Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Capital Structure and Firm Performance: Empirical Evidence from India

This paper studies the impact of capital structure or financial leverage on firm financial performance. A sample size of 422 listed Indian manufacturing companies on Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) has been taken to analyze the relationship between leverage and firm performance. A period of 10 years from 2003–2004 to 2012–2013 and annual financial standalone data have been considered to analyze the leverage effect. Ratio analysis and panel data approach have been applied to perform the empirical study. Return on asset, return on equity and Tobin’s Q are used as the proxy for measuring the firm’s financial performance. It was found that financial leverage has no impact on the firm’s financial performance parameters of return on asset and Tobin’s Q. However, it is negative and significantly correlated with return on equity. Other independent variables like size, age, tangibility, sales growth, asset turnover and ownership structure are significant determinants of a firm’s financial performance in the Indian manufacturing sector. Thus, the findings of the study would enhance the literature on capital structure and is relevant for the Indian manufacturing industry in taking its capital structure decisions as it is based on the most recent data and covers the period of both pre- and post-recession of 2008–2009. There is an adverse effect of recession on the financial performance of the Indian manufacturing firms.
Impaired Binding of 14-3-3 to C-RAF in Noonan Syndrome Suggests New Approaches in Diseases with Increased Ras Signaling

ABSTRACT The Ras-RAF-mitogen-activated protein kinase (Ras-RAF-MAPK) pathway is overactive in many cancers and in some developmental disorders. In one of those disorders, namely, Noonan syndrome, nine activating C-RAF mutations cluster around Ser259, a regulatory site for inhibition by 14-3-3 proteins. We show that these mutations impair binding of 14-3-3 proteins to C-RAF and alter its subcellular localization by promoting Ras-mediated plasma membrane recruitment of C-RAF. By presenting biophysical binding data, the 14-3-3/C-RAFpS259 crystal structure, and cellular analyses, we indicate a mechanistic link between a well-described human developmental disorder and the impairment of a 14-3-3/target protein interaction. As a broader implication of these findings, modulating the C-RAFSer259/14-3-3 protein-protein interaction with a stabilizing small molecule may yield a novel potential approach for treatment of diseases resulting from an overactive Ras-RAF-MAPK pathway.
Hierarchical analysis of gravitational-wave measurements of binary black hole spin–orbit misalignments

Binary black holes may form both through isolated binary evolution and through dynamical interactions in dense stellar environments. The formation channel leaves an imprint on the alignment between the black hole spins and the orbital angular momentum. Gravitational waves from these systems directly encode information about the spin--orbit misalignment angles, allowing them to be (weakly) constrained. Identifying sub-populations of spinning binary black holes will inform us about compact binary formation and evolution. We simulate a mixed population of binary black holes with spin--orbit misalignments modelled under a range of assumptions. We then develop a hierarchical analysis and apply it to mock gravitational-wave observations of these populations. Assuming a population with dimensionless spin magnitudes of $\chi = 0.7$, we show that tens of observations will make it possible to distinguish the presence of subpopulations of coalescing binary black holes based on their spin orientations. With $100$ observations it will be possible to infer the relative fraction of coalescing binary black holes with isotropic spin directions (corresponding to dynamical formation in our models) with a fractional uncertainty of $\sim 40\%$. Meanwhile, only $\sim 5$ observations are sufficient to distinguish between extreme models---all binary black holes either having exactly aligned spins or isotropic spin directions.
Age-related iron deposition in the basal ganglia: quantitative analysis in healthy subjects.

PURPOSE To determine the values of iron accumulation in the basal ganglia of healthy volunteers of different ages with R2* and raw signal intensity measurements from T1-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images, supported by voxel-based relaxometry (VBR), and to compare them with previously reported iron concentrations found in autopsy material. MATERIALS AND METHODS The ethics committee approved the study, and the participants or their parents gave written informed consent. Eighty subjects (41 female and 39 male subjects; age range, 1-80 years) were examined at 1.5 T. For each subject, R2* values were calculated. Curves for R2* versus age were obtained for globus pallidus (GP), putamen, caudate nucleus, substantia nigra (SN), and frontal white matter (FWM). To highlight possible differences in iron concentration among the age decades, VBR was applied. Signal intensity values were estimated on T1-weighted fast low-angle shot images, and regions of interest were drawn in each nucleus. R2* values were also compared with iron concentrations reported in a postmortem study. Statistical analysis was performed (t test), and a difference with P < . 05 (FDR corrected) was significant. RESULTS The curves for R2* versus age showed an exponential increase with increasing age in all the basal ganglia. VBR demonstrated significant differences (P < .05, corrected) in the comparison between the 2nd and the following decades for lenticular nuclei. Good correlation coefficients were found for GP (R(2) = 0.64), putamen (R(2) = 0.51), and SN (R(2) = 0.53) when compared with findings in the postmortem study. Signal intensity curves were similar to the R2* curves. CONCLUSION R2* measurements can be used to quantify brain iron accumulation and thus may allow better evaluation of neurodegenerative diseases associated with iron deposition.
Online grocery shopping: the influence of situational factors

Purpose – This paper seeks to understand the triggers which influence the adoption (and the discontinuation) of online grocery shopping. Specifically, the research aims to establish the role of situational factors in the process of adoption.Design/methodology/approach – A two‐step research process is employed. First, exploratory qualitative research is carried out, with the purpose of gaining an in‐depth understanding of consumers' online grocery shopping behaviour. This is followed by a large‐scale quantitative survey extending the findings of the qualitative research and validating the role of situational factors in instigating the commencement (and discontinuation) of online grocery buying. Cluster analysis is used to segment consumers based on the importance of specific types of situations.Findings – Both qualitative and quantitative results establish the importance of situational factors, such as having a baby or developing health problems, as triggers for starting to buy groceries online. Many shopp.
A Sodium Zinc Exchange Mechanism Is Mediating Extrusion of Zinc in Mammalian Cells*

Zinc influx, driven by a steep inward electrochemical gradient, plays a fundamental role in zinc signaling and in pathophysiologies linked to intracellular accumulation of toxic zinc. Yet, the cellular transport mechanisms that actively generate or maintain the transmembrane gradients are not well understood. We monitored Na+-dependent Zn2+ transport in HEK293 cells and cortical neurons, using fluorescent imaging. Treatment of the HEK293 cells with CaPO4 precipitates induced Na+-dependent Zn2+ extrusion, against a 500-fold transmembrane zinc gradient, or zinc influx upon reversal of Na+ gradient, thus indicating that Na+/Zn2+ exchange is catalyzing active Zn2+ transport. Depletion of intracellular ATP did not inhibit the Na+-dependent Zn2+ extrusion, consistent with a mechanism involving a secondary active transporter. Inhibitors of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger failed to inhibit Na+-dependent Zn2+ efflux. In addition, zinc transport was unchanged in HEK293 cells heterologously expressing functional cardiac or neuronal Na+/Ca2+ exchangers, thus indicating that the Na+/Zn2+ exchange activity is not mediated by the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger. Sodium-dependent zinc exchange, facilitating the removal of intracellular zinc, was also monitored in neurons. To our knowledge, the Na+/Zn2+ exchanger described here is the first example of a mammalian transport mechanism capable of Na+-dependent active extrusion of zinc. Such mechanism is likely to play an important role, not only in generating the transmembrane zinc gradients, but also in protecting cells from the potentially toxic effects of permeation of this ion.
Analyst forecast dispersion, trading volume, and stock return

We examine the relationship between opinion divergence among analysts, trading volume, and stock returns around earnings announcements. We find that the positive relation between volume and subsequent returns is stronger among stocks with lower dispersion in analysts’ earnings estimates. We show that the high -volume stocks with low opinion divergence also have good past performance, suggesting that the selling pressure from investors with disposition effect may be the cause for the positive volumereturn relationship.
The effect of word of mouth on inbound tourists' decision for traveling to Islamic destinations (the case of Isfahan as a tourist destination in Iran)

Purpose – Word of mouth (WOM) is becoming recognized as an important form of promotion and an important source of information influencing consumer's attitudes and purchase behavior. WOM is especially important in the tourism industry, whose intangible products are difficult to evaluate prior to their consumption. The purpose of this paper is to survey the effect of WOM on tourists' decision for travelling to an Islamic destination.Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected through a field research among 224 inbound tourists who have visited Isfahan as an Islamic destination, and the data were analyzed using regression and correlation. Additionally, analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applicable for the inference relationships between tourist characteristics and using WOM. The survey period was from June 2 to June 29, 2010.Findings – Two findings have been concluded in this survey. First, WOM affects the decision of tourists for travelling to Isfahan. Second, nationality, gender, purpose of trip, and p.
Downregulation of Robust Acute Type I Interferon Responses Distinguishes Nonpathogenic Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV) Infection of Natural Hosts from Pathogenic SIV Infection of Rhesus Macaques

ABSTRACT The mechanisms underlying the AIDS resistance of natural hosts for simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) remain unknown. Recently, it was proposed that natural SIV hosts avoid disease because their plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are intrinsically unable to produce alpha interferon (IFN-α) in response to SIV RNA stimulation. However, here we show that (i) acute SIV infections of natural hosts are associated with a rapid and robust type I IFN response in vivo, (ii) pDCs are the principal in vivo producers of IFN-α/β at peak acute infection in lymphatic tissues, and (iii) natural SIV hosts downregulate these responses in early chronic infection. In contrast, persistently high type I IFN responses are observed during pathogenic SIV infection of rhesus macaques.
An impact of information security breach on hotel guests’ perception of service quality, satisfaction, word-of-mouth and revisit intentions for masters of science degree

Importance of information technology for hotel operations cannot be denied. However, the advantages, that different applications employed in the lodging industry provide, come together with potential threats. One of them is information vulnerability. Statistics say that about 55% of the credit card breaches happen in the hospitality industry (Cougias, 2008 in Haley & Connolly, 2008). The primarily purpose of this study is to investigate an impact of information security breach on hotel guests’ perceived service quality, satisfaction, likelihood of recommending a hotel to others and revisit intentions. 574 US travelers participated in the experimental study. The respondents were exposed to three different scenarios: negative, where an information security breach happened in the hotel where a person stayed last and guest information was compromised; neutral, that introduces the case of information security breach where guest information stayed safe; and a positive one that tells participants about comprehensive security audit in a hotel where they stayed last which means that information is properly handled and secured. The results of the study revealed a significant impact of the treatments on three out of four variables: satisfaction, likelihood of recommending a hotel to others and revisit intentions.
On the feasibility and impact of digital fingerprinting for system recognition

Die vorliegende Dissertation setzt den Fokus auf die Machbarkeit von Fingerprinting in verschiedenen Szenarien, bspw. Browser-Fingerprinting im Webkontext oder Hardware-basiertes Fingerprinting und relevante Techniken. Zudem werden die Auswirkungen von Fingerprinting erforscht, einschlieslich der Risiken fur die Privatsphare der Nutzer und die Moglichkeiten, bestehende Sicherheitsmechanismen zu verbessern. Das Fingerprinting mobiler Gerate gilt als schwierig, da diese hoch standardisiert sind, im Gegensatz zu Desktop-Computern, die sich stark personalisieren lassen. In der Regel ist Fingerprinting weniger wirksam in einer homogenen Gruppe von Geraten. Unsere Ergebnisse zeigen sowohl die Machbarkeit des digitalen Fingerprintings als auch seine Grenzen. Wir prasentieren verschiedene Anwendungen fur diese neue Technik und untersuchen ihre Auswirkungen, Risiken und Einsatzmoglichkeiten.
Evaluating the Relationship between Economic Value-Added and Stock Return in Companies Listed at Tehran Stock Exchange

Maximization of wealth is the major purpose of a business unit. Nowadays, economic value added (EVA) is considered to be the most important criterion for evaluation of internal performance. On the other hand, stock return is another key factor in decisions of the stock. It provides some information which is used by many potential and actual investors for financial analysis and prediction. Thus, the present study aims at evaluating the relationship between economic value-added and stock return of companies listed at Tehran Stock Exchange from 2004 to 2010. The samples are chosen by the use of systematic elimination method and include 70 companies. Here, EVA is the dependent variable and stock return is the independent variable. The study proposes a hypothesis explaining the relationship between economic value-added and stock return. Excel and SPSS 17 are used for data analysis. Statistical methods include the correlation coefficient (R), determination coefficient, significant t- and f-statistics. Results of testing the hypothesis with linear regression method indicate a significant and positive relationship between economic value-added and stock return.
European guidelines for quality assurance in colorectal cancer screening and diagnosis. First Edition – Professional requirements and training

Multidisciplinary, evidence-based guidelines for quality assurance in colorectal cancer screening and diagnosis have been developed by experts in a project coordinated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. The full guideline document covers the entire process of population-based screening. It consists of 10 chapters and over 250 recommendations, graded according to the strength of the recommendation and the supporting evidence. The 450-page guidelines and the extensive evidence base have been published by the European Commission. The chapter on professional requirements and training includes 23 graded recommendations. The content of the chapter is presented here to promote international discussion and collaboration by making the principles and standards recommended in the new EU Guidelines known to a wider professional and scientific community. Following these recommendations has the potential to enhance the control of colorectal cancer through improvement in the quality and effectiveness of surveillance and other elements in the screening process, including multi-disciplinary diagnosis and management of the disease.
An examination of consumers ' resistance to computer-based technologies

Purpose – This paper aims to provide a better understanding of non-adoption of technological interfaces. The majority of diffusion research on technological innovations does not distinguish clearly between non-adoption and resistance behavior and assumes a symmetrical or linear relationship between the positive and negative influencing factors. As a result, it has not recognized the different types of non-adoption. Design/methodology/approach – The determinants of customers ' propensity to adopt or not to adopt computer-based technologies were examined in the context of internet banking. Several multivariate analysis methods were combined to examine the dimensionality of the constructs involved and their explanatory power on customer intentions and usage behavior. Findings – The resulting five dimensions revealed new links that help to explain customer intention in relation to usage behavior. The results reveal that some of the factors explaining non-adoption are not the opposite of those explaining adopt.
Dissecting Insider Trading in Credit Derivatives

This article investigates the conditional information flow from the CDS market to the equity market. We propose a price impact measure to distinguish between credit events that are likely associated with informed trading and credit events that are likely occurring for liquidity reasons. In our framework we are able to document incidents of insider trading that would not have otherwise been detected. Furthermore, we find robust evidence that insider trading does not negatively affect the CDS market liquidity provision.
Modulation of gingival epithelial phenotypes by interactions with regionally defined populations of fibroblasts.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The unusual structure and functions of junctional epithelium, together with its pattern of migration in periodontal disease, raise interesting questions about the factors associated with the maintenance of its unique phenotype. To explore the effects of regionally differing fibroblast populations on the growth and patterns of differentiation of oral epithelia, this study used an organotypical in vitro model in an attempt to detect interactions occurring between populations of human oral fibroblasts and keratinocytes. MATERIAL AND METHODS Keratinocytes and fibroblasts, isolated from the gingival region and periodontal ligament, were characterized by their patterns of growth and by their expression of known differentiation markers. Changes in cell behaviour and phenotypic marker expression were examined during in vitro passage as an indication of the maintenance of in vivo phenotypic traits. Using early passage cells, organotypical cultures were generated and patterns of epithelial growth and expression of phenotypic markers were examined. RESULTS Phenotypically different populations of junctional and oral-gingival keratinocytes, and of oral-gingival and periodontal ligament fibroblasts, were successfully isolated, cultured and characterized. In the organotypic culture system, oral-gingival fibroblasts were found to have a markedly greater ability than periodontal ligament fibroblasts to support and maintain the growth of either type of epithelium. Shifts of epithelial phenotype were induced by different fibroblasts. CONCLUSION Periodontal and gingival fibroblast subpopulations have differential effects on the growth and patterns of differentiation of oral and junctional epithelia. By modulating the epithelial phenotype, regionally differing fibroblasts can influence the stability and behaviour of the gingival attachment apparatus in health and disease.
Preparation and characterization of ibuprofen microspheres

Ibuprofen was microencapsulated with Eudragit RS using an o/w emulsion solvent evaporation technique. The effects of three formulation variables including the drug:polymer ratio, emulsifier (polyvinyl alcohol) concentration and organic solvent (chloroform) volume on the entrapment efficiency and microspheres size distribution were examined. The drug release rate from prepared microspheres and the release kinetics were also studied. The results demonstrated that microspheres with good range of particle size can be prepared, depending on the formulation components. The drug:polymer ratio had a considerable effect on the entrapment efficiency. However, particle size distribution of microspheres was more dependent on the volume of chloroform and polyvinyl alcohol concentration rather than the drug:polymer ratio. The drug release pattern showed a burst effect for all prepared microspheres due to the presence of uncovered drug crystals on the surface. It was shown that the release profiles of all formulations showed good correlation with the Higuchi model of release.
Functional Neuroanatomy of Sustained Memory Encoding Performance in Healthy Aging and in Alzheimer's Disease

ABSTRACT The aim of our study was to examine brain networks involved with sustaining memory encoding performance in healthy aging and in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Since different brain regions are affected by degradation in these two conditions, it might be conceivable that different compensation mechanisms occur to keep up memory performance in aging and in AD. Using an event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI) design and a correlation analysis, 8 patients suffering from AD and 29 elderly control subjects were scanned while they studied a list of words for a subsequent memory test. Individual performance was assessed on the basis of a subsequent recognition test, and brain regions were identified where functional activations during study correlated with memory performance. In both groups, successful memory encoding performance was significantly correlated with the activation of the right frontal cortex. Furthermore, in healthy controls, there was a significant correlation of memory performance and the activation of the left medial and lateral temporal lobe. In contrast, in AD patients, increasing memory performance goes along with increasing activation of the hippocampus and a bilateral brain network including the frontal and temporal cortices. Our data show that in healthy aging and in AD, common and distinct compensatory mechanisms are employed to keep up a certain level of memory performance. Both in healthy aging and in patients with AD, an increased level of monitoring and control processes mediated by the (right) frontal lobe seems to be necessary to maintain a certain level of memory performance. In addition, memory performance in healthy older subjects seems to rely on an increased effort in encoding item-specific semantic and contextual information in lateral areas of the (left) temporal lobe. In AD patients, on the other hand, the maintenance of memory performance is related to an increase of activation of the (left) hippocampus in conjunction with a bilateral network of cortical areas that might be involved with phonological and visual rehearsal of the incoming information.