Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Value of D-dimer and C reactive protein in predicting inhospital death in acute aortic dissection

Objective To evaluate the role of D-dimer and C reactive protein (CRP) in predicting inhospital death in acute aortic dissection (AD). Design A single-centre prospective study. Setting University hospital in China. Patients 114 patients with acute AD. Intervention Admission D-dimer and CRP concentrations were assayed. Main outcome measures To observe the association of D-dimer and CRP with inhospital death. Results Increased levels of plasma D-dimer (9.84±3.53 vs 4.28±1.99, P < 0.001), CRP (14.08±2.81 vs 11.18±1.85, P < 0.001) and aortic diameter (45.2±9.5 vs 40.3±6.0, p = 0.007) were found in dead patients compared with those survived. Moreover, plasma D-dimer concentrations in type A were higher than that in type B (6.51±4.11 vs 4.87±2.29, p = 0.013). Plasma D-dimer concentrations had positive correlations with CRP levels (r=0.527, P < 0.001) and aortic diameter (r=0.227, p = 0.015), and had negative correlations with the type of AD (r=−0.232, p = 0.013) and the time from onset (r=−0.264, p = 0.005). D-dimer and CRP levels and the type of AD were strongly associated with inhospital mortality. The OR and 95% CI were 3.272, 1.638 to 6.535; 2.322, 1.134 to 4.757; and 0.126, 0.019 to 0.853, respectively. Furthermore, the sensitivity and specificity of D-dimer ≥5.67 μg/mL in predicting inhospital death in acute AD were 90.3% and 75.9% (95% CI 0.85 to 0.96), respectively. Moreover, the sensitivity and specificity of CRP levels ≥11.21 mg/L were 100% and 54.2%, respectively (95% CI 0.74 to 0.89). Conclusions D-dimer ≥5.67 μg/mL, CRP ≥11.21 mg/L and type A acute AD were important risk factors and independently associated with acute AD inhospital death.
Looking Attractive Until You Sell: Earnings Management, Lockup Expiration, and Venture Capitalists

Earnings management occurs when managerial discretion allows managers to influence reported earnings and thus mislead some investors about the underlying economic performance and quality of the firm. This study considers how potential investors may guard against earnings management by observing negative stock price reaction at the lockup expiration period of initial public offering (IPO) firms as a negative signal. Findings from a sample of 160 newly public firms show that earnings management behaviour is stronger in IPO firms backed by venture capitalists (VCs). Moreover, VC reputation negatively moderates this relationship such that IPO firms backed by reputable VCs are less likely to manage earnings, suggesting that reputable VCs serve an auditing function following an IPO. Overall, we provide insights into signalling theory by examining negative signals arising from the behaviour of multiple agents in an IPO firm.
The changing position of religious minorities in English law: the legacy of Begum

The school is often seen as a microcosm of wider society. It is therefore fitting that decisions made by schools have made a significant impact on the debate concerning the extent to which religious and racial diversity should be accommodated, a question that has dominated the public discourse in the wake of September 11 2001. Three cases concerning schools reflect the changing extent to which and means by which English law accommodates religious and racial difference. This chapter seeks to explore the changing face of English law by reference to these three decisions: R v Secretary of State for Education and Employment and others ex parte Williamson in 2005 (hereafter ‘Williamson’), R (on the application of Begum) v Headteacher and Governors of Denbigh High School in 2006 (hereafter ‘Begum’) and R (on the application of Watkins-Singh) v The Governing Body of Aberdare Girls’ High School in 2008 (hereafter ‘Watkins-Singh’). Building upon previous work (Hill and Sandberg, 2006; 2007 and Sandberg, 2008), it contends that the reasoning of Begum has set an unfortunate and flawed precedent that has constrained religious liberty in England and Wales.
Path Shifting and Path Dependence: Labor Market Policy Reforms Under German Federalism

Abstract Previously a laggard in labor market policy reforms, Germany has combined a fundamental change of its benefit system with a reorganization of its employment services since 2005. The reform has resulted in a hitherto unresolved constitutional dispute that calls the “joined-up” governance of employment and municipal welfare services into question. The article endeavors to explain this outcome and the reform's uncertain destiny in terms of a dynamic version of path dependence theory.
Multi-shot SURF-based person re-identification via sparse representation

We present in this paper a multi-shot human reidentification system from video sequences based on SURF matching. Our contribution is about the matching step which is crucial. In this context, we propose a new method of SURF matching via sparse representation. Each SURF Interest Point in the test sequence is represented by a sparse representation of SURFs points in the reference dataset. For efficiency purposes, a dynamic dictionary is selected for each SURF from this dataset through KD-Tree Neighborhood search. Then a majority vote rule is applied to classify the test sequence. This approach is evaluated on two public datasets : PRID-2011 and CAVIAR4REID. The experimental results show that our approach compares favorably with and outperforms current state-of-the-art on the two datasets by 1% to 7%.
A qui profite la formation en entreprise

This paper addresses the issue of productivity gain sharing from on-the-job training between employers and employees. When they are trained, workers can value part of the skills on the labour market. This “general” effect of training should theoretically impact the wage in the firm. Employees may find it also valuable to train in specific technologies if they are able to capture a share of the firm’s rents (Oosterbeek, Sloof and Sonnemans [2007]; McDonald and Solow [1981]). Using a simple model, it is possible to isolate each of these two effects on wages, given that fixed capital investments themselves generate a specific effect of rent sharing. Estimations are based on panel of firms over the 2000-2007 period. On-the-job training productivity gain sharing would be around 30 to 50 % for employees. Results suggest that the main, if not only, sharing channel would be the specific effect. The latter would operate at the collective rather than individual level, which would explain why surveys highlight only a small impact of on-the-job training on wages.
Staff Perceptions of Jaycustomers in Hong Kong Bars and Nightclubs

A customer plays an important role in the service delivery process, especially in the hospitality industry. A misbehaving customer, known as a jaycustomer, ruins the service encounter and has a negative influence on the service contact employee, service organization, and other customers. Disputes in bars and nightclubs are common; thus, this study takes this context as a sampling framework. Service contact personnel behavior is examined. The aims of the study are to identify the acceptance level of behaviors of jaycustomers, as well as the response in dealing with jaycustomers; to investigate personnel perceptions of the effectiveness of various methods in dealing with jaycustomers; and to suggest training strategies for service encounter enhancement. Results indicate that employees dislike any kind of jaycustomer behavior, and the majority would seek assistance in handling jaycustomers. Several effective methods in handling jaycustomers are discussed, such as creating an atmosphere that shapes positive attitudes of customers and learning when to stop serving alcoholic drinks to those who show signs of impending intoxication.
Commentary on Auditing High-Uncertainty Fair Value Estimates

SUMMARY: This commentary addresses challenges faced by standard-setters, preparers, users, and auditors pertaining to high-uncertainty fair value estimates. We briefly describe the financial reporting environment and the difficulty of obtaining reasonable assurance for fair value estimates with high levels of inherent measurement uncertainty. We then discuss some characteristics of an effective accountability framework for fair value accounting. We propose that additional disclosures of management's historical estimation accuracy and current levels of inherent measurement uncertainty, accompanied by changes in the audit process and auditors' communications to users, offer the most practical means to address concerns about the transparency and verifiability of high-uncertainty fair value estimates. JEL Classifications: M42; M48.
Unified Model of Functional Size Measurement

Functional Size Measurement (FSM) is one of the most important parts of software measurement research. In response to different users' needs, organizations may measure software size using different FSM methods. In order to measure software simultaneously by more than one FSM methods, this paper discusses three common FSM methods (IFPUG FPA, COSMIC FFP and MarkII FPA), gives a unified model of functional size measurement (FSM-UM) and proposes the mapping rulers of FSM-UM to the three FSM methods. Moreover,this paper provides a case study using FSM-UM in brief.
Masked polycythaemia vera: presenting features, response to treatment and clinical outcomes

Masked polycythaemia vera (PV) has been proposed as a new entity with poorer outcome than overt PV. In this study, the initial clinical and laboratory characteristics, response to treatment and outcome of masked and overt PV were compared using red cell mass and haemoglobin or haematocrit levels for the distinction between both entities. Sixty‐eight of 151 PV patients (45%) were classified as masked PV according to World Health Organisation diagnostic criteria, whereas 16 (11%) were classified as masked PV using the British Committee for Standards in Haematology (BCSH). In comparison with overt PV, a higher platelet count and a lower JAK2V617F allele burden at diagnosis were observed in masked PV. Patients with masked PV needed lower phlebotomies and responded faster to hydroxcarbamide than those with overt PV. Complete haematological response was more frequently achieved in masked than in overt PV (79% vs. 58%, P = 0.001). There were no significant differences in the duration of haematological response, the rate of resistance or intolerance to hydroxycarbamide and the probability of molecular response according to type of PV (masked vs. overt). Overall survival, rate of thrombosis and major bleeding, and probability of transformation was superimposable among patients with masked and overt PV.
Perceived competence mobilization: an explorative study of predictors and impact on turnover intentions

The present study explores predictors of perceived competence mobilization, as well as their direct and indirect impact on turnover intentions. Findings from a survey of 840 employees of a public civil service organization support the predictions that perceived competence mobilization is positively related to intrinsic motivation, peer support and supervisor support, career system satisfaction, and pay system satisfaction. Moreover, findings indicate that there is a curvilinear relationship between self-efficiacy and perceived competence mobilization, and that medium levels of self-efficiacy are associated with higher levels of perceived competence mobilization compared to very low or very high levels of self-efficiacy. Furthermore, findings indicate that turnover intention is best predicted by intrinsic motivation followed by career system satisfaction, followed intrinsic motivation, and that perceived competence mobilization partly mediate the effects of some predictors.
DEVELOPPEMENT FINANCIER ET CROISSANCE ECONOMIQUE DANS LES PAYS AFRICAINS DE LA ZONE FRANC : LE ROLE DE LA GOUVERNANCE

This paper studies the effect of Financial development on economic growth through the institutions. The results obtained using Generalized Moments Method (GMM) in the dynamic panel show that the direct effect of governance on growth in the franc zone is not significant. Comparing the results of the two sub regions, it is positive but insignificant in EMCCA while it is positive and significant in the WAEMU zone. In addition, financial development (CPRIV and LIQ) negatively affects economic growth in EMCCA and WAEMU while credit from the banking sector has a positive effect in some cases.The results of the indirect effect show that the combined effect Governance-Financial development remains negative and insignificant in EMCCA while in the WAEMU zone , this effect is negative and insignificant except GOUV.CBANC whose effect is negative and significant. However, it is positive but insignificant in the Franc zone. Thus, the institutional framework does not contribute to the improvement of the effect of financial development on economic growth in EMCCA and WAEMU . This result is also verified in 0 % of cases in the EMCCA zone while it was 100% in the WAEMU zone and Frank respectively . These results allowed us to calculate a threshold beyond which the institutional framework enhances the effect of financial development on economic growth, which is respectively 0.09 , 0.09 and 1.77 in Zone Franc , EMCCA and WAEMU financial variables LIQ , and CBANC LIQ . We recommend these countries to try to improve their institutional framework by making favorable conditions for the fight against corruption , bureaucracy and a greater political stability which will contribute to the development of their financial systems. Similarly , institutional liberalization should precede financial liberalization.
What Health Reform Teaches Us about American Politics

The tumultuous journey of health reform from President Barack Obama's opening push in February 2009 to his bill signing in March 2010 may be inexplicable from afar. Swept into power on promises of change, Democrats controlled the White House and enjoyed the largest Congressional majorities in decades, and they agreed that the existing health care system cost too much and delivered too little—stranding over 30 million with no health insurance and leaving millions more with only inadequate coverage or dependent on emergency rooms for urgent care. Unified party control and programmatic agreement would seem like a veritable checklist of what was needed to pass health reform legislation.
Resilience and vulnerability: Complementary or conflicting concepts?

Resilience and vulnerability represent two related yet different approaches to understanding the response of systems and actors to change; to shocks and surprises, as well as slow creeping changes. Their respective origins in ecological and social theory largely explain the continuing differences in approach to social-ecological dimensions of change. However, there are many areas of strong convergence. This paper explores the emerging linkages and complementarities between the concepts of resilience and vulnerability to identify areas of synergy. We do this with regard to theory, methodology, and application. The paper seeks to go beyond just recognizing the complementarities between the two approaches to demonstrate how researchers are actively engaging with each field to coproduce new knowledge, and to suggest promising areas of complementarity that are likely to further research and action in the field.
Antecedents and consequences of inter-organizational knowledge transfer: emerging themes and openings for further research

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a critical review of the current body of research on inter‐organizational knowledge transfer, indicating some of its limitations and openings for future studies. It maps research in an integrative framework of knowledge‐specific, organizational and network‐level antecedents and performance outcomes of transfer. When assuming that transfer of knowledge does not by itself influence organizational performance, this study gives special attention to a mediating role of knowledge acquisition in relationship between antecedents and performance outcomes of transfer.Design/methodology/approach – In this conceptual paper the author consolidates, annotates and critiques existing research on antecedents and consequences of inter‐firm knowledge transfer. The author reveals limitations of the current body of literature and provides directions for future research.Findings – This paper points to the underestimated role of knowledge acquisition in conceptual models of inte.
Equal Pay for Unequal Work: Limiting Sabotage in Teams

We demonstrate the value of “equal pay” policies in teams, even when team members have distinct abilities and make different contributions to team performance. A commitment to compensate all team members in identical fashion eliminates the incentive that each team member otherwise has to sabotage the activities of teammates in order to induce the team owner to implement a more favorable reward structure. The reduced sabotage benefits the team owner, and can secure Pareto gains under plausible circumstances.
Forecasting volatility with outliers in GARCH models

In this paper, we detect and correct abnormal returns in 17 French stocks returns and the French index CAC40 from additive-outlier detection method in GARCH models developed by Franses and Ghijsels (1999) and extended to innovative outliers by Charles and Darne (2005). We study the effects of outlying observations on several popular econometric tests. Moreover, we show that the parameters of the equation governing the volatility dynamics are biased when we do not take into account additive and innovative outliers. Finally, we show that the volatility forecast is better when the data are cleaned of outliers for several step-ahead forecasts (short, medium- and long-term) even if we consider a GARCH- t process. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Evolution of New Industries and the Determinants of Market Structure

Several empirical regularities concerning firm growth rates and industry firm-size distributions have been developed by studying primarily mature industries. The primary purpose of this article is to bring together and extend empirical regularities on the evolution of new industries and to use these regularities to gain further insight into the forces governing industry evolution. To explain these regularities, a model is constructed which emphasizes how factors governing the early evolution of industries may shape their market structure at maturity. It stresses how chance events and exogenous factors that influence the number of potential entrants to the industry, the growth rate of incumbents, and the ease of imitation of industry leaders will influence the ultimate number and size distribution of firms in the industry.
Randomized Controlled Study of Effects of Sudden Impact Loading on Rat Femur

Physical loading creating high peak strains on the skeleton at high strain rates is suggested to be the most effective type of activity in terms of bone mineral acquisition. This study assessed the effects of sudden impact loading on mineral and mechanical bone properties in 13‐week‐old Sprague‐Dawley rats. The rats were randomly assigned as sedentary controls (SED, n = 10), control animals receiving low‐intensity exercise (EX, n = 15), and experimental animals receiving low‐intensity exercise combined with sudden impact‐loading (EX + IMP, n = 15). In the EX group, the rats walked in a walking mill at a speed of 10 cm/s for 20 minutes/day, 5 days/week for 9 weeks. In the EX + IMP group, the program was identical to the EX group except for the additional sudden impacts administered to their skeleton during the walking exercise. At the start, there were 50 impacts per session, after which their number was gradually increased to 200 impacts per session by week 6 and then kept constant until the end of the experiment, week 9. These horizontally and vertically directed body impacts were produced by a custom‐made walking mill equipped with computer‐controlled high‐pressure air cylinders. After sacrifice, both femora of each rat were removed and their dimensions, bone mineral content (BMC) by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry, and mechanical properties by femoral shaft three‐point bending and femoral neck compression were determined. The cortical wall thickness increased significantly in the EX and EX + IMP groups as compared with SEDs (+7.6%, p = 0.049 and +10%, p = 0.020, respectively). The EX + IMP group showed +9.0% (p = 0.046) higher cross‐sectional moment of inertia values than the EX group. No significant intergroup differences were seen in the BMC values, while the breaking load of the femoral shaft (EX + IMP vs. SED +8.8%, p = 0.047) and femoral neck (EX + IMP vs. SED +14.1%, p = 0.013) was significantly enhanced by the impact loading. In conclusion, this study indicates that mechanical loading can substantially improve the mechanical characteristics of a rat femur without simultaneous gain in its mineral mass. If this is true in humans too, our finding gives an interesting perspective to the numerous longitudinal exercise studies (of women) in which the exercise‐induced gains in bone mass and density have remained mild to moderate only.
Effects of levosimendan on indocyanine green plasma disappearance rate and the gastric mucosal–arterial pCO2 gradient in abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery

Background: Levosimendan has a dual mechanism of action: it improves myocardial contractility and causes vasodilatation without increasing myocardial oxygen demand. In a laboratory setting, it selectively increases gastric mucosal oxygenation in particular and splanchnic perfusion in general. The aim of our study was to describe the effects of levosimendan on systemic and splanchnic circulation during and after abdominal aortic surgery.
Dexmedetomidine in anaesthesia

Purpose of review The development of dexmedetomidine, a potent and highly selective α2-adrenoceptor agonist, has created new interest in the use of α2-adrenoceptor agonists, and has led to its evaluation in various yet non-approved perioperative settings. The current review focuses on the usefulness of dexmedetomidine in anaesthesia practice. Recent findings Recently acquired knowledge and experience with dexmedetomidine in perioperative use will be presented and discussed in the context of known pharmacological properties. Summary Dexmedetomidine offers beneficial pharmacological properties, providing dose-dependent sedation, analgesia, sympatholysis and anxiolysis without relevant respiratory depression. The side-effects are predictable from the pharmacological profile of (2-adrenoceptor agonists. In particular, the unique sedative properties of dexmedetomidine resulted in several interesting applications in anaesthesia practice, promising benefits in the perioperative use of this compound. However, dexmedetomidine was approved for sedation in the intensive care unit in the USA in 1999, and administration in anaesthesia practice remains an ‘off-label’ use. Further studies are needed to establish the role of dexmedetomidine in the perioperative period.
Advance and Retreat

Abstract Theory predicts that economic and institutional changes increase competitive pressure and lead to the retreat of unrelated diversified firms, while, at the same time, allow more economically efficient related forms of diversification to persist. This study investigates the long-term waves of diversification in France, Germany, and the United Kingdom between the 1950s and 2003. It documents a rise in diversification until the mid-1990s and a retreating wave since the inception of the single European Market. These waves reflect both an early shift to related diversification and nationally variable trends of unrelated diversification. We examine the fate of the unrelated diversified firms in more detail to establish what caused some to refocus and others to resist the wider trend. In particular, we explore if and how different kinds of ownership facilitated the strategic choices to maintain existing unrelated strategies. We examine these choices in detail by considering representative and illustrative company case examples.