Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Joint distraction in the treatment of degenerative articular cartilage damage

Joint distraction is a technique that has been used to treat a variety of joint diseases, including degenerative arthropathies such as osteoarthritis (OA) and chondrolysis. It has been suggested that joint distraction could promote cartilage regeneration. However, treatment outcomes and study features have not been compared yet to allow a thorough evaluation, and actual cartilage repair has not been reported in clinical studies before. Therefore, we performed a systematic literature review on clinical and preclinical publications about joint distraction in subjects with degenerative cartilage damage. After a well defined literature screening, 30 publications were included, which showed the clinical methods and results of joint distraction of the hip, ankle, knee, hand or foot, or were preclinical animal studies concerning distraction of the knee or spine. In general, joint distraction has been found to reduce pain and to improve joint mobility, function and joint space width (JSW). Joint distraction is especially effective in younger, active subjects without serious synovial inflammation. Joint motion and weight bearing during or shortly after distraction optimises treatment outcome. From preclinical studies, there is evidence for repair of cartilage damage during joint distraction. Further studies may lead to improved therapies as well as to a better understanding of the regeneration capacity of cartilage.
Explaining Repo Specialness

We study the dynamics of specialness for 1-day repo contracts on Italian government bonds over a 10-year sample period. As predicted by Duffie’s (1996) model, our results show that collateral supply is a significant factor for specialness. However, we enrich that finding by also showing a clear impact from repo liquidity, collateral riskiness, information uncertainty and short-selling proxies, revealing the importance of speculative bond demand for specialness. During crisis periods, bond fire sales and European Central Bank interventions also have a large impact on repo specialness. We identify recurrent patterns for specialness around bond auctions. Specialness increases steadily from the auction announcement date until a few days before the auction settlement date, which is consistent with overbidding behavior and a short selling of treasuries (via reverse repos) from primary dealers ahead of auctions.
The experiences of mental health professionals providing services to persons who are dying: a phenomenological study

Approved: ____________________________________ Thesis Supervisor ____________________________________ Title and Department ____________________________________ Date THE EXPERIENCES OF MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS PROVIDING SERVICES TO PERSONS WHO ARE DYING: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUD Y by Jennifer Marie Hill A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Psychological and Quantitative Foundations (Counseling Psychology) in the Graduate College of The University of Iowa
Mobile based symptom management for palliative care

The goal of palliative care is to improve the quality of life of terminally ill patients through the management of pain and other symptoms. Though the term 'palliative care' is well known in the developed world, it is relatively a new term in the developing world. According to WHO, each year 4.8 million people suffering from severe pain caused by cancer, fail to receive treatment due to lack of resources and other barriers. In this thesis we have elaborated on the challenges faced by the rural breast cancer (BC) patients of Bangladesh and a solution for their palliative care treatment. Although breast cancer is commonly thought of as a disease of the developed world, the WHO statistics show that 69% of all BC deaths occur in developing countries. Unlike western countries where 89% of the women have a survival rate of more than 5 years, most BC patients in Bangladesh die because the majority of cases are diagnosed in late stages. These patients need palliative care which is almost absent in rural Bangladesh. These issues show the desperate need of a low cost palliative care system solution for the terminally ill patients of the developing world. Based on detailed field studies, we have developed and deployed a mobile based remote symptom monitoring and management system named e-ESAS. Design of e-ESAS has evolved through continuous feedback from both the patients and doctors. e-ESAS is being used by 10 breast cancer patients to submit symptom values from their home for the last 10 months (Nov'11- Sep '12). Our results show how e-ESAS with motivational videos not only helped the patients to have a 'dignified' life but also helped the doctors to achieve the goals of palliative care. Also the analyzed results are shown in 4 categories to appropriately measure the contribution of e-ESAS in improving the QoL. This thesis also focuses on developing a mobile based pain intensity detection tool which is a first step in replacing the manual paper based scale for measuring pain. The tool also might play a big role in assessing the pain level of verbally impaired patients.
The Challenges of Multi-Level Coordination in Post-Crisis Banking Regulation

After the international financial crisis, new financial regulations were adopted at the international, regional (EU) and national levels. The timing, the sequencing and the interaction of reforms at different levels followed distinct patterns, which had implications for the design and the coherence of the rules. Despite the proliferation of new and amended international standards in finance, there are no formal mechanisms in the EU to ensure regulatory coherence in the multi-level, multi-venue regulatory dynamics observed in this sector. To shed light on this issue, we investigate the setting of rules on loss absorbing capacity (LAC) for banks, which is one of the main recent areas of post-crisis reform. We expect that regulators will play a key role in the quest for coherence in finance. The central hypothesis investigated in this paper is that they are better able to secure regulatory coherence when they have considerable rule-making competences.
Why is the Rent So Darn High?

Because of migration. In a spatial equilibrium framework, we show that three quarters of the CPI rent increase in the United States from 2000 to 2018 is due to increased demand to live in ex ante housing-supply-inelastic cities. Moving one person to a less elastic city raises the average rent because the positive effect on rents in the inelastic city outweighs the negative effect in the elastic one. In these years, the quantitative importance of this migration channel is greater if people are mobile in response to rent changes. Empirically, we show that people have high long-run mobility by estimating that income changes have similar effects on rents across cities regardless of housing supply elasticity. Supporting this migration channel, the cross-sectional pattern of migration demand implied by our model matches patterns of labor-market and amenity changes.
Photobacteriosis in some wild and cultured freshwater fishes in Egypt

Two hundred and seventy wild and cultured fishes (Mugil cephalus, Mugil capito and Nile tilapia) were collected from Alexandria, and investigated for the isolation of Photobacterium. The recovered bacteria were studied for the virulence, pathogenicity and antimicrobial sensitivity. The pathogenesis of the most virulent isolate was done experimentally through pathological investigations. Monitoring of the water quality was also carried out. Three isolates (ph1, ph2 and ph3) of Photobacterium damselae subsp. damselae were obtained from Mugil cephalus, Mugil capito and Nile tilapia, respectively. The first two recovered isolates caused 20% mortality among Oreochromis niloticus and Cyprinus carpio, while the third one (ph3) caused 40% and 30% mortalities among the two fish species, respectively. The infection by these bacteria was accompanied by increase in the unionized ammonia (0.08 mg/L), decrease in the dissolved oxygen (1.8 mg/L) and high pH value (9.8). The experimentally infected fishes showed skin darkening and hemorrhaging of the caudal fin and operculum. Internally, whitish pin-sized nodules were seen in the liver, spleen and kidneys. Histopathologically, the Photobacterium, during the acute phase of the disease, induced degenerative changes in the parenchymatous organs of the infected fishes with marked brain lesions and hematopoietic involvement, while in the chronic stage, granuloma formation and focal necrosis in the internal organs was evident. The three recorded isolates of the Photobacterium were sensitive to erythromycin, streptomycin and ampicillin, but totally resistant to chloramphenicol, oxytetracycline, oxalinic acid, kanamycin and ciprofloxacin. On the other hand, Ph1 isolate was also sensitive to furazolidone while Ph3 was sensitive to neomycin. We were able to isolate three isolates of Photobacterium damselae subspecies damselae, which varied in virulence and antimicrobial sensitivity, from the wild and cultured freshwater fishes at Alexandria, Egypt as a new recorded pathogen in this environment.
From Enterprise Architecture Management to Organizational Agility: The Mediating Role of IT Capabilities

Enterprise architecture (EA) has claimed to provide several benefits for organizations including improving organizational agility. Becoming more agile is an essential capability for organizations and a necessity to respond to the rapidly changing environment. The way these EA benefits are established is seen as complex and involves interconnections of multiple organizational facets. However, currently, there is a lack of empirical studies on EA and how it contributes to benefit realization. Moreover, empirically validated work on EA processes is even more scarce. This research addresses this gap and investigates the effect of an EA management approach on organizational agility. A conceptual model was developed proposing a mediation effect of IT capabilities on the relationship between enterprise architecture management and agility. A survey was performed among key EA stakeholders. Based on a sample of 110 responses, a partial least squares structural equation modeling analysis was performed to test the mediation model. The results indicate that the effect of enterprise architecture management on organizational agility is indeed mediated by IT capabilities. Finally, the present study discusses the implications of this research and provides suggestions for future research.
Evaluation of Factors Influencing the Sustainability and Outreach of Microfinance Institutions in Northern Ghana

Purpose: The study examined the factors that influenced the sustainability and outreach of microfinance institutions in northern Ghana from the view point of managers and operation staff of microfinance institutions. Methodology : Questionnaires were administered to a sample of 181 managers and operation staff of 18 microfinance institutions in northern Ghana. Purposive and convenience sampling techniques were used. Data was analysed using Spearman multiple correlations. Findings : The study found: a positive statistically significant relationship between capital structure and financial sustainability in northern Ghana, failed to uncover any statistically significant relationship between capital structure and outreach, failed to find statistically significant relationship between financial sustainability and outreach levels in northern Ghana, find a positive statistically significant relationship between capital structure, financial sustainability and outreach in northern Ghana. Originality : The study adds to the literature on microfinance sustainability and outreach and in particular the Ghanaian context. Limitation : The study is limited to only microfinance institutions operating in northern Ghana and the perceptions of finance professionals. The study suggests consideration of the entire regions of Ghana and the usage of actual loan data of microfinance institutions. Keywords: Microfinance institutions, Ghana, poverty reduction, capital structure, sustainability, outreach. DOI: 10.7176/RJFA DOI : 10.7176/RJFA/10-16-16 Publication date : August 31 st 2019
Possible neurobiological mechanisms of fatigue during prolonged exercise in a warm environment.

Capacity to perform prolonged exercise is reduced in high ambient temperatures, but this premature fatigue is not adequately explained by peripheral mechanisms. The aim of this thesis was to examine some possible underlying mechanisms of central fatigue operating during prolonged exercise in a warm environment. The first series of experiments investigated the effect of nutritional manipulation of central serotonergic activity through alterations to the plasma concentration ratio of free-tryptophan to branched-chain amino acids (f-TRP:BCAA). In contrast to previous reports, acute BCAA supplementation failed to alter perceived exertion and delay the onset of fatigue (Chapter 3). This response was similar when exercise was preceded by an exercise and diet regimen designed to reduce glycogen availability (Chapter 4). The ingestion of meals containing added carbohydrate and fat did not alter f-TRP:BCAA at rest (Chapter 5). Acute dopaminergic / noradrenergic reuptake inhibition with bupropion increased exercise perfonnance by 9 % in warm conditions (30C), but this effect was not apparent at 18C (Chapter 6). This response was accompanied by attainment of a higher core temperature and heart rate towards the end of the bupropion trial in the heat despite no detectable difference in perceived exertion and thermal stress. These data suggested that maintenance of catecholaminergic activity may dampen inhibitory signals from the CNS due to the attainment of a high core temperature, allowing power output to be maintained. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) regulates the exchange of substances between the cerebral interstitial fluid and the blood to maintain a stable environment for the CNS. If the BBB is compromised this may adversely influence nonnal brain function. Serum S1OOb, a proposed peripheral marker of BBB penneability, was increased following exercise in a warm environment (Chapter 7). These data indicate that exposure to combined exercise and heat stress may result in a loss of BBB integrity.
Designing context-aware architectures for business-to-government information sharing

New developments in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), such as big data, the Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain technology provide opportunities for businesses and government organisations to benefit from business-to-government (B2G) information sharing. For example, big data analytics might provide government organisations with knowledge on how to assess risks using the information they receive from businesses. However, B2G information sharing can entail risks as well. Sensitive data could fall in the wrong hands and by that the competitor of the business might obtain this data. In addition, B2G information sharing could be unlawful.
Real Earnings Management in Family-Affiliated Firms: Empirical Evidence from Malaysia

Research aim: This paper examines the effects of size and complex structure of family-affiliated business groups on Real Earnings Management (REM) practices in Malaysian listed firms. Design/Methodology/Approach: Family-affiliated business groups listed on Bursa Malaysia during the years 2006 to 2015 filtered using specific criteria were selected as the sample. STATA software was used to analyse the panel data, and two different regression models were run for the empirical testing to examine the effects of size and group complexity. Research finding: It is evidenced that the size and complexity structure of family-affiliated business groups are positively associated with REM, measured by abnormal cash flow from operations and abnormal discretionary expenses, but negatively associated with abnormal production cost. Theoretical contribution/Originality: Since previous studies based on Malaysian public listed firms focus on Accruals Earnings Manipulation (AEM), this study broadens the scope by providing empirical evidence on the relationship between family-affiliated firms’ characteristics and REM. Practitioner/ Policy implication: Investors, auditors, analysts and practitioners should consider family-affiliated firms as a factor that significantly induces earnings manipulation. The result is also relevant for regulators in regulating takeover rules or tax policy to affiliated groups in order to create incentives for them to maintain a specific size or complexity structure, or otherwise, be penalised for exceeding the size or complexity characteristics. Research limitation/ Implication: The results from this study may apply to Asian countries with similarities in family ownership to that in Malaysia. The findings, however, may not apply to developed countries where family concentration and pyramidal structure are not significant. Keywords: Real Earnings Management, Family-Affiliated Firms, Emerging Market, Entrenchment Effect, Malaysia Type of article: Research paper JEL Classification: M41
Biliary duct injuries in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: long term results of asingle unit

Biliary duct injuries remain one of the most devastating and challenging complications in laparoscopic cholecystectomy today. The aim of this study is to report on the results of laparoscopic cholecystectomies for the evaluation of biliary duct injuries in a single unit and review the strategies to prevent them. A retrospective analysis was conducted on laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed between 1993 and 2004. The data was collated from medical records of the patients. Biliary tract injuries were classified according to the Strasberg classification. A total of 918 laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed for symptomatic cholelithiasis in our unit between 1993 and 2004. There were 664 women (72%) and 254 men (28%), and mean age was 55.2 years (16-88 years). Five percent of the cases were acute cholecystitis. There were five (0.54%) major (three Strasberg E1, two Strasberg E2) and seven (0.76%) minor (five Strasberg A, two unidentified) biliary duct injuries. Five patients with major injuries were treated by Roux-en-Y biliaryenteric bypass. Total transection of the common bile duct was recognized during the operation in two patients (40%) but injuries in three patients were recognized postoperatively. Of the seven minor injuries, five were from the cystic duct stump and from the liver bed (Strasberg A) two were unidentified, managed conservatively. Of the five patients treated, four were managed successfully by endoscopic retrograde cholangiography with sphincterotomy and percutaneous biliary drainage procedure, and one underwent laparatomy. Biliary duct injuries are still a highly encountered clinical problem during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Minor injuries could be managed successfully by conservative methods. In the management of the major injuries, early recognition and Roux-en-Y biliary-enteric repair are the most important factors for success.
The effect of family-based education on knowledge and self-esteem of caregivers of patients with stroke: a randomized controlled trial

Background and purpose: While taking care of patients with stroke is stressful for caregivers, being aware of the principles of caring for these patients increases caregivers’ self-esteem. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of family-based education on the caregivers’ awareness and self-esteem. Materials and methods: This clinical trial study was conducted on 88 caregivers selected by convenience sampling and randomly divided into two equal groups of case and control (n = 44). Data gathering devices were demographic questioner, awareness questioner, and Rosenberg’s self-esteem scale which were completed before and one month after the educational intervention. Educating the subjects was performed in 5 sessions. Data were analyzed using chi-square, paired and independent t tests. Results: There was not any significant difference between mean scores of awareness and self-esteem of the groups before the intervention (P = 0.821). One month after the intervention, the mean scores of awareness and selfesteem were increased considerably in case group compared with controls (P < 0.001). In addition, the study demonstrated a positive correlation between knowledge and self-esteem in case group members (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Family-based education of the caregivers of patients with stroke increases their awareness and self-esteem lead to efficient care of the patients.
A Theory of Gender Discrimination Based on the Household

This paper presents a new theory of gender discrimination in competitive labour markets which does not rely on any inherent gender asymmetries. Women and men are organized into households with each having identical household specific human capital. When labour market characteristics (effort, wages) differ, the possibility of mutually beneficial within household trades arises. Discrimination involves occupational segregation with men obtaining high paying efficiency wage jobs and women in piece rate work. It is shown that there always exists a Nash equilibrium in which firms benefit from discrimination by allocating high paying jobs exclusively to men, provided other firms also do so, as this ensures their employees (men) enjoy the benefits of within household trade and will satisfy incentive compatibility at a lower wage. A firm attempting to hire women in efficiency wage jobs makes strictly lower expected profits, since the predominance of men in the labour market means women are less likely to enjoy the benefits of within household trade and more likely to shirk. The model thus provides an intuitive explanation for discrimination in competitive labour markets even when the sexes are completely identical. It also suggests a positive role for affirmative action policies in moving the economy from the discrimination to a non-discrimination equilibrium.
A Comparison Of Computer And Traditional Face-to-face Classroom Orientation For Beginning Critical Care Nurses

Purpose: Education of the novice critical care nurse has traditionally been conducted by critical care educators in face-to-face classes in an orientation or internship. A shortage of qualified educators and growth in electronic modes of course delivery has led organizations to explore electronic learning (e-learning) to provide orientation to critical care nursing concepts. Equivalence of e-learning versus traditional critical care orientation has not been studied. The primary aim of this study was to examine the equivalency of knowledge attainment in the cardiovascular module of the Essentials of Critical Care Orientation (ECCO) e-learning program to traditional face-toface critical care orientation classes covering the same content. Additional aims were to determine if learning style is associated with a preference for type of learning method, and to determine any difference in learning satisfaction between the two modalities. Methods: The study was conducted using a two-group pretest-posttest experimental design. Forty-one practicing volunteer nurses with no current critical care experience living in southwest Florida were randomly assigned to either the ECCO (n=19) or face-to-face (n=22) group. Those in the face-to-face group attended 20 hours of classroom instruction taught by an expert educator. Those in the ECCO group completed the lessons on line and had an optional 2-hour face-to-face discussion component. Pre-test measures included the Basic Knowledge Assessment Test (BKAT7), modified ECCO Cardiovascular (CV) Examination, and Kolb Learning Style Inventory (LSI). Post-tests included the BKAT-7, modified CV Examination, and Affective Measures Survey.