Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Consumer Loans in Cambodia: Implications on Banking Stability

This paper analyzes the fast development of consumer loans including housing loans in Cambodia to check whether or not such a development posts any stability risk to banking system in Cambodia. Using stress-testing method, the paper finds that current level of consumer loans provided by banks does yet creates a big threat to the banking stability in Cambodia. Rather, the surge reflects consequences of positive development in the banking system and economy as a whole, including the rise of middle-income class, changing family structure, stronger competition among banks, and more widespread financial literacy.
Efficiency of transovarial transmission of Rickettsia tsutsugamushi in Leptotrombidium arenicola (Acari: Trombiculidae).

A laboratory colony of Leptotrombidium arenicola infected with Rickettsia tsutsugamushi , the etiologic agent of scrub typhus, was derived from a single field-collected mite. Transovarial transmission and filial infection rates were determined by single feedings of 906 larvae from 51 individual infected females. Through 4 generations, the transovarial transmission rate was 100% and the filial infection rates varied from 20% to 100% with an overall rate of 97%. The significance of these findings in scrub typhus epidemiology is discussed.
Private Highway, One-Way Street: the Deklein and Fall of Canadian Medicare

"Medicare" has two meanings for Canadians: the entire range of health care services, or only those (mainly physicians and hospitals) mandated and governed by the Canada Health Act (CHA). This paper focuses on the narrower legal meaning of Medicare, as does the recent Alberta proposal to fund CHA-mandated services delivered on an overnight stay basis in privately owned and operated facilities.
Delaying Brain Mitochondrial Decay and Aging with Mitochondrial Antioxidants and Metabolites

Mitochondria decay with age due to the oxidation of lipids, proteins, RNA, and DNA. Some of this decay can be reversed in aged animals by feeding them the mitochondrial metabolites acetylcarnitine and lipoic acid. In this review, we summarize our recent studies on the effects of these mitochondrial metabolites and mitochondrial antioxidants (α‐phenyl‐N‐t‐butyl nitrone and N‐t‐butyl hydroxylamine) on the age‐associated mitochondrial decay of the brain of old rats, neuronal cells, and human diploid fibroblast cells. In feeding studies in old rats, these mitochondrial metabolites and antioxidants improve the age‐associated decline of ambulatory activity and memory, partially restore mitochondrial structure and function, inhibit the age‐associated increase of oxidative damage to lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, elevate the levels of antioxidants, and restore the activity and substrate binding affinity of a key mitochondrial enzyme, carnitine acetyltrasferase. These mitochondrial metabolites and antioxidants protect neuronal cells from neurotoxin‐ and oxidant‐induced toxicity and oxidative damage; delay the normal senescence of human diploid fibroblast cells, and inhibit oxidant‐induced acceleration of senescence. These results suggest a plausible mechanism: with age, increased oxidative damage to proteins and lipid membranes, particularly in mitochondria, causes a deformation of structure of enzymes, with a consequent decrease of enzyme activity as well as substrate binding affinity for their substrates; an increased level of substrate restores the velocity of the reaction and restores mitochondrial function, thus delaying mitochondrial decay and aging. This loss of activity due to coenzyme or substrate binding appears to be true for a number of other enzymes as well, including mitochondrial complex III and IV.
Electrophoretic mobility shift assay reveals a novel recognition sequence for Setaria italica NAC protein

The NAC (NAM/ATAF1,2/CUC2) proteins are among the largest family of plant transcription factors. Its members have been associated with diverse plant processes and intricately regulate the expression of several genes. Inspite of this immense progress, knowledge of their DNA-binding properties are still limited. In our recent publication,1 we reported isolation of a membrane-associated NAC domain protein from Setaria italica (SiNAC). Transactivation analysis revealed that it was a functionally active transcription factor as it could stimulate expression of reporter genes in vivo. Truncations of the transmembrane region of the protein lead to its nuclear localization. Here we describe expression and purification of SiNAC DNA-binding domain. We further report identification of a novel DNA-binding site, [C/G][A/T][T/A][G/C]TC[C/G][A/T][C/G][G/C] for SiNAC by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. The SiNAC-GST protein could bind to the NAC recognition sequence in vitro as well as to sequences where some bases had been reshuffled. The results presented here contribute to our understanding of the DNA-binding specificity of SiNAC protein.
Pay-to-Accounting Performance and Ownership Structure in Privately-Held Small Corporations

We examine the influence of ownership structure on the sensitivity of executive compensation to accounting performance in privately-owned small corporations. We investigate the relation between compensation and several dimensions of accounting-based firm performance including both profits and sales. We find evidence that compensation is sensitive to both measures of accounting performance; however, consistent with interviews from small business owners (Welles, 1995), the dominant relation is with sales. This result is maintained in several sensitivity tests. We also find that firm ownership structure has an important influence on the sensitivity of compensation to accounting performance. Compensation in firms with more concentrated ownership is less responsive to accounting performance than in firms with more disperse ownership. Furthermore, executive compensation is far more sensitive to accounting performance when the manager does not hold shares in the corporation and, to a lesser extent, in non-family owned firms. Taken together, the results suggest that ownership structure plays an important role in the use of accounting information in executive compensation contracts for privately-owned small businesses.
Propensity to buy private label merchandise

Purpose – Establishing and/or developing a portfolio of private label brands (PLBs) is a strategic imperative for most retail chains. The purpose of this paper is to construct, and validate, a holistic conceptual model to investigate the effect of perceived product quality, relative price and risk on perceived product value and, ultimately, willingness to buy these brands. In addition to this, the study seeks to investigate the potential role of store image as an antecedent within the model. Design/methodology/approach – A survey of middle to upper income shoppers was administered in order to determine the magnitude of the above-mentioned effects. The study focused on the market segment of private label breakfast cereal consumers within South Africa. Findings – All relationships in the model were found to be significant at the 5 per cent level, except for store image on perceived risk. The strongest relationship, by some margin, was that between perceived value and willingness to buy PLBs. Practical impli.
Traumatic leaflet injury during the use of percutaneous valves: a comparative study of balloon- and self-expandable valved stents.

OBJECTIVES No comparison of balloon- or self-expandable valved stents (VSs) regarding tissue injury (if any) has been reported yet. The objective was to evaluate the occurrence and compare the severity of traumatic injury to leaflets from balloon- or self-expandable VSs. METHODS Twelve homemade VSs were used for this experiment. These three-leaflet bovine pericardial bioprostheses had either a stainless steel (Group A) or a nitinol stent (Group B). After a 30-min period of compression (external diameter of VS reduced to 7 mm), the prostheses were deployed by balloon inflation (Group A) or by unsheathing (Group B). After H&E staining, pericardial leaflets were subsequently analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively for microscopic lesions. Non-crimped pericardial leaflets were used as a control group (Group C). RESULTS All deployed VSs had microscopic lesions evocating traumatic injury to pericardial leaflets. Transverse fractures and longitudinal cleavages were the two main lesions encountered. Transverse fractures (no. per field) were significantly more frequent in the VS in comparison with the control group: 5 (range: 0-13), 4 (range: 0-9) and 0 (range: 0-1) in Groups A, B and C, respectively (P < 0.001). Cleavages (no. per field) were also more frequent with balloon-expandable VSs compared with self-expandable VSs [3 (range: 0-7) vs 1(range: 0-8); P = 0.03]. CONCLUSIONS Traumatic injury to the pericardial leaflets does occur during crimping and deployment of balloon- or self-expandable VSs. Injury may be more severe with the balloon-expandable VSs. The impact of such an injury on prosthesis durability requires a further investigation.
LOCALLY PRODUCED FOOD PURCHASING THROUGH RETAIL GROCERY CHANNELS: AN EVALUATION OF RELEVANT CUSTOMER AND STORE ENVIRONMENT ATTRIBUTES

The study examines the phenomenon of purchasing locally produced foods in retail grocery stores. Theoretical foundations from the theory of planned behavior and from the stimulus-organism-response framework were used to support and test a model that hypothesized relationships between attitude, subjective norms, perceived consumer effectiveness, perceived product availability, intention to purchase, store atmospheric responsiveness, price consciousness, and extent of purchase behavior in a retail grocery setting. An online survey methodology was used to collect 600 responses across the United States. A two-step approach to structural equation modeling was used to test the relationships. Confirmatory factor analysis with measurement model development supported the hypotheses of store atmospheric responsiveness as a multidimensional construct reflected in four specific dimensions (1) product assortment responsiveness, (2) display factors responsiveness, (3) customer service responsiveness, and (4) store promotions responsiveness. The construct of perceived consumer effectiveness (PCE) was found to highly correlate with attitude and PCE was subsequently dropped as an independent latent construct. Results from analysis of the fitted structural model indicated that attitude and perceived product availability were significant positive indicators of intention to purchase, while subjective norms indicated a significant negative relationship to intention to purchase. A significant positive direct effect between intention to purchase and extent of purchase and a significant positive indirect effect through that of store atmospheric responsiveness was found, suggesting that store atmospheric responsiveness partially mediates the relationship. Consumer price consciousness was found to not significantly moderate the relationship between intention to purchase and extent of purchase. From the results, academic and managerial implications were
Use of a Modified UTAUT Model to Investigate the Perspectives of Internet Access Device Users

ABSTRACT This study integrates perceived enjoyment and cyberloafing with the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) and uses a modified UTAUT model to investigate the behavioral intention and user behavior of access internet device users. The research results show that perceived enjoyment can be used as the antecedence variable of performance expectancy (PE) and effort expectancy (EE). In addition, PE, EE, and social influence will all lead to the occurrence of cyberloafing behavior and increased internet browsing time; however, the hypothesis of the moderator is not fully supported. The results can be provided as reference for subsequent researchers to re-modify the model.
Role Of Innovative Supply Chain Practices And Total Quality Management (Tqm) On Performance Of Indian Cement Manufacturing Firms -An Empirical Study

In extremely turbulent situation when world faces major economic crisis then particularly Indian manufacturing sector had major set back. In such situation some of Indian cement sector has demonstrated healthy performance through innovative supply chain practices. In this study author conducted an empirical study to understand how innovative practices in supply chain in combination with TQM (Total Quality Management) can help firm to reduce cost and improve customer satisfaction which in turn reflect high profitability and better market share. Out of five proposed model four model is accepted and fifth model is not supported by regression analysis. The findings clearly reveal that Indian cement Industry is quite in nascent stage to adopt Innovative supply chain practices.
PET - CT Scan Shows Decreased Severity of Autism after Autologous Cellular Therapy: A Case Report

PET - CT scan has been recently utilized to detect functional abnormalities in the brain. In autism, the MRI of brain is normal hence, functional neuroimaging techniques such as Positron Emission Tomography - Computer Tomography scan of the brain should be explored. Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder affecting communication, behavior and socialization. Currently, available therapeutic approaches are aimed at symptomatic changes and do not target the core pathology in the brain of autism. Cell therapy has recently emerged as a promising treatment modality for autism. However, the effects of cell therapy need to be monitored by objective imaging. In this study, we present the case of a 6 year old boy with autism treated with intrathecal administration of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells and monitored with Positron Emission Tomography - Computer Tomography scan. On regular follow up at 3 and 6 months, significant social, behavioral and communication improvements were observed. On outcome measures, the Indian Scale for Assessment of Autism score pre - intervention improved from 113 to 97, Functional Independence Measure improved significantly from 42 to 50 and Childhood Autism Rating Scale improved from 42.5 to 35.5. The severity of illness on Clinical Global Impression scale showed a change from a score of 5 (markedly ill) to 4 (moderately ill). Global improvement graded on the CGI scale was 2 (much improved). The efficacy index on Childhood Autism Rating Scale showed moderate therapeutic effect (score 5). Interestingly, Positron Emission Tomography - Computer Tomography comparisons at 6 months revealed improved metabolism of the previously hypometabolic areas of the brain which correlated well with clinical improvements. No adverse events were reported.
Entrepreneur financial literacy, financial access, transaction costs and performance of micro enterprises in Nairobi City County, Kenya

The purpose of this study was to establish the relationship between entrepreneur financial literacy, financial access, transaction costs and performance of micro-enterprises in Nairobi City County in Kenya. The study was anchored on resource based theory which posits that given resource heterogeneity immobility and satisfaction of the requirement of value rareness, imperfect imitability and non substitutability, a firm’s resource can be a source of sustained competitive advantage. The study also used contingency theory which supports a framework for examining influence of financial literacy on financial access and transaction costs. The study established that financial literacy had influence on financial access transaction costs and performance of micro-enterprises. The paper advance the argument and theoretical perspective that entrepreneur financial literacy is a major determinant of micro enterprise
The effectiveness of boards of directors in two-tier board system: Evidence from Vietnamese-listed enterprises

This paper presents several theories to achieve a better understanding of corporate governance structures and their operations in a two-tier-board corporate governance structure. The author also analyses transitional economies using the case of Vietnam. The author investigates the influence of independent directors upon the probability of CEO turnover as well as the sensitivity of the link between performance and turnover. The findings show that non-executive directors are not always independent. At the same time, independent directors have a vital role to play in making decisions concerning CEO dismissal. These directors also reduce the effects of CEO ownership and CEO duality upon the probability of CEO turnover. In summation, the research found that performance and CEO age constitute key factors in CEO turnover, regardless of the corporation or board size.
Industrial Organisation and Innovation: An International Study of the Software Industry

Salvatore Torrisi analyses the development of the software industry within the context of theories of technical change. He interprets exhaustive surveys of firms participating in software industries conducted between 1990 and 1997. These reveal the main characteristics of innovative activities in software, including the characteristics of product and process innovations, the sources of technological change within firms, the instruments for the protection of innovation and the nature of innovative skills. The author also compares the historical evolution of software activities in Europe and in the United States and explains the differences in specialisation and performance in terms of the geographical proximity to leading hardware manufacturers, the size of the domestic market, regulation, and public policies, including property rights and anti-trust. This unparalleled book will be required reading for academics interested in industrial organisation and the economics of innovation.
Prevalence of Hepatitis C Infection in Patients with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma in South Florida and Review of the Literature

The etiology of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is unknown in the majority of the cases. Although Epstein - Barr virus, human T-cell leukemia-lymphoma virus and human herpes virus-8 have been established as casual agents in the pathogenesis of specific types of lymphoma, the role of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in lymphomagenesis remains controversial, with marked geographic variability. We conducted an epidemiologic study to evaluate the prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection in patients with lymphoma in South Florida. Ninety consecutive patients with lymphoma and 96 consecutive control patients with solid tumors were tested for HCV. HCV infection was detected in 2 patients with NHL (2.2%) and in 4 control patients (4.1%). Our study does not support the association between HCV and lymphoma in South Florida, US.
The Dividend Policy of the Merged Firm, Method of Payment, and Takeover Premium

Dividends, particularly of acquiring firms are influenced by several structural adjustments especially after mergers. Using the dividend clientele hypothesis, we hypothesize that acquirer dividend policy is more likely to change after the merger if dividend policies of firms involved in a stock-based merger are quite different, while it remains unaffected in cash deals. Initially, we analyze the relationship between the acquirer dividends after the announcement and the pre-merger dividend policy of the target. In a second step, a multivariate analysis will be conducted to detect dynamics of takeover premium with the differences in dividend policy between merged firms. From the observation of 663 M&As, we find that acquiring firms are more disposed to adjust their dividend policies to those of targets in case of stock mergers than for mergers in cash. Additional analyses show some evidence that higher acquirer dividend is associated with higher takeover premium in cash deals, but there’s no significant association between difference in dividend policies and takeover premium in stock deals. These results highlight the role of the premium to offset the opportunity cost of target shareholders to receive more dividends in the merged entity when they agree a cash merger, and justify the triviality of the premium in stock deals by the disposal of the acquirer to adjust its dividend policy.
THE ECONOMIC EFFECTS OF EMPLOYMENT PROTECTION LAWS

This paper examines the economic effects of employment protection legislation in a sample of developed and developing countries. By implementing a differences-in-differences test we lessen the potentially severe endogeneity and omitted variable problems associated with cross-country regressions. This test is based on the hypothesis that job security regulations are more binding in sectors of activity exposed to higher variability in demand or supply shocks. Our analysis indicates that more stringent employment protection legislation slows down job turnover by a significant amount, and that this effect is more pronounced in sectors intrinsically more volatile . We also find that employment and value added in the most affected sectors declines. Such employment effects are entirely driven by a reduction in the entry of new plants in those sectors. In contrast, average employment per plant is not affected.
Diurnal Variation of Central Corneal Thickness and Goldmann Applanation Tonometry Estimates of Intraocular Pressure

PurposeTo determine whether there is a temporal relationship between the diurnal variation of central corneal thickness (CCT) and intraocular pressure (IOP) by Goldmann applanation tonometry in young normal human participants in vivo. MethodsTwenty-five eyes of 25 young healthy normal participants were examined in a prospective observational cross-sectional study. IOP, CCT and corneal curvature were measured using standard clinical techniques over a 24-hour period, and the temporal interrelationships between these parameters were examined. ResultsThe overnight change in IOP measured by Goldmann tonometry was 3.1±2.4 mm Hg (P<0.001), CCT was 20.1±10.9 μm (P=0.016), with no statistical change in central corneal curvature (0.05 mm, P=0.477, paired t test with Bonferroni correction). Both IOP and CCT were highest on awakening at 7:00 then dropped rapidly to baseline levels by 9:00 (linear mixed models), and these two parameters were highly correlated (r=0.978, P<0.001). After 9:00, there was no correlation between these parameters (r=−0.453, P=0.260). ConclusionsThe results of this study have highlighted a potential link between the diurnal variation of CCT and the accuracy of Goldmann tonometry estimates of IOP during the first 2 hours after awakening. Clinicians should be wary of using Goldmann tonometry to estimate IOP until the overnight increase in CCT has resolved.