Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Capital Structure When Expected Agency Costs are Extreme

We provide new evidence that debt creates shareholder value for firms that face agency costs. Our tests are unique in two respects. First, we focus on a sample of firms with potentially extreme agency problems. We study emerging market firms where the routine use of pyramid ownership structures provides an acute separation of management cash flow rights and control rights. Second, we argue that not all debt is the same. Using new data on global debt issuance, we find that the type of debt that positively impacts shareholder value is the type that closely monitors management. This combination of a sample of firms with extreme expected agency problems and detailed information on the different types of debt allows us to construct powerful tests of whether debt can mitigate the effects of agency and information problems. Among other results, we find that the abnormal returns resulting from syndicated term loans (which provide monitoring) are significantly related to the extent of the separation of ownership and control. Our results are consistent with the idea that debt creates value because it reduces the agency costs associated with overinvestment.
Critical Exponent Analysis Applied to Surface EMG Signals for Gesture Recognition

Based on recent advances in non-linear analysis, the surface electromyography (sEMG) signal has been studied from the viewpoints of self-affinity and complexity. In this study, we examine usage of critical exponent analysis (CE) method, a fractal dimension (FD) estimator, to study properties of the sEMG signal and to deploy these properties to characterize different movements for gesture recognition. SEMG signals were recorded from thirty subjects with seven hand movements and eight muscle channels. Mean values and coefficient of variations of the CE from all experiments show that there are larger variations between hand movement types but there is small variation within the same type. It also shows that the CE feature related to the self-affine property for the sEMG signal extracted from different activities is in the range of 1.855~2.754. These results have also been evaluated by analysis-of-variance (p-value). Results show that the CE feature is more suitable to use as a learning param eter for a classifier compared with other representative features including root mean square, median frequency and Higuchi’s method. Most p-values of the CE feature were less than 0.0001. Thus the FD that is computed by the CE method can be applied to be used as a feature for a wide variety of sEMG applications.
The utility of the Metacognitive Awareness Inventory for Teachers among in-service teachers

The purpose of the present study is to explore the utility of the compressed version of the Metacognitive Awareness Inventory for Teachers (MAIT-18) among in-service teachers. Knowledge of teachers’ awareness of metacognition is required to support students’ self-regulation, with the aim of establishing modern learning methods and life-long learning. The participants in this study were teachers (N = 208) from different sectors of vocational education. The data has been analysed using structural equation modelling. The Confirmatory Factor Analysis indicated good/acceptable model fit and convergence of each factor. Moreover, alpha scores of the inventory signify that the inventory is internally consistent. These findings reveal the utility of the MAIT-18 in measuring the Metacognitive Awareness of in-service teachers. Now, that the utility of the inventory has been examined among in-service teachers, comparative studies between in-service teachers and teacher trainees as well as longitudinal studies are prospective.
Human Rhinovirus 16 Causes Golgi Apparatus Fragmentation without Blocking Protein Secretion

ABSTRACT The replication of picornaviruses has been described to cause fragmentation of the Golgi apparatus that blocks the secretory pathway. The inhibition of major histocompatibility complex class I upregulation and cytokine, chemokine and interferon secretion may have important implications for host defense. Previous studies have shown that disruption of the secretory pathway can be replicated by expression of individual nonstructural proteins; however the situation with different serotypes of human rhinovirus (HRV) is unclear. The expression of 3A protein from HRV14 or HRV2 did not cause Golgi apparatus disruption or a block in secretion, whereas other studies showed that infection of cells with HRV1A did cause Golgi apparatus disruption which was replicated by the expression of 3A. HRV16 is the serotype most widely used in clinical HRV challenge studies; consequently, to address the issue of Golgi apparatus disruption for HRV16, we have systematically and quantitatively examined the effect of HRV16 on both Golgi apparatus fragmentation and protein secretion in HeLa cells. First, we expressed each individual nonstructural protein and examined their cellular localization and their disruption of endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus architecture. We quantified their effects on the secretory pathway by measuring secretion of the reporter protein Gaussia luciferase. Finally, we examined the same outcomes following infection of cells with live virus. We demonstrate that expression of HRV16 3A and 3AB and, to a lesser extent, 2B caused dispersal of the Golgi structure, and these three nonstructural proteins also inhibited protein secretion. The infection of cells with HRV16 also caused significant Golgi apparatus dispersal; however, this did not result in the inhibition of protein secretion. IMPORTANCE The ability of replicating picornaviruses to influence the function of the secretory pathway has important implications for host defense. However, there appear to be differences between different members of the family and inconsistent results when comparing infection with live virus to expression of individual nonstructural proteins. We demonstrate that individual nonstructural HRV16 proteins, when expressed in HeLa cells, can both fragment the Golgi apparatus and block secretion, whereas viral infection fragments the Golgi apparatus without blocking secretion. This has major implications for how we interpret mechanistic evidence derived from the expression of single viral proteins.
An exploratory study of concussion management policies in municipal park and recreation departments

ABSTRACT Despite the burgeoning interest in reducing concussions among youth sport participants, research investigating concussion safety policies of municipal park and recreation departments has been sparse. A national survey of park and recreation professionals in 50 states (n = 739, response rate of 23%) was conducted in 2015 to assess concussion management policies and practices of municipal park and recreation departments. Only about one-third of respondents indicated that their departments required coaches to be trained in concussion safety. Among those who mandated concussion safety training, the CDC’s ‘Heads Up: Concussion in Youth Sports’ was the most commonly used concussion safety training material. Despite the low number of departments requiring concussion safety training for youth sport coaches using park/recreation facilities, nearly two-thirds encouraged concussion safety training for such coaches. The results suggest that, overall, municipal park and recreation department’s concussion safety policies are lagging behind those typically found in interscholastic and collegiate sport programs.
THE EFFECTS OF SELENIUM ON LYCOPERSICON ESCULENTUM MILL. SEEDLINGS

This study was planned to contribute the views examining the physiological mechanisms of selenium-induced growth reductions with regard to selenium and plant nutrient interactions. Growth inhibition in the seedlings and the changes in nutrient compositions of epidermal cells with administration of increasing concentrations of selenium were investigated at the initial growth stage, which is the most stress-sensitive stage, of plant. The effects of selenium on Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. seedlings were investigated by EDX (Energy Dispersive X-Ray Microanalysis) analysis of the regions, approximately 450 μm x 500 μm in size, with use of low-vacuum (∼ 24 Pascal) Scanning Electron Microscope, and SEM images were obtained. Increasing concentrations of selenium in the nutrient solution led to decreased cell growth particularly in the hypocotyl and roots, and to increased selenium content in the cells. The growth inhibitions were found at the selenium concentrations of ≥ 100 ppm. Development of the glandular hairs in the hypocotyl epidermal system was significantly reduced with the administration of ≥ 200 ppm of selenium. Development of the absorbing hairs in the roots was decreased in parallel with the increasing selenium concentrations in the nutrient solution; and because the development of the root is often limited to only to the development of radicula at the selenium concentrations of 500 and 1000 ppm, no absorbing hairs was found in these roots. Some macro- and micronutrient contents of radicle and hypocotyl epidermal cells were changed in response to selenium toxicity. In conclusion, ≥ 200 ppm of selenium administered in the form of SeO2 was certainly toxic for the initial growth period of Lycopersicon esculentum cv. H-2274.
The ef fi cacy of somatostatin analogues in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy and thyroid eye disease

Gerasimos E Krassas1 Themistoklis Tzotzas1 Konstantinos Papazisis2 Kaliopi PazaitouPanayiotou3 Kostas Boboridis4 1Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Panagia General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece; 2Research Department, Theagenion Cancer Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece; 3Department of Endocrinology and Endocrine Oncology, Theagenion Cancer Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece; 4Department of Ophthalmology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
Social media and corporate reputation during crises: the viability of video-sharing websites for providing counter-messages to traditional broadcast news

ABSTRACT Exemplification, or the use of highly emotional and arousing messages to elicit responses based on impression formation, has been shown to influence perceptions of events, individuals, and organizations. News coverage concerning the use of lean finely textured beef (LFTB) is one such example, and anecdotal evidence suggests that this coverage may have had a negative impact on public perception of the manufacturers producing LFTB. The current study examined the use of social media (specifically video-sharing sites) as a means of combating the negative effects of exemplars concerning LFTB. Respondents reported their perceptions of threat severity, susceptibility, behavioral intentions to avoid LFTB, and perceptions of organizational trust and reputation associated with the manufacturer. The findings are consistent with exemplification theory and indicate that message ordering can influence exemplification effects. Results are discussed in terms of implications for public relations and risk communication.
Permanent Grassland Restoration Techniques – An Overview

Abstract Short review of grassland restoration techniques has been made with emphasis on the application of newly developed wide-strip overseeding aggregate. Machines currently available on the market are not suitable for all types of soil and grassland conditions. Vredo seeder is useless on muck soils, while Moore aggregate requires herbicide application. Therefore it is not to be applied in organic farming. Construction designated in ITP Kłudzienko (wide-strip overseeder) is a very economical and effective, possible to be used also on muck soils and without assistance of any chemicals. Operation of the machine consists of ‘milling’ of wide (about 10 cm) strips of sod and overseeding of mineral fertilizers and seeds of grasses, legumes and herbs. Cultivator for soil ‘milling’ strips is driven by the tractor PTO. By changing the spacing of strips, an oversown area can be resized from 20% to 40%. The effect of overseeding, evaluated next year exposed the increase of hay yield from 0.8 to 1.2 t · ha-1 of dry matter in the first cut. Such innovative construction is particularly important in dairy farms which are in the need of the best quality feed.
The role of novel biomarkers in childhood idiopathic nephrotic syndrome: a narrative review of published evidence

Two histological subtypes of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome are commonly recognized in children, namely minimal change nephropathy and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Children with minimal change nephropathy (the majority of whom are steroid-sensitive) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (the majority of whom are steroid-resistant) require early identification in order to ensure appropriate therapeutic intervention and better outcome. Although renal biopsy and histology remain the ideal diagnostic steps to identify these histological subtypes, reports indicate that serum and urinary biomarkers are now being utilized in the investigation of childhood idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. This paper aims to review the diagnostic and prognostic utility of novel biomarkers in childhood idiopathic nephrotic syndrome and to highlight their role in differentiating steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) from steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SSNS). Using the terms “idiopathic nephrotic syndrome,” “children,” and “biomarkers” the PubMed database was searched for relevant studies related to the topic. Biomarkers such as adiponectin, neopterin, β2-microglobulin, and N-acetyl-β-D glucosaminidase were reported as diagnostic markers. In addition to neopterin and N-acetyl-β-D glucosaminidase, urine vitamin D-binding protein and α1β-glycoprotein were shown to differentiate SRNS from SSNS while N-acetyl-β-D glucosaminidase and β2-microglobulin could predict steroid responsiveness and renal outcome in SRNS. Although progress has been made in demonstrating the diagnostic and prognostic utility of these biomarkers, their limited availability in most laboratories has precluded a complete paradigm shift from the conventional renal biopsy. Nevertheless, further longitudinal studies are required to establish their usefulness as noninvasive predictors of disease response to immunosuppressive therapy.
Four new species of Emericella from the Mediterranean region of Europe

Four new species of Emericella, E. discophora, E. filifera, E. olivicola and E. stella-maris, are proposed. Their new taxonomic status was determined applying a polyphasic taxonomic approach using phenotypic (morphology and extrolite profiles) and molecular (sequences of ITS, β-tubulin and calmodulin genes) characters. Ascospores of E. stella-maris and E. olivicola have star-shape equatorial crests, those of E. filifera form long appendages that emerge radially from narrow stellate crests and those of E. discophora produce wide and entire, nonstellate equatorial crests. E. stella-maris originated from leaf litter in Tunisia and E. filifera from raisins in Argentina, and both of them also were found in hypersaline water of a saltern in Slovenia. E. olivicola was isolated from olives in Italy and E. discophora from soil in Spain. All listed species possess distinct extrolite profiles: E. stella-maris produced arugosin E, shamixanthone and the yet unelucidated metabolites glia 1–3; E. filifera produced shamixanthone and varitriols; E. discophora produced sterigmatocystin and versicolorins; E. olivicola produced numerous extrolites such as arugosin E, siderin, shamixanthone, sterigmatocystin, terrein, varitriols and aflatoxin B1, of which the latter was detected only in one of the two strains.
Surgical outcome of distal femur fracture by locking compression plate

Introduction: The following study was conducted to examine the short term clinical and radiological results particularly early complications and healing rate of distal femur fracture treated with DF-LCP. Methodology: The study was conducted in patients treated for distal femur fracture (type A, B & C – AO classification) at ADHICHUNCHANGIRI INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL SCIENCE, BG Nagar from the month of Nov 2013 to May 2016. Fifty distal femur fracture patients were taken into the study, all were fixed with DF-LCP with Bone grafting where the distal femur fractures were associated with extensive bone loss. Patients’ age ranged from 22 to 74 years with a mean of 44. Results: The sample consisted of fifty patients with 32 males and 18 were female. The patients’ ages ranged from 22-74 years with a mean age of 44 years. The causes of fractures were motor vehicle accident in 33 patients and fall in 17 patients. There were no sports or industrial accidents. 33 fractures involved the right side and 17 involved the left. The average length of hospitalization was 15 days with a range of 10 to 20 days. The average number of days from injury to surgery was 5 days with a range of 2 to 08 days. The operative time ranged from 60 minutes to 180 minutes. Patients were followed up from 01 to 24 months. Functional outcome was rated as per NEER’S RATING SCORE, we got excellent results in 19 cases, good in 20, fair in 08 and poor in 03 patients. Conclusion: The DF-LCP is a good implant to use for fractures of the distal femur. However, accurate positioning and fixation are required to produce satisfactory results. We recommend use of this implant in Type A, B, C and osteoporotic fractures. Our early results were encouraging but long term studies are needed to prove definitively acceptable outcomes so that the technique can become part in the armamentarium of the orthopedic trauma surgeon.
Isolated coronary artery bypass surgery in patients with mild to moderate ischemic mitral regurgitation: Early results

The optimal management of moderate ischemic mitral regurgitation (MR) remains controversial. Some surgeons advocate coronary artery bypass alone, while others suggest concomitant mitral valve annuloplasty. We aimed to evaluate the early results of isolated coronary artery bypass operation on the cases with mild-to-moderate ischemic MR. Between May 2010 and May 2011, 59 patients (64% male, mean age: 50.5 years) with a preoperative diagnosis of mild-to-moderate ischemic MR underwent a coronary bypass operation. Patients evaluated with preoperative and postoperative (in twelve-month period with an average of five months) transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE). Postoperative mortality was not observed in study group. The preoperative functional capacity of the patients as well as the variables of mild MR and moderate MR showed a statistically significant difference in a positive way when compared with the postoperative functional capacity and MR variables. Postoperative TTE evaluation revealed that only 2 cases have severe MR (3,4%) also 62,7 % of patients have mild and 33.9% of patients have moderate MR. While there was a significant difference in a positive way between the preoperative and postoperative period in terms of left atrial diameter, no significant difference was found for the variables of ejection fraction and pulmonary artery pressure. Among the patients whom undergoing coronary bypass surgery, if there is mild or moderate MR revealed with the TTE prior to the operation, performing only coronary bypass operation will be adequate, and our early results in this matter are satisfactory. But, if severe MR revealed with TTE, performance of mitral valve repair or replacement should be evaluated additional to coronary bypass operation.
A Study on Linear Inequality Representation of Social Welfare Functions

This paper presents a study on the recently proposed linear inequality representation of Arrovian Social Welfare Functions (ASWFs). We first give an alternative proof of the ASWF integer linear inequality representation theorem, and then show several sufficient conditions on preference domains for the linear inequalities of the representation to form integral polytopes. We also show that a given probabilistic ASWF induces a real vector satisfying the inequalities.
Different Hemodynamic Responses of the Primary Motor Cortex Accompanying Eccentric and Concentric Movements: A Functional NIRS Study

The literature contains limited evidence on how our brains control eccentric movement. A higher activation is expected in the contralateral motor cortex (M1) but consensus has not yet been reached. Therefore, the present study aimed to compare patterns of M1 activation between eccentric and concentric movements. Nine healthy participants performed in a randomized order three sets of five repetitions of eccentric or concentric movement with the dominant elbow flexors over a range of motion of 60° at two velocities (30°/s and 60°/s). The tests were carried out using a Biodex isokinetic dynamometer with the forearm supported in the horizontal plane. The peak torque values were not significantly different between concentric and eccentric movements (p = 0.42). Hemodynamic responses of the contralateral and ipsilateral M1 were measured with a near-infrared spectroscopy system (Oxymon MkIII, Artinis). A higher contralateral M1 activity was found during eccentric movements (p = 0.04, η² = 0.47) and at the velocity of 30°/s (p = 0.039, η² = 0.48). These preliminary findings indicate a specific control mechanism in the contralateral M1 to produce eccentric muscle actions at the angular velocities investigated, although the role of other brain areas in the motor control network cannot be excluded.
Lymphocytic hypophysitis. A review of 145 cases.

Lymphocytic hypophysitis (LH) is a new clinico pathological entity, first described in 1962 by Goudie [46]. With recent advances in radiological investigation and technical refinements of trans-sphenoidal surgery, LH cases are being reported with increasing frequency. A total of 145 cases have been reported to date, 102 of them since 1990, with 121 histologically proven. LH is an autoimmune endocrinopathy characterized by an extensive infiltration of the anterior pituitary gland by chronic inflammatory cells, which can cause pituitary expansion and a variable degree of hypopituitarism closely mimicking the features observed in pituitary adenoma. Involvement of the neurohypophysis rarely occurs in LH. The disease mostly occurs at the end of gestation or during the early post partum, but not exclusively: 23 cases of men and 13 cases of menopausal women have been reported in the literature. When no diagnosis is made, the sometimes insidious clinical course can progress towards hypopituitarism and can result in a lethal outcome. Better known since the last five years, clinical management remains a question of debate. Up to now, the majority of cases of adenohypophysitis were surgically treated leading to severe secondary endocrine deficiencies. Recently some authors (including in one personal case report) reported a new approach with corticosteroid therapy, which was successful in reversing the hypophy-seal mass and the pituitary endocrine insufficiency. Lymphocytic hypophysitis is a recently individualized autoimmune endocrinopathy, similar to Hashimoto's thyroi-ditis. The frequency of the disease is probably underestimated and some cases of idiopathic pituitary insufficiency of adults or primary idiopathic empty sella syndrome might be related to previously ignored LH. Pathological definition