Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Risk governance and bank profitability in ASEAN-5: a comparative and empirical study

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the disparity between the disclosures of risk governance (RGOV) categories, namely, structures both at the board and management level, and RGOV practices among five of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN-5) countries. Furthermore, this paper investigates the effects of RGOV and its categories on return on assets (ROA). ,Using 285 ASEAN-5 bank-year observations comprising hand-collected data for the period of 2010–2014, RGOV indexes are developed on the basis of 12 of the 13 governance guidelines published by the Basel Committee. ,Although some banks are found to be early adopters, there is an increasing trend of disclosure for all of the investigated categories. Furthermore, there are no effects of the overall RGOV, board-level RGOV structure and risk management practice on ROA. However, the effect of the management-level RGOV structure on ROA is negative and significant. ,Measurements of RGOV indexes are based solely on the examination of criteria that have not been previously tested. Other limitations are related to the information completeness, subjectivity and interpretation. ,Management-level RGOV tends to decrease profitability because of the additional costs related to its implementation. Financial regulators may find this result useful as feedback to evaluate the effectiveness of regulation and possible future improvements. ,This paper’s uniqueness lies in constructing new RGOV indexes on the basis of the latest bank governance guidelines from the Basel Committee issued on July 9, 2015.
Autologous Tissue-engineered Osteochondral Graft for Talus Osteochondral Lesions: State-of-the-Art and Future Perspectives

Current surgical treatments for osteochondral (OC) lesions of the talus typically result in a suboptimal fibrous/fibrocartilaginous repair tissue and in not-convincing clinical long-term results. Tissue-engineering strategies have the potential to overcome this limitation. These techniques are based on the use of a biomaterial that supports tissue growth, called “scaffold,” in both cell-free and cell-based approaches. Cell-free scaffolds have already entered clinical practice, but only short-term clinical data are available to date. Cell-based strategies already available for clinical use are limited to cartilage and are not yet suitable for OC regeneration. However, several engineered OC models have been reported in the literature and are currently under investigation. Most of the current and future strategies are designed for the regeneration of the knee articular surface, whereas the articular cartilage of the talus differs from that of the knee with respect to tissue morphology, biochemical composition, and biomechanical features. In this review, we will report some relevant current and experimental tissue-engineering strategies for OC lesions with a special focus on the regeneration of the articular surface of the talus.
Evaluation of Changing Serum Blood Glucose Levels after Local Anesthetic Injection during Tooth Extraction

Journal of Dentomaxillofacial Radiology, Pathology and Surgery Vol 4, No 2, Summer 2015 Introdouction: Injection of local anesthesia during dental procedures can induce metabolic changes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes in the serum blood glucose levels after the injection of lidocaine with a vasoconstrictor during tooth extraction. Materials and methods: In this clinical trial study, we enrolled 60 patients. We extracted mandibular teeth by using inferior alveolar nerve block. We took a finger blood sample test from each enrolled patient immediately before and 10 min after local anesthesia administration. The anesthetic solution (1.8 mL carpule) contained lidocaine and 1:80,000 epinephrine. It was injected through the inferior alveolar nerve after negative aspiration. Only one carpule was injected into each patient. This study is approved by the ethics committee of the research center of Azad University of Medical Sciences. Results: The mean age of the patients in our study was 39.54 ± 15 years. Thirty-five patients were male, and 25 were female. The serum blood glucose level was 111.6 ± 25.47 mg/dL before local anesthesia and 115.3 ± 24.39 mg/dL after tooth extraction (P = 0.418). Eleven female patients and four male patients had a reduction in the blood glucose levels after injection. There was a significant difference between these groups (P = 0.01). Conclusion: According to our findings and previous reports, using local anesthesia during tooth extraction does not induce hypoglycemia and could increase the serum blood glucose level in individuals.
Remodeling adipose tissue inflammasome for type 2 diabetes mellitus treatment: Current perspective and translational strategies

Abstract Obesity‐associated type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by low‐grade chronic systemic inflammation that arises primarily from the white adipose tissue. The interplay between various adipose tissue‐derived chemokines drives insulin resistance in T2DM and has therefore become a subject of rigorous investigation. The adipocytokines strongly associated with glucose homeostasis include tumor necrosis factor‐α, various interleukins, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, adiponectin, and leptin, among others. Remodeling the adipose tissue inflammasome in obesity‐associated T2DM is likely to treat the underlying cause of the disease and bring significant therapeutic benefit. Various strategies have been adopted or are being investigated to modulate the serum/tissue levels of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory adipocytokines to improve glucose homeostasis in T2DM. These include use of small molecule agonists/inhibitors, mimetics, antibodies, gene therapy, and other novel formulations. Here, we discuss adipocytokines that are strongly associated with insulin activity and therapies that are under investigation for modulation of their levels in the treatment of T2DM.
Comparing experiential learning techniques and direct instruction on student knowledge of agriculture in private school students.

Currently, less than 3% of the U.S. population lives on a farm (Riedel, 2006). Technological advances and mechanization coupled with other societal factors, have led to the decline of an agriculturally literate population (Kovar & Ball, 2013). Blair (2009) identified one strategy for increasing agricultural literacy as implementing education that promotes agricultural activities via experience. This quantitative study was conducted at three private schools in Mississippi during the spring of 2015. The primary investigator (PI) taught six (6) lessons contextualized in agriculture to tenth grade students enrolled in advanced biology courses. The study consisted of a control group (no instruction), and two experimental groups; one received direct instruction only, and one was led through various experiences relevant to plant science and agricultural production with a high-tunnel greenhouse. Pre and post-tests assessed knowledge gain. Participants’ knowledge scores increased significantly among experimental groups (p < .001). Multivariate analysis revealed post-test scores between experimental groups were significantly different (p = .016). Further analysis of the data displayed that 67% of the variance in scores was attributed to method of instruction and a strong correlation existed between post-test scores and treatment group (R = .820).
Diferenças regionais de tecnologia na agricultura familiar no Brasil

Resumo O objetivo da pesquisa foi obter uma medida da intensidade de utilizacao das principais tecnologias pela agricultura familiar brasileira. Para tanto, foram inicialmente obtidos 59 indicadores de uso de diversas tecnologias, para cada mesorregiao geografica. Mediante analise fatorial, esses indicadores foram sintetizados em quatro fatores, cujos valores serviram de base para o calculo de um indice de utilizacao de tecnologia. Constatou-se, a partir desses indices, que ha grandes diferencas regionais quanto ao uso de tecnologia na agricultura familiar. Foi constatado que os maiores indices de utilizacao de tecnologia concentram-se no Sul do Pais, mas tambem no Sudeste, particularmente no estado de Sao Paulo. Com excecao do Distrito Federal, na regiao Centro-Oeste predominam situacoes de indices medios, enquanto no Norte e Nordeste, em geral, prevalecem indices baixos ou muito baixos.
Does Executive Compensation Reflect Corporate Productivity?

Recent literature has given attention to the effect of CEO&#8208;specific productivity on the structure of CEO compensation. Our paper instead focuses on the effect of a different productivity factor&#8212;which we call &#8220;corporate productivity&#8221;&#8212;on CEO compensation. In particular, we show that corporate productivity affects the trade&#8208;off between incentive and risk in a non&#8208;monotonic fashion, which the literature has not yet recognized. Using various empirical proxies for corporate productivity, we show that our results are consistent with the non&#8208;monotonic relation and thus contribute to the debates in the incentive&#8208;risk trade&#8208;off literature. Second, our findings also contribute to the internal capital market literature by exploring the relation between the structure of CEO compensation and excess value.
Multi-decadal surface ozone trends at globally distributed remote locations

Extracting globally representative trend information from lower tropospheric ozone observations is extremely difficult due to the highly variable distribution and interannual variability of ozone, and the ongoing shift of ozone precursor emissions from high latitudes to low latitudes. Here we report surface ozone trends at 27 globally distributed remote locations (20 in the Northern Hemisphere, 7 in the Southern Hemisphere), focusing on continuous time series that extend from the present back to at least 1995. While these sites are only representative of less than 25% of the global surface area, this analysis provides a range of regional long-term ozone trends for the evaluation of global chemistry-climate models. Trends are based on monthly mean ozone anomalies, and all sites have at least 20 years of data, which improves the likelihood that a robust trend value is due to changes in ozone precursor emissions and/or forced climate change rather than naturally occurring climate variability. Since 1995, the Northern Hemisphere sites are nearly evenly split between positive and negative ozone trends, while 5 of 7 Southern Hemisphere sites have positive trends. Positive trends are in the range of 0.5–2 ppbv decade–1, with ozone increasing at Mauna Loa by roughly 50% since the late 1950s. Two high elevation Alpine sites, discussed by previous assessments, exhibit decreasing ozone trends in contrast to the positive trend observed by IAGOS commercial aircraft in the European lower free-troposphere. The Alpine sites frequently sample polluted European boundary layer air, especially in summer, and can only be representative of lower free tropospheric ozone if the data are carefully filtered to avoid boundary layer air. The highly variable ozone trends at these 27 surface sites are not necessarily indicative of free tropospheric trends, which have been overwhelmingly positive since the mid-1990s, as shown by recent studies of ozonesonde and aircraft observations.
Proposal for a protocol using an infrared microbolometer camera and wavelet analysis to study foot thermoregulation

ABSTRACT Here we propose a protocol to (i) generate skin temperature (SkT) oscillations on glabrous tissues (plantar foot) in healthy subjects under controlled clinical environment conditions; (ii) measure quantitative temperature fields with an inexpensive microbolometer (MB) infrared camera in a clinical environment; and (iii) quantify the characteristics of skin temperature (SkT) oscillations through spectral analysis. We paid particular attention to the metrology of thermal measurements, with a special bench, including four homemade black body reference areas. We propose a live calibration procedure using this setup while correcting the thermal drift. After all of these correction steps, the experimental thermal resolution (NETDexp) for the temporal variation in each pixel was about 25 mK. Finally, a movement removal procedure was also applied to the thermal images to avoid foot spatial movement over the 10-min observation period. Thermoregulation was stimulated by a 6-min walking exercise test on six volunteers and was then studied using three kinds of scalar indicators evaluated before and after exercise per thermal image pixel. We demonstrated that the 6-min walk exercise increased the thermoregulation activity beneath the plantar foot sole. Moreover, unlike manually placed local thermal probes, the indicator fields proposed in this paper allow the operator to select the exact thermoregulation activation locations and analyse the spatial distribution patterns at these locations.
Microbiological profile of Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM) in a tertiary care hospital

Awareness regarding the microbial flora causing CSOM and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern will be of great help to maintain an antibiotic policy based on which treatment can be provided. Continuous and periodic evaluation of the microbiological profile and antibiotic sensitivity pattern of bacterial isolates is necessary to decrease the potential risk of complications by early institution of appropriate treatment. Identification of the etiological agents also help to find the modes of spread, methods of prevention, and anticipation of possible complications. As certain etiological agents are more common in healthcare settings, the healthcare personnel shall be instructed regarding importance of maintaining hand hygiene and sterility practices.
A study on perception about antenatal care among primigravida attending a tertiary care hospital

Background: Maternal mortality rate and Infant mortality rate remains high in India when compared to several other countries. Understanding and being aware about the basic care provided during pregnancy is an important factor to make the pregnant woman to utilize the antenatal care. Hence this study was planned to assess the existing knowledge of primi gravid mothers attending the tertiary health care center about the various antenatal care services provided.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among the primi gravid females attending the outpatient department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Sri Muthukumaran Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Chennai during months of June 2018 to May 2019. A total of 280 primi gravid mothers were included in the study. Data was collected through one to one interview and analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 17.Results: In this study 82.9%, 70.4%, 80.7% of the mothers were aware about consumption of IFA tablets, TT injection and adequate ANC visits, respectively. PNDT act was known to 76.1% of the participants. Only 12.5% of the primi mothers were aware about Janani Suraksha Yojna (JSY) scheme and 91.8% of the mothers were aware about Dr. Muthulakshmi Maternity Benefit scheme.Conclusions: Knowledge about ANC services was found to be fair among the primi mothers but not sufficient, which shows the need for the healthcare professionals to educate young woman even from adolescent age itself.
Circumferential Radiofrequency Ablation of Pulmonary Vein Ostia A New Anatomic Approach for Curing Atrial Fibrillation

Background The pulmonary veins (PVs) and surrounding ostial areas frequently house focal triggers or reentrant circuits critical to the genesis of atrial fibrillation (AF). We developed an anatomic approach aimed at isolating each PV from the left atrium (LA) by circumferential radiofrequency (RF) lesions around their ostia. Methods and results We selected 26 patients with resistant AF, either paroxysmal (n=14) or permanent (n=12). A nonfluoroscopic mapping system was used to generate 3D electroanatomic LA maps and deliver RF energy. Two maps were acquired during coronary sinus and right atrial pacing to validate the lateral and septal PV lesions, respectively. Patients were followed up closely for >/=6 months. Procedures lasted 290+/-58 minutes, including 80+/-22 minutes for acquisition of all maps, and 118+/-16 RF pulses were deployed. Among 14 patients in AF at the beginning of the procedure, 64% had sinus rhythm restoration during ablation. PV isolation was demonstrated in 76% of 104 PVs treated by low peak-to-peak electrogram amplitude (0. 08+/-0.02 mV) inside the circular line and by disparity in activation times (58+/-11 ms) across the lesion. After 9+/-3 months, 22 patients (85%) were AF-free, including 62% not taking and 23% taking antiarrhythmic drugs, with no difference (P:=NS) between paroxysmal and permanent AF. No thromboembolic events or PV stenoses were observed by transesophageal echocardiography. Conclusions Radiofrequency PV isolation with electroanatomic guidance is safe and effective in either paroxysmal or permanent AF.
Pancreas Divisum Causing Recurrent Pancreatitis: A Case Report

Background: Pancreas divisum is one of the rare causes of recurrent pancreatitis. The diagnosis is a challenging and diagnostic failure lead to recurrent episodes of pancreatitis and ultimately pancreatic failure. Case: Here we are presenting a case of a young female with history of recurrent attacks of upper abdominal pain with clinical diagnosis of pancreatitis which on work up was diagnosed as pancreas divisum. This patient was successfully treated with ERCP with minor papillotomy followed by stenting in major papilla. Written informed consent was taken before writing this case report. Conclusion: This report emphasizes the need of early suspicion of disease, in patients with recurrent idiopathic pancreatitis, by clinician and efficacy of minimally invasive procedures (ERCP) as definitive treatment option.
Breast feeding practices in Bellary Karnataka: a hospital based study.

Background: Breast feeding in India is a universal phenomenon and in large number of communities the practices vary vastly because of different socio-cultural practices. The current study was designed to know the level of knowledge and to assess the correct feeding practices among postnatal mothers. Materials and Methods: A hospital based cross-sectional study was done in postnatal wards of Vijayanagara Institute of Medical Sciences Bellary Karnataka. Mothers were interviewed to collect information about the baseline socio-demographic and obstetric characters of mothers and also consisted the questions to know the level of knowledge. To assess the position of the baby and attachment of baby to mothers they were observed while breast feeding if they had already fed the baby then they were observed during the next feed. Results: A total of 240 mothers were interviewed during the study period. 102 (42.5%) mothers had the correct knowledge about initiation of breast feeding within an hour however only 96 (40.0%) mothers had initiated breast feeding within a hour. About 220 (91.7%) of mothers knew about colostrums feeding but 234 (97.5%) of mothers add actually fed their babies with colostrum. By adopted scoring system 156 (65%) of mothers with babies had correct position while feeding and 136 (56.6%) of babies had correct attachment to their mothers. Conclusion: The study emphasizes on imparting a correct knowledge regarding importance of breast feeding to mothers especially during ANCs. SRegarding breast feeding practices mothers should be observed while feeding and should be corrected with demonstration.
Transformation of humic substances and functional groups of soil organic carbon after wildfire

ABSTRACT The composition of humic substances and structural diversity of soil organic carbon (SOC) can be affected by wildfire. In this study, soil samples were collected after 1 year of no fire, low intensity of fire (dead trees ≤ 30%), moderate intensity of fire (dead trees 30–70%) and high intensity of fire (dead trees ≥ 70%). The amounts of humic acid (HA), fulvic acid (FA) and humin (Hu) were investigated, and the characteristics of SOC were analyzed by 13C NMR spectroscopy too. The results showed that Hu decreased much more than HA and FA after fires, but it still contained more C than HA and FA. There was a positive correlation between the contents of SOC and Hu (R 2 = 0.96, p = 0.02). Aryl C of SOC decreased with the heavy intensity of fire, while alkyl C increased in converse. These results indicate that Hu loses more C than HA and FA with fires, while it is still the main component of SOC. The Alkyl C is more stable than aryl C in fires.
Characterization of Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains from clinical isolates in a tertiary care hospital of south India

Methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains which are the most frequent cause of hospital acquired infections (HAI), are also currently encountered with increasing frequency in the community. Phenotypic detection of methicillin resistance is inadequate, due to environmental factors & heterogeneous resistant strains which may affect the phenotypic expression of resistance. Phenotypic methods for MRSA detection have been compared with the gold standard which is Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for mecA gene. Discrepancies in detection have an adverse effect on patient management, thereby highlighting the importance of accuracy in diagnosis. Therefore rapid & accurate identification is essential for both implementation of infection control measures & prevention of nosocomial spread of the organism. Materials & Methods: 166 S. aureus isolates were studied out of a total of 677 staphylococcal samples. Methicillin resistance were detected using oxacillin disc diffusion (ODD), cefoxitin disc diffusion (CxDD), oxacillin screen agar (OSA) & PCR for mecA gene, using standard protocol. Results: Out of 166 S. aureus isolated, MRSA prevalence was seen in 26.5%. MRSA was identified in 44 (100%) by CxDD, 43 (98%) by OSA and 38 (86.4%) by ODD methods respectively. When these isolates were tested with molecular methods, the CxDD and PCR test results were comparable. However by antibiotic susceptibility test (AST), no strain was resistant to vancomycin, linezolid & teicoplanin. Conclusion: To reduce the prevalence of MRSA, regular surveillance of HAI & monitoring of AST is the need of the hour. Proper detection of all MRSA isolates with rapid & accurate methods must be done as a routine laboratory procedure.
Role of Staging Laparoscopy in Gastric Carcinoma

Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used as a diagnostic tool and surgical procedure that is performed to examine the abdominal and pelvic organs. Staging laparoscopy is minimally invasive surgery for the diagnosis of intra-abdominal diseases. Despite increasingly sophisticated radiological diagnostic equipment, many patients with gastric, hepatic, or pancreatic malignancy continue to have the diagnosis of unresectable or metastatic disease made at exploratory laparotomy. Staging laparoscopy may aid in the more accurate staging of gastric cancers and guide appropriate treatment without the morbidity associated with exploratory laparotomy.