Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Aerobic exercise training promotes additional cardiac benefits better than resistance exercise training in postmenopausal rats with diabetes

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of aerobic exercise training or resistance exercise training on cardiac morphometric, functional, and oxidative stress parameters in rats with ovarian hormone deprivation and diabetes. MethodsFemale Wistar rats (200-220 g) were divided into a sham-operated group (euglycemic sham-operated sedentary [ES]; n = 8) and three ovariectomized (bilateral removal of ovaries) and diabetic (streptozotocin 50 mg/kg IV) groups as follows: diabetic ovariectomized sedentary (DOS; n = 8), diabetic ovariectomized undergoing aerobic exercise training (DOTA; n = 8), and diabetic ovariectomized undergoing resistance exercise training (DOTR; n = 8). After 8 weeks of resistance (ladder) or aerobic (treadmill) exercise training, left ventricle function and morphometry were evaluated by echocardiography, whereas oxidative stress was evaluated at the left ventricle. ResultsThe DOS group presented with increased left ventricle cavity in diastole and relative wall thickness (RWT), and these changes were attenuated in both DOTA and DOTR groups. Systolic and diastolic function was impaired in the DOS group compared with the ES group, and only the DOTA group was able to reverse this dysfunction. Lipoperoxidation and glutathione redox balance were improved in both trained groups compared with the DOS group. Glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase were higher in the DOTA group than in the other studied groups. Correlations were observed between lipoperoxidation and left ventricle cavity in diastole (r = 0.55), between redox balance and RWT (r = 0.62), and between lipoperoxidation and RWT (r = −0.60). ConclusionsAerobic exercise training and resistance exercise training promote attenuation of cardiac morphometric dysfunction associated with a reduction in oxidative stress in an experimental model of diabetes and menopause. However, only dynamic aerobic exercise training is able to attenuate systolic and diastolic dysfunction under this condition.
Introducing the Edges Paradigm: A P300 Brain–Computer Interface for Spelling Written Words

P300-based brain-computer interface spellers employ the P300 component, which is derived from scalp measured electroencephalogram during the brain's electrical response to a flash denoting an attended target character. The most popular P300 speller, the row-column paradigm (RCP), displays characters in a matrix within which rows and columns of characters are flashed eliciting P300 responses when the illuminated row or column contains the attended target character. Despite being a longstanding successful approach, this RCP faces several challenges, including the adjacency and crowding problems. A new P300 speller is introduced-the edges paradigm (EP). Distinct from existing P300 spellers, the EP presents a square adjacent to each column or row in the outer boundary of the matrix. By replacing each flash of a row or column with that square, this EP exhibited attenuated influences of crowding and adjacency-problems known to perturb the RCP. In the copy-spelling mode, 14 neurologically normal participants demonstrated an improved accuracy of 93.3 ± 2.0% for the EP relative to 81.7 ± 2.8% for the RCP, alongside a faster communication rate. Subjective ratings also indicated that the EP caused significantly less fatigue, while increasing alertness and comfort.
Determinantes da estrutura de capital das companhias abertas na América Latina: um estudo empírico considerando fatores macroeconômicos e institucionais

Recent researches have been evidenced that specific country factors, as legal, institutional and economical environments influence the capital structure of the companies. The present study investigates the determinants of capital structure using panel data, for a sample of 388 companies belonging to the seven larger economies of Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Peru), in the period 2001-2006. Starting from six indicators of leverage ratio, it was evidenced that the firm-specific factors: current liquidity, profitability, market to book value and size, present the most significant results. The theory of pecking order seems to be the one that best explains the obtained results. The results for macroeconomic and institutional factors were not so robust, but for the variable GDP growth, and at a lower degree for proxies about the relevance of the stock market, fiscal load and time of opening of a new business.
Evolution of nervous systems and psychiatry: consequences of the vertical and horizontal duality of the evolutionary process.

Jacksonian views of brain evolution where new levels "add on" and become higher levels of integration "keeping down" the lower levels are examined. The hierarchical organization is contrasted with modern views of the evolution of nervous systems. These emphasize the "separation or factorization of different aspects of input into distinct processing channels, a factor which appears to be a generalized one in the evolution of brains and a necessary condition to adapt to a varying environment. " The advantages of the latter view--vertical and horizontal development--for the interpretation of functional organization of nervous systems are discussed. The view that normal and pathological conditions do not form a continuum, but constitute qualitatively different phenomena, is presented and given support because of recent developments in neuroscience.
Development and validation of an educational program to enhance sense of coherence in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2

ABSTRACT This study aimed to develop a group education program that facilitates a sense of coherence among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, which was provided four times, and to validate the effect of the program among the patients. Researchers allocated 40 patients with type 2 diabetes, who had been admitted to a general hospital in Japan for diabetes education for two weeks. Twenty-one patients were allocated to the intervention group and 19 to the control group. The control group undertook a lecture-based educational program that the facility offered. The intervention group received the program, in addition to the facility’s educational program. The sense of coherence scale and the Problem Areas in Diabetes Survey were used as evaluation indices. The average age of the intervention group was 59.1 years and that of the control group was 59.5 years. The intervention group showed a between-group effect of improvement in the sense of coherence score. Additionally, the intervention group showed a within-group effect of improvement in the sense of coherence score, as well as the comprehensibility and manageability scores, which are subdomains, and the Problem Areas in Diabetes Survey score. The within-group comparison showed a significant decrease in the early-morning FPG at both groups by an effect of treatment. The program suggested the possibility of improving the sense of coherence and the Problem Areas in Diabetes Survey. In order to enhance general use of the program, it is necessary to reach out to participating facilities and verify the effect of the program.
Impacts of Foreign Aid to Melanesia

Abstract This paper investigates aid effectiveness in Melanesia, a region consisting of Fiji, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and New Caledonia. These countries are of great interest since they have not performed well despite being rich in resources and receiving large amounts of foreign aid. The paper examines the impact of foreign aid on agricultural growth and overall economic growth in Melanesia. The impact on agricultural growth is important since the majority of people in Melanesia live in rural areas, reliant on agriculture for their livelihoods. Using the econometric analysis of data for the period 1980 to 2001, results provide no evidence that foreign aid has impacted on the agricultural sector. However, the paper does find evidence that foreign aid has impacted favourably on economic growth. A number of explanations and policy recommendations are provided.
Radiation-induced Changes in Levels of Selected Proteins in Peripheral Blood Serum of Breast Cancer Patients as a Potential Triage Biodosimeter for Large-scale Radiological Emergencies

AbstractThe threat of a large scale radiological emergency, where thousands of people may require fast biological dosimetry for the purpose of triage, makes it necessary to search for new, high throughput biological dosimeters. The authors tested an assay based on the quantitative analysis of selected proteins in peripheral blood serum. They were particularly interested in testing proteins that are specific to irradiation of skin, as these can be used in cases of partial body exposure. Candidate proteins were identified in an earlier study with mice, where skin of the animals was exposed to different doses of radiation and global expression of serum proteins was analyzed. Eight proteins were found, the expression of which showed a consistent dose-response relationship. Human analogues of these proteins were identified, and their expression was measured in peripheral blood serum of 16 breast cancer patients undergoing external beam radiotherapy. The proteins were Apolipoprotein E; Apolipoprotein H; Complement protein 7; Prothrombinase; Pantothenate Kinase 4; Alpha‐2‐macroglobulin; Fetuin B and Alpha‐1‐Anti-Chymotrypsin. Measurements were carried out in blood samples collected prior to exposure (control), on the day after one fraction (2 Gy), on the day after five fractions (10 Gy), on the day after 10 fractions (20 Gy), and 1 mo after 23–25 fractions (total dose of 46–50 Gy). Multivariate analysis was carried out, and a multinomial logistic regression model was built. The results indicate that the combined analysis of Apolipoprotein E, Factor X, and Pantothenate Kinase 4 allows discriminating between exposure to 2 Gy and lower and between 10 Gy and higher. The discrimination is possible up to 1 mo after exposure.
On the Classification and Aggregation of Hierarchies with Different Constitutive Elements

In this paper we present an aggregation method which can be applied to classifications having different vocabularies. The method uses the rank distance (Dinu, 2003), a metric which measures the similarity between two hierarchies based on the ranks of objects. We define the aggregation of n hierarchies as the classification for which the sum of distances from it to each of the n hierarchies is minimal. We study some of his rationality properties and propose some open problems.
The Impact of Economic Reform on Industrial Labour Relations in China and Vietnam

Both China and Vietnam are undergoing a social experiment as they diverge from the path of their Soviet compatriots and attempt transition to a 'socialist market mechanism'. The economic reform in both countries aims towards the so-called 'third way' between the failed command economies and the capitalist alternative. However, after over a decade of reform, it is necessary to investigate whether China and Vietnam are locked into the cycle of reform and retreat which was characteristic of East European societies before 1989 or whether indeed the two countries are developing a stable system consonant with the notion of a 'socialist market economy'. This article tackles these issues by examining and comparing the changing labour relations systems in China and Vietnam in the wake of the changes in economic policies and enterprise regulation towards new forms of labour contracts, wages and welfare systems, worker representation and trade unionism, and legal frameworks. So far there have been significant changes in society and the two countries are still experimenting to find their way towards the 'socialist market economy' by following the philosophy of 'crossing the river by feeling the stones'. The new industrial relations lie at the heart of the reform and their successful management is the key factor determining the outcome of the further transition.
Trademark Activity and the Market Performance of U.S. Commercial Banks

This empirical paper analyzes the effect of trademark activity on the market value and performance of US commercial banks from two perspectives. First, a longterm perspective considers the effect of such activity on banks’ Tobin's q . Second, with a short-term perspective, the authors analyze the effect of trademark activity on banks’ abnormal returns. An older portfolio of trademarks diminishes the ratio of market value to firm assets, but this ratio can be improved in the long term by abandoning old trade-marks. Portfolios of trademarks with wide diversification do not help increase Tobin's q . Furthermore, according to an event study, the creation of a trademark has a positive effect on cumulative abnormal returns compared with no event, whereas a cancellation event has a negative impact.
Hyponatremia a valuable predictor of early mortality in patients with cirrhosis listed for liver transplantation

Moini M, Hoseini‐Asl MK, Taghavi SA, Sagheb MM, Nikeghbalian S, Salahi H, Bahador A, Motazedian M, Jafari P, Malek‐Hosseini SA. Hyponatremia a valuable predictor of early mortality in patients with cirrhosis listed for liver transplantation. Clin Transplant 2011: 25: 638–645. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.
Alcohol Tax, Price-Quality Proxy and Discounting: A Reason Why Alcohol Taxes May Rebound

The increasing concern about the external costs of alcohol consumption has often led economists and policy-makers to advocate taxes to internalise the social costs and target consumption. However, in certain markets for alcoholic drinks – particularly wine – price is not only a cost but also an indicator of quality, guiding consumer choice. There is, perhaps, a higher probability of ex post satisfaction with products at higher prices in a market with potential adverse selection. The price–quality proxy interacts with discounts, where the full price of the product before discount (referred to as the External Reference Price in the marketing literature) is used as a quality reference. This study shows that an alcohol tax in the presence of discounting may increase the perceived value of the product, and therefore persuade consumers to prefer the purchase of more expensive wines with the highest discount. As a consequence, consumers could favour products with higher alcohol content – which contradicts the objectives of the policy. Consequently, for an alcohol tax to be effective discounting of alcoholic beverages (in particular, wine) should be regulated to avoid the policy backfiring.
Strategy maps: a step‐by‐step guide to measuring, managing and communicating the plan

Purpose – To demonstrate a step‐by‐step model of strategy mapping for improving strategy communication in today's organization. The work is based on experience gained while consulting in a myriad of organizations adopting strategy mapping as a strategic initiative.Design/methodology/approach – Over the past few years since strategy mapping was introduced in literature, the author found that clients in the organizations with which they consulted were often struggling with how to go about implementing a strategy mapping initiative. It became clear that what was needed what a systematic, step‐by‐step framework that was easy to understand and follow. The author developed and refined a six‐step strategy‐mapping framework, which has proven both efficient and effective in practice.Findings – The recent literature in the area of strategy mapping has proven very useful in terms of explaining what strategy maps are, and why organizations should adopt. The author demonstrates a proven strategy‐mapping model and prov.
The Dark Side of Cross-Listing: A New Perspective from China

The overwhelming majority of Chinese firms that list their stock both in China and abroad had gone public, and listed, abroad first. We find that when companies listed abroad return to China to issue stock and list, they experience poorer post-issuance stock and operating performance in comparison to purely domestic issuers. Also, they raise more funds relative to their sales, leave less money on the table for investors, and incur lower direct flotation costs. Among returning firms, those which raise higher proceeds relative to sales experience poorer long-run stock performance and lower Tobin’s q post issuance. Our results offer a new perspective on cross-listing, which we term ‘dressing-up-for-premium’. Firms from less-developed markets take advantage of the enhanced visibility and prestige associated with the foreign listing to issue shares domestically at inflated prices and favorable terms, and to raise greater proceeds than they can efficiently use.
Customer value amongst tourists: A conceptual framework and a risk‐adjusted model

This study presents a theoretical analysis along with a conceptual framework that combines research findings in consumer behaviour, marketing and tourism. Services, in general, are perceived to be riskier than goods and tourism services, especially, have been considered as critical in tourist' perception of risk. Hitherto, little attention has been paid to the influence of perceived risk on customer value in tourism. Thus, a conceptual framework, developed with respect to perceived risk and customer value amongst tourists, is presented. Since the proposed model of customer value will have to be validated, propositions for future research are discussed.
Sausage Blending Using Multiple Objective Linear Programming

Single objective cost minimization linear programming models are used as computerized decision-aids in sausage manufacturing (hot dogs, bologna, salami, etc.). However, sausage blending is clearly a problem with multiple conflicting criteria (cost, color, fat, protein, moisture, etc.) Presented in this paper is a vector-maximum/filtering MOLP (multiple objective linear programming) methodology for use as an improved decision-making approach with single formula sausage blending problems.
Communicating Diabetes Best Practices to Clients

Purpose. The majority of people with type 2 diabetes do not meet dietary and physical activity recommendations. It is not well understood how diabetes educators translate diet and physical guidelines for their clients and if diabetes educators have sufficient resources to promote healthy eating and physical activity. This research addressed these questions through exploratory qualitative interviews. Method. A total of 13 diabetes educators who work in Alberta, Canada, were interviewed. Results. The reasons for lack of client uptake of lifestyle recommendations were complex and interwoven. The strongest theme to emerge was the clients’ prior knowledge and skills affecting their ability to uptake knowledge. However, educators recognized that clients are affected by social, environmental, cultural, and personal factors. Conclusions. Health system and societal issues cause a cascade effect resulting in difficulties for both educators and clients. To achieve appropriate treatment of type 2 diabetes, changes need to occur at a health systems level.
Empirical Study on Electric Power Customer Satisfaction Based on Kano Model

Kano customer satisfaction model is used to positively explore the customer satisfaction system of service. In this essay,Kano model is applied to a Tonghua (Jilin, China) electric power company. According to Kano model, the quality characteristics of electric power customer service are classified as 20 items. On the basis of investigative results, it is reported that the improvement countermeasure of electric power service, the direction of the customer satisfaction management of enterprise implementation and the improvement of service quality are put forward, and that more customer satisfaction is gained for the electric power company.
Professional Investor Relations within the Firm

ABSTRACT: This paper investigates the effect of investments in internal investor relations (IR) departments on firm outcomes. We find that companies initiating internal professional IR experience increases in disclosure, analyst following, institutional investor ownership, liquidity, and market valuation relative to a matched sample of control firms. We also examine the differential impact the exogenous shock of Regulation Fair Disclosure (Reg FD) had on firms with an established professional IR department. We find these IR firms more than doubled their level of public disclosure post-Reg FD. Despite IR firms losing a potential communications channel following Reg FD adoption, we find they did not suffer adversely and instead show a post-Reg FD increase in analyst following, institutional investors, and liquidity relative to a control sample of similar non-IR firms. This implies that the effectiveness of professionalized internal IR increased post-Reg FD consistent with IR firms being relatively better po.
spadetail-dependent cell compaction of the dorsal zebrafish blastula.

The dorsal marginal zone of the zebrafish blastula, equivalent to the amphibian Spemann organizer, is destined to become the tissues of the notochord and prechordal plate. Preceding gastrulation in the zebrafish, we find that these future mesendodermal cells acquire a cohesive cell behavior characterized by flattening and maximization of intercellular contacts, somewhat resembling cell compaction in mouse blastocysts. This behavior may suppress cell intermingling. Surprisingly, this blastula cell compaction requires normal function of spadetail, a gene known to be necessary for the dorsal convergent cell movement of paraxial mesoderm later in the gastrula. We propose that spadetail-dependent cell compaction subtly controls the early mixing and dispersal of dorsal cells that coalesce into the prospective organizer region. This early process may be necessary for the correct location of the boundary separating axial and paraxial cells.
Determining the Economic Value of Water: Concepts and Methods

Part 1: Economic Value of Water: Theory and Concepts 1. Water, Economics, and the Nature of Water Policy Issues 2. Conceptual Framework and Special Problems in Valuing Water Part 2: Methods for Valuing Producers' and Consumers' Values of Water 3. Methods for Valuing Producers' Uses of Water 4. Applied Methods of Valuation of Water Related Ecosystem Services Part 3: Applications of Valuation Methods 5. Valuation of Water Used in Irrigated Crop Production 6. Valuing Water Used by Industry 7. Valuing Water in Municipal Uses 8. Measuring Benefits of Flood Risk and Damage Reduction 9. Valuation of Selected Water-Related Ecosystem Services 10. Conclusions
Molecular Pathogenesis of Genetic and Inherited Diseases Impact of the Loss of Hoxa5 Function on Lung Alveogenesis

The involvement of genes controlling embryonic processes in the etiology of diseases often escapes atten-tion because of the focus given to their inherent developmental role. Hoxa5 belongs to the Hox gene family encoding transcription factors known for their role in skeletal patterning. Hoxa5 is required for embryonic respiratory tract morphogenesis. We now show that the loss of Hoxa5 function has severe repercussions on postnatal lung development. They were then starved for 48 hours before wounding with a 1000- (cid:2) l pipette tip. 41 After the scratch, plates were rinsed and low-serum medium was added. Pictures were taken at times 0, 12, and 24 hours to follow the invasion of the wounded area by the cells. We also investigated the contribution of apoptosis to the phenotype. Consistent with the low apoptotic rate normally observed in postnatal lungs, 44 few positive cells were detected by terminal dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay in the pulmonary tissue of both wild-type and Hoxa5 (cid:1) / (cid:1) specimens at all stages tested (not shown). Thus, apoptosis did not contribute significantly to the delayed lung growth. These findings showed that the absence of Hoxa5 function impacts on lung proliferation during the critical period of alveogenesis without altering programmed cell death. of