Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Montclair State University Digital Montclair State University Digital Commons Commons Area Specific Self-Esteem, Values, and Adolescent Substance Use Area Specific Self-Esteem, Values, and Adolescent Substance Use

The use of illicit and licit drugs continues to be a major public health concern. Many prevention and drug education programs address this issue by attempt-ing to enhance self-esteem. The idea is that increased levels of self-esteem will serve as a protective factor in decreasing the motivation and increasing the resistance to use drugs. This study explored the relationship between area specific self-esteem and adolescent substance use. Participants ( n = 700) completed a self-report questionnaire which included items measuring the use and expected use of selected substances. Results indicated significant differences in home and school self-esteem scores between users/expected users and non-users of a given substance for all 14 behavioral measures. Additionally, the peer, home, and school sub-scales as a set were found to distinguish between users and non-users for all 14 behavioral measures. Results should be of value to those designing prevention programming.
A Battery of Tests for Assessing Cognitive Function in Older Latino Persons

With the proportion of older Latinos in the United States rapidly growing, dementia is expected to be an increasing public health problem in this segment of the population. Yet relatively few cognitive test batteries have been developed for evaluating older Spanish-speaking persons. We selected a battery of cognitive tests used in cognitive aging studies of English speakers, adapted it for Spanish speakers, and administered it to 66 older Latinos (mean age=71.1, SD=8.1). The results of a factor analysis supported grouping the tests into the same 5 functional domains identified for English speakers. Composite measures of performance in each domain were positively related to education and, with some exceptions, inversely related to age. The results suggest that this battery may be useful in epidemiologic research on cognition in older Latinos.
Capturing the sustainability features that most affect consumer evaluations case: mobile phones

ABSTRACT A product’s sustainability affects its consumer evaluation. Sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) research emphasizes the customer role, but typically adopts the company view. On the other hand, when consumer choice is studied, sustainability is mostly evaluated in terms of one feature only, instead of the many facets of sustainability. This research gap has been filled in this study by broadening the view of SSCM to encompass how the consumer relates to different features of sustainability. SSCM literature is first used to construct a conceptual framework for consumer product evaluations and to provide a basis for focus group discussions aimed at identifying the different sustainability features. The case product (mobile phones) has high volumes and short lifecycles that affect environmental sustainability. In our focus group results, all framework themes were present with varying importance. The groups unanimously wished to extend the lifecycle of the phones, an observation affecting product design. A strong demand for information sharing related to supplier management and recycling was also discovered.
Comparison of imiquimod 5% cream versus radiotherapy as treatment for eyelid basal cell carcinoma

Background To compare the efficacy, cosmesis and tolerance of two non-surgical treatments—imiquimod (IMQ) 5% cream and radiotherapy (RT)—to combat periocular nodular basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Methods Twenty-seven patients with clinical and histopathological diagnosis of nodular BCC on the eyelid were included and randomly selected: 15 patients were treated with IMQ 5% cream once daily, 5 days/week for 6 weeks, and 12 patients were treated with RT. Results All tumours showed histopathological remission within 3 months of the treatment, and sustained clinical remission was documented in each patient after 24 months' follow-up. Treatment tolerability was rated as moderate with IMQ and good with RT. Functional results were better in patients treated with IMQ. Loss of eyelashes was reported for most of the patients treated with RT. Conclusions IMQ and RT therapies are effective for treating eyelid nodular BCCs. Cosmesis and functional results were better with IMQ, while tolerability was higher with RT.
The effects of IFRS adoption and Big 4 audit firms on audit and non-audit fees: Evidence from Ghana

The study was conducted to examine the effect of IFRS adoption on audit and non-audit fee and also the relationship between the big4 audit firm and audit and non-audit fees. Using a sample of financial and non-financial firms in Ghana, the results show that IFRS adoption has a positive and significant relationship with audit and non-audit fees post IFRS adoption. The results further revealed that there is positive association between the year of IFRS adoption (transition period) and audit and non-audit fees. On the big4 audit firms, the results show that the big4 charge higher audit and non-audit fees than non-big4 as there was a positive and significant relationship between Big4 and audit and non-audit fees. The results support the argument that the adoption of IFRS increased the complexities of financial reporting and audit risk resulting in a higher audit and non-audit fees charged during the transition period and post IFRS adoption. The paper extends previous studies on the subject matter by including the year of IFRS adoption and non-audit fees within the context of a developing economy with weak financial regulatory regime.
Community-Level Physiological Profiling Performed with an Oxygen-Sensitive Fluorophore in a Microtiter Plate

ABSTRACT Community-level physiological profiling based upon fluorometric detection of oxygen consumption was performed on hydroponic rhizosphere and salt marsh litter samples by using substrate levels as low as 50 ppm with incubation times between 5 and 24 h. The rate and extent of response were increased in samples acclimated to specific substrates and were reduced by limiting nitrogen availability in the wells.
An empirical investigation of the adoption and usage of electronic data interchange in the hotel industry

An Empirical Investigation of the Adoption and Usage of Electronic Data Interchange in the Hotel Industry By Collin D. Ramdeen Dr. Andy Feinstein, Examination Committee Chair Assistant Professor of Hotel Administration University of Nevada, Las Vegas This dissertation examines the application of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) adoption and use in the hotel industry. EDI is a type of interorganizational information system that facilitates the exchange of business documents in structured, machine processable form. The research model links EDI adoption to four usages: purchasing, accounting, financing and strategic. Based on relevant literature, six theories were selected from which, nineteen hypotheses were proposed for the relationships between EDI adoption and usage. The data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire that was mailed out to 1200 hotel manager with the title of purchasing managers, controllers, and management information systems managers. The managers had the option of mailing in the questionnaire or go to the following Web Site: http://www.unlv. edu/facultv/ramdeen/EDIsurvev.htm and fill out the questionnaire then submit. The usable responses were 287 (23.92 rate).
Technological Diversification of U.S. Cities during the Great Historical Crises

Regional resilience is high on the scientific and policy agenda. An essential feature of resilience is diversifying into new activities. But, little is known about whether major economic crises accelerate or decelerate regional diversification, and whether the impact differs between specialised and diverse regions. This paper offers systematic evidence on the effects of three of the largest crises in U.S. history (the Long Depression 1873-1879, the Great Depression 1929-1934, and the Oil Crisis 1973-1975) on the development of new technological capabilities within U.S. metropolitan areas. We find that crises reduce the pace of diversification in cities and that they narrow the scope of diversification to more closely related activities. We also find that more diverse cities outperform more specialised cities in diversifying during times of crisis but more diverse cities do not have a stronger focus on less related diversification during these unsettled times.
Specificity of antiparallel DNA triple helix formation.

We have used DNase I footprinting to examine the formation of antiparallel DNA triple helices on DNA fragments containing the homopurine target sites (GGA)2GGX(GGA)2GG. (CCT)2CCZ(CCT)2CC (where X.Z is each base pair in turn), with the GA- and GT-rich oligonucleotides, (GGA)2GGN(GGA)2GG and (GGT)2GGN(GGT)2GG (N = each base in turn). These were designed to form G.GC and A.AT or T.AT triplets with a central N.XZ mismatch, which should bind in an antiparallel orientation. We find that almost all combinations generate DNase I footprints at low micromolar concentrations. At each target site, the relative binding of the GA- and GT-containing oligonucleotides was not the same, suggesting that these two triplexes adopt different conformations. For a central GC base pair, the most stable complex is observed with a third strand generating a G.GC triplet as expected. A.GC is also stable, especially in the GT oligonucleotides. For a central AT base pair, all four bases form stable complexes though T.AT is favored for the GA-rich thirds strands and A.AT for the GT-rich strands. For a central CG base pair, the stable complexes are seen with third strands generating T.CG triplets, though A.CG and C.CG are stable with GT- and GA-containing oligonucleotides, respectively. C.TA is the best triplet at a central TA base pair. The third strands with central guanines avoided the formation of G.YR triplets on the fragments containing central pyrimidines, producing DNase I footprints which had slipped relative to the target site. These oligonucleotides bound at a different location, generating complexes containing 11 contiguous stable triplets at the 3'-end of the third strand. The results suggest rules for designing the best third strand oligonucleotides for targeting sequences in which homopurine tracts are interrupted by pyrimidines.
Factors Leading to Employee’s Turnover in Tanzania’s Government Institutions, the Case of Zanzibar

This paper aimed at analysis of the factors leading to employees’ turnover within Zanzibar Government Institutions with special concentration on semiautonomous Institutions. In achieving this aim the study examined the following objectives; to investigate the effectiveness of recruitment/selection procedures; to find out control measures taken to avoid unnecessary employees’ turnover; to examine employees’ participation in decision-making process; to assess ways used by management to retain employees. This study therefore examines as to whether the said factors might be the contributing factors to high staff turnover rate in Zanzibar Government Institutions or not. This study attempts to cast and shed light to factors that lead to increasing turnover rate in Zanzibar Government Institutions; strategies and ways that can be used by planners especially Department of Human Resources Planning Zanzibar and President’s Office-Public Service and Good Governance to retain competent human resource personnel as recommended by Zanzibar Public Service Reform Program are also highlighted. The data collected from standardized questionnaire, interviews and Focus Group Discussion (FGDs) is analyzed by using both automated statistical methods, excel software and descriptive methods. The study found and indeed it concludes that low salary, lack of motivation, incentives and rewards are the major causes of employees to leave government institutions and turn either to Tanzania Mainland Institutions or other corporate organizations. This study therefore tends to strongly recommend that the institutions should work hard to improve workplace motivation packages, career development programs, quality recruitment systems, leadership style, workplace participation, workplace culture and provision of clear structures for job description and division of labor
Acceptance of flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy for screening and surveillance in colorectal cancer prevention

Objectives: To study an individual's experience of either flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS) or colonoscopy in a colorectal cancer prevention programme. Methods: Consecutive individuals in a Bowel Cancer Prevention Programme, who had either an unsedated FS or a colonoscopy with sedation, participated in a prospective cross-sectional questionnaire-based study. Results: A total of 447 responses were obtained for 256 colonoscopies and 191 FSs (200 men [45%] and 247 women [55%]). The overall experience of colonoscopy was more comfortable than FS (75% versus 18%; P<0.001). Embarrassment was low for both procedures (8%). There was no pain associated with colonoscopy and most individuals had a pain score of less than 3 (11-point scale) for FS: 72% of men, 55% of women (P<0.001). Most individuals did not have a gender preference for the endoscopist. For colonoscopy, the worst part of the procedure was the preparation (78%) and for FS the preparation and the procedure ranked equally worst (30%). Conclusions: We have shown that colonoscopy with sedation is a very comfortable procedure. FS is more uncomfortable than colonoscopy; however, for the majority it is a tolerable experience. Women found FS only slightly more painful than men. The worst part of either procedure was the preparation. Embarrassment with either procedure was minimal. Both procedures are well tolerated and suitable for colorectal cancer screening.
Bladder mechanoreceptor changes after artificial bladder outlet obstruction in the anesthetized rat

Experimental animal models of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) have reproduced several features of BOO in man, i.e., detrusor hypertrophy, instability, frequency, and residual urine. This study was focused on the mechanisms underlying the development of residual urine in patient with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by examining changes in tension sensitivity of bladder mechanoreceptors in rat model.
A Study on the Adoption of Software as a Service (SaaS) in Online Business SMEs in Sri Lanka

The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors that influence the adoption of Software as Service (SaaS) at Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) that have adopted online business in Sri Lanka. Prior studies have shown that SMEs significantly benefit due to the adoption of SaaS. The research sough to explain the adoption of SaaS using Awareness, Trust, Cost, Top Management Support, Complexity and Relative advantage. Conceptualization of this researcher’s variables and their interrelationship have been supported by theory of Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) of Rogers’ (1962) and Technological Organizational and Environmental (TOE) Framework of Tornatzky and Fleisher (1990). The study was conducted among 250 randomly selected SMEs adopting online business using questionnaires addressed to managerial and ICT professionals who were capable of making ICT decision at SMEs under study. However only 224 questionnaires were returned with complete data required for the purpose of analysis. The study employed principal component analysis to reduce the data and employed Ordinary Least Square (OLS) to test the relationship between the variables. It is found that Cost (CT), Complexity (CX) and Relative Advantages (RA) are having significant impact on SaaS adoption in SMEs in Sri Lanka. This study extends the existing body of knowledge by providing empirical support for explaining SaaS adoption by SMEs in Sri Lanka. The finding will help various parties engaging in promoting the adoption of SaaS among SMEs with the view of SMEs’ development in Sri Lanka. On this basis, the researchers are able to recommend firstly, that SaaS is playing a significant role for the development of SMEs in this area of study and finally, that software vendors, policy makers, technological consultants and application developers intend to adopt SaaS should consider the validated model tested in this research study.
Astrocytic CX43 hemichannels and gap junctions play a crucial role in development of chronic neuropathic pain following spinal cord injury

Chronic neuropathic pain is a frequent consequence of spinal cord injury (SCI). Yet despite recent advances, upstream releasing mechanisms and effective therapeutic options remain elusive. Previous studies have demonstrated that SCI results in excessive ATP release to the peritraumatic regions and that purinergic signaling, among glial cells, likely plays an essential role in facilitating inflammatory responses and nociceptive sensitization. We sought to assess the role of connexin 43 (Cx43) as a mediator of CNS inflammation and chronic pain. To determine the extent of Cx43 involvement in chronic pain, a weight‐drop SCI was performed on transgenic mice with Cx43/Cx30 deletions. SCI induced robust and persistent neuropathic pain including heat hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia in wild‐type control mice, which developed after 4 weeks and was maintained after 8 weeks. Notably, SCI‐induced heat hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia were prevented in transgenic mice with Cx43/Cx30 deletions, but fully developed in transgenic mice with only Cx30 deletion. SCI‐induced gliosis, detected as upregulation of glial fibrillary acidic protein in the spinal cord astrocytes at different stages of the injury, was also reduced in the knockout mice with Cx43/Cx30 deletions, when compared with littermate controls. In comparison, a standard regimen of post‐SCI treatment of minocycline attenuated neuropathic pain to a significantly lesser degree than Cx43 deletion. These findings suggest Cx43 is critically linked to the development of central neuropathic pain following acute SCI. Since Cx43/Cx30 is expressed by astrocytes, these findings also support an important role of astrocytes in the development of chronic pain. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Exploiting perceptual redundancy in images

Exploiting perceptual redundancy plays an important role in image processing. Conventional JND models describe the visibility of the minimally perceptible difference by assuming that the visual acuity is consistent over the whole image. Some earlier work considers the space-variant properties of HVS-based on the non-uniform density of photoreceptor cells. In this paper, we aim to exploit the relationship between the masking effects and the foveation properties of HVS. We design the psychophysical experiments which are conducted to model the foveation properties in response to the masking effects. The experiment examines the reduction of visual sensitivity in HVS due to the increased retinal eccentricity. Based on these experiments, the developed Foveated JND model measures the perceptible difference of images according to masking effects therefore provides the information to quantify the perceptual redundancy in the images. Subjective evaluations validate the proposed FJND model.
User-Centered Adaptation of an Existing Heart Failure Telemonitoring Program to Ensure Sustainability and Scalability: Qualitative Study

Background Telemonitoring interventions for the management of heart failure have seen limited adoption in Canadian health systems, but isolated examples of telemonitoring programs do exist. An example of such a program was launched in a specialty heart failure clinic in Toronto, Canada, and a recent implementation evaluation concluded that reducing the cost of delivering the program is necessary to ensure its sustainability and scalability. Objective The objectives of this study were to (1) understand which components of the telemonitoring program could be modified to reduce costs and adapted to other contexts while maintaining program fidelity and (2) describe the changes made to the telemonitoring program to enable its sustainability within the initial implementation site and scalability to other health organizations. Methods Semistructured interviews probed the experiences of patients (n=23) and clinicians (n=8) involved in the telemonitoring program to identify opportunities for cost reduction and resource optimization. Ideas for adapting the program were informed by the interview results and prioritized based on (1) potential impact for sustainability and scalability, (2) feasibility, and (3) perceived risks to negatively impacting the program’s ability to yield desired health outcomes. Results A total of 5 themes representing opportunities for cost reduction were discussed, including (1) Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), (2) technical support, (3) clinician role, (4) duration of enrollment, and (5) intensity of monitoring. The hardware used for the telemonitoring system and the modalities of providing technical support were found to be highly adaptable, which supported the decision to implement a BYOD model, whereby patients used their own smartphone, weight scale, and blood pressure cuff. Changes also included the development of a website aimed at reducing the burden on a technical support telehealth analyst. In addition, the interviews suggested that although it is important to have a clinician who is part of a patient’s circle of care monitoring telemonitoring alerts, the skill level and experience were moderately adaptable. Thus, a registered nurse was determined to be more cost-effective and was hired to replace the existing nurse practitioners in the frontline management of telemonitoring alerts and take over the technical support role from a telehealth analyst. Conclusions This study provides a user-centered example of how necessary cost-reduction actions can be taken to ensure the sustainability and scalability of telemonitoring programs. In addition, the findings offer insights into what components of a telemonitoring program can be safely adapted to ensure its integration in various clinical settings.
Diversity of Hepatitis C Virus Genotypes Among Intravenous Heroin Users in Taiwan

Introduction:Limited information is available about genotypes of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in intravenous heroin users in Taiwan. The purpose of this study was to examine the concordance of the detection of antibody to HCV and HCV-RNA and to determine the distribution of HCV genotypes in male intravenous heroin users. Methods:This was a cross-sectional study. The study population included 274 intravenous heroin drug users newly sentenced in a male prison in central Taiwan from November 2004 to February 2005, whose antibodies to HCV were positive, and antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus were negative. The mean age was 33.9 years (standard deviation, 7.8). The molecular diagnosis used to identify HCV-RNA was PCR. Results:Among 274 subjects, 214 subjects were found to contain HCV-RNA. Positive predictive value of HCV infection using antibody to HCV as an indicator was 78.1%. Among 214 subjects, HCV genotype 2a was the most predominant (58.9%, n = 126), followed by 1a (17.3%, n = 37), 1b (14.5%, n = 31), 2b (8.9%, n = 19) and 1a + 2b (0.4%, n = 1). Age-specific analysis also showed genotype 2a was the most prominent genotype among the 4 age groups, with the highest prevalence in groups aged 20 to 29 years and 30 to 39 years (53.3% and 67.6%, respectively). Conclusions:The concordance of antibody to HCV and HCV-RNA is remarkable in selected high-risk groups. HCV genotype 2a is the most prevalent in male intravenous heroin users in central Taiwan, especially in aged 20 to 29 years and aged 30 to 39 years.