Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Business Administration Track : Financial Management The Relationship between Capital Structure and Product Market Competition

This thesis examines the impact of product market competition on capital structure of listed firms in the Netherlands during the period 2003-2011. Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression analysis is used to investigate this impact. The dependent variables used in the regressions are book leverage ratio and market leverage ratio whereas the independent variables include concentration ratio and R&D. We also control for firm size, growth opportunity, non-tax debt shield and tangibility. Industry types and years are two
Experience With High-$Z$ Plasma-Facing Materials and Extrapolation to Future Devices

The use of refractory metal plasma-facing components (PFCs) requires intensive research in all areas, i.e., in plasma-wall interaction, in the physics of the confined plasma, diagnostic, and in material development. Only a few present-day divertor tokamaks-mainly Alcator C-Mod (C-Mod) and ASDEX Upgrade (AUG)-gained experience with the refractory metals molybdenum and tungsten, respectively. AUG was stepwise converted from graphite to tungsten PFCs. In line with this transition, a reduction of the deuterium retention by almost a factor of ten has been observed due to the strong suppression of D codeposition with carbon. The deuterium retained in W is in line with laboratory results in contrast to C-Mod, where the D retention in Mo is more than a factor of ten larger than that in corresponding laboratory experiments. As expected from the sputtering threshold of Mo and W, negligible erosion by the thermal divertor background plasma is found in these experiments under low-temperature divertor conditions. However, erosion by fast particles and intrinsic impurities, which additionally might be accelerated in rectified electrical fields observed during ion cyclotron frequency heating, plays an important role. The Mo and W concentrations in the plasma center are strongly affected by plasma transport, and variations up to a factor of 50 are observed for similar influxes. However, it could be demonstrated that sawteeth and turbulent transport driven by central heating can suppress central accumulation. The inward transport of high-Z ions at the edge can be efficiently reduced by ? flushing? the pedestal region caused by frequent edge instabilities. Extrapolations to ITER and DEMO are difficult since the physics of the plasma transport is not yet completely understood, the particle and energy fluxes are orders of magnitude higher, and the technical boundary conditions in DEMO strongly differ from those of present-day devices.
rpoN Gene of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Alters Its Susceptibility to Quinolones and Carbapenems

ABSTRACT The alternative sigma factor σ54 has been implicated in diverse functions within the cells. In this study, we have constructed an rpoN mutant of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and investigated its importance as a target for antimicrobial agents, such as quinolones and carbapenems. The stationary-phase cells of the rpoN mutant displayed a survival rate approximately 15 times higher than that of the wild-type cells in the presence of quinolones and carbapenems. The stationary phase led to substantial production of pyoverdine by the P. aeruginosa rpoN mutant. Pyoverdine synthesis correlated with decreased susceptibility to antimicrobial agents. Quantitative real-time PCR revealed that stationary-phase cells of the rpoN mutant grown without an antimicrobial agent had approximately 4- to 140- and 2- to 14-fold-higher levels of transcripts of the pvdS and vqsR genes, respectively, than the wild-type strain. In the presence of an antimicrobial agent, levels of pvdS and vqsR transcripts were elevated 400- and 5-fold, respectively, in comparison to the wild-type levels. Flow cytometry assays using a green fluorescent protein reporter demonstrated increased expression of the vqsR gene in the rpoN mutant throughout growth. A pvdS mutant of P. aeruginosa, deficient in pyoverdine production, was shown to be susceptible to biapenem. These findings suggest that rpoN is involved in tolerance to antimicrobial agents in P. aeruginosa and that its tolerant effect is partly dependent on increased pyoverdine production and vqsR gene expression.
Deep speaker verification: Do we need end to end?

End-to-end learning treats the entire system as a whole adaptable black box, which, if sufficient data are available, may learn a system that works very well for the target task. This principle has recently been applied to several prototype research on speaker verification (SV), where the feature learning and classifier are learned together with an objective function that is consistent with the evaluation metric. An opposite approach to end-to-end is feature learning, which firstly trains a feature learning model, and then constructs a back-end classifier separately to perform SV. Recently, both approaches achieved significant performance gains on SV, mainly attributed to the smart utilization of deep neural networks. However, the two approaches have not been carefully compared, and their respective advantages have not been well discussed. In this paper, we compare the end-to-end and feature learning approaches on a text-independent SV task. Our experiments on a dataset sampled from the Fisher database and involving 5,000 speakers demonstrated that the feature learning approach outperformed the end-to-end approach. This is a strong support for the feature learning approach, at least with data and computation resources similar to ours.
Region Features ... ... Input Image Contextual Object Features ... ... ROI pooling C o n v Conv 5 _ 3 feature map Object Detection Region Proposal Network s Proposals Object Context Encoding

Dense captioning is a challenging task which not only detects visual elements in images but also generates natural language sentences to describe them. Previous approaches do not leverage object information in images for this task. However, objects provide valuable cues to help predict the locations of caption regions as caption regions often highly overlap with objects (i.e. caption regions are usually parts of objects or combinations of them). Meanwhile, objects also provide important information for describing a target caption region as the corresponding description not only depicts its properties, but also involves its interactions with objects in the image. In this work, we propose a novel scheme with an object context encoding Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) network to automatically learn complementary object context for each caption region, transferring knowledge from objects to caption regions. All contextual objects are arranged as a sequence and progressively fed into the context encoding module to obtain context features. Then both the learned object context features and region features are used to predict the bounding box offsets and generate the descriptions. The context learning procedure is in conjunction with the optimization of both location prediction and caption generation, thus enabling the object context encoding LSTM to capture and aggregate useful object context. Experiments on benchmark datasets demonstrate the superiority of our proposed approach over the state-of-the-art methods.
OWNERSHIP STRUCTURE AND FIRM PERFORMANCE IN EMERGING MARKETS: EVIDENCE FROM CHINESE LISTED FIRMS

This study investigates how ownership structure impacts on the corporate performance of listed firms in China. The study uses sample data of firms listed in the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges for the five year fiscal period that ended 2005. The results of the panel data regression analysis suggests firm performance to have positive and significant relation with the proportion of shares held by the institution, through the legal person holding companies. In addition, while state ownership indicates negative influence on performance, individual and foreign investors are found to have positive effect on performance, though at a minimal levels. Interestingly, the effect of ownership structure is stronger in firms experiencing the dominance of legal person share holdings over state shares. Further, firm size and ratio of debt to equity are also observed to have influence on the performance of Chinese listed firms. These findings are of great significant to policymakers, academics, shareholders and other
Compared effects of selected colloids on extravascular lung water in dogs after oleic acid‐induced lung injury and severe hemorrhage

While the hemodynamic effects of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) have been reported, the effect of this material upon extravascular lung water (EVLW) has not been investigated. Twenty mongrel dogs were subjected to both an oleic acid-induced lung injury and a 2-h period of hemorrhagic shock (MAP = 40 mm Hg). After reinfusion of shed blood, 5 dogs in each of 4 groups were given either 0.5 L of lactated Ringer's solution or 0.5 L of 5% albumin, 6% dextran 75, or 6% HES. Lactated Ringer's solution was then given in sufficient quantity to keep the wedge pressure (WP) at 12–15 mm Hg and Pao2, P(A-a)O2, cardiac index (CI) and oxygen delivery were determined. EVLW was measured by thermal-green dye double-indicator technique with an Edwards Lung Water Computer (American Edwards Laboratories, Santa Ana, CA). Mean baseline EVLW was 6.9 ± 0.3 ml/kg. Mean EVLW rose to 11.5 ± 1.9 ml/kg after oleic acid. One h after reinfusion, EVLW increased to 40.5 ± . 4 ml/kg in the dogs given only lactated Ringer's solution and to 39.5 ± 1.5 ml/kg in the dextran group. EVLW was 25.5 ± 3 ml/kg in the HES dogs, and 29.5 ± 2 ml/kg in the group given albumin. Differences between albumin and lactated Ringer's solution and between the HES and lactated Ringer's groups were significant (p < 0.02 and p < 0.05). Measurements of oxygen, ventilation, CI, and oxygen delivery were not significantly different between the albumin and HES subjects.
Effectiveness of Natuphos phytase in improving the bioavailabilities of phosphorus and other nutrients in soybean meal-based semipurified diets for young pigs.

Crossbred pigs (n = 96, BW = 7.5 kg) were used in a 5-wk trial to determine the effectiveness of supplemental Natuphos phytase in improving the bioavailabilities of P and other nutrients in a semipurified diet with soybean meal as the only P source in the basal diet. Two available P (aP) levels (.05 and .16%) and five phytase levels (0, 350, 700, 1,050, and 1,400 units/kg of diet) were used in a 2 x 5 factorial arrangement of treatments. In addition to the 10 diets, two extra diets were formulated to supply the recommended level of aP (.32%) with 0 and 1,400 units (U) of phytase/kg of diet. Graded levels of phytase resulted in linear increases in ADG (P < .02), ADFI (P < .01 at .16% aP only), and gain:feed ratio (P < .03). Effects of adding phytase to the diet with . 32% aP were observed only in the first 14 d of the study with increases in ADG (P < .06) and gain:feed (P < .02) for added phytase. Apparent digestibility (or absorption) coefficients (ADC) of DM, P, Ca, and N were estimated using chromic oxide as an indicator during wk 4 and 5. When phytase and P were added to the low P diet, the ADC of P was increased (P < .01), but only small and variable changes in the ADC of DM, Ca, and N were observed. Fecal P excretion (grams per day) decreased as microbial phytase was added (P < .01) and increased with added P (P < .01). In comparison to the results with the . 32% aP diet, fecal P excretion decreased 25 to 50% by the addition of phytase. The addition of phytase to the diet with . 32% aP further improved (P < .01) the ADC of P (54.5 vs 61.8%) and decreased (P < .01) fecal P excretion (1.62 vs 1.38 g/d). Characteristics of 4th metacarpals and 10th ribs were consistently improved by increasing dietary levels of both phytase and P. On the basis of an assessment of R2 values from secondorder translog equations, ADG, ADFI, P apparent absorption, bone ash percentage, and bone shear force were sensitive indicators to evaluate phytase efficacy of P availability in diets. Phosphorus equivalency of microbial phytase was calculated by using response equations for ADG and apparent P absorption. The average function of the release of P (Y, grams per kilograms) by microbial phytase (X, units per kilogram of diet) was developed with aP levels of . 05 and . 16%: Y = 1.546-1.504e-. 0015X. The replacement of 1 g of inorganic P would require about 676 U of microbial phytase. This represents 77% of released P from phytate.
Results of chemoirradiation after curative resection of locally advanced gastric cancer

To evaluate the results of post‐operative chemoirradiation for gastric carcinoma. The records of 58 patients who underwent resection for gastric carcinoma were retrospectively reviewed. Forty‐six patients had complete resection without any residual disease but with high‐risk factors of relapse. Twelve patients had microscopic residual disease. Doses of irradiation ranged from 45 to 54 Gy with a median dose of 49 Gy in 1.8 Gy fractions. Fifty‐three of the patients received 5‐fluorouracil‐based concomitant chemoradiotherapy, and all of them received chemotherapy after the completion of radiotherapy. The median survival of the entire group of patients was 21 months. The 30th month disease‐free and overall survival after surgery was 32 and 45%, respectively. The median survival time and 30th month survival rate was 23 months and 54% in patients with no residual disease, and 15 months and 18% for those with residual disease, respectively (p = 0.049). A statistically significant correlation was detected between residual disease and survival and between high‐grade tumour and survival (p < 0.05 for each). Patients with both nodal involvement and direct tumour extension beyond the gastric wall have a high risk of locoregional failure, and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy reduces local failure and improves survival.
Privacy, security, trust, risk and optimism bias in e-government use: The case of two Southern African Development Community countries

Background: Many Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries are adopting and implementing e-government systems to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their service delivery systems, and Zimbabwe and Zambia are not an exception. However, scholars have noted that the acceptance and utilisation of e-government systems by citizens in Zimbabwe and Zambia is affected by many factors, among others, perceived privacy, perceived security, perceived trust, perceived risk and optimism bias. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of privacy, security, trust, optimism bias and perceived risk on citizens’ use behaviour of e-government systems in the SADC. Method: This study proposes an e-government utilisation model. A quantitative design was employed to collect data from a survey of 489 e-government users in Zambia and Zimbabwe to test the model fit using structural equation modelling. Results: Perceived lack of privacy, security, trust; perceived risk and optimism bias were all confirmed as salient factors affecting the utilisation of e-government systems by citizens in Zambia and Zimbabwe. The structural equation model results confirmed the model fit of the proposed e-government research model. All eight hypotheses for this study were confirmed. Conclusion: The findings of this study provide pointers to practitioners, decision-makers and policymakers on e-government matters on the need to seriously consider privacy, security, risk and trust issues of e-government systems to encourage the utilisation of such systems by citizens.
Genetic variability of human rotavirus strains isolated from Eastern and Northern India

An epidemiological study was conducted in Eastern and Northern India to determine the genomic diversity of rotaviruses in these parts of the country. In 2001, a total of 126 Group A rotavirus positive samples were detected from children below 4 years of age with diarrhoea from Kolkata, Dibrugarh and Bhubaneswar in Eastern India, and Chandigarh, a city in Northern India. All the samples were genotyped for VP7 (G‐type) and VP4 (P‐type) gene by reverse transcription (RT) and multiplex PCR using different type specific primers. The strains with G1P[8] (32.5%) was predominant as reported earlier [Das et al. (2002) J Clin Microbiol 40:146–149] followed by G2P[4](4.7%) and only one sample was of G4P[8] specificity. Along with these common types some rare strains like G1P[6], G2P[8], G2P[6], G4P[4], and G4P[6] were also detected in 14.3% of cases. Thirty percent of samples in this study were mixed infections and 21 (16.7%) specimens remained untypeable either for the VP7 or for the VP4 gene. After sequencing of the VP7 gene, two G9 strains (RMC321 and ISO‐3) were identified with P[8] and P[19] specificities. Sequence analysis revealed that they have much lower homology to the G9 strains (116E, INL1, and G16) isolated earlier from Indian subcontinent, but have much higher homology to isolates from Argentina, Brazil, Malawi, Taiwan, and USA suggesting a separate progenitor for these strains. J. Med. Virol. 72:156–161, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Changes in blood pressure indices in normotensive adults after the consumption of lemongrass tea

*Corresponding author: Dr. Christopher Ekpenyong, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Tel: +2348023347719, +2348067548487 E-mail: chrisvon200@yahoo.com, chrisvon300@yahoo.com The study protocol was performed according to the Helsinki declaration and approved by the Institutional Research Ethics Committee. Informed written consent was obtained from each participant. The journal implements double-blind peer review practiced by specially invited international editorial board members.
The dynamic air bronchogram. A lung ultrasound sign of alveolar consolidation ruling out atelectasis.

BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to identify the relationship between a dynamic lung artifact, the dynamic air bronchogram, within alveolar consolidation and the diagnosis of pneumonia vs resorptive atelectasis. METHODS This prospective study was undertaken within the medical ICU of a university-affiliated teaching hospital. The sample comprised 52 patients with proven pneumonia (pneumonia group) and 16 patients with proven resorptive atelectasis (atelectasis group). All patients had alveolar consolidation with air bronchograms on lung ultrasound, were mechanically ventilated, and received fibroscopy and bacteriological tests. The air bronchogram dynamic was analyzed within the ultrasound area of consolidation. RESULTS The air bronchograms in the pneumonia group yielded the dynamic air bronchogram in 32 patients and a static air bronchogram in 20. In the atelectasis group, air bronchograms yielded a dynamic air bronchogram in 1 out of 16 patients. With regard to pneumonia vs resorptive atelectasis in patients with ultrasound-visible alveolar consolidation with air bronchograms, the dynamic air bronchogram had a specificity of 94% and a positive predictive value of 97%. The sensitivity was 61%, and the negative predictive value 43%. CONCLUSIONS In patients with alveolar consolidation displaying air bronchograms on an ultrasound, the dynamic air bronchogram indicated pneumonia, distinguishing it from resorptive atelectasis. Static air bronchograms were seen in most resorptive atelectases and one third of cases of pneumonia. This finding increases the understanding of the pathophysiology of lung diseases within the clinical context and decreases the need for fibroscopy in practice.
HISTOPATHOLOGICAL STUDY OF CANINE MAMMARY GLAND TUMOURS DIAGNOSED FROM 2006 – 2012 IN UNIVERSITY PUTRA MALAYSIA

Forty-eight canine mammary tumours (CMT) diagnosed at the Histopathology Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, were reviewed retrospectively. Two control groups, one comprising all other cases involving female dogs and another group comprising only cases of neoplasia involving female dogs diagnosed in the laboratory over the same period of time were used for comparisons in this study. Fisher’s exact test and logistic regression were used to determine association between the factors and the risk of CMT. Thirty-nine (81.3%) of the tumours were diagnosed as adenocarcinoma, 8.3% (n=4) each, were the diagnoses for squamous cell carcinoma and mixed cell tumour. Adenoma had 2.1% (n=1). The prevalence of canine mammary gland tumours in this study is 39%. When CMT cases were compared with all other cases, significant association was observed with adult dogs (p = 0.032, logistic regression 0.012) and intact dogs (p = 0.009, logistic regression, 0.003). When CMT cases were compared with neoplasia cases, significant association was observed with pure breeds (p = 0.025) and intact dogs (p = 0.000034, logistic regression 0.00042). This study found that pure breed dogs, intact dogs and older dogs ( > 5years) have higher odds of having CMT in Malaysian dog population.
Effect of latanoprost on regional blood flow and capillary permeability in the monkey eye.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of latanoprost on regional blood flow and capillary permeability in the monkey eye. METHODS Anesthetized cynomolgus monkeys were unilaterally treated with a single dose containing 6 pg of latanoprost; or 10 microg of PhXA34 (13,14-dihydro-15R, S-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-prostaglandin F2alpha [PGF2alpha]-isopropyl ester), which contains about 50% latanoprost. Regional blood flow in the eye was measured with radioactively labeled microspheres; capillary permeability was measured by determining the extravascular plasma-equivalent albumin space using 125I-albumin, 131I-albumin, and 51Cr-labeled erythrocytes. RESULTS Latanoprost or PhXA34 had no or only a slight effect on the regional blood flow when measured 1, 2 1/2, 3, 4 1/2, and 6 hours after dose administration, with the exception of the anterior sclera, in which a moderate increase in blood flow was detected. No effect on capillary permeability to albumin was detected when studied 30 minutes to 2 1/2 hours and 5 to 6 hours after dose administration. CONCLUSION Latanoprost, a selective prostaglandin F receptor agonist, exerted no or only slight vascular effects for up to 6 hours after dose administration in the monkey eye, with the exception of the anterior sclera, in which a moderate increase in blood flow was detected. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Naturally occurring prostaglandins may cause marked microcirculatory changes in the eye that could be of clinical concern. Latanoprost, a selective prostaglandin F receptor agonist, seems to be devoid of such effects.