Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of auditors' concession timing on financial officers' negotiation judgements.

In this paper, we develop and test a conceptual model that posits how the timing of concessions made by an auditor to auditee management influences negotiation judgments. Our model hypothesizes that auditors' concession timing strategies influence financial officers' offers (given in the round just before the auditor makes a final decision), which affects their satisfaction with the negotiation outcome, and which, in turn, affects their intention to continue their relationship with the auditor. We conduct an experiment where financial officers negotiate with a hypothetical auditor via email over four rounds of negotiation. We manipulate, between-subjects, four negotiation strategies that vary the timing of the auditor concessions given, holding constant the total amount of concessions given. These concessions vary in terms of whether they are given before the start of the negotiation, after one round of negotiation, gradually during the negotiation, or at the end of the negotiation. Our results support the mediation model, and also indicate benefits from the use of gradual or delayed concessions as opposed to early concessions. We also provide evidence on self-reported strategies used by financial officers during the negotiations.
Atractylenolide II Inhibits Proliferation, Motility and Induces Apoptosis in Human Gastric Carcinoma Cell Lines HGC-27 and AGS

Atractylenolide II (AT-II) exhibits several biological and pharmacological functions, especially anti-cancer activity as the major sesquiterpene lactones isolated from Atractylodes macrocephala (also named Baizhu in Chinese). However, the effects and mechanisms of AT-II on human gastric cancer remain unclear. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, morphological changes, flow cytometry, wound healing assay and Western blot analysis were used to investigate the effects of AT-II on cell proliferation, apoptosis and motility of human gastric carcinoma cell lines HGC-27 and AGS. Our results indicated that AT-II could significantly inhibit cell proliferation, motility and induce apoptosis in a dose and time-dependent manner. Western blot analysis showed that the expression level of Bax was upregulated and the expression levels of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), phosphorylated-protein kinase B (p-Akt) and phosphorylated-ERK (p-ERK) were downregulated compared to control group. In conclusion, the findings suggested that AT-II exerted significant anti-tumor effects on gastric carcinoma cells by modulating Akt/ERK signaling pathway, which might shed light on therapy of gastric carcinoma.
Data Mining Applied To Construct Risk Factors For Building Claim on Fire Insurance

----------------------------------------------------------ABSTRACT------------------------------------------------- Recently, risk evaluators in Taiwan non-life insurance companies generally refers to the methods of evaluating the risk of fire insurance that have been developed abroad to carry out professional risk evaluation for huge asset targets or large-scale factories. As for middle and small commercial building projects, wrong underwriting judgment caused by human factors can be foreseen. In many claim factors related to fire, how to objectively evaluate the extent of the risk and establish predicting factors is investigated in this study.This study makes use of the classification of data mining and predicting technology to analyze and extract the useful information for decision-making according to client data by referring to past expert experience. The important factors used in the rate regulations approved by the Ministry of Finance, R.O. C. as well as the important and related items in the risk evaluation system by referring to most insurance companies are finally added to local data analysis as the input items of back-propagation neural network(BPN). After many experiments of parameter sensitivity are carried out, the overall accuracy of training sample can achieve 85.50%. The overall accuracy of test sample can achieve 82.42%. Therefore, one can infer this network can have generalization and confidence. The network parameters can be used for the reference module of the prediction of building claim. The purpose of this study is to establish the items suitable for risk evaluation of local fire insurance via adjusting the weight ratio in each item and test training as well as provide risk evaluators or underwriters can establish an integration and long-term decision-making mode of underwriting, so that the operation of insurance company can make more flexible and improve efficiency.
Spontaneous release of transmitter substance in multiquantal units

The occurrence of spontaneous miniature potentials at the neuromuscular junction of the rat has been described in a previous paper (Liley, 1956a). In that paper reference was made to the frequent observation of spontaneous large 'miniature' potentials with amplitudes several times the modal value of a series of potentials and, at one junction, calculations showed that more of these large potentials occurred than could be accounted for by the random coincidence of the 'unitary' miniature potentials. The present paper deals with a further investigation of this phenomenon. It would seem paradoxical to designate potentials whose amplitudes may reach 12 mV as 'miniature' potentials; hence, in this paper, such potentials will be referred to as 'giant potentials'. In distinction, 'miniature potentials' will refer to the 'unitary' spontaneous potentials.
Barriers for successful implementation of JIT: a manufacturer perspective

Many manufacturing firms adopted just-in-time (JIT) concepts for more than three decades to enhance competitive strength through cost reduction, on time-in full delivery, lead time reduction etc. Extension of JIT production philosophy to purchase and distribution (or with a broader scope throughout the supply chain) is essential to achieve these objectives. The survival of many firms depends on the effectiveness of the inventory management. JIT faces many problems like lack of involvement of employees and workers resistance for continuous improvement, cultural difference, high inventories, long lead time, market volatility, forecasting errors etc. Some critical implementation issues are to be identified and resolved to encourage firms to adopt JIT. The objective of this paper is to explore and discuss the barriers for successful JIT implementation. Twenty two barriers have been identified after reviewing relevant literature. This can be a guide for taking suitable action to deal with barriers in the successful JIT implementation.
Autoantibody Responses and Pathology Regulated by B7-1 and B7-2 Costimulation in MRL/lpr Lupus1

The activation of T lymphocytes requires both Ag-mediated signaling through the TCR as well as costimulatory signals transmitted through B7-1 and/or B7-2 with CD28. The interference of B7-mediated costimulatory signals has been proposed as one immunotherapeutic intervention for the prevention autoimmune disease. This study has examined autoantibody responses and autoimmune pathology in a murine model of human systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the MRL-lpr/lpr mouse, genetically deficient in B7-1 or B7-2, or in mice treated with B7-1/B7-2 blocking Abs. In contrast to other studies of murine models of SLE, MRL-lpr/lpr mice treated with B7 blocking Abs exhibit strong anti-small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) and anti-DNA autoantibody responses with some changes in isotype switching as compared with untreated animals. All MRL-lpr/lpr mice deficient in B7-1 or B7-2 produce anti-snRNP and anti-DNA titers with isotypes virtually identical with wild-type animals. However, the absence of B7-2 costimulation did interfere with the spontaneous activation and the accumulation of memory CD4+ or CD8+ T lymphocytes characteristic of wild-type MRL-lpr/lpr mice. IgG and C3 complement deposition was less pronounced in the kidneys of B7-2 deficient MRL-lpr/lpr mice, reflecting their lessor degree of glomerulonephritis. By comparison, B7-1-deficient MRL-lpr/lpr mice had more severe IgG and C3 deposits in glomeruli.
New Immunologic Relationships of Australia Antigen 1

Human variation in response to disease, and in the development of disease has been the theme of our research program. It led to the discovery of Australia antigen (Au[l]) which appears to be a v i r u s similar or identical t o the v i r u s which can cause hepatitis. We have continued t o pursue our interest in this area, with studies of the immunologic responses of individuals who develop Au( 1) persistently, with minimal or no clinical evidence of hepatitis. Persistent serum Au(1) occurs in patients with subacute and chronic hepatitis, and in up to 20% of apparently normal people in some tropical populations. It is also found in patients with lymphocytic leukemia, Hodgkin’s disease, Down’s syndrome (D S), lepromatous leprosy, and chronic renal disease. Persistent infection with Au(l), as a prototype of susceptibility to persistence, has been extensively studied in patients with DS. In this report, we describe immunologic differences observed in D S patients, particularly in relation to institutionalization, including humoral immunoglobulin response and lymphocyte responses related t o cellular immunity. We will also present data indicating differences in Au(1) itself when obtained from various sources, and differences in human antibody specificities among individuals.
Is dexmedetomidine better than propofol and fentanyl combination in minor day care procedures? A prospective randomised double-blind study

Background and Aims: The growing popularity and trend of day care (ambulatory) anaesthesia has led to the development of newer and efficient drug regimen. We decided to evaluate the efficacy of two drug regimens namely dexmedetomidine and propofol with midazolam and fentanyl for moderate sedation characteristics in minor surgical procedures in terms of analgesia, intra-operative sedation, haemodynamic stability and side effects related. Methods: Totally, 60 adult American Society of Anaesthesiologists class I-II patients posted for day care surgeries of duration <45 min divided into two groups; Group D, where dexmedetomidine loading dose at 1 μg/kg was administered over 10 min followed by maintenance infusion initiated at 0.6 μg/kg/h and titrated to achieve desired clinical effect with dose ranging from 0.2 to 0.7 μg/kg, Group P, where midazolam at 0.02 mg/kg and fentanyl at 2 μg/kg IV boluses were given followed by propofol infusion. Statistical analysis was done using student t-test, analysis of variance and Chi-square analysis. P < 0.05 was considered to be significant. Results: Degree of sedation (Observer′s Assessment of Activity and Sedation Scale ≤3) was comparable in both groups (P > 0.05). Rescue analgesia with fentanyl was needed in 30% patients of Group D compared to 17.63% patients of Group P (P < 0.05). The level of arousal was faster and better in Group D at 5 min after the procedure (P < 0.05). Haemodynamics were stable in Group D as with Group P patients (P < 0.005). Dry mouth reported by 16.67% patients. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine can be a useful adjuvant rather than the sole sedative-analgesic agent during minor surgeries and be a valuable alternative to propofol in terms of moderate sedation, haemodynamic stability with minimal transient side effects.
High definition TV: its history and perspective

The author presents a historical review of the introduction of the modern advanced television systems (ATV) such as HDTV and EDTV (high-definition and enhanced-definition TV). Particular attention is given to the system of the Japanese Broadcasting Company (NHK), international polemics on HDTV, and future prospects in this area (with emphasis on the Brazilian situation). <<ETX>>
Microfinance Institutions in Nigeria: Policy, Practice and Potentials

This study examines the outreach performance of microfinance institutions (MFIs) in Nigeria, based on a survey of ten major MFIs. The findings indicate that the operations of MFIs have grown phenomenally in the last ten years, driven lagely by expanding informal sector activities and the relucance of banks to fund the emerging micro enterprises. The financial services provided by the MFIs have neither been given any publicity nor captured explicitly in the official financial statistics. The study also reveals that the sub sector faces a number of challenges which have been addressed in this paper. They include the urgent need to approve and implement a policy framework that would regulate and standardise MFI operations; accessing medium to long term sustainable commercial sources of fund, such as SMIEIES and DFI funds and increased mobilisation of savings; and shifting a good proportion of credit portfolio to the promotion of real sector activities, especially in agricultural and manufacturing.
Cardiovascular Effects of Tobacco emodynamic and Autonomic Effects of mokeless Tobacco in Healthy Young Men

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate the acute hemodynamic and autonomic effects of smokeless tobacco. BACKGROUND Smokeless tobacco use is increasing. Its cardiovascular effects are not well understood. METHODS Sixteen healthy, male, habitual snuff tobacco users (aged 22 1 year) were studied, using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design with two separate experimental sessions: placebo and tobacco. Muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), electrocardiogram, blood pressure, calf blood flow, nicotine, and catecholamines were measured. RESULTS Snuff tobacco increased plasma nicotine from 2.8 0.5 ng/ml to 10.4 1.1 ng/ml. Mean blood pressure increased by 10 1 mm Hg, and heart rate increased by 16 2 beats/min. Peripheral vascular resistance, MSNA, and norepinephrine concentration did not change with tobacco, but epinephrine increased by 50%. CONCLUSIONS Oral snuff tobacco increases heart rate, blood pressure, and epinephrine. Despite the increase in blood pressure, there is no decrease in either MSNA or peripheral vascular resistance. Smokeless tobacco is a powerful autonomic and hemodynamic stimulus. Catecholamine release from the adrenal medulla likely contributes to this response. (J Am Coll Cardiol ublished by Elsevier Inc. doi:10.1016/j.jacc. 2004.11. 056
Sugammadex in clinical practice

The availability of sugammadex allows greater flexibility in the use of rocuronium and vecuronium during anaesthesia and surgery. The neuromuscular block induced by both drugs can be reversed from both superficial and deep levels of block by adjusting the dose of sugammadex. The dose of sugammadex for reversal of shallow block produced by these neuromuscular blocking drugs is approximately 2 mg.kg−1 and for deep block the dose is 4 mg.kg−1. A larger dose of sugammadex (16 mg.kg−1) administered 3 min after the neuromuscular blocking drug allows rapid reversal of a neuromuscular block induced by 1–1.2 mg.kg−1 of rocuronium, thereby raising the possibility of using rocuronium as a replacement for suxamethonium. The use of sugammadex has not been reported to be associated with recurrence of block provided a dose that is adequate for reversal has been used. Sugammadex appears to have an acceptable safety profile. There are no requirements for dose adjustment for age or the use of potent volatile anaesthetic agents.
On spectral and time domain energy reallocation for speech-in-noise intelligibility enhancement

This paper addresses the problem of increasing speech-in-noise intelligibility under the constraint of energy preservation. Two recently proposed algorithms which have been shown to be very successful in this problem according to two large formal listening tests are reviewed and a hybrid system which combines the properties of the two methods is suggested. The ﬁrst technique, which is a frequency domain approach, is re-implemented providing clariﬁcations on its energy reallocation strategy. Based on objective measures well correlated with human perception, we show that our implementation performs similarly to the original approach. Moreover, this is combined with a dynamic range compression algorithm from the second method to allow reallocation of energy over time as well. Experiments with speech shaped noise (SSN) and competing speaker (CS) noise maskers at various SNRs indicate that the hybrid system outperforms the individual algorithms in terms of intel-ligibility scores.
Child Benefits Levels in 2003 and Beyond: Australia, Canada, the UK and the US

Australia, Canada, the UK and the US all have programs providing cash benefits specifically for families with children. Over the last several years, Australia, Canada and the US have administered these programs through the income tax system. In July 2003, the UK will implement a new system of child-related benefits, also administered through the tax system. The child benefit programs in these four countries are similar enough to permit detailed comparisons of their structures and their rates, which is the purpose of this paper. The programs analyzed in this paper are listed below and are described in detail in Benefits for Children: A Four Country Study [Mendelson and Battle 2001]: • Australia – Family Tax Benefit Parts A and B (as of 2003) • Canada – Canada Child Tax Benefit (as of July 2003 and as planned for July 2007) • UK – Child Tax Credit and universal Child Benefit (as planned for July 2003 introduction) • US – Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and federal tax preferences for
Aging: Impact, Characteristics and Solutions

In case of forthcoming population aging situation,we must fully complement the concept of scientific development in undertaking the sustainable development so as to probe the Chinese style countermeasures to the aging problems.The pension programs should be set up both in the urban and in the rural areas,in which the peasants workers should be taken into consideration.The household should play a main role in taking care of the elderly,while the health education and disease control also take a part by using Chinese medicine.The aged population relevant service industry must be promoted.The retirement age limit should be accordingly renewed upwards.The birth policy that will curb the aging speed should studied in advance.
Tailored immunity by skin antigen-presenting cells

Skin vaccination aims at targeting epidermal and dermal antigen-presenting cells (APCs), indeed many subsets of different origin endowed with various functions populate the skin. The idea that the skin could represent a particularly potent site to induce adaptive and protective immune response emerged after the success of vaccinia virus vaccination by skin scarification. Recent advances have shown that multiple subsets of APCs coexist in the skin and participate in immunity to infectious diseases. Induction of an adaptive immune response depends on the initial recognition and capture of antigens by skin APCs and their transport to lymphoid organs. Innovative strategies of vaccination have thus been developed to target skin APCs for tailored immunity, hence this review will discuss recent insights into skin APC subsets characterization and how they can shape adaptive immune responses.
The Evaluation of Horticultural Extension in Hanover Region of Germany

All over the world, one of the main purposes of extension is to increase the level of living standards of the rural people through informal education. In Germany, the Ministry of Agriculture, Chamber of Agriculture, and private extension institutions are responsible for agricultural extension services. Out of the some states, the private extension sector is developing rapidly but it is not alternative to the current extension system in the country. In Hanover Region of Lower Saxony State, The Chamber of Agriculture plays a significant role and functions critically in terms of organisation of the horticultural extension. The purpose of this paper is to examine the extension activities implemented by the Agricultural Chamber for horticulture sector in Hanover Region of Lower Saxony State of Germany. In the study, it is determined that the Chamber is the main actor and plays an important role in extension for horticultural sector in the region.
Service Quality: The Cornerstone of Customer-Centric Retail Strategy for Supermarket Retailers in India

The Supermarket retailers in India are on a rollercoaster ride with competition intensifying in the industry and a plethora of retail strategies making their roads to success even more complicated. In this day and age of increasing retail competition, though competitive advantage seems to be the only way out, choice of appropriate retail strategy has become an daunting task. The objective of this paper is to develop a conceptual framework on various strategic alternatives available to supermarket retailers in India and facilitate them to choose the best strategies to ride on. This paper draws heavily from existing literature on retail strategies and competitive advantage. Having analyzed the non-applicability of the competitor-centric retail strategy in Indian supermarkets, the research proposes the application of customer-centric retail strategy for enabling supermarket retailers in India attain competitive advantage. Adding strength to the research is the result derived from interviews of supermarket managers and customers; and also of a pilot study . The work involves identification of research constructs and hypothesis for the proposed framework. The framework also contributes heavily to literature on competitive advantage by emphasizing on effective customer-centric strategies and specific performance outcomes that supermarket retailers could be enjoying riding on these strategies.
A hardware algorithm for computing reciprocal square root

A hardware algorithm for computing the reciprocal square root which appears frequently in multimedia and graphics applications is proposed. The reciprocal square root is computed by iteration of carry-propagation-free additions, shifts, and multiplications by one digit. Different specific versions of the algorithm are possible, depending on the radix, the redundancy factor of the digit set, etc. Each version of the algorithm can be implemented as a sequential (folded) circuit or a combinational (unfolded) circuit, which has a regular array structure suitable for VLSI.
Export Intensity and Input Trade Costs: Evidence from Chinese Firms

How do reductions in input trade costs affect firm's sales decision between domestic and foreign markets? Aside from tariffs cut in ordinary imports over time, a large extent of firms engaged in duty-free processing trade also experienced a decline in input trade cost. Accordingly, the imported input tariffs reduction (or exemption) introduces firms to access more imported intermediate inputs and then export a larger proportion of final products since, compared to goods for domestic sales, exporting goods use higher-quality imported intermediate inputs. By using Chinese firm-level production data and transaction-level trade data during 2000-2006 to construct firm-specific input trade costs, we find rich evidence that a reduction in input trade cost for large trading firms leads to an increase in export intensity (i.e., exports over total sales). Such results are robust to different empirical specification and econometric methods.