Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REFORM WITHIN THE UK BANKING INDUSTRY AND ITS EFFECT ON FIRM PERFORMANCE

Using a corporate governance scorecard (Corp-Gov Score) measuring twenty-six areas of corporate governance best practices in four UK banks, this study examined whether improved levels of corporate governance led to higher levels of firm performance within the UK banking industry over the time period 1999-2006. The twenty-six measures were split into four sub-sector areas of Corp-Gov Score comprising Board of Directors, Remuneration Policies, Auditing Policies, and Transparency/Disclosure Policies. Using both correlation and regression analysis on the information extracted from the Annual Reports, the study provides evidence about the extent to which UK banks have complied with recent corporate governance reforms post Enron. The results indicate that improvements in corporate governance can enhance the performance of UK banks when measuring using Return on Equity. The biggest sub-sector driver of this improvement is in the area of the Board of Directors. Our results further indicate that large boards within UK banks can have a negative impact on firm performance, and that increases in directors’ remuneration does not lead to increased levels of firm performance. Evidence is given that corporate governance within UK banks plays an important role, but how it affects firm performance is open to debate.
Description of the previously unknown advertisement call and tadpole of the Colombian endemic glassfrog Centrolene savagei (Anura: Centrolenidae).

Glassfrogs (family Centrolenidae) are a charismatic group that currently contains about 149 species biogeographically restricted to the Neotropics (Frost 2013). The advertisement call and tadpole has been described for less than 25% glassfrog species, 32 and 35 species respectively (e.g. Marquez et al . 1996; Ospina-Sarria et al . 2011). Centrolene savagei (Ruiz-Carranza & Lynch 1991; Fig. 1) is a species of relatively small size frogs (mean snout-vent length, SVL, females: 23.6 mm, males: 21.1 mm) occurring in both the Western and Central Andes (Cordillera Occidental and Cordillera Central) of Colombia, between 1400–2410 m a.s. l. (Ruiz-Carranza & Lynch 1991; Rojas-Morales et al . 2011). Although there is some information regarding egg attendance and natural history of C . savagei (Vargas-Salinas et al . 2007), neither the advertisement call or the larval morphology have been described.
The Role of the Zygomatic Arch in the Statics of the Skull and Its Adaptive Shape

The zygomatic arch of mammals is usually considered a phylogenetic relic of the fenestrations of the skull roof which may be observed in morphological sequences of primitive vertebrate skulls. If this concept is correct, the element is comparable (though not homologous) to the jugal arches of diapsid reptiles. Two major questions then remain unanswered: why different elements are maintained in reptiles and mammals during evolution, and why the arches are maintained as relics of ancestral forms. It is tempting to respond to the latter question with a very simple answer, namely that the elements function in order to sustain mechanical stresses. In this paper, we raise the questions which quality of stresses occurs in a primate skull within the zygomatic arches and what relationship these stresses hold to the morphology of these bony elements. An answer has been sought by means of finite element stress analysis. We found that the zygomatic arch in primate skulls represents a structure which carries, under all biologically relevant conditions, either compressive or tensile stresses. In a very simple model of the human skull under bite forces, a strip of stresses occurs lateral to the orbits, which seems roughly comparable to the zygomatic arch. Once such a structure exists and is used as an insertion of adductor muscles, it will be exposed to bending stress in side view and in frontal view. Morphological details of the zygomatic arch (curvature, profile, suture) are well suited to sustain the evoked stresses by a minimum of material.
On the efficiency of oxidative phosphorylation in membrane vesicles of Azotobacter vinelandii and of Rhizobium leguminosarum bacteroids.

1 The effect of O2 on the rate of ATP synthesis and the P/O ratio has been studied in membrane vesicles of Azotobacter vinelandii and Rhizobium leguminosarum bacteroids (strain PRE). It was observed that the P/O ratio rises to a maximum value when the O2 input is increased, but declines when O2 becomes detectable in the medium. 2 Evidence is presented, that in A. vinelandii H2 donates its electrons at a fourth proton-translocating site. The presence and the efficiency of this site is independent of the growth conditions and it appeared that no flavoproteins are directly involved in the oxidation of H2. The unidirectional hydrogenase in membrane vesicles of A. vinelandii is not inhibited by acetylene. The function of hydrogenase in the process of nitrogen fixation by A. vinelandii is discussed. 3 Two types of membrane vesicles of R. leguminosarum bacteroids were prepared. Membranes isolated in a low salt medium lose the ability to couple succinate oxidation to oxidative phosphorylation; upon isolation in a high salt medium this ability is preserved. In contrast the efficiency of oxidative phosphorylation with NADH is not affected by the isolation procedure. The efficiency of energy coupling in membranes vesicles of R. leguminosarum bacteroids can be enhanced by the addition of fatty-acid-free bovine serum albumin. No active membrane-bound hydrogenase could be detected in membrane vesicles of R. leguminosarum bacteroids.
Vertical cross-spectral phases in neutral atmospheric flow

The cross-spectral phases between velocity components at two heights are analyzed from observations at the Hovsore test site and from the field experiments under the Cooperative Atmosphere-Surface Exchange Study in 1999. These phases represent the degree to which turbulence sensed at one height leads (or lags) in time the turbulence sensed at the other height. The phase angle of the cross-wind component is observed to be significantly greater than the phase for the along-wind component, which in turn is greater than the phase for the vertical component. The cross-wind and along-wind phases increase with stream-wise wavenumber and vertical separation distance, but there is no significant change in the phase angle of vertical velocity, which remains close to zero. The phases are also calculated using a rapid distortion theory model and large-eddy simulation. The results from the models show similar order in phasing, but the slopes of the phase curves are slightly different from the observations, especially for low wavenumbers.
Single dose azithromycin for the treatment of uncomplicated otitis media

Three clinical trials have examined the efficacy and safety of single dose azithromycin (30 mg/kg) in children with uncomplicated acute otitis media (AOM). In the first trial, a small pilot study, the clinical and microbiologic efficacy of single dose azithromycin was comparable with that of 3-day azithromycin or single dose ceftriaxone. A second, noncomparative trial confirmed the clinical and microbiologic efficacy of the single dose regimen. The third study, a large double blind, double dummy trial, demonstrated comparable clinical success rates between single dose azithromycin and 10-day standard amoxicillin/clavulanate. The incidence of drug-related adverse events in patients treated with single dose azithromycin was low in all three trials and similar to rates that have been reported for other antimicrobial agents used for the treatment of patients with AOM. In the amoxicillin/clavulanate trial, compliance with single dose azithromycin was significantly better than with the amoxicillin/clavulanate regimen (P < 0.001). We conclude that a single dose of azithromycin (30 mg/kg) is safe and effective for the treatment of uncomplicated AOM in children.
Mie Series Study on Electromagnetic Scattering of Metallic Sphere Covered by Double-negative Metamaterials

How to overcome the instability of the two-layer dispersive media mie series formula is firstly discussed when the electric size of sphere is large. Then, the radar cross section of an impedanced-matched, ideal, homogeneous double-negative (DNG) metamaterials sphere is computed. The backward radar cross section of the DNG media sphere adds up to zero. The radar cross section of metallic sphere covered by DNG media or ferrite are compared. Numerical results show that DNG media can make the radar cross section of metallic sphere decrease just like ferrite.
The multifaceted roles of the HORMA domain in cellular signaling

The HORMA domain is a multifunctional protein–protein interaction module found in diverse eukaryotic signaling pathways including the spindle assembly checkpoint, numerous DNA recombination/repair pathways, and the initiation of autophagy. In all of these pathways, HORMA domain proteins occupy key signaling junctures and function through the controlled assembly and disassembly of signaling complexes using a stereotypical “safety belt” peptide interaction mechanism. A recent explosion of structural and functional work has shed new light on these proteins, illustrating how strikingly similar structural mechanisms give rise to radically different functional outcomes in each family of HORMA domain proteins.
Physician Assistant and Nurse Practitioner Utilization in Academic Medical Centers

The purpose of this study was to collect information on the utilization of physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) in academic health centers. Data were gathered from a national sample of University HealthSystem Consortium member academic medical centers (AMCs). PAs and NPs have been integrated into most services of respondent AMCs, where they are positively rated for the value they bring to these organizations. The primary reason cited by most AMCs for employing PAs and NPs was Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education resident duty hour restrictions (26.9%). Secondary reasons for employing PAs and NPs include increasing patient throughput (88%), increasing patient access (77%), improving patient safety/quality (77%), reducing length of stay (73%), and improving continuity of care (73%). However, 69% of AMCs report they have not successfully documented the financial impact of PA/NP practice or outcomes associated with individual PA or NP care.
Changes in breast cancer risk distribution among Vermont women using screening mammography.

BACKGROUND Screening mammography utilization in Vermont has declined since 2009 during a time of changing screening guidelines and increased interest in personalized screening regimens. This study evaluates whether the breast cancer risk distribution of the state's screened population changed during the observed decline. METHODS We examined the breast cancer risk distribution among screened women between 2001 and 2012 using data from the Vermont Breast Cancer Surveillance System. We estimated each screened woman's 5-year risk of breast cancer using the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium risk calculator. Annual screening counts by risk group were normalized and age-adjusted to the Vermont female population by direct standardization. RESULTS The normalized rate of low-risk (5-year breast cancer risk of <1%) women screened increased 8.3% per year (95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.8 to 11.9) between 2003 and 2008 and then declined by -5.4% per year (95% CI = -8.1 to -2.6) until 2012. When stratified by age group, the rate of low-risk women screened declined -4.4% per year (95% CI = -8.8 to 0.1; not statistically significant) for ages 40 to 49 years and declined a statistically significant -7.1% per year (95% CI = -12.1 to -2.0) for ages 50 to 74 years during 2008 to 2012. These declines represented the bulk of overall decreases in screening after 2008, with rates for women categorized in higher risk levels generally exhibiting small annual changes. CONCLUSIONS The observed decline in women screened in Vermont in recent years is largely attributable to reductions in screening visits by women who are at low risk of developing breast cancer.
An Economic Theory of Dynamic Capabilities

There is growing evidence in the economics literature of signi cant and persistent productivity di erences between rms. For instance, in U.S. manufacturing a plant in the 90th percentile of productivity can produce twice as much as a plant in the 10th percentile using the same amount of inputs (Syverson [2004]). Hsieh and Klenow [2009] nd even higher di erences in China and India. These di erences have also been noted by strategic management scholars. Firm level e ects are larger than industry level e ects and are a signi cant determinant of rm performance. However, while both areas agree on the empirical evidence, they have di erent approaches to understanding the underlying mechanism behind the performance di erences. Recent work in economics has focused on di erences in management practices as a source of these persistent di erences (Gibbons et al. [2012], Bloom and Van Reenen [2010, 2007]). Strategic management scholars have identi ed speci c mechanisms, such as dynamic capabilities,
Relationships between functional herd life and conformation traits in the South African Jersey breed

The genetic relationship between conformation traits and functional herd life of the South African Jersey population was investigated. Data on conformation traits (n = 46 238) and functional herd life (n = 90 530) on registered South African Jersey cows calving between 1989 and 2008 were obtained from the Integrated Registration and Genetic Information System. Conformation traits were scored using a subjective linear scoring system ranging from 1 to 9, except for foot angle, with a maximum score of 8. Conformation traits included stature, chest width, body depth, dairy strength, rump angle, thurl width, rear leg side view, foot angle, fore udder attachment, rear udder height, rear udder width, udder support, udder depth, front teat placement, rear teat placement and front teat length. Genetic correlations between conformation traits and functional herd life were estimated by a series of bivariate analyses. Significant moderate to strong positive genetic correlations between most udder traits and functional herd life (0.23 to 0.63) were estimated. The most important udder traits related to functional herd life were fore udder attachment, rear udder height and udder depth. Most of the body structure traits had a low to moderate negative correlation with functional herd life (-0.04 to -0.27). However, rump angle and foot angle were estimated to have a moderate positive genetic correlation with functional herd life. The genetic relationships between functional herd life and conformation traits in the South African Jersey breed indicate that conformation traits could be used to enhance the accuracy of genetic evaluation for functional herd life. It is therefore recommended that current national genetic evaluation for functional herd life in the South African Jersey breed should include conformation traits.
Social influence and green consumption behaviour: a need for greater government involvement

ABSTRACT Within the green marketing literature, there has been a tendency to focus on the individual when explaining green consumption behaviours (GCBs) rather than looking at the wider social factors that may influence green practices. The main objective of this article is to gain a greater understanding of how consumers’ GCBs are influenced by the social environment, within a social cognitive framework. A total of 20 individual interviews and 10 joint interviews took place with consumers who did not always behave in accordance with their pro-environmental values, and thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Our analysis shows how consumers’ GCBs are influenced by other individuals; however, if we want to see a greater commitment to green consumption practices, government bodies need to take a more active role.
Information Safety, Corporate Image, and Intention to Use Online Services: Evidence from Travel Industry in Vietnam

The decline in the physical office space for travel agencies in developed countries has been accompanied with increases in e-travel services offered online. A similar revolution can be expected in developing countries, such as Vietnam. But what will drive consumer action in these countries? While linkages between corporate image and information safety have been proposed to online buying intentions, the area has research gaps, which are investigated in this paper. We used a Technology Adoption based model with corporate image and information safety, and investigated e-travel services adoption among Vietnamese students. Our sample consists of 548 responses obtained from a survey conducted at a university in Vietnam. The results show that information safety, but interestingly not corporate image, links to e-travel services adoption. We discuss the reasons and propose future research opportunities in this area.
Development of Scale for Service Quality, Satisfaction and Behavioral intentions: Middle Eastern Context

Measurement of service quality, customer satisfaction and behavioral intentions isÂ becoming imperative to the success of any organization. The objective of thisÂ paper is the development of a reliable and valid scale for measurement of serviceÂ quality, customer satisfaction and behavioral intentions appropriate for the uniqueÂ cultural context of the Middle East. Three phase approach has been adopted andÂ data has been collected using self-administered questionnaire from a sample ofÂ 373 respondents arrived at by cluster sampling. Data analysis techniques usedÂ include exploratory factor analysis, linear regression etc. The findings of thisÂ research emphasize the multi-dimensional nature of service quality and customerÂ satisfaction consisting of seven dimensions each namely core service/ serviceÂ product, tangibles and systematization, credibility, empathy, security, assuranceÂ and responsiveness. The behavioral intentions scale is found to involve threeÂ dimensions â€“ loyalty, price sensitivity and response to problem. The findings ofÂ this research would provide valuable insights to the managers of the banks withÂ regard to the dimensions that contribute to the perceptions of service quality,Â satisfaction and behavioural intentions. This would further help them formulateÂ strategies to enhance these dimensions for better customer retention and customerÂ equity.JEL classification numbers: M10Keywords: Banking, Customer service quality, Customer satisfaction, BehavioralÂ intentions, Middle â€“East region.
Breast Reconstruction following Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy: A Systematic Review of the Literature with Pooled Analysis

Background: Nipple-sparing mastectomy is a controversial option for breast cancer treatment due to locoregional recurrence and distant metastasis. In addition to these oncologic factors, technical factors such as ideal incision type or reconstructive options are also debatable. This systematic review examines current trends with nipple-sparing mastectomy, including selection criteria, locoregional and distant metastasis rates, incision choice, and reconstructive options. Methods: Systematic electronic searches were performed in the PubMed and Ovid databases using search terms for studies reporting outcomes following nipple-sparing mastectomy and all forms of reconstruction. Studies between 1970 and 2013 were reviewed. Pooled descriptive statistics with separate analyses for incision type and reconstructive method were performed. Results: Forty-eight studies met inclusion criteria, yielding 6615 nipple-sparing mastectomies for analysis. The overall pooled complication rate was 22 percent, the nipple necrosis rate was 7 percent, the locoregional recurrence rate was 1.8 percent, and the distant metastasis rate was 2.2 percent. Comparing combined patient cohorts for two-stage expander to implant, one-stage direct to implant, and autologous reconstruction demonstrated overall complication rates of 52.8, 16.7, and 23.7 percent and nipple necrosis rates of 4.5, 4.1, and 17.3 percent, respectively. Incision types were divided into five categories: radial, periareolar/circumareolar, inframammary, mastopexy, and transareolar, with nipple necrosis rates of 8.83, 17.81, 9.09, 4.76, and 81.82 percent, respectively Conclusions: Nipple-sparing mastectomy appears to be an oncologically safe option for properly selected patients, with low rates of locoregional and distant metastasis. Overall complication and nipple necrosis rates are affected by incision location and reconstruction method. Randomized controlled trials are warranted to determine best incision and reconstructive methods. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.
Prevalence and Characteristics of Human Metapneumovirus Infection Among Hospitalized Children at High Risk for Severe Lower Respiratory Tract Infection.

BACKGROUND Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a significant cause of respiratory tract infections. Little is known about HMPV in children who are at high risk for lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI). METHODS To determine the prevalence of HMPV in high-risk children and to identify HMPV risk factors, children ≤24 months with prematurity, chronic lung disease, and/or congenital cardiac disease who were hospitalized with LRTI were prospectively enrolled. Nasopharyngeal aspirates were tested for HMPV, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza A and B, and parainfluenza types 1-3. Demographics, medical history, and outcomes for those with HMPV and RSV were compared. A multivariate analysis was performed to determine HMPV risk factors. RESULTS Over 4 years, 1126 eligible children were enrolled. Pathogens were identified in 61% of subjects. HMPV was identified in 9.0%, second to RSV (45%). Coinfection with HMPV and RSV occurred in <1% of subjects. Subjects infected with HMPV were older (8.2 vs 4.0 months, P < .001), were born more prematurely (27 vs 33 weeks, P < .001), and more commonly had chronic lung disease (59.3% vs 21.8%, P < .001) compared with subjects infected with RSV. In a multivariate analysis that compared children infected with HMPV to all others, increasing age and household exposure to children ages 6-12 were associated with an increased risk, whereas birth at older gestational age and exposure to children age >12 were associated with a decreased risk. CONCLUSIONS HMPV was detected in 9% of high-risk children who were hospitalized with lower respiratory tract disease, representing the second most common virus in this population. Compared with all other subjects (including RSV-infected), subjects infected with HMPV were older but were born more prematurely.
Determinants of Turkish outward foreign direct investment

Abstract Outward investments from Turkey have been rising rapidly since 2002, rendering it one of the large emerging market outward investors. This study aims to investigate the main drivers behind Turkish outward investments. This is done so by using a specific OLS method, empirically testing the importance of factors determining the multi-national Enterprises’ (MNEs) investment strategies. The tests use official data covering the period of 2002–2011. Our findings indicate that market-seeking motive is an important factor driving Turkish Outward Foreign Direct Investments (OFDI) which is conditioned by the domestic economic conjunctures. We also find that as well as economic factors such as profit seeking, cultural proximity, bilateral trade agreements and natural resource endowments play important role in the geographical preferences of the Turkish MNEs. Finally, we document that Turkish OFDI has different motivations for EU and non-EU countries.