Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
â€œThe value relevance of dividend announcement: An empirical study of the Greek Stock Marketâ€

Purpose: Dividend policy and its impact on share pricing, has been an issue of great concern for the academic society. Over the years, many theories evolved in an effort to explain dividend policy impact on corporate value. A widely accepted approach is the signaling effect theory. The purpose of this paper is to assess the value relevance of dividend announcement. Design/methodology/approach: Our empirical work uses Greek stock market data. We adopt the event study methodology and incorporate in our research elements that differentiate Greek stock market from other developing markets. Findings: Our empirical results tend to support the theory. Decisions on dividend policy seem to affect corporate value. Investors perceive incremented dividend payments as an indication of positive future prospect and vice versa. Research limitations/implications: Different results between large and medium capitalization shares comprise an interesting element for future research.
Naturally occurring antibodies to an epitope on Plasmodium falciparum gametes detected by monoclonal antibody-based competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

The antibody response to an epitope on gamete antigens of Plasmodium falciparum in persons naturally exposed to malaria has been investigated by competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The assay detects antibodies to an epitope on the 48/45-kilodalton (kDa) gamete surface antigen by competition with horseradish peroxidase-labeled monoclonal antibody IIC5-B10. Five sera previously shown to immunoprecipitate the 230- and 48/45-kDa antigens significantly inhibited IIC5-B10 binding to an average of 24.2% of control. The one serum which precipitated only the 48/45-kDa antigen did not inhibit IIC5-B10 binding. For 26 sera which were negative by immunoprecipitation, mean binding in the assay was 112.7% of control (pooled London nonimmune sera). Recognition of both 230-kDa and 48/45-kDa antigens was associated with a titer of 1:9 or greater (reciprocal geometric mean titer, 27.6) for inhibition to more than 2 standard deviations from the mean of the negative sera. The results show that the IIC5-B10 binding site is a naturally immunogenic epitope recognized by the majority of persons who had antibodies to the 48/45-kDa protein. An additional finding was enhancement of binding of IIC5-B10 to an average of 154.4% of control by five sera which recognized only the 230-kDa antigen, presumably due to conformational alteration of the gamete antigen complex.
The trends of pension reform strategies in the OECD

This thesis analyses pension reform strategies since the 1990s across the OECD using a new approach. The thesis utilises existing data available in Pensions at a Glance and ISSA Country Profiles to construct a new dataset which allows us to explore pension reforms both comparatively and historically among OECD countries. Using fuzzy-set ideal type analysis (FSITA), this thesis constructs a new categorisation that captures trends towards the socialisation and individualisation of social risks for pension reforms across the OECD from the 1990s to the mid-2010s. Based on contextual and empirical analysis, this thesis reveals the following findings. First, the fuzzy-set analysis reveals that individualisation reforms were the most dominant trend for the last 25 years. However, this was not the whole story. Both the socialisation of social risks and stability was observed. Secondly, deterministic path-dependence was not observed in pension reforms as reform strategies converged regardless of regimes or pension typologies. Lastly, the relationship between old-age poverty and pension reforms are identified. Building up on Bonoli and Shinkawa’s (2005) findings, the study indicates that the poverty levels of older people could be one of the influential factors that shape pension reforms within the prevailing pressure of fiscal austerity.
A survey of interprofessional activity of acute and long‐term care employed nurse practitioners

Purpose:To describe activities of interprofessional (IP) care, a key aspect of high‐quality care, performed by nurse practitioners (NPs) employed in acute and long‐term care institutions. Data sources:We developed and tested a new theory‐driven process tool to quantify NP everyday activities of IP care. We then invited NPs in acute and long‐term care to complete the IP self‐assessment tool (IPSAT). Conclusions:The IPSAT is a validated tool shown to be reliable for use with NPs. Testing with other healthcare professionals is suggested. More than 50% of NPs engage in all activities of IP care. Many engage in shared decision making, professional relationship, communication, and partnership or collaboration activities on most work days. Less‐common activities were interdependence and collective problem solving including efforts to create role clarity. Implications for practice:It is important to evaluate the everyday use of activities that enhance high‐quality care. Awareness and enhanced knowledge of IP care activities such as promoting interdependence, collective problem solving, and ensuring role clarity will improve care quality. The tool results are valuable for practicing NPs and their educators to reflect on practice and advance knowledge to influence purposeful engagement in interprofessional care.
Validation of a 5-log10 reduction of Listeria monocytogenes following simulated commercial processing of Lebanon bologna in a model system.

Recently, numerous product recalls and one devastating outbreak that claimed 21 lives were attributed to Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat meat products. Consequently, the Food Safety and Inspection Service published a federal register notice requiring manufacturers of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products to reassess their hazard analysis and critical control point plans for these products as specified in 9 CFR 417.4(a). Lebanon bologna is a moist, fermented ready-to-eat sausage. Because of undesirable quality changes. Lebanon bologna is often not processed above 48.9 degrees C (120 degrees F). Therefore, the present research was conducted to validate the destruction of L. monocytogenes in Lebanon bologna batter in a model system. During production, fermentation of Lebanon bologna to pH 4.7 alone significantly reduced L. monocytogenes by 2.3 log10 CFU/g of the sausage mix (P < 0.01). Heating the fermented mix to 48.9 degrees C in 10.5 h destroyed at least 7.0 log10 CFU of L. monocytogenes per g of sausage mix. A combination of low pH (5.0 or lower) and high heating temperatures (> or =43.3 degrees C, 115 degrees F) destroyed more than 5 log10 CFU of L. monocytogenes per g of sausage mix during the processing of Lebanon bologna. In conclusion, an existing commercial process, which was validated for destruction of Escherichia coli O157:H7, was also effective for the destruction of more than 5 log10 CFU of L. monocytogenes.
The two functional keratin 6 genes of mouse are differentially regulated and evolved independently from their human orthologs.

The type II keratin 6 (K6) features a complex expression pattern, with a constitutive component in a subset of stratified epithelia and an inducible component following injury and other types of acute challenges. Multiple genes encoding highly related K6 isoforms have been described for human and bovine, a unique feature among mammalian keratin genes. Here we report on the cloning and characterization of two functional genes and their cDNAs encoding the K6 isoforms in mouse and two related pseudogenes. A systematic comparison of the mouse and human K6 genes suggests that they evolved independently after these species diverged. The mK6alpha and mK6beta genes are organized in tandem with the same transcriptional orientation in the mouse genome. Similar to the human isoforms, the coding sequences for mK6alpha and mK6beta isoforms show approximately 95% identity. The two mouse K6 genes are differentially regulated at the mRNA level in several stratified epithelia. The mK6alpha isoform mRNA clearly predominates in intact trunk skin of adult mice, where it is restricted to the outer root sheath of hair follicles. Both mRNAs are induced in epidermis and proximal hair follicles as early as 1 h following acute injury or topical application of phorbol esters and subsequently increase to a comparable extent but with different kinetics. These novel findings have important implications for the evolution, regulation, and function of K6 genes in mammalian species.
Economics of Austerity and Its Social Cost: A Critical Assessment of IMF Policies in Pakistan from 1988-2002

The paper attempts to analyze the impact of the economics of austerity in the form of structural adjustment programmes singed by government with IMF during 1988-2002. To assess the impact of SAP on the vital macroeconomic indicators, the paper has adopted qualitative and quantitative research methodology while collecting data from different sources, including State Bank of Pakistan. This paper assesses the social impact of IMF conditionalities on health, education in addition to social consequences of privatization and withdrawal of subsidy. It has been deduced from the data that there has been major reduction on the expenditure on health and education as a result of cuts on healthcare and education as certain portions of the budget such as the defense, debt servicing and government salaries are fixed and the cut in the budget translates into cut in social sector expenditure which eventually impacted on health, education and other relevant sectors of the economy. This had have negative implications for the quality of services provided in education, curative health care and provision of medicines, largely due to protecting recurring budgets in the face of cutbacks. Education is an important sector of economy since it is a key component of the strategy for sustainable development and the best way to build a modern and coherent community. Cuts in educational expenditures had worst consequences for both the quality and quantity of education provided to students. Governments in the past had reacted by reducing education budget which resulted in decline in real education expenditure per student. Hence cut in education expenditure affects both the quality and quantity of education provided to the population by any government and can be linked directly to structural adjustment programs. The other area that produced negative social consequences during adjustment period is the privatization. Though IMF saw privatization as panacea to the economic woes of Pakistan, it failed to produce the desired results. From 1991 to 2006 the GOP privatized more than 160 public units at gross price of Rs. 395 billion and about 0.6 million workers were rendered jobless as a result of neo-liberal IMF (SAP) policies.
Changes in the value relevance of accounting information over time after the transition to IFRS : evidence from Norway

We have used a sample of 212 firms, 1640 firm-year observations, listed on Oslo Stock Exchange over the time period 2005-2017 to analyze whether the value relevance of accounting information has increased over time after the transition to International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS). To analyze the changes in value relevance, we have used a price regression model and time regression models, which are central value relevance regression models. By running the price regression model, we obtained value relevance measurements entering in the time regression models. The results from the time regression models, where we controlled for firm-specific and economic factors, were then used to analyze the changes in value relevance over time. We conclude with increased total value relevance in Norway over time after the transition to IFRS. The positive time trend is supported by increased value relevance of earnings over time, which is found to be associated with increased recognition of intangible assets. Increased extent of fair value accounting is found to contribute to increased value relevance of book value of equity over time. However, our robustness tests did reveal that the increasing value relevance of earnings over time may be driven by scale effects – and may actually be decreasing. The other results are robust. We conclude with the impact of IFRS over time, as the original standards have changed, on the total value relevance of accounting information in Norway has been positive. Therefore, we claim that IFRS reaches its objective of providing existing and potential equity investors, lenders and other creditors with useful financial information.
Preservation of Kidney Function with Combined Inhibition of NADPH Oxidase and Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme in Diabetic Nephropathy

Background/Aims: Antihypertensive therapies such as angiotensin-converting enzyme-1 inhibitors (ACEi) slow the decline in renal function seen with diabetic nephropathy, although there is still progression ultimately to end-stage renal disease. The aim of this study was to determine if there were added renoprotective benefits seen by combining ACEi with blockade of NADPH oxidase. Methods: Sprague-Dawley diabetic and non-diabetic rats were randomized to receive intervention therapy with apocynin (15 mg/kg/day, weeks 16–32), apocynin + the ACEi ramipril (1 mg/kg/day, weeks 16–32), or ramipril alone (1 mg/kg). Results: All three treatments retarded the development of albuminuria in the diabetic rats. Apocynin conferred its benefit either as a monotherapy or in combination with ramipril without affecting blood pressure per se. Renal morphological injury was attenuated by all three treatment strategies. Diabetes was associated with increasing renal fibronectin and type IV collagen protein expression, with the combination regimen resulting in the highest decrease in extracellular matrix accumulation. All three treatments prevented the diabetes-associated increases in renal cytosolic superoxide generation as well as urinary isoprostanes. While renal TGF-β1 activation was reduced by ramipril treatment but not by apocynin as a monotherapy, kidney cortical membranous VEGF was reduced by apocynin as monotherapy and dual therapy but not by ramipril alone. Conclusions: Combination of NADPH oxidase blockade with ACE inhibitors is a promising regimen which warrants further investigation as a way to confer additional renoprotection in diabetes.
Response of endogenous reduced glutathione through hepatic glutathione redox cycle to enhancement of hepatic lipid peroxidation with the development of acute liver injury in mice intoxicated with carbon tetrachloride.

In the liver of male ddY mice intoxicated once with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), the change in lipid peroxide (LPO) level with the development of damage over a 24 hr period after i.p. treatment of the toxicant (1.0 mL/kg) was compared with the changes in reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) levels, GSSG/GSH ratio, and activities of the glutathione redox cycle-related enzymes such as Se-dependent glutathione peroxidase (Se-GSH-px), glutathione reductase (GSSG reductase), and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PDH) and of Se-independent glutathione peroxidase (non-Se-GSH-px) with the development of damage during the same period. An apparent liver injury was observed 0.5 hr after CCl4 treatment and the injury progressed rapidly later than 8 hr, judging from the activities of serum transaminases, marker enzymes of liver cell damage. Hepatic LPO level slightly increased once during the first 4 hr after CCl4 treatment and a marked increase in the level occurred later than 12 h, while serum LPO level increased later than 12 h. Hepatic GSH level decreased rapidly during the first 4 hr after CCl4 treatment and the decreased level recovered slowly thereafter, although the recovered level did not reach the control level. Hepatic GSSG level rapidly increased once during the first 1 hr after CCl4 treatment and an increase in the level occurred again later than 12 h. Hepatic GSSG/GSH increased during the first 1 hr and later than 8 hr after CCl4 treatment, although the ratio was maintained above the control level later than 0.5 h. Hepatic Se-GSH-px activity increased during the first 2 hr after CCl4 treatment and later than 8 h, while hepatic non-Se-GSH-px activity increased during the first 1 hr but decreased below the control level at 8 and 12 h. Hepatic GSSG reductase activity decreased during the first 2 hr after CCl4 treatment but the decrease activity returned up to the control level at 8 h. Hepatic G-6-PDH activity increased rapidly during the first 2 hr after CCl4 treatment and the increase proceeded slowly thereafter. These results indicate that although hepatic lipid peroxidation is enhanced at early and progressed stages of liver injury in mice intoxicated once with CCl4, endogenous GSH through hepatic glutathione redox cycle can respond well to enhanced hepatic lipid peroxidation at an early stage of liver injury but not enough to enhanced hepatic lipid peroxidation at a progressed stage of liver injury.
Molecular Epidemiology of Systemic Infection Caused by Enterobacter cloacae in a High-Risk Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Abstract Objective: To investigate the molecular epidemiology of systemic nosocomial infections caused by Enterobacter cloacae. Setting: Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of a tertiary-care university hospital. Patients: Forty-two high-risk neonates with systemic infections caused by E. cloacae. Methods: From 1995 to 1997, the variables associated with death in these patients were evaluated. The molecular epidemiology of the strains responsible for the systemic infections, and 14 unrelated strains, was studied using plasmid analysis and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Results: The overall mortality rate for infection caused by E. cloacae was 34%, whereas the crude mortality rate during the study period was 8.12% (P < .001). Gestational age (preterm neonates) and birth weight (small for gestational age) were not associated with a higher risk of death. Insertion of a venous catheter by dissection of a peripheral vein was the only invasive procedure related to death (P = .016) in this study. A molecular analysis showed that three outbreaks, each occurring in a different year, were caused by strains with distinctive DNA profiles. Only one outbreak was identified by the infection control service, in the NICU. Plasmid analysis and PFGE showed similar ability to discriminate control strains from the E. cloacae strains isolated from the neonates. Conclusions: Systemic infections caused by E. cloacae in our NICU were associated with a high mortality rate and occurred as small, unrecognized outbreaks. These results may not be generalizable because the data were from a single center (Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2003;24:490-494).
A thematic analysis of attributions to others for the origins and ongoing nature of pain in community pain sufferers

Research suggests that pain sufferers can attribute their pain to others. However, this work is scarce, lacking in detail and does not focus on any particular time during the pain experience. To understand how these attributions operate in pain, this study sought to examine as an exclusive focus the types, context of, and rationale for attributions made to others for the origins and ongoing nature of pain. A community pain sample was voluntarily recruited into the study to gain a comprehensive understanding of these attributions and minimise potential group-specific bias. Sixty-two participants were interviewed using semi-structured questions about cause, responsibility and blame for pain. Data were analysed using a thematic analysis. Attributions to others emerged across interview questions. Acquaintances, professionals and strangers were implicated in pain onset for reasons including negligence, accident and attack. Few additional attributions were made for pain now. Those made were mostly to medical professionals for perceived poor treatment of an original pain condition encompassing issues related to compliance, diagnosis and treatment and searching for alternative pain solutions. This research provides insight into the social context in which pain attributions to others are reported, and provides the basis for research into largely untapped areas including the implications particular attributions have for adjustment to pain and relationships with others.
Investigating resilience barriers of small and medium-sized enterprises to flash floods: a quantile regression of determining factors

ABSTRACT Flash floods continue a trend of costly disasters attributed to changing weather patterns and climate disruptions. Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) are more vulnerable and ill-prepared to flash flooding, compared to their larger counterparts, so they are disproportionately affected by such extreme weather events. This study reports on the results of a quantitative survey of SME owners/managers and employs quantile regression analysis in an attempt to shed light on factors affecting resilience barriers to flash floods. Findings suggest that the effect of organizational size on SME barriers is reduced as barriers increase. In contrast, the effect of organizational age is found to be positive with low magnitudes when barriers are either very low or considerably high in contrast to negative effects when barriers are at moderate levels. A positive influence of the industrial affiliation at all barrier levels is also identified. Previous experience with flash flooding events as well as the effect of profitability are found to have negative impact in most levels of analysis. The assessment highlights the need for targeted intervention and assistance to the various segments of the SME sector through customized guidance and/or ad hoc regulation by focusing on factors explaining barriers to resilience.
Mentoring of young professionals in the field of rheumatology in Europe: results from an EMerging EUlar NETwork (EMEUNET) survey.

OBJECTIVES To explore perceptions of, participation in and satisfaction with mentoring programmes among young clinicians and researchers in rheumatology in Europe. To identify mentoring needs and expectations focusing on gender-specific differences. METHODS A survey on mentoring in rheumatology was distributed to young clinicians and researchers in rheumatology in Europe through the EMEUNET network. RESULTS We received 248 responses from 30 European countries. Although 82% of respondents expressed the need for a formal mentoring scheme by EULAR, only 35% participated in mentoring programmes and merely 20% were very satisfied with mentoring. Respondents very satisfied with mentoring were more likely to participate in research, but not clinical mentoring programmes. Career mentoring was perceived as the most beneficial type of mentoring for career development by 46% of respondents, only 35% of respondents, however, declared the existence of career mentoring programmes in their country. There was no gender difference considering participation in mentoring programmes. Women, however, tended to be less satisfied than men with existing mentoring programmes and considered expectations from mentoring as more important for their career development, especially when pertaining to career planning, greater autonomy/responsibility and establishing new networks/collaborations. CONCLUSIONS Career mentoring, especially in the clinical setting, was recognised as a major unmet need of existing mentoring programmes in rheumatology in Europe. Gender-specific differences were identified in the expectations from mentoring. Given this and the importance of mentoring for career prosperity of young physicians and scientists, our survey represents the first step towards developing and refining mentoring programmes in rheumatology in Europe.