Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Examination of Relation between Corporate Governance and Dividend Payment Policy of the Listed Companies on Tehran Stock Exchange

The main purpose of this study is to examine the relation between corporate governance and dividend payment policy of the listed companies on Tehran stock exchange. The current research method is practical and its design is semi-empirical and is done through post event approach (via past information). Spatial domain of the study covers the listed companies of Tehran stock exchange and its time domain is ranged from 2008 to 2012. Also, three hypotheses are provided to examine the relation between each variables of the study. Hence, the independent variables are board of directors' size, duality of executive manager and ownership of institutional shareholders and dividend payment policy had been regarded as dependent variable. Of course, 4 control variables of firm size, firm growth, financial leverage and return on assets have been used. Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) method is used to testing hypothesis by EVIEWS 7 software. The research result demonstrated that there is a relation between boards of director's size, ownership of institutional shareholders and dividend payment policy of the listed companies on Tehran stock exchange, and there is no relation between duality of executive manager and dividend payment policy of the listed companies on Tehran stock exchange.
Effects of self-handicapping strategies on anxiety before athletic performance.

The purpose of the present experiment was to examine whether the use of self-handicapping strategies influences participants' anxiety levels before athletic performance. Seventy-one competitive basketball players participated in the study. A repeated measures design was used, such that state cognitive and somatic anxiety intensity and direction were measured before and after participants were given the opportunity to self-handicap. Overall, participants reported their cognitive anxiety to be more facilitating after they had the opportunity to self-handicap. Thus, participants who were given the opportunity to self-handicap (i.e., use claimed and behavioral self-handicaps), reported greater increases in perceptions of cog-nitive anxiety as facilitating their performance. This study shows the importance of looking at anxiety direction, and not just anxiety intensity, when examining self-handicapping's effects on anxiety. Implications for sport psychologists are proposed.
Mathematical modelling of juxtacrine patterning

Spatial pattern formation is one of the key issues in developmental biology. Some patterns arising in early development have a very small spatial scale and a natural explanation is that they arise by direct cell—cell signalling in epithelia. This necessitates the use of a spatially discrete model, in contrast to the continuum-based approach of the widely studied Turing and mechanochemical models. In this work, we consider the pattern-forming potential of a model for juxtacrine communication, in which signalling molecules anchored in the cell membrane bind to and activate receptors on the surface of immediately neighbouring cells. The key assumption is that ligand and receptor production are both up-regulated by binding. By linear analysis, we show that conditions for pattern formation are dependent on the feedback functions of the model. We investigate the form of the pattern: specifically, we look at how the range of unstable wavenumbers varies with the parameter regime and find an estimate for the wavenumber associated with the fastest growing mode. A previous juxtacrine model for Delta-Notch signalling studied by Collier et al. (1996, J. Theor. Biol.183, 429–446) only gives rise to patterning with a length scale of one or two cells, consistent with the fine-grained patterns seen in a number of developmental processes. However, there is evidence of longer range patterns in early development of the fruit fly Drosophila. The analysis we carry out predicts that patterns longer than one or two cell lengths are possible with our positive feedback mechanism, and numerical simulations confirm this. Our work shows that juxtacrine signalling provides a novel and robust mechanism for the generation of spatial patterns.
Lectures on Theoretical Ecology

The combination weighing apparatus is an apparatus that conducts combination weighing of articles based upon weight data from a plurality of weight hoppers, and is comprised of a plurality of supply buckets that supply articles to any of a plurality of weighing hoppers, a rotation mechanism that rotates the supply buckets so that they move along an arrangement of the weighing hoppers in a weighing area, and a control computer. The control computer controls the supply of articles from the supply buckets inside the weighing area to the weighing buckets, and from amongst the plurality of weighing hoppers that request a supply of articles, priority is given to the weighing buckets that are downstream in the direction of rotation, and article supply takes place. In a combination weighing apparatus that supplies articles from supply buckets that rotates with respect to weighing hoppers, preventing difficult situations such as articles being supplied to predetermined weighing hoppers, and improving the accuracy of combination weighing.
External Debt and Economic Growth in Jordan: The Threshold Effect

The Jordanian economy has a serious external debt problem. Based on several indicators, it can be argued that foreign debt has reached an excessive level and has become an impediment to economic growth. This paper examines the impact of external debt on the performance of the Jordanian economy and determines the optimum level of debt, using new econometric techniques that provide appropriate procedures for estimation and inference. The findings of the study indicate that the optimal level of external indebtedness is about 53 percent of GDP. In other words, when the level exceeds this level, its impact on the performance of the Jordanian economy becomes negative.
Automatic registration of multiple projectors on swept surfaces

In this paper, we present the first method to geometrically register multiple projectors on a swept surface (e.g. a truncated dome) using a single uncalibrated camera without using any physical markers on the surface. Our method can even handle non-linear distortion in projectors common in compact setups where a short throw lens is mounted on each projector. Further, when the whole swept surface is not visible from a single camera view, we can register the projectors using multiple pan and tilted views of the same camera. Thus, our method scales well with different size and resolution of the display. Since we recover the 3D shape of the display, we can achieve registration that is correct from any arbitrary viewpoint appropriate for head-tracked single-user virtual reality systems. We can also achieve wallpapered registration more appropriate for multi-user collaborative explorations. Our method achieves sub-pixel accuracy and the image correction required to achieve the registration runs in real-time on the GPU. Swept surfaces are much more immersive than popular display shapes like planes, cylinders and CAVES. Our method opens up the possibility of using such immersive swept surfaces to create more immersive VR systems without compromising the simplicity of having a completely automated registration technique.
Na+ Channel β Subunits: Overachievers of the Ion Channel Family

Voltage-gated Na+ channels (VGSCs) in mammals contain a pore-forming α subunit and one or more β subunits. There are five mammalian β subunits in total: β1, β1B, β2, β3, and β4, encoded by four genes: SCN1B–SCN4B. With the exception of the SCN1B splice variant, β1B, the β subunits are type I topology transmembrane proteins. In contrast, β1B lacks a transmembrane domain and is a secreted protein. A growing body of work shows that VGSC β subunits are multifunctional. While they do not form the ion channel pore, β subunits alter gating, voltage-dependence, and kinetics of VGSCα subunits and thus regulate cellular excitability in vivo. In addition to their roles in channel modulation, β subunits are members of the immunoglobulin superfamily of cell adhesion molecules and regulate cell adhesion and migration. β subunits are also substrates for sequential proteolytic cleavage by secretases. An example of the multifunctional nature of β subunits is β1, encoded by SCN1B, that plays a critical role in neuronal migration and pathfinding during brain development, and whose function is dependent on Na+ current and γ-secretase activity. Functional deletion of SCN1B results in Dravet Syndrome, a severe and intractable pediatric epileptic encephalopathy. β subunits are emerging as key players in a wide variety of physiopathologies, including epilepsy, cardiac arrhythmia, multiple sclerosis, Huntington’s disease, neuropsychiatric disorders, neuropathic and inflammatory pain, and cancer. β subunits mediate multiple signaling pathways on different timescales, regulating electrical excitability, adhesion, migration, pathfinding, and transcription. Importantly, some β subunit functions may operate independently of α subunits. Thus, β subunits perform critical roles during development and disease. As such, they may prove useful in disease diagnosis and therapy.
Preoperative radiation therapy with selective dose escalation to the margin at risk for retroperitoneal sarcoma

Retroperitoneal sarcomas (RPSs) are rare tumors with poor survival rates due to difficult resectability and high local and distant recurrence rates. Preoperative radiation therapy appears to have dosimetric advantages to utilize the tumor as a tissue expander to limit exposure of small bowel to higher radiation doses.
Emerging drugs for treatment of urinary incontinence

Importance of the field: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common problem and there are so many advances done in the field to help treat this common and distressing condition. Areas covered in this review: In this article we have tried to give an overview about current and emerging drugs available for the management of UI. What the readers gain: Reading the article will help to fill the knowledge gap regarding drugs available for treatment of UI. Take home message: Anti-muscarinic drugs remain the first-line treatment of overactive bladder (OAB) and a favorable efficacy/tolerability:safety ratio can be confirmed, but adverse effects and decreasing compliance remains an issue. Promising new alternatives are emerging but require further controlled studies to confirm their place in treatment of OAB. Surgery is still the mainstay for treatment of stress incontinence although duloxetine is the only drug licensed for this indication.
Evaluation of neonatal pulmonary mechanics and energetics: A two factor least mean square analysis

Pulmonary mechanics, using a two factor least mean square analysis technique, were determined in 22 preterm neonates with respiratory failure. The respiratory system is modelled as a linear mechanical system. Concurrent signals of airflow and transpulmonary pressure were utilized to calculate values of dynamic lung compliance and pulmonary resistances; these determinations were made over the entire tidal volume range. In addition, values of resistive work of breathing, pulmonary time constants, scalar records of sequential breaths, pressure‐volume and flow‐volume relationships were available for data review and interpretation. The mean ± SEM value of tidal volume was 7.4 ± 0.6 ml/kg; dynamic lung compliance was 0.44 ± 0.04 ml/cmH2O/kg; and the pulmonary resistance of the whole breath was 106 ± 9.1 cmH2O/liter/s. The resistive work of breathing (hysteresis) was 41.8 ± 5.9 gm.cm/kg. In correlating the measured values of pressure and flow to those predicted by the model, the mean value of the correlation coefficient for the least mean square analysis for all 22 studies was 0.995 ± 0.001; the standard error of estimate of the predicted pressure was <4.4% of the range of pressures measured. Thereby, the model was considered to be appropriate for the neonatal respiratory system. In addition to the traditional procedures of evaluating the respiratory status of a sick neonate, bedside analysis of pulmonary mechanics provide graphical information, and quantitative data which should be useful in day‐to‐day pulmonary management.
Comparison of the efficacy of low doses of methylprednisolone, acetaminophen, and dexketoprofen trometamol on the swelling developed after the removal of impacted third molar

Background The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of low doses of methylprednisolone, acetaminophen and dexketoprofen trometamol, which are among the drug groups used in our clinic, on postoperative swelling developing after removal of impacted third molar. Material and Methods The three group of patients received either 40 mg methylprednisolone or 300 mg acetaminophen or 12.5 mg dexketoprofen trometamol one hour before the procedure, according to the patient groups. The patients in the methylprednisolone group were injected with methylprednisolone at a dose of 20 mg 24 hour after the procedure and prescribed 300 mg acetaminophen as rescue analgesic. During the postoperative period, the doses that were given before the procedure were continued 3 times a day for 2 days in the acetaminophen and dexketoprofen trometamol groups. Maximal swelling was assessed preoperatively and at the postoperative 48 hours by ultrasound images. Results Swelling was 34% lower in the methylprednisolone than in the other groups; however, no statistically significant difference was found between the groups. The acetaminophen and dexketoprofen trometamol groups exhibited clinical results close to each other. Conclusions Combination of low doses of methylprednisolone and acetaminophen provide a safe and adequate clinical success on swelling. Key words: Methylprednisolone, acetaminophen, dexketoprofen trometamol, third molar extraction, swelling.
Dyspnea in obese healthy men.

STUDY OBJECTIVES To determine whether obese, apparently healthy individuals experience dyspnea at rest and, if so, whether their pulmonary function test (PFT) profile and maximal respiratory pressures are different from obese, healthy subjects without dyspnea. DESIGN Prospective, open. SETTING Pulmonary function test laboratory, Veterans Administration Medical Center. PATIENTS Twenty-three obese male subjects (each with a body mass index [BMI] of > 28 kg/m2) with an FEV1 level and an FEV1/FVC ratio > or = 80% of predicted and no coexisting conditions. Fifteen complained of dyspnea, where eight denied having it, at rest. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS Standard PFT parameters and maximum static inspiratory (P(Imax)) and expiratory (P(Emax)) mouth pressures were determined. Subjects with dyspnea had similar age and height but larger body weight (113.9+/-5.0 vs 97.4+/-2.6 kg, p = 0.03) and BMI (37.4+/-1.6 vs 31.8+/-0.7 kg/m2, p = 0.02) than subjects without dyspnea, and a greater number of them were current or previous smokers. Forced expiratory flow at 75% vital capacity (54.9+/-6 vs 75.5+/-7% predicted, p = 0.05), maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV; 90.2+/-3.8 vs 107.8+/-9.3% predicted, p = 0.05), and P(Emax) (77+/-2 vs 97.8% predicted, p = 0.007) were significantly reduced in the group of subjects with dyspnea. Large airway function (FVC, FEV1, and FEV1/FVC ratio), lung volumes, and gas exchange parameters were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS Some obese, but otherwise healthy, individuals experience dyspnea at rest. Reduced P(Emax) and MVV combined with greater body mass and peripheral airway disease are most likely responsible for the sensation of dyspnea in these individuals.
Detection of human papillomavirus 16, 18, and 45 in women with ASC-US cytology and the risk of cervical precancer: results from the CLEAR HPV study.

OBJECTIVES The Aptima human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 18/45 Genotype (GT) assay (AHPV-GT) is a qualitative E6/ E7 oncogene messenger RNA test that detects HPV 16 and a pool of HPV 18 and 45. The CLEAR (Clinical Evaluation of APTIMA mRNA) study was the pivotal, prospective, multicenter US clinical study to validate the Aptima HPV (AHPV) assays. METHODS In this analysis, we evaluated the clinical performance of AHPV and AHPV-GT assays for detection of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or more severe (CIN2 +) and grade 3 (CIN3) or adenocarcinoma in situ in 912 women with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) Papanicolaou result. The AHPV-GT assay was performed on high-risk HPV (hrHPV) positives as determined by the AHPV assay. RESULTS Overall, the percent positive for hrHPV was 38.8% (354/912), of which 34.2% (121/354) were GT positive. Among hrHPV-positive women, the risks of CIN2 + were 37.0% for HPV 16 positives, 15.9% for HPV 18/45 positives, 14.3% for other hrHPV positives, and 2.2% for AHPV negatives. The risks of CIN3 + were 20.5% for HPV 16 positives, 9.1% for HPV 18/45 positives, 4.3% for other hrHPV positives, and 0.7% for HPV negatives. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated that AHPV-GT is a reliable and effective test for cervical cancer risk stratification in women with an ASC-US cytology diagnosis.
Functional characteristics of non‐NMDA‐type ionotropic glutamate receptor channels in AII amacrine cells in rat retina

The properties of non‐NMDA glutamate receptor channels in AII amacrine cells were studied by patch‐clamp recording from rat retinal slices. Application of AMPA or kainate to intact cells evoked currents with no apparent desensitization (EC50 of 118 μM for AMPA and 169 μM for kainate). Application of AMPA to patches evoked desensitizing responses with an EC50 of 217 and 88 μM for the peak and steady‐state responses, respectively. Kainate‐evoked responses of patches displayed no desensitization (EC50= 162 μM). Cyclothiazide strongly potentiated AMPA‐evoked responses and the AMPA‐receptor antagonist GYKI 53655 inhibited both AMPA‐ and kainate‐evoked responses (IC50= 0.5–1.7 μM). Pre‐equilibration with GYKI 53655 completely blocked the response to kainate and pretreatment with concanavalin A did not unmask a response mediated by kainate receptors. AMPA‐ and kainate‐evoked currents reversed close to 0 mV. AMPA‐evoked peak and steady‐state response components in patches displayed linear and outwardly rectifying I–V relations with an RI (ratio of the slope conductances at +40 mV and ‐60 mV) of 0.96 ± 0.11 and 5.6 ± 1.3, respectively. AMPA‐evoked currents displayed a voltage‐dependent relaxation after steps to positive or negative membrane potentials, indicating that the outward rectification of the steady‐state response is caused by a voltage‐dependent kinetic parameter of channel gating. Under bi‐ionic conditions ([Ca2+]out= 30 mm, [Cs+]in= 171 mm), the reversal potentials of AMPA‐ and kainate‐evoked currents indicated channels with significant Ca2+ permeability (PCa/PCs= 1.9–2.1). Stationary noise analysis indicated that kainate activated channels with an apparent chord conductance of ∼9 pS. Non‐stationary noise analysis indicated that AMPA and glutamate activated channels with apparent chord conductances of ∼9, ∼15, ∼23 and ∼38 pS. Discrete single‐channel gating corresponding to chord conductances of ∼23 pS could be directly observed in some responses. Thus, our results indicate expression of high‐affinity, voltage‐sensitive AMPA receptors with significant Ca2+ permeability and relatively large single‐channel chord conductances in AII amacrine cells.
The effects of a manipulation of memory confidence on urges to check

One of the most common compulsions in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is repeated checking. Although individuals often report that they check to become more certain, checking has been shown to have the opposite effect - increased checking causes increased uncertainty. However, checking may also be thought of as beginning because of memory uncertainty. Beliefs about memory were manipulated to test whether or not they affected urges to check. Ninety one undergraduate participants received (positive or negative) false feedback about their performance on aspects of a standardized memory test, and then completed three additional tasks. Their urges to check and levels of memory vividness and detail following these tasks were assessed. Results were generally consistent with our hypotheses, as individuals in the low memory confidence condition had greater urges to check on most tasks than those in the high memory confidence condition. Low memory confidence led to reduced memory vividness and detail for only one of the memory tasks. Results and implications are discussed in terms of cognitive-behavioural models of and treatments for OCD.
The Truth About the Truth: A Meta-Analytic Review of the Truth Effect

Repetition has been shown to increase subjective truth ratings of trivia statements. This truth effect can be measured in two ways: (a) as the increase in subjective truth from the first to the second encounter (within-items criterion) and (b) as the difference in truth ratings between repeated and other new statements (between-items criterion). Qualitative differences are assumed between the processes underlying both criteria. A meta-analysis of the truth effect was conducted that compared the two criteria. In all, 51 studies of the repetition-induced truth effect were included in the analysis. Results indicate that the between-items effect is larger than the within-items effect. Moderator analyses reveal that several moderators affect both effects differentially. This lends support to the notion that different psychological comparison processes may underlie the two effects. The results are discussed within the processing fluency account of the truth effect.
Title: Public perception of the relationship between climate change and unconventional gas in the US Authors:

 Beliefs about several effects associated with unconventional gas development (‘fracking’) affect support for and opposition to development to a greater extent than beliefs about development’s effect on global climate change do.  Communication tailored to increase awareness of development would likely be most effective when focusing on local level, as opposed to national or global, impacts.  Messaging about development’s relationship with carbon emissions would have more effect in national-level discourse, as opposed to messaging targeted at communities experiencing or potentially experiencing development.  To maintain credibility and societal trust, communication on the global climate impacts of unconventional gas development needs to be informative but nonpersuasive.
— 32 — Solar radiometry

The classical radiometry for total solar irradiance (TSI) measurements is described using examples of the presently used four types of radiometer in space. The design, characterization and operation of these radiometers are described. Besides the instrumental characteristics determining the SI uncertainty, an important issue are possible long-term changes of the radiometers exposed to solar irradiance – especially in the EUV – and the space environment. A model for the degradation has been developed which can explain the behaviour of most radiometers in space. The TSI record since 1978 from different platforms and radiometers can be combined in a composite time series which demonstrates that although the SI uncertainty of the present state-of-the-art radiometers is insufficient, their short and long-term precision is good enough to produce a reliable time series of TSI over now almost 30 years.