bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Profitability of Banks in Lebanon: Some Theoretical and Empirical Results
Authors: Azar Samih Antoine , Bolbol Ali , Mouradian Alexandre 
Published: June 2016

<p>The paper, instead of relying on ad hoc measures, derives a simple theoretical model for the income of a commercial bank. This model identifies eight internal exogenous factors to the profitability of these banks. A total panel of 39 banks over the twelve-year period 2003-2014 is studied. The dependent variable is taken to be the return on average total assets (ROAA). The estimation procedure is through panel least squares. Fixed effects and random effects are considered. The results support the cross section fixed effects model, which brings to light the heterogeneity of banks in Lebanon. Four out of the eight factors are found to be statistically highly significant, explaining about 50% of the variation in ROAA. These are: the interest rate spread, the capital adequacy ratio, the cost to income ratio, and the ratio of non-interest income to total assets. Dynamics are included in the model by adding to the regressors the first lag of the dependent variable. This makes for different short run and long run impacts, with the latter found to be higher than the former as economic theory postulates. Among other recommendations banks are advised to diversify their income towards more wealth management and investment banking, to pay particular attention to their traditional source of income, which is the interest rate spread between loans and deposits, and to manage carefully their cost structure.</p>
Investigating the Effect of Dividend Policy on the Wealth of Stockholders of Listed Companies on the Ghana Stock Exchange
Authors: Nkuah Evans Fayol , Yusif Hadrat 
Published: June 2016

This paper has examined the impact of dividend policy on the wealth of stockholders of selected registered companies on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE). Secondary data were collected on 25 listed firms using annual reports from 2005 to 2011. The dependent variable was wealth of stockholders proxied by market price per stock. The explanatory variables included dividend per stock (DPS), retained earning per stock (REPS), financial leverage (FLEV), and price earning ratio (PER). Fixed-effect model was fitted to the data. The regression results showed that dividend payment, retained earning, and price earning ratio have significant positive impact on the stock market price. It was also found that the impact of dividend is more pronounced than that of retained earning in the context of companies registered on the Ghana Stock Exchange. It is therefore recommended that optimal trade-off between dividend payment and retained earning be established by corporate management to maximise the wealth of stockholders.<br /><p> </p>
CONTROLE BIOLÓGICO EM SISTEMA ORGÂNICO DE PRODUÇÃO POR AGRICULTORES DA CIDADE DE MARINGÁ-PR
Authors: Chagas Francieli Das , Polonio Julio Cesar , Ruvolo-Takasusuki Maria Claudia Colla , Pamphile João Alencar , Conte Helio 
Published: June 2016

The continuous growth of world population and the increased use of pesticides became obvious environmental problems, leading to agricultural production to develop alternative practices that promote environmental sustainability. The use of biological control techniques to reduce agricultural pests have been increasing, enabling the substitution of conventional insecticides by diversified natural enemies such as insects, viruses, fungi, bacteria, plant extracts, and others. A quantitative-descriptive analysis was carried using a questionnaire as mean to personal interview of organic growers in the city of Maringa, state of Paraná, Brazil was held. The aim was quantify about the knowledge of biological controllers by this growers, the use, and economic viability of these, aiming to promote the expansion of the practice and development of new controllers to replace or reduce the use of chemicals. The results show that all growers have the knowledge and have used alternative methods of biocontrol, some of them consider the practice of great environmental importance, but is still required further studies of the regional entomofauna to better effectiveness of the biocontrol.
Preischemic Administration of Nonexpanded Adipose Stromal Vascular Fraction Attenuates Acute Renal Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury and Fibrosis
Authors: Zhou Liuhua , Xu Luwei , Shen Jiangwei , Song Qun , Wu Ran , Ge Yuzheng , Xin Hui , Zhu Jiageng , Wu Jianping , Jia Ruipeng 
Published: July 2016

AbstractIschemia/reperfusion (IR)-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common clinical syndrome. Stem/progenitor cell therapy is a promising option to foster the intrinsic capacity for kidney regeneration. However, there are still several challenges to be resolved, including the potential risks during cell culture, low retention rate after transplantation, and unclear effect on the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Recently, nonexpanded adipose stromal vascular fraction (SVF) has been regarded as an attractive cell source for cell-based therapy. Preconditioning with ischemia has been suggested as a useful method to promote the retention and survival of transplanted cells in vivo. In this study, freshly isolated autologous SVF was transplanted to the kidney of rats before ischemia, and then an IR-induced AKI model was established. Postischemic administration of SVF to the kidney was performed after renal IR injury was induced. A higher cell retention rate was detected in the preischemic group. Preischemic administration of SVF showed stronger functional and morphologic protection from renal IR injury than postischemic administration, through enhancing tubular cell proliferation and reducing apoptosis. Progression of kidney fibrosis was also significantly delayed by preischemic administration of SVF, which exhibited stronger inhibition of transforming growth factor-β1-induced epithelia-mesenchymal transition and microvascular rarefaction. In addition, in vitro study showed that prehypoxic administration of SVF could significantly promote the proliferation, migration, and survival of hypoxic renal tubular epithelial cells. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that preischemic administration of nonexpanded adipose SVF protected the kidney from both acute IR injury and long-term risk of developing CKD.SignificanceRenal ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury is a common clinical syndrome. Cell-based therapy provides a promising option to promote renal repair after IR injury. However, several challenges still remain because of the potential risks during cell culture, low retention rate after transplantation, and unclear effect on the progression of chronic kidney disease. Stromal vascular fraction (SVF) is considered as an attractive cell source. This study demonstrated that preischemic administration of uncultured SVF could increase cell retention and then improve renal function and structure at both early and long-term stage after IR, which may provide a novel therapeutic approach for IR injury.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Spheroids Retain Osteogenic Phenotype Throughα2β1 Signaling
Authors: Murphy Kaitlin C. , Hoch Allison I. , Harvestine Jenna N. , Zhou Dejie , Leach J. Kent 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe induction of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) toward the osteoblastic lineage using osteogenic supplements prior to implantation is one approach under examination to enhance their bone-forming potential. MSCs rapidly lose their induced phenotype upon removal of the soluble stimuli; however, their bone-forming potential can be sustained when provided with continued instruction via extracellular matrix (ECM) cues. In comparison with dissociated cells, MSC spheroids exhibit improved survival and secretion of trophic factors while maintaining their osteogenic potential. We hypothesized that entrapment of MSC spheroids formed from osteogenically induced cells would exhibit better preservation of their bone-forming potential than would dissociated cells from monolayer culture. Spheroids exhibited comparable osteogenic potential and increased proangiogenic potential with or without osteogenic preconditioning versus monolayer-cultured MSCs. Spheroids were then entrapped in collagen hydrogels, and the osteogenic stimulus was removed. In comparison with entrapped dissociated MSCs, spheroids exhibited significantly increased markers of osteogenic differentiation. The capacity of MSC spheroids to retain their osteogenic phenotype upon withdrawal of inductive cues was mediated by α2β1 integrin binding to cell-secreted ECM. These results demonstrate the capacity of spheroidal culture to sustain the mineral-producing phenotype of MSCs, thus enhancing their contribution toward bone formation and repair.SignificanceDespite the promise of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for cell-based therapies for tissue repair and regeneration, there is little evidence that transplanted MSCs directly contribute to new bone formation, suggesting that induced cells rapidly lose their osteogenic phenotype or undergo apoptosis. In comparison with dissociated cells, MSC spheroids exhibit increased trophic factor secretion and improved cell survival. The loss of phenotype represents a significant clinical challenge for cell therapies, yet there is no evidence for whether MSC spheroids retain their osteogenic phenotype upon entrapment in a clinically relevant biomaterial. These findings demonstrate that MSC spheroids retain their osteogenic phenotype better than do dissociated MSCs, and this is due to integrin engagement with the cell-secreted extracellular matrix. These data provide evidence for a novel approach for potentiating the use of MSCs in bone repair.
Association Between Method of Delivery and Exclusive Breastfeeding at Hospital Discharge
Authors: Kling David , Haile Zelalem T. , Francescon John , Chertok Ilana 
Published: July 2016

Abstract

Context: Studies have shown that exclusive breastfeeding at hospital discharge is associated with longer duration of breastfeeding. Method of delivery (MOD) is a barrier that may hinder breastfeeding practices. However, research examining the association between MOD and exclusive breastfeeding at hospital discharge is lacking.

Objective: To examine the association between MOD and exclusive breastfeeding at hospital discharge.

Methods: We used a cross-sectional study design to conduct a secondary data analysis of 1494 women who participated in the Infant Feeding Practices Study II between 2005 and 2007. Multiple logistic regression was conducted to estimate the OR and 95% CI for the association between MOD and exclusive breastfeeding at hospital discharge, after adjusting for potential confounding variables.

Results: The crude prevalence rates of vaginal delivery and cesarean delivery were 74.8% and 25.2%, respectively. The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding at hospital discharge was 70.6% among respondents who gave birth by cesarean delivery compared with 79.9% of women who gave birth vaginally (P=.001). After adjusting for sociodemographic, behavioral, and anthropometric factors, the odds of exclusive breastfeeding at hospital discharge were lower among women who gave birth by cesarean delivery compared with women who gave birth vaginally (OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.24-0.71).

Conclusion: Women who give birth by cesarean delivery may require additional attention, assistance, and encouragement during their hospital stay to improve rates of exclusive breastfeeding at discharge. Health care professionals should address the issue of MOD when promoting exclusive breastfeeding to maximize the potential for longer-term breastfeeding success.
Osteopathic Approach to the Diagnosis of Appendiceal Mucinous Cystadenocarcinoma Mimicking Primary Ovarian Malignant Neoplasm
Authors: Martingano Daniel , Gurm Hashroop , Oliff Andrew , Martingano Francis X. , Aglialoro George 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
The fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in the United States is ovarian cancer. An estimated 21,980 new cases and 14,270 estimated deaths occurred nationwide in 2014. More than two-thirds of cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed at stage III or IV when the peritoneal cavity or other organs are affected. Primary appendiceal malignant neoplasms may mimic advanced-stage ovarian cancer and can be misdiagnosed because of its presentation as a palpable adnexal mass. The authors describe a 42-year-old woman who was admitted to the department of obstetrics and gynecology to receive treatment for presumed advanced-stage ovarian cancer. She subsequently received a diagnosis of primary pseudomyxoma peritonei metastatic to the ovaries, mimicking a primary ovarian cancer by osteopathic structural examination findings, serum tumor markers, surgical exploration, and histopathologic confirmation.
Optical and ammonia-sensing properties of SnO2nanoparticles synthesized using a 900 W microwave
Authors: Klinbumrung Arrak , Thongtem Titipun , Phuruangrat Anukorn , Thongtem Somchai 
Published: July 2016

AbstractSnO2nanoparticles were successfully synthesized using a 900 W microwave for 10, 20, and 30 min. Tetragonal SnO2nanoparticles composed of Sn and O were detected by X-ray diffraction (XRD), selected area electron diffraction (SEAD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The SnO2nanoparticles processed for 30 min were the best crystals. The 3.5 eV energy gap and 395 nm emission wavelength were determined by UV–visible absorption and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The gas-sensing performance of SnO2nanoparticles during exposure to an NH3–air mixture was studied at different working temperatures and NH3concentrations. At 1055 ppm NH3and 350 °C, the SnO2nanoparticles showed a sensitivity of 9.2 with the response and recovery times of 9 and 37 s, respectively.
Optical and mechanical detection of near-field light by atomic force microscopy using a piezoelectric cantilever
Authors: Satoh Nobuo , Kobayashi Kei , Watanabe Shunji , Fujii Toru , Matsushige Kazumi , Yamada Hirofumi 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
In this study, we developed an atomic force microscopy (AFM) system with scanning near-field optical microscopy (SNOM) using a microfabricated force-sensing cantilever with a lead zirconate titanate (PZT) thin film. Both optical and mechanical detection techniques were adopted in SNOM to detect scattered light induced by the interaction of the PZT cantilever tip apex and evanescent light, and SNOM images were obtained for each detection scheme. The mechanical detection technique did allow for a clear observation of the light scattered from the PZT cantilever without the interference observed by the optical detection technique, which used an objective lens, a pinhole, and a photomultiplier tube.
Combined atomic force microscopy and voltage pulse technique to accurately measure electrostatic force
Authors: Inami Eiichi , Sugimoto Yoshiaki 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
We propose a new method of extracting electrostatic force. The technique is based on frequency modulation atomic force microscopy (FM-AFM) combined with a voltage pulse. In this method, the work that the electrostatic field does on the oscillating tip is measured through the cantilever energy dissipation. This allows us to directly extract capacitive forces including the longer range part, to which the conventional FM-AFM is insensitive. The distance-dependent contact potential difference, which is modulated by local charges distributed on the surfaces of the tip and/or sample, could also be correctly obtained. In the absence of local charges, our method can perfectly reproduce the electrostatic force as a function of the distance and the bias voltage. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the system serves as a sensitive sensor enabling us to check the existence of the local charges such as trapped charges and patch charges.
Tailoring the 4H-SiC/SiO2 MOS-interface for SiC-based power switches
Authors: Mikhaylov Aleksey I. , Afanasyev Alexey V. , Luchinin Victor V. , Reshanov Sergey A. , Schöner Adolf , Knoll Lars , Minamisawa Renato A. , Alfieri Giovanni , Bartolf Holger 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
In this paper, we compare the performance of lateral MOSFETs fabricated with different gate oxide formation processes on p-type epilayers with doping concentration in the range of 1 × 1016 cm−3 against Al-implanted p-well doped to 1 × 1018 cm−3. An overview of different technological approaches for the enhancement of the channel mobility is provided. The general trends are summarized and concluded and the main guideline for tailoring the gate oxide formation process is discussed.
A comparison of regional flood frequency analysis approaches in a simulation framework
Authors: Ganora D. , Laio F. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractRegional frequency analysis (RFA) is a well‐established methodology to provide an estimate of the flood frequency curve at ungauged (or scarcely gauged) sites. Different RFA approaches exist, depending on the way the information is transferred to the site of interest, but it is not clear in the literature if a specific method systematically outperforms the others. The aim of this study is to provide a framework wherein carrying out the intercomparison by building up a virtual environment based on synthetically generated data. The considered regional approaches include: (i) a unique regional curve for the whole region; (ii) a multiple‐region model where homogeneous subregions are determined through cluster analysis; (iii) a Region‐of‐Influence model which defines a homogeneous subregion for each site; (iv) a spatially smooth estimation procedure where the parameters of the regional model vary continuously along the space. Virtual environments are generated considering different patterns of heterogeneity, including step change and smooth variations. If the region is heterogeneous, with the parent distribution changing continuously within the region, the spatially smooth regional approach outperforms the others, with overall errors 10–50% lower than the other methods. In the case of a step‐change, the spatially smooth and clustering procedures perform similarly if the heterogeneity is moderate, while clustering procedures work better when the step‐change is severe. To extend our findings, an extensive sensitivity analysis has been performed to investigate the effect of sample length, number of virtual stations, return period of the predicted quantile, variability of the scale parameter of the parent distribution, number of predictor variables and different parent distribution. Overall, the spatially smooth approach appears as the most robust approach as its performances are more stable across different patterns of heterogeneity, especially when short records are considered.
Neurofilament light chain: a biomarker for genetic frontotemporal dementia
Authors: Meeter Lieke H. , Dopper Elise G. , Jiskoot Lize C. , Sanchez‐Valle Raquel , Graff Caroline , Benussi Luisa , Ghidoni Roberta , Pijnenburg Yolande A. , Borroni Barbara , Galimberti Daniela , Laforce Robert Jr , Masellis Mario , Vandenberghe Rik , Ber Isabelle Le , Otto Markus , van Minkelen Rick , Papma Janne M. , Rombouts Serge A. , Balasa Mircea , Öijerstedt Linn , Jelic Vesna , Dick Katrina M. , Cash David M. , Harding Sophie R. , Jorge Cardoso M. , Ourselin Sebastien , Rossor Martin N. , Padovani Alessandro , Scarpini Elio , Fenoglio Chiara , Tartaglia Maria C. , Lamari Foudil , Barro Christian , Kuhle Jens , Rohrer Jonathan D. , Teunissen Charlotte E. , van Swieten John C. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum neurofilament light chain (NfL) levels in genetic frontotemporal dementia (FTD) as a potential biomarker in the presymptomatic stage and during the conversion into the symptomatic stage. Additionally, to correlate NfL levels to clinical and neuroimaging parameters.MethodsIn this multicenter case–control study, we investigated CSF NfL in 174 subjects (48 controls, 40 presymptomatic carriers and 86 patients with microtubule‐associated protein tau (MAPT), progranulin (GRN), and chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9orf72) mutations), and serum NfL in 118 subjects (39 controls, 44 presymptomatic carriers, 35 patients). In 55 subjects both CSF and serum was determined. In two subjects CSF was available before and after symptom onset (converters). Additionally, NfL levels were correlated with clinical parameters, survival, and regional brain atrophy.ResultsCSF NfL levels in patients (median 6762 pg/mL, interquartile range 3186–9309 pg/mL) were strongly elevated compared with presymptomatic carriers (804 pg/mL, 627–1173 pg/mL, P < 0.001), resulting in a good diagnostic performance to discriminate both groups. Serum NfL correlated highly with CSF NfL (rs = 0.87, P < 0.001) and was similarly elevated in patients. Longitudinal samples in the converters showed a three‐ to fourfold increase in CSF NfL after disease onset. Additionally, NfL levels in patients correlated with disease severity, brain atrophy, annualized brain atrophy rate and survival.InterpretationNfL in both serum and CSF has the potential to serve as a biomarker for clinical disease onset and has a prognostic value in genetic FTD.
Improving the Enhanced Cognitive Interview With a New Interview Strategy: Category Clustering Recall
Authors: Paulo Rui M. , Albuquerque Pedro B. , Bull Ray 
Published: July 2016

SummaryIncreasing recall is crucial for investigative interviews. The enhanced cognitive interview (ECI) has been widely used for this purpose and found to be generally effective. We focused on further increasing recall with a new interview strategy, category clustering recall (CCR). Participants watched a mock robbery video and were interviewed 48 hours later with either the (i) ECI; (ii) revised enhanced cognitive interview 1 (RECI1) — with CCR instead of the change order mnemonic during the second recall; or (iii) revised enhanced cognitive interview 2 (RECI2) — also with CCR but conjunctly used with ‘eye closure’ and additional open‐ended follow up questions. Participants interviewed with CCR (RECI1 and RECI2) produced more information without compromising accuracy; thus, CCR was effective. Eye closure and additional open‐ended follow up questions did not further influence recall when using CCR. Major implications for real‐life investigations are discussed.Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Commentary on the Future of Community Psychology: Perspective of a Research Community Psychologist
Authors: Milburn Norweeta G. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractCommunity psychology is commented upon from the perspective of a community psychologist who was trained in the Community Psychology Program at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Her background and training are reviewed. A brief survey of research on homelessness as a frame for community psychology research is presented. Concluding remarks are provided on the future of research in community psychology.