Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Accuracy of Multiples

Problem statement: Equity valuation with the use of multiples is widely used by academics and practitioners concerning its functionality. This study aims to explore the sensitivity of three multiples in terms of accuracy. Approach: Price-to-Sales (P/S) multiple, the price-to-book value of equity (P/B) multiple and the Price-to-Earnings (P/E) multiple are three multiples under consideration, using both current and one-year-ahead earnings forecasts. Results: Evidence of empirical results show that, the multiples P/mdfy1 and P/mnfy1 are effective in terms of accuracy, with their means being negatively biased and their medians being positively biased. Finally, current earnings are identified as more appropriate value driver for the calculation of the P/E ratio by terms of accuracy. The results can be considered as reliable owing to the large sample and the procedure followed for its selection. Conclusion: This study offers a better understanding of the valuation approach through the use of multiples, in order analysts assumption to be more carefully and properly chosen and their results to be more accurately produced.
Epigenetics as an Explanation for Phenotypic Variation in Monozygotic Twins

Researchers often use twins as natural samples to test hypotheses regarding the contribution of genetic factors to different phenotypes, especially diseases. The classical method is comparing traits in identical, or monozygotic (MZ) twins to those of dizygotic (DZ) twins. This method has had a significant impact on our current understanding of etiologic factors in many diseases which do not follow simple Mendelian law (i.e. complex diseases), including schizophrenia, bipolar disease, and major depression.
Astroglial cells in the central nervous system of the adult brown anole lizard, Anolis sagrei, revealed by intermediate filament immunohistochemistry

We analyzed the distribution of intermediate filament molecular markers, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and vimentin in the brain and spinal cord of the adult brown anole lizard, Anolis sagrei. The GFAP immunoreactivity is strong and the positive structures are basically represented by fibers of different lengths and thicknesses which are arranged in a regular radial pattern throughout the central nervous system. In the brain regions that have a thicker neural wall, the radial orientation is not so evident as in the thinner areas. These fibers emerge from radial ependymoglia (tanycytes) whose cell bodies are generally GFAP‐immunopositive. The glial fibers give rise to endfeet that are apposed to the subpial surface and to blood vessel walls. In the spinal cord, the optic tectum and the lateroventral regions of the mesencephalon and medulla oblongata, star‐shaped astrocytes coexist with radial structures. Vimentin‐immunoreactive structures are absent in the brain and spinal cord. In A. sagrei the immunohistochemical response of the astroglial intermediate filaments appears typical of a mature astroglial cell lineage, since they fundamentally express GFAP immunoreactivity. A Western‐blot analysis reveals a GFAP‐positive single band, common to the different nervous areas. This immunohistochemical study shows that the star‐shaped astrocytes have a different distribution in saurians and while the glial pattern of A. sagrei is more evolved than in urodeles it remains immature as compared with crocodilians, avians, and mammals. This condition suggests that reptiles represent a fundamental step in the phylogenetic evolution of the vertebrate glial cells. J. Morphol. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
[Evaluation of implementation phase of intraoperative neural monitoring of the recurrent laryngeal nerves in thyroid surgery in a district hospital].

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Intraoperative neuromonitoring of the recurrent laryngeal nerves (RLN) has gained an increasing acceptance in thyroid surgery in nerve identification and prognostication of nerve function. However, outcomes of monitored thyroid surgery depend on surgical experience and skills in technical application of this adjunct. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the implementation stage of intraoperative neuromonitoring of the RLNs in a district unit of general surgery. METHODS This prospective study comprised of 50 patients undergoing consecutive thyroid operations during the implementation phase of intraoperative neuromonitoring of the RLNs in 08/2012--07/2013 at a district unit of general surgery in Staszów. Neuromonitoring of the RLNs was conducted in concordance with the International Neural Monitoring Study Group guideline statement, using C2 NerveMonitor (Inomed, Germany). The following parameters were analyzed: patients demographic data, mean operating time, number of identified RLNs, prevalence of loss of signal, predictive value of the method, and prevalence of temporary and permanent RLN injury assessed by videolaryngoscopy in a 6-month postoperative follow-up. RESULTS The study group comprised of 93 RLNs at risk during 50 thyroid operations (43 total thyroidectomies, and 7 lobectomies), including 46 women and 4 men, at mean age of 56.0 ± 11.1 years. Mean operating time was 109.9 ± 19.0 min. Eighty-three of 93 (89.2%) RLNs were identified intraoperatively. Technical setup problems necessitating corrections were encountered in 12 (24.0%) operations. Negative predictive value of neuromonitoring was 89.3%, while positive predictive value was 55.6%. Temporary versus permanent RLN injury was diagnosed in 7 (7.5%) vs. 6 (6.5%) nerves at risk, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Technical setup problems necessitating corrections are common during the implementation phase of the intraoperative RLNs neuromonitoring leading to a prolonged duration of surgery and limited predictive value of the method.
Loss of lipid peroxidation as a histochemical marker for preneoplastic hepatocellular foci of rats.

Since it is known that tumor cell membranes have lost the capacity to undergo lipid peroxidation, it seemed of interest to investigate whether the loss of susceptibility to lipid peroxidation represents a tumoral marker appearing in preneoplastic cells together with the other known tumoral markers. A histochemical technique was developed to detect lipid peroxidation in individual cells of liver sections exposed to effective prooxidants. The technique was based on the detection of protein-bound aldehydes (alkenals) with the use of the Schiff's reagent. The latter reagent can also detect carbonyl function present in acyl residues of peroxidized phospholipids of cellular membranes. Liver preneoplastic foci were obtained in rats by the i.p. administration of diethylnitrosamine and of 2-acetylaminofluorene in the diet. Frozen sections of the liver, incubated in the presence of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate:iron revealed the presence of areas in which lipid peroxidation had not been induced (Schiff-negative areas). These areas corresponded strictly, in serial sections, to areas that were strongly positive to gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase.
A case study of three tourism-related craft marketing cooperatives in Appalachia: contributions to community.

Many rural communities interested in cultivating tourism while maintaining local control are considering the cooperative form of development. Because this form requires little initial capital investment (which enables local control and self-development) and can be developed in a way that allows for non-economic goals, it can be an important element of sustainable tourism. This article uses qualitative case study analysis and in-depth interviews to examine if the various rationalities within three tourism craft marketing cooperatives in central Appalachia are manifest in their contributions made to the communities in which they are located.The study is theoretically framed by the Weberian concept of formal and substantive rationality. Formal rationality is based on economic goals only, while substantive rationality allows for non-economic goals like improved quality of life and cultural preservation. Results indicate the Weberian framework is a useful device for interpreting whether a tourism-related marke.
The Reconciliation of Inconsistent Economic Data: the Information Gain

This paper demonstrates that the posterior estimates given by two common formulations of ‘data reconciliation’ problems result in better quality data. ‘Better quality data’ is interpreted in terms of the closeness of the posterior estimates to the true but unknown values. It is also shown that more or improved information further improves the quality of the posterior estimates. These results provide a deterministic rationale for the reconciliation of inconsistent economic data.
Translating equitable access into retention and success in African higher education: the role and responsibility of individual institutions

Matching equity of access to equity of outcome in marginalized groups in African higher education necessitates innovative strategies in pre- and poststudent admission. Student selection using tools predictive of student success, comprehensive and holistic student support, and, curriculum and pedagogical interventions address both access and success within the equity and transformation paradigms. This article provides an overview of higher education participation rates in African countries and describes curriculum, pedagogic and student support strategies that facilitate the translation of access into retention and success.
The open method of coordination as a ‘two-level game’

One of the most discussed issues surrounding the Open Method of Coordination is the way in which it ‘influences’ national social policies. This paper argues that the question of ‘influence’ is incorrectly posed. Instead, the Open Method of Coordination (OMC) has to be understood as a ‘two-level game’ in which member state governments and nongovernmental actors try to have an impact on the definition of the OMC objectives and, subsequently, strategically and selectively ‘use’ the OMC in national policy-making processes. This, however, entails problems in terms of the transparency of policy-making processes and accountability of national governments.
Why Russia is Not a Democracy

Russia is the only remaining authoritarian great power in Europe. It seemed for a moment in December 1991 that Boris Yeltsin would honor his pledge to install popularly sovereign democracy, but he didn't. Instead, he forced an authoritarian constitution on the nation against parliament's will in 1993, and never looked back. Vladimir Putin, Yeltsin's former secret police chief and presidential successor, subsequently intrigued his way to power, advancing his former master's hidden authoritarian agenda by more sternly repressing civil rights, political participation, balloting, and parliamentary autonomy. Oppression today isn't as harsh as the bad old Brezhnev years, but is heading that way, toward an autocracy where the monarch is supreme, with or without a ruling party.
Parents, Power and Public Participation: Sure Start, an Experiment in New Labour Governance

This paper examines parent participation in local Sure Start partnerships within the broader context of public involvement in policy-making processes. Public participation is set against a background where an emphasis on participatory democracy is seen as a solution to shortcomings identified with policy-making and implementation. However, the meaning of public participation is by no means straightforward and gives rise to problems at several levels. Many of these problems emanate from concerns with power and legitimation. While these concerns highlight important aspects of public participation in public and social administration, this paper, drawing on Foucault's concept of “pastoral power”, examines whether public participation is better viewed as a predictable part of governance in modern Western democracies where subjects need to be recruited to exercise power over themselves.
肺腺癌组织中OCT4表达与患者临床指标及预后的相关性

背景与目的 肺腺癌发病率不断升高, 而OCT4是调控干细胞自我更新的关键基因, 在癌干细胞的增殖分化过程中起重要调节作用。 本研究目的为检测肺腺癌组织中OCT4表达, 并分析其与肺腺癌患者转移、化疗疗效及预后的相关性。 方法 采用免疫荧光方法检测肺腺癌组织OCT4表达。 卡方检验OCT4表达与临床病理指标的关系, Kaplan-Meier生存曲线计算生存率, 采用Cox分析评估各指标与患者生存之间的关系。 结果 126例肺腺癌组织中, 91例可观察到OCT4阳性细胞。 OCT4表达与肺腺癌患者转移及化疗耐药密切相关, 且与患者无病生存期和生存期呈明显负相关。 结论 OCT4表达与肺腺癌患者的转移及化疗耐药相关, 提示预后不良。
An XML- and log-based infrastructure for evaluating and teaching spatio-temporal indexing schemes

We present an XML- and log-based infrastructure for spatio-temporal indexing schemes. Our approach is based upon a clear separation between the indexing schemes, algorithms for their visualization, data sets, and the schemes' and data sets' metadata. We show the implications of our approach and: discuss how design patterns can be used to facilitate incorporating indexing schemes and data sets.
Robust uplink synchronization in MIMO-OFDM systems: Inter-TS-Interference analysis and superposition distortion mitigation

There are some new challenges in Multiple-input Multiple-output (MIMO) systems, e.g., uplink synchronization in full-multiplexing transmission mode systems where several packets are transmitted from different users simultaneously. In MIMO uplink transmission systems, different mobile nodes introduce independent carrier frequency offsets, which makes uplink carrier frequency offset estimation in MIMO systems more difficult than that in single antenna systems. The received training sequence at the base station (receiver) is a superposition of training sequences transmitted from more than one mobile node, which may degrade the synchronization performance. In addition, self-interference may also appear if different training sequences (TS) are transmitted at its different transmit antennas equipped in one mobile node. In this paper, both kinds of interferences in MIMO uplink synchronization are analyzed first, and then a superposition distortion mitigation method is given. For an unbiased carrier frequency offset estimator, its Cramer-Rao Lower Bound (CRLB) is also derived. A Joint Best Linear carrier frequency offset Estimator (JBLUE) is also proposed to explore receive antenna diversity in MIMO systems. A new group of training sequences called Round-Robin training sequence group are also proposed in this paper, which outperform conventional training sequences especially for uplink synchronization.
Genetic heterogeneity of hepatitis E virus *

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection has been considered a disease associated with developing regions and attributed to oral‐fecal transmission due to inadequate sanitation. Several recent findings, however, have led to a new understanding of this virus. A number of novel isolates have been identified in patients with acute hepatitis from regions not considered endemic for HEV, and these individuals reported no recent travel to HEV endemic areas. In addition, a number of HEV‐like sequences have also been isolated from swine worldwide, suggesting the potential of an animal reservoir. Although full‐length sequence is available for some strains, the majority of HEV isolates have only been sequenced partially. Sequence comparisons and phylogenetic analyses were performed to determine the genotypic distribution of HEV isolates, based on the partial sequence data available. It has been suggested that HEV isolates segregate into four major genotypes based on full‐length comparisons. These analyses, however, indicate that HEV may be distributed into at least nine different groups. J. Med. Virol. 65:282–292, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Search for heavy neutrinos and W(R) bosons with right-handed couplings in a left-right symmetric model in pp collisions at sqrt[s]=7  TeV.

Results are presented from a search for heavy, right-handed muon neutrinos, N(μ), and right-handed W(R) bosons, which arise in the left-right symmetric extensions of the standard model. The analysis is based on a 5.0 fb(-1) sample of proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 7 TeV, collected by the CMS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. No evidence is observed for an excess of events over the standard model expectation. For models with exact left-right symmetry, heavy right-handed neutrinos are excluded at 95% confidence level for a range of neutrino masses below the W(R) mass, dependent on the value of M(W(R)). The excluded region in the two-dimensional (M(W(R)), M(N(μ)) mass plane extends to M(W(R))=2.5 TeV.
The evolution of Walrasian behavior

Consider an evolutionary context where a given number of quantity-setting oligopolists tend to mimic successful behavior, occasionally experimenting with some small probability. In this context, it is shown that the unique long-run outcome of the process has all firms playing Walrasian, i.e., choosing an output that maximizes profits when taking the market-clearing price as given. (This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)
Evidence of lean: a review of international peer‐reviewed journal articles

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine how “lean” is viewed in academic literature and how it is operationalised. The paper also examines how evidence of lean is accounted for in practice.Design/methodology/approach – This paper discusses a review of 105 international peer‐reviewed journals with the purpose of identifying what has been written about lean. All in all, 154 articles featuring lean in the article title are identified and reviewed.Findings – Lean has moved from application only in production to being used in other sectors, such as the public and service sectors. Most contributions are still found in production and supply chain journals, however, and few contributions discuss the basis of lean or provide a clear definition of the meaning of lean. The literature review indicates that there is a low level of operationalisation of the concept of lean, making the concept seem unclear and vague. About one‐third of the reviewed articles apply a toolbox view on lean; and, in general, the po.
The private costs of public schooling : household and community financing of primary education in Cambodia

Cambodia is one of the least developed countries in the world, and one of the poorest. Four out of ten households live below the poverty line, in a country whose annual GDP per capita is about US$300. Government pays an average of US$20 per teacher per month, or an average of US$6.48 per pupil per annum. Education receives about 10 per cent of the national budget, almost all of which goes to pay salaries. It is understandable that schooling has had to depend on assistance from sources beyond the government, although primary school education in Cambodia is officially free. While the vast majority of primary schools in Cambodia are public, a large proportion of their financial support comes from non-government sources. The book details the full costs of such schooling: exercise books, stationery, uniforms, travel to school, supplementary tutoring, and the opportunity costs of foregone income. It estimates that the resource inputs into primary education are: Government (12.5%); politicians (10.4%); NGOs and external aid agencies (18%); households and communities (59.9%); school generated income (0.1%). The author has carried out a number of consultancies within Cambodia in recent years, and the book benefits from the broad knowledge and understanding he has gained, as well as the cooperation he was able to secure from the education authorities at central, provincial and school levels. He conducted a number of workshops in selected provinces with the assistance of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport as well as UNICEF and UNESCO, and the book provides a wealth of data on the costs of schooling, based on this field work as well as extensive literature research within Cambodia principally. The text is supported by a number of small case studies, showing the impact of private financial support on students, teachers, and parents. The book is simply written and neatly arranged. It provides a comparative overview of household and community financing of education, examines the nature of
Customized 3D Clothes Modeling for Virtual Try-on System based on Multiple Kinects

Most existing 3D virtual try-on systems put clothes designed in one environment on a human captured in another environment, which cause the mismatching brightness problem. And also typical 3D clothes modeling starts with manually designed 2D patterns, deforms them to fit on a human, and applies stitching to sew those patterns together. Such work usually relies on labour work. In this paper, we describe an approach to reconstruct clothes and human that both are from the same space. With multiple Kinects, it models the 3D clothes directly out of a dressed human without the need of the predefined 2D clothes patterns, and fits them to a human user. Our approach has several advantages: (1) a simple hardware setting consisted of multiple Kinects to capture a human model; (2) 3D clothes modeling directly out of captured human model. To the best of our knowledge, our work is the first one which separates clothes out of captured human figures; (3) resizing of clothes adapting to any sized human user; (4) a novel idea of virtual try-on where clothes and human are captured in the same location.
Trade Marks and Performance in Services and Manufacturing Firms: Evidence of Schumpeterian Competition Through Innovation

We develop Lancaster's model of consumer behaviour under product differentiation to analyse Schumpeterian creative destruction. Launching new products with novel characteristics enables firms to temporarily steal market share from rivals. Product launch is monitored by using trade marks, patents and research and development. The dataset covers a large sample of UK service and manufacturing firms. We find that stock market value is positively associated with own trade mark activity and trade mark‐active firms achieve significantly higher value‐added. Greater trade mark activity by competitors reduces net output of firms, but raises their stock market value. This is consistent with the Schumpeterian process of competition through innovation.
The structure of a birnavirus polymerase reveals a distinct active site topology

Single-subunit polymerases are universally encoded in both cellular organisms and viruses. Their three-dimensional structures have the shape of a right-hand with the active site located in the palm region, which has a topology similar to that of the RNA recognition motif (RRM) found in many RNA-binding proteins. Considering that polymerases have well conserved structures, it was surprising that the RNA-dependent RNA polymerases from birnaviruses, a group of dsRNA viruses, have their catalytic motifs arranged in a permuted order in sequence. Here we report the 2.5 Å structure of a birnavirus VP1 in which the polymerase palm subdomain adopts a new active site topology that has not been previously observed in other polymerases. In addition, the polymerase motif C of VP1 has the sequence of -ADN-, a highly unusual feature for RNA-dependent polymerases. Through site-directed mutagenesis, we have shown that changing the VP1 motif C from -ADN- to -GDD- results in a mutant with an increased RNA synthesis activity. Our results indicate that the active site topology of VP1 may represent a newly developed branch in polymerase evolution, and that birnaviruses may have acquired the -ADN- mutation to control their growth rate.