Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multicultural MPA Curriculum:Are We Preparing Culturally Competent Public Administrators?

Abstract This article addresses the level of formal diversity training that masters of public administration (MPA) students receive in their coursework. By examining the top twenty public affairs programs as ranked by U.S. News and World Report, this article examines the extent to which students of public affairs are adequately trained in their future work as public servants. Are students required to take courses involving diversity or cultural competency? Are such courses offered only as electives? When diversity areas are addressed, what areas within diversity (e.g, race/ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation, class, age, religion) receive the most attention? These data suggest that fewer than half of the top-ranked schools cover diversity or cultural competency in their MPA curricula. When the curricula do address these issues, they typically cover race, ethnicity, and gender but give very little attention to other areas such as sexual orientation, age, religion, and disability. This article concludes by offering recommendations on how to better incorporate diversity and cultural competency training into MPA curriculum.
Load-Aware Energy Efficiency Optimization in Dense Small Cell Networks

Energy efficiency (EE) has become a crucial metric in dense small cell networks (DSCNs) due to the tremendous escalation of energy consumption. Since small cell base stations (SBSs) are randomly deployed, loads of them are usually different. In this letter, we aim to maximize the load-aware weighted sum of EEs (LWSEEs) across all subchannels in DSCNs jointly considering SBSs’ loads and users’ signal processing power through power allocation. First, we design the EE weight as a function of load factor (LF). Then, the LWSEE optimization problem is formulated as a non-concave sum-of-ratios optimization and we present the optimal LWSEE algorithm to tackle the problem based on the concave-convex procedure method. Furthermore, a simplified LWSEE (LWSEE-simp) algorithm where SBSs form interference groups is developed to reduce the signaling overhead in DSCNs. Simulation results show that SBSs’ sum-EEs can be optimized according to their LFs and the optimal interference group size exists in the LWSEE-simp algorithm.
Policy Uncertainty, Corporate Risk-Taking, and CEO Incentives

Using a news-based index of aggregate policy uncertainty in the US economy, we document a strong negative relation between policy uncertainty and corporate risk-taking. We show that high levels of policy uncertainty are associated with significantly lower future stock return volatility at the firm level. This relation is stronger (more negative) for firms where the CEO has higher delta or less transferable skills, and it is weaker when the CEO has higher vega. Furthermore, when policy uncertainty is high, CEOs sell more own-firm shares and exercise fewer options, firms are more likely to use financial hedging instruments, and they have a higher preference for diversifying mergers. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that CEOs manage the potential effects that policy uncertainty may have on their wealth by adjusting their portfolios' exposure to their own firm and by reducing firm-level risk-taking. Furthermore, our results support the hypothesis that CEO risk-taking incentives are a significant determinant of the effect of policy uncertainty on the real economy.
On the Real Effect of Financial Pressure: Evidence from Firm‐Level Employment During the Euro‐Area Crisis

Using a large panel of mainly unquoted euro‐area firms over the period 2003–2011, this paper examines the impact of financial pressure on firms’ employment. The analysis finds evidence that financial pressure negatively affects firms’ employment decisions. This effect is stronger during the euro area‐crisis (2010–2011), especially for firms in the periphery compared to their counterparts in non‐periphery European economies. When we introduce firm‐level heterogeneity, we show that financial pressure appears to be both statistically and quantitatively more important for bank‐dependent, small and privately held firms operating in periphery economies during the crisis.
In Vivo Measurement of Localized Tibiofemoral Cartilage Strains in Response to Dynamic Activity

Background: Altered local mechanical loading may disrupt normal cartilage homeostasis and play a role in the progression of osteoarthritis. Currently, there are limited data quantifying local cartilage strains in response to dynamic activity in normal or injured knees. Purpose/Hypothesis: To directly measure local tibiofemoral cartilage strains in response to a dynamic hopping activity in normal healthy knees. We hypothesized that local regions of cartilage will exhibit significant compressive strains in response to hopping, while overall compartmental averages may not. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Both knees of 8 healthy subjects underwent magnetic resonance imaging before and immediately after a dynamic hopping activity. Images were segmented and then used to create 3-dimensional surface models of bone and cartilage. These pre- and postactivity models were then registered using an iterative closest point technique to enable site-specific measurements of cartilage strain (defined as the normalized change in cartilage thickness before and after activity) on the femur and tibia. Results: Significant strains were observed in both the medial and lateral tibial cartilage, with each compartment averaging a decrease of 5%. However, these strains varied with location within each compartment, reaching a maximum compressive strain of 8% on the medial plateau and 7% on the lateral plateau. No significant averaged compartmental strains were observed in the medial or lateral femoral cartilage. However, local regions of the medial and lateral femoral cartilage experienced significant compressive strains, reaching maximums of 6% and 3%, respectively. Conclusion: Local regions of both the femur and tibia experienced significant cartilage strains as a result of dynamic activity. An understanding of changes in cartilage strain distributions may help to elucidate the biomechanical factors contributing to cartilage degeneration after joint injury. Clinical Relevance: Site-specific measurements of in vivo cartilage strains are important because altered loading is believed to be a factor contributing to the development and progression of osteoarthritis. Specifically, this methodology and data could be used to evaluate the effects of soft tissue injuries (such as ligament or meniscus tears) on cartilage strains in response to dynamic activities of daily living.
Fine structure of leydig and sertoli cells in the testis of immature and mature spotted ray Torpedo marmorata

An ultrastructural investigation revealed the presence of true Leydig cells in the testis of sexually mature specimens of Torpedo marmorata. They showed the typical organization of steroid‐hormone‐producing cells, which, however, changed as spermatocysts approached maturity. In fact, they appeared as active cells among spermatocysts engaged in spermatogenesis, while in regions where spermiation occurred, they progressively regressed resuming the fibroblastic organization typically present in the testis of immature specimens. Such observations strongly suggest that these cells might be engaged in steroidogenesis and actively control spermatogenesis. Sertoli cells, too, appeared to play a role in spermatogenesis control, since, like Leydig cells, they showed the typical aspect of steroidogenic cells. In addition, the presence of gap junctions between Sertoli cells suggests that their activity might be coordinated. After sperm release, most Sertoli cells were modified and, finally, degenerated, but few of them changed into round cells (cytoplasts) or round cell remnants, which continued their steroidogenic activity within the spermatocyst and the genital duct lumen. From the present observations, it can be reasonably concluded that, in T. marmorata, spermatogenesis depends on both Leydig and Sertoli cells, and, as postulated by Callard ( 1991 ), in cartilaginous fish, the function of the Leydig cells as producers of steroids might be more recent and subsequent to that of Sertoli cells. In this regard, it is noteworthy that, in immature males, when Leydig cells showed a fibroblastic organization, Sertoli cells already displayed the typical organization of a steroidogenic cell Mol. Reprod. Dev. 63: 192–201, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Issues with Virtual Space Perception within Reaching Distance: Mitigating Adverse Effects on Applications Using HMDs in the Automotive Industry

Besides visual validations of virtual car models, immersive applications like a Virtual Seating Buck enable car designers and engineers to decide product related issues without building expensive hardware prototypes. For replacing real models, it is mandatory that decision makers can rely on VR-based findings. However, especially when using a Head Mounted Display, users complain about an unnatural perception of space. Such misperceptions have already been reported in literature where several evaluation methods have been proposed for researching possible causes. Unfortunately, most of the methods do not represent the scenarios usually found in the automotive industry, since they focus on too large distances of five to fifteen meters. In this paper, we present an evaluation scenario adapted to size and distance perception within the reach of the user. With this method, we analyzed our standard setups and found a systematic error that is lower than aberrations reported by earlier research work. Furthermore, we tried to mitigate perception errors by a Depth of Field Blur applied to the virtual images.
Marketing Capabilities in International Marketing

There has been a significant increase in scholarly research focusing on marketing capabilities as an important aspect of marketing theory–based explanations of firm performance. This growing research interest in marketing capabilities has also been reflected in the international marketing literature. However, it is unclear whether and how thinking and research about international marketing capabilities differs from that of marketing capabilities in a domestic market context. To explore this question, the authors conduct a review of studies of marketing capabilities in the most influential journals publishing research in international marketing. They supplement this with insights from interviews with executives in firms engaged to varying degrees in international marketing. The study suggests that there remain numerous important unanswered questions in conceptualizing and empirically researching international marketing capabilities.
Thrust during ambulation and the progression of knee osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether the presence of varus thrust at baseline increases the risk of progression of medial tibiofemoral osteoarthritis (OA), whether knees with thrust have a greater adduction moment, whether thrust has any additional impact on top of static varus, and whether thrust is associated with poor physical function outcome. METHODS Two hundred thirty-seven patients with knee OA (definite osteophytes and symptoms) underwent baseline gait observation to assess varus thrust and full-limb radiography to assess alignment. Sixty-four of these 237 patients also underwent quantitative gait analysis to determine the maximum knee adduction moment. Two hundred thirty patients (97%) returned for followup at 18 months. At baseline and 18 months, the 230 participants had semiflexed, fluoroscopically confirmed knee radiographs (with progression defined as worsening of medial joint space grade); self-reported and performance-based measures of function were also assessed. Logistic regression with generalized estimating equations was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) for medial OA progression, after excluding knees that were not at risk for progression. RESULTS Varus thrust was present in 67 of 401 knees. Thrust increased 4-fold (age-, sex-, body mass index-, and pain-adjusted OR 3.96, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 2.11-7.43) the odds of medial progression, with some reduction after further adjustment for varus alignment severity. In varus-aligned knees, thrust increased the odds of OA progression 3-fold (adjusted OR 3.17, 95% CI 1.60-6.31). In the gait substudy, the adduction moment was greater in knees with a thrust compared with knees without a thrust. Having a thrust in both knees versus neither knee was associated with a 2-fold increase in the OR for poor physical function outcome (P not significant). CONCLUSION Varus thrust is a potent risk factor, identifiable by simple gait observation, for disease progression in the medial compartment, the most common site of OA involvement at the knee. Varus thrust may also predict poor physical function outcome. Varus thrust increased the odds of progression among varus-aligned knees considered separately, suggesting that knees with a thrust are a subset of varus-aligned knees at particularly high risk for progression of OA.
Expanding Models Testing Media Contributions to Self-Sexualization

Although everyday exposure to mainstream media is theorized to be associated with women’s self-objectification, empirical tests of this association have yielded mixed results. There are several possible explanations for these mixed results. For example, it may be that mainstream media relate to women’s broader tendency to self-sexualize rather than to self-objectify, that newer forms of media (i.e., social media) should be incorporated into these models, or that these associations may operate indirectly. Accordingly, the current study examines how traditional media and Facebook investment are associated with women’s tendency to self-sexualize and tests whether these associations are mediated by the view of women as sexual objects, internalization of the thin ideal, and perceived pressure to conform to this ideal. Structural equation modeling demonstrated that magazine and Facebook investment predicted only internalization of the thin ideal, whereas reality television and sitcom exposure predicted all three mediators. Media use was indirectly related to self-sexualization through internalization of the thin ideal and the view of women as sexual objects. These results support the value of incorporating broader definitions of self-sexualization, diverse forms of media, and potential mediators into future models.
A Closer Look at Latinos Living in North Carolina: Creating a Blueprint for Community Programs.

SANTILLAN-CARRILLO, MARTHA ILIANA. A Closer Look at Latinos Living in North Carolina: Creating a Blueprint for Community Programs. (Under the direction of Dr. Nichole L. Huff). Hispanic communities are often marginalized due to ascribed needs, such as lack of English proficiency and cultural competence, which can serve as barriers that further exclude Latinos from American society at large. In an effort to dispel negative subjective constructs and create improved programming tools designed to revitalize strengthen Latin American communities, the present study examined perceived needs and assets of a local Latino sample. Specifically, focus group interviews were conducted with 13 Latina mothers living in three urban North Carolina communities. Findings from a thematic content analysis suggest that despite the challenges and barriers these communities face, adult programming centered on women, familialism, and resiliency have the potential to further Latinos’ efforts to succeed and thrive in their communities. An assets-based approach to preventative family life education that involves Latina community leadership is recommended to enhance current community programs and empower Hispanic communities at large. Implications for professionals are discussed. © Copyright 2015 by Martha Iliana Santillan-Carrillo All Rights Reserved A Closer Look at Latinos Living in North Carolina: Creating a Blueprint for Community Programs by Martha Iliana Santillan-Carrillo A thesis submitted to the Graduate Faculty of North Carolina State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science Family Life and Youth Development Raleigh, North Carolina 2015
The impact of the regimen of screening on lung cancer cure: a comparison of I-ELCAP and NLST

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the regimen of screening on the frequency of early diagnosis and resection in two computed tomography screening programs. The stage and size distribution of all screen-diagnosed lung cancers was compared. A total of 775 patients in the International Early Lung Cancer Action Program (I-ELCAP) and 664 patients in the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) were screen-diagnosed; that is, resulting from a positive result requiring further diagnostic workup. The frequency of stage I diagnoses, resections, tumor size, and lung cancer-specific survival were determined. Cox regression was used to identify the key determinants of lung cancer cure. The frequency of clinical stage I lung cancer in I-ELCAP was 82%, and in the NLST it was 67% (P<0.0001). The frequency of stage I (pathologic and clinical if not resected) was 78% in I-ELCAP and 62% in the NLST (P<0.0001). Surgical resection was performed in 86% (664/755) in I-ELCAP and 76% (492/644, P<0.0001) in the NLST. The average tumor size was 17 mm in I-ELCAP and 23 mm in the NLST (P<0.0001). The 5-year survival rate was 83% in I-ELCAP and 62% in the NLST (P<0.0001). Cox regression showed that I-ELCAP provided a 50% better survival benefit than the NLST and that stage I and resection were key determinants of survival, independent of age, smoking history, and tumor size. The higher frequency of stage I disease and resection and smaller tumor size resulted in a significantly higher survival rate in I-ELCAP than in the NLST. These differences strongly support the importance of a specified regimen of screening, as alternative explanations have been addressed.
Genetic parameters for fur quality graded on live animals and dried pelts of American mink (Neovison vison)

Fur quality and skin size are integral qualities in the mink industry and are main determinants of sales price and subsequent income for mink fur producers. Parental animals of future generations are selected based on quality grading from live animals, but selection response is obtained from dried skins sold after pelting. In this study, we evaluated traits assessed during live grading and pelt traits examined on dried skins to determine correlation between live and pelt traits. Grading traits and body weight were measured during live animal grading for 9,539 Brown American mink, and pelt quality traits and skin size were evaluated on 8,385 dried mink skins after pelting. Data were sampled from 2 yearly production cycles. Genetic parameters were estimated using the REML method implemented in the DMU package. Heritabilities and proportions of litter variance were calculated from estimated variance components for all traits, and genetic and phenotypic correlations between all traits were estimated in a series of bivariate analyses. Heritability estimates for live grading traits ranged from 0.06 to 0.28, heritability estimates for pelt quality traits ranged from 0.20 to 0.30, and finally heritability estimates for body size traits ranged from 0.43 to 0.48. Skin size and body weight were regarded as different traits for the two sexes and were therefore analysed for each sex separately. Genetic correlations between grading traits exhibited a range of 0.30-0.99 and genetic correlations between pelt quality traits ranged from 0.38 to 0.86. Genetic correlations between quality, wool density and silky appearance evaluated during live animal grading and on dried skin after pelting were 0.74, 0.41 and 0.33, respectively. Skin size and body weight were negatively correlated with pelt quality traits and ranged from -0.55 to -0.25. Using standard selection index theory and combined information from both live grading and skin evaluation increase of reliability of selection ranged from 0.6% to 14%. Due to moderate genetic correlations between traits evaluated during live grading and on dried skins, and negative correlations between pelt quality traits and body size, we concluded that traits should be selected simultaneously.
Asthma severity, polymorphisms in 20p13 and their interaction with tobacco smoke exposure

We investigated the association between genetic variation in chromosomal region 20p13‐p12 (ADAM33 and flanking genes ATRN, GFRA4, SIGLEC1 and HSPA12B) and asthma. Amongst asthmatics, we then investigated the association between genetic variants and asthma severity. We evaluated the effect of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure in the context of genetic variants.
Newcastle disease in the European Union 2000 to 2009

Newcastle disease (ND) is a devastating disease of poultry that has to some extent been neglected by those working in the field in the past 10 to 15 years while attention has been focused on the emergence and spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza caused by a H5N1 subtype virus. During 2000 to 2009 in the European Union (EU) member states, ND viruses virulent for chickens have been detected in wild birds, domesticated pigeons and poultry. Based on these isolations it appears that the epizootic in racing pigeons caused by the variant viruses termed pigeon avian paramyxovirus type 1, which form the genetic group 4b(VIb) first seen in Europe in 1981, continued during 2000 to 2009, and the virus is probably enzootic in racing pigeons in some EU countries. This virus appears to have spread regularly to wild birds, especially those of the Columbidae family, and has been the cause of significant outbreaks in poultry. Other avian paramyxovirus type 1 viruses responsible for ND outbreaks in the EU during 2000 to 2009 have been those from genetic groups 5b(VIIb) and 5d(VIId). There is evidence that the former may well represent spread from a wild bird source and these viruses have also been isolated from wild birds, while the latter represents continuing spread from the East. Future legislation or recommendations aimed at the control and eradication of ND will need to encompass these three sources of virulent ND viruses.
Team‐based learning in the gross anatomy laboratory improves academic performance and students' attitudes toward teamwork

As the healthcare climate shifts toward increased interdisciplinary patient care, it is essential that students become accomplished at group problem solving and develop positive attitudes toward teamwork. Team‐based learning (TBL) has become a popular approach to medical education because of its ability to promote active learning, problem‐solving skills, communication, and teamwork. However, its documented use in the laboratory setting and physical therapy education is limited. We used TBL as a substitute for one‐third of cadaveric dissections in the gross anatomy laboratories at two Doctor of Physical Therapy programs to study its effect on both students' perceptions and academic performance. We surveyed students at the beginning and completion of their anatomy course as well as students who had previously completed a traditional anatomy course to measure the impact of TBL on students' perceptions of teamwork. We found that the inclusion of TBL in the anatomy laboratory improves students' attitudes toward working with peers (P < 0.01). Non‐TBL students had significantly lower attitudes toward teamwork (P < 0.01). Comparison of academic performance between TBL and non‐TBL students revealed that students who participated in TBL scored significantly higher on their first anatomy practical examination and on their head/neck written examination (P < 0.001). When asked to rate their role in a team, a 10.5% increase in the mean rank score for Problem Solver resulted after the completion of the TBL‐based anatomy course. Our data indicate that TBL is an effective supplement to cadaveric dissection in the laboratory portion of gross anatomy, improving both students' grades and perceptions of teamwork. Anat Sci Educ 8: 95–103. © 2014 American Association of Anatomists.