Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Theorising the Relationship between Major Sport Events and Social Sustainability

The triple-bottom line of economic efficiency, environmental integrity and social equity is meant to be used to measure progress towards sustainable development. As major sport events are now used as part of public policy, these events and their legacies have been subjected to related analysis. However, as with more general evaluations, the scrutiny of major events has tended to neglect the social dimension. Major events projects are often justified with reference to their role in addressing urban inequity and promoting collective identities, whilst also criticised for their questionable ethics. This suggests more attention to social sustainability is urgently required. In this paper, the aim is to assess whether major sport events meet the social needs of present and future generations. The intention is not merely to the reveal the social outcomes resulting from previous events, but to review theoretical perspectives through which those effects can be understood. This facilitates understanding of why certain effects occur, rather than merely if they occur.
Optimized steps in fluorometric determination of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances in serum: importance of extraction pH and influence of sample preservation and storage.

A simple, reliable, and reproducible fluorometric method for measuring thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) in serum is proposed, based on the reaction between malondialdehyde (MDA) and thiobarbituric acid. Formation of TBARS was complete at pH 2.4-2.6, but extraction with n-butanol proved complete only at lower pH, i.e., 1.6-1.7. Analytical recoveries of MDA added to serum were 94%-101%; within- and between-run CVs were 2.4-3.6% and 4.6-5.5%; and the detection limit for TBARS in serum was 0.10 mumol/L. Optimized conditions included: (a) collection of either serum or heparinized plasma, (b) preservation from in vitro autoxidation by glutathione and EDTA, and (c) storage at -20 degrees C up to 35 days. The mean (+/- SD) TBARS concentration in 47 healthy adults was 1.01 (0.21) mumol/L; no sex-related difference was observed. Higher concentrations were measured in patients with renal insufficiency undergoing hemodialysis and in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, or liver cirrhosis.
The impact of voluntary audit on credit ratings: evidence from UK private firms

After a long period of universal mandatory audit, the UK reduced the regulatory burden of private firms by introducing size-based audit exemption in 1994; the size thresholds have subsequently been progressively increased. Both accounting bodies and credit-rating agencies (CRAs) have expressed reservations about this policy, arguing it could diminish user confidence in reported accounting numbers, and lead to a reduction in financial statement quality and credit ratings. Prior research, however, suggests that the managers of small UK companies do not perceive there to be an association between financial statement audit and firm credit score. To provide evidence of any effect on user confidence of making audit optional, we examine the credit scores and financial reporting quality of a large sample of UK private firms which qualified for audit exemption after major threshold changes in 2004. We find that, even though they report lower average profits, companies which retain a voluntary audit enjoy significantly higher credit scores than those which opt out of audit. The results of both conservatism and accruals-based tests indicate that opting out of audit is associated with less conservative financial reporting, consistent with the concerns of the accounting bodies and the CRAs, and providing an explanation for why opt-out firms report higher profits but receive lower credit scores. This study contributes to an important policy debate by providing large sample evidence that the audit does confer benefits to private firms in terms of financial reporting quality, assurance and the credit scores generated from the financial reports.
Efficiency of encoding schemes in mobile WiMAX

Mobile WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) standardized by IEEE 802.16e is a broadband wireless system based on Scalable OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access). This standard is suitable for the last mile connection in areas where it is not possible to build wired infrastructure, nevertheless it provides a broadband connection for nomadic users and supports cellular structure. Its main advantage compared to Wi-Fi standard is the possibility of a very powerful handling of radio resources allocation to users in order to adjust quality of radio-environment and number of active users at given area. This article investigates impact of different encoding schemes used in Mobile WiMAX to theoretical throughput and deals with efficiency evaluation of these schemes.
TESTING THE CONTINGENCY 'FIT' BETWEEN MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING SYSTEMS AND MANAGERIAL PERFORMANCE: A RESEARCH NOTE ON THE MODERATING ROLE OF TOLERANCE FOR AMBIGUITY

Abstract This study examines the moderating effect of tolerance for ambiguity, a personality variable, on the relation between management accounting systems (MAS) design and managerial performance. MAS design was defined in terms of the extent to which managers» use of broad scope MAS information for managerial decision making. The responses of 63 managers, drawn from a cross-section of Australian manufacturing companies, to a questionnaire survey were analysed by using a multiple regression technique. The results indicate that the use of broad scope MAS information interact with tolerance for ambiguity to affect managerial performance. The results indicate that an appropriate «fit» between manager's personality variable of tolerance for ambiguity and the extent of use of broad scope MAS information for managerial decisions will lead to improved managerial performance.
Proximal exercises are effective in treating patellofemoral pain syndrome: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND Patellofemoral pain syndrome is a common disorder of the knee with multifactorial aetiology. Multimodal treatment, including exercise therapy, has been shown to be effective in the treatment of patellofemoral pain, although some patients continue to experience pain and dysfunction despite treatment. To address this, recent research has started to investigate the lumbo-pelvic and hip girdle in patellofemoral pain. PURPOSE The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the effectiveness of proximal exercises, compared with knee exercises, for patients with patellofemoral pain, in improving pain and function. METHODS A computer-based search (population: patients with patellofemoral pain, intervention: proximal [hip or lumbo-pelvic] exercises, comparator: knee exercises, outcome: self-reported pain and/or functional questionnaire) was undertaken. Medline, Embase, CINAHL, SportsDiscus, Cochrane Library and PEDro were searched for studies published between January 2011 and January 2013. The included studies were appraised independently using the McMaster Critical Review Form for Quantitative Studies. Data was extracted for the exercise prescription and applicable outcome measures, and a descriptive analysis undertaken. RESULTS Eight studies (three randomized controlled trials, one clinical controlled trial, three cohort studies and one case series) of moderate to high methodological quality met the inclusion criteria. Proximal exercise programs showed a consistent reduction of pain and function in the treatment of patellofemoral pain. Knee exercise programs had variable outcomes. CONCLUSION Proximal interventions provide relief of pain and improved function in the short and long term and therefore physical therapists should consider using proximal interventions for treatment of patellofemoral pain. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3a.
Non-productive consumption loans and threshold effects in the inflation-growth relationship

Recent empirical evidence indicates that two inflation thresholds exist in the inflation-growth relationship. Pre-existing theoretical models, however, fail to generate such a pattern. By adding consumption loans (which are non-productive) into a standard model of imperfect information, this paper finds that an increase in the inflation rate may increase, decrease, or have no significant effect on economic growth for inflation rates below a threshold level; however, for inflation rates higher than this threshold level, an increase in the inflation rate significantly reduces economic growth. Moreover, the marginal impact of an increase in the inflation rate in terms of reducing economic growth increases with the rise in the inflation rate, until the inflation rates reach the second threshold level, from which such a marginal effect significantly decreases. These results accord well with recent empirical evidence.
Chloride intracellular channel 1 regulates the antineoplastic effects of metformin in gallbladder cancer cells

Metformin is the most commonly used drug for type 2 diabetes and has potential benefit in treating and preventing cancer. Previous studies indicated that membrane proteins can affect the antineoplastic effects of metformin and may be crucial in the field of cancer research. However, the antineoplastic effects of metformin and its mechanism in gallbladder cancer (GBC) remain largely unknown. In this study, the effects of metformin on GBC cell proliferation and viability were evaluated using the Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8) assay and an apoptosis assay. Western blotting was performed to investigate related signaling pathways. Of note, inhibition, knockdown and upregulation of the membrane protein Chloride intracellular channel 1 (CLIC1) can affect GBC resistance in the presence of metformin. Our data demonstrated that metformin apparently inhibits the proliferation and viability of GBC cells. Metformin promoted cell apoptosis and increased the number of early apoptotic cells. We found that metformin can exert growth‐suppressive effects on these cell lines via inhibition of p‐Akt activity and the Bcl‐2 family. Notably, either dysfunction or downregulation of CLIC1 can partially decrease the antineoplastic effects of metformin while upregulation of CLIC1 can increase drug sensitivity. Our findings provide experimental evidence for using metformin as an antitumor treatment for gallbladder carcinoma.
A comparative study of the iron status of patients with oesophageal adenocarcinoma to determine suitability for a clinical trial of iron chelation therapy.

INTRODUCTION The incidence of oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) is rising dramatically and overall survival remains extremely poor. Iron has been shown to potentiate tumourigenesis in OAC, and iron chelation therapy demonstrates promise in vivo as an adjunct to neoadjuvant and palliative chemotherapy. OAC, however, has traditionally been associated with iron deficiency anaemia. The aim of this study was therefore to formally quantify the iron status of OAC patients in order to guide the design of future clinical trials involving iron chelation therapy. METHODS Demographic and cancer specific data were collected prospectively from all patients presenting with OAC and gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC). Patients had haemoglobin, serum iron, serum ferritin and serum transferrin receptor (sTfR) levels measured to assess systemic iron status. In addition, the sTfR/log ferritin (sTfR-F) index was calculated. RESULTS Average haemoglobin, serum iron, serum ferritin, sTfR and sTfR-F index values for all patients presenting with OAC were within normal sex specific reference ranges. No statistical difference in iron status was observed between OAC patients presenting with resectable and advanced OAC. Patients with OAC are relatively iron replete compared with those presenting with GAC. Iron parameters were not significantly altered by standard neoadjuvant chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS Patients presenting with resectable or advanced OAC could be considered as candidates for a clinical trial of iron chelation therapy as an addition to standard neoadjuvant or palliative treatments.
Comparison of Linear and Nonlinear Models for Panel Data Forecasting: Debt Policy in Taiwan

This paper discusses the time-series cross-sectional (TSCS) regression and the prediction ability of the artificial neural network (ANN) by examining the panel data of debt ratios of the high tech industry in Taiwan. We build models with these two methods and eight determinants of debt ratio and compare the forecast performances of five models, two ANN nonlinear models and three traditional TSCS linear models. The results show that the sign of each determinant in linear models is the same as that in ANN models. In addition, the insignificant determinants in linear models have low relative sensitivities in ANN models. It seems that these two methods show consistent results for the capital structure determinants. Researchers and practitioners can employ either ANN or traditional statistical model to analyze the important determinants of the capital structure of their firms. The results of comparing the out-of-sample forecasting capabilities of the two methods indicate that: (1) the proposed ANN with 1-year lag model shows better forecast performance than the other three linear models in spite of high or low debt ratio; (2) the debt ratios of the present year are highly related to those of the previous year; and (3) the ANN model is capable of catching sophisticated nonlinear integration effects. Consequently, the ANN method is the more appropriate one between the two methods to be applied to build a forecasting model for the high tech industry in Taiwan.
A Novel MYBS3-Dependent Pathway Confers Cold Tolerance in Rice1[W][OA]

Rice (Oryza sativa) seedlings are particularly sensitive to chilling in early spring in temperate and subtropical zones and in high-elevation areas. Improvement of chilling tolerance in rice may significantly increase rice production. MYBS3 is a single DNA-binding repeat MYB transcription factor previously shown to mediate sugar signaling in rice. In this study, we observed that MYBS3 also plays a critical role in cold adaptation in rice. Gain- and loss-of-function analyses indicated that MYBS3 was sufficient and necessary for enhancing cold tolerance in rice. Transgenic rice constitutively overexpressing MYBS3 tolerated 4°C for at least 1 week and exhibited no yield penalty in normal field conditions. Transcription profiling of transgenic rice overexpressing or underexpressing MYBS3 led to the identification of many genes in the MYBS3-mediated cold signaling pathway. Several genes activated by MYBS3 as well as inducible by cold have previously been implicated in various abiotic stress responses and/or tolerance in rice and other plant species. Surprisingly, MYBS3 repressed the well-known DREB1/CBF-dependent cold signaling pathway in rice, and the repression appears to act at the transcriptional level. DREB1 responded quickly and transiently while MYBS3 responded slowly to cold stress, which suggests that distinct pathways act sequentially and complementarily for adapting short- and long-term cold stress in rice. Our studies thus reveal a hitherto undiscovered novel pathway that controls cold adaptation in rice.
Branding without Unique Brands: Managing similarity and difference in a public sector context

Abstract Corporate branding requires organizations to focus on uniqueness and differentiation. At the same time, public institutions must provide equal services in order to gain legitimacy. Hence, corporate branding in the public sector organizations has to handle two concerns simultaneously – securing legitimacy and building reputation. We examine this tension through interviews with communication managers in Norwegian hospitals. Despite large investments in techniques borrowed from corporate branding, the informants were reluctant to talk about branding. Instead, they were more oriented towards the universal character of their hospitals. Four explanations are put forward for why branding has an ambiguous position in Norwegian hospitals.
The peroneocuboid joint: morphogenesis and anatomical study

The peroneocuboid joint, between the peroneus longus tendon and the cuboid bone, has not been anatomically well‐defined and no embryological study has been published. Furthermore, the ossification of the os peroneum (a sesamoid inside the peroneus longus tendon) and its associated pathology has been considered to be generated by orthostatic and/or mechanical loads. A light microscopy analysis of serially sectioned human embryonic and fetal feet, the analysis of human adult feet by means of standard macroscopic dissection, X‐ray and histological techniques have been carried out. The peroneus longus tendon was fully visible until its insertion in the 1st metatarsal bone already at embryonic stage 23 (56–57 days). The peroneocuboid joint cavity appeared at the transition of the embryonic to the fetal period (8–9th week of gestation) and was independent of the proximal synovial sheath. The joint cavity extended from the level of the calcaneocuboid joint all the way to the insertion of the peroneus longus tendon in the 1st metatarsal bone. The frenular ligaments, fixing the peroneus longus tendon to the 5th metatarsal bone or the long calcaneocuboid ligament, developed in the embryonic period. The peroneus longus tendon presented a thickening in the area surrounding the cuboid bone as early as the fetal period. This thickening may be considered the precursor of the os peroneum and was similar in shape and in size relation to the tendon, to the os peroneum observed in adults. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to show that the os peroneum, articular facets of the peroneus longus tendon and cuboid bone, the peroneocuboid joint and the frenular ligaments appear during the embryonic/fetal development period and therefore they can not be generated exclusively by orthostatic and mechanical forces or pathological processes.
Why does the Monetary Policy Committee smooth interest rates

Explanations of why the monetary authorities in different countries seem to smooth interest rates have focused on the official dislike of financial market volatility, aspects of the decision-making process, responses to uncertainty, inertial behaviour in a forward-looking environment, and serial correlation of shocks to the policymakers' expectations. This paper first shows that policy has been smoothest and comparable to that in other countries in the period of inflation targeting with Bank of England control of interest rates since 1997. It then uses the remarkably detailed evidence available from the minutes of the Monetary Policy Committee to evaluate the relevance of the various explanations of smoothing for the UK in this period. The paper concludes that the explanation of interest rate smoothing should be sought primarily in the serial correlation of shocks, together with some minor and short-term influences from uncertainty, while the other explanations turn out to be not relevant. Copyright 2003, Oxford University Press.
Okul Yöneticisi ve Öğretmenlerin Örgütsel Sessizlik Algıları

The aim of this study is to inquire about the perception of administrators and teachers on organizational silence. The study followed a survey model. Data were collected from primary schools in Elazig in 2009-2010 education year. The sample of this research consists of 444 administrators and teachers in 20 primary schools that were chosen randomly. The results of the study show that the perception of women on organizational silence is higher and the participants of different branches such as Turkish and English are more silent than the others. The participants that have been working at schools for at least 6 years have higher perception. The age and teaching years of the participants show that their perceptions on organizational silence are nearly at the same level.
The Futures Pricing Puzzle

This paper models commodity futures in a rational expectations equilibrium specifically (i) incorporating the conflict of interests between Hedgers (Producers-Consumers) and Speculators and (ii) superimposing constraints to immunize the real sector of the economy from shocks of excessive futures contracting. We extend the framework of Newbery and Stiglitz (1981), Anderson and Danthine (1983) and Britto (1984) to attribute the conflicting and puzzling results in the empirical literature to the presence of multiple equilibria ranked in a pecking order of decreasing pareto-efficiency. Thus, we caution empirical researchers on making inferences on data embedded with moving equilibria, as it can render their analysis of asset pricing mechanism incomprehensible. Finally, we rationalize the imposition of position limits by policy makers to help steer the equilibria to pareto-inferior ones, which make the real sector of the economy more resilient to shocks from the financial sector
Analysis on stability for linear systems with two additive time-varying delays

This paper is concerned with the stability for systems with two additive time-varying delays. A new Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional is constructed, which decreases the number of LMI variables maintaining the performance. In addition, by utilizing further information on the relations of delay components, less conservative stability criterion is developed. To prove the effectiveness, numerical results are presented.
Mother–Daughter Communication About Sex: The Influence of Authoritative Parenting Style

Parent–child communication about sex has been shown to delay sexual activity and increase contraceptive and condom use. The influence of authoritative parenting style and mothers' perception of daughters' risk on communication about sex was examined in this study. Mothers in a random sample (n = 283) with daughters aged 9–15 years were mailed surveys asking about communication with their daughters regarding 11 sex-related topics. Multivariate linear regression was used to assess the influence of authoritative parenting style and mothers' perceptions of risk on the number of topics communicated about and age of the daughter at time of communication for a variety of sexual health communication topics. Authoritative parenting style was related to the number of topics communicated about and was a predictor of age of daughter at the time of communication about sexual intercourse, menstruation, dating/relationships, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), HIV/AIDS, alcohol, contraceptives, and abstinence, while perceptions of risk were not significant influencers of age at the time of communication for any topics. This research points to the importance of parenting style in determining the timing of parent–child communication about sexual and other risk behaviors.
Communication and Distance in Collaboration between High-technology Enterprises in Northern Finland

Abstract New technologies affect economic activities, even to the extent that some claim they have lessened the importance of geographical distance. However, collaboration in product innovation creation involves various elements; therefore the development of technologies does not make geographical proximity insignificant. In this paper a study is made of collaboration aiming to create a product innovation between high-technology enterprises in northern Finland, especially the intertwining between communication and geographical distance. The study is based on interviews with managers of high-technology enterprises. The results indicate that while email and personal meetings are seen as important, geographical proximity also has an effect on collaboration.