Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
State mediation in market emergence : Socially responsible investing in China

Socially responsible investing (SRI) funds depart from mainstream finance by incorporating environmental, social, and governance considerations, but their success varies across regions. By using a historical comparative case design, we identify an empirically puzzling phenomenon in China: despite an initially favorable resource environment and the presence of socially skilled institutional entrepreneurs, SRI wanes over time in Hong Kong but survives in Mainland China where initial resource endowments and actors’ social skills were inferior. By comparing four periods of SRI development, we reveal how state sustainable development policies, a change in the institutional context, led unintentionally to a shared orientation and a public pool of resources, which sustained the SRI niche. Our paper contributes to research on market emergence, institutional change, and cultural entrepreneurship.
Corporate Social Responsibility and the Cost of Capital: Evidence from Japanese Firms

This study examines the link between corporate social performance (CSP) and the cost of capital of Japanese firms for 2007 to 2013, explicitly considering the influences of the banking relationship and ownership structure. Specifically, we examine the relation between CSP and the cost of capital in terms of the cost of debt capital (cost of debt hereafter), the cost of equity capital (cost of equity hereafter), and the weighted average cost of capital (WACC), using a Composite CSP measure based on stakeholder relationships. We find that CSP reduces the cost of equity capital, whereas it increases the cost of debt capital. This finding suggests that CSP is perceived by debtors as cost spending rather than as mitigating information asymmetry, while it reduces agency costs in the equity market. By integrating equity and debt financing, we find that the weighted average cost of capital has no significant relation with CSP. Thus, our results suggest a conflict of interests between institutional investors and banks on the role of CSP in determining the risk premium. Our observed sample period (2007–2013) includes the global financial crisis and its aftermath. Considering the changes in business and financial circumstances during this time, the period is divided into two sub-periods: 2007–2010 and 2011–2013. The results of the sub-period estimations examined in this study show that the association between CSP and the cost of equity capital is insignificant, while that between CSP and the cost of debt capital is strongly positive for 2007 to 2010 including the global financial crisis. However, while the CSP–equity relation becomes strongly negative, the CSP–debt linkage becomes insignificant for 2011 to 2013. Finally, our results also suggest that the bank relationship is still a key determinant for providing small borrowers with access to external financing.
EVALUATION OF SIZE AND VOLUME OF MAXILLARY SINUS TO DETERMINE GENDER BY 3D COMPUTERIZED TOMOGRAPHY SCAN METHOD USING DRY SKULLS OF SOUTH INDIAN ORIGIN

In the field of forensic medicine, normally the available materials after sufficiently long period of death will be utilized to determine various body characteristics such as age sex etc for identification of individual.Identification of corpses is a difficult forensic procedure and it is mandated by laws and social rules. Comparison of ante mortem and post mortem medical records, such as dental documents, plays an important role in the identification of corpses. Gender has long been determined from the skull, the pelvis and the long bones with an epiphysis and metaphysic in unknown skeletonsaccording to krogmann. The methods such as 3D CT scan have been utilized to determine the gender. Objective: The aim of the present study is to evaluate size and volume of maxillary sinus to determine gender by 3D CT Scan method. This work is of National importance in identifying the sex of a person in the forensic medicine and also for criminal investigations. Method: The skulls of known sex were obtained from recently buried bodies. Initially skulls were scanned by 3D Multiaxial CT scan and dimensions and volume of maxillary sinuses were observed by using dedicated software. Results: The preliminary analysis of data discriminative by CT method has been tabulated. The volume of the maxillary sinuses of both sides was significantly greater in males compared to female skulls. The p value of left width and right sided volume of maxillary sinuses 0.015 and 0.021 respectively were considered statistically significant. Computerized tomography measurements of maxillary sinuses may be useful to support gender determination in forensic medicine.
Terminal restlessness as perceived by hospice professionals

Any hospice professional can identify the syndrome known as terminal restlessness, and all would agree that it is extremely distressing to patients as well as their families and care-givers. Often, caregivers cannot ameliorate the anguish many patients experience at life’s end. Many clinicians assert that the causes are physical resulting from medication toxicity, organ shutdown and the associated metabolic changes, pain, urinary or fecal retention, dyspnea and related hypoxia, and sepsis. Yet, many also credit psychosocial and spiritual distress as precipitating factors. The purposes of this study were twofold: to compare the perceptions of practicing hospice clinicians with the literature related to terminal restlessness, and to determine if their experience with terminal restlessness agreed with the components of the one established scale for terminal restlessness found in the literature. In general, the study findings corresponded to the literature in regards to frequency, definition, causes, and behavioral manifestations of terminal restlessness. The clinicians in the study supported the impact of psychosocial and spiritual causes of terminal restlessness and defined the phenomenon in terms of time period; emotional, physical, and spiritual distress; changes in consciousness; and increased activity. However, the study did not support the inclusion of impaired consciousness and withdrawal as comprised in the terminal restlessness scale.
Detection and Characterization of Atherosclerotic Fibrous Caps with T 2-Weighted MR

PURPOSE: We assessed the performance of T2-weighted MR imaging in detecting atherosclerotic fibrous caps and in depicting their integrity. METHODS: Twenty atherosclerotic lesions removed by carotid endarterectomy were imaged on a 1.5-T system using T2-weighted spin-echo sequences. The MR images were reviewed independently by four blinded interpreters for fibrous caps and ruptures. The results obtained from the observers were then graded against histologic findings by using receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. RESULTS: The area under the ROC curve for fibrous cap detection was 0.80, indicating that T2-weighted MR imaging was a good but not definitively diagnostic test for detecting ex vivo fibrous caps. The ROC curve for fibrous cap characterization yielded an area of 0.75, indicating that T2-weighted MR imaging was a fair but not highly diagnostic test for depicting fibrous cap integrity. A definite reading for detection of fibrous caps or rupture was fairly specific (90% and 98%, respectively) but not very sensitive (37% and 12%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: T2-weighted MR imaging of ex vivo atherosclerotic plaques aided in the detection and evaluation of fibrous caps. In both cases, MR imaging proved more useful for ruling out disease than for confirming its presence.
Pesticides, Neurodevelopmental Disagreement, and Bradford Hill’s Guidelines

ABSTRACT Neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism affect one-eighth of all U.S. newborns. Yet scientists, accessing the same data and using Bradford-Hill guidelines, draw different conclusions about the causes of these disorders. They disagree about the pesticide-harm hypothesis, that typical United States prenatal pesticide exposure can cause neurodevelopmental damage. This article aims to discover whether apparent scientific disagreement about this hypothesis might be partly attributable to questionable interpretations of the Bradford-Hill causal guidelines. Key scientists, who claim to employ Bradford-Hill causal guidelines, yet fail to accept the pesticide-harm hypothesis, fall into errors of trimming the guidelines, requiring statistically-significant data, and ignoring semi-experimental evidence. However, the main scientists who accept the hypothesis appear to commit none of these errors. Although settling disagreement over the pesticide-harm hypothesis requires extensive analysis, this article suggests that at least some conflicts may arise because of questionable interpretations of the guidelines.
Parameters of glycemic control and their relationship with zinc concentrations in blood and with superoxide dismutase enzyme activity in type 2 diabetes patients.

OBJECTIVE This study assessed the relationship between the parameters of glycemic control, and zinc concentrations in blood and superoxide dismutase enzyme activity in type 2 diabetes patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Seventy-three individuals, aged between 25 and 59 years, were divided into the experimental group (type 2 diabetes patients, n = 36) and control group (n = 37). Plasma and erythrocyte zinc concentrations, superoxide dismutase activity, and parameters of glycemic control were analyzed. RESULTS Mean plasma zinc concentration was 74.1 ± 10.7 µg/dL and 68.8 ± 9.6 µg/dL, erythrocyte zinc concentration was 48.1 ± 9.5 µg/gHb and 41.2 ± 8.0 µg/gHb, and superoxide dismutase activity was 2248.9 ± 300.0 U/gHb and 2059.6 ± 285.4 U/gHb, in the experimental group and the control group, respectively (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Type 2 diabetes patients showed a positive response to oxidative stress due to adequate zinc concentration in blood and increased activity of superoxide dismutase, and the enzyme was influenced by serum insulin.
The Relationship between Workplace, Job Stress and Nurses’ Tobacco Use: A Review of the Literature

The aim of this study was to provide a summary of the existing published knowledge on the possible relationship between the workplace as a stressor factor and nurses’ tobacco use. A systematic review of the literature from 1995 to 2009, using the MEDLINE database took place. Studies, that referred to nurses’ smoking habit exclusively or as a part of the study, were included in the review. 491 studies were retrieved and their titles/abstracts were examined systematically. Twenty one studies were retrieved for further consideration by a comprehensive literature review. Ten studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria and they were examined further. There is a conflict on the possible relationship between workplace as a stressor factor and nurses’ smoking habits, because there is no evidence on if the nurses’ work environment causes smoking initiation.
Working Paper Growth processes of Italian manufacturing firms

We apply a reduced-form vector autoregression model to analyze the growth processes of Italian manufacturing firms, 1989-1997. We focus in particular on lead-lag associations describing the coevolution of employment growth, sales growth, growth of profits and labour productivity growth. Employment growth precedes sales growth and growth of profits, and in turn sales growth is also associated with subsequent profits growth. There appears to be little feedback of either sales or profits on employment growth, however. There is no clear association of employment growth with subsequent changes in labour productivity, although at the second lag there is a small negative association. Productivity growth, however, is positively associated with subsequent growth of employment and sales. Quantile autoregressions find asymmetries between growth processes for growing and shrinking firms.
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE AND PERFORMANCE: IEVIDENCE FROM THE NONLIFE INSURANCE

This study examines the impact of organizational structure on firm performance, incentive problems, and financial decisions in the Japanese nonlife (property-casualty) insurance industry. Stock companies that belong to one of six horizontal keiretsu groups have lower expenses and lower levels of free cash flow than independent stock and mutual insurance companies. Keiretsu insurers also have higher profitability and higher loss ratios than independent insurers. With a limited sample size, there is some evidence that mutual insurers have higher levels of free cash flows, higher investment incomes, and lower financial leverage than their stock counterparts. Overall, empirical evidence suggests that each structure has its own comparative advantage.
Late epileptic seizures after cerebral infarction

Objectives ‐ To determine the profile of late epileptic seizures following cerebral infarcts and the predictive clinical and radiological factors associated with their development. Methods ‐ We compared 86 patients who developed late seizures after cerebral infarction with 285 similar patients who did not develop seizures for at least 1 year after their stroke. Patients who had seizures only at the onset of the stroke were excluded. Odds' ratios were used for statistical analysis. Results ‐ Simple partial, and mainly motor seizures, with or without secondary generalization, accounted for 80% of the classifiable seizures but it was not possible to determine the seizure type in half of the cases. Factors that appeared to be predictive of seizure development were the presence of large cortical infarcts and the presence of apparently preserved cerebral tissue within the infarcted area. Seizures were rare in patients with lacunar infarction but the presence of associated leukoaraiosis increased the risk. The risk was also increased in patients with other medical problems known to lower seizure threshold, such as renal failure.
Predicción del Fracaso Escolar Mediante Técnicas de Minería de Datos

-This paper proposes to apply data mining techniques to predict school failure and drop out. We use real data on 670 middle-school students from Zacatecas, México and employ white-box classification methods such as induction rules and decision trees. Experiments attempt to improve their accuracy for predicting which students might fail or drop out by: firstly, using all the available attributes; next, selecting the best attributes; and finally, rebalancing data, and using cost sensitive classification. The outcomes have been compared and the best resulting models are shown.
No-load loss separation in induction motors operated by PWM inverters: Numerical and experimental approaches

In the paper an accurate analysis of the different loss contributions active during no-load operations of PWM inverter fed induction motors is presented. In particular, the paper is focused onto the understanding and quantification of the loss growth passing from sinusoidal to PWM supply. Standard no-load tests have been performed on an 11kW, squirrel cage, induction motor to collect reference loss data to be compared with the computed one. The loss estimations have been done using two different approaches. The former is a 3D, time-stepping, FEM model, while the latter is a simplified analytical, experimental data-based approach recently proposed by the authors. Both numerical and semi-analytical methodology lead to accurate results with estimation percentage errors lower than 5 % in the considered voltage range.
Sparse Estimation of Conditional Graphical Models With Application to Gene Networks

In many applications the graph structure in a network arises from two sources: intrinsic connections and connections due to external effects. We introduce a sparse estimation procedure for graphical models that is capable of isolating the intrinsic connections by removing the external effects. Technically, this is formulated as a conditional graphical model, in which the external effects are modeled as predictors, and the graph is determined by the conditional precision matrix. We introduce two sparse estimators of this matrix using the reproduced kernel Hilbert space combined with lasso and adaptive lasso. We establish the sparsity, variable selection consistency, oracle property, and the asymptotic distributions of the proposed estimators. We also develop their convergence rate when the dimension of the conditional precision matrix goes to infinity. The methods are compared with sparse estimators for unconditional graphical models, and with the constrained maximum likelihood estimate that assumes a known graph structure. The methods are applied to a genetic data set to construct a gene network conditioning on single-nucleotide polymorphisms.
Expression of an Arabidopsis Potassium Channel Gene in Guard Cells

The Arabidopsis thaliana KAT1 cDNA encodes a voltage-gated inward-rectifying K+ channel. A KAT1 genomic DNA clone was isolated and sequenced, and a 5[prime] promoter and coding sequences containing eight introns were identified. Reporter gene analysis of transgenic plants containing the KAT1 promoter fused to bacterial [beta]-glucuronidase showed robust [beta]-glucuronidase activity primarily in guard cells.
Multimodal Analgesia and Intravenous Nutrition Preserves Total Body Protein Following Major Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery

Background and Objectives This study examined whether perioperative multimodal analgesia (MMA) improves the effectiveness of intravenous nutrition (IVN) as a means of preventing protein wasting following major upper abdominal surgery (UAS). The MMA regimen utilized combined epidural opioid/local anesthetic and the systemic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) ketorolac for 48 hours. Methods In a prospective, randomized, nonblinded study, 47 patients scheduled for major UAS were allocated to receive the following: MMA ± intravenous lipid-based nutrition (IVN) or patient-controlled analgesia with opioids (PCA) ± IVN. Pain scores, nitrogen balance, total body protein (TBP), arterial blood gases, and various hormones were measured. Results Pain control was significantly better in the MMA patients at rest and coughing. Only the MMA + IVN group maintained TBP, mean (±95% confidence interval) preoperative day 1, 10.5 (±1.0) kg; day 14, 10.7 (±1.2) kg, whereas TBP decreased in the other groups (P = .04). Nitrogen balance was significantly greater in patients receiving IVN on day 7 (P = .01), but there was no effect related to the analgetic regimen. Decreased PaO2 seen on postoperative day 2 was not prevented by MMA. The hormonal response to surgery was not influenced by treatment modality, apart from a return to postprandial insulin levels on postoperative day 7 in those patients receiving IVN (P = .002). Conclusions In conclusion, we have shown that the combination of MMA and IVN prevents protein loss and improves pain control after major UAS. Our results suggest that after UAS, MMA significantly reduced pain and, in combination with IVN, preserves total body protein and fat. This is the first direct evidence of such effects associated with a commonly used multimodal regimen.
Combined Tool Approach is 100% Successful for Emergency Football Face Mask Removal

Objective:To compare effectiveness of two techniques for removing football face masks: cutting loop straps [cutting tool: FMXtractor® (FMX)] or removing screws with a cordless screwdriver and using the FMXtractor as needed for failed removals [combined tool (CT)]. Null hypotheses: no differences in face mask removal success, removal time or difficulty between techniques or helmet characteristics. Design:Retrospective, cross-sectional. Setting:NOCSAE-certified helmet reconditioning plants. Participants:600 used high school helmets. Interventions:Face mask removal attempted with two techniques. Main Outcome Measurements:Success, removal time, rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Results:Both techniques were effective [CT 100% (300/300); FMX 99.4% (298/300)]. Use of the backup FMXtractor® in CT trials was required in 19% of trials. There was significantly (P < 0.001) less call for the backup tool in helmets with silver screws (6%) than in helmets with other screws (31%). Mean removal time was 44.51 ± 18.79s (CT: 37.84 ± 15.37s, FMX: 51.21 ± 19.54s; P < 0.001). RPE was different between techniques (CT: 1.83 ± 1.20, FMX: 3.11 ± 1.27; P < 0.001). Removal from helmets with silver screws was faster (Silver = 33.38 ± 11.03, Others = 42.18 ± 17.64; P < 0.001) and easier (Silver = 1.42 ± 0.89, Other = 2.23 ± 1.33; P < 0.001). Conclusions:CT was faster and easier than FMX. Most CT trials were completed with the screwdriver alone; helmets with silver screws had 94% screwdriver success. Clinically, these findings are important because this and other research shows that compared to removal with cutting tools, screwdriver removal decreases time, difficulty and helmet movement (reducing potential for iatrogenic injury). The combined-tool approach captures benefits of the screwdriver while offering a contingency for screw removal failure. Teams should use degradation-resistant screws. Clinical Relevance:Sports medicine professionals must be prepared with appropriate tools and techniques to efficiently remove the face mask from an injured football player's helmet.
Analytic continuation of multiple Hurwitz zeta functions

We use a variant of a method of Goncharov, Kontsevich and Zhao [5, 16] to meromorphically continue the multiple Hurwitz zeta function ζd(s; θ) = ∑ 0<n1<···<nd (n1 + θ1)−s1 · · · (nd + θd)−sd , θk ∈ [0, 1), to Cd , to locate the hyperplanes containing its possible poles and to compute the residues at the poles. We explain how to use the residues to locate trivial zeros of ζd(s; θ).
Domperidone Antagonizes the Relaxant Effect of Atropine on the Lower Esophageal Sphincter

A zone of increased intraluminal pressure exists at the gastroesophageal junction in man and is believed to act as a physiologic sphincter. Increasing this lower esophageal sphincter (LES) tone is an accepted and useful method in preventing gastroesophageal reflux. The effects of LES tone were studied in 10 healthy volunteers receiving sequential intravenous injections of atropine, 0.6 mg, or domperidone, 10 mg, followed by domperidone, 10 mg, or atropine, 0.6 mg. The order of drug administration was randomized during the first study. Each volunteer was studied a second time, 1 week later, when the order of drug administration was reversed from the first. Administration of atropine decreased mean LES pressure by 12.6 cm H2O (p < 0.001). Subsequent injection of domperidone restored LES tone to near normal. In contrast, initial injection of domperidone approximately 1 week later in the same subjects, mean LES pressure increased by 18.5 cm H2O (p < 0.001). Intravenous injection of atropine, thereafter, failed to decrease mean LES pressure significantly, LES pressure being sustained at a mean of 14.8 cm H2O above basal control levels (p < 0.005). Results of this study suggest that domperidone given prior to atropine, before induction of general anesthesia, may counteract the potentially deleterious effect of atropine on LES tone, and thereby reduce the chances of regurgitation and pulmonary aspiration of acid gastric contents.