Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Regulation and Self-Regulation of Related Party Transactions in Italy. An Empirical Analysis

This paper assesses how Italian companies have implemented the regulation on related party transactions enacted by Consob in 2010. Companies have been given some degree of freedom in devising their internal codes: they may “opt-up” or “opt-down” from some of the default provisions set forth in the regulation, thus tailoring internal codes to their own individual needs. We investigate how firms have made use of these options, building an ad hoc firm-specific indicator which focuses on five key provisions. We find that the options we focus on have been taken advantage of in a variety of ways. We also verify the hypothesis that firms adopt stricter/looser procedures depending on corporate governance characteristics. While non-controlled firms seem to have set up stricter procedures, among controlled-companies those where a single shareholder or a coalition holds a stake lower than 50% of voting and cash flow rights have weaker procedures. Finally, while a higher presence of independent directors does not seem to play a role, the presence of a director nominated by institutional investors is positively correlated with stricter procedures.
Underwriter ’ s Discretion and Pricing of Initial Public Offerings

Agency theory explains that information asymmetry between the issuer and underwriter results in underpricing of initial public offerings (IPO). The underwriters take advantage of this information asymmetry and reduce the risk of unsold shares by lowering the price. This creates a conflict with issuers’ objective of maximizing the issue proceeds. However, literature supports that it does not hold true in case of well reputed underwriters since they are at lower risk of issue failure. Evidence reported in the literature associated with underwriter’s reputation helps in reducing agency problem. In this study we argue that in absence of discretionary power of underwriter, the certification effect may not play significant role in determining the degree of underpricing. Indian IPO market requires validation of certification hypothesis in the absence of discretionary power of pricing and share allocation. The empirical results show that even in the absence of discretionary power of pricing and allocation, underwriter reputation plays significant role in influencing the pricing of IPO. Well reputed underwriters are successful in reducing the degree of IPO underpricing. The underwriter’s role is found significant in determining liquidity on the listing day. Therefore, even though the underwriters are devoid of discretionary power, the certification effect is found significant in determining the IPO underpricing.
Determining the Evaluative Criteria of an Argumentative Writing Scale.

Even though many writing scales have been developed, instructors, educational administrators or researchers may have to develop new scales to fit their specific testing situation. In so-doing, one of the initial steps to be taken is to determine the evaluative criteria on which the scale is supposed to be based. As a part of a project that was proposed to develop a genre-based writing scale, a survey was carried out to investigate Malaysian lecturers’ views on the evaluative criteria to be considered in evaluating argumentative essays. For this purpose, a group of English as a Second Language (ESL) lecturers (n=88) were administered a questionnaire. The subscales of organization, content and language skills were recommended by factor analysis. A fourth subscale, task fulfillment, was added as a result of the qualitative analysis of the data. The findings can be useful for language teaching or assessing purposes.
Flow dependency and off‐line measurement of exhaled NO in children

Levels of exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) are flow‐dependent, and the choice of an optimal flow rate for off‐line and on‐line eNO measurement has raised much debate. Recently, a flow rate of 50 ml/s was recommended, but children younger than 5–6 years are not capable of stabilizing their expiratory flow at low flow rates. The power of off‐line eNO values to discriminate between normal and atopic children was therefore evaluated at different exhalation flow rates. At flow rates of both 8.3 ml/s and of 350 ml/s, children (8–12 years) sensitive to house dust mite have two‐fold higher eNO values (p < 0.001) as compared with children lacking such a sensitivity. The power of eNO to discriminate between normal and atopic subjects was similar at the two flow rates (no difference in AUC of receiver operation curves, p = 0.89). All children from 4.5 to 5 years of age (n = 29) could perform a single off‐line exhalation manoeuvre at high (>350 ml/s) but not at low (8.3 ml/s) flow rates. At high exhalation flow rate, eNO was 7.1 ± 2.4 (mean ± SD) median, 6.5 p.p.b. with a mean variation coefficient of 5.5%. Depending on their developmental level, about half of the younger children (35–46 months of age) could perform an off‐line exhalation manoeuvre at high flow rate with good reproducibility (mean variation coefficient of 6.6%). It is concluded that an exhalation flow rate of 350 ml/s is feasible to determine off‐line eNO‐values in children from 3.5 years of age, and that this high flow rate does not compromise the power of eNO to detect allergic disease.
Model Selection and Stability in Spectral Clustering

An open problem in spectral clustering concerning of finding automatically the number of clusters is studied. We generalize the method for the scale parameter selecting offered in the Ng-Jordan-Weiss (NJW) algorithm and reveal a connection with the distance learning methodology. Values of the scaling parameter estimated via clustering of samples drawn are considered as a cluster stability attitude such that the clusters quantity corresponding to the most concentrated distribution is accepted as true number of clusters. Numerical experiments provided demonstrate high potential ability of the offered method.
Obstetric impact of anaemia in pregnant women in United Arab Emirates

Summary Our objective was to determine the effect of anaemia during pregnancy on maternal and perinatal outcome. A retrospective case-control study was conduced on 100 anaemic (haemoglobin level < 11g/dl) and 100 non-anaemic, pregnant women with singleton pregnancies who received antenatal care and delivered vaginally in our hospital. The maternal characteristics of both groups were not different. The causes of anaemia were iron deficiency (91%), beta-thalassaemia trait (8%) and folate deficiency (1%). There was no significant difference in the mean gestational age at delivery (38.9 ± 2.0 vs 39.6 ± 1.6 weeks), 5-minute Apgar score (7.8 ± 0.8 vs 7.9 ± 0.1) and birth weight (3,150 ± 530 vs 3,230 ± 430 g) between both groups. Post-partum haemorrhage (3%), pre-term delivery (4%) and fetal growth restriction (6%) were more frequent in anaemic women but the difference was not significant. Anaemia, therefore, had no significant obstetric adverse effects in our pregnant hospital-population.
The relative contribution of indigenous chicken breeds to poultry meat and egg production and consumption in the developing countries of africa and Asia

In the almost complete absence of accurate in-country data on the relative production and consumption of eggs and meat from the different genotype groups, the approach reported here was to estimate production from indigenous scavenging flocks from published estimates on the proportion they comprised of the national flock, and on published reports on flock structure, productivity and egg management. Published estimates of the proportion of indigenous birds in the national flocks of the developing countries of Africa and Asia varied from 70 to 95%, with an average of about 80%. Despite comprising about 20% of the national flock, the contribution of indigenous hens to overall egg consumption was estimated to be quite small due to the widespread practice of allowing the hen to sit on and hatch most of the eggs laid. Due to this, and despite low growth rates and high mortality, the contribution of indigenous birds to overall chicken meat consumption was estimated to be near to 50% in some countries. The low input nature of scavenging chicken production systems in rural regions, and the widespread preference for the meat and eggs of indigenous birds, are together likely to ensure the retention of indigenous breeds for a considerable period of time to come. The study has highlighted the need for much more detailed and accurate in-country poultry statistics.
Superusers in Social Networks for Smoking Cessation: Analysis of Demographic Characteristics and Posting Behavior From the Canadian Cancer Society's Smokers' Helpline Online and StopSmokingCenter.net

Background Online social networks are popular components of behavior-change websites. Research has identified the participation of certain network members who assume leadership roles by providing support, advice, and direction to other members. In the literature, these individuals have been variously defined as key players, posters, active users, or caretakers. Despite their identification, very little research has been conducted on the contributions or demographic characteristics of this population. For this study, we collectively categorized key players, posters, active users, and caretakers as superusers. Objectives To analyze data from two large but distinct Web-assisted tobacco interventions (WATI) to help gain insight into superuser demographic characteristics and how they use social networks. Methods We extracted cross-sectional data sets containing posting behaviors and demographic characteristics from a free, publicly funded program (the Canadian Cancer Society’s Smokers’ Helpline Online: SHO), and a free, privately run program (StopSmokingCenter.net: SSC). Results Within the reporting period (SHO: June 26, 2008 to October 12, 2010; SSC: May 17, 2007 to October 12, 2010), 21,128 individuals registered for the SHO and 11,418 registered for the SSC. Within the same period, 1670 (7.90%) registrants made at least one post in the SHO social network, and 1627 (14.25%) registrants made at least one post in the SSC social network. SHO and SSC superusers accounted for 0.4% (n = 95) and 1.1% (n = 124) of all registrants, and 5.7% (95/1670) and 7.62% (124/1627) of all social network participants, and contributed to 34.78% (29,422/84,599) and 46.22% (61,820/133,753) of social network content, respectively. Despite vast differences in promotion and group management rules, and contrary to the beliefs of group moderators, there were no statistically significant differences in demographic characteristics between the two superuser groups. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first study that compared demographic characteristics and posting behavior from two separate eHealth social networks. Despite vast differences in promotional efforts and management styles, both WATI attracted superusers with similar characteristics. As superusers drive network traffic, organizations promoting or supporting WATI should dedicate resources to encourage superuser participation. Further research regarding member dynamics and optimization of social networks for health care purposes is required.
Criteria for biopsy diagnosis of minimal volume prostatic adenocarcinoma: analytic comparison with nondiagnostic but suspicious atypical small acinar proliferation.

CONTEXT Minimal volume prostatic adenocarcinoma (defined as involving less than 5% of biopsy tissue) is diagnosed increasingly today because of successful cancer screening. We previously described the diagnostic category called atypical small acinar proliferation (ASAP), suspicious for but not diagnostic of malignancy, present in about 2.5% of routine prostatic needle biopsy specimens. OBJECTIVE To establish the criteria enabling a distinction between ASAP and cancer. DESIGN We prospectively evaluated clinical and histologic findings from all 319 patients consecutively diagnosed as having ASAP or minimal cancer by prostatic needle biopsy in a consultation service. Seventeen histopathologic features were assessed. RESULTS Fifty-six patients (18%) had ASAP, and 100 (31%) had minimal cancer; the remaining 163 (51%) had benign diagnoses, high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, or larger amounts of cancer. The mean age of patients with ASAP did not differ from that of patients with minimal cancer (64.2 years vs 63.3 years; P =.65). In 10 of 17 histopathologic findings, ASAP differed significantly from minimal cancer. Among architectural findings, ASAP foci averaged 0.4 vs 0.8 mm (P <.0001) and comprised a mean of 11 vs 17 acini (P <.0001). Infiltrative growth occurred in 75% of ASAP foci and 100% of minimal cancers (P <. 0001). Among cytologic findings, ASAP was significantly less likely than cancer to have mitotic figures (0% vs 10%, respectively; P <. 01) or prominent nucleoli in at least 10% of cells (55% vs 100%, respectively; P <.0001) and showed more frequent nuclear hyperchromasia (44% vs 9%, respectively; P <.0001) and less nuclear enlargement (P =.0002). Luminal blue mucin secretions were less common in ASAP than cancer (6% vs 33%, respectively; P <.0001), but eosinophilic granular secretions and crystalloids were about equally frequent. Concomitant high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia was present in 23% of ASAP cases and 57% of cancers (P <.0001). Moderate-to-severe atrophy confounded 59% of cases with ASAP and 35% of cancers (P =.003); both ASAP foci and cancer were associated with inflammation in about a quarter of cases. In each case with ASAP, we stratified our level of suspicion among 3 categories (favor benign, uncertain, and favor carcinoma). As suspicion increased so did the mean nuclear enlargement and percentage of cases with infiltrative growth and nuclear hyperchromasia (all P <.05). CONCLUSIONS These criteria, which differ significantly between ASAP and minimal volume cancer, can help to separate patients for whom a second biopsy is recommended from candidates for prostatectomy or other therapy.
Results of a Prospective Multicenter International Atomic Energy Agency Sentinel Node Trial on the Value of SPECT/CT Over Planar Imaging in Various Malignancies

We aimed to assess the additional value of SPECT/CT over planar lymphoscintigraphy (PI) in sentinel node (SN) detection in malignancies with different lymphatic drainage such as breast cancer, melanoma, and pelvic tumors. Methods: From 2010 to 2013, 1,508 patients were recruited in a multicenter study: 1,182 breast cancer, 262 melanoma, and 64 pelvic malignancies (prostate, cervix, penis, vulva). PI was followed by SPECT/CT 1–3 h after injection of 99mTc-colloid particles. Surgery was performed the same or next day. Results: Significantly more SNs were detected by SPECT/CT for breast cancer (2,165 vs. 1,892), melanoma (602 vs. 532), and pelvic cancer (195 vs. 138), all P < 0.001. The drainage basin mismatch between PI and SPECT/CT was 16.5% for breast cancer, 11.1% for melanoma, and 51.6% for pelvic cancers. Surgical adjustment was 17% for breast cancer, 37% for melanoma, and 65.6% for pelvic cancer. Conclusion: SPECT/CT detected more SNs and changed the drainage territory, leading to surgical adjustments in a considerable number of patients in all malignancies studied but especially in the pelvic cancer group because of this group's deep lymphatic drainage. We recommend SPECT/CT in all breast cancer patients with no SN visualized on PI, all patients with melanoma of the head and neck or trunk, all patients with pelvic malignancies, and those breast cancer and melanoma patients with unexpected drainage on PI.
THE EFFECT OF STORE ATMOSPHERE AND PRODUCT PACKAGING TOWARDS CONSUMER BUYING BEHAVIOR, AT HUSH PUPPIES STORE MANADO

The behavior of consumer depends on a number of factors and not limited to the services that are provided in retailed stores. Hence marketers use as many approaches as possible, in order to encourage the consumers to approach, buy and stay longer. Two of the approaches are to build up mood in their store atmosphere and the packaging of the product. The purpose of this research is to find the effect store atmosphere and product packaging on consumer buying behavior of Hush Puppies Manado. This research is a causal research which is based on data gathered of 53 respondents from the consumers of Hush Puppies Store Manado. By using the multiple regression method as the analysis tool, the result shows that store atmosphere and product packaging variables have significant effect on consumer buying behavior partially and simultaneously. As the recommendation the management of Hush Puppies store Manado should be paying attention towards store cleanliness, store design, and personnel behavior. Furthermore, packaging products of Hush Puppies store Manado is very familiar among its consumers. Thus, instead of changing the packaging design, Hush Puppies store management should be working on its materials and packaging color. Keywords: store atmosphere, product packaging, consumer buying behavior.
Fashion collaboration or collision

Purpose – This study aims to exploit the match‐up effect to fashion collaborations by distinguishing the consumers' fit association at a cognitive and attitudinal level. It seeks to investigate the mediating role of the match‐up perception by identifying the antecedents of match‐up perception and the attitude formation in co‐marketing alliance.Design/methodology/approach – A total of 273 Korean women were surveyed to compare the product/brand associations, and assess the level of match‐up perception and overall attitude toward the two fictitious co‐marketing alliance cases.Findings – The study argued that the match‐up perception mediated between framing criteria and the attitude toward co‐marketing alliance. Usage situation, user identity, and perceived brand equity were valuable factors in the perception of alliance match‐up. This match‐up perception at a cognition level is a necessary condition prior to consumer attitude at an attitudinal level.Research limitations/implications – The research stimuli ar.
'Tracing Our Roots: Imagining Our Future': Lessons to Learn from the Life Histories of Adult Educators in the Republic of Ireland (1970-2010).

This article seeks to provide a contextual backdrop to this edition’s focus on analysing the changes from the perspective of policy and practice since 2010, through presenting the findings of an in-depth analysis of the life histories of six adult educators, working in the field of adult education in the Republic of Ireland in the decades leading to 2010. Through the reflections of these six adult educators, this article offers the opportunity to trace the roots and legacies of the field and imagine the future, as they had envisioned it, at that given juncture in time.
Interprofessional meetings in geriatric assessment units: a matter of care organization

Abstract Inpatient geriatric assessment units (GAUs) exist in Quebec, Canada, to deliver comprehensive, integrated care to older vulnerable patients. Most cases should be discussed at interprofessional meetings (IMs), but research has shown this not to be so for 39% of GAU patients. Consequently, a study was undertaken to (1) describe GAU team composition and (2) identify GAU and patient characteristics associated with case discussion at IMs at least once during a patient’s stay. To this end, 877 hospitalization records from 44 GAUs were reviewed. Results showed most teams were composed of attending physicians, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, dietitians and social workers; 66% included clinical pharmacists and 43% liaison nurses. Multilevel modeling showed longer length of stay to be the strongest predictor of case discussion at an IM. Case discussion was also more likely for patients admitted via in- or inter-hospital transfer rather than via the emergency department, if the GAU included a liaison nurse, and if the GAU was not located in an urban area. In summary, case discussion at an IM depended more on how and where a patient was admitted than on the patient characteristics per se, suggesting that this is a matter of care organization.
Not so QUIC: A Performance Study of DASH over QUIC

Despite known QoE shortcomings, Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (DASH) has been tied with TCP for many years now. The advent of HTTP/2 powered by transport protocols such as QUIC provides an excellent opportunity to revisit adaptive bitrate streaming with respect to QoE. QUIC promises improved congestion control, zero-RTT connection establishment and multiplexing logical streams. In this work, we adapt state-of-the-art DASH players with buffer-based and hybrid (rate/buffer-based) quality adaptation logic to use QUIC. Our main focus lies in contrasting the QoE performance of DASH algorithms running on top of QUIC versus TCP in various environments. Interestingly, we find through testbed and Internet measurements that QUIC does not provide a boost to current DASH algorithms but instead a degradation in the chosen quality bitrates.
Role of Tissue Plasminogen Activator in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Objective: To evaluate the literature regarding the use of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke, focusing on the appropriate usage criteria and administration time window. Data Sources: A PubMed and MEDLINE search was performed (1990-November 2010) using the key words alteplase, tissue plasminogen activator, thrombolytic, ischemic stroke, and cerebrovascular accident. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Clinical trials published in English were evaluated and relevant primary literature evaluating the use of tPA in acute ischemic stroke was included. Data Synthesis: The NINDS (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) trial revealed clinical efficacy of tPA in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke when administered within 3 hours of stroke symptom onset and served as the foundation for the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) acute ischemic stroke guideline recommendations. The ECASS (European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study) I, ECASS II, and ATLANTIS (Alteplase Thrombolysis for Acute Noninterventional Therapy in Ischemic Stroke), part A and B, trials each assessed the efficacy of tPA when administered beyond 3 hours of ischemic stroke onset, but the results of each trial did not support its use beyond 3 hours. The ECASS III trial showed clinical efficacy of tPA when administered up to 4.5 hours. The SITS-MOST (Safe Implementation of Thrombolysis in Stroke-Monitoring Study) and SITS-ISTR (Safe Implementation of Thrombolysis in Stroke International Stroke Thrombolysis Register) registries evaluated the safety and efficacy of tPA at both 3 and 4.5 hours and showed promising results. In 2009, the AHA/ASA stroke guidelines were updated to support the use of tPA in select patients up to 4.5 hours after symptom onset. Conclusions: tPA is effective when administered up to 4.5 hours after ischemic stroke symptom onset in select patients. However, timely administration remains paramount to achievement of optimal therapeutic outcomes.