Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TANGIBLE ASSETS AND CAPITAL STRUCTURE OF SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED COMPANIES IN CROATIA

The asset structure of companies should matter for financing decisions. Small and medium-sized companies in Croatia may use tangible assets as collateral, either providing more access to creditors or as a guarantee in case of bankruptcy. The aim of this paper is to investigate the relationship between tangible assets and the capital structure of Croatian small and medium-sized enterprises. Most previous studies have shown various relationships between tangible assets and leverage. This study has been conducted on a sample of 500 Croatian SMEs for the period between 2005 and 2010. The data used for the empirical analysis were taken from companies’ annual reports. The Pearson Correlation Coefficient is applied in order to examine the relationship between tangible assets and leverage measures. The results of this research indicate that tangible assets are differently correlated with short-term and long-term leverage. The relationship between tangible assets and short-term leverage is negative and statistically significant in all observed years. The relationship between tangible assets and long-term leverage is positive in all observed years and statistically significant. The results show that small and medium-sized companies use their collateral to attract long-term debt, which means that small and medium-sized companies use lower costs and the interest rate of long-term debt in relation to short-term debt. These findings correspond with the maturity matching principle, according to which long-term assets are financed with long-term financing and short-term assets are financed with short-term funds. These results suggest that tangible assets have a positive impact on the long-term debt of Croatian SMEs because tangible assets constitute a positive signal to the financial institutions, which can request the selling of these assets in case of bankruptcy. These findings are consistent with the trade-off theory which predicts a positive relation between leverage and tangibility, but also with the pecking order theory, which is generally interpreted as predicting a negative relation between leverage and tangibility. Keywords: tangible assets, capital structure, leverage, small and medium-sized enterprises
Phantom Cell Architecture for LTE and its Application in Vehicular IoT Environments

Proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices (smart wearables/vehicles, etc.) in the near future, would raise the capacity and bandwidth demands from the cellular infrastructure manifold. Deploying small cells is an effective solution to cope with the problem. This work focuses on a special kind of small eNBs, termed as Phantom eNBs. Phantom eNB acts as a supplement to the current radio access network (RAN) in the LTE infrastructure. It handles the data plane while a Macro eNB holds the control plane. Definitions of control and data plane, along with the modifications needed in the protocol stack are explained i n this paper. Communication mechanisms are developed for Phantom and Macro eNB to communicate over the X2 interface between them. NS-3 simulations are performed for handover scenarios of Vehicular IoT environment, consolidating the architecture and network topology designed for Phantom based Heterogeneous Networks (HetNets). Network throughput improvements of 80% and 14% are observed in comparison to the Macro-only RAN and existing small cell solutions (Femto cells), respectively.
Predictors of Workplace Bullying and Cyber-Bullying in New Zealand

Background: The negative effects of in-person workplace bullying (WB) are well established. Less is known about cyber-bullying (CB), in which negative behaviours are mediated by technology. Drawing on the conservation of resources theory, the current research examined how individual and organisational factors were related to WB and CB at two time points three months apart. Methods: Data were collected by means of an online self-report survey. Eight hundred and twenty-six respondents (58% female, 42% male) provided data at both time points. Results: One hundred and twenty-three (15%) of participants had been bullied and 23 (2.8%) of participants had been cyber-bullied within the last six months. Women reported more WB, but not more CB, than men. Worse physical health, higher strain, more destructive leadership, more team conflict and less effective organisational strategies were associated with more WB. Managerial employees experienced more CB than non-managerial employees. Poor physical health, less organisational support and less effective organisational strategies were associated with more CB. Conclusion: Rates of CB were lower than those of WB, and very few participants reported experiencing CB without also experiencing WB. Both forms of bullying were associated with poorer work environments, indicating that, where bullying is occurring, the focus should be on organisational systems and processes.
Ornamentation ofIsoetes (Isoetaceae, Lycophyta) microspores

More than any other taxonomic character, megaspores have been used in the genusIsoetes (known by the English common name of “quillwort”), despite the fallacy of a single-character taxonomy. Microspores, on the other hand, have been largely neglected in taxonomic schemes. Like megaspores, terms for microspore ornamentation (also known as “sculpturing”) have not been standardized. I examined microspore ornamentation, including both macroornamentation and microornamentation, of 52 taxa from Africa, Asia, Australasia, Europe, North America, and South America with the scanning electron microscope. Macroornamentation is discernible with light microscopy; microornamentation requires scanning electron microscopy. Ornately sculptured spores were much more frequent than were laevigate or psilate patterns: 21 taxa had an echinate pattern; 19 had an aculeate pattern; 6 were cristate; 5 were psilate; and 1 was laevigate. The proximal and distal ridges and surfaces may vary in both the type and density of ornamentation. Distinct macroornamentation patterns characterize certain species groups. Microornamentation types include granulate, bacillate, fimbriate, and filamentose: of the microspores I examined, virtually all were partially granulate; 11 were bacillate; 4 were fimbriate; and 1 was filamentose. Based on this limited sampling, species with a higher ploidy level often have larger microspores, but no clear relationship between microspore ornamentation and ploidy level was established, nor were any geographical or ecological trends clear. Like megaspores, microspore ornamentation is strongly convergent. Although microspores are often attached to megaspores, the role of spore ornamentation in coordinated dispersal remains unclear.
Ultrastructure of cells in the human bronchial submucosal glands.

The ultrastructure of the cells of the bronchial submucosal glands has been little studied in man or animal. In a paper describing the Kultschitzsky cell in the human bronchial glands, Bensch, Gordon & Miller (1965) included a summary of the main features of the two commonly recognized cell types-the serous and the mucous. Sorokin (1965) studied the bronchial glands of the opossum and reported mucous and hydrotic cells, the latter presumably being the counterpart of the serous cell. Recently histochemical methods, combined with light microscopy, have been correlated with organ culture to establish the pattern of uptake of radioactive metabolites by the serous and mucous cells (Lamb, 1969; Lamb & Reid, 1969, 1970), and have underlined the variety of intracellular acid glycoprotein found in these cells. The purpose of this study is to describe the ultrastructure of the cells included in the human bronchial submucosal glands, particularly the serous cells, which, at this site, were found to have features not previously described for this type of cell. Two further bronchial gland cell types are here reported, the first, a large cell densely packed with mitochondria, the other, a 'clear cell' similar to that seen in the mouse salivary glands (Parks, 1961). Separate light microscopic studies (Meyrick, Sturgess & Reid, 1969) have shown that the cells of the first type line a collecting duct. The others, the 'clear cells', are, it is suggested, small lymphocytes. The following cell types are thus described: (i) serous, (ii) mucous, (iii) collecting duct cells, (iv) clear cells (probably lymphocytes) and (v) myoepithelial cells. Emphasis is on the features characteristic of each cell type rather than on their arrangement and distribution within a gland.
Infectious Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus Matrix Protein Inhibits Host-Directed Gene Expression and Induces Morphological Changes of Apoptosis in Cell Cultures

ABSTRACT Infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) infection in tissue culture cells has previously been shown to result in the shutdown of host protein synthesis, cell rounding, and cell death. We report here an investigation of the cytopathogenicity of the viral phosphoprotein (P or M1), matrix (M or M2), and nonvirion (NV) proteins in cultured fish cells. The expression of M alone potently inhibited reporter gene expression from a viral and an interferon (IFN)-inducible promoter, whereas P and NV did not produce a similar effect. Northern blot analysis further revealed a reduction in the steady-state level of reporter mRNA when the M gene was cotransfected into cells; conversely, M mRNA was not drastically reduced in the same cells. By immunofluorescence confocal microscopy, fragmented nuclei were found in some cells expressing M protein but not in cells expressing P, NV, or β-galactosidase protein. Electron microscopy revealed the morphological changes associated with apoptosis in the M-transfected cells. Furthermore, IHNV infection was shown to produce DNA “laddering” in cultured cells. Taken together, these data suggested at least two functions for M protein in an IHNV infection: down regulation of host transcription and the induction of programmed cell death. In the course of these experiments, we also discovered that NV expression was associated with cell rounding, the first biological effect on cells to be attributed to the NV gene.
Health effects associated with sulfuryl fluoride and methyl bromide exposure among structural fumigation workers.

OBJECTIVES This study assessed the health effects associated with occupational exposure to methyl bromide and sulfuryl fluoride among structural fumigation workers. METHODS A cross-sectional study of 123 structural fumigation workers and 120 referents in south Florida was conducted. Nerve conduction, vibration, neurobehavioral, visual, olfactory, and renal function testing was included. RESULTS The median lifetime duration of methyl bromide and sulfuryl fluoride exposure among workers was 1.20 years and 2.85 years, respectively. Sulfuryl fluoride exposure over the year preceding examination was associated with significantly reduced performance on the Pattern Memory Test and on olfactory testing. In addition, fumigation workers had significantly reduced performance on the Santa Ana Dexterity Test of the dominant hand and a nonsignificantly higher prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome than did the referents. CONCLUSIONS Occupational sulfuryl fluoride exposures may be associated with subclinical effects on the central nervous system, including effects on olfactory and some cognitive functions. However, no widespread pattern of cognitive deficits was observed. The peripheral nerve effects were likely caused by ergonomic stresses experienced by the fumigation workers.
A chlamydia prevalence survey of young women living in Melbourne, Victoria.

BACKGROUND To estimate the population-based chlamydia prevalence among women aged 18 to 35 years living in Melbourne, Victoria, and to assess the feasibility of using mailed urine specimens to test women. METHODS A simple random sample of 11,001 households in Melbourne was selected from the telephone directory. Participants completed telephone interviews and provided urine specimens through the mail for chlamydia testing. Urines were tested using polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS 11,001 households were contacted, with 1532 households identified as including eligible women; telephone interviews were completed, with 979 women giving a response rate of 64%. Six hundred and fifty-seven women provided a urine specimen with a response rate of 43%. Among sexually active women aged 18-24 years, the chlamydia prevalence was 3.7% (95% CI: 1.2%, 8.4%) and 0.2% (95% CI: 0.0%, 1.1%) among 25-35 year olds. Chlamydia prevalence increased significantly with an increasing number of male sexual partners. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study of its kind in Australia and shows that chlamydia prevalence increases with an increasing number of male sexual partners in the last 12 months. Mailed urine specimens are feasible for conducting population-based chlamydia-prevalence surveys but it is difficult to obtain high response rates with this methodology. Public health resources should now be directed towards investigating how to reach young women at increased risk of infection, ensuring that they are tested for chlamydia.
Randomized controlled trial of cyclic and continuous therapy with trospium and solifenacin combination for severe overactive bladder in elderly patients with regard to patient compliance

Objectives: The aim of the study was to increase the efficiency of treatment for severe symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB) with antimuscarinic drugs in elderly men and women. Methods: A total of 341 patients over 65 years of age (average age 69.9; 186 women and 155 men) with severe symptoms of OAB (frequency of incontinence episodes [IEs] ≥ 3/day) underwent examination. Patients were distributed into three main groups: A (n = 58; trospium 60 mg/day + solifenacin 20): three cycles, each cycle 8 weeks, with an 8-week interval; B (n = 55; trospium 30 mg/day + solifenacin 10), regimen was the same as in group A; C (n = 62; trospium 30 mg/day + solifenacin 10) daily during 1 year. Results: The most successful treatment for the clinical and urodynamic symptoms of OAB was observed in group A, without an increase in the quantity or intensity of side effects (IEs = 4.8 (0.9) → 1.4 (0.8); p ≤ 0.01). Groups B and C also demonstrated positive effects for most of the markers for lower urinary tract state with statistical significance p ≤ 0.01. Nonparametric correlation between decrease in IEs and relative number of patients who accurately fulfilled prescriptions was in group A, r = 0.53, p ≤ 0.05; in group B, r = 0.61; p ≤ 0.05; in group C, r = 0.55, p ≤ 0.05. Conclusions: Cyclic therapy with two different spectrum antimuscarinics appears to be effective for controlling severe OAB in elderly patients. One-year cyclic therapy with a trospium and solifenacin combination provides a high compliance level (76–84%). However, continuous therapy with standard doses of trospium and solifenacin results in low adherence and high rates of treatment withdrawals (≥ 66%) despite satisfactory clinical and urodynamic results.
High hepatitis C virus prevalence and incidence among Canadian intravenous drug users

We used data and leftover samples collected through the SurvUDI network to describe the epidemiology of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among injection drug users (IDUs) in Eastern Central Canada. Among the 1380 selected IDUs, having participated twice or more between 1997 and 2003, the overall HCV prevalence rate was 60.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 57.7–63.0%). Among the 543 initially uninfected participants, the HCV incidence rate was 27.1 per 100 person-years (95% CI: 23.4–30.9 per 100 person-years). Independent predictors of seroconversion, identified among 359 participants, were age, injecting for a year or less, injecting with a syringe previously used by someone else, injecting most often cocaine, engaging in prostitution, and being recruited in a major urban centre. The HCV epidemic severely affects IDUs in this area. Actions to prevent HCV transmission, such as distribution of sterile injection equipment, have to be reinforced. Special efforts have to be targeted towards starting IDUs.
The diurnal variation of hydrogen, nitrogen, and chlorine radicals: Implications for the heterogeneous production of HNO2

In situ measurements of hydrogen, nitrogen, and chlorine radicals obtained through sunrise and sunset in the lower stratosphere during SPADE are compared to results from a photochemical model constrained by observed concentrations of radical precursors and environmental conditions. Models allowing for heterogeneous hydrolysis of N205 on sulfate aerosols agree with measured concentrations of NO, NO2, and C10 throughout the day, but fail to account for high concentrations of OH and HO2 observed near sunrise and sunset. The morning burst of (OH) and (HO2) coincides with the rise of (NO) from photolysis of NO 2, suggesting a new source of HOx that photolyzes in the near UV (350 to 400 nm) spectral region. A model that allows for the heterogeneous production of HNO2 results in an excellent simulation of the diurnal variations of (OH) and (HO2).
A longitudinal study of the development of dieting among 7-17-year-old Swedish girls.

OBJECTIVE To examine the extent to which the prevalence of self-reported dieting and the wish to be thinner changed in 7-15-year-old girls over a 3-year period, and to explore potential differences between cohorts recruited in 1995 and 1999. In addition, changes in eating attitudes (Children's Eating Attitudes Test [ChEAT]) were compared between 1995 and 1999. METHOD A three-wave longitudinal study including girls (n = 1,076-1,279) in five age groups (7, 9, 11, 13, 15, the Main Cohort) and an age-matched cross-sectional sample consisting of 1,759 girls (the Societal Cohort). RESULTS A marked increase of the wish to be thinner was evident in the 10-14-year-old age range and significant increases in dieting attempts occurred mainly among 9-13-year-old girls. ChEAT scores were significantly higher among 11-year-olds in 1999 than in 1995. However, more 7-year-olds scored above the ChEAT cutoff (</=15) in 1995 compared with 1999. DISCUSSION There was an increasing trend in the wish to be thinner and in dieting attempts among 9-14-year-olds. Attitudes and behaviors associated with disturbed eating had increased between 1995 and 1999 only among the 11-year- olds.
Effect of oxidative stress on protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B in scleroderma dermal fibroblasts.

OBJECTIVE Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and its receptor, PDGFR, promote fibrosis in systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma) dermal fibroblasts, and such cells in scleroderma skin lesions produce excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS). PDGFR is phosphorylated upon PDGF stimulation, and is dephosphorylated by protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs), including PTP1B. This study was undertaken to determine whether the thiol-sensitive PTP1B is affected by ROS in SSc dermal fibroblasts, thereby enhancing the phosphorylation of PDGFR and synthesis of type I collagen. This study also sought to investigate the effect of a thiol antioxidant, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), in SSc. METHODS Fibroblasts were isolated from the skin of patients with diffuse SSc and normal healthy donors for cell culture experiments and immunofluorescence analyses. A phosphate release assay was used to determine the activity of PTP1B. RESULTS Levels of ROS and type I collagen were significantly higher and amounts of free thiol were significantly lower in SSc fibroblasts compared to normal fibroblasts. After stimulation with PDGF, not only were PDGFR and ERK-1/2 phosphorylated to a greater extent, but also the ability to produce PTP1B was hampered in SSc fibroblasts. The activity of PTP1B was significantly inactivated in SSc fibroblasts as a result of cysteine oxidation by the raised levels of ROS, which was confirmed by the oxidation of multiple PTPs, including PTP1B, in SSc fibroblasts. Decreased expression of PTP1B in normal fibroblasts led to increased expression of type I collagen. Treatment of the cells with NAC restored the activity of PTP1B, improved the profile of PDGFR phosphorylation, decreased the numbers of tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins and levels of type I collagen, and scavenged ROS in SSc fibroblasts. CONCLUSION This study describes a new mechanism by which ROS may promote a profibrotic phenotype in SSc fibroblasts through the oxidative inactivation of PTP1B, leading to pronounced activation of PDGFR. The study also presents a novel molecular mechanism by which NAC may act on ROS and PTP1B to provide therapeutic benefit in SSc.
Genetic variation, phenotypic stability, and repeatability of drought response in European larch throughout 50 years in a common garden experiment.

Assessing intra-specific variation in drought stress response is required to mitigate the consequences of climate change on forest ecosystems. Previous studies suggest that European larch (Larix decidua Mill.), an important European conifer in mountainous and alpine forests, is highly vulnerable to drought. In light of this, we estimated the genetic variation in drought sensitivity and its degree of genetic determination in a 50-year-old common garden experiment in the drought-prone northeastern Austria. Tree ring data from larch provenances originating from across the species' natural range were used to estimate the drought reaction in four consecutive drought events (1977, 1981, 1990-1994, and 2003) with extremely low standardized precipitation- and evapotranspiration-index values that affected growth in all provenances. We found significant differences among provenances across the four drought periods for the trees' capacity to withstand drought (resistance) and for their capacity to reach pre-drought growth levels after drought (resilience). Provenances from the species' northern distribution limit in the Polish lowlands were found to be more drought resistant and showed higher stability across all drought periods than provenances from mountainous habitats at the southern fringe. The degree of genetic determination, as estimated by the repeatability, ranged up to 0.39, but significantly differed among provenances, indicating varying degrees of natural selection at the provenance origin. Generally, the relationship between the provenances' source climate and drought behavior was weak, suggesting that the contrasting patterns of drought response are a result of both genetic divergence out of different refugial lineages and local adaptation to summer or winter drought conditions. Our analysis suggests that European larch posseses high genetic variation among and within provenances that can be used for assisted migration and breeding programs.