Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE ACCOUNTING NUMBERS AND INVESTMENT DECISIONS IN EMERGING MARKETS

The main objective of this study is to determine the impact of dividend policy on stock price in Kuwait Firms. the study adopts the quantitative technique, gathering data from official listed Kuwaiti companies. All non-financial firms listed in Kuwait Stock Exchange from 1994 to 2003 This study will be based on a cross-sectional regression analysis of the relationship between stock price volatility and dividend policy after controlling for firm size, earning volatility, leverage and asset growth. Both dividend policy measures (dividend yield and payout ratio) have significant impact on the share price volatility.and examines the influence of dividend policy on stock price volatility and suggests the use of the following control variables in testing the significance of the relationship between dividend yield and price volatility: operating earnings; size of the firm; level of debt financing; payout ratio; and level of growth. These variables have a clear impact on stock returns but also impact on dividend yield. ‘SPSS’ statistical package to run statistical tests and answer study questions. Basic descriptive statistics (Mean, Standard Deviations) and frequency distribution were computed for each variable/question. Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) coefficient estimates are used in this study. F-tests are used to test for the relationship between stock price volatility and dividend policy. The results show that preference for dividends is larger amongst older investors, compared to younger investors. Old investors and investors without university education all have a preference for dividends because of transaction costs. On the other hand, young investors and investors with a university education have less interest in dividends based on transaction costs. The results also suggest that the watch for dividends as a safeguard measure is still “old-fashioned”, even in light of the recent accounting scandals.The results also indicate that individual investors believe that dividend payments contain a signal about the profitability of the firm.
Relationship between Juvenile Fish Condition and Survival to Adulthood in Steelhead

AbstractUnderstanding how individual characteristics are associated with survival is important to programs aimed at recovering fish populations of conservation concern. To evaluate whether individual fish characteristics observed during the juvenile life stage were associated with the probability of returning as an adult, juvenile steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss from two distinct population segments (DPSs; Snake River and upper Columbia River) were captured, photographed to determine external condition (body injuries, descaling, signs of disease, fin damage, and ectoparasites), measured, classified by rearing type (hatchery, wild), marked with a PIT tag, and released to continue out-migration to the Pacific Ocean during 2007–2010. The PIT tags of returning adults were interrogated in fishways at hydroelectric dams on the lower Columbia River 1–3 years following release as juveniles. Juvenile-to-adult survival models were investigated independently for each DPS and indicated that similar individual fish char.
Normalization for Implied Volatility

We study specific nonlinear transformations of the Black-Scholes implied volatility to show remarkable properties of the volatility surface. Model-free bounds on the implied volatility skew are given. Pricing formulas for the European options which are written in terms of the implied volatility are given. In particular, we prove elegant formulas for the fair strikes of the variance swap and the gamma swap.
Valley to Valley: The Biological Connection between Prehispanic Residents of Cochabamba, Bolivia, and Azapa, Chile *

One of the most interesting problems facing the interpretation of south central Andean prehistory is to decipher the genetic relationships among ancient groups that inhabited this region. This study evaluates the biological relationships between the ancient inhabitants of the coast and interior valleys of the Azapa region in northern Chile and the Cochabamba valleys of Bolivia, with reference to highland Tiwanaku groups. Craniometric data (N = 299) were statistically evaluated to compute group means using Mahalanobis (D2) values. Results demonstrate that there is a notable difference between coastal and interior valley populations of the Azapa region; whereas a close biological association exists between groups from the Cochabamba valleys and the interior Azapa valleys, especially for those associated with the Formative and Tiwanaku Periods.
APPLICATION OF PELEG MODEL TO STUDY EFFECT OF WATER TEMPERATURE AND STORAGE TIME ON REHYDRATION KINETICS OF AIR DRIED POTATO CUBES

Potato cubes (1×1×1 cm) were dried at 65oC in hot air oven. Samples were rehydrated by immersion in water during different periods of time and temperatures (23±2oC and 100±2oC). Rehydra- tion kinetic was monitored by measuring samples' weights at regular intervals. All measurements were repeated after two months to study effect of shelf life on rehydration. Peleg's model was successfully ap- plied to experimental data and the corresponding parameters were obtained and correlated with tem- perature. The parameters of the model were found to be greatly affected by the water temperature dur- ing rehydration. Rehydration of samples was also dependent to water temperature. In particular, tem- perature increase led to higher final moisture con- tents in the samples after two months storage. On the other hand, higher temperatures decreased the mois- ture content of the samples at the end of first month which could be related to the structural changes in
TOWARD A MORE EFFICIENT UTILISATION OF BETALAINS AS PIGMENTS FOR DYE-SENSITIZED SOLAR CELLS

We report on the use of natural dyes, betalains, as pigments for Dye–Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSC). Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory calculations provide the electronic spectra of the various types of betalain dyes and allow a discussion of their matching to the solar spectrum. Experimentally, we vary parameters such as the nature of the extracting solvent, the pH and the composition of the extract, to optimize the fabrication of DSSCs using betalains. Based on UV-Vis spectra correlated with electro-optic measurements providing the photovolatic conversion efficiency under standard AM1.5 conditions we find that the decrease of the pH of the dye solution leads to an increase of the DSSC performance, likely due to the increasing ratios of betacyanins with respect to betaxanthins in the extracts as well as the possible hydrolysis of betanin to betanidin. In order to fabricate better DSSCs using betalain natural dyes, we propose to use water as extracting solvent, to increase the content in betacyanins on the photoanode by a preliminary purification and to raise the stability of the dyes preferably by using anti-oxidizing copigments that do not interact with the substrate.
Location, acceptance and suitability of Spodoptera littoralis and Galleria mellonella as hosts for the parasitoid Exorista larvarum.

The location, acceptance and suitability of the phytophagous Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval) by the tachinid larval parasitoid Exorista larvarum (L.) was studied in the laboratory. A test was conducted in a cage environment to assess whether E. larvarum displays a difference in locating and accepting the laboratory host Galleria mellonella (L.) vs. S. littoralis and whether the host plant plays a role in host location by the parasitoid. Inexperienced E. larvarum females were similarly attracted to, and accepted, G. mellonella and S. littoralis larvae, but weakly responded to S. littoralis larvae feeding on a bean leaf. Since the latter were apparently less mobile compared to the other two targets, the results may support the hypothesis that, at close range, tachinid females use visual cues and, in particular, motion signals in host location. Host acceptance and suitability of S. littoralis vs. G. mellonella by E. larvarum were then further compared. Based on the time needed to obtain the oviposition of 4-6 eggs per larva, acceptance was not significantly different between the two host species. Puparia were however obtained from 1.3% of S. littoralis larvae vs. 75% of G. mellonella larvae. Despite the low successful parasitization, in parasitized S. littoralis larvae mortality was higher compared to control (unparasitized) larvae. This result suggests that E. larvarum may be a candidate for biological control of S. littoralis.
Heart rate and blood pressure responses to a competitive role-playing game

The effects of the outcome of competitive encounters on physiological parameters have been studied, especially testosterone levels, but hardly on other systems that, however, present a high sensitivity to stress. This study assessed the effect of a competitive game on heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) in a sample of university students. In addition, the influence of anxiety and attributions of the outcome was also explored. Only winners significantly showed a rise in HR during the competition followed by a decrease along the posttask phase in addition to more internal attributions. On the contrary, the average HR for losers during the competition was lower compared with their baseline values. No differences depending on the outcome were found in BP. The cardiovascular response as well as the subjective interpretation of the outcome suggest a more active strategy employed by winners vs. a more passive strategy of losers. Future studies should specifically investigate the importance of coping strategies for psychophysiological adaptation to contests and for the outcome reached. This would permit an advance in the understanding of the role of individual differences in the processes of stress and in associated diseases.
Toward an Understanding of GRB Prompt Emission Mechanism. II. Patterns of Peak Energy Evolution and Their Connection to Spectral Lags

The prompt emission phase of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) exhibits two distinct patterns of the peak energy (Ep) evolution, i.e., time-resolved spectral analyses of νFν spectra of broad pulses reveal (1) “hard-to-soft” and (2) “flux-tracking” patterns of Ep evolution in time, the physical origin of which still remains not well understood. We show here that these two patterns can be successfully reproduced within a simple physical model invoking synchrotron radiation in a bulk-accelerating emission region. We show further that the evolution patterns of the peak energy have, in fact, direct connections to the existence of two different (positive or negative) types of spectral lags, seen in the broad pulses. In particular, we predict that (1) only the positive type of spectral lags is possible for the hard-to-soft evolution of the peak energy, (2) both the positive and negative type of spectral lags can occur in the case of the flux-tracking pattern of the peak energy, (3) for the flux-tracking pattern the peak location of the flux light curve slightly lags behind the peak of the Ep evolution with time if the spectral lags are positive, and (4) in the case of the flux-tracking pattern double-peaked broad pulses can appear in the light curves, the shape of which is energy dependent.
Influence of the Tungurahua eruption on the ice core records of Chimborazo, Ecuador

Abstract. The comparison of two shallow ice cores recovered in 1999 and 2000 from the same place on the Chimborazo summit glacier revealed the influence of the coincident Tungurahua volcanic eruption on their stable isotope and chemical records. The surface snow melting and water percolation induced from the ash deposition caused a preferential elution and re-localization of certain ionic species, while the stable isotope records were not affected. Additionally, the comparison of the ionic amount and some selected ion ratios preserved along the ice core column reports under which processes the chemical species are introduced in the snow pack, as snow flake condensation nuclei, by atmospheric scavenging or by dry deposition. This preliminary study is essential for the interpretation of the deep Chimborazo ice core, or for other sites where surrounding volcanic activity influences the glaciochemical records.
Temporary Jobs: Stepping Stones or Dead Ends?

In Britain about 7% of male employees and 10% of female employees are in temporary jobs. In contrast to much of continental Europe, this proportion has been relatively stable over the 1990s. Using data from the British Household Panel Survey, we find that temporary workers report lower levels of job satisfaction, receive less work-related training, and are less well-paid than their counterparts in permanent employment. However, there is evidence that fixed-term contracts are a stepping stone to permanent work. Women (but not men) who start in fixed-term employment and move to permanent jobs fully catch up to those who start in permanent jobs.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE NUTRITIONAL VALUES OF PALMWINE AND KUNU-ZAKI

The nutritional values of two Nigerian traditional beverages, palmwine (from Raphia hookeri) and kunu-zaki, a cerealbased non-alcoholic beverage processed from guinea corn (Sorghum bicolor) and millet (Pennisetum typhoduim) were investigated and compared. Results showed that kunu-zaki is comparatively richer in carbohydrate, crude protein, lipid, crude fibre, ash and caloric value than palmwine with significant (p 0.05) percentage differences of 220%; 334.48%; 33.33%; 244%; 565.84% and 551.41% respectively. However, moisture content and vitamins (A and C) were found to be 7.32%; 142.24% and 3.63%, respectively, significantly (p 0.05) higher in palmwine than in kunu-zaki. Similarly, higher significant (p 0.05) percentage differences of mineral elements such as Fe 2+ (319.9%) and Cu 2+ (88%) were observed in palmwine than kunu-zaki, while, Mg 2+ , Ca 2+ and Zn 2+ were 20.3%, 28.05% and 25.42%, respectively, significantly (p 0.05) more in kunu-zaki than in palmwine. Hence, the use of kunu-zaki as a rich body building and energy beverage is advocated.
Small satellite pulmonary nodules in operable lung cancer: Diagnosis and therapeutic strategy

Objective: The use of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) has improved the management of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but has also increased the detection of indeterminate satellite nodules. Obtaining differential diagnosis of nodules less than 10 mm is difficult but essential for choosing optimal therapeutic strategies. Here, we evaluated the characteristics of small satellite nodules in patients with operable NSCLC and examined the optimal diagnostic and therapeutic approach in patients with small satellite nodules. Methods: Using data from a prospective database, all surgically treated patients diagnosed with NSCLC from 2008 to 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients presenting with small pulmonary non-GGO nodule(s) were identified. Results: A total of 1206 patients underwent complete resection for NSCLC, out of which 45 patients presented with 60 nodules less than 10 mm on thoracic CT. Twenty-six nodules (43%) were malignant, 31 (52%) were benign, and 3 (5%) were of undetermined nature. Tumor histology (adenocarcinoma vs. nonadenocarcinoma), TNM stage (advanced stage vs. early stage), and nodule size (6–10 vs.  5 mm) were associated with nodule malignancy. The incidence of metastatic nodules in patients with stage III NSCLC was significantly higher than that in patients with stage I NSCLC. In contrast, the incidence of multiple primary lung cancers in patients with stage I NSCLC was significantly higher than that in patients with stage III NSCLC. Conclusion: Differential diagnosis of indeterminate satellite lesions in patients with operable NSCLC is critical. Surgery should be performed cautiously in patients with stage III NSCLC having nodules larger than 5 mm.
The Relation Between Fundamental Emotions And Occupational Stress In Educational Settings

This research analyses the relationship between fundamental emotions and occupational stress in educational settings, the nature and dynamic of this relation, as well as individual (physical health and psychological wellbeing) and organizational (efficiency and effectiveness) consequences in educational settings. From a Narrative Interpretive Perspective (Lazarus, 2006) and the Integrative Approach to Occupational Stress (Cartwright and Cooper, 2003), the relation between fundamental emotions and occupational stress in teachers is analyzed both in terms of general dimensions of affectivity (positive and negative) as well as fundamental emotions related to sources of occupational stress in educational settings, both from an individual and an organizational perspective. Teachers consider as sources of stress (with consequences on their activity): control; professional relationships; workplace certainty; workpersonal life balance; work overload; particular aspects of working place; payments and benefits. Negative affective states manifestation is associated with occupational stress in teachers. An increase in stressors’ impact does not necessarily lead to a wane in the manifestation of positive emotions. © 2017 Published by Future Academy www.FutureAcademy. org.uk
Managing innovation in educational institutions

Traditionally, project management practices have not drawn any distinction between the characteristics of different projects. Recent research has found that innovative projects require different project management approaches if quality outcomes are to be achieved. Projects involving more innovation require more open management processes and contain a higher percentage of academic and/or professional staff. These characteristics often apply to educational projects in tertiary institutions. There is conflict inherent in managing change projects in educational environments between the classical 'project management' approach and the way that academics and teaching staff, who are independent professionals, traditionally work. This study derived from experience at RMIT, where a system wide online learning system (the Distributed Learning System, DLS) has been implemented since 1999. The implications for the project management approaches suitable for educational projects are discussed and a typology is suggested to categorise projects within an organisation and link them to key factors for successful project management.
Dropout from Secondary Education: all's well that begins well

Despite the increased attention to students leaving secondary education without a diploma, numerous students dropout yearly. This paper makes a distinction between the 'individual perspective' and the 'institutional perspective' of dropping out. The individual perspective considers the probability of an individual student to drop out. It is explored by multinominal logit models, with and without accounting for unobserved heterogeneity. We observe that particularly motivation of the student and interest in schooling of his/her parents are crucial predictors of the individual dropout decision. The institutional perspective focusses on contextual factors and is examined by ordered logit models, both with and without accounting for unobserved heterogeneity. In particular, we discuss the influence of the first year of secondary education by analysing the large diÂ¤erences in the number of dropouts in Dutch Â…rst year classes. We observe that, more than motivation, conditions in the Â…rst year of secondary education are crucial in shaping the dropping out decision.
On subsequences of convergents to a quadratic irrational given by some numerical schemes

Un irrationnel quadratique α etant donne, nous nous interessons a la maniere dont une fonction f convenablement choisie produit des sous-suites de reduites de α. Nous etudions trois schemas numeriques: les methodes type secante et certaines generalisations formelles, qui conduisent a des sous-suites a recurrence lineaire ; la methode de la fausse position, qui conduit a des sous-suites arithmetiques de reduites et donne quelques interessants developpement en serie ; la methode de Newton, pour laquelle nous completons un resultat d'Edward Burger [1] sur l'existence de fonctions f qui fournissent des sous-suites arithmetiques de reduites.
An Investigation of the Impact of Foreign Direct Investment on Economic Growth: A Case Study of Mauritania

Purpose: This paper aim to investigate the impact of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) on the economic growth of Mauritania for the period 1976 to 1995 quarterly data. It evaluated the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) performance and the trends of FDI and Gross Fix Capital Formation (GFCF) in Mauritania. Methodology/sample: to demonstrate the relationship between Mauritanian Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Gross Fix Capital Formation (GFCF) Multiple-Regression-Model has been applied along side with various econometrics techniques such as Unit-Root Test, Granger-Causality Test and Ordinary Least Square (OLS). GDP in this model is used as dependent variable whereas FDI and GFCF are measured as independent variables. Findings: According to the results, Unit Root Test indicated that all the variables included in the model were not stationary at level except FDI, whereas GDP and GFCF are stationary at first difference. The model is overall significant with the positive and significant relationship of GDP, FDI and GFCF (divya). Result also indicate a good fit for the model with R2=85%. The Granger Causality Test revealed that there was no causality between the variables since all p-value obtained are more than 5%. Practical implications: Based on the empirical result of this paper, policy recommendation proposed that for Mauritania to generate more foreign direct investment, hard work should be made at solving problems of government involvement in business; relative closed economy; corruption; weak public institutions; and poor external image, and political instability.
Long-Term Sea-Level Changes in Hong Kong from Tide-Gauge Records

Over four decades of tide-gauge data and leveling measurements collected at two tide-gauge stations in Hong Kong are analyzed to study the long-term tendency and the frequency features in the sea-level changes in the region. The results show that there has been a long-term sea-level rise of 1.9 mm per year and a land subsidence of over 4 mm per year at the tide-gauge stat ions. The variations in sea-level from seasonal through to decadal time scales are detected by using the time-frequency spectrum of wavelet transform. The annual, semiannual and the 18.6-year variations are most significant and exhibit stable periodicity. The local atmospheric pressure variations mainly influence the annual sea-level change and the effect amounts to 33% of the magnitude calculated before the inverted barometer corrections are applied. It is also projected from the extrapolation of the current trends of sea-level rise and ground subsidence that the absolute and relative mean sea-levels in Hong Kong may further rise by 10 cm and 30 cm respectively by the middle of the next century. The possible maximum relative mean sea-level change, when considering the various temporal variations, can be as high as 50 cm in the next half century.