Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Process Evaluation in Occupational Stress Management Programs: A Systematic Review

Objective. To conduct a systematic review of workplace stress management intervention studies that have incorporated process evaluation. Data Source. Electronic databases such as PsycINFO and MEDline were searched. Study Inclusion Criteria. The inclusion criteria included interventions published in the English language that were focused on either individual- or organizational-level stress management interventions at the workplace, with an outcome evaluation. Data Extraction. Each article was coded on key process-relevant variables, including context, recruitment, reach, dose delivered, dose received, fidelity, implementation, and participant's attitudes toward the intervention. Studies that reported on at least one of these process variables were also coded on the following study characteristics: Participants, setting, evaluation design, intervention content, intervention format, and study outcomes. Data Synthesis. Statistical Package for the Social Science was used to analyze the data with descriptive statistics. Results. Of the 84 studies identified that met the study inclusion criteria, 52 (61.9%) reported findings on at least one of the key relevant process-relevant variables. Variables most frequently included were recruitment (30%), intervention dose received (22%), participants' attitudes toward intervention (19%), and program reach (13%). Fewer than half of the studies presented any findings linking process evaluation and outcome evaluation. Conclusions. The incomplete reporting of information relevant to process evaluation makes it difficult to identify reliable determinants of effective intervention implementation or outcomes.
Steering through tough times? Insights into strategic change processes of small firms in the context of demographic challenges

Market transformations induced by demographic change challenge the strategy-formation of small firms because they are complex, hard to predict and slowly evolving. Demographic change therefore represents a context of market crisis and turbulences, requiring the adaptation of business strategies. This article explores the strategic change processes of small firms in Germany in the light of demographic change particularly with regard to changing regional sales markets. Conceptually, it is informed by various perspectives on the strategy-formation and strategic adaptation of small firms in dynamically changing environments. Empirically, a mixed-method approach with qualitative case study and descriptive data analysis is used, which covers firms in different German regions affected by demographic change. The findings suggest that market leadership and market expansion are the most important adaptive business strategies. Gradual divestment as a partial market exit strategy is typically not chosen, and, if so, embedded in a local business networking strategy.
Pure and guided self-help for full and sub-threshold bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder.

OBJECTIVE The study compared the efficacy of self-help without and with guidance (referred to as 'pure' and 'guided' self-help), using a cognitive behavioral self-help manual (Fairburn, 1995) for binge eating. DESIGN AND METHODS A sample of 31 participants with bulimia nervosa, subthreshold bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder were assigned randomly to one of the self-help levels for 16 weeks, after four weeks of baseline observations. RESULTS The results indicated that both forms of self-help treatments had a modestly positive and sustained effect on the participants' eating problems. Intention-to-treat analyses showed that participants reduced their mean number of objective bulimic episodes and purging behaviour by 33% and 17% over the course of the treatment. The corresponding reduction levels for the treatment completers (N = 18) were 58% and 61%, respectively. Furthermore, there were no significant differences between the pure and guided self-help groups in terms of outcome, reflecting the probable insignificance of guidance for the broader group of individuals with binge-eating problems. At follow-up, no further significant improvement or deterioration was observed in the ensuing six months compared with the post-treatment data. CONCLUSION Given the heterogeneity of the diagnostic groups in the present study, resulting in high external validity, and the conservative nature of the analyses, self-help is discussed as a viable means of initial treatment for binge eating.
OPTN 691_692insAG is a founder mutation causing recessive ALS and increased risk in heterozygotes

Objective: To detect genetic variants underlying familial and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Methods: We analyzed 2 founder Jewish populations of Moroccan and Ashkenazi origins and ethnic matched controls. Exome sequencing of 2 sisters with ALS from Morocco was followed by genotyping the identified causative null mutation in 379 unrelated patients with ALS and 1,000 controls. The shared risk haplotype was characterized using whole-genome single nucleotide polymorphism array. Results: We identified 5 unrelated patients with ALS homozygous for the null 691_692insAG mutation in the optineurin gene (OPTN), accounting for 5.8% of ALS of Moroccan origin and 0.3% of Ashkenazi. We also identified a high frequency of heterozygous carriers among patients with ALS, 8.7% and 2.9%, respectively, compared to 0.75% and 1.0% in controls. The risk of carriers for ALS was significantly increased, with odds ratio of 13.46 and 2.97 in Moroccan and Ashkenazi Jews, respectively. We determined that 691_692insAG is a founder mutation in the tested populations with a minimal risk haplotype of 58.5 Kb, encompassing the entire OPTN gene. Conclusions: Our data show that OPTN 691_692insAG mutation is a founder mutation in Moroccan and Ashkenazi Jews. This mutation causes autosomal recessive ALS and significantly increases the risk to develop the disease in heterozygous carriers, suggesting both a recessive mode of inheritance and a dominant with incomplete penetrance. These data emphasize the important role of OPTN in ALS pathogenesis, and demonstrate the complex genetics of ALS, as the same mutation leads to different phenotypes and appears in 2 patterns of inheritance.
Agricultural Growth and Environmental Quality in Cameroon: Evidence from ARDL Bound Testing Approach

The purpose of this study is to examine the two-way relationship between agricultural growth and the quality of the environment. Agriculture is considered a key sector and of great importance in the Cameroonian economy. But its sensitivity to climate fluctuations has created a great deal of concern about its ability to meet the food needs of the entire population as a result of climate change. Moreover, its contribution to the deterioration of the quality of the environment is far from being marginal. Thus, the analysis of the links between agricultural income and the quality of the environment was made in the framework of this study using the environmental curve of Kuznets and the Ricardian model. The results of the study show that there is a U-shaped relationship between agricultural growth and environmental quality (CO2). This shows that it is difficult to make agricultural production believe without having a negative effect on the quality of the environment. We finally show that rising temperatures have a U-shaped impact on farm income.
Outcome of pN0 Triple‐Negative Breast Cancer with or without Lymph Node Irradiation: A Single Institution Experience

The optimal management of patients with pathologically node‐negative triple‐negative breast cancer (pN0 TNBC) remains unclear. We hypothesized that lymph node irradiation (LNI; internal mammary chain/periclavicular irradiation) had an impact on outcomes of pN0 TNBC. A cohort of 126 consecutive patients with pN0 TNBC treated between 2007 and 2010 at a single institute were included. All radiotherapy (breast/chest wall, ±LNI) was delivered adjuvantly, following completion of surgery ± chemotherapy. Tumors were reviewed and histologic features were described. Tissue microarrays were constructed and tumors were assessed by immunohistochemistry using antibodies against ER, PR, HER2, Ki‐67, cytokeratins 5/6, 14, epidermal growth factor receptor and androgen receptor. Patients were divided into two groups for statistical analysis: LNI (LNI+) or no LNI (LNI−). We focused on disease‐free survival (DFS), metastasis‐free survival (MFS), and overall survival (OS). Fifty‐seven and 69 patients received or not LNI, respectively. Median age was 52 (range [25–76]) and 55 (range [29–79]) in LNI+ and LNI− group (p = 0.23). LNI was associated with larger tumors (p = 0.033), central/internal tumors (33 versus 4, p < 0.01) and more chemotherapy (86% versus 59.4% p < 0.01). The median follow‐up was 53.5 months. The rate of first regional relapse (associated or not with distant relapse) was low in both groups. There was no difference in 4‐year DFS (82.2% versus 89.9%; p = 0.266), MFS (87.0% versus 91.1%; p = 0.286) and OS (85.8% versus 89.9%; p = 0.322) between LNI+ and LNI− group, respectively. In univariate analysis, only clinical size (T >10 mm versus ≤10 mm), histologic size (pT >10 mm versus ≤10 mm) and grade 3 (versus grade 2) were found to be significantly associated with shorter DFS. Omission of LNI in patients with pN0 TNBC does not seem to result in poorer outcome. Further studies are needed to specifically evaluate LNI in pN0 TNBC with histologic grade 3 and/or (p)T >10 mm.
Restriction of placental and fetal growth in sheep alters fetal blood pressure responses to angiotensin II and captopril

1 We have measured arterial blood pressure between 115 and 145 days gestation in normally grown fetal sheep (control group; n= 16) and in fetal sheep in which growth was restricted by experimental restriction of placental growth and development (PR group; n= 13). There was no significant difference in the mean gestational arterial blood pressure between the PR (42.7 ± 2.6 mmHg) and control groups (37.7 ± 2.3 mmHg). Mean arterial blood pressure and arterial P O 2 were significantly correlated in control animals (r= 0.53, P < 0.05, n= 16), but not in the PR group. 2 There were no changes in mean arterial blood pressure in either the PR or control groups in response to captopril (7.5 μg captopril min−1; PR group n= 7, control group n= 6) between 115 and 125 days gestation. After 135 days gestation, there was a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in the fetal arterial blood pressure in the PR group but not in the control group during the captopril infusion (15 μg captopril min−1; PR group n= 7, control group n= 6). 3 There was a significant effect (F= 14.75; P < 0.001) of increasing doses of angiotensin II on fetal diastolic blood pressure in the PR and control groups. The effects of angiotensin II were different (F= 8.67; P < 0.05) in the PR and control groups at both gestational age ranges. 4 These data indicate that arterial blood pressure may be maintained by different mechanisms in growth restricted fetuses and normally grown counterparts and suggests a role for the fetal renin‐angiotensin system in the maintenance of blood pressure in growth restricted fetuses.
A Semi-Supervised Learning Algorithm for Brain-Computer Interface Based on Combining Features

A brain-computer interface (BCI) is a communication system that doesnpsilat depend on brain's normal output pathways of peripheral nerves and muscles. In this paper, a semi-supervised learning algorithm for BCI based on features combining is proposed aiming at reducing the training process. In order to obtain more stable and effective classification information, two kinds of features are extracted by supervised and unsupervised extractions respectively and two corresponding classifiers are trained. During the learning process of the final classifier, the initial labeled set is enlarged iteratively by unlabeled data (with their predicted labels) whose two labels predicted by both classifiers are same, freeing of setting the threshold of confidence. The features supervised-extracted and both classifiers are updated each iteration for the purpose of absorbing unlabeled data information. At last, the applying on data set I of BCI Competition 2005 demonstrates the validity of our proposed algorithm.
Molecular characterization of Ephestia kuehniella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) transferrin and its response to parasitoid Venturia canescens (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae Gravenhorst)

In the present study, we characterized a full‐length cDNA encoding a putative iron‐binding protein transferrin from the lepidopteran Mediterranean flour moth (EkTrf, 2397 bp). The putative EkTrf is 683 amino acids with a molecular mass of approximately 76 kDa. The deduced amino acid sequence showed significant homology with other insect transferrins from Chilo suppressalis (76%), Galleria mellonella (75%), Plutella xylostella (72%), Manduca sexta (74%), Bombyx mori (73%), Spodoptera litura and (72%), Choristoneura fumiferana (71%). Northern blot analysis indicated that Ephestia transferrin mRNA was expressed in the last larval instars of both males and females and in the pupal developmental stages. EkTrf is expressed predominantly in the fat body and ovary tissues. Analysis of parasitized larva by the endoparasitoid Venturia canescens suggests that transferrin expression is induced following parasitoid challenge. Expression of EkTrf levels also increased upon bacterial infection at 6 h post treatment and remained high until 24 h. Similarly to other insect transferrins, EkTrf may play a role in immunity through its iron‐binding capacity.
A broadband active harmonic load-pull setup with a modulated generator as active load

This paper proposes an active harmonic load-pull setup which allows the use of broadband test signals and guarantees unconditional stability of the active load. Active loadpull systems with conventional active loops suffer from too high delay times which limit their application to smallhand signals. The proposed system uses a modulated RF source for the generation of the required backward travelling wave. This guarantees unconditional stability of the load and allows a perfect delay compensation. Equations will be given to approximate the modulation signal for backed-off (weakly non-linear) amplifiers.
A Single Asparagine-Linked Glycosylation Site of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Spike Glycoprotein Facilitates Inhibition by Mannose-Binding Lectin through Multiple Mechanisms

ABSTRACT Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is a serum protein that plays an important role in host defenses as an opsonin and through activation of the complement system. The objective of this study was to assess the interactions between MBL and severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus (SARS-CoV) spike (S) glycoprotein (SARS-S). MBL was found to selectively bind to retroviral particles pseudotyped with SARS-S. Unlike several other viral envelopes to which MBL can bind, both recombinant and plasma-derived human MBL directly inhibited SARS-S-mediated viral infection. Moreover, the interaction between MBL and SARS-S blocked viral binding to the C-type lectin, DC-SIGN. Mutagenesis indicated that a single N-linked glycosylation site, N330, was critical for the specific interactions between MBL and SARS-S. Despite the proximity of N330 to the receptor-binding motif of SARS-S, MBL did not affect interactions with the ACE2 receptor or cathepsin L-mediated activation of SARS-S-driven membrane fusion. Thus, binding of MBL to SARS-S may interfere with other early pre- or postreceptor-binding events necessary for efficient viral entry.
How useful is the Social Communication Questionnaire in toddlers at risk of autism spectrum disorder?

BACKGROUND The Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) is a screening instrument with established validity against the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) in children aged 4 years and older. Indices of diagnostic accuracy have been shown to be strong in school-aged samples; however, relatively little is known about the performance of the SCQ in toddlers at risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHODS This study replicates and extends previous research by Corsello et al. (2007) in a comparatively large (N = 208), substantially younger (20-40 months) sample of children at high risk of ASD. The usefulness of the SCQ as a second-level screening instrument with different cut-off scores was evaluated in relation to IQ, age, and type of ASD diagnosis. The use of the SCQ as compared to the ADI-R was evaluated against clinical diagnosis, both alone and in combination with the ADOS. RESULTS The SCQ with different cut-offs consistently showed an unsatisfactory balance between sensitivity and specificity in screening for ASD in high-risk toddlers, with only a few exceptions for specific age, IQ, or diagnostic groups. Even though the SCQ and ADI-R were highly correlated, diagnostic agreement with the best evidence clinical diagnosis was poor for both measures. The ADOS used alone consistently had the highest predictive value. For autism versus not-autism, the combined SCQ and ADOS performed as well as the ADOS alone and notably better than the combination ADI-R and ADOS. CONCLUSIONS The SCQ is likely to result in a number of false-positive findings, particularly in children with autism symptomatology, and the balance between sensitivity and specificity is poor. The ADOS should be considered the most valid and reliable diagnostic instrument in these very young at-risk children.
The Growth of Incarceration in the United States: Leaving Proportionality Behind

The unprecedented growth of incarceration in the U.S has been driven by changes in criminal justice policy. These changes cannot be justified according to a theory of proportionality that reconciles consequentialist and deontological requirements. Punishment should be as proportional to its crime-reducing effects as possible without being disproportional to the crime itself. Not only have the changes in criminal justice policy made the system of punishment less proportional to its crime-reducing effects, but they have also created a system of punishment that is, in many cases, disproportional to the crime.
Relation of Perseverative Tendency and Life Events to Depressive Symptoms: Findings from a Prospective Study in Non-referred Adolescents in Taiwan

This study aimed to explore the role of perseveration in the relations between life events and depression in a 2-year prospective study of non-referred adolescents. Participants were 400 middle school students randomly selected in Taipei. Baseline perseveration was measured using Perseverative Errors on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test and psychological distress was measured using Anxious/Depressed syndrome on the Child Behavior Checklist. These individuals also completed the Life Event Checklist and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scales at follow-up. With adjustment for initial psychological distress and demographic features, the results of multiple regression analyses showed that more perseveration at baseline was associated with greater influence of negative life events on the subsequent depressive symptoms. Perseveration might act as a moderator on the relations of life events to depressive symptoms and lowering perseveration may be a plausible way to decrease the impact of negative life events on adolescent depressive symptoms.
Adolescents' Experiences of a Strengths-Based Treatment Program for Substance Abuse

Abstract Substance abuse is a growing issue among adolescents. While not every adolescent who struggles with this issue seeks treatment, those who do frequently fail to complete treatment or tend to relapse following treatment. To improve adolescent treatments for substance abuse issues it is important to understand adolescent experiences while in treatment, along with the factors that contribute to positive treatment outcomes. Qualitative methods were used to examine 52 post-treatment interviews conducted with adolescents following their completion of a five-week strengths-based residential program for substance use issues. The adolescent narratives were analyzed to answer three research questions: (1) what aspects of the treatment program were found to be most helpful by youth, (2) which specific strengths did youth identify to be the most helpful throughout the treatment process and in beginning to overcome their substance use issues, and (3) did youth begin to adopt strengths-based thinking strategies over the course of treatment? Results include descriptive answers to these questions based on common themes across participant responses. Implications for future research are discussed.
The effect of beta-blockers on bone metabolism as potential drugs under investigation for osteoporosis and fracture healing.

BACKGROUND beta-Adrenergic receptor antagonists (beta-blockers) have a well-recognised antihypertensive action that is mediated through a reduction in cardiac output and in the release of renin from the kidneys and inhibition of the action of endogenous catecholamines on beta-adrenergic receptors. This class of drugs has been shown to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease. Recent evidence suggests that beta-blockers may also have an effect on bone structure, metabolism and fracture healing. OBJECTIVE This paper reviews in vitro and in vivo data that suggest beta-blockers have primarily an anabolic effect on bone metabolism. RESULTS The sympathetic nervous system has a catabolic effect on bone, and in vitro studies have shown that adrenergic agonists stimulate bone resorption. The beta-blocker propranolol has been shown to increase bone formation in ovariectomised female rats. Also, recent observational clinical studies provide evidence to show that beta-blockers are associated with reduction in fracture risk in both men and women. CONCLUSION Although there are some controversial studies, most research concludes that beta-blockers show promise in the treatment of osteoporosis and fracture healing.
THE EFFECT OF MANDATORY IFRS ADOPTION ON EARNING MANAGEMENT AND POLITICAL CONNECTION AS MODERATION VARIABLES IN COMPANIES LISTED IN INDONESIA STOCK EXCHANGE

This study aims to look at the effect of IFRS mandatory adoption role on earnings management and to see the effect of political connections in influencing IFRS adoption of earnings management. The data used in this study came from companies listed on Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2010-2015. This research uses a quantitative approach, using moderation regression and independent t-test to answer the research hypothesis. Discretionary accruals are used as earnings management proxies. To test the influence of political connections in strengthening IFRS adoption of earnings management, moderation regression was used as the model. The independent t-test results showed that there are insignificant differences in earning management after three years mandatory IFRS adoption in Indonesia. The first regression equation result shows that adoption of IFRS in companies listed on the IDX had a insignificant effect on earnings management. The results of the second regression equation show that political connections have a significant influence on management earnings. The third regression equation shows that political connection moderation variables significantly influenced IFRS adoption of earnings management.