Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effect of CEO characteristics on financial leverage: findings from listed companies in Vietnam

Abstract The research is conducted with the goal of determining the influence of CEO characteristics, including CEO experience, on the financial leverage of listed companies in Vietnam. Financial leverage is among the vital financial policies for any business. A review of upper echelons theory suggests direct influence of CEO characteristics on setting business policy and inevitably on firm financial leverage. To assess the effect of CEO characteristics on financial leverage, the paper conducts a generalized method of moments regression with the following dependent variables: CEO age, CEO experience, the level of education related to the economic industry of the CEO education, and CEO gender. The data studied consist of 770 observations on 110 companies listed on Vietnam’s two major stock exchanges, Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HOSE) and Hanoi Stock Exchange (HNX), over the period 2012–2018. We found that CEO experience, CEO education, and CEO gender are significantly positively correlated with firm leverage whereas CEO age is negatively correlated. Our results also provide additional useful information for shareholders and investors in recruiting a new CEO or balancing CEO power in the business.
Simple self-calibrating polarimeter for measuring the Stokes parameters of light

A simple, self-calibrating, rotating-waveplate polarimeter is largely insensitive to light intensity fluctuations and is shown to be useful for determining the Stokes parameters of light. This study shows how to minimize the in situ self-calibration time, the measurement time, and the measurement uncertainty. The suggested methods are applied to measurements of spatial variations in the linear and circular polarizations of laser light passing through glass plates with a laser intensity dependent birefringence. These are crucial measurements for the ACME electron electric dipole measurements, requiring accuracies in circular and linear polarization fraction of about 0.1% and 0.4%, with laser intensities up to 100 mW/mm2 incident into the polarimeter. © 2021 Optica Publishing Group under the terms of the Optica Open Access Publishing Agreement
AST/ALT (De ritis) Ratio As a Prognostic Factor in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the prognostic significance of the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) / alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (De Ritis) ratio in diffuse large b-cell lymphoma ( DLBCL). Material and Method: This retrospective study analyzed newly diagnosed DLBCL patients between December 2003- November 2016 in our hospital. We used the university archive to analyze patient information. De Ritis ratio were calculated using data from the blood samples at the time of diagnosis. We analyzed the effect of the De Ritis ratio on the overall survival (OS) of 225 patients with DLBCL. Results: The mean age of the patients was 60.3(18–95) years, and 57.7 % of them were males. We performed ROC curve analysis to calculate optimal cut off points for the De Ritis ratio at the time of diagnosed. The median De Ritis ratio was 1.30( range 0,26 - 5,84 ). Based on the cutoff points for the De Ritis ratio, patients were separated in two groups: high De Ritis ratio group ( ≥1.30, n: 101 ) and low De Ritis ratio group ( <1.30, n:154 ) ( with sensitivity of 59%, specifity of 40%). We found a significant relationship between OS and De Ritis ratio. In Kaplan Meier analyses, the group with a higher De Ritis ratio had a more unfavorable prognosis for OS ( p=0.027). Conclusion: The De Ritis ratio may provide a cost- effective and sustainable marker for DLBCL patients. A higher De Ritis ratio can be considered as an independent prognostic factor in DLBCL patients.
Seek Balance: Deviation from Balance Mediates Trauma Exposure and Quality of Life

Abstract This research assessed direct and mediated relations between lifetime trauma exposure and physical and mental health, with deviation from a balanced time perspective (individuals’ perception of the past, present, and future time frames) as a potential mediator. Participants were 238 undergraduates who completed online assessments of trauma exposure, quality of life, and time perspectives. Mediation analyses revealed that a greater number of traumas indirectly influenced quality of life by way of deviation from a balanced time perspective. Discussion underscores the importance of balance in time perspectives, particularly when adjusting to adverse life events.
An analysis of signal-to-noise ratio and design parameters of a terahertz optical asymmetric demultiplexer

Analysis of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) as a function of the component parameters in a terahertz optical asymmetric demultiplexer (TOAD) can help optimize its performance as a demultiplexer or as a router in an optical time division multiplexed network. The analysis presented here accounts for crosstalk due to deviation from a perfect 3 dB splitting ratio in the TOAD's 2/spl times/2 coupler, and the degradation of SNR due to fluctuations in the control pulse energy. The spontaneous emission noise output of the semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) contained in the TOAD is simulated under different degrees of saturation. The analysis indicates that leakage due to the asymmetric placement of the SOA contributes significantly to the crosstalk. To achieve a SNR of 21.5 dB or higher in a 100 Gb/s system, one must use a 2/spl times/2 coupler that deviates less than 1% from a perfect 3 dB splitting ratio. Also, control pulse energy fluctuations must be less than 10% for a 20-GHz bandwidth electronic receiver. Novel crosstalk-free designs are proposed and analyzed which meet the stringent requirements of current TOAD devices. A significant enhancement in SNR is predicted when the SOA is operated near the optimal saturation point.
Observation of Overvoltage at the Terminal of 10 kV Distribution Line by Direct Triggered Lightning

This paper reports the waveform characteristics and parameters of the overvoltage at the terminal of a 1.5 km 10 kV distribution line by direct triggered lightning. The three-phase overvoltage exhibited three kinds of waveforms, all including the initial rising process of the negative peak, the transition from negative peak to the positive peak or the residual voltage, and the subsequent oscillation process. It is observed that the negative peak value of the three-phase overvoltage is between −8.2 kV and −96.1 kV and the rise time of negative peak is between 3.2 μs and 31.7 μs, while the corresponding peak value of the return stroke current is between 3.3 kA and 32.9 kA. When the return stroke current is relatively small, the negative peak value of the direct struck phase overvoltage is twice or more than that of the indirect struck phase. When it is larger, the negative peak value of the indirect struck phase overvoltage is much closer to that of direct struck phase. There is good linear relation between the negative peak value of the indirect struck phase overvoltage and the peak value of the lightning return stroke current, with correlation coefficient being 0.98 and 0.90.
Decision-making in the midst of uncertainty: appraising expensive medicines in England.

Decisions need to be made about which services or technologies should be prioritized for provision in the NHS in England . The analysis focuses specifically on the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), and on how they appraise expensive medicines. This analysis takes a sociological perspective on decision-making in relation to uncertainty and how uncertainties are managed, drawing on evidence from a scoping study and an ethnographic study. Uncertainties were central to these rationing decisions. Three types of layers of uncertainty -epistemic, procedural and interpersonal - were shown to be salient. Another form of uncertainty was associated with the complexity of the science and that included the level of technicality of the information provided. The analysis highlighted the salience of uncertainties associated with interpersonal relations and the relations between the committees and the drug industry, clinical and patient experts. A key element in these relationships was trust. Decision makers adopted a mixture of formal and informal, collective and individual strategies in making decisions and a need to exercise pragmatism within a more formal institutional framework. The paper concludes by considering more recent policy developments in relation to appraising expensive medicines.
Meiofaunal Adaptation to Environmental Variability and Human Trampling of Tropical Sandy Beaches at Goa, India

Physical disturbances have direct impact on sandy beach ecosystem. The old hypothesis of meiofauna as indicator of disturbance was tested for the assessment of health of sandy beaches. Two sandy beaches in Goa were sampled for meiofauna and sediment properties covering three seasons of the year. There were differences in physical and chemical properties of the sediment of two beaches. The meiofaunal density varied from 386 to 1222⁄ 10 cm2 (mean 712) at Caranzalem and 185 to 662⁄ 10 cm2 (mean 387) at Candolim. The meiofaunal assemblage revealed similar seasonal pattern but significant variation (p<0.01) in total abundance at two beaches. Percent composition of taxa differ at two beaches. The nematodes were the most dominant group with contribution of > 50% followed by harpacticoida polychaeta and turbellaria. General linear model of correlation matrix parameter revealed different relation on two beaches. The N:C ratio suggested its usefulness in disturbance study. The differences in meiofaunal abundance of the two beaches, could be attributed to variability in the physical environment. The trampling has led to changes in relative abundance of meiofaunal taxa at Candolim beach. This study further demonstrated the use of meiofauna in the health assessment of sandy beaches.
Finite element approach for the modal analysis of open-boundary waveguides

A general finite element approach to computing the modes of open-boundary waveguides is presented. This efficient and robust scheme applies equally to situations with real and complex propagation constants. By using a localised boundary impedance condition, the approach preserves the sparsity of the global matrices. A comparison with the well established infinite element technique and the analysis of a 2-D leaky optical structure are given as examples.
Protective effects of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell exosomes in a diabetic rat model through live retinal imaging.

AIM To assess the protective effect of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell exosomes (hucMSC-Exs) in a diabetic rat model by using a variety of retinal bioassays. METHODS hucMSCs were subjected to differential ultracentrifugation for the collection of exosomes, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) using a NanoSight analysis system and Western blotting (WB) were used to analyze the expression of surface marker proteins such as CD63, CD9 and Calnexin. Streptozotocin (STZ) was injected into the intraperitoneal cavity to establish a diabetic model. Rats were divided into a normal group, diabetic group and hucMSC-Ex group. Fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), optical coherence tomography (OCT) and other live imaging methods were used to observe the fundus of the rats. Finally, the eyeballs of rats from each group were collected for hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining to further analyze the retinal structure. RESULTS Through TEM, NTA and WB, we successfully isolated hucMSC-Exs. Subsequent FFA and OCT confirmed that hucMSC-Exs effectively prevented early retinal vascular damage and thickening of the retina. Finally, HE staining of rat retinal sections revealed that exosomes effectively alleviated retinal structure disruption caused by diabetes. CONCLUSION hucMSC-Exs have a protective effect on the retina in diabetic rat through FFA, OCT and HE staining.
Intracellular Metabolism in Diabetic Embryopathy

Diabetes mellitus in early pregnancy can cause congenital birth defects in infants, a complication known as diabetic embryopathy. Formation of structural abnormalities, commonly seen in the central nervous and cardiovascular systems, is associated with increased programmed cell death (apoptosis) and decreased cell proliferation in the developing organs. Under maternal hyperglycemic conditions, influx of glucose into cells of the embryos disturbs intracellular metabolic homeostasis. Disturbed glycolysis generates factors through side pathways to perturb cell signaling and organelle functions. Perturbed phospholipid metabolism produces signaling metabolites and peroxidation products to suppress cell survival and induce apoptosis. Targeting the key processes and factors in the metabolism of glucose and phospholipids is a potential intervention strategy to prevent birth defects in diabetic pregnancies.
Effect of Diffuser and Volute on Turbocharger Centrifugal Compressor Stability and Performance: Experimental Study

Engine downsizing is potentially one of the most effective strategies being explored to improve fuel economy. A main problem of downsizing using a turbocharger is the small range of stable functioning of the turbocharger centrifugal compressor at high boost pressures. Several techniques were studied to increase the compressor operating range without sacrificing the compressor efficiency. This paper presents the effect of delaying diffuser stability on the compressor performance and surge line. Two different techniques were investigated, these are grooved and pinched diffuser. Moreover, the effect on retracting volute tongue on compressor performance is also studied. Pinched diffuser shifted surge line to low flow rates, while dropping pressure through compressor. On the other hand, some interesting results were obtained when using grooved diffuser, these are pressure increase at high flow rates, and choke line shift to high flow rates. While retracting volute tongue was interesting in improving compressor efficiency, and pressure lines at high speed.
Intergenerational mobility in a recession: Evidence from Sweden. IFAU working paper 2021:11

We use complete-count register data to describe various features of intergenerational mobility in Sweden. First, we document the extent of regional variation in educational and income mobility across Swedish municipalities, and describe its spatial pattern. Second, we study the stability of such regional rankings to the choice of mobility statistic. Third, we show that income inequality and mobility are negatively related, across all mobility measures. Fourth, we exploit variation in local exposure to show that the 1990s economic crisis and the 2007-2008 financial crisis had a negative effect on income mobility. JEL Codes: J62, R00
Use of agricultural technology, yields and economic profitability of small-scale producers (Coffea arabica L.)

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between use of agricultural technology and levels of crop yield and profitability of coffee farmers (Coffea arabica L.) en Puebal and Oaxaca, Mexico. Design/Methodology/Approach: The field work was carried out in the Mazateca region of Oaxaca and the Cuetzalan region of Puebla, in 2019. The data were gathered by applying a survey, using a statistical sample, with 95% confidence and accuracy of 6% of the average coffee yields. Results: The profitability (BCR) was 0.90, which means that for each invested peso, 0.10 pesos were lost, that is, 10% of the investment. For Puebla farmers, the RBC was 1.0 and for Oaxaca producers, 0.81. The BCR of the producers that sold as parchment coffee was 1.16 for those from Cuetzalan and 1.04 for those from the Mazateca region. The group of producers that have high TUI have a different average yield and profitability than the average of the groups of producers that have medium and low TUI. The explanatory variables of yield and profitability are the TUI, the size of the PU, and human capital. Study Limitations/Implications: This study, in a next stage, could benefit from estimating the rate of technology adoption and the training needs of coffee farmers. Conclusions: Due to the positive effect of TUI and HC on yields and profitability, these can be part of public policy interventions to improve coffee growing.
Predictors of intention to get COVID-19 vaccine: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND People around the world look hesitant to get the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) vaccine. Identifying factors behind people's hesitancy is of great importance. AIM This paper aimed at examining the predictors of the intention to get the COVID-19 vaccine in a sample of 281 Jordanians. METHODS A cross-sectional online survey was employed to collect data on the intention to vaccination, knowledge and attitudes toward COVID-19, the perception of measures taken by the government to control COVID-19, self-rated health, and perceived susceptibility and severity of COVID-19. RESULTS The subjects were hesitant to get the vaccine. Intention to get the vaccine was predicted by being male, working in the education field, and having a poor perception of health, better perception of the adequacy of governmental measures, positive attitudes towards COVID-19, and higher levels of perceived susceptibility to the disease. These predictor variables accounted for 25.5% of the total variance. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that this sample of Jordanian people had some hesitancy to take the COVID-19 vaccine; variables in the study partially explained that. Several implications have been discussed, including further research is needed to fully understand the relationships between different variables and the intention to get the vaccine.
Surveys of Texas Bow Anglers, with Implications for Managing Alligator Gar

Increasing interest in conservation and management of alligator gar, a species considered at risk of imperilment by the American Fisheries Society, has made it important to ascertain angling effort and harvest for this species. Bowfishing is believed to constitute the majority of the recreational harvest of alligator gar, yet little is known about bow anglers and their fishing practices. To obtain baseline demographic and fishing information from bow anglers in Texas, we distributed surveys to 173 participants at three Trinity River bowfishing tournaments in 2011. We received 15 completed surveys for a response rate of 9%. In addition, we conducted an online survey of Texas Bowfishing Association members in 2012 and received 82 returned surveys, resulting in a 46% response rate. All survey responses were pooled for a total sample size of 97 bow anglers. Bow anglers were generally similar to statewide Texas anglers, but were primarily male (97%), and on average were younger than anglers statewide. Bow anglers fished an average of 46 days annually, predominately in Texas reservoirs. Fifty-seven percent of bow anglers reported harvesting an alligator gar in the previous 12 mo. Average number of alligator gar harvested per bow angler in the previous 12 mo was three (range 0 to 40). Managers should consider this small but important angling constituency when imposing new regulations to assess potential impacts on participation and fishing license sales. It is also important to monitor bow angler harvest rates for species of concern.
WOW, the make-up AR app is impressive: a comparative study between China and South Korea

Purpose Consumers today actively participate in online purchasing experiences. As a result, it is critical to comprehend the behavioral aspects of novel technology usage, such as augmented reality (AR). AR apps enable beauty companies to create and design more immersive experience services. This study aims to highlight consumers’ perspectives on their continued desire to use AR app services. Design/methodology/approach A comparative study between China and South Korea was conducted with sample sizes of 458 and 315, respectively. Smart PLS was used for analysis. Findings The findings suggest that AR apps influence innovative consumers in China and South Korea to be satisfied with and continue to use such services. Previous research on technology acceptance model, information system success, AR and artificial intelligence (AI)-context-specific variables supported the findings. Practical implications This study contributes to the development of AR apps for beauty brands, as such technology revolutionizes how beauty brands work and grow. As a result, AR apps can pave the way for brands to provide an immersive experience to their customers. Originality/value The current study contributes to AR and AI drivers in the context of beauty brands by using novel technologies such as AR. AR integration with AI-context-specific variables indicates that consumers in China and South Korea are innovative and accept such technologies when purchasing beauty products online.
Factors Influencing the Consumption of Seafood in Istanbul, Turkey

Scientific data on the attitudes and knowledge of Turkish people regarding seafood consumption is very limited. Therefore, consumption habits and preferences of Turkish people for seafoods were evaluated, based on the example of Istanbul, which is the most crowded and cosmopolitan city of Turkey. Only 15.53% (151) of the 972 participants stated they never consume seafoods but none of them considered seafoods unhealthy. Their main reason for not consuming is odor and taste. A significant proportion of the participants (84.47%) were well aware of the nutrition value of seafoods. Former negative experiences didn’t decrease consumption frequency. The rate of seafood consumers and the consumption frequency increases proportional to the age of the consumers. Most of the respondents (34.84%) consume seafood once a week and they believe that they should consume seafoods more often. If seafoods were more available, many participants (44.10%) stated that they would consume seafoods. The top three preferred fish were fatty species, while the most favorite seafood was mussel. Octopus was the most unfavorable seafood, and most of the participants were not familiar with surimi. Respondents mostly (96.59%) preferred to consume fresh seafoods, and canning was the favorite (37.64%) processing technology.
Event-based Video Reconstruction Using Transformer

Event cameras, which output events by detecting spatio- temporal brightness changes, bring a novel paradigm to image sensors with high dynamic range and low latency. Previous works have achieved impressive performances on event-based video reconstruction by introducing convolutional neural networks (CNNs). However, intrinsic locality of convolutional operations is not capable of modeling long-range dependency, which is crucial to many vision tasks. In this paper, we present a hybrid CNN- Transformer network for event-based video reconstruction (ET-Net), which merits the fine local information from CNN and global contexts from Transformer In addition, we further propose a Token Pyramid Aggregation strategy to implement multi-scale token integration for relating internal and intersected semantic concepts in the token-space. Experimental results demonstrate that our proposed method achieves superior performance over state-of-the-art methods on multiple real-world event datasets. The code is available at https://github.com/WarranWeng/ET-Net.