Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
REHABILITATION COUNSELOR CLINICAL JUDGMENT MODEL APPLICATION WITH DATA FROM AN INDIVIDUALIZED PLACEMENT AND SUPPORT TRIAL FOR VETERANS LIVING WITH SPINAL CORD INJURIES

REHABILITATION COUNSELOR CLINICAL JUDGMENT MODEL APPLICATION WITH DATA FROM AN INDIVIDUALIZED PLACEMENT AND SUPPORT TRIAL FOR VETERANS LIVING WITH SPINAL CORD INJURIES By Kevin Fields, Ph.D A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2019 Director: Carolyn Hawley, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Counseling Employment rates for veterans with spinal cord injuries remain low despite legislation aimed at helping individuals with significant barriers to employment succeed in finding competitive work. As access to services and resultant outcomes become more scrutinized, the need for Rehabilitation Counselors to efficiently allocate resources grows more vital to the cause. Existing research supports a mediated path model of rehabilitation counselor clinical judgment asserting observations of disability severity, intelligence, and psychosocial adjustment lead to inferences of functional status and attribution thereof, which collectively influence predictions of successful rehabilitation. The current study investigated the variance attributable to this clinical judgement model in relation to access to services and successful employment outcomes in an implementation study of the Individualized Placement and Support Model of supported employment with a sample of veterans living with spinal cord injuries. The reduced model fit the data well, Chi-square (6, N=213) = 3.391, P=. 758, CFI =1, RMSEA=. 00, Hoelter . 05 =788. Disability Severity was found to have an indirect effect on employment, . 095 P<. 05. Significant direct effects for disability severity on functional status, education on competitive employment, functional status on competitive employment, and minutes on competitive employment. The results indicate time as a resource was allocated equitably among participants in the first thirty days in regard to the exogenous variables in this study. The reduced model accounted for 8.6% of the observed variance in the data.
An Evaluation of Relationships between Radar-Inferred Kinematic and Microphysical Parameters and Lightning Flash Rates in Alabama Storms

Lightning flash rate parameterizations based on polarimetric and multi-Doppler radar inferred microphysical (e.g., graupel volume, graupel mass, 35 dBZ volume) and kinematic (e.g., updraft volume, maximum updraft velocity) parameters have important applications in atmospheric science. Although past studies have established relations between flash rate and storm parameters, their expected performance in a variety of storm and flash rate conditions is uncertain due to sample limitations. Radar network and lightning mapping array observations over Alabama of a large and diverse sample of 33 storms are input to hydrometeor identification, vertical velocity retrieval and flash rate algorithms to develop and test flash rate relations. When applied to this sample, prior flash rate linear relations result in larger errors overall, including often much larger bias (both over- and under-estimation) and root mean square errors compared to the new linear relations. At low flash rates, the new flash rate relations based on kinematic parameters have larger errors compared to those based on microphysical ones. Sensitivity of error to the functional form (e.g., zero or non-zero intercept) is also tested. When considering all factors (e.g., low errors including at low flash rate, consistency with past linear relations, and insensitivity to functional form), the flash rate parameterization based on graupel volume has the best overall performance.
Immunogenicity and Safety of an Inactivated Hepatitis A Vaccine Given with Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine to 12-13 Month Old Turkish Children

Background: The epidemiology of hepatitis A in Turkey favor routine vaccination of children. This study assessed compatibility of a monovalent hepatitis A vaccine with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) combination vaccine used in the national immunization calendar at 12-15 months of age. Methods: Hepatitis A seronegative participants were randomized equally to hepatitis A vaccine followed by MMR vaccine 28 days later (Group A), MMR vaccine followed by hepatitis A vaccine 28 days later (Group B), or one dose each of hepatitis A and MMR vaccines given on Day 0 (Group C). All participants received a hepatitis A booster dose 6 months later. Results: A total of 470 seronegative (anti-hepatitis A concentration ≥20 mIU/mL) participants were randomized: 188 to Group A, 94 to Group B and 188 to Group C. The hepatitis A seroprotection rates (≥20 mIU/mL), 1 month after the first vaccination were 93.6% (Group A) and 92.7% (Group C) by a microparticle enzyme immunoassay (MEIA). Using a more sensitive electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA), the corresponding seropositivity rates were 100 and 99.4%. Non-inferiority of seroprotection against hepatitis A was demonstrated for concomitant versus non-concomitant vaccination using ECLIA, but not MEIA. After booster, all participants had anti-hepatitis titers ≥20 mIU/mL and anti-hepatitis geometric mean concentrations of 5,078 mIU/mL (Group A), 3,271 mIU/mL (Group B) and 4,314 mIU/mL (Group C). Following primary vaccination, measles (≥120 mIU/mL) and mumps (≥ 10 AU/mL) seroprotection rates were 96.5% with both separate and concomitant vaccination. The rubella seroprotection (≥ 10 AU/mL) rates were 97.6 and 96.7% following separate and concomitant vaccination, respectively. Reactogenicity increased slightly with concomitant administration; both vaccines were well tolerated. Conclusions: The immune response to the hepatitis A vaccine was not impaired by concomitant administration with MMR vaccine. Non-inferiority of seroprotection was demonstrated with the more sensitive of two assays used to evaluate anti-hepatitis A antibody.
Identification and Validation Model for Informative Liquid Biopsy-Based microRNA Biomarkers: Insights from Germ Cell Tumor In Vitro, In Vivo and Patient-Derived Data

Liquid biopsy-based biomarkers, such as microRNAs, represent valuable tools for patient management, but often do not make it to integration in the clinic. We aim to explore issues impeding this transition, in the setting of germ cell tumors, for which novel biomarkers are needed. We describe a model for identifying and validating clinically relevant microRNAs for germ cell tumor patients, using both in vitro, in vivo (mouse model) and patient-derived data. Initial wide screening of candidate microRNAs is performed, followed by targeted profiling of potentially relevant biomarkers. We demonstrate the relevance of appropriate (negative) controls, experimental conditions (proliferation), and issues related to sample origin (serum, plasma, cerebral spinal fluid) and pre-analytical variables (hemolysis, contaminants, temperature), all of which could interfere with liquid biopsy-based studies and their conclusions. Finally, we show the value of our identification model in a specific scenario, contradicting the presumed role of miR-375 as marker of teratoma histology in liquid biopsy setting. Our findings indicate other putative microRNAs (miR-885-5p, miR-448 and miR-197-3p) fulfilling this clinical need. The identification model is informative to identify the best candidate microRNAs to pursue in a clinical setting.
Hypermethylation of Circulating Free DNA in Cutaneous Melanoma

Changes in DNA methylation are well documented in cancer development and progression and are typically identified through analyses of genomic DNA. The capability of monitoring tumor-specific methylation changes in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has the potential to improve the sensitivity of ctDNA for the diagnosis and prognosis of solid tumors. In this study we profiled the methylation of seven gene targets (all known to be hypermethylated in metastatic melanoma) within the plasma of patients with advanced melanoma using amplicon-based next generation sequencing of bisulfite-treated DNA. Hypermethylation of 6/7 gene targets, including paraoxonase 3 (PON3) was significantly elevated in patients with metastatic melanoma (n = 4) compared to healthy control samples (n = 5). In addition, the degree of hypermethylation of PON3 and MEOX2 were significantly correlated with ctDNA copy number in melanoma patients, confirming the utility of methylated ctDNA in the absence of tumor mutation data for genes such as BRAF, RAS or EGFR.
The Potential of Industrial Symbiosis: Case Analysis and Main Drivers and Barriers to Its Implementation

Industrial symbiosis, which is characterised mainly by the reuse of waste from one company as raw material by another, has been applied worldwide with recognised environmental, economic, and social benefits. However, the potential for industrial symbiosis is not exhausted in existing cases, and there is still a wide range of opportunities for its application. Through a comprehensive literature review, this article aims to compile and analyse studies that focus on potential industrial symbiosis in real contexts, to highlight the margin of optimisation that is not being used. The cases reported in the publications identified here were characterised and analysed according to geographic location, type of economic activity, waste/by-products, main benefits, and the methods employed in the studies. From this analysis, we conclude that there is great potential for applications involving industrial symbiosis throughout the world, and especially in Europe, corresponding to 53% of the total cases analysed. Manufacturing stood out as the sector with the highest potential for establishing symbiosis relationships, and the most common types of waste streams in potential networks were organic, plastic and rubber, wood, and metallic materials. This article also discusses the main drivers and barriers to realising the potential of industrial symbiosis. The diversity of industries, geographical proximity, facilitating entities and legislation, plans, and policies are shown to be the main drivers.
HIGH DIVIDEND YIELD AS INVESTMENT STRATEGY

The aim of this thesis is to investigate whether an investment strategy, Dogs of the Dow, is applicable to the Nordic Region. The strategy uses dividend yield as a signaling effect to produce excess returns. Using the same methodology as previous research, in terms of construction and risk adjustments, we find some support for the strategy. However, we continue our research by expanding the CAPM model to account for size and value risk. We also claim that high dividend yielding stocks have a tax based disadvantage compared to other stocks. Eventually, we conclude that while the strategy produces high returns on an absolute basis we can ultimately not reject the null hypothesis of no abnormal returns. Interesting to acknowledge is that our thesis differs from previous research, taking on far more extensive risk adjustment methodology. AUTHORS; TUTOR; JAKOB DAHLSTEDT IÑAKI RODRIGUEZ OSCAR ENGELLAU
Large Earthquake Prediction Methods

At the present time rather diverse and interesting papers are published on the basis of ground-based and satellite data of earth VLF/LF and ULF electromagnetic (EM) emissions observed during earthquake preparation period. These phenomena are detectable both at laboratory and geological scale. Today in some seismic active countries of the world the network for collecting VLF/LF electromagnetic emissions generated during the process of the earthquake preparation has been organized. Permanent monitoring of frequency spectrum of earth VLF/LF electromagnetic emissions might turn out very useful with the view of prediction of large M ≥ 5 inland earthquakes. To prove the prediction capabilities of earth electromagnetic emissions authors have used avalanche-like unstable model of fault formation and an analogous model of electromagnetic contour, synthesis of which, is rather harmonious. According to the opinion of the authors EM emissions observed during earthquake preparation period are more universal and reliable than other earthquake indicators. In the presented paper, the possible methods of the large earthquake prediction are offered on the base of the European Network of Electromagnetic Radiation (INFREP) data existent before Crete earthquake with M = 5.6 (25/05/2016, 08:36:13 UTC) earthquake. Offered methods are capable of simultaneous determination of all three parameters necessary for incoming M ≥ 5 inland large earthquake prediction (magnitude, epicenter and time of occurring) with certain accuracy.
Synergy of Phospholipid—Drug Formulations Significantly Deactivates Profibrogenic Human Hepatic Stellate Cells

The pivotal role of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in orchestrating the bidirectional process of progression and regression of liver fibrosis makes them an ideal target for exploring new antifibrotic therapies. Essential phospholipids (EPLs), with their polyenylphosphatidylcholine (PPC) fraction, either alone or combined with other hepatoprotective substances such as silymarin, are recommended in hepatic impairment, but a scientific rationale for their use is still lacking. Herein, we compared the ability of EPLs to restore quiescent-like features in HSCs with that of dilinoleoylphosphatidylcholine (DLPC), PPC fraction’s main component. Specifically, we screened at the cellular level the antifibrotic effects of PPC formulations in the presence and absence of silymarin, by using LX-2 cells (pro-fibrogenic HSCs) and by assessing the main biochemical hallmarks of the activated and deactivated states of this cell line. We also proved the formulations’ direct effect on the motional order of cell membranes of adherent cells. LX-2 cells, examined for lipid droplets as a quiescence marker, showed that PPCs led to a more prominent deactivation than DLPC. This result was confirmed by a reduction of collagen and α-SMA expression, and by a profound alteration in the cell membrane fluidity. PPC–silymarin formulations deactivated HSCs with a significant synergistic effect. The remarkable bioactivity of PPCs in deactivating fibrogenic HSCs paves the way for the rational design of new therapeutics aimed at managing hepatic fibrosis.
Generational Changes in Agriculture: The Influence of Farm Characteristics and Socio-Economic Factors

The increasing importance of large cities (metropolises) poses a range of challenges to the socio-economic functions of the rural and agricultural areas around them. One such challenge is pressure exerted on family-run farms to abandon agricultural activity and on people engaged in such activity to shift to other sectors. This may be a hindrance to successful succession on family farms. The aim of this paper is to present spatial variation in generational changes in farms located around large cities (metropolises) in Poland and to assess the factors affecting the scale of such changes. Special attention was paid to the importance of the location of farms relative to large cities. One innovative feature of the approach presented was to conduct an analysis of generational changes in the agricultural sector at the supra-local level along with an attempt to quantify the impact of large urban centers on that process. The empirical material based on which the conclusions were formulated included official statistics data and information made available by an institution engaged in the implementation of agricultural policy programs financed from European Union (EU) funds, i.e., young farmer payments (Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) pillar I) and measures “Setting up of young farmers” and “Early retirement” (CAP Pillar II). In the executed study, methods of descriptive and multivariate statistics, including regression trees, were used. It was found that socio-economic (exogenous) factors had a significant statistical impact on generational changes in farms. In areas with an attractive labor market and a high level of urbanization, a successful generational shift in farms occurred less often. Nonetheless, generational changes in the agriculture of the analyzed areas were relatively most strongly determined by endogenous factors linked with the economic potential of the farm. Farm characteristics (area of agricultural land and economic size) and the characteristics of managers, including in particular their education, were found to be more important than exogenous factors. In areas where large and economically strong farms dominated and the level of education among farmers was relatively high, generational changes were faster compared to other areas.
Beyond Country-Level Governance: Does Firm-Level Corporate Governance Quality Matter in Dividend Policy?

We examine the impact of firm-level and the country-level corporate governance on corporate dividend policies. Based on a large sample of firms representing 29 different countries, we find that (i) firms with better corporate governance tend to pay higher dividends and (ii) country level shareholder rights is associated with higher dividend payouts. These findings are consistent with La Porta et al.’s (2000) ‘outcome model’. Moreover we find that country-level and firm-level corporate governance environment complement each other. In countries with better shareholder rights, better firm-level corporate governance is associated with even higher dividend payouts.
Proposing a Value Field Model for Predicting Homebuyers’ Purchasing Behavior of Green Residential Buildings: A Case Study in China

Understanding the motivations that stimulate homebuyers’ green purchasing behavior can increase market demand for green products, especially considering the comparably low market share of green products worldwide. In this context, various studies have been conducted examining consumers’ intentions to pay for green products. Nevertheless, there is still limited research on evaluating homebuyers’ purchasing behavior toward green residential buildings. This study argues that the value of green residential buildings (GRBs) affects their adoption, and thus exerts an invisible force on homebuyers’ purchasing behavior. It also finds that field theory provides a scientific perspective on this phenomenon. Thus, this paper proposes a value field model for evaluating homebuyers’ GRB purchasing behavior based on physical field theory and psychology field theory. In particular, physical field theory provides the measurement formula, while psychological field theory explains the effect of the force stimulating homebuyers’ purchasing intention, and ultimately influencing their purchasing behavior. The initial model consisted of a field source (green perceived value), target charge (GRB demand), distance (psychological distance), and value field factor. As the value field factor was calculated to be approximately equal to 1, the final model is a composite of a field source (green perceived value), target charge (GRB demand), and distance (psychological distance). The results validate the construction of the value field model on the basis of field theory. This research contributes to the body of knowledge by analyzing GRB value and provides a clearer understanding of how GRBs and the environment combine to fulfill homebuyers’ requirements and influence their GRB purchasing behavior.
Program in Communities Committed to Abstinence Education Choosing the Best Impact of the

States vary in standards for sex education, some requiring an emphasis on abstinence. Schools seek to identify curricula that reflect local community values and meet state standards. Choosing the Best (CTB), a classroom-based abstinence education curriculum, has been implemented in 75 Georgia school districts since 1995. CTB Inc., sought to determine if this popular program had an impact on abstinence attitudes, intentions, and behavior. Six Georgia public schools (1,143 ninth graders) participated in the study in 2009-2010. Four randomly assigned schools received the CTB curriculum, taught by trained CTB staff. Two control schools received their usual textbook-based abstinence lessons. Surveys were conducted at the beginning and end of 9th grade, and the beginning of 10th grade. Data demonstrated significant impact of CTB at the end of 9th grade on commitment to abstinence, proabstinence beliefs and attitudes, intentions to maintain abstinence, and lower onset of sexual intercourse, and at the beginning of 10th grade on proabstinence attitudes. In two communities that sought an abstinence education approach, CTB had a short-term impact on abstinence attitudes, commitment, and behaviors, and a longer term impact on abstinence attitudes only.
Evaluating the Humoral Immunity and Interleukin 18 Receptor 1 in some Patients with Molluscum Contagiosum Infection

The molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) is a dermatotropic poxvirus. The causative agent of molluscum contagiosum (MC) is nonlethal, common and worldwide. Additionally, little inflammation is associated with MC papules. The present study aims to evaluate the immune status of MC patients by measuring the level of immunoglobulins IgG and IgM by using the radial immune diffusion assay (RIA) and the level of interleukin 18 receptor 1 (IL-18R1) by the Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The study is conducted during November 2013 to April, 2014 in outpatient clinic of Baquba Teaching Hospital. There are 75 patients, diagnosed with clinical lesions of MCV on different areas of the body, whose age is ranged between 2-50 years including 40(53.3%) males and 35(46.7%) females. The study includes 15 healthy persons age between 2-50 years. The level of IL 18R1 were significantly elevated in patients (677.15±874.22) compared with control (178.46±31.79 ng/ml). There is also a significant elevation in the mean level of serum IgM, where it is 1946.6±825.6 mg/dl while in control group is 140.1±68.7mg/dl. By contrast in patients with lower levels of IgG than the control, the mean serum IgG level in patient is 221.9±96.7 mg/dl while in the control is 1229.9±299.7 mg/dl. Finally, there is no significant difference between MC patients from rural area and urban area.
Explicit Teaching and Incidental Learning of Vocabulary: Where Is the Pendulum Swinging to?

The research at hand compared two conditions of L2 vocabulary exposures, i.e. incidental exposure and a mixture of incidental and explicit exposures to words. Forty-five female participants, majoring in English at Al-Imam Mohammad Ibn-Saud Islamic University, Saudi Arabia participated in this research. They were divided into two groups: Reading Only (RO) and Reading Extra (RE). In the RO group, the target words were exposed only through a reading passage that they read twice, while the same target words for the RE group were inserted in the same reading passage, then explained directly by the teacher. Three levels of vocabulary knowledge (form recall, meaning recall, and meaning recognition) were assessed. The results showed that both conditions cater for vocabulary learning, however the RE group had significantly outperformed their RO counterparts. Moreover, the results showed that vocabulary learning in this study followed the general tendency starting from a receptive level to a productive level.