Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Enterprise Systems Implementation on the Firm Information Environment

This study uses an archival research design to assess the impact of enterprise systems on a firm's internal information environment as reflected in the production of management earnings forecasts. Specifically, the authors hypothesize that, if enterprise systems improve management's access to decision-relevant internal information, higher quality management earnings forecasts should ensue. Consistent with disclosure theory and the purported technical characteristics of enterprise systems, the authors find a positive association between enterprise system implementations and subsequent increases in the likelihood of management forecast issuance and the accuracy of the forecasts. Additional robustness tests support the argument that improvements in management forecasts are due to improvements in the firm's internal information environment rather than to enhancements in management's ability to manage earnings. Beyond accumulating financial reporting information, the authors note that such systems provide management with information to make day-to-day operational decisions. Moreover, the paper provides a basis for considering management forecast qualities as a measurable proxy for improvements in the firm's internal information environment that result from information technology investments.
Virtual world professionals and avatar appearance codes

In this paper we discuss the results of a pilot study aimed at virtual world professionals in Second Life. This study was conducted in order to investigate the role avatar appearance may play in maintaining business relationships in virtual worlds. We also describe avatar "appearance codes" -- corporate policies that govern the appearance of employee avatars. In our pilot study we found that only 13.5% of participants are subject to such a policy. The details of policies are discussed below.
Large Shareholder Tunneling and Risk of Stock Price Crash： Evidence from China

Although several studies have examined the economic consequences of large shareholders’ tunneling behavior, little attention has been paid to the negative effects of tunneling on firms’ extreme events. In this article, we investigate how tunneling behavior affects firm-level stock price crashes. The findings indicate that the probability of stock price crashes is positively associated with the extent of tunneling behavior by large shareholders. The positive relationship is more pronounced after the split of share structure reform and is moderated by the firm’s financial conditions. This study contributes to the emerging body of literature focusing on the economic consequences of tunneling and stock price crashes. The conclusions drawn from the study also provide a frame of reference for investor protection and investment portfolios based on large shareholders’ tunneling behavior in China.
Title Efficient and seamless DNA recombineering using a thymidylate synthase A selection system in Escherichia coli

l-Red system-based recombinogenic engineering is a powerful new method to engineer DNA without the need for restriction enzymes or ligases. Here, we report the use of a single selectable marker to enhance theusefulness of thisapproach.Thestrategy is to utilize the thymidylate synthase A (thyA) gene, which encodes an enzyme involved in the synthesis of thymidine 50-triphosphate, for both positive and negative selection. With this approach, we successfully created point mutations in plasmid and bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) DNA containing the mouse Col10a1 gene. The results showed that the thyA selection system is highly efficient and accurate, giving an average of . 90% selection efficiency. This selection system produces DNA that is free from permanent integration of unwanted sequences, thus allowing unlimited rounds of modifications if required.
Microbial ecology of Campylobacter jejuni in a United Kingdom chicken supply chain: intermittent common source, vertical transmission, and amplification by flock propagation

A study of Campylobacter jejuni on a broiler chicken farm between 1989 and 1994 gave an estimated isolation rate of 27% (3,304 of 12,233) from a 0.9% sample of 1.44 million broiler chickens from six to eight sheds over 32 consecutive rearing flocks comprising 251 broiler shed flocks. During the study, C. jejuni was found in 35.5% of the 251 shed flocks but only 9.2% (23 of 251) had Campylobacter isolates in successive flocks, with 9 of those 23 sheds having the same serotype between consecutive flocks, indicating a low level of transmission between flocks. Analysis of a systematic sample of 484 of 3,304 (14.6%) C. jejuni isolates showed that 85% were of 10 serotype complexes but 58% were of 3 serotype complexes, indicating a high degree of strain similarity throughout the entire study. The three commonest types were detected in 8 of 32 flocks during the 5-year study period, suggesting an intermittent common external Campylobacter source. This hypothesis was tested by a retrospective cohort analysis of C. jejuni rates and types by reference to hatchery supplier of the 1-day-old chicks. Isolation rates of C. jejuni and frequency distribution of types were determined in 6-week-old broiler chickens identified by the hatchery supplying the original chicks. The isolation rate of C. jejuni in broilers, supplied by hatchery A, was 17.6%, compared to 42.9% (P < 0.0001) for broilers reared from chicks supplied by hatchery B. In two instances, when both hatcheries were used to stock the same farm flock, Campylobacter isolates were found only in those sheds with chicks supplied by hatchery B. Thus, the frequency distribution of Campylobacter types for chickens supplied by the two hatcheries over the 5-year period showed marked dissimilarity. These findings suggest that the isolation rate and type of Campylobacter isolates in broiler chickens was associated with the hatchery supplying chicks. The lack of diversity of types and the intermittent high positivity of sheds is evidence for a common source of C. jejuni introduced by vertical transmission rather than contamination at the hatchery or during transportation.
Childhood Asthma in the Highlands of Scotland — Morbidity and School Absence

Background The prevalence of childhood asthma in Scotland is one of the highest in the world. The morbidity secondary to allergic diseases is significant in terms of costs to the nation and effects on the family including the child. Aims The aims of this study were to describe the prevalence of asthma, eczema and hay fever in the Highlands of Scotland and in the Shetland Isles and to examine factors in relation to quality of life and social deprivation. Method A total population survey of 12 year old children using a parent completed questionnaire. Results 86.3% (2658/3080) returned questionnaires. Of the 2549 questionnaires analysed, 476 (18.7%) reported asthma ever, 362 (14.2%) wheeze in last 12 months, 508 (19.9%) reported hay fever ever and 555 (21.8%) reported eczema ever. Of the children reporting asthma or wheeze, 35.4% (229/647) had missed school because of asthma or wheeze, 38.0% (246/647) had missed physical education. 62.5% (354/566) of subjects with wheeze ever reported sleep disturbance. Deprivation measured by DEPCAT scores was associated with maternal smoking and bronchitis in the child but not with allergic diseases. Conclusion Compared with previous studies, the prevalence of asthma was unchanged but eczema has increased in Highland adolescents. Allergic disease has a significant impact on school attendance and physical activity. Deprivation was associated with maternal smoking and bronchitis in the child but not with allergic diseases. The impact of allergic diseases in rural areas may be different from urban areas.
Transitioning to adulthood with a progressive condition: best practice assumptions and individual experiences of young men with Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Abstract Purpose: Youth with progressive conditions are living longer, and there is increased health care focus on assisting them with “transitioning” to adult services and adult life. The purpose of this investigation was to examine key discourses and normative assumptions underpinning transitions best practices and how they are reflected in the experiences of young men with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Methods: Using a critical perspective, we qualitatively analyzed influential transitions best practice documents to identify their underpinning discursive assumptions. We compared these to the analysis of qualitative interviews and diary data from a study of 11 young men with DMD. Results: Transitions best practices are underpinned by discourses of developmental progression. They reproduce notions that associate successful transitions with becoming as independent as possible, approximating normal life trajectories, and planning for future adulthood. The accounts of youth with DMD both reflected and resisted these future-oriented discourses in creative ways that maintained positive personal identities. Conclusions: Normal developmental progression towards typical adult roles constitutes the generally accepted aims of transitions practices. Such aims may not be appropriate for all youth with disabilities. We suggest that alternative understandings of the life course and approaches to care need to be considered alongside dominant practices. Implications for Rehabilitation Children and youth with progressive conditions, such as DMD, are living longer and there is increased interest in designing programs that will assist them with “transitioning” to adulthood. Transitions best practices reflect dominant social values and assumptions about what constitutes a successful adulthood, embedded in goals such as independent living, self-management and obtaining work. Rehabilitation professionals should be aware of both positive (e.g. feelings of achievement) and negative (e.g. anxiety about the future) consequences of transitions practices that emphasize normal social developmental trajectories and milestones. Discussions with youth should offer multiple possibilities for living a good life in the present and provide support to address negative feelings and the progressive effects of DMD.
Life without Parole for Juvenile Offenders: Questions of Legality and Adolescent Culpability

Life without parole for juvenile offenders is a controversial issue across the globe. Recently, the United States stands alone as the only country in the world that allows juvenile offenders to be sentenced to life time confinement without the possibility of parole. Furthermore, the U.S. has seen an increase in juvenile waivers and blended sentences, which has resulted in harsher penalties for juvenile offenders who have committed serious and violent crimes. This analysis examines scientific evidence that shows juveniles are different from adults in terms of brain development, rational decision making abilities, and maturity levels. These findings have questioned the reasoning behind imposing adult punishment on adolescent behavior. This analysis also presents the legal arguments suggesting that juvenile life without parole is unconstitutional and violates the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments. Arguments for and against life sentences were also presented. This study concludes with a discussion of policy implications, whether the U.S. Supreme Court should abolish juvenile life without parole sentencing practices and explores the possible future direction of juvenile sentencing in the United States.
The Impact of Achievement Motivation Training on Small Businesses

The social impact of achievement motivation training upon small businesses is summarized for nine programs conducted in five countries in the period 1963-1974. Financial impact of this training is also shown as it is used in combination with business education courses, in conjunction with technical training/consulting, as well as by itself. The training resulted in significant improvements in gross sales, net profit, and other areas in each of the applications.
Biometric authentication using finger nail surface

This paper presents a new biometric system based on the outer surface of the finger nail. There has not been any attempt in utilizing nail shape and texture for human authentication. The nail bed information, imitated on the nail surface proves to be a very unique and stable biometric identifier for personal authentication. However, research literature presents some complex set-up and the use of interferometer technique for extraction of nail bed details. In this work we propose a very simple and convenient method to segment nail surface from the user hand and use it as a biometric identifier. We further extract texture feature from nail-surface and our experimental results from 180 users validate the contributions from this paper.
Older Social and Private Renters, the Neighbourhood, and Social Connections and Activity

This study explores the social worlds of older renters. Drawing on in-depth interviews and Sen's capability approach, it argues that accommodation costs, security of tenure and the neighbourhood play a pivotal role in shaping the capability of older renters to initiate and sustain social connections and leisure activities. In the case of older private renters, their high rents and constant anxiety around their security of tenure meant that many did not have the capability to engage in leisure activities and were isolated. In contrast, the older social housing interviewees, because of their low rents, guaranteed security of tenure and longevity of residence, usually had the capability to sustain strong social ties and partake in social activities.
Novel cyclooxygenase‐catalyzed bioactive prostaglandin F2α from physiology to new principles in inflammation

Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), a foremost stable vasoactive cyclooxygenase (COX)‐catalyzed prostaglandin, regulates a number of key physiological functions such as luteolysis, ovarian function, luteal maintenance of pregnancy, and parturition as a constitutive part of ongoing reproductive processes of the body. It has recently been implicated in the regulation of intricate pathophysiological processes, such as acute and chronic inflammation, cardiovascular and rheumatic diseases. Since the discovery of a second isoform of COXs, it has been shown that PGF2α can be formed in vivo from arachidonic acid through both isoforms of COXs, namely cyclooxygenase‐1 (COX‐1) and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2). Being synthesized in various parts of the body, it metabolizes instantly to a number of rather inactive metabolites mainly in the lungs, liver, kidney, and efficiently excretes into the urine. 15‐Keto‐dihydro‐PGF2α, a major stable metabolite of PGF2α that reflects in vivo PGF2α biosynthesis, is found in larger quantities than its parent compound in the circulation and urine in basal physiological conditions, with short‐lived pulses during luteolysis, induced termination of pregnancy and parturition, and is increased in tissues and various body fluids during acute, sub‐chronic, and severe chronic inflammation. Further, the close relationship of PGF2α with a number of risk factors for atherosclerosis indicates its major role in inflammation pathology. This review addresses multiple aspects of PGF2α in addition to its emerging role in physiology to inflammation. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 27, No. 4, 435–468, 2007
History of separation anxiety in patients with panic disorder and depression and normal controls

ABSTRACT– The frequency and severity of separation anxiety for subjects with panic disorder and major depression was compared with that for normal controls. The subjects were diagnosed according to DSM‐III criteria. Each subject completed a questionnaire consisting of 9 items derived from DSM‐III criteria for separation anxiety disorder. The incidence of separation anxiety and its severity were significantly higher for the panic disorder subjects than for normal controls but there was no significant difference between depressed and panic disorder subjects. Panic disorder subjects with a history of separation anxiety disorder had a significantly earlier onset of panic attacks.
Antifibrinolytic drugs for acute traumatic injury

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Uncontrolled bleeding is an important cause of death in trauma victims. Antifibrinolytic treatment has been shown to reduce blood loss following surgery and may also be effective in reducing blood loss following trauma. OBJECTIVE: To quantify the effect of antifibrinolytic drugs in reducing blood loss, transfusion requirement and mortality after acute traumatic injury. CRITERIA FOR CONSIDERING STUDIES FOR THIS REVIEW: We searched the Cochrane Injuries Group's Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Science Citation Index, National Research Register, Zetoc, SIGLE, Global Health, LILACS, and Current Controlled Trials. The Cochrane Injuries Group Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE and EMBASE searches were updated in July 2010. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included all randomised controlled trials of antifibrinolytic agents (aprotinin, tranexamic acid [TXA] and epsilon-aminocaproic acid) following acute traumatic injury. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The titles and abstracts identified in the electronic searches were screened by two independent authors to identify studies that had the potential to meet the inclusion criteria. The full reports of all such studies were obtained. From the results of the screened electronic searches, bibliographic searches, and contacts with experts, two authors independently selected trials meeting the inclusion criteria, with any disagreements resolved by consensus. MAIN RESULTS: Four trials met the inclusion criteria. Two trials with a combined total of 20,451 patients assessed the effects of TXA on mortality; TXA reduced the risk of death by 10% (RR = 0.90, 95% CI 0.85 to 0.97; P = 0.0035). Data from one trial involving 20,211 patients found that TXA reduced the risk of death due to bleeding by 15% (RR = 0.85, 95% CI 0.76 to 0.96; P = 0.0077). There was no evidence that TXA increased the risk of vascular occlusive events or need for surgical intervention. There was no substantial difference in the receipt of blood transfusion between the TXA and placebo groups. The two trials of aprotinin provided no reliable data. AUTHORS’ CONCLUSIONS: TXA safely reduces mortality in bleeding trauma patients without increasing the risk of adverse events. Further trials are needed to determine the effects of TXA in patients with isolated traumatic brain injury.
Structural neuroimaging correlates of alcohol and cannabis use in adolescents and adults

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Chronic alcohol use is associated with lower gray matter volume, and we reported recently that alcohol use showed negative associations with widespread gray matter (GM) volume even among young adults. The current study aimed to test the strength of association between (1) alcohol use and GM volume; (2) alcohol use and white matter (WM) integrity; (3) cannabis use and GM volume; and (4) cannabis use and WM integrity among adults and adolescents. DESIGN AND SETTING General linear models within large pooled cross-sectional samples of adolescents and adults who had participated in studies collecting substance use and neuroimaging data in the southwestern United States. PARTICIPANTS The current analysis included adults aged 18-55 years (n = 853) and adolescents aged 14-18 years (n = 439) with a range of alcohol and cannabis use. MEASUREMENTS The dependent variable was GM volume or WM integrity, with key predictors of alcohol use [Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) score] and cannabis use (past 30-day use). FINDINGS Alcohol use showed large clusters of negative associations (ηp2 = 0.028-0.145, P < 0.001) with GM volume among adults and to a lesser extent (one cluster; ηp2 = 0.070, P < 0.05) among adolescents. Large clusters showed significant associations (ηp2 = 0.050-0.124, P < 0.001) of higher alcohol use with poorer WM integrity, whereas adolescents showed no significant associations between alcohol use and WM. No associations were observed between structural measures and past 30-day cannabis use in adults or adolescents. CONCLUSIONS Alcohol use severity is associated with widespread lower gray matter volume and white matter integrity in adults, and with lower gray matter volume in adolescents.
Wave propagation in a vegetated residential area using the distorted born approximation and the Fresnel-Kirchhoff approximation

A theoretical model is proposed to include the incoherent fields along with the coherent fields to compute the excess loss in a vegetated residential environment, with particular application to mobile radio systems. Physical optics is used to evaluate the diffracting fields at the receiver level by using multiple Kirchhoff-Huygens integration for each half-screen combination. The fields at the aperture of each half-screen depend on the mean field passing through a tree and the incoherent fields produced by the tree canopy. The mean field in the tree canopy is found by using the multiple scattering theory of Foldy-Lax. The incoherent field produced by the tree canopy is found by using the distorted Born approximation.
A NOTE ON LIQUIDITY AND REAL EQUILIBRIUM INTEREST RATES

This note proposes a general equilibrium model with heterogeneous households and a financial market where each financial instrument provides liquidity services in addition to enabling a transfer of purchasing power over time. Importantly, liquidity services may be asymmetric according to whether the financial instrument is held as an asset or as a liability, and are also agent-specific. The main purpose of the study is to develop an analytical framework and a language for evaluating the effect of (broadly defined) liquidity factors on equilibrium rates of return.
Osmotic mechanisms regulating cerebrospinal fluid vasopressin and oxytocin in the conscious rat.

The effect of intraventricular and intravenous (i.v.) hypertonic saline on plasma and perfusate arginine vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OT) levels was determined. A push-pull technique was used to sample third ventricular cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the conscious unrestrained rat. Intraventricular perfusion of hypertonic saline caused a 6.1- and 4.2-fold increase in perfusate levels of AVP and OT. Plasma levels with the same stimulus increased 3.5-fold for AVP and 3.4-fold for OT. Peak levels of the peptides occurred at 30 and 60 min in the CSF perfusate and plasma, respectively. Thus, the central peptide response occurred earlier and was of a greater magnitude than the systemic one. Intravenous hypertonic saline administration caused a rapid (15 min) increase in plasma AVP and OT, changes of 12.6- and 22.9-fold. Perfusate AVP did not change with i.v. hypertonic saline while OT was increased 10-fold. Two types of recovery experiments were performed (1) in which the rate of disappearance of 125I-labeled peptides from CSF was determined and (2) in which total body water was labeled with 3H2O and the amount of dilution determined. Both techniques showed that recovery of endogenous CSF in the push-pull perfusate was approximately 15%. Thus, the perfusate peptide levels represent an underestimation of in vivo secretion. Osmotic stimuli elicit specific changes in the third ventricular levels of AVP and OT. The differential response in the two hormones to i.v. hypertonic saline shows a uniqueness in the mechanisms controlling the central secretion of AVP and OT.
Multimodal microglia imaging of fiber tracts in acute subcortical stroke

Case series with 11C‐PK11195 and positron emission tomography (PET) in stroke patients suggest that activated microglia may be detected in remote brain regions with fiber tract connections to the lesion site as an indicator of poststroke neuroinflammation. However, the specificity of these imaging findings remains to be demonstrated.