Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Plasma exchange for acute attacks of CNS demyelination

Background: Plasma exchange (PE) is used to treat severe episodes of CNS demyelination unresponsive to corticosteroids. Predictors of long-term response are not well known. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 41 patients consecutively treated by PE between January 1995 and July 2007. The primary outcome was improvement at 6 months after PE defined as decrease of ≥1 point in the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score for patients with EDSS ≤7.5 or 1.5 points with EDSS ≥8.0 or improvement of more than 2 lines in the visual acuity chart for patients with optic neuritis (ON). Results: Twenty-five patients (61%) were women, and the median age was 33 years (range 14–57 years). Twenty-three (56%) had multiple sclerosis, 2 (5%) had clinically isolated syndrome, 2 (5%) had Marburg disease, 7 (17%) had acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, 4 (10%) had neuromyelitis optica, 2 (5%) had idiopathic ON, and 1 (2%) had idiopathic transverse myelitis. The median EDSS score before the attack was 1.0 (range 0–6.5). At PE onset, the median EDSS score was 7.0 (range 3.0–9.5). Sixteen patients (39%) improved at discharge, and 26 (63%) improved at 6 months. In the multivariate analysis, early initiation of PE (odds ratio [OR] 6.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18–52.96) and improvement at discharge (OR 7.32, 95% CI 1.21–44.38) were significantly associated with response at 6 months. Conclusions: Plasma exchange (PE) was associated with clinical improvement in 63% of patients at 6 months. Early initiation of PE and improvement at discharge were predictors of this response. Twelve patients (48%) who did not improve early did so during follow-up.
Barriers to Strategy Implementation among Real Estate Companies in Kenya: A Case of Suraya Property Group Limited

iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENT . vi DEDICATION . vii TABLE OF CONTENTS . viii LIST OF TABLES . xi LIST OF FIGURES . xii CHAPTER ONE . 1 1.0 INTRODUCTION . 1 1.1 Background of the Study . 1 1.2 Statement of the Problem . 3 1.3 Purpose of the Study . 4 1.4 Research Questions . 4 1.5 Significance of the Study . 5 1.6 Scope of the Study. 5 1.7 Definition of Terms . 6 1.8 Chapter Summary . 7 CHAPTER TWO. 8 2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW . 8 2.
Audit Committee, Contigency Factors, and Audit Report Lag: Evidance from Mining Company in Indonesian Stock Exchange

This study is to examine the effect of audit committee and the company's contingency on audit report lag and test the moderation effect of the contingency variable on the influence of the audit committee on audit report lag. The sample of this studyare mining companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange during the year 2013-2015. The number of observations made is 84 cases. This research uses variance-based structural equation model (SEM-PLS). The period of audit report lag that occurred in mining companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange based on the results of research is between 17 days to 273 days. The result shows that audit committee and contingency company influence to audit report lag. The results show that audit committees have negative effects on audit report lag, while contingency factors have a positive effect on audit report lag. The results also show that the contingency variable of the company has a moderation effect on the influence of the audit committee on audit report lag. Keywords: audit report lag, audit committee, contingency factors
Business Model Innovation: How to Create Value in a Digital World

Abstract It is not only products or services that are becoming obsolete but also organizational processes and systems because they simply no longer create enough value. To seamlessly account for the digitalization of the business and the customer side, new ideas are mandatory, and the whole business model is increasingly becoming the new source of innovation. A new, smartly designed business model can increase the total value created for all stakeholders, including customers, partners and suppliers. The three design elements that characterize a company’s activity system are content, structure and governance. Changing one or more of these elements means changing the entire model, and if the new business model is “new to the world” and not just “new to the company” it can be considered real business model innovation. Content, structure and governance can be highly interdependent; they need to be in line with value creation and capture the goals of the company, such as its revenue model.
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of goat ovaries, follicles and oocytes in view of in vitro production of embryos

Goat ovaries were collected from the slaughterhouse and categorized as right, left, corpus luteum (CL)-present and-absent group and evaluated on the basis of weight (g), length (cm), width (cm), number of follicles, follicles aspirated and number and state of cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COCs). Comparatively higher weight [(0.66±0.02) vs (0.64±0.02) g], length [(1.17±0.02) vs (1.11±0.02) cm] and width [(0.77±0.02) vs (0.74±0.02) cm] were found in right ovaries than those of left. On the other hand significantly (P<0.05) higher weight [(0.71±0.03) vs (0.64±0.01) g] and width [(0.76±0.03) vs (0.75±0.01) cm] were found in CL-present group than those of CL-absent group of ovaries. The left ovaries contained comparatively higher number of normal COCs [(1.06±0.09) per ovary] than right ovaries [(1.03±0.10) per ovary] and the similar trend was found in total number of follicles [(4.51±0.25) vs (4.30±0.23) per ovary] and follicles aspirated [(2.55±0.14) vs (2.52±0.12) per ovary]. But the total COCs per ovary was almost similar in both ovaries [right and left: (1.85±0.12) and (1.85±0.11) per ovary, respectively]. Higher number of total COCs [(1.87±0.09) vs (1.76±0.16) per ovary], total number of follicles [(4.45±0.19) vs (4.16±0.37) per ovary], follicles aspirated [(2.55±0.10) vs (2.48±0.21) per ovary] and normal COCs [(1.12±0.07) vs (0.76±0.14) per ovary] were found in CL-absent group than those of CL-present group of ovaries.
The Use of Information Technology to Enhance Management School Education: A Theoretical View

To use information technology to improve learning processes, the pedagogical assumptions underlying the design of information technology for educational purposes must be understood. This paper reviews different models of learning, surfaces assumptions of electronic teaching technology, and relates those assumptions to the differing models of learning. Our analysis suggests that initial attempts to bring information technology to management education follow a classic story of automating rather than transforming. IT is primarily used to automate the information delivery function in classrooms. In the absence of fundamental changes to the teaching and learning process, such classrooms may do little but speed up ineffective processes and methods of teaching. Our mapping of technologies to learning models identifies sets of technologies in which management schools should invest in order to informate up and down and ultimately transform the educational environment and processes. For researchers interested in the use of information technology to improve learning processes, the paper provides a theoretical foundation for future work.
The Transitional Labor Market Consequences of a Pension Reform

Several countries have responded to budget pressures on public pension systems by increasing full retirement ages. Because of bunching in retirement at these ages, such reforms lead to increased retention of older workers at the employer firm. We study the effects of retaining senior workers on firms’ shortrun labor demand and public finances. We exploit an unanticipated Italian pension reform and leverage idiosyncratic variation in employees retention unrelated to firm’s broad demographics. We document that workers on the cusp of retirement, younger co-workers and external hires are at least partially substitutes, as firms more affected by the reform increase firing and reduce hiring in its aftermath. Substitutability appears stronger for middle-aged workers in the same occupation group. We then show that raising full retirement ages affects labor earnings and the take-up of other social security programs by both retained senior employees and, due to labor demand adjustments, their younger co-workers. We conclude by estimating the fiscal externality of the reform, incorporating all behavioural responses into a model that allows for spillover on co-workers and program substitution. We estimate that from one-half to two-third of mechanical savings are lost in the short-run due to behavioural responses. Ignoring the effect of labor demand adjustments on co-workers would lead to a 0 fiscal externality, indicating the first-order importance of such effects in the short-run. In the long-run, these costs fade away whilst structural benefits in terms of sustainability of public finances remain. JEL codes: J26, H55, M51, M12
Pharmacogenetics of mood disorders: what clinicians need to know

Pharmacogenetics brought the promise of matching individuals with treatments that would be efficacious while minimizing adverse events. This has been long needed in psychiatry, where treatment options have been empirical and treatment choices have been made largely based on clinical judgment. The efficacy and tolerability of antidepressants, the most common drugs used in mood disorders, have been widely studied in pharmacogenetics. Genetic association studies have been reported for pharmacokinetic genes such as the CYP450 isoenzymes or MDR1, and pharmacodynamic genes such as the serotonin transporter (SLC6A4) or the serotonin 2A receptor (HTR2A). However, despite the large number of reports, clinically useful predictors are still scarce for antidepressant monotherapy. Pharmacogenetic predictors of efficacy for mood stabilizers such as lithium and anticonvulsants have not had a dissimilar fate, and clinically meaningful markers are yet to emerge. The lack of consistent results may be in part due to small samples of heterogeneous populations and lack of consensus on phenotype definitions. Current pharmacogenetic recommendations include testing for HLA-B*1502 when using carbamazepine in Asian ancestry populations to prevent Stevens–Johnson syndrome, CYP2D6 genotypes when using pimozide, and CYP2D6 in polypharmacy to minimize drug interactions. This review, which is aimed at clinicians, lays the basis for understanding strengths and weaknesses of pharmacogenetic studies and outlines current clinical uses of these biomarkers.
Onchocerca volvulus superoxide dismutase genes: identification of functional promoters for pre-mRNA transcripts which undergo trans-splicing.

The genes encoding three forms of superoxide dismutase, the cytosolic and extracellular CuZn superoxide dismutases and the mitochondrial Mn superoxide dismutase, were isolated from an Onchocerca volvulus lambda fix II genomic library. Genomic Southern blot analyses indicate single-copy genes in the O. volvulus genome. The O. volvulus cytosolic and extracellular CuZnSOD genes (Ov-sod-1 and Ov-sod-2) are separated by 0.8 kb of sequence and are convergently transcribed. Since the transcripts from all three sod genes are trans-spliced, the transcription start point of each gene was determined in a heterologous system that lacks trans-splicing machinery by in vitro transcription using Drosophila embryo nuclear extracts, followed by primer extension experiments. The ability of the 5' flanking region of the genes encoding the three Ov-SODs to promote transcription was further examined in transient transfections of Chinese hamster ovary cells. In firefly luciferase reporter assays, the Ov-sod-1 and -2 and the MnSOD (Ov-sod-3) gene promoters showed minimal, strong, and moderate levels of activity in these cells, respectively. Both Ov-sod-2 and -3 gene promoter regions showed an initial increase in activity in response to 5' deletions. The results from the in vitro transcription experiments and the luciferase reporter assays were consistent and suggest the presence of Inr-like elements in the promoter regions of the Ov-sod genes.
Look before you LIEEP: Practicalities of using ecological systems social marketing to improve thermal comfort

This paper aims to present a discursive and evaluative analysis of Energy + Illawarra, an Australian Government Low Income Energy Efficiency Program (LIEEP) funded interdisciplinary social marketing energy efficiency programme. Energy + Illawarra was a community programme working with low-income older people in Australia and involving social marketers, human geographers and engineers. The paper aims to identify how ecological systems theory can inform social marketing, and what practicalities there may be in doing so. The paper also aims to assess whether a social marketing programme that draws on ecological systems theory can have a positive impact on people’s thermal comfort. ,First, the paper uses critical discursive analysis to examine the use of various elements of a social marketing energy efficiency programme in relation to the different levels of ecological systems theory. Second, a longitudinal cohort survey study design is used to evaluate the programme’s influence on people’s perceptions of thermal comfort and satisfaction with thermal comfort in their homes. ,The study found that ecological systems theory could be an effective framework for social marketing programmes. The evaluation study found that the intervention had a positive impact on participant’s perceptions of thermal comfort, satisfaction with thermal comfort and attitudes towards energy efficiency. However, the paper identifies some potential tensions in using ecological systems theory and suggests that issues of power, representation, agenda setting, the need for reflexive practice and consideration of unintended consequences are important considerations in social marketing programmes. ,The work presented here suggests that multi-level social marketing programmes that draw on ecological systems theory can make a useful contribution to social change as demonstrated by the evaluation survey finding positive impacts on thermal comfort and attitudes of participants. However, issues of power, representation, agenda setting, the need for reflexive practice and consideration of unintended consequences should be considered in social marketing programmes.
Selective hepatic artery embolization for treatment of patients with metastatic carcinoid and pancreatic endocrine tumors.

BACKGROUND Prognosis in patients with carcinoid and pancreatic endocrine tumors with diffuse, unresectable liver metastases is poor. Palliation is often difficult despite the use of somatostatin analogs, interferon alpha, or systemic chemotherapy. Several reviews have suggested that hepatic artery embolization, with or without intraarterial chemotherapy, can be used for control of symptoms and for cytoreduction in patients with liver dominant metastases. METHODS Between 2000 and 2002, 161 embolizations using polyvinyl alcohol or microspheres were performed on 84 patients with carcinoid or pancreatic endocrine tumors metastatic to the liver. A retrospective review was performed to evaluate symptomatic response, biochemical response, adverse effects, and duration of survival. Baseline and follow-up computed tomography scans were also assessed to determine radiographic response rates. Further analysis of survival was performed to assess the possible impact of various postembolization therapies. RESULTS Eighty-four patients underwent bland hepatic artery embolizations during the study period. Among 55 symptomatic patients, 44 patients had fewer symptoms, and among 35 patients whose tumor markers were followed, 28 had a major biochemical response. Objective radiographic responses were observed in 11 of 23 patients. No deaths occurred during therapy, and major toxicities were rare. Median overall survival was 36 months from time of initial embolization. CONCLUSIONS Hepatic artery embolization frequently results in clinical and radiographic responses in patients with unresectable liver metastases from carcinoid or pancreatic endocrine tumors. Morbidity is low when appropriate supportive care is provided. Hepatic artery embolization often results in regressions in patients with unresectable liver metastases from carcinoid or pancreatic endocrine tumors.
Impact of tool support in patch construction

In this work, we investigate the practice of patch construction in the Linux kernel development, focusing on the differences between three patching processes: (1) patches crafted entirely manually to fix bugs, (2) those that are derived from warnings of bug detection tools, and (3) those that are automatically generated based on fix patterns. With this study, we provide to the research community concrete insights on the practice of patching as well as how the development community is currently embracing research and commercial patching tools to improve productivity in repair. The result of our study shows that tool-supported patches are increasingly adopted by the developer community while manually-written patches are accepted more quickly. Patch application tools enable developers to remain committed to contributing patches to the code base. Our findings also include that, in actual development processes, patches generally implement several change operations spread over the code, even for patches fixing warnings by bug detection tools. Finally, this study has shown that there is an opportunity to directly leverage the output of bug detection tools to readily generate patches that are appropriate for fixing the problem, and that are consistent with manually-written patches.
Flashover Condition for a Special Three-Electrode Spark Gap Design

Electrical discharges in gases represent a complex problem in high-voltage techniques. The paper presents the findings which have been used to build a model of flashover in gases designed for use in engineering practice. The model is based on the electrostatic FEM computation and on the value of the flashover electrical field intensity in air. The model has been used to compute the flashover for a two-electrode sphere spark gap and a special three-electrode spark gap. Computation results are compared with measured results obtained on the experimental three-electrode spark gap prototype.
Voluntary HIV Counseling and Testing: Experience Among the Sexually Active Population in Bangui, Central African Republic

Objectives: In July 1997, the National Reference Center for Sexually Transmitted Diseases of Bangui, Central African Republic (CAR), was expanded by the creation of an anonymous and voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) unit for HIV infection, the Anonymous Surveillance Unit (Unité de Dépistage Anonyme [UDA]). The goal of the UDA was to initiate and promote voluntary HIV testing in the general adult population of Bangui. We carried out an observational and comprehensive survey over a 4‐year period to document and analyze the experience of VCT in the UDA, with special attention to risk factors associated with HIV infection. Methods: All clients for VCT were given adequate pretest counseling by trained counselors focused on knowledge about HIV infection and sexually transmitted infections, individual risks of acquiring HIV, and anticipation of the client's attitude about test results. After consent was obtained, a blood sample was drawn and tested for HIV by two ELISAs in parallel. The client paid a standard cost of $1.20 at the initial visit. After a week, test results were given to the client during the posttest visit, at which time HIV‐seropositive individuals received emotional support and were referred to specific social or medical structures. Seronegative clients received reinforcement of prevention messages and were asked to come back for serologic follow‐up free of charge after 3 (M3) and 12 (M12) months. Results: From July 1997 to March 2001, 5686 individuals aged 14 to 65 years (mean age, 27 years) had an initial visit for VCT (V1). Peaks of UDA visitation (250‐450 clients) were observed on the annual AIDS Day in the CAR, at which time HIV serologic testing was offered free of charge. A total of 5060 (89%) clients came back for a second visit (V2) to receive test results. Among those, 18.3% were infected with HIV type 1. Multivariate analysis of risk factors demonstrated marked association of HIV seropositivity with age, female gender, widowed/divorced women, poor or low education level, occupations such as civil servants or merchants, presence of symptoms of sexually transmitted infections, and lack of systematic condom use. Single young women were at higher risk for HIV infection compared with men of the same age (OR = 7.7 for women aged 15‐24 years, 95% CI: 4.0‐14.0; OR = 2.8 for women aged 25‐34 years, 95% CI: 1.7‐4.5). Widowed women older than 44 years of age were more likely to be HIV‐seropositive than men (OR = 10.0; 95% CI: 1.7‐83.6). A total of 885 (21%) HIV‐seronegative individuals returned for follow‐up at 3 months (M3; 0.45% rate of seroconversion). Seventy‐nine (9%) individuals returned at 12 months (M12), without any new cases of HIV infection. HIV‐negative clients consulting at M3 and M12 showed a significant reduction in unprotected intercourse with occasional sexual partners. Conclusion: This experience demonstrates that VCT for HIV infection is feasible in Central Africa.
Safety and Acquisition Potential of Metarhizium anisopliae in Entomovectoring with Bumble Bees, Bombus terrestris

ABSTRACT In the context of integrated pest management with biological control and reduced pesticide use, dissemination of entomopathogenic fungi with insects has the potency to protect crops and specifically their flowers against pests and diseases. But before implementation of such entomovectoring system, a measurement of risks of the microbial biocontrol agent toward the vectoring insect is crucial. The essential contributions of this project are that 1) exposure of bumble bees, Bombus terrestris (L.) to powder containing 107 spores of the commercial biocontrol agent Metarhizium anisopliae strain F52 (Bio1020) per gram, was safe; and 2) that when bumble bees had walked through this spore concentration (107 spores per gram) in a dispenser, their body carried 9.3 ±1 × 106 spores/bumble bee, and this was still 2.6 106 spores after a flight of 60 s, representing the average time to fly from the dispenser to the crop flowers. 3) In contrast, a 100-fold higher spore concentration (109 spores per gram powder) was highly toxic and the acquisition on the bumble bee body was only 2.5 times higher. Based on these data, future studies can start investigating the protection efficacy of this entomovector system with M. anisopliae and bumble bees without harming the vector and with a loading of the vector considered enough to obtain a good inoculation into and protection of the flowers.
Pengaruh Kepemilikan Institusional, Kepemilikan Manajerial, dan Pengungkapan Corporate Social Responsibility terhadap Nilai Perusahaan Pada Perusahaan Manufaktur yang Terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia

The main goal of company is to improve the value of the company. The company's value can increase wealth for shareholders. Factors that may affect the value of the company are the ownership structure of the company and corporate social responsibility. This study aims to determine the effect of institutional ownership, managerial ownership, and corporate social responsibility disclosure to firm value. Firm value in this study as proxy for the value of Tobin’s Q. The population of this research is manufacturing companies listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) in the period 2013-2015. The method of analysis in this study using multiple linier regression. The results of this study show that institutional ownership and managerial ownership does not affect the value of the firm, while the corporate social responsibility disclosure has positive affect on firm value. Keyword s : firm value, institutional ownership, managerial ownership, corporate social responsibility