Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
How Do Minimum Wage Adjustments Affect Wages in China: Evidence Based on Administrative Personal Income Tax Data

By using unique administrative personal income tax data covering the population of a middle‐sized Chinese city from 2009 to 2013, we explore how minimum wage adjustments affect wages of low‐wage workers. The empirical evidence documented in this paper suggests a unique pattern of minimum wage regulation: while it permits wages to stay below the prevailing minimum wage threshold temporarily, it does encourage a higher growth rate for wages below the threshold. Overall, such a pattern might help lessen any downward pressures on employment, while ensuring that low‐wage earners gradually get better off over time. (JEL J3, J6, P5)
Corporate Governance Practices in Higher Education Institutions: The UK vs Bahrain

This research aims to investigate the application of leadership and governance in higher education organizations in the Kingdom of Bahrain and the UK. The study also intends to gather evidences on the practices of academic management in different cultures. The methods of the study relies on reading lists of governance standards from several advanced educational institutions and uses a “comparative methodology” based on the data from the Kingdom of Bahrain and The UK. This research reviews the various models of “the higher education governance” and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each model. The study employs the three principles of UNDP (Transparency, Participation and Accountability) to assess application of leadership and governance in higher education institutions.The findings of this study reveal that Arab universities need to perceive the significance of clarifying the reason for governance. The examination likewise distinguishes the significance of relating their job and commitment to the procedure of change to the learning based economy and world informatics. Also, it features the need of broadening the cooperation of stakeholders in the key basic leadership.The importance of this study lies in examining whether the governance standards are associated with practical application in universities. Also it examines whether there is an influence of the culture and social aspects on the application and understanding of these standards. The significance of receiving administration measures in the Arab world lies in its possibility to change the HE organizations’ practices, and increment their ability for greatness and aggressiveness. Thus, ensures the autonomy of advanced education alongside its quality and viability particularly with respect to their yield and status locally and internationally.
INFLUENCE OF THE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT IN THE DYNAMICS OF INNOVATION AND IN THE PERFORMANCE OF SMEs

The main aim of this paper is to study the influence of the business environment on innovation strategy, innovative activity and performance in the SMEs. Business environment has been considered, taking into account its dynamism and its hostility. An empirical study is carried out on a sample composed by 302 Spanish firms. Results show that SMEs react in hostile and dynamic business environment by means of strengthening their innovation strategy. Innovation strategy allows firms to carry out higher levels of product and process innovations, which turn out into a positive effect on performance. Results offer important implications for SMEs, as such the relevance to reinforce the importance of developing an innovation strategy in the framework of their formal strategic planning.
Sensitivity of Anulus Fibrosus Cells to Interleukin 1&bgr;: Comparison With Articular Chondrocytes

Study Design. Anulus fibrosus cells from rabbits were grown in primary culture 1) to study their ability to produce prostaglandin E2 and Type II phospholipase A2, and to express stromelysin-1 messenger ribonucleic acid; and 2) to study the effect of interleukin 1&bgr; on this production and on proteoglycan aggregation. Objectives. To investigate the potency of anulus fibrosus cells to respond to interleukin 1&bgr; by producing degradative and inflammatory agents as compared with the potency of articular chondrocytes in the same animal. Summary of Background Data. Interleukin 1&bgr; has been implicated in the degradation of intervertebral discs. The way anulus fibrosus cells differ from articular chondrocytes in their responses to interleukin 1&bgr; remains to be established. Methods. Anulus fibrosus cells and articular chondrocytes were obtained from young rabbits, grown in primary culture, and incubated with interleukin 1&bgr;. The newly synthesized proteoglycan was measured by labeling with [35S]-sulfate. Proteoglycan aggregation was analyzed by the elution profile on Sepharose 2B columns. The contents of collagen Type II and stromelysin-1 messenger ribonucleic acid were assessed by Northern blot analysis. The Type II phospholipase A2 activity was measured using a fluorometric substrate. Prostaglandin E2 production was evaluated by radioimmunoassay. Results. Anulus fibrosus cells had 2.5-fold less Type II collagen messenger ribonucleic acid than articular chondrocytes, and interleukin 1&bgr; had no significant effect on this. Anulus fibrosus cells synthesized and secreted fourfold less proteoglycan than articular chondrocytes. Interleukin 1&bgr; reduced the anulus fibrosus content of total [35S]-sulfated proteoglycan by 35% (P < 0.01), and that of articular cells by 41% and decreased proteoglycan aggregation. Interleukin 1&bgr; induced the production of stromelysin-1 messenger ribonucleic acid in both cell types. The stromelysin-1 messenger ribonucleic acid content of anulus fibrosus cells was one half that of articular cells. Interleukin 1&bgr; increased the production of prostaglandin E2 and caused a dose-dependent secretion of Type II phospholipase A2 activity in both cell types. Its effect was 2.5-fold lower in anulus fibrosus cells than in articular chondrocytes. Conclusion. Anulus fibrosus cells can be stimulated by interleukin 1&bgr; to produce factors implicated in local degradative and inflammatory processes. This production is associated with decreased proteoglycan aggregation. Anulus fibrosus cells respond slightly less well to interleukin 1&bgr;in vitro than do articular cells.
Clinical and Economic Evidence for Intravenous Acetaminophen

Intravenous acetaminophen received United States Food and Drug Administration approval in November 2010 for the management of mild‐to‐moderate pain, management of moderate‐to‐severe pain with adjunctive opioid analgesics, and reduction of fever. Although intravenous acetaminophen generally improved pain relief and demonstrated opioid‐sparing effects compared with placebo, it did not consistently reduce the frequency of opioid‐related adverse events (e.g., postoperative nausea and vomiting). The safety and efficacy of intravenous acetaminophen as an antipyretic agent have been documented in adults and children; however, its cost is several‐fold higher than that of the oral and rectal formulations. Although use of intravenous acetaminophen has reduced other postoperative resource utilization (e.g., hospital length of stay) in some studies outside the United States in patients undergoing abdominal surgery, a full economic evaluation in the United States has yet to be undertaken. In addition, its administration time (15‐min infusion) and packaging (glass, single‐use vial) have the potential to adversely affect patient flow in the postanesthesia care unit, create burden on patient care units, and lead to drug waste. Furthermore, 1 g of intravenous acetaminophen is formulated in 100 ml of solution, which may be an issue for patients with fluid restrictions. Given the clinical and economic evidence currently available, intravenous acetaminophen should not replace oral or rectal acetaminophen, but its use may be considered in a limited number of patients who cannot receive drugs orally and rectally and who cannot tolerate other parenteral nonopioid analgesic or antipyretic agents.
Female underperformance or goal orientated behavior

The purpose of this study is to examine the mediating effect of an owner’s growth goal on the relationship between the gender of new venture owners and the growth outcomes of their ventures. This is a quantitative study using a large, national database and structural equation modelling. Findings indicate that the negative relationship between gender and growth outcomes is fully mediated by the growth goals of new venture owners, their available internal resources, and the amount of time and money they are able (prepared) to invest in their new venture.
Glucosylation of Ras by Clostridium sordellii lethal toxin: consequences for effector loop conformations observed by NMR spectroscopy.

The lethal toxin (LT) from Clostridium sordellii, which belongs to the family of large clostridial cytotoxins, acts as a monoglucosyltransferase for the Rho subfamily GTPase Rac and also modifies Ras. In the present study we investigated structural changes of H-Ras in its di- and triphosphate form that occur upon glucosylation of the effector domain amino acid threonine-35 by LT. (31)P NMR experiments recorded during the enzymatic glucosylation process, using UDP-glucose as a cosubstrate, show that the modification of the threonine side chain influences the chemical shifts of the phosphate groups of the bound nucleotides. In the diphosphate-bound form (Ras.GDP) glucosylation of Thr35 induces only small changes in the chemical environment of the active center. In the triphosphate form with the GTP analogue GppNHp bound (Ras.GppNHp) Ras shows at least two different conformations in the active center that exchange on a medium-range time scale (10 to 0.1 ms). Glucosylation selectively stabilizes one distinct conformation of the effector loop (state 1) with tyrosine-32 probably apart from the nucleotide and threonine-35 not involved in magnesium ion coordination. This conformation is known to have a low affinity to effector proteins such as Raf-1, AF-6, or Byr2 and thus prevents the transduction of the activation signal in the Ras-mediated pathway. NMR correlation spectra of Ras(T35glc). GDP and denaturation experiments with urea indicate that the glucose is bound in the alpha-anomeric form to the hydroxyl group of the threonine-35 side chain. Inhibition of the glucosylation reaction by 1,5-gluconolactone suggests a stereospecific reaction mechanism with a glucosyl oxonium ion transition state for the enzymatic activity of LT.
Blockade of excitation reveals inhibition of dentate spiny hilar neurons recorded in rat hippocampal slices.

1. Extracellular and intracellular recordings in rat hippocampal slices were used to compare the synaptic responses to perforant path stimulation of granule cells of the dentate gyrus, spiny "mossy" cells of the hilus, and area CA3c pyramidal cells of hippocampus. Specifically, we asked whether aspects of the local circuitry could explain the relative vulnerability of spiny hilar neurons to various insults to the hippocampus. 2. Spiny hilar cells demonstrated a surprising lack of inhibition after perforant path activation, despite robust paired-pulse inhibition and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs) in adjacent granule cells and area CA3c pyramidal cells in response to the same stimulus in the same slice. However, when the slice was perfused with excitatory amino acid antagonists [6-cyano-7-nitro-quinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX), or CNQX with 2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (APV)], IPSPs could be observed in spiny hilar cells in response to perforant path stimulation. 3. The IPSPs evoked in spiny hilar cells in the presence of CNQX were similar in their reversal potentials and bicuculline sensitivity to IPSPs recorded in dentate granule cells or hippocampal pyramidal cells in the absence of CNQX. 4. These results demonstrate that, at least in slices, perforant path stimulation of spiny hilar cells is primarily excitatory and, when excitation is blocked, underlying inhibition can be revealed. This contrasts to the situation for dentate and hippocampal principal cells, which are ordinarily dominated by inhibition, and only when inhibition is compromised can the full extent of excitation be appreciated. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Internalization of Moderate Islamic Values in Education

This present study aims to investigate the essence and values of moderate Islam and internalize them in the process of education. The research findings are expected to be able to contribute a wide range of knowledge as one of alternatives to prevent and overcome symptoms of extreme and radical actions in students’ religious activities. It was a qualitative descriptive study by employing library research. This study highlights the imbalance between the concept of Islamic teachings demonstrating moderate values and the actions eroding the moderate Islamic values. Education plays a pivotal role to bring the image of peaceful Islam back by internalizing the moderate Islamic values in the process of education. The results reveal that (1) moderate Islam refers to a form of Islam that emphasizes the values of moderation between the ‘left-wing extremist group’ (liberal group) and the ‘right-wing extremist group’ (fundamental group) in implementing Islamic teachings; (2) moderate Islamic values include the values of tolerance in showing attitudes, the value of tolerance in respecting diversity, the value of inclusiveness in accepting something new with lots of strengths, the value of logic and flexibility in understanding texts, the value of relevance in interpreting texts by deeming their contexts, the value of innovation in solving problems that the answers have not been stated in the texts yet, and the value of social transformation; (3) the process of internalization covers three stages, namely: the stages of value transformation, value transaction, and trans-internalization. The first stage copes with the process that is carried out by teachers in informing the values of moderation conceptualized in Islamic teachings. The next stage promotes that the values of moderation are interactively communicated between teacher and students. The last stage suggests that familiarizing behavior and actions that represent the moderate Islamic values is performed through not only verbal communication, but also mentality and personality.
THE INFLUENCE OF EDUCATION AND INTERNET ACCESS ON HEALTH STATUS IN EUROPEAN UNION

Health is a precondition for economic prosperity and the EU policies aim to develop sustainable health systems trying to reduce inequalities. Over the last decade, European health systems have faced growing common challenges like increasing cost of healthcare, population ageing , shortages and uneven distribution of health professionals, inequities in access to healthcare.The negative effect of these challenges on population health status can be can be diminished by discovering some factors which could improve population health outcomes and health care quality. Experts state that education is critical to social and economic development and has a profound impact on population health. Education offers opportunities to learn more about health and health risks, about how to prevent or manage diseases. Individuals with lower health literacy had poorer health-related knowledge and comprehension and ability to interpret medication labels and health messages.The increase in online health information challenges users with limited literacy skills or limited experience using the Internet. For many of these users, the Internet is stressful and even inaccessible. The goal for this paper is to analyse the influence of two of these factors - level of education and internet access to health information - on population health status.
Participation in informal science learning experiences: the rich get richer?

ABSTRACT Informal science learning (ISL) experiences have been found to provide valuable opportunities to engage with and learn about science and, as such, form a key part of the STEM learning ecosystem. However, concerns remain around issues of equity and access. The Enterprising Science study builds upon previous research in this area and uses the construct of ‘science capital’ to understand and support science engagement among young people, particularly those historically marginalised from science. Drawing on survey data from nearly 6000 children ages 11–16 in England, we investigate who participates in particular areas of informal STEM learning outside of the science classroom. Survey findings are illustrated by interview data from the same project. Analyses suggest that overall participation in different types of informal science learning experiences (‘informal’ learning experiences, ‘everyday’ learning experiences, and school-led enrichment) varies. Generally, students from more privileged social backgrounds participate more, but with further ethnic and gender patterns between different ISL activity types. These differential patterns of participation highlight how some areas of the ecosystem (e.g. ‘everyday’ learning experiences) are more accessible, while others (e.g. in designed spaces and school-led enrichment) could do more to address inequities in participation.
Diffusion-weighted imaging for evaluating lymph node eradication after neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy in locally advanced rectal cancer

Background As lymph node (LN) eradication is the prerequisite for clinical surveillance or local excision for patients who have achieved a complete response after preoperative chemoradiation therapy (CRT), the radiological evaluation of LN eradication is important. Purpose To evaluate the added value of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in the evaluation of LN eradication after CRT in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). Material and Methods Ninety-five consecutive patients (64 men, 31 women; mean age, 59 years; range, 32–82 years) who underwent pre- and post-CRT 1.5-T MRI with DWI (b = 0, 1000 s/mm2) were enrolled. To evaluate the added value of DWI in the evaluation of LN eradication after CRT, two radiologists first independently read the pre- and post-CRT T2-weighted (T2W) images and then read the combined T2W imaging set and the pre- and post-CRT DWIs with a 4-week interval. The radiologists recorded their confidence scores for LN eradication using a 5-point scale on a per-patient basis. The diagnostic performances were compared between the two reading sessions for each reader with pair-wise comparisons of receiver-operating characteristic curves. Histopathological reports served as the reference standards for LN eradication. Results The study population consisted of an LN-eradicated group (n = 66) and a non-eradicated group (n = 29). The diagnostic performances did not significantly differ between the two reading sessions for the two readers (AUCs for reader 1, 0.770 and 0.774, P = 0.8155; for reader 2, 0.794 and 0.798, P = 0.8588). Conclusion Adding DWI to T2W imaging provided no additional diagnostic benefit for the evaluation of LN eradication following CRT in patients with LARC.
Exploring factors impacting student engagement in open access courses

ABSTRACT Studies on student engagement in learning have mainly focused on undergraduate degree courses. Limited attempts have been made to examine student engagement on open access enabling courses, which is targeted to underrepresented students in higher education. Students on open access enabling courses are at high risk due to a low academic achievement in high school, the gap between schooling, work and post-secondary education, and different kinds of personal and academic barriers. This paper reports on a pilot quantitative study using a survey method undertaken at an Australian university. The study examined a range of issues related to student engagement, including learning barriers, engagement and experience in learning, skills attained, motivation to complete study, career pathway, and key reasons for selecting a particular pathway. The study found that online students are less engaged in learning and, therefore, efforts need to be made to improve their sense of belonging to the university. The findings of the study are critical due to high attrition on open access enabling courses and it argues the need to improve the engagement, retention, and success of students on such courses.
Evidence for integrins other than β2 on polymorphonuclear neutrophils: expression of α6β1 heterodimer

The expression of non‐β2 integrins on polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) was analyzed by im‐ munoprecipitation and flow cytometry using platelet‐free PMN preparations and anti‐FcγR blocking mAbs. No β3 integrin was detected with six anti‐β3 mAbs. Conversely, integrin β1 chain was present on PMNs, although at low level, and could be distinguished from platelet β1 by SDS‐PAGE. The MW differences disappeared after N‐ glycanase treatment. PMNs express only 2500 molecules of β1 per cell and this expression is not modulated by agonists such as phorbol myristate acetate, formylmethionyl‐ leucyl‐phenylalanine, granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐ stimulating factor, or tumor necrosis factor α, which enhance CDllb expression, or by interferon‐7 or transforming growth factor α. PMNs were found to express α6 associated with β1, and no reactivity was observed with various anti‐α1, anti‐α2, anti‐α3, anti‐α4, anti‐α5 or anti‐αv mAbs. In conclusion, although other leukocytes express various β1 integrins, which mediate cell interactions with ECM proteins, PMNs appear to express only the laminin receptor α6β1 PMN interactions with nonlaminin ECM ligands thus seem to be mediated either exclusively by β2 integrins or by nonintegrin molecules.
Does Size, Value and Seasonal Effects Still Persist in Indian Equity Markets?

This article is an attempt to re-examine the persistence of company fundamentals such as size and value effects along with seasonal anomalies, such as January, April and Diwali (November) effects, in explaining the cross-sectional variation in average return of portfolios in the Indian equity market. The study analysed 740–1530 companies on an average listed on NSE for the period of 1996–2016 taking Nifty 500 as the market index. The study follows the standard methodology of Fama and French (1993) in constructing size and value mimicking portfolios but the originality comes from formulating 30 size–value-sorted portfolios with size sorted on deciles. An attempt has been made to compare single-index model with Fama–French Three-Factor (FFTF) model in the present context. The study finds evidence of both size and value effect in India and non-existence of January, April and Diwali effects in India for the given period as found previously by Gupta and Kumar (2007), Connor and Sehgal (2001) and Tripathi (2008). The FFTF model does better job than single-index model.