Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chair-CEO Generation Gap and Bank Risk-Taking

Poor bank governance has disastrous consequences for economies as the 2007–2009 financial crisis has shown. In the aftermath, board diversity is identified as an effective mechanism to enhance bank governance. Diversity, creating cognitive conflict between board members, is expected to enhance board's independence of thought to better perform monitoring and advising functions. Age is a key demographic measure and age dissimilarity between the chair and the CEO in non-financial firms leads to better economic outcomes (Goergen, Limbach, & Scholz, 2015). In this paper, we examine whether chair-CEO age dissimilarity can mitigate banks' excessive risk-taking behaviour. Using a unique sample of 100 listed banks in Europe between 2005 and 2014, we find that age difference between the chair and the CEO reduces bank risk-taking. A chair-CEO generational gap –defined as a minimum of 20 years' age difference– has a larger impact in reducing risk-taking.
Quality of life instruments in studies of chronic pelvic pain: a systematic review

The use of quality of life (QoL) instruments in chronic pelvic pain (CPP) will allow a more objective assessment of patient-centred clinical outcomes. However, there is concern that not enough emphasis is placed on clinical face validity (i.e. issues which are of importance to patients and reflect their experiences and concerns). To explore this issue, we performed a systematic review of published research. Relevant papers were identified through electronic scanning of six electronic databases and by manual searching of bibliographies of known primary and review articles. Studies were selected if they assessed women with CPP for life quality, either developing QoL instruments or applying them as an outcome measure. Selected studies were assessed for the quality of their QoL instruments using a 17-item checklist, including 10 items for clinical face validity and seven items for measurement (psychometric) properties. A total of 19 articles were eligible for inclusion in the review. The generic Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36) was used most frequently, being employed in 10/19 (53%) of the studies. Three studies developed disease-specific QoL instruments for CPP complying with 59 - 77% of the quality criteria. Overall, quality assessment showed that only 4/18 (22.2%) studies complied with more than half the criteria for face validity, whereas 12/18 (66.6%) studies complied with more than half of the criteria for measurement properties (P = 0.0001). Among existing QoL instruments, compliance with the quality criteria for measurement properties is higher than for clinical face validity. There is a need to develop disease specific QoL instruments for CPP with face validity in addition to sound measurement properties.
Anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing in the Luxembourg investment fund market

The field of Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing in their current form have had an important impact on the financial world for almost half a century. Today, Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing pose a threat to the integrity of the financial markets and systems worldwide. The intention behind implementing a regulatory Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing framework is to cut off the financial resources of criminals and to follow back the traces that financial transactions leave to the backers of the criminal organizations. Luxembourg, being the second largest center for investment funds in the world and the leading one in Europe, is dependent on its good reputation, a cornerstone of its success. Based on this, the risk exposure of the Luxembourg Fund Market with respect to Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing shall be assessed and a risk assessment for an investment fund established. Firstly, a general introduction to Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing is provided, which is complemented by a chapter specifying details of each criminal offence, differences and similarities, and the threats and harms both crimes pose. Secondly, the legal definitions and local obligations of the market participants are presented. Thirdly, the Luxembourg Fund Market in terms of figures, products and its participants in investment fund structure are addressed. In a next step, the summary of three expert interviews is presented. The questions asked are based on the information, statements and findings in the previous chapters. All information obtained is then used to establish a general risk assessment of an investment fund and to draw the final conclusion. The results show that the inherent risk of the Luxembourg Fund Market is concentrated on Money Laundering rather than on Terrorist Financing. The residual risk is completely dependent on the measures implemented by the single structures and therefore cannot really be quantified. It is very much dependent on the risk appetite of the market participants, their controls in place and the enforcement of the rules, especially when it comes to cross-border business.
Visual saliency detection based on region contrast and guided filter

The main challenge of previous saliency detection method is the low quality of obtained saliency map which missed the edge and texture information easily. So it cannot reflect the integrated image salient information. Considering this problem, we propose a novel saliency measure method which combine region contrast and fast guided filter. This method utilizes region contrast method to obtain initial saliency maps. Then we optimize the saliency maps by using the fast guided filter. Extensive experimental results on natural image show the effectiveness of the proposed method. One aspect, the obtained final saliency maps have obvious advantages in dealing with the texture and weakening the inconsequential region. Another aspect, evaluation on the two databases validates that our method achieves superior results and outperforms compared previous approach in both precision and recall.
Role of histone deacetylases HDA6 and HDA19 in ABA and abiotic stress response

Our recent study revealed the involvement of the Arabidopsis histone deacetylase HDA6 in modulating ABA and salt stress responses. In this report, we further investigated the role of HDA19 in ABA and salt stress responses. The Arabidopsis HDA19 T-DNA insertion mutant, hda19-1, displayed a phenotype that was hypersensitive to ABA and salt stress. Compared with wild-type plants, the expression of ABA responsive genes, ABI1, ABI2, KAT1, KAT2, and RD29B, was decreased in hda19-1 plants when treated with ABA. Our study indicates that HDA6 and HDA19 may play a redundant role in modulating seed germination and salt stress response, as well as ABA- and salt stress-induced gene expression in Arabidopsis.
Roles of the CHADS 2 and CHA 2 DS 2-VASc scores in post-myocardial infarction patients : Risk of new occurrence of atrial fibrillation and ischemic stroke

Background: Patients with myocardial infarction (MI) are at risk of the development of atrial fibrillation (AF) and ischemic stroke. We sought to evaluate the prognostic performance of the CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores in predicting new AF and/or ischemic stroke in post-ST segment elevation MI (STEMI) patients. Six hundred and seven consecutive post-STEMI patients with no previously documented AF were studied. Methods and Results: After a follow-up of 63 months (3,184 patient-years), 83 (13.7%) patients developed new AF (2.8% per year). Patients with a high CHADS2 and/or CHA2DS2-VASc score were more likely to develop new AF. The annual incidence of new AF was 1.18%, 2.10%, 4.52%, and 7.03% in patients with CHADS2 of 0, 1, 2, and ≥ 3; and 0.39%, 1.72%, 1.83%, and 5.83% in patients with a CHA2DS2-VASc score of 1, 2, 3 and ≥ 4. The CHA2DS2-VASc score (C-statistic = 0.676) was superior to the CHADS2 (C-statistic = 0.632) for discriminating new AF. Ischemic stroke occurred in 29 patients (0.9% per year), the incidence increasing in line with the CHADS2 (0.41%, 1.02%, 1.11%, and 1.95% with score of 0, 1, 2, and ≥ 3) and CHA2DS2-VASc scores (0.39%, 0.49%, 1.02%, and 1.48% with score of 1, 2, 3 and ≥ 4). The C-statistic of the CHA2DS2-VASc score as a predictor of ischemic stroke was 0.601, superior to that of CHADS2 score (0.573). CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores can identify post-STEMI patients at high risk of AF and stroke. Conclusions: The CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores can identify post-STEMI patients at high risk of AF and ischemic stroke. This enables close surveillance and prompt anticoagulation for stroke prevention. (Cardiol J 2014; 21, 5: 474–483)
Radiation sensitivities of 31 human oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell lines

The purpose of this study was to determine the radiosensitivities of 31 human oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell lines with a colony‐formation assay. A large variation in radiosensitivity existed among 31 cell lines. Such a large variation may partly explain the poor result of radiotherapy for this cancer. One cell line (KYSE190) demonstrated an unusual radiosensitivity. Ataxia‐telangiectasia‐mutated (ATM) gene in these cells had five missense mutations, and ATM protein was truncated or degraded. Inability to phosphorylate Chk2 in the irradiated KYSE190 cells suggests that the ATM protein in these cells had lost its function. The dysfunctional ATM protein may be a main cause of unusual radiosensitivity of KYSE190 cells. Because the donor of these cells was not diagnosed with ataxia telangiectasia, mutations in ATM gene might have occurred during the initiation and progression of cancer. Radiosensitive cancer developed in non‐hereditary diseased patients must be a good target for radiotherapy.
The Primitive Endoderm Segregates from the Epiblast in β1 Integrin-Deficient Early Mouse Embryos

ABSTRACT We analyzed the mechanism of developmental failure in implanted β1 integrin-null blastocysts and found that primitive endoderm cells are present but segregate away from, instead of forming an epithelial layer covering, the inner cell mass. This cell segregation phenotype was also reproduced in β1 integrin-null embryoid bodies, in which primitive endoderm cells segregated and appeared as miniature aggregates detached from the core spheroids, and a primitive endoderm layer failed to form on the surface. Restricted β1 integrin gene deletion in embryos using Ttr-Cre or Sox2-Cre indicated that the loss of integrin function in the cells of the inner core rather than the outer layer is responsible for the failure to form a primitive endoderm layer. We conclude that β1 integrin is essential for the attachment of the primitive endoderm layer to the epiblast during the formation of a basement membrane, a process concurrent with the transition from cadherin- to integrin-mediated cell adhesion.
Comparison of auctions and alternative policy options for RES-E support

(06/11/2019) Comparison of auctions and alternative policy options for RES-E support This report concludes the work carried out in the course of Task 6.2 of the AURES project. It is its aim to compare auctions with alternative policy instruments and in particular, to examine under which circumstances auctions may be superior and inferior to achieve intended policy targets. For that purpose, we identify a number of potential drivers that might affect an instrument’s effectiveness, its efficiency and further success criteria. Among this list of relevant drivers, the basis for our analysis is the factor risk, where our core focus is on risk for policy makers. Assuming a world of uncertainty, particularly policy makers or regulators are exposed to the risk of setting inefficient investment incentives by implementation of wrong policy. As such, the aspect of risk is deemed one of the most important challenges for the deployment of RES. We demonstrate that risk and uncertainty respectively constitute important factors understanding the decision-making of policy makers regarding which instrument to use. However, we also point out that independent of its importance, the factor risk constitutes only one of many factors, which may be relevant when selecting a policy instrument.
Use of Relibase for retrieving complex three-dimensional interaction patterns including crystallographic packing effects.

Relibase is a database system that has been specially designed to handle protein-ligand data. Included within Relibase is a tool that can be used to systematically analyse protein-ligand interaction patterns specified by three-dimensional (3D) constraints, revealing favorable combinations of interacting functional groups and their preferred interaction geometries. This paper describes the Relibase 3D query tools, including novel extensions (Relibase+) for handling crystallographic packing effects. Examples illustrating the broad range of functionality for defining 3D interaction patterns and the application of such queries in drug design comprise carbonyl-carbonyl interactions, zinc binding site environments, and ligand-ligand interactions in the crystal packing.
Aged garlic extract inhibits peroxynitrite-induced hemolysis

Abstract Nitric oxide (NO), which is synthesized by constitutive NO synthase (cNOS), plays important roles in physiological functions of the cardiovascular system. However, NO, which is synthesized by inducible NOS, is detrimental when it reacts with superoxide to form peroxynitrite. Peroxynitrite is recognized as a powerful oxidant, and results in vascular or tissue damage. We have previously reported that aged garlic extract (AGE) enhances NO production through cNOS stimulation. In the present study, we determined the effect of AGE, its fractions or constituents on peroxynitrite-induced hemolysis using rat erythrocytes. Incubation of rat erythrocytes with peroxynitrite (300 μM) for 30 min at 37°C caused 4-fold hemolysis. AGE (0.14–0.57 %w/v) added to an erythrocyte suspension was found to reduce peroxynitrite-induced hemolysis in a concentration-dependent manner. Of the AGE fractions, a polar fraction and a low-molecular-weight fraction both suppressed the hemolysis to the same degree as that seen with AGE. S-Allylcysteine, one of the major compounds in AGE, also reduced hemolysis at 1–10 mM dose-dependently. These data indicate that AGE and its compounds protect erythrocytes from membrane damage induced by peroxynitrite, suggesting that AGE could be useful for prevention of cardiovascular diseases associated with oxidative stress or dysfunction of NO production.
Oxidative DNA damage in the aging mouse brain

The brain exhibits regional vulnerabilities to many insults, and age itself has differential effects on neuronal populations as exemplified by the age‐dependent loss of dopaminergic neurons in the nigrostriatal system. We hypothesized that oxidative damage to DNA was more likely to occur in the nigrostriatal system which undergoes significant neurochemical and functional changes with age. To test this hypothesis, oxidative damage to DNA, indicated by levels of 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (oxo8dG), was measured in pons‐medulla (PM), midbrain (MB), caudate‐putamen (CP), hippocampus (HP), cerebellum (CB), and cerebral cortex (CX) at 3, 18, and 34 months of age in C57/bl mice. Steady‐state levels of oxo8dG increased significantly with age in MB, CP, and CB, but not in PM, HP, or CX. Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) activity decreased with age in MB, CP, and HP, but not in PM, CB, or CX. Regional activities of Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (Glut Px) did not change significantly with age. Concomitant with the regional alterations in DNA damage, there was a significant age‐dependent decline in locomotor activity, motor coordination, and striatal dopamine content especially during the interval between 18 and 34 months. In conclusion, oxyradical‐associated damage to DNA did not accumulate uniformly across brain regions with age and was highest in brain regions that subserve spontaneous locomotor activity and motor coordination.
Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Film Coating and Stability at the Surfaces of Oral Prosthesis Base Polymers: an in vitro and in vivo Study

A new type of coating involving a layer-by-layer technique has been recently reported. This coating is composed of a polyelectrolyte multilayer film that confers specific properties on surfaces to which it is applied. Here, we studied the applicability of such a technique to the coating of oral prostheses, by first testing the construction of polyelectrolyte multilayer films on several polymers used in oral prosthesis bases, and, subsequently, by studying the stability of these coatings in vitro, in human saliva, and in vivo in a rat model. We demonstrated that the multilayered films are able to coat the surfaces of all tested polymers completely, thus increasing their wettability. We also showed that saliva does not degrade the film after 7 days in vitro and after 4 days in vivo. Taken together, our results establish that the layer-by-layer technique is suitable for the coating of oral devices.
Panel Estimation of the Impact of Foreign Banks Presence on Selected Banking Indicators in Macedonia

The latest global financial and economic crisis reignited the debate on the costs and benefits of foreign bank presence. While discussions on the optimal financing model of foreign owned banks are ongoing, the consensus on the benefits of foreign banks presence is not a matter of dispute. Given the large and enduring foreign presence in the Macedonian banking system, we try to empirically test some of the traditional channels of the foreign banks impact on the banking system behaviour. We employ panel estimation method with a pooled mean group estimator. The results do confirm the thesis that foreign banks presence in Macedonia supports the competition in the banking system in the long run, visible through the narrowing of some of the profitability indicators. Yet, what they also suggest is that it happens via rise in the operational costs - commonly result of the new investments of foreign owners in knowledge and technology. On the other hand, the interest income component is positively affected by the change in the foreign banks presence. The findings suggest that the observed trend of falling share of interest income in interest earning assets and falling operational costs, on a long run can be explained by other fundamental factors, rather than the actual dynamics of foreign bank presence. The availability of bank funding is one of those fundamentals, which can explain the adjustment in the interest income, in particular.
Use of Capital Investment Appraisal Practices and Effectiveness of Investment Decisions: A Study on Listed Manufacturing Companies in Sri Lanka

Primary objective of the present study was to examine the relationship between use of capital investment appraisal practices and effectiveness of investment decision of listed manufacturing companies in Sri Lanka. Capital investment appraisal practices were measured by capital investment appraisal techniques and risk analysis techniques of investment projects. Effectiveness of investment was measured by perceptions of CFOs on the performance from investment. Firm size was used as the control variable to examine the relationship between investment appraisal practices and effectiveness of investment decision. The study employed a field survey from January to March 2017 and primary data was collected through self-administered questionnaires from randomly selected 20 listed manufacturing companies. Results of the study revealed that use of NPV and IRR had significantly positively related to effectiveness of investment decision while DPB had significantly negatively related to effectiveness of investment decision of listed manufacturing companies in Sri Lanka. Risk analysis techniques were not significantly related to effectiveness of investment decision. Findings of the study may useful to the investment decision makers in order to achieve the shareholders wealth.
MEASURING TOURIST SATISFACTION OF HOLIDAY: PRACTICE ON THE HOTEL BUSINESS WITH THE HOLSAT SCALE

Tourist satisfaction is an aim that destinations at the macro level and an essential for maintaining the existence of the company at the micro level. Nowadays, customers receiving more informed travel decisions and they have further expectations. They have a right to evaluate any other holiday options although they do not like a tourist product so it causes business, embark on different quests to avoid losing their customers. Satisfaction is a level which generates after satisfying customers' needs and requests also enunciables as a customer is satisfied with the services they have received. Guest satisfaction is one of the most important measure both destinations and the success and continuity of business. The aim of this study is to measure the level of satisfaction of the guests staying in 4 and 5 star hotels in Konya using the scale HOLSAT (Holiday Satisfaction) which is a developed model to compare the positive and negative aspects of vacation experiences and expectations of holidaymakers by Tribe and Snaith (1998). In this case, first of all a literature study was conducted on the subject and then a total of 200 tourists were interviewed using face-to- face interview method. The obtained data were analyzed by SPSS statistical software, according to the results. Differences in holiday satisfaction were studied to determine. What is of specially interest in this paper is analysis on surveyed data in using HOLSAT. Theoriginal instrument of HOLSAT is consist of six dimensions with 56 items. The findings provide Konya’s tourism stakeholders with insights about the level of satisfactions among domestic tourists and call for better improvements strategies for future tourism development in Konya. Sphericity test. It was determined that the sample size of the data as the result of the KMO test was sufficient for sample size. The KMO value for this sample calculated as (KMO=0.893) and Barlett Spherecity test assumption, an assumption necessary for the factor analysis, was also provided (p<0.05). These results indicates that data set is
Carbon dioxide-dependent regulation of NF-κB family members RelB and p100 gives molecular insight into CO2-dependent immune regulation

CO2 is a physiological gas normally produced in the body during aerobic respiration. Hypercapnia (elevated blood pCO2 >≈50 mm Hg) is a feature of several lung pathologies, e.g. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Hypercapnia is associated with increased susceptibility to bacterial infections and suppression of inflammatory signaling. The NF-κB pathway has been implicated in these effects; however, the molecular mechanisms underpinning cellular sensitivity of the NF-κB pathway to CO2 are not fully elucidated. Here, we identify several novel CO2-dependent changes in the NF-κB pathway. NF-κB family members p100 and RelB translocate to the nucleus in response to CO2. A cohort of RelB protein-protein interactions (e.g. with Raf-1 and IκBα) are altered by CO2 exposure, although others are maintained (e.g. with p100). RelB is processed by CO2 in a manner dependent on a key C-terminal domain located in its transactivation domain. Loss of the RelB transactivation domain alters NF-κB-dependent transcriptional activity, and loss of p100 alters sensitivity of RelB to CO2. Thus, we provide molecular insight into the CO2 sensitivity of the NF-κB pathway and implicate altered RelB/p100-dependent signaling in the CO2-dependent regulation of inflammatory signaling.