Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Webpage Background and Viewer Attitudes

ABSTRACT For technical reasons commercials on the web, in the near future, are likely to appear in a portion of the monitor. If the videos do not fill up the entire screen, then the question becomes what should take up the rest of the space? Does the type of background have a significant impact on one's attitude toward the commercial, the product being promoted, and the website itself? This paper reports an experiment to explore the potential relationship between webpage background and viewer attitudes. The results indicate that simpler backgrounds have significantly more positive impacts on attitude-toward-the-ad, attitude-toward-the-brand, purchase intention, and attitude-toward-the-website. These results are especially relevant for those situations where it is expected that the commercials will only be seen once.
Managing Young Professional Talent in the UAE: Work Motivators and Gender Differences

Emiratization Gender Workforce participation United Arab Emirates The United Arab Emirates (UAE) labour force is male dominated but corporations have recently awakened to the potential of an untapped human capital source – young women professionals. However, the successful encouragement of female workforce participation requires companies to understand what motivates their vocational choices. Yet, there is a scarcity of gender research on work motivational preferences of professionals in the Arabian Gulf. Hence, this study investigated gender differences in the work preferences of Generation (Gen) Y professionals in the UAE petroleum industry. Surveys and interviews were conducted with 150 respondents from nine petroleum companies in Abu Dhabi. The findings showed that male and female respondents valued most intrinsic and extrinsic work motivators. Specific motivators preferred by both genders were found and changes in the importance placed on specific motivators, by each gender, in recruitment were compared with retention. Recommendations for recruitment and retention of Gen Y provided would help companies manage this young generation who are vital to the energy industry. This study contributed to scarce research on Gen Y in the UAE and extended previous studies on Emirati Gen Y at work.
Symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

OBJECTIVE Obsessive-compulsive disorder encompasses a broad range of symptoms that represent multiple psychological domains, including perception, cognition, emotion, social relatedness, and diverse motor behaviors. The purpose of these analyses was to evaluate the correlational relationships of the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder. METHOD This study examined the 13 a priori categories used to group types of obsessions and compulsions in the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale symptom checklist in two independent groups of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (N = 208 and N = 98). A principal-components factor analysis with varimax rotation was performed, followed by a series of other exploratory analyses. RESULTS The two data sets yielded nearly identical results. Four factors--obsessions and checking, symmetry and ordering, cleanliness and washing, and boarding--emerged in each data set, in total accounting for more than 60% of the variance. CONCLUSIONS Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a multidimensional and etiologically heterogeneous condition. The four symptom dimensions identified in this study are largely congruent with those identified in earlier reports. These factors may be of value in future genetic, neurobiological, and treatment response studies.
Technological Change and the Stock Market

Tobin’s average q has usually been well above 1, but fell below 1 during 1974– 1984. Our model explains this pattern and reconciles it with unchanging aggregate investment. The stock market value in the numerator of q re ects ownership of physical capital and knowledge, but the denominator measures just physical capital. Therefore, q is usually above 1. Periodic arrivals of important new technologies, such as the microprocessor in the 1970’s, suddenly render old knowledge and capital obsolete, causing the stock market to drop. National accounts measures of physical capital miss this rapid obsolescence. Then q appears to drop below 1. (JEL E44, O3, O41)
Emotional considerations and attending involvement ameliorates organ donation in brain dead pediatric trauma victims.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to ascertain a strategy for maximizing parental consent for organ donation in traumatically injured children suffering from brain death. Our hypothesis was that appropriate attending surgeon involvement and delay in evaluating children for brain death leads to an increased percentage of organ donors. METHODS From January 1993 to August 1999, the records of all children who died in a Level I trauma center were evaluated. Those children suffering brain death that were suitable for organ donation were entered into the study. Cases were reviewed for patient demographics, time to entry into brain death protocol (measured from time of admission), time to parent notification about brain death (measured from time of admission), specific attending involved in the case (with level of involvement), and success of organ donation request. In all, 43 charts were reviewed. RESULTS Of 43 deaths, 33 were deemed suitable for donation. Age of suitable donors ranged from 1 month to 18 years. In all, 11 attending physicians were involved in the care of these children. Overall, 20 of 33 were organ donors (60%). When the attending surgeon was involved, donation success for organ retrieval was 86%, whereas if the attending was not involved personally, the success rate dropped to 23% (p < 0.04). One senior pediatric surgeon obtained a success rate of 12 of 12 children. It was this surgeon's policy to not initiate brain death protocols in children immediately on entry into the emergency room, but rather to delay initiation until family could be gathered and spend time with the affected child in order that the family could recover from the initial shock of trauma (always at least overnight). When time to initiation of brain death protocol was examined, success was obtained when a delay of 15.5 hours was respected, versus 7.0 hours when donation was requested but denied (p < 0.03). CONCLUSION These data indicate that attending involvement is important when parents of brain dead children are asked about organ retrieval (p < 0.04). Delay in initiating brain death protocols in order for family members to deal with the shock of the initial trauma appears to increase willingness to participate in organ donation.
Intracellular Trafficking and Localization of the Pseudorabies Virus Us9 Type II Envelope Protein to Host and Viral Membranes

ABSTRACT The Us9 protein is a phosphorylated membrane protein present in the lipid envelope of pseudorabies virus (PRV) particles in a unique tail-anchored type II membrane topology. In this report, we demonstrate that the steady-state residence of the Us9 protein is in a cellular compartment in or near the trans-Golgi network (TGN). Through internalization assays with an enhanced green fluorescent protein epitope-tagged Us9 protein, we demonstrate that the maintenance of Us9 to the TGN region is a dynamic process involving retrieval of molecules from the cell surface. Deletion analysis of the cytoplasmic tail reveals that an acidic cluster containing putative phosphorylation sites is necessary for the recycling of Us9 from the plasma membrane. The absence of this cluster results in the relocalization of Us9 to the plasma membrane due to a defect in endocytosis. The acidic motif, however, does not contain signals needed to direct the incorporation of Us9 into viral envelopes. In this study, we also investigate the role of a dileucine endocytosis signal in the Us9 cytoplasmic tail in the recycling and retention of Us9 to the TGN region. Site-directed mutagenesis of the dileucine motif results in an increase in Us9 plasma membrane staining and a partial internalization defect.
An Effective Heuristic Algorithm for the Traveling-Salesman Problem

This paper discusses a highly effective heuristic procedure for generating optimum and near-optimum solutions for the symmetric traveling-salesman problem. The procedure is based on a general approach to heuristics that is believed to have wide applicability in combinatorial optimization problems. The procedure produces optimum solutions for all problems tested, "classical" problems appearing in the literature, as well as randomly generated test problems, up to 110 cities. Run times grow approximately as n2; in absolute terms, a typical 100-city problem requires less than 25 seconds for one case GE635, and about three minutes to obtain the optimum with above 95 per cent confidence.
Generic and disease-specific quality of life in adolescents with type 1 diabetes: comparison to age-matched healthy peers

Abstract Background: This study aimed to evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) on the basis of the pediatric quality of life inventory™ (PedsQL™) generic and diabetes-specific modules, and to compare it to that of healthy peers. Methods: This retrospective case-control study involved 650 participants between ages of 13 and 19 years including 296 adolescents with T1DM from four diabetes centers and 354 healthy peers matched for age and gender from three different cities of the country. Participants completed the validated PedsQL™ for assessing the HRQoL. The analysis included an independent t-test to compare the means of the total and subscales of the PedsQL™ between boys and girls as well as between a healthy group and a group with T1DM. Gender differences in exercise, insulin therapy modalities were evaluated with the Pearson χ2-test. Results: Adolescents with T1DM have similar HRQoL in all domains when compared to their healthy counterparts. Females report worse HRQoL regardless of the presence of the disease. Insulin pump therapy facilitates better glycemic control and HRQoL. Regular exercise positively correlates with the generic HRQoL in both groups; however, it has no relationship with glycemic control. Conclusions: Optimal metabolic control and improved HRQoL are the eventual goals of diabetes management. Despite the difficulties, adolescents with diabetes can manage their disease well and live normal lives, similar to their healthy peers. Although diabetes-related problems exist, it seems that regular exercise and staying physically active, as well as promoting insulin pump therapy where it is applicable are related to favorable HRQoL.
Cloud Computing (SaaS) Adoption as a Strategic Technology: Results of an Empirical Study

The present study empirically analyzes the factors that determine the adoption of cloud computing (SaaS model) in firms where this strategy is considered strategic for executing their activity. A research model has been developed to evaluate the factors that influence the intention of using cloud computing that combines the variables found in the technology acceptance model (TAM) with other external variables such as top management support, training, communication, organization size, and technological complexity. Data compiled from 150 companies in Andalusia (Spain) are used to test the formulated hypotheses. The results of this study reflect what critical factors should be considered and how they are interrelated. They also show the organizational demands that must be considered by those companies wishing to implement a real management model adopted to the digital economy, especially those related to cloud computing.
Innovation and Insider Trading

The study finds that insiders' purchases in large firms precede the patent applications for innovations. US publicly held large firms increase their innovation quality by 25% subsequent to the share purchase of top insiders, as measured by non-self citations received per patent applied. The average cumulative abnormal returns of insiders on their purchases prior to the important patent applications are economically large and significant especially in the long run. The use of private information by insiders seems to be less prevalent in firms with better corporate governance. Firm innovation quality also deteriorates after insiders sell their share in the company
Attitude towards Online Shopping Activities in Malaysia Public University

The purpose of this paper is to examine the level of attitude towards online shopping activities among undergraduate and postgraduate students in Malaysian public university. By applying a quantitative survey approach, a total of 800 questionnaires were distributed to the students by handing them out, subsequently 662 questionnaires were usable for analysis. Systematic sampling technique was applied in this research and the measurement instruments are adapted from several resources that high in internal consistency. The final response rate was 83% and data was then analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. By referring to the mean score, this research recommended the overall score for attitude was of moderate level. Future study was suggested to include also other variables and different sample frame could be inserted for further investigation. Finally, the current study could provide an informative idea to the country, business as well as the consumers for the potential to perform online shopping. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015. v6n2s1p456
Methionine synthase polymorphism is a risk factor for Alzheimer disease

&NA; Alzheimer disease (AD) patients show increased plasma levels of homocysteine, whose conversion to methionine is catalyzed by methionine synthase (MS). Although altered MS activity may result from the MS A2756G polymorphism, the latter's possible association with AD remains unexplored. To assess whether the MS A2756G polymorphism holds any influence on AD risk, we have analyzed 172 AD patients and 166 controls. We have also investigated whether the MS‐A or MS‐G allele interacts with the APOE4 allele. Our results indicate that association with the MS‐AA genotype is an APOE4 allele‐independent risk factor for AD. These findings provide novel evidence implicating genetic enzymatic alterations of homocysteine metabolic pathways in the pathogenesis of AD.
Compensatory growth after under-nutrition in market turkeys.

Synopsis Five levels of protein were fed from o to 6 weeks of age, resulting in groups of poults whose body weights at 6 weeks were depressed by 8, 25 and 50 per cent below maximum. After 6 weeks, all groups were fed adequate amounts of protein and the undernourished poults showed substantial compensatory growth. The treatment which resulted in a mean body weight 25 per cent below controls at 6 weeks gave only a 3 per cent reduction in live‐weight at 14 weeks of age. Undernourished poults ate more food at any given live‐weight between 6 and 14 weeks of age than did fully fed controls when they were at the same live‐weight. Food conversion was better in undernourished than in fully fed poults in the 6 to 14 week period even after a correction had been made for differences in the food required to maintain different body weights. Taking the whole period from o to 14 weeks, there was a small improvement in the efficiency of food conversion and a large increase in the efficiency of protein conversion to body w.
Controversial Minority Shareholder: An Empirical Analysis

I analyze 136 large minority block purchases made by a group of controversial investors in Europe during 1990-2001. Contrary to the hypothesis that wants these investors expropriate the target companies, there is a positive market reaction to the first public announcement of these purchases. In the long-run, controversial investors earn an abnormal profit when they sell their stakes. When they still hold their positions at the end of the sample period (31 December 2001), abnormal returns are insignificant. Neither is there evidence that their activities improve operating performance, since ROA does not improve after the acquisitions. The findings are consistent with a superior stock picking ability of these investors, but they are not consistent with the hypothesis that these investors are governance champions.
The Relationship between Talent Management and Organizational Commitment in International Division of Tejarat Bank, Iran

Talent management assures that each employee with the talents and special skills was located in the right job and also his career path is clear and operates as an increasing stimulation factor for better employment opportunities, both within and outside the organization. These factors prepare the ground for increasing employee’s commitment to the organization. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between talents management and organizational commitment in international division of Tejarat Bank. This study is a descriptive-correlation research that was conducted through the survey method. The study population consisted of all employees in international division of Tejarat Bank. 148 subjects were selected as a sample according to Morgan’s table. To analyze data descriptive and inferential statistics were used including correlation test of Kendall and Partial and ranking test of Friedman. Data gathering tool was questionnaires of talent management and organizational commitment. The findings of the research show that there is a significant relationship between talent management and its sub variables as attracting the talents, talents maintenance and talents development with organizational commitment and also there is a relationship between talents management and organizational commitment according to demographic variables.
Three Essays in Venture Capital

This thesis examines various issues related to venture capital (VC) firms. The thesis consists of three essays that try to answer the following questions: Do local VC firms benefit from their syndication experience with foreign partners? Do VC firms benefit from their directorships in mature public companies? What do we know about the failure of VC firms? The first essay examines the benefits of cross-border syndication to ? local? (in the context of the first essay, Asian) VC firms. The main finding is that, post-syndication, local VC firms invest more in the high-tech industry than they did pre-syndication. I interpret this as a result of enhanced knowledge and confidence in assessing and taking on rather risky investments. Further, local VC firms have a higher likelihood of successful exits from their portfolio companies post-syndication. I interpret these results as being benefits to local VC firms that they derive from syndicating with their foreign partners. Overall, my results indicate that there are tangible benefits for local VC firms from syndicating with international VC partners. These benefits are more pronounced when the foreign partners are from North America or Europe.The second essay examines the benefits to venture capital firms through their directorships in mature public companies. I investigate the benefits to venture capital firms in terms of fundraising and investment performance. First, my empirical results show that venture capital firms raise more funds and set higher fund-raising targets during the post-directorship period. Second, I show that venture capital firms are more likely to exit successfully from their investments post-appointment as a board of director in an S&P 1500 company. Overall, my results indicate that being on the board of mature public companies brings tangible benefits to venture capital firms.The third essay examines the failure of VC firms. Based on a sample of 2,752 VC firms in the United States established between 1980 and 2004, the study finds that almost one-third of VC firms in the sample had gone out of business by the end of 2014. I then investigate the causal factors of VC firm failure. Specifically, I examine VC characteristics (location and year of incorporation) and factors related to VC activities (fundraising, investments, and exits). The empirical results show that VC firms with a higher level of failure tolerance and risk appetite are more likely to fail, whereas VC firms with better fundraising abilities and stronger control rights are less likely to do so.
A Gender Perspective of the Status of Water and Sanitation Landscape in East African Universities.

Access and utilization of adequate water supply and sanitation facilities is high on the agenda of both International, national, and local communities including East African Universities (EAUs). Despite global demand for higher education characterized with increased male and female enrolment, the current levels of access and utilization to water supply and sanitation facilities remain largely inadequate and gendered in EAUs. Among the contributing factors is limited gender scholarship to question the causes of gender inequalities in access and utilization of water and sanitation facilities in universities including selected EAUs. This paper aims to explore the gender responsiveness of access and utilization of water and sanitation facilities and to ascertain the underlying gendered causes of the current status of water and sanitation facilities in EAUs. The paper adopted crosssectional gender focused study design. A total of 701 respondents were interviewed at both Makerere and Dar es salaam Universities. Qualitative gender disaggregated data was collected using semi-structured and in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and follow up site visits for observations. Water and sanitation facilities were georeferenced and analysed using geo-statistics techniques and Euclidian distance in ArcGIS 10.1. Gender concerns were captured both in access and utilization modeling gender related criteria in the reclassification of the number of toilet per person. Strong evidence indicates that EAUs are gendered and exhibit severe deficiencies in water and sanitation facilities. Major contributing factors of the observed deficiencies in water and sanitation facilities were lack of gender focused research, rapid increment of student enrollment, lack of water and sanitation policies and prioritization, decline in government support associated with liberalization and expansion of universities among others. Based on these findings, there is need to improve and engender the current
Monitoring Prion Protein Stability by NMR

Prion diseases, or transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE), are a group of fatal neurological diseases that affect both humans and animals. At the end of the 20th century, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), better known as mad cow disease, was shown to be transmissible to humans. This resulted in considerable concern for public health and a number of questions for scientists. The first question answered was the possible source of the disease, which appears to be the prion protein (PrP). There are two major forms of this protein: the native, noninfectious form (PrPC), and the misfolded infectious form (PrPSc). PrPC is mainly α-helical in structure, whereas PrPSc aggregates into an assembly of β-sheets, forming amyloid fibrils. Since the first solution structure of the noninfectious form of the mouse prion protein, about 30 structures of the globular portion of PrPC have been characterized from different organisms. However, only a few minor differences are observed when comparing one PrPC structure to another. The key to understanding prion formation may then be not in the structure of PrPC, but in the mechanism underlying PrPC unfolding and then conversion into a misfolded fibril state. To identify the possible region(s) of PrPC responsible for initiating the conversion into the amyloid fibril formation, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) was applied to characterize the stability and structure of PrPC and intermediate states during the conversion from PrPC to PrPSc. Subsequently urea was used to induce unfolding, and data analysis revealed region-specific structural stabilities that may bring insights into the mechanisms underlying conversion of protein into an infectious prion.