Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transnational management of values-based practices

Transnational management of values, knowledge or other intangibles is of significant research interest. This paper reveals the complexity of processes of transnational management of values-based contextually determined (VBCD) practices in TNCs. It draws from an in-depth empirical analysis of 160 VBCD routine practices and their transnational management processes across six functional dimensions, using an embedded research design of 24 case-studies in four TNCs from diverse sectors that identified and characterized seven archetypes of processes for transnational management of VBCD practice, and six processual features. While the existing research on co-ordination mechanisms takes the view that subtle, informal, social-cultural mechanisms are used for the management of softer behaviours, and shared values, this research reveals extensive use of formalization and standardization in the management of values-based practices across international operations. This research also shows a systematic use of external agents in transnational values management, whereas the existing research does not report any external mechanisms in transnational co-ordination. This fine-grained microprocess level research inquiry notes the absence of neatly dichotomized centralized or decentralized processes and reveals that transnational management processes are multilevel, multi-actor and intricately interdependent. This multilevel inquiry into internal processes and external contextual influences also notes nested embeddedness across the multiple levels of TNC, and it elaborates the processes of internal corporate embeddedness. It also notes partial achievement of homogenization of VBCD behaviours within TNCs, results from the absence or inefficacy of design, active managerial agency of the units, and competing demands of multiple environments. Plural theoretical perspectives are adopted to analyse the empirical findings, in a data driven manner. The existing transnational management theories are advanced by these empirically validated theoretical explanations drawing together organization design, contingency theories and the legitimacy perspectives.
Influence of a Shorter Duration of Post-Operative Antibiotic Prophylaxis on Infectious Complications in Patients Undergoing Elective Liver Resection

Background: Antibiotic prophylaxis has been recommended to reduce post-operative infectious complications. Discontinuation of post-operative antibiotic administration within 24 hours of operation is currently recommended. Many surgeons, however, conventionally tend to extend the duration of prophylactic antibiotic use. In this study, we performed a retrospective analysis to assess the efficacy of extended post-operative antibiotic use in patients who underwent elective liver resection. Patients and Methods: A total of 208 consecutive patients who underwent liver resection without biliary reconstruction were investigated. Patients were divided into two groups according to the duration of post-operative antibiotic use: Only once after the operation (the post-operative day [POD] 0 group) and until three days after the operation (the POD 3 group). Post-operative complications in the two groups were analyzed and compared. Results: Incisional surgical site infections (SSIs) were observed in 5% of the POD 0 group and 3% of the POD 3 group (p = 0.517). Organ/space SSIs were observed in 2% of the POD 0 group and 3% of the POD 3 group (p = 0.694). Overall infectious complications including SSIs and remote site infections were observed in 12% of the POD 0 group and 11% of the POD 3 group. Multi-variable analyses revealed that the short-term postoperative antibiotic regimen did not confer additional risk for infectious complications. Conclusions: In elective liver resection, the administration of prophylactic antibiotics on the operative day alone appears to be sufficient, because no additional benefit in the incidence of post-operative infectious complications was conferred on patients given antibiotic agents for three days.
Hard Times or Greatr Expectations?: Dividend Omissions and Dividend Cuts by UK Firms

This paper uncovers an increasing proportion of quoted UK companies omitting cash dividends. Using a large panel of quoted UK companies, we estimate models for the incidence of dividend omissions and cuts as functions of financial characteristics including cash flow, leverage, investment opportunities, investment and company size. These variables account for most of the increase in omission since 1995. There is relatively little evidence to link this to the major tax reform of 1997 that abolished tax refunds on dividend income payable to tax exempt institutions. Significant persistence effects indicate companies are slow to adjust their balance sheets through dividends.
Time evolution of the stochastic linear bias of interacting galaxies on linear scales

We extend the time dependent bias model of Tegmark & Peebles (1998) to predict the large-scale evolution of the stochastic linear bias of different galaxy populations with respect to both the dark matter and each other. The resulting model equations contain a general expression, coined the "interaction term", accounting for the destruction or production of galaxies. This term may be used to model couplings between different populations that lead to an increase or decrease of the number of a galaxies belonging to a population, e.g. passive evolution or merging processes. This is explored in detail using a toy model. In particular, it is shown that the presence of such a coupling may change the evolution of the bias parameter compared to an interaction-free evolution. We argue that the observation of the evolution of the large-scale bias and galaxy number density with wide-field surveys may be used to infer fundamental interaction parameters between galaxy populations, possibly giving an insight in their formation and evolution.
Patients with postoperative atrial fibrillation have a doubled cardiovascular mortality

Objectives. To investigate the impact of postoperative AF on late mortality and cause of death in CABG patients. Design. All CABG patients without preoperative AF surgically treated between January 1, 1997 and June 30, 2000 were included (N = 1419). Altogether, 419 patients (29.5%) developed postoperative AF. After a median follow-up of 8.0 years, survival data were obtained, causes of death were compared and Cox proportional hazard analysis was used to determine predictors of late mortality. Results. The total mortality was 140 deaths/419 patients (33.4%) in postoperative AF patients and 191 deaths/1 000 patients (19.1%) in patients without AF. Death due to cerebral ischemia (2.6% vs. 0.5%), myocardial infarction (7.4% vs. 3.0%), sudden death (2.6% vs. 0.9%), and heart failure (6.7% vs. 2.7%) was more common among postoperative AF patients. Postoperative AF was an age-independent risk indicator for late mortality with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.56 (95% confidence interval 1.23–1.98). Conclusions. Postoperative AF is an age-independent risk factor for late mortality in CABG patients, explained by an increased risk of cardiovascular death.
Herbal Medicines for Gastrointestinal Disorders in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review

This is the first review that systematically summarizes effectiveness and safety of herbal medicines for gastrointestinal disorders in children and adolescents exclusively. CONTEXT: Gastrointestinal disorders are common childhood complaints. Particular types of complementary and alternative medicine, such as herbal medicine, are commonly used among children. Research information on efficacy, safety, or dosage forms is still lacking. OBJECTIVES: To systematically summarize effectiveness and safety of different herbal treatment options for gastrointestinal disorders in children. DATA SOURCES: Medline/PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library were searched through July 15, 2016. STUDY SELECTION: Randomized controlled trials comparing herbal therapy with no treatment, placebo, or any pharmaceutical medication in children and adolescents (aged 0–18 years) with gastrointestinal disorders were eligible. DATA EXTRACTION: Two authors extracted data on study design, patients, interventions, control interventions, results, adverse events, and risk of bias. RESULTS: Fourteen trials with 1927 participants suffering from different acute and functional gastrointestinal disorders were included in this review. Promising evidence for effectiveness was found for Potentilla erecta, carob bean juice, and an herbal compound preparation including Matricaria chamomilla in treating diarrhea. Moreover, evidence was found for peppermint oil in decreasing duration, frequency, and severity of pain in children suffering from undifferentiated functional abdominal pain. Furthermore, evidence for effectiveness was found for different fennel preparations (eg, oil, tea, herbal compound) in treating children with infantile colic. No serious adverse events were reported. LIMITATIONS: Few studies on specific indications, single herbs, or herbal preparations could be identified. CONCLUSIONS: Because of the limited number of studies, results have to be interpreted carefully. To underpin evidence outlined in this review, more rigorous clinical trials are needed.
The association of postoperative pulmonary complications in 109,360 patients with pressure‐controlled or volume‐controlled ventilation

We thought that the rate of postoperative pulmonary complications might be higher after pressure‐controlled ventilation than after volume‐controlled ventilation. We analysed peri‐operative data recorded for 109,360 adults, whose lungs were mechanically ventilated during surgery at three hospitals in Massachusetts, USA. We used multivariable regression and propensity score matching. Postoperative pulmonary complications were more common after pressure‐controlled ventilation, odds ratio (95%CI) 1.29 (1.21–1.37), p < 0.001. Tidal volumes and driving pressures were more varied with pressure‐controlled ventilation compared with volume‐controlled ventilation: mean (SD) variance from the median 1.61 (1.36) ml.kg−1 vs. 1.23 (1.11) ml.kg−1, p < 0.001; and 3.91 (3.47) cmH2O vs. 3.40 (2.69) cmH2O, p < 0.001. The odds ratio (95%CI) of pulmonary complications after pressure‐controlled ventilation compared with volume‐controlled ventilation at positive end‐expiratory pressures < 5 cmH2O was 1.40 (1.26–1.55) and 1.20 (1.11–1.31) when ≥ 5 cmH2O, both p < 0.001, a relative risk ratio of 1.17 (1.03–1.33), p = 0.023. The odds ratio (95%CI) of pulmonary complications after pressure‐controlled ventilation compared with volume‐controlled ventilation at driving pressures of < 19 cmH2O was 1.37 (1.27–1.48), p < 0.001, and 1.16 (1.04–1.30) when ≥ 19 cmH2O, p = 0.011, a relative risk ratio of 1.18 (1.07–1.30), p = 0.016. Our data support volume‐controlled ventilation during surgery, particularly for patients more likely to suffer postoperative pulmonary complications.
Controversies and advances in the management of Wilms’ tumour

Wilms tumour is one of the success stories of paediatric oncology with long term survival approaching 90% in localised disease and over 70% for metastatic disease. Although appearing relatively simple compared to other cancer treatment regimens, successful treatment of Wilms tumour requires meticulous attention to correct staging of the tumour and good communication between the paediatric surgeon, pathologist and oncologist. The controversy of whether pre-operative chemotherapy results in a reduced overall burden of treatment compared to immediate nephrectomy has been addressed by the recently closed UKW3 randomised trial. Challenges remain in identification of histological and molecular risk factors for stratification of treatment intensity to allow safe reduction in therapy and avoidance of late sequelae for the majority while leading to increased biological insights and ultimately novel therapies for the minority of high risk tumours. Genetic predisposition to Wilms tumour is conferred by several genes, some of which cause malformation rather than cancer and may be of low penetrance. The proportion of children with heritable disease is uncertain and there remains a need to collect data on the need for screening in this susceptible population.
Perceived Barriers Affecting Access to Preventive Dental Services: Application of DEMATEL Method

Background Identifying perceived access barriers to preventive dental services is one of the basic steps to improve the public health. Objectives This study aimed to determine the perceived barriers affecting access to preventive dental services in one of Tehran dental clinics in 2012. Patients and Methods This research was a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study conducted in one of Tehran dental clinics in 2012 using decision–making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method. The study sample included all patients (100 patients) who had referred to the endodontic treatment department from 26 - 31 May, 2012. The required data were collected using a questionnaire. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS 18.0 and MATLAB 7.9. 0 SPSSS 18.0, as well as, some descriptive and analytical tests including Mean, Standard Deviation (SD), and Independent T- Test. Results The five determinants of cost, inconvenience, fear, organization, and patient-dentist relationship were determined as barriers to access to dental services among which the cost and patient-dentist relationship were identified as the first and last priorities with the coordinates (1.4 and 1.4) and (1.25 and -0.65), respectively. Conclusions High cost of dental care has led to not referring patients to the clinic. Oral health costs are too high; however insurance organizations have no commitment to support such services. Policymakers, administrators, and insurance organizations have a major role in improving access to dental services. These decision-makers in making their policies can provide the required financial resources, shift the available resources towards preventive care and periodic checkups, and consider providing proper and sufficient places for dental care facilities.
Vertical transmission of fungal endophytes is widespread in forbs

To date, it has been thought that endophytic fungi in forbs infect the leaves of their hosts most commonly by air-borne spores (termed “horizontal transmission”). Here, we show that vertical transmission from mother plant to offspring, via seeds, occurs in six forb species (Centaurea cyanus, C. nigra,Papaver rhoeas,Plantago lanceolata,Rumex acetosa, and Senecio vulgaris), suggesting that this may be a widespread phenomenon. Mature seeds were collected from field-grown plants and endophytes isolated from these, and from subsequent cotyledons and true leaves of seedlings, grown in sterile conditions. Most seeds contain one species of fungus, although the identity of the endophyte differs between plant species. Strong evidence for vertical transmission was found for two endophyte species, Alternaria alternata and Cladosporium sphaerospermum. These fungi were recovered from within seeds, cotyledons, and true leaves, although the plant species they were associated with differed. Vertical transmission appears to be an imperfect process, and germination seems to present a bottleneck for fungal growth. We also found that A. alternata and C. sphaerospermum occur on, and within pollen grains, showing that endophyte transmission can be both within and between plant generations. Fungal growth with the pollen tube is likely to be the way in which endophytes enter the developing seed. The fact that true vertical transmission seems common suggests a more mutualistic association between these fungi and their hosts than has previously been thought, and possession of endophytes by seedling plants could have far-reaching ecological consequences. Seedlings may have different growth rates and be better protected against herbivores and pathogens, dependent on the fungi that were present in the mother plant. This would represent a novel case of trans-generational resistance in plants.
Candidate quality

We analyze the topical question of how the compensation of elected politicians affects the set of citizens choosing to run. To this end, we develop a sparse and tractable citizen-candidate model of representative democracy with ability differences, informative campaigning and political parties. Our results suggest that primaries, campaign costs and rewards have previously overlooked interactions that should be studied in a unified framework. Surprisingly, increasing the reward may lower the average candidate quality when the campaigning costs are sufficiently high.
In ovo leptin administration accelerates post-hatch muscle growth and changes myofibre characteristics, gene expression and enzymes activity in broiler chickens.

To evaluate the effect of maternal leptin on muscle growth, we injected 0 μg (control, CON), 0.5 μg (low leptin dose, LL) or 5.0 μg (high leptin dose, HL) of recombinant murine leptin dissolved in 100 μl of PBS into the albumen of broiler eggs prior to incubation. The newly hatched chicks were all raised under the same conditions until 21 days of age (D21), when body weight was measured and samples of gastrocnemius muscle were collected and weighed. Myosin ATPase staining was applied to identify myofibre types and measure the cross-sectional area (CSA) of myofibres. Real-time PCR was performed to quantify leptin receptor (LEPR), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R), growth hormone receptor (GHR) and myostatin (MSTN) mRNA expression in the gastrocnemius muscle. The activity of calpains (CAPNs) in the gastrocnemius muscle was measured using a quantitative fluorescence detection kit. Male chickens treated with both high and low doses of leptin had significantly higher (p < 0.05) body weight on D21. The high leptin significantly increased the CSA (p < 0.05) of gastrocnemius muscle in male chickens, which coincided with a 93% increase (p < 0.05) in IGF-1 mRNA expression. Likewise, the LL dose increased the weight of gastrocnemius muscle in male chickens (p < 0.05), which was accompanied by a 41% down-regulation (p < 0.05) of MSTN mRNA expression and a decreased activity of CAPNs. However, all these changes were not observed in female chickens. The proportion of myofibre types did not altered. No significant change was detected for LEPR and GHR mRNA expression. These results indicate that in ovo leptin treatment affects skeletal muscle growth in chickens in a dose-dependent and sex-specific manner. The altered expression of IGF-1, MSTN mRNA and activity of CAPNs in skeletal muscle may be responsible for such effects.
The effect of a transpalatal or nance palatal arch on sliding mechanics with varying degrees of molar rotations

Aims: To determine if the use of a transpalatal (TPA) or Nance palatal arch with varying degrees of molar rotations significantly affects resistance to sliding during sliding mechanics. Also, to establish if there is reduced resistance to sliding using the extraoral tube (EOT) on molar bands opposed to the straight wire tube when using a TPA or Nance- palatal arch with rotated molars Materials and method: A custom made experimental apparatus approximating the transpalatal arch, allowing for 1-degree incremental changes to molar rotation was designed. A 0.019 x 0.025” stainless steel archwire was displaced through the molar tubes to determine the effect of molar rotation on resistance to sliding, determined as work. Unilateral and bilateral palatal rotations were evaluated as well as comparison of the extraoral and straight wire tube. Results: The work required to achieve a constant archwire displacement was significantly increased for bilaterally, palatally rotated molars compared with a unilateral rotation (p<0.05 for displacement of both 0.5 and 0.1mm). Pearson correlation analysis identified a significant association between extent of molar rotation and difference in work between unilateral and bilateral rotated molars (p-value 0.002 and 0.01 for displacement of 0.5 and 0.1mm respectively). Placement of the archwire in the extraoral tube significantly reduced the work required for a fixed displacement compared with the straight wire tube. The magnitude of the effect was greatest for bilateral palatal rotated molars and was highly significant (p <0.001 for 0.5mm). Conclusion: The relationship between work and molar rotation was found to be non-linear, with an exponential increase in work with increasing palatal rotations. Bilaterally, palatally rotated molars resulted in a significantly increased amount of work for all amounts of displacement of the archwire compared with a unilateral rotation. Use of the EOT significantly reduced the work required to displace the archwire compared with the straight wire tube.
Stable inhibitory activity of regulatory T cells requires the transcription factor Helios

How T cells maintain their identity Although best known for their pathogen-fighting prowess, T lymphocytes also ensure that the immune response does not run amok. A subset of T cells called regulatory T cells (Tregs) performs this function by, for example, making sure T cells only attack pathogens and not self. T cells can exhibit plasticity in their functions in the face of an inflammatory stimulus. Kim et al. sought to identify the molecules that ensure the stable maintenance of Tregs. Using genetically modified mice, they found that both CD4+ and CD8+ Tregs require the transcription factor Helios to stably maintain their identity. Science, this issue p. 334 Regulatory T cells require the transcription factor Helios to stably maintain their identity. The maintenance of immune homeostasis requires regulatory T cells (Tregs). Given their intrinsic self-reactivity, Tregs must stably maintain a suppressive phenotype to avoid autoimmunity. We report that impaired expression of the transcription factor (TF) Helios by FoxP3+ CD4 and Qa-1–restricted CD8 Tregs results in defective regulatory activity and autoimmunity in mice. Helios-deficient Tregs develop an unstable phenotype during inflammatory responses characterized by reduced FoxP3 expression and increased effector cytokine expression secondary to diminished activation of the STAT5 pathway. CD8 Tregs also require Helios-dependent STAT5 activation for survival and to prevent terminal T cell differentiation. The definition of Helios as a key transcription factor that stabilizes Tregs in the face of inflammatory responses provides a genetic explanation for a core property of Tregs.