Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Study of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia Through an One-Year Period

Background: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is defined as an autologous concentration of plasma with a greater count of platelets than that of whole blood. Its action depends on the released growth factors from platelets. It has been investigated and used in numerous fields of medicine. Recently, PRP has received growing attention as a potential therapeutic tool for hair loss. Aims: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of PRP injections in the scalp of patients with androgenetic alopecia. Settings and Design: Prospective cohort study. Materials and Methods: 20 patients, 18 males and 2 females, with androgenetic alopecia were enrolled in the study. PRP was prepared using a single spin method (Regenlab SA). Upon activation, it was injected in the androgen-related areas of scalp. Three treatment sessions were performed with an interval of 21 days and a booster session at 6 months following the onset of therapy. Statistical Analysis: Statistical analysis of the data was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 19.0 (IBM, NY, USA). Results: Hair loss reduced and at 3 months it reached normal levels. Hair density reached a peak at 3 months (170.70 ± 37.81, P < 0.001). At 6 months and at 1 year, it was significantly increased, 156.25 ± 37.75 (P < 0.001) and 153.70 ± 39.92 (P < 0.001) respectively, comparing to baseline. Patients were satisfied with a mean result rating of 7.1 on a scale of 1-10. No remarkable adverse effects were noted. Conclusions: Our data suggest that PRP injections may have a positive therapeutic effect on male and female pattern hair loss without remarkable major side effects. Further studies are needed to confirm its efficacy.
An empirical test of the segmented labour market theory for the Netherlands

In this paper an orthodox segmented labour market theory (SLM theory)is tested by means of the data provided by the research project, Quality of Labour 1977 (Zanders et al., 1977). The segmented labour market theory is restricted to the dual labour market approach, although a major extension is taken into account (a primary segment consisting of two tiers). The segments are created by making use of an objectivemethod. Nine quality characteristics of jobs are taken into account. A number of logit estimations are carried out to test the competing theories of human capital and the segmented labour market. The conclusion is that although discrimination in the labour market appears to exist, the SLM theory has to be rejected.
Design and Analysis of Bioenergy Networks

This article presents a new methodology for designing industrial networks and analyzing them dynamically from the standpoint of sustainable development. The approach uses a combination of optimization and simulation tools. Assuming “top‐down” overarching control of the network, we use global dynamic optimization to determine which evolutionary pathways are preferred in terms of economic, social, and environmental performance. Considering the autonomy of network entities and their actions, we apply agent‐based simulation to analyze how the network actually evolves. These two perspectives are integrated into a powerful multiscale modeling framework for evaluating the consequences of new policy instruments or different business strategies aimed at stimulating sustainable development as well as identifying optimal leverage points for improved performance of the network in question. The approach is demonstrated for a regional network of interdependent organizations deploying a set of bioenergy technologies within a developing‐economy context.
Aalborg Universitet Local Competence Building and International Venture Capital in Low Income Countries

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Structure-Activity Relationship of Synthetic Toll-like Receptor 4 Agonists*

Important questions remain regarding the impact of variations in the structure of the lipid A portion of lipopolysaccharide on activation of cells via the Toll-like receptor 4 complex. We have studied a series of synthetic lipid A mimetic compounds known as aminoalkyl glucosaminide phosphates in which the length of the secondary acyl chain has been systematically varied. Using transcriptional profiling of human monocytes and responses of Toll-like receptor 4 complex cell transfectants, we demonstrate a clear dependence of length on secondary acyl chain on Toll-like receptor 4 activation. Compounds with secondary acyl chains less than eight carbons in length have dramatically reduced activity, and substitutions of the left-sided secondary acyl chain had the most important effect on the Toll-like receptor 4 agonist activity of these molecules. The structure-function relationships of these compounds assessed via the induction of chemokines and cytokines following in vivo administration closely mirrored those seen with cell-based studies. This novel set of synthetic lipid A mimetics will be useful for Toll-like receptor 4-based investigations and may have clinical utility as stand-alone immunomodulators.
Three-Dimensional Stapes Footplate Motion in Human Temporal Bones

The literature provides conflicting information on whether the motion of the stapes footplate is piston-like or some other type of motion, such as rotational or rocking. Examination of the three-dimensional (3D) motion of the stapes footplate appears to be an excellent way to understand this complicated motion. Five microsphere reflective targets were placed on the stapes footplate in ten fresh human cadaver temporal bone preparations, and their vibration measured through an extended facial recess approach using a laser Doppler vibrometer. The five target sites on the stapes footplate were center, anterior, posterior, superior and inferior. The stimulus was a sound input of 80–120 dB SPL at the tympanic membrane over a frequency range of 0.1 to 10 kHz. The 3D motion of the stapes footplate was calculated using the velocity amplitude and phase obtained for each target. For frequencies up to 1.0 kHz the vibration of the stapes footplate was primarily piston-like; this motion became complex at higher frequencies, with rotary motion along both the long and short axis of the footplate. When the cochlea was drained, stapes footplate motion became essentially piston-like for all frequencies.
Entrepreneurs, expectations and business expansion: Lessons from Lithuania

Abstract This article applies a multinomial logit estimator to investigate which factors affect SME owners' expectations to grow their businesses in Lithuania. Our findings provide evidence that SME owners' human capital (education) matters and that growth expectations are positively related to exporting. In addition, we analyse the link between the perceptions of business constraints and growth expectations and find that the factors, which are perceived as main business barriers, are not necessarily those which are associated with reduced growth expectations. However, perceptions of corruption seem to affect growth expectations the most.
Collaborative Value Co-Creation in Community Sports Trusts at Football Clubs

Purpose – The purpose of this conceptual paper is to introduce a new governance model based on collaborative co-creation of value that leads to the strategic integration of football clubs and their community trusts. This paper also introduces a new process framework that can be instrumental to practitioners and can be operationalised by researchers. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is underpinned by social strategy literature, the service-dominant (S-D) logic framework of value co-creation, stakeholder thinking and the creating shared value (CSV) framework. The process framework is based on the P.A. S.C. A.L. (perception, analysis, synthesis, choice, action and learning) decision-making process introduced by Goodpaster (1991). Findings – Although the evidence that we have presented shows that some clubs are already applying some of the strategies that are part of our process framework, the paper highlights further opportunities particularly for clubs with less-developed social schemes. Research limit.
The capital structure determinants of REITs. Is it a peculiar industry

Purpose – Unlike previous studies on capital structure decisions, the purpose of this paper is to focus on US real estate investment trusts (REITs) in order to find out the main determinants of capital structure choice for real estate companies and in order to verify if they are related to factors similar to those affecting the decisions of public firms in other sectors.Design/methodology/approach – Using a methodology similar to Rajan and Zingales, a sample of 119 listed REITs with different investment strategies and in different property sectors was analyzed. The analysis is carried out in order to determine the basic factors underpinning the capital structures by selecting financial items and ratios related with leverage (such as asset size, profitability ratios, tangibility of assets, growth opportunities, operating risk and geographical diversification of investments). Findings – Results show that REITs follow a pecking order theory of financing since more profitable firms are less levered and REITs w.
The Arbitrage Pricing Theory and Supershares

In a single-period model with options on the market portfolio, linear factor pricing holds if, and only if, the variance of the market conditional on the factors is zero. There is no need for factors other than nonlinear functions of the market. For accurate linear pricing of all payoff patterns, the factors must be rotationally equivalent to Nils Hakansson's "supershares. " In a multiperiod model, a similar set of results holds, but with consumption replacing the market payoff. The methodology of the empirical arbitrage pricing theory literature is not consistent with either the single-period or the multiperiod model. Copyright 1989 by American Finance Association.
THE ECONOMICS OF EXPLORATION FOR NON‐RENEWABLE RESOURCES

The literature on exploration for non-renewable resources is surveyed. Following a brief synopsis in section 2, section 3 focuses on issues related to the world market for resources. Section 4 considers more microeconomic supply-related issues linked to the exploration of the small region or play. Section 5 turns to the small but growing literature on explorations as a learning process related to R&D. The latter sections pay particular attention to empirical and policy aspects. Copyright 1990 by Blackwell Publishers Ltd
Objective measures of the environment and physical activity--results of the environment and physical activity study in English adults.

BACKGROUND Physical activity has been positively associated with a range of objectively measured environmental variables. We explored the relationship of walking and other categories of physical activity with objectively measured activity specific environmental variables in a U.K. population. METHODS We used a geographical information system (GIS) and gender specific multivariate models to relate 13,927 participants' reported levels of physical activity with a range of measures of the environment. RESULTS Access to green space and area levels of crime were not associated with walking for recreation. Distance to facilities had either no or only a small effect on the uptake of different activities. Odds ratios of cycling for leisure dropped as local traffic density increased for both genders. Compared with the lowest quartile for traffic density the likelihood of reporting any cycling for leisure was OR 0.42, (95% CI 0.32 to 0.52, P < .001) for women and OR 0.41, (95% CI 0.33 to 0.50, P < .001) for men in the highest quartile. CONCLUSIONS We were unable to reproduce results observed in previous studies. Future research should use large representative population samples from multiple areas to maximize environmental variability and if feasible use both objective and subjective measures of physical activity and the environment.
Are Calculated Betas Good for Anything?

We calculate betas of 3,813 companies using 60 monthly returns each day of December 2001 and January 2002. The median (average) of the maximum beta divided by the minimum beta was 3.07 (15.7). The median of the percentage daily change (in absolute value) of the betas was 20%. Industry betas are also unstable. On average, the maximum beta of an industry was 2.7 times its minimum beta in December 2001 and January 2002. The median (average) of the percentage daily change (in absolute value) of the industry betas was 7% (16%). This dispersion of the calculated betas has important implications for the instability of beta-ranked portfolios.
A chaos-based steganography algorithm for H.264 standard video sequences

It is important to embed secret messages into video sequences by using steganography technique. Based on the H.264 video coding standard, a chaotic steganography algorithm is proposed and realized in this paper. The results indicate that the steganography algorithm can be implemented fast and effectively, and vision effect and peak signal to noise ratios (PSNR) of the video sequences are also nearly not affected after decoding.
Approaches to HRM in the Barbados hotel industry

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to measure the extent of the adoption of human resource management (HRM), the existence of a formal HR strategy, and the development of the HR function in the Barbados hotel industry compared with Hoque's sample of hotels in the UK.Design/methodology/approach – A quantitative survey, covering 46 hotels out of a population of 75 hotels was conducted with the respondents being the hotel's management: a general manager, HR manager or line manager.Findings – It was found that the adoption of human resource (HR) practices was more prevalent in Barbados hotels than in the UK sample. With respect to the existence of a formal HR strategy, the results were mixed. The results also show that in many respects the Barbados hotels are ahead of their UK counterparts in the development of the HR function.Research limitations/implications – The research focused on a small sample in a developing country. In addition, responses were obtained from top management rather than all levels o.
Impact of feedback on physical activity levels of individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease during pulmonary rehabilitation

This study aimed at investigating whether providing feedback on physical activity (PA) levels to patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is feasible and enhances daily PA during pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). Patients with COPD participated in a 12-week PR program. Daily PA was measured using activity monitors on weeks 1, 7, and 12, and feedback was given in the following weeks on the number of steps, time spent in sedentary, light, and moderate-to-vigorous intensity activities, and time spent standing, sitting, and lying. Compliance with PA monitoring was collected. Two focus groups were conducted to obtain patients’ perspectives on the use of activity monitors and on the feedback given. Differences in PA data were also assessed. Sixteen patients (65.63 ± 10.57 years; forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) 70.31 ± 22.74% predicted) completed the study. From those, only eleven participants used the activity monitors during all monitoring days. Participants identified several problems regarding the use of activity monitors and monitoring duration. Daily steps ( p = 0.026) and standing time ( p = 0.030) were improved from week 1 to week 7; however, the former declined from week 7 to week 12. Findings suggest that using feedback to improve PA during PR is feasible and results in improved daily steps and standing time on week 7. The subsequent decline suggests that additional strategies may be needed to stimulate/maintain PA improvements. Further research with more robust designs is needed to investigate the impact of feedback on patients’ daily PA.
The Economics of Oral Health and Health Care

This paper describes the principles of economics and their application to oral health and health care. After illustrating the economic determinants of oral health, the demand for oral health care is discussed with particular reference to asymmetric information between patient and provider. The reasons for the market failure in (oral) health care and its implications for efficiency and equity are explained. Moreover, it is described how economic evaluation can be used to maximize oral health gains in scenarios of scarce resources. The behavioural aspects of patientsÂ´ demand for and dental professionalsÂ´ provision of oral health services are discussed. Finally, methods for an optimized planning of the dental workforce are discussed.
6 Patients affected by functional motor symptoms are not liars: an experimental deception study with the guilty knowledge task

Objective The relationship between functional neurological symptoms (FNS) and feigning is not an easy one for many clinicians. Most neurologists do not see the two as entirely distinct and would rather not get involved in the uncomfortable business of distinguishing them. Research conducted in the past decades has tried to challenge a common clinicians’ view according to which patients affected by FNS are liars. Nevertheless, no study has systematically investigated deception in these patients. Method Thirteen patients affected by functional motor symptoms and 14 healthy controls, matched for age and gender, underwent a modified version of the Guilty Knowledge Task (GKT), a computer-controlled procedure used to detect truthful and deceptive responses. All participants were also screened for depression (HAM-D), anxiety (HAM-A) and alexithymia Results No significant difference was found between the two groups either in terms of reaction time (for true responses p=0.865, for false responses p=0.765), or in terms of accuracy (for true responses p=0.654, for false responses p=0.643). No significant correlation was found between responses at the GKT and HAM-D, HAM-A and TAS-20 score. Our data showed that patients affected by functional motor symptoms have the same capacity to lie than healthy controls. These results are reinforced by the fact that depression, anxiety and alexithymia did not correlate with the GKT responses, excluding they might represent confounding factors. Conclusion Patients affected by functional motor symptoms are not liars. Clinicians should start considering these patients as genuine as patients with multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease.
Managing Intellectual Capital: Organizational, Strategic, and Policy Dimensions

From the Publisher: "In this book David Teece considers how firms can exploit technological innovation, protecting their intellectual capital, while staying ahead of the competition. He provides frameworks as well as practical advice, looking in particular at the organization structures most likely to support innovation, and how managerial decisions and strategy affect the division of the gains. " "This will be essential reading for academics, managers, and students alike who want to keep abreast of contemporary strategic challenges. "--BOOK JACKET.
The perils of ‘going local’: liberal peace-building agendas in Nepal

Responding to recent critiques, foreign aid organisations are increasingly ‘going local’ in their operations in order to integrate local actors into their peace-building and aid projects. This is done under the belief that entering into partnerships directly with grassroots actors will increase local autonomy in joint ventures, thus empowering locals as agents of change both during and after the project period. But despite its normative and conceptual appeal, we argue that this model is not workable in practice and cannot be under the current structural conditions of the international aid environment. This is due to a fundamental disconnect between the conceptualisation and rationale of ‘going local’ and the structural and institutional frameworks within which ‘local ownership’ is supposed to be operationalised and implemented. This paper uses the example of Nepal to illustrate that this disconnect not only prevents foreign aid organisations from reaching their stated goals, but exacerbates the very problems that ‘going local’ is supposed to address.
Employment Protection and Multinational Enterprises: Theory and Evidence from Micro Data

In this paper we show, theoretically and empirically, that stronger employment protection legislation (EPL) in a host country has important and differing effects on the various activities of multinational enterprises (MNEs). Using micro data on affiliates to Swedish multinational firms in 20 countries for the period of 1965–1998, we find that increased stringency in EPL is associated with fewer investments in new affiliates and lower employment in existing affiliates. We also find that it is mainly affiliate exports that are affected negatively by stronger EPL, while the impact on local sales is small. This is in accordance with our theoretical model, which predicts that the impact of EPL on the costs of competing firms is likely to put affiliates at a smaller disadvantage when selling for the local market than in the production for exports.
Nonlinear cointegration: Theory and Application to Purchasing Power Parity

In this paper, we study a smooth-transition type of nonlinear cointegration among a dynamic system, in which the proposed definition nests Engle and Granger (1987)’s linear cointegration. Based on the Smooth Transition Autoregressive (STAR) models, a triangular representation for the nonlinearly cointegrated system is introduced. Furthermore, two tests for nonlinear cointegration are derived in this paper: one is a residual-based test for testing the null hypothesis of no nonlinear cointegration and the other is a test for testing the hypothesis of linear cointegration against nonlinear cointegration. The statistical properties of the second test are investigated. An empirical example is illustrated by applying the first testing procedure to the dollar/lira real exchange rate. It is found that there is no linear cointegration but a nonlinearly cointegrating relation in the investigated purchasing power parity (PPP). The PPP puzzle in Hamilton (1994) can be solved by applying our nonlinear cointegration.
Temporal anomaly detection: calibrating the surprise

We propose a hybrid approach to temporal anomaly detection in access data of users to databases — or more generally, any kind of subject-object co-occurrence data. We consider a high-dimensional setting that also requires fast computation at test time. Our methodology identifies anomalies based on a single stationary model, instead of requiring a full temporal one, which would be prohibitive in this setting. We learn a low-rank stationary model from the training data, and then fit a regression model for predicting the expected likelihood score of normal access patterns in the future. The disparity between the predicted likelihood score and the observed one is used to assess the “surprise” at test time. This approach enables calibration of the anomaly score, so that time-varying normal behavior patterns are not considered anomalous. We provide a detailed description of the algorithm, including a convergence analysis, and report encouraging empirical results. One of the data sets that we tested is new for the public domain. It consists of two months’ worth of database access records from a live system. This data set and our code are publicly available at https://github.com/eyalgut/TLR anomaly detection.git.