Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Conceptual Framework for Information Technology Governance Effectiveness in Private Organizations

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual framework that examines information technology (IT) governance effectiveness, its determinants, and its impacts on private organizations.Design/methodology/approach – The research draws on extant literature in IT governance, strategic information systems planning, strategic alignment maturity, information systems security, business and IT alignment, International Organization for Standardization in information systems, and organizational performance to identify determining factors for IT governance effectiveness, IT governance effectiveness factors, and organizational performance.Findings – The results of review suggest 14 propositions and five factors grouped into determinants including organizational demographics, information intensity, organizational culture, external environment characteristics, and IT function characteristics. Linking organizational practices with strategy, the proposed framework adopts the Balanced Scorecard four perspec.
THE INFLUENCE OF THE BOARD ON FIRM PERFORMANCE: AN EMPIRICAL VISION IN THE SPANISH CAPITAL MARKET

Corporate governance research suggests that board monitoring will be more effective if boards consist primarily of independent outside directors. However, the results of previous studies testing board effectiveness have been mixed. We offer new insights of these relationships in a country whose particular corporate governance system is characterized by high concentration of ownership, mainly through pyramidal groups, and low legal protection of investors. Specifically, the aim of this paper is to investigate the influence of the independent directors on firm performance in Spain. We find that the addition of independent directors to the boards increases firm value, as the relationship between the proportion of independent directors and performance is positive and significant.
A Perfect Ocean for Four Years of Globe-Girdling Drought

CLIMATE CHANGEOn page [691][1] of this issue of Science , climate dynamicists compare climate-model simulations with the pattern of Northern Hemisphere drought. The comparison shows how two parts of the tropical Pacific ganged up on the mid-latitudes to create persistent drought in widely separated, seemingly unrelated regions. [1]: http://www.sciencemag. org/cgi/content/short/299/5607/691
Every dog has its day: A comparative study of clustering algorithms in VANETs

In the literature, there are many clustering algorithms proposed for the vehicle ad hoc networks (VANETs) to improve network stability and scalability. However, there is a lack of comprehensive comparison among them. In this paper, we show that there exists unfair comparison of clustering algorithms, in the aspect of simulators, performance metrics, simulation scenarios, and configuration of algorithms. To start the first step to tackle this problem, we propose a general framework to Fairly Compare Clustering algorithms in VANETs (FCC). Under this framework, we show that, i) misconfiguration of clustering algorithms can lead to significant performance degradation, ii) there is no winning clustering algorithms in all scenarios, iii) the design of clustering algorithms should be scenario-dependent.
QUANTITATIVE GENETIC MODELING AND INFERENCE IN THE PRESENCE OF NONIGNORABLE MISSING DATA

Natural selection is typically exerted at some specific life stages. If natural selection takes place before a trait can be measured, using conventional models can cause wrong inference about population parameters. When the missing data process relates to the trait of interest, a valid inference requires explicit modeling of the missing process. We propose a joint modeling approach, a shared parameter model, to account for nonrandom missing data. It consists of an animal model for the phenotypic data and a logistic model for the missing process, linked by the additive genetic effects. A Bayesian approach is taken and inference is made using integrated nested Laplace approximations. From a simulation study we find that wrongly assuming that missing data are missing at random can result in severely biased estimates of additive genetic variance. Using real data from a wild population of Swiss barn owls Tyto alba, our model indicates that the missing individuals would display large black spots; and we conclude that genes affecting this trait are already under selection before it is expressed. Our model is a tool to correctly estimate the magnitude of both natural selection and additive genetic variance.
Depressive disorders are related to nicotine dependence in the population but do not necessarily hamper smoking cessation.

BACKGROUND Evidence shows considerable comorbidity between nicotine dependence and depression. However, little is known from the population about specific factors involved. The goal was to analyze smoking, nicotine dependence, and depression cross-sectionally and to analyze whether or not depression predicts the sustenance of smoking after 3 years. METHOD A population-based random sample, representative for the adult population aged 18 to 64 years in a German region, was interviewed face to face (N = 4075). Among these were 2458 daily smokers, of whom 320 (13.0%) had a lifetime diagnosis of depression. Current smokers at baseline were followed up 36 months later. Measurements included DSM-IV diagnoses of depression and nicotine dependence by the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Smoking cessation was defined as the abstinence from smoking for at least 4 consecutive weeks. RESULTS The rate of subjects with a depressive disorder among female never nicotine dependents was 13.7% and among female current nicotine dependents 31.6% (chi(2) = 49.9, df = 2, p <. 001); the respective rate among male never nicotine dependents was 5.6% and among male current nicotine dependents 13.4% (chi(2) = 20.2, df = 2, p <. 001). Subjects with a lifetime history of depressive disorder revealed the same rate of smoking cessation after 3 years as those without a depressive disorder (chi(2) = 0.7, df = 1, not significant). The use of nicotine replacement therapy was equally distributed among subjects with a depressive disorder and those without a depressive disorder (chi(2) = 0.03, df = 1, not significant). CONCLUSION The risk for depression increases as the number of nicotine dependence symptoms increases or dependence criteria are fulfilled. Despite this association, depressed subjects may show the same prospect for smoking cessation as nondepressed subjects.
Dividends And Dividend Policy

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Comment: Hyponatremia with Venlafaxine

duced euphoria were distinct from placebo and also from triazolam.4 We disagree with the authors’ conclusion because after reviewing all epidemiologic and experimental evidence, it is clear that in Europe and other countries where flunitrazepam is marketed, the abuse of this drug among opioid addicts constitutes a greater public health risk than do other benzodiazepines in this specific population.
Dividend Policy and Corporate Profitability Econometric Analysis of Listed Manufacturing Firms in Sri Lanka

The issue of dividend policy is a very important one in the current business environment. Dividend policy is the regulations and guidelines that a company uses to decide to make dividend payments to shareholders. The objective of the study is to find out the impact of dividend policy on corporate profitability of Listed manufacturing companies in Sri Lanka. Dividend payout ratio and dividend yield are used to measure the dividend policy while ROE and ROA are used to measure the corporate profitability.Data for the study were extracted from annual report and accounts of 23 Listed manufacturing companies in Sri Lanka for the period of 2009 to 2014. These data were subjected to regression analysis, using E-view software and the findings indicate that; there is a significant impact of dividend policies of organizations on corporate profitability. It is recommended that Organizations should ensure that they have a good and robust dividend policy in place because it will enhance their profitability and attract investments to the organizations.
Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 is involved in ascorbic acid-induced osteoblastic differentiation in periodontal ligament cells.

BACKGROUND Periodontal ligament (PDL) cells possess osteoblast-like properties and play key roles in periodontal regeneration. Previously, we have reported that ascorbic acid promotes the osteoblastic differentiation of PDL cells by modulating the type I collagen-integrin interaction. However, the signaling pathway activated following collagen-integrin interaction is still unclear. In this study, we examined the involvement of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 in the expression of osteoblastic marker genes such as the osteoblast-specific transcriptional factor runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and osteocalcin (OCN) in PDL cells. METHODS PDL cells were cultured on a conventional or type I collagen-coated dish in the presence or absence of ascorbic acid and examined for ALP activity and osteoblastic marker genes. For detection of ERK1/2, cells were plated on a petri (non-adhesive) dish or type I collagen-coated dish, and Western blot analysis was performed. The effect of the ERK1/2 inhibitor on osteoblastic marker gene expression was examined. RESULTS Ascorbic acid increased gene expression of Runx2, ALP, and OCN. A combination of ascorbic acid and type I collagen remarkably upregulated Runx2, ALP, and OCN gene expression and ALP activity. Western blot analysis revealed an increased level of ERK1/2 phosphorylation in cells plated on type I collagen. An ERK1/2 inhibitor suppressed ascorbic acid-induced ALP and OCN gene expression, whereas Runx2 was not affected in PDL cells. CONCLUSION These results indicate that ERK1/2 is involved in ascorbic acid-induced osteoblastic differentiation during PDL cell attachment to type I collagen.
The impact of attachment on dementia-related problem behavior and spousal caregivers' well-being

Abstract This study investigated the impact of attachment style on the course of dementia-related problem behavior and caregivers' well-being over 2 years. A total of 116 married couples with one spouse suffering from dementia participated. Care recipients' and caregivers' attachment styles were assessed at the beginning of the study. Caregivers' well-being and care recipients' dementia-related problem behavior were assessed three times (n = 68). Husbands' and wives' attachment styles were significantly associated. Caregivers' avoidance and care recipients' insecure attachment style were associated with increased levels of dementia-related problem behavior. Caregivers' avoidance and anxiety were also associated with lower levels of caregivers' well-being. The latent growth curve analysis indicated that problem behavior and attachment style are associated, and that both have direct effects on caregivers' well-being.
The impact of sagittal plane hip position on isometric force of hip external rotator and internal rotator muscles in healthy young adults.

PURPOSE/BACKGROUND Hip external rotator (ER) and internal rotator (IR) muscle weakness is theorized to be associated with lower extremity injury in athletes including knee ligament tears and patellofemoral pain. Previous studies investigating hip musculature strength have utilized various sagittal plane hip positions for testing. The relationship between results at these different positions is unknown. METHODS Eighty healthy, pain-free young adults participated in the study: 40 female, mean age 22.90 (± 2.32) years, and 40 male, mean age 23.50 (± 2.15) years. Peak isometric torque of bilateral hip ER and IR were tested at 90° and 0° of hip flexion with an instrumented dynamometer. Peak muscle forces were calculated. Peak forces were normalized by body mass. Mean normalized force was calculated for dominant and non-dominant limbs for ER and IR in both positions. Male and female data were analyzed separately with paired t-tests (2-tailed). Reference values for average muscle force and torque were calculated for dominant and non-dominant limbs for both hip positions. RESULTS Hip IR normalized peak force was greater at 90° compared to 0° flexion position bilaterally in both genders (p < .01). Hip ER normalized peak force was greater at 90° compared to 0° flexion in dominant limbs of both genders and in non-dominant limbs of males (p < .01). Non-dominant hip ER normalized force in females was greater at 90° versus 0° flexion; however, it was not significant (p = .092). Post hoc analysis of normalized average force (average over 5-second contraction) yielded similar results. CONCLUSION Clinicians and researchers should use consistent positioning for testing of hip ER and IR strength. This will improve certainty of determining if a patient's strength has changed or if differences between groups are present. Reference values reported will be useful in order to determine if weakness is present and to set goals, particularly in cases of bilateral involvement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 2b.
A Change Strategy for Organisational Security: The Role of Critical Success Factors

The focus for any organization should be in securing the critical components that are important to business survival This can be accomplished by adopting technical and non technical approaches. The non technical approaches however tend to be more problematic and include changing the way employees perceive enterprise security. People issues have always posed problems when implementing new systems, and an enterprise security strategy is no exception. The identification and adoption of critical success factors to support a sound security strategy could provide a successful security outcome. In this paper a security framework is developed from the literature and each part of the framework provides the opportunity to identify critical success factors. It is contended that by using this framework organizations are able to build a strong security base for their enterprise.
Extended Products: Evolving Traditional Product Concepts

To compete in the competitive global market place, manufacturers and suppliers have to come up with novel ways to sell their wares. The observed recent trend is that they need to package their core products with additional services to make their products more attractive. This comprehensive packaging, which we term as Extended Products, is driven not only by the competitive pressures but also by others, such as the legislative pressures to encompass the growing environmental concerns. This paper discusses the drivers to the development of Extended products and why it is necessary for manufacturers and suppliers to form formal alliances in order to reliably supply a comprehensive set of Extended Products. A very first general model of the Extended Product is also developed. The "product" itself has been integrated in many conceptual models and strategies within production engineering. Mostly these models or views, however, are very strongly oriented towards engineering processes. Business aspects have been omitted because the market was partly seen as some type of 'black box' where unknown customers buy the products. This view has considerably altered due to the fact that advanced logistics and transportation systems have brought different national and international markets closer together. Consequently, competition has been increasing substantially, resulting in more dynamic markets. As a result new enterprise strategies based on novel concepts of the products to be delivered need to be developed that can embrace these challenges. Today technical strategies such as e-business, e-commerce, m-commerce or financial strategies such as shareholder-value dominate the discussion of CEO's work and put an enormous pressure on enterprises to be agile, flexible and innovative. The enterprises are being confronted with a more global and more dynamic markets, which creates more competition among the different enterprises. The desktop PC market can be taken as an example of these developments because the sales of new desktop computers went down substantially in the first quarter of 2001 and only innovative companies such as Dell computers which offer a very broad service package to the customer were not hit by this crisis (Wirtschaftswoche 2001, S. 100). The distinguishing features against the competitors were the services offered. Such product extensions can be considered as an opportunity to differentiate one's products from that of competitors' in order to enhance competitiveness. We differentiate these extensions based on the tangible aspects of a product and the intangible product extensions based on integrated services offered with the products. The objective is to offer
Extracorporeal chemophototherapy for the treatment of graft-versus-host disease: hematologic consequences of short-term, intensive courses.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Extracorporeal chemophototherapy (ECP) is considered an immunomodulatory agent useful in both acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Little is known about the best treatment schedule, and there are no data concerning hematologic parameters and cellular compositions of products during the treatment. DESIGN AND METHODS This was a single-center study of 27 patients treated with ECP for corticoresistant GVHD. Treatment was given in a short-term series of six courses over 3 weeks, and in case of response, consolidation treatment was given until complete response or stabilization of lesions. RESULTS Nine out of 12 patients with acute GVHD responded to treatment. In patients with chronic GVHD, 13 out of 15 patients responded (11 complete and 2 partial responses). Responses were obtained essentially in skin or gut lesions; ECP was of particular effect in three cases of bronchiolitis obliterans associated with transplantation, with all three patients responding. Hematologic consequences were studied in patients with chronic GVHD: hemoglobin levels increased significantly after treatment and a reduction in red blood cell transfusion requirements was also observed. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS ECP is effective in both chronic and acute GVHD, particularly in lung forms. ECP can reduce the duration of immunosuppressive therapy and improve erythroid recovery. ECP product quality, including standardization for the number of mononuclear cells for each patient, needs further investigation.
Impact of birth characteristics, breast feeding and vital statistics on the eruption of primary teeth among healthy infants in Saudi Arabia: an observational study

Objectives This study aimed to explore the impact of gender, birth weight, maternal age, type of delivery, gestational age and feeding practices on the eruption of teeth in children with no underlying medical conditions or developmental defects in their first year of life. Design A cross-sectional observational study design was used. Setting A primary healthcare setting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Participants All children in their first year of life attending a vaccination clinic (n=422) were included in the study. Infants with chronic childhood illnesses, those who were below the 5th percentile in height or weight, infants with congenital birth defects and chronic illnesses, infants who were born preterm and low birth weight infants were excluded from the study. Outcome measures The type of delivery, birth weight, age of mother, height and weight percentile for age (as plotted on the WHO growth chart for infants) and feeding practices were recorded by the examiner, and this was followed by a clinical examination to determine the presence or absence of each tooth. Regression models were developed to determine the effect of the different variables on the presence of primary teeth. Results There was a significant association between the weight percentile of the child (adjusted for age) and the number of erupted primary teeth, suggesting that heavier children have an earlier eruption of teeth. No association was observed between birth weight, height percentile for age or maternal age at the time of birth and the number of erupted primary teeth. Children who were exclusively breast fed were significantly more likely to have an erupted first primary tooth earlier than non-breastfed group. Conclusions Breast feeding and the weight of the child may have an influence on the eruption of primary teeth in the first year of life.
Mandatory adoption of business risk disclosure: evidence from Japanese firms

We take advantage of institutional changes and its characteristics in Japan to empirically examine mandatory business risk disclosure. We find that there is a negative impact on total risk from the introduction of mandatory business risk disclosure. This suggests that an increase in business risk disclosure reduces a firm's cost of capital, which is contrary to the results of previous research. However, we also find that there is a positive relationship across firms and years after inception between the amount of business risk disclosure and total risk, indicating that mandatory business risk disclosure has a negative impact on investors' assessment of firms' risk. Although these two effects offset each other, the positive effects of enhanced disclosure of business risks on the cost of capital overcome the negative effects.
Possible Barriers towards Seeking Dental Treatment for the Indian Elders: A Questionnaire Study

This is a study to determine the possible barriers towards seeking dental treatment for the Indian elders and get an insight into the attitude of the elders towards their dental health problem. A total of 100 geriatric patients seeking oral health care above the age of 60 years were enrolled for the study from the outpatient Department of Prosthodontics and Geriatric dentistry, SDM College of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad, Karnataka. A questionnaire consisting of one key question and 12 questions categorized into 4 sections as a) attitude towards oral health, b) family dental history, c) family attitude and d) finance was given to each participant. Results obtained were put to statistical analysis. Pearson chi-square and Likelihood-ratio chi-square were carried out and it was observed that there is a strong association between the four barriers as p = 0.000 < 0.05. It was concluded that there is a low ‘felt need’ which calls for improving the awareness among elders and motivating them to use the services available for them so that they lead a socially and economically productive life. Also the family attitude towards the patient especially with regard to the presence or absence of spouse has been identified as a major barrier in our study.