Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Knowledge Development and Transfer in Foreign Subsidiaries and Their Parent Transnational Corporations

Abstract The article aims at analysis of knowledge-oriented growth of TNCs' foreign subsidiaries, their transformation and evolving participation in knowledge development by parent transnational corporations (TNCs). The author's concept of increasing involvement of foreign subsidiaries in leveraging knowledge in TNCs' organizations is presented with a focus on a new process of “creative transition” by corporate foreign subsidiaries and its implications for the parents and host economies. The research method is based on integration of concepts, elements and instruments used in international management and international business to investigate the evolution of the knowledge development process in TNCs' cross-border organizations. The analysis of knowledge development and transfer in TNCs, and growth of their foreign subsidiaries as well as key factors of expanding their knowledge-oriented activities reveals the “creative transition” process which is underway in the subsidiaries. It leads to their increased participation in the knowledge development by TNCs and implies some results for parent firms and host economies. It is concluded that the knowledge-oriented activity of foreign subsidiaries can result in possible capturing valuable knowledge co-created by domestic entities what can imply weakening innovativeness and competitiveness of the host economies. The problem of knowledge-oriented activity of TNCs' foreign subsidiaries and its domestic impacts has not been investigated in Polish publications yet. The article offers a conceptual basis for further theoretical and empirical research with a focus on impacts in a host economy resulting from the knowledge-oriented activity of TNCs' foreign subsidiaries and shows a necessity to work out a fair approach to sharing benefits of knowledge creation and utilization in the host economy.
Midlife CAIDE dementia risk score and dementia-related brain changes up to 30 years later on magnetic resonance imaging.

BACKGROUND CAIDE Dementia Risk Score is a validated tool for estimating 20-year dementia risk in the general population based on a midlife risk profile. OBJECTIVE To investigate the associations between CAIDE score and dementia-related brain changes up to 30 years later on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS Participants in the Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging and Dementia (CAIDE) study were derived from random, population-based samples surveyed in 1972, 1977, 1982, or 1987. A first re-examination was conducted in 1998, and a second re-examination in 2005-2008 (total follow-up time up to 30 years). The MRI study population included 112 individuals with MRIs from the first re-examination, and a different group of 69 individuals with MRIs from the second re-examination. MRIs from 1998 were used to determine gray matter volume, and to visually rate white matter hyperintensities (WMH) of presumed vascular origin and medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTA). MRIs from 2005-2008 were used to assess cortical thickness, gray matter and WMH volume, and to visually rate MTA. CAIDE scores were calculated for participants in both re-examinations based on midlife sociodemographic and vascular factors and additionally apolipoprotein E status. RESULTS Higher midlife CAIDE score was associated with more severe WMH 20 years later: RR (95% CI) was 1.69 (1.15-2.08); and with higher WMH volume (β 0.27, p = 0.036) and higher MTA score (RR 1.91, 95% CI 1.16-2.34) up to 30 years later. CONCLUSION CAIDE Dementia Risk Score in midlife was most consistently associated with WMH later in life. A relation with MTA was observed in individuals with longer follow-up time.
Climate change mitigation through livestock system transitions

Significance The livestock sector contributes significantly to global warming through greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. At the same time, livestock is an invaluable source of nutrition and livelihood for millions of poor people. Therefore, climate mitigation policies involving livestock must be designed with extreme care. Here we demonstrate the large mitigation potential inherent in the heterogeneity of livestock production systems. We find that even within existing systems, autonomous transitions from extensive to more productive systems would decrease GHG emissions and improve food availability. Most effective climate policies involving livestock would be those targeting emissions from land-use change. To minimize the economic and social cost, policies should target emissions at their source—on the supply side—rather than on the demand side. Livestock are responsible for 12% of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. Sustainable intensification of livestock production systems might become a key climate mitigation technology. However, livestock production systems vary substantially, making the implementation of climate mitigation policies a formidable challenge. Here, we provide results from an economic model using a detailed and high-resolution representation of livestock production systems. We project that by 2030 autonomous transitions toward more efficient systems would decrease emissions by 736 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year (MtCO2e⋅y−1), mainly through avoided emissions from the conversion of 162 Mha of natural land. A moderate mitigation policy targeting emissions from both the agricultural and land-use change sectors with a carbon price of US$10 per tCO2e could lead to an abatement of 3,223 MtCO2e⋅y−1. Livestock system transitions would contribute 21% of the total abatement, intra- and interregional relocation of livestock production another 40%, and all other mechanisms would add 39%. A comparable abatement of 3,068 MtCO2e⋅y−1 could be achieved also with a policy targeting only emissions from land-use change. Stringent climate policies might lead to reductions in food availability of up to 200 kcal per capita per day globally. We find that mitigation policies targeting emissions from land-use change are 5 to 10 times more efficient—measured in “total abatement calorie cost”—than policies targeting emissions from livestock only. Thus, fostering transitions toward more productive livestock production systems in combination with climate policies targeting the land-use change appears to be the most efficient lever to deliver desirable climate and food availability outcomes.
Choosing Colors for Map Display Icons Using Models of Visual Search

Objective: We show how to choose colors for icons on maps to minimize search time using predictions of a model of visual search. Background: The model analyzes digital images of a search target (an icon on a map) and a search display (the map containing the icon) and predicts search time as a function of target-distractor color distinctiveness and target eccentricity. Method: We parameterized the model using data from a visual search task and performed a series of optimization tasks to test the model’s ability to choose colors for icons to minimize search time across icons. Map display designs made by this procedure were tested experimentally. In a follow-up experiment, we examined the model’s flexibility to assign colors in novel search situations. Results: The model fits human performance, performs well on the optimization tasks, and can choose colors for icons on maps with novel stimuli to minimize search time without requiring additional model parameter fitting. Conclusion: Models of visual search can suggest color choices that produce search time reductions for display icons. Application: Designers should consider constructing visual search models as a low-cost method of evaluating color assignments.
Definition of nitrite and nitrate response elements at the anaerobically inducible Escherichia coli nirB promoter: interactions between FNR and NarL

Transcription initiation at the Escherichia coli nirB promoter is induced by anaerobic growth and further increased by the presence of nitrite or nitrate in the growth medium. Expression from this promoter is totally dependent on the transcription factor, FNR, which binds between positions −52 and −30 upstream of the transcription startsite. The 20 base pairs from position −79 to −60 contain an inverted repeat of two 10‐base sequence elements that are related to sequences at the NarL‐binding site at the E. coli narG promoter. Comparison of these, and sequence elements at other promoters regulated by NarL, suggests a consensus NarL‐binding sequence. Mutations in the putative NarL‐binding site at the nirB promoter decrease FNR‐dependent anaerobic induction, suggesting that NarL acts as a helper to FNR during transcription activation. These mutations also suppress induction by nitrite: single mutations at symmetry‐related positions have similar effects, whilst double mutations have more severe effects, probably because two NarL subunits bind to the inverted repeat. Disruption of narL decreases nitrite induction of the nirB promoter whilst not suppressing induction by nitrate, suggesting that there may be a second nitrate‐responsive factor. Nitrate induction was, however, suppressed by double mutations at symmetry‐related positions in the NarL‐binding site, suggesting that this putative second factor may bind to sequences similar to those recognized by NarL.
Strategies for enhancing adoptive T-cell immunotherapy against solid tumors using engineered cytokine signaling and other modalities

ABSTRACT Introduction: Cancer therapy has been transformed by the demonstration that tumor-specific T-cells can eliminate tumor cells in a clinical setting with minimal long-term toxicity. However, significant success in the treatment of leukemia and lymphoma with T-cells using native receptors or redirected with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) has not been recapitulated in the treatment of solid tumors. This lack of success is likely related to the paucity of costimulatory and cytokine signaling available in solid tumors, in addition to a range of inhibitory mechanisms. Areas covered: We summarize the latest developments in engineered T-cell immunotherapy, describe the limitations of these approaches in treating solid tumors, and finally highlight several strategies that may be useful in mediating solid tumor responses in the future, while also ensuring safety of engineered cells. Expert opinion: CAR-T therapies require further engineering to achieve their potential against solid tumors. Facilitating cytokine signaling in CAR T-cells appears to be essential in achieving better responses. However, the engineering of T-cells with potentially unchecked proliferation and potency raises the question of whether the simultaneous combination of enhancements will prove safe, necessitating continued advancements in regulating CAR-T activity at the tumor site and methods to safely switch off these engineered cells.
Depression rather than liver impairment reduces quality of life in patients with hepatitis C.

OBJECTIVE Patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) have a poorer quality of life than those with other chronic liver diseases. However, some of the factors that determine health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in these patients, such as the degree of liver fibrosis, are still controversial. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of CHC on HRQOL by conducting clinical, psychiatric, and sociodemographic evaluations. METHODS One hundred and twenty-four consecutive patients attending a referral center for hepatitis were evaluated using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatry Interview, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to quantify independent associations between HRQOL and the clinical, psychiatric, and sociodemographic variables of interest. RESULTS Reduced HRQOL was independently associated with major depressive disorder (MDD) and with elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase, but was not associated with hepatic cirrhosis. CONCLUSIONS MDD rather than the grade of liver fibrosis was strongly associated with HRQOL impairment in patients with CHC. These findings highlight that, in patients with CHC, the psychological effects of the disease deserve more attention and the implementation of integrated medical, psychiatric, and psychological care may be helpful.
Entrepreneurship at the State Level: A Case of Massachusetts' Prescription Drug Program

Abstract This study examines the applicability of entrepreneurship concepts to state government. Using a case study approach, the Massachusetts' prescription drug program for seniors is illustrated through four entrepreneurship strategies: competition, community involvement and outreach, results-oriented government, and customer driven government. Findings reveal that entrepreneurship concepts have been utilized to improve access and contain costs. Massachusetts serves an example of one state's investment in entrepreneurship strategies which has resulted in a more responsive, flexible, and innovative government in the process of developing a successful and lasting prescription drug coverage program for its seniors.
Market Inefficiency is Multi-Dimensional: Evidence from 76 Price Indices

This paper is the first to present explicit empirical evidence that market inefficiency is multi-dimensional. Testing the Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH) over 76 stock indices using 17 well accepted indicators (e.g. runs test), results show that most indices exhibit some type(s) of inefficiency and that indicators differ from each other in terms of statistical power and/or the type of inefficiency detected. A principal components analysis (PCA) demonstrates that indicators group along orthogonal dimensions, and hence a market can be inefficient by exhibiting short-term memory, long-term memory and/or calendar effects, which are all distinct sources of inefficiency. This research provides a clearer picture of the extent and nature of market inefficiency, helps explain conflicting previous findings, and suggests a new framework for studying market efficiency.
Proposed new signal for real-time stress monitoring: Combination of physiological measures

Human stress is a physiological tension that appears when a person responds to mental, emotional, or physical chal-lenges. Detecting human stress and developing methods to manage it, has become an important issue nowadays. Auto-matic stress detection through physiological signals may be a useful method to solve this problem. In most of the earlier studies, long-term time window was considered for stress detection. Continuous and a real-time representation of the stress level are usually done through one physiological signal. In this paper, a real-time stress monitoring system is pro-posed which shows the user a new signal for feedback stress level. This signal is the combination of weighted features of galvanic skin response and photoplethysmography signals. The features are defined in 20-sec time windows. Correlation feature selection and linear regression methods are used for feature selection and feature combination, respectively. Furthermore, a set of experiments was conducted to train and test of the proposed model. The proposed model can represent the relative stress level perfectly and has 79% accuracy for classifying the stress and relaxation phases into two categories by a determined threshold. Review History: Received: 28 April 2015 Revised: 30 September 2016 Accepted: 1 November 2016 Available Online: 5 November 2016
Health and Wage: A Simultaneous Equation Model with Multiple Discrete Indicators

In this article, we propose all econometric approach for estimating the simultaneouLs effects of health and wages in a structural equations framework. In the theoretical works of Grossmana [1972a, 1972b], health is viewed as anl elldogen1ouLsly determined capital stock. The demand for health should rise with the wage rate as the rate of return to health. investment increases with wage; onl the other hand, better health should raise market productivity and hence wages. Since health capital is an abstract theoretical concept, it can hardly be measured quantitatively; however, most population surveys include various health indicators. These indicators are usually discrete variables. In the empirical work of Grossman and Benham [1974], these qualitative indicators are treated as continuous variables and two stage least squares estimation techniques are used. This specification raises various econometric problems (see, e.g. Goldberger [1964, pp. 248-255], Domencich and McFadden [1975], and Nerlove and Press [1973]). A satisfactory specification should take into account the discrete nature of the indicators. Our specification generalizes the dummy variables simultaneous equations system of Heckman [1978], the measurement models of Joreskog and Goldberger [1975] and is closely related to the models of Muthe'n [1976, 1979]. Muthen studies full information maximum likelihood procedures for estimation. Except for very simple cases, this does not generally yield feasible or tractable procedures. in this article, we introduce a tractable procedure for statistical estimation and testing. This specification and the estimation procedure is then applied to study the joint dependence of health and wages. Another departure of our approach from others is that we will test and correct the possible incompatibility of the various health capital indicators. In the population surveys, one may have subjective health indicators, such as self-evaluation of health, which may reflect different populations' perception of health. We propose a statistical procedure for testing measurement compatibility and if required, for correcting this problem. This article is divided into two parts. Initially, we describe the model specification, estimation and statistical tests in a general simultaneous equation model with multiple discrete indicators. In the second part of the paper, we consider specification of a simultaneous equation model for health and wages. The model
A treatment algorithm for managing Achilles tendinopathy: new treatment options

Achilles tendinopathy affects athletes, recreational exercisers and even inactive people. The pathology is not inflammatory; it is a failed healing response. The source of pain in tendinopathy could be related to the neurovascular ingrowth seen in the tendon’s response to injury. The treatment of Achilles tendinopathy is primarily conservative with an array of effective treatment options now available to the primary care practitioner. If conservative treatment is not successful, then surgery relieves pain in the majority of cases. Directing a patient through the algorithm presented here will maximise positive treatment outcomes.
Precise position control of shape memory alloy–actuated continuum modules through fuzzy algorithm

Development of a fuzzy precise controller for the continuum modules utilizing shape memory alloy actuators is the main focus of this study. To this end, two continuum and flexible shape memory alloy–actuated modules, containing shape memory alloy wires or shape memory alloy springs, are considered as the testbed of the control problem to be tackled. The fuzzy controllers in this application are developed using two strategies in this research. In the first technique, the position errors of the two motion variables of the system are considered in the controller design process. The resulted controller is referred as “error-based fuzzy controller. ” In the second technique, which is called as “improved fuzzy controller,” the parameters of the desired configuration of the system, in addition to their errors, are considered in controller design process. This procedure makes it possible to overcome the error-based fuzzy controller drawbacks. In order to validate the simulation results, experimental tests are conducted. Both simulation and experimental results reveal the performance of the developed novel two-stage improved fuzzy controller against error-based fuzzy controller and traditional proportional–integral–derivative controller.
Rice bran oil consumption and plasma lipid levels in moderately hypercholesterolemic humans.

The effect of rice bran oil, and oil not commonly consumed in the United States, on plasma lipid and apolipoprotein concentrations was studied within the context of a National Cholesterol Education Panel (NCEP) Step 2 diet and compared with the effects of canola, corn, and olive oils. The study subjects were 15 middle-aged and elderly subjects (8 postmenopausal women and 7 men; age range, 44 to 78 years) with elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (C) concentrations (range, 133 to 219 mg/dL). Diets enriched in each of the test oils were consumed by each subject for 32-day periods in a double-blind fashion and were ordered in a Latin square design. All food and drink were provided by the metabolic research unit. Diet components were identical (17% of calories as protein, 53% as carbohydrate, 30% as fat [< 7% as saturated fat], and 80 mg cholesterol/1000 kcal) except that two thirds of the fat in each diet was contributed by rice bran, canola, corn, or olive oil. Mean +/- SD plasma total cholesterol concentrations were 192 +/- 19, 194 +/- 20, 194 +/- 19, and 205 +/- 19 mg/dL, and LDL-C concentrations were 109 +/- 30, 109 +/- 26, 108 +/- 31, and 112 +/- 29 mg/dL after consumption of the rice bran, canola, corn, and olive oil-enriched diets, respectively. Plasma cholesterol and LDL-C concentrations were similar and statistically indistinguishable when the subjects consumed the rice bran, canola, and corn oil-enriched diets and lower than when they consumed the olive oil-enriched diet. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Iron status of breastfed infants is improved equally by medicinal iron and iron-fortified cereal.

BACKGROUND Although uncommon, iron deficiency (ID) occurs in breastfed infants. The regular provision of iron may prevent ID. OBJECTIVE The objective was to test the feasibility and effectiveness of 2 modalities of providing iron (medicinal iron or iron-fortified cereal) to breastfed infants. The study tested the hypothesis that regular provision of iron improves iron status of breastfed infants without adverse effects. DESIGN In this prospective, randomized, open-label trial, breastfed infants received on a regular basis either medicinal iron (n = 48) or an iron-fortified fruit-cereal combination (n = 45) from 4 to 9 mo or no intervention (control group; n = 59). The interventions provided 7.0-7.5 mg ferrous sulfate/d. Infants were enrolled at 1 mo and were followed to 2 y. Iron-status indicators were determined periodically, stool characteristics were recorded, and growth was monitored. RESULTS The regular provision of iron led to improved iron status during and for some months after the intervention. Both sources of iron were about equally effective. Iron affected stool color but had no effect on feeding-related behavior. However, medicinal iron was associated with a small but significant reduction in length gain and a trend toward reduced weight gain. ID anemia was observed in 4 infants (2.3%), most of whom had a low birth iron endowment. Mild ID was common in the second year of life. CONCLUSIONS Regular provision of medicinal iron or iron-fortified cereal improves the iron status of breastfed infants and may prevent ID. Both modalities are equally effective, but medicinal iron leads to somewhat reduced growth. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT00760890.