Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Levels: A Meta-Analytic Review of 25 Years of Research Transformational Leadership and Performance Across Criteria and

Although transformational leadership has been studied extensively, the magnitude of the relationship between transformational leadership and follower performance across criterion types and levels of analysis remains unclear. Based on 117 independent samples over 113 primary studies, the current metaanalytic study showed that transformational leadership was positively related to individual-level follower performance across criterion types, with a stronger relationship for contextual performance than for task performance across most study settings. In addition, transformational leadership was positively related to performance at the team and organization levels. Moreover, both meta-analytic regression and relative importance analyses consistently showed that transformational leadership had an augmentation effect over transactional leadership (contingent reward) in predicting individual-level contextual performance and team-level performance. Contrary to our expectation, however, no augmentation effect of transformational leadership over contingent reward was found in predicting individual-level task performance. Instead, 1University of Iowa, Iowa City 2Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond Corresponding Author: Gang Wang, Department of Management and Organizations, University of Iowa, John Pappajohn Business Building, W252, PBB, Iowa City, IA 52242-1994 Email: gang-wang@uiowa.edu at The University of Iowa Libraries on March 18, 2011 gom.sagepub. com Downloaded from 224 Group & Organization Management 36(2) contingent reward explained incremental variance in individual-level task performance beyond that explained by transformational leadership.
Collusion, firm numbers and asymmetries revisited [Bergen]

In an infinitely repeated game where market demand is uncertain and where firms with (possibly asymmetric) capacity constraints must monitor the agreement through their privately observed sales and prices, we analyse the firms’ incentives to form a cartel when they could alternatively collude tacitly. In this private monitoring setting, tacit collusion involves price wars on the equilibrium path if a firm cannot infer from its low sales whether the realisation of market demand was unluckily low or whether at least one rival has undercut the collusive price. In contrast, explicit collusion involves firms secretly forming an illegal cartel to share their private information to avoid such price wars, but this runs the risk of sanctions. We show, in contrast to the conventional wisdom and consistent with the empirical evidence, that the incentives to form an illegal cartel can be smallest in markets with a few symmetric firms, because tacit collusion is most successful in such market
Research of a material and structural solution in the area of conventional soil processing

Sustainability in the area of agricultural commodities production depends on soil processing. Ploughshare is one of the most strained parts of a ploughing body and huge requirements are put on it. It has to meet relatively high strength requirements on one hand and high wear resistance on the other hand. The aim of the research is to increase the service life of the ploughing body by means a structural and material solution. Increasing the service life of a ploughshare by means of overlaying is a much discussed topic. The types of overlay materials of carbides (Soudokay A43-0, OK Tubrodur 14.70, OK Tubrodur 15.82) and martensitic (Filarc PZ 6159) were used. Further, new a functional surface was distinguished for reinforcement of the ploughshare cutting edge. A method of size and mass analysis in field tests was chosen for measurements of the ploughshares service life.
European cities in advanced producer services and real estate capital flows: a dynamic perspective

As emphasized in Chapter 1, the implications of economic globalization for Europe have been a major concern of the European Union (EU) and its constituent member states for over a decade. As discussed in Chapter 5 the advanced global economy now functions as complex horizontal networks of firms, made possible by developments in information and communications technology (ICT) since the 1970s. A consequent paradigm shift in the spatial organization of the global economy has led the geography of territorial structures such as the EU, its nation states and their borders, to be overlaid by more fluid relational spaces generated by business networks in which cities have a critical functional role. Amongst these networks, city-located APS (advanced producer services), finance and linked business services, have come to have rising prominence in the world economy from the latter years of the twentieth century onwards, as recognized in the EU Lisbon Strategy to boost Europe's economic competitiveness in a global context (EC, 2000). Hence, in this chapter, we focus attention on the role and position of European cities in the evolving APS network economy. Advanced producer services were first identified by Friedmann (1986) as having a key role in the process of capitalist 'world city' formation and by Sassen (1991, 1994) as having complementary geographic dispersion and concentration dynamics which result in a new economic role for 'global' cities.
What aspects of reasoning do further education college lecturers use in writing rationales?

Abstract Commonly, the task of constructing rationales is used in development programmes as a means of advancing Further Education College (FEC) lecturers' understanding of their practice. Often lecturers also teach this task as a part of student project work. Drawing on psychological research on argumentative reasoning the aim was to illuminate strengths and weaknesses in lecturers' rationale construction by identifying (a) components of reasoning and (b) ideas used in rationales. A descriptive sample survey design plus a focus group interview was employed on an opportunity sample of 22 FEC lecturers. They provided 89 pages of word-processed responses to nine questions. Content analyses indicated that participants used only two of Kuhn's (1991) five broad components of argumentative reasoning and educational literature was cited without commentary or evaluation. It is argued that course design needs to draw on ideas from at least three bodies of research: pedagogies for learning argumentative reasoning, ‘aspects of knowledgeability’ (Bereiter, 2002) and situated learning.
The relationship between internal service quality a nd physical education faculty members' job satisfaction in dist. 10 of Is lamic Azad University, Iran

The purpose of this study is to investigate the rel ationship between Internal Service Quality and Phys ical Education Faculty Members’ Job Satisfaction in Dist. 10 of Is lamic Azad University (IRAN). The research method i n this study was descriptive and correlation. Physical Education Faculty Members of Dist. 10 of Islamic Azad Univer sity (IRAN) have established statistical population of research that they all participated in the study (N=38). Fo r this purpose, Dixie's Internal Service Quality questionnaire (200 5) and Visoci and Chrom's Job Satisfaction question naire (1998) was used. Reliability of questionnaires after a pil ot study using Cronbach's alpha test, respectively ( α=0.81) and (α=0.76) were obtained. Descriptive and inferential s tatistics methods for data analysis were used. The findings showed that between internal service quality and jo b satisfaction, there is significant positive correlation (r=0/432, p<0/001). Also among internal service quality level s, positive relationship between internal service q uality in organizational level and job satisfaction was signi ficantly (r=0/627, p<0/001). Since the internal ser vice quality positively related to job satisfaction in Faculty M embers recommended that leaders and managers of uni versities and especially in Physical Education group in order to improve the internal service quality work.
Title : INFLUENCE OF DIETARY FAT AND MEAL FREQUENCY ON LIPOPROTEIN LIPASE AND HORMONE-SENSITIVE LIPASE IN RAT ADIPOSE TISSUE

approved by : _ . , . Elisabeth S. ^Yearick Activities of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) in adipose tissue, accumulation of carcass fat, and serum triglyceride have been determined in meal-fed (MF) and ad libitum-fed (AD) rats. At each feeding frequency, the animals received diets providing total fat as 15% or 30% of calories and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) as 2.5% or ]]% of calories. The food intake of the MF rats was 75% of that consumed by the AD rats but MF rats utilized their food more efficiently, as evidenced by weight gain per 100 Kcal consumed. Meal feeding, as contrasted to ad libitum feeding, resulted in greater activities of both LPL and HSL. This suggested a higher turnover of fat in the adipose tissue of MF rats. In AD rats, body fat was significantly correlated with LPL and the ratio of LPL:HSL. Meal feeding significantly increased the ratio of LPL:HSL, indicating a greater capacity for energy storage and fat deposition in the MF rat. However, at the limited caloric intake, MF rats failed to realize this potential; there was no significant difference in percentage of body fat at the two feeding frequencies. Body fat deposition was greater in rats fed the 30% fat diet, as compared with the 15% diet, regardless of the rate of food ingestion. This was coupled with a higher ratio of LPL:HSL. The significant correlation of serum triglycerides with body fat and with the ratio of LPL:HSL in AD rats suggests that LPL activity and fat deposition may be controlled by the concentration of circulating triglycerides. Both serum triglycerides and adipose LPL activity were significantly reduced when the diet contained high levels of PUFA. The percentage of body fat was also lower in animals whose intake of PUFA was high.
Reducing metal artefacts and radiation dose in musculoskeletal CT imaging

Purpose: To quantify the impact of prosthesis material and design on the reduction of metal artefacts in total hip arthroplasties using virtual monochromatic dual-layer detector Spectral CT imaging. Methods: The water-filled total hip arthroplasty phantom was scanned on a novel 128-slice Philips IQon dual-layer detector Spectral CT scanner at 120-kVp and 140-kVp at a standard computed tomography dose index of 20.0 mGy. Several unilateral and bilateral hip prostheses consisting of different metal alloys were inserted and combined which were surrounded by 18 hydroxyapatite calcium carbonate pellets representing bone. Images were reconstructed with iterative reconstruction and analysed at monochromatic energies ranging from 40-200 keV. CT numbers in Hounsfield Units (HU), noise measured as the standard deviation in HU, signal-to-noise-ratios (SNRs) and contrast-tonoise-ratios (CNRs) were analysed within fixed regions-of-interests placed in and around the pellets. Results: In 70 and 74 keV virtual monochromatic images the CT numbers of the pellets were similar to 120-kVp and 140-kVp polychromatic results, therefore serving as reference. A separation into three categories of metal artefacts was made (no, mild/moderate and severe) where pellets were categorized based on HU deviations. At high keV values overall image contrast was reduced. For mild/ moderate artefacts, the highest average CNRs were attained with virtual monochromatic 130 keV images, acquired at 140-kVp. Severe metal artefacts were not reduced. In 130 keV images, only mild/ moderate metal artefacts were significantly reduced compared to 70 and 74 keV images. Deviations in CT numbers, noise, SNRs and CNRs due to metal artefacts were decreased with respectively 64%, 57%, 62% and 63% (p<0.001) compared to unaffected pellets. Optimal keVs, based on CNRs, for different unilateral and bilateral metal hip prostheses consisting of different metal alloys varied from 74-150 keV. The Titanium alloy resulted in less severe artefacts and were reduced more effectively compared to the Cobalt alloy. Conclusions: Virtual monochromatic dual-layer Spectral CT imaging results in a significant reduction of streak artefacts produced by beam-hardening in mild and moderate artefacts by improving CT number accuracy, SNRs and CNRs, while decreasing noise values in a total hip arthroplasty phantom. An optimal monochromatic energy of 130 keV was found ranging from 74 keV – 150 keV for different unilateral and bilateral hip prostheses consisting of different metal alloys.
Conjugative plasmid mediating adhesive pili in virulent Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates

Background and objectives: Plasmids have been known to play a major role in the dissemination of antibiotic resistance and virulence associated genes in a microbial population. This study aimed to understand the pathogenic potential of these isolates and to determine whether a correlation exists between virulence and antibiotic resistance. Results: Out of the 25 virulent K. pneumoniae isolates 3 (12%) showed adherence to the human carcinoma cell line (CaCO-2). These isolates showed multidrug resistance. The plasmid profile of these isolates showed a common large plasmid weighing 210 MDa. Conjugation experiment revealed that transconjugants exhibited adherence and some resistance markers. Interestingly, adherence of donors and transconjugants was transferable via pili as confirmed by the electron microscopy. Type 3 pili was detected in K120 isolate and the corresponding transconjugant that showed the highest adhesion indices. This was supported by Western blot technique confirming the role of type 3 pili as an adhesive factor. Conclusions: It appeared that type 3 pili on the surface of the K. pneumoniae isolates, which mediated attachment of the bacteria to the host cells, were plasmid encoded and this plasmid could be transferred by conjugation and expressed by the transconjugants.
Orbitally forced Azolla blooms and Middle Eocene Arctic hydrology: Clues from palynology

The high abundances and cyclic distribution of remains of the freshwater fern Azolla in early-Middle Eocene sediments from the Arctic Ocean have previously been related to episodic surface-water freshening, which was speculated to be orbitally modulated. Our integrated palynological and cyclostratigraphical analysis of the recovered Azolla interval in Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) core 302-M0004A-11X resulted in the recognition of two clear periodicities: a dominant ~1.2 m cyclicity, which we relate to changes in obliquity (~40 k.y.), and a weaker ~0.7 m cyclicity, which we link to precession (~21 k.y.). Cycles in the abundances of Azolla, cysts of freshwater-tolerant dinoflagellates, and swamp-vegetation pollen show covariability in the obliquity domain. This strong correlation suggests periods of enhanced rainfall and runoff during Azolla blooms, presumably linked to increased local summer temperatures during obliquity maxima. Larix and bisaccate conifer pollen covary at the precession frequency, with peak occurrences corresponding to precession minima, possibly as a result of enhanced continental runoff from a more remote source area and a stronger seasonal contrast. Following the sudden demise of Azolla ca. 48.1 Ma, runoff (cycles) continued to influence the central Arctic at decreased intensity. This and a concomitant decline in swamp-vegetation pollen suggest edaphically drier conditions on land and decreased runoff into the Arctic Ocean, causing salinity changes, which might have been fatal for Azolla. Moreover, a sea-level rise, inferred from overall decreasing total terrestrial palynomorph concentrations, possibly facilitated oceanic connections. © 2011 Geological Society of America.
THE EFFECT OF BRAND EXPERIENCE ON BRAND TRUST AND BRAND LOYALTY

The marketing literature has acknowledged that consumers are looking for brands that provide a good, unique and unforgettable experience. The success of a brand in the long run depends greatly on the number of loyal consumers who regularly buy on a particular brand. This study aims to analyze and discuss the effect of brand experience on brand trust and brand loyalty. The research method used is a survey. The population in this study were consumers of Zwitsal products as a product for babies but used among adults. Respondents were set at 100 people. The sampling method used in this study is a non probability sampling method. The technique used is convenience sampling where respondents are based on anyone who by chance is seen as fulfilling the requirements as a data source. The analytical tool used is linear regression with the help of SPSS 24.0 for Windows software. The results show that brand experience has a significant positive effect on brand trust, and brand experience has a significant positive effect on brand loyalty
Immunoenzymatic Method for Midkine Determination in Serum Immunoenzymatyczna metoda oznaczania midkiny w surowicy krwi

Background. Midkine is a secreted protein originally engaged in neurogenesis and recently reported to be impli− cated in tumorigenesis. Midkine expression, both at the level of protein and mRNA, is elevated in various types of cancer. A potential significance of midkine level determination as a marker of tumour presence and progression is intensively studied. However, at the time when presented studies were conducted, no commercial ELISA kits for the assessment of serum midkine level were available. Objectives. Developing a sensitive method for midkine determination in serum with application of commercially available antibodies and chromogenic substrate. The other goal of presented studies was practical evaluation of invented assay in serum samples from apparently healthy subjects and establishment of the reference range and test sensitivity. Material and Methods. The studies were conducted on serum samples from 43 apparently healthy blood donors. In the described assay, double antibody sandwich indirect ELISA (DASI−ELISA) with two policlonal antibodies against recombinant human midkine raised in different hosts, was applied. For the enhancement of test sensitivity, the authors used biotin−streptavidin amplification system. Horseradish peroxidase and tetramethylbenzidine were applied for colour development. Results. The sensitivity of the assay was 3–4 pg of midkine per ml of serum. The median midkine value, deter− mined for the studied group, was 141 pg/ml and mean ± SD was 220 ± 320.6 pg/ml. The upper normal range limit, determined as 82nd percentile, was 541 pg/ml. Conclusions. The invented ELISA proved to be a sensitive method for determination of serum midkine concen− tration and can be applied in studies on the serum level of this circulating growth factor in various physiological and pathological conditions (Adv Clin Exp Med 2006, 15, 2, 247–252).
Impact of Retail Attributes on Store Choice , Customer Satisfaction and Customer Loyalty for Premium Denim

OWEN, MADISON EVERETT. Impact of Retail Attributes on Store Choice, Customer Satisfaction and Customer Loyalty for Premium Denim. (Under the direction of Dr. Marguerite Moore.) The purpose of the research was to determine the impact of retail attributes on shopping behaviors for the premium denim customer. Specifically, the study examined the influence of retail attributes on store choice, customer satisfaction and customer loyalty in the context of premium denim shopping. This study used a quantitative research design; a questionnaire was distributed to shoppers in an upscale department store retail environment in order to collect data. The questionnaire included four sections: initial screening questions focused on premium denim buying behavior, retail attribute importance, store choice behaviors, satisfaction and loyalty measures and demographic information. The methodology design was designed to target premium denim shoppers in a retail environment in order to gain immediate judgments. A convenience sample of premium denim shoppers by a store intercept technique was used for the study. The sample consisted of 101 female respondents and was collected in an upscale department store in Raleigh, North Carolina. To observe the impact of retail attributes on store choice, customer satisfaction, and customer loyalty for the premium denim shopper, the study used a path model approach. Principal Components Analysis (PCA) was used in a preliminary analysis to evaluate the dimensionality of retail attributes, store choice, satisfaction and loyalty and rotated factor matrices using a varimax method were used to identify three retail attribute factors (Service, Environmental, and Brands/Promotions), four store choice factors (Traditional Department Stores, Boutiques, Online Department Stores/Boutiques, and Upscale Department Stores), and two Satisfaction and Loyalty factors. The path analysis found potential relationships and evaluated the model fit, resulting in a best-fitting model with seven significant paths. Results suggest the Service factor (including sales associates, customer service and store credit cards) and the Brands/Promotions factor (including favorite premium denim brands and the offering of promotions/sales) to be the most influential on store choice (Upscale Department, Boutique and Online Department/Boutique) for the premium denim shopper. Additionally, the following factors had significant relationships: customer satisfaction to customer loyalty, the Environmental factor (store environment, merchandising of premium denim, and easy shopping environment) to customer satisfaction, and the Upscale Department factor led to customer loyalty. Impact of Retail Attributes on Store Choice, Customer Satisfaction and Customer Loyalty for Premium Denim by Madison Everett Owen A thesis submitted to the Graduate Faculty of North Carolina State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science
"Can Drama, through Icelandic Tales, Increase Children's Vocabulary"?.

The article is based on a study, done by Asa Helga Ragnarsdottir and Rannveig Bjork Þorkelsdottir in 2010-2011 were the authors explored the research question: Can drama, through Icelandic tales, increase children’s vocabulary? Methodology of the study was quantitative approach (comparative research). Data was gathered through questionnaires and a
IFRS Compliance Appraisal: Evidence from Nigeria and Ghana

t This study appraises the quality of compliance upheld by selected Nigerian and Ghanaian manufacturing companies to minimum disclosure requirements of IFRS during financial reporting. Hence, It determines whether any significant difference exists in the compliance quality of the post IFRS Financial Statements prepared in Nigeria and Ghana in their first five years of IFRS adoption. It is an empirical study that is descriptively designed to pave room for the use of the content analysis scoring system as the core instrument for data collection. A total of 44 manufacturing companies (22 companies each in Nigeria and Ghana) listed on the floors of the Nigerian and Ghana Stock Exchanges were purposively sampled and scored for quality compliance on a 4-point rating scale through her post IFRS compliant Financial Statements for the years 2007–2011 (Ghana) and 2012–2016 (Nigeria) respectively. Scores derived were however analyzed using the Mann Whitney U Test, and it was discovered that a significant difference exist in the compliance quality of post-IFRS Financial Statements prepared by public listed manufacturing companies in Nigeria and Ghana, with Nigeria having better IFRS disclosures compliance edge over Ghana. This implies that the regulatory approach to IFRS implementation in both countries apparently differs. The study however recommends that a more robust regulatory oversight on companies’ full compliance to IFRS disclosure requirements be upheld towards achieving a commendable level of comparison in both countries’ IFRS Financial Statements as expected. More so, companies’ consistent full compliance to IFRS requirements should hence be adopted as one of the perquisite for her continued listing by the Nigerian and Ghana Stock Exchanges.