Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Business Group Affiliation, Board Quality and Audit Pricing Behavior: Evidence from Indian Companies

This study examines the relationships among business group affiliation, board quality and audit fees in an emerging market setting. Using data from Indian firms listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) over a nine-year period (2004-2012), our results indicate that firms affiliated with a business group pay higher audit fees than those without such affiliations. We also find that group-affiliated firms with higher-quality boards pay relatively higher audit fees compared to other counterparts. Further, our findings suggest that group-affiliated firms pay lower fee premiums when an audit is undertaken by a Big 4 firm or its affiliates, which implies that economies of scale may be a potential competitive advantage held by larger auditors. The results of the study have implications for the management of audit fees by group-affiliated firms through board structure and processes.
The rela ti onship between trauma ti c childhood experiences and proclivi ti es towards substance abuse , self-esteem and coping strategies

Results: Childhood trauma history was observed to be more common in the study group than in the control group. When the childhood trauma questionnaire was evaluated, the scores for physical abuse were found to be significantly higher in the study group. COPE subscale scores for mental disengagement, focusing on problems and expressing emotions, active coping, coping through religion and emotional social support usage were significantly lower in the study group. The study group’s results on the Substance Abuse Proclivity Scale were found to be higher than those of the control group. On the Rosenberg Self Respect Scale, the study group’s scores were higher while the control group was more likely to have high self respect.
Longitudinally Uniform Transmission Lines With Frequency-Enabled Mode Conversion

A class of longitudinally uniform transmission lines with low loss, low dispersion, and high-field confinement, called mode-selective transmission lines (MSTLs), has been proposed for ultra-broadband and ultra-fast electromagnetic signal guidance and processing. Their operation is mainly based on the concept of frequency-enabled mode selectivity. This paper presents our latest research results on this emerging MSTL, including its operating mechanism, propagation characteristics, higher-order modes, and transition design. Throughout the detailed discussion, two MSTL structures operating in distinct frequency ranges (DC to 60 GHz and DC to 500 GHz as showcased here) are considered. First of all, a comparative study among MSTLs and several conventional transmission lines is made, illustrating significant differences in structural features, wave guidance, field distributions, and frequency characteristics. Second, the phenomenon of mode selectivity occurred in MSTLs is examined by means of identified physical evidence (i.e., field distributions in connection with modal behavior) and theoretical foundation. It is verified that, with increasing frequency, the dominant modes of MSTLs are converted from a quasi-TEM microstrip mode to a quasi-TE10 waveguide mode over a certain frequency range. Following this thread, a more rigorous analysis is carried out by defining and formulating three characteristic frequencies based on the observed inherent physical dispersions, and the operating frequency ranges of MSTLs are thus divided into several distinct frequency regions associated with the frequency-related variable dominant mode. In addition, a general analysis of the attenuation characteristics of MSTLs and higher order modes in MSTLs is conducted. To facilitate practical measurements and to expedite the integrated applications of MSTLs, we propose a low-loss and ultra-broadband transition between MSTL and microstrip line, through which undesired higher order modes are effectively suppressed. The numerical and theoretical analyses of MSTLs are carried out with experimental verifications. At the end of this paper, different fabrication and measurement techniques for the two MSTLs of interest are briefly described.
Utility of a whole blood single platelet counting assay to monitor the effects of tirofiban in patients with acute coronary syndromes scheduled for coronary intervention

Summary This study aimed to establish the utility of a whole-blood singleplatelet counting (WBSPC) assay, a measure of microaggregation, in monitoring the effects of tirofiban, comparing this with optical aggregometry (OA) and the Ultegra TRAP cartridge system (UTC), measures of macroaggregation. Fifty-nine patients with acute coronary syndrome scheduled for coronary angiography +/angioplasty were studied. WBSPC assay (ADP 0.3-100 µM, Sysmex KX21 analyzer), OA (ADP 20 µM) and UTC were performed: before starting tirofiban; 30 min, 4 and 24 h after starting tirofiban; and 1 and 2h after stopping tirofiban. Thirty minutes after starting tirofiban, there was substantial inhibition of platelet aggregation (40 ± 30%; WBSPC, 2 minutes after addition of ADP 30 µM) and this remained stable at 4 and 24 h. OA (86 ± 17%; inhibition of maximal aggregation,ADP 20 µM) and UTC (93 ± 7%) showed marked inhibition with less inter-individual variation. There was no significant correlation between OA and UTC results (R2 = 0.006), but fair correlation between OA and WBSPC results (R2 = 0.37). Greater inhibition of macroaggregation (OA and UTC) was seen compared to microaggregation (WBSPC) such that WBSPC was more discriminating in the therapeutic range when macroaggregation was often completely inhibited. A WBSPC assay of platelet microaggregation shows promise for monitoring GPIIb/IIIa antagonists.
Exploring Synergy between Classic Mutagens and Antibiotics To Examine Mechanisms of Synergy and Antibiotic Action

ABSTRACT We used classical mutagens in Gram-negative Escherichia coli to study synergies with different classes of antibiotics, test models of antibiotic mechanisms of action, and examine the basis of synergy. We used 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4NQO), zebularine (ZEB), 5-azacytidine (5AZ), 2-aminopurine (2AP), and 5-bromodeoxyuridine (5BrdU) as mutagens (with bactericidal potency of 4NQO > ZEB > 5AZ > 2AP > 5BrdU) and vancomycin (VAN), ciprofloxacin (CPR), trimethoprim (TMP), gentamicin (GEN), tetracycline (TET), erythromycin (ERY), and chloramphenicol (CHL) as antibiotics. We detected the strongest synergies with 4NQO, an agent that oxidizes guanines and ultimately results in double-strand breaks when paired with the bactericidal antibiotics VAN, TMP, CPR, and GEN, but no synergies with the bacteriostatic antibiotics TET, ERY, and CHL. Each of the other mutagens displays synergies with the bactericidal antibiotics to various degrees that reflect their potencies, as well as with some of the other mutagens. The results support recent models showing that bactericidal antibiotics kill bacteria principally by ultimately generating more double-strand breaks than can be repaired. We discuss the synergies seen here and elsewhere as representing dose effects of not the proximal target damage but rather the ultimate resulting double-strand breaks. We also used the results of pairwise tests to place the classic mutagens into functional antibacterial categories within a previously defined drug interaction network.
Finite Elements of the Masses and Energy Case of the the Iroko

In this work, we discuss the transfer study is undertaken within the framework of written from the Luikov model to which the finite element method, before determination results. It is a pattern of behavior contributing parameters. The material chosen is the Cameroon internal or external furniture. Drying is done necessary for solving the equations are derived results leads to an average relative error of 3.2
Forward-backward stochastic differential equation games with delay and noisy memory

Abstract The goal of this paper is to study a stochastic game connected to a system of forward-backward stochastic differential equations (FBSDEs) involving delay and noisy memory. We derive sufficient and necessary maximum principles for a set of controls for the players to be a Nash equilibrium in the game. Furthermore, we study a corresponding FBSDE involving Malliavin derivatives. This kind of equation has not been studied before. The maximum principles give conditions for determining the Nash equilibrium of the game. We use this to derive a closed form Nash equilibrium for an economic model where the players maximize their consumption with respect to recursive utility.
Funding a new bridge in rural Vietnam: a field experiment on social influence and default contributions

Public goods provision is essential for economic development. Yet there is limited evidence regarding contributions to local public goods in developing countries. This article analyses a field experiment where all 200 households in a village in rural Vietnam make real contributions to a public good that is very important for them in daily life—a bridge. We study the role of social influence (that people may be more willing to co-operate if others do) and the effects of the default alternative in the choice situation. We find significant and substantial (in the order of magnitude of 15–25%) effects of both social influence and defaults but only when providing low reference or default contributions.
Association between psychological factors, socio-demographic conditions, oral habits and anterior open bite in five-year-old children

Abstract Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate association between psychological factors, socio-demographic conditions, oral habits and anterior open bite in five-year-old preschool children. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 764 pairs of children and parents/caregivers in preschools. The parents/caregivers answered questionnaires addressing oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), sense of coherence, locus of control, oral habits and socio-demographic characteristics. The children answered a self-report questionnaire addressing OHRQoL and were submitted to a clinical examination for the anterior open bite by examiners. Descriptive analysis was conducted, followed by Poisson’s regression analysis. Results: The prevalence of anterior open bite was 15.2%. The following variables remained significantly associated with anterior open bite: pacifier use (PR = 7.09; 95% CI: 4.06–12.39), attending a public preschool (PR = 2.40; 95% CI: 1.68–3.43), digit sucking (PR = 2.15; 95% CI: 1.27–3.62), greater number of residents in the home (PR = 1.67; 95% CI: 1.18–2.36) and impact on OHRQoL according to child’s report (PR = 1.56; 95% CI: 1.11–2.20). Conclusions: Anterior open bite was associated with OHRQoL according to the children’s reports. Moreover, attending a public preschool, a greater number of residents in the home, digit sucking and pacifier sucking were associated with this type of malocclusion.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Thermophilic Campylobacter Isolates from Diverse Origin

Campylobacteriosis is a leading cause of human gastroenteritis and is recognized as one of the most important foodborne zoonosis. The occurrence of increasingly resistant strains of Campylobacter to the clinically important antibiotics is a concern. The present study was undertaken with the aim of determining the antibiogram pattern of 30 Campylobacter isolates comprising 24 C. jejuni (Chicken meat and skin – 6, quail caecum – 8, dog faeces – 2, chicken caecum – 6, pig faeces – 2) and 6 C. coli (chicken caecum – 3 and one each from dog faeces, pig faeces and quail caecum) isolates. The study revealed that Campylobacter isolates were resistant against several antibiotics including tetracycline, cephalosporins, co-trimoxazole and carbenicillin. Resistance was also detected against ciprofloxacin and nalidixic acid, while most isolates were susceptible against erythromycin. The prevalence of resistance among isolates from diverse origin may pose threat to human and animals.
Microservices architecture: Case on the migration of reservation-based parking system

This paper explores the migration of a reservation-based parking system into microservice architecture. In the beginning the parking system is a monolith architecture, web-based technology. This is a journey report of finding microservice architecture based on monolith architecture. Several steps are taken, according to service-oriented architecture, then we migrated the design to be a microservice. This paper emphasized the existence of microservices as a refinement of services-oriented architecture, also provides the impact of business process changes due to user experiences.
UvA-DARE ( Digital Academic Repository ) Moving and union dissolution

Disclaimer/Complaints regulations If you believe that digital publication of certain material infringes any of your rights or (privacy) interests, please let the Library know, stating your reasons. In case of a legitimate complaint, the Library will make the material inaccessible and/or remove it from the website. Please Ask the Library: http://uba.uva. nl/en/contact, or a letter to: Library of the University of Amsterdam, Secretariat, Singel 425, 1012 WP Amsterdam, The Netherlands. You will be contacted as soon as possible.
Hirzebruch–Kummer covers of algebraic surfaces

The aim of this paper is to show that using some natural curve arrangements in algebraic surfaces and Hirzebruch-Kummer covers, one cannot construct new examples of ball-quotients, i.e. minimal smooth complex projective surfaces of general type satisfying equality in the Bogomolov-Miyaoka-Yau inequality.
Buffered Probability of Exceedance: Mathematical Properties and Optimization

This paper studies a probabilistic characteristic called buffered probability of exceedance (bPOE). It is a function of a random variable and a real-valued threshold. By definition, bPOE is the probability of a tail such that the average of this tail equals the threshold. This characteristic is an extension of the so-called buffered failure probability and it is equal to one minus inverse of the conditional value-at-risk (CVaR). bPOE is a quasi-convex function of the random variable w.r. t. the regular addition operation and a concave function w.r. t. the mixture operation; it is a monotonic function of the random variable; it is a strictly decreasing function of the threshold on the interval between the expectation and the essential supremum. The multiplicative inverse of the bPOE is a convex function of the threshold, and a piecewise-linear function in the case of discretely distributed random variable. The paper provides efficient calculation formulas for bPOE. Minimization of bPOE is reduced to a convex.
Identification and Expression of miRNAs Related to Female Flower Induction in Walnut (Juglans regia L.)

Flower induction is an essential stage in walnut (Juglans regia L.) trees, directly affecting yield, yield stability, fruit quality and commodity value. The objective of this study was to identify miRNAs related to female flower induction via high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. A total of 123 miRNAs were identified including 51 known miRNAs and 72 novel miRNAs. Differential expression was observed in 19 of the known miRNAs and 34 of the novel miRNAs. Twelve miRNAs were confirmed by RT-qPCR. A total of 1339 target genes were predicted for the differentially expressed miRNAs. The functions of 616 of those target genes had been previously annotated. The target genes of the differentially expressed miRNAs included: (i) floral homeotic protein APETALA 2 (AP2) and ethylene-responsive transcription factor RAP2-7 which were targeted by jre-miRn69; (ii) squamosa promoter-binding protein 1 (SPB1) and various SPLs (squamosa promoter-binding-like protein) which were targeted by jre-miR157a-5p; (iii) various hormone response factors which were targeted by jre-miR160a-5p (ARF18) and jre-miR167a-5p (ARF8) and (iv) transcription factor SCL6 which was targeted by jre-miR171b-3p, jre-miRn46 and jre-miRn49. The KEGG pathway analysis of the target genes indicated that the differentially expressed miRNAs were mainly enriched to ubiquitin mediated proteolysis, RNA degradation and various carbohydrate metabolism pathways. Many miRNAs were detected in J. regia during female flower induction. Some miRNAs (jre-miR157a-5p, jre-miR160a-5p, jre-miR167a-5p, miR171b-3p jre-miRn69 and jre-miRn49) were involved in female flower induction. The results of this experiment will contribute valuable information for further research about the function of miRNAs in flower induction of J. regia and other fruit trees.
Bidirectional modulation of insulin action by reactive oxygen species in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) serve an important role in glucose-lipid metabolic regulation. In the present study, the results demonstrated that there was bidirectional regulation of insulin action in 3T3-L1 adipocytes treated with ROS. Transient and acute ROS exposure improved insulin-induced metabolic effects in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), as a stable and diffusible ROS, diffused into adipocytes and altered intracellular redox homeostasis, resulting in oxidation and inactivation of phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN). Inactivation of PTEN enhanced the activation of insulin-induced protein kinase B (AKT), leading to increased glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) redistribution and glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. However, chronic ROS treatment induced insulin resistance in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. It was also revealed that insulin-induced AKT activation, GLUT4 translocation to cell membrane and glucose uptake were significantly inhibited in chronic ROS-treated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Taken together, the present study provided further demonstration that transient ROS treatment improved insulin sensitivity; however, chronic ROS exposure induced insulin resistance in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.
Understanding wealth and housing inequality among China’s older population

In this article we study wealth inequality of China’s older population aged 45 and older using data from the 2011 national baseline of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). As housing wealth accounts for the lion’s share of household wealth in China, we provide detailed analysis of housing wealth differences in China, including an assessment of the importance of housing windfalls associated with housing reforms in the 1990s and market price increases for housing. Our calculations indicate that in 2010, the wealth Gini coefficient is 0.69, and the wealthiest 20% of the population account for about three-quarters of total wealth while the bottom 50% account for only 5.73% of total wealth. We show that the majority of today’s wealth is the result of windfall gains, especially rapid increases in housing prices.
Individual tree species classification from airborne multi-sensor imagery

Remote sensing of individual tree species has many applications in resource management, biodiversity assessment and conservation. Airborne remote sensing using LiDAR and hyperspectral sensors has been used extensively to extract biophysical traits of vegetation and to detect species. However, its application for individual tree mapping remains limited due to the technical challenges of precise co-alignment of images acquired from different sensors and accurately delineating individual tree crowns (ITCs). In this study we developed a generic workflow to map tree species at ITC-level from hyperspectral imagery and LiDAR data using a combination of well-established and recently developed techniques. The workflow uses a non-parametric image registration approach to co-align images, a multi-class normalised graph cut method for ITC delineation, robust principal component analysis for feature extraction, and support vector machine for species classification. This workflow allows us to automatically map tree species at both pixeland ITC-level. Experimental tests of the technique were conducted using ground data collected from a fully-mapped temperate woodland in the UK. The overall accuracy of pixel-level classification was 89%, while that of ITC-level classification was 66%. The test results demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach.
Unfolding the privacy paradox among mobile social commerce users: a multi-mediation approach

ABSTRACT Considering that privacy paradox is currently an underexplored research area, this study proposes a privacy paradox model to explain the reasons behind such phenomenon. Built upon the theoretical link of belief-intention-behaviour and the idea of multi-mediation, this study seeks to discover the relationship between concern for social media information privacy and usage intention, and the potential mediators that stand between such linkage. The results suggest that perceived mobility and social support do mediate the said linkage, and the model could reasonably explain usage intention, which surprisingly has a negative association with usage behaviour. Theoretical and practical implications are subsequently offered.
Early prenatal alcohol exposure alters imprinted gene expression in placenta and embryo in a mouse model

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) can harm the embryonic development and cause life-long consequences in offspring’s health. To clarify the molecular mechanisms of PAE we have used a mouse model of early alcohol exposure, which is based on maternal ad libitum ingestion of 10% (v/v) ethanol for the first eight days of gestation (GD 0.5–8.5). Owing to the detected postnatal growth-restricted phenotype in the offspring of this mouse model and both prenatal and postnatal growth restriction in alcohol-exposed humans, we focused on imprinted genes Insulin-like growth factor 2 (Igf2), H19, Small Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein Polypeptide N (Snrpn) and Paternally expressed gene 3 (Peg3), which all are known to be involved in embryonic and placental growth and development. We studied the effects of alcohol on DNA methylation level at the Igf2/H19 imprinting control region (ICR), Igf2 differentially methylated region 1, Snrpn ICR and Peg3 ICR in 9.5 embryonic days old (E9.5) embryos and placentas by using MassARRAY EpiTYPER. To determine alcohol-induced alterations globally, we also examined methylation in long interspersed nuclear elements (Line-1) in E9.5 placentas. We did not observe any significant alcohol-induced changes in DNA methylation levels. We explored effects of PAE on gene expression of E9.5 embryos as well as E9.5 and E16.5 placentas by using quantitative PCR. The expression of growth promoter gene Igf2 was decreased in the alcohol-exposed E9.5 and E16.5 placentas. The expression of negative growth controller H19 was significantly increased in the alcohol-exposed E9.5 embryos compared to controls, and conversely, a trend of decreased expression in alcohol-exposed E9.5 and E16.5 placentas were observed. Furthermore, increased Snrpn expression in alcohol-exposed E9.5 embryos was also detected. Our study indicates that albeit no alterations in the DNA methylation levels of studied sequences were detected by EpiTYPER, early PAE can affect the expression of imprinted genes in both developing embryo and placenta.