Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nonsuicidal self-harm in youth: a population-based survey

Background: Nonsuicidal self-harm includes cutting, scratching, burning and minor overdosing. There have been few studies that have examined the rate of self-harm and mental-health correlates among community-based youth. We performed a population-based study to determine the prevalence of nonsuicidal self-harm, its mental-health correlates and help-seeking behaviour. Methods: We used data from the Victoria Healthy Youth Survey, a population-based longitudinal survey of youth aged 14–21 in Victoria, British Columbia. The survey included questions about the history, method, frequency, age of onset and help-seeking for nonsuicidal self-harm. Youth were interviewed between February and June 2005. Univariable group differences were analyzed using students t test for continuous data and χ2 for binary or categorical data. Multivariate analyses were conducted by use of multivariate analysis of variance and logistic regression. Results: Ninety-six of 568 (16.9%) youth indicated that they had ever harmed themselves. Self-injuries such as cutting, scratching and self-hitting were the most common forms of nonsuicidal self-harm (83.2%). The mean age of onset was 15.2 years. Of those who reported nonsuicidal self-harm, 56% had sought help for this behaviour. Participants who reported 5 or more symptoms (out of 6) in a given symptom category were more likely than those who reported less than 5 symptoms to report nonsuicidal self-harm for the following categories: depressive mood (odds ratio [OR] 2.18, confidence interval [CI] 1.28–3.7) and problems with regulation of attention, impulsivity and activity (OR 2.24, CI 1.33–3.76). Interpretation: We found a high lifetime prevalence of nonsuicidal self-harm. Many mental-health symptoms were associated with this behaviour, particularly those with depressive mood and attention-related problems. Just over half of youth reported seeking help for nonsuicidal self-harm. Clinicians who encounter youth should be vigilant to assess for this behaviour in youth who present with mental health issues.
Borderline personality disorder and bipolar affective disorder. Spectra or spectre? A review

Objective: Bipolar affective disorder and borderline personality disorder have long been considered to have significant similarities and comorbidity. This review endeavours to clarify the similarities and differences between these disorders, with an effort to determine whether they reflect different forms of the same illness or separate illness clusters. Method: The published literature relating to bipolar affective disorders, borderline personality disorders, and related areas of knowledge was reviewed using searches of several electronic databases (AMED, CINHAL, Embase, Ovid, ProQuest, MEDLINE, Web of Science, ScienceDirect) and published texts. These findings were combined with the personal clinical experience of the author, and information gathered from colleagues, to create a review of this topic. Results: Bipolar affective disorders and borderline personality disorders differ with respect to sense of self, disruption of relationships, family history of bipolar disorders, the benefits of medications, the extent of cognitive deficits, the form of affective dysregulation and mood cycling, the incidence of suicide and suicide attempts, the form of psychotic episodes, the incidence of early sexual abuse but not early trauma in general, the loss of brain substance, alterations in cortical activity, glucocorticoid receptor sensitivity, and mitochondrial dysfunction. They are similar with respect to non-specific features of affective dysregulation, the incidence of atypical depressive features, the incidence of self-mutilation, the incidence of transporter polymorphisms, possible genetic linkages, overall reduction in limbic modulation, reduction in the size of hippocampi and amygdala, and the incidence of sleep disruption. Conclusions: This review concludes that bipolar affective disorders and borderline personality disorder are separate disorders, but have significant elements in common.
The Resource Based Perspective, Rents, and Purchasing's Contribution to Sustainable Competitive Advantage

SUMMARY The resource based perspective (RBP) within the field of strategy seeks to understand the relationship between a firm's resources and its competitive advantage. Some RBP authors have concluded that it is logically impossible for organizations to generate sustainable competitive advantage from purchasing activities. One of this article's central objectives is to test the validity of that conclusion. It is hoped that the completion of that task may make it possible to assist in the process of raising the purchasing function's strategic profile in the modern firm.
Tensile properties of articular cartilage are altered by meniscectomy in a canine model of osteoarthritis

Loss of or damage to the meniscus alters the pattern of loading in the knee joint and frequently leads to cartilage degeneration and osteoarthritis. The mechanical properties of articular cartilage have been shown to reflect the extent of cartilage degeneration in human osteoarthritis and in experimental models of joint disease, but there is little experimental data documenting changes in cartilage mechanics following meniscectomy. We hypothesized that the tensile properties of the surface zone of articular cartilage are altered following total medial meniscectomy. Twelve mongrel dogs underwent complete resection of the medial meniscus in the right knee, and the femoral cartilage was studied 12 weeks after the operation. We performed uniaxial, tensile stress‐relaxation tests to determine the equilibrium tensile modulus of surface‐zone cartilage. Water and glycosaminoglycan content were also measured at site‐matched locations. The tensile moduli of the cartilage decreased significantly following meniscectomy. The linear region modulus decreased by 40%, from 25.5 ± 7.7 to 15.3 ± 7.2 MPa. There was a weak (r = −0.45), but significant, correlation between the linear region modulus and the gross morphological grade for cartilage damage. Water and glycosaminoglycan content did not change following meniscectomy. Composition was not correlated with mechanical properties or morphological grade, suggesting that cartilage structure may play a more important role than composition in determining the mechanical properties. The observed decrease in cartilage material properties provides a quantitative measure of the loss of cartilage function following meniscectomy and reflects a pattern of change that is consistent with damage to the collagen‐proteoglycan solid network.
Novel Dual-Band Decoupling Network for Two-Element Closely Spaced Array Using Synthesized Microstrip Lines

We investigate an innovative decoupling network for dual-band two-element closely spaced arrays in MIMO applications. The new architecture, combining the reactive element decoupling technique and the eigenmode feed network, provides dual-band decoupling with good radiation characteristics and power balance between the modes. The core block of the decoupling network is a dual-mode 180-degree hybrid coupler; it functions as a conventional coupler in one frequency band but can be equivalent to a pair of isolated direct-thru transmission lines in the other band. This unusual dual-mode coupler is realized by synthesized microstrip lines (cells), consisting of line inductors, parallel-plate capacitors, and series LC tanks. A set of design equations, providing a systematic synthesis procedure of the unit cells, is discussed. The scheme of the dual-band decoupling network is illustrated first, followed by the details of the building circuit blocks; the experimental results and discussion are given at the end of the paper.
Market reaction to announcements of dividend increases : is it weakening with time?

This study examines the market’s reaction to announcements of dividend increases. In particular, it considers the factors that affect the magnitude of abnormal returns during the days that surround announcements of dividend increases. The objective is to find whether the market reaction to dividend increases has weakened with the passage of time and whether market conditions affect the reaction. Eventually, this study is expected to reveal whether dividends continue to be important to investors. This research is motivated by the findings of Fama and French (2001). They suggest that since 1978 firms have had a declining propensity to pay dividends. They propose that dividends are declining as a result of the ease by which investors can make homemade dividends through selling small portions of their holdings. They argue that recent market developments, particularly the introduction of negotiated commissions and discount brokers, have made homemade dividends easier and less costly. Their results may suggest that investors are now less interested to receive dividends than in the past. One objective of this study is to examine whether investor’s preferences regarding dividend payments have changed over time. This is accomplished by measuring the abnormal returns following announcements of dividend increases. Benartzi, Michaely, and Thaler (1997) suggest that the reaction of the market to dividend increases is an acceptable method of determining the value of dividends to investors. In addition, this study explores the theoretical factors that may affect dividend valuation. Previous studies, such as Allen, Bernardo and Welch (2000), suggest that the existence of debt holders and institutional investors reduce the potential for agency costs as these stakeholders monitor managers. In contrast, Jensen (1986) suggests that high
A formulation for fault detection in stochastic continuous-time dynamical systems

In this work, a general formulation for fault detection in stochastic continuous-time dynamical systems is presented. This formulation is based on the definition of a pre-Hilbert space that approximates the corresponding likelihood ratio, so that orthogonal projection techniques associated with the statistics of the involved stochastic processes can be applied. The general setting gathers different existing schemes within the same framework. In the second part, the paper addresses a comparative analysis of the two fundamental existing schemes for fault detection in continuous-time stochastic dynamical systems. Such schemes prove to be efficient when dealing with specific types of fault functions; on the other hand, they show very different performance sensitivities when dealing with new fault profiles and system noise. This study suggests the use of a combined scheme, supervised by a high-level decision rule set.
Corporate Risk Disclosure and Corporate Governance

To date, research which integrates corporate governance and risk management has been limited. Yet, risk exposure and management are increasingly becoming the core function of modern business enterprises in various sectors and industries domestically and globally. Risk identification and management are crucial in any business strategy design and implementation. From the investors’ point of view, knowledge of the risk profile, risk appetite and risk management are key elements in making sound portfolio investment decisions. This paper examines the relationships between corporate governance mechanisms and risk disclosure behavior using a sample of Canadian publicly-traded companies (TSX 230). Results show that Canadian public companies are more likely to disclose risk management information over and above the mandatory risk disclosures, if they are larger in size and if their boards of directors have more independent members. Minority voting control ownership structures appear to negatively impact risk disclosure and CEO incentive compensation shows mixed results. The paper concludes that more research is needed to further assess the impact of various governance mechanisms on corporate risk management and disclosure behavior.
Strategic Differentiation by Business Models: Free-To-Air and Pay-TV

Broadcasting markets are marked by the coexistence of outlets with radically different business models, some offering content free of charge and relying on advertising, others charging for access and airing few ads. We develop a model with competing broadcasters that leads to endogenous differentiation in business models. Differentiation is not driven by the heterogeneity of agents as in classic works. Rather it relates to the ‘two-sided’ nature of these markets. A key driver is a strong form of strategic substitutability induced by natural properties of technology that allows advertisers to reach viewers.
Machine Comprehension of Text Using Combinatory Categorial Grammar and Answer Set Programs

We present an automated method for generating Answer Set Programs from narratives written in English and demonstrate how such a representation can be used to answer questions about text. The proposed approach relies on a transparent interface between the syntax and semantics of natural language provided by Combinatory Categorial Grammars to translate text into Answer Set Programs, hence creating a knowledge base that, together with background knowledge, can
Controlled Induction of Parturition in the Dairy Buffaloes: An Approach of Success of Buffalo Breeding Farm in Bangladesh

Controlled induction of parturition is a very useful tool for managing calving and post-parturition management and successful parturition in dairy farms. In the present study, 12 pregnant buffaloes were treated with dexamethasone in combination with cloprostenol for controlled induction of parturition in Lal Teer Livestock Research and Development Farm, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. The buffaloes were divided into two groups according to their gestation length. The gestation length of buffaloes of group-A was up to 330 days (305-330) and group-B was more than 330 days (331-345). Buffaloes were injected with 6 mL Roxadex and 2 mL Ovuprost intra-muscularly (Roxadex®, Nuvista Pharma Limited, Bangladesh containing 5 mg Dexamethasone sodium phosphate mLG1 and Ovuprost®, Bayer Animal Health, New Zealand containing 250 μg Cloprostenol sodium mLG1). Induction of parturition was occurred in all buffaloes in an average time 29.17±3.06 h after the treatment. The duration between treatment and the induction of parturition showed a significant difference (p<0.01) between two groups. Retention of placenta was recorded in 33.33% of animals and the occurrence of dystocia was 25.00%. The viability of newborn (calves) was 91.67% as compared with dead calves 8.33%. It was concluded that dexamethasone in combination with cloprostenol can be used successfully for induction of parturition in buffaloes of Bangladesh although there was a moderate incidence of dystocia and retention of placenta, which needs to be minimized by careful follow up, critical observation and prompt assistance. Further therapeutic trials are needed to minimize the incidence of retention of placenta and dystocia.
Sorting things out: valuation of new firms in uncertain markets

Materialization of new markets results in variations in company valuations due to information asymmetry compounded with uncertainty. This information asymmetry can lead to adverse selection and moral hazard. However, this information asymmetry can be reduced, to a certain extent, through secondary information sources that provide previously hidden vital information. This investigation determines how secondary indicators, such as corporate governance, work in decreasing the uncertainty factor for investors, so that firms are valued more accurately. The characteristics of corporate governance consist of stock-based incentives, blockholder and institutional ownership, venture capital backing, and board structure. Data were gathered primarily from sources that tracked Internet firms such as Fortune, Motley Fool, and Hoovers. 184 firms that completed an initial public offering (IPO) on or before 1999 were included. Findings reveal that there is a strong positive correlation between market sorting and corporate governance characteristics. It is concluded that firms with opaque secondary indicators are endowed price premiums by the market, since they are perceived to not possess as much risk as competing firms. (SRY)
Auditory startle reflex inhibited by preceding self-action.

A startle reflex to a startle pulse is inhibited when preceded by a prestimulus. We introduced a key-press action (self-action) or an 85 dB noise burst as a prestimulus, followed by a 115 dB noise burst as a startle pulse. We manipulated temporal offsets between the prestimulus and the startle pulse from 30-1,500 ms to examine whether self-action modulates the startle reflex and the temporal properties of the modulatory effect. We assessed eyeblink reflexes by electromyography. Both prestimuli decreased reflexes compared to pulse-alone trials. Moreover, the temporal windows of inhibition were different between the types of prestimuli. A faster maximal inhibition and narrower temporal window in self-action trials suggest that preceding self-action inhibits the startle reflex and allows prediction of the coming pulse in different ways from auditory prestimuli.
The influence of gamma radiation on Electrical behaviour of isotactic polypropylene

Electrical behavior of gamma irradiated isotactic polypropylene (iPP) films for different applied field and temperatures is reported in this work. The induced change in the transient charging current for the irradiated film, in comparison of virgin one, was studied in the dc field range 2-4 MV/m, at different temperatures (23-100°C). A 25 microns thick film was irradiated in air at room temperature by means of a 60Co gamma source at a dose of 100 kGy. A considerable increase in isochronal current for the irradiated films was observed. Further, it was also noticed that oscillations were detected in transient charging current, for the irradiated sample but not in virgin one. The different oscillations periods were related to applied field and temperature. This behaviour was associated with charge packet propagation which is the consequence of changes in the polymer microstructure induced by gamma radiation.
Exploring Agritourism Entrepreneurship in the UK

Farm-based recreation or agritourism is increasingly seen as a diversification strategy to promote a more diverse and sustainable rural economy and to protect farming incomes against market fluctuation. Thus, farmers are increasingly being recognised as entrepreneurial, needing to develop new skills and capabilities to remain competitive. However, few studies have addressed the role of entrepreneurship within the context of the diversified farm tourism business. This paper examines the range of skills and competencies that farmers in the north-west of England identify as important for successful diversification and explores the extent to which these competencies are evident. The findings indicate that although farmers are increasingly turning to agritourism as a means to generate additional income, they lack many of the fundamental business competencies required for success. This has implications for rural development policies and signals the need to address these skill deficiencies through farm advisory processes and via more effective training of and support for agritourism providers.
Value of Information and Fairness Opinions in Takeovers

We analyze the value of information in the market for corporate control. The raider and the shareholders are privately and imperfectly informed about the post-takeover value of the firm. We show that public information provision reduces the dispersion of the shareholders’ beliefs resulting in a transfer of surplus from the raider to the shareholders. What is more, if the raider is privately informed all his private information is revealed through the price offer, hence he prefers not to acquire private information, provided that the shareholders do not engage in information acquisition. The target shareholders, on the other hand, have incentives to acquire information—solicit a fairness opinion—after the raider makes a price offer. However, when both parties have access to an information market, they both have incentives to acquire information. Keywords: takeovers, fairness opinion, tender offers, lemons problem, large shareholder. JEL Classification Numbers: D82, G34.
DNA elements regulating alpha1-tubulin gene induction during regeneration of eukaryotic flagella

Eukaryotic flagella are complex organelles composed of more than 200 polypeptides. Little is known about the regulatory mechanisms governing synthesis of the flagellar protein subunits and their assembly into this complex organelle. The unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is the premier experimental model system for studying such cellular processes. When acid shocked, C. reinhardtii excises its flagella, rapidly and coordinately activates transcription of a set of flagellar genes, and ultimately regenerates a new flagellar pair. To define functionally the regulatory sequences that govern induction of the set of genes after acid shock, we analyzed the alpha1-tubulin gene promoter. To simplify transcriptional analysis in vivo, we inserted the selectable marker gene ARG7 on the same plasmid with a tagged alpha1-tubulin gene and stably introduced it into C. reinhardtii cells. By deletion of various sequences, two promoter regions (-176 to -122 and -85 to -16) were identified as important for induction of the tagged alpha1-tubulin gene. Deleting the region between -176 and -122 from the transcription start site resulted in an induction level which was only 45 to 70% of that of the resident gene. Deleting the region upstream of -56 resulted in a complete loss of inducibility without affecting basal expression. The alpha1-tubulin promoter region from -85 to -16 conferred partial acid shock inducibility to an arylsulfatase (ARS) reporter gene. These results show that induction of the alpha1-tubulin gene after acid shock is a complex response that requires diverse sequence elements.
Nonlinear multiple regression methods: a survey and extensions

This paper reviews some nonlinear statistical procedures useful in function approximation, classification, regression and time-series analysis. Primary emphasis is on piecewise linear models such as multivariate adaptive regression splines, adaptive logic networks, hinging hyperplanes and their conceptual differences. Potential and actual applications of these methods are cited. Software for implementation is discussed, and practical suggestions are given for improvement. Examples show the relative capabilities of the various methods, including their ability for universal approximation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SUPPLY CHAIN INFORMATION SHARING IN A VENDOR MANAGED INVENTORY PARTNERSHIP

Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) involves the vendor making the replenishment decision for products supplied to a customer based on various inventory and supply chain policies. Information sharing between supply chain members is required in VMI. Sometimes VMI decisions are delayed and/or the information shared is inaccurate. This research examines the effects of information delay and accuracy, and the sharing of sales and forecast information in a VMI environment facing stationary and nonstationary demand. The simulation experiments show the impact of information delay, information inaccuracy, and information sharing on a variety of performance measures, including inventory levels and fill rates.