Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Early Cholecystectomy Safely Decreases Hospital Stay in Patients With Mild Gallstone Pancreatitis: A Randomized Prospective Study

Objective:We hypothesized that laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed within 48 hours of admission for mild gallstone pancreatitis, regardless of resolution of abdominal pain or abnormal laboratory values, would result in a shorter hospital stay. Summary of Background Data:Although there is consensus among surgeons that patients with gallstone pancreatitis should undergo cholecystectomy to prevent recurrence, the precise timing of laparoscopic cholecystectomy for mild disease remains controversial. Methods:Consecutive patients with mild pancreatitis (Ranson score ≤3) were prospectively randomized to either an early laparoscopic cholecystectomy group (within 48 hours of admission) versus a control laparoscopic cholecystectomy group (performed after resolution of abdominal pain and normalizing trend of laboratory enzymes). The primary end point was hospital length of stay. Secondary end point was a composite of rates of conversion to an open procedure, perioperative complications, and need for endoscopic retrograde cholangiography. The study was designed to enroll 100 patients with an interim analysis after 50 patients. Results:At interim analysis, 50 patients were enrolled at a single university-affiliated public hospital. Of them, 25 patients were randomized to the early group and 25 patients to the control group. Patient age ranged from 18 to 74 years with a median duration of symptoms of 2 days upon presentation and a median Ranson score of 1. There were no baseline differences between the groups with regards to demographics, clinical presentation, or the presence of comorbidities. The hospital length of stay was shorter for the early cholecystectomy group (mean: 3.5 [95% CI, 2.7–4.3], median: 3 [IQR, 2–4]) compared with the control group (mean: 5.8 [95% CI, 3.8–7.9], median: 4 [IQR, 4–6] [P = 0.0016]). Six patients from the early group required endoscopic retrograde cholangiography, compared with 4 in the control group (P = 0.72). There was no statistically significant difference in the need for conversion to an open procedure or in perioperative complication rates between the 2 groups. Conclusion:In mild gallstone pancreatitis, laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed within 48 hours of admission, regardless of the resolution of abdominal pain or laboratory abnormalities, results in a shorter hospital length of stay with no apparent impact on the technical difficulty of the procedure or perioperative complication rate.
Local stability of DC microgrids: A perspective of graph laplacians with self-loops

This paper studies the local stability problem of DC microgrids from a network-based perspective that provides new insights. Firstly, the stability problem is transferred to the positive definiteness of the Laplacian matrix of a loopy graph. The graph preserves the information of the original DC network structure, and contains both positive and negative self-loops that are introduced by the differential conductances of net loads in the microgrid. Then, the concept of effective grounded conductance is introduced to measure the impact of self-loops. New criteria in terms of the effective grounded conductance are established to check the positive definiteness of the Laplacian matrix of a loopy graph, and thus can be used to infer the local stability of DC microgrids. It shows that the negative effective grounded conductance is the crucial factor in triggering the instability of DC microgrids. The instability mechanism can be physically interpreted as the loss of passivity of some buses caused by the negative differential conductances of net loads.
Wireless Piping Inspection Vehicle Using Magnetic Adsorption Force

A robot is developed which is able to climb on a perpendicular branched piping and moves on the ceiling in the piping with the radio control. This inspection robot adsorbs to the piping using the magnetic adsorption force of a magnetic crawler and moves in piping. Therefore, the crawler should be composed of magnets that have optimal adsorption force. In order to design the crawler, the magnetic adsorption force is analyzed, and the design method of the inspection robot in the piping is shown. The robot mounts a radio control unit and a compact radio camera so as to inspect inside of piping. To validate it, a compact crawler type radio control robot is made, and traveling performance or inspection performance in the piping is examined.
Cooperation for Competition: Linking Ethiopian Farmers to Markets

Throughout history, rural smallholders have formed various forms of associations to confront access-barriers to the market. It is estimated that 250 million farmers participate in agricultural cooperatives in developing countries. Agricultural cooperatives are considered to be a fundamental pillar of rural development strategies, as well as a core institution in the process of governance decentralization and agri-business development. In Ethiopia, where agro-ecological conditions are generally favourable, 85 percent of the national population lives in rural areas under subsistence or semi-subsistence regimes. Agricultural cooperatives are advocated by the government as key market institutions to exploit Ethiopia's agricultural growth potential. The scope of this study is to improve the understanding of the role played by cooperative organizations in linking Ethiopian smallholder farmers to emerging markets. Through exploring the evolution of supermarkets, integrated supply chains, and global commodity exchange networks, this study sheds light on the relationship between rural cooperation and farmers' competitiveness. Quantitative data that form the basis for this study were collected from the Highland regions of Ethiopia, in the period between 2003 and 2006. Findings suggest that cooperatives are not a panacea to boost rural competitiveness. Collective action assists smallholders in procuring state subsidy for production, but does not necessarily lead to increased commercialization. Only when collective action involves collective marketing do farmers become more commercial, further improving production volumes and productivity. However, in the process of commercialization and production intensification quality management is often neglected in Ethiopian agricultural cooperatives. This study reveals guidelines for public-private partnerships so that cooperative farmers can maximize commercialization and optimize the balance between quality and productivity.
Public Knowledge About Causes and Treatment for Schizophrenia: A Representative Population Study

Research on public knowledge about schizophrenia has so far examined various closed questions eliciting recognition-based knowledge rather than unprompted knowledge. We aim to explore the unprompted popular knowledge regarding causes and treatment of schizophrenia. In a representative survey conducted in Germany in 2001 (N = 5025), two open questions asked respondents to name possible causes and treatment options for schizophrenia. Answers were noted down verbatim and later grouped into categories. Psychosocial and biological causal explanations were equally predominant. Respondents recommended drug treatment more frequently than psychosocial measures like psychotherapy, and they mentioned a doctor's visit or a hospital stay most frequently as the adequate treatment setting. About 45% of respondents knew nothing about possible causes or treatments of schizophrenia. Hence, whereas those confidently naming causes or treatment options for schizophrenia favored professional medical treatment more than previously found, overall knowledge about schizophrenia has thus far been overestimated.
Pattern formation in chick feather development: Distribution of β1‐integrin in normal and scaleless embryos

We have examined the immunolocalization of β1‐integrin during feather development in the spino‐lumbar tract of the backskin from normal and scaleless chick embryos. β1‐integrin appears during early feather development in three distinct phases which correspond to important developmental events. The first phase (5–5½ days of incubation; Hamburger and Hamilton [H.H.] stage 27) represents the period prior to the formation of dermis. During this phase, β1‐integrin antiserum labels mesenchymal cells located in the central region of the spino‐lumbar tract where the initiation site for feather development is located. The second phase (5½–7½ days of incubation; H.H. stages 28–32) corresponds to the period during which dermis is formed. The cells that make up the dermis are readily distinguished by their lack of β1‐integrin immunostaining. The third phase (7½–10 days of incubation; H.H. stages 33–36) begins with the sudden appearance of β1‐integrin in the central and lateral regions of the dermis. The pattern of β1‐integrin immunostaining in scaleless backskin becomes different from that of normal backskin during this phase. In normal backskin the dermal condensations of feather germs are not labeled with the β1‐integrin antiserum. This produces a heterogeneous immunostaining pattern very similar to the pattern seen for Type I collagen (Mauger et al. [1982] Dev. Biol. 94:93–105). In contrast, homogeneous immunostaining is observed in the dermis of scaleless backskin. The initial time of appearance, manner of appearance, and pattern of integrin expression in the third phase suggest that β1‐integrin may be involved in the stabilization of the feather pattern.
Role of Corporate Governance in Corporate Performance: A Simple Correlation Analysis

An attempt has been made in this paper to explore the relationship between corporate governance and corporate performance with the help of a simple correlation analysis on secondary data. The two were observed to be positively associated with each other. Such a finding has been forwarded as a case for highlighting ‘performance’ rather than ‘conformance’ aspects of governance.
Decision factors for the adoption of e-finance and other e-commerce activities

The development of e-commerce relies upon consumer usage intentions, and Information Systems (IS) researchers have examined usage intentions toward various online e-commerce systems. However, these systems have been studied in prior works independently rather than comprehensively. In order to pursue better measures for predicting and explaining Business to Customer (B2C) e-finance and some other major e-commerce adoptions for consumers, a comparison analysis across three different online systems (online shopping, online banking and online payment) was conducted to advance the understanding of the adoption factors and their linkage to consumer behavior. Refining from Perceived Risk Theory and existing studies, specific risk facets, consumer characteristics and system characteristics were operationalized and integrated within the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) resulting in a proposed e-finance and other e-commerce system adoption model. A survey instrument was developed based on exploratory qualitative inquiry and quantitative assessment and was used to assess the influence of different risk and utility facets on the attitude towards e-commerce adoption. Results of this empirical study showed that the relationships between perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and intention of use were positively and significant towards all three online systems, while perceived risk had a negative impact on the adoption of online shopping and online payment only, which could result from the relative high risk perception towards the two systems. The results provide support of extended TAM model which integrates perceived risk and additional system-specific features and user-specific demographic factors in predicting a consumer’s intention of adoption of online systems. Implications for both the academic and practitioner communities were discussed.
A heat shock protein gene in Giardia lamblia unrelated to HSP70.

A 4.2 kb Hindin gene fragment from Giardia lamblia trophozoites strain WB, selected by P labeled HSP70 clone pPW229 of Drosophila (1) was cloned into pUC19 (pUCG2c). The sequence was determined by sequencing both strands of overlapping restriction fragments. The sequence contains a 5' non-coding region of 141 bases followed by 1593 nucleotides showing a single continuous open reading frame starting with a putative initiator methionine at position 142. No homology in the coding sequence was identified with D. melanogaster HSP70 or any other HSPs reported in literature. However, an HSE like motif at position 73 86 and a TATAA box at position 109 -113 (underlined) were identified which suggests that functional controlling elements are present in this gene. Its relatedness to the heat shock consensus promoter region (CnnGAAnnTTCnnG) is 6 out of 8 (2). A 2.5 kb RNA transcript from G. lamblia trophozoites hybridized to pUCG2c clone and the level of the same significantly increased upon heat shock. Biological significance of this heat shock gene in Giardia is not known yet.
Novel biochemical pathways of endoglin in vascular cell physiology

The broad role of the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) signaling pathway in vascular development, homeostasis, and repair is well appreciated. Endoglin is emerging as a novel, complex, and poorly understood regulatory component of the TGFβ receptor complex, whose importance is underscored by its recognition as the site of mutations causing hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) [McAllister et al., 1994 ]. Extensive analyses of endoglin function in normal developmental mouse models [Bourdeau et al., 1999 ; Li et al., 1999 ; Arthur et al., 2000 ] and in HHT animal models [Bourdeau et al., 2000 ; Torsney et al., 2003 ] exemplify the importance of understanding endoglin's biochemical functions. However, novel mechanisms underlying the regulation of these pathways continue to emerge. These mechanisms include modification of TGFβ receptor signaling at the ligand and receptor activation level, direct effects of endoglin on cell adhesion and migration, and emerging roles for endoglin in the determination of stem cell fate and tissue patterning. The purpose of this review is to highlight the cellular and molecular studies that underscore the central role of endoglin in vascular development and disease. J. Cell. Biochem. 102: 1375–1388, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Case for an Intermediate Exchange Rate Regime with Endogenizing Market Structures and Capital Mobility

Set in the context of the recent theoretical and policy debates on appropriate exchange rate regimes for emerging market economies in a world of free capital mobility, the paper attempts to present the case for an intermediate exchange rate regime, drawing on recent theoretical and empirical literatures on behavioural finance and currency market structures; and to examine empirically the experiences and evolution of Brazil.s foreign exchange market under different exchange rate regimes.
Cannonball Metastatic Lesions in a Young Male: A Case Report

Testicular germ cell tumors are the most common malignancy among young men. These are highly chemo-sensitive tumors with high cure rates. More than 95% of patients with testicular cancer present with a painless testicular mass. Here we describe a rare initial presentation of testicular cancer in a previously asymptomatic 22-year-old male who presented with widespread metastatic cannonball lesions in his lungs.
FOR HOW LONG MUST THE SOLEUS MUSCLE BE STRETCHED EACH DAY TO PREVENT CONTRACTURE?

The extent to which treatment of passive muscle contracture could be minimized without loss of efficiency was studied. Soleus muscle contracture was measured by the difference between the ankle angles at which minimal and maximal resistance occurred during slow dorsiflexion of the ankle. This examination was done twice, at the beginning and end of a seven‐month observation period. During the observation period, also, the ankle angles were measured throughout a 24‐hour period in the ordinary life of the child. The number of hours per 24‐hour period during which the soleus muscle was stretched above a minimal threshold length was calculated. The major finding was that there was no progressive contracture when the soleus was stretched for at least six hours a day (the same time as in non‐handicapped children). On the other hand, there was progressive contracture when the stretching time was as short as two hours. Two of the cases examined illustrated the possible causes of success or failure of night splints. These results provide new guidelines for the continuous treatment of children with cerebral palsy.
Activity of defensins from human neutrophilic granulocytes against Mycobacterium avium-Mycobacterium intracellulare

We have examined the activity of defensins from human neutrophilic granulocytes against Mycobacterium avium-Mycobacterium intracellulare. M. avium-M. intracellulare at 2.5 x 10(6)/ml or 2.5 x 10(8)/ml was cultured in the presence of defensins at 37 degrees C from 4 to 48 h. After incubation, CFU were enumerated. Human neutrophil peptide 1 (HNP-1) at 5 micrograms/ml had the ability to kill M. avium-M. intracellulare. Treatment with HNP-1 resulted in significant (96.3 to 97.7%) killing of M. avium-M. intracellulare, even after taking clumping into consideration. This activity was not affected by the presence of calcium (0.5 and 1.0 mM), magnesium (0.5 and 1.0 mM), or sodium chloride (25, 50, and 100 mM). The optimal pH for bactericidal activity was higher than 5. We tested numerous M. avium-M. intracellulare strains, and HNP-1 was successful in killing every strain, although the degree of killing varied among them (34.2 to 87.2%). Additionally, this activity was independent of colonial morphology. We also examined the activity of HNP-2 and HNP-3 against M. avium-M. intracellulare and found that they were as effective in killing M. avium-M. intracellulare as HNP-1 was. These observations suggest that defensins may play an important role in the host defense against M. avium-M. intracellulare.
Ocular Findings in Low Birthweight and Premature Babies in the First Year: Do We Need to Screen?

Purpose There is no standardized approach for the ophthalmic care follow-up of children screened for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). The authors report the ocular findings at 12 months in preterm and low birthweight babies screened for ROP over a 5-year period (1998–2003). Methods The case notes of 211 babies were retrospectively reviewed for birth details, maternal details, presence of ROP, and findings at follow-up screening which included visual acuity, refraction at 12 months, presence of squint, and any other ocular problems. Results At 1 year follow-up, 16.6% of ROP positive children failed a screening visit because of squint (6.66%), refractive error (6.66%), and optic nerve abnormalities (3.33%). At 1 year follow-up, 10% of ROP negative children had failed a screening visit because of squint (3.75 %), refractive error (3.75%), and other pathology (2.5%). Conclusions The authors recommend screening all babies with ROP at 12 months to identify amblyogenic factors such as squint and refractive error. Parents of infants who do not develop ROP should be advised of the increased risk of visual problems in their children and to have their child examined in the preschool period.
Self reported hearing loss among elderly malaysians.

A cross-sectional study was conducted on patients attending a primary care facility to determine the prevalence of self reported hearing loss using a single question, "Do you have hearing loss? " Pure tone audiometry was performed to compare the accuracy of the self report. A total of 111 patients were recruited. The prevalence of self reported hearing loss using a single question and pure tone audiometry was 24.3% and 36.9% respectively. By using pure tone audiometry at a cut-off-level of 25 dBHL (decibels Hearing level), the single question yielded a sensitivity of 41.4% and specificity of 85.0%. The single question performed better at 40 dBHL pure tone audiometry with sensitivity of 55.0% and specificity of 82.0%. In conclusion, the prevalence of hearing loss in elderly was high and the single question self reported hearing loss performed satisfactorily with moderate hearing loss.
Voluntary employee reporting by the wholesale and retail companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange

Using stakeholder theory, this article investigates the level, subject types, location and determinants of voluntary employee disclosures in the annual reports of the wholesale and retail companies in South Africa listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). It finds that the levels of voluntary employee disclosures have increased over the sampled period and that this trend is headed by Massmart. In addition, this paper finds that the degree of disclosure of various subject types does not stay the same over time, and that most of these disclosures are presented in the sustainability report section of the annual reports. Further findings indicate that sampled companies with significant executive director shareholding engage in less voluntary employee disclosure than companies with lower executive director shareholding. Lastly, another finding indicates that a high BEE rating score for companies is significantly associated with high voluntary employee disclosures.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Knowledge Sharing Practices: Needs for the Establishment of Repository

Higher Education Institution (IHL) is an organization that promotes knowledge sharing practices for teaching and learning and research. Not much research has been carried out on the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in knowledge sharing in the education sector to form repository which in turn can help lecturers to acquire knowledge for teaching purposes. The objective of this research is to find out the ICT factors influence to knowledge sharing practices among the lecturers and the impact of creating repositories on the performance of teaching and innovation among lectures. A total of six hypotheses are put forward for this purpose. This study uses a quantitative approach as instrument to collect data from questionnaire. A total of 170 lecturers were selected as respondents from the Faculty which offer ICT program from four universities in the Klang Valley were involved in this study. The result shows that ICT management, Knowledge Management Systems and ICT Infrastructure has significantly influenced the practice of knowledge sharing; knowledge sharing practices have significantly shaped the repository, the performance of teaching and teaching innovation has a significant relationship to the re-use of knowledge repositories. The results of the study can serve as a guide to IHL in designing and ascertain direction ICT development of knowledge-sharing practices. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015. v6n5s1p69
A Brick-Sorting LEGO Robot

Arturo Pe rez is a senior undergraduate psychology student at Universidad Diego Por-tales in Santiago, Chile. In the Fall term of 2012, Arturo spent 3 months at the Universi-ty of Alberta, hosted by Dr. Michael Dawson and the Biological Computation Project (BCP). The general goal of his visit was to establish collaborative ties between this U of A laboratory and the Centro de Estudios de la Argumentacio n y el Razonamiento (CEAR) at UDP. A more specific purpose was to explore the BCP’s approach to using simple robots to explore basic ideas in embodied cognitive science. Arturo’s explora-tions involved creating, programming, and testing a new robot designed to sort ele-ments in an arena. The purpose of the current paper is to report on Arturo’s robotics research at the BCP.