Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Strategic Human Resource Management

This course is about exercising leadership as a manager, through working strategically, humanely, and effectively with people. A key managerial job is to get an organization's work done by working with and through other human beings often called your "staff. " Your ability to recruit, motivate, train, develop, collaborate with, empower, give feedback to, hold accountable, and learn with and from them is crucial to your success and your organization's, whether it is public, proprietary, nonprofit, or nongovernmental. This course will address critical elements in managing people for whose work you are accountable. The course uses cases, social scientific analysis, and self-assessment tools to learn about key areas of people management, including: changing social and psychological expectations of employment, the structure and organization of work, organizational culture, training and development, performance appraisal, labor-management relationships, work-family integration, and the distinction between managing and leading. Active student participation and presentations will be a key element in the class. Enrollment limited.
[Effect of alendronate on periprosthetic bone loss after cemented primary total hip arthroplasty: a prospective randomized study].

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Bone remodeling and osteolysis around total hip prostheses, with its inevitable corollary, prosthesis loosening, remains a difficult problem in orthopedic surgery. Alendronate (bisphosphonate) has proven its efficacy for the treatment of osteoporosis of the lumbar spine and femoral neck. A few in vitro studies have pointed out its inhibiting effect on particle-induced osteolysis. In vivo, one study has demonstrated its usefulness in preventing osteolysis around non-cemented total hip arthroplasties (THA). The purpose of this work was to study the efficacy of this agent for the prevention of changes in peri-prosthetic bone mineral density (BMD) after primary THA. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study series included 38 patients with degenerative hip disease who underwent THA. The patients were randomized in double-blind fashion to two treatment arms: 10 alendronate and 600 mg calcium per day for 2 years (20 patients) or placebo and 600 mg calcium per day for 2 years (18 patients). Conventional x-rays and x-ray biphotonic absorptiometry (DPX) was performed on day four postop and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postop. The periprosthetic zones described by Grüen were used for analysis. RESULTS DPX demonstrated a significant reduction in BMD in all patients included in the study. The bone loss was the same in both groups during the early postoperative period reaching maximum loss at 3 months. Differences were observed after this time. In the placebo group, bone loss reached a plateau at 6 months then BMD started to increase progressively, reaching 12.7% bone loss at 2 years follow-up (p<0.002). In the alendronate group, there was no plateau, BMD increased continuously starting from three months and reached 6.857% bone loss at 2 years (p<0.003). DISCUSSION Administration of alendronate led to a significant reduction in peri-prosthetic bone loss at 2 years follow-up. These results are the first to our knowledge demonstrating the beneficial effect in vivo of alendronate on bone behavior around cemented THAs. CONCLUSION This beneficial effect observed in vivo should be confirmed in further studies including a larger number of patients and longer follow-up. The action of alendronate could facilitate and even retard revision surgery by preserving bone stock.
Introduction of Breast Cancer Screening in Chernihiv Oblast in the Ukraine: Report of a PATH Breast Cancer Assistance Program Experience

Abstract: The incidence of breast cancer and mortality from this disease remain high in countries with limited resources such as the Ukraine. Because of a lack of mammography equipment and formal screening programs, as well as educational and other factors, breast cancer is usually diagnosed in late stages in such countries. We report the experience of the PATH Breast Cancer Assistance Program in introducing a pilot breast cancer screening program in one territory of the Ukraine, the Chernihiv oblast. The program entailed educating the public, training health care providers in clinical breast examination (CBE) and mammography, opening a dedicated mammography facility, designating a center for breast cancer care, building diagnostic capacity, and fostering the formation of support groups. From 1998 to 2002, 18,000 women underwent screening with CBE and 8778 women underwent screening with mammography. When implementing the program we encountered various cultural, economic, and logistic difficulties, such as reservations about showing bare breasts in educational materials, the lack of an established system for collecting screening data, and barriers to follow‐up in women with positive screening results. Screening mammography proved to be more effective in detecting small and nonpalpable lesions; 8.7% of cancers detected in the mammography group were in situ, compared with 0% in the CBE group. However, introduction of CBE as a screening modality required fewer financial resources compared with mammography and was recommended as a transitional method before the introduction of mammography screening programs in countries with limited resources. The introduction of screening was associated with favorable changes in indicators of breast cancer care, including an increase in the percentage of breast‐preserving operations and new legislation to provide funding for breast cancer services. We conclude that this successful pilot program of breast cancer screening in a limited‐resource setting can serve as an example for other similar programs.
Early and later predictors of outcome in brief therapy: the role of real relationship.

OBJECTIVES The study examined whether clients who continued longer in brief therapy reported stronger associations of real relationship and working alliance with therapy outcome than clients who received very brief treatment. It also examined whether real relationship and working alliance assessed early in treatment predicted outcome differently from that assessed later in therapy. METHOD Fifty clients (32 women; M(age) = 22.3 years) were recruited from a university counseling center. Thirty-two clients (very brief therapy) completed the post-third session assessment of real relationship and working alliance, and 18 (brief therapy) had both the third and eighth assessment. RESULTS The real relationship scores (both client and therapist rating) were significantly correlated with outcome in the 18 brief therapy clients, but not in the 32 very brief therapy clients. We found significant correlations between outcome and Bond element of the working alliance in the 18 brief therapy clients, and between outcome and working alliance-Task in the 32 very brief therapy clients. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggested that the strength of the early real relationship, as well as later real relationship, are highly associated with outcome for clients who continue brief therapy past its earliest stages.
Acute Type Refinements of Tetrahedral Partitions of Polyhedral Domains

We present a new technique to perform refinements on acute type tetrahedral partitions of a polyhedral domain, provided that the center of the circumscribed sphere around each tetrahedron belongs to the tetrahedron. The resulting family of partitions is of acute type; thus, all the tetrahedra satisfy the maximum angle condition. Both these properties are highly desirable in finite element analysis.
Exercise self-identity: interactions with social comparison and exercise behaviour

Possible interactions among exercise self-identity, social comparison and exercise behaviour were explored in a sample of 417 undergraduate students (Mean age = 21.5, SD = 3.0; 73% female). Two models were examined using self-report data; (1) a mediation model which proposed an association between social comparison and exercise behaviour mediated by exercise self-identity and (2) a moderation model proposing an association between exercise behaviour and self-identity moderated by social comparison. Results of the mediation analyses revealed partial mediation of the social comparison – exercise behaviour relationship by self-identity in females. Results of the moderation analyses revealed in males a significant interaction of social comparison with exercise behaviour in the prediction of self-identity – the positive association between exercise behaviour and exercise self-identity showed only significant among male students who believed to exercise equally much or less than peers. Possible explanations and implications for exercise promotion are discussed.
It's Not Only What is Said, it's Also Who the Speaker is - Evaluating the Effectiveness of Central Bank Communication

On the basis of a unique database of policy makers’ comments, we find that central bank communication does influence behavior of financial markets. This effect is asymmetric and depends on the contents and direction of the statements. Moreover, we investigate whether individual characteristics of MPC members may influence their ability to affect the asset prices. We find that market participants are most vigilant to the comments made by policy makers who are relatively reticent, usually win voting and match their words with deeds. Moreover, the impact of statements on financial market behavior depends on whether a speaker represents a hawkish, dovish or neutral faction within the committee. Finally, we provide evidence that central bank communication affects the predictability of monetary policy decisions.
Genomic DNA transposition induced by human PGBD5

Transposons are mobile genetic elements that are found in nearly all organisms, including humans. Mobilization of DNA transposons by transposase enzymes can cause genomic rearrangements, but our knowledge of human genes derived from transposases is limited. Here, we find that the protein encoded by human PGBD5, the most evolutionarily conserved transposable element-derived gene in chordates, can induce stereotypical cut-and-paste DNA transposition in human cells. Genomic integration activity of PGBD5 requires distinct aspartic acid residues in its transposase domain, and specific DNA sequences with inverted terminal repeats with similarity to piggyBac transposons. DNA transposition catalyzed by PGBD5 in human cells occurs genome-wide, with precise transposon excision and preference for insertion at TTAA sites. The apparent conservation of DNA transposition activity by PGBD5 raises the possibility that genomic remodeling may contribute to its biological function.
Corporate Boards in Europe: Size, Independence and Gender Diversity

The board of directors is one of the most important governance mechanisms in modern corporations. In principle, the board is responsible for approving major strategic and financial decisions. It has access to privileged and timely information about the firm, meets regularly to discuss this information and has a fiduciary duty towards the shareholders it represents. The role of the board is to advise and monitor management, and for that purpose the board is typically staffed with distinguished individuals who have the required skills to fulfil this role. As Adams and Ferreira (2007) point out, the degree to which a board can fulfil its function also depends on the quality of information provided by management. Some observers believe that the board is the first line of defence in corporate governance. The importance of corporate boards is reflected in an ample academic literature on this topic and in the regulatory focus that they attract. For reasons of data availability and comparability, much of the academic literature on boards concentrates on US firms. This chapter provides comparable board data for many European countries. It is the first study to provide a comprehensive analysis of the determinants of board structure variables in European countries. The chapter focuses on the determinants of board characteristics, rather than on the consequences of these characteristics for firm policies and performance. Thus, this study fits into the literature that shows that the composition of boards is related to a number of firm characteristics such as size, growth opportunities, leverage and proxies for information asymmetry, amongst others (Boone et al. 2007; Coles et al. 2008; Linck, Netter and
An Assessment of the Internet's Potential in Enhancing Consumer Relationships

Motivated by the belief, 'to serve existing consumers costs less than acquiring new consumers', firms' marketing strategies then evolve around retaining consumers and building long-term consumer relationships. In the pursuit of acquiring consumer loyalty, enhancing consumer value has been the focus of many firms' relationship building efforts. Hence, this study aims to understand the affect of using the Internet as a relationship marketing tool on consumer retention as well as the determinants of online consumer satisfaction affecting loyalty and retention. Although there are many factors affecting the implementation of 'E-CRM', that is companies' CRM initiatives on the Internet channel; this study focuses on examining consumer perceptions towards the constituents of building online consumer relationships. Adopting a positivist approach, this research asks the following major questions: 1) How are online consumer satisfaction, loyalty and retention constructed? , and 2) How does the use of Internet technology in CRM influence the satisfaction, loyalty and retention of consumers? Data for this research were collected through questionnaire survey on Internet users in major cities of Malaysia and were analyzed using statistical techniques namely, descriptive, Structural Equation Modeling and Multivariate Analysis of Variance. The results from this study reveal that the use of Internet in building consumer relationships affects consumer satisfaction, loyalty and retention. The effectiveness of E-CRM program determines the level of which online features, such as customer service efficiency, ease of navigation, information quality, personalization and online community would be implemented on firms' Web sites. In addition, older and welleducated users, more experienced as well as users who are involved in higher risk activities, such as online banking tend to be less tolerant. Hence, these groups of consumers seek superior quality of services from online service providers. This research contributes to knowledge in several ways. Most importantly, it demonstrates the roles of Internet technology pertinent in enhancing consumer values leading to long-term consumer relationships. In particular, this research highlights the critical dimensions of E-CRM program, which firms should invest in their consumer retention strategies. While repeat visits do not necessarily reflect consumer loyalty and commitment to a Web site, this research advocates that when salient elements of building consumer relationships exist, service providers are more likely to improve satisfaction and gain consumer loyalty. As indicated in the E-CRM model, firms' relationship marketing strategies should focus on identifying varying consumer expectations of service quality based on demographics, consumer level of experience with Internet technology and perceived risk.
Entrepreneurial Orientation and Performance of Nigerian Banks: The Mediating Effect of Teamwork

Business environment has become highly competitive, dynamic, and heterogenic. As a result, business organizations are expected to be entrepreneurially inclined. Also, for corporate entrepreneurial activities to have greater impact on organizational performance, organizational members (employees) must work collaboratively as a team. It is against this background that this study investigated the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and performance of commercial banks in Nigeria and the mediating effect of teamwork on the relationship. Data were collected from 297 bank managers through a self reported questionnaire. SmartPLS-SEM was used to analyse the data collected and test the hypotheses formulated. The results of the structural model indicated a positive and significant relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and performance. Further evaluation of the structural model showed that teamwork fully mediated the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and organizational performance. Based on the findings, it was concluded that while entrepreneurial orientation may be positively related to organizational performance, its impact on organizational performance will be greater if employees work collaboratively as a team. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015. v6n3p406
Abnormal Immune Responses during Hypozincaemia in Acrodermatitis Enteropathica

ABSTRACT. Immune responses were characterized in six patients with acrodermatitis enteropathica during a break in zinc supplementation and during ^supplementation. During hypozincaemia the number of T‐cells increased but the amount of B‐cells and the responses of T‐ and B‐lym‐phocytes to phytohaemagglutinin, concanavalin A‐, pokeweed mitogen‐ and Staphylococcus aureus stimulations in vitro were subnormal. Cell counts and stimulation results both normalized when serum zinc values improved. One patient was anergic to tuberculin while showing signs of acrodermatitis enteropathica; she converted during supplementation whereas the others were continuously positive. Three females had antibodies against nuclear antigens and slightly elevated serum IgE concentrations; these values were not affected by the break in supplementation. Four females were continuously rheumatoid factor positive. Our findings suggest that (i) zinc deficiency is closely associated with impaired immune responses in patients with acrodermatitis enteropathica, and (ii) laboratory markers of autoimmunity occur in a considerable number of the acrodermatitis enteropathica patients, irrespective of their zinc status.
Empowering leadership behaviors and work outcomes: mediating role of psychological empowerment and moderating role of need for achievement.

This research focused on the impact of empowering leadership behaviors on employees’ work outcomes, including in-role behaviors, organizational citizenship behaviors directed toward the organization (OCBO), and affective commitment. This impact is proposed to be mediated by psychological empowerment. Also, I propose the association between empowering leadership behaviors and psychological empowerment will be moderated by the presence of employees’ need for achievement, such that the association is stronger when need for achievement is high. The hypotheses were tested using survey data collected from 160 full-time employees in different organizations in Hong Kong. Results showed that the hypotheses were supported, except that of the mediating role of psychological empowerment on the relationship between empowering leadership behaviors and OCBO, and the moderating role of need for achievement. The report concluded with a discussion of the managerial implications of the findings.
Cash Holdings and Leverage of German Listed Firms – Evidence from 1992 to 2011

We examine cash holdings and leverage levels of German listed (non-financial and non-utility) firms. We document a secular increase in cash ratios over the last twenty years (1992–2011), reducing the net debt book leverage ratio for the average sample firm close to zero. Using pre-diction models with standard firm characteristics, our results suggest a fundamental change in firms’ financial policies: In the second half of the sample period, both established firms and IPO firms exhibit substantially higher (lower) cash (net debt leverage) levels than predicted. The unexpected changes among established firms are associated with measures of uncertainty faced by firms. Our results suggest that German firms have increased (reduced) their cash (net debt leverage) levels over time in order to adopt more precautionary financial policies.
Adoption of Improved Aquaculture Technologies in Tripura, India

The study was undertaken in the state of Tripura to identify the constraints in adoption of improved fish culture practices under aqua-model village scheme implemented by Department of Fisheries, Govt. of Tripura during 2004-05 to 2010-11. By using multistage stratified random sampling, data were collected from 80 farmers each from the adopted and non-adopted villages respectively. It was found that the extent of adoption of improved practices in aquaculture farms of adopted villages was significantly more than that of non-adopted villages. Correlation and regression analysis between socioeconomic parameters and adoption indices revealed that education and training played an important role in adoption of improv ed aquaculture technologies. Using Rank Based Quotient (RBQ), constraints faced in adopting the improved aquaculture technologies were also documented.
Fluid intake from beverages across age groups: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND Fluid intake, especially water, is essential for human life and also necessary for physical and mental function. The present study aimed to assess beverage consumption across age groups. METHODS A systematic review was conducted. Original research in English language publications and available studies (or abstracts in English) from 2000 to 2013 was searched for by using the medical subheading (MeSH) terms: ('beverage' OR 'fluid' [Major]) AND ('consumption' [Mesh] OR 'drinking' [Mesh] OR 'intake' [Mesh]) AND ('child' [Mesh] OR 'adolescent' [Mesh] OR 'adult' [Mesh]). Article selection was restricted to those papers covering healthy populations of all age groups in a nationwide sample, or from a representative sample of the population of a city or cities, which examined the trends or patterns of beverage intake and the determinants of beverage intake. Sixty-five studies were identified with respect to beverage consumption across age groups. The papers were screened by thoroughly reading titles or abstracts. Full-text articles were assessed by three investigators. RESULTS Total beverage intake varied between 0.6 and 3.5 L day(-1) among all age groups (males more than females). Plain water contributed up to 58%, 75% and 80% of the total beverage intake in children, adolescents and adults, respectively. Milk consumption was higher among children; consumption of soft drinks was higher among adolescents; and the consumption of tea, coffee and alcoholic beverages was higher among adults. CONCLUSIONS Plain water is the main water source for all age groups and the consumption of other beverages varies according to age.
An Analysis of the Short Term Shareholder Benefits in Mergers and Acquisitions and the Wealth Effects of Various Bid Characteristics: Evidence from Australia

This study explores the short term effects of Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) in Australia by examining the cumulative abnormal returns earned over a five day event window by the combined, target and acquiring firms. The study examines the wealth effects on the firm of the four bid characteristics of diversification, hostility, method of payment and relative size. Results show that mergers are wealth-creating events for the combined, target and acquiring firms. The ideal merger for a target firm is where the target is small relative to the acquiring firm, and the ideal merger for the acquiring firm is with a target of 30% of its own size which is diversifying and not hostile. The findings which shed new some new insights into M&A have implications for investors, advisers and management.