Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genome-Wide Association Study of Major Agronomic Traits Related to Domestication in Peanut

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) consists of two subspecies, hypogaea and fastigiata, and has been cultivated worldwide for hundreds of years. Here, 158 peanut accessions were selected to dissect the molecular footprint of agronomic traits related to domestication using specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq method). Then, a total of 17,338 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the whole peanut genome were revealed. Eleven agronomic traits in 158 peanut accessions were subsequently analyzed using genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Candidate genes responsible for corresponding traits were then analyzed in genomic regions surrounding the peak SNPs, and 1,429 genes were found within 200 kb windows centerd on GWAS-identified peak SNPs related to domestication. Highly differentiated genomic regions were observed between hypogaea and fastigiata accessions using FST values and sequence diversity (π) ratios. Among the 1,429 genes, 662 were located on chromosome A3, suggesting the presence of major selective sweeps caused by artificial selection during long domestication. These findings provide a promising insight into the complicated genetic architecture of domestication-related traits in peanut, and reveal whole-genome SNP markers of beneficial candidate genes for marker-assisted selection (MAS) in future breeding programs.
Stakeholder Subjectives Toward Ecotourism Development using Q methodology: The Case of Maha Ecotourism Site in Pyeongchang, Korea

Ecotourism needs ecological sensitivity and respect for the ecological culture of local residents. From this perspective, listening to the opinion of local residents, collaborating with the local residents in conjunction with an appropriate governance structure, is of prime importance in ecotourism. However, many ecotourism sites have numerous problems because of conflicts among stakeholders such as local government and local residents. This study investigates the conflicts and the stakeholders’ subjectives in the case of Maha ecotourism site in Pyeongchang-gun, the site of the 2018 Winter Olympic games. Before the analysis, the conflicts seem to be caused by the different attitudes of government officials and local residents’ representatives. From the analysis of subjectives, the difference in attitudes is caused by generation gaps. Young people show relatively uniform attitudes, where different occupation sectors exert little influence. It means that conflicts can be decreased if more opportunities for council participation are allowed. Young people have few consideration about ecology and tradition. The ecological and traditional lessons of the older generation are needed for young people. This study shows that conflicts between development and conservation are caused by the different attitudes represented in different generation, and hence plans for harmonizing different generation should be considered.
Public orders and personal opinions: household strategies for hurricane risk assessment

Abstract This paper examines the relationship between household evacuation decisions and official emergency management practices in light of recent increases in the availability and diversity of hurricane-related information. While we focus on Hurricane Floyd in South Carolina, we incorporate findings of our longitudinal research effort covering the last four years and six post-1995 hurricane threats to the state. While only 64% of residents in the mandatory evacuation zone complied with the Hurricane Floyd evacuation order, over 80% agreed that calling an evacuation was an appropriate precautionary response given the uncertainties of the storm. Longitudinal surveys indicate that Horry County residents have developed a fairly robust strategy in making evacuation decisions. This “hurricane savvy” population depends more heavily on individuals' assessments of risks than on official orders. Individual assessment practices differ from official orders in that greater weight is given to household circumstances and preferences, the diligent monitoring of a variety of information sources, and the incorporation of past experiences into the decision-making process. Surveys indicate differences between the general public and officials in terms of priorities and preferences about hurricane evacuations. The public demands more information about the hurricane threat. Officials place more emphasis on planning evacuation routes and public safety measures.
Retropatellar Technique for Intramedullary Nailing of Proximal Tibia Fractures: A Cadaveric Assessment

Objective: To investigate if the radiographically correct and anatomically safe starting point and the appropriate sagittal plane vector could be obtained using a retropatellar technique for proximal tibia fractures treated with an intramedullary device. Methods: We performed a cadaveric and radiographic study utilizing 16 limbs. We performed a retropatellar approach via longitudinal quadriceps split, passed a specialized trocar through the patellofemoral joint and onto the superior aspect of the tibia, and inserted Kirschner wires into the anatomic safe zone of the tibial plateau at 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 degrees of knee flexion utilizing biplanar fluoroscopy. We recorded knee flexion with a goniometer and the entrance vector of the Kirschner wire in relation to the anterior tibial cortex. Setting: University-affiliated cadaver and anatomy laboratory. Results: There was a progressive increase in the ability to obtain the correct anatomical start site from 1 of 16 (6.25%) at full extension to 12 of 16 (75%) at 50 degrees of knee flexion (P = 0.00098). A statistically significant decrease in the average sagittal plane entrance vector in relation to the anterior tibial cortex was found from 23.1 degrees at full extension to −0.41 degrees at 50 degrees of knee flexion (P < 0.0001). Conclusions: The retropatellar technique allows the radiographically defined correct start site to be localized, particularly at higher degrees of knee flexion. More favorable intramedullary nail insertion angles were possible with the retropatellar technique, particularly with knee flexion angles greater than 20 degrees. The retropatellar technique demands further investigations to further delineate its advantages, limitations, and possible risks to local anatomy.
Long‐Term Effects of Atrial Ganglionated Plexi Ablation on Function and Structure of Sinoatrial and Atrioventricular Node in Canine

Long‐term effects of ganglionated plexi (GP) ablation on sinoatrial node (SAN) and atrioventricular node (AVN) remain unclear. This study is to investigate the long‐term effects of ablation of cardiac anterior right GP (ARGP) and inferior right GP (IRGP) on function and structure of SAN and AVN in canine.
Investor Protection and Firm Liquidity

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relation between investor protection and firm liquidity. We posit that less protective environments lead to wider bid-ask spreads and thinner depths because they fail to minimize information asymmetries. The Hong Kong equity market provides a unique opportunity to compare liquidity costs across distinct investor protection environments, but still within a common trading mechanism and currency. Our empirical findings verify that firm liquidity is significantly affected by investor protection. Regression and matched-sample results show that Hong Kong-based equities exhibit narrower spreads and thicker depths than their China-based counterparts.
Osteoarthritis in the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb. Prevalence and associations with disability and mortality.

BACKGROUND This study was designed to investigate the prevalence of osteoarthritis in the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb in adults thirty years of age or older in Finland. METHODS Between 1978 and 1980, a representative population sample of 8000 Finns thirty years of age or older were invited to have a comprehensive health examination; 90% accepted. Hand radiographs were made of 3595 subjects. Since the examination, the subjects have been followed systematically to assess work disability and mortality by reviewing registers covering the whole population. RESULTS The age-adjusted prevalence of thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis of Kellgren grade 2, 3, or 4 was 7% for men and 15% for women. After adjustment for age, sex, and other alleged risk factors, body mass index was found to be directly proportional to the prevalence of thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis in both sexes. The adjusted odds ratio was 1.29 (95% confidence interval, 1.15 to 1.43) per 5-kg/m(2) increment in body mass index. No significant association was found between the physical workload history and thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis. Restricted mobility of the thumb and local tenderness and swelling were frequently found in conjunction with radiographic evidence of thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis. Advanced (grade-3 or 4) thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis predicted the total mortality rate in men (adjusted relative risk, 1.32; 95% confidence interval, 1.03 to 1.69). Radiographic signs of thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis did not predict work disability. CONCLUSIONS and CLINICAL RELEVANCE Obesity is a strong determinant of thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis in both sexes. The effect of thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis on disability and mortality in the general population is modest. Because of the rarity of ensuing disability, carpometacarpal osteoarthritis of the thumb is likely to be underdiagnosed in clinical practice.
Knowledge Creation in Small Manufacturing Firms During Product Innovation: An Empirical Analysis of Cause-effect Relationships Among its Determinants

This paper presents the findings of a study aimed at investigating the influence that some factors describing the cognitive, social and management environment during technical problem-solving have on the generation of new knowledge in small manufacturing firms. The study remains exploratory in its nature and a starting point for further research on the subject. Indeed, the insights obtained so far from the results, even though appearing quite stimulating and interesting for a reflection, do not fully disclose all the aspects of the process leading to knowledge creation in small firms. In a previous study we examined the direct impact of these factors upon knowledge generation. In this paper we examine their mediated impact. Using path analysis we test an 'a priori' theoretical model of influence of some constructs on knowledge generation. We show that two cognitive factors - context uncertainty and ambiguity - affect the amount and quality of knowledge generated during technical problem-solving through th.
Undervalued or Overvalued Customers: Capturing Total Customer Engagement Value

Customers can interact with and create value for firms in a variety of ways. This article proposes that assessing the value of customers based solely upon their transactions with a firm may not be sufficient, and valuing this engagement correctly is crucial in avoiding undervaluation and overvaluation of customers. We propose four components of a customer’s engagement value (CEV) with a firm. The first component is customer lifetime value (the customer’s purchase behavior), the second is customer referral value (as it relates to incentivized referral of new customers), the third is customer influencer value (which includes the customer’s behavior to influence other customers, that is increasing acquisition, retention, and share of wallet through word of mouth of existing customers as well as prospects), and the fourth is customer knowledge value (the value added to the firm by feedback from the customer). CEV provides a comprehensive framework that can ultimately lead to more efficient marketing strategies that enable higher long-term contribution from the customer. Metrics to measure CEV, future research propositions regarding relationships between the four components of CEV are proposed and marketing strategies that can leverage these relationships suggested.
The impact of housing policies and housing markets on ethnic spatial segregation: comparing the capital cities of four Nordic welfare states

This paper examines how ethnic segregation is connected to an ethnic division of the housing market and a spatial separation of different housing tenures in four Nordic cities. Explanations for the differences across the cities are found by comparing housing markets and housing policies. The housing markets are in all four cities ethnically segmented with high concentrations of immigrants in some forms of tenures (especially social/public housing) and low concentrations in others. We further discuss the reasons for the observed pattern. The paper shows that the spatial distribution of immigrants is strongly connected with the tenure composition of neighbourhoods. Ethnic divisions of housing tenures thus contributes to segregation, but the effect is much dependent on how tenures are distributed spatially. It is shown that ethnic segregation in three of the cities is connected to social housing, while cooperative housing is crucial in the fourth. It is also shown that a policy of neighbourhood tenure mix in one of the cities has resulted in a relatively low degree of segregation in spite of high concentrations of immigrants in social/public housing.
The compensation of top managers and the performance of Italian firms

This paper examines one of the most studied aspects regarding the compensation of top managers: the relationship between remuneration and corporate performance. The principle research objective is to find evidence of this correlation in Italian companies. Based on a sample of 145 Italian companies listed on the Milan Stock Exchange, as analysed during the period between 2004 and 2009, the research findings do not demonstrate a link between company performance and the pay of top managers. Another empirical result that should be highlighted is the presence of a greater correlation between rate of pay and company size, in terms of stock turnover, which demonstrates the likely presence, at least in certain situations, of a dimensional premium that is to the benefit of the managers of larger companies. This research project evidences empirical results in the Italian context that support the findings of the most important international literature on the subject, as regards the absence of a connection between the compensation of managers and the performance of their firms.
Ferritin and Percent Transferrin Saturation Levels Predict Type 2 Diabetes Risk and Cardiovascular Disease Outcomes.

INTRODUCTION Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk associate with ferritin and percent transferrin saturation (%TS) levels. However, increased risk has been observed at levels considered within the "normal range" for these markers. OBJECTIVE To define normative ferritin and %TS levels associated with T2D and CVD risk. METHODS Six-monthly ferritin, %TS and hemoglobin levels from 1,277 iron reduction clinical trial participants with CVD (peripheral arterial disease, 37% diabetic) permitted pair-wise analysis using Loess Locally Weighted Smoothing plots. Curves showed continuous quantitative ferritin, hemoglobin (reflecting physiologic iron requirements), and %TS (reflecting iron transport and sequestration) levels over a wide range of values. Inflection points in the curves were compared to ferritin and %TS levels indicating increased T2D and CVD risk in epidemiologic and intervention studies. RESULTS Increasing ferritin up to about 80 ng/mL and %TS up to about 25% TS corresponded to increasing hemoglobin levels, and minimal T2D and CVD risk. Displaced Loess trajectories reflected lower hemoglobin levels in diabetics compared to non-diabetics. Ferritin levels up to about 100 ng/mL paralleled proportionately increasing %TS levels up to about 55%TS corresponding to further limitation of T2D and CVD risk. Ferritin levels over 100 ng/mL did not associate with hemoglobin levels and coincided with increased T2D and CVD risk. CONCLUSIONS Recognition of modified normal ranges for ferritin from about 15 ng/mL up to about 80- 100 ng/mL and %TS from about 15% up to about 25-55% may improve the value of iron biomarkers to assess and possibly lower T2D and CVD risk.
COMPETITIVE INFORMATION IN THE STOCK MARKET: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF EARNINGS, DIVIDENDS AND ANALYSTS' FORECASTS†

THIS STUDY ASSESSES the joint and individual effects of published earnings-pershare numbers, dividend-per-share numbers and analysts' forecasts of earnings-pershare on security returns. Each variable is assumed to be publicly available (although acquisition and cognitive processing are not costless) and to reflect a subset of the determinants of the value of a firm. To assess these effects (that is, to measure information content), an abnormal security performance metric is used. The metric is defined as a "cumulative average residual" (hereafter CAR) and may be interpreted either as a measure of return on a hypothetical investment strategy by one who has advance knowledge of information to be released publicly at the end of a specified holding period, or as an operational measure of the association between information and security returns (Marshall [1975]). For either interpretation, the CAR is a random variable useful for measuring the capital market's aggregate response to information or signals from single sources (individual effects) or contemporaneous signals from multiple sources (joint effects). The capital market is assumed information efficient with respect to new information. That is, there exist beliefs about contingent claims to future consumption (called nonspeculative beliefs) for which no portfolio revision is an optimal strategy and each stockholder-consumer perceives new information to be fully reflected in equilibrium prices (Rubenstein [1973]). This suggests that prices adjust quickly and unbiasedly to new information, and that the effects of alterations in stockholderconsumers' beliefs may be determined by examining the price adjustments that occur prior to the reestablishment of equilibrium. Within the context of the two parameter, partial equilibrium model of capital asset prices (Sharpe [1964], Lintner [1965], Mossin [1966]), the effect of new information is to alter stockholderconsumers' beliefs concerning expected return and relative risk. Two hypotheses are studied concerning the effects of new information which may alter expected security return. Relative risk is assumed constant (for estimation purposes) throughout the analysis. ' The first hypothesis (H 1) states that there
The productivity gap between Europe and the United States : Trends and causes

The benefits of the modern knowledge economy differ greatly between advanced economies. Average annual labor productivity growth (measured as GDP per hour of work) in the United States accelerated from 1.2 percent in the 1973–1995 period to 2.3 percent from 1995 to 2006. Conversely, the 15 European Union countries that constituted the union up to 2004 experienced a productivity growth slowdown between these two time periods. For these 15 countries as a group, labor productivity growth declined from an annual rate of 2.4 percent during the period 1973–1995 to 1.5 percent during the period 1995– 2006. While differences in the timing of business cycles in the United States and the European Union may have some effect on this comparison, they do not explain these divergent trend growth rates. This paper shows that the European productivity slowdown is attributable to the slower emergence of the knowledge economy in Europe compared to the United States. We consider various explanations which are not mutually exclusive: for example, lower growth contributions from investment in information and communication technology in Europe, the relatively small share of technologyproducing industries in Europe, and slower multifactor productivity growth (which can be viewed as a proxy for advances in technology and innovation). Underlying
Beneficial effects of statin therapy for prevention of atrial fibrillation following DDDR pacemaker implantation.

AIMS Data suggest that atrial pacing, statins, angiotensin-converting enzyme-inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blocking drugs prevent atrial tachycardia/atrial fibrillation (AT/AF) in some patients. The clinical predictors of at/af recurrence following dual-chamber pacemaker insertion were examined in 185 consecutive patients with paroxysmal AF. METHODS AND RESULTS Predictors of AT/AF recurrence were evaluated in this observational cohort study. The time to first AT/AF recurrence and AT/AF burden (h/day) was retrieved at each follow-up visit by interrogating the pacemaker. AT/AF recurred following pacemaker implantation in 157 (85%) patients. At 1 year of follow-up, patients without recurrence were more likely to be on statin therapy (54%) when compared with patients without statin therapy (25%, chi = 12.31, P = 0.0004). Statin therapy was the only significant predictor of AT/AF recurrence in a multivariate logistic regression model (adjusted odds ratio 0.33, 95% confidence interval 0.14-0.74, P = 0.007). AT/AF burden was significantly lower in the group on statin therapy (median 0.10 h/day) when compared with the group not on statin therapy (median 0.39 h/day, P = 0.0059). CONCLUSION AT/AF recurs frequently following pacemaker implantation in patients with sinus node disease. The progression to permanent AF remains low over time. Statin therapy was significantly associated with AT/AF suppression.
Reliability analysis for cryptographic key management

The main duty of key management is to keep cryptographic keys in secret. However, it is difficulty to quantitatively assess that how well does a key management scheme protect the keys. In this paper, we propose to use reliability theory, which was mainly used to evaluate performance persistence for engineering systems, to estimate the performance of key management schemes. The reliability analysis leads to counter-intuitive results such as the widely deployed periodic key update scheme is ineffective when key thefts are possible. The analysis also shows that using password with an electronic security token for authentication is a strong security measure in the beginning but is unreliable in the long run. In general, the reliability analysis demonstrates that current key management schemes focus too much on postponing the first key theft from occurring but lack of considerations on quickly recovering stolen keys. In the later part of this paper, we discuss possible directions that may improve the reliability of key management schemes.
Banking Environment and Syndicate Structure: A Cross‐Country Analysis

What is the influence of the banking environment on bank syndicate structure? We provide empirical evidence on this issue by examining the influence of several banking environment characteristics, including the structure of the banking market, financial development, banking regulation and supervision and legal risk, on the structure of bank syndicates. The results of a cross-country analysis performed on a sample of 15 586 syndicated loan facilities for borrowers from 24 countries confirm that syndicate structure is influenced by banking environment in a way consistent with minimizing agency costs and efficient re-contracting objectives.