Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cognitive Deficits in Euthymic Patients With Recurrent Depression

Neurocognitive impairments are found in people recovered from major depression compared with never-depressed controls. A total of 20 patients in recovery from recurrent unipolar depression and 20 healthy controls were tested using a neuropsychological battery containing tasks of executive function (Wisconsin Card Sort Test), attention, visuomotor speed, and working memory. The recovered-depressed group performed poorly in comparison to healthy controls on the planning and problem solving aspects of the Wisconsin Card Sort Test, even after controlling for subclinical depressive symptoms. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups on set-shifting aspects of the task and the other tests. These specific deficits, even after controlling for subclinical depressive symptoms, were correlated with the number of previous episodes of depression. These findings support the hypothesis that impairments in executive function are present in recovery from unipolar depression, and so are not simply state markers. Further longitudinal research on samples free of history of depression is needed to determine whether these impairments are intermediate markers for recurrent unipolar depression, rather than “scars” caused by past episodes.
The frequency of multiple sclerosis in Mediterranean Europe

Recent investigations on multiple sclerosis (MS) distribution in Italy, based on relatively small population groups, contradict the current thesis, derived from studies undertaken in populations exceeding 300,000, of a lower spreading of the disease in Mediterranean Europe. Intensive surveys on small populations strengthen the suggestion that Italy is a high‐risk area, although MS studies based on prevalence rather than incidence could also be biased by geographic variables making prevalence unsuitable for comparing MS prevalence rates found in different years and/or zones. We report a further epidemiologic study in Barbagia, Sardinia, insular Italy, undertaken both to establish the MS incidence in the last 20 years, and to estimate a new prevalence rate. Based on 31 probable incident cases, the mean incidence per year for the years 1961‐1980 was 2.9 per 100,000 (3.2 if age‐ and sex‐standardized to the Italian population). On October 24, 1981, the prevalence per 100,000 was 65.3 (77.9 if standardized to the Italian population). These results confirm that in Barbagia, MS occurs more frequently than expected in a Mediterranean area, and give further support to the idea that MS frequency in Italy is similar to that established for most central and northern European countries.
The euro and flrm restructuring

We test whether and how the adoption of the euro, narrowly deflned as the end of competitive devaluations, has afiected member states’ productive structures, distinguishing between within and across sector reallocation. We flnd evidence that the euro has been accompanied by a reallocation of activity within rather than across sectors. Since its adoption, productivity growth has been relatively stronger in country-sectors that once relied more on competitive devaluations to regain price competitiveness. This efiect is robust to potential omitted-variable bias and correlated efiects. Firm-level evidence from Italian manufacturing conflrms that low-tech businesses, which arguably benefltted most from devaluations, have been restructuring more since the adoption of the euro. Restructuring has entailed a shift of business focus from production to upstream and downstream activities, such as product design, advertising, marketing and distribution, and a corresponding reduction in the share of blue collar workers.
IMPACT OF PERCEIVED SERVICE QUALITY ON BANKING CUSTOMERS' LOYALTY

Service quality since the past three decades has been able to attract the attention of major practitioners, researchers and managers due to its robust influence on not only on business operations, profitability but also customers’ satisfaction and loyalty. Accordingly, the purpose of current research was to ascertaining the differential impact of SERVQUAL dimensions on loyalty of the customers of international, private and government-owned banks operating in Lahore (Pakistan). Stepwise regression analysis of 244 survey responses revealed that SERVQUAL dimensions such as tangibles, empathy and assurance, but not reliability and responsiveness, contributed to foster customer loyalty. Recommendations for banking practitioners and future researchers were presented, too.
Determinantes do Nível de Divulgação Ambiental nas Demonstrações Contábeis de Empresas Brasileiras

O objetivo principal do estudo em questão consiste em avaliar empiricamente a influência de determinadas variáveis sobre o nível de divulgação ambiental nas demonstrações contábeis de empresas brasileiras. A partir da teoria da divulgação foram levantadas sete hipóteses, as quais relacionam o nível de divulgação ambiental com as variáveis: tamanho, desempenho, endividamento, riqueza criada, natureza da atividade, controle acionário e governança corporativa. Foram analisadas as demonstrações contábeis referentes ao exercício social de 2006 de 108 companhias de capital aberto listadas na Bovespa. O nível de divulgação ambiental foi mensurado por meio da aplicação da técnica de análise de conteúdo nas demonstrações contábeis das empresas da amostra. Foram efetuados testes paramétricos e não paramétricos de correlação e de diferença de médias e análise de regressão linear múltipla com a finalidade de avaliar a influência das variáveis explicativas sobre o nível de divulgação ambiental. As evidências empíricas apontam que a maior parte (82,85%) das informações ambientais foi encontrada no relatório da administração e não passou pela avaliação dos auditores externos; 61,60% destas informações são do tipo declarativa; e a grande maioria (90,22%) atribuem crédito à imagem da empresa. As evidências analisadas sugerem que as variáveis tamanho, riqueza criada e natureza da atividade exercem influência direta e significativa sobre o nível de divulgação ambiental. Estes resultados são coerentes com os de alguns estudos anteriores e estão de acordo com os pressupostos da teoria da divulgação.
Innovation, Appropriability, And The Underpricing Of Initial Public Offerings

Using the information asymmetries theory of underpricing, we investigate the role of innovation in the underpricing of initial public offerings (IPOs). We develop and test a model in which innovation outputs (patents) reduce information asymmetries in industries where the link between patents and inventive returns is transparent, thereby reducing underpricing. Conversely, these innovation outputs (patents) reflect increased information asymmetries and underpricing in industries where the link is opaque. We examine the relationship between patents and first-day stock returns in a sample of 1413 IPOs by manufacturing firms and find strong support for our hypotheses. In so doing, we make an important theoretical contribution by showing that the IPO market contextualizes firm information. That is, firm information is interpreted differently by the IPO market, depending on the firm's competitive context.
Critical involvement of the thalamus and precuneus during restoration of consciousness with physostigmine in humans during propofol anaesthesia: a positron emission tomography study.

BACKGROUND Functional brain imaging offers a way to investigate how general anaesthetics impair consciousness. However, functional imaging changes may result from drug effects unrelated to hypnosis. Establishing a causal link with loss of consciousness is thus difficult. METHODS To identify changes of neuronal activity functionally linked to the level of consciousness, physostigmine was used to restore consciousness without changing the anaesthetic concentration in 11 subjects anaesthetized with propofol. Eight subjects (responders) regained consciousness after physostigmine and three did not (non-responders). Positron emission tomography was used to measure regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF); during baseline (awake), after anaesthesia-induced loss of consciousness, after physostigmine administration, and recovery. In addition to subtraction analyses, we used conjunction analysis in the responders to identify changes common to the baseline-anaesthesia and physostigmine-anaesthesia contrasts. RESULTS Complete data were available for seven subjects (four responders and three non-responders). The analyses revealed that unconsciousness was associated with rCBF decreases in the thalamus and precuneus. Restoration of consciousness by physostigmine was associated with rCBF increases in these same structures, with the strongest effect in the thalamus. CONCLUSIONS The results provide strong evidence that reductions in rCBF in the thalamus and precuneus are functionally related to propofol-induced unconsciousness independently of any non-specific effects of propofol. These observations confirm that the thalamus and precuneus are key elements to understand how general anaesthetics cause unconsciousness and how patients wake up from anaesthesia. Furthermore, they are consistent with the notion that anaesthetic-induced unconsciousness is associated with reduced cholinergic activation.
Evaluation of Key Determinants of Fraud Free Financial Report: a Focus on Nigeria

The study evaluated the key determinants of fraud free financial reports. Descriptive research design was used. Two null hypotheses were tested using Z-test for proportion, F statistics and Microsoft excel 2010 toolpak. The study revealed that there is significant relationship amongst the following variables; Accounting Standards, Corporate Governance and Internal Controls in determining Fraud Free Financial Report. Furthermore, that in Nigeria to obtain Fraud Free Financial Report emphasis was on Accounting Standards, Internal Controls and Corporate Governance in this order and,Auditori¯s Independence, Whistle Blowing and Accountantsi¯ Education received little or no attention. It also revealed that from extant literature Accounting Standards are tools for combating 25% of the eight elements in fraud management cycle while 75% of them are within the purview of Forensic accounting. Hence it recommended that forensic accounting courses should be incorporated into the curriculum of professional accounting institutes in order to equip their members with sufficient skills that would enable them effectively perform their duties as public accountants.
Characterisation of Autoantibodies to Erythrocytes in Autoimmune Haemolytic Anaemia by Chloroquine

Abstract. Chloroquine splits autoantibodies from erythrocytes of patients with autoimmune haemolytic anaemia in vitro. After the removal of chloroquine from the samples the autoantibodies can be identified in the eluates. With one exception the autoantibodies of patients with idiopathic autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) and severe haemolysis were completely split from the cells, whereas the autoantibodies of patients with symptomatic AIHA and moderate anaemia, of patients with diseases unrelated to haemolysis, and of healthy persons, were not completely split from the erythrocytes. In general, autoantibodies, which are associated with severe haemolysis, were more easily split from the red cells by chloroquine. The eluted IgG incomplete warm autoantibodies were only in part specific to Rh antigens. The Rh specificity does not correlate with the absence or presence of increased haemolysis. The inhibition of the autoantibodies and the splitting or ‘loosening’ of the antigen‐antibody linkage within the immunocomplex by chloroquine could be responsible for a longer survival of autoantibody‐coated red cells in patients with AIHA.
Premature chromosome condensation is induced by a point mutation in the hamster RCC1 gene

At the nonpermissive temperature, premature chromosome condensation (PCC) occurs in tsBN2 cells derived from the BHK cell line, which can be converted to the Ts+ phenotype by the human RCC1 gene. To prove that the RCC1 gene is the mutant gene in tsBN2 cells, which have RCC1 mRNA and protein of the same sizes as those of BHK cells, RCC1 cDNAs were isolated from BHK and tsBN2 cells and sequenced to search for mutations. The hamster (BHK) RCC1 cDNA encodes a protein of 421 amino acids homologous to the human RCC1 protein. In a comparison of the base sequences of BHK and BN2 RCC1 cDNAs, a single base change, cytosine to thymine (serine to phenylalanine), was found in the 256th codon of BN2 RCC1 cDNA. The same transition was verified in the RCC1 genomic DNA by the polymerase chain reaction method. BHK RCC1 cDNA, but not tsBN2 RCC1 cDNA, complemented the tsBN2 mutation, although both have the same amino acid sequence except for one amino acid at the 256th codon. This amino acid change, serine to phenylalanine, was estimated to cause a profound structural change in the RCC1 protein.
Essays on stock performance, regulation, and financial stability of banks and insurers

We study the exposure and contribution of 253 international life and non-life insurers to systemic risk between 2000 and 2012. For our full sample pe riod, we find systemic risk in the international insurance sector to be small. In co trast, the contribution of insurers to the fragility of the financial system peaked du ring the recent financial crisis. In our panel regressions, we find the interconnected ness of large insurers with the insurance sector to be a significant driver of the insurer ’ exposure to systemic risk. In contrast, the contribution of insurers to systemic risk a ppears to be primarily driven by the insurers’ leverage. Publication details: Journal of Banking and Finance 55, 232-245, 2015. 1.2. PUBLICATION DETAILS 8 Paper II (Chapter 3): Size is everything: How should we measure systemic relevanc e of banks and insurers?
Factors Influencing Camping Behavior: The Case of Taiwan

This study identifies the factors that are likely to influence camping and campsite selection decisions of Taiwanese youngsters, and examines the impact of gender and camping knowledge on those factors. Utilizing data collected from Taiwanese youngsters, the factors that are likely to influence their camping and campsite selection decisions were identified first. Next, a series of t tests were conducted to examine the influences of gender and camping knowledge on the factors that are likely to influence camping and campsite selection decisions. Findings suggested that gender differences and the level of camping knowledge are likely to significantly influence camping and campsite selection decisions.
First Do No Harm: A Test of the Determinants of Negative Planning Outcomes

Although planning is widely accepted as an important element of every human endeavour and as such the very often the starting point of any decision in the business world, the value of strategic planning systems (Spas) has been debated for over three decades. It is still not clear how planning practices, processes and content are related to organizational effectiveness. This paper presents empirical evidence that some dimensions of planning practices can result in negative outcomes (inflexibility, compliance and resource depletion) that may actually impede organizational effectiveness. Conclusions regarding planning theory are described and recommendations for designing planning systems that minimize negative organizational outcomes and enhance potential benefits are provided.
Subject relationship between articles determined by co-occurrence of keywords in citing and cited titles

It is assumed that a paper which cites an earlier document shares a subject relationship with that particular document. In order to determine if this assumption is valid, a study was conducted by analysing 1000 articles from the Science Citation Index k and Social Sciences Citation Inde®. These articles were selected in ten different disciplines by using a purposive sampling technique. Various Spearman's Correlation Coefficient tests were computed to find out if a subject relationship existed between the Articles which have the same keywords in their titles (Parent Articles and Related Records). Through the analysis the hypothesis has been veri fied showing that there is a relationship between the articles which are citing the same references. This was determined by co-occurrences of the same keywords among the shared refer ences. However, there are some unique differences in the science and the social science disciplines that exist in these two databases.
Improvements with Esomeprazole in Patients with Upper Gastrointestinal Symptoms Taking Non-Steroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs, Including Selective COX-2 Inhibitors

OBJECTIVES:Upper gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are common in patients using non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including selective cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitors and may be acid related. We therefore assessed esomeprazole treatment for upper GI symptoms in these patients.METHODS:A total of 794 and 848 continuous NSAID users, free of gastroduodenal ulcers, erosive esophagitis, and Helicobacter pylori, were enrolled into two identical, multinational, multicenter double-blind studies (NASA1, SPACE1). Moreover, 608 and 556 patients were randomized to receive 4 wk esomeprazole 20 mg, or 40 mg, or placebo once daily. The primary variable was the patient-reported change in the upper GI symptom (pain, discomfort, or burning in the upper abdomen) score on a 7-graded severity scale (0–6) from the 7 days prior to treatment to the last 7 days in the study.RESULTS:Esomeprazole was associated with highly significant symptom improvement compared to placebo. Symptom improvements were 2.30 mean [SD 1.63] on esomeprazole 20 mg and 2.03 [1.56] on esomeprazole 40 mg versus 1.64 [1.57] on placebo in NASA1 and 2.17 [1.34] and 2.12 [1.48] versus 1.56 [1.26], respectively, in SPACE1 (all placebo comparisons at least p < 0.001). Esomeprazole-improved symptoms in patients taking selective COX-2 inhibitors, with changes of 2.21 [1.46] and 1.92 [1.38] versus 1.64 [1.46] in NASA1 and 2.20 [1.26] and 2.24 [1.62] versus 1.58 [1.37] in SPACE1 (all placebo comparisons at least p < 0.05), as well as those on non-selective NSAIDs. Esomeprazole was well tolerated and associated with significant improvements in HRQL.CONCLUSION:Esomeprazole 20 mg and 40 mg improve upper GI symptoms associated with continuous, daily NSAID therapy, including selective COX-2 inhibitors.
In vitro phenotypic antibiotic resistance in bacterial flora of some indigenous orally consumed herbal medications in Nigeria

Due to massive problems facing the primary health care system in Nigeria, the consumer preference for indigenous herbal medications is on the increase. Since it is possibility that herbal medications may harbour pathogenic bacteria of clinical significance, this study determined the phenotypic antibiotic pattern of associated bacterial isolates using modified agar disc-diffusion and agar well-diffusion methods. All isolated bacterial species exhibited mono and/or multiple in vitro phenotypic antibiotic resistance to the test antibiotic (discs). High resistance patterns were also observed towards paediatric antibiotic suspensions. This study confirmed that most indigenous orally consumed herbal medications in Nigeria harbour bacterial flora that exhibit multiple resisu7tance to routinely used antibiotics.
The practice of responsible investment principles in larger-scale agricultural investments : implications for corporate performance and impact on local communities

This report presents findings from a field-based survey on the conduct of agricultural operations at 39 large-scale, mature agribusiness investments in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. The objective of the report is to provide first-hand, practical knowledge of the approach, behavior, and experience of these investments, their relationships with surrounding communities and the consequent positive and/or negative outcomes for these communities, host countries, other stakeholders, and the investors themselves. More than 550 community stakeholders were interviewed about the impacts the investments had on those they represented. These impressions and ideas of local communities enriched this study and provided unique insights into what factors are at play, and their impact on those most directly affected by outside investments. The lessons learned and good practices identified are intended to inform the work of government bodies, investors, non-governmental organizations, development agencies, and other institutions that promote responsible investment in agriculture.
In vivo recovery of human platelets in severe combined immunodeficient mice as a measure of platelet damage

BACKGROUND: Clinical performance of human platelet (PLT) products processed or stored under novel conditions is difficult to predict based on in vitro studies alone. Recovery and survival of radiolabeled PLTs in human subjects are used as surrogate markers for PLT efficacy in development of new products. Such experiments pose some risk to the participants, can be a financial burden on the sponsor, and may stifle innovation and development of new PLT products. Animal models for in vivo recovery and survival of human PLTs are limited by rapid, immune‐mediated clearance of human cells. The severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice allowed prolonged circulation of human PLTs and were used to detect differences in recovery and survival between chemically damaged, aged PLTs, or normal PLTs.
Resilience and Coping as Predictors of Well-Being in Adults

ABSTRACT Well-being is one of the keys to successful and optimal development across the lifespan. Based on the idea that development involves changes in individuals’ adaptive capacity to meet their needs over time, the changes that occur in the second half of life require effort to adapt to the new reality. This study used a structural model to test the effects of coping strategies and resilience on well-being in a sample of 305 mid-life adults. Several constructs were measured: coping strategies, resilience, and well-being. A final model was obtained with good fit indices; psychological well-being was positively predicted by resilience and negatively by emotional coping. Moreover, positive reappraisal and avoidance form part of both coping strategies (problem-focused and emotion-focused). Considering the characteristics of the model, educational intervention programs could be developed to promote skills that favor good adaptation at this stage in the life cycle and contribute to promoting successful aging.