Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Corporate Governance and Capital Structure:Evidence from Taiwan SMEs

This study examines the effects of corporate governance on capital structure, using the data of 145 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange over the period 2000-2007. The results show that, when there is a high divergence between shareholdings and director seats, conventional industries prefer to use long-term debt financing, while high-tech industries prefer the opposite. For large firms, block-holders and independent directors prefer lower long-term debt financing, but family shareholders and managerial directors prefer lower short-term debt financing. We also find that family shareholding ratio and family directors are the two most important factors that affect the SMEsi¯ debt ratio. The higher the family shareholding ratio is, the more short-term debt financing will be. However, family directors can reduce the incidence of using short-term debt to support long-term financial needs.
Receiving Early Mobility During an Intensive Care Unit Admission Is a Predictor of Improved Outcomes in Acute Respiratory Failure

Introduction:Hospitals are under pressure to provide care that not only shortens hospital length of stay but also reduces subsequent hospital admissions. Hospital readmissions have received increased attention in outcome reporting. The authors identified survivors of acute respiratory failure who then required subsequent hospitalization. A cohort of acute respiratory failure survivors, who participated in an early intensive care unit (ICU) mobility program, was assessed to determine if variables from the index hospitalization predict hospital readmission or death, within 12 months of hospital discharge. Methods:Hospital database and responses to letters mailed to 280 acute respiratory failure survivors. Univariate predictor variables shown to be associated with hospital readmission or death (P < 0.1) were included in a multiple logistic regression. A stepwise selection procedure was used to identify significant variables (P < 0.05). Results:Of the 280 survivors, 132 (47%) had at least 1 readmission or died within the first year, 126 (45%) were not readmitted and 22 (8%) were lost to follow-up. Tracheostomy [odds ratio (OR), 4.02 (95%CI, 1.72–9.40)], female gender [OR, 1.94 (95%CI, 1.13–3.32)], a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index assessed upon index hospitalization discharge [OR, 1.15 (95%CI, 1.01–1.31)] and lack of early ICU mobility therapy [OR, 1.77 (95%CI, 1.04–3.01)] predicted readmission or death in the first year postindex hospitalization. Conclusions:Tracheostomy, female gender, higher Charlson Comorbidity Index and lack of early ICU mobility were associated with readmissions or death during the first year. Although the mechanisms of increased hospital readmission are unclear, these findings may provide further support for early ICU mobility for patients with acute respiratory failure.
Factors Affecting Internal Auditors' Ethical Decision Making Other Corporate Governance Mechanisms and Years of Experience.

This project explores the ethical reasoning of internal auditors and examines the impact of other corporate governance mechanisms on their ethical sensitivity, judgments and intentions. The study involves a survey of internal auditors at different levels and across both the private and public sectors. We develop scenarios of ethical dilemmas faced by internal auditors and manipulate variables such as audit committee support, tone at the top, code of conduct and external auditor characteristics. Participants are asked to respond to questions concerning each of the scenarios. The results of the study will enhance our understanding of the role that governance mechanisms play in assisting internal auditors to resolve ethical dilemmas in their work environment.
Amount of folic acid in different types of nutrition used in the neonatal period.

BACKGROUND Folic acid is one of the important supplements for adequate development during pregnancy. A higher intake of folic acid during pregnancy and lactation is recommended. METHODS In prospective study the group of premature newborns (n = 52) and the type of nutrition were observed. The red blood cell (RBC) folate concentration levels were determined in the first 24 hours after delivery, before and after oral treatment with folic acid (100 µg/day). Immunochemical analysis for the determination of folate in erythrocytes was performed. RESULTS In the group of premature newborns the RBC folate concentration levels after treatment were significantly increased (p < 0.0001). A dynamic increase in the concentration levels of folates in erythrocytes before and after treatment was observed, in spite of the reciprocally decreasing blood count parameters, but without any statistically significant correlation. The infant nutrition before treatment contained significantly higher amount of folic acid in fortified breast milk compared to breast milk (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION The various types of nutrition for preterm newborns contain a different amount of folic acid. It poses a question of real needs of these patients. The best way to determine the optimal whole amount of folate is to know the real levels of folate in premature newborns (Tab. 2, Fig. 5, Ref. 26). Text in PDF www.elis. sk.
Evaluation of Serum NT-proBNP Levels in Dogs with Respiratory Distress Associated with Heart disease and Respiratory Disease

The association between severity of heart disease and serum N-terminal prohormone B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) was determined in dogs presented with respiratory distress. Four groups of dogs were divided into healthy control (n=11), heart failure (n=58), heart disease without heart failure (n=17) and respiratory disease (n=20). Serum NT-proBNP concentrations were measured with an ELISA designed for using in dogs. Dirofilaria antigen tests were detected in dogs with heart disease or heart failure. Serum NT-proBNP concentrations of dogs with heart failure (2,977±184 pmol/l) were significantly higher than dogs with heart disease (611±46 pmol/l), respiratory disease (583±52 pmol/l) or physically healthy (426±32 pmol/l). In dogs with heart failure, the serum NT-proBNP concentrations from the female dogs (3,291±266 pmol/l) were slightly higher than the male dogs (2,770±247 pmol/l), but did not reach the statistical significant. Dirofilaria infections were also found in dogs with heart disease (n=9) and dogs with heart failure (n=7). Interestingly, NT-proBNP concentration from Dirofilaria infected dogs with heart disease (533±53 pmol/l) was significantly lower than Dirofilaria infected dogs with heart failure (2,576±504 pmol/l). Different cut-off values (at 300, 600 and 900 pmol/l) were used to discriminate the dogs with heart failure from other groups, high cut off values slightly reduced percent sensitivity (98.3%, 93.1% and 93.1%, respectively) while significantly improved percent specificity (7.7%, 59.0% and 92.3%, respectively). In conclusion, the serum NT-proBNP levels were comparable in dogs with and without heart diseases except including the heart failure dogs. Furthermore, gender and Dirofilaria infection did not influence in the serum NT-proBNP concentration. The use of higher cut-off values for serum NT-proBNP significantly improves specificity of the test for the diagnosis of congestive heart failure in dogs with respiratory distress.
The Effect of Leadership Styles on the Business Performance of SMEs in Malaysia

This paper investigates the effect of leadership styles on the business performance of SMEs in Malaysia. The owner/managers were sent a package of questionnaires which comprised the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire MLQ 5X, the Business Performance BP questionnaire and the demographic questionnaire. The findings revealed that there were significant positive relationships between transactional leadership and business performance and transformational leadership and business performance. The findings also found that passive-avoidant leadership was negatively correlated with business performance. The findings can be generalized that transactional and transformational leadership styles were the dominant form of leaderships displayed by the owner/managers of the SMEs in Malaysia. This study also provides an opportunity to expand the research on other industries such as manufacturing, constructions, agricultures and telecommunications.
Process and impact of dialectical behaviour therapy: A systematic review of perceptions of clients with a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder

PURPOSE To identify, appraise, and synthesize findings from qualitative studies of individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder who have experienced dialectical behaviour therapy, to gain further understanding of their perceptions of the process and impact of therapy. METHODS We conducted a comprehensive systematic search of the literature from several online databases, and appraised them using an adapted version of the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool. A meta-ethnographic approach was used to synthesize the data. RESULTS Seven studies met the criteria to be included and their quality subsequently appraised. Four main themes were identified through the synthesis process: life before DBT; the relationships that support change; developing self-efficacy; and a shift in perspectives. CONCLUSIONS The findings of the synthesis highlight the importance of a number of key factors in the process of DBT, and the impact that the therapy has both on day-to-day life and on individuals' identity. PRACTITIONER POINTS Existing outcome measures may not capture the complexity and magnitude of impact of DBT on individuals with BPD. Exploring first-hand accounts of individuals undertaking DBT can offer unique insight into the processes of therapy.
Distribution of trigeminothalamic and spinothalamic lamina I terminations in the macaque monkey

Thalamic terminations from trigeminal, cervical, and lumbosacral lamina I neurons were investigated with Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin (PHA‐L) and labeled dextrans. Iontophoretic injections guided by physiological recordings were restricted to lamina I or laminae I–II. PHA‐L‐labeled trigemino‐ and spinothalamic (TSTT) terminations were identified immunohistochemically. TRITC‐ and FITC‐labeled dextrans were injected at different levels to confirm topography. Terminations consistently occurred in two main locations: a distinguishable portion of posterolateral thalamus identified cytoarchitectonically as the posterior part of the ventral medial nucleus (VMpo) and a portion of posteromedial thalamus designated as the ventral caudal part of the medial dorsal nucleus (MDvc). In addition, isolated fibers bearing boutons of passage were observed in the ventral posterior medial and lateral (VPM and VPL) nuclei, and spinal terminations occurred in the ventral posterior inferior nucleus (VPI). Isolated terminations occasionally occurred in other sites (e.g., suprageniculate, zona incerta, hypothalamic paraventricular n.). Terminations in MDvc occurred in concise foci that were weakly organized topographically (posteroanterior = rostrocaudal). Terminations in VMpo consisted of dense clusters of ramified terminal arbors bearing multiple large boutons that were well organized topographically (anteroposterior = rostrocaudal). Terminations in VMpo colocalized with a field of calbindin‐immunoreactive terminal fibers; double‐labeled terminals were documented at high magnification. This propitious marker was especially useful at anterior levels, where VMpo can easily be misidentified as VPM. These findings demonstrate phylogenetically novel primate lamina I TSTT projections important for sensory and motivational aspects of pain, temperature, itch, muscle ache, sensual touch, and other interoceptive feelings from the body. J. Comp. Neurol. 477:119–148, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of multiple phase transitions in a three-dimensional spherical model of convection in Earth's mantle

Numerical models of mantle convection that incorporate the major mantle phase changes of the transition zone reveal an inherently three-dimensional flow pattern, with cylindrical features and linear features that behave differently in their ability to penetrate the 670-km discontinuity. The dynamics are dominated by accumulation of cold linear downwellings into rounded pools above the endothermic phase change at 670 km depth, resulting in frequent “avalanches” of upper mantle material into the lower mantle. The effect of the exothermic phase transition at 400 km depth is to reduce the overall degree of layering by pushing material through the 670-km phase change, resulting in smaller and more frequent avalanches, and a wider range of morphologies. Large quantities of avalanched cold material accumulate above the coremantle boundary (CMB), resulting in a region of strongly depressed mean temperature at the base of the mantle. The 670-km phase change has a strong effect on the temperature field, with three-distinct regions being visible: (1) the upper mantle, containing linear downwellings and pools of cold material in the transition zone and characterized by a high amplitude long wavelength spectrum; (2) the midmantle, containing quasi-cylindrical avalanche conduits and characterized by a low amplitude, broad spectrum; and (3) the deep mantle, containing large pools of cold, avalanched material and characterized by a high amplitude, ultra-red (i.e., long wavelength) spectrum. The effect on the velocity field is very different. Flow penetration across the 670-km phase change is strongly wavelength-dependent, with easy penetration at long wavelengths but strong inhibition at short wavelengths. Thus, when comparing numerical models with long wavelength seismic tomography, diagnostics based on the density field, such as the radial correlation function, are much more sensitive to the effects of phase transitions than those based on the velocity field. The amplitude of the geoid is not significantly affected by the partial layering, because the contribution from the strong heterogeneity in the transition zone is almost perfectly balanced by the contribution from deflection of the 670-km discontinuity. Avalanches are associated with geoid lows. However, a more complex viscosity structure is required to correctly match the sign of the geoid over slabs in Earth.
It’s Not Only What you Say, It’s Also How You Say It: The Strategic Use of Campaign Sentiment

What explains the type of electoral campaign run by political parties? We provide a new perspective on campaigns by focusing on the strategic use of emotive language. We argue that the level of positive sentiment parties adopt in their campaigns depends on their incumbency status, their policy position, and objective economic conditions. We test these claims with a novel dataset that captures the emotive language used in over 400 party manifestos across eight European countries. As predicted, we find that incumbent parties, particularly incumbent prime ministerial parties, use more positive sentiment than opposition parties. We find that ideologically moderate parties employ higher levels of positive sentiment than extremist parties. And we find that all parties exhibit lower levels of positive sentiment when the economy is performing poorly but that this negative effect is weaker for incumbents. Our analysis has important implications for research on campaign strategies and retrospective economic voting.
The matrix metalloproteinase/tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase profile in colorectal polyp cancers

Aims: The matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) system has a major role in tumour invasion and metastasis. Roles in pathways involved in early tumour development are also being identified for this system, and the aim of this study was to define the expression profile of the major MMPs and TIMPs in colorectal polyp cancers.
Exclusivity and Bidding for Premium Broadcasting Rights

Often, we observe that some TV channels are distributed on several platforms, and by several distributors on the same platform, while others are distributed exclusively by one distributor. In this paper, we analyse a TV channelel's incentives for choosing exclusive distribution versus full distribution. We then proceed by studying if bidding for premium content (e.g., broadcasting rights to football) influences the incentives for choosing exclusive distribution. We show that absent of premium content, the channel has incentives to choose exclusive distribution, but the existence of premium con- tent dramatically reduces these incentives, and full distribution is the likely outcome.
Anatomic Distribution of Cortical Language Sites in the Basal Temporal Language Area in Patients with Left Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

Summary: In evaluation for surgical treatment of intractable psychomotor seizures originating in the language‐dominant left mesiotemporal region, subdural grid electrodes were placed in 29 patients over the temporoparietal cortex and over the basotemporal region. In 13 patients, cortical stimulation of the basotemporal region showed interference with language processing. The most anterior border of the basotemporal language area began 1.1 cm posterior to the anterotemporal tip, and the most posterior margin of the language region was located 6.1 cm posteriorto the temporal tip. The most lateral and the most mesial border were located 1.4 and 5.9 cm, respectively, from the lateral edge of the temporal lobe. The region in which language disturbance could be elicited included the inferior temporal gyrus, the fusiform (lateral and medial occipitotemporal) gyrus, and the parahippocampal gyrus. The basotemporal area most consistently involved with language function was the fusiform gyrus (60% of affected electrodes), followed by the inferotem‐poral (30%), and the parahippocampal (10%) gyri.
Local Motives and Virtual Team Success: Inverting the Normative Views of Team Goal Commitment and Hidden Agendas

This paper challenges the normative conception of the relationships of team goals and hidden agendas to team performance. In a 23-month participant observation study of a successful multi-organizational virtual team, I found that the membersâ actions were consistently motivated by local considerations. Based on these findings, I argue that team goal commitment may be an inappropriate goal for many virtual teams and offer an alternative model for the relationship between a virtual team goal and team performance.
Run-Time Reconfiguration of Homogeneous MPSoCs for use in Embedded Systems

Multi-processor-system-on-chips (MPSoCs) with different numbers of cores have become increasingly popular in embedded systems. One of the main challenges in MPSoC systems is the exponentially increasing expense of fabricating chips. Instead of fabricating chips for each application separately, the embedded system industry seeks for an MPSoC system that can be efficiently used in a multitude of applications to reduce fabrication cost. In this thesis, we discuss a homogeneous MPSoC platform, and propose a set of novel run-time reconfiguration methods on this platform to execute multiple applications simultaneously and achieve benefits (improve performance, or reduce power consumption and area cost). The first method (DRMA) allows cores in MPSoCs to be rapidly reconfigured to change data widths. We present a case study with four cores to showcase the flexibility and efficacy of DRMA. Results show that the prototype of DRMA is capable of working as four 32-bit cores, two 64-bit cores, a single 128-bit core, and can achieve up to 4.11× speed up. In the second method (ADAPT), we examine hardware/software pipelines, which are useful for streaming applications. ADAPT can quickly detect bottle-
Potassium Release in Representative Maize-Producing Soils of Thailand

Ammonium acetate K does not adequately measure available K in the mineralogically diverse maize (Zea mays L.)-producing soils of Thailand. The objective of this study was to understand the causes of this problem and propose a solution using laboratory and greenhouse experiments to examine the release patterns and the availability of exchangeable and nonexchangeable K. Eight kaolinitic and smectitic soils were examined for the release of K in each soil fraction (sand, silt, and clay) using the Ca-resin successive extraction method. The data were fitted using parabolic diffusion, power function, and segmented straight line regression models. The power function and the segmented regression model fitted the data well. All soils were exhaustively cropped with maize in the greenhouse until the soils became K deficient. The results indicated that a segmented regression model described nonexchangeable K release to the Ca resin and to plants in a way that seemed to correspond with earlier predictions. According to the model, there were two fractions of nonexchangeable K, which were released at distinctly different rates. The greenhouse study yielded fast and slow K release rates from the nonexchangeable K pool of 0.45 to 0.85 and 0 mg kg -1 d -1 , respectively, in kaolinitic soils and 1.60 to 1.98 and 0.27 to 0.52 mg kg -1 d -1 , respectively, in smectitic soils. Our results suggested that NH 4 OAc-extractable K was suitable and sufficient to determine plant-available K in kaolinitic soils. In contrast, a successive Ca-resin extraction characterization plus NH 4 OAc-extractable K was required to determine plant-available K in smectitic soils.