Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Investing in technology ventures: what do business angels look for at the initial screening stage?

Many businesses fail to raise external equity finance because they are not “investment ready. ” One of the key aspects of being investment ready is the ability to effectively present their opportunity to investors. This paper examines the role of impression management skills on investor decisions by means of a case study of a presentation by an entrepreneur who was seeking funding for a software venture. The real-time reactions of business angels who watched the presentation on video were captured. Presentation-related issues dominated their reactions. Most investors were critical of the style, content and structure of the presentation. The failure of the entrepreneur to “sell” the opportunity raised doubts in the minds of investors about the ability of the company to sell their product. The implication is that entrepreneurs to develop their impression management skills so that potential investors draw the preferred conclusions. Policy-makers should consider developing initiatives to help entrepreneurs overcome these deficiencies.
Values, beliefs, and attitudes technical guide for Forest Service land and resource management, planning, and decision-making

In recent years, the Forest Service and the public have placed increasing priority on making sure that management of public lands takes into account the needs of nearby communities, regional residents, national residents, and even members of the public who may not currently visit public lands. As awareness and commitment to this wide range of stakeholders grows, so does the need for forest managers and planners to understand the dynamic linkages among the forest, surrounding communities, and other stakeholders, including the national public. Knowing about public values, beliefs, and attitudes (VBAs) relevant to public land management is one foundation for understanding these linkages. Managers and planners aware of the systematic differences in values, beliefs, and attitudes held by the public and stakeholder groups are in a better position to define resource issues, develop alternative ways of addressing them, assess their social and cultural impacts, identify acceptable management measures, and monitor the results. The VBA technical guide is designed to acquaint Forest Service staff and line officers with the concepts of values, beliefs, and attitudes; to demonstrate ways in which VBAs and associated concepts can be measured and analyzed; and to suggest methods for applying VBA information to decisions about projects and plans.
A direct manipulation interface for time navigation in scientific visualizations

Scientific visualization tools are applied to gain understanding of time-varying simulations. When these simulations have a high temporal resolution or simulate a long time span, efficient navigation in the temporal dimension of the visualization is mandatory. For this purpose, we propose direct manipulation of visualization objects to control time. By dragging objects along their three-dimensional trajectory, a user can navigate in time by specifying spatial input. We propose two interaction techniques for different kinds of trajectories. In the design phase of these methods, we conducted expert evaluations. To show the benefits of the techniques, we compare them in a user study with the traditional slider-based interface.
Wnt5a: its signalling, functions and implication in diseases

Wnt5a is a representative ligand that activates the β‐catenin‐independent pathways. Because the β‐catenin‐independent pathway includes multiple signalling cascades in addition to the planar cell polarity and Ca2+ pathway, Wnt5a regulates a variety of cellular functions, such as proliferation, differentiation, migration, adhesion and polarity. Consistent with the multiple functions of Wnt5a signalling, Wnt5a knockout mice show various phenotypes, including an inability to extend the embryonic anterior–posterior and proximal–distal axes in outgrowth tissues. Thus, many important roles of Wnt5a in developmental processes have been demonstrated. Moreover, recent reports suggest that the postnatal abnormalities in the Wnt5a signalling are involved in various diseases, such as cancer, inflammatory diseases and metabolic disorders. Therefore, Wnt5a and its signalling pathways could be important targets for the diagnosis and therapy for human diseases.
Role of human DNA polymerase κ as an extender in translesion synthesis

Human DNA polymerase (Pol)κ is a member of the Y family of DNA polymerases. Unlike Polη, another member of this family, which carries out efficient translesion synthesis through various DNA lesions, the role of Polκ in lesion bypass has remained unclear. Recent studies, however, have indicated that Polκ is a proficient extender of mispaired primer termini on undamaged DNAs and also on cis-syn thymine-thymine (T-T) dimer-containing DNA. Here we determine whether Polκ can promote the efficient bypass of DNA lesions by extending from the nucleotides inserted opposite the lesion site by another DNA polymerase. From steady-state kinetic analyses, we find that Polκ is highly inefficient at incorporating nucleotides opposite an O6-methyl guanine (m6G) lesion, but it efficiently extends from the T or C nucleotide incorporated opposite this lesion by Polδ. Opposite an 8-oxoguanine (8-oxoG) lesion, Polκ efficiently inserts an A and then proficiently extends from it. Importantly, for both these DNA lesions, however, the most efficient bypass occurs when Polδ is combined with Polκ; in this reaction, Polκ performs the extension step after the incorporation of nucleotides opposite these lesion sites by Polδ. These studies reveal a role for Polκ in the extension phase of lesion bypass.
S.K. Livingston and the maggot therapy of wounds.

Stanton K. Livingston was the country's foremost authority on the maggot therapy of war wounds in the years following World War I. His contributions to the literature, including his methodology for raising flies and applying their maggots, are discussed. Prior to the antibiotic era, maggot therapy was the most effective means of promoting wound healing, and Livingston's research, albeit poorly reported by modern standards, was responsible for preserving the lives and limbs of hundreds of veterans.
An Explorative Study on Functional Upgrading and Export Development of Vietnam Wood Furniture Producers

The academic debate about whether developing country producers should involve in design and marketing functions through which developed country firms hold strong positions triggers research idea for this research. The research applies global value chain perspective to analyze the relationship between functional upgrading and firm's export development in the context of Vietnam wood furniture industry. It employs qualitative analysis methods including indepth interview, direct observation and case study analysis. The results from this research indicate the positive impact of functional upgrading on firm's export development and the combination of different functions in different value chains enables developing country firms to develop well in the long term. This paper suggests that firms should combine both transactional and relationship marketing approach.
Economic bases for a cooperative business in Slovenian agriculture

Slovenia’s agriculture is essential for the economic livelihood of rural areas as it continues to act in accordance with a market-oriented agriculture, which includes cooperative businesses structures. One solution for improving the marketing and profit margins for so many farm enterprises in Slovenia is the formation of a cooperative business. The cooperative form of business can serve both small and large producers by providing a business structure that can grade, process, sell, and distribute products with the best interests of member-patrons in mind. In other sectors of an economy, the impetus to gain economic efficiencies often leads to a horizontal expansion of the firm. Instead of expanding their business horizontally, farmers are sometimes motivated to form a cooperative in expectations of increased economic efficiencies from vertical expansion. Understanding the economic justifications for starting a cooperative business and the economic strategies that cooperatives can use to compete in the market to remain in business is an important prerequisite for making wise business decisions. Eight economic justifications for cooperative organization are provided for consideration which includes; market failure, economies of size, profits from another level, provide missing services, assure supplies or markets, gain from coordination, risk reduction, market power, the competitive yardstick.
Adhesion of Zearalenone to the Surface of Lactic Acid Bacteria Cells

Zearalenone is mycotoxin harmful to the health of humans and animals and is present in food and feed. Therefore, last few decades, great attention is paid to the development of biological detoxification methods with reference to the application of lactic acid bacteria in binding and removal of mycotoxins from food and feed. The aim of this work was to investigate the ability of lactic acid bacteria Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (ATCC 53103) and Lactobacillus plantarum A1 to bind zearalenone unto the cell surface. The results showed that Lactobacillus rhamnosus (GG ATCC 53103) and Lactobacillus plantarum A1 can bind significant concentration of zearalenone, depending on the bacteria concentration in the medium and the incubation time. However, with longer time of incubation part of bounded mycotoxins were released back into the medium which indicates that the reaction of adhesion of toxin to the bacterial cells is reversible. Determination of zearalenone concentration was performed by competitive ELISA test.
A study of Transferrin expression in comparison with Modified Scarff-Bloom Richardson's grading system in Breast carcinoma

Background & Objectives: Breast carcinoma is the most common malignancy in women worldwide and extensive researches have been made with development of many prognostic, predictive and theranostic markers. One of the powerful prognostic predictor in histology is Modified ScarffRichardson and Bloom grading system[MSBR] also known as Nottingham grading system by which tumours are classified as grade 1, 2 and 3. Transferrin is a potential marker for identification of dividing cells detected by routine immunohistochemistry. Its expression correlates with the cellular proliferation, being highest in rapidly dividing cells and much lower in resting and terminally differentiated cells. The aim of the study was to assess the proliferative status of the breast carcinomas with transferrin immunostaining and to compare and analyze the association with MSBR grading system for the assessment of prognosis. Materials & Methods: A total number of 40 randomly selected patients undergoing mastectomy were investigated. The tumours were categorized as Grade 1, 2 & 3 according to the MSBR grading system. The sections were also immunostained with monoclonal antibodies against transferrin and its intensity of expression was studied. The obtained results were statistically analyzed. Results & Interpretation: A strong statistically significant correlation was found between MSBR grading and transferrin expression. Conclusion: Staining pattern of transferrin is more of prognostic significance in breast tumors than diagnostic value and may facilitate the decision making process in the treatment of individual cases of carcinoma breast.
An investigation into the relationships between globalisation, firm structure, productivity and knowledge using UK firm-level data

This thesis is a micro-econometric investigation into the relationship between globalisation, productivity, knowledge and firm structure. It is composed of three main investigations using large panel datasets of UK firms. The datasets are created by combining the ARD, BERD, BSD. The AFDI is used to identify multinational status and FAME provides additional financial statistics. The first investigation aims to identify if differences exist between multinational and non-multinational firms in terms of productivity and knowledge and also if complementarities exist between internal and external knowledge. The data is analysed using a Cobb-Douglas production function including knowledge interaction terms with system GMM. The findings show that multinational firms are more productive than non-multinational firms and the main source of this arises from differences in the returns to capital. The study shows little evidence to support complementarities between internal and external knowledge. Secondly, it aims to understand the motivations behind firm restructuring events and if these motivations differ between foreign and UK-owned firms. This investigation uses a multinomial logit model to identify average characteristics of firms engaging in each type of event. The findings imply that managerial, synergistic and refocusing motivations for restructuring are present. Foreign firms may be motivated to engage in joining events by innovation synergies. The third aim is to determine the impact of firm restructuring events on productivity and innovation activity. The propensity score method is applied to obtain matched samples to estimate the treatment effect on the treated. The results show that restructuring events lead to an increase in productivity, but the findings for innovation activity are less conclusive.
Proton MR spectroscopy of the lumbar spine in patients with glycogen storage disease type Ib

Glycogen storage disease type Ib is an autosomal recessive inherited metabolic disorder resulting from deficiency of the microsomal glucose‐6‐phosphatase enzyme system. Six patients (three of which were treated with granulocyte colony stimulating factor) suffering from this disease were examined using image guided localized proton magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy. The relative signal intensities of water and lipid protons of the lumbar spine were determined. Comparison was made with iliac crest biopsies in the glycogen storage disease type Ib patients and localized proton MR spectroscopic values of the lumbar spine obtained by thirteen healthy volunteers. The data demonstrate for the first time that hypercellularity and myeloid hyperplasia in subjects with glycogen storage disease type Ib due to functionally impaired leucocytes results in a strongly increased water proton signal with a very low or absent lipid signal in localized proton MR spectroscopy. Upon granulocyte colony stimulating factor treatment, the water proton signal in the lumbar spine is not further augmented. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2001;14:757–762. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Validity of a V·O2max Prediction Equation of the 2-km Walk Test in Female Seniors

Walking is a useful exercise mode for most adults due to its general ease, acceptability, and safety. Therefore, many field tests based on performance in walking have been developed to predict V.O (2 max). Even if these tests are much easier to perform than laboratory tests, field tests have to be valid. The objective of the paper was to explore the accuracy and bias of a V.O (2 max) prediction equation of the 2-km Walk Test, in an active female senior group (n=18, mean age: 66.1+/-4.4). V.O (2 max) (l . min (-1)) was measured during cycle ergometry by direct gas analysis from a maximal test (step: 30 W, time: 2 min 30). V.O (2 max) related to body mass was then calculated (ml . min (-1) . kg (-1)). Subjects completed also the 2-km Walk Test (UKK Institute). V.O (2 max) (ml . min (-1) . kg (-1)) was then predicted from age, sex, body mass index, heart rate, and walking time measured during the 2-km Walk Test. Predicted V.O (2 max) and measured V.O (2 max) were highly correlated (r=0.63, p<0.01). Predicted V.O (2 max) (20.5+/-6.1 ml . min (-1) . kg (-1)) was not significantly different from measured V.O (2 max) (18.7+/-3.4 ml . min (-1) . kg (-1)). Prediction equation bias with its 95 % limits of agreement was - 1.8+/-4.8 ml . min (-1) . kg (-1) with a coefficient of variation of 24.2 %. In an active female senior population, the 2-km Walk Test offers a fairly accurate V.O (2 max) prediction. The training and learning effects can be neglected because when the test was repeated no significant bias was observed between the two trials.
In vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy of human brain tumors

In vivo nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a rapidly developing, noninvasive analytical technique that allows sequential studies of brain tumor metabolism. It can be implemented on most conventional high-field magnetic resonance imaging scanners. In animal tumor models. NMR spectroscopy has been used extensively to characterize the metabolic changes associated with tumor growth and response to therapy. Preliminary data in humans indicate the feasibility of recording phosphorus and proton spectra from focal lesions within the brain. It is hoped that the technique will provide useful prognostic information in terms of tumor growth behavior and prediction and detection of response to therapy. However, the technique suffers from relatively coarse spatial resolution, and the methodology is still under development. More studies with larger patient groups are required before the clinical utility of the technique can be fully evaluated.
Significance of Brettanomyces and Dekkera during winemaking: a synoptic review.

Wine comprises a complex microbial ecology of opportunistic microorganisms, some of which could potentially induce spoilage and result in consequent economic losses under uncontrolled conditions. Yeasts of the genus Brettanomyces, or its teleomorph Dekkera, have been indicated to affect the chemical composition of the must and wine by producing various metabolites that are detrimental to the organoleptic properties of the final product. These yeasts can persist throughout the harsh winemaking process and have in recent years become a major oenological concern worldwide. This literature review summarises the main research focus areas on yeasts of the genera Brettanomyces and Dekkera in wine. Specific attention is given to the spoilage compounds produced, the methods of detection and isolation from the winemaking environment and the factors for controlling and managing Brettanomyces spoilage.
Divergent regulation of GAP‐43 expression and CNS neurite outgrowth by cyclic AMP

Robust process outgrowth and high expression of the growth‐associated protein GAP‐43 seem to be intrinsic features of neurons, but both are down‐regulated after axonal contact of target cells. We report that chronic exposure of the serotonergic CNS cell line RN46A to cyclic AMP analogs, forskolin, or cholera toxin represses GAP‐43 expression in a dose dependent manner. Thus, cAMP could mediate a GAP‐43 repressive signal that is initiated extracellularly. Activation of the cyclic AMP pathway by these same reagents, however, enhances the rate that RN46A cells extend neurites. This stimulation of neurite growth can occur during inhibition of new transcription, and in the absence of high levels of GAP‐43. These findings demonstrate that a GAP‐43‐repressing intracellular signaling pathway exists, that repression of GAP‐43 expression by cAMP is not directly coupled to inhibition of neurite growth, and that acceleration of growth cone advancement by cAMP is not dependent on the presence of GAP‐43. J. Neurosci. Res. 61:626–635, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Investor Protection Mechanism and IPO Valuation on the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange

August 2002 Abstract In this paper, two important features of the IPO market in Malaysia since the mid-1990s are examined. The first relates to IPO profit guarantee, an exotic mechanism introduced in 1995 to moderate the power of the controlling shareholders to oppress the minority shareholders. The second relates to the regulatory shift from merit-based regulation to disclosure-based regulation in 1996 when the IPO regulator no longer intervened in the IPO price setting mechanism. The paper examines the valuation impact of IPO profit guarantee as an investor protection tool, and the structural changes in IPO pricing for the period before and after deregulation. The evidence points to the paradoxical role of the IPO profit guarantees. Prior to the Asian financial crisis in the third quarter of 1997, investors are willing to pay more for the IPO shares the more the controlling shareholders guaranteed the forecasted profits, consistent with La Porta, Lopez-De-Silanes, Shleifer and Vishny (2002). However i n the aftermath of the crisis, IPO profit guarantees no longer affect IPO valuation. The evidence also lends support to Habib and Ljungqvist (2001) entrepreneurial wealth losses minimisation hypothesis whereby when IPO entrepreneurs are given the freedom to set the IPO price, they take into consideration their IPO participation ratio in arriving at the IPO offer price.
Plasma Homocysteine Levels in Patients With Normal Tension Glaucoma

PurposeTo investigate whether there is an association of elevated plasma levels of homocysteine (Hcy) and normal tension glaucoma (NTG). Patients and MethodsPlasma levels of Hcy (fluorescence polarization immunoassay), vitamin B6 (high-performance liquid chromatography), vitamin B12, and folate levels (immunoassay) were determined in 42 patients with NTG and in 42 age-matched and sex-matched controls. ResultsNo significant difference regarding Hcy (NTG: 10.95 &mgr;mol/L±2.65; controls: 11.29 &mgr;mol/L±2.76) (P=0.639), vitamin B6 (NTG: 14.45 ng/mL±12.89; controls: 13.57 ng/mL±10.41) (P=0.629), vitamin B12 (NTG: 387.73 pg/mL±282.04; controls: 423.27 pg/mL±188.85) (P=0.052) and folate (NTG: 9.45ng/mL±3.42; controls: 10.82 ng/mL±4.48) (P=0.181) levels were found between both groups. ConclusionsAn association of elevated Hcy levels and NTG was not found and therefore a role of Hcy as a modifiable risk factor in the pathogenesis of NTG seems unlikely.
Notice of RetractionA fuzzy quantitative method for credibility grades of service trust

Based on the concept of seven credibility grades, fuzzy variables are proposed to describe the idea of credibility levels according to the fuzzy characteristics of service trust. By using user-defined credibility values, the fuzzy sets of credibility grades are defined either. Moreover, combining with other representations of credibility, membership functions are constructed which can be used to express the linguistics and semantics sense of credibility grades. The conclusions obtained in this paper provide a reliable premise for fuzzy reasoning calculation of service trust.
Do Asset Returns Hedge Against Inflation in Pakistan

This paper attempts to explore an empirical relationship between asset returns and inflation in Pakistan. Using simple Foreign currency, gold, real estate, saving deposits, silver, stock prices, treasury bills, and government securities are considered as asset. To establish the relationship between asset return and inflation the study uses the annual data from 1972 to 2006 using OLS techniques. The empirical results indicate that most of the asset returns are hedged expected inflation. None of the asset returns are hedging unexpected inflation and total inflation. However, the treasury bills and government securities are significant to total and unexpected inflation, but the coefficients are less than one. The stock prices and gold prices neither hedge to total inflation nor expected and unexpected inflation. The reason is that the individuals are used gold for precautionary purpose not for hedging against inflation. For stock prices the reasons may be the people are not interested to invest in risky assets. A matter of fact is that a significant relationship exists between un-expected inflation and assets in various cases but slope coefficients are less than one and therefore are not hedges against inflation. The Pakistani investors are interested in risk free investment and not risky investment.