Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The State of Corporate Governance: Experience from Country Assessments

Corporate governance deals with the ways in which the rights of outside suppliers of equity finance to corporations are protected and receive a fair return. Good practices reduce the risk of expropriation of outsiders by insiders and thus the cost of capital for issuers. The authors review the experience of the preparation of 15 corporate governance country assessments across five continents. The assessments have been prepared under the umbrella of the joint World Bank/IMF initiative of the"Reports on the Observance of Standards and Codes"(ROSCs). The assessments focus on the rights of shareholders, the equitable treatment of shareholders, the role of stakeholders, disclosure and transparency, and the duties of the board of listed companies, and use the OECD Principles of Corporate Governance as benchmark. The authors give an overview of the actual and potential contribution of the assessments to policy dialogue, diagnostic and strategic work, lending and non-lending operations, and technical assistance and capacity,and presents the unfinished agenda.
HRGC-MS analysis of terpenoids from Maytenus ilicifolia and Maytenus aquifolium ("espinheira santa")

This work describes the identification of some of the minor chemical constituents of "espinheira santa" (Maytenus ilicifolia and Maytenus aquifolium, Celastraceae), a medicinal plant widely utilized in Brazil. By using high resolution gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (HRGC-MS), it was possible to identify mainly triterpenoids and steroids in "espinheira santa", most of them reported for the first time in both Maytenus species.
Does Pretesting Make a Difference? An Experimental Test

STANLEY PRESSER University of Maryland, College Park, MD JENNIFER M. ROTHGEB U.S. Bureau of the Census, Washington, DC MICK P. COUPER University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI JUDITH T. LESSLER Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC ELIZABETH MARTIN U.S. Bureau of the Census, Washington, DC JEAN MARTIN Office for National Statistics, London, UK ELEANOR SINGER University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Deletion of RTS1, Encoding a Regulatory Subunit of Protein Phosphatase 2A, Results in Constitutive Amino Acid Signaling via Increased Stp1p Processing

ABSTRACT In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, extracellular amino acids are sensed at the plasma membrane by the SPS sensor, consisting of the transporter homologue Ssy1p, Ptr3p, and the endoprotease Ssy5p. Amino acid sensing results in proteolytic truncation of the transcription factors Stp1p and Stp2p, followed by their relocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, where they activate transcription of amino acid permease genes. We screened a transposon mutant library for constitutively signaling mutants, with the aim of identifying down-regulating components of the SPS-mediated pathway. Three isolated mutants were carrying a transposon in the RTS1 gene, which encodes a regulatory subunit of protein phosphatase 2A. We investigated the basal activity of the AGP1 and BAP2 promoters in rts1Δ cells and found increased transcription from these promoters, as well as increased Stp1p processing, even in the absence of amino acids. Based on our findings we propose that the phosphatase complex containing Rts1p keeps the SPS-mediated pathway down-regulated in the absence of extracellular amino acids by dephosphorylating a component of the pathway.
A slotted MAC protocol for efficient bandwidth utilization in WDM metropolitan access ring networks

The paper proposes an original wavelength-division multiplexing slotted-ring network architecture with nodes that use one fixed transmitter and fixed receivers. It is shown, through theoretical predictions and simulation results, how a simple slotted medium access control protocol can be implemented to achieve fairness between access nodes and efficient bandwidth utilization when used in a metropolitan access network. Performance for both source and destination stripping schemes has been analytically derived and simulated with a realistic self-similar traffic model. A modified node architecture using a tunable receiver has also been considered and the impact of receiver collisions has been evaluated and analyzed. Finally, the effect of using unbalanced traffic sources has also been analyzed and simulated.
Sex impacts the relation between body composition and physical function in older adults

Objective: To determine the sex-specific relationships between physical activity, aerobic fitness, adiposity (%Fat), mineral-free lean mass (MFLM), and balance and gait performance in older adults. Methods: Eighty-five female and 49 male sedentary, healthy, community-dwelling older adults (mean [SD] age, 69.6 [5.4] and 70.3 [4.7] years, respectively) were evaluated on habitual physical activity via questionnaire, aerobic fitness by a maximal oxygen consumption treadmill test, whole and regional body composition by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, and lower extremity physical function using gait tasks and computerized dynamic posturography. Results: As expected, men had less body fat, more lean mass, and higher aerobic fitness than did women and tended to perform better on all lower extremity physical function tasks (all P ≤ 0.1). Physical activity was not related to gait; however, fitness was related to gait in both sexes (r > 0.50, all P < 0.05). Body fat was related to gait in women (r = −0.38, P < 0.05) but not in men. Neither fitness nor body composition was related to balance in men, whereas in women, leg MFLM was positively associated (r = 0.27, P < 0.05). Women, but not men, with a greater ratio of body weight to leg MFLM performed worse on gait tasks (P < 0.001). There was an interaction with sex for %Fat on gait (P = 0.05) and for leg MFLM on balance (P < 0.05). Conclusions: In sedentary healthy older adults, the relation between body composition, aerobic fitness, and balance and gait differs between sexes such that women are more strongly affected by alterations in body composition. Lower %Fat and preservation of lower body lean mass have important implications for reducing the risk of physical disability, especially in older women.
Determinants of E-Intermediary Use in Export Marketing

Purpose. Electronic intermediaries (eintermediaries) are gaining significance in international marketing with the rapid development of e-commerce. The goal of this study is to explain empirically what leads to a higher use of this relatively new exportation alternative. Relying on a resource-based view as our research foundation, we focus on information technology (IT) and non-IT factors as possible determinants. Further, this study brings arguments offered by transaction cost theorists to explain the other non-IT determinants. Methodology/Approach. Data are collected from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the electronic industry in Korea and the U.S to ensure generalizability. Ordinary least square (OLS) regression is utilized to analyze the data. Findings. This study raises new issues regarding a relatively new type of exporting channel, e-intermediary. Exporting is regarded as the most appropriate strategy for SMEs in international commerce. A number of SMEs stay away from exporting due to limited resources or lack of knowledge regarding foreign markets. The findings in this study should help SMEs use e-intermediaries more widely by developing appropriate IT-related resources (IT-related human and relationship assets) and dealing with non-IT factors (international competence, environmental uncertainty, and duration of relationship) effectively. Originality/Value/Contribution. This study illustrates the significant role of e-intermediaries, which may help SMEs to penetrate the global market effectively. Finding relevant sources in the global e-marketplace is a challenge for nonexperienced users like SMEs. This study proposes eintermediaries as an effective alternative for them. Another contribution of this study is to show how the use of indirect exporting channels, e-intermediaries, decrease costs in exporting transactions. This study suggests an e-intermediary as a hybrid exporting channel to balance risk and profit.
Organizational Learning in Commercial Construction: Lessons Learned from the 2007-2009 U.S. Recession

Organizational Learning in Commercial Construction Lessons Learned from the 2007-2009 U.S. Recession Evan Michael Danforth School of Technology, BYU Master of Science Organizational learning seeks to proactively expand the knowledge base of an organizational entity by incorporating knowledge, skills, and experience into the collective conscience of the company through the development of routines rather than relying on individual employees for these traits. Valuable experience gained by individuals who weather economic downturn with their companies must be absorbed into the corporate structure in a meaningful way so that it may be accessible for use during future recessions. This research asks what was learned by individuals during the most recent recession, what mechanisms were employed to retain and utilize this knowledge, and what cultures, strategies, or processes were created because of it. Companies were also compared to understand whether an increase in organizational learning within a company would translate into increased performance.
Principal-principal conflicts in Asean 5 mergers and acquisitions

II ACKNOWLEDGEMENT . V LIST OF FIGURES . XIII LIST OF TABLES . XIII LIST OF APPENDICES . XV CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCING THE STUDY . 1 1.1 Background of the study . 1 1.2 Overview of Asean . 7 1.3 Development of capital control market: Asean 5 and Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) . 11 1.4 Problem statement . 14 1.5 Research questions . 16 1.6 Research objectives . 17 1.7 Significance of the study . 17 1.8 Organisation of thesis . 19 CHAPTER 2: REVIEW OF LITERATURE . 21 2.
Improving risk estimates for metabolically healthy obesity and mortality using a refined healthy reference group

Objective We aimed to re-examine mortality risk estimates for metabolically healthy obesity by using a ‘stable’ healthy non-obese referent group. Design Prospective cohort study. Methods Participants were 5427 men and women (aged 65.9 ± 9.4 years, 45.9% men) from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Obesity was defined as body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 (vs non-obese as below this threshold). Based on blood pressure, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, glycated hemoglobin and C-reactive protein, participants were classified as ‘healthy’ (0 or 1 metabolic abnormality) or ‘unhealthy’ (≥2 metabolic abnormalities). Results Totally, 671 deaths were observed over an average follow-up of 8 years. When defining the referent group based on 1 clinical assessment, the unhealthy non-obese (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.45) and unhealthy obese (HR = 1.29; CI: 1.05, 1.60) were at greater risk of all-cause mortality compared to the healthy non-obese, yet no excess risk was seen in the healthy obese (HR = 1.14; CI: 0.83, 1.52). When we re-defined the referent group based on 2 clinical assessments, effect estimates were accentuated and healthy obesity was at increased risk of mortality (HR = 2.67; CI: 1.64, 4.34). Conclusion An unstable healthy referent group may make ‘healthy obesity’ appear less harmful by obscuring the benefits of remaining never obese without metabolic dysfunction.
Effects of video compression artifacts on circular target localization in optical-electronic measurement systems

Several algorithms for accurate circular target localization can be used in optical-electronic measurement systems. In this paper we examine the effects of compression artifacts on the measurement results. We consider image acquisition model of optical-electronic measurement systems and use it to compare accuracy of widely used center of gravity (CoG) algorithm in the presence of compression artifacts. Several compression algorithms are studied in order to determine their influence on the measurement results, including original algorithm for image coding with region of interest (ROI) support.
Analysis of series-parallel resonant inductive coupling circuit using the two-port network theory

In this paper thorough analysis of Series-Parallel resonant inductive coupling (SPRIC) has been presented using two-port network theory. Characteristic of SPRIC has been derived and plotted against load variation and frequency variation in MATLAB. Concept of forced resonance and natural resonance has been discussed. Important expressions such as current transfer ratio, voltage transfer ratio, maximum efficiency etc. has been derived and presented. To study the circuit behavior of the SPRIC a prototype has been built in the lab. Experimental results along with simulation results has been presented to verify the derived expression and characteristics of series-parallel topology.
Video processing for rat behavior analysis

A procedure for laboratory rats tracking using image and video processing techniques is proposed. A plastic box split into three chambers by two walls is the analyzed scene. Each experiment starts with a sequence during at least eight minutes with a free rat placed in the middle area with the closed doors to the box marginal locations. The proposed method determines for each sequence frame the location of the rat head. For the second part of the experiment, with open doors, the procedure will be completed later on with the computation of free rat overall motion parameters and identification of specific rat behaviors.
Are IFRS Income Statements Comparable?

One objective of IFRS is to have comparable financial statements, including their presentations, between companies and over time. However, IFRS do not prescribe a particular format for the presentation of the income statement. Some empirical studies show some variety relating to income statement disclosures. Since various models for the income statement presentation exist and since there are (cultural) differences in the application of IFRS, we can reasonably doubt the comparability of IFRS income statements. For a sample of 30 companies from 3 countries we manually analyze income statement comparability. We do so by applying a financial analyst approach by breaking net income down into subtotals and, then, investigate comparability on different income levels. We also consider where particular income statement information is disclosed. We find that on the levels where IFRS requirements exist (level 1 and 2) comparability is (nearly) perfect. But as soon as the required levels are left, comparability deteriorates from level to level. On the individual line item level 6 only 74% of income statements with a functional presentation are comparable. A more detailed IFRS income statement format as currently required and definitions of certain intermediate results (operating profit, for example) would certainly improve comparability.
The Effect of a Boundary Spanning Role on Outsourcing Team Trust

Globalization trends have caused organizations to outsource tasks to specialized external organizations. This outsourcing strategy helps firms improve their competitive position, save money and time, reach more customers, downsize without reducing impact, or simply accomplish additional work without increasing employees. Research shows that team trust is critical for success, yet trust is difficult to establish and sustain in an outsourcing environment since these teams are formed quickly and often include virtual team members external to the parent organization. This paper examines the effects a boundary spanner can have on team trust and presents a model for incorporating trust into project governance. Findings suggest that boundary spanner behavior exemplified through traits of competence, experience, trustworthiness, expertise, and innovativeness can enhance project team trust. It was also found that governance control via shared goals, communication protocols, role expectations, and knowledge sharing leads to greater levels of team trust and success. Practical implications are that organizations involved in outsourcing should develop and retain boundary spanners, a boundary spanner role should be included as early as possible in the outsourcing process, and a form of project governance and standard procedures should be implemented for all outsourcing projects.
Peroxisomal protein import is conserved between yeast, plants, insects and mammals.

We have previously demonstrated that firefly luciferase can be imported into peroxisomes of both insect and mammalian cells. To determine whether the process of protein transport into the peroxisome is functionally similar in more widely divergent eukaryotes, the cDNA encoding firefly luciferase was expressed in both yeast and plant cells. Luciferase was translocated into peroxisomes in each type of organism. Experiments were also performed to determine whether a yeast peroxisomal protein could be transported to peroxisomes in mammalian cells. We observed that a C‐terminal segment of the yeast (Candida boidinii) peroxisomal protein PMP20 could act as a peroxisomal targeting signal in mammalian cells. These results suggest that at least one mechanism of protein translocation into peroxisomes has been conserved throughout eukaryotic evolution.
Using RNA Sequence and Structure for the Prediction of Riboswitch Aptamer: A Comprehensive Review of Available Software and Tools

RNA molecules are essential players in many fundamental biological processes. Prokaryotes and eukaryotes have distinct RNA classes with specific structural features and functional roles. Computational prediction of protein structures is a research field in which high confidence three-dimensional protein models can be proposed based on the sequence alignment between target and templates. However, to date, only a few approaches have been developed for the computational prediction of RNA structures. Similar to proteins, RNA structures may be altered due to the interaction with various ligands, including proteins, other RNAs, and metabolites. A riboswitch is a molecular mechanism, found in the three kingdoms of life, in which the RNA structure is modified by the binding of a metabolite. It can regulate multiple gene expression mechanisms, such as transcription, translation initiation, and mRNA splicing and processing. Due to their nature, these entities also act on the regulation of gene expression and detection of small metabolites and have the potential to helping in the discovery of new classes of antimicrobial agents. In this review, we describe software and web servers currently available for riboswitch aptamer identification and secondary and tertiary structure prediction, including applications.
Zastosowanie metody DEA do opracowania rankingu efektywności spółek Agencji Nieruchomości Rolnych w 2006 roku

W opracowaniu przedstawiono ranking efektywności technicznej spółek Agencji Nieruchomości Rolnych w 2006 r. Ranking opracowano dla 59 spółek ANR przy wykorzystaniu odmiany metody DEA, superefektywności DEA, stosując w badaniach miary efektywności zorientowane na nakłady oraz podejście zakładające zmienne efekty skali (VRS). Najwyższe pozycje w rankingu efektywności technicznej zajęty spółki: Hodowla Zarodowa Kietrz (big), Małopolska Hodowla Buraka Pastewnego (355,9%), Hodowla Roślin Ogrodniczych w Broniszach (202,4%).
Short-Term America Revisited? Boom and Bust in the Venture Capital Industry and the Impact on Innovation

This chapter seeks to understand the implications of the recent decline in venture activity for innovation. It argues that the situation may not be as grim as it initially appears. While there are many reasons for believing that on average venture capital has a powerful effect on innovation, the effect is far from uniform. During boom periods, the prevalence of overfunding of particular sectors can lead to a sharp decline in the effectiveness of venture funds. While prolonged downturns may eventually lead to good companies going unfunded, many of the dire predictions today seem overstated.
Modeling the Trans Bay Cable Project as Voltage-Sourced Converter with Modular Multilevel Converter design

This paper introduces a model developed for modeling the steady-state and the dynamic behavior of the Trans Bay Cable Project as Voltage-Sourced Converter based on the Modular Multilevel Converter design. The model is intended for time domain simulations in an electromechanical simulation program with a balanced positive sequence network representation. Typical applications are transient stability studies and performance analysis of the HVDC link within a large scale AC network. The new developed model is validated against a much more accurate electro-magnetic model comprising all parts of the complex converter control and the protection circuits.
On the Profitability of Long-Life Customers in a Noncontractual Setting: An Empirical Investigation and Implications for Marketing

Relationship marketing emphasizes the need for maintaining long-term customer relationships. It is beneficial, in general, to serve customers over a longer time, especially in a contractual relationship. However, it is not clear whether some of the findings observed in a contractual setting hold good in noncontractual scenarios: relationships between a seller and a buyer that are not governed by a contract or membership. The authors offer four different propositions in this study and subsequently test each one in a noncontractual context. The four propositions relate to whether (1) there exists a strong positive customer lifetime–profitability relationship, (2) profits increase over time, (3) the costs of serving long-life customers are less, and (4) long-life customers pay higher prices. The authors develop arguments both for and against each of the propositions. The data for this study, obtained from a large catalog retailer, cover a three-year window and are recorded on a daily basis. The empirical findings observed in this study challenge all the expectations derived from the literature. Long-life customers are not necessarily profitable customers. The authors develop plausible explanations for findings that go against the available evidence in the literature and identify three indicators through discriminant analysis that can help managers focus their efforts on more profitable customers. The authors draw several marketing implications and acknowledge the limitations of the study.
Antimicrobial resistance in biofilms

The ability of microorganisms to form biofilms is closely related to infectious diseases, and environmental and biotechnological processes. Biofilms constituting a microbial multicellular lifestyle and are defined as organized communities of bacteria, collaborating among themselves and being attached to an inert or living surface contained in a self-produced polymeric matrix made principally of exopolysaccharide. The structural nature of the biofilms and the characteristics of the sessile cells, produce resistance towards the antimicrobial agents, leading to a protected environment against adverse conditions and the host ́s defenses. Despite decades of research, very little is known about the molecular mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in biofilms. Although several theories have been proposed, the precise mechanism of how this sensitivity is altered has still not been clarified. Nevertheless, it is possible to separate these mechanisms into intrinsic (or innate) and extrinsic (or induced) resistance factors to biofilms. Nevertheless, because of the heterogeneous nature of biofilms, it is likely that multiple mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance occur. However, additional mechanisms must also exist to be able account for increased biofilm antibiotic resistance. Although methods to test biofilm-growing bacteria have already been developed, their clinical relevance with regard to the prediction of clinically successful therapies still awaits confirmation.