Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Performance Comparison of High-Speed Dual-Pneumatic Vitrectomy Cutters during Simulated Vitrectomy with Balanced Salt Solution.

PURPOSE To measure flow rate of balanced salt solution and IOP during simulated vitrectomy using two sets of high-speed dual-pneumatic probes. METHODS A closed-model eye system measured IOP and flow rate of a balanced salt solution through infusion cannula. The Constellation Vision System was tested with two sets of high-speed dual-pneumatic probes (UltraVit 23-gauge and enhanced 25+-gauge 5000-cpm probes; UltraVit 23-gauge and enhanced 25+-gauge 7500-cpm probes; n = 6 each) under different vacuum levels and cut rates in three duty cycle modes. RESULTS In both probe sets, flow rates were dependent on cut rate with the biased open and biased closed duty cycles. Flow rates were highest with the biased open duty cycle, lower with the 50/50 duty cycle, and lowest with the biased closed duty cycle. IOP, as expected, was inversely associated with flow rate using both probe sets. CONCLUSIONS The 7500-cpm probes offer greater control and customization compared with 5000-cpm probes under certain experimental conditions. At maximum cut rates, performance of 7500-cpm probes was similar to that of 5000-cpm probes, suggesting that 7500-cpm probes may be used without sacrifice of flow rate and IOP stability. TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE Customization of vitrectomy parameters allows greater surgeon control during vitrectomy and may expand the usefulness of vitrectomy probes.
Long-term Firm Performance and Chief Executive Turnover: An Empirical Study of the Dynamics

This article examines the dynamics of chief executive turnover and its relation with firm performance, using a duration model incorporating up to ten years of firm performance. The estimation results are as follows. First, firm performance has a persistent effect on the chief executive's future turnover, except the performance in the early years of the executive's tenure. However, when we limit our analyses to the turnover in which the chief executive officer leaves the firm without retaining any other position, the effect of past performance fades more quickly. Second, after controlling for the effects of age and firm performance, the probability of chief executive turnover is significantly lower in the beginning and after ten years of a chief executive's tenure. Copyright 1996 by Oxford University Press.
From the Tax-for-Fee Reform to the Abolition of Agricultural Taxes: The Impact on Township Governments in North-west China

Over the last decade, there have been numerous reports of rural discontent and unrest over excessive local taxes and fees known as villagers' burdens. In response, the central government enacted the tax-for-fee reform (TFR) in 2002 that abolished local fees levied on individuals and rural households in favour of a single agricultural tax. In addition the central government has announced plans to eliminate the agricultural tax as well after 2006. The aim of the TFR is to streamline local revenue collection and establish a more transparent and efficient provision of services. The immediate result, however, is a dramatic reduction in the autonomy of township governments as well as the provision of local services. Poorer townships have become more dependent on county government for revenues, and these townships function more like county administrative units than local self-governments. Moreover, many services have also been cut due to a lack of local revenues. In north-west China, there has been a sharp decline in the provision of educational and medical services. The solution is an increase in county remittances, but these are slow and uneven, and the combination of reduced autonomy and services has produced a number of “administrative shells” at the township level. If the inefficacy continues, then there may be even greater rural discontent and unrest over the loss of basic services than there was over increasing villagers' burdens.
The prevalence of dental caries in 5 - 18-year-old insulin-dependent diabetics of Fars Province, southern Iran.

BACKGROUND The association of dental caries and diabetes mellitus has not received enough attention, in spite of the fact that both diseases are associated with the ingestion of dietary carbohydrates. This study was undertaken in Fars Province, southern Iran, to determine the prevalence rates of dental caries in a group of metabolically well-controlled patients with type I diabetes mellitus and in a control group. METHODS Fifty patients (22 boys and 28 girls) with type I diabetes mellitus under follow-up of the Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, with a mean +/- SD age of 11.72 +/- 3.36 years and mean +/- SD fasting blood sugar of 235.74 +/- 103.61 mg/dL, entered this study. A similar study was conducted to determine the prevalence of dental caries in 12-year-old school children in Shiraz, Iran who served as the control group. After completing a questionnaire, the patients were examined separately by two dentists. Before the clinical examination, bitewing radiographies were performed. Student's t- and Chi-square tests were used for statistical analysis in relation to sex, age of onset of diabetes mellitus, socioeconomic and nutritional status, family history of diabetes mellitus, and orohygiene status. RESULTS The mean +/- SD DMFT for diabetic children was 9.64 +/- 4.64 (decayed = 8.12 +/- 3.90, missing = 0.62 +/- 1.34, and filling = 0.90 +/- 2.10). The lower permanent first molars were the most frequency decayed and the incisors were the healthiest teeth. DMFT score and the frequency of decayed teeth were higher in boys than in girls. However, the rate of filling and missing teeth were higher in girls. DMFT and the number of decayed teeth were higher in patients with poor oral hygiene. The number of healthy first permanent molars was much higher in the mixed dentition groups than in those with permanent teeth. A direct correlation was found between the health status of the first permanent molar tooth and having type I diabetes mellitus. CONCLUSION Oral hygiene was somewhat poorer in diabetic patients than in the control group. Regular dental check-ups for preventive measures such as fluoride therapy, fissure sealant, regular medical follow-ups for proper control of metabolic abnormalities to decrease occurrence of xerostomia, omission of cariogenic substances from dietary regimen, fluoridation of drinking water, and individual and group education of diabetic patients regarding proper dental hygiene are recommended.
The Pricing of Municipal Bonds

In recent years, increased interest has developed in municipal bonds. This interest seems to be related to higher levels of interest rates, higher marginal tax rates for individuals because of inflation, and large demand for capital funds by municipalities. In spite of this greater awareness of municipal bonds, the academic literature lacks a rigorous analysis comparing municipal bonds with other bonds. The purpose of this paper is to partially fill this gap. Since one major characteristic differentiating municipal bonds from other bonds is the (federal) tax-free status of the coupons on municipals, this paper will trace out the implications of this differential tax treatment by comparing municipal bonds with fully-taxed bonds.
Outside Enterpreneurial Capital

This article investigates factors that affect rejection rates in applications for outside finance among different types of investors (banks, venture capital funds, leasing firms, factoring firms, trade customers and suppliers, partners and working shareholders, private individuals and other sources), taking into account the non-randomness in a firm's decision to seek outside finance. The data support the traditional pecking order theory. Further, the data indicate that firms seeking capital are typically able to secure their requisite financing from at least one of the different available sources. However, external finance is often not available in the form that a firm would like. Copyright © The Author(s). Journal compilation © Royal Economic Society 2009.
Do Corporate Governance Recommendations Improve the Performance and Accountability of Small Listed Companies?

This study examines whether the implementation of the 2003 Australian Securities Exchange Limited governance recommendations influenced the governance choices of small companies and whether compliance improves their accounting and market performance and earnings quality. Our analysis examines small and large companies because we are interested in the different effects of the governance recommendations on the two groups. The analysis shows a significant shift by small and large companies to comply with the recommendations around the time of their introduction. We find that formation of an audit committee surrounding the reform period is significantly associated with improved earnings quality for small and large companies. However, compliance with other governance recommendations is not systematically associated with improved performance or earnings quality.
Impact of Net Buying Pressure on Changes in Implied Volatility: Before and After the Onset of the Subprime Crisis

In the Black–Scholes (BS) framework and valuation model, asset returns follow a lognormal diffusion and volatility is a constant parameter. In such a world, implied volatility is equal to the true volatility and is the same for options of all strikes. But, as everyone knows, the volatility “smile” in the real world stands as a serious contradiction to pure Black–Scholes. What causes the smile, and why does it change shape periodically? One set of possible answers to these important questions comes from modifying the BS assumptions, for example, by allowing stochastic volatility or non-lognormal fat-tailed return distributions. Another potential explanation is that the smile, and especially its dynamics, reflects imbalances in option demand and supply within the market population. A serious market shock can provide valuable insight into this question by revealing how implied volatilities respond to market events in times of stress. In this article, Shiu, Pan, Lin, and Wu explore the demand imbalance explanation as it applies to the TAIEX index of Taiwan stocks before and during the financial crisis of 2008. They find strong evidence that demand pressure does affect the implied volatility surface, but unlike in the U.S., the nature of the influence is more concentrated in calls than in puts.
Adoption of More Technically Efficient Irrigation Systems as a Drought Response

Adoption of technically efficient irrigation systems can mitigate the effects of drought by allowing irrigators to maintain water consumption with reduced applications. This paper uses survey data from the worst drought in Colorado's history to examine how drought conditions affect the choice of irrigation system by irrigators. Results indicate that drought conditions did significantly increase the percentage of farms using more efficient sprinkler systems relative to gravity systems. The key factors affecting the decision were land tenure, farm scale and available water supply, suggesting that those enterprises with the most owned land, the highest number of acres and the most reliable water supplies are most likely to invest in more efficient irrigation systems during severe droughts.
Toward a Theory of Vacancies

We attempt to further characterize the search strategies of the employer. In the article, we discuss how characteristics of the employer or conditions that the employer faces affect the optimal search strategies and the probability of filling a vacancy in each period. Semiparametric and parametric methods are used to estimate hazard rates of filling vacancies. The results suggest that for the given sample of vacancies, the general form of the hazard function is nonmonotonic. Additionally, the results suggest that those employers who have advance notice of the vacancy may search longer than those employers who do not.
Does Korea have twin deficits?

Using the modified Wald test suggested by Toda and Yamamoto (1995), the study examines whether higher budget deficits lead to greater current account deficits in Korea. This test allows one not only to examine the general validity of twin deficits hypotheses, but also to predict future Korean external balance positions. The empirical results indicate that a unidirectional causal relation running from the current account deficit to the budget deficit is present in Korea.
Household Debt and Financial Constraints in Australia

Over the past decade, household debt (as a share of household income) has reached historically high levels. This has raised concerns about whether, as a result of the rise in debt, households are now more financially 'fragile'. Copyright 2005 The University of Melbourne, Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research.
Beyond Dichotomy: The Curvilinear Impact of Employee Ownership on Firm Performance

In a governance context characterized by a spectacular increase in employee ownership fostered by a pervasive support from both managers and government, our results suggest that performance implications of employee ownership are positive up to a certain point, after which the marginal effect of employee ownership on firm performance becomes negative. As a result, our findings suggest that managers and shareholders should be careful when launching and increasing the level of employee ownership to not go beyond specific inflection points. This study addresses the inconsistency of results found so far in the literature examining the performance implications of employee ownership by proposing a theoretical framework and providing empirical support for the hypothesis suggesting that the relationship between employee ownership and firm performance is not linear, but indeed, has an inverted U-shape. Results drawn from a longitudinal analysis of a sample of 230 French firms over the period 2000-2005 provide support for an inverted U-shaped relationship between employee ownership and accounting-based performance measures. However, this relationship is not supported when a market-based performance measure is used. We also found that the inflection point of the inverted U-shaped relationship between employee ownership and firm performance does not depend upon the level of employee representation on the board. This study examines the impact of employee stock ownership and board employee representation on firm performance.
When employees fail in Chinese enterprises: attribution, responsibility, and constructive criticism

When an employee fails to meet certain standards in the workplace, judgments of responsibility can influence the type of feedback and criticism made by managers or colleagues to motivate target employees. However, in Chinese culture, in which cultural norms regarding criticism can be quite different from those in Western countries, the relationships among these variables from an attributional perspective remain widely unstudied in the HRM field. In this study, 196 participants from Chinese business environments made attributions and emotional judgments for a workplace failure, and then made suggestions for how to respond to the failing employee (i.e. constructive criticism). A structural equation model that reflected the relationships among attributional variables, affect responses, and constructive criticism decisions was tested. Results suggested that, similar to Western countries, Chinese participants assigned behavioral responsibility according to causal locus as well as the perception of controllability. Responsibility inferences elicited anger and sympathy and contributed to constructive criticism decisions. Findings are discussed in terms of the similarities and differences in attributional processes across cultures.
Applying diffusion theory to destination stakeholder understanding of sustainable tourism development: a case from Thailand

The concept of sustainable tourism development is widely considered to be necessary for successful tourism development, but there is uncertainty over destination stakeholders’ understanding and thus ability to implement the concept. Utilising diffusion theory, this paper explores the diffusion of the sustainable tourism development concept among stakeholders in the tourism destination of Kret Island, Thailand. The primary data collection involved semi-structured, in-depth interviews undertaken with 10 local government authorities and 45 local residents, and data were analysed using content analysis. Interpersonal communication was the key channel for the concept's diffusion, and the involvement of opinion leaders, change agents and social networks in this diffusion was explored. Many local residents were laggards in the diffusion of sustainable tourism development thinking in comparison with local government and local opinion leaders. It is argued that both interpersonal and media communication and the identification of key actors in the community are needed to effectively diffuse sustainable tourism ideas among destination stakeholders. The results validate the use of diffusion theory as a means to understand the transfer of the sustainable tourism development concept among stakeholders, and they also provide information useful for the design of information dissemination programmes.
State and Trait Components of Functional Connectivity: Individual Differences Vary with Mental State

Resting-state functional connectivity, as measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), is often treated as a trait, used, for example, to draw inferences about individual differences in cognitive function, or differences between healthy or diseased populations. However, functional connectivity can also depend on the individual's mental state. In the present study, we examined the relative contribution of state and trait components in shaping an individual's functional architecture. We used fMRI data from a large, population-based human sample (N = 587, age 18–88 years), as part of the Cambridge Centre for Aging and Neuroscience (Cam-CAN), which were collected in three mental states: resting, performing a sensorimotor task, and watching a movie. Whereas previous studies have shown commonalities across mental states in the average functional connectivity across individuals, we focused on the effects of states on the pattern of individual differences in functional connectivity. We found that state effects were as important as trait effects in shaping individual functional connectivity patterns, each explaining an approximately equal amount of variance. This was true when we looked at aging, as one specific dimension of individual differences, as well as when we looked at generic aspects of individual variation. These results show that individual differences in functional connectivity consist of state-dependent aspects, as well as more stable, trait-like characteristics. Studying individual differences in functional connectivity across a wider range of mental states will therefore provide a more complete picture of the mechanisms underlying factors such as cognitive ability, aging, and disease. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The brain's functional architecture is remarkably similar across different individuals and across different mental states, which is why many studies use functional connectivity as a trait measure. Despite these trait-like aspects, functional connectivity varies over time and with changes in cognitive state. We measured connectivity in three different states to quantify the size of the trait-like component of functional connectivity, compared with the state-dependent component. Our results show that studying individual differences within one state (such as resting) uncovers only part of the relevant individual differences in brain function, and that the study of functional connectivity under multiple mental states is essential to disentangle connectivity differences that are transient versus those that represent more stable, trait-like characteristics of an individual.
Update on neuropathies associated with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (2008–2010)

Studies on paraproteinemic neuropathies have appeared in the last 2 years improving the diagnosis of these neuropathies, clarifying their pathogenesis, and informing practice by randomized clinical trial publications. Two recent randomized controlled trials with rituximab failed to provide evidence of efficacy in primary outcome measures, despite the fact that anti‐myelin‐associated glycoprotein (MAG) antibodies were reduced in most treated patients. This discrepancy, besides inducing the search for more effective therapy for this neuropathy, indicates that some aspects on the pathogenesis of this neuropathy probably need further clarification.
An Empirical Model of Discrete and Continuous Choice in Family Labor Supply

Because of the interdependent nature of family labor supply decisions, the nonnegativity constrai nt on women's hours of work will spill over into other consumption an d labor supply decisions of the family. Here the author develops an e conometric model of family labor supply that captures this "spillove r," while addressing the usual censoring issues as well. The model i s based on a flexible direct utility function and permits unobservabl e differences in tastes. The model is estimated by the maximum likeli hood method on a sample of about 1,200 families from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics. Copyright 1987 by MIT Press.
Large shareholdings and corporate control: An analysis of stake purchases by French holding companies

The paper analyses the value creation benefits of the holding form of organisation in France by empirically examining the effects of non-controlling stake purchases on target shareholder wealth, operational performance and bidder shareholder returns for a sample of 122 stake purchases in French listed companies. The evidence puts into question the ability of holding companies to create value for the firms they purchase stakes in or their own shareholders, adding to the current debate on the relative role played by large shareholders and the external market for corporate control as ultimate disciplining devices.
In-vivo measurement of cortical morphology: means and meanings.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Study of the variability of the cortical mantle thickness is now a key issue in neuroimaging. Here we describe a more recent trend aiming at the study of the variability of the cortical folding morphology. RECENT FINDINGS Computerized three-dimensional versions of gyrification index and other morphometric features dedicated to the folding patterns are modified in psychiatric syndromes and neurologic disorders. These observations provide new insights into the mechanisms involved in abnormal development or abnormal aging. SUMMARY Quantification of the folding morphology will contribute to the global endeavor aiming at building biomarkers from neuroimaging data, with a specific focus on developmental diseases.