Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Perinatal Outcome of Second Twin with Respect to Mode of Delivery: An Observational Study.

INTRODUCTION With the advent of assisted reproductive techniques, multi-fetal pregnancies are on the rise. While caesarean section is the defined mode of delivery for triplets and higher order pregnancies, the picture for twin delivery is not so clear. While a trial for vaginal delivery is attempted, the second twin is considered vulnerable to complications. Whether this translates into worsened perinatal outcomes is not well defined. AIM To study the perinatal outcome and to identify the various factors influencing the perinatal outcome of second twin with respect to mode of delivery. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data was collected from hospital birth records regarding the mode of delivery of viable twins (period of gestation >28 weeks) and outcome of second twin with respect to APGAR scores, NICU stay, neonatal morbidity and mortality, over a period of 12 months. RESULTS Of the 93 pairs of twins delivered, in 21(22.6%) pregnancies both twins were delivered vaginally, in 70(75.2%) pregnancies both were delivered by caesarean section and in 2 (1.8%) pregnancies 1st twin was delivered by vaginal route and 2nd by caesarean. In the vaginal delivery group, 85.7% times both twins were in vertex position. In the caesarean group, vertex/non-vertex (38.57%) was the most common presentation followed by non-vertex /non-vertex (25.71%) and vertex/vertex (24.28%). Comparing the perinatal outcome of second twin in both groups, the odds for APGAR score ≤7 was 3.385 times (OR-3.384, 95% CI 1.2099- 9.4684, p=0.02) in the vaginal group compared to the caesarean group. There was no association (OR-1.054, 95% CI 0.3344- 3.3268, p=0.9) between neonatal morbidity of second twin compared to mode of delivery. All 3 perinatal deaths were in the vaginal group (all between 28-32 weeks of gestation). CONCLUSION There is an increased preference for caesarean delivery in twin pregnancies except in cases where both the twins are in vertex position and not associated with any other maternal or fetal complication. However, the caesarean mode of delivery does not influence neonatal morbidity in second twin, except when the 1 minute APGAR score is ≤7.
Sector variation and ecological modernization: towards an analysis at the level of the firm

This paper is the first of a series of two in which the authors consider ecological modernization of state environmental policy in the context of individual firms. This is explored through three themes: the influences of industrial sector, company size and type of environmental regulation. In this paper, the significance of industry sector is explored and the authors show how lead and laggard sectors react in quite different ways. In the second paper (Vol. 7 No. 5), the theme of variability to the challenge of ecological modernization through the study of the impact of firm size and response to regulation is pursued. Throughout, the authors emphasize the need to understand the context in which firms operate and perceive their environment if we are to make progress in our knowledge and refine appropriate policies, tools and mechanisms to help steer industry on a more sustainable path. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Is Students' Activity in LMS Persistent?

Introduction. The most common method of blending the Internet in higher education today is by implementing Web-supported instruction, in which traditional face-to-face courses have auxiliary materials, usually using Learning Management Systems (LMS), e.g. WebCT, Moodle. Research of LMS in higher education has barely involved the examination of the individual's behavior over the learning period. Furthermore, although a large body of research exists regarding persistence in fully online learning configurations, only little was studied regarding the online persistence in Web-supported configurations. When empirically examining usage of Web learning environments, it has been noticed that two phenomenon are repeatedly occurring regarding volume and trends of activity: a) Many are little active, while some are extensively active; b) Overall decrease in visiting (usually with some spikes of access immediately before exams, assignment submission deadlines, or any other important events during the course) [1-4].
Spillovers between Food and Energy Prices and Structural Breaks

This paper estimates a bivariate VAR-GARCH(1,1) model to examine linkages between food and energy prices. The adopted framework is suitable to analyse both mean and volatility spillovers, and also allows for possible parameter shifts resulting from four recent events, namely: 1) the 2006 food crisis, 2) the Brent oil bubble, 3) the introduction of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) policy, and 4) the 2008 global financial crisis. The empirical findings suggest that there are significant linkages between food and both oil and ethanol prices. Further, the four events considered had mixed effects, the 2006 food crisis and 2008 financial crisis leading to the most significant shifts in the (volatility) spillovers between the price series considered.
Earnings Quality and Firm Valuation: International Evidence

This study uses a sample of over 7000 firms in 38 countries to investigate the relation between firm valuation and earnings quality. We find a positive and significant relation between firm valuation and an aggregate earnings quality measure based on seven earnings attributes (accruals quality, persistence, predictability, smoothness, value relevance, timeliness, and conservatism). This relation is particularly strong for firms with greater investment opportunities and more need for external finance, and for firms in low investor protection countries. Thus, firms are able to compensate for a weak legal environment by adopting higher earnings quality standards, particularly when they need to gain access to global capital markets. Overall, our findings suggest that firms with higher earnings quality are valued more highly in stock markets, supporting the idea that investors require a premium for the information risk associated with lower-quality earnings.
PBX3 is essential for leukemia stem cell maintenance in MLL‐rearranged leukemia

Interaction of HOXA9/MEIS1/PBX3 is responsible for hematopoietic system transformation in MLL‐rearranged (MLL‐r) leukemia. Of these genes, HOXA9 has been shown to be critical for leukemia cell survival, while MEIS1 has been identified as an essential regulator for leukemia stem cell (LSC) maintenance. Although significantly high expression of PBX3 was observed in clinical acute myeloid leukemia (AML) samples, the individual role of PBX3 in leukemia development is still largely unknown. In this study, we explored the specific role of PBX3 and its associated regulatory network in leukemia progression. By analyzing the clinical database, we found that the high expression of PBX3 is significantly correlated with a poor prognosis in AML patients. ChIP‐Seq/qPCR analysis in MLL‐r mouse models revealed aberrant epigenetic modifications with increased H3K79me2, and decreased H3K9me3 and H3K27me3 levels in LSCs, which may account for the high expression levels of Pbx3. To further examine the role of Pbx3 in AML maintenance and progression, we used the CRISPR/Cas9 system to delete Pbx3 in leukemic cells in the MLL‐AF9 induced AML mouse model. We found that Pbx3 deletion significantly prolonged the survival of leukemic mice and decreased the leukemia burden by decreasing the capacity of LSCs and promoting LSC apoptosis. In conclusion, we found that PBX3 is epigenetically aberrant in the LSCs of MLL‐r AML and is essential for leukemia development. Significantly, the differential expression of PBX3 in normal and malignant hematopoietic cells suggests PBX3 as a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target for MLL‐r leukemia.
The role of positive affect on social participation following stroke

Purpose: To examine the association between positive affect and social participation in adults with first-time stroke after in-patient medical rehabilitation. Methods: A prospective cohort design using information from the Stroke Recovery in Underserved Populations database (SRUP) for the years 2005–2006. Data were collected at discharge from in-patient medical rehabilitation and 3 months post-discharge. Participants were aged 50 and older with first-time stroke (n = 605) and admitted to 1 of 11 in-patient medical rehabilitation facilities across the United States. Primary measures included a positive affect scale and a home and community social participation instrument. Results: The mean age was 71.6 years, 50.3% were women, and 56.5% were married. Results of cumulative logit models showed each 1 point increase in positive affect was significantly associated with a 17% odds of higher social participation (OR: 1.17, 95% CI 1.10, 1.25), after adjusting for demographics, clinical characteristics, and negative affect. Conclusions: High positive affect at discharge from in-patient medical rehabilitation was associated with higher levels of social participation 3 months post-discharge. The significant association between higher positive affect and higher levels of social participation adds to accumulating evidence linking positive affect with beneficial physical and psychological outcomes after an acute event such as stroke. Implications for Rehabilitation This study shows positive affect associated with greater social participation 3 months post-discharge from in-patient medical rehabilitation. Positive affect may be a critical factor in the recovery trajectory of the stroke patient. The assessment of positive affect during in-patient medical rehabilitation may identify those at risk for poor social participation post-discharge and may lead to the design of innovative interventions aimed at the re-integration of stroke individuals into the community.
Perceptions and trends related to the consumption of honey: A case study of North‐West Romania

The present research investigated tendencies related to the purchasing and consumption of honey and to how it is perceived by consumers. Although Romania is a traditional honey-producing area, paradoxically, there is not a culture of consumption for this product, honey consumption being lower than in other European countries. The research objectives were achieved by investigating a representative sample of subjects from the North-West region of Romania. The research instrument used was a questionnaire, which included questions about honey consumption, questions related to perceptions of honey, together with socio-demographic questions. Honey is perceived to be a delicious product, delightful to consume and is considered beneficial for health by most of the respondents. A number of factors (education, occupation and age) significantly influence the perception that the respondent had of the value of honey. The most popular types of honey were acacia honey, polyfloral honey and linden honey. Respondents preferred to buy honey from a local producer, and had more confidence in domestic honey than in imported honey. Although the frequency of consumption is quite high, the quantity consumed per capita is low (on average 3 kg/year). Local honey producers should be aware that the revival of the beekeeping sector in Romania could be promoted by stimulating domestic consumption. Educating consumers to adopt a healthy lifestyle could significantly contribute to an increase in honey consumption. The paper emphasizes the need to conduct research that provides useful information about the quantitative and quality indicators of honey consumption, in order to improve marketing strategies.
Diversification and Performance in Developed and Emerging Market Contexts: A Review of the Literature

The link between diversification and performance has become an important topic for research in diverse fields such as strategic management, industrial organization and financial management. However, a synthesis of the research done in developed and emerging markets is missing. This paper attempts such a synthesis by comparing and contrasting the past cumulative empirical research evidence on the relationship between diversification and firm performance in the context of developed economies to the more recent work in the emerging economies. The empirical literature has been divided into three broad perspectives, and the paper highlights the considerable diversity in its findings in developed and emerging markets across each of these perspectives. Based on this study, it is proposed that related diversification is preferable in developed economies and should be based on specific resources, whereas unrelated diversification is appropriate in emerging economies and should be based on generic resources. Although agency problems exist in both contexts, it is argued that the type of problem differs in developed and emerging markets. The paper concludes by identifying three directions for future research. First, the relationship between diversification and performance should be examined across each industry separately and not in aggregate. Secondly, future research needs to examine the organizational mechanisms required to make diversification successful. Finally, the relationship needs to be examined under unstable and dynamic situations such as the current global economic downturn.
Nosocomial outbreak of Achromobacter xylosoxidans associated with a diagnostic contrast solution.

Lepromatous leprosy is an interesting disease regarding macrophage function and the host's failure to control the disease. ' The hypothesis that impaired non-specific defences might have a role in leprosy has become increasingly plausible, with speculation that macrophages are unable to present leprous antigens to the immune system. As impaired phagocytosis has been implicated, we undertook a survey of the whole phagocyte population. We chose to study leucocytic alkaline phosphatase (LAP) activity because of the similarity between lepromatous leprosy and mucocutaneous candidiasis: this latter disease, characterised by the persistence of Candida in spite of high titres of anticandida antibodies had been reported as showing a substantial decrease in LAP activity.2 Blood specimens collected on lithium heparinate were obtained in the French West Indies from 31 patients with leprosy aged between 4 and 73, and 11 healthy controls. All 31 patients had major cutaneous or neurological lesions. They were classified according to Ridley and Jopling's criteria3 as follows: 14 cases of lepromatous leprosy (eight receiving treatment and six not yet treated); nine with tuberculosis (seven had been treated); three borderline cases under treatment; and five with indeterminate leprosy (not yet treated). Healthy controls were of the same race and social background as the patients. The blood smears were fixed in formalin (10% in methanol) and stored at 4'C, and processed within three days for LAP activity (technique adapted from Kaplow). 4 The slides were examined microscopically for a
Transferring management knowledge into China: A conceptual model and case study

The over-half-a-century collective experience of transferring management knowledge from the West into China is analysed based on a pragmatic conception of knowledge and a contingency model of transfer. Findings suggest that cross- border transmission will be more effective if actors (1) carefully investigate the transferabilities of ideals, tools and practice in management innovations, and (2) consciously pursue theoretically informed copying, adapting and mutual learning strategies. This allows a proposition that a culturally and institutionally sensitive perspective that nurtures international communities of knowing is crucial for globally informed indigenous management.
An examination of restaurant loyalty programs: what kinds of rewards do customers prefer?

Purpose – This study aims to investigate customer preferences towards loyalty reward programs in the restaurant industry. Willingness to join such programs and expected benefits are also examined.Design/methodology/approach – Focus group interviews followed by a survey methodology were used to test the research questions. The study sample included participants in a popular arts festival in Pennsylvania, USA and restaurant patrons in Las Vegas, USA.Findings – A vast majority of study respondents favored immediate, necessary, and monetary gratification. These results were consistent across restaurant types (fast‐food versus casual dining). Although savings was the most sought‐after benefit, intangible benefits such as quality and convenience also received high ratings. Casual dining customers, in particular, seemed to be highly motivated by exploration and entertainment‐type benefits.Research limitations/implications – Future research should investigate the optimal level or combination of rewards. In additi.
The Survival of Newly Incorporated Companies and Founding Director Characteristics

The founding directors of newly incorporated companies bring social capital (reputation, networks, business relationships) and human capital (task-related, professional and director experience) to a new venture and founding boards vary in degree of heterogeneity (size, diversity, turnover). This paper is exploratory and seeks to uncover new insights relating to the link between the characteristics of the board of directors of newly incorporated firms and the likelihood of company survival in the early years. Hypotheses are tested within a discrete-time duration-dependent (competing risks) hazard model which controls for macro-economic conditions and likely recursive relationships. Analyses of sub-sample marginal effects are used to confirm the magnitude and economic significance of our results. The study utilizes a unique and considerable dataset of over 5.8 million company-year observations (near population) of newly incorporated companies and early stage board characteristics. Results suggest that the background, experience, networking, diversity and composition of new boards are important in determining the trajectory of success/failure of new firms.
A methodology to assess value creation in communities of innovation

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a methodology to assess the capacity of communities of innovation (CoI) to improve the value creation process. The methodology consists of a sequence of successive steps, which aim at identifying the characteristics, the influence, and the relationships between the intellectual capital (IC) elements, and finally evaluating their performance.Design/methodology/approach – The proposed methodology has been defined through the joined activity of academic researchers, experienced consultants, and community managers and is grounded on an interview‐based approach. The methodology has been implemented into the CoI of Finmeccanica, the Italian leading company in the industry of high technology for aerospace, defence and security.Findings – The methodology has been shown to be suitable in singling out the factual contribution of every IC element and its direct and indirect influence on the economic performance of the CoI.Originality/value – The implementation of the.
Agency Problem And The Value Of Conglomerates

Empirical studies show that a large portion of the diversification discount can be explained by controlling for firm-specific characteristics. Although these studies leave no doubt that there is a self-selection component in firm’s decision to diversify, the failure to explain the entire discount implies that some conglomerates destroy value and raises a question: why firms choose to diversify and what prevent them from value-increasing divestitures. This paper provides an answer to this question. It argues that the agency cost in a conglomerate is positively related to the number of divisions with good investment opportunities. Therefore, benefits of conglomeration offset agency costs for conglomerates with a number of bad divisions and make diversification profitable for bad firms. However, when investment opportunities of some divisions improve, the agency cost increases and offsets the benefits of diversification. Unfortunately, if investors cannot correctly price all of the conglomerate’s divisions, the conglomerate cannot receive the fair price for its good divisions and, therefore, cannot implement value-increasing divestitures. As a result, the paper predicts a negative relationship between the age of the conglomerate and the diversification discount, while a failure to control for the self-selection bias may lead to an incorrect conclusion that this relationship is positive. By looking at the exogenous shocks to the economy, the paper also predicts more refocusing activities and greater value-distortion of diversification during economic booms.
Comparison of pregnancy dating by last menstrual period, ultrasound scanning, and their combination.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of algorithms for the assignment of gestational age with the use of the last menstrual period and early ultrasound information. STUDY DESIGN Gestational age estimates that are based on last menstrual period, ultrasound scanning, or their combination were compared among women who attended prenatal care clinics in central North Carolina (n = 3655) by an evaluation of digit preference in the last menstrual period dates and a comparison of mean gestational age, preterm and postterm categories with the use of kappa statistics, difference between actual and expected delivery date, and birth weight among subgroups with discrepant assignments. RESULTS Last menstrual period reports show digit preference, assign gestation 2.8 days longer on average than ultrasound scanning, yield substantially more postterm births (12.1% vs 3.4%), and predict delivery among term births less accurately. Misclassification of births as postterm was more common in younger women, those of nonoptimal prepregnancy body weight, cigarette smokers, and women who reported last menstrual period using preferred dates of the month. CONCLUSION Last menstrual period estimates of the duration of gestation are subject to both random error and a systematic tendency to overstate the duration of gestation, most likely because of delayed ovulation.
Inhibition of Orai 1-mediated Ca 2 entry is a key mechanism of the antiproliferative action of sirolimus in human arterial smooth muscle

Sarah König, Sara Browne, Bernhard Doleschal, Michaela Schernthaner, Michael Poteser, Heinrich Mächler, Eric Wittchow, Marlen Braune, Martin Muik, Christoph Romanin, and Klaus Groschner Institute of Biophysics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria; Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria; Vascular Interventions Research and Deleopment Group, Biotronik Societas Europaea and Compagnie Kommanditgesellschaft, Erlangen, Germany; and Institute of Biophysics, University of Linz, Linz, Austria