Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Maintaining optimal CEO incentives through equity grants and CEO portfolio rebalancing

This paper examines the joint hypotheses that firms set optimal levels for CEO incentives, and that firms and CEOs jointly correct deviations from these optimal levels through equity grants and CEO portfolio rebalancing. I investigate two equity-based CEO incentives, pay-forperformance sensitivity and risk-taking incentive. Pay-for-performance sensitivity is defined as the change in CEO wealth for a given change in the firm’s stock price, while risk-taking incentive the sensitivity of CEO wealth to equity risk. I find that firms’ and CEOs’ combined annual adjustment to pay-for-performance sensitivity or risk-taking incentive is negatively related to the degree that each incentive deviates from its target level at the beginning of the year, consistent with firms and CEOs jointly correcting the incentive deviations. Overall, the findings suggest that firms and CEOs coordinate their equity-granting and portfolio-rebalancing decisions to manage optimal CEO incentive levels consistent with economic theory. * I am indebted to the members of my dissertation committee, Wayne Guay, Peter Wysocki, and especially S.P. Kothari (Chair), for their help and guidance on this paper. I gratefully acknowledge the helpful comments from Mary Ellen Carter, Elizabeth Eccher, Richard Frankel, Li He, Li Jin, Peter Joos, Bjorn Jorgensen, Xu Li, Asís Martínez-Jerez, Michael Mikhail, Volkan Muslu, Stewart Myers, Jowell Sabino, George Plesko, Joe Weber, Larry Weiss, Eric Wolff, and Yanfeng Xue.
Prdm8 Regulates the Morphological Transition at Multipolar Phase during Neocortical Development

Here, we found that the PR domain protein Prdm8 serves as a key regulator of the length of the multipolar phase by controlling the timing of morphological transition. We used a mouse line with expression of Prdm8-mVenus reporter and found that Prdm8 is predominantly expressed in the middle and upper intermediate zone during both the late and terminal multipolar phases. Prdm8 expression was almost coincident with Unc5D expression, a marker for the late multipolar phase, although the expression of Unc5D was found to be gradually down-regulated to the point at which mVenus expression was gradually up-regulated. This expression pattern suggests the possible involvement of Prdm8 in the control of the late and terminal multipolar phases, which controls the timing for morphological transition. To test this hypothesis, we performed gain- and loss-of-function analysis of neocortical development by using in utero electroporation. We found that the knockdown of Prdm8 results in premature change from multipolar to bipolar morphology, whereas the overexpression of Prdm8 maintained the multipolar morphology. Additionally, the postnatal analysis showed that the Prdm8 knockdown stimulated the number of early born neurons, and differentiated neurons located more deeply in the neocortex, however, majority of those cells could not acquire molecular features consistent with laminar location. Furthermore, we found the candidate genes that were predominantly utilized in both the late and terminal multipolar phases, and these candidate genes included those encoding for guidance molecules. In addition, we also found that the expression level of these guidance molecules was inhibited by the introduction of the Prdm8 expression vector. These results indicate that the Prdm8-mediated regulation of morphological changes that normally occur during the late and terminal multipolar phases plays an important role in neocortical development.
Two Pieces of the Same Puzzle? Script‐Based Car Choice Habits Between the Influence of Socialization and Past Behavior1

This paper presents 2 online studies that were conducted on students' travel-mode choice to determine the theoretical status of a script-based habit construct. Study 1 (N = 3,755) showed that habits mediate the influence of 3 aspects of travel-mode socialization: (a) frequency of parents' use of public transportation; (b) experiencing acquisition of driver's license as initiation to adulthood; and (c) multi-mobility of peer group. Study 2 (N = 430) demonstrated in a cross-lagged panel design that car choice habits are directly influenced only by past behavior and not by personal norms or perceived behavioral control. Taken together, both studies suggest that habits do include socialization influences, but that these influences must be mediated through the intermediate step of past behavior.
Financial Growth in Singapore

This paper examines factors that contribute to rapid financial deepening in Singapore. We find that economic growth (both domestic and regional), prudent government policies, other self-generating ‘pull’ factors coupled with the ‘push’ factors of other countries seem to contribute to Singapore’s financial growth. On the other hand, statistical tests indicate that financial liberalisation in the form of freeing up interest rates does not play a crucial role in financial growth.
RADIOIMMUNOASSAY MAY OVERESTIMATE INSULIN IN NON‐INSULIN‐DEPENDENT DIABETICS

We have compared insulin concentrations measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA) in plasma from 50 fasting non‐insulin‐dependent diabetics (NIDDM) with those measured by a new monoclonal antibody‐based two‐site immunoradiometric assay (IRMA) of insulin (which has no significant cross‐reaction with proinsulin‐like molecules). We find that the RIA measures the sum of the insulin and proinsulin like molecules and that the IRMA insulin concentrations are 38% of those measured by the RIA in those diabetic subjects. We conclude that the importance of insulin deficiency in NIDDM may have been obscured by this error.
Earnings Quality: Evidence from the Field

We provide insights into earnings quality from a survey of 169 CFOs of public companies and in-depth interviews of 12 CFOs and two standard setters. CFOs believe that (i) above all, high-quality earnings are sustainable and repeatable; specific characteristics include consistent reporting choices, backing by actual cash flows, and absence of one-time items and long-term estimates; (ii) about 50% of earnings quality is driven by non-discretionary factors such as industry and macro-economic conditions; (iii) in any given period, about 20% of firms manage earnings to misrepresent economic performance, and for such firms 10% of EPS is typically managed; (iv) earnings manipulation is hard to unravel from the outside but peer comparisons and lack of correspondence between earnings and cash flows provide helpful red flags. In addition, CFOs disagree with current standard setting on a number of issues including the sheer number of promulgated rules, the top-down approach to rule-making, the neglect of the matching principle, and the emphasis on fair value accounting. They indicate that a rules-based culture makes the audit function centralized and mechanical, and hinders the development of audit professionals. A summary impression from our work is that CFOs view earnings quality as more of a single and unconditional characteristic, in contrast to current research where measures of earnings quality are strongly conditional on the decision setting. This CFO view is related to their idea of “one number” – a single earnings metric that shapes both their interactions with external stakeholders and internal decision-making.
Overexpression of Wild-Type but Not C134W Mutant FOXL2 Enhances GnRH-Induced Cell Apoptosis by Increasing GnRH Receptor Expression in Human Granulosa Cell Tumors

The etiology of granulosa cell tumors (GCTs) is largely unknown. The primary mode of treatment is surgical, however not all women are cured by surgery alone. Thus, it is important to develop improved treatments through a greater understanding of the molecular mechanisms that contribute to this disease. Recently, it has been shown that a FOXL2 402C>G (C134W) mutation is present in 97% of human adult-type GCTs, suggesting an important role for this mutation in the development of GCTs. We have shown previously that gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-I and -II induce apoptosis in cultured normal human granulosa cells. Moreover, it has been reported that FOXL2 can bind to the promoter of the mouse GnRH receptor gene and regulate its transcription. Thus, we hypothesized that C134W mutant FOXL2 could modulate the pro-apoptotic effects of GnRH via aberrant regulation of GnRH receptor levels. Using KGN cells, a human GCT-derived cell line which harbors the FOXL2 402C>G mutation, we show that treatment with GnRH-I and -II induces cell apoptosis, and that small interfering RNA-mediated depletion of GnRH receptor abolishes these effects. Overexpression of wild-type FOXL2 increases both mRNA and protein levels of GnRH receptor and consequently enhances GnRH-induced apoptosis. Importantly, neither the expression levels of GnRH receptor nor GnRH-induced apoptosis were affected by overexpression of the C134W mutant FOXL2. Interestingly, knockdown of endogenous FOXL2 down-regulates GnRHR expression in normal human granulosa cells with wild-type FOXL2, but not in KGN cells. These results suggest that the FOXL2 402C>G mutation may contribute to the development of human adult-type GCTs by reducing the expression of GnRH receptor, thus conferring resistance to GnRH-induced cell apoptosis.
Hypovitaminosis D in a Sunny Country: Relation to Lifestyle and Bone Markers

Hypovitaminosis D is associated with poor dietary intake and inadequate sunshine exposure. It is common worldwide, particularly in European elderly people. Information about vitamin D status in young adult populations from the Middle East is scarce. Furthermore, the relationship between hypovitaminosis D and some lifestyle factors such as style of clothing and dwelling location is not well defined. We assessed vitamin D intake and measured serum calcium, phosphorus, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], parathyroid hormone (PTH), osteocalcin, and urinary‐free deoxypyridinoline (DPD) in 316 Lebanese volunteers (99 men and 217 women) aged 30–50 years; 156 were recruited from rural areas and 160 from urban areas. Fifty‐one women from each area were veiled. The average daily vitamin D intake was 100.3 ± 67.9 IU and was found to be higher in men compared with women, in urban subjects compared with rural ones and in nonveiled women compared with veiled ones. The mean level of 25(OH)D was 9.71 ± 7.07 ng/ml. Hypovitaminosis D [25(OH)D < 12 ng/ml] affected 72.8% of our population. It was more common in women than in men (83.9% vs. 48.5%). Severe hypovitaminosis D [25(OH)D < 5 ng/ml] was observed in 30.7% of our subjects and was more prevalent in women (41.5%), particularly in the veiled ones (61.8%). 25(OH)D levels were the lowest in veiled women, and in women living in rural areas. Rural men had the highest 25(OH)D levels despite their very low vitamin D intake. In a multivariate model, inadequate vitamin D intake, urban dwelling, veil wearing, and high parity in women were independent predictors of hypovitaminosis D. 25(OH)D was related inversely to PTH and free DPD whereas osteocalcin achieved only a weak positive correlation with 25(OH)D. In the absence of information regarding time spent outdoors, our results show that hypovitaminosis D is common among young Lebanese people and is related mostly to low vitamin D intake. This should emphasize the need for more vitamin D in our population.
Improving Spatial Feature Representation from Aerial Scenes by Using Convolutional Networks

The performance of image classification is highly dependent on the quality of extracted features. Concerning high resolution remote image images, encoding the spatial features in an efficient and robust fashion is the key to generating discriminatory models to classify them. Even though many visual descriptors have been proposed or successfully used to encode spatial features of remote sensing images, some applications, using this sort of images, demand more specific description techniques. Deep Learning, an emergent machine learning approach based on neural networks, is capable of learning specific features and classifiers at the same time and adjust at each step, in real time, to better fit the need of each problem. For several task, such image classification, it has achieved very good results, mainly boosted by the feature learning performed which allows the method to extract specific and adaptable visual features depending on the data. In this paper, we propose a novel network capable of learning specific spatial features from remote sensing images, with any pre-processing step or descriptor evaluation, and classify them. Specifically, automatic feature learning task aims at discovering hierarchical structures from the raw data, leading to a more representative information. This task not only poses interesting challenges for existing vision and recognition algorithms, but also brings huge opportunities for urban planning, crop and forest management and climate modelling. The propose convolutional neural network has six layers: three convolutional, two fully-connected and one classifier layer. So, the five first layers are responsible to extract visual features while the last one is responsible to classify the images. We conducted a systematic evaluation of the proposed method using two datasets: (i) the popular aerial image dataset UCMerced Land-use and, (ii) a multispectral high-resolution scenes of the Brazilian Coffee Scenes. The experiments show that the proposed method outperforms state-of-the-art algorithms in terms of overall accuracy.
Efficient Algorithms for Mining Frequent Patterns from Sparse and Dense Databases

Abstract In this article, we present a new approach for frequent pattern mining (FPM) that runs fast for both sparse and dense databases. Two algorithms, FEM and DFEM, based on our approach are also introduced. FEM applies a fixed threshold as the condition for switching between the two mining strategies; meanwhile, DFEM adopts this threshold dynamically at runtime to best fit the characteristics of the database during the mining process, especially when minimum support threshold is low. Additionally, we present optimization techniques for the proposed algorithms to speed the mining process, reduce the memory usage, and optimize the I/O cost. We also analyze in depth the performance of FEM and DFEM and compare them with several existing algorithms. The experimental results show that FEM and DFEM achieve a significant improvement in execution time and consume less memory than many popular FPM algorithms including the well-known Apriori, FP-growth, and Eclat.
Interactive comment on “Coccolithophore response to climate and surface hydrography in Santa Barbara Basin, California, AD 1917–2004” by M. Grelaud et al

This study presents an impressive high-resolution record of 6 coccolithophore species counts along a core from the Santa Barbara Basin that covers almost the entire 20th century. Changes in relative abundances of these species are proposed as proxies of ENSO and PDO oscillations. This paper also speculates that the long-term trend of the weight and size of three coccolithophore species could reflect changes in calcification
Comparison of four hygrothermal models in terms of long-term performance assessment of wood-frame constructions

Abstract Recent advances in computer technology have aided the development of a number ofhygrothermal models. These models can predict the distribution of temperature, relativehumidity, and airflow pattern through building envelope components as they vary with time.This paper presents the results of an investigation, which evaluated the applicability of four-hygrothermal computer models, viz. hygIRC, DIM3.1 or DELPHIN 4.1, MOIST and WUFI, inpredicting the long-term behaviour of a wood-frame wall with stucco cladding. The potential toinhibit mould growth is used as the criterion to assess the long-term performance. It was foundthat the four models provided similar information on the thermal responses throughout thesimulation period, but somewhat different information on the changes in moisture distribution.The paper shows the evaluation of the models in terms of grid generation, required materialproperties, simulation time and ease of use. 1 Dr. Nofal is a Research Officer at the Institute for Research in Construction, National ResearchCouncil, Canada.
Femoral Head Size in Congenital Dislocation of the Hip

Observations on the size of the femoral head in congenital dislocation of the hip are presented. The long-term effects of open reduction and innominate osteotomy on the size of the femoral head are assessed. Innominate osteotomy does not cause overgrowth of the femoral head, although open reduction results in mild coxa magna. The pathophysiology and significance of coxa magna are discussed.
Lernstrategien, motivationale Orientierung und Selbstwirksamkeitsüberzeugungen im Kontext schulischen Lernens

Vor dem Hintergrund eines theoretischen Modells des kompetenten Lernens wird im folgenden Beitrag die Entwicklung des Lernstrategierepertoires von Schulern untersucht und das Zusammenwirken von Kontrolluberzeugungen, intrinsischer Zielorientierung und Lernstrategienutzung im Hinblick auf den Schulerfolg gepruft. Am Ende der Schulzeit verfugen Gymnasiasten uber ein differenziertes Repertoire an Lernstrategien, deren Nutzung in erheblichem Masse von motivationalen Bedingungen abhangt. Intrinsische Zielorientierung und der Einsatz elaborierter Lernstrategien beeinflussen als Syndrom in begrenztem Umfang den Schulerfolg. (DIPF/Orig.) The following contribution investigates the acquisition of a study strategy repertoire by students in a developmental perspective. A model of competent learning serves as the theoretical starting point. The focus of this article is the interplay among intrinsic goal orientation, control beliefs and the use of study strategies with reference to school achievement. When leaving school at the age of 17/18, students have a differentiated repertoire of study strategies, the use of which strongly depends on motivational variables. Intrinsic goal orientation and the use of elaborated study strategies have, as a syndrom, a limited influence on school achievement. (DIPF/Orig.)
Hearing parents' and carers' voices: Experiences of accessing quality long day care in northern regional Australia

THIS ARTICLE EXPLORES PARENTS’ and carers' experiences of accessing quality long day care in northern regional Australia. The data was gathered in 2009, after the collapse of ABC Developmental Learning Centres (herein referred to as ABC Learning) and before the implementation of the National Quality Framework, and provides a snapshot of respondents' experiences at this key moment of transition in the long day care landscape. In communities often characterised by distance from friends and family, fluctuating economic growth and limited services for those outside the mainstream community, the experience of many parents and carers was of a childcare landscape that was unresponsive to their unique needs. More broadly, this research provides policy-makers with insight into the material implications of a childcare policy environment that encouraged over-reliance on the ‘market’ to provide accessible, quality long day care services.
Variables cognitivas y motivacionales en el rendimiento académico en Lengua y Matemáticas: un modelo estructural

En este estudio se somete a prueba un modelo estructural acerca de las variables cognitivo-motivacionales explicativas del rendimiento academico en Lengua Castellana y Matematicas, en el que se incluyen como variables predictoras el Rendimiento anterior, las Aptitudes, el Autoconcepto academico, las Atribuciones causales, las Orientaciones de meta y las Estrategias de aprendizaje. En el estudio participaron 341 alumnos/as de primer curso de Educacion Secundaria Obligatoria de diferentes centros de la provincia de Alicante (Espana). Los resultados del analisis de ecuaciones estructurales senalan un mejor ajuste a los datos del modelo en Lengua, siendo significativas la practica totalidad de las relaciones propuestas. Entre ellas destaca el poder determinante del Rendimiento anterior con respecto al conjunto de variables motivacionales del modelo y al Rendimiento academico final, asi como el papel mediador de las variables motivacionales en el efecto de las Aptitudes sobre dicho rendimiento. Finalmente, se discuten los resultados obtenidos y las distintas implicaciones educativas de los mismos.
Telemedicine in the Northern Territory: an assessment of patient perceptions in the preoperative anaesthetic clinic.

OBJECTIVE We investigated patient perceptions of a virtual preoperative anaesthesia evaluation clinic linking Royal Darwin Hospital to Katherine Hospital. DESIGN Descriptive study, cross-sectional survey. SETTING Regional and rural areas of Northern Territory, Australia. PARTICIPANTS Sample includes 27 respondents, five Indigenous, 18 non-Indigenous and four unknown. INTERVENTIONS Introduction of a preoperative anaesthesia evaluation clinic. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We designed a 10-item, 5-point Likert scale questionnaire assessing patient perceptions in four domains: (i) technical quality; (ii) perceived efficacy; (iii) affective patient experience; and (iv) patient preference. Qualitative responses are also reported. RESULTS Twenty-seven out of 35 patients (77%) completed the questionnaire. Ninety-eight per cent were in positive agreement on technical quality with a mean score of 1.35 (SD: 0.53); Ninety-five per cent on perceived efficacy, 1.35 (SD: 0.65); Eighty-four per cent in negative agreement on affective patient experience (negative perception item), 4.19 (SD: 1.07); Eighty-one per cent in negative agreement on patient preference (negative perception item), 4.23 (SD: 1.14). There were no significant differences in the answers between Indigenous (five patients) and non-Indigenous patients (18 patients). CONCLUSION Our study confirms the acceptability of telemedicine in the remote assessment of preoperative patients in the Northern Territory, with positive perceptions in all four domains.
Inactivation of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis by Pulsed Electric Fields

ABSTRACT The influence of treatment temperature and pulsed electric fields (PEF) on the viability of Mycobacterium paratuberculosiscells suspended in 0.1% (wt/vol) peptone water and in sterilized cow's milk was assessed by direct viable counts and by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). PEF treatment at 50°C (2,500 pulses at 30 kV/cm) reduced the level of viable M. paratuberculosis cells by approximately 5.3 and 5.9 log10 CFU/ml in 0.1% peptone water and in cow's milk, respectively, while PEF treatment of M. paratuberculosisat lower temperatures resulted in less lethality. Heating alone at 50°C for 25 min or at 72°C for 25 s (extended high-temperature, short-time pasteurization) resulted in reductions ofM. paratuberculosis of approximately 0.01 and 2.4 log10 CFU/ml, respectively. TEM studies revealed that exposure to PEF treatment resulted in substantial damage at the cellular level to M. paratuberculosis.