Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Managing the Conflicting Interests of Workers and Shareholders: Evidence from Pension-Assumption Manipulations

Whereas research on corporate governance typically attends to the conflicting interests between shareholders and executives, in practice executives must frequently adjudicate the demands of multiple stakeholders. To investigate how executives cope with the divergent interests of workers and shareholders, the author examines how much firms claim they will earn on the assets in their defined benefit (DB) pension plans. In a DB arrangement, employees forgo wages in the present in order to receive postretirement income, and they rely on executives to properly fund and manage plan assets. Executives, however, can increase the amount they expect the firm to earn on plan assets, which increases firm earnings in the current period but may undermine workers’ retirement security if expectations do not match actual returns over time. The author shows that the influence and interests of employees and shareholders as well as the decision-making schemas of the CEO affect whether executives exercise this discretion.
Insurance, Redistribution, and the Inequality of Lifetime Income

In this paper, we study how the tax-and-transfer system reduces the inequality of lifetime income by redistributing lifetime earnings between individuals with different skill endowments and by providing individuals with insurance against lifetime earnings risk. Based on a dynamic life-cycle model, we find that redistribution through the tax-and -transfer system offsets around half of the inequality in lifetime earnings that is due to differences in skill endowments. At the same time, taxes and transfers mitigate around 60% of the inequality in lifetime earnings that is attributable to employment and health risk. Progressive taxation of annual earnings provides little insurance against lifetime earnings risk. The lifetime insurance effects of taxation may be improved by moving to a progressive tax on lifetime earnings. Similarly, the lifetime insurance and redistributive effects of social assistance may be improved by requiring wealthy individuals to repay any social assistance received when younger.
Induction of apoptosis by Drosophila Myc

Myc proteins are essential regulators of cellular growth and proliferation during normal development. Activating mutations in myc genes result in excessive growth and are frequently associated with human cancers. At the same time, forced expression of Myc sensitizes vertebrate cells towards different pro‐apoptotic stimuli. Recently, the ability of overexpressed Myc to induce cell‐autonomous apoptosis has been shown to be evolutionarily conserved in Drosophila Myc (dMyc). Here, we show that dMyc induced apoptosis is accompanied by the induction of Drosophila p53 mRNA, but that dp53 activity is not essential for dMyc's ability to induce apoptosis. Conversely, larvae carrying a hypomorphic dmyc mutation are more resistant to the apoptosis‐promoting effects of X‐irradiation. These data suggest that the control of apoptosis is a physiological function of Myc and that dMyc might play a role in the response to DNA damage. genesis 46:104–111, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Biomarkers, Health, Lifestyle, and Demographic Variables as Correlates of Reaction Time Performance in Early, Middle, and Late Adulthood

We aimed to identify demographic, health, and biomarker correlates of reaction time performance and to determine whether biomarkers explained age differences in reaction time performance. The sample comprised three representative cohorts aged 20–24, 40–44, and 60–64 years, including a total of 7,485 participants. Reaction time measures of intraindividual variability and latency were used. The measure of intraindividual variability used was independent of mean reaction time. Older adults were more variable than younger adults in choice reaction time performance but not simple reaction time performance. The most important correlates of reaction time performance after gender and education were biological markers such as forced expiratory volume at one second, grip strength, and vision. Few measures of physical or mental health or lifestyle were associated with poorer performance on reaction time measures. Biomarkers explained the majority of age-related variance in simple reaction time and a large proportion of variance in choice reaction time. We conclude that for the ages studied, biomarkers are more important than health factors for explaining age differences in reaction time performance.
Retina of the South American lungfish, Lepidosiren paradoxa Fitzinger.

The characteristic feature of the retina of Lepidosiren paradoxa is the hugeness (20–25 μm) and sparse-ness of the cells which compose it. The epithelial layer is well pigmented. The visual cells may be classified into rods and single cones which possess a large oil droplet and a smaller paraboloid. Neither the epithelial pigment nor the visual cells show retinomotor responses. Landolt's clubs arising from the bipolar cells and terminating amidst the epithelial cell processes are present and resemble those of another Dipnoan, Protopterus. The ratio of photoreceptor, bipolar, and ganglion cells is about 2:2:1, indicating a very low degree of summation. There is no noticeable difference among the dorsal, vental, temporal, and nasal regions of the retina. The similarity of this retina to that of other dipnoans and urodeles is briefly discussed. It appears as if the growth of the eye were arrested (neoteny) during the evolution of this genus because of the insignificant role of vision in its life.
Comment on Sofi et al. pH of Drinking Water Influences the Composition of Gut Microbiome and Type 1 Diabetes Incidence. Diabetes 2014;63:632–644

We read with interest the report by Sofi et al. (1) in Diabetes . This article is of practical interest to many groups who use the nonobese diabetic (NOD) mouse model. As this group observed, we have also observed that mice that are ordered from The Jackson Laboratory tend to get diabetes sooner than those bred in National Institutes of Health facilities. The results in this article suggest this is partly due to the use of acidic (pH 3.0–3.2) water. If true, it would be a …
Beyond the Board Realm: Women in Senior Management and Their Impact on IPO Capital Funding

This study assesses the importance of female senior managers in Chinese IPO firms debuting in Hong Kong. I define senior management teams (SMTs) in relation to IPO prospectus disclosures. For the vast majority of firms, little to no overlap exists between SMT members and board personnel. Women are much better represented in SMTs than on boards. A central hypothesis is that Chinese firms' SMT members implement business strategy while board officers provide political connections. Unlike boards, female representation at SMT level strongly supports initial valuations. Findings suggest that women offer resource dependencies, add expertise and boost capital funding. In contrast to boards, underwriter quality is increasing in female representation at SMT level. Higher&#8208;quality underwriters also gravitate towards SMTs with stronger academic bona fides. The present study also contributes by drawing connections and prescriptions with wider upper echelons, resource dependence and stakeholder theories. Overall, findings suggest that gender&#8208;diverse SMTs play a major role in capital funding. More gender&#8208;inclusive SMTs thus foster both social and business objectives.
The Effect of Mass Media on Women's Reproductive Health Behavior in Ethiopia

Abstract:There is inadequate utilization of reproductive health services in Ethiopia due to partly low awareness and attitudinal factors, which can be addressed through mass media. Based on analysis of the 2011 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey data, this study investigates the roles of mass media in positively affecting women's reproductive health behaviour. Cox, ordinary least square and logistic regression models were used to analyse the survey data. In addition, qualitative data that were collected from media and health personnel were analysed thematically. Results show that exposure to mass media has significant positive effect only on few reproductive health indicators but not on others. The insignificant role of mass media is attributable to constraints associated with reproductive health communication design, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation. The potential role of mass media in addressing women's reproductive health problems can be utilized through evidence-based preparation of communication messages tailored to a targeted audience as well as by building the capacities of mass media agencies.
Concomitant partial meniscectomy worsens outcome after arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

In this multi-center study involving 412 patients, we assessed the influence of concomitant partial meniscal resection on the medium-term clinical results after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. We performed a resection of minimum one-third of the medial or lateral menisci in 137 patients (group M) and found intact menisci in 275 patients (group NM). Those who had undergone previous meniscal surgery, subsequent meniscal surgery or a re-rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament graft during the follow-up were not included. After a median of 3 (2-6) years, the patients were reexamined by independent observers. Group M patients had more pain, swelling and laxity than those in group NM; they also had a worse classification according to the IKDC system, lower Lysholm scores and a greater proportion of patients with loss of motion.
A gene from the variant surface glycoprotein expression site encodes one of several transmembrane adenylate cyclases located on the flagellum of Trypanosoma brucei

The bloodstream form of Trypanosoma brucei contains transcripts of at least four genes showing partial sequence homology to the genes for eucaryotic adenylate and guanylate cyclases (S. Alexandre, P. Paindavoine, P. Tebabi, A. Pays, S. Halleux, M. Steinert, and E. Pays, Mol. Biochem. Parasitol. 43:279-288, 1990). One of these genes, termed ESAG 4, belongs to the polycistronic transcription unit of the variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) gene. Whereas ESAG 4 is transcribed only in the bloodstream form of the parasite, the three other genes, GRESAG 4.1, 4.2, and 4.3, are also expressed in procyclic (insect) forms. These genes differ primarily in a region presumed to encode a large extracellular domain. We show here that ESAG 4-related glycoproteins of about 150 kDa can be found in the trypanosome membrane, that they are detected, by light and electron gold immunocytochemistry, only at the surface of the flagellum, and that the products of at least two of these genes, ESAG 4 and GRESAG 4.1, can complement a Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutant for adenylate cyclase. The recombinant cyclases are associated with the yeast membrane fraction and differ with respect to their activation by calcium: while the GRESAG 4.1 and yeast cyclases are inhibited by calcium, the ESAG 4 cyclase is stimulated. ESAG 4 thus most probably encodes the calcium-activated cyclase that has been found to be expressed only in the bloodstream form of T. brucei (S. Rolin, S. Halleux, J. Van Sande, J. E. Dumont, E. Pays, and M. Steinert. Exp. Parasitol. 71:350-352, 1990). Our data suggest that the trypanosome cyclases are not properly regulated in yeast cells.
A Major Choice: Exploring the Factors Influencing Undergraduate Choices of Communication Major

This study explores the reasons behind the popularity of majoring in Public Relations as opposed to Journalism or Digital Media among mass communications undergraduates in Oman. It attempts to gain insight into the factors influencing students’ decision-making process in selecting their major. It explores factors such as choice of major and sources of information that shape students’ knowledge and perception of the majors, using variables such as knowledge of job market, knowledge of curriculum, information sources and personal influences shaping major choice and selection. The study confirms that perception of the job market is a crucial factor in the selection of the majors. It also reveals that family plays a crucial role in influencing students’ decision-making process while choosing a major. The study concludes that strengthening the role of the academic advisor and educating students on course content and learning outcomes can increase the acceptance of less popular majors among communication undergraduates. The study is relevant in the context that the falling numbers of student enrolments in some areas of media studies could lead to a decline in teaching and research activities in those areas, in addition to a possible shortfall of specific skilled professionals in the national labour market pool. تطرقت هذه الدراسة إلى أسباب إقبال الطلبة في عمان على تخصص العلاقات العامة كتخصص رئيسي بالمقارنة مع تخصصات الصحافة والإعلام الرقمي وذلك من خلال الإطلاع على أهم العوامل التي تؤثر على عملية الاختيار. وتهدف هذه الدراسة إلى معرفة أهم العوامل المؤثرة في اختيار الطلبة للتخصص وتحديد المعلومات التي يعتمد عليها الطلبة في خياراتهم المتلعقة بالتخصص وقياس فهمهم وإدراكهم لحقيقة التخصص. لذا قمنا بقياس إدراك الطالب وعملية صنع القرار من خلال دراسة المتغيرات مثل فهم سوق العمل، والمناهج الدراسية، ومصادر المعلومات، وعوامل أخرى تؤثر على اختيارهم. وتؤكد الدراسة أن سوق العمل المتصور هو عامل حاسم في اختيار التخصصات. وأن الأسرة تلعب دورا رئيسيا في اختيار الطلبة لتخصصاتهم.
Transcriptional activation of the pathway‐specific regulator of the actinorhodin biosynthetic genes in Streptomyces coelicolor

The Streptomyces produce a plethora of secondary metabolites including antibiotics and undergo a complex developmental cycle. As a means of establishing the pathways that regulate secondary metabolite production by this important bacterial genus, the model species Streptomyces coelicolor and its relatives have been the subject of several genetic screens. However, despite the identification and characterization of numerous genes that affect antibiotic production, there is still no overall understanding of the network that integrates the various environmental and growth signals to bring about changes in the expression of biosynthetic genes. To establish new links, we are taking a biochemical approach to identify transcription factors that regulate antibiotic production in S. coelicolor. Here we describe the identification and characterization of a transcription factor, designated AtrA, that regulates transcription of actII‐ORF4, the pathway‐specific activator of the actinorhodin biosynthetic gene cluster in S. coelicolor. Disruption of the corresponding atrA gene, which is not associated with any antibiotic gene cluster, reduced the production of actinorhodin, but had no detectable effect on the production of undecylprodigiosin or the calcium‐dependent antibiotic. These results indicate that atrA has specificity with regard to the biosynthetic genes it influences. An orthologue of atrA is present in the genome of Streptomyces avermitilis, the only other streptomycete for which there is a publicly available complete sequence. We also show that S. coelicolor AtrA can bind in vitro to the promoter of strR, a transcriptional activator unrelated to actII‐ORF4 that is the final regulator of streptomycin production in Streptomyces griseus. These findings provide further evidence that the path leading to the expression of pathway‐specific activators of antibiotic biosynthesis genes in disparate Streptomyces may share evolutionarily conserved components in at least some cases, even though the final activators are not related, and suggests that the regulation of streptomycin production, which serves an important paradigm, may be more complex than represented by current models.
Drug Resistance Mutations during Structured Treatment Interruptions

Background We assessed whether treatment interruptions induce selection of mutations associated with drug resistance in the Swiss–Spanish Intermittent Treatment Trial (SSITT). Patients had been on HAART without previous failure and had undetectable viraemia for at least 6 months. Their HAART was interrupted for 2 weeks and restarted for 8 weeks. After four of these cycles, treatment was definitively interrupted at week 40. Methods Genotypic resistance testing was performed in 87/97 Swiss patients: in those failing treatment before week 40, at the time of first viral rebound >500 copies/ml off treatment and preceding failure to reach RNA <50 copies/ml after 8 weeks of re-treatment; for patients without virological failure, on the first sample with HIV-1 RNA >1000 copies/ml after week 40. Results Mutations associated with drug resistance were detected in 9/25 (36%) patients with virological failure during the first 40 weeks and in 6/59 (10%) patients after week 40. Overall, drug resistance mutations were detected in 17% of patients, all but two with the 184V/I mutation. Among the 74 patients receiving lamivudine, the M184V/I mutation was detected in 13/74 (17.6%) patients. A wild-type codon at position 184 was detected in previous samples in all b'ut two. The relative risk for virological failure was 2.55-fold higher in patients with the M184V/I mutation than in patients without detectable mutation (P=0.007). Conclusions The M184V/I mutation is frequently selected during repeated treatment interruptions.
How the Greek Press Constructed the "Greek Economic Crisis"

Since 2008, there has been a surge of interest in and research on the relationship between news media and economic reporting, particularly as it concerns financial crises. The 2008 U.S. subprime mortgage crisis, quickly followed by the economic crisis that began to unfold in Greece in 2009, spurred researchers to examine how newspapers around the world report on the complex, globalized economy. In the pursuit of understanding transnational economic processes, publics rely on news media to provide information about the meaning of economic events, especially crises. As such, newspapers are key players in constructing the narratives of crises. This study explores how the “Greek economic crisis” was framed in Greek newspapers, as opposed to foreign, non-Greek newspapers. The dialectical process through which knowledge about the financial crisis is constructed is examined. Previous research has identified common journalistic frames in the coverage the Greek economic crisis by national newspapers from Western Europe, the Americas, and Asia. These frames emphasize cultural and social explanations for the crisis yet do little to analyze the underlying economic and political causes. Furthermore, these researchers did not examine Greek newspaper coverage of the crisis. The impact on knowledge construction that results from the tendency of researchers and the media to emphasize the press of politically powerful nations, rather than less powerful states, like Greece, is discussed. Using critical theory and frame
Oil Prices and GCC Stock Markets: New Evidence from Smooth Transition Models

Our paper examines the effect of oil price changes on Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) stock markets using nonlinear smooth transition regression (STR) models. Contrary to conventional wisdom, our empirical results reveal that GCC stock markets do not have similar sensitivities to oil price changes. We document the presence of stock market returns’ asymmetric reactions in some GCC countries, but not for others. In Kuwait’s case, negative oil price changes exert larger impacts on stock returns than positive oil price changes. When considering the asymmetry with respect to the magnitude of oil price variation, we find that Oman’s and Qatar’s stock markets are more sensitive to large oil price changes than to small ones. Our results highlight the importance of economic stabilization and reform policies that can potentially reduce the sensitivity of stock returns to oil price changes, especially with regard to the existence of asymmetric behavior.
El portafolio digital como estrategia pedagógica: carrera Licenciatura en Educación con mención en Alemán y Pedagogía en Alemán

espanolEn el actual proceso de rediseno curricular de la Formacion Inicial Docente, de la Universidad Metropolitana de Ciencias de la Educacion (UMCE), fueron relevadas una serie de competencias. Para las carreras, se establecieron tres competencias sello institucional y cuatro genericas. Las competencias especificas fueron establecidas por las carreras. Aleman definio tres competencias de especialidad.Este articulo aborda una propuesta metodologica en la ensenanza de la lengua alemana mediada por TIC para el desarrollo de la competencia “trabajo colaborativo” (TIC y Trabajo colaborativo son vistas como competencias genericas). Lo que presentamos es la proyeccion de una propuesta educativa, basada en el uso del portafolio digital, que recogera los avances de los estudiantes. Esto permitira realizar investigacion-accion en torno al desarrollo de la experiencia e implementar de inmediato los ajustes necesarios. EnglishDuring the process of curricular redesign that was carried out recently inside the Universidad Metropolitana de Ciencias de la Educacion (UMCE), a series of competencies were revealed and among them three types were differentiated, to be developed in the students during their teaching training process. For all academic programs, three institutional competencies were established and four generic competencies; and the academic programs, for their part, defined three specific or specialty competencies. This article aims to present a methodological proposal in the teaching of the German language associated with ICTs in order to develop collaborative work3. What we present is the projection of an educational proposal, based on the use of the digital portfolio, which will reflect the progress of the students. This will allow action-research around the development of the experience and implement timely adjustments.
Customer Satisfaction in Participation Banks: A Research in Kastamonu

Interest income is considered as forbidden in Islam. Therefore in Turkey, conservatives generally don’t prefer general banking and by this way funds can’t be used in economic system. So saving deficit can’t be solved in country and saving of people depreciates against inflation. Participation banks which work according to Islamic rules are set up to bring these funds to economy. Participation banking operates in more than 60 countries today and conservatives generally prefer to work with because they are working to principles of profit instead of interest. To attract and persuade more people, at first participation banks should satisfy their customers. In our study we aim to measure customer satisfaction in participation banks in Kastamonu and to reveal the differences between demographic groups. To this aim we conducted a questionnaire to customers of participation banks in Kastamonu.