Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Determinants of corporate governance disclosure in Saudi Arabia

Purpose – Our paper’s purpose is to examine the relation between some corporate governance mechanisms and the disclosure level of corporate governance information in the Saudi Arabian’s listed companies. It aims to deepen our understanding of the main drivers of corporate governance reporting in one of the developing countries. Methodology – Using a sample of 97 financial reports and accounts of Saudi Arabian listed companies in 2006 and 2007, the paper uses the content analysis approach to analyse the content of these reports. In addition, a multiple regression model is used to identify the determinants of corporate governance disclosure. In this regression model, corporate governance disclosure score is the dependent variable, while the firm characteristics (firm’s profitability, liquidity, debt ratio and size) and corporate governance mechanisms (board independence, audit committee size) are the independent variables. Findings – We find that board independence, audit committee size, profitability, liquidity and gearing are the main determinants of corporate governance disclosure in Saudi Arabia. We did not find any statistically significant association between firm size and corporate governance disclosure. Originality – The paper contributes to literature on disclosure and corporate governance in two important ways. First, it provides evidence on the determinants of corporate governance reporting in a developing country, Saudi Arabia. The research on this area has been largely absent in developing countries in general and in Middle Eastern countries in particular. Second, it offers some insights into the governance mechanisms and corporate characteristics that significantly drive the disclosure of corporate governance information.
[Expression of MicroRNA-15a in Children with Primary Immune Thrombocytopenia and Its Significance].

OBJECTIVE To analyze the expression of MicroRNA-15a (miR-15a) in children with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and its significance. METHODS The peripheral blood monomuclear cells (PBMNC) were isolated and cultured from ITP patients and healthy volunteers. The expression level of miR-15a was measured by real-time PCR. After miR-15a mimic was transfected into PBMNC, the levels of INF-γ, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10 were measured by ELISA. RESULTS The expression of miR-15a was significantly decreased in PBMNC. The production of IFN-γ and IL-2 was dramatically increased, and the level of IL-4, IL-10 was decreased in PBMNC. Moreover, the expression of miR-15a was negatively correlated with IFN-γ and IL-2, and positively with IL-4 and IL-10. Furthermore, the results showed that the overexpression of miR-15a could decrease the production of IFN-γ and IL-2, and increase the production of IL-4 and IL-10. CONCLUSION miR-15a is significantly down-regulated in PBMNC of children with primary ITP and involved in the regulation of Th1/Th2 imbalance. It is suggested that miR-15a may be a potential therapeutic target for ITP.
Attentional Correlation Filter Network for Adaptive Visual Tracking

We propose a new tracking framework with an attentional mechanism that chooses a subset of the associated correlation filters for increased robustness and computational efficiency. The subset of filters is adaptively selected by a deep attentional network according to the dynamic properties of the tracking target. Our contributions are manifold, and are summarised as follows: (i) Introducing the Attentional Correlation Filter Network which allows adaptive tracking of dynamic targets. (ii) Utilising an attentional network which shifts the attention to the best candidate modules, as well as predicting the estimated accuracy of currently inactive modules. (iii) Enlarging the variety of correlation filters which cover target drift, blurriness, occlusion, scale changes, and flexible aspect ratio. (iv) Validating the robustness and efficiency of the attentional mechanism for visual tracking through a number of experiments. Our method achieves similar performance to non real-time trackers, and state-of-the-art performance amongst real-time trackers.
Comparing The Effect Of Downsizing And Reducing Pay On Collective Organizational Commitment And Firm Financial Performance And The Role Of Investment In Training

This study compares the impact of downsizing and reducing pay on collective organizational commitment and firm financial performance. An examination of organizations operating under a salary schedule system in Korea shows that there is no significant difference between the effect of downsizing and reducing pay on collective organizational commitment and firm financial performance. However, compared to downsizing, reducing pay yields better financial performance for organizations that invest relatively highly in training of their employees through maintaining higher levels of organizational commitment.
Barriers and enablers in adopting of Halal warehousing

Purpose – This paper aims to identify the determinants of the adoption factors of Halal warehousing activities among Halal manufacturers in Malaysia. It is hoped that this work would contribute to the growth of research in the area of Halal adoption services. Design/methodology/approach – The data for this quantitative study were gathered from 140 participants of the Malaysia International Halal Showcase 2013. Smart PLS version 2.0 was used to analyze the relationship of each construct using the structural equation modeling approach. Findings – Awareness, complexity and top management support were found to be the determinant factors in the Halal warehousing services adoption among Malaysian Halal manufacturers. Supplier availability was found to have a negative relationship in the adoption of Halal warehousing services. Research limitations/implications – The findings of this study revealed some important implications and great values among researchers, Halal service providers and the government sector. I.
The Cerebro-ocular-renal Dystrophies: a new variant

Under this title it is proposed to describe a syndrome which has been under observation in two brothers, both of whom have now died. The syndrome is characterized clinically by anorexia, failure to grow, muscular hypotonia, corneal opacities and mental retardation; and physiologically by a severe hyperchloraemic acidosis, a very acid urine and a noteworthy defect on the part of the kidney to excrete ammonium ions. Progressive renal deterioration has been the cause of death. The disease thus belongs in a way to that ill-defined group described by Lowe, Terry and MacLachlan (1952), Royer and Prader (1957), Debre, Royer, Lestradet and Straub (1955) and also perhaps Goldbloom, Fraser, Waugh, Aronovitch and Wiglesworth (1957). It differs from all of them, however, in the nature of the renal lesion. It has been possible to make clinical, biochemical and post mortem investigations which will each to some extent be considered separately.
Pharmacological relevance and potential of sphingosine 1‐phosphate in the vascular system

Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) was identified as a crucial molecule for regulating immune responses, inflammatory processes as well as influencing the cardiovascular system. S1P mediates differentiation, proliferation and migration during vascular development and homoeostasis. S1P is a naturally occurring lipid metabolite and is present in human blood in nanomolar concentrations. S1P is not only involved in physiological but also in pathophysiological processes. Therefore, this complex signalling system is potentially interesting for pharmacological intervention. Modulation of the system might influence inflammatory, angiogenic or vasoregulatory processes. S1P activates G‐protein coupled receptors, namely S1P1–5, whereas only S1P1–3 is present in vascular cells. S1P can also act as an intracellular signalling molecule. This review highlights the pharmacological potential of S1P signalling in the vascular system by giving an overview of S1P‐mediated processes in endothelial cells (ECs) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). After a short summary of S1P metabolism and signalling pathways, the role of S1P in EC and VSMC proliferation and migration, the cause of relaxation and constriction of arterial blood vessels, the protective functions on endothelial apoptosis, as well as the regulatory function in leukocyte adhesion and inflammatory responses are summarized. This is followed by a detailed description of currently known pharmacological agonists and antagonists as new tools for mediating S1P signalling in the vasculature. The variety of effects influenced by S1P provides plenty of therapeutic targets currently under investigation for potential pharmacological intervention.
Responses from two firing patterns in inferior colliculus neurons to stimulation of the lateral lemniscus dorsal nucleus

The γ-aminobutyric acid neurons (GABAergic neurons) in the inferior colliculus are classified into various patterns based on their intrinsic electrical properties to a constant current injection. Although this classification is associated with physiological function, the exact role for neurons with various firing patterns in acoustic processing remains poorly understood. In the present study, we analyzed characteristics of inferior colliculus neurons in vitro, and recorded responses to stimulation of the dorsal nucleus of the lateral lemniscus using the whole-cell patch clamp technique. Seven inferior colliculus neurons were tested and were classified into two firing patterns: sustained-regular (n = 4) and sustained-adapting firing patterns (n = 3). The majority of inferior colliculus neurons exhibited slight changes in response to stimulation and bicuculline. The responses of one neuron with a sustained-adapting firing pattern were suppressed after stimulation, but recovered to normal levels following application of the γ-aminobutyric acid receptor antagonist. One neuron with a sustained-regular pattern showed suppressed stimulation responses, which were not affected by bicuculline. Results suggest that GABAergic neurons in the inferior colliculus exhibit sustained-regular or sustained-adapting firing patterns. Additionally, GABAergic projections from the dorsal nucleus of the lateral lemniscus to the inferior colliculus are associated with sound localization. The different neuronal responses of various firing patterns suggest a role in sound localization. A better understanding of these mechanisms and functions will provide better clinical treatment paradigms for hearing deficiencies.
GE132+Natural: Novel promising dietetic supplement with antiproliferative influence on prostate, colon, and breast cancer cells.

PURPOSE Natural products have been investigated for promising new leads in pharmaceutical development. The purpose of this study was to analyze the biological effect of GE132+Natural, a novel supplement consisting of 5 compounds: Resveratrol, Ganoderma lucidum, Sulforaphane, Lycopene and Royal jelly. METHODS The antiproliferative activity of GE132+Natural was tested on 3 different human cancer cell lines: MCF7 (breast cancer cells), PC3 (prostate cancer cells), and SW480 (colon cancer cells), as well as on EA.hy 926 (normal human endothelial cell line). In addition, the cytotoxicity of GE132+- Natural on the proliferation of primary human mesenchymal stem cells isolated from dental pulp (DP=MSC), along with its in vitro impact on different peripheral blood parameters, was determined. RESULTS The results revealed high antiproliferative activity of GE132+Natural on all tested cancer cell lines (PC3, MCF7 and SW480), as well as on the EA.hy 926 endothelial cell line in a dose-dependent manner. However, applied in a wide range of concentrations GE132+Natural did not affect both the proliferation of primary mesenchymal stem cells and the peripheral blood cells counts. CONCLUSION The data obtained demonstrated that GE132+Natural is effective in inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, indicating its potential beneficial health effects. In addition, the results pointed that adult mesenchymal stem cells might be valuable as a test system for evaluating the toxicity and efficacy of new medicines or chemicals.
Bilateral Bone-Anchored Hearing Aid: Impact on Quality of Life Measured With the Glasgow Benefit Inventory

Objective: To investigate whether the fitting of bilateral Bone-anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA) would result in any additional improvement in patients' quality of life (QOL) over and above what we would experience from the fitting of a single-sided BAHA. Study Design: Retrospective, anonymized, cross-sectional postal survey using the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI). Setting: Tertiary referral center. Patients: All 93 adult patients who had been using bilateral BAHA for more than 6 months. Intervention(s): Hearing rehabilitation using bilateral BAHA. Main Outcome Measure(s): These include the GBI benefit scores across the following domains: "overall benefit," "general health benefit," "physical health benefit," and "social benefit. " Comparison of GBI scores against other otological interventions including single-sided BAHA. Results: Response rate was 76%. Ninety-two percent of patients reported improvement in QOL. Positive QOL improvement scores were reported across all domains. Overall GBI benefit score was +ve 38. This is higher than the benefit scores reported by patients with single-sided BAHA, although this may not be statistically significant. Conclusion: After fitting the second BAHA, patients may report additional improvement in their QOL (of a smaller magnitude) over and above the initial improvement in their QOL after fitting of their first BAHA. In fact, the overall benefit score for bilateral BAHA seem to be close to that for cochlear implantation.
Dynamics of a Coupled System: Multi-Resolution Remote Sensing in Assessing Social-Ecological Responses during 25 Years of Gas Field Development in Arctic Russia

Abstract: Hydrocarbon exploration has been underway in the north of West Siberia for several decades. Giant gas fields on the Yamal Peninsula are expected to begin feeding the Nord Stream pipeline to Western Europe in late 2012. Employing a variety of high- to very high-resolution satellite-based sensors, we have followed the establishment and spread of Bovanenkovo, the biggest and first field to be developed. Extensive onsite field observations and measurements of land use and land cover changes since 1985 have been combined with intensive participant observation in all seasons among indigenous Nenets reindeer herders and long-term gas field workers during 2004–2007 and 2010–2011. Time series and multi-resolution imagery was used to build a chronology of the gas field’s development. Large areas of partially or totally denuded tundra and most forms of expanding infrastructure are readily tracked with Landsat scenes (1985, 1988, 2000, 2009, 2011). SPOT (1993, 1998) and ASTER (2001) were also used. Quickbird-2 (2004) and GeoEye (2010) were most successful in detecting small-scale anthropogenic disturbances as well as individual camps of nomadic herders moving in the vicinity of the gas field. For assessing gas field development the best results are obtained by combining lower resolution with Very High Resolution (VHR) imagery (spatial resolution <5 m) and fieldwork. Nenets managing collective and privately owned herds of reindeer have proven adept in responding to a broad range of intensifying industrial impacts at the same time as they have
European payment systems and monetary union

We make a comparative study of payment systems for E.U. fifteen countries for the 1996-2002 period. Special attention is paid to the introduction of the new European single currency. The overall trend in payments is for a move from cash to non-cash payment instruments, although electronic instruments are not widely used yet. We find a significant impact from the introduction of the new banknotes and coins on card use.
Memorable Experiences in Therapeutic Assessment: Inviting the Patient's Perspective Following a Pretreatment Randomized Controlled Trial

ABSTRACT Accumulating evidence documents the efficacy of Therapeutic Assessment (TA) in terms of symptom reduction and other outcomes, but only minimal data speak to the patient's perspective of what is memorable, or potentially important, about this intervention. In line with the humanistic and phenomenological philosophy of TA, we solicited patient input by asking personality disorder (PD) patients who participated in a recent randomized controlled trial (De Saeger et al., 2014) about their experiences. We report on 10 PD patients who were administered semistructured interviews designed to assess an in-depth perspective of undergoing TA. Our methodological approach can be described as phenomenological and integrative, approximating guidelines provided by the Consensual Qualitative Research paradigm (Hill, 2012). Four core content domains emerged from the transcribed and coded interview protocols: (a) relationship aspects, (b) new insight into personal dynamics, (c) sense of empowerment, and (d) validation of self. Novel experiences were mostly of a relational nature, and pertained to feeling of being treated like an equal and essential partner in a highly individualized venture. Research and clinical implications of these patient reports of TA participation are discussed.
Blood biomarkers associated with neurological deterioration in patients with acute penetrating artery territory infarction: A multicenter prospective observational study

Background and purpose Neurological deterioration in acute penetrating artery territory infarction is unpredictable and associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes. The aim of this prospective study was to clarify the cause of neurological worsening and predict clinical outcomes using blood biomarkers. Methods Eight Japanese stroke centers participated. Blood samples were obtained within 24 h (the first sampling) and on day 7 in hospital (the second sampling) in patients with penetrating artery territory infarction, arriving within two days of stroke onset. Symptomatic worsening was defined as a minimum increase of one point on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. Poor outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of ≥3 at 90 days after ictus. Results Of the 89 patients, 25 (28%) had symptomatic worsening, and 25 (28%) had a poor outcome. Although tumor necrosis factor-alpha, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels were significantly increased in both groups at the second sampling, soluble lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1, CD40 ligand, and pro-adrenomedullin levels were significantly increased and ADAMTS13 activity was decreased in symptomatic worsening patients (p < 0.05 for all). After multivariate adjustment, a low number of CD34+ cells at the first sampling was an independent predictor of poor outcome (odds ratio, 0.20; 95% confidence interval, 0.04–0.74, p = 0.011, per 1 cell/µl increase). Conclusions Blood biomarkers associated with atherosclerotic processes seem to be an indication for symptomatic worsening, and the number of CD34+ cells may help to predict three-month functional outcome in patients with penetrating artery territory infarction.
Welfare Measures with Risk and Ambiguity

Building on the modal response hypothesis (MRH) of Lillard and Willis (2001), we develop a method for jointly eliciting and estimating risk and ambiguity together with the willingness to pay for a risk-reduction or elimination program. We meld the random-utility framework typically used in transportation studies and non-market valuation with the MRH to form a modal random-utility model (MRUM). We show that the subjective expected utility model (SEU) is nested within the MRUM, thereby allowing for a statistical test that compares the SEU and MRUM. We apply the model to a data set that contains subjects’ perceived risks and responses to willingness to pay questions relating to a reduction in arsenic in their drinking water. The empirical results indicate that both risk and uncertainty about the risk jointly affect an individual’s maximum willingness to pay for an arsenic risk-elimination program. We show that the MRUM provides a superior statistical fit with more explanatory power than either the SEU or mean/variance-based welfare models provide. JEL Codes: Q510, Q530, D810
Alcohol and motor vehicle-related deaths of children as passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists.

CONTEXT The overall percentage of motor vehicle deaths associated with alcohol consumption declined between 1991 and 1996, but the risk of death due to alcohol-related crashes for children warrants analysis. OBJECTIVE To examine the association between alcohol use by drivers and mortality of children who were passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. DESIGN AND SETTING Analysis of data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System, a nationwide US registry of motor vehicle deaths, for 1991-1996. SUBJECTS A total of 16,676 children younger than 16 years who were passengers, pedestrians, or bicyclists and whose death was due to a motor vehicle crash. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Alcohol use by drivers involved in crashes in which children died, assessed by age and sex of the child and driver and type of crash. RESULTS A total of 3310 deaths (19.9%) involved alcohol-related crashes. The percentage declined from 21.6% in 1991 to 17.8% in 1996. Considering only crashes in which the alcohol-use status of the child's driver was relevant, the decline was less marked, from 18.8% in 1991 to 15.1% in 1995, with an increase to 16.4% in 1996. Among crashes involving alcohol, the child's own driver had been drinking in 66.3% of cases, varying from 58.0% to 70.7% over time. Drivers younger than the legal drinking age of 21 years who had been drinking alcohol accounted for 30.3% of alcohol-related passenger deaths among children. CONCLUSION While the overall percentage of alcohol-related motor vehicle deaths for children declined between 1991 and 1996, experiences for passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists differ. Selected characteristics of children and drivers that elevate the risk of an alcohol-related motor vehicle death point to the need for further policy and clinical interventions.
Cigarette smoking gives more respiratory symptoms among women than among men The Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT)

STUDY OBJECTIVE Studies have indicated that women are more vulnerable to the effect of tobacco smoking compared with men. The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of reported respiratory symptoms and diseases according to smoking burden, age and sex. DESIGN Questionnaire in a cross sectional population based study. SETTING The BONT (Bronchial obstruction in Nord-Trøndelag) study is part of a comprehensive health survey of all inhabitants aged above 19 years in the county of Nord-Trøndelag, Norway, which was carried out from 1995 to 1997. PARTICIPANTS A total of 65 717 subjects, 71.3% of the total population aged 20–100, answered the main questionnaire. MAIN RESULTS In all, 12.7% men and 12.1% women reported episodes of wheezing or breathlessness during the past 12 months, 8.8% men and 8.4% women reported that they had or had had asthma, 7.5% men and 8.2% women had ever used asthma medication, and 4.0% men and 3.0% women reported chronic bronchitis. Thirty per cent of men and 31% of women were smokers, and average pack years of smoking were 15.9 and 10.3, respectively. Among previous and current smokers, significant more women reported episodes of wheezing or breathlessness, current asthma and persistent coughing compared with men with the same smoke burden (pack years) and daily number of cigarettes. CONCLUSION The prevalence of reported asthma and use of asthma medication was higher than reported in previous Scandinavian studies. Respiratory symptoms increased by smoking burden. Comparing the prevalence of symptoms and current asthma among women and men with the same smoke burden or daily cigarette consumption, women seemed to be more susceptible to the effect of tobacco smoking than men.