

Summary Inference regarding the inclusion or exclusion of random effects in linear mixed models is challenging because the variance components are located on the boundary of their parameter space under the usual null hypothesis. As a result, the asymptotic null distribution of the Wald, score, and likelihood ratio tests will not have the typical χ2 distribution. Although it has been proved that the correct asymptotic distribution is a mixture of χ2 distributions, the appropriate mixture distribution is rather cumbersome and nonintuitive when the null and alternative hypotheses differ by more than one random effect. As alternatives, we present two permutation tests, one that is based on the best linear unbiased predictors and one that is based on the restricted likelihood ratio test statistic. Both methods involve weighted residuals, with the weights determined by the among‐ and within‐subject variance components. The null permutation distributions of our statistics are computed by permuting the residuals both within and among subjects and are valid both asymptotically and in small samples. We examine the size and power of our tests via simulation under a variety of settings and apply our test to a published data set of chronic myelogenous leukemia patients.
Energy balance and dietary habits of America's Cup sailors

Abstract This research, which was conducted with crew members of an America's Cup team, had the following objectives: (a) to assess energy expenditure and intake during training; (b) to evaluate the sailors' diet, and (c) to identify any dietary flaws to determine the appropriate intake of nutrients, correct possible dietary mistakes, and improve their food habits. Energy expenditure was estimated on 15 sailors using direct measurements (oxygen consumption) and a 3-day activity questionnaire. Oxygen consumption was measured on sailors during both on-water America's Cup sailing training and dry-land fitness training. Composition of the diet was estimated using a 3-day food record. Average daily energy expenditure of the sailors ranged from 14.95 to 24.4 MJ, depending on body mass and boat role, with the highest values found in grinders and mastmen. Daily energy intake ranged from 15.7 to 23.3 MJ (from +6% to −18% of energy expenditure). The contributions of carbohydrate, protein, and fat to total energy intake were 43%, 18%, and 39% respectively, values that are not in accord with the recommended guidelines for athletes. Our results show the importance of assessing energy balance and food habits for America's Cup sailors performing different roles. The practical outcome of this study was that the sailors were given dietary advice and prescribed a Mediterranean diet, explained in specific nutrition lectures.
Proteinases of Proteus spp.: purification, properties, and detection in urine of infected patients

The proteinases secreted by pathogenic strains of Proteus mirabilis, P. vulgaris biotype 2, P. vulgaris biotype 3, and P. penneri were purified with almost 100% recovery by affinity chromatography on phenyl-Sepharose followed by anion-exchange chromatography. The proteinase purified from the urinary tract pathogen P. mirabilis, which we had previously shown to degrade immunoglobulins A and G, appeared as a composite of a single band and a double band (53 and 50 kDa, respectively) on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The other Proteus proteinases had similar patterns but slightly different mobilities. In each case all proteinase activity in culture supernatants was demonstrated by gelatin-sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis to be associated with only the triple-band complex; all three bands were proteolytically active. The P. mirabilis proteinase was resistant to inhibitors of both serine and thiol proteinases but strongly inhibited by metal chelators, although it was not affected by phosphoramidon, an inhibitor of the thermolysin group of bacterial metalloproteinases. Active proteinase was detected in urine samples from P. mirabilis-infected patients; this is consistent with our detection of immunoglobulin A fragments of a size suggestive of P. mirabilis proteinase activity.
Recidivism Rates Among Mentally Ill Inmates

This study compares data from the Connecticut Offender Reentry Program (CORP) and retrospective data for inmates who received standard treatment planning services from the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addictions Services (DMHAS). Analysis of DMHAS data investigated characteristics (demographic, psychiatric, and prison classification scores) and recidivism rates of 883 individuals. A program evaluation was later completed on a separate cohort of 88 individuals who participated in CORP. Comparison of the study results found that 14.1% of the CORP participants were rearrested within 6 months of discharge compared to 28.3% of the DMHAS group. This study concluded that younger age and having a co-occurring substance use disorder appear to be predictors of recidivism. A distinctly smaller percentage of CORP participants were recidivistic, indicating support for specialized reentry programs.
Effect of Product Innovation Factors on the Financial Performance of Deposit Taking Saccos in Nairobi City County, Kenya

The research sought to investigate the effect of product innovation factors on financial performance of deposit taking saccos in Nairobi City County, Kenya. Despite the significance of product innovation, the effect of product innovation factors on financial performance is still misunderstood. Therefore the study sought to investigate the effect of product innovation factors on financial performance of deposit taking saccos in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The independent variables were branch networks, products’ range, product location and product cost while the dependent variable was the financial performance of deposit taking saccos in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The study used descriptive research design. The study population was the 30 deposit taking saccos in Nairobi City County, which have been operating between 2013 and 2017. A census study of the 30 deposit taking Saccos was conducted. The study used purposive sampling to pick 3 respondents per Sacco which translated to a total of 90 respondents. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collected primary data while secondary data was collected from published financial statements pertaining information which relates to the dependent variable, financial performance. The study established that branch network, product range, product location and product cost had a significant direct relationship to financial performance of deposit taking saccos in Nairobi City County, Kenya.
Impact of the Busy-Line Effect on the Interservice Time Distribution and Modeling of Portable Movements in PCS Networks

The distribution of the interservice time, which is the interval between the end of a call served and the start of the succedent call served by a portable, is a crucial parameter for modeling and cost analysis for location management in personal communication service (PCS) networks. The interservice time differs from the interarrival time due to the busy-line effect. However, in the literature, most of the cost analyses for location management were carried out by ignoring the busy-line effect, i.e., by identifying the interservice time with the interarrival time, because, so far, there is no analytical result for the interservice time distribution considering the busy-line effect. In this paper, we develop an analytical model to investigate the busy-line effect on the interservice time distribution. Closed-form analytical formulas for the interservice time are derived. A numerical study shows that a big discrepancy exists between the interarrival time and the interservice time. Based on the analytical results for the interservice time, the impact of the busy-line effect on modeling of portable movements in PCS networks is further evaluated. An analytical result for the distribution of the number of cell-boundary crossings during the interservice time is obtained. Both analytical results and numerical examples indicate that the busy-line effect has influence on the distribution of the number of cell-boundary crossings during the interservice time. Therefore, cost analysis for location management without considering the busy-line effect may lead to unreliable results. The results presented in this paper pave the way for modeling location management and portable movements in PCS networks.
Impacts of product design changes on suppliers : a case study of the fashion industry

Product design is becoming more important day by day because today, customers are demanding greater product variety and are switching more quickly to products with state-of-the-art technology. Greater product variety and shorter product life cycles makes a significant increase in the number of new products and derivative products that need to be designed. This situation makes product design a regular and routine yet critical action for companies. It means for an organization, delays, problems, and confusion in product design shift from being annoyance to being life threatening. This makes product design within a supply chain a vital area to research. This research aims to explore how rapid and continuous changes of products’ design affect supply chain performance and strategy. Its specific objectives are (1) to identify and explore the effects of redesigning a product on supply chain performance regarding cost, quality, and transportation metrics; (2) to find out how these changes in supply chain performance impact companies’ supply chain strategy. • Nihan Ozkan / Impacts of Continuous Changes of Products’ Design on Supply Chain Strategy and Performance. Paper presented at the 2 School of Management PhD Conference. 6 May 2015. Abstract: This research particularly focuses on product redesigning process and aims to fill the gap about product design effects on supply chain in the literature. This paper outlines doctoral research that will empirically explore how This research particularly focuses on product redesigning process and aims to fill the gap about product design effects on supply chain in the literature. This paper outlines doctoral research that will empirically explore how