Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Board of Directors, Audit Committee and the Financial Performance of Listed Companies in Malaysia

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationships between selected components of corporate governance and financial performance of listed companies in Bursa Malaysia. In this study, the most critical components of corporate governance including board independence, board size, board expertise, audit committee size, audit committee independence, and audit committee expertise, have been examined as the independent variables that influence the financial performance of companies listed on Bursa Malaysia. This study used a sample of 150 non-financial listed companies in Malaysia. This study differs than previous studies that separately study the effect of either the board characteristics or the audit committee characteristics. This study concerns on the combined effect of both, board of directors and audit committee, about return on equity. The study is based on companies’ data for the year 2014. Regression analysis is conducted using Statistical Package for Social Science Version 22 (SPSS 22), and the outcomes of this study show significant and positive relationships between all the independent variables and financial performance of companies listed on Bursa Malaysia. The study ended up with positive suggestions based on the limitations that have been faced while conducting this study.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus Strain from Vietnam, HUA-14PED96, with a Large Genomic Deletion

ABSTRACT A highly virulent strain of Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) causing severe diarrhea has recently emerged in Vietnam. Genomic sequences from a novel strain, HUA-14PED96, isolated from a Vietnamese piglet with serious diarrhea show relatively high identity with U.S.-like PEDV strains, and have a 72-nt deletion in the open reading frame 1a (ORF1a) gene.
Determination of alpha-quartz in the respirable portion of airborne particulates by X-ray diffraction.

Methods have been developed for the determination by x-ray diffraction of quartz in airbrone dust samples in the milligram range collected in the industrial environment. After preparation, the dust residue is deposited on a Selas silver membrane filter along with a fixed amount of an internal standard. The intensities of the diffraction lines of quartz and the internal standard are measured in an x-ray goniometer while the sample is rotated. The amount of quartz in the sample is determined from the ratio of these intensities by using previously prepared calibration curves. The accuracy of the procedure is ± 30% of the amount present which is comparable to any current micro-method. The method is rapid, permitting the analysis of the large number of samples
HIV-1 subtype in Scotland: the establishment of a national surveillance system

Historically, subtype B viruses in men who have sex with men (MSM) and injecting drug users (IDU) dominated the HIV epidemic in the United Kingdom, whereas non-B heterosexual infections dominate globally. Heterosexual contact is now the most common route of transmission in the United Kingdom. Here we monitor HIV subtype in Scotland, and link it to origin of infection. HIV-1 sequence was generated from new diagnoses and the subtype thus obtained linked with demographic data. Virus was subtyped from 80% (137/171) of all new diagnoses in Scotland. Of 58 individuals infected by heterosexual contact, 74% (43) harboured non-B viruses, contrasting with 7% (5/68) of those infected by IDU or MSM. Eighty-four per cent of non-Bs (46/55) were probably acquired outside the United Kingdom, but nine individuals probably acquired their non-B infection in the United Kingdom. Non-B subtypes of HIV-1 predominate in recently diagnosed, heterosexually acquired infections in Scotland and are present in all risk groups, even those with no exposure outside the United Kingdom.
Latest developments in our understanding of the pathogenesis of mesothelioma and the design of targeted therapies

Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer whose pathogenesis is causally linked to occupational exposure to asbestos. Familial clusters of mesotheliomas have been observed in settings of genetic predisposition. Mesothelioma incidence is anticipated to increase worldwide in the next two decades. Novel treatments are needed, as current treatment modalities may improve the quality of life, but have shown modest effects in improving overall survival. Increasing knowledge on the molecular characteristics of mesothelioma has led to the development of novel potential therapeutic strategies, including: molecular targeted approaches, that is the inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor with bevacizumab; immunotherapy with chimeric monoclonal antibody, immunotoxin, antibody drug conjugate, vaccine and viruses; inhibition of asbestos-induced inflammation, that is aspirin inhibition of HMGB1 activity may decrease or delay mesothelioma onset and/or growth. We elaborate on the rationale behind new therapeutic strategies, and summarize available preclinical and clinical results, as well as efforts still ongoing.
The World after Big Data: What the Digital Revolution Means for Us

The digital revolution is changing human history. The invention of the steam engine turned agricultural society ("economy 1.0") into industrial society ("economy 2.0"), and wide-spread education turned it into service society ("economy 3.0"). Now, the invention of computers, the Internet, the World Wide Web, and Social Media are transforming service societies into digital societies ("economy 4.0"). With computers reaching the level of human brainpower in about 10 years, with intelligent service robots, and the Big Data tsunami, 50 percent of jobs in the industrial and service sectors will be lost within the next 20 years. How will this transform our society?
The TGFβ type II receptor plays a critical role in the endothelial cells during cardiac development

TGFβ signalling is required for normal cardiac development. To investigate which cell types are involved, we used mice carrying a floxed Type II TGFβ receptor (Tgfbr2fl) allele and Cre‐lox genetics to deplete this receptor in different regions of the heart. The three target tissues and corresponding Cre transgenic lines were atrioventricular myocardium (using cGata6‐Cre), ventricular myocardium (using Mlc2v‐Cre), and vascular endothelium (using tamoxifen‐activated Cdh5(PAC)‐CreERT2). Spatio‐temporal Cre activity in each case was tracked via lacZ activation from the Rosa26R locus. Atrioventricular‐myocardial‐specific Tgfbr2 knockout (KO) embryos had short septal leaflets of the tricuspid valve, whereas ventricular myocardial‐specific KO embryos mainly exhibited a normal cardiac phenotype. Inactivation of Tgfbr2 in endothelial cells from E11.5 resulted in deficient ventricular septation, accompanied by haemorrhage from cerebral blood vessels. We conclude that TGFβ signalling through the Tgfbr2 receptor, in endothelial cells, plays an important role in cardiac development, and is essential for cerebral vascular integrity. Developmental Dynamics 239:2435–2442, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Precision Injection Molding How to Make Polymer Optics for High Volume and High Precision Applications

Whether it is a cellphone camera or a head-up display – polymer optics is at the heart of many high tech devices and the market demand for such precision optical components is growing year by year. The main application fields are in the automotive industry, in the medical field (disposable optics), in sensor and information technology. Beside lightweight and economic advantages, polymer optics enables completely new solutions in optics. The key to all this is precision manufacturing.
Structural and Metabolic Transitions of C4 Leaf Development and Differentiation Defined by Microscopy and Quantitative Proteomics in Maize[W]

This study presents a systems analysis of maize C4 leaf development and cell-specific differentiation as well as the leaf sink-source transition and associated changes. Five phases (transitions) of development and differentiation were recognized, and several regulatory and signaling proteins involved with some of these phases identified. C4 grasses, such as maize (Zea mays), have high photosynthetic efficiency through combined biochemical and structural adaptations. C4 photosynthesis is established along the developmental axis of the leaf blade, leading from an undifferentiated leaf base just above the ligule into highly specialized mesophyll cells (MCs) and bundle sheath cells (BSCs) at the tip. To resolve the kinetics of maize leaf development and C4 differentiation and to obtain a systems-level understanding of maize leaf formation, the accumulation profiles of proteomes of the leaf and the isolated BSCs with their vascular bundle along the developmental gradient were determined using large-scale mass spectrometry. This was complemented by extensive qualitative and quantitative microscopy analysis of structural features (e.g., Kranz anatomy, plasmodesmata, cell wall, and organelles). More than 4300 proteins were identified and functionally annotated. Developmental protein accumulation profiles and hierarchical cluster analysis then determined the kinetics of organelle biogenesis, formation of cellular structures, metabolism, and coexpression patterns. Two main expression clusters were observed, each divided in subclusters, suggesting that a limited number of developmental regulatory networks organize concerted protein accumulation along the leaf gradient. The coexpression with BSC and MC markers provided strong candidates for further analysis of C4 specialization, in particular transporters and biogenesis factors. Based on the integrated information, we describe five developmental transitions that provide a conceptual and practical template for further analysis. An online protein expression viewer is provided through the Plant Proteome Database.
APPLICATION OF LEAN MANUFACTURING TOOLS IN GARMENT INDUSTRY

ABSTRACT: This research addresses the implementation of lean principles in an Indian garment export industry. The objective is to evolve and test various strategies to eliminate waste and to improve the productivity. This paper briefly describes the application of Value Stream Mapping (VSM), Existing state production floor was modified by using VSM efficiently to improve the production process by identifying waste and its causes. At the same time, set up time is also reduced considerably. At the same time, set up time is also reduced considerably. Lean tools brought significant changes in providing smooth process flow and productive operations, which in turn, give a remarkable contribution in achieving company’s goals, focus on the customers, giving quality products at the right time and at the right place. Therefore, the full implementation of by Garments would contribute in gaining more profits.
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trials of venlafaxine for hot flashes after breast cancer.

BACKGROUND Although venlafaxine reduces self-reported hot flashes, no data have established the drug's impact on physiologically documented hot flashes. Two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trials examined the efficacy of two doses of venlafaxine in relation to physiological and self-reported hot flashes and other outcomes, including negative affect, fatigue, sleep, and quality of life. METHODS SAMPLE 57 breast cancer survivors in the low-dose study; 20 in the high-dose study. SETTING university cancer clinics in the Southeast and Midwest. INTERVENTION 37.5 mg of venlafaxine (low-dose study) or 75 mg of venlafaxine (high-dose study). MEASURES hot flash frequency (physiological monitor, diary, and event marker), hot flash severity (diary), hot flash bother (diary), and questionnaires for hot flash impact on daily life, negative affect, fatigue, sleep, and quality of life. RESULTS Subjective but not physiological hot flash measures showed placebo effects. Venlafaxine resulted in modest decreases in hot flashes, but only hot flash interference improved differentially at the higher dose. The timing of venlafaxine's effects on hot flashes varied by dose. Only women with a > or =50% decrease in physiological hot flashes experienced significant improvement in fatigue, sleep quality, and quality of life. Although side effects were mild, most patients discontinued venlafaxine long-term. CONCLUSIONS Although venlafaxine resulted in modest and acute reductions in hot flashes with few side effects, it may not be tolerable to some patients long-term. At least 50% relief in physiological hot flashes may be needed for patients to demonstrate improvement in other outcomes, including decreased fatigue, improved sleep, and improved quality of life.
Linear transmission of cortical oscillations to the neural drive to muscles is mediated by common projections to populations of motoneurons in humans

Since the human central nervous system controls muscle contraction through inputs to spinal motoneurons, oscillations recorded on the primary motor cortex during voluntary movements are correlated with the electrical activity produced on the surface of the muscles. We show through theoretical derivations and experimental recordings that cortical input is transmitted partly in a linear way to the population of motoneurons. The results demonstrate the effective spread of the cortical projections to the motoneuron pool to allow an efficient control of the muscle force output.
55 cases of allergic reactions to hair dye: a descriptive, consumer complaint‐based study

Severe facial and scalp dermatitis following the use of permanent hair dyes has been reported in several cases. Para‐phenylenediamine (PPD) is known as a potent contact allergen, and PPD is allowed in hair dye at a concentration of 6%. Hair dye reactions are usually diagnosed by the patients themselves, and adverse reactions to hair dye may not necessarily be recorded by the health care system, unless the reactions are especially severe. Based on this assumption, we suspected that hair dye dermatitis was occurring more frequently than reported in the literature. Consumer complaint‐based data were obtained by advertising for persons with adverse reactions to hair dye. Among those responding to the advertisement, 55 cases of severe, acute allergic contact dermatitis were identified. The main symptoms were severe oedema of the face, scalp and ears, and clinically this was often mistaken for angio‐oedema. The 55 cases comprised a total of 75 visits to the health service and 5 admissions to hospital. 18 persons had sick leave, which supports the impression of very severe dermatitis reactions. 60% were treated with antihistamine, while 52% were treated with corticosteroids. 29% of the cases were patch tested and all were found positive to PPD. Our data presented here clearly show that PPD and its derivatives in hair dye at the present concentrations presents a significant health risk for the population. Furthermore, the severe acute allergic skin reactions are often misdiagnosed in the health care system. The frequency of allergic contact dermatitis resulting from hair dye is likely to be underestimated. New methods to survey the frequency of adverse reactions should be considered.
Protection and Profit: Empirical Evidence of Governmental and Market-based Forest Policies

In this paper, I study the effectiveness of privately managed FSC certified forests and public sustainability reserves distributed over the entire Brazilian Amazon from 2002-2015. The paper uses high-resolution data on forest cover derived from satellite images and organized in a grid of 1 km2 cells. Using a difference-in-differences estimator in a regression discontinuity environment, I find an increase in deforestation of an annual area of 8,057 ha in FSC forests after the certification. Public sustainability zones' impact on deforestation is also positive but declines over time. The effectiveness of both type of zones improves if they are located closer to (export) markets or existing infrastructure.
Photoactive Protochlorophyllide Regeneration in Cotyledons and Leaves from Higher Plants†,¶

Abstract Chlorophyll accumulation during greening implies the continuous transformation of photoactive protochlorophyllide (Pchlide) to chlorophyllide. Since this reaction is a light-dependent step, the study of regeneration of photoactive Pchlide under a continuous illumination is difficult. Therefore this process is best studied on etiolated plants during a period of darkness following the initial photoreduction of photoactive Pchlide. In this study, the regeneration process has been studied using spinach cotyledons, as well as barley and bean leaves, illuminated by a single saturating flash. The regeneration was characterized using 77 K fluorescence emission and excitation spectra and high-performance liquid chromatography. The fluorescence data indicated that the same spectral forms of photoactive Pchlide are regenerated by different pathways: (1) photoactive Pchlide regeneration starts immediately after the photoreduction through the formation of a nonphotoactive Pchlide form, emitting fluorescence at approximately 651 nm. This form is similar to the large aggregate of photoactive Pchlide present before the illumination, but it contains oxidized form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, instead of the reduced form (NADPH), in the ternary complexes; and (2) after the dislocation of the large aggregates of chlorophyllide–light-dependent NADPH:Pchlide a photooxidoreductase–NADPH ternary complexes, the regeneration occurs at the expense of the several nonphotoactive Pchlide spectral forms present before the illumination.
Statistical flattening of MEG beamformer images

We propose a method of correction for multiple comparisons in MEG beamformer based Statistical Parametric Maps (SPMs). We introduce a modification to the minimum‐variance beamformer, in which beamformer weights and SPMs of source‐power change are computed in distinct steps. This approach allows the calculation of image smoothness based on the computed weights alone. In the first instance we estimate image smoothness by looking at local spatial correlations in residual images generated using random data; we then go on to show how the smoothness of the SPM can be obtained analytically by measuring the correlations between the adjacent weight vectors. In simulations we show that the smoothness of the SPM is highly inhomogeneous and depends on the source strength. We show that, for the minimum variance beamformer, knowledge of image smoothness is sufficient to allow for correction of the multiple comparison problem. Per‐voxel threshold estimates, based on the voxels extent (or cluster size) in flattened space, provide accurate corrected false positive error rates for these highly inhomogeneously smooth images. Hum. Brain Mapping 18:1–12, 2003. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
From Dining Cryptographers to dining things: Unobservable communication in the IoT

The increasing adoption of the Internet of Things introduces new threats that affect the privacy of users. Current privacy enhancing technologies are not sufficient to address all these new threats. This paper explains one of the most powerful protocols, namely DC-net. The DC-net protocol, while more than 30 years old, was never used in real-life due to its overhead and sensitivity with regards to disrupters. However, many improvements have been contributed to the original protocol, which is summarised in this paper. The main contribution of this work is the implementation of a proof-of-concept DC-net suited for constrained microcontroller-based devices. The challenges faced and the optimisations done throughout the implementation are presented.
FUNCTIONAL ASYMMETRY OF THE LIVER

The human liver consists of two completely fused and almost equal sized physiological units. These appear to differ functionally very little in the adult, but there is considerable evidence to suggest that the same does not apply in the fetus and newborn child.1,2 The liver develops amid the vitelline sinusoids around the gut. The early blood supply from the placenta does not go through this plexus, but later the right umbilical vein involutes and the left connects with the vitelline plexus of the left liver. By the time that the fetal blood circulation is established, the blood from the placenta enters the left liver by way of a single umbilical vein passing through it to the inferior vena cava. Some of the blood goes directly through the ductus venoms and this appears to be an extremely variable amount. The diameter of the ductus uenosus is on average, 1//7 of that of the umbilical vein,3 and, in our own material, the ductus is virtually closed in about 1 in 30 newborn infants. Lind4 and his colleagues have shown that blood from the placenta circulates through the left liver on its way to the heart. Thus the cells of the left liver are bathed in the most highly oxygenated blood of the foetus. The blood going through the right liver is largely from the portal veins. Following birth, the placental blood supply to the left liver is suddenly cut off, and the main circulation to the liver is taken over by the vessels previously supplying only the right liver. Thus the cells of the left liver, from being bathed in the blood of highest oxygen and nutrient content, now become more than relatively destitute. In about a third of stillborns or children dying within the neonatal period, these circulatory features are represented clinically by a naked eye difference between the left and right livers, the change being seen best as a “coast line” running over the anterior surface of the liver to the gall bladder (FIGURE 1 ) . In some cases it is so marked as to be clearly visible on the cut formalin fixed liver (FIGURE 2). We have studied only a few aspects of the asymmetry of the liver in detail ( summarized in TABLE 1 ) . Weights of the lobes. From the fifth to ninth intrauterine month, the ratio of the weight of the right to left liver is 0.89, i.e., the left liver is a little over one-tcnth larger than the right. Within 24 hours of birth, the lobes are of equal weight, and by the end of 5 days after birth, the intrauterine ratio (R/L) is reversed being now between 1.1 and 1.16 and this continues for at least 12 weeks.5 In older children we have found no significant diff erence in weights. Postnatal incolution of the left lohe. Accompanying the diminution of the weight of the left lobe there is a shrinkage of the liver cells6 with relative prominence of the blood sinuses (FIGURE 3 ) . This change is more
Complementary role of copeptin and high‐sensitivity troponin in predicting outcome in patients with stable chronic heart failure

Copeptin, the C‐terminal part of the vasopressin pro‐hormone, is elevated after myocardial infarction and predicts adverse outcome. In the present study we investigated whether the complementary role of copeptin and cardiac troponin T (cTnT) could be used for identification of high‐risk patients with chronic stable heart failure.
Social networks and quality of life among female long‐term colorectal cancer survivors

The population of long‐term colorectal cancer survivors in the United States continues to increase, but little is known about how they fare—physically, mentally, or socially—in the years after diagnosis. The current study examines female long‐term colorectal cancer survivors' health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in relation to social networks.