Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Urbanization and Political Change in the Developing World

This article develops a theoretical and empirical evaluation of the overlooked relationship between urbanization and political change. To accomplish this, theoretical insights from Weber, Lerner and Lipset’s political modernization thesis, and Dahl and Tufte’s analysis of size and democracy are used to assess the link between features of a nation’s urban system and changes to its political trajectory. A cross-national time-series analysis of 110 nations from 1965 to 2010, as well as the mini case study of Morocco, provides strong evidence that various dimensions of urbanization play an important role in eliciting political change in the developing world.
Tracheal extubation of deeply anesthetized pediatric patients: a comparison of isoflurane and sevoflurane.

UNLABELLED We studied the emergence characteristics of unpremedicated children tracheally extubated while deeply anesthetized ("deep extubation") with isoflurane or sevoflurane. Forty children were assigned to one of two groups, Group I or Group S. At the end of the operation, Group I patients were extubated while breathing 1.5 times the minimum alveolar anesthetic concentration (MAC) of isoflurane. Group S patients were tracheally extubated while breathing 1.5 times the MAC of sevoflurane. Recovery characteristics and complications were noted. Group S patients were arousable sooner than Group I patients (10.1 + 6.5 vs 16.3 + 9.9 min). Later arousal scores and times to discharge were the same. There were no serious complications in either group. Breath-holding was more common in Group I. We conclude that the overall incidence of airway problems and desaturation episodes was similar between groups. Emergency delirium was common in both groups (32% overall: 40% for Group I, 25% for Group S). IMPLICATIONS Deep extubation of children can be safely performed with either isoflurane or sevoflurane. After deep tracheal extubation, airway problems occur but are easily managed. Return to an arousable state occurred more quickly with sevoflurane, although time to meeting discharge criteria was not different between the two groups. Emergence delirium occurs frequently with either technique.
Growth Strategies and Merger Patterns among Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises: An Empirical Study

This investigation uses the Analytic Hierarchy Process to examine two main issues: once small and medium enterprises (SMEs) set their development objective as growth, how should they choose the proper means of generating growth? If SMEs choose to meet their strategic objectives by merger and acquisition (MA when a company pursues a contraction strategy, it seeks to eliminate external/internal weaknesses by downsizing, withdrawing funds, cutting budgets, and other means. Both of these strategies can be categorized as passive, rather than active. In strategic planning, a company must address its need to develop, to respond to external opportunities, and to select the most appropriate method and timeline for growth. These issues motivate this investigation. The main two themes addressed here are as follows. After SMEs set their development objective as a growth strategy, how should they choose the appropriate method of achieving this goal of the growth. If SMEs decide to meet their strategic goals by Merger and Acquisition (M&A), what mode of M&A should they employ? Additionally, this investigation examines practical M&A methodology, considering currently popular M&A strategies, and seeks to determine the method of M&A that is most appropriate for a particular industry. The aims of this thesis are summarized as follows. 1. To elucidate whether current policy on loaning to SMEs in Taiwan supports or limits M&A of manufacturing businesses. 2. To elucidate essential metrics for evaluating that SMEs' growth strategies and M&A policies. 3. To apply the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to analyze the growth strategies and M&A decision processes of SMEs and thus establish a practical model to help decision-making. 4. To determine the most appropriate M&A methodology for various industries and to offer recommendations on SMEs' growth strategies. …
Demand-induced endogenous Price Leadership

This paper provides general conditions on the direct demand functions in a Bertrand duopoly with differentiated substitute products and constant marginal costs, that allow an unambiguous ranking of firms' equilibrium payoffs between sequential play (with both order of moves) on the one hand, and simultaneous play on the other. The main results are that (i) when prices are strategic complements, both firms prefer sequential moves (with either order) to simultaneous moves, (ii) when prices are strategic substitutes, both firms prefer simultaneous moves to moving second in sequential play, and (iii) in the mixed strategic substitute/complement case, one firm is as in (i) and the other as in (ii). Thus, sequential moves would plausibly endogenously emerge in cases (i) and (iii), with one specified leader in the latter case. The analysis relies crucially on the theory of supermodular games, and is conducted at a high level of generality, dispensing with concavity-type assumptions, and taking into account both the issues of existence and possible non-uniqueness of the different equilibria involved.
Comparison of Clinical Symptoms and Magnetic Resonance Angiographic (MRA) Results in Patients with Trigeminal Neuralgia and Persistent Idiopathic Facial Pain. Medium-Term Outcome after Microvascular Decompression of Cases with Positive MRA Findings

To evaluate whether NC could be demonstrated preoperatively, high-resolution magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) was performed in 287 consecutive patients with TN and persistent idiopathic facial pain (PIFP) on a 0.5-T and a 1-T MR unit. Depending on the clinical symptoms, the TN cases were divided into typical TN and trigeminal neuralgia with non-neuralgic interparoxysmal pain (TNWIP) groups. Microvascular decompression (MVD) was performed in 103 of the MRA-positive cases. The patients were followed up postoperatively for from 1 to 10 years. The clinical symptoms were compared with the imaging results. The value of MRA was assessed on the basis of the clinical symptoms and surgical findings. The outcome of MVD was graded as excellent, good or poor. The clinical symptoms were compared with the type of vascular compression and the outcome of MVD. The MRA image was positive in 161 (56%) of the 287 cases. There were significant differences between the clinical groups: 66.5% of the typical TN group, 47.5% of the TNWIP group and 3.4% of the PIFP group were positive. The quality of the MR unit significantly determined the ratio of positive/negative MRA results. The surgical findings corresponded with the MRA images. Six patients from the MRA-negative group were operated on for selective rhizotomy and no NC was found. Venous compression of the trigeminal nerve was observed in a significantly higher proportion in the background of TNWIP than in that of typical TN on MRA imaging (24.1% and 0.8%, respectively) and also during MVD (31.2% and 1.2%, respectively). Four years following the MVD, 69% of the patients gave an excellent, 23% a good and 8% a poor result. The rate of some kind of recurrence of pain was 20% in the typical TN and 44% in TNWIP group. The rate of recurrence was 57% when pure venous compression was present. The only patient who was operated on from the PIFP group did not react to the MVD. The clinical symptoms and preoperative MRA performed by at least a 1-T MR unit furnish considerable information, which can play a role in the planning of the treatment of TN.
Do Internet Stock Message Boards Influence Trading? Evidence from Heavily Discussed Stocks with No Fundamental News

Abstract: This study extends the literature on the information content of stock message boards. To better understand the effect of online postings on trading activities and reduce the error due to stocks with small message board followings, we examine stocks with no fundamental news and high message posting activity. Such stocks tend to be of small firms with weak financials. For those stocks, we find a two-day pump followed by a two-day dump manipulation pattern among online traders, which suggests that an online stock message board can be used as a herding device to temporarily drive up stock prices. We also find that online traders’ credit-weighted sentiment index, but not the number of postings, is positively associated with contemporaneous return and negatively predicts the return next day and two days later. Also, absolute sentiment is negatively related with contemporaneous and next day's intraday volatility and positively related with the proportion of volume in small-sized trades. We conclude that message board sentiment is an important predictor of trading-related activities.
The Structure of Chicken Liver Xanthine Dehydrogenase

The amino acid sequence of chicken liver xanthine dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.204) was determined by cDNA cloning and partial amino acid sequencing of the purified enzyme. The enzyme consisted of 1358 amino acids with calculated molecular mass of 149,633 Da. In order to compare the structure of the chicken and rat enzymes, limited proteolysis was performed with the purified chicken liver xanthine dehydrogenase. When the enzyme was digested with subtilisin, it was not converted from the NAD-dependent dehydrogenase type to the O2-dependent oxidase type, in contrast with the mammalian enzyme. However, the enzyme was cleaved mainly into three fragments in a manner similar to that for the rat enzyme at pH 8.2 (20, 37, and 84 kDa) and retaining a full complement of redox centers. The cleavage sites were identified by determination of amino-terminal sequences of the produced fragments. It was concluded that the 20-kDa fragment was amino-terminal, the 84-kDa fragment carboxyl-terminal, and the 37-kDa fragment an intermediate portion in the enzyme protein. On the other hand, when the enzyme was digested with the same protease at pH 10.5, the sample contained only the 20- and 84-kDa portions and lacked the 37-kDa portion. The resultant sample possessed xanthine dichlorophenol indophenol reductase activity, indicating that the molybdenum center remained intact. The absorption spectrum showed the sample was very similar to deflavo-enzyme. From these results and sequence analyses, the domain structure of the enzyme is discussed.
EGFR point mutation in non‐small cell lung cancer is occasionally accompanied by a second mutation or amplification

Activating mutations of EGFR are found frequently in a subgroup of patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and are highly correlated with the response to gefitinib and erlotinib. In the present study, we searched for mutations of EGFR, HER2 and KRAS in 264 resected primary NSCLC from Japanese patients and determined whether there is a correlation between genetic alterations of these genes and clinicopathological factors, together with 85 tumors that we reported previously. EGFR mutations were found in 102 of the total 349 tumors, and seven tumors had two missense mutations. Reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction of EGFR and subsequent subcloning analyses identified that the double mutations occurred in the same allele. Furthermore, in 202 NSCLC analyzed by Southern blotting, we identified 11 tumors with gene amplification of EGFR, with eight tumors containing a mutation in EGFR. Sequence analysis detected only weak or no signals of the wild‐type allele in the eight tumors, strongly suggesting that the mutated allele was amplified selectively. These findings indicate that a dual genetic change of EGFR can occur in the same allele either with a possible second‐hit mutation or with amplification, which may imply a more selective growth advantage in a cancer cell. Meanwhile, HER2 mutations and amplifications were found in six of 349 tumors and three of 202 tumors, respectively, and KRAS mutations in 21 of 349 tumors. Mutations of the EGFR and HER2 genes were more frequently found in female never or light‐smoking patients with adenocarcinoma, and there were no tumors that had two or more mutations simultaneously among EGFR, HER2 and KRAS. The current study further demonstrates that a double genetic event in EGFR can occasionally occur in lung cancer, thus providing new clues for understanding the involvement of epidermal growth factor receptor signaling cascades in the pathogenesis of NSCLC. (Cancer Sci 2006; 97: 753–759)
Is true and fair of over-riding importance?: a comment on Alexander's benchmark

In the context of establishing criteria against which to judge the adequacy of published financial statements, Alexander (1999) distinguishes between a general over-riding requirement (Type A), an integrated framework (Type B) and detailed regulation (Type C). Alexander adds clarity to the analysis of the hierarchy of principles and policies. Much of his analysis seems correct and useful, but the major conclusion concerning the desirability of an over-ride in standards does not. Part of Alexander’s argument is that:
Estimating performance aspects of Greek equity funds with a liquidity-augmented factor model

The present study, employing a survivorship-bias free dataset, assesses the performance of Greek domestic equity funds during the period June 2001–December 2009 controlling for the thin trading risk that is inherent in the Greek stock market. Augmenting Carhart's multi-benchmark model (1997) with a stock-level liquidity factor, we document the absence of skills among domestic equity fund managers. However, at a fund level, we detect the evidence of a statistically and economically significant outperformance. Additionally, we examine the relationship between fund performance and a series of cost and operational attributes employing a robust quantile regression method. Cross-sectional results demonstrate a significant inverse relationship between fund performance and expenses. Moreover, our findings show that the larger the fund, the lower the performance.
Relaxation and music reduce pain after gynecologic surgery.

The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to investigate the effect of three nonpharmacologic nursing interventions: relaxation, music, and the combination of relaxation and music on pain following gynecologic (GYN) surgery. A total of 311 patients, ages 18 to 70, from five Midwestern hospitals, were randomly assigned using minimization to either three intervention groups or a control group and were tested during ambulation and rest on postoperative days 1 and 2. Pain sensation and distress were measured using visual analogue scales. Multivariate analysis of covariance of posttest sensation and distress was used with pretest control and a priori contrasts. The intervention groups had significantly less posttest pain than the control group (p =.022-.001) on both days. The three interventions were similar in their effect on pain. Patients who received the interventions plus patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) had 9% to 29% less pain than controls who used PCA alone. Reduced pain was related to amount of activity (ambulation or rest), mastery of the use of the intervention, and decreased pulse and respiration. Those who slept well had less pain the following day. Nurses who care for GYN surgical patients can provide soft music and relaxation tapes and instruct patients to use them during postoperative ambulation and also at rest on days 1 and 2.
An Exploratory Study of the Factors Enhancing and Inhibiting Export Growth in the Chilean Wine Industry

This exploratory study investigates the main drivers that enhance and inhibit the export performance of Chilean wineries. The findings of this study suggest that the main constraints within the Chilean wineries in developing exports is the lack of financial resources, limited quantities of stocks for market expansion, management's lack of knowledge and experience, and the high cost of traveling and participating in trade shows. The main drivers of wine export performance according to the respondents are high quality of the wines, well-established network of international distributors, and marketing skills. The major inhibitors of developing wine exports are exchange rate variability, problems in selecting a reliable international distributor, and limited government support to promote wine exports. This study also shows that export managers of Chilean wineries have high educational levels and have international experience. The findings have important implications for export development efforts of both governments and managers.
Indicators of Sustainable Tourism in New Zealand: A Local Government Perspective

The World Tourism Organisation (WTO) established a set of core indicators of sustainable tourism in 1995, which were promoted as a useful tool in the operationalisation of sustainable tourism development. Local authorities provide an established framework within which to operationalise the WTO's core indicators of sustainable tourism. This paper examines the extent to which sustainable tourism is reflected in the research practices and attitudes of local authorities within New Zealand. A nationwide survey investigated the importance of tourism, the current status of research and the perceived value of the WTO's core indicators of sustainable tourism within the New Zealand local authority framework (regional councils, territorial local authorities and regional tourism organisations). The importance of tourism within local authority areas was positively correlated with the number of different research activities undertaken.Two main types of research were identified: demand-related and supply-related researc.
Access to water as a determinant of rental values: A hedonic analysis in Rwanda

In this paper, we study the determinants of rental values in urban housing markets in Kigali, Rwanda. In particular, we study the value of access to piped water; due to the high costs associated with installing new piped connections, renting a property with an existing connection is often the only way for low income households to access piped water. Our results indicate that extending the piped network to a new house will in many cases raise the rental value of the house enough to pay for the cost of installing the new connection in less than two years.
Social cognition is not associated with cognitive reserve in older adults

Social and general cognitive abilities decline in late life. Those with high cognitive reserve display better general cognitive performance in old age; however, it is unknown whether this is also the case for social cognition. A total of 115 healthy older adults, aged 60–85 years (m = 44, f = 71) were assessed using The Awareness of Social Inference Test (TASIT-R; social cognition), the Lifetime of Experiences Questionnaire (LEQ; cognitive reserve), and the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI-II; general cognitive ability). The LEQ did not predict performance on any TASIT-R subtest: Emotion Evaluation Test (β = -.097, p = .325), Social Inference – Minimal (β = -.004, p = .972), or Social Inference – Enriched (β = -.016, p = .878). Sensitivity analyses using two alternative cognitive reserve measures, years of education and the National Adult Reading Test, supported these effects. Cognitive reserve was strongly related to WASI-II performance. Unlike general cognitive ability, social cognition appears unaffected by cognitive reserve. Findings contribute to the emerging understanding that cognitive reserve differentially affects individual cognitive domains, which has implications for the theoretical understanding of cognitive reserve and its brain correlates. Cognitive measures unbiased by cognitive reserve may serve as best indicators of brain health, free of compensatory mechanisms.
Effect of CO(2) pneumoperitoneum on ventilation-perfusion relationships during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND Previous studies have shown that pneumoperitoneum transiently reduces venous admixture as assessed by a calculation based on the shunt formula, and increases arterial oxygen tension (PaO(2)) in patients without heart or lung disease. The aim of the present study was to further explore the relationship between ventilation-perfusion (V(A)/Q) before and during pneumoperitoneum by using the multiple inert gas technique. METHODS Nine patients without heart or lung disease (ASA I), with a mean age of 42 years, scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy were included. After premedication and induction of anaesthesia, radial artery and pulmonary artery catheters were introduced percutaneously. The V(A)Q relationships were evaluated by the multiple inert gas elimination technique before and during pneumoperitoneum to obtain a direct measure of the pulmonary shunt. RESULTS Induction of pneumoperitoneum decreased the pulmonary shunt from 5.8 (4.5) to 4.1 (3.2)% (P<0.05) and increased PaO(2) from 21.7 (5.9) to 24.7 (4.8) kPa (P<0.01). During surgery, the shunt increased from 3.2 (2.8) to 5.2 (3.4)% to the same level as before pneumoperitoneum induction. No area with low V(A)Q was seen. Dead space ventilation amounted to 20.0 (1.2)% in the supine position and did not change during the investigation. CONCLUSIONS In patients without heart or lung disease, pneumoperitoneum at an intra-abdominal pressure level of 11-13 mmHg causes a transient reduction of the pulmonary shunt. The mechanisms underlying the present finding remain to be elucidated.
Financial constraint, cash value and investment

The purpose of this study is to investigate relationships between financial constraint, cash value and investment. The study samples consist of 86 firms listed in Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE) for the period of 2006 to 2010 (430 year-firm). Three WW, KZ and KZIR indexes are used for determining whether firms have financial constraint or not. The results from the first hypothesis show that holding optimal level of cash is very important for firms and cash increases firms' value in constrained more than unconstrained firms. Findings from the second hypothesis indicate that cash and investment have positive relationship. Also, taking that companies are always seeking to maximize their profit and return into consideration, one of the ways to achieve this goal is investment. The third hypothesis suggests that changing in the level of cash holding result in excess return in constrained firms more than unconstrained firms. This change in the level of cash holding may improve firm`s return and performance. Key words: Financial constraint, cash value, investment, company value, excess return.
The Impacts of Standard Monetary and Budgetary Policies on Liquidity and Financial Markets: International Evidence from the Credit Freeze Crisis

This paper evaluates the domestic and international impacts of lowering short-term interest rates and increasing budget spending on several indicators of liquidity, volatility, credit and economic activity. Data from the 2003–2011 period in the United States, the Euro zone and Canada were used to develop two SVAR models for assessing the national effectiveness and the international spillovers of monetary and budgetary policies during the credit freeze crisis. While monetary policies caused a temporary decrease in volatility and increase in liquidity in North American stock markets, the shocks were mainly domestic and ineffective at generating liquidity in the banking sector. In contrast, government spending shocks had a positive impact on credit and consumption, especially in Europe and Canada. Moreover, budgetary policies also had a positive international spillover effect on consumption and credit, especially for smaller economies such as Canada.