Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cultural distance and the performance of international joint ventures: a critical assessment of model specifications and variable measurement

This study provides a critical summary and assessment of the empirical literature on the relationship between cultural distance and the performance of international joint ventures (IJVs) based on studies published over the period 1993-2008. The existing literature reports inconsistent and largely statistically insignificant findings for the relationship. We add to this literature by analysing some 63 empirical studies of the cultural distance - IJV performance linkage. We further confirm the absence of any consistent and statistically significant linkage, despite strong conceptual arguments for anticipating a strong empirical relationship. We also evaluate different proposed explanations of the weak empirical findings in the literature and find some mixed support for these explanations. We conclude with some suggestions for improving the modelling of the cultural distance - IJV performance relationship.
Inflorescence Meristem Identity in Rice Is Specified by Overlapping Functions of Three AP1/FUL-Like MADS Box Genes and PAP2, a SEPALLATA MADS Box Gene[C][W]

This work examines the reproductive phase transition in rice using laser microdissection and microarrays in addition to biochemical and genetic approaches. The results support that PAP2, a MADS box gene belonging to a grass-specific subclade of the SEP subfamily, and three AP1/FUL-like genes coordinately act in the meristem to specify the identity of the inflorescence meristem downstream of the florigen signal. In plants, the transition to reproductive growth is of particular importance for successful seed production. Transformation of the shoot apical meristem (SAM) to the inflorescence meristem (IM) is the crucial first step in this transition. Using laser microdissection and microarrays, we found that expression of PANICLE PHYTOMER2 (PAP2) and three APETALA1 (AP1)/FRUITFULL (FUL)-like genes (MADS14, MADS15, and MADS18) is induced in the SAM during meristem phase transition in rice (Oryza sativa). PAP2 is a MADS box gene belonging to a grass-specific subclade of the SEPALLATA subfamily. Suppression of these three AP1/FUL-like genes by RNA interference caused a slight delay in reproductive transition. Further depletion of PAP2 function from these triple knockdown plants inhibited the transition of the meristem to the IM. In the quadruple knockdown lines, the meristem continued to generate leaves, rather than becoming an IM. Consequently, multiple shoots were formed instead of an inflorescence. PAP2 physically interacts with MAD14 and MADS15 in vivo. Furthermore, the precocious flowering phenotype caused by the overexpression of Hd3a, a rice florigen gene, was weakened in pap2-1 mutants. Based on these results, we propose that PAP2 and the three AP1/FUL-like genes coordinately act in the meristem to specify the identity of the IM downstream of the florigen signal.
Effects of exposure to DAMPS and GSM signals on ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity: I. L-929 mouse fibroblasts

Purpose: A temporary increase in ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity was reported in lysed L-929 fibroblasts after exposure to the microwaves emitted by Digital Advanced Mobile Phone System (DAMPS-835 MHz, 2.5 W/kg, 8 hours). Confirmation of these data was undertaken, given the suggested potential physiopathological consequences, i.e., tumour promotion. Materials and methods: Murine L-929 fibroblasts were exposed at various Specific Absorption rates (SAR) to (DAMPS) or Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) signals using different set-ups. Cell ODC activities were assayed using 14CO2 generation from 14C-labeled L-ornithine. Results: ODC activity in live L-929 cells showed no significant alteration after exposure at an SAR of 2.5 W/kg, for one hour at the end of exposure to 50 Hz-modulated DAMPS-835 using Transverse Electro-Magnetic (TEM) cells. No significant alteration in ODC activity was observed at 6 W/kg, with active fans to regulate temperature (37°C). Tests using cell lysed after exposure in another temperature-controlled set-up (waveguides) did not confirm the published studies reporting increased ODC activity in Radio-Frequency radiation (RFR)-exposed L-929 cells. In the second part of the study, no alteration of ODC activity was detected when L-929 cells were exposed to different RFR signals: 217 Hz modulated GSM-900 (wire-patch antenna) or GSM-1800 (waveguides), and lysed before ODC measurement. Conclusion: We conclude that under our exposure conditions, DAMPS-835 and GSM signals have no influence on ODC activity in L-929 cells.
Somatostatin‐immunoreactivity in the hippocampus of mouse, rat, guinea pig, and rabbit

The hippocampi of species commonly used for in vitro physiologic studies were examined to determine if there were species‐specific and regional differences in somatostatin immunoreactivity. The distributions of somatostatin‐immunoreactive somata and fiber plexuses were determined, and the concentration of somatostatin along the septotemporal axis of the hippocampus was measured using a radioimmunoassay. There are many similarities in the patterns of somatostatin immunoreactivity in the hippocampi of mice, rats, guinea pigs, and rabbits. All species had a relatively even distribution of somatostatin‐positive perikarya across three fields of the hippocampus (dentate gyrus, CA3, and CA1‐2), a similar distribution of somatostatin‐immunoreactive perikarya across the strata of the CA1‐2 field and the dentate gyrus; and more somatostatin‐positive cells in temporal than in septal hippocampus. However, there are species‐specific differences in the distribution of somatostatin‐immunoreactive perikarya across the strata of CA3. In addition, unlike the other species examined, mice appeared not to have a somatostatin‐immunoreactive fiber plexus in the molecular layer of the dentate gyrus. The functional significance of these differences remains to be determined. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Carotid ultrasonographic parameters as markers of atherogenesis and mortality rate in patients on hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND/AIM Vascular endothelium plays an important role in atherogenesis. The aim of this study was to estimate the correlation of endothelium malfunction and arteriosclerosis in patients on hemodialysis. METHODS The investigation was designed as a clinical, non-randomized, five-year study in the "Kragujevac" Clinical Center and included 146 patients. We evaluated demographic characteristics, smoking, duration of dialysis, existence of tissue calcification and duplex ultrasound parameters of the carotid artery. All lethal outcomes, including the cause and time of death were recorded. RESULTS The cumulative survival rate was 57.5%. Survival was short in patients with wider lumen diameter of the carotid arteries. Carotid artery lumen diameter in men was wider than in women. The area cross section was closely correlated with intima media thickness (r = 0.913; p < 0.0001), as well as with the lumen diameter of the carotid arteries (r = 0.527;p < 0.0001). Carotid artery lumen diameter was negatively associated with serum cholesterol (r = -0.278; p = 0.019), while serum triglycerides correlated negatively with the cross section of intima media (r = -0.261; p = 0.028). Positive correlations were found between the serum total protein level and carotid artery lumen diameter (r = 0.235; p = 0.047), cross section intima media (r = 0.269; p = 0.022) and cholesterol (r = 0.248; p = 0.037). Time on dialysis showed a negative correlation with carotid artery cross section (r = -0.241; p = 0.04), while age was positively correlated with intima media (r = 0.295; p = 0.013), lumen diameter (r = 0.296; p = 0.012) and intima media cross section (r = 0.347; p = 0.003). Regression analysis pointed to predictive importance of carotid artery lumen diameter for survival (Beta = 0.437; p = 0.011) of the examined patients. The cumulative rate of survival was 57%. CONCLUSION In our study patient age correlated positively with all parameters of arteriosclerosis. The average duration of dialysis was negatively associated with carotid artery diameter, which was significantly higher in males. Regression correlation analyses indicated that the survival rate of the patients on hemodialysis was lower if the carotid artery diameter was larger.
Transfer Function of the Heart Rate Control System with Respiratory Input - The Classical Engineering Approach

The classic “control system theory” approach was used to find the transfer function (TF) of the HR control system with respiratory input. Eight healthy subjects, ages 19–40 participated in the study. Paced breathing at seven frequencies in 0.5– 0.04 Hz range was used as sine-wave stimuli to assess the HR control system. The sine-wave HR oscillation in response to each stimulus as the system’s output was recorded. Amplitude and phase TFs were calculated for each frequency separately. The Fourier filtration procedure was used for TF calculation. Experimentally obtained TFs revealed the same important features in all participants: 1) the amplitude TF had its peak in a narrow frequency range around 0.1 Hz; 2) the phase TF successively changed from positive to negative when breathing frequency increased, and passed “0” at frequency where the amplitude TF peaked; 3) the peak frequency and magnitude were unique for each participant. These features are evidence for the resonance property of the HR control system at a frequency around 0.1 Hz. This study suggests that accurate identification of an individual’s resonance frequency can be found using the TF features of HR control system and controlled breathing techniques.
How Do New Zealand Firms Manage Foreign Exchange Risk? Survey Evidence

ABSTRACT This paper examines the impact that the relationship between a corporation's board and treasury staff has on foreign exchange hedging policy. Using survey evidence from New Zealand non-financial firms, we find that firms with a more powerful board, more staff, and larger exposures are more likely to have a treasury policy. In addition, firms with a more powerful board are less likely to use options to hedge their exposure. Finally, the majority of firms change hedging decisions based on financial forecasts despite the evidence that these are of no value.
Evolution of the study and practice of personality at work

This article reviews the dynamic evolution of personality research and practice in work organizations from the early 1900s through the present. The article reveals steady-state equilibrium in the world of practice. In contrast, the world of research is shown to be punctuated by rapid changes in conceptual foci, levels of analysis, and methodological approaches, as well as whether or not personality at work is even considered important. Explanations are offered for these trends, including the ways theory and research in the larger world of the study of personality have been reflected in personality research in and on work organizations. The article concludes with some thoughts about revisiting various branches in this evolution and suggestions for the future of personality research and practice in work organizations. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Estimation of technical efficiency by application of the SFA method for panel data

Estimation of the technical efficiency which measures the ability of a company to obtain the maximum output from given inputs or to use the minimum input to achieve given outputs has been considered. Stochastic methods were chosen because of their wide application in research in the whole world. The Translog and Cobb-Douglas stochastic frontiers were fitted in order to estimate the efficiency of milling companies in Poland.
Acellular dermal matrix graft for gingival augmentation: a preliminary clinical, histologic, and ultrastructural evaluation.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to evaluate clinically, histologically, and ultrastructurally the integration process of the acellular dermal matrix used to increase the band of keratinized tissue while achieving gingival inflammation control. METHODS Ten patients exhibiting a mucogingival problem with bands of keratinized tissue <or=1 mm and gingival inflammation of the related teeth were included in the study. The surgical procedures were performed to augment the gingival tissue using acellular dermal matrix. Clinical measurements were assessed at baseline and after 3 months. A specimen of the allograft and surrounding tissues was obtained immediately before the surgery and 4 minutes and 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 10 weeks after grafting. RESULTS Clinically, a gain of keratinized tissue of 2.92 +/- 0.65 mm was observed after 3 months. Histologically and ultrastructurally, many macrophages were observed phagocytosing preexisting collagen fibers in the first weeks. From week 2 on, fibroblasts synthesizing new collagen, epithelial cells colonizing the graft surface, and revascularization were noticed. After 6 weeks it was difficult to find the acellular dermal matrix preexisting collagen fibers. This process of substitution was completed after 10 weeks, when the reepithelialization of the entire graft throughout a well-structured basement membrane was achieved. CONCLUSION The acellular dermal matrix graft seemed to be an easily handled material for use in keratinized tissue augmentation that, in humans, was substituted and completely reepithelialized in 10 weeks according to histologic and ultrastructural results.
ISLAM AND TURKISH NATIONAL IDENTITY : A REAPPRAISAL

The rise of Islamism in Turkey has been widely viewed as the primary threat to the prevailing official conception of Turkish national identity. According to many observers it lies at the heart of Turkey's identity crisis. This view, however, greatly oversimplifies the relationship between Kemalist nationalism and Islam. We need to radically revise the prevalent understanding of Turkish nationalism as a form of secular nationalism, and the relationship between Turkish national identity and Islam. This article argues that Islam plays a pivotal role in constituting Turkish national identity and that it has gradually been accommodated within the official boundaries of Turkish nationalism. By analyzing the relationship between Islam and Turkish national identity and nationalism, we are able to better assess the so-called Islamist challenge in Turkey. The debate between Islamists and secularists in Turkey is about the importance, not the existence, of Islam in shaping Turkish national identity, and the policy implications of this. The rise of political Islam in Turkey, therefore, does not necessarily signal the demise of Turkish nationalism or the crisis of Turkish national identity.
A separate monitoring organ and disclosure of firm-specific information

As the economy is recovering from the recent financial crisis, we explore the appropriateness of a corporate monitoring organ, which is a component separate from the board of directors, to enhance firm-specific information disclosure. Findings of this study, rooted in the evidence from China's stock markets, confirm that having a separate and effective monitoring organ results in a higher level of idiosyncratic risk, as long as the legal environment is sufficiently strong and the functionality of this separate monitoring organ is clearly defined. Effects of regulatory changes and ownership characteristics are addressed to help better understand the corporate governance–idiosyncratic risk relationship. Moreover, this study sheds light on timely global issues about information transparency and supervision, the lack of which becomes one of the major causes of the ongoing financial crisis, and presents an important challenge before corporate governance.
[Glucoregulation in normal weight schizophrenia patients treated by first generation antipsychotics].

INTRODUCTION Schizophrenia patients are at greater risk of obesity, diabetes mellitus (DM), lipid abnormalities and cardiovascular disorders. The metabolic complications in patients are associated with several risk factors: family history of DM, lifestyle, smoking, dietary habits, physical inactivity, but also with antipsychotic medication. In literature, most publications have been focused on the effects of the second generation antipsychotics (SGA) on glucose metabolism. However, less attention has been paid to abnormality in glucoregulation, patients with schizophrenia treated with the first generation antipsychotics (FGA). OBJECTIVE The present study evaluated glucose metabolism in normal weight schizophrenia patients treated with FGA. METHOD The cross-sectional study included 18 patients (FGA treated) and 20 healthy controls with neither group differences in sex distribution, age, nor in BMI. Inclusion criteria were normal BMI (20-25 kg/m2). The glucose levels, insulin levels and growth hormone levels during oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were measured. RESULTS Fasting glucose and insulin levels did not differ significantly between groups. Groups differed in OGTT glucose and insulin peak and area under curve (AUC), level of significance p < 0.05 (patients vs. controls: glucose peak 8.3 +/- 0.4 vs. 6.9 +/- 0.5 mmol/l, glucose AUC 758 +/- 28 vs. 640 +/- 36 mU/l/120 min; insulin peak in patients 92.7 +/- 15.6 mU/l; insulin AUC 6060 +/- 1016 mU/l/120 min, insulin peak in controls 47.9 +/- 6.5 mU/l; insulin AUC 2597 +/- 256 mU/l/120 min). CONCLUSION Patients with schizophrenia, although with normal body mass index, are at high risk of abnormal glucose regulation. Not only SGA increase the risk of impaired glucoregulation and metabolic syndrome, but this may also be due to FGA or schizophrenia per se.
Dispersal Limitations Matter for Microbial Morphospecies

In contrast with macroorganisms, whose geographical ranges are typically restricted, many microbial species appear to have cosmopolitan distributions. This observation has been explained as a consequence of ubiquitous dispersal caused by the enormous population sizes of microbial species. Recently, this “everything is everywhere, but, the environment selects” theory has been challenged by the detection of considerable regional genetic variability within microbial morphospecies. We demonstrate that, contrary to what is expected under ubiquitous dispersal, evidence of regional-scale metacommunity processes can be detected in microbial morphospecies. Our results imply that the microbial and macrobial world are structured by analogous processes.
Court-Ordered Desegregation: Successes and Failures in Integrating American Schools Since Brown

The integration effort following the 1954 Supreme Court Brown vs. Board of Education decision is considered one of the most important education policies of the twentieth century. This paper uses the wide variation in the timing of court-ordered plans to examine how successful these plans were in increasing integration of the schools, given the potential behavioral response of whites. In particular, I evaluate whether racial segregation within court-ordered districts fell and whether these plans were associated with white enrollment losses from those districts. If white enrollment loss—or "white flight"—was severe, integration within these districts will be offset by the rise in between-district segregation. I find strong evidence that districts did integrate schools in the years following implementation of desegregation plans. However, desegregation plans were associated with significant white enrollment losses that offset about one-third of the within-district reductions during the decade after plan implementation. White enrollment losses were particularly severe in districts with more districts in the same metropolitan area. This suggests that the success of the plans was limited by the decision to exclude suburban districts from the plans.
Shareholder Voting and Corporate Governance Around the World

Using a sample of non-U.S. firms from 43 countries, we investigate whether laws and regulations as well as votes cast by U.S. institutional investors are consistent with an effective shareholder voting process. We find that laws and regulations allow for meaningful votes to be cast, as shareholder voting is both mandatory and binding for important elections. For votes cast, we find there is greater dissent voting when investors fear expropriation. Further, greater dissent voting is associated with higher director turnover and more M&A withdrawals. Our results suggest that shareholder voting is an effective mechanism for exercising governance around the world.
Gut inflammation: current update on pathophysiology, molecular mechanism and pharmacological treatment modalities.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic and relapsing inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract. The two main forms of IBD are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. According to the recent concept the disease is caused by a combination of factors, including genetics, immune dysregulation, barrier dysfunction and the change in microbial flora. Environmental factors, such as changes in diet, antibiotic use, smoking or improved domestic hygiene (e.g. eradication of intestinal helminths) probably contribute to the development and increased prevalence of IBD. Dysregulation of mucosal immunity in IBD causes an overproduction of inflammatory cytokines which resulted in uncontrolled intestinal inflammation. Based on extensive research over the last decade, besides the conventional therapy, there are several novel pathways and specific targets, on which focus new therapeutics. New therapeutics aim 1. / to correct genetic susceptibility by stimulating NOD2 expression, TLR3 signaling or inhibition of TLR4 pathway, 2. / to restore the immune dysregulation by inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-13, IL-17, IL-18, IL-21), Th1 polarisation (IL-2, IL-12, IL-23, IFN-γ ), T-cell activation, leukocyte adhesion, as well as by immunostimulation (GM-CSF, G-CSF) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10, IL-11, IFN-β-1a), 3. / to restore mucosal barrier function and stimulate mucosal healing by different growth factors, such as GH, EGF, KGF, TGF-β, VEGF, 4. / to restore the normal bacterial flora by antibiotics, probiotics. However, in spite of these numerous potential targets, the true value and clinical significance of most of the new biologics and molecules are not clear yet.
Does an informal sector reduce the economic dividends of political stability? Empirical evidence.

Political stability is generally hailed as an asset that yields positive economic dividends. In particular, the macroeconomic environment is likely to benefit from political stability. On the other hand, the existence of a sizeable shadow (or informal) economy represents institutional weaknesses and may undermine the macroeconomic environment. The latter effect is more likely if the shadow economy reduces the government’s tax revenues and disturbs the balance of demand and supply for formal businesses. This paper tests these contradictory tendencies. Circumventing the issues related to reverse causality and endogeneity of the informal sector, we define a qualitative variable for the size of the informal sector. The qualitative variable assumes a value of 1 for all the countries having an informal sector exceeding 25 percent of GDP on average over our sample period. Using a large data set of 162 countries over the 1999 to 2007 period we find that an informal sector can undermine the positive effect of political stability. The results are robust against alternative specifications and satisfy the usual assumptions of valid empirical analysis.
The ERM breakdown: a spatial econometric approach

This study proposes a spatial autoregressive model to investigate whether pure contagion effects occurred during the European exchange market turmoil in 1992. It defines pure contagion as spatial autocorrelation between countries in excess to that which can be explained by economic fundamentals. By doing so, it is possible to predict the effectiveness of rescue packages and foreign supports for each country of the dataset.