Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Who wins the tug of war? A comparative study of the influence of board power and CEO power on CEO-TMT pay gap

Extant studies theoretically debate and empirically present inconsistent findings of the factors that influence the CEO-TMT pay gap. In this study, we extend the research of the antecedents of the CEO-TMT pay gap by directly comparing different theoretical predictions regarding the impacts of board power and CEO power on the CEO-TMT pay gap. Conducting dynamic panel analyses with GMM estimator on a sample of 2,117 firm-year observations in the S&P 500 between 2006 and 2013, we empirically test the contrasting predictions regarding the relationships among board power, CEO power, board-CEO power imbalance, and the CEO-TMT pay gap. In turn, we find that board power is negatively associated with the CEO-TMT pay gap and CEO power has the opposite effect. Moreover, the stronger board power against CEO power, the smaller the CEO-TMT pay gap becomes. Our theoretical analyses and empirical investigations contribute to the existing theoretical debate among agency theory, tournament theory, and managerial power theory regarding the determinants of the CEO-TMT pay gap. Consistent with agency theory predictions rather than tournament theory ones, our empirical results suggest that boards are conscientious about the potential negative effects of a larger CEO-TMT pay gap and therefore stronger boards usually do not rely on larger CEO-TMT pay gap to incentivize CEOs. This study also contributes to corporate governance literature by offering new aggregated proxies for board power and CEO power which reflect the multidimensional features of board-CEO relationships
Lettuce Production under Mini-PV Modules Arranged in Patterned Designs

The growing need for clean energy and food production are favoring the use of underused spaces, such as rooftops. This study aims to demonstrate the compatibility of the use of rooftops both for the production of photovoltaic energy and for the production of food, despite the fact that both compete for the same resource, sunlight (rooftop agrivoltaic). In the experiment reported in this study, which was carried out in Almería (Spain) during the spring and summer of 2021, three shade treatments were tested for a lettuce crop, produced by photovoltaic modules with different arrangements: concentrated shade (CS), scattered shade (SS) and full sun (FS). This experiment was repeated in two seasons with high radiation levels and temperature. The results show that in these environmental conditions, the cultivation of plants that demand little sunlight, such as lettuce, is compatible with the shading produced by photovoltaic panels. In addition, it is shown that the same percentage of the area covered with shade (22%), but using mini-PV modules arranged in patterns, improves the productivity (fresh weight, dry matter, number of leaves, maximum length and dry matter of roots) of lettuce cultivation, both in spring and summer.
LINC00467, Driven by Copy Number Amplification and DNA Demethylation, Is Associated with Oxidative Lipid Metabolism and Immune Infiltration in Breast Cancer

Breast cancer (BRCA) is a malignant tumor with a high incidence and poor prognosis in females. However, its pathogenesis remains unclear. In this study, based on bioinformatic analysis, we found that LINC00467 was highly expressed in BRCA and was associated with tumor metastasis and poor prognosis. The genomic and epigenetic analysis showed that LINC00467 may also be regulated by copy number amplification (CNA), chromatin openness, and DNA methylation. In vitro experiments showed that it could promote the proliferation, migration, and invasion of BRCA cells. Competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network analysis and weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) suggested that LINC00467 may play a role in signaling pathways of peroxisomal lipid metabolism, immunity, and others through microRNAs (miRNAs) targeting transforming growth factor beta 2 (TGFB2). In addition, copy number amplification and high expression of LINC00467 were associated with the low infiltration of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells. In conclusion, we found that LINC00467, driven by copy number amplification and DNA demethylation, may be a potential biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of BRCA and a tumor promoter acting as a potential therapeutic target for BRCA as well.
Variabilidade espacial de fatores de erosão em Latossolo Vermelho eutroférrico sob cultivo de cana-de-açúcar

The objective of this work was to evaluate the spatial variability of soil erosion factors on a Dark Red Oxisol under sugarcane conventional tillage. Soil samples were collected in 206 points, in a depth of 0.0-0.2 m, located in a 50 m regular grid for obtaining the soil texture and organic matter content. The local erosion factors were determined: erosivity (R), erodibility (K), relief (LS), soil erosion (A), natural potential of erosion (PNE), erosion risk (RE) and erosion expectation (EE). Geostatistical analysis was performed to measure and model the spatial variability of soil erosion factors. The soil variability was moderate with K, A, and PNE while the soil variability was higher with LS, RE, and EE. K, A, and PNE exhibited moderate spatial dependence, but spatial dependence of LS, RE and EE was strong. Kriging maps were presented for understanding of soil erosion factors distribution patterns within the landscape.
Measurement of beam-loaded resonant frequency and quality factor in a gyroklystron input cavity using noise emissions

The spectral shape of noise emissions from a 35-GHz gyroklystron input cavity is used to directly measure the cavity resonant frequency and quality factor under beam-loaded conditions. The quality factors obtained with this technique at a number of magnetic fields are found to be consistent with quality factors obtained from reflection coefficient measurements made at the identical operating points. The measured variation in quality factor is used to identify various regimes of operation based on input cavity coupling. Comparisons between the measurements and simulations are in good agreement in resonant frequency, but moderate discrepancies in quality factor exist.
Gait analysis as a robust pain behavioural endpoint in the chronic phase of the monoiodoacetate-induced knee joint pain in the rat

The monoiodoacetate-induced rat model of osteoarthritis knee pain is widely used. However, there are between-study differences in the pain behavioural endpoints assessed and in the dose of intraarticular monoiodoacetate administered. This study evaluated the robustness of gait analysis as a pain behavioural endpoint in the chronic phase of this model, in comparison with mechanical hyperalgesia in the injected (ipsilateral) joint and development of mechanical allodynia in the ipsilateral hind paws. Groups of Sprague–Dawley rats received a single intraarticular injection of monoiodoacetate at 0.5, 1, 2 or 3 mg or vehicle (saline) into the left (ipsilateral) knee joint. An additional group of rats were not injected (naïve group). The pain behavioural methods used were gait analysis, measurement of pressure algometry thresholds in the ipsilateral knee joints, and assessment of mechanical allodynia in the ipsilateral hind paws using von Frey filaments. These pain behavioural endpoints were assessed premonoiodoacetate injection and for up to 42-days postmonoiodoacetate injection in a blinded manner. Body weights were also assessed as a measure of general health. Good general health was maintained as all rats gained weight at a similar rate for the 42-day study period. In the chronic phase of the model (days 9–42), intraarticular monoiodoacetate at 3 mg evoked robust alterations in multiple gait parameters as well as persistent mechanical allodynia in the ipsilateral hind paws. For the chronic phase of the monoiodoacetate-induced rat model of osteoarthritis knee pain, gait analysis, such as mechanical allodynia in the ipsilateral hind paws, is a robust pain behavioural measure.
Autoimmune thyroid disease following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in childhood cancer survivors

Abstract. Thyroid dysfunction has been observed in childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) who have undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We retrospectively analyzed the thyroid function of 54 CCSs who underwent HSCT and were referred to our endocrinology department at Chiba Children’s Hospital between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2019. Three patients developed autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) after HSCT. Two of these patients had Graves’ disease (GD), and the third had autoimmune thyroiditis. The association between HSCT and AITD remains unclear. All three patients had chronic graft versus host disease (GVHD). AITD was reported to be induced by the transmission of abnormal T or B lymphocyte clones from the donor to the recipient. One patient with GD was treated with a high dose of anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG). Some studies have reported that ATG is associated with a risk of severe T cell depletion and GD onset. In conclusion, CCSs who received HSCT rarely developed AITD. We suggest that CCSs treated with ATG and/or experiencing an onset of chronic GVHD should be carefully monitored for thyroid function because it might reveal AITD.
Environmental aesthetics : theory, research, and applications

How do people react to the visual character of their surroundings? What can planners do to improve the aesthetic quality of these surroundings? Too often in environmental design is misunderstood as only a minor concern, dependent on volatile taste and thus undefinable. Yet a substantial body of research indicates the importance of visual quality in the environment to the public and has uncovered systematic patterns of human response to visual attributes of the built environment. With information on the subject normally scattered between disciplines, this book provides a vital service in bringing together classic and new contributions by distinguished workers in the field.
Streptococcus mutans adherence to conventional and self-ligating brackets: an in vitro study

ABSTRACT Introduction: Although self-ligating brackets presumably provide better hygiene conditions, no consensus has been reached so far. Objective: Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate, in an in vitro experimental design, the adherence of Streptococcus mutans (SM) in self-ligating and conventional brackets of different manufacturers and ligature types. Methods: Four commercial brands of maxillary premolar metal brackets were tested (Abzil®; Morelli®; 3M Unitek®; and GAC®). Each one was subdivided into three groups, which varied according to the type of ligature and bracket model (metallic, elastic, and self-ligating), totalizing twelve groups, composed of six brackets each. Previously sterilized brackets were initially immersed in saliva for one hour, and subsequently washed and added in a bacterial suspension, maintained in aerobiosis for 72 hours. The adhered bacteria were then separated and quantified by colony forming units (CFU/mL) counting after 48 hours of growth. The groups were compared by Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn post-hoc tests (p< 0.05). Results: Regardless of the commercial brand, self-ligating brackets had significantly less CFU/mL. However, according to comparisons performed within each commercial brand, only Abzil® self-ligating brackets had significantly lower biofilm adhesion. Among all of the self-ligating models, GAC® brackets presented the highest bacterial adhesion rate. Conclusions: Self-ligating brackets are likely to present lower rates of biofilm adhesion. Particularly, Abzil® and GAC® self-ligating brackets are less likely to accumulate biofilm. Although such results are derived from an in vitro study, practitioners might acknowledge findings concerning bacterial adhesion as one of the relevant features to be considered during bracket selection.
Optimizing the row spacing and seeding density to improve yield and quality of sugarcane

Article history: Received 02 Sep., 2010 Accepted 03 Nov., 2010 Row spacing and seeding densities have a key role in maximizing sugarcane yield and improving its quality. A field experiment was conducted to investigate the performance of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) planted at different row spacings and seeding densities. The experiment was comprised of three row spacings (60 cm spaced single row, 90 cm spaced double row strips and 120 cm spaced triple row strips) and three seeding densities (60000, 75000 and 90000 double budded setts ha -1 ). The maximum number of millable canes m -2 (7.65) was produced with 75000 double budded setts ha -1 while the minimum number of millable canes m -2 (7.09) was recorded at seeding density of 60000 setts ha -1 . Ninety cm double row strips achieved the maximum cane length (232 cm) and was at par with 120 cm triple row strips (228 cm), whereas the minimum cane length (224 cm) was observed at row spacing of 60 cm single row. The maximum cane yield (92.27 t ha -1 ) was achieved in row spacing of 90 cm spaced double row strips that was statistically at par with 60 cm single row. Regarding seeding density, 75000 double budded setts ha -1 produced the maximum cane yield (92.54 t ha -1 ) that was at par with 90000 double budded setts ha -1 (89.85 t ha -1 ), while the minimum cane yield (83.68 t ha -1 ) was recorded at seeding density of 60000 double budded setts ha -1 . Row spacing and seeding density had no effect on sucrose contents of the cane juice and commercial cane sugar percentage. The maximum net return of Rs. 67046 ha -1 and highest benefit cost ratio of 1.63 were obtained by planting sugarcane in 90 cm double row strips with a seed rate of 75000 double budded setts ha -1 .
SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING AND PURCHASE INTENTION: EVIDENCE FROM KOSOVO

The main objective of this study was to explore the relationship of social media marketing and purchase intention among consumers in Kosovo as a transition economy. The study used a structured questionnaire to collect the primary data and collected a sample of 334 responses from participants in Kosovo, using google forms as an online survey tool. In order to test the proposed research model, structural equation modelling was used. The hypotheses and the mediating effects of brand awareness and brand engagement were tested using the bootstrapping method. The findings revealed a positive indirect impact of social media marketing on purchase intention. They also showed that brand engagement fully mediates the relationship between social media marketing and purchase intention, whereas brand awareness does not mediate the relationship between social media marketing and purchase intention. This study contributes to the literature by providing insights of the impact of social media marketing on brand awareness, brand engagement, and purchase intention in transition economy such as Kosovo. On a practical level, research results provide companies with customer insights relevant to designing effective social media marketing strategies for their potential prospects in transition economies.
Balancing and sequencing manual mixed-model assembly lines

This paper analyses some typical problems of manual, mixed-model assembly lines. In particular, it presents new balancing and production sequencing methodologies which pursue the following common goals: (1) minimizing the rate of incomplete jobs (in paced lines and in moving lines) or the probability of blocking/starvation events (in unpaced lines); (2) reducing WIP. The balancing methodology also aims at minimizing the number of stations on the line; the sequencing technique also provides a uniform parts usage, which is a typical goal in just in time production systems.
Genetic Insights into the Impact of Complement in Alzheimer’s Disease

The presence of complement activation products at sites of pathology in post-mortem Alzheimer’s disease (AD) brains is well known. Recent evidence from genome-wide association studies (GWAS), combined with the demonstration that complement activation is pivotal in synapse loss in AD, strongly implicates complement in disease aetiology. Genetic variations in complement genes are widespread. While most variants individually have only minor effects on complement homeostasis, the combined effects of variants in multiple complement genes, referred to as the “complotype”, can have major effects. In some diseases, the complotype highlights specific parts of the complement pathway involved in disease, thereby pointing towards a mechanism; however, this is not the case with AD. Here we review the complement GWAS hits; CR1 encoding complement receptor 1 (CR1), CLU encoding clusterin, and a suggestive association of C1S encoding the enzyme C1s, and discuss difficulties in attributing the AD association in these genes to complement function. A better understanding of complement genetics in AD might facilitate predictive genetic screening tests and enable the development of simple diagnostic tools and guide the future use of anti-complement drugs, of which several are currently in development for central nervous system disorders.
Parents’ Decisions to Vaccinate Children against COVID-19: A Scoping Review

Since 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in sickness, hospitalizations, and deaths of the old and young and impacted global social and economy activities. Vaccination is one of the most important and efficient ways to protect against the COVID-19 virus. In a review of the literature on parents’ decisions to vaccinate their children, we found that widespread vaccination was hampered by vaccine hesitancy, especially for children who play an important role in the coronavirus transmission in both family and school. To analyze parent vaccination decision-making for children, our review of the literature on parent attitudes to vaccinating children, identified the objective and subjective influencing factors in their vaccination decision. We found that the median rate of parents vaccinating their children against COVID-19 was 59.3% (IQR 48.60~73.90%). The factors influencing parents’ attitudes towards child vaccination were heterogeneous, reflecting country-specific factors, but also displaying some similar trends across countries, such as the education level of parents. The leading reason in the child vaccination decision was to protect children, family and others; and the fear of side effects and safety was the most important reason in not vaccinating children. Our study informs government and health officials about appropriate vaccination policies and measures to improve the vaccination rate of children and makes specific recommendations on enhancing child vaccinate rates.
Energy consumption, economic growth, foreign direct investment and globalization causality nexus in OECD countries: a symbolic transfer entropy analysis

In this paper, we investigate the validity and usefulness of the symbolic transfer entropy (STE) test for longitudinal data by examining causality relationships among foreign direct investment, energy consumption, globalization and economic growth respectively, between the periods 1970-2015 using Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries as a case study. Also, a comparison to validate or contrast with other existing studies results generated using other forms of causality test is given. Our findings suggest that the STE causality test is suitable approach for our OECD panel of countries.
Gastrin/CCK-B Receptor Signaling Promotes Cell Invasion and Metastasis by Upregulating MMP-2 and VEGF Expression in Gastric Cancer

Accumulated evidence suggests that a functional loop composed of gastrin and cholecystokinin B receptor (CCK-BR) may exist in gastric carcinogenesis. However, this suggestion is not completely supported due to a lack of direct evidence, and the underlying mechanism is not completely understood. Here, we evaluated the effects of gastrin/CCK-BR signaling on the cell growth, invasion, and expression of MMP-2 and VEGF, as well as xenograft growth in vivo. Furthermore, we detected gastrin mRNA content in human gastric cancer tissues, metastatic lymph nodes, and adjacent nontumor tissues. We found that the forced gastrin could promote the proliferation, migration, and invasion of gastric cancer cells by upregulating the expression of MMP-2 and VEGF. Blocking gastrin/CCK-BR signal using either Proglumide, a CCK-BR antagonist, or shRNA against GASTRIN significantly inhibited the gastrin-promoting effects. In vivo study revealed that the tumor growth in nude mice inoculated with gastrin-overexpressed cells was significantly faster than control cells. The gastrin mRNA content in metastatic lymph nodes was higher in patients with gastric cancer than in primary gastric cancer and adjacent nontumor tissues. In conclusion, we provided direct evidence and possible mechanism of gastrin/CCK-BR signaling in the initiation and progression of gastric cancer.
Optimization of gate oxide N/sub 2/O anneal for CMOSFET's at room and cryogenic temperatures

This paper presents a study of the impact of gate-oxide N/sub 2/O anneal on CMOSFET's characteristics, device reliability and inverter speed at 300 K and 85 K. Two oxide thicknesses (60 and 110 /spl Aring/) and five N/sub 2/O anneal conditions (900/spl sim/950/spl deg/C, 5/spl sim/40 min) plus nonnitrided process and channel lengths from 0.2 to 2 /spl mu/m were studied to establish the correlation between the nitrogen concentration at Si/SiO/sub 2/ interface and the relative merits of the resultant devices. We concluded that one simple post-oxidation N/sub 2/O anneal step can increase CMOSFET's lifetime by 4/spl sim/10 times, effectively suppress boron penetration from the P/sup +/ poly-Si gate of P-MOSFET's without sacrificing CMOS inverter speed. We also found that the benefits in terms of the improved interface hardness and charge trapping characteristic still exist at cryogenic temperature. All these improvements are found to be closely correlated to the nitrogen concentration incorporated at the Si/SiO/sub 2/ interface. The optimal N/sub 2/O anneal occurs somewhere at around 2% of nitrogen incorporation at Si/SiO/sub 2/ interface which can be realized by annealing 60/spl sim/110 /spl Aring/ oxides at 950/spl deg/C for 5 min or 900/spl deg/C for 20 min. >
Tensão superficial estática de soluções aquosas com óleos minerais e vegetais utilizados na agricultura

The aim of this work was to evaluate the surface tension of water emulsion with mineral oils and vegetable oils used as adjuvant. The mineral and vegetable oils when added to the agrochemicals can improve any characteristics of the spray solution. The surface tension was evaluated in emulsion contend: mineral oils (Assist, Attach, Dytrol, Iharol, Mineral Oil, Spinner, Sunspray-E e Triona) and vegetable oils (Agrex'oil Vegetal, Crop Oil, Natur'l Oleo, Oleo Vegetal Nortox e Veget Oil). For each product were evaluated eleven concentrations. This property of the mineral oils and vegetable oils were evaluated with the weight of drops formed in the extremity of a burette. The data were adjusted to the Mitscherlich's Model. The mineral oils Assist, Dytrol, Iharol and Mineral Oil presented the smallest minimum surface tension, respectively, 29.255; 28.442; 26.097 and 28.584 mN m-1. The vegetal oils that presented the smallest values of minimum superficial tension were: Agrex' oil Vegetal (27.716 mN m-1), Natur'l Oleo (28.216 mN m-1), Veget Oil (27.308 mN m-1) and Crop Oil (29.964 mN m-1).