Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Why Do Institutional Investors Use Reputable Brokers?

Using a long term sample, our study examines why institutional traders may prefer reputable full-service brokers. In particular, we examine two possible determinants in this choice: execution ability and information. We find that, while top-tier brokers achieve better trading costs for their clients, this is not the primary reason why institutional investors route their orders to them. Rather, the choice is driven by information value. We argue that the superior research offered by top-tier brokers distinguishes broker channel.
Influence of socio-demographic and experiential factors on the attitudes of Croatian veterinary students towards farm animal welfare

The aim of this study was to examine the factors influencing the attitudes of veterinary students in Croatia toward farm animal welfare. The survey was carried out at the only faculty of veterinary medicine in Croatia and included students from all years of the integrated undergraduate and graduate study programme. The response rate was 91% (n = 505 subjects). According to the socio-demographic and experiential factors observed, females, students in their initial years of study, younger students with urban backgrounds, non-religious/non-spiritual students and vegetarians, and those intending to work with companion animals expressed more concerned attitudes regarding farm animal welfare (all P < 0.05). The type of secondary school completed, family monthly income and previous experience with farm or pet animals had no impact on student attitudes. The results of the study point to a variety of factors influencing veterinary student attitudes towards farm animal welfare. A recognition of these factors can contribute considerably to increasing student awareness of farm animal welfare. These results provide a basis for further research into the factors influencing veterinary attitudes to animal welfare and the complexity of their interactions.
Non-price Competition and IPO Underpricing *

We develop a non-price competition theory of initial public offering (IPO) underpricing based on differentiated underwriting services. Even though a large number of investment banks compete for IPOs, if issuers care about non-price dimensions of underwriting, then the industry structure is best characterized as a series of local oligopolies. We test our model implications on all-star analyst coverage, industry expertise, and other non-price dimensions. Together, the non-price dimensions account for approximately 30% of the observed underpricing. Furthermore, we posit that venture capitalists (VCs) are especially focused on all-star analyst coverage, and develop the analyst lust theory of the underpricing of VC-backed IPOs. Consistent with this theory, we find that VC’s desire for all-star analyst coverage explains more than 50% of the effect of VCbacking on IPO underpricing.
Determinants of Dividend Policy of Indian Companies

This article analyzes the trends and the determinants of the dividend policy of Indian companies that were continuously paying dividend during the whole period study that is from 1994–1995 to 2012–2013. We have used the static panel data models to carry out this analysis. From the trend analysis we find that larger, more profitable, more mature and highly liquid firms have higher dividend payout ratio, whereas the firms with high investment opportunity, financial leverage and business risk have lower dividend payout ratio. The findings from the panel data analysis suggest that investment opportunity, financial leverage, size of the company, business risk, firm life cycle, profitability, tax and liquidity are the major determinants of the dividend policy for Indian companies. These results were robust across the period also. The findings are consistent with the pecking order, transaction cost, signalling and firm life cycle theories of the dividend policy.
BCG scar and tuberculin reactivity in children and adults

Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination generally leads to scar formation and tuberculin skin test (TST) reactivity. This study aimed at analysing these 2 parameters and their correlation in a setting with a low prevalence of tuberculosis. Retrospectively, we analysed 314 children and 390 adults living in Sweden and known from records or individual recall to have undergone BCG vaccination. A BCG scar was present in 161 (51%) of the children and in 340 (87%) of the adults. Among children with a scar, 94 (58%) were TST-positive (≥6 mm) compared to 23 (15%) of 154 children lacking a visible scar. Among adults with a scar, 258 (76%) were TST- positive compared to 23 (46%) of 50 with no scar. Out of 152 non-vaccinated adults, 142 (94.4%) were TST-negative. When 175 TST-negative health care students were BCG-vaccinated in a prospective part of the study, 174 (99%) were found to develop a scar. In essence, the study showed a positive correlation between scar presence and TST reactivity. Furthermore, BCG vaccination of adults in the present setting resulted in consistent scar formation, while scar prevalence in previously vaccinated children was low.
The High Degree of Sequence Plasticity of the Arenavirus Noncoding Intergenic Region (IGR) Enables the Use of a Nonviral Universal Synthetic IGR To Attenuate Arenaviruses

ABSTRACT Hemorrhagic fever arenaviruses (HFAs) pose important public health problems in regions where they are endemic. Concerns about human-pathogenic arenaviruses are exacerbated because of the lack of FDA-licensed arenavirus vaccines and because current antiarenaviral therapy is limited to an off-label use of ribavirin that is only partially effective. We have recently shown that the noncoding intergenic region (IGR) present in each arenavirus genome segment, the S and L segments (S-IGR and L-IGR, respectively), plays important roles in the control of virus protein expression and that this knowledge could be harnessed for the development of live-attenuated vaccine strains to combat HFAs. In this study, we further investigated the sequence plasticity of the arenavirus IGR. We demonstrate that recombinants of the prototypic arenavirus lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (rLCMVs), whose S-IGRs were replaced by the S-IGR of Lassa virus (LASV) or an entirely nonviral S-IGR-like sequence (Ssyn), are viable, indicating that the function of S-IGR tolerates a high degree of sequence plasticity. In addition, rLCMVs whose L-IGRs were replaced by Ssyn or S-IGRs of the very distantly related reptarenavirus Golden Gate virus (GGV) were viable and severely attenuated in vivo but able to elicit protective immunity against a lethal challenge with wild-type LCMV. Our findings indicate that replacement of L-IGR by a nonviral Ssyn could serve as a universal molecular determinant of arenavirus attenuation. IMPORTANCE Hemorrhagic fever arenaviruses (HFAs) cause high rates of morbidity and mortality and pose important public health problems in regions where they are endemic. Implementation of live-attenuated vaccines (LAVs) will represent a major step to combat HFAs. Here we document that the arenavirus noncoding intergenic region (IGR) has a high degree of plasticity compatible with virus viability. This observation led us to generate recombinant LCMVs containing nonviral synthetic IGRs. These rLCMVs were severely attenuated in vivo but able to elicit protective immunity against a lethal challenge with wild-type LCMV. These nonviral synthetic IGRs can be used as universal molecular determinants of arenavirus attenuation for the rapid development of safe and effective, as well as stable, LAVs to combat HFA.
Infant feeding effects on early neurocognitive development in Asian children.

BACKGROUND Breastfeeding has been shown to enhance global measures of intelligence in children. However, few studies have examined associations between breastfeeding and specific cognitive task performance in the first 2 y of life, particularly in an Asian population. OBJECTIVE We assessed associations between early infant feeding and detailed measures of cognitive development in the first 2 y of life in healthy Asian children born at term. DESIGN In a prospective cohort study, neurocognitive testing was performed in 408 healthy children (aged 6, 18, and 24 mo) from uncomplicated pregnancies (i.e., birth weight >2500 and <4000 g, gestational age ≥37 wk, and 5-min Apgar score ≥9). Tests included memory (deferred imitation, relational binding, habituation) and attention tasks (visual expectation, auditory oddball) as well as the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (BSID-III). Children were stratified into 3 groups (low, intermediate, and high) on the basis of breastfeeding duration and exclusivity. RESULTS After potential confounding variables were controlled for, significant associations and dose-response relations were observed for 4 of the 15 tests. Higher breastfeeding exposure was associated with better memory at 6 mo, demonstrated by greater preferential looking toward correctly matched items during early portions of a relational memory task (i.e., relational binding task: P-trend = 0.015 and 0.050 for the first two 1000-ms time bins, respectively). No effects of breastfeeding were observed at 18 mo. At 24 mo, breastfed children were more likely to display sequential memory during a deferred imitation memory task (P-trend = 0.048), and toddlers with more exposure to breastfeeding scored higher in receptive language [+0.93 (0.23, 1.63) and +1.08 (0.10, 2.07) for intermediate- and high-breastfeeding groups, respectively, compared with the low-breastfeeding group], as well as expressive language [+0.58 (-0.06, 1.23) and +1.22 (0.32, 2.12) for intermediate- and high-breastfeeding groups, respectively] assessed via the BSID-III. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest small but significant benefits of breastfeeding for some aspects of memory and language development in the first 2 y of life, with significant improvements in only 4 of 15 indicators. Whether the implicated processes confer developmental advantages is unknown and represents an important area for future research. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials. gov as NCT01174875.
Does Dividend Stability Provide a Promising Stock Return? Evidence from Bursa Malaysia

This paper examines whether there is any significant impact between a stable dividend policy and firm performance. More recent empirical studies have looked at the association of dividend stability with risk factor. Stable dividend signals the stability of the underlying cash flow as this translates into lower level of uncertainty and business risk, while variable dividend stream will increase fluctuation of cash flows in the hands of shareholders. Thus they will require a higher rate of return in order to compensate them for the uncertainty of cash flows that they have to endure. Using 120 stocks from seven different industries in Malaysia covering over a period of six years from 2001 to 2005, our results suggest that there is no significant impact of dividend stability on stock market return. The results further reveal that dividend stability does differs significantly across different industry sectors.
Effects of Rigid Fixation on the Growing Neurocranium of Immature Rabbits

The improved intraoperative long-term skeletal stability achieved with rigid fixation techniques has led to their widespread popularity and application. However, experimental studies have revealed some drawbacks related to metallic implants and long-term results of clinical studies, especially in pediatric patients, has confirmed the results of experimental studies. Our aim in this experimental study using an infant rabbit model is to answer the following question: "Does short-term skeletal stability cause long-term growth inhibition? " Forty, 9-day-old New Zealand white albino rabbits were divided into four groups: 1) experimental, n = 6: plated across the right coronal suture and two screws on each side of the left coronal suture; 2) re-operation, n = 6: the same materials as group I were placed, and only the plate was removed at the end of 1 month; 3) sham, n = 6: sham control with simulated surgery and two screws on each side of the left coronal suture; 4) control, n = 2: no operation. The animals were killed 6 months after microplate application, and the skulls were evaluated both grossly and cephalometrically. Gross examination showed that the plates and the screws were covered by bony overgrowth and caused bony irregularity and regional bone degeneration. The parietal bones on the plated sides became striated and lost their concave shape. Cephalometric analysis demonstrated overt mastoid tip deviation toward, or shortening of cranionasal length on, the side with rigid fixation. We conclude from our study that rigid fixation during skeletal development causes growth retardation and should not be used in the growing child.
Large-volume breast reduction: Long-term results

Forty-three women had reduction mammaplasty during the period 1992-2000 and the cosmetic outcome was evaluated using subjective and objective measures. The inferior pedicle technique was used in all cases. The mean (SD) weight of resected tissue was 1121 (415) g. All objective measurements were within the ideal range except for breast volume and nipple-to-inframammary-line distance, which were more than ideal. Overall, the median difference in measurements between the two breasts of each woman was less than 10%. However, the subjective evaluations given by both clinicians and the patients for overall symmetry and for general aesthetic appearance fell below the preset threshold. The shape of the breast correlated best with the grades of symmetry and general appearance. There was no correlation between the objective and subjective evaluations of symmetry. The disappointing subjective scores, which may be attributed to the specific characteristics of our sample group, are heavy breasts and overweight patients, a double team approach, and the inevitable pseudoptosis that develops with the inferior pedicle approach. These direct us to recommend searching for an alternative operative technique and to evaluate its long term results, as well as placing the nipple-areola complex lower than the standard inframammary fold projection.
On remote sensing of transient luminous events' parent lightning discharges by ELF/VLF wave measurements on board a satellite

First recordings of satellite ELF/VLF waveform data associated with transient luminous event (TLE) observations are reported from the summer 2005 campaign coordinated by Stanford University and Laboratoire de Physique et Chimie de l'Environnement et de l'Espace (LPCE). TLEs are optically observed from the U.S. Langmuir Laboratory, while ELF/VLF waveform data are simultaneously recorded on board the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales microsatellite DEMETER and on the ground at Langmuir. Analyses of ELF/VLF measurements associated with sprite events observed on 28 July 2005 and 3 August 2005 are presented
Analysis of Passenger-Ferry Routes Using Connectivity Measures

This study examines ferry routes that arrive at a Central Business District (CBD) during peak periods. Ferries are investigated because in certain locations they provide an alternative to buses and private vehicles, with potentially faster and more reliable journey times. The objectives of the study were to (1) conduct a connectivity analysis of existing commuter ferry services and (2) investigate potential demand for ferry services and develop potential new routes. The case study is of Auckland, New Zealand. The first stage of the study analyzed the connectivity of existing ferries routes to the CBD with bus services within the CBD utilizing measures of connectivity with attributes of walking, waiting, and travel times, and scheduled headways. The second stage involved developing new commuter routes from within the greater Auckland region to the CBD. The origins of these new routes were developed based on the potential demand of area units derived from journey-to-work data from the 2006 New Zealand Census. These new routes were then compared with existing bus routes from similar locations to the CBD to provide an additional assessment of the feasibility of the new routes. Finally, recommendations are made on the establishment of the new ferry routes.
A Pilot Test of Indicator Species to Assess Uniqueness of Oak-Dominated Ecoregions in Central Tennessee

INTRODUCTION Ecoregions are large areas of the Earth’s surface that enclose smaller ecosystems having common characteristics (Bailey 1998). Ecoregions may be delineated using differing mapping criteria, but are largely integrations of physical, biological, and cultural components, including climate, geologic formations, soils, terrestrial and aquatic fauna and flora, and land use (Bailey 1983, Omernik and others 2000). Assessment, evaluation, analysis, and planning across subregional areas are increasingly being based on ecoregions (Bryce and others 1999) and particularly land management decisions dealing with water-quality issues (Griffith and others 1999). Ecoregion maps are typically delineated in a subjective, qualitative manner, but generally are not tested because independent datasets are not available. Untested ecoregion maps have been used for purposes such as resource assessments (Rudis 1998).
Plasmodium and Leucocytozoon (Sporozoa: Haemosporida) of Wild Birds in Bulgaria

Three species of parasites of the genus Plasmodium (P. relictum, P. vaughani, P. polare) and 6 species of the genus Leucocytozoon (L. fringillinarum, L. majoris, L. dubreuili, L. eurystomi, L. danilewskyi, L. bennetti) were found in the blood of 1332 wild birds of 95 species (mostly passerines), collected in the period 1997-2001. Data on the morphology, size, hosts, prevalence and infection intensity of the observed parasites are given. The total prevalence of the birds infected with Plasmodium was 6.2%. Plasmodium was observed in blood smears of 82 birds (26 species, all passerines). The highest prevalence of Plasmodium was found in the family Fringillidae: 18.5% (n=65). A high rate was also observed in Passeridae: 18.3% (n=71), Turdidae: 11.2% (n=98) and Paridae: 10.3% (n=68). The lowest prevalence was diagnosed in Hirundinidae: 2.5% (n=81). Plasmodium was found from March until October with no significant differences in the monthly values of the total prevalence. Resident birds were more often infected (13.2%, n=287) than locally nesting migratory birds (3.8%, n=213). Spring migrants and fall migrants were infected at almost the same rate of 4.2% (n=241) and 4.7% (n=529) respectively. Most infections were of low intensity (less than 1 parasite per 100 microscope fields at magnification 2000x). Leucocytozoon was found in 17 wild birds from 9 species (n=1332). The total prevalence of Leucocytozoon was 1.3%.
An Exploratory Investigation into Impulse Buying Behavior in a Transitional Economy: A Study of Urban Consumers in Vietnam

As a transitional economy, Vietnam is open to many new marketing experiences. Along with slowly increasing wealth, changes are occurring in the retail environment as stores begin to replace individual vendors. The changing retail environment suggests the usefulness of understanding shopping behaviors relevant to retail settings. The authors examine impulse buying behaviors of urban consumers in Vietnam. The authors conducted an exploratory study that included both qualitative and quantitative methods to provide a general understanding of urban Vietnamese consumers’ impulse buying behaviors. Results show that individualism, age, and income are significantly related to impulse buying behaviors of Vietnamese consumers. In addition, personal-use products are the most common impulse purchase items, despite the collectivist nature of consumers in Vietnam. The authors’ findings suggest that, at least with respect to impulse buying and despite cultural differences, consumers from transitional economies such as Vietnam may share some common tendencies and behaviors with consumers in advanced economies. The authors discuss other observations and conclude with suggestions for further research.
Intracellular glutathione in the peripheral blood cells of HIV-infected patients: failure to show a deficiency

Objective:To determine whether HIV-infected patients have a deficiency of intracellular glutathione (GSH) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and erythrocytes. Design:Initial experiments determining the stability of intracellular GSH preceded the measurement of GSH levels in 33 HIV-positive patients and 40 control subjects within 1 h of isolation of their blood cells. In addition, the susceptibility of erythrocytes to dapsone hydroxylamine-induced methaemoglobinaemia was evaluated. Methods:GSH levels were determined by an high-performance liquid chromatography method utilizing a fluorescent probe, monobromobimane. The bimane–GSH adduct formed in PBMC was also characterized by mass spectrometry. Methaemoglobin formation on exposure to dapsone hydroxylamine was determined spectrophotometrically. Results:GSH levels remained stable for only 1 h after cell isolation, thereafter showing a decrease of 20 and 60% at 4 and 24 h, respectively. There was no difference in the GSH levels in PBMC and erythrocytes of the HIV-positive patients compared with controls. The GSH levels were not related to the disease stage or to CD4+ cell counts. There was no difference in GSH levels in PBMC taken from trimethoprim–sulphamethoxazole-hypersensitive and non-hypersensitive patients. Methaemoglobinaemia on exposure of erythrocytes to dapsone hydroxylamine was concentration-dependent, but there was no significant difference between patients and controls. Conclusion:In contrast to previous studies, no deficiency of intracellular GSH in the PBMC and erythrocytes of HIV-infected patients was found. The discrepancy between studies may be methodological reflecting the instability of GSH, which requires prompt sample analysis.
Vitiligo Therapy with Oral and Topical Phenylalanine with UVA Exposure

ABSTRACT: The administration of phenylalanine (Phe) combined with UVA exposure was found to be effective in treating vitiligo. Twenty‐one patients with vitiligo were divided in two groups: eleven patients were treated with oral L‐Phe in a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight and with UVA exposure and ten patients were treated with oral L‐Phe in a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight and with UVA exposure. In addition, in the second group, a cream containing 10% L‐Phe was applied to the vitiliginous areas. The best results occurred in the second group. No side effects were found in either group.