Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
L'efficacité du marché financier : essais sur l’effet “momentum” et l’anomalie “accruals”

Cette these se compose de trois essais sur deux anomalies bien documentees : effet momentum et anomalie des ajustements comptables. Le premier essai examine si l'ampleur de l'anomalie des ajustements comptables est entrainee par la probabilite de detresse financiere. Les resultats indiquent que l'anomalie des ajustements comptables est economiquement et statistiquement positive pour les entreprises avec une faible probabilite de detresse financiere, mais non significative pour celles avec une forte probabilite de detresse financiere. Cela signifie que cette anomalie des ajustements comptables est omnipresente, mais pas limitee aux entreprises avec une faible probabilite de detresse financiere. Le deuxieme essai etend la question de recherche abordee dans le premier essai au marche boursier emergent du Vietnam. Comme pour les resultats du premier essai, les resultats indiquent que l'anomalie des ajustements comptables est limitee aux stocks avec une faible probabilite de detresse financiere. Le dernier essai examine si l'effet momentum se produit sur le marche boursier vietnamien. Les resultats confirment la presence de momentum dans le court terme et revelent aussi que les rendements gagnants et perdants sont faiblement persistants, mais que la forte correlation entre ces rendements gagnants et perdants cree des benefices momentum significatifs.
One Step Closer to Automatic Evaluation of Text Simplification Systems

This study explores the possibility of replacing the costly and time-consuming human evaluation of the grammaticality and meaning preservation of the output of text simplification (TS) systems with some automatic measures. The focus is on six widely used machine translation (MT) evaluation metrics and their correlation with human judgements of grammaticality and meaning preservation in text snippets. As the results show a significant correlation between them, we go further and try to classify simplified sentences into: (1) those which are acceptable; (2) those which need minimal post-editing; and (3) those which should be discarded. The preliminary results, reported in this paper, are promising.
Developing leadership skills and resilience in turbulent times: A quasi-experimental evaluation study

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate a leadership program in a way that captures leadership self-efficacy, political skills (PS) and resilience in the form of indicators of health and well-being that would have relevance for leadership roles in turbulent organizations. Design/methodology/approach – The design was quasi-experimental with pre- and post-measurement with unequal controls. Measurement was made through a mail survey before and after the leadership development program. n=107. Findings – Program participants differed from the control group in the post-measurement in that they reported higher levels on leadership self-efficacy and had better health compared to a year earlier. Research limitations/implications – Concepts like leadership self-efficacy, PS and measures of health and well-being can be used to operationalize and measure broad and contextually relevant outcomes of leadership development. Practical implications – Evaluation of leadership development can benefit from includi.
Real-world impact of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor on febrile neutropenia.

BACKGROUND Primary prophylaxis with granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (pp-g-csf) is recommended in patients undergoing chemotherapy carrying a febrile neutropenia (fn) risk of 20% or more. In the present study, we examined clinical practice patterns and the impact of pp-g-csf on fn incidence in women with early-stage breast cancer (ebc) treated with modern adjuvant chemotherapy (act). METHODS This single-centre retrospective cohort study of women with ebc, who were identified from the pharmacy database and who received at least 1 cycle of modern act from January 2009 to December 2011, was conducted at the Cancer Centre of Southeastern Ontario. Data on patient demographics, pathology, stage distribution, chemotherapy, pp-g-csf use, dose reductions, chemotherapy delays, treatment discontinuation, relative dose intensity, and fn events were collected. Chi-square tests, t-tests, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, and nonparametric Mann-Whitney U-tests were used for data analysis. RESULTS Of the 239 women eligible for analysis, 145 (61%) received pp-g-csf, and 50 (21%) developed at least 1 episode of fn. Use of pp-g-csf was associated with a significantly lower rate of fn (14% vs. 31%, p = 0.002) and trends to fewer dose delays (17% vs. 27%, p = 0.060) and dose reductions (19% vs. 25%, p = 0.28). Among women receiving pp-g-csf, higher fn rates were associated with an age of 65 years or older, taxane-based chemotherapy, and prophylaxis with filgrastim. CONCLUSIONS Clinical practice patterns at our institution showed that more than 50% of ebc patients treated with modern act received pp-g-csf, which led to fewer fn episodes and increased delivery of planned act. The observed high fn risk despite pp-g-csf was linked to older age, taxane-based chemotherapy, and filgrastim.
Predicting Breast-Feeding Intention among Low-Income Pregnant Women: A Comparison of Two Theoretical Models

This study examined the applicability of the transtheoretical model and a model derived from the theory of reasoned action for predicting breast-feeding intention among low-income pregnant women. Participants completed a 70-item self-report questionnaire assessing their breast-feeding attitudes, intentions, and support. A positive correlation existed between Stages of Change for breast-feeding and the number of Processes of Change used by respondents. A negative correlation existed between Stages of Change for breast-feeding and the number of negative breast-feeding beliefs held by respondents. Furthermore, women’s normative beliefs and outcome beliefs were significantly correlated with breast-feeding intention in manners consistent with the model developed from the theory of reasoned action. After accounting for significant sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, the Processes of Change and outcome beliefs remained independently correlated with breast-feeding intention. These models are capable of predicting the intention to breast-feed and might offer an innovative approach for further breast-feeding research and intervention development.
Hearts and minds

We develop a theoretical framework to explain why individuals respond differently to dissimilarity from their coworkers. We draw on regulatory focus theory to explore how chronic regulatory motivations cause individuals to view dissimilarity in terms of potential gains or losses. We use this argument to explain the mixed findings in previous research. We also use regulatory focus theory to predict individuals’ cognitive and affective responses to dissimilarity, and consequently to outcomes like relationships with coworkers, altruism, conflict in workgroups, and withdrawal from the workgroup. Finally we use regulatory focus theory to explore how situational features like the diversity climate of the organization and whether the focal individual is a token in the workgroup shape their responses to dissimilarity by triggering different regulatory motivations. Taken together our motivational model of relational demography provides an overarching framework for understanding how attributes of the individual and the situation predict how they will respond.
Extended trochanteric osteotomy in complex primary total hip arthroplasty. A brief note.

BACKGROUND The extended trochanteric osteotomy has been a useful approach for patients undergoing revision total hip arthroplasty; however, it has not been well described as an approach for those undergoing complex primary total hip arthroplasty. The purpose of the present report is to describe our experience with the use of an extended trochanteric osteotomy for patients undergoing complex primary total hip arthroplasty. METHODS Six patients underwent primary total hip arthroplasty with use of an extended trochanteric osteotomy. The reasons for the use of this technique included severe femoral deformity, removal of intraosseous hardware, and high-riding developmental hip dysplasia. A fully porous-coated femoral component with diaphyseal fixation was used for all reconstructions. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was fifty-six years. Clinical and radiographic evaluation was performed at a minimum of two years. RESULTS After a mean duration of follow-up of fifty months, all patients had an osseointegrated, stable femoral component. The site of the extended trochanteric osteotomy healed in five of the six patients. One patient had nonunion at the osteotomy site and a fracture at the base of the greater trochanter, with a subsequent fracture of the femoral component. The mean Merle D'Aubigné and Postel pain and walking scores improved from 2.2 and 2.3 preoperatively to 5.3 and 4.7 at the time of the final follow-up (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The extended trochanteric osteotomy is useful for the correction of femoral deformity and facilitates the removal of intraosseous hardware in carefully selected patients undergoing complex primary total hip arthroplasty.
Selectivity of commonly used pharmacological inhibitors for cystathionine β synthase (CBS) and cystathionine γ lyase (CSE)

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a signalling molecule that belongs to the gasotransmitter family. Two major sources for endogenous enzymatic production of H2S are cystathionine β synthase (CBS) and cystathionine γ lyase (CSE). In the present study, we examined the selectivity of commonly used pharmacological inhibitors of H2S biosynthesis towards CSE and CBS.
A bridge to nowhere: methane emissions and the greenhouse gas footprint of natural gas

In April 2011, we published the first peer‐reviewed analysis of the greenhouse gas footprint (GHG) of shale gas, concluding that the climate impact of shale gas may be worse than that of other fossil fuels such as coal and oil because of methane emissions. We noted the poor quality of publicly available data to support our analysis and called for further research. Our paper spurred a large increase in research and analysis, including several new studies that have better measured methane emissions from natural gas systems. Here, I review this new research in the context of our 2011 paper and the fifth assessment from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released in 2013. The best data available now indicate that our estimates of methane emission from both shale gas and conventional natural gas were relatively robust. Using these new, best available data and a 20‐year time period for comparing the warming potential of methane to carbon dioxide, the conclusion stands that both shale gas and conventional natural gas have a larger GHG than do coal or oil, for any possible use of natural gas and particularly for the primary uses of residential and commercial heating. The 20‐year time period is appropriate because of the urgent need to reduce methane emissions over the coming 15–35 years.
Immune-mediated pathology of nematode infection in sheep – is immunity beneficial to the animal?

SUMMARY Nematode parasitism is a severe impediment to sustainable and profitable sheep production in many countries in the world. Parasite resistance to anthelmintic treatment and consumer demand for organic agricultural products has led to much research into harnessing natural immunity as a long-term control measure. However, there is evidence that many of the clinical signs of nematode infection in sheep are due to immune-mediated pathology rather than direct effects of the parasite. Therefore, the desirability of promoting a strong natural immunity in sheep has been questioned. This review attempts to clarify some of the arguments for and against promoting strong natural immunity, particularly through selective breeding of parasite-resistant animals. It is concluded that the detrimental effects of immune-mediated pathology are outweighed by epidemiological and welfare benefits. Thus, control of nematode parasites through selection of naturally resistant sheep is a sustainable and desirable objective.
Molecular eyes: proteins that transform light into biological information

Most biological photoreceptors are protein/cofactor complexes that induce a physiological reaction upon absorption of a photon. Therefore, these proteins represent signal converters that translate light into biological information. Researchers use this property to stimulate and study various biochemical processes conveniently and non-invasively by the application of light, an approach known as optogenetics. Here, we summarize the recent experimental progress on the family of blue light receptors using FAD (BLUF) receptors. Several BLUF photoreceptors modulate second messenger levels and thus represent highly interesting tools for optogenetic application. In order to activate a coupled effector protein, the flavin-binding pocket of the BLUF domain undergoes a subtle rearrangement of the hydrogen network upon blue light absorption. The hydrogen bond switch is facilitated by the ultrafast light-induced proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) between a tyrosine and the flavin in less than a nanosecond and remains stable on a long enough timescale for biochemical reactions to take place. The cyclic nature of the photoinduced reaction makes BLUF domains powerful model systems to study protein/cofactor interaction, protein-modulated PCET and novel mechanisms of biological signalling. The ultrafast nature of the photoconversion as well as the subtle structural rearrangement requires sophisticated spectroscopic and molecular biological methods to study and understand this highly intriguing signalling process.
B-Myb and C-Myb Play Required Roles in Neuronal Apoptosis Evoked by Nerve Growth Factor Deprivation and DNA Damage

Activation of cell cycle elements plays a required role in neuronal apoptosis associated with both development and neurodegenerative disorders. We demonstrated previously that neuron survival requires gene repression mediated by the cell cycle transcription factor E2F (E2 promoter binding factor) and that apoptotic stimuli lead to de-repression of E2F-regulated genes and consequent death. However, the downstream mediators of such death have been unclear. The transcription factors B- and C-myb are E2F-regulated genes that are induced in neurons by apoptotic stimuli. Here, we examine the role of B- and C-myb induction in neuron death. Antisense and siRNA constructs that effectively block the upregulation of B- and C-myb provide substantial protection against death of cultured neuronal PC12 cells, sympathetic neurons, and cortical neurons elicited by either NGF withdrawal or DNA damage. There is also significant protection from death induced by direct E2F-dependent gene de-repression. Our findings thus establish required roles for B- and C-myb in neuronal apoptosis.
Practical experience of using directly observed procedures, mini clinical evaluation examinations, and peer observation in pre-registration house officer (FY1) trainees

This paper describes an eight month experience with three of the four main assessment tools that will be used to validate the successful completion of the FY1 placement. The practical issues around the implementation of these new tools is of great concern to all involved in the management of postgraduate training and it is hoped that this paper will contribute some of the practical elements so far unavailable from Department of Health sources.
The Application of Spatial Shifting for Peak-to-Average Power Ratio Reduction in MIMO OFDM Systems

This paper investigates the application of spatial shifting (SS) of partial transmit sequences (PTSs) in multiple-input multiple-output OFDM. The technique rearranges the transmit (TX) vector in such a way that subparts are transmitted on those TX branches that result in the lowest overall peak-to-average power ratio. The application of different subcarrier grouping schemes and the combination of SS with phase shifting (PS) of the PTSs is investigated. Furthermore, a transparent extension of the techniques, without extra signalling overhead, is proposed. Numerical results prove the effectiveness of the SS and the combined SS/PS approach
Muscle-enriched microRNA miR-486 decreases in circulation in response to exercise in young men

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs involved in post-transcriptional gene regulation. miRNAs are taken in by intracellular exosomes, secreted into circulation, and taken up by other cells, where they regulate cellular functions. We hypothesized that muscle-enriched miRNAs existing in circulation mediate beneficial metabolic responses induced by exercise. To test this hypothesis, we measured changes in muscle-enriched circulating miRNAs (c-miRNAs) in response to acute and chronic aerobic exercise. Methods: Eleven healthy young men (age, 21.5 ± 4.5 y; height, 168.6 ± 5.3 cm; and body weight, 62.5 ± 9.0 kg) performed a single bout of steady-state cycling exercise at 70% VO2max for 60 min (acute exercise) and cycling training 3 days per week for 4 weeks (chronic exercise). Blood samples were collected from the antecubital vein before and after acute and chronic exercise. RNA was extracted from serum, and the levels of muscle-enriched miRNAs (miR-1, miR-133a, miR-133b, miR-206, miR-208b, miR-486, and miR-499) were measured. Results: All of these miRNAs, except for miR-486, were found at too low copy numbers at baseline to be compared. miR-486 was significantly decreased by both acute (P = 0.013) and chronic exercise (P = 0.014). In addition, the change ratio of miR-486 due to acute exercise showed a significant negative correlation with VO2max for each subject (R = 0.58, P = 0.038). Conclusion: The reduction in circulating miR-486 may be associated with metabolic changes during exercise and adaptation induced by training.
COMPARISON OF DISTANCES FOR MULTI-LABEL CLASSIFICATION WITH PCTs

Multi-label classification has received significant attention in the research community over the past few years: this has resulted in the development of a variety of multi-label classification methods. These methods either transform the multi-label dataset to several simpler datasets or adapt the learning algorithm so it can handle the multiple labels. In this paper, we consider the latter approach. Namely, we use predictive clustering trees to perform multi-label classification. Furthermore, we perform an experimental comparison of four distance measures used to select the splits in the nodes of the trees. The experimental evaluation was conducted on 6 benchmark datasets using 6 different evaluation measures. The results show that, averaged overall, the Euclidean distance and the Hamming loss yield the best predictive performance.
Towards a Serious Game Experience Model: Validation, Extension and Adaptation of the GEQ for Use in an Educational Context

In this paper, we present the results of game experience measurements of three design stages of the serious game Poverty Is Not a Game (PING) using the FUGA Game Experience Questionnaire (GEQ) extended with a Perceived Learning (PL) module. It is hypothesized that subsequent design stages will evoke a more positive game experience and higher PL. In a first step the factor structure and convergent and discriminant validity of the existing GEQ modules are tested yielding disappointing results. Next an adapted version is proposed yielding more acceptable results. Based on this model the different design stages are compared failing to yield significant differences either for most GEQ dimensions (except for challenge and competence which is probably related to usability issues) or for PL. Significant differences were found between classrooms however pointing to the importance of taking into account context in future research.
Determinants of, and reference equation for, exhaled nitric oxide in the Chinese population

Measurement of fractional exhaled nitric oxide concentration (FeNO) has been proposed as a useful biomarker for monitoring and management of airway diseases. Limited information is available regarding reference levels of FeNO levels in Chinese adults. This study aimed to investigate the reference equation and determinants of FeNO in Chinese adults. 1093 (577 males) healthy nonsmoking subjects aged 18–90 years were recruited. FeNO was measured online using a chemiluminescence analyser. Other assessments included spirometry, skin prick tests, total serum IgE levels and eosinophil count in peripheral blood. The geometric mean FeNO was 32.6 (95% reference interval (RI) 31.4–33.7) ppb for all subjects. FeNO values were higher in males than females (geometric mean (95% RI) 38.3 (36.5–40.2) ppb versus 27.1 (25.8–28.5) ppb, p<0.0001), and in atopic than nonatopic subjects (34.6 (33.0–36.3) ppb versus 29.8 (28.3–31.4) ppb, p<0.0001). FeNO correlated with age (r2 = 0.23), height (r2 = 0.20), IgE level (r2 = 0.18) and percentage eosinophil count (r2 = 0.18) (all p<0.0001), but not with spirometric parameters. Based on multiple regression modelling, the reference equation of FeNO value was: log(FeNO) = 0.781 + 0.104(sex) + 0.004(age) + 0.084(atopy) + 0.003(height in cm), where for sex 1 = male and 0 = female, age is measured in years, for atopy 1 = atopic and 0 = nonatopic, and height is measured in cm. The FeNO of Chinese adults is higher than that of the Caucasian population, and is affected by age, sex, height and atopic status. This study provides useful references for the interpretation of FeNO. Exhaled NO fraction in Chinese adults is higher than in Caucasians, and is affected by age, sex, height and atopy http://ow.ly/l5mNR
[Association between glucose variability and poor prognosis in critically ill patients].

OBJECTIVE To explore the association between glucose variability and poor prognosis in critically ill patients. METHODS This prospective study was undertaken in a 24-bed intensive care unit (ICU). A total of 145 patients staying for over 24 hours in ICU were enrolled. Their arterial levels of blood glucose were measured four times daily routinely. And the mean glucose level (MGL), standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variation (CV) were calculated. The incidence of moderate hypoglycemia (MH), severe hypoglycemia (SH), total dosage of hormone, average daily dosage of insulin, duration of renal replacement- therapy (RRT), mechanical ventilation and ICU free days were also recorded. They were divided into survival (n = 85) and nonsurvival (n = 60) groups according to survival or not at 28 days. And CV was compared between two groups and the relationship of CV and mortality examined. RESULTS The nonsurvival group had higher CV value accompanied by higher RRT proportion, higher incidences of MH and SH, shorter free mechanical ventilation time and free ICU stay. The higher CV value was found in surviving nondiabetics. However, no significant difference existed in diabetes group. CONCLUSION Critically ill patients have higher CV of glucose variability especially in non-diabetic patients. Blood glucose fluctuations denote a worse prognosis. And hypoglycemia should raise a high alert. Frequent blood glucose monitoring is beneficial to detecting the changes of condition and adjusting treatment regimens accordingly.