Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The practice of terminal discharge: Is it euthanasia by stealth?

‘Terminal discharges’ are carried out in Singapore for patients who wish to die at home. However, if due diligence is not exercised, parallels may be drawn with euthanasia. We present a theoretical discussion beginning with the definition of terminal discharges and the reasons why they are carried out in Singapore. By considering the intention behind terminal discharges and utilising a multidisciplinary team to deliberate on the clinical, social and ethical intricacies with a patient- and context-specific approach, euthanasia is avoided. It is hoped that this will provide a platform for professionals in palliative medicine to negotiate challenging issues when arranging a terminal discharge, so as to avoid the pitfall of committing euthanasia in a country such as Singapore where euthanasia is illegal. It is hoped that a set of guidelines for terminal discharges may someday be realised to assist professionals in Singapore and around the world.
Methylation-specific multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MS-MLPA) robustly detects and distinguishes 11p15 abnormalities associated with overgrowth and growth retardation

Background: A variety of abnormalities have been demonstrated at chromosome 11p15 in individuals with overgrowth and growth retardation. The identification of these abnormalities is clinically important but often technically difficult. Methylation-specific multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MS-MLPA) is a simple but effective technique able to identify and differentiate methylation and copy number abnormalities, and thus is potentially well suited to the analysis of 11p15. Aims: To customise and test an MS-MLPA assay capable of detecting and distinguishing the full spectrum of known 11p15 epigenetic and copy number abnormalities associated with overgrowth and growth retardation and to assess its effectiveness as a first line investigation of these abnormalities. Methods: Five synthetic probe pairs were designed to extend the range of abnormalities detectable with a commercially available MS-MLPA assay. To define the normal values, 75 normal control samples were analysed using the customised assay. The assay was then used to analyse a “test set” of 24 normal and 27 abnormal samples, with data analysed by two independent blinded observers. The status of all abnormal samples was confirmed by a second technique. Results: The MS-MLPA assay gave reproducible, accurate methylation and copy number results in the 126 samples assayed. The blinded observers correctly identified and classified all 51 samples in the test set. Conclusions: MS-MLPA robustly and sensitively detects and distinguishes epigenetic and copy number abnormalities at 11p15 and is an effective first line investigation of 11p15 in individuals with overgrowth or growth retardation.
Molecular, Morphological, and Ecological Data of Saccocoelioides Szidat, 1954 (Digenea: Haploporidae) from Middle America Supported the Reallocation from Culuwiya cichlidorum to Saccocoelioides

Abstract This study investigates the systematic position of some species of the genus Saccocoelioides Szidat, 1954, and the species Culuwiya cichlidorum Aguirre-Macedo and Scholz, 2005, from North and Middle America using new morphological data and partial sequences of 2 nuclear genes, the large subunit and the internal transcribed spacer 2 from ribosomal DNA. In total 74 specimens representing 4 species of Saccocoelioides (41 of Saccocoelioides sogandaresi, 3 of Saccocoelioides chauhani, 6 of Saccocoelioides lamothei, and 12 of Saccocoelioides olmecae) plus 12 specimens of Culuwiya cichlidorum were analyzed. The phylogenetic analyses inferred with maximum likelihood method and Bayesian inference showed that the 4 species of Saccocoelioides formed a clade divided into 4 subclades representing each species. In addition, 7 specimens sequenced from the type host and locality of Culuwiya cichlidorum were nested in 2 clades: the first clade with specimens of C. cichlidorum from Costa Rica, and the second clade with specimens of S. sogandaresi from Mexico, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. Our analyses suggest that C. cichlidorum should be reallocated into Saccocoelioides, as was originally designated Saccocoelioides cichlidorum n. comb. , is restricted to Nicaragua and Costa Rica and associated with cichlid fishes. In contrast, the specimens identified previously as Culuwiya cichlidorum from the coast of Gulf of Mexico by Aguirre-Macedo and Scholz belong to S. sogandaresi, which has a wide distribution that extends from Galveston Bay (U.S.A.) in Gulf of Mexico to Atlantic and Pacific slopes associated with poeciliid and cichlid fishes. New morphological data derived from scanning electron microscopy photographs of the body surface show a characteristic pattern of spination that is useful to distinguish between S. cichlidorum n. comb. and S. sogandaresi.
False Friends? Empirical Evidence on Trade Policy Substitution in Regional Trade Agreements

In this paper, we examine the interplay of regional economic integration and the use of bilateral antidumping (AD) measures. Our empirical analysis brings three central findings to light: (i) We find that regional trade agreements (RTAs) generally reduce the likelihood of AD activity among integration partners. (ii) In addition, an improvement in tariff treatment of trading partners —regardless of whether expressed in absolute or relative terms— generally leads to a lower likelihood of bilateral AD activity. (iii) Regarding the interaction of both events, however, an improvement in the relative tariff treatment among fellow integration partners leads to a higher likelihood of bilateral AD activity than an equal improvement in the relative tariff treatment among non-integration trading partners. The latter effect seems to be primarily driven by those RTAs with a participation of “South” countries.
Perceived housing satisfaction in public estates of Osogbo, Nigeria

The study assesses residents’ housing satisfaction in public housing estates of Osogbo, Nigeria. Condition of housing, adequacy of housing facilities and residents’ perception of housing satisfaction in public estates in Osogbo were assessed. The study necessarily relied on both the primary and secondary data. Both qualitative and quantitative data were also used. Data were obtained from six (6) public housing estates in Osogbo. A structured questionnaire was administered on 312 household heads forming 30% of the sample frame; random-systematic sapling technique was used. Residents’ perception of satisfaction with their housing condition and neighbourhood quality were collated using Likhert scale ratings. Mean Weighted Values (MWV) were computed upon which comparisons were based. The study observed a general deficiency in infrastructural development. Almost all the estates lack basic facilities. Only one of the estates scored up to 50% of expected basic infrastructure benchmark. Laro, Oke Oniti and GRA housing estates with MWV of 0.54, 0.56 and 0.89 respectively fell short of 0.97 overall mean value measurement of residents’ satisfaction. Housing condition at GRA, Oroki and Laro Timilehin housing estates with MWV of 4.76, 3.91 and 3.92 respectively were a bit better than the overall assessment value of 3.90. The study therefore recommends urgent improvement of quality and provision of infrastructure through Public-Private Partnership Initiatives (PPP), resuscitation and/or creation of Estate Management Board and the use of local building materials so as to enhance efficient management, create employment opportunity and forestall the looming volatility of movement within and outside the housing estates.
Automotive LED driver based on high frequency zero voltage switching integrated magnetics Ćuk converter

This paper presents a high-frequency zero voltage switching (ZVS) integrated-magnetics Ćuk converter well-suited for automotive LED-driver applications. Input inductor, output inductor and the transformer are realized on a single magnetic structure, resulting in very low input and output current ripples, thus reducing EMI and the need for an output filter capacitor. Furthermore, the converter switching frequency is selected above the AM band to reduce radio frequency interference. Active-clamp snubbers are used to mitigate effects of the transformer leakage inductance. It is found that the active-clamp snubbers introduce substantial deviations in the steady-state operation of this converter when compared to a conventional Ćuk converter. A numerical analysis technique is introduced to quickly evaluate the steady state behavior including the effects of non-linear transistor output capacitances on ZVS transitions. A prototype 1.8 MHz Ćuk converter with integrated magnetics is designed, built and tested. The prototype converter supplies 0.5 A output current to a string of 1-to-10 LED's. It achieves 89.6% peak powerstage efficiency, and maintains greater than 80% overall efficiency across the wide output voltage range.
Teknologi maklumat, strategi pembezaan dan prestasi kewanganindustri perbankan di Indonesia

Faktor teknologi maklumat boleh dijadikan strategi bagi meningkatkan produktiviti dan keuntungan sesebuah syarikat dan seterusnya memperbaiki prestasi kewangannya. Kajian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis kepentingan pengaruh faktor teknologi terhadap strategi pembezaan dan seterusnya prestasi kewangan industri perbankan di Indonesia. Data kajian ini diperolehi melalui kaji selidik. Pemilihan sampel dilakukan secara rawak sehingga diperolehi 39 ibu pejabat syarikat perbankan yang diwakili oleh pengarah utama, pengarah eksekutif dan pengurus. Data dianalisis secara deskriptif. Analisis korelasi matrik dan ujian hipotesis turut dilakukan. Hasil kajian ini menunjukkan bahawa faktor teknologi berpengaruh positif secara signifikan terhadap strategi pembezaan; dan strategi pembezaan berpengaruh positif secara signifikan terhadap prestasi kewangan perbankan Indonesia. Hasil kajian ini mengesyorkan supaya para pembuat keputusan indsutri perbankan di Indonesia memanfaatkan pelbagai bentuk teknologi maklumat bagi meningkatkan prestasi kewangan syarikat mereka.
The role of dietary sodium intake on the modulation of T helper 17 cells and regulatory T cells in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus

We aimed at investigating whether the frequency and function of T helper 17 (Th17) and regulatory T cells (Treg) are affected by a restriction of dietary sodium intake in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We enrolled RA and SLE patients not receiving drugs known to increase urinary sodium excretion. Patients underwent a dietary regimen starting with a restricted daily sodium intake followed by a normal-sodium daily intake. The timepoints were identified at baseline (T0), after 3 weeks of low-sodium dietary regimen (T3), after 2 weeks of normal-sodium dietary regimen (T5). On these visits, we measured the 24-hour urinary sodium excretion, the frequency and function of Th17 and Treg cells in the peripheral blood, the serum levels of cytokines. Analysis of urinary sodium excretion confirmed adherence to the dietary regimen. In RA patients, a trend toward a reduction in the frequencies of Th17 cells over the low-sodium dietary regimen followed by an increase at T5 was observed, while Treg cells exhibited the opposite trend. SLE patients showed a progressive reduction in the percentage of Th17 cells that reached a significance at T5 compared to T0 (p = 0.01) and an increase in the percentage of Treg cells following the low-sodium dietary regimen at both T1 and T3 compared to T0 (p = 0.04 and p = 0.02, respectively). No significant apoptosis or proliferation modulation was found. In RA patients, we found a reduction at T5 compared to T0 in serum levels of both TGFβ (p = 0.0016) and IL-9 (p = 0.0007); serum IL-9 levels were also reduced in SLE patients at T5 with respect to T0 (p = 0.03). This is the first study investigating the effects of dietary sodium intake on adaptive immunity. Based on the results, we hypothesize that a restricted sodium dietary intake may dampen the inflammatory response in RA and SLE patients.
Long-Term Reversal of Established Autoimmunity upon Transient Blockade of the LFA-1/Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 Pathway1

Transgenic models and administration of mAbs directed against the LFA-1/intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) pathway have shown that these costimulatory molecules play a key role in generating effector cells mediating inflammatory responses. In this report, durable remission of recent diabetes in nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice was induced by transient expression of an immunoadhesin gene encoding the soluble form of ICAM-1 (sICAM-1/Ig). A single i.v. injection of an adenovirus vector encoding the immunoadhesin gene led to 70% diabetes remission as opposed to 0% in mice injected with a control adenovirus vector. Despite the rapid decline of sICAM-1/Ig serum levels, diabetes remission remained stable in 50% of NOD mice for >6 mo. sICAM-1/Ig expression also led to long-term protection against diabetes in prediabetic NOD mice. sICAM-1/Ig in vitro induced an agonistic effect of T cell activation in a TCR-transgenic model, increasing T cell proliferation and IL-2 secretion. Importantly, protected mice were not immunosuppressed because they rejected skin allografts normally and developed immunity against the adenovirus vector. Rather, sICAM-1/Ig induced active tolerance, as assessed by the persistence of diabetogenic T cells in protected mice and the reversal of protection by immunosuppression with cyclophosphamide.
The analysis of antecedents of customer loyalty in the Turkish mobile telecommunication market

– Corporate image, perceived service quality, trust and customer switching costs are the major antecedents of customer loyalty, and loyal customers may buy more, accept higher prices and have a positive word‐of‐mouth effect. Also we know that the cost of selling to new customers is much higher than the cost of selling to existing customers. Although this fact is apparent to everyone, many companies are still losing customers at a formidable rate. In this context the main aim of this paper is to examine the relationships between these factors and customer loyalty, and the relationships among these factors in the Turkish GSM sector. , – Data was obtained from 1,662 mobile phone users in Turkey via questionnaire. The data was analyzed by structural equation modeling (SEM) in order to test all the relationships between variables in the model. , – The findings supported the proposed hypotheses, which are consistent with the theoretical framework. Analysis results showed that perceived service quality is a necessary but not sufficient condition for customer loyalty. , – In order to generalize the findings from the paper, the model should be studied in different sectors. The contribution of this paper is to model all the relationships between customer loyalty and its antecedents, and to test these relationships simultaneously. , – In order to better understand customer loyalty, as well as perceived service quality, corporate image, perceived switching costs and trust should be taken into consideration. Lately, technological change has shifted competition in the GSM sector from price and core service to value‐added services. Therefore, operators should differentiate their services and guarantee their services' quality because of this shift in competition. , – In this paper, the effects of all the factors on customer loyalty are analyzed simultaneously via SEM.
Operational planning and competitive strategies of male and female retailers

Interest in the managerial practices of females in business has increased over the past decade due to women's increased representation in business. Anecdotal evidence has suggested that women approach decision making differently from men. The purpose of this study is to determine if gender differences regarding managerial strategies exist in the retail setting. Targeted managerial strategies focused on short-term planning processes (personnel, financial, inventory and market planning) and competitive strategies in operation (differentiation, cost leadership and focus). In a sample of 459 retailers from a twelve-state region, MANOVA was used to determine if significant differences in managerial strategies existed between genders. The data on retail competitive strategies suggest that men and women more likely than male business owners to recognize in the importance of differentiation and focus as retail competitive strategies in their business operations. Gender differences were also found in the operation.
Effects of a Novel Zinc-Magnesium Formulation on Hormones and Strength

L.R. BRILLA AND VICTOR CONTE. Effects of a Novel Zinc-Magnesium Formulation on Hormones and Strength. JEPonline, 3(4): 26-36, 2000. Muscle attributes and selected blood hormones of football players were assessed in response to a nightly supplementation regimen during spring football, over an 8-week period, with pre-post measures. A double-blind randomized study was conducted with ZMA (30 mg zinc monomethionine aspartate, 450 mg magnesium aspartate, and 10.5 mg of vitamin B-6) and placebo (P), n=12 and n=15, respectively. Plasma zinc and magnesium levels were ZMA (0.80 to 1.04 μg/ml 19.43 to 20.63 mcg/ml ) and P (0.84 to 0.80 μg/ml ; 19.68 to 18.04 μg/ml), respectively (P<0.001). Free testosterone increased with ZMA (132.1 to 176.3 pg/mL), compared to P (141.0 to 126.6 pg/mL) (P<0.001); IGF-I increased in the ZMA group (424.2 to 439.3 ng/mL) and decreased in P (437.3 to 343.3 ng/mL) (P<0.001). Muscle strength via torque measurements and functional power were assessed with a Biodex dynamometer. Differences were noted between the groups (P<0.001): ZMA (189.9 to 211 Nm at 180o/s and 316.5 to 373.7 Nm at 300o/s) and P (204.2 to 209.1 Nm at 180o/s and 369.5 to 404.3 Nm at 300o/s). The results demonstrate the efficacy of a Zn-Mg preparation (ZMA) on muscle attributes and selected hormones in strength-trained, competitive athletes.
Capability Development in the Early Stages of Firms: Internal Building, External Leveraging, and Flexibility

This dissertation aims to understand the capability development processes in the early stages of a firm. Empirically, most research has focused on established firms, or on explaining the variance in capabilities across firms at a given time. Theoretically, despite the shift to a more dynamic view and the increasing attention to leveraging external capabilities, our understanding of how firms achieve dynamic change or the interaction between the external and internal sourcing of capabilities is still limited. I address these gaps through three interrelated studies. Paper One adopts a multiple-case study design to develop a theory on the initiation and development of innovative capabilities in new firms. The existing literature separately focuses on internal resources or network leveraging. By contrast, this study shows how young firms combine internal building and external leveraging strategies to facilitate faster capability development in the early stages. Based on data from Montreal-based biotech firms, the results uncover different implications on the path and pace of capability development, and the role of collaboration in firms with different internal building paths. Paper Two focuses on how collaboration contributes to the internal capability building in new ventures. The capability effects of engaging in collaboration have remained unclear in the literature. Using data on collaborative scenarios from Montreal-based biotech firms, the study uncovers four knowledge building mechanisms in the focal firms. Each mechanism involves different knowledge added to the firm, and requires different interaction processes with its partners. This study increases understanding of network effects regarding capability development. Paper Three elaborates a framework of organizational capability development that integrates entrepreneurship and organizational routines. It addresses an ongoing discussion on the challenge of balancing efficiency and flexibility in organizations. Using the case of a Chinese telecoms-equipment firm, it highlights the knowledge dynamics between entrepreneurial activities and routines, the role of entrepreneurship on both the external and internal organizational interfaces and the exogenous and endogenous changes in routines. This framework advances the dynamic perspective of capability research. Overall, this dissertation contributes to process theories on dynamic capability development. It generates novel insights on capability initiation, extension, and change in organizations.
The pathogenic role of the inflammasome in neurodegenerative diseases

The inflammasome is a large macromolecular complex that contains multiple copies of a receptor or sensor of pathogen‐derived or damage‐derived molecular patterns, pro‐caspase‐1, and an adaptor called ASC (apoptotic speck containing protein with a CARD), which results in caspase‐1 maturation. Caspase‐1 then mediates the release of pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as IL‐1β and IL‐18. These cytokines play critical roles in mediating immune responses during inflammation and innate immunity. Broader studies of the inflammasome over the years have implicated their roles in the pathogenesis of a variety of inflammatory diseases. Recently, studies have shown that the inflammasome modulates neuroinflammatory cells and the initial stages of neuroinflammation. A secondary cascade of events associated with neuroinflammation (such as oxidative stress) has been shown to activate the inflammasome, making the inflammasome a promising therapeutic target in the modulation of neurodegenerative diseases. This review will focus on the pathogenic role that inflammasomes play in neurologic diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, traumatic brain injury, and multiple sclerosis.
Aviculture familiale au Bas-Congo, République Démocratique du Congo (RDC)

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) suffers from a huge food deficit, as a large number of African countries. The development of the livestock sector in DRC is an important part of the strategy for alleviation of food insecurity . In this context, the poultry sector has to be seriously considered. Thanks to its short production cycle, it can provide a rapid and affor dable solution for many people. This study addresses the constraints faced by the p roduction of local poultry breeds in the Bas-Congo Province. Several limiting factors are found, as animal disea ses, feed system, housing conditions and predators. Thus, the economic and nutritional conditions of the farmers could be impr oved by developing the local production potential. In order to reach this objective, special attention should be paid to the feed qualit y and to the management practice in general, includ ing access to veterinary care. Genetic improvement of local poultry breeds is also to consider, provided that the suitability of the animal with respect to the context of its breeding is preserved.
Cash Flows vs. Earnings in the Valuation of Equity REITs

Executive Summary. This article examines the incremental information content of net income and cash flows for equity real estate investment trusts (REITs). REITs provide a natural setting for investigating which measure, earnings or cash flows, provides a better summary statistic of corporate value. No formal empirical analysis has been conducted for REITs however, and existing research for public firms in general provides mixed results.Using three alternative models, we find funds from operations (FFO) has a higher information content than net income, and contains incremental information beyond that contained in net income. Our results support the usefulness of the FFO measure for REITs.