Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Revisiting the Small-Firm Effect on Entrepreneurship: Evidence from Firm Dissolutions

Afrequent claim in the entrepreneurship literature is that employees learn to become entrepreneurs during paid employment. We revisit this mechanism in the context of the well-established finding that smaller firms generate higher rates of entrepreneurship. We propose a novel mechanism responsible for higher rates of entrepreneurship emanating from smaller firms: large firms might have a advantage over small firms in providing internal opportunities to retain entrepreneurial talent. We test this claim in a setting where firm dissolution extinguishes internal opportunities, using a new hand-collected data set of career histories in the automatic speech recognition (ASR) industry. For nondefunct firms, we replicate the “small-firm effect. ” However, the small-firm effect no longer holds within the subsample of defunct firms: entrepreneurship rates among individuals present at firm dissolution are in fact higher for larger firms. Additional analyses indicate that this effect is unlikely to be driven by the early departure of higher-skilled workers who anticipate the firm’s demise. Finally, we find preliminary evidence consistent with the notion that large organizations may not only retain but also “mold” workers into entrepreneurs. More broadly, the study emphasizes the need to consider a novel mechanism responsible for transition into entrepreneurship—the role of opportunities available to employees in incumbent firms.
Analyzing Students' Perception and Attitude towards Service Quality Delivery in Higher Educational Institutions of Punjab

Purpose: The purpose of this research paper is to study as to how the PG students perceive the service quality offered by various Higher Educational Institutions (HEI’s), located in Punjab state of India. The paper also highlights the effect of demographic factors including academic background and performance on the various dimensions of perceived service quality of the selected HEI’s. Design/methodology/approach: The study uses self-structured questionnaire duly validated and tested for reliability in this research. The service quality dimensions applicable to HEI’s were categorized using factor analysis. The modified SERVQUAL model, as applicable to the education sector, was developed and validated. The perception with respect to the quality of service provided was evaluated and compared, by carrying out ANOVA and t-test. Post-hoc analysis tests were conducted to draw further inferences. Findings: Findings of the research paper are that the demographic factors do affect the perception about service quality being offered by different Higher Educational Institutions in the country. The findings further reinforce the fact that HEIs need to place emphasis on the dimensions of service quality and take into account, more importantly the gender aspect of the demographic factor while maintaining adequate standards of service. Similarly, the service to be offered to the engineering, management and science students has to be outlined differently. Also, the service quality dimensions have to separately define for the students based upon their academic credentials. Originality: The present research focuses on the service quality being offered by various Higher Educational Institutions in India, which has not been covered in earlier studies. On the basis of factor analysis, the various service quality dimensions as applicable to various HEI’s in India have been identified and the effect of the demographic factors and academic performance, on perceived service quality dimensions has been studied and evaluated.
Using a Serial Marker to Predict a Repeated Measures Outcome in a Cohort Design—Results of a Simulation Study

Abstract Consider the cohort design and suppose that the outcome of primary interest is a continuous random variable observed repeatedly over time. Suppose that there is a second variable of clinical relevance which is also observed repeatedly. We are interested in assessing whether the “serial marker” is in some sense predictive of the primary outcome. We would also like to predict the trend for the primary outcome assuming that the clinical marker follows a profile of specific clinical interest. In series of earlier papers, we have addressed these issues by applying a bivariate repeated measures model. One regression model was prescribed to relate the primary outcome to important explanatory variables, while a second regression model was prescribed for the serial marker. In this paper, we perform a series of simulation studies to investigate the empirical properties of this approach. Bivariate repeated measures data were generated at random, and basic study parameters including the sample size, the number of time points, the degree of serial correlation within the clinical marker, and type of association between the serial marker and the primary outcome were varied. The ability of the methodology to capture the underlying relationship between the two set of repeated measures was assessed. The ability to predicting the primary outcome corresponding to a known marker profile of specific interest was examined.
Assessment of Housing Quality in Ede, Nigeria

This study examined the housing quality in Ede, Nigeria and the impacts of urbanization on environmental degeneration of urban built environment. A total of 388 housing units, consisting of 236, 78 and 74 units were drawn for sampling from the high, medium and low density areas of the study area, respectively. The secondary data involved available census data, official documents and other relevant secondary data were obtained from existing literature, on books and journals. The study established that majority (62.6%) of the respondents are female while 37.3% of the respondents are male in the study area. Findings established that 63.9% and 55.1% have no educational qualification and primary education in high and medium density areas respectively while in contrast majority (91.1%) in low density area have tertiary education in the study area. Findings also revealed that household-size has a significant influence on the overall housing quality in the study area. The study concluded that it is imperative to check and prevent further decay for good living and working environment.
Ascorbic Acid: A Culture Requirement for Colony Formation by Mouse Plasmacytoma Cells

Plasmacytoma stem cells explanted from mice formed colonies in culture only in the presence of L-ascorbic acid; this vitamin was not needed for the formation of granulocytic colonies. Isomers of L-ascorbic acid with less antiscorbutic activity also promoted plasmacytoma colony formation, but less effectively. Other redox compounds without antiscorbutic activity and an antioxidant were ineffective.
Airway Management in Severe Combat Maxillofacial Trauma

Objectives Airway stabilization is critical in combat maxillofacial injury as normal anatomical landmarks can be obscured. The study objective was to characterize the epidemiology of airway management in maxillofacial trauma. Study Design Retrospective database analysis. Setting Military treatment facilities in Iraq and Afghanistan and stateside tertiary care centers. Subjects In total, 1345 military personnel with combat-related maxillofacial injuries sustained March 2004 to August 2010 were identified from the Expeditionary Medical Encounter Database using International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes. Methods Descriptive statistics, including basic demographics, injury severity, associated injuries, and airway interventions, were collected. A logistic regression was performed to determine factors associated with the need for tracheostomy. Results A total of 239 severe maxillofacial injuries were identified. The most common mechanism of injury was improvised explosive devices (66%), followed by gunshot wounds (8%), mortars (5%), and landmines (4%). Of the subjects, 51.4% required intubation on their initial presentation. Of tracheostomies, 30.4% were performed on initial presentation. Of those who underwent bronchoscopy, 65.2% had airway inhalation injury. There was a significant relationship between the presence of head and neck burn and association with airway inhalation injury (P < .0001). There was also a significant relationship between the severity of facial injury and the need for intubation (P = .002), as well as the presence of maxillofacial fracture and the need for tracheostomy (P = .0001). Conclusions There is a high incidence of airway injury in combat maxillofacial trauma, which may be underestimated. Airway management in this population requires a high degree of suspicion and low threshold for airway stabilization.
Substance Use and Cognitive Function as Drivers of Condomless Anal Sex Among HIV-Positive Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men Aged 50 and Older: The Gold Studies.

PURPOSE Substance use has been linked to the sexual transmission of HIV among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) across the lifespan. Among older, HIV-positive, MSM populations, cognitive dysfunction associated with age and HIV disease progression also may play a role in sexual risk-taking. People aged 50 years and older represent a growing proportion of the overall HIV-positive population. This study aimed to explore relationships between substance use and cognitive function, and their impact on condomless anal sex (CAS) among HIV-positive gay, bisexual, and other MSM aged 50 years and older. METHODS Data from a cross-sectional study of HIV-positive MSM, aged 50 and older (N = 169) were gathered using a computer-assisted survey, researcher-administered behavioral and neurocognitive measures. RESULTS More than 50% of the men used substances and had one or more cognitive impairments. However, only 25% were at higher risk for dementia (i.e., two or more cognitive impairments). Multivariable modeling indicated that use of alcohol to intoxication and date of HIV diagnosis were the strongest predictors of CAS in both a model that included dementia risk and a model that included impaired executive function risk. Current illicit substance use was a significant predictor of CAS only in the model that included dementia risk. Those with better cognitive and executive function had higher odds of CAS. However, only executive function was a significant cognitive predictor of CAS. CONCLUSION Further research is needed to clarify the impact of cognitive function and substance use on sexual risk behaviors as these HIV-positive men achieve normal life expectancies, while continuing to use substances and engage in CAS. Furthermore, addiction treatment remains a critical need for this group even as they transition into later adulthood.
Perception of the takaful operators’ performance towards customers’ intention in using medical takaful card among public sector

This paper aims to examine the level and the relationship between the perception of the performance of takaful operators and the customers’ intention in using medical takaful card among public sectors in Kedah, Malaysia. ,A quantitative research methodology was advocated to answer the objectives progressively. Data were collected from questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS v22. In total, 313 respondents were selected from three public sectors in Kedah, Malaysia. ,The review found that the level of customers’ perception of performance towards the customers’ intention in using medical takaful card was high. Besides, the findings concluded that a positive moderate relationship was observed between the perception of the performance of takaful operators and the customers’ intention in using medical takaful card among public officers in Kedah, Malaysia. ,There were three major limitations of this paper. These limitations are further explained in the conclusion. ,This study has provided some major implications. First, on behalf of the public sector institutions, the results of this study clearly showed that the intention of the public sector officers in using medical takaful card should be increased. Second, on behalf of the industry, this study could acknowledge them to improve their performance to increase efficiency, creativity and innovation to create a good impression among consumers. Third, the previous theory and literature related to the perception of performance is suitable to use even in the event that the takaful industry has been proven. ,The paper is useful to takaful operators to provide a good perception of their performance in the process of influencing the customers, especially among the public sector officers, to enrol in the medical takaful coverage.
Effect of cAMP on the activity and the phosphorylation of Na+,K(+)-ATPase in rat thick ascending limb of Henle.

BACKGROUND In rat kidney medullary thick ascending limb of Henle's loop (MTAL), activation of protein kinase A (PKA) was previously reported to inhibit Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity. This is paradoxical with the known stimulatory effect of cAMP on sodium reabsorption. Because this inhibition was mediated by phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activation, a pathway stimulated by hypoxia, we evaluated the influence of oxygen supply on cAMP action on Na+,K(+)-ATPase in MTAL. METHODS Ouabain-sensitive 86Rb uptake and Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity were measured in isolated MTALs. Cellular ATP content and the phosphorylation level of Na+,K(+)-ATPase were determined in suspensions of outer medullary tubules. Experiments were carried out under nonoxygenated or oxygenated conditions in the absence or presence of PKA activators. RESULTS cAMP analogues or forskolin associated with 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) inhibited ouabain-sensitive 86Rb uptake in nonoxygenated MTALs. In contrast, when oxygen supply was increased, cAMP stimulated ouabain-sensitive 86Rb uptake and Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity. Improved oxygen supply was associated with increased intracellular ATP content. The phosphorylation level of the Na+,K(+)-ATPase alpha subunit was increased by cAMP analogues or forskolin associated with IBMX in oxygenated as well as in nonoxygenated tubules. Under nonoxygenated conditions, the inhibition of Na+,K(+)-ATPase was dissociated from its cAMP-dependent phosphorylation, whereas under oxygenated conditions, the stimulatory effect of cAMP analogues on ouabain-sensitive 86Rb uptake was linearly related and cosaturated with the level of phosphorylation of the Na+,K(+)-ATPase alpha subunit. CONCLUSION In oxygenated MTALs, PKA-mediated stimulation of Na+,K(+)-ATPase likely participates in the cAMP-dependent stimulation of sodium reabsorption. Under nonoxygenated conditions, this stimulatory pathway is likely overridden by the PLA2-mediated inhibitory pathway, a possible adaptation to protect the cells against hypoxic damage.
Changes in the pattern of distribution of von Willebrand factor in rat aortic endothelial cells following thrombin generation in vivo

The pattern of distribution of von Willebrand factor (VWF) in relatively large sheets of rat aortic endothelial cells (EC) obtained by the Häutchen technique were analysed by immunocytochemistry and light microscopy. EC were examined pre and post administration of a procoagulant mixture of factor Xa (F.Xa) and phosphotidylcholine/phosphotidylserine (PCPS) vesicles which was demonstrated to result in the selective loss of high molecular weight multimers (HMWM) of plasma VWF in the rat. In placebo animals the pattern was heterogenous both in overall distribution and in individual cells which showed both a diffuse and granular pattern. Groups of intensely stained EC were oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aorta and staining was particularly prominent around the orifices of the intercostal arteries, implicating shear‐stress as a possible factor in VWF expression by EC. Changes in the pattern of distribution of staining were observed at various time points post‐infusion of F.Xa/PCPS, suggesting the immediate release of VWF from EC stores followed by the recruitment of EC to synthesize and store VWF. These changes are consistent with the decrease in EC Weibel‐Palade body (WPB) content observed by EM in previously reported studies using this model.
Computer Simulation Study on Central Pattern Generator: from Biology to Engineering

Central pattern generator (CPG) is a neuronal circuit in the nervous system that can generate oscillatory patterns for the rhythmic movements. Its simplified format, neural oscillator, is wildly adopted in engineering application. This paper explores the CPG from an integral view that combines biology and engineering together. Biological CPG and simplified CPG are both studied. Computer simulation reveals the mechanism of CPG. Some properties, such as effect of tonic input and sensory feedback, stable oscillation, robustness, entrainment etc., are further studied. The promising results provide foundation for the potential engineering application in future.
Relationship Between Aboveground Biomass and Multiple Measures of Biodiversity in Subtropical Forest of Puerto Rico

Anthropogenic activities have accelerated the rate of global loss of biodiversity, making it more important than ever to understand the structure of biodiversity hotspots. One current focus is the relationship between species richness and aboveground biomass (AGB) in a variety of ecosystems. Nonetheless, species diversity, evenness, rarity, or dominance represent other critical attributes of biodiversity and may have associations with AGB that are markedly different than that of species richness. Using data from large trees in four environmentally similar sites in the Luquillo Experimental Forest of Puerto Rico, we determined the shape and strength of relationships between each of five measures of biodiversity (i.e., species richness, Simpson's diversity, Simpson's evenness, rarity, and dominance) and AGB. We quantified these measures of biodiversity using either proportional biomass or proportional abundance as weighting factors. Three of the four sites had a unimodal relationship between species richness and AGB, with only the most mature site evincing a positive, linear relationship. The differences between the mature site and the other sites, as well as the differences between our richness–AGB relationships and those found at other forest sites, highlight the crucial role that prior land use and severe storms have on this forest community. Although the shape and strength of relationships differed greatly among measures of biodiversity and among sites, the strongest relationships within each site were always those involving richness or evenness.
Consumption versus Expenditure

Previous authors have documented a dramatic decline in food expenditures at the time of retirement. We show that this is matched by an equally dramatic rise in time spent shopping for and preparing meals. Using a novel data set that collects detailed food diaries for a large cross section of U.S. households, we show that neither the quality nor the quantity of food intake deteriorates with retirement status. We also show that unemployed households experience a decline in food expenditure and food consumption commensurate with the impact of job displacement on permanent income. These results highlight how direct measures of consumption distinguish between anticipated and unanticipated shocks to income whereas measures of expenditures obscure the distinction.
Can a Mediterranean diet reduce the effects of lipodystrophy syndrome in people living with HIV? A pilot randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND HIV and highly active antiretroviral therapies have been associated with changes in individuals' lipid profiles and fat distribution (lipodystrophy). A pilot study was conducted for a randomised controlled trial to evaluate whether lipodystrophy in HIV patients can be controlled by adopting the low-fat and low-cholesterol diet or the modified Mediterranean diet. METHODS Forty-eight HIV patients were randomised into two diet groups. Thirty-six (75%) completed the 1-year pilot study with regular dietetic consultations, during which time lipid levels, weight, body mass index and fat distribution were recorded. Differences between and within groups were determined. RESULTS Undesirable body fat changes in the low-fat diet group included decreases in tricep skinfold (from 19.9 mm to 15.4 mm (P = 0.03)), hip circumference (from 93.6 cm to 91.7 cm (P = 0.01)) but a significant increase in waist-to-hip ratio (from 0.87 to 0.89 (P = 0.003)). Serum cholesterol increased significantly in the Mediterranean diet group at 9 and 12 months (from 4.6 to 5.06 mmol L(-1) (P = 0.03) and 5.12 mmol L(-1) (P = 0.01)) with no obvious change in the low-fat diet group. Serum triglyceride levels remained the same in the Mediterranean diet group, whereas it increased from 1.9 to 3.22 mmol L(-1) (P = 0.07) in the low-fat diet group. CONCLUSIONS A Mediterranean diet seems to have an advantage over the low-fat diet in maintaining serum triglyceride levels and avoiding lipodystrophy, but this advantage was offset by a rise in cholesterol level. Several procedural and methodological issues were identified which must be rectified before a similar large-scale trial taking place.
Modelling Net Energy of Selected Commercial Diets Fed to Domestic Adult Cats

MODELLING NET ENERGY OF SELECTED COMMERCIAL DIETS FED TO DOMESTIC ADULT CATS Natalie Julia Asaro Advisor: University of Guelph, 2018 Dr. A.K. Shoveller The ability of cats to metabolize carbohydrates is not definitively characterized. This thesis investigates carbohydrate digestibility and metabolism, and analyses the algorithms used to determine energy density and subsequent feeding recommendations for cats. Three commercial diets varying in carbohydrate level and source were compared. The modified Atwater equation was inaccurate at calculating metabolizable energy of commercial cat diets. Furthermore, carbohydrate type and level did not negatively affect macronutrient digestibility, and had minimal effects on postprandial glucose and insulin responses of cats. Last, the heat increment of feeding was used to model energy density on a net energy basis and develop equations that better estimate dietary energy availability for cats. These results suggest that despite the inherent carnivorous nature of domestic cats, they efficiently digest diets with significant contributions from carbohydrates. The energy required for utilizing these nutrients is similar to other monogastric species, although these processes take more time.
Diagnostic performance by medical students working individually or in teams.

Diagnostic errors contribute substantially to preventable medical error.1 Cognitive error is among the leading causes and mostly results from faulty data synthesis.2 Furthermore, reflecting on their confidence does not prevent physicians from committing diagnostic errors.1 Diagnostic decisions usually are not made by individual physicians working alone. Our aim was to investigate the effect of working in pairs as opposed to alone on diagnostic performance.
Consumer acceptance of a functional processed meat product made with different meat sources

Purpose A study was carried out to explore the consumer acceptance of a functional meat processed product made with different meat sources, and to distinguish the existence of different market segments. Design/methodology/approach Non-probability sampling was used to recruit a sample of 411 consumers in southern Chile, over the age of 18 and responsible for the purchase of meat products for their household. Findings Using a fractional factorial design for conjoint analysis, it was found in the total sample that the meat source of the meat processed product was more important than packaging, region of origin, price and the functional ingredient claim, with preference for lamb and pork meat processed products with omega-3. Two main segments were identified using a cluster analysis; these segments differed according to family size, presence and age of children, ethnic origin, general health interest, quality of diet and level of satisfaction with food-related life. The largest segment (56.0%) shows a high pr.