Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE DILATATION OF BRAIN VENTRICLE DUE TO CONGENITAL TOXOPLASMOSIS IN MICE CORRELATED WITH APOPTOSIS BUT NOT WITH TRANSFORMING GROWTH FACTOR BETA

This study aimed to determine the occurences of mice brain ventricles dilatation that congenitally infected with Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) as a marker of hydrocephalus and cellular changes in the brain. A total of twenty pregnant mice (11.5 days pregnacy) were divided into 2 groups, which were control (P1) group and treatment (P2) group. The mice in the treatment group were infected with 101 tachyzoites of T. gondii. All mice were maintained until delivery. The newborn mice were sacrificed and their brain were removed and fixed in 10% buffered formalin to prepare histology slides with HE staining for observation of ventricular width, TUNEL assay for apoptosis observation, and immunohistochemistry for the expression of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) observations. The data were analyzed using t test and linear regression. The results showed that ventricular width and apoptosis index significantly increased (P<0.01) in the treatment group compared to control group, but there was no difference in the expression of TGF-β (P>0.05) in both groups. Dilatation of ventricle correlated with the apoptotic index of brain cells but did not correlated with the expression of TGF-β.
Controversies in Vitamin D Recommendations and Its Possible Roles inNonskeletal Health Issues

This article discusses one of the current most controversial nutrition topics. Recent vitamin D recommendations, as well as the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) concentrations and implications on health status are reviewed. The various functions of vitamin D, starting from the cellular level, through autoimmune diseases, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neuromuscular processes, to its role in obesity and metabolic syndrome, as well as in pregnancy outcomes, are also discussed. The most up-to-date literature published in peer-review scientific journals was reviewed. While the role of vitamin D in bone metabolism and the amount to support bone health is unequivocal, its benefits and/or roles in various other health conditions and the best way to achieve and maintain optimal levels are still controversial. Opinions vary on the recommended intake for vitamin D and what the desirable serum levels of vitamin D may be. Despite the numerous reports about its impact in autoimmune processes, several cancers, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and pregnancy complications, the evidence is not robust enough to draw definite conclusions or to establish a causal relationship. Only the role of vitamin D in neuromuscular functions and prevention of falls in frail elderly seems to be more substantiated. Reaching the current or even higher levels of consumption (e.g. 1500-2000 IU/day) seems improbable by food and sun exposure only and supplementation should be in place, particularly for individuals at risk, including breast-fed infants, children, pregnant/lactating women, elderly, obese and individuals with fat mal absorption.
International IPO Underpricing, Earnings Quality, and Governance

Examining a sample of more than 4,600 IPOs across 24 countries from 2000-2004, we find that firmand deal-specific characteristics widely used in IPO single-country underpricing studies (e.g., offer size, underwriter reputation, and industry) can explain variation in an international cross section of initial returns. More importantly, we also find that country-level measures of earnings quality and governance characteristics explain differences in the international cross section of IPO underpricing. We find lower initial returns in countries with higher earnings quality and that underpricing is generally higher in countries with corporate governance systems that strengthen the position of investors relative to insiders. JEL classification: G15; G24; G30; G32; G34
Analysis of 'Switched Biased' random telegraph signals in MOSFETs

With decreasing device dimensions of MOSFETs, the nature of the low-frequency noise spectrum is a Lorentzian. This type of spectrum is due to Random Telegraph Signals (RTS), whose origin can be attributed to the random trapping and de-trapping of mobile charge carriers in the channel in traps located at the Si- SiO2 interface or in the oxide. The low-frequency noise decreases, if the transistors are switched "off" periodically (switched biased conditions). In this work, we have studied both p-MOS and n-MOS devices. The small devices (W/L=10:0.3) have a few trapping states, which is proven by the Lorentzian nature of the power spectrum. The RTS were measured under both; constant biased and switched biased conditions. A clear change in the RTS parameters;the mean capture time (? c) and the mean emission time (? e), under switched biased conditions, has been observed, as compared to the values in the constant bias case.
Firm Age, Size and Profitability Dynamics: A Test of Learning by Doing and Structural Inertia Hypotheses

The fundamental objective of this paper is to investigate the relationship between company age, company size and profitability against the background of the learning by doing and structural inertia hypotheses. The study population consists of the universe of companies (202) listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange Market as at December 2014. A sample of 30 firms was scientifically selected for the study. The analysis was carried out using archival data from 2006 to 2012, comprising of 210 observations. The panel data regression analysis is the technique for data analysis. The choice of the technique is premised on its property of increase data points and control for individual heterogeneity. The usual classical regression assumption tests were effected to ensure the accuracy of the regression model. The study finds a significant positive relationship between firm age, firm size and profitability. The control variable of board size reports a negative and insignificant relationship with profitability. The significant positive relationship between company age and profitability, is a confirmation of the learning by doing hypothesis. However, the positive relationship between size and profitability, negates the hypothesis of structural inertia. Against the backdrop of the research findings, we recommend that the management should strive to increase the scale of operation of businesses and by implication, the size of the business to enhance improved reputation and attractiveness.
Board Structure and Bank Performance: Evidence for the Greek Banking Industry During Crisis Period

The recent financial crisis has heightened the research interest worldwide in the relationship between various corporate governance (CG) mechanisms and firm performance. Nevertheless, few published papers focus on investigating this nexus for the case of the banking industry. This study is the first that empirically assesses the impact of board structure on bank performance for the case of Greek banks using a variety of econometric methodologies. Exhaustive empirical findings are presented based on a sample of 13 Greek banks and for a period of severe sovereign debt crisis (2008-2014). Empirical findings support an inverted U-shaped relation between board size and bank performance and between the proportion of independent board members and performance of Greek banks. All empirical findings are generated after we control for mergers and acquisitions activity, bank size and capital adequacy of each bank. Overall, our results document the positive contribution of the implemented CG regulatory framework on the Greek bank value
The Long Term Effects of Capital Gains Taxes in New Zealand

This paper develops a model of the housing market to examine the long-term consequences of different types of capital gains taxes. The model, which uses an overlapping generations framework to model the housing demands of agents who differ by age, income, and wealth, incorporates rental and owner-occupancy options, credit constraints, detailed tax regulations, and a construction sector. It suggests capital gains taxes will raise rents, increase homeownership rates, promote smaller houses, and increase the net foreign asset position. The welfare implications are less clear, particularly for young low income households that will face higher rents.
Do Tanzanian Companies Practice Pecking Order Theory, Agency Cost Theory or Trade-Off Theory? An Empirical Study in Tanzanian Listed Companies

The empirical study was focused predominantly on validity tests of the three theories on capital structures, the static trade-off theory, the pecking order theory (information asymmetry theory), and agency cost theory in the Tanzanian context. The study used secondary data from eight of the non-financial companies listed in Dar Es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE) from 2006-2012. The study used descriptive (quantitative) approach to test the practicality of the theories in Tanzania. The multiple regressions model used to test the theoretical relationship between the financial leverage and characteristics of the company. The research found that there is no strong evidence for validation of static trade off theory, little support of pecking order theory, but the agency cost theory is confirmed to be valid and practiced in Tanzania. It recommended that Tanzanian companies should be adhering to the determinants of the capital structure in the Tanzanian context found by this study
Improving course success rates at the honours level by setting minimum marks for the prerequisite undergraduate qualification

The study investigated whether a proposed minimum admission requirement of 60 per cent in the final-year module of specialisation at undergraduate level could attribute to the course success rate of students proceeding to the BCom honours degree in Business Management with specialisation in Financial Management at Unisa. Regression analysis and Pearson chi-square tests were conducted. Final-year marks for the Financial Management module, MNF3015, showed a positive correlation with the marks students obtained for the three selected postgraduate level modules at honours level. Significant positive correlations were also found between marks of 60 per cent or more obtained for MNF3015, and marks obtained for the postgraduate modules in Investments (r = 0.464, p = 0.017), Financial Risk Management (r = 0.347, p = 0.188) and Financial Management (r = 0.468, p = 0.002). Tests for the possible statistical association between the marks obtained in the three selected postgraduate-level modules and gender, age, home language and language of tuition did not yield significant values. A minimum mark of 60 per cent for final-year modules in the area of specialisation as an admission requirement is recommended in order to improve the success rate of Finance students at honours level.
Profile of Hospitalizations and Deaths from Craniofacial Fractures in Brazilian Children and Adolescents: An Ecological Study

Objective: To characterize the profile of hospitalizations and deaths related to craniofacial fractures in Brazilian children and adolescents. Material and Methods: This is an ecological cross-sectional study with inductive approach with comparative-descriptive procedure and indirect documentation technique. Data were obtained from the DATASUS / SIH-SUS website for the years 2010-2014, considering information for each state of the five Brazilian regions. Admission rates were calculated per 100,000 inhabitants, and data were analyzed by population rates, averages and absolute and relative frequencies. Results: The Northeastern region of Brazil showed the highest hospitalization rate (81.72), followed by the Northern (56.84), Southern (50.94), Midwestern (44.25) and Southeastern regions (30.28). In all regions, the years with the highest hospitalization rates were: 2010 for the Northern (13.17) and Southeastern regions (6.61), 2013 for the Northeastern (20.07) and Midwestern regions (10.17) and 2014 for the Southerner region (10.52). The highest hospitalization rates in all regions of the country in the last five years were observed for male children and adolescent. In relation to age group, higher rates were recorded from 15 to 19 years. Of the total of 27,244 hospitalizations (3.8%), 1028 patients died and 35.5% of them occurred in the Northeastern region. Considering the years under study, the average length of stay and average daily hospitalization cost were respectively 4.0 days and US$ 82.7. Conclusion: The Northeast region of Brazil had the highest hospitalization rate of children and adolescents by craniofacial fractures, and male adolescents and those aged 15-19 years were the most affected in different regions of the country. Costs of hospital admissions due to this type of injury are significant, with more deaths as a result of these injuries in Brazil in the last 5 years evaluated with the highest prevalence in the Northeastern region of Brazil.
The Linkage between Prices, Wages, and Labor Productivity: A Panel Study of Manufacturing Industries

This article investigates the long-run relationship between prices and wage-adjusted productivity as well as between real wages and average labor productivity at the industry level for a panel of 459 U.S. manufacturing industries over the period 1956–1996. Panel cointegration test results strongly reject the null of no cointegration in the panel between both prices and wage-adjusted productivity and between labor productivity and real wages for many (but not all) industries. Granger-causality tests show that prices are weakly exogenous and cause movements in unit labor cost. Bidirectional Granger causality is found between real wages and productivity; however, a one-to-one relationship is strongly rejected between real wages and productivity. Increases in labor productivity are associated with a less than unity increase in real wages.
Production of sheep grazing on nitrogen-fertilized tifton 85 grass in continuous stocking.

Biomass and forage volume density and the performance and stocking rate of sheep on pastures with nitrogen-fertilized Tifton 85 and subjected to a continuous stocking system were evaluated. Four doses of nitrogen (0, 100, 200, and 400 kg ha-1 year), arranged in an experimental design with randomized blocks and four replications, were analyzed. Sixteen paddocks and Santa Ines sheep were used as test animals, coupled to crossbreed Santa Ines sheep as regulating animal stocking. Nitrogen-fertilized Tifton 85 pastures increased the amount of forage biomass and volume density which affected stocking rate and weight gain of sheep in continuous grazing. When pastures with Tifton 85 were administered in variable load continuous stocking, with grass kept at 15 cm, nitrogen fertilization up to 400 kg ha-1 year is recommended.
While marching to Zion: otherworldliness and racial empowerment in the black community

Whether religion is the opiate of or the inspiration for political activity is one of the classic questions in the study of religion and politics. No place is this more clearly demonstrated than in the study of African Americans and racial empowerment. Despite the close relationship between religion and the Civil Rights Movement, many suggest that the nature of black Protestantism, especially its otherworldly orientation, depresses efforts to maximize African American political and social influence. Examining different components of religiosity among African Americans, this study finds that no form of religiosity depresses racial empowerment, but that varying aspects do have different effects. Organizational religiosity strongly Predicts support for integrationist-oriented means to empowerment. Otherworldliness strongly predicts support for separatist-oriented means to empowerment. Religious guidance does not predict support for any aspect of empowerment. The study illustrates the multidimensional nature of religiosity and highlights the complexity of the relationship between religion and politics among blacks.
Psychological and Cardiovascular Effects of Guarana and Yerba Mate: A Comparison with Coffee

An exploratory experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of coffee, guarana, and yerba mate on mood and performance, and to determine any potential of these beverages to overcome the soporific effects of lunch. Seventy-one female students were assigned to four beverages, including a decaffeinated coffee control, and tested on two days (lunch/no lunch), over three sessions (prior to drinking the beverage, and again 60 and 150 minutes after drinking the beverages). Lunch had little effect other than to increase pulse. Guarana increased systolic blood pressure and accuracy on a vigilance task; coffee increased accuracy on the vigilance task; but yerba mate had no significant effects. Further research is recommended before any definitive conclusions about the effects of guarana and yerba mate are reached.
The longitudinal development of employee well-being: a systematic review

ABSTRACT This article reports a systematic review of findings on the long-term development of employee well-being, taking into account the effects of time lag, age, and job change. High-quality quantitative empirical studies focusing on employee affective well-being based on the circumplex model and utilizing measurements at more than two points in time were searched from eight databases. The systematic analysis of the 40 studies revealed that the level of employee well-being was generally high but not fixed – instead changes in mean levels over time were typical. In addition, the stability of well-being was found to be relatively low, as the explained variances were below 50%. Age and change of job were the major factors influencing stability: younger employees and job changers tended to display larger across time changes in well-being than older employees and job stayers, both at the mean level and in terms of their position relative to others. The findings of this review suggest that the indicators of employee affective well-being studied here (i.e. burnout, engagement, and job satisfaction) can meaningfully be applied in future research in measuring changes in employees’ well-being. In conclusion, based on the designs, methodologies, and main findings of the reviewed studies, seven avenues for future longitudinal research on employee well-being are proposed.
Correlation model for spatially distributed ground‐motion intensities

Risk assessment of spatially distributed building portfolios or infrastructure systems requires quantification of the joint occurrence of ground‐motion intensities at several sites, during the same earthquake. The ground‐motion models that are used for site‐specific hazard analysis do not provide information on the spatial correlation between ground‐motion intensities, which is required for the joint prediction of intensities at multiple sites. Moreover, researchers who have previously computed these correlations using observed ground‐motion recordings differ in their estimates of spatial correlation. In this paper, ground motions observed during seven past earthquakes are used to estimate correlations between spatially distributed spectral accelerations at various spectral periods. Geostatistical tools are used to quantify and express the observed correlations in a standard format. The estimated correlation model is also compared with previously published results, and apparent discrepancies among the previous results are explained.
Wind-curl currents in the Northern Adriatic and formulation of bottom friction

Des donnees de vent et de courant ont ete enregistrees au large de la cote nord-ouest de l'Adriatique en novembre et decembre 1978. Leur analyse indique que la boura, vent d'hiver caracteristique de cette region, induit des courants dans sa propre direction sur toute la colonne d'eau. Une impulsion de 10-12 m/s provoque des courants dont la vitesse est comprise entre 30 cm/s au fond et 50 cm/s en surface. Les resultats du modele numerique de l'Adriatique Nord montrent qu'il est possible de retrouver les resultats empiriques en tenant compte d'une part de la pente du fond, et d'autre part du rotationnel de la tension tangentielle du vent. Le modele numerique montre encore que la dynamique cotiere de la zone etudiee peut etre decrite en premiere approximation par l'equilibre entre la tension superficielle et celle du fond. Sur la base du meme equilibre et des resultats empiriques, on voit que pour le frottement sur le fond dans l'Adriatique Nord, la loi quadratique n'est pas essentiellement meilleure que la loi lineaire. Les valeurs du coefficient de frottement sur le fond obtenues avec une loi lineaire (1,13-1,24×10 −3 m/s) sont en bon accord avec certaines valeurs deja obtenues pour la meme region par d'autres methodes
Are drinkers prone to engage in risky sexual behaviors

Sexually transmitted diseases pose an important public health problem around the world. Although many studies have explored the link between alcohol use and risky sexual practices, the unobserved differences among individuals make it difficult to assess whether the associations are casual in nature. In order to overcome these difficulties, we have obtained data from the Spanish Health and Sexual Behavior Survey (2003) in order to analyze risky sexual behaviors using four alternative methodologies: controlling results with a rich set of variables; identifying the impact of alcohol use while assuming there is an identical selection outcome for observed and unobserved variables; estimating alcohol consumption and risky sexual behaviors simultaneously based on instrumental variables; and using reduced-form equations to analyze the impact of alcohol prices and other alcohol policies on the likelihood of risky intercourse. We provide empirical evidence that alcohol abuse might increase the probability of risky sex and, more importantly, different alcohol policies are not only effective tools for reducing alcohol demand but also for controlling risky sexual behaviors.
Effect of Nocturnal Oxygen Therapy on Electrocardiographic Changes Among Patients with Congestive Heart Failure

Introduction: Nocturnal hypoxia is an important factor in increasing the risk of mortality in patients with chronic heart failure and is associated with atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. In addition, QT dispersion (QTd) is used as a prognostic sign in determining future malignant arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. In the current study, we investigated the effect of nocturnal oxygen therapy (NOT) on electrocardiographic changes among patients with chronic heart failure. Methods: In this study, a consecutive of 154 patients (87 males and 67 females) known with chronic heart failure (EF ≤ 40%) were enrolled. The patients were administered NOT (oxygen flow of 2 L/min for 8 hours during sleeping). Electrocardiography was takenbefore and after the NOT, and RR interval, PR interval and QTd were measured each time. Results: The mean age of the participants was 61.3 ± 11.4 years. Our results revealed significant reduction in QTd (55.8 ± 7.5 vs. 61.4± 9.1 msec, P = 0.001) and heart rate (79.6 ± 4.7 vs. 76.8 ± 4.3, P = 0.001) in a patient’s electrocardiogram after NOT. Conclusions: In this study, NOT decreased heart rate and QTd in patients with chronic heart failure, but not PR interval, which could consequently decrease the risk of malignant arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death.
Exploring Determinants of the Firm Boundary for Swedish Multinationals

This paper empirically examines the foreign internalisation decision of multinational corporations. The purpose of the paper is to identify determinants of the firm boundary, where within-boundary production takes the form of foreign direct investments (FDI) and outside-boundary production takes place through international outsourcing, with reference to recently developed general-equilibrium trade theories incorporating firm behaviour. The empirical investigation is performed for 2246 multinationals production engagements in 148 foreign countries under the 1997 to 2006 period. The primary contribution of the paper is the investigation of firm behaviour per se instead of industry level implications of firm behaviour.