Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Organization Form, Residual Claimants, and Corporate Control

EUGENE FAMA and Michael Jensen's treatment of the "Separation of Ownership and Control" is both insightful and informative. It deepens our understanding of corporate control, and the analysis of residual claimants usefully extends the economics of internal organization to include partnerships, mutuals, nonprofits, and the like. The basic argument is this: specialized governance structures arise in response to the efficiency needs of each type of organization. This is an important argument and one with which I broadly concur. They couple this, however, with a strong suggestion that these structures have reached a high degree of refinement-on which account there is not now, if indeed there ever has been, an organization control problem with which scholars and others are legitimately concerned. On this point I have grave doubts. My discussion of the paper addresses three issues: What is the relation, if any, of the hierarchical organization of the firm to economic performance? What relation, if any, does residual claimant status have to the composition and character of the board of directors? And is there now or has there ever been a corporate control problem? I deal with each of these issues in order.
The Twin Landscapes of Waitomo: Tourism Network and Sustainability through the Landcare Group

This paper examines the management and coordination of a tourism destination stakeholder group, the Waitomo Caves Landcare Group. The Waitomo Caves destination context is unique in that its images and attractions occur underground and yet its long-term sustainability depends upon the aboveground land practices that occur within the broader catchment area. The Waitomo Caves Landcare Group was formed to protect and conserve this critical resource upon which the community is economically dependent. This paper illustrates network theory, offering an alternative perspective for understanding interdependent stakeholder groups. It focuses specifically on the informal coordination mechanisms that structure networks. The structure of the network, relational connections, and structural embeddedness are illustrated as key propositions that contribute to this process.
Managing the Performance Trade‐Offs from Partner Integration: Implications of Contract Choice in R&D Projects

Formal contracts represent an important governance instrument with which firms exercise control of and compensate partners in R&D projects. The specific type of contract used, however, can vary significantly across projects. In some, firms' govern partnering relationships through fixed‐price contracts, whereas in others, firms' use more flexible time and materials or performance‐based contracts. How do these choices affect the costs and benefits that arise from greater levels of partner integration? Furthermore, how are these relationships affected when the choice of contract is misaligned with the scope and objectives of the partnering relationship? Our study addresses these questions using data from 172 R&D projects that involve partners. We find that, (i) greater partner integration is associated with higher project costs for all contract types; (ii) greater partner integration is associated with higher product quality only in projects that adopt more flexible time and materials or performance‐based contracts; and (iii) in projects where the choice of contract is misaligned with the scope and objectives of the partnering relationship, greater partner integration is associated with higher project costs, but not with higher product quality. Our results shed light on the subtle interplay between formal and relational contracting. They have important implications for practice, with respect to designing optimal governance structures in partnered R&D projects.
Information and Economic Behavior

Abstract : The paper surveys the ways in which recognition of limitations of information available to economic agents affects the workings of the system and the way in which the propositions of economic theory need restatement. The key point is the fact that probability distributions over economic variables are conditional upon signals on other, apparently irrelevant variables; further, this information is differentially available to different individuals and requires resources to acquire and transmit. Among the economic phenomena to which the information concept is relevant are (1) the response of the system to variables other than current prices, e.g., quantities and past prices; (2) research about both engineering and markets; (3) the possible disadvantages of information-gathering; (4) the incentive to emit signals, as in advertising and the acquisition of educational credentials; (5) the development of organizations as an economy in information acquisition and their costs of coordination; and (6) the prevention of some markets from existing and the preservation of other markets through non-market activities, including the development of ethical codes.
Anomalous Cerebral Lateralization and Down Syndrome

Contrary to Bryden, McManus, and Bulman-Fleming's claim, the dichotic listening and handedness literature indicate that persons with Down syndrome exhibit a unique pattern of cerebral specialization. This pattern creates difficulty for any model of laterality that proposes random specialization of function in the absence of a predisposition toward left hemisphere lateralization for language and motor control.
Superoxide dismutase: an emerging target for cancer therapeutics

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is a critical enzyme responsible for the elimination of superoxide radicals and is considered to be a key anti-oxidant in aerobic cells. Cellular consumption of oxygen is essential for oxidative phosphorylation during ATP generation in the mitochondria, yet this cellular metabolism also leads to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), including the superoxide radical (O2 • -) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Accumulation of ROS results in cellular oxidative stress and, if not corrected, can lead to the damage of important biomolecules such as membrane lipids, proteins and DNA. Prolonged accumulation of high levels of free radicals in cells may cause irreversible cellular injury and ultimately result in cell death. Since SOD is the key enzyme in the first metabolic step of superoxide elimination, deficiency in SOD or inhibition of the enzyme activity may cause severe accumulation of O2 • - in cells and lead to cell death. Thus, inhibition of SOD may provide a novel way to kill cancer cells. Due to dysfunction in the regulation of cell growth, cancer cells are active in energy metabolism, and thus produce high levels of O2 • - and other ROS and are under constant oxidative stress. This may render the malignant cells more dependent on SOD to eliminate the toxic superoxide radicals and thus potentially more sensitive to SOD inhibitors. It is a plausible hypothesis that inhibition of SOD may preferentially kill malignant cells through a free radical-mediated mechanism. This article will review evidence that suggests SOD as an emerging therapeutic target for cancer treatment. The relevant clinical implications and potential risk will also be discussed.
The Health Consequences of Retirement

This paper examines the impact of retirement on individuals’ health. Declines in health commonly compel workers to retire, so the challenge is to disentangle the simultaneous causal effects. The estimation strategy employs an instrumental variables specification. The instrument is based on workers’ self-reported probabilities of working past ages 62 and 65, taken from the first period in which they are observed. Results indicate that the retirement effect on health is beneficial and significant. Investigation into behavioral data, such as smoking and exercise, suggests that retirement may affect health through such channels. With additional leisure time, many retirees practice healthier habits.
Folate pathway polymorphisms predict deficits in attention and processing speed after childhood leukemia therapy

Neurocognitive impairment occurs in 20–40% of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivors, possibly mediated by folate depletion and homocysteine elevation following methotrexate treatment. We evaluated the relationship between folate pathway polymorphisms and neurocognitive impairment after childhood ALL chemotherapy.
Large-scale expansion of agriculture in Amazonia may be a no-win scenario

Using simplified climate and land-use models, we evaluated primary forests’ carbon storage and soybean and pasture productivity in the Brazilian Legal Amazon under several scenarios of deforestation and increased CO2. The four scenarios for the year 2050 that we analyzed consider (1) radiative effects of increased CO2, (2) radiative and physiological effects of increased CO2, (3) effects of land-use changes on the regional climate and (4) radiative and physiological effects of increased CO2 plus land-use climate feedbacks. Under current conditions, means for aboveground forest live biomass (AGB), soybean yield and pasture yield are 179 Mg-C ha−1, 2.7 Mg-grains ha−1 and 16.2 Mg-dry mass ha−1 yr−1, respectively. Our results indicate that expansion of agriculture in Amazonia may be a no-win scenario: in addition to reductions in carbon storage due to deforestation, total agriculture output may either increase much less than proportionally to the potential expansion in agricultural area, or even decrease, as a consequence of climate feedbacks from changes in land use. These climate feedbacks, usually ignored in previous studies, impose a reduction in precipitation that would lead agriculture expansion in Amazonia to become self-defeating: the more agriculture expands, the less productive it becomes.
Investigating the robustness of tests of the market efficiency hypothesis: contributions from cointegration techniques on the Canadian floating dollar

Although the cointegration technique is being extensively used for hypothesis testing, very little work has been done to substantiate the results derived from this technique either with respect to robustness of model specification or sample stability. This paper focuses on this issue and uses post-float Canadian spot and forward rates, along with those of six other major European currencies, in testing the market efficiency hypothesis (MEH) using cointegration techniques, as a case study. In so doing, emphasis is placed upon the pretesting of each series for stationarity via a menu of unit root tests; iterative tests for the number of cointegrating vectors over the sample period; and extensions of the analysis to construct multi-dimensional models in an examination of the MEH between the Canadian dollar and six major European currencies in both the spot and forward markets
Hard clam extracts induce atypical apoptosis in human gastric cancer cells

Hard clams (HCs) are a nutritionally high-quality and popular seafood, and are established to be a potent antitumor food. The aim of the present study was to determine whether HC extracts induce apoptosis in the human gastric cancer cell line, AGS. In contrast with previously reported methods of extraction, crude extracts of HC were obtained by freezing and thawing and by a method free of hot water or organic solvents. The composition, quality and properties of the HC extracts were demonstrated to be stable since the extracts that were evaluated by capillary electrophoresis and HPLC analysis at different timepoints were similar. HC extracts also have an inhibitory effect against the survival of AGS cells. Treatment with HC extracts induced a marked sub-G1 DNA peak and reduced the expression of the anti-apoptotic genes BIRC5 and KPNA2. However, hallmarks of classical apoptosis such as DNA fragmentation and apoptotic body formation were not observed, indicating atypical apoptosis. Furthermore, it was revealed that HC extracts interrupted cell cycle progression in AGS cells through altered expression of six cell cycle-associated genes: CDC20, KPNA2, BIRC5, ANAPC2, CDKN1A and RB1. The present findings suggest that HC may contribute to a novel future anticancer agent.
Determining registered nurses' readiness for evidence-based practice.

BACKGROUND As health care systems worldwide move toward instituting evidence-based practice (EBP), its implementation can be challenging. Conducting a baseline assessment to determine nurses' readiness for EBP presents opportunities to plan strategies before implementation. Although a growing body of research literature is focused on implementing EBP, little attention has been paid to assessing nurses' readiness for EBP. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to assess registered nurses' readiness for EBP in a moderate-sized acute care hospital in the Midwestern United States before implementation of a hospital-wide nursing EBP initiative. DESIGN AND METHODS A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used; 121 registered nurses completed the survey. The participants (n= 121) completed the 64-item Nurses' Readiness for Evidence-Based Practice Survey that allowed measurement of information needs, knowledge and skills, culture, and attitudes. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a post hoc analysis. RESULTS The majority (72.5%) of respondents indicated that when they needed information, they consulted colleagues and peers rather than using journals and books; 24% of nurses surveyed used the health database, Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature (CINAHL). The respondents perceived their EBP knowledge level as moderate. Cultural EBP scores were moderate, with unit scores being higher than organizational scores. The nurses' attitudes toward EBP were positive. The post hoc analysis showed many significant correlations. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Nurses have access to technological resources and perceive that they have the ability to engage in basic information gathering but not in higher level evidence gathering. The elements important to EBP such as a workplace culture and positive attitudes are present and can be built upon. A "site-specific" baseline assessment provides direction in planning EBP initiatives. The Nurses' Readiness for EBP Survey is a streamlined tool with established reliability and validity.
Microleakage of composite fillings in Er,Cr:YSGG laser‐prepared class II cavities

If there is insufficient bonding to the enamel, the shrinkage of composites that occurs during polymerization can result in a gap between the filling material and the cavity wall. This gap permits the passage of bacteria or their metabolic products and also of various molecules and ions. This leads to hypersensitivity or secondary caries and is thus one of the causes of the failures encountered in composite restorations. The aim of this study was to examine the quality of the margins of composite fillings in Er,Cr:YSGG laser‐prepared cavities by means of dye penetration. The results were compared with those of restoration in conventionally prepared and conditioned cavities.
Why Regulate Insider Trading? Evidence from the First Great Merger Wave (1897-1903)

We use event-time methodology to study legal insider trading associated with mergers circa 1900. For mergers with "prospective" disclosures similar to today's, we find substantial value gains at announcement, implying participation by "outside" shareholders despite the absence of insider constraints. Furthermore, preannouncement stock-price runups, relative to total value gain, are no more than those observed for modern mergers. Insider regulation apparently has produced little benefit for outsiders, with the inside information-pricing function and related gains shifting to external "information specialists. " Other results suggest market penalties for nondisclosure; i.e., insider trading is less successful in a restricted information environment.
TIME-OF-DAY EFFECTS ON COGNITION IN PREADOLESCENTS: A TRAILS STUDY

Cognitive performance fluctuates during the day due to diurnal variations in alertness level. This study examined: (1) whether cognitive performance in school-aged children is affected by time-of-day; (2) which functional domains are particularly vulnerable to time-of-day effects; and (3) whether the effects are more pronounced for cognitively more demanding tasks or task conditions. Children, aged 10–12 yrs, were randomly assigned to a test session starting either at 08:30 (n = 802), 10:00 (n = 713), or 13:00 h (n = 652). Speed and accuracy of information processing were evaluated by tasks that assess input-related cognitive processes (e.g., stimulus encoding), central cognitive processes (e.g., working memory, sustained attention), and output-related processes (e.g., response organization) using the Amsterdam Neuropsychological Tasks program. Time-of-day effects in children were identified in specific neurocognitive domains, such as visuospatial processing and working memory, but only under cognitively more demanding task conditions. Sustained attention showed a speed-accuracy tradeoff with increased slowness and lapses in the early morning, but with better feedback responsiveness and perceptual sensitivity than in the early afternoon. Furthermore, there was a significant interaction of time-on-task with time-of-day for tempo, with the afternoon group increasing in tempo with time-on-task, and the early-morning group first showing a slowing of tempo with time-on-task, followed at the end of the task by a speed increase towards the initial levels. To conclude, the authors found time-of-day effects in preadolescents, which were confined to cognitively more demanding tasks tapping input-related and central cognitive processes. (Author correspondence: kbheijden@fsw.leidenuniv.nl)
International patterns of ownership structure choices of start-ups: does the quality of law matter?

The concentration of ownership of enterprises varies significantly among countries. In this paper we investigate the role that differences in legal systems among nations play in molding founders’ preferences with respect to the ownership structure of their start-ups. We develop an economic framework which articulates the impact that the quality of protection offered to shareholders and debt holders has on the supply of debt and equity financing and the incentives of the founders to recruit partners or opt for sole ownership. The theoretical analysis predicts that a positive relationship is likely to exist between the quality of the legal system and the ownership concentration of start-ups. This prediction is in contrast to the findings on relationships in large publicly traded firms. Using data obtained from the Adult Population Survey of the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor project from 2001 to 2004 about ownership preference patterns, we confirm the prediction.
A randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial on the effect of Pycnogenol® on the climacteric syndrome in peri‐menopausal women

Background. French maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol®) was found to alleviate menstrual pain and reduce hyperactivity in clinical studies. These results suggest the possibility to observe positive effects in treating climacteric syndrome. Objective. Clinical investigation of the effect of Pycnogenol®, French maritime pine bark extract, on the climacteric syndrome. Methods. Some 200 peri‐menopausal women were enrolled in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study, and treated with Pycnogenol® (200mg) daily. Climacteric symptoms were evaluated by the Women's Health Questionnaire (WHQ), patients were checked for antioxidative status and routine chemistry. A total of 155women completed the study. Results. All climacteric symptoms improved, antioxidative status increased and LDL/HDL ratio was favourably altered by Pycnogenol®. No side effects were reported. Conclusion. Pycnogenol® may offer an alternative method to reducing climacteric symptoms without unwanted effects.
Survival of Microencapsulated Probiotic Bacteria after Processing and during Storage: A Review

The use of live probiotic bacteria as food supplement has become popular. Capability of probiotic bacteria to be kept at room temperature becomes necessary for customer's convenience and manufacturer's cost reduction. Hence, production of dried form of probiotic bacteria is important. Two common drying methods commonly used for microencapsulation are freeze drying and spray drying. In spite of their benefits, both methods have adverse effects on cell membrane integrity and protein structures resulting in decrease in bacterial viability. Microencapsulation of probiotic bacteria has been a promising technology to ensure bacterial stability during the drying process and to preserve their viability during storage without significantly losing their functional properties such acid tolerance, bile tolerance, surface hydrophobicity, and enzyme activities. Storage at room temperatures instead of freezing or low temperature storage is preferable for minimizing costs of handling, transportation, and storage. Concepts of water activity and glass transition become important in terms of determination of bacterial survival during the storage. The effectiveness of microencapsulation is also affected by microcapsule materials. Carbohydrate- and protein-based microencapsulants and their combination are discussed in terms of their protecting effect on probiotic bacteria during dehydration, during exposure to harsh gastrointestinal transit and small intestine transit and during storage.
Risk Measurement and Hedging: With and Without Derivatives

This paper examines a setting in which the derivatives strategies of two firms are known, but completely different. One firm aggressively hedges its risk using derivatives. The other firm uses a combination of operating and financial decisions, but no derivatives, to manage its risk. The different choice of methods is a result of different abilities to adjust operating costs and different needs for investment capital. Managerial incentives also play a role. Although risk-averse managers have an incentive to reduce risk, how and how much they hedge depends on how they are compensated.
The IL33/ST2 axis in Sjogren syndrome in relation to disease activity.

OBJECTIVE Primary Sjogren's Syndrome (pSS) is a systemic autoimmune disorder characterized by infiltration of the exocrine glands leading to secretory insufficiency. Despite the progress made in understanding the pathogenesis of the SS, many aspects remain to be clarified. Interleukin-33 (IL33) is a recently discovered cytokine, belonging to IL-1 superfamily. IL33 and its soluble receptor ST2 were implied in a number of immune and in autoimmune diseases pathogenesis. In this work ,we analyzed expression of IL33 and ST2 in Sjogren's syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHODS Serum IL-33 and soluble ST2 were analyzed using commercial ELISA kit in 15 pSS, 9 patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and 9 controls. RESULTS We found significant hyperexpression of sST2 in sera of SS patients and SLE patients compared to healthy subjects (p = 0.04 and p = 0.07, respectively). In pSS, sST2 levels in pSS positively correlated with activity index SSDAI (r = 0.662, p = 0.007). In SLE, we found positive correlation between ST2 and SLEDAI 2K (r = 0.685, p = 0.04). Circulating levels of IL-33 were detectable in 2 of 15 SS patients, in 2 SLE patients and in 1 of control subjects. CONCLUSIONS We found an hyperexpression of sST2 in pSS and SLE patients with a possible immune modulatory role, because of a substantial suppression of circulating IL33. In our pSS and SLE cohort, sST2 levels were in correlation with disease activity indices.