Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Physical Activities and Lifestyle Factors Related to Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Background: In addition to genetic factors, environmental and lifestyle factors are thought to play an important role in the onset of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). This cross-sectional study was conducted to explore lifestyle factors related to AIS. Methods: This study included 2,759 Japanese female junior high school students who planned a secondary screening after an initial moiré topography screening indicated possible scoliosis. The students and their mothers, or guardians, were asked to fill out a questionnaire consisting of 38 questions about demographic factors, lifestyle-related factors, social factors, household environment, participation in sports, health status, and factors related to the mother’s pregnancy and delivery. The questionnaire was completed by 2,747 students (a 99.6% response rate). After excluding students with heart disease, neurological disease, or a congenital vertebral anomaly, 2,600 students were eligible for assessment. After undergoing a secondary screening with standing radiographs of the spine, students were assigned to the normal (control) group if radiographs showed a curve of <15° or to the scoliosis group if they had a curve of ≥15°. The odds ratios (ORs) for AIS in relation to the possible risk or preventive factors were estimated by logistic regression analyses. Results: No lifestyle-related factor was significantly associated with AIS. However, AIS was associated with classical ballet training (OR, 1.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09 to 1.75); the odds of AIS developing increased as the child’s frequency of training, number of years of experience, and duration of training in ballet increased. The OR for AIS was 1.5 times higher for participants whose mothers had scoliosis. AIS was also associated with a low body mass index (BMI). These associations remained even after mutual adjustment was performed. Conclusions: No association was found between AIS and lifestyle-related factors. However, classical ballet training, a family history of scoliosis, and low BMI may be associated with AIS. Level of Evidence: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of RasN 17 inhibits specific CCK actions on pancreatic acinar cells

Nicke, Barbara, Min-Jen Tseng, MaryCarol Fenrich, and Craig D. Logsdon. Adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of RasN17 inhibits specific CCK actions on pancreatic acinar cells. Am. J. Physiol. 276 (Gastrointest. Liver Physiol. 39): G499–G506, 1999. —CCK stimulates pleiotrophic responses in pancreatic acinar cells; however, the intracellular signaling pathways involved are not well understood. To evaluate the role of the ras gene product in CCK actions, a strategy involving in vitro adenoviral-mediated gene delivery of a dominant-negative mutant Ras (RasN17) was utilized. Isolated acini were infected with various titers of either a control adenovirus or an adenoviral construct expressing RasN17 for 24 h before being treated with CCK. Titer-dependent expression of RasN17 in the acini was confirmed by Western blotting. Infection with control adenovirus [106–109 plaque-forming units/mg acinar protein (multiplicity of infection of ,1– 1,000)] had no effect on CCK stimulation of acinar cell amylase release, extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK) or c-Jun kinase (JNK) kinases, or DNA synthesis. In contrast, infection with adenovirus bearing rasN17 increased basal amylase release, inhibited CCK-mediated JNK activation, had no effect on CCK activation of ERK, and inhibited DNA synthesis. These data demonstrate important roles for Ras in specific actions of CCK on pancreatic acinar function.
Patient outcomes from symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage after stroke thrombolysis

Objectives: To assess the impact of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) on outcome of thrombolysis-treated ischemic stroke patients, as additional to recognized prognosticators. Methods: The study cohort included 985 ischemic stroke patients treated with IV thrombolysis at the Helsinki University Central Hospital (1995–2008). In a multivariable model adjusted for baseline stroke severity, age, onset-to-treatment time, baseline glucose, hyperdense cerebral artery sign, and early infarct signs on baseline imaging, and prior modified Rankin Scale (mRS), we calculated risk ratios (RRs) of patients with sICH (separately per Safe Implementation of Thrombolysis in Stroke[SITS]–Monitoring Study, European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study II [ECASS-II], and National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke [NINDS] definitions) for poor 3-month outcome (mRS 3–6) and mortality. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) evaluated impact of sICH on outcome. Internal cross-validation of the model was done with bootstrap statistics. Results: The frequency of sICH was 2.1% (SITS), 7.0% (ECASS-II), and 9.4% (NINDS). RRs for poor and fatal outcome, respectively, were 1.7 and 4.8 (SITS), 1.6 and 3.8 (ECASS-II), and 1.6 and 3.4 (NINDS). In IDI analyses, sICH improved prediction model for 3-month mRS of 3–6 and 4–6, respectively, by 1.4% and 3.0% (SITS), 4.0% and 5.9% (ECASS-II), and 4.7% and 6.1% (NINDS). In case of 3-month mRS 5–6 and mortality, it was 6.1% and 5.3% (SITS), 11.3% and 9.3% (ECASS-II), and 10.3% and 8.0% (NINDS). ROC analysis revealed similar results. Conclusions: Patients with sICH have increased risk of poor and fatal outcome. Compared with recognized stroke prognosticators, contribution of sICH is smaller. Definition-wise, ECASS-II- and NINDS-based sICH contribute relatively more; ECASS-II has the largest contribution to worst outcomes.
The value concept and relationship marketing

The value concept is a basic constituent of relationship marketing. The ability to provide superior value to customers is a prerequisite when trying to establish and maintain long‐term customer relationships. Stresses the fact that the underlying construct of customer satisfaction is more than a perception of the quality received. What must be taken into account as well is the customer’s need of quality improvements and his willingness to pay for it. From a relationship perspective these aspects are fundamental, since they are both related to the costs of the parties involved. Suggests that a reduction in customer‐perceived costs may be a most recommendable method of providing value to the customer, since, done properly, it can improve the internal cost efficiency as well. It is then possible to establish and maintain mutually profitable customer relationships, which is of prime concern in relationship marketing.
Peranan Faktor-Faktor Individual Dalam Mengembangkan Usaha Studi Kuantitatif Pada Wirausaha Kecil Di Salatiga

The enormous number of micro enterprises contributes relatively low to the aggregate economy. This is due to the fact that many small businesses do not grow although it has been run for years. Reluctance to grow may be due to, for instance, the desire to retain ownership or avoidance of loss of satisfaction. This study aims to examine the infuence of several individual factors that may afect growth intention. Those factors are the start-up motivation, self-efcacy and risk taking propensity of the business owners. The sample of this study were 50 pedagang kreatif lapangan in Salatiga who are the founder of his/her business. Multiple-regression analyses reveal that start-up motivation and self-efcacy signifcantly afect growth intention. This means that entrepreneurs who start their business because of some positive reasons and faith have greater intention to grow. The result also indicates that although a micro-entrepreneur has a high degree of risk taking propensity, his/her intention to grow may be low when he/she lacks of neither positive start-up motivation nor a high.
The Internet and Small Hospitality Businesses: B&B Marketing in Canada

ABSTRACT This study examines small hospitality businesses–specifically Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs)–to identify the underlying success factors in utilizing the Internet as a marketing tool in the tourism and hospitality sector. The results suggest that B&B owners are using the Internet as a low-cost method of increasing their customer base, especially from overseas markets. Success is closely related to online experience, the measurement of Web site efficiency, prompt responses to inquiries, making it easy for customers to make a reservation, the development of relationships with customers, customer adoption of technology, and the existence of online partners. However, the small business owners do not use the Web to its full advantage. Few used the Internet to solicit feedback from guests, and only half used it to build customer relationships or measure the efficiency of their sites. In addition, only a small number used a secure server for online bookings.
Increase in Protectionism and its Impact on Sri Lanka's Performance in Global Markets

Sri Lanka's external performance defies global trends on two counts. First, the level of openness as measured by the ratio of trade in goods and services, after a strong increase in 1987-95 and stagnation in 1996-2004, sharply fell in 2005-10 to the levels experienced during the era of import substitution. Second, the share of clothing in manufactured exports has remained largely unchanged over the past 25 years. Had there been no economic growth, this would not have been puzzling. The paper argues that these unique features can be traced to (a) the duality of Sri Lanka's economic regime -- the legacy of unfinished structural reforms of a socialist economic regime -- and (b) high and growing protectionism in the 2000s. Sri Lanka's experience shows that the lack of stability in trade policy combined with recently expanding protectionism and the state's micromanagement of investment does not create an institutional/policy setting conducive to rapidly evolving composition of exports and their fast growth. The practice of dealing with weaknesses in trade policies and the business environment through granting exemptions to various activities deemed desirable by the authorities only exacerbates distortions and creates more fertile ground for rent seeking. Without a radical overhaul of the current policy framework shaping interaction of Sri Lankan businesses with global markets, economic growth may be reduced, if not reversed.
Knowledge, attitude, and practice in relation to stroke: A community-based study from Kolkata, West Bengal, India

Background: The rising incidence of stroke in India indicates the importance of evaluating the existing knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) in the community, which is essential for stroke control. Objective: To explore and compare stroke-related KAP among participants from stroke-affected families (SAFs) and nonstroke-affected families (NSFs). Design: Using stratified random sampling, a three-phase house-to-house survey was conducted in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. First, field investigators screened subjects of stroke; second, the neurologist confirmed positive cases; and third, under supervision of the neuropsychologist, a validated questionnaire on KAP was administered to participants from SAFs and age-matched NSAFs from the same neighborhood. Results: The KAP questionnaire was administered to 282 participants each from both groups. Knowledge about stroke prevailed in 97% participants and was significantly higher in the SAF group. Both SAF and NSAF groups had better knowledge about prominent symptoms of stroke (loss of consciousness and paralysis) and admitted it as emergency situation requiring hospitalization and that it was potentially preventable. Those persons belonging to the SAF group, however, had lesser knowledge of the risk factors such as diabetes (P < 0.001), smoking (P < 0.014), alcoholism (P < .0.0001), family history (P < .0.0001) and mild stroke symptoms such as headache, (P < 0.001), vomiting (P < 0.001), and fits (P 0.003) as compared to the NSAF group. Conclusions: Persons from both SAF and non-SAF groups are aware about stroke but possess lesser knowledge about the many symptoms of stroke and risk factors, indicating the necessity of enhancement of existence knowledge on symptoms for better diagnosis and of risk factors for better prevention.
Empirical investigation into the multi‐faceted trust in the wealth management context

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study the many manifestations of trust in the wealth management context in Finland. This empirical paper examines and contrasts how trust is perceived by financial experts and consumers in wealth management in general, and in the investment context, in particular.Design/methodology/approach – Qualitative methods, focus group discussions and interviews were employed.Findings – Financial experts and consumers emphasised different facets of trust. The level of trust towards financial service providers and financial advisors, and the level of involvement in investing served to differentiate the consumers into four distinct groups. These are presented and discussed.Research limitations/implications – Although the methods utilised were purely qualitative and the study was limited to Finland, the results offer interesting and new scientific knowledge about perceived trust, and how it can be used in market segmentation and developing customer service.Practical implication.
Cancer-related fatigue: prevalence of proposed diagnostic criteria in a United States sample of cancer survivors.

PURPOSE To evaluate the proposed cancer-related fatigue (CRF) diagnostic criteria in a sample of cancer survivors. More accurate prevalence estimates of CRF may result in improved diagnosis and management of one of the most common symptoms associated with cancer and its treatment. METHODS Three hundred seventy-nine individuals who had been treated with chemotherapy, either alone or in combination with radiation therapy, were surveyed. Patients were asked background questions about their current condition, their medical history, and the frequency of fatigue during their chemotherapy. Additionally, patients who reported experiencing fatigue at least a few days each month during treatment were asked a series of questions about the impact of fatigue on their daily functioning. RESULTS One hundred forty-one (37%) individuals reported at least 2 weeks of fatigue in the previous month. Of the respondents who had received their last treatment more than 5 years ago, 33% still reported at least a 2-week period of fatigue in the month before the interview. Evaluation of the proposed criteria revealed that 17% of respondents met at least two criteria for CRF. CONCLUSION The prevalence of diagnosable CRF in the individuals in this sample, most of whom had completed treatment more than 1 year ago, was 17%-lower than expected based on previous reports that have used less-strict criteria. In a sizable number of people, CRF persists well beyond active treatment and should be a focus of intervention. Although they will require replication in other samples and clinical validation, these formal diagnostic criteria can be a step toward common language and a better understanding of the severity range and persistence of CRF.
Ownership structure, corporate governance and corporate performance: the case of the kenyan quoted companies,

This study presents a final report on ownership structure, corporate governance and its impact on the corporate performance of the Kenyan quoted companies. The result utilizes cross-sectional data from forty-four publicly quoted companies out of the fiftyfour listed companies for the year 2001. Our findings dispel many of the commonly held opinion on some of issues on the relationship between ownership structure and performance. The results reject the first hypothesis that implies that concentration ratio does not play a significant role in explaining performance. Also, the structure of ownership has impact on firms’ performance under EVA. The result did not support the convergence of interest hypothesis that there is correlation between managerial shareholding and firms’ performance. The present results indicate that we do not have a discernible or systematic impact of internal shareholding on performance. With the results, policy measures should be taken to stimulate the growth of collective investment vehicles in the country. The government should also practice crowding in policies as a way of uplifting corporate performance through the growth of small and medium scale enterprises. Finally, the government policies of attracting foreign investors, strengthening market ' regulatory mechanisms and liberalization of the pension industry will make the capital market more vibrant in offering value adding services to lift Kenyans out of poverty. TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
The Peptidoglycan Sacculus of Myxococcus xanthus Has Unusual Structural Features and Is Degraded during Glycerol-Induced Myxospore Development

ABSTRACT Upon nutrient limitation cells of the swarming soil bacterium Myxococcus xanthus form a multicellular fruiting body in which a fraction of the cells develop into myxospores. Spore development includes the transition from a rod-shaped vegetative cell to a spherical myxospore and so is expected to be accompanied by changes in the bacterial cell envelope. Peptidoglycan is the shape-determining structure in the cell envelope of most bacteria, including myxobacteria. We analyzed the composition of peptidoglycan isolated from M. xanthus. While the basic structural elements of peptidoglycan in myxobacteria were identical to those in other gram-negative bacteria, the peptidoglycan of M. xanthus had unique structural features. meso- or ll-diaminopimelic acid was present in the stem peptides, and a new modification of N-acetylmuramic acid was detected in a fraction of the muropeptides. Peptidoglycan formed a continuous, bag-shaped sacculus in vegetative cells. The sacculus was degraded during the transition from vegetative cells to glycerol-induced myxospores. The spherical, bag-shaped coats isolated from glycerol-induced spores contained no detectable muropeptides, but they contained small amounts of N-acetylmuramic acid and meso-diaminopimelic acid.
Why Investors Want to Know the Size of Your Shorts

Financial market regulators have expressed recent interest in the potential information value of more extensive short selling disclosures. To explore this issue, we use our unique short selling dataset to investigate the linkage between stock returns and the average daily size of short trades by speculators and dealers. We find that past and contemporaneous returns have a significant and positive impact on the size of dealer short trades, whereas speculators tend to decrease the size of their short trades when stock price is increasing. More importantly, we show that large speculative short trades tend to be followed by returns that are more negative, whereas the opposite holds for large dealer short trades. A portfolio formed by going short stocks where speculative short trade size is largest and long stocks where it is smallest generates five-day returns ranging from 0.40% to 1.34% depending upon whether speculative short selling is a high or low percentage of the stock’s daily trading activity (and whether stock returns are measured on a raw, or market-adjusted basis). In contrast, for dealers an opposite trading strategy (going long stocks where dealer short trade size is largest and short stocks where it is smallest) generates five-day returns ranging from 0.31% to 0.94%. Our results have important policy implications – particularly our finding of a differing linkage between subsequent return and the size of speculative versus dealer short trades. Requiring financial markets to provide a stock-bystock daily report that discloses short selling by investor category (speculator versus dealer) could provide average investors with value-relevant information that could lead to financial markets that are more fair and efficient. Our results also have implications for academic research that focuses on short selling of NASDAQ stocks. Because we find that the amount of short selling by dealers dominates, on a daily basis, the amount by speculators, unless researchers control effectively for investor category when conducting empirical studies, they risk generating results that likely predominately reflect the short selling actions of dealers.
Identification and Estimation of the Role of Internal Micro Level Factors Towards Efficient Working Capital Management

Pakistan is a developing country and for the accelerated growth of its economy an effective route is through proliferation and growth of commercial firms by enhancing their profitability.However, this requires reduction in the marginal cost of output of these firms.Therefore, the most important consideration is to find ways and means of reducing cost in the components of working capital.This thesis aims to look into firm-specific internal micro level factors that may impact the working capital efficiency of large scale manufacturing firms in Pakistan. The study is empirical in nature and attempts to check working capital efficiency standards for firms of different sectors.In addition to this, economic effect of micro level factors on business performance is investigated.Working capital requirements, liquidity requirements, and working capital efficiency of business firms are examined on the basis of firm-specific internal micro level factors.All findings are based on an objective sample of 207 non-financial business firms listed on Karachi Stock Exchange from thirteen large scale manufacturing sectors of Pakistan.Reliable sources that are used for secondary data include State Bank of Pakistan, Ministry of Finance, Federal Bureau of Statistics, Business Recorder, websites of sampled firms, Trade Associations for some sectors etc. The thesis relies on using fixed effect method after controlling multicollinearity, autocorrelation, hetroskedasticity, and misspecification biases.Firms of different sectors are found more inclined towards improving their business performance through the use of current assets.Few firms in a sector are found improving their efficiency standards and are in status-quo with respect to their working capital strategies.Cash conversion cycle and size of the firm are identified as some main firm-specific internal micro level factors having significant influence on business performance of firms in most of the sectors. Leverage, cash flows, and growth of the firm are found to significantly influence the working capital requirements of firms. Liquidity needs of the firms are found to take significant influence of firms’ profitability, leverage, cash flows, and growth of the firm.It is observed that liquidity requirements and working capital requirements of business firms increase in poor economic conditions.A notable finding in the thesis is that receivables management, inventory management, cash conversion cycle, and firms’ growth have significant influence on the efficiency of working capital management in all economic sectors.This finding confirms that there exist internal micro level factors which impact the working capital efficiency of business firms.