Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The impact of black economic empowerment transaction announcements on share price performance of JSE listed mining companies

I DECLARATION . I I I ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . IV DEDICATION . V LIST OF TABLES . VIII LIST OF FIGURES . IX LIST OF EQUATIONS . X CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION TO THE RESEARCH PROBLEM . 1 1.1 Research title . 1 1.2 Introduction . 1 1.3 Background of Study . 2 1.4 Research Problem . 3 1.5 Research objectives . 4 1.6 Research Scope . 4 1.7 Outline of Research Study . 5 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW . 6 2.1 General background information . 6 2.1.1 South Africa’s Black Economic empowerment . 6 2.1.2 Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act . 7 2.2 South African Mining . 8 2.3 Modes of equity transfer and announcements . 11 2.3. 1 Impact of BEE announcements on cumulative returns . 12 2.3. 2 Short-term cumulative returns . 12 2.3. 3 Long-term cumulative returns . 13 2.3. 4 Link between the age of the company and its share price performance . 13 2.3. 5 Timing of the BEE announcements . 14 2.4 Review of event study methodology and significant announcements . 15 2.4.1 Event study methodology . 15 2.4.2 Some critical assumptions of event studies . 16 2.5 Conclusion to the literature review . 17 CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH HYPOTHESES . 18 Hypothesis 1 . 18 Hypothesis 2 . 18 Hypothesis 3 . 19 Hypothesis 4 . 19 CHAPTER 4: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY . 20 4.1 Research Approach . 20 4.2 Research strategy . 20 4.2.1 An event . 21 4.2.2 Event Window . 21 4.2.3 Return Estimation . 22 4.2.4 Expected return . 23 4.2.5 Abnormal Returns (AR) . 24 © 2014 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. vii | P a g e 4.2. 6 Actual return . 25 4.2. 7 Average Abnormal Return (AAR) . 25 4.2. 8 Cumulative Average Abnormal Returns . 26 4.2. 9 Significance test . 26 4.3 Unit of analysis . 27 4.4 Population . 28 4.5 Sample size and sampling method . 28 4.6 Data collection . 29 4.6.1 Identification event date . 29 4.6.2 Exclusion confounding events . 30 4.6.3 Final events list and share prices . 30 4.7 Data analysis . 31 4.8 Reliability and Validity . 31 4.9 Research limitations . 31 CHAPTER 5: RESULTS . 33 5.1 Introduction of results . 33 5.2 Description of the sample . 33 5.3 Hypothesis 1: Testing for Average Abnormal Returns . 36 5.4 Hypothesis 2: Testing for CAR performance . 38 5.5 Hypothesis 3: CAR performance based by age of company . 43 5.6 Hypothesis 4: Timing of BEE announcements . 47 5.7 Conclusion . 49 CHAPTER 6: DISCUSSION OF RESULTS . 50 6.1 Introduction . 50 6.2 Hypothesis 1: Testing for Average Abnormal Returns . 50 6.3 Hypothesis 2: CAR performance . 51 6.4 Hypothesis 3: CAR performance based by age of company . 52 6.5 Hypothesis 4: Timing of BEE announcements . 53 6.6 Conclusion . 54 CHAPTER 7: CONCLUSION . 55 7.1 Introduction . 55 7.2 Summary of the findings . 55 7.3 Recommendation for practice . 57 7.4 Recommendations for future research . 58 7.5 Chapter Summary . 58 REFERENCES . 59 APPENDICES .
Causes of childhood blindness in Sri Lanka: results from children attending six schools for the blind.

AIM--The survey aimed to identify the major treatable or preventable causes of visual loss in children attending blind schools in Sri Lanka so that appropriate control measures can be implemented. METHOD--A total of 226 children with blindness (BL) or severe visual impairment (SVI) attending six schools for the blind were examined and details recorded using the WHO standard reporting form. RESULTS--Cataract was responsible for 17% of BL/SVI and was the commonest 'avoidable' cause of childhood blindness. Bilateral microphthalmos accounted for one quarter of BL/SVI. Vitamin A deficiency was not a significant cause of visual morbidity. CONCLUSION--The pattern of childhood blindness seen in this study is typical of a growing number of south east Asian countries which are developing rapidly. Childhood cataract is a major avoidable cause that can benefit from future intervention strategies.
What do Canadian managers do : a study of their roles, views, and perspectives

This study presents a different perspective that strives to achieve a better understanding of “What do managers do. ” The present work divides the role of a manager in two major ways: 1) through an analysis of the characteristics of successful and effective managers; and 2) through an assessment of the different attitudes and perspectives of Canadian managers. The data were collected from a sample of 186 Canadian managers in which the participants completed a paper and pencil questionnaire. The data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. A major finding from this study was that successful Canadian managers used multiple roles including human resource management, traditional management, and networking whereas effective managers used predominantly the human resource management role. As well, the issues of professionalism and unionization stood out for this sample of Canadian managers.
Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Crop Management and Grain Storage in Chimanimani District of Zimbabwe

This study explored the indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) in the Chimanimani District of Zimbabwe and how they are used in crop management and grain storage. Also examined were the effects of IKS use on community food security and integrity of the environment. A qualitative interpretative research design was employed through the use of detailed in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with traditional leaders and community elders. The choice for these groups of people was informed by the general belief that they are often regarded in the community as a reservoir of indigenous knowledge systems. Phenomenological underpinnings anchored the study because it was vital to bring to the fore the various related IKS phenomena and links to food security and environmental management in the community. A socio-ecological lens was used to establish links and interrelations of factors that contribute to food security and environmental management. Major findings include that ashes and leaves from some indigenous trees are used to enrich soil quality, preserve food, and treat livestock. In addition, ashes and leaves are applied as organic pesticides for a variety of crops grown in the district. The study established that these local knowledge systems and practices contribute to low farming costs, high crop yields and good environmental management. The indigenous trees used for this purpose are held in high regard and conserved through the practice and enforcement of socio-spiritual prohibitions like taboos. The study concluded that the body of local knowledge firmly rooted in the Chimanimani people’s culture and traditions is relevant to and consistent with the national and global agenda towards strengthening and sustaining community food security and environmental management. Furthermore, the local knowledge systems found in this study have policy implications for environmental management and climate change strategies as well as knowledge management from a socio-ecological perspective.
Comparative effect of different insecticides on the growth and yield of soybeans

The yield of soybeans, an economically important crop worldwide, is substantially reduced by different abiotic and biotic factors, including insect pests. Different insecticides are applied to control soybean insect pests. The application of insecticides may also affect the plants along with the pests. The effects of four insecticides (fenitrothion, etofenprox, thiamethoxam, and lambda-cyhalothrin-cum-thiamethoxam; LT) on the growth and yield of two soybean cultivars over two years were investigated. The plant height (PH), pod number, shoot dry matter without seed (SDWS), total shoot dry matter, seed yield per plant (SYP), harvest index (HI), and hundred-seed weight significantly varied with the insecticides. However, the primary branch number was not significantly affected by the insecticides. Significant interactions between the year and insecticide, except for the SDWS and HI, indicated that the growing environment also affected the influence of the insecticides. The PH was significantly tall in the thiamethoxam (50.07 cm) and short for the LT (46.66 cm) application. The SYP was significantly high for the LT (20.51 g) and low for the fenitrothion (11.51 g). This study showed that the type of insecticide could significantly affect the plant growth and yield of the soybean.
Effect Of Solanum Nigrum L.Fruit Extract On Serum Sex Hormones And Testis Of Male Wistar Rats

Solanum nigrum L. (Family: Solanaceae) commonly called as ―Black Nightshade‖ is found throught India as weed. S. nigrum has been working as a traditional folk remedy for treating numerous diseases. The current investigation was carry out to examine the outcome of 50% ethanolic extract of S. nigrum on serum sex hormones level and spermatogenesis in the testis. The rats were randomly divided in to five groups. Group A conduct by vehicle only and worked as control, although the rats in group B, C, D were treated orally with extract of S. nigrum at 100, 250 and 500 mg/kg doses, for 60 days. Group E rats treated through the dose of 500 mg/kg for 60 days and after that left without treatment for 60 days for recovery analysis. Effect on testes weight, serum testosterone, FSH, LH levels, histoarchitacture of the testis was investigated. The results of the study exhibited, the weights of testes, testosterone level, FSH & LH levels significant decrease in extract treatment rat. Histomorphometric study showed a decline in the different germ cell populations in stage VII of the seminiferous cycle and also decline in the seminiferous tubular and Leydig cell nuclear diameters. The histological study of the testis reveals atrophic and degenerative changes. The results of the study indicates that 50% ethanolic extract of S. nigrum fruit get significant negative impact on sex hormones level as well as diminishing of spermatogenesis. However, significant recovery was noticed in all these altered parameters after withdrawal of extract treatment in rats.
Congenital malformations in infants conceived following assisted reproductive technology in comparison with spontaneously conceived infants

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the risk for congenital malformations diagnosed at birth following assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments compared with live births conceived spontaneously. Methods: A retrospective cohort study including 9042 live births following ART and 213 288 spontaneously conceived (SC) live births during the period 1997–2004.The cohort was linked to the national live birth registry to determine the outcome of the pregnancies including congenital malformations. Results: An increased adjusted risk for all congenital malformations was observed in ART compared with SC infants [2.4% versus 1.9%; ORadj = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.26, 1.68]. The increased risk was observed in singleton births [2.4% versus 1.8%; ORadj = 1.41; 95% CI: 1.14, 1.71] but not in the ART conceived multiple births [2.5% versus 2.6%. ; ORadj = 1.15; 95% CI: 0.90, 1.46]. Significantly increased adjusted risks for nervous, circulatory, digestive and genital system malformations were evident in the ART singleton group compared to SC infants. In addition, increased risks were also observed in separate comparisons of IVF births versus SC [ORadj = 1.28; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.63] and ICSI births versus SC [ORadj = 1.56; 95% CI: 1.31, 1.84]. Data regarding pregnancy termination or congenital malformation diagnosed later in life were not included. Conclusion: Infants born following ART were at significantly increased risk for congenital malformations compared to live birth conceived spontaneously.
The effect of supply chain integration on the alignment between corporate competitive capability and supply chain operational capability

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to identify the shape of the interactive relationship between corporate competitive capability and supply chain operational capability for performance improvement, and to investigate the effects of supply chain (SC) integration on such interactive relationships.Design/methodology/approach – Separate moderated regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses of interest in this study on each of three SC integration groups: the independent operation group, the internal integration group, and the external integration group. Three models present the hierarchical addition of items addressing proposed corporate competitive capabilities, SC operational capabilities, and interacting effects, respectively.Findings – The effect of interaction between corporate competitive capability and SC operational capability on performance improvement becomes insignificant as the developmental stage of SC integration increases. In other words, in firms with a high level of internal i.
The Possibilities of Life Cycle Costing in Outsourcing Decision Making

The idea of outsourcing is to achieve the optimal performance within a company and a supply chain. Outsourcing decisions, therefore, require life cycle analysis of anticipated changes concerning all relevant costs, including indirect ones, to avoid undesired surprises. Life cycle costing (LCC) is an approach which aims at producing comprehensive cost information for decision makers by estimating the costs incurring in the future and by monitoring the costs during the life cycle. In the context of outsourcing, LCC can provide useful information for both customers and suppliers. The aim of this paper is to discuss the possibilities of life cycle costing in outsourcing decision making and companies’ ability to accomplish comprehensive cost assessments on the basis of empirical evidence about the present practices of life cycle costing. The study indicates that decisions are rarely made within a long-term perspective and cost consciousness in companies is often quite poor. Because the field of life cycle costing is problematic for many reasons, its use has been limited on the practical level. However, LCC has good alignment with outsourcing objectives and it is a potential tool for outsourcing decision making.
Elevated admission serum creatinine predicts poor myocardial blood flow and one-year mortality in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND Outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated by renal insufficiency have been well described. However, data regarding admission serum creatinine and coronary and myocardial flow are scant. The aims of this study are to evaluate the effects of admission serum creatinine on coronary blood flow and prognosis in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing primary PCI. METHODS A total of 495 patients undergoing primary PCI for STEMI within 12 hours after symptom onset were studied. Patients were divided into two groups according to admission serum creatinine level: 1) elevated serum creatinine group (elevated group, serum creatinine > or = 1.3 mg/dl), and 2) normal serum creatinine group (normal group, serum creatinine < 1.3 mg/dl). RESULTS Elevated serum creatinine was observed in 86 patients. Univariate analyses showed statistical differences between normal and elevated serum creatinine groups in age, gender, number of diseased vessels, hypertension, previous MI, serum creatinine level and Killip's grades on presentation. Corrected TIMI frame count (CTFC) in the elevated group was more than in the normal group, and TIMI myocardial perfusion grades (TMPG) 0-1 were more frequent (5.6% and 12.8%, p < 0.05). Elevated admission serum creatinine was an independent predictor of poor myocardial perfusion (adjusted relative risk [RR] 3.93; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13-6.84) and a higher rate of 1-year mortality in STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI (adjusted RR 1.41; 95% CI 1.24-2.69]). CONCLUSIONS The elevated admission serum creatinine levels are associated with impaired myocardial flow and poor prognosis in STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI.
Detecting the spam review using tri-training

Some supervised learning methods were developed to detect spam review and some of them are considerably effective. Some researchers also find that the review spammer consistently produce spam reviews. We observe that the spamming store also consistently produce spam reviews. This provides us two other views to identify review spam: we can identify if the reviewer is spammer and if the store is spamming one. We introduce a three-view semi-supervised method, tri-training, to exploit the large amount of unlabeled data. The experiment results demonstrate that three-view tri-training algorithm can achieve better results than two-view co-training and single-view algorithm.
Long-lasting facilitation of 4-amino-n-[2,3-(3)H]butyric acid ([(3)H]GABA) release from rat hippocampal slices by nicotinic receptor activation.

In this study we explored the effect of the stimulation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors located on interneurons by measuring 4-amino-n-[2,3-(3)H]butyric acid ([(3)H]GABA) release and monitoring [Ca (2+)](i) in superfused hippocampal slices. In the presence of 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione, (+/-)-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid, and atropine, i.e., under the blockade of N-methyl-D-aspartate and non-N-methyl-D-aspartate glutamate and muscarinic receptors, nicotine did not alter the spontaneous outflow of [(3)H]GABA, but significantly increased the stimulation-evoked [(3)H]GABA efflux. This effect of nicotine depended on the time interval between nicotine treatment and electrical stimulus, the concentration of nicotine (1-100 microM), and the parameters of electrical depolarization. Acetylcholine (0.03-3 mM), and the alpha 7 subtype-selective agonist choline (0.1-10 mM), also potentiated stimulus-evoked release of [(3)H]GABA, whereas 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenilpiperazinium iodide failed to increase the tritium outflow significantly. The effect of nicotine treatment was prevented by tetrodotoxin (1 microM) and by the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist mecamylamine (10 microM), and the alpha 7 subtype-selective antagonists alpha-bungarotoxin (100 nM) and methyllycaconitine (10 nM), whereas dihidro-beta-erythroidine (20 nM) was without effect. Perfusion of 100 microM nicotine caused a [Ca(2+)](i) transient in about one-third of the tested interneurons; however, the response to subsequent electrical stimulation remained unchanged. Inhibition of the GABA transporter system by nipecotic acid (1 mM) or by decreasing the bath temperature to 12 degrees C abolished completely the effect of nicotine to potentiate the stimulation-evoked release of GABA. These findings indicate that the activation of alpha 7-type nicotinic receptors of hippocampal interneurons results in a long-lasting ability of these cells to respond to depolarization with an increased release of GABA mediated by the transporter system.
Evidence based review of escitalopram in treating major depressive disorder in primary care

The study aimed to summarize clinical data for escitalopram in the treatment of major depressive disorder in primary care. Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched for randomized controlled trials of escitalopram (10–20 mg/day for 8 weeks) versus other antidepressants in therapeutic doses or placebo. Patients were required to have had moderate/severe depression, with Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) scores recorded at baseline and 8 weeks. Outcomes examined were remission rates (MADRS≤12) and response rates (≥50% decrease from baseline in MADRS at week 8). Data were combined using a random effects meta-analytic model. Of the 15 studies identified, 11 were rejected (five not primary care, four duplicate reports, one lacked 8-week MADRS scores, one not depression) and four were accepted (n=1472 patients). The four studies had nine arms, four for escitalopram (n=654), two for citalopram (n=333), one for venlafaxine-XR (n=142) and two for placebo (n=343). Remission rates for escitalopram were superior to placebo (48.7% versus 37.6%, P=0.003) and citalopram (52.8% versus 43.5%, P=0.003) but similar to venlafaxine-XR (P=0.97). Response rates were superior to placebo (48.7% versus 43.1%, P<0.001) and citalopram (62.5% versus 49.5%, P=0.001) but not venlafaxine-XR (P=0.52). Adverse events were comparable among active drugs (P<0.05). Remission rates for escitalopram were superior to placebo (48.7% versus 37.6%, P=0.003) and citalopram (52.8% versus 43.5%, P=0.003) but similar to venlafaxine-XR (P=0.97). Response rates were superior to placebo (48.7% versus 43.1%, P<0.001) and citalopram (62.5% versus 49.5%, P=0.001) but not venlafaxine-XR (P=0.52). Adverse events were comparable among active drugs (P>0.05). Remission and response rates of escitalopram in primary care are clinically superior to placebo and citalopram, but similar to venlafaxine-XR. Further head-to-head trials are warranted to verify these findings. A pharmacoeconomic analysis is also required to determine whether these clinical advantages for the patients translate into economic advantages for the health care system.
Bradykinin B2 receptor gene (−58T/C) polymorphism influences baroreflex sensitivity in never-treated hypertensive patients

Background Most evidence currently favours a fundamental role of the autonomic nervous system in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension. Recent studies suggest that about 40% of baroreflex variation, an index of cardiac autonomic control, is influenced by genetic factors. Methods and results The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a common polymorphic variant of the bradykinin B2 receptor gene (B2R; −58T/C) on the autonomic regulation of baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) in 129 mild–moderate never-treated hypertensive patients. No significant differences were found for clinical and biochemical parameters among genotypes. BRS increased with the number of B2R T alleles. B2R genotype was a strong independent predictor of BRS, accounting for 12% of its variation. We suggest that a decrease in the transcription of the bradykinin B2R gene in the presence of the B2R −58C allele could reduce BRS via the diminished effect of bradykinin. Conclusions B2R genotype can explain part of the BRS variation that is unaccounted for by simple anthropometric variables and common risk factors.