Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does Monitoring by Independent Directors Reduce Firm Risk

We ask whether an increase in the proportion of independent directors on a firm’s board leads to more conservative operating decisions and whether the cumulative effect of these decisions is to reduce stock-based measures of company risk. We find support for both hypotheses and provide evidence that on the operating side, investment rates are lower, return on assets is less variable, growth opportunities are reduced, and the firm is less likely to make acquisitions as the proportion of independent directors increases. Consistent with conservative operating decisions, we also find reduced risk in the company’s stock returns for firms with a greater proportion of independent directors. Idiosyncratic risk is lower and stock returns have less negative skewness, implying a lower risk of stock price crash. Our results hold under various robustness tests including the use of alternative measures of risk and incorporating controls for other board and firm characteristics that may influence the effectiveness of directors in monitoring firm management. Our findings may help to explain the failure of researchers to find evidence that independent directors enhance firm performance since conservative decisions may result in missed opportunities for risky but potentially large gains.
Analysis of information needs and accessibility among artisanal fishermen in Benue State, Nigeria.

The study analyzed the information needs and accessibility of artisanal fisher folk in Benue State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was used to select two fishing communities from each of the three agro-ecological zones in the study area. A structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data from 222 respondents. Descriptive statistics showed that artisanal fisher folk were mostly married male adults with low level of formal education, low income, and low use of modern technologies. The chi-square test revealed that there was a significant relationship between access to needed information and the output of the artisanal fisher folk at 1% level of significance. Logit regression test revealed that age, education and household size had significant effect on fisher folk access to needed fisheries information. Important areas of information need of the fisher folk were, sources of micro credit, modern fish capture methods and aqua-culture. It was recommended that adequate fisheries extension services should be provided in the fishing communities. [O. J, Okwu et al. Analysis of Information Needs and Accessibility among Artisanal Fishermen in Benue State, Nigeria. International Journal of Agricultural Science, Research and Technology, 2011; 1(3):109-115].
Association of placental Plasmodium falciparum parasitaemia with maternal and newborn outcomes in the periurban area of Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso

MAMOUDOU CISSE*, A. HAMA DIALLO, D. ADOLPHE SOMÉ, ARMEL PODA, A. GORDON AWANDARE and T. ROBERT GUIGUEMDÉ Department of Biomedical Sciences, Centre MURAZ, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Université Polytechnique de Bobo-Dioulasso, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso Department of Public Health, Centre MURAZ, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Souro Sanou, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso Department of Infectious Diseases, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Souro Sanou, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso University of Ghana, West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, Accra, Ghana
Role of CXCL13 in asthma: novel therapeutic target.

BACKGROUND B cells play an important role in allergic asthma. However, the mechanisms by which these cells are activated in the airways remain poorly understood. METHODS We used a mouse model of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic inflammation to study CXCL13 and to investigate the concentration of this chemokine in the BAL fluid derived from asthmatic and normal control subjects. RESULTS We found that OVA-challenged mice upregulate the CXCL13/CXCR5 axis, which is associated with several changes in their airways, including recruitment of B and CD4(+) cells, development of bronchial-associated lymphoid tissue, and airway inflammation. Treating sensitized mice with an anti-CXCL13 antibody reduced cell recruitment, bronchial-associated lymphoid tissue formation, and airways inflammation. Interestingly, measurements of CXCL13 using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed that levels of this cytokine were significantly elevated in BAL fluid from subjects with asthma compared with control subjects (median, 162 [range, 120-296] vs 31 [range, 120-156] pg/mL; P = .005). CONCLUSIONS All together, these findings suggest that CXCL13 is involved in the allergic airway inflammatory process, and targeting this chemokine may constitute a novel approach in asthma.
The Impact of Strategies in Supply Chain Management for Better Performance in Manufacturing SMEs in Aguascalientes

This research aims to analyze the impact of the implementation of strategies in the the Supply Chain Management (SCM), Manufacturing for SMEs in Aguascalientes may have a higher yield. The analysis was performed through the design of an assessment tool aimed at managers through an empirical study in the period from August to December 2013. The methodology has been quantitative approach, as well as correlational and descriptive the sample is random. The expected results are intended to influence the decisions taken by the managers in their organizations to the SCM is still complex, it is more efficient through the implementation of strategies for increased output in manufacturing SMEs in Aguascalientes. In this sense, the expected results intended sizing how important the integration of strategies is in the practice of the SCM, and in turn, the impact of this influence on the Performance of Manufacturing SMEs. In this study, structural equation modeling technique was applied to support software EQS 6.1.
Neuro-Ophthalmology of Space Flight

Background: To describe the history, clinical findings, and possible pathogenic etiologies of the constellation of neuro-ophthalmic findings discovered in astronauts after long-duration space flight and to discuss the terrestrial implications of such findings. Evidence Acquisition: Retrospective review of published observational, longitudinal examination of neuro-ophthalmic findings in astronauts after long-duration space flight; analysis of postflight questionnaires regarding in-flight vision changes in approximately 300 additional astronauts; and hypothesis generating for developing possible future countermeasures and potential implications for neuro-ophthalmic disorders on Earth. Astronauts with neuro-ophthalmic findings, which were not present at the start of a space flight mission and only seen on return from long-duration space missions to the International Space Station, will be discussed. Results: After 6 months of space flight, 7 astronauts had ophthalmic findings consisting of optic disc edema in 5, globe flattening in 5, choroidal folds in 5, cotton-wool spots in 3, nerve fiber layer thickening detected by optical coherence tomography in 6, and decreased near vision in 6. Five of 7 astronauts with near vision complaints had a hyperopic shift ≥+0.50 diopters (D) between pre-/post-mission spherical equivalent refraction in 1 or both eyes (range, +0.50 to +1.75 D). These 5 astronauts showed globe flattening on magnetic resonance imaging. A total of 6 lumbar punctures have been performed to date (4 in the originally described cohort) and documented opening pressures of 18, 22, 21, 21.5, 28, and 28.5 cm H2O. These were performed at 8, 66, 19, 7, 12, and 57 days after mission, respectively. The 300 postflight questionnaires documented that approximately 29% and 60% of astronauts on short-duration and long-duration missions, respectively, experienced a degradation in distant and near visual acuity. Some of these vision changes remain unresolved for years after flight. Several possible pathogenic mechanisms, as well as potential countermeasures and discussion of possible terrestrial implications, are described. Conclusions: We previously hypothesized that the optic nerve and ocular changes that we described in astronauts may be the result of orbital and cranial cephalad fluid shifts brought about by prolonged microgravity exposure. The findings we reported previously and continue to see in astronauts may represent parts of a spectrum of ocular and cerebral responses to extended microgravity exposure. Future investigations hopefully will lead to countermeasures that can be used to eliminate or lessen the magnitude of these potentially harmful findings before long-duration space flight including the possibility of a manned mission to Mars.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease: recommendations for disinfection and sterilization.

Prion diseases constitute a unique infection control problem because prions exhibit unusual resistance to conventional chemical and physical decontamination methods. Recommendations to prevent cross-transmission of infection from medical devices contaminated by Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) have been based primarily on prion inactivation studies. The recommendations in this article consider inactivation data but also use epidemiological studies of prion transmission, infectivity of human tissues, and efficacy of removing microbes by cleaning. On the basis of the scientific data, only critical (e.g., surgical instruments) and semicritical devices contaminated with high-risk tissue (i.e., brain, spinal cord, and eye tissue) from high-risk patients--those with known or suspected infection with CJD--require special treatment.
Realizing high performance on multiple stakeholder domains: A resource-based analysis of professional service firms in the Netherlands and Germany

This book presents an empirical study on small and medium-sized professional service firms in the Netherlands and Germany. The overall aim of this study was to specify and test those intra-organizational resources that enable small and medium-sized professional service firms to realize high performance scores on multiple stakeholder domains. Five intra-organizational resources were found to be crucial in this respect: If small and medium-sized professional service firms succeed in establishing organizational practices that foster a proactive market orientation, a strong competitor orientation, and professional knowledge management, and combine it with satisfying reward practices for their personnel and competent top management, they will have good chances to gain a competitive advantage on multiple stakeholder performance domains. This means that these firms will be more successful than their competitors in attracting and maintaining high quality personnel, in satisfying their clients, in improving their market position, and in realizing financial growth.
Medical Librarians and New Web Technologies: How Familiar are we with Web Facilities and Use of Library Services Applications?

Objective: In recent years, new information technology has changed the nature of services Offered by libraries around the world. Librarians are considered to be the link between the source of information and the end users. It is therefore necessary for the librarians to be fully versed in the process and workings of the system applications in order to provide the required services in libraries. The research carried out here has concentrated on the medical librarian's knowledge, about the new generations of World Wide Web, as well as the use of new applications and facilities in library services. The research method: A descriptive Research Survey Method has been applied in this study. The comprehensive questioner had been designed for collection and collation of data which was distributed between 60 medical librarians, working in central and faculty libraries in three Medical & Sciences Universities. The data was collated and processed by SPSS software. Result: The findings concluded the fact that, minority of Medical librarians in the conducted survey were reasonably familiar with facilities and applications of new web generations such as pod casts, video-casts, electronic discussion groups … and were able to use these facilities in library services and the he majority were well versed and had sufficient knowledge in respect to general internet facilities like, Internet browsers, search engines and e-mails. Furthermore, the research has shown that about 90% of respondents believe that they need to continue their career development programs (CDP) and associated Education courses about web innovations. Conclusion: As results show, the level of familiarity with the new web generations and use of the web applications in library services is relatively low. Holding relevant courses and encouraging medical librarians to use these technologies in all library departments, including reference library services, should be encouraged and serious consideration must be implemented by relevant department managers.
PARROT NESTING IN SOUTHEASTERN PERU: SEASONAL PATTERNS AND KEYSTONE TREES

Abstract Parrots that inhabit tropical lowland forests are difficult to study, are poorly known, and little information is available on their nesting habits, making analysis of community-wide nesting patterns difficult. I present nesting records for 15 species of psittacids that co-occur in southeastern Peru. The psittacid breeding season in this area lasted from June to April, with smaller species nesting earlier than larger species. Why smaller species bred earlier is uncertain, though it may be related to interspecific competition for nest sites or variations in food availability. This study identified two keystone plant resources used by nesting parrots: Dipteryx micrantha (Fabaceae) and Mauritia flexuosa (Arecaceae). Local threats to these plant species are discussed.
Acid sensitivity of the spinal dorsal root ganglia C‐fiber nociceptors innervating the guinea pig esophagus

Gastroesophageal reflux can cause high acidity in the esophagus and trigger heartburn and pain. However, because of the esophageal mucosal barrier, the acidity at the nerve terminals of pain‐mediating C‐fibers in esophageal mucosa is predicted to be substantially lower. We hypothesized that the esophageal dorsal root ganglia (DRG) C‐fibers are activated by mild acid (compared to acidic reflux), and express receptors and ion channels highly sensitive to acid.
Prognostic significance of MCM 2 and Ki-67 in neuroblastic tumors in children.

INTRODUCTION Neuroblastic tumors can be characterized by three features: spontaneous regression, maturation and aggressive proliferation. The most common and routinely used method of assessing tumor cell proliferation is to determine the Ki-67 index in the tumor tissue. Despite numerous studies, neuroblastoma biology is not fully understood, which makes treatment results unsatisfactory. MCM 2 is a potential prognostic factor in the neuroblastoma group. MATERIAL/METHODS The study is based on retrospective analysis of 35 patients treated for neuroblastic tumors in the Department of Pediatric Surgery and Oncology of the Medical University of Lodz, during the period 2001-2011. The material comprised tissues of 16 tumors excised during the operation and 19 biopsy specimens. Immunohistochemical examinations were performed with immunoperoxidase using mouse monoclonal anti-MCM 2 and anti-Ki-67 antibodies. RESULTS We observed that MCM 2 expression ranged from 2% to 98% and the Ki-67 index ranged from 0 to 95%. There was a statistically significant correlation between expression of MCM 2 and the value of the Ki-67 index and a correlation close to statistical significance between expression of MCM 2 and unfavorable histopathology. There was no statistical relationship between expression of MCM 2 and age over 1 year and N-myc amplification. DISCUSSION The presented research shows that MCM 2 may have prognostic significance in neuroblastic pediatric tumors and as a potential prognostic factor could be the starting point of new individualized therapy.
Histological and Immunohistological Findings in Lymphoepithelioid Cell Lymphoma (Lennert's Lymphoma)

Four hundred and two cases considered or suspected to be lymphoepithelioid cell lymphoma (Lennert's lymphoma) were analyzed morphologically, immunohistochemically, and clinically. One hundred and eight of these cases, investigated in 180 biopsies, fulfilled the morphological and immunohistochemical criteria for lymphoepithelioid cell lymphoma and are herein reported. Cellular composition and histological structure are described in detail as a basis for discriminating Lennert's lymphoma from similar lymphomas with a high content of epithelioid cells (Hodgkin's disease, AILD type of T-cell lymphoma, lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma) and from inflammatory epithelioid cell reactions. Single typical Hodgkin cells were found in only 3.8% of biopsy specimens examined, and single typical Sternberg-Reed cells were found in only 2.2% of the biopsy specimens examined. Because these single Hodgkin and Sternberg-Reed cells were situated in a relatively monotonous lymphoid cellular pattern and because both these cell types also may occur in peripheral T-cell lymphomas, we include cases with such cells in the category of Lennert's lymphoma. Eight percent of the patients with lymphoepithelioid cell lymphoma showed transformation into a large-cell T-cell lymphoma without the prominent focal epithelioid cell component previously observed. Immunohistochemically, seven of the 69 biopsy specimens with detectable giant cells stained positively for the granulocyte-specific monoclonal antibody 3C4 (∼CD15). Plasma cells were rare and always showed a polytypic immunoglobulin pattern. Lymphoepithelioid cell lymphoma, defined as a lymphoma of CD4+ T lymphocytes, marks the border between Hodgkin's disease and the non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. Today, absolute criteria for distinguishing between these two classes of lymphoma are lacking.
Comparative effects of power lines and roads on moose (Alces alces) habitat selection.

line grid in Norway is expected to increase loss and fragmentation of wildlife habitat. The public road network is also expanding. However, power line rights-of-way (cleared areas under power lines) and roadside edge vegetation can provide attractive feeding opportunities for moose (Alces alces). While some land owners wish to maintain high moose densities for selling hunting licenses, others are concerned about damage to forest vegetation or the risk of moosevehicle collisions. The disturbance or attraction potential of power line ROW and roads to moose is therefore of substantial interest. We applied a step selection function on GPS relocation data of 58 moose individuals expecting that central-grid power lines are avoided less than public roads based on their differential disturbance potential. We expected greater avoidance in open habitats because these do not shield from disturbance, less avoidance in winter when moose are in a state of energetic deficit and greater avoidance by female moose because females may respond more strongly towards open habitats and disturbance. While we found no evidence for power line ROW avoidance, we did observe that moose avoided areas close to roads. However, seasonal and gender-specific differences existed. We did not detect greater avoidance in open habitats. These results will help to develop guidelines for the routing of power lines and roads through different habitat types to minimize disturbance to moose while balancing the interests of land owners and conservationists. Comparative effects of power lines and roads on moose (Alces alces) habitat selection
Ranolazine stimulates glucose oxidation in normoxic, ischemic, and reperfused ischemic rat hearts.

BACKGROUND Ranolazine is a novel antianginal agent that may reduce symptoms without affecting hemodynamics and has shown cardiac antiischemic effects in in vivo and in vitro models. In one study it increased active pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDHa). Other agents that increase PDHa and so increase glucose and decrease fatty acid (FA) oxidation are beneficial in ischemic-reperfused hearts. Effects of ranolazine on glucose and palmitate oxidation and glycolysis were assessed in isolated rat hearts. METHODS AND RESULTS Working hearts were perfused with Krebs-Henseleit buffer plus 3% albumin under normoxic conditions and on reperfusion after 30-minute no-flow ischemia and under conditions designed to give either low [low (Ca) (1.25 mmol/L), high [FA] (1.2 mmol/L palmitate; with/without insulin] or high (2.5 mmol/L Ca, 0.4 mmol/L palmitate; with/without pacing) glucose oxidation rates; Langendorff-perfused hearts (high Ca, low FA) were subjected to varying degrees of low-flow ischemia. Glycolysis and glucose oxidation were measured with the use of [5-3H/U-14C]-glucose and FA oxidation with the use of [1-14C]- or [9,10-3H]-palmitate. In working hearts, 10 micromol/L ranolazine significantly increased glucose oxidation 1.5-fold to 3-fold under conditions in which the contribution of glucose to overall ATP production was low (low Ca, high FA, with insulin), high (high Ca, low Fa, with pacing), or intermediate. In some cases, reductions in FA oxidation were seen. No substantial changes in glycolysis were noted with/without ranolazine; rates were approximately 10-fold glucose oxidation rates, suggesting that pyruvate supply was not limiting. Insulin increased basal glucose oxidation and glycolysis but did not alter ranolazine responses. In normoxic Langendorff hearts (high Ca, low FA; 15 mL/min), all basal rates were lower compared with working hearts, but 10 micromol/L ranolazine similarly increased glucose oxidation; ranolazine also significantly increased it during flow reduction to 7, 3, and 0.5 mL/min. Ranolazine did not affect baseline contractile or hemodynamic parameters or O2 use. In reperfused ischemic working hearts, ranolazine significantly improved functional outcome, which was associated with significant increases in glucose oxidation, a reversal of the increased FA oxidation seen in control reperfusions (versus preischemic), and a smaller but significant increase in glycolysis. CONCLUSIONS Beneficial effects of ranolazine in cardiac ischemia/reperfusion may be due, at least in part, to a stimulation of glucose oxidation and a reduction in FA oxidation, allowing improved ATP/O2 and reduction in the buildup of H+, lactate, and harmful fatty acyl intermediates.
the Cost Competitiveness of the Manufacturing Sector in China and India: An Industry and Regional Pe

In one aspect, a conveyor belt fastener is provided having a rigid body made from a strip of cold-rolled or cold-drawn material such as steel. The body has an upper plate portion, a lower plate portion, and loop portions connecting the upper and lower plate portions. The upper and lower plate portions each have a variable cross-sectional thickness laterally thereacross including raised walls projecting outwardly and ribs projecting inwardly. The fastener has at least one attachment member, such as a staple, for connecting the plate portions to a conveyor belt end and the raised walls protect the staple once driven into the conveyor belt end.