Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does organizational culture play a role in the development of psychological distress?

Abstract The aim of this article is to analyze the extent to which organizational culture contributes to the symptoms of psychological distress in the workforce. Integrating organizational culture and work organization conditions makes it possible to examine how culture is associated with the various components of work organization conditions, and how these conditions might relate to symptoms of psychological distress in employees. Data from the SALVEO study were collected in 2009–2012 from a sample of 1824 individuals nested in 60 Canadian workplaces. Multilevel regression models were used to analyze the data. After controlling for individual and family characteristics, only group and rational cultures were associated with psychological distress, but both type of organization cultures were mediated by work organization conditions. Group culture is indirectly associated with lower levels of psychological distress since it favors lower levels of psychological demands and job insecurity. Rational culture is indirectly associated with higher levels of psychological distress because it favors higher psychological demand levels. The results obtained highlighted the importance of including variables relating to broader organizational context in models examining stress in the workplace.
An investigation of aetiology and heredity of pterygium

Abstract A family with pterygium affecting 11 members of 3 generations was reported. Although the disease is not necessarily hereditary in most of the patients, the mode of transmission in this particular family was autosomal dominant. The relationship between individual predisposition and the external factors in pterygium formation is briefly discussed.
Population trends in smoking, alcohol use and primary prevention variables among adolescents in Iceland, 1997-2014.

AIMS To estimate linear time-trends in substance use and primary prevention variables in adolescents in Iceland from 1997 to 2014. DESIGN Repeated, cross-sectional population-based school surveys with seven waves of pooled data. SETTING Iceland. PARTICIPANTS All accessible students enrolled in the 9th and 10th grades in the national Icelandic school system during the spring of 1997, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2009, 2012 and 2014 (n = 50 412, boys = 50%). Response rates ranged between 81 and 90% of the population. MEASUREMENTS Measures on substance use included smoking and alcohol use. Primary prevention measures included parental monitoring, parental social involvement, participation in organized sports and reduced participation in a party life-style. FINDINGS Substance use decreased consistently during the study period. For example, 30-day drunkenness declined from 29.6 in 1997 to 3.6% in 2014 (linear trend: χ(2) (1) = 2846.8, P < 0.001), and daily smoking during the last 30 days declined from 17.0 to 1.6% during the same period (linear trend: χ(2) (1) = 1614.3, P < 0.001). Primary prevention factors strengthened over time. For example, the mean score for parents knowing where their children are in the evenings rose from 2.44 in 1997 to 3.08 in 2014 (Ftrend(1, 42635) , 2538.3, P < 0.001), and mean scores for participation in party life-style declined from 2.23 in 1997 to 1.71 in 2014 (Ftrend(1, 38773) , 2033.1, P < . 001). CONCLUSIONS Substance use among adolescents in Iceland has declined steadily from 1997 to 2014, while primary prevention factors for substance use have increased in strength during the same time-period.
Notice of RetractionDetection of Hepatitis E Virus in Pigs from Slaughterhouses in Shanghai of China

The objective of the present study was to detect hepatitis E virus (HEV) in different samples of pigs from slaughterhouses in Shanghai, China, so as to determine the prevalence of HEV in these pigs, and genetically characterize the detected isolates. Pig bile(120), liver(120), spleen(120), mesenteric lymph node(120), faeces(126), and blood(120) samples were collected from 4 slaughterhouses lie in Shanghai suburb. A reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method was performed to detect HEV RNA from these samples. Positive RT-PCR bands specific for HEV were sequenced and the resulted sequences were phylogenetically analyzed. Our results showed that 4 bile, 4 serum, and 2 faeces samples were detected positive for HEV RNA and the positivity rate of them were 3.33% (4/120), 3.25% (4/123), and 1.59% (2/126), respectively. Bile was the most frequent specimen found to be positive in this study. Phylogenetic analyses showed that 6 of the HEV strains detected here belonged to genotype 3 while the other 4 isolates belonged to genotype 4. This confirmed that genotype 3 had become prevalent in China mainland. This study raises awareness that pork contamination with blood products, bile or faeces may pose a risk of HEV infection.
Agglomeration, Differentiation and Creative Milieux: A Socioeconomic Analysis of Location Behaviour of Creative Enterprises in Shanghai

Abstract This paper presents an empirical study on the location choice of creative enterprises in Shanghai. It is suggested that categorical differences between different subsectors of creative industries are significant, especially with regard to a division between technology-intensive sectors and culture-related agencies. Creative enterprises from technology-intensive sectors such as architecture design and IT enterprises appear to differ greatly from cultural and fashion related agencies in location choice due to the disaggregated knowledge inputs involved in the production processes, as well as the divergences in market operation. Meanwhile, this study suggests that some location variables for creative industries (e.g. human capital and face-to-face contact) highlighted by West-based studies on the “creative class” are relevant in the case of Shanghai while other factors like sexual tolerance bear minor importance.
Audit Fee and Audit Quality: An Empirical Analysis in Family Firms

The purpose of this research is to investigate the relationship between audit fee and audit quality in family firms on the Tehran stock exchange. The study period is from 2007 to 2014. The sample consists of 30 family firms and 30 non-family firms. To test our hypotheses, the following methods were used: Two-independent-samples t-test mean comparison and regression model. The results of this research show that there is a significant difference between audit fee in family and non-family firms, and that also family and non-family firms do not significantly differ in terms of size and auditor expertise. The results show that family firms pay lower audit fees compared to non-family firms, such that with increased family ownership, the audit fee decreases.
Cigarette smoking during early pregnancy reduces the number of embryonic germ and somatic cells.

BACKGROUND Cigarette smoking during pregnancy is associated with negative reproductive consequences for male fetuses in adult life such as reduced testicular volume and sperm concentration. The present study evaluates the number of germ and somatic cells present in human embryonic first-trimester gonads in relation to maternal smoking. METHODS The study includes 24 human first-trimester testes, aged 37-68 days post-conception, obtained from women undergoing legal termination of pregnancy. A questionnaire was used to obtain information about smoking and drinking habits during pregnancy. Validated stereological methods were used to estimate gonadal cell numbers in histological sections. Results were also evaluated in the context of previously published data on ovaries from our laboratory. RESULTS A significant reduction in the number of germ cells by 55% [95% confidence interval (CI) 74-21% reduction, P = 0.004] and somatic cells by 37% (95% CI 59-3%, P = 0.023) was observed in testes prenatally exposed to maternal cigarette smoking, compared with unexposed. The effect of maternal smoking was dose-dependent being higher in the heavy smokers and remained consistent after adjusting for possible confounders such as alcohol and coffee consumption (P = 0.002). The number of germ cells in embryonic gonads, irrespective of gender, was also significantly reduced by 41% (95% CI 58-19%, P = 0.001) in exposed versus non-exposed embryonic gonads. CONCLUSIONS Prenatal exposure to maternal cigarette smoke reduces the number of germ and somatic cells in embryonic male and female gonads. This effect may have long-term consequences on the future fertility of exposed offspring. These findings may provide one potential cause of the reduced fertility observed during recent years.
Cardiovascular risk as defined in the 2003 European blood pressure classification: the assessment of an additional predictive value of pulse pressure on mortality

Objectives This study determines the predictive value of brachial pulse pressure for cardiovascular stroke and coronary mortality in a large population categorized by blood pressure level. Methods The population was composed of 69 989 subjects aged more than 50 years and divided into ‘optimal’, ‘normal’ and ‘normal high’ normotensive subjects, and grades 1, 2, 3 hypertensive subjects as defined in the 2003 European Guidelines for Management of Hypertension. Hazard ratios for mortality were evaluated using Cox regression models before and after adjustment for pulse pressure. To further assess the role of pulse pressure in mortality, subjects were also classified as ‘normotensive’ and ‘hypertensive’ whether they were with or without elevated pulse pressure (≥60 mmHg). Results By comparison with ‘optimal’ values, before adjustment for pulse pressure, the hazard ratio for cardiovascular, coronary and stroke mortality increased markedly for blood pressure groups as defined by the European blood pressure classification. For cardiovascular and coronary mortality, the hazard ratio was significant both in the ‘high normal’ and hypertensive ranges. For stroke mortality, hazard ratio was significant only in the hypertensive ranges. After adjustment to pulse pressure, hazard ratio remained unmodified for stroke mortality. For coronary mortality, the risk was attenuated in ‘high normal’ and all hypertensive groups. A study of the pulse pressure classification in subjects dichotomized as normotensive and hypertensive subjects indicated that pulse pressure was an independent risk factor for cardiovascular mortality. Conclusion Increased pulse pressure predicts cardiovascular mortality, acting more on coronary than cerebral vessels. This finding involves all blood pressure ranges, including subjects with low diastolic but normal systolic blood pressure.
Differential release kinetics of cardiac biomarkers in off-pump coronary bypass

Background Differential release kinetics of the cardiac biomarkers (B-type natriuretic peptide, troponin I, and creatine kinase-MB) following off-pump coronary artery bypass are not well characterized. Methods Biomarker levels were assessed at 6, 24, 48 h, and 1 month preoperatively, in 80 patients who underwent off-pump coronary artery bypass. Results All biomarkers increased within 6 h of surgery. Peak B-type natriuretic peptide levels occurred at 24–48 h in 96% of patients, but only two-thirds had peak troponin I and creatine kinase-MB levels at this time, reflecting different release patterns. Levels of all biomarkers declined within 48 h, but 42% of patients still had B-type natriuretic peptide >100 pg·mL−1 at 1 month. Those with baseline B-type natriuretic peptide > 100 pg·mL−1 had a lower left ventricular ejection fraction (43.6% vs. 55.6%, p < 0.01) and longer inotropic (43.8 vs. 31.4 h, p = 0.03) and ventilator support (34 vs. 25.5 h, p = 0.04) than those with lower levels. B-type natriuretic peptide levels correlated positively with angiographic Syntax score (p = 0.02) and negatively with left ventricular ejection fraction (p < 0.001). Only baseline B-type natriuretic peptide predicted the durations of inotropic support (p = 0.01) and ventilation (p = 0.02). Postoperative B-type natriuretic peptide at 6, 24, and 48 h and delta B-type natriuretic peptide were significant predictors of mean ventilation time. Conclusion Even in patients undergoing off-pump surgery, there is significant natriuretic peptide and myocardial enzyme release. Only B-type natriuretic peptide levels had an association with postoperative variables.
Waste performance, waste technology and policy effects

Exploiting a balanced panel data set for 103 Italian provinces over the year 1999–2010, we study the effect of technological improvements, environmental policy and their interactions on waste management performance. The results point to the existence of both complementarity and substitution effects between green technological change and environmental policies. Moreover, we extend the baseline analysis to study whether knowledge spillovers play a role in affecting waste management options such as recycling, incineration and landfilling. To account for technological spillovers, we constructed an indicator that sums the patent stock of neighbouring provinces. The evidence suggests that knowledge stock has a positive impact on recycling and knowledge spillovers influence both recycling and incineration.
Pharmacokinetics and Repolarization Effects of Intravenous and Transdermal Granisetron

Purpose: The need for greater clarity about the effects of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists on cardiac repolarization is apparent in the changing product labeling across this therapeutic class. This study assessed the repolarization effects of granisetron, a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist antiemetic, administered intravenously and by a granisetron transdermal system (GTDS). Experimental Design: In a parallel four-arm study, healthy subjects were randomized to receive intravenous granisetron, GTDS, placebo, or oral moxifloxacin (active control). The primary endpoint was difference in change from baseline in mean Fridericia-corrected QT interval (QTcF) between GTDS and placebo (ddQTcF) on days 3 and 5. Results: A total of 240 subjects were enrolled, 60 in each group. Adequate sensitivity for detection of QTc change was shown by a 5.75 ms lower bound of the 90% confidence interval (CI) for moxifloxacin versus placebo at 2 hours postdose on day 3. Day 3 ddQTcF values varied between 0.2 and 1.9 ms for GTDS (maximum upper bound of 90% CI, 6.88 ms), between −1.2 and 1.6 ms for i.v. granisetron (maximum upper bound of 90% CI, 5.86 ms), and between −3.4 and 4.7 ms for moxifloxacin (maximum upper bound of 90% CI, 13.45 ms). Day 5 findings were similar. Pharmacokinetic–ddQTcF modeling showed a minimally positive slope of 0.157 ms/(ng/mL), but a very low correlation (r = 0.090). Conclusion: GTDS was not associated with statistically or clinically significant effects on QTcF or other electrocardiographic variables. This study provides useful clarification on the effect of granisetron delivered by GTDS on cardiac repolarization. Clin Cancer Res; 18(10); 2913–21. ©2012 AACR.
The influence of academic culture on quality management system ISO 9001 maintenance within Malaysian universities

ABSTRACT This study investigates the influence of the elements of academic culture on quality management system ISO 9001 maintenance within Malaysian universities. There is a dearth of empirical studies on maintaining ISO 9001, particularly in the higher education context. From the literature review, academic culture was classified according to four elements – academic freedom, individualism, professionalism and collegiality. Two case studies were conducted within Malaysian universities that had been ISO 9001-certified for 5 years. At the time of this research, these two were the only universities that had certification for their entire organisation. (Most organisations gain certification for specific departments). The findings showed that academic freedom, individualism and collegiality had worked against ISO 9001 maintenance, while professionalism had influenced ISO 9001 maintenance both positively and negatively. The opposites of individualism (teamwork) and collegiality (managerialism) had supported ISO 9001 maintenance in one of the cases.
A Test of the Life Cycle Theory of Dividends and the Effect of a Financial Crisis - Evidence from Sweden

2 Acknowledgements . 3 1 Introduction . 6 1.1 Background . 6 1.2 Problem discussion . 7 1.3 Purpose . 9 1.4 Research Questions . 9 1.5 Research Limitations . 9 2 Theoretical Foundation and Literature Review . 11 2.1 Theoretical Framework . 11 2.2 Theoretical Foundation . 12 2.2.1 Agency Theory . 12 2.2.2 The Life Cycle Theory of Dividends . 12 2.3 Expected Relationships between the Determinants of the Life Cycle Theory of Dividends and Dividend Payout . 14 2.3.1 Profitability . 14 2.3.2 Investment Opportunities . 14 2.3.3 Size . 15 2.3.4 Earned/Contributed Capital Mix . 15 2.4 Hypotheses . 16 2.5 Literature Review . 16 2.5. 1 Empirical Findings Supporting the Life Cycle Theory of Dividends . 16 2.5. 2 Studies with a focus on dividend policy in Sweden . 20 2.5. 3 Other Theories Used to Explain Dividend Policy . 20 3 Method . 22 3.1 Research Approach . 22 3.2 Data Collection and Time Period . 22 3.3 Sample and Exclusions . 23 3.3.1 Non-Response Analysis . 23 3.4 Variables . 24 3.4.1 Dependent Variable . 24 3.4.2 Determinants . 24 3.4. 3 Control Variables . 25 3.4. 4 Interaction Variable . 27 3.4. 5 Summary of Variables and Predicted Relationships . 28 3.5 Logit Models . 28 3.5. 1 Logit Model Regressions . 30 3.5. 2 Tests of Model . 31 3.6 Validity and Reliability . 32 4 Results . 34 4.1 Descriptive statistics . 34 4.2 Regression Results . 35
Funding Value Adjustment for General Financial Instruments: Theory and Practice

In the first part of this paper (Antonov-Bianchetti, 2013) we developed the theoretical framework for pricing financial instruments under multiple sources of funding, leading to a non-linear pricing PDE and to Funding Value Adjustment (FVA). In this second part we develop the numerical framework for computing FVA for general financial instruments including callable features. Our main technical result is an efficient approximation of the FVA in a fully universal way. Usage of non-linear effective discounting rates permits an exact handling of all solvable special cases (the collateral as linear function of the value) by a single formula. Furthermore, the formula delivers a very accurate approximation for general instruments (barriers, Bermudans, etc.). The proof is based on our second technical result: exact calculation of prices of automatically exercisable instruments (e.g. European-style or Barrier) having different stochastic discount rates before and after exercise.We also address the implementation workflow of the FVA calculation, allowing parallel deal-by-deal computation, and we provide a concrete example of FVA calculation for a Bermudan Swaption with partial collateralization, proving that the quality of the numerical approximation is excellent.
Intention tremor during manual aiming: a study of eye and hand movements

A ccurate goal-directed movements toward a visual target require a precise coordination of both the oculomotor and limb motor systems. Intentio n tremor and eye movement deficits are frequently observed in multiple sclerosis (MS). The goal of this study was to examine the characteristics of intentio n tremor and simultaneously produced eye movements during rapid goal-directed movements. Eye and hand movements were synchronously measured in 16 MS patients with intentio n tremor and 16 control subjects. Manual performances of the patient group were character ized by a delayed onset, slower executio n and aiming inaccuracies. In line with the clinically defined picture of intention tremor, differences between patients and control subjects were most pronounced toward the end of the movement. Dependent variables were obviously greater in MS patients compared with control subjects, and correlated well with clinical outcome measures. The application of an inertial load to the limb did not show any effect on intention tremor. In addition to impaired limb coordination, evidence has been found that eye movements, too, were abnormal in patients compared with control subjects. Moreover, eye and hand movement deficits seemed to be closely related, suggesting a common underlying command structure. Inaccurate eye movements were likely to hamper an accurate motor performance of the hand.
Respiratory effects and arsenic contaminated well water in Bangladesh

Arsenic in drinking water causes a widespread concern in Bangladesh, where a major proportion of tube wells is contaminated. Arsenic ingestion causes skin lesions, which is considered as definite exposure. A prevalence comparison study of respiratory effects among subjects with and without arsenic exposure through drinking water was conducted in Bangladesh. Exposed participants were recruited through health awareness campaign programs. Unexposed participants were randomly selected, where tubewells were not contaminated with arsenic. A total of 169 individuals participated (44 exposed individuals exhibiting skin lesions; 125 unexposed individuals). The arsenic concentrations ranged from 136 to 1000 w g l−1. The information regarding respiratory system signs and symptoms were also collected and the analyses were confined to nonsmokers. The crude prevalence ratio for chronic bronchitis and chronic cough amounted to 2.1 (95% CI 0.7-6.1). The prevalence ratios for chronic bronchitis increased with increasing exposure, i.e., 1.0, 1.6, 2.7 and 2.6 using unexposed as the reference. The prevalence ratios for chronic cough were 1.0, 1.6, 2.7 and 2.6 for the exposure categories, using the same unexposed as the reference. The dose-response trend was the same (P < 0.1) for both conditions. These results add to evidence that long-term ingestion of arsenic exposure can cause respiratory effects.
Risk factors for development of neurologic disease after experimental exposure to equine herpesvirus-1 in horses.

OBJECTIVE To identify risk factors associated with development of clinical neurologic signs in horses exposed to equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1). ANIMALS 36 adult horses. PROCEDURES Blood samples collected before and after challenge inoculation with nonneuropathogenic or neuropathogenic EHV-1 were analyzed for leukocyte-associated viremia, serum neutralizing antibody, and EHV-1-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte precursors (CTLPs). Associations between variables and neurologic disease and correlations between age category or breed and development of neurologic disease were examined. RESULTS 9 horses developed CNS signs (ataxia, hind limb paresis or paralysis, bladder atony, or recumbency). Neurologic deficits were correlated with infection by a neuropathogenic strain of EHV-1, age>20 years, high postexposure viremic load, and low preexposure concentration of CTLPs. No significant correlations were observed between preinfection titers or horse breed and postinfection development of neurologic signs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Horses with high concentrations of preexisting CTLPs, regardless of age, strain of virus, or titer, were more likely to control the magnitude of postinfection leukocyte-associated viremia and subsequent development of neurologic disease; therefore, CTLPs appear to be a critical requirement for protective immunity against EHV-1-induced myeloencephalopathy. The importance of achieving immunity related to high concentrations of vaccine-induced CTLPs in horses at high risk for exposure to neuropathogenic strains of EHV-1 is indicated.