CEO Compensation And Firm Value

This paper examines the effect of CEO equity-based compensation (EBC) on firm value. In particular, we study the interaction between EBC and the percentage of independent directors as well as the interaction between EBC and managerial entrenchment. Our findings suggest a positive relation between firms’ value and EBC. Further, we show that the percentage of independent directors has a positive impact on the marginal effect of EBC on firm value

Eddy current modelling using multi-layer perceptron neural networks for detecting surface cracks

A new method for computing fracture mechanics parameters using computational Eddy Current Modelling by Multi-layer Perceptron Neural Networks for detecting surface cracks. The method is based upon an inverse problem using an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) that simulates mapping between Eddy current signals and crack profiles. Simultaneous use of ANN by MLP can be very helpful for the localization and the shape classification of defects. On the other side, it can be described as the task of reconstructing the cracks and damage in the plate profile of  an  inspected  specimen  in  order  to  estimate  its  material properties. This is accomplished by inverting eddy current probe impedance measurements that are recorded as a function of probe position, excitation frequency or both. In eddy current nondestructive evaluation, this is widely recognized as a complex theoretical problem whose solution is likely to have a significant impact on the detection of cracks in material

Strain-Transcendent Immune Response to Recombinant Var2CSA DBL5-ε Domain Block P. falciparum Adhesion to Placenta-Derived BeWo Cells under Flow Conditions

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy-associated malaria (PAM) is a serious consequence of the adhesion to the placental receptor chondroitin sulfate A (CSA) of Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes (PE) expressing the large cysteine-rich multi-domain protein var2CSA. Women become resistant to PAM, and develop strain-transcending immunity against CSA-binding parasites. The identification of var2CSA regions that could elicit broadly neutralizing and adhesion-blocking antibodies is a key step for the design of prophylactic vaccine strategies. METHODOLOGY: Escherichia coli expressed var2CSA DBL domains were refolded and purified prior to immunization of mice and a goat. Protein-G-purified antibodies were tested for their ability to block FCR3(CSA)-infected erythrocytes binding to placental (BeWo) and monkey brain endothelial (ScC2) cell lines using a flow cytoadhesion inhibition assay mimicking closely the physiological conditions present in the placenta at shear stress of 0.05 Pa. DBL5-ε, DBL6-ε and DBL5-6-ε induced cross-reactive antibodies using Alum and Freund as adjuvants, which blocked cytoadhesion at values ranging between 40 to 96% at 0.5 mg IgG per ml. Importantly, antibodies raised against recombinant DBL5-ε from 3 distinct parasites genotypes (HB3, Dd2 and 7G8) showed strain-transcending inhibition ranging from 38 to 64% for the heterologuous FCR3(CSA). CONCLUSIONS: Using single and double DBL domains from var2CSA and Alum as adjuvant, we identified recombinant subunits inducing an immune response in experimental animals which is able to block efficiently parasite adhesion in a flow cytoadhesion assay that mimics closely the erythrocyte flow in the placenta. These subunits show promising features for inclusion into a vaccine aiming to protect against PAM

Estimation of target strength of Sardina pilchardus and Sardinella aurita by theoretical approach

The target strength (TS) patterns of Sardina pilchardus and Sardinella aurita at 38 and 120 kHz were estimated by a prolate-spheroid model, using measurements of swimbladder length and width. The ratio of swimbladder length to total length (TL) was similar in both species, however the ratio of swimbladder width to TL was smaller and more variable for S. aurita. Assuming a normal distribution of fish swimming orientation angle (θfish) with mean ± standard deviation (SD) of 0 ± 10°, the normalized (by TL) average TS (b20) was estimated to be -64.0 dB (38 kHz) and -65.2 dB (120 kHz) for S. pilchardus, and -66.2 dB (38 kHz) and -67.2 dB (120 kHz) for S. aurita. Compared with currently applied b20 values at 38 kHz, our results under four different θfish assumptions (0 ± 10°, 0 ± 15°, -5 ± 10°, and -5 ± 15°) were 6-9 dB higher for S. pilchardus and 5-7 dB higher for S. aurita. This suggests four- to eightfold overestimation risk for S. pilchardus and three- to fivefold overestimation risk for S. aurita when using the currently applied b20 values

Global, regional, and national progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 3.2 for neonatal and child health: all-cause and cause-specific mortality findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background Sustainable Development Goal 3.2 has targeted elimination of preventable child mortality, reduction of neonatal death to less than 12 per 1000 livebirths, and reduction of death of children younger than 5 years to less than 25 per 1000 livebirths, for each country by 2030. To understand current rates, recent trends, and potential trajectories of child mortality for the next decade, we present the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019 findings for all-cause mortality and cause-specific mortality in children younger than 5 years of age, with multiple scenarios for child mortality in 2030 that include the consideration of potential effects of COVID-19, and a novel framework for quantifying optimal child survival. Methods We completed all-cause mortality and cause-specific mortality analyses from 204 countries and territories for detailed age groups separately, with aggregated mortality probabilities per 1000 livebirths computed for neonatal mortality rate (NMR) and under-5 mortality rate (USMR). Scenarios for 2030 represent different potential trajectories, notably including potential effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the potential impact of improvements preferentially targeting neonatal survival. Optimal child survival metrics were developed by age, sex, and cause of death across all GBD location-years. The first metric is a global optimum and is based on the lowest observed mortality, and the second is a survival potential frontier that is based on stochastic frontier analysis of observed mortality and Healthcare Access and Quality Index. Findings Global U5MR decreased from 71.2 deaths per 1000 livebirths (95% uncertainty interval WI] 68.3-74-0) in 2000 to 37.1 (33.2-41.7) in 2019 while global NMR correspondingly declined more slowly from 28.0 deaths per 1000 live births (26.8-29-5) in 2000 to 17.9 (16.3-19-8) in 2019. In 2019,136 (67%) of 204 countries had a USMR at or below the SDG 3.2 threshold and 133 (65%) had an NMR at or below the SDG 3.2 threshold, and the reference scenario suggests that by 2030,154 (75%) of all countries could meet the U5MR targets, and 139 (68%) could meet the NMR targets. Deaths of children younger than 5 years totalled 9.65 million (95% UI 9.05-10.30) in 2000 and 5.05 million (4.27-6.02) in 2019, with the neonatal fraction of these deaths increasing from 39% (3.76 million 95% UI 3.53-4.021) in 2000 to 48% (2.42 million; 2.06-2.86) in 2019. NMR and U5MR were generally higher in males than in females, although there was no statistically significant difference at the global level. Neonatal disorders remained the leading cause of death in children younger than 5 years in 2019, followed by lower respiratory infections, diarrhoeal diseases, congenital birth defects, and malaria. The global optimum analysis suggests NMR could be reduced to as low as 0.80 (95% UI 0.71-0.86) deaths per 1000 livebirths and U5MR to 1.44 (95% UI 1-27-1.58) deaths per 1000 livebirths, and in 2019, there were as many as 1.87 million (95% UI 1-35-2.58; 37% 95% UI 32-43]) of 5.05 million more deaths of children younger than 5 years than the survival potential frontier. Interpretation Global child mortality declined by almost half between 2000 and 2019, but progress remains slower in neonates and 65 (32%) of 204 countries, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia, are not on track to meet either SDG 3.2 target by 2030. Focused improvements in perinatal and newborn care, continued and expanded delivery of essential interventions such as vaccination and infection prevention, an enhanced focus on equity, continued focus on poverty reduction and education, and investment in strengthening health systems across the development spectrum have the potential to substantially improve USMR. Given the widespread effects of COVID-19, considerable effort will be required to maintain and accelerate progress. Copyright (C) 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd

Artificial induction of lactation in heifers aged from 6 to 7 months

The rates of successful gene's manipulations are very low in domestic mammals. In addition the period between generations in cows is long. Artificial induction of lactation in young animals could improve manipulation yield for genes what are expressed in the udder, by anticipating the control of transgen expression in milk, a long time before the beginning of the milk production in normal condition. Using this method, the early selection of real transgenic animals would be possible. Between November 1999 and April 2000, lactation was induced in non-transgenic heifers aged from 6 to 7 months, in 2 trials based on short time hormonal treatment, with the goal of verifying the efficiency of the technique on immature heifers, and setting up a simple and reliable treatment scheme applicable on young animals. Interesting lactations (35 to 974 ml/day) were obtained, but the milk yield was low compared to adult performances. Results of the 2 trials were different, in relation with the galenical form of progesterone used and the frequency of drugs administration. So, these trials provide an efficient treatment scheme for induction of lactation in young heifers

Kyste hydatique sur polykystose renale: A propos d'une observation

La localisation rénale du kyste hydatique est rare même dans les pays d'endémicité. Elle est en troisième position après les localisations hépatiques et pulmonaires. Le diagnostic du kyste hydatique rénale est souvent facile et se base sur les données de l'association de l'imagerie (ASP-échographie) et sérologie hydatique. Les auteurs rapportent une observation de kyste hydatique sur polykystose rénale chez un patient de 60 ans et soulignent le caractère exceptionnel de cette association ainsi que l'intérêt de chaque examen d'imagerie dans le diagnostic et le bilan lésionnel de cette affection. Even in endemic areas, renal hydatid cysts are rare and come in third place after hepatic and pulmonary hydatid cysts. They are easily diagnosed based on a combination of radiological examination and serological test for hydatidosis. The authors herein present a case of a hydatid cyst on polycystic kidney in a 60-year-old patient. They underline the rarity of this pathology and the importance of imaging for its diagnosis. African Journal of Urology Vol. 13 (1) 2007: pp. 84-8