Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Determinants of capital structure of companies quoted in the Nairobi Stock Exchange

Capital structure decisions are among the most important and crucial decisions for an) business because of their effect on the value and cost of the company. This stud) examines the determinants of capital structure of companies listed at the NSE b) investigating the extent to which firm characteristics affect the way firms in Kenya rais< capital i.e. whether these decisions are According to the assumptions of the capita structure theories. The study uses secondary data from the published financial statement: of the listed companies. This study adopts a multi-regression model for analysis witl profitability, growth rate, size, taxation being used as the independent variables and deb to equity ratio as the proxy for capital structure. The sample comprised of non-financia firms listed at the NSE during the period 2003-2009. Findings of the study find that, firm characteristics such as profitability and tangibility an significantly negatively related to leverage as also liquidity growth and taxation, but an insignificant. While firm risk was seen to have a significant positive relationship but ar insignificant one for dividend policy and non-debt tax shield, the explanatory powers o the regression equation was about 17%nd significant which indicate that the mode construction is quite indicative. The paper contributes to the literature in that it shows that the determinants of capita structure conform to those reported by other related studies in emerging markets as wel as developed markets. The financing decisions of listed firms seem to support both tht pecking order theory and static trade-off theory.
Food safety: building consumer trust in livestock farmers for potential purchase behaviour

Purpose – Food safety is an important issue facing consumers, the food industry and the government. Since consumers cannot themselves easily assess food safety risks, their perception of food safety is, in part, a matter of trust in the food chain. This study seeks to focus on livestock farmers and to investigate the causal relationship between the factors that determine consumer trust, regarding food safety and in turn their purchase likelihood.Design/methodology/approach – By integrating theories developed in several disciplines, six factors, namely: providing information, competence, integrity, benevolence, credibility, and reliability were adopted for this study. The conceptual model was tested with a sample of 194 individuals in the form of a structural equation model using LISREL 8.30. Findings – The research confirms that livestock farmers could draw benefit from strategies to increase their trustworthiness through provision of information, show their benevolence and integrity to consumers, and in t.
A bidirectional reflectance model of the Earth's surface for the correction of remote sensing data

A surface bidirectional reflectance model has been developed for the correction of surface bidirectional effects in time series of satellite observations, where both sun and viewing angles are varying. The model follows a semiempirical approach and is designed to be applicable to heterogeneous surfaces. It contains only three adjustable parameters describing the surface and can potentially be included in an algorithm of processing and correction of a time series of remote sensing data. The model considers that the observed surface bidirectional reflectance is the sum of two main processes operating at a local scale: (1) a diffuse reflection component taking into account the geometrical structure of opaque reflectors on the surface, and shadowing effects, and (2) a volume scattering contribution by a collection of dispersed facets which simulates the volume scattering properties of canopies and bare soils. Detailed comparisons between the model and in situ observations show satisfactory agreement for most investigated surface types in the visible and near-infrared spectral bands. The model appears therefore as a good candidate to reduce substantially the undesirable fluctuations related to surface bidirectional effects in remotely sensed multitemporal data sets.
Performance Analysis of a Modified V-BLAST System With Delay Offsets Using Zero-Forcing Detection

This paper focuses on a modified Vertical-Bell Labs layered space-time (V-BLAST) system, where different delay offsets are intentionally applied to the spatially multiplexed data streams. The proposed system can use only one receive antenna to recover the transmitted information by zero forcing (ZF) detection, whereas the conventional synchronous V-BLAST system requires that Mr ges Mt (where Mt and Mr are the number of transmit and receive antennas, respectively). The exact closed-form expression of bit error rates (BERs) is derived for an Mt times Mr modified system with ZF strategy. Compared with the conventional synchronous V-BLAST system, the modified system can achieve Mr-th-order diversity using ZF detection; however, the increase in the diversity order comes at the cost of the multiplexing gain. Although delay offsets in the system introduce an attenuation factor that decreases the instantaneous signal-to-noise ratio, the BER performance of the modified system with proper system parameters demonstrates a performance improvement over the conventional synchronous V-BLAST system.
"When Experts Become Liabilities: Bankers, Boards, and Bank Failures"

Existing research on corporate boards has given little attention to an important dimension of board composition: the proportion of domain experts, that is, directors whose primary professional experience is within the focal firm’s industry. We develop the argument that, in the presence of significant decision uncertainty, a higher proportion of domain experts on a board may detract from effective decision making and thus lead a higher probability of organizational mortality. We derive hypotheses from this argument in the context of local banks in the United States, building on exploratory interviews with board members and CEOs. We predict that the proportion of domain experts in a bank’s board will be more positively related to the probability of bank failure under conditions associated with greater decision uncertainty in this context, such as rapid asset growth or operation in less predictable markets. Controlling for the level of diversity in board members’ professional backgrounds, and correcting for .
WEIGHT LOSS IN ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND RESTING ENERGY EXPENDITURE (REE), A PRELIMINARY REPORT

DISCUSSION Uterine prolapse is a common condition in older women. Obstructive uropathy has been reported as a complication, preventable with the use of a vaginal ring pessary in patients who are not candidates for surgical correction. The vaginal ring pessary should not be overlooked, however, as a potential cause of unilateral ureteral obstruction, even in patients with known renal calculi. The appropriate management of pyelonephritis in older women with an in-situ vaginal pessary may require pessary removal in addition to antibiotics, especially if hydronephrosis is identified.
Resistance of Acanthamoeba Cysts to Disinfection in Multiple Contact Lens Solutions

ABSTRACT Acanthamoebae are free-living amoebae found in the environment, including soil, freshwater, brackish water, seawater, hot tubs, and Jacuzzis. Acanthamoeba species can cause keratitis, a painful vision-threatening infection of the cornea, and fatal granulomatous encephalitis in humans. More than 20 species of Acanthamoeba belonging to morphological groups I, II, and III distributed in 15 genotypes have been described. Among these, Acanthamoeba castellanii, A. polyphaga, and A. hatchetti are frequently identified as causing Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK). Improper contact lens care and contact with nonsterile water while wearing contact lenses are known risk factors for AK. During a recent multistate outbreak, AK was found to be associated with the use of Advanced Medical Optics Complete MoisturePlus multipurpose contact lens solution, which was hypothesized to have had insufficient anti-Acanthamoeba activity. As part of the investigation of that outbreak, we compared the efficacies of 11 different contact lens solutions against cysts of A. castellanii, A. polyphaga, and A. hatchetti (the isolates of all species were genotype T4), which were isolated in 2007 from specimens obtained during the outbreak investigation. The data, generated with A. castellanii, A. polyphaga, and A. hatchetti cysts, suggest that the two contact lens solutions containing hydrogen peroxide were the only solutions that showed any disinfection ability, with 0% and 66% growth, respectively, being detected with A. castellanii and 0% and 33% growth, respectively, being detected with A. polyphaga. There was no statistically significant difference in disinfection efficacy between the 11 solutions for A. hatchetti.
Interaction of spermine with different forms of DNA. A conformational study

The energy of interaction of a spermine molecule with the A‐ and B‐forms of DNA has been calculated, assuming that the molecule of spermine is fixed in the narrow groove of the DNA helix with the formation of hydrogen bonds between the amino groups of spermine and the phosphate groups of DNA. The atom–atom potentials method was used. Optimal structures for the A‐DNA–spermine and B‐DNA–spermine complexes are suggested. It is shown that, in agreement with the experimental data, the interaction of the spermine molecule with the A‐DNA is energetically more favorable than that with the B‐DNA. Two main factors are responsible for this: (1) the distance between neighboring phosphates of the chain in A‐DNA (which is about 1 Å less than that in B‐DNA) corresponds better to the distance between the amino groups of the propyl part of spermine; and (2) the orientation of phosphate groups in A‐DNA inside the groove is preferable for complex formation with spermine to the outside groove arrangement of the phosphates in B‐DNA. These conclusions are further confirmed by the calculations for DNA–propane diamine complexes.
Dawn simulation vs. lightbox treatment in winter depression: a comparative study

Dawn simulation, with gradually increasing bedside light in the morning, has shown promising results as an alternative to bright light treatment for winter depression. To compare these treatments, 61 out‐patients with winter depression (20–70 years of age, 80% women) were randomized to receive either lightbox treatment with 1500–2500 lux white light for 2 h in the morning for 6 days on an out‐patient basis (n=34), or dawn simulation treatment in their homes, with 60 or 90 min of light augmentation time to 100–300 lux, for 2 weeks (n=27). Patients’ ratings of improvement on a visual analogue scale (correlating strongly with percentage reduction in an extended Montgomery‐Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) score) at the end of treatment showed a mean of 40.0% (SD 27.7%) in the dawn simulation group and 57.4% (SD 29.9%) in the lightbox group (p=0.02). The majority of the patients in both groups maintained their improvement during a 9‐week follow‐up. Age, sex, current major depression or current use of antidepressants did not predict outcome in either group. No serious side‐effects were observed.
THE GLOBAL INCREASE IN BLOCKING OCCURRENCES

The climatological (Wiedenmann et al., 2002; Barriopedro et al., 2006) and dynamic (Lupo, 1997; Burkhardt and Lupo, 2005; Luo et al. 2007a,b; Lupo et al. 2007; and Hussain et al. 2007) behavior of blocking has been studied extensively over the past decade, and this has led to a better understanding of blocking in both hemispheres. Lupo (1997), and references therein, confirmed what earlier studies had tentatively shown, namely that blocking forms and is sustained by the interaction between a large-scale wave and individual synoptic-scale cyclones. These studies have all shown that a certain phase relationship between a developing upstream cyclone and the large-scale feature is necessary for block intensification. Lupo and Burkhardt (2005), using Potential Vorticity diagnostics, demonstrated that the planetary-synoptic-scale interactions are truly non-linear and synergistic in Northern Hemisphere (NH) blocking much of the time. In the Southern Hemisphere (SH), blocking is, much of the time, the result of superposition between the two scales. Wiedenmann et al. (2002) and Barriopedro et al. (2006) both studied the climatological behavior of blocking as well as the trends and interannual variability in blocking occurrence. Both of these studies demonstrated that there was no statistically significant long-term trend in NH blocking occurrences, while the Wiedenmann et al. (2002) demonstrated that there was a long-term decrease in blocking occurrences in the SH. Clark et al. (2007) demonstrated that blocking in the SH was increasing between 2000 – 2006. However, it is not known why this increase was occurring. This increase is consistent with the results of Lupo et al. (1997) who suggested that a warmer climate would lead to an increase in the number and duration of blocking events. Blocking in the NH demonstrated some interannual variability with blocking being more common in La Nina years and was significantly stronger, especially over the North Pacific. In the SH, blocking was more frequent, stronger, and more persistent in El Nino years. Since blocking is relatively rare outside the South Pacific region, these differences can be related to the interannual variability of the South Pacific storm __________________________________________________ *Corresponding author address: Anthony R. Lupo, Department of Soil, Environmental, and Atmospheric Science, 302 E ABNR Building, University of MissouriColumbia, Columbia, MO 65211. E-mail: LupoA@missouri.edu. track. Additionally, blocking in the SH is less frequent and has a stronger seasonal peak than in the NH (Wiedenmann et al., 2002). Thus, there are two goals for this work. The first is to update the previous climatological work of this group to include recent years, especially for the NH. In performing this analysis we will note any resulting changes these years make to the previous climatologies. The second goal is to promote a blocking archive that will continuously be updated in a similar manner for that of, for example, hurricanes, and made available to the general public.
Impacts of new transportation technology on tourism-related industries—the Taiwan High Speed Rail

Abstract In Taiwan, domestic tourism is a major component of all tourism activity. This paper takes Taiwan's High Speed Rail (HSR), which was established in 2006, as an example to illustrate the influence of transportation improvement on domestic tourism. With the establishment of HSR, vast changes in the travel style of tourists have occurred, requiring changes in the operation of tourism-related businesses such as tour operators, travel agencies, domestic aviation, as well as in tourism destinations. The significant impacts of the transportation system on tourists' travel styles and tourism-related industries are illustrated.
Characterization of 5,6- and 8,9-Epoxyeicosatrienoic Acids (5,6- and 8,9-EET) as Potent in Vivo Angiogenic Lipids*

The cytochrome P450 arachidonic acid epoxygenase metabolites, the epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) are powerful, nonregioselective, stimulators of cell proliferation. In this study we compared the ability of the four EETs (5,6-, 8,9-, 11,12-, and 14,15-EETs) to regulate endothelial cell proliferation in vitro and angiogenesis in vivo and determined the molecular mechanism by which EETs control these events. Inhibition of the epoxygenase blocked serum-induced endothelial cell proliferation, and exogenously added EETs rescued cell proliferation from epoxygenase inhibition. Studies with selective ERK, p38 MAPK, or PI3K inhibitors revealed that whereas activation of p38 MAPK is required for the proliferative responses to 8,9- and 11,12-EET, activation of PI3K is necessary for the cell proliferation induced by 5,6- and 14,15-EET. Among the four EETs, only 5,6- and 8,9-EET are capable of promoting endothelial cell migration and the formation of capillary-like structures, events that are dependent on EET-mediated activation of ERK and PI3K. Using subcutaneous sponge models, we showed that 5,6- and 8,9-EET are pro-angiogenic in mice and that their neo-vascularization effects are enhanced by the co-administration of an inhibitor of EET enzymatic hydration, presumably because of reduced EET metabolism and inactivation. These studies identify 5,6- and 8,9-EET as powerful and selective angiogenic lipids, provide a functional link between the EET proliferative chemotactic properties and their angiogenic activity, and suggest a physiological role for them in angiogenesis and de novo vascularization.
Digital consumption and the extended self

Abstract There are numerous and substantial effects of the use of digital technologies on consumers. I focus here on the ways in which these technologies have brought changes to the extended self. This review builds on earlier work considering digital subjectivities. I find that the human–machine digital interface results in a series of challenging theoretical issues. In considering these issues at the broadest level I also address how the affordances of digital technologies may cause us to rethink the notion of extended self, the body and the relationship between objects and consumers in digital environments.
The importance of customer satisfaction in explaining brand and dealer loyalty

The positive influence of customer satisfaction on brand and dealer loyalty is often taken for granted. In this study we attempted to prove whether this relationship really exists. In order to do so we examined the case of an automobile‐dealer network. Three different types of customer satisfaction were distinguished: (a) satisfaction with the car; (b) satisfaction with the sales service and (c) satisfaction with the after‐sales service. It was expected that all three types of satisfaction would have an influence on brand loyalty as well as on dealer loyalty. More specifically, it was expected that satisfaction with the car would be the major determinant of brand loyalty and that satisfaction with the service (both sales‐ and after‐sales service) would be the major determinant of dealer loyalty. Furthermore, a study of the literature revealed that dealer loyalty might also significantly affect brand loyalty. In the empirical part of the study, customers (n = 416) of different automobile‐dealers of the sam.
A nuanced view on supply chain integration: a coordinative and collaborative approach to operational and sustainability performance improvement

Purpose – This paper aims to report the results of an empirical study examining the operational, environmental and social sustainability performance impact of supply chain integration (SCI) width and depth in the form of coordinative and collaborative SCI. Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire was sent to operations managers located in India. The data collection effort was part of the International Manufacturing Strategy Survey. Following the approaches by Frohlich and Westbrook (2001) and Schoenherr and Swink (2012), cluster analysis and analysis of covariance methods were conducted. Findings – This study supports previous studies proposing that wider SCI including customers and suppliers positively impact on performance. The authors also shed light on previous contradictory results, illustrating that different level of SCI depth (i.e. coordinative and collaborative practices) lead to different operational and sustainability performance outcomes. Thus, challenging the view of the general SCI-perf.
Benchmarking with data envelopment analysis: a return on asset perspective

Purpose – Selecting appropriate variables for analytical studies is critical for the validity of analysis. It is the same with data envelopment analysis (DEA) studies. In this study, for benchmarking using DEA, the paper seeks to suggest a novel framework based on return on assets (ROA), which is popular and user‐friendly to managers, and demonstrate it by use of an example.Design/methodology/approach – The paper demonstrates the selection of variables using the elements of ROA and applies DEA for measuring and benchmarking the comparative efficiency of companies in the same industry.Findings – It is frequently impossible to obtain internal data for benchmarking from competitors in the same industry. In this case, annual reports may be the only source of data for publicly traded companies. The framework demonstrated with an example is a practical approach for benchmarking with limited data.Research limitations/implications – This study employs financial data and is subject to the limitations of accounting.
Can the building of trust overcome consumer perceived risk online

Purpose – To explore the role of trust and risk in consumers' apparent reluctance to convert from internet browsers to potential online purchasers. To consider how marketing planners in that environment can devise strategies that balance perceptions of risk against perceptions of trustworthiness.Design/methodology/approach – The literatures of trust and risk were reviewed, with a focus on internet usage and online buying. Six components of organisational trust are used as the framework for a discussion of perceived risk, and of the tactics available to counterbalance perceptions of the riskiness of online buying with evidence of the trustworthiness of the online merchant.Findings – The conclusion is that marketing planners can overcome the barrier of perceived risk if they find the means to generate sufficient trust among their potential customers.Research limitations/implications – This presents no empirical evidence but does draw together the work of others and build from it a framework for understandin.
Executive Compensation and Anglo-American Influence: European Evidence

This study examines whether being listed on an Anglo-American stock exchange and/or having Anglo-American executive board members influences executive compensation, using company-level data from Germany, France and the Netherlands. Our sample consists of 581 executive directors, representing 142 listed companies from these three countries. We find a significant and positive relationship between Anglo-American listing and executive compensation. In addition, the results reveal a positive relationship between being an Anglo-American executive serving on a non-Anglo-American board and compensation. However, no significant relationship is found between having at least one Anglo-American on the board and executive compensation for non-Anglo-Americans who sit on the same board.
Casual Dining on the French Riviera: Examining the Relationship Between Visitors’ Perceived Quality, Positive Emotions, and Behavioral Intentions

The study investigates the relationship between the three components of perceived quality (service quality, food quality, and restaurant atmospherics), positive emotions, and behavioral intentions. By testing competing structural models on a sample of international tourists to casual dining restaurants on the French Riviera, we found that positive emotions have a strong influence on behavioral intentions. Competing paths between service quality, food quality, and restaurant atmospherics with positive emotions were found. The results hold important theoretical and managerial implications for service providers and encouraging international visitors to revisit and recommend restaurants on the French Riviera.
Design, Implementation, and Evaluation of Proficiency Testing in EMC Conducted Immunity

Interlaboratory comparison is an important tool to evaluate the capabilities of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) test laboratories. We recently developed a novel device that is able to assess the immunity test capabilities of laboratories according to IEC 61000-4-6 (conducted immunity). In this paper, we present the device itself as well as the outcome of an interlaboratory comparison with this new device. The results of this comparison are presented in all details: Evaluation methods, results, capability to identify faulty tests, and benefits for the participants.