Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Coping Strategies Influence Caregiver Outcomes Among Asian Family Caregivers of Persons With Dementia in Singapore

This cross-sectional study used the stress and coping paradigm to examine the factors associated with negative and positive adjustment outcomes among Asian family caregivers of persons with dementia (PWD) in Singapore. One hundred seven family caregivers completed measures assessing patient illness characteristics, general coping styles of caregivers, specific dementia management strategies, religion and spirituality, and caregiver adjustment outcomes of burden and gain. Multiple regressions revealed that behavioral problems in the PWD, dementia severity, and the use of behavioral disengagement and criticism as coping strategies were significant predictors of burden accounting for 48% of the explained variance [F(4,99)=23.12, P<0.001]. The only significant predictor of gain was the use of encouragement as a specific dementia management strategy, explaining 18% of variance [F(3,102)=7.39, P<0.001]. Religion and spirituality predicted gain indirectly through the use of encouragement. Coping strategies had an independent effect on caregiver outcomes above and beyond PWD illness characteristics and caregiver characteristics. Hence, caregiver interventions should target coping strategies to improve outcomes of caregiving for dementia. Findings also support the need to examine religion and spirituality in future studies of caregiver adjustment outcomes and to explore the factors not measured in this study that might explain gain.
INCORPORATION OF LABELLED AMINO ACIDS INTO THE PROTEINS OF BRAIN CORTEX SLICES IN VITRO IN THE PRESENCE OF OTHER NON‐RADIOACTIVE AMINO ACIDS *

INCORPORATION of certain labelled amino acids into tissue proteins in oitro is known to be stimulated by the addition of other amino acids to the incubation medium (BORSOOK, DEASY, HAAGEN-SMIT, KEIGHLEY and LOWY, 1952; BORSOOK, FISCHER and KEIGHLEY, 1957; MATTHAEI and NIRNBERG, 1961 ; SCHWEET, LAMFROM and ALLEN, 1958). It was therefore of interest to determine the effect of exogenous mixtures of amino acids on the incorporation of labelled amino acids in brain tissue. In the present work the incorporation of [%]methionine, [14C]leucine, [14C]lysine and [14C]valine into the proteins of guinea pig brain slices was studied in the presence of a mixture of other non-radioactive amino acids in the incubation medium.
Size effect on stock returns in Sri Lankan capital market

This study examines weather size effect exist on stocks returns in the Colombo stock market as an emerging capital market. The sample of study includes all nonfinancial companies listed on main board of Colombo Stock Exchange during the period from 2000 to 2013. The size of the firm is measured based on market capitalization at the end of each year. All sample of stocks are formed into five portfolios based on market capitalization and equally weighted average monthly portfolio return is calculated and assigned to respective quintile portfolios at the end of each year. The existence of size effect is estimated by the differences of portfolio return between smallest and biggest quintile portfolio. The analyses show that the smallest quintile portfolio of stocks earns significantly higher return than biggest quintile portfolio of stocks. Therefore, the study concludes that the size effect exists in the Colombo Stock Exchange during the study period and the finding consistent with the previous studies on USA and international markets.
Digital Networks - An essential element for Independent Professionals business success

While networks are important to the success of any organisation, they can be literally vital for the survival and prosperity of small to medium enterprises (SMEs). At the nano end of the SME spectrum, digital networks may not only make size irrelevant but also provide formal and informal channels to access to a variety of resources. While there is an established literature examining such networks from the organisational perspective, knowledge is limited at the nano-business end of the independent professional (IPro). This study examines the external networks used by 375 Australian IPros to see how, what and why they use networks to source work. The findings show: IPros use offline and online interpersonal and offline and online inter-organisational networks to update skills and source work. These findings highlight the importance of networks to the success of nano-businesses in Australia and have implications for policy and practice.
Determinan Kinerja Pengelolaan Keuangan Desa: Studi pada Kecamatan Gandapura Kabupaten Bireuen Aceh

The purpose of this study is to investigate the determinants of Village Financial Management Performance in Gandapura village in the District of Bireuen - Aceh. The tested variables are village officers’ capacity, financial reporting compliance and supervision quality of Badan Permusyawaratan Desar (BPD). The population is all village within Gandapura district, Bireuen, which consists of 40 villages in total. This study involved all the population as the sample. Seletected respondents are Keuchik (or head of villages), village treasurers, Tuha Peut (or village legislative/supervision board) and village facilitators. The data collected through questionaraires and analysed by using multiple linear analysis. This study uncovered an empirical evidence on the effect of village officers’ capacity, financial reporting compliance and supervision quality both collectively and indivdually on the village Financial Management Performance.
Longitudinal Family and Academic Outcomes in Residential Programs: How Students Function in Two Important Areas of Their Lives

This paper presents academic and family outcomes from a multicenter study of youth enrolled in private residential programs. The sample of 1027 adolescents, and their parents, was drawn from nine Aspen Education Group residential programs. Youth academic functioning and youth functioning within the family improved significantly during treatment and those gains were maintained, relative to admission functioning, one year after discharge. The study results suggest that academic and familial outcomes for youth in private residential treatment can be positive and lasting.
No pain, no gain: how PACE information attenuates consumption

Purpose The current research contributes to the marketing literature by examining, and more importantly, better understanding a presentation format (i.e. PACE) in which caloric information is complemented with physical activity time required to offset consumption. The purpose of this paper is to systematically evaluate the impact of this approach in both actual and simulated consumption settings while providing evidence of its contribution to healthier decision-making. This research uncovered several important insights into how consumers are influenced by, and respond to, the presence of physical activity time. Design/methodology/approach The paper used experiential designs in five studies to examine how the presence of physical activity calorie equivalent (PACE) information affects consumption. The studies measured both intended and actual consumption behavior. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance as well as bootstrapping methods. Findings The paper establishes that PACE information reduces consumption compared to NLEA-mandated information. We show that the effectiveness of PACE information differs based on consumers’ level of health consciousness as well as food type. Our research also uncovers a moderating effect based on perceived difficulty of the featured activity. Finally, we show the psychological process underlying the effectiveness of PACE information. Research limitations/implications Future research can address the generalizability of current findings across different consumption domains and contexts. Our work focuses on the efficacy of information delivery at the point of consumption. The results of the current study may differ when the decision is being made at the point of purchase for future consumption. Practical implications The paper’s findings represent a win-win scenario for consumers and manufacturers alike. Manufactures stand to benefit from PACE information as many consumers are seeking healthier food options and are willing to pay a premium for items that help them make more healthful choices. Consumers will benefit as well, given the struggle with obesity and other diet-related ills, by being provided with a more effective means of making healthier choices. Social implications Obesity and diet-related chronic diseases are global pandemics affecting consumers throughout the world. This paper contributes to this issue by presenting manufacturers and researchers with a better understanding of how consumers can be encouraged to make healthier choices and overcome the barriers to healthier lifestyles. Originality/value This paper addresses a gap in the literature as well as an important social concern by better understanding how healthier nutrition choices can be encouraged.
The Impact of Celebrity Expertise on Advertising Effectiveness: The Mediating Role of Celebrity Brand Fit

The studies in the field of marketing have shown that characteristics of the source will influence persuasiveness of the advertisement. This study evaluates the effect of celebrity expertise on advertising effectiveness. Research participants (N = 109) were selected based on area sampling method. The respondents completed a questionnaire that measured the respondent’s perception of celebrity’s expertise, celebrity brand fit, attitude towards advertisement, attitude towards brand and purchase intention. Path analysis was used to evaluate the hypothesis. The study found that celebrity expertise has got a very significant influence on purchase intention indicating that the practitioner should focus on celebrity’s field of expertise before deciding on the endorsement. The study also found that influence of celebrity brand fit on purchase intention is mediated by the attitude towards advertisement and attitude towards the brand.
Impact of Switching Costs and Network Effects on Adoption of Mobile Platforms Information Systems Science Master ' s thesis

Objectives of the Study The purpose of this thesis is to evaluate the switching costs while adopting a new mobile platform and examine the network effects on the user switching behavior of the mobile platforms. In addition, this thesis examines whether it is more difficult to shift to a new cloud service provider or mobile platform. Windows, Android and iOS are the three platforms that are analyzed in this study. Academic background and methodology To achieve the purpose of this study the qualitative research technique involving focus group interviews was utilized. The background literature outlined current understanding of the switching costs and divided them into five categories: search costs, costs of transaction, learning costs, complementary investments and brand relationship costs. Additional concepts were defined to get better understanding of the network effects, cloud services and mobile platforms. Three largest mobile platform providers, Microsoft, Apple and Google were analyzed using the (IISIn) model. The impact of the switching costs and network effects was analyzed from the user’s perspective through four different focus groups with participants from different professional occupations. Thereafter the interviews were transcribed and qualitatively analyzed. The results of this study are presented in the form of propositions that can be tested in the future research. Findings and conclusions The research shows that the most prominent barriers when adopting new mobile platforms are: time and effort required to learn how to use the new platform, loss of non-transferable goods and services, and emotional attachments to the brand. Furthermore, user’s social circle, for example family and friends, play an important role in pre-adoption decision because of recommendations through word of mouth. Members that live in the same household might adopt the same mobile platform due to greater product compatibility. The high number of application developers in a platform is crucial to retain consumers in the post-adoption phase. Specifically, lack of available applications is one of the primary causes for negative user experience that can lead to switching. Finally, there is no consensus among users if switching mobile platform is harder than switching cloud service provider. There are multiple user characteristics that determine the outcome: extent of use of the cloud services, knowledge about converters to transfer data between cloud providers and monetary investments made into a mobile platform.
Pore charge distribution considerations in human epidermal membrane electroosmosis.

The aim of this study was to assess the extent to which a model with pores having only net negative charges would adequately describe transdermal electroosmosis in human epidermal membrane (HEM) at neutral pH. Such information would enhance the predictive value of the modified Nernst-Planck model for transdermal iontophoresis, in addition to providing insights regarding the likelihood of significant pore charge distribution in HEM. Baseline results (the control) obtained from 0.1 to 0.4 V anodal and cathodal electroosmosis experiments with synthetic polycarbonate membranes (Nuclepore membranes), using radiolabeled urea and mannitol as the model permeants, demonstrated that such a membrane system can be modeled by the electrokinetic (electroosmosis) theory with the assumption of the pores possessing only negative charges. The studies with HEM were carried out at low voltage (</=0.5 V) where alterations in the barrier properties of HEM were minimal and at higher voltages (>/approximately = 1.0 V) where significant field-induced pore formation in HEM occurred. In both the low and high voltage studies, radiolabeled urea, mannitol, and water were employed as permeants in cathodal and anodal iontophoresis experiments. The results of the low voltage iontophoresis experiments suggest significant pore charge distribution in HEM (a significant deviation between the predictions from the single pore charge type assumption and the experimental data). Under the higher applied voltage conditions (>/approximately = 1.0 V), results from anodal and cathodal electroosmosis studies were consistent with the model in which the HEM has only pores that are net negatively charged.
Nature and Scope of Public Private Partnerships in the Water Sector in Kenya

Public-Private Partnership refers to an approach which combines positive aspects of Public and private sectors to come up with better public service delivery model. The PPP arrangements neither appear uniformly nor apply in all circumstances. The study investigated whether or not, through water sector reforms PPP has been realized in the provision of water services in Kenya. Using Public choice theory the study used secondary data and primary data from seven (7) Focus Group Discussions, and 33 Key informant interviews. From seven (7) WSPs, the study found out that PPPs exist in regulation, provision and financing of water services and that in Kenya, PPPs have been incorporated more by the community water projects than the Public water companies.
Preoperative Radiotherapy Is Not Associated with Increased Post-mastectomy Short-term Morbidity: Analysis of 77,902 Patients

Background: Neoadjuvant radiotherapy (NRT) enhances breast-conserving surgery outcomes, reducing local recurrence of breast cancer and increasing median survival. However, its effect on postoperative morbidity remains under-studied. We sought to assess the impact of NRT on 30-day postoperative morbidity after mastectomy. Methods: We analyzed data from women undergoing mastectomy (with or without immediate reconstruction) using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) 2005–2011 datasets. ACS-NSQIP is a prospective, risk-adjusted, outcomes-based registry. Data included demographic and perioperative factors. Outcomes studied included surgical site (wound and prosthesis/flap complications), systemic (cardiac, respiratory, neurological, urinary, and venous thromboembolism events), and overall morbidity. Logistic regression was used to estimate the unadjusted odds ratio (uOR) and adjusted odds ratio (aOR) between NRT and postoperative 30-day morbidity. Results: The study population included 77,902 women, of which 61,039 (78.4%) underwent mastectomy only and 16,863 (21.6%) underwent mastectomy with immediate breast reconstruction. NRT was administered to 266 (0.4%) mastectomy-only and 75 (0.4%) immediate breast reconstruction patients. In the mastectomy-only group, there were no significant differences in the rates of postoperative surgical site morbidity (aOR = 1.41; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.76–2.63; P = 0.276), systemic morbidity (aOR = 0.72; 95% CI: 0.40–1.26; P = 0.252), and overall morbidity (aOR = 0.85; 95% CI: 0.54–1.33; P = 0.477) between NRT and control groups. Similarly, no significant differences were found for these three outcomes in the immediate breast reconstruction population. Statistical power for every comparison was >80%. Conclusions: This study suggests that NRT is not associated with significantly higher 30-day postoperative complications among breast cancer patients undergoing mastectomy with or without immediate breast reconstruction.
Early signaling responses to divergent exercise stimuli in skeletal muscle from well‐trained humans

Skeletal muscle from strength‐ and endurance‐trained individuals represents diverse adaptive states. In this regard, AMPK‐PGC‐1α signaling mediates several adaptations to endurance training, while up‐regulation of the Akt‐TSC2‐mTOR pathway may underlie increased protein synthesis after resistance exercise. We determined the effect of prior training history on signaling responses in seven strength‐trained and six endurance‐trained males who undertook 1 h cycling at 70% VO2peak or eight sets of five maximal repetitions of isokinetic leg extensions. Muscle biopsies were taken at rest, immediately and 3 h postexercise. AMPK phosphorylation increased after cycling in strength‐trained (54%; P<0.05) but not endurance‐trained subjects. Conversely, AMPK was elevated after resistance exercise in endurance‐ (114%; P<0.05), but not strength‐trained subjects. Akt phosphorylation increased in endurance‐ (50%; P<0.05), but not strength‐trained subjects after cycling but was unchanged in either group after resistance exercise. TSC2 phosphorylation was decreased (47%; P<0.05) in endurance‐trained subjects following resistance exercise, but cycling had little effect on the phosphorylation state of this protein in either group. p70S6K phosphorylation increased in endurance‐ (118%; P<0.05), but not strength‐trained subjects after resistance exercise, but was similar to rest in both groups after cycling. Similarly, phosphorylation of S6 protein, a substrate for p70 S6K, was increased immediately following resistance exercise in endurance‐ (129%; P<0.05), but not strength‐trained subjects. In conclusion, a degree of “response plasticity” is conserved at opposite ends of the endurance‐hypertrophic adaptation continuum. Moreover, prior training attenuates the exercise specific signaling responses involved in single mode adaptations to training.
Institutional ‘lock-out’ towards local self-governance?

In their efforts to improve social housing neighbourhoods, Dutch housing associations attempt to encourage tenants to take a more active role. Generally speaking, bottom-up initiatives and participatory approaches have become popular among Dutch policy-makers as ways to achieve sustainable energy goals. While the rise of local energy cooperatives seems to support this view, we also see that particularly in deprived neighbourhoods, there is no bottom-up activity, nor will it occur without external support. This paper thus examines a case of an externally initiated programme in a Dutch social housing neighbourhood, aiming to place tenants’ needs at the centre. Applying an environmental justice framework, we address both the historical-institutional legacies and the tenants’ positions, showing how institutional pressures built up over time have resulted in a diluting of the programme into a top-down technology-pushed approach. The relevance goes beyond this case: without ensuring the quality of the participation, institutional lock-ins can produce perverse outcomes, with the programme failing to achieve its (energy-efficiency) goals while the intended beneficiaries lose out. As a counterweight, an active process of capacity building is proposed, using an environmental justice approach to examine the conditions for local self-governance and how to address these in a participatory intervention. © 2016 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Energy Research & Social Science xxx (2016) xxx-xxx
Empirical Tests of Multifactor Capital Asset Pricing Models and Business Cycles. U.S. Stock Market Evidence Before, During and After the Great Recession

I estimate and perform empirical tests on the three most commonly used multifactor capital asset pricing models Fama and French three-factor, Carhart four-factor and Fama and French four-factor models in the U.S. stock market before, during and after the Great Recession. I prove that the critique directed at each of these models is fair, and none of the models is able to deliver persistent results. I demonstrate that the Fama and French threefactor model has a better performance compared to the fourand five-factor models. RMW and CMA factors are shown to be statistically insignificant in the Fama and French five-factor model, what reduces it to the traditional Fama and French three-factor model. I conjecture that the reason for that so many researchers have failed to recreate Fama and French’s results might lie in that Fama and French omit some steps when describing how they construct the models’ factors. Both the Fama and French three-factor and Carhart four-factor models demonstrate worse results when applied to the U.S. stock portfolio returns during the Great Recession than otherwise, which is first of all observed in the increased redundant variable problem. Surprisingly, it is the relative distress variable, HML, that tends to be redundant in the recession state of economy. Based on the achieved results, I point out the need for a more reliable asset pricing model, a model that would demonstrate robust results at explaining stock portfolio returns both in normal times and in crisis times in the economy.
A voxel-based morphometry study of anosmic patients.

OBJECTIVE The aim of our study was to compare volume change in grey matter (GM) and white matter (WM) in a group of subjects with anosmia and a healthy control group. We tried to find a regular pattern of atrophy within and between GM and WM and to determine whether any particular areas are more sensitive to olfactory injury. METHODS There were 19 anosmic patients and 20 age- and sex-matched control subjects. We acquired MR images on a 3-T scanner and performed voxel-based morphometry using the VBM8 toolbox and SPM8 in a MATLAB® (MathWorks®, Natick, MA) environment. RESULTS Patients with anosmia showed a significant decrease in GM volume, mainly in the anterior cingulate cortex, middle temporal gyrus, superior temporal gyrus, fusiform gyrus, supramarginal gyrus, superior frontal gyrus, middle frontal gyrus, middle occipital gyrus, anterior insular cortex and cerebellum. In addition, we observed volume decreases in smaller areas such as the piriform cortex, the inferior temporal gyrus, the precuneus and the subcallosal gyrus. All WM areas with atrophy were near those GM areas that experienced volume loss. There was more volume atrophy in GM areas corresponding to WM areas with more volume loss. Atrophy increased with disease duration. CONCLUSION There is simultaneous atrophy in GM and WM, and the degree of atrophy is greater with longer disease duration. Different GM and WM areas have different sensitivities to olfactory injury. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE This study examines the atrophy pattern in and between GM and WM-a subject that has not been widely researched previously.