Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ultrastructural analysis of choline acetyltransferase‐immunoreactive sympathetic preganglionic neurons and their dendritic bundles in rat thoracic spinal cord

We have used a monoclonal antibody against choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) to aid in the identification of sympathetic preganglionic neurons (SPNs) and to examine their ultrastructure in rat thoracic spinal cord. The clusters of ChAT‐immumnoreactive (ChAT‐IR) preganglionic cell bodies and their distinctive bundles of dendrites give rise to a ladder‐like appearance in horizontal light microscopic sections. This organization also produced a characteristic appearance of preganglionic neuropil when viewed electron microscopically. The intermediolateral (IML) nucleus contained numerous rostrocaudally oriented ChAT‐IR dendrites extended between the IML and the central autonomic region. Both the ChAT‐IR dendrites and somata of preganglionic neurons were intimately associated with astroglial processes. The cell bodies were typically covered over a large proportion of their surfacce by a thin astrocytic sheath, and this was associated with a paucity of axon terminals forming axosomatic synapses. Instead, the vast majority of synapses upon SPNs were of the axodendritic type. The most frequently observed type of axon terminal contained numerous round, clear vesicles along with several dense‐core vesicles (DCVs). In addition, some boutons contained a predominance of DCVs. Serial section analysis revealed that these apparently diverse morphological classes of synaptic boutons may simple represent variability of structure throughout a single terminal, with a greater proportion of DCVs being located distal to the synaptic specialization and a greater number of round, clear vesicles being present adjacent to the synapse. Analysis of the dendritic bundles revealed that individual dendrites, like the cell bodies, were often isolated from each other and the surrounding neuropil by astrocytic processes. This arrangement usually was interrupted only at regions of synaptic contact where astrocytic processes surrounded the synaptic complex as a whole. Thus, astroglial ensheathment of SPNs seems designed to minimize cross‐talk between the bundled dendrites, as well as to isolate or segregate the diverse afferent inputs known to impinge on these cells.
Strategic alliance announcements and new venture stock market returns: signaling and resource-based perspectives on the effects of partner firm, new venture firm, and alliance characteristics

Strategic Alliance Announcements and New Venture Stock Market Returns: Signaling and Resource-based Perspectives on the Effects of Partner Firm, New Venture Firm, and Alliance Characteristics. (December 2008) R. Michael Holmes Jr., B.S., University of Alabama Co-Chairs of Advisory Committee: Dr. Michael A. Hitt Dr. R. Duane Ireland Firms form marketing and technology alliances to access other firms’ resources, and these alliances act as signals to investors. Investors use these signals to adjust expectations about new venture performance prospects, but our understanding of investor responses is incomplete because limited research examines them as a function of factors other than the alliance announcements. To better understand alliances as signals, we must incorporate factors influencing the resources alliances make available. Thus, my research question is as follows: To what extent do partner firm, focal firm, and alliance characteristics provide signals to investors about the resources alliances make accessible? My theory integrates signaling theory and resource-based theory on strategic alliances, and an event study is used to analyze investor responses to alliances formed by high technology new ventures recently having undergone initial public offerings. The findings provide evidence both in support and in contradiction to signaling theory and resource-based theory on strategic alliances. For example, signaling theory logic suggests both that the visibility and prestige of large partners and that the
Evaluation of a workplace brief intervention for excessive alcohol consumption: the workscreen project.

BACKGROUND The workplace provides a useful setting for early identification and intervention with individuals who have unhealthy lifestyles. The objective was to evaluate the effects of a workplace-based lifestyle intervention (Workscreen) to reduce excessive drinking. METHOD There were eight Australia Post networks randomly allocated to experimental and control conditions, comprising 67 worksites and 1206 employees. The experimental condition involved a broad spectrum lifestyle campaign, incorporating support from management, employee awareness of health, and brief interventions for high-risk behaviors, including excessive alcohol use. Focus groups identified relevant cultural factors. Changes in workplace culture and employee behavior were assessed 10 months after baseline. Males and females were analyzed separately. RESULTS Over half of APOST employees participated at each screening point. In the experimental condition 61% of employees overall and 58% of those identified as excessive drinkers in Phase 1 responded to the lifestyle campaign by attending health assessments. Analyses focusing on the organization as a whole did not reveal significant reductions in excessive alcohol consumption among men or women. However, a significant reduction in number of drinks was observed in the experimental condition among women for whom completion of baseline and follow-up could be confirmed (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The present study indicates that a workplace-based lifestyle campaign can assist self-selected employees in reducing their alcohol consumption. There was a moderately high level of participation among those identified as drinking excessively, which supports our approach of embedding a low-intensity alcohol program within the context of a broader health promotion campaign.
Correlated conformational fluctuations during enzymatic catalysis: Implications for catalytic rate enhancement

Correlated enzymatic conformational fluctuations are shown to contribute to the rate of enhancement achieved during catalysis. Cytidine deaminase serves as a model system. Crystallographic temperature factor data for this enzyme complexed with substrate analog, transition‐state analog, and product are available, thereby establishing a measure of atomic scale conformational fluctuations along the (approximate) reaction coordinate. First, a neural network‐based algorithm is used to visualize the decreased conformational fluctuations at the transition state. Second, a dynamic diffusion equation along the reaction coordinate is solved and shows that the flux velocity through the associated enzymatic conformation space is greatest at the transition state. These results suggest (1) that there are both dynamic and energetic restrictions to conformational fluctuations at the transition state, (2) that enzymatic catalysis occurs on a fluctuating potential energy surface, and (3) a form for the potential energy. The Michaelis‐Menten equations are modified to describe catalysis on this fluctuating potential energy profile, leading to enhanced catalytic rates when fluctuations along the reaction coordinate are appropriately correlated. This represents a dynamic tuning of the enzyme for maximally effective transformation of the ES complex into EP.
Pilot study of the effectiveness of weighted vests.

OBJECTIVE In this pilot study, we determined the effectiveness of a weighted vest on attention to task for second-grade general education students with difficulty attending. METHOD We used an intervention and a control group and an ABA design to compare participants' percentage of time on task with and without a vest. Ten participants from nine elementary schools in a suburban Texas school district were randomly assigned to an intervention or a control group. Control group participants wore a nonweighted vest. Participants, classroom teachers, and research assistants who coded the data were blind as to the group to which the participants were assigned. RESULTS A repeated measures analysis of variance indicated no significant differences between groups or between baseline, intervention, and withdrawal conditions. CONCLUSION Our results indicated that the weighted vests were not effective in increasing time on task. These results should be generalized cautiously owing to the small sample size and participant selection process.
VALUE MEASUREMENT AND DISCLOSURES IN FAIR VALUE ACCOUNTING

Value measurement and disclosures in accounting is further effort and method to objectively determine quality of financial reporting which have continued for many decades. Quality characteristics are the bedrock on which accounting theories are formulated, since it is important to prepare and present financial statement with a view to meeting its objectives. Although, this study is literature approach, having explored rationale for fair value accounting, IFRS 13 sets out a framework for measuring fair value; and requires disclosures about fair value measurements. To increase consistency and comparability in fair value measurements and related disclosures, the IFRS 13 establishes a fair value hierarchy that categorizes into three levels the inputs to valuation techniques. The process of valuing an instrument to its fair value depends on how easy it is to determine a price for that instrument. Since fair value is the price at which a willing buyer and seller agree to trade, finding the right price is important to valuation.
Testing Black-Box SDN Applications with Formal Behavior Models

The programmability of Software-Defined Networking (SDN) challenges the correctness and reliability of networks. There may be design flaws as well as implementation bugs in SDN applications. White-box testing methods with formal models rely on source codes, which limits the applicability of these methods. Black-box methods without behavior models cannot systematically cover an application's functions. Most previous work has mainly focused on design flaws and has ignored implementation bugs. In this paper, we propose a new black-box test framework to detect both design flaws and implementation bugs. Following this test framework, we propose a new model, Information Table Extended State Machine (IT-EFSM), combining a group of parallel state machines and an abstract topology to specify the SDN applications. We employ a model checking tool to generate tests against design flaws and propose a test generation based on partial composition, symmetry simplification on the topology and topology simulated execution to expose implementation bugs. The experimental results of the testing process demonstrate the effectiveness and applicability of our method.
Constraints Facing New and Existing Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in Greater Accra Region of GHANA

This study investigated the constraints facing new and existing Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in Greater Accra Region of Ghana. The study used semi-structured questionnaires to collect data from management members of 30 new SMEs and 40 existing SMEs. Descriptive statistics such as pie chart, bar chart, frequency tables and percentages where used to present the results o f the data. The study identified high cost of renting premises, as the commonest constraint facing new SMEs. Meanwhile, low income is the commonest constriant that affects existing SMEs. This study recommends that government should regulate the amount of rent charged by shop owners. New SMEs should contact existing SMEs so as to adopt the coping strategies that they are using to succeed in spite of the numerous constraints identified. Additionally, the formation of business associations should be intensifi ed to help give credit to the member SMEs to expand their business .
An exploration of a proposed balanced decision model for the selection of Enterprise Resource Planning Systems

The selection of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems requires a complex series of decisions. These decisions are influenced and informed by a number of factors. In this paper, we explore the consideration given to the core factors used in ERP selection decision making. A balanced decision making model is proposed that provides an explanation of organisational outcomes from decisions based on the interactions among core factors, context and environmental factors, and organisational structures. It is proposed that decisions that lead to good organisational outcomes have a balance of elements where no particular factor is given undue emphasis. In this study, the balanced model is used to analyse the organisational outcomes from a case study involving the selection of an Enterprise Resource Planning System at an academic institution. It is proposed that the model may assist decision makers in understanding the core factors and influences that affect their ERP selection decisions.
Prediction of dry matter intake in lactating Holstein dairy cows offered high levels of concentrate

Rim, J. S. , Lee, S. R. , Cho, Y. S. , Kim, E. J., Kim, J. S. , Ha, J. K. (2008). Prediction of dry matter intake in lactating Holstein dairy cows offered high levels of concentrate. Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences, 21, (5), 677-684.
Collaborating for success: managerial perspectives on co-branding strategies in the fashion industry

Abstract This article investigates the nature of co-branded relationships within the fashion industry. Existing co-branding literature focuses heavily on consumer evaluations, and many studies explore FMCG and electronics markets, within which ingredient co-branding is common. When two brands from the fashion industry collaborate, both brands exist independently and do not rely on ‘ingredients’ for developing a new product and, therefore, presenting an opportunity for exploring the drivers and types of relationships that could exist. This study adopts an interpretive method of investigation using in-depth interviews with brand managers. Findings provide empirical support for value creation through different relationship levels (such as brand/awareness co-branding, values endorsement and complementary competence co-branding) while highlighting some challenges and risks for co-branding in practice. This article discusses implications for theory development and practice and highlights avenues for future research.
A Scalable Ensemble Architecture for Collaborative Filtering in Recommender Systems

Matrix decomposition methods are extensively used for Collaborative Filtering in Recommender Systems. This research work investigates the effectiveness of various Matrix decomposition methods for Collaborative Filtering (CF) to predict recommendations. There is a tradeoff between the scalability and quality of predictions; Recommendations made by Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) based algorithms are of high quality but matrix decomposition based on SVD is associated with high computational cost and also requires large memory space. Low-rank approximation methods like CUR, CMD and Colibri are much faster than SVD but compromises on the quality of predictions. The authors propose ensemble approach to each of these matrix approximation methods combined with SVD++ to improve the accuracy while maintaining the scalability. Extensive experimentation is done on MovieLens datasets and the results are in support of the authors claim.
REGULATIONS ON FRAUD AUDIT IN PUBLICLY-HELD COMPANIES: A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE TURKISH AND US CAPITAL MARKETS

Financial statements that represent the financial and operational results of a business are the main sources when taking an investment, credit or another decision about that business. If the financial statements do not reflect the real scene, any decisions taken by anyone will be ineffective and factors will be allocated inefficiently. It is needless to say that right decisions depend on relevant, understandable and reliable financial statements. But the high profile accounting and auditing scandals experienced particularly in the 2000s cost a great deal of money and broke the reliability of financial information. This scene addresses countries to make new regulations and/or develop existing ones including International Accounting and Financial Reporting Standards (IAS/IFRS), International Standards on Auditing (ISA), and International Standard on Review Engagements (ISRE) in order to increase the reliability. The aim of this study is to clarify fraud concept and compare the regulations on fraud audit in publicly-held companies in the Turkish and US Capital Markets.
Management Of Banking System Liquidity In The Czech Republic

Implementation of monetary policy assumes that monetary policy instruments stabilize O/N interest rates to the proximity of main policy rate to achieve monetary targets. The function of stabilizing mechanism is based on simple rule that the volume of liquidity in the banking system is held in line with the demand of banks for reserves. In this paper main factors of banking system liquidity are analyzed in the context of bank’s imperfect intertemporal substitution of reserves and with respect to predictibility of O/N interest rates volatility. Analysis of O/N PRIBOR and CZEONIA reference interest rates prove Czech National Bank’s ability to stabilise O/N interest rates disregard overall excess liquidity in the banking system. It also identified structural changes acting in the money market like reduced instability of demand for reserve and decreased volatility of O/N interest rates due to intdroduction of credit facility or increased volatility of the spread between O/N interest rates and repo rate due to reduction of frequency of repo tenders. Rapid increase in the volatility of differences between OMO target and bank’s supply of excess reserves is also resulting in the weakening of a direct relationship between O/N PRIBOR dynamics and repo tenders.
Strategic determinants of decisions not to settle patent litigation

Settlement outcomes in patent litigation are modeled as resulting from strategies pursued by firms with their patented technologies. Hypotheses are derived for two types of influences: the use of patents as isolating mechanisms to protect valuable strategic stakes, and their ‘defensive’ role in obtaining access to external technologies through mutual hold‐up. Parameter estimates from a sample selection probit model provide support for the strategic stakes hypotheses, while the evidence for mutual hold‐up is inconclusive. Interindustry comparisons show that nonsettlement of patent suits in both research medicines and computers is increased by strategic stakes and, in addition, mutual hold‐up appears to play an important role in computer patent suits. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of overload training on velocity and accuracy of throwing.

Abstract Twenty-one male freshmen baseball players at the University of Maryland were randomly placed in three groups of equal size. Two groups supplemented a baseball throwing program by specific overload training. One group threw weighted baseballs while the other used a pulley device to resist the mechanics of throwing. Training was carried out for a 6-week period. Both training groups experienced significant within-group increases in throwing velocity as a result of training, with no significant change in accuracy. However, no significant difference was indicated among training groups and a control group.
A review of atypical antipsychotic drugs versus conventional medication in schizophrenia

Atypical antipsychotics are replacing conventional antipsychotics for the treatment of schizophrenia. They are considered to be at least as effective as conventional agents, with most producing fewer extrapyramidal symptoms. This review presents the evidence from published meta-analyses and describes differences in clinical effectiveness and tolerability between conventional and atypical antipsychotic agents. In addition, it discusses some of the more significant adverse effects including tardive dyskinesia, weight gain, diabetes and sudden death. Results from meta-analyses are conflicting, with some finding no significant advantages on measures of efficacy or tolerability for atypical antipsychotics over moderate daily doses of conventional drugs. Other results have shown that some atypical drugs have at least minor efficacy advantages over conventional comparators. Atypical antipsychotics exhibit a much reduced risk for tardive dyskinesia compared with conventional drugs. However, weight gain is more common with some atypical drugs (especially clozapine and olanzapine). Both conventional and atypical antipsychotics have been associated with diabetes, with most reports implicating both clozapine and olanzapine. Finally, atypical antipsychotics (unlike conventional drugs) have little or no effect on QT and are not associated with sudden death.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, AUDIT EVIDENCE AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF AN ORGANIZATION

Financial information is expected to inform its stakeholders about an organization concerning the best objective decision making options. Most financial statements appear misleading occasioned by inappropriate application of discretionary accruals which falsify financial information. It is on this note that the research was carried out to further investigate the assertion. The research design adopted seventy (70) manufacturing companies contained in the stock exchange fact book of 2013 . The basis of this selection was on companies industrial output on yearly ratings by Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (MAN). The period of study covered seven years i.e. 2007 to 2013. In the Nigerian Stock Exchange Calendar, 2007 marked the end of the period of boom in stock trading after which the stock market experienced a near collapse in the stock prices to date. Findings revealed that the combination of electronic and manual sources of evidence complemented by the audit committee oversight function have positive significant effects on the financial performance of companies. Specifically, audit committee was found to have significant impact on financial performance of the entities via effective corporate governance. In particular, boards of firms that have functional and effective audit committee appear to have effectively oversee the financial transactions of the firms, and managers generally agree to comply with the board directives as prescribed. The evidence confirmed that audit committee, when constituted mostly of independent or non-executive directors, have a restraining effect on unauthorized actions of executive managers. It was concluded that the complementary role of IT, audit evidence and audit committee, ensure effective financial disclosure and by extension the financial position of an organization. It was therefore recommended that to ensure credibility of financial statement performance, the application of IT, audit evidence and the contribution of the audit committee be handled professionally. These should also be disclosed appropriately in the financial statement.