Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Private Equity Investors as Corporate Governance Mechanism in Continental Europe

This paper investigates the strategy of private equity investors to take public companies private in blockholder-based economies. Drawing on a unique dataset, we provide strong evidence that private equity investors buy companies in order to mitigate potential agency problems and hence to improve the corporate governance. Firms with relatively low or high managerial ownership, high debt capacity and a combination of strong free cash flows and low growth opportunities are more likely to become a private equity target. With regard to the particular continental European ownership structure, the going private companies have larger blockholders and a higher ownership concentration than their publicly remaining counterparts. Hence, the gaining of irrevocable commitments seems to be more important to private equity investors than monitoring and private benefits considerations.
Index Changes and Unexpected Losses to Investors in S&P 500 and Russell 2000 Index Funds

We find that, due to arbitrage around index changes, investors in S&P 500-linked funds lose between 0.03% and 0.12% annually, while investors in Russell 2000-linked funds lose between 1.30% and 1.84%. In dollar terms, the losses range from $3.75 billion to $6 billion a year for the two indexes together. These losses are an unexpected consequence of index fund investors evaluating index fund managers based on tracking error in an effort to control agency costs. Minimization of tracking error coupled with the predictability and/or pre-announcement of index changes creates the opportunity for a wealth transfer from index fund investors to arbitrageurs, particularly for Russell 2000-linked funds where the index changes are predictable. We propose solutions aimed at resolving the problem that can be implemented by indexing companies, index fund managers, or fund investors.
Comparison of CKD awareness in a screening population using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) study and CKD Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equations.

BACKGROUND Low awareness of chronic kidney disease (CKD) may reflect uncertainty about the accuracy or significance of a CKD diagnosis in individuals otherwise perceived to be low risk. Whether reclassification of CKD severity using the CKD Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation to estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR) modifies estimates of CKD awareness is unknown. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, we used data collected from 2000-2009 for 26,213 participants in the Kidney Early Evaluation Program (KEEP), a community-based screening program, with CKD based on GFR estimated using the 4-variable Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) Study equation and measurement of albuminuria. We assessed CKD awareness after CKD stage was reclassified using the CKD-EPI equation. RESULTS Of 26,213 participants with CKD based on GFR estimated using the MRDR equation (eGFR(MDRD)), 23,572 (90%) also were classified with CKD based on eGFR(CKD-EPI). Based on eGFR(MDRD), 9.5% of participants overall were aware of CKD, as were 4.9%, 6.3%, 9.2%, 41.9%, and 59.2% with stages 1-5, respectively. Based on eGFR(CKD-EPI), 10.0% of participants overall were aware of CKD, as were 5.1%, 6.6%, 10.0%, 39.3%, and 59.4% with stages 1-5, respectively. Reclassification to a less advanced CKD stage using eGFR(CKD-EPI) was associated with lower odds for awareness (OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.50-0.67); reclassification to a more advanced stage was associated with higher odds for awareness (OR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.05-2.13) after adjustment for confounding factors. Of participants unaware of CKD, 10.6% were reclassified as not having CKD using eGFR(CKD-EPI). CONCLUSIONS Using eGFR(CKD-EPI) led to a modest increase in overall awareness rates, primarily due to reclassification of low-risk unaware participants.
Are Shareholder Proposals an Important Corporate Governance Device? Evidence from US and UK Shareholder Proposals

In the past decade, as a result of many interrelated changes in the economic environment, the role and the pressures on the corporate governance of firms have been significantly transformed in the US and the UK. To test the magnitude of this changed environment, we study one aspect of corporate governance, historically viewed as not very important, proposals by small investors. We construct comprehensive samples of US and UK shareholder proposals for the period 2000-2006 and examine where shareholder proposals occur, and the relationship between shareholder proposals and firm performance. We suggest shareholder proposals, which originate outside the internal firm governance, provide a “natural experiment” on the impact of shareholder actions on firms. The more recent data and the comparison of US and UK proposals allow us to update earlier research from earlier periods. We find that, despite perceived negligible power to force change, US shareholder proposals are associated with more significant firm changes than UK proposals, although the UK proposals have greater legal power to effect changes. US shareholder proposals are followed by significant changes in CEO turnover, board structure and long-term stock price performance, unlike what researchers found in pre 2000 data. We suggest that our results complement other studies showing that shareholder influence has increased in recent years, especially in the US.
PENGARUH CORPORATE GOVERNANCETERHADAP PENGHINDARAN PAJAKPERUSAHAAN

This study aimed to examine the effect of corporate governance on tax avoidance. Corporate governance is proxied by the number of commissioners, the percentage of independent commissioner, compensation commissioners and the board of directors and stock ownership by the public. Tax avoidance is measured by the size of the book tax gap . This study used a quantitative research design and secondary data from companies listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange. By using purposive sampling in the observation period 2011-2013, obtained 60 observations. Data were analyzed using ordinary least squares regression models. Regression results show that the amount of salary compensation commissioners and board of directors have a positive and significant impact on tax avoidance. While the number of commissioners, the percentage of independent commissioners, and the public shareholding does not have a significant effect on tax avoidance. The results of this study indicate that some corporate governance mechanisms in Indonesia has not been effective according to its function for shareholders.
Runx3 suppresses gastric cancer metastasis through inactivation of MMP9 by upregulation of TIMP‐1

Recent studies have suggested that loss of RUNX3 expression is involved with gastric tumor metastasis. However, the precise mechanism of RUNX3‐mediated suppression of tumor metastasis remains elusive. We aimed to clarify the effect of RUNX3 on tumor metastasis in gastric cancer cell lines and tumors. Immunohistochemistry revealed that RUNX3 was significantly decreased in metastatic gastric cancer. Gelatin zymography and Western blot showed that instead of regulating matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) expression, RUNX3 expression inhibited MMP9 enzyme activity, and this was consistent with the upregulation of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP1) by RUNX3. TIMP1 siRNA treatment impaired RUNX3‐mediated suppression of gastric cancer cell invasion. Reporter assays demonstrated regulation of TIMP‐1 by RUNX3. Two RUNX3 binding sites were identified in the TIMP‐1 promoter and direct interaction of RUNX3 with the TIMP‐1 promoter was confirmed in vitro and in vivo. These findings provide evidence for RUNX3‐mediated suppression of gastric cancer invasion and metastasis and define a novel molecular mechanism that for the metastasis‐inhibiting activity of RUNX3. These data may be applied in the development of RUNX3 for gastric cancer metastasis diagnostics and therapeutics.
valuation of Cardioprotective Effects f Recombinant Soluble P-Selectin lycoprotein Ligand-Immunoglobulin in yocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by eal-Time Myocardial Contrast Echocardiography

OBJECTIVES The purpose was to examine the cardioprotective effects of recombinant P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-immunoglobulin (rPSGL-Ig) in ischemia-reperfusion injury by real-time myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE). BACKGROUND P-selectin mediates leukocyte recruitment into areas of inflammation. METHODS Sixteen pigs underwent 45 min of left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion followed by reperfusion and received rPSGL-Ig or vehicle. To assess changes in myocardial perfusion (A ), MCE was performed. RESULTS After 120 min of reperfusion, A in the risk area was higher (0.84 0.15 dB/s vs. 0.28 0.1 dB/s, p 0.0001), and the infarct size was lower (30.3 12% vs. 57 14%, p 0.002) in the rPSGL-Ig group compared with the vehicle group. CONCLUSIONS Recombinant PSGL-Ig improved postischemic reflow accurately detected by real-time MCE. (J Am Coll Cardiol 2004;44:887–91) © 2004 by the American College of Cardiology Foundation
Catechin–metal interactions as a mechanism for conditional allelopathy by the invasive plant Centaurea maculosa

1. Evaluating variation, or ‘conditionality’, in plant interactions is crucial to understanding their ecological importance and predicting where they might be at play. Much is known about conditionality for competition, facilitation and herbivory, but not for allelopathy, which likely contributes to the equivocal nature of reports on this topic. Centaurea maculosa (spotted knapweed) is an invasive species in North America, whose success has been attributed, at least in part, to the allelochemical root exudate (±)‐catechin.
Pregnancy Effects on Lamotrigine Levels

Lamotrigine Clearance during Pregnancy Tran TA, Leppik IE, Blesi K, Sathanandan ST, Remmel R Neurology 2002;59(2):251–255 Objective To evaluate changes in lamotrigine (LTG) clearance before, during, and after pregnancy. Methods Twelve pregnancies that had complete steady-state data before, during, and after pregnancy were evaluated. Data included weight, LTG dose, and LTG blood levels at preconception, during pregnancy, and postpartum, and concomitant use of other antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and their dosages. Apparent clearance (L/[kg.day]) of LTG was calculated by dose/level/weight for time points at preconception; during the first trimester, second trimester, and third trimester; and postpartum. Apparent clearance was compared between preconception and each of the three trimesters. Statistical analysis was performed by using one-way analysis of variance, the Student-Newman-Keuls test, and the paired Student's t test. Results An increase in apparent clearance (>65%) was observed between preconception and the second and third trimesters (p < 0.05). Eleven pregnancies required higher doses of LTG to maintain therapeutic levels during pregnancy. There was no significant change in apparent clearance between the trimesters. A decrease in apparent clearance was observed between the last two trimesters and postpartum (p < 0.05). In the postpartum period, apparent clearances returned to the preconception baseline, and LTG doses were reduced. Conclusion Pregnancy increases LTG clearance by >50%. This effect occurs early in pregnancy and reverts quickly after delivery. LTG levels should be monitored before, during, and after pregnancy.
Effect of follicular or oviductal fluids on movement characteristics of bovine sperm during capacitation in vitro.

Mammalian sperm exhibit characteristic motility changes associated with capacitation. Movement characteristics of bovine sperm incubated in noncapacitating (control, medium alone), capacitating (oviduct fluid, nonluteal, and luteal), or capacitating, acrosome reaction inducing (follicular fluid) conditions were investigated using a computer-assisted automated semen analysis system. Sperm were incubated up to 4 hours in a modified Tyrode's medium (control), 20 and 60% nonluteal (NL) or luteal (L) oviduct fluid (ODF), or 20 and 60% follicular fluid (FF). Relative to sperm incubated in control medium, motility of sperm treated with ODF or FF had increased linearity and vigorous motility. Sperm incubated in 60% ODF or FF showed a small decrease in mean trajectory/path straightness and velocity over time compared to 20% fluid treatments and control. Frequency distribution graphs were symmetric for 20% NL- and L-ODF treated sperm. However, 20% FF and 60% ODF and FF treatments had distributions skewed to the left, indicating smaller values for lateral head displacement (ALH) and curvilinear velocity (VCL). Median values for ALH and VCL were determined for control-treated sperm, and subtracted from individual sperm values for all treatments to estimate deviation from control, designated ALHc and VCLc. Three-dimensional plots of ALHc, VCLc and corresponding frequency indicated shifts in peak patterns for fluid-treated sperm compared to control sperm. Incubation in 20% ODF and FF resulted in peak shift for ALH and VCL values; yet, little change in peak position was observed in sperm incubated in 60% ODF and FF. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Determinants of small scale farmers’ decision to join farmer based organizations in Ghana

In recent times, governments of most developing countries have been promoting the formation and development of farmer based organizations as one of the keys to more rapid diffusion and cost-effective extension delivery to farmers. This is premised on the assumption that small-scale farmers can have easy access to market information, credit and input for their production, processing, and marketing activities by joining farmer based organizations. However, this study found out that despite such observed benefits, some farmers were not members of farmer based organizations. This study uses the probit model to assess the factors influencing the decisions to join farmer based organizations in Ghana. The results revealed that farm size, farming as a major occupation, access to credit to loan and access to machinery services influenced farmers’ decisions to join farmer based organizations in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Key words: Farmer-based organizations, probit model, decision-making process.
Marker-based prediction of hybrid performance in maize single-crosses involving doubled haploids

Successful prediction of hybrid performance (HP) is an attractive alternative to expensive field testing for identification of superior hybrids and can greatly accelerate hybrid breeding programs. In combination with the doubled-haploid technology, which has greatly facilitated the development of maize lines, HP prediction based on molecular markers has gained importance in recent years. Here, we review the methods for HP prediction of single-crosses between heterotic groups. These methods are based on line per se performance, general combining ability, best linear unbiased prediction, genetic distances, and genetic effects estimated from molecular markers. We consider marker-based HP prediction with a focus on the use of doubled-haploid lines and discuss its application for three stages in hybrid breeding programs: (1) after field evaluation of experimental hybrids, (2) after field evaluation of testcross performance, and (3) before field evaluation of testcross performance. Types of hybrids, whose performance is to be predicted, are those having two (Type 2), one (Type 1), or no (Type 0) parental lines that are already evaluated for testcross performance. Various studies in maize indicate that efficiency of HP prediction depends not only on the prediction approach and the actual experimental data, but also on the type of hybrids. Finally, we present an outlook on the future of HP prediction, with a focus on the integration of high-throughput genotyping platforms in hybrid breeding programs.
The Food Situations Questionnaire: a measure of children's willingness to try novel foods in stimulating and non-stimulating situations

This paper reports the development and validation of a self-report measure of food neophobia for children. Items described hypothetical situations in which novel foods might be encountered and asked children to report how they would feel about tasting or eating them. Ten items, representing two correlated subscales, were selected from among a larger number, using standard item selection measures with a total of 335 children, aged 7-12 years. The two subscales represent willingness to try novel foods in highly stimulating circumstances and willingness to try novel foods in non-stimulating circumstances. The test was shown to significantly predict actual willingness to taste novel foods in a laboratory situation. In addition, it was shown to predict such willingness better than parents' reports of the children's neophobia. Finally, the test was shown to have satisfactory internal and test-retest reliabilities.
Diversity of Clonal T Cell Proliferation Is Mediated by Differential Expression of CD152 (CTLA-4) on the Cell Surface of Activated Individual T Lymphocytes1

Inhibitory effects of CD152 (CTLA-4) engagement during T cell activation have been described. To date, such effects could only be correlated to CD152 expression at the population level because expression of CD152 on the cell surface is too low to be assessed by conventional immunofluorescence on the single cell level. In this study, we use magnetofluorescent liposomes for the immunofluorescent detection of surface CD152-expressing CD4+ T cells and show that, despite the fact that nearly all cells express intracellular CD152, only a fraction of 12% of activated T cells expresses surface CD152 at any given time point. Surface CD152+ T cells appear with similar kinetics after primary or secondary activation in vitro. However, the frequency of surface CD152+ T cells 48 h postactivation is 2-fold higher during secondary activation. Surface expression of CD152 is independent of the proliferative history of an activated T cell. Instruction of T cells for surface expression of CD152 rather depends on the time elapsed since the onset of activation, with a maximum at 48 h, and requires less than 12 h of Ag exposure. CD152− T cells, when isolated by cell sorting and restimulated, continue to proliferate. CD152 blockade has no effect on their proliferation. Isolated surface CD152+ T cells do not proliferate upon restimulation unless CD152 is blocked. CD152 thus acts directly and autonomously on individual activated and proliferating T lymphocytes. Due to its heterogeneous expression on the cell surface of activated Th cells, CD152 might diversify the T cell response.
The Challenges and Prospects of the Commercial Poultry Industry in Ghana: A Synthesis of Literature

Ghana’s poultry sector has been experiencing a steep decline since the year 2000. Many, if not all, the commercial poultry farms that were established in the late 1960s and early 1970s have collapsed and/or are on the verge of collapsing. Parliament passed a law to increase taxes on the importation of frozen chicken but that law has never been implemented due to pressures from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This paper examined the challenges and prospects of the commercial poultry industry in Ghana. A synthesis of secondary data was sourced to assess the prevailing issues. It was concluded that the Government of Ghana should pass the law to increase taxes on the importation of frozen chicken; adopt policies to encourage SME financing in Ghana; develop proper training institutions for poultry farmers; encourage the consumption of local poultry products whiles the industry offer relevant training and live demonstration programmes for its members. Entrepreneurs must also address all the financial and managerial issues affecting the poultry industry in Ghana.
Financial Stability Report 2013

This article provides an overview for the Financial Stability Report –issued by the Central Bank of Kuwait in FY2013. In this document the company is aiming to shows and measure how strong is the Financial/ Banking system in the country. At the same time, the consultant is looking to shows how important is the Financial System against any further economic crises.
Assessing Reseller Performance from the Perspective of the Supplier

The objective of the authors’ study was to develop a reliable and valid scale to assess reseller performance from the perspective of the supplier. To specify the domain of reseller performance, four different conceptualizations of organizational effectiveness were explored, leading to the identification of eight facets of reseller performance. Using data collected on the resellers of two different suppliers, the authors investigated the reliability and validity of three different types of scales—facet, composite, and global. Results indicate that two composite scales, a 5-item global scale, and seven 3-item facet scales have acceptable levels of reliability, construct validity, and generalizability.
The Open University ’ s repository of research publications and other research outputs Collaborative public leadership : does problem context matter ?

The potential solutions to many of society’s most complex or ‘wicked’ problems lie beyond the boundaries of any single organization, profession or sector, the resultant interorganizational domains posing particular challenges for public leadership. The body of scholarship to explore and address the challenges of working with difference that are at the heart of a collaborative approach evolved earlier and, we argue, remains largely grounded in the social sector. Responding to a call for ‘less silo-bound and more integrated research’ into modern policymaking, our exploratory, comparative study of child protection and flood protection first highlights the strong parallels in the two domains and directs environmental managers and policymakers to the lessons they can gain from the accumulated scholarship on collaborative leadership. Secondly, due to the lack of comparative work to clarify ways in which the challenges might vary or contrast in the context of different inter-organizational domains, the comparative study also teases out differences, demonstrating that problem context does matter for collaborative leadership, that there are distinctive challenges for collaborative leadership in the flood protection domain with implications for both practice recommendations and theory building. For example, the technocratic tendencies of scientists and the dynamics of power and ideology, the historical alignment of the problem domain with neoliberalism, the potential protective international drivers and global imperatives of climate change and a consequent reversal in our direction of potential lessons to be transferred to sustain policy innovation in the social domain. We uncover indications that collaborative leadership, which challenges organisational and professional cultures and the shift in values required to tackle wicked problems, surfaces most strongly from the voluntary sector – we finally uncover contractual differences and caution environmental voluntary sector leaders not to constrain innovation in the continued exploration of policy alternatives.
A multiple‐item scale for measuring customer loyalty development

Purpose – This paper seeks to explore the complex inter‐relationships between the attitudinal and behavioural dimensions of customer loyalty development, by examining the dynamic processes by which customer loyalty is initiated and sustained using a mixed methods approach. In doing so, the paper highlights the absence of valid and reliable measures of customer loyalty development and discusses the use of the multi‐phase model of customer loyalty development.Design/methodology/approach – This model is the basis for the construction of a multi‐item scale to measure customer loyalty development. A mixed methods design is specified and stages in the construction of the scale are discussed including measures of validity and reliability.Findings – The findings of the research demonstrate the validity and reliability of the loyalty scale and highlight the sustaining and mediating effects associated with different levels of loyalty development.Research limitations/implications – The study is set within the passen.