Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Voluntary Internet Financial Reporting in Croatia - Analysis of Trends and Influential Factors

The conducted research for the most actively traded Croatian companies listed at Zagreb Stock Exchange indicates that the level of voluntary Internet reporting has strongly improved during the period 2005-2010. Measured by the IFR Score the level of Internet disclosure in 2005 was 6.8, while IFR Score reached 20.1 in 2010. The increase of the IFR Score by 13.3 points is also tested by Friedman test and the established hypothesis on the expected increase of Internet reporting can be accepted. It seems that increased mandatory financial reporting requirements and endorsement of corporate governance code have stimulated usage of Internet for voluntary financial reporting. However, the average value of IFR Score of 20.1 as measured in 2010 represents 67% of maximal score value and here we must conclude that there is still significant area for further improvements. In the second part of the study we applied the regression analysis discovered that IFR Score is positively related with the company size and official listing. While the size variable was found significant in similar studies from other countries the official listing seems to be specific for Croatian business setting. Namely, since many of currently listed companies at ZSE due to regulation were forced to list in 2002, their incentive for transparency was lower than it was case for voluntary listed companies from the official market. Companies that were forced to list probably do not perceive benefits from the voluntary reporting since they do not primarily finance their operations and investments through capital markets. Rather than that, they use bank credits where information asymmetry is reduced by direct communication among companies and banks. Contrary to that, voluntary listed companies from the ZSE official market went in public to collect funding through the capital markets mechanism and increased transparency can be seen in the light of their effort to reduce information asymmetry and cost of capital.
Polarization of Time and Income – A Multidimensional Analysis for Germany

Abstract A growing polarization of society accompanied by an erosion of the middle class is receiving increasing attention in recent German economic and social policy discussion. Our study contributes to this discussion in two ways: First, on a theoretical level we propose extended multidimensional polarization indices based on a constant elasticity of substitution (CES)-type well-being function and present a new measure to multidimensional polarization, the mean minimum polarization gap, 2DGAP. This polarization intensity measure provides transparency with regard to each single attribute, which is important for targeted policies, while at the same time respecting their interdependent relations. Second, in an empirical application, time is incorporated, in addition to the traditional income measure, as a fundamental resource for any activity. In particular, genuine personal leisure time will account for social participation in the sense of social inclusion/exclusion and Amartya Sen’s capability approach. Instead of arbitrarily choosing the attribute parameters in the CES well-being function, the interdependent relations of time and income are evaluated by the German population. With the German Socio-Economic Panel (GSOEP) and detailed time use diary data from the German Time Use Surveys (GTUSs) 1991/1992 and 2001/2002, we quantify available and extended multidimensional polarization measures as well as our new approach to measuring the polarization of the working poor and affluent in Germany. There are three prominent empirical results: Genuine personal leisure time in addition to income is an important and significant polarization attribute. Compensation is of economic and statistical significance. The new minimum 2DGAP approach reveals that multidimensional polarization increased in the 1990s in Germany.
Methylphenidate modifies the motion of the circadian clock Lamotrigine in mood disorders and cocaine dependence Cortical glutamate in postpartum depression Prior Cocaine Experience Impairs Normal Phasic Dopamine Signals of Reward Value in Accumbens Shell

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Indicators for nutrition-friendly and sustainable food systems

As described in the preceding chapter, food systems link agriculture, environmental sustainability, and nutrition. Interest in how food systems can do more to reduce malnutrition in all its forms has increased substantially since the Global Nutrition Report 2014 was issued. The Second International Conference on Nutrition (ICN2) in November 2014, for example, focused extensively on food systems, as did a number of recent reports.
Vascular access and patient outcomes in hemodialysis: questions answered in recent literature.

Hemodialysis is not possible without access to the vascular system to provide an adequate and reliable source of blood flow through the hemodialyzer. Since maintenance hemodialysis therapy became a reality in the latter half of the twentieth century, no vascular access has exceeded the success and reliability of arteriovenous fistulae (AVF). They have the lowest infection and thrombosis rates, have the longest patency rates, and are associated with the best morbidity and mortality outcomes of any access modality. In the United States, the majority of patients starting hemodialysis do not have a primary AVF, which may explain why vascular access complications represent almost 20% of the total spending for hemodialysis. In addition, as much as 50% of hospitalization costs for end-stage renal disease are related to access issues. Every effort must be directed in the U.S. as well as elsewhere to promote the use of AVF whenever possible. In some European countries, more than 90% of patients have AVF as their hemodialysis access when nephrologists perform placement of vascular access. Already, some programs in the U.S. have recognized the need for trained nephrologists to provide these services. U.S. interventional nephrologists should be given the opportunity to learn AVF placement procedures to emulate their European counterparts, and thus improve U.S. dialysis outcomes.
The Politics of Party Popularity: Canada 1974-1979

As Whiteley recently observed, studies of the impact of macroeconomic conditions on party popularity have become "one of the few growth industries around. "' Although stimulating and provocative, much of this research can be faulted for failing to consider the impact of political events and political context. The role of parties, political leaders, and the mass media in shaping economic and other issue agendas often have been ignored in the specification and interpretation of analyses of party popularity. The implicit assumption in many studies seems to be that macroeconomic conditions directly influence an electorate, their effects bypassing the arena of partisan controversy and media representations of conflict therein. As a result, political variables frequently have been omitted entirely from party popularity functions or treated simply as ad hoc controls, lacking in substantive and theoretical significance. Investigations of the political economy of party popularity have been faulted on other grounds as well. Perhaps most basic, such inquiries often do not establish why a specific economic variable should influence party support in a particular political system during a given time interval.2 Relatedly, since the effects of economic variables may vary over time, analyzing their impact over lengthy periods may yield misleading results.3 Studies encompassing extended time spans also may encounter difficulties in achieving proper model specification because of an inability to measure shifts in long-term forces on partisan predispositions.4 The present research attempts to address these problems by performing a case study of economic and political influences on monthly variations in the popularity of governing and opposition parties in a single political system over a restricted time interval. The country chosen is Canada; the time period is 1974-79.5 Confining analysis to a five-year span eliminates the need to consider secular changes in long-term determinants of party preference and minimizes the possibility that parameter estimates will be confounded by changing public standards of acceptable economic performance or varying orientations toward government responsibility for managing the nation's economic affairs. The 1974-79 period has the added advantage of being one for which extensive survey data are available. These data enhance understanding of the Canadian political-cultural context during this period and thereby facilitate the development of hypotheses regarding the impact of economic and political factors on party support as well as interpretations of tests of such hypotheses. Finally, the 1974-79 interval is interesting because it was characterized by substantial volatility in party popularity.6 As Figure 1 shows, the popularity of the two largest national parties, the governing Liberals and the opposition Progressive Conservatives, fluctuated
Mitochondrial mechanism of microvascular endothelial cells apoptosis in hyperhomocysteinemia

An elevated level of homocysteine (Hcy) limits the growth and induces apoptosis. However, the mechanism of Hcy‐induced programmed cell death in endothelial cells is largely unknown. We hypothesize that Hcy induces intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production that leads to the loss of transmembrane mitochondrial potential (Δψm) accompanied by the release of cytochrome‐c from mitochondria. Cytochrome‐c release contributes to caspase activation, such as caspase‐9, caspase‐6, and caspase‐3, which results in the degradation of numerous nuclear proteins including poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP), which subsequently leads to the internucleosomal cleavage of DNA, resulting cell death. In this study, rat heart microvascular endothelial cells (MVEC) were treated with different doses of Hcy at different time intervals. Apoptosis was measured by DNA laddering and transferase‐mediated dUTP nick‐end labeling (TUNEL) assay. ROS production and MP were determined using florescent probes (2,7‐dichlorofluorescein (DCFH‐DA) and 5,5′,6,6′‐tetrachloro‐1,1′,3,3′‐tetraethyl‐benzamidazolocarbocyanin iodide (JC‐1), respectively, by confocal microscopy. Differential gene expression for apoptosis was analyzed by cDNA array. The results showed that Hcy‐mediated ROS production preceded the loss of MP, the release of cytochrome‐c, and the activation of caspase‐9 and ‐3. Moreover the Hcy treatment resulted in a decrease in Bcl2/Bax ratio, evaluated by mRNA levels. Caspase‐9 and ‐3 were activated, causing cleavage of PARP, a hallmark of apoptosis and internucleosomal DNA fragmentation. The cytotoxic effect of Hcy was blocked by using small interfering RNA (siRNA)‐mediated suppression of caspase‐9 in MVEC. Suppressing the activation of caspase‐9 inhibited the activation of caspase ‐3 and enhanced the cell viability and MP. Our data suggested that Hcy‐mediated ROS production promotes endothelial cell death in part by disturbing MP, which results in subsequent release of cytochrome‐c and activation of caspase‐9 and 3, leading to cell death. J. Cell. Biochem. 98: 1150–1162, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bruxism and voluntary maximal bite force in young dentate adults.

PURPOSE Bruxism may increase the activity and volume of the masticatory muscles, yet its resulting effect on bite force is controversial. This study evaluated the relationship between voluntary maximal bite force (MBF) and presence of bruxism in 80 dentate young adults (40 men, 40 women, 20 to 38 years old), controlling for sex, body mass index (BMI), and presence of orofacial muscular pain during the MBF measurement. MATERIALS AND METHODS MBF was measured with a compressive load transducer at the first molar region. Information about the presence of bruxism was collected by means of self-report of centric or eccentric bruxism during the day or night and/or presence of tooth wear. Data on MBF were analyzed by analysis of covariance, with bruxism and sex as fixed factors, and BMI and orofacial muscular pain as covariates (.05 level of significance). RESULTS The mean +/- standard deviation values of MBF were 859 +/- 304 N for nonbruxers (n = 49) and 806 +/- 282 N for bruxers (n = 31), with no significant difference between groups (P = .842). BMI was not a significant covariate for MBF (P = .237), and neither was the presence of orofacial muscular pain (P = .560). Sex was statistically significant for MBF (P < .001), and men (1,009 +/- 290 N) had higher MBF than women (668 +/- 179), but there was no interaction between sex and bruxism in relation to the MBF (P = .861). CONCLUSION These results suggest that bruxers and nonbruxers did not have different voluntary MBF in this sample of young dentate adults.
The Significance of Pes Planus in Juvenile Hallux Valgus

Pes planus of the foot is believed to be an important etiological factor in hallux valgus. This study compares the degree of pes planus in normal and hallux valgus feet. The arch index, or ratio of the area of the middle third of the foot to the total footprint area, was calculated on 128 footprints. An unpaired t-test determined no significant difference between the arch index of 32 11-year-old children with hallux valgus and 11-year-olds with no first metatarsophalangeal joint deformity (P >.05). The height of the arch is not relevant to the hallux valgus deformity. Arch supports designed to raise the height of the arch can play only a palliative role in the management of the condition.
A qualitative investigation of specialist orthodontists in New Zealand. Part 1. Orthodontists and orthodontic practice

Abstract Background: Current knowledge of orthodontic practice is largely anecdotal and the lack of systematic knowledge can create barriers to better identifying the factors that make a successful orthodontist. The aim of this study was to investigate the routine practising lives of New Zealand orthodontists in order to generate an understanding of the reality of orthodontic specialist practice and its effects on their professional and personal lives. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted involving 19 practising orthodontists (four females, 15 males; mean age 50 years) throughout New Zealand.Transcribed interviews were analysed for themes using an applied grounded theory approach. Results: A core category of ‘practising orthodontists’ was derived, and related themes were grouped under the sub-categories of: (a) NZ orthodontic specialist practice; (b) NZ specialist orthodontists; and (c) work-life balance. The present paper reports on the first two sub-categories. Themes elucidated under the specialist practice sub-category included modernisation, changing social norms, practice arrangement, branch practice, staffing, competition, legislation, advertising, the future and the provision of orthodontics by non-specialists. Themes in the orthodontic specialist sub-category were prior experience, postgraduate training, recent graduates, reasons for specialising, generational differences, females in orthodontics, NZ and overseas practice, the ageing profession and the prospect of an orthodontist shortage. Conclusions: This investigation has shed light on orthodontists and the practice of orthodontics in New Zealand and determined aspects rarely discussed in the current or previous literature. It will be valuable to observe how orthodontists and orthodontic practice continue to evolve in response to changes in NZ society.
Latent Varicella-zoster virus in human dorsal root ganglia.

To understand further the molecular events underlying the process of Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) latency in human ganglionic tissues, in situ hybridisation (ISH) for VZV RNA and DNA, and PCR in situ amplification for VZV DNA were used in human dorsal root ganglia from 12 individuals (3 normal and 9 who had died with AIDS). The results showed that (a) two separate regions of the VZV genome, represented by genes 4 and 40, were detected in neurons in two normal and three AIDS ganglia, (b) evidence of transcription of VZV genes 4, 21, 29, and 63 was found in normal and AIDS cases, and (c) VZV DNA and RNA for the same gene (gene 29) was detected in neurons in serial tissue sections in three cases. Thus more than one region of the VZV genome is present in neurons during VZV ganglionic latency, and the presence of both a VZV gene and its corresponding RNA transcript can be shown to occur in the same localised region of DRG tissue.
PENGARUH GOOD CORPORATE GOVERNANCE, TINGKAT HUTANG DAN UKURAN PERUSAHAAN TERHADAP PERSISTENSI LABA

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menjelaskan pengaruh kepemilikan institusional, kepemilikan manajerial, dewan komisaris independen, komite audit, tingkat hutang dan ukuran perusahaan terhadap persitensi laba perusahaan perbankan yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesi (BEI). Populasi penelitian adalah perusahaan perbankan yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia (BEI) sebanyak 36 perusahaan. Sampel dipilih dengan menggunakan motode purposive sampling. Melalui kriteria yang ditetapkan, terpilih sampel sebanyak 26 perusahaan perbankan. Metode analisis yang digunakan adalah analisis regresi linear berganda dengan aplikasi SPSS 21. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa variabel Good Corporate Governance yang diproksikan dengan komite audit terbukti berpengaruh positif signifikan terhadap persitensi laba. Sementara pengukuran lain dari Good Corporate Governance yaitu kepemilikan institusional, kepemilikan manajerial dan dewan komisaris independen tidak terbubukti berpengaruh secara signifikan terhadap persistensi laba perusahaan perbankan yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia (BEI). Variabel tingkat hutang dan ukuran perusahaan juga tidak terbukti mempunyai pengaruh terhadap persitensi laba. Saran untuk penelitian selanjutnya agar dicari faktor-faktor yang dapat mempengaruhi persistensi laba selain yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini, mencari pengukuran lain dari masing-masing variabel, dan untuk dilakukannya penelitian yang dapat membandingkan masing-masing model penelitian persitensi laba yang sudah ada agar ditemukan model terbaik. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of institutional ownership, managerial ownership, board of independent commissioner, audit committee, debt and size on earnings persistence of banking firms which are listed on Indonesia Stock Exchange. The population in this study are banking companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) of 36 companies. Samples were selected using proposive sampling method. Through the defined criteria, selected a sample of 26 companies. The analytical method used is multiple linear regression analysis with SPSS 21 application. The results showed that the variable of good corporate governance which is proxied by the audit committee has significant effect on earnings persistence. While other measures of good corporate governance which are institutional ownership, managerial ownership and board of independent commissioner did not effect significantly on earnings persistence of banking companies listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX). Debt and size of the company also did not affect on earnings persistence. Suggestion for future research is to find more factors that may affect earnings persistence other than used in this research, Then find other measurement from each variable, and to do a research that can compare each model of earnings persistence research to obtain the best one.
Clinical and laboratory predictors to differentiate severe dengue from scrub typhus in children

Background: Objective of study was to compare the clinical features and laboratory parameters at admission and differentiate severe dengue from scrub typhus in children.Methods: Retrospective analysis of case records and comparison of clinical and laboratory parameters at admission of all children with a diagnosis of severe dengue and scrub typhus was done.Results: A total of 72 children were included (severe dengue =40; scrub typhus =32) during the study period. The mean (SD) age of children with severe dengue and scrub typhus was 7.9(3.8) and 11.8(5.8) years, respectively. Majority of children with severe dengue presented with hypotension, 21(52.5%) vs 3(9.4%) in scrub typhus. Children with severe dengue had a relatively low ANC (2.6±1.97x103/mm3 vs 3.9±2.06x103/mm3), low platelet count (50.23±35.55x103/mm3 vs 140±95.0x103/mm3) and low mean ESR at 1hour (8.1±6.82mm vs 33.88±13.79mm) than scrub typhus.Conclusions: Compared to scrub typhus, severe dengue was significantly associated with hypotension, lower ANC, ESR and platelets.
How Simple Can it Get? Measuring Pain With NRS Items or Binary Items

Objectives:In the postoperative setting, functional interference of pain is an important outcome parameter. It can be measured by numerical rating scales (NRS) and by binary items (yes/no). For implementation, dissemination, and practicability in clinical routine, not only psychometric characteristics but also patients’ acceptance of assessment methods is important but has not been studied so far. To compare these 2 answer formats, the pain interference questions of the German initiative Quality Improvement in Postoperative Pain Management, a multicentric pain registry project, were used. Methods:Psychometric quality, clinical significance, and patients’ preferences were analyzed in NRS and binary formats of pain interference assessments. Responses from 430 patients in 3 surgical disciplines (abdominal, orthopedic/trauma, and oromaxillofacial surgery) were examined. Results:The results indicate a satisfactory reliability and validity of both answer formats. They achieve equal test-retest reliability (0.724 to 0.885) and construct validity (identifying significant differences between the 3 surgical disciplines). The binary “no interference” answer consistently corresponds to NRS values of 0 to 2. The means in 3 pain intensity measures differ significantly for the groups of patients with or without pain interference. Two third of the patients prefer to answer to binary items. Discussion:Binary answer format was proven to be a practical alternative to the NRS format for a screening instrument. Comparison of binary answers with NRS answers can improve our understanding of the clinical relevance of patients’ statements. Most patients prefer the use of the binary answer format.