Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Do CMO Incentives Matter? An Empirical Investigation of CMO Compensation and its Impact on Firm Performance

Despite growing interest in various facets of the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) position, there is very little research on CMO compensation. Accordingly, we set out to investigate the determinants of CMO compensation and its effect on firm performance. Employing the lens of agency theory, we hypothesize that the CMO’s marginal productivity will positively impact the amount of total compensation as well as the extent of performance-based compensation in the CMO’s compensation contract. Moreover, we hypothesize that deviations in contracting elements from predicted levels will adversely impact firm performance. Analyzing a sample of 9,230 firm-year observations over the period 1992-2013, we find that CMOs employed at firms with high advertising and R&D intensity, and operating in competitive product markets, command larger amounts of total compensation. Moreover, a greater proportion of their compensation is market-based, with heightened sensitivity to movements in the firm’s stock price. We also find that deviations in CMO compensation elements have an adverse impact on operating performance (ROA), earnings surprises, and stock returns. Specifically, a 10% deviation in market-based compensation from predicted levels reduces ROA by 0.28%, dampens earnings surprises by 0.19%, and degrades annualized stock returns by 2.4%.
Voting Behavior in Legislatures

This article considers recent research on legislative voting behavior in nonAmerican legislatures and the U.S. Congress and state legislatures. The literature is discussed in terms of whether the primary object of analysis is the collectivity or the individual decision maker. Accordingly, research is divided into analyses that focus on cleavages and alignments, and analyses that focus on individual voting decisions. A comparative perspective on this research reveals notable differences in the approaches associated with different legislative settings as well as a number of conceptual problems regarding more specific areas of study. The review indicates both problems and prospects in this subfield of legislative studies.
Risk Preferences, Shocks and Technology Adoption: Farmers Responses to Drought Risk

Climate risk represents an increasing threat to poor and vulnerable farmers in drought-prone areas of Africa. This study assesses the maize and fertilizer adoption responses of food insecure farmers in Malawi, where Drought Tolerant (DT) maize was recently introduced. A field experiment, eliciting relative risk aversion, loss aversion and subjective probability weighting parameters of farmers, is combined with a detailed farm household survey that measured the intensity of adoption of different maize types and fertilizer use on the different maize types and recorded exposure to past and present drought and other shocks. More risk averse households were more likely to have adopted DT maize, less likely to have adopted other improved maize varieties and less likely to have dis-adopted traditional local maize. Exposure to past drought shocks stimulated adoption of DT maize and dis-adoption of local maize. Over-weighting of small probabilities was associated with less use of fertilizer on all maize types.
Electronic clothes for vital signs monitorig

This article describes a monitoring system that uses wearable devices for vital signs monitoring through clothes and transferring them wirelessly to an Android mobile interface. Allowing emissions of emergency signals when vital signs exceed the nominal values. The reliability of the implemented clothing has been determined with collected data on experimental tests and compared with values from medical devices. Denoting an absolute error of: 0.7 celsius degree for temperature, heart rate error of 0.2 palpitations per minute, systolic pressure of 0.9 milimeters of mercury and diastolic pressure of 0.1 milimeters of mercury.
Induction of bone marrow stromal cells to neurons: Differentiation, transdifferentiation, or artifact?

Differentiation of stem cells toward a neuronal lineage normally involves a gradually progressive restriction in developmental potential and is regulated by a diverse set of specific and temporally precise genetic events. However, recent studies have indicated that both rodent and human bone marrow stromal cells (MSCs) can be rapidly (within minutes to hours) induced to differentiate into neurons in vitro by relatively simple chemical means (using β‐mercaptoethanol [BME] or dimethylsulfoxide [DMSO] and butylated hydroxyanisol [BHA]; Woodbury et al. [ 2000 ] J. Neurosci. Res. 61:364–370). The ability to transdifferentiate an easily accessible cell source into neurons could have substantial potential for promoting neural repair. We therefore explored the potential of simple chemical methods to transdifferentiate other cell types, including primary rat fibroblasts, primary human keratinocytes, HEK293 cells, rat PC‐12 cells, and as positive control rat bone marrow stromal (BMS) cells. Surprisingly, all cells except for keratinocytes adopted at least partial “neuron‐like” pyramidal cell morphology with fine‐cellular extensions resembling neurites upon stimulation with BME or DMSO/BHA. However, time‐lapse microscopy indicated that the chemical exposure of MSCs did not result in new neurite growth but rather cellular shrinkage, with retraction of the majority of existing cell extensions, leaving only few, fine neurite‐like processes. To determine whether the chemically induced transdifferentiation resulted from simple cellular toxicity, MSCs were exposed to various stressors, including detergents, high‐molarity sodium chloride, and extremes of pH. In all cases, cellular shrinkage and adoption of pseudoneuronal morphology were observed. Concomitantly with cellular shrinkage, apparent increases in immunolabeling for the neuronal markers NSE and NeuN were detected in the cell soma that could not be confirmed by RT‐PCR. Furthermore, blockade of protein synthesis with cycloheximide did not prevent cells from adopting “neuron‐like” morphology after chemical induction. Thus, morphological changes and increases in immunolabeling for certain cellular markers upon “chemical induction” of MSCs are likely the result of cellular toxicity, cell shrinkage, and changes in the cytoskeleton and do not represent regulated steps in a complicated cellular differentiation process. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Performance evaluation of 4×2 MIMO schemes for mobile broadcasting

The utilization of multiple antennas in transmitters and receivers (MIMO) in communication systems allows for increased robustness of the received signal or increased bit rate. These both are important factors in the design of communication systems. The introduction of MIMO for broadcasting systems is currently considered for DVB-NGH (Digital Video Broadcasting - Next Generation Handheld). In this paper the performance of selected Space Frequency Block Codes (SFBCs) is investigated in mobile environment with four transmitter and two receiver antennas. In addition, the effect of having a strong forward error correction code on top of SFBC is investigated by studying the effect of MIMO schemes on DVB-T2 (Second generation Terrestrial) based system.
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate Oxidase–Mediated Redox Signaling and Vascular Remodeling by 16α-Hydroxyestrone in Human Pulmonary Artery Cells

Estrogen and oxidative stress have been implicated in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Mechanisms linking these systems are elusive. We hypothesized that estrogen metabolite, 16&agr;-hydroxyestrone (16&agr;OHE1), stimulates nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (Nox)–induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and proliferative responses in human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (hPASMCs) and that in PAH aberrant growth signaling promotes vascular remodeling. The pathophysiological significance of estrogen–Nox–dependent processes was studied in female Nox1−/− and Nox4−/− mice with PAH. PASMCs from control subjects (control hPASMCs) and PAH patients (PAH-hPASMCs) were exposed to estrogen and 16&agr;OHE1 in the presence/absence of inhibitors of Nox, cytochrome P450 1B1, and estrogen receptors. Estrogen, through estrogen receptor-&agr;, increased Nox-derived ROS and redox-sensitive growth in hPASMCs, with greater effects in PAH-hPASMCs versus control hPASMCs. Estrogen effects were inhibited by cytochrome P450 1B1 blockade. 16&agr;OHE1 stimulated transient ROS production in hPASMCs, with sustained responses in PAH-hPASMCs. Basal expression of Nox1/Nox4 was potentiated in PAH-hPASMCs. In hPASMCs, 16&agr;OHE1 increased Nox1 expression, stimulated irreversible oxidation of protein tyrosine phosphatases, decreased nuclear factor erythroid–related factor 2 activity and expression of nuclear factor erythroid–related factor 2–regulated antioxidant genes, and promoted proliferation. This was further amplified in PAH-hPASMCs. Nox1−/− but not Nox4−/− mice were protected against PAH and vascular remodeling. Our findings demonstrate that in PAH-hPASMCs, 16&agr;OHE1 stimulates redox-sensitive cell growth primarily through Nox1. Supporting this, in vivo studies exhibited protection against pulmonary hypertension and remodeling in Nox1−/− mice. This study provides new insights through Nox1/ROS and nuclear factor erythroid–related factor 2 whereby 16&agr;OHE1 influences hPASMC function, which when upregulated may contribute to vascular injury in PAH, particularly important in women.
Invertible authentication

In this paper, we present two new methods for authentication of digital images using invertible watermarking. While virtually all watermarking schemes introduce some small amount of non-invertible distortion in the image, the new methods are invertible in the sense that, if the image is deemed authentic, the distortion due to authentication can be removed to obtain the original image data. Two techniques are proposed: one is based on robust spatial additive watermarks combined with modulo addition and the second one on lossless compression and encryption of bit-planes. Both techniques provide cryptographic strength in verifying the image integrity in the sense that the probability of making a modification to the image that will not be detected can be directly related to a secure cryptographic element, such as a hash function. The second technique can be generalized to other data types than bitmap images. As an example, a lossless authentication method for JPEG files is presented and some results discussed. In the paper, we also explain that invertible authentication can only be achieved at the expense of not being able to authenticate every possible image. However, it is argued that all images that occur in practice can be authenticated. The techniques provide new information assurance tools for integrity protection of sensitive imagery, such as medical images or images viewed under non-standard conditions when usual criteria for visibility do not apply.
Interventions for promoting smoking cessation during pregnancy.

BACKGROUND Smoking remains one of the few potentially preventable factors associated with low birthweight, very preterm birth and perinatal death. OBJECTIVES The objective of this review was to assess the effects of smoking cessation programs implemented during pregnancy on the health of the fetus and infant, on the mother and on the family. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register and the Cochrane Tobacco Addiction Group trials register. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised and quasi-randomised trials of smoking cessation programs implemented during pregnancy. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Trial quality was assessed and data were extracted independently by two reviewers. MAIN RESULTS Forty-four trials were identified: 37 trials including 16,916 women provided data on smoking cessation and/or perinatal outcomes, as did one cluster-randomised trial including 3000 women. Over 800 women were included in trials of smoking relapse prevention. There was substantial variation in the intensity of the intervention and the extent of reminders and reinforcement through pregnancy. Based on 34 trials there was a significant reduction in smoking in the intervention groups (odds ratio 0.53, 95% confidence interval 0. 47 to 0.60), an absolute difference of 6.4% women continuing to smoke. The eight trials with validated smoking cessation, a high intensity intervention and a high quality score had an odds ratio of 0.53, 95% confidence interval 0.44 to 0.63 and an absolute difference in continued smoking of 8.1%. The subset of trials with information on fetal outcome revealed a reduction in low birthweight (odds ratio 0.80, 95% confidence interval 0.67 to 0.95), a reduction in preterm birth (odds ratio 0.83, 95% confidence interval 0.69 to 0. 99) and an increase in mean birthweight of 28g (95% confidence interval 9 to 49). There were no differences in very low birthweight or perinatal mortality. Five trials of smoking relapse prevention showed no significant difference. The single large cluster-randomised trial showed no evidence of a decrease in continued smoking or adjusted mean birthweight. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS Smoking cessation programs in pregnancy appear to reduce smoking, low birthweight and preterm birth, but no effect was detected for very low birthweight or perinatal mortality.
A modular wheel system for mobile robot applications

Introduces a modular all-in-one wheel system for combined steering/driving applied to service robots operating in indoor environments like homes, offices, or hospitals. The wheel system is based on standard tires, builds very compact, and provides a high pay load to dead load ratio. It is used as a building block to construct a wide variety of highly maneuverable mobile robots ranging from simple tricycles to fully holonomic locomotion platforms. Integration is simple, because each wheel system is equipped with the necessary control and communication infrastructure based on standard PC components.
The Discriminative Effect of Taxes

How can we reduce gender and racial discrimination? One way relies on the "invisible hand"; another recognizes that people in the marketplace have racial preferences, and therefore that we need anti-discrimination laws in order to decrease discrimination. The surprising answer this paper proposes is that we can reduce gender and racial discrimination by reducing income and company taxes! This is because when the gains from discrimination are untaxed, a higher tax will lead to more discrimination. We will present this proposition, and then explain why it is realistic to think that gains obtained through discrimination are untaxed.
Short-wavelength automated perimetry can predict glaucomatous standard visual field loss by ten years

Examination of visual fields using standard achromatic automated perimetry (SAP) is essential for glaucoma management. However, as many as 35-50% of retinal ganglion cells can be lost before a visual field defect is detected.1,2,3 Previous studies have indicated that examination of the short-wavelength (blue) sensitive color system may be able to detect early functional loss in glaucoma. Moreover, it has been reported to detect glaucomatous visual field loss as many as 5 years earlier than SAP.4,5,6,7 We describe the case of a patient who demonstrated visual field defects on short-wavelength automated perimetry (SWAP) ten years prior to developing visual field defects in SAP.
Evaluation of antismoking advertising campaigns.

CONTEXT Active and passive smoking are the first and third leading preventable causes of death. Many states are running or initiating antitobacco media campaigns. OBJECTIVE To review research on the effectiveness of different antismoking messages and published evidence of the effectiveness of paid antismoking advertising. DATA SOURCES Focus group studies conducted by professional advertising agencies that contract with California, Massachusetts, and Michigan to run their antismoking advertising campaigns, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Media Campaign Resource Book, and copies of the advertisements. In total, we reviewed the results of 186 focus groups involving more than 1500 children and adults dealing with 118 advertisements that had actually been aired and additional concept advertisements that were not produced. Published literature was located using MEDLINE and standard bibliographic sources on the effectiveness of large, paid antitobacco media campaigns. We also reviewed reports and studies conducted by, or for, the California and Massachusetts health departments on program effectiveness, and conducted our own comparison of California vs Massachusetts using cigarette consumption data from the Tobacco Institute. STUDY SELECTION All available studies. DATA SYNTHESIS Eight advertising strategies to prevent people from starting to smoke and persuading them to stop were reviewed: industry manipulation, secondhand smoke, addiction, cessation, youth access, short-term effects, long-term health effects, and romantic rejection. These focus groups identified strategies that would be expected to be effective and ineffective. Regression analysis was used to compare the cost-effectiveness of the California and Massachusetts programs. CONCLUSIONS Focus group participants indicated that industry manipulation and secondhand smoke are the most effective strategies for denormalizing smoking and reducing cigarette consumption. Addiction and cessation can be effective when used in conjunction with the industry manipulation and secondhand smoke strategies. Youth access, short-term effects, long-term health effects, and romantic rejection are not effective strategies. More aggressive advertising strategies appear to be more effective at reducing tobacco consumption.
Consensus Expectations and International Equity Returns

Numerous studies of U.S. markets have shown that stock selection models have been able to isolate securities that earn returns above those predicted by a simple market model. Models examining the relation between analyst expectations and returns have been particularly useful. Unexpected earnings, changes in analysts' earnings-per-share forecasts, the number of analysts revising their forecasts-all these measures have been found to be useful in predicting abnormal returns in U.S. equity markets. At least two of these measures-changes in analysts' EPS forecasts and the number of analysts changing their forecasts-are also related to abnormal returns in several international markets.
Effect of antioxidants, resveratrol, quercetin, and N‐acetylcysteine, on the functions of cultured rat hepatic stellate cells and kupffer cells

Effects of antioxidants, resveratrol, quercetin, and N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) on the functions of cultured rat hepatic stellate cells and Kupffer cells were studied. These compounds dose‐dependently suppressed serum‐dependent proliferation of stellate cells as determined by [3H]thymidine and 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine uptake. Expression of smooth muscle α‐actin was suppressed by a high dose of resveratrol and quercetin. These phenolic compounds also suppressed inositol phosphate metabolism, tyrosine phosphorylation, and mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinase activation in platelet‐derived growth factor/BB‐stimulated stellate cells. Moreover, the phenolic compounds selectively reduced the level of cell cycle protein cyclin D1 in stellate cells. Thus, resveratrol and quercetin might inhibit stellate cell activation by perturbing signal transduction pathway and cell cycle protein expression, whereas mechanism of potent antiproliferative effect of NAC remains to be elucidated. On the other hand, kinetic analysis showed that production of nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) by lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated Kupffer cells was strongly inhibited by resveratrol and quercetin but not by NAC. Although expression of messenger RNAs for inducible NO synthase and TNF‐α was not affected by the phenolic compounds, cellular levels of inducible NO synthase and TNF‐α secretion were suppressed significantly, indicating the posttranscriptional process of generating these proteins might be affected predominantly by these phenolic compounds. Thus, NAC and these phenolic compounds may have therapeutic potential against liver injury by regulating functions of hepatic stellate cells and Kupffer cells.
Discrimination Between Painful and Painless Diabetic Neuropathy Based on Testing of Large Somatic Nerve and Sympathetic Nerve Function

The syndromes of painful diabetic neuropathy and painless foot ulceration are distinct clinical entities. To investigate whether there is a pattern of nerve fibre involvement that could clearly discriminate between them, we have studied three groups of diabetic patients, 19 with painful neuropathy, 14 with painless foot ulceration, and 19 with no clinical neuropathy. Large somatic nerve fibre function was assessed by nerve conduction studies and vibration thresholds, small somatic nerve function by cooling and warming thresholds, the parasympathetic system by heart‐rate dependent cardiac autonomic reflexes, and the sympathetic system by postural drop in blood pressure and plasma noradrenaline (supine and erect). Normal ranges were obtained from 25 age‐matched healthy subjects. Painful neuropathy was characterized by uniform dysfunction of small somatic fibres and preserved sympathetic nerve activity (plasma noradrenaline) with a wide range of large somatic fibre and autonomic reflex abnormalities. By contrast, in painless foot ulceration there was universal severe dysfunction of all nerve fibre populations. Discriminant analysis identified peroneal motor conduction velocity as the best single variable for distinguishing between painful and painless neuropathy (81% of cases). A combination of peroneal motor conduction velocity with vibration threshold and plasma noradrenaline discriminated completely between the two clinical syndromes. These findings suggest that the key differences between painful and painless diabetic neuropathy are in large somatic and sympathetic fibre function.
COUPLED COINCIDENCE POINT AND COUPLED FIXED POINT THEOREMS FOR WEAK GENERALIZED MEIR-KEELER TYPE CONTRACTIONS IN ORDERED PARTIAL METRIC SPACES 1

In this paper we introduce weak generalized Meir-Keeler contractions and prove some coupled fixed point theorems for two mappings X X X F   : and X X g  : on a partially ordered partial metric spaces. Our results generalize some recent results in the literature, for example the results of Thabet Abdeljawad et.al [1] and Ali Erduran et.al [3] . Also, we give some illustrative examples . 2000 Mathematics Subject Classification: 47H10, 54H25.
Decision tree for corner detection

Corner detection is a important task in low level vision. Detecting corners helps one to establish similarity between two or more images. Traditional approaches for corner detection involve finding significant variation around a pixel neighbourhood in two different directions. In this work, we have developed a novel framework to detect corners in a given image by learning corners from images corresponding to the same object category. We detect extrema of the intensity and second derivative neighbourhood around a given pixel location to identify possible corners. We build a decision tree using the learned parameters and also employ the intensity variation in the local neighbourhood in order to detect corners accurately. We show that the performance of the proposed approach compares well with the standard corner detection algorithms and the other learning based approach for corner detection.