Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of Corporate Cash Holdings in Chinese Firms: An Empirical Investigation of Asymmetric Adjustment Rate and Financial Constraints

Grounded in the notion of speed of adjustment this study investigates the adjustment rate of corporate cash holdings and financial constraints in Chinese firms. For this purpose data of 867 A-listed Chinese firms over a 14 years period (2001–2014) is analysed. The study applies Arellano and Bond (GMM2) and Blundell and Bond (GMM1) dynamic panel data model to investigate asymmetric speed of adjustment. We report considerable evidence about asymmetric adjustment of corporate cash holdings, i.e., downward adjustment rate is significantly higher than upward adjustment rate. This higher downward adjustment rate holds even after controlling for financial constraints. Moreover financial constraints also play an important role in dynamic cash adjustment. Financially unconstrained firms are found to adjust faster to their target cash holdings as compared to financially constrained firms. The high speed of adjustment for above target cash level firms holds even after controlling for financial constraints.
The Idea of a Home: A Kind of Space

Ihe more we reflect on the tyranny of the home, the less surprising it is that the young wish to be free of its scrutiny and control. The evident nostalgia in much writing about the idea of home is more surprising. The mixture of nostalgia and resistance explains why the topic is so often treated as humorous. Dylan Thomas left home at an early age. His Portrait of the Artist as a Young Dog has a story about two men, outcasts from seaside suburbia, standing under the pier and wistfully speculating on what would be happening at home. Given that it is five o'clock in the evening, they know quite precisely that curtains are being drawn, the children being called in to tea, and even what tea will comprise. In Less than Angels Barbara Pym, that coolly detached recorder of homes, has an ironic passage about the suburban home of two sisters. After supper the dishes are cleared and the house made ready for night; every day before retiring one sister sets the table for tomorrow's breakfast, then both go up to bed; every night, before extinguishing the light, the other sister creeps down again to have one last look at the breakfast table in case something has been forgotten, and is very relieved if she manages to avert catastrophe by straightening a fork or adding a plate that should be there. These are affectionate images of home as a pattern of regular doings. Other images are frankly hostile. The very regularity of home's processes is both inexorable and absurd. It is this regularity that needs focus and explaining. How does it go on being what it is? And what is it?
ChemLogo: An emergent modeling environment for teaching and learning chemistry

The aim of this paper is to explore the potential impact of a novel modeling and simulation package, ChemLogo, on students understanding of chemistry. ChemLogo is embedded in the NetLogo modeling environment and teaches chemistry from the perspective of emergent phenomena, that is, macro-level patterns in chemistry result from the interactions of many molecules on a micro- and submicro-level. In this paper, we examine student understanding of chemical equilibrium and problem solving with and without ChemLogo. A three-part, 90-minute interview was administered to six undergraduate science majors. Several common misconceptions about chemical equilibrium and ineffective problem solving techniques emerged during the interview. Prior to their interaction with ChemLogo, students relied on rote memorization and application of rigid algorithms to solve chemical equilibrium problems. Using ChemLogo students employed problem solving techniques characterized by stronger attempts at conceptual understanding and sense-making, using micro-level interactions to give causal accounts of macro- level phenomena. 1.0 Introduction Many students view chemistry as one of the most difficult subjects to study. Learning chemistry places many demands on students and teachers that can seem insurmountable. Instructors often display mathematical formulas, chemical symbols and scientific measurements simultaneously to describe phenomena that are not visible to the student. Moreover, the "abstract" concepts of chemistry are often seen as confined to the chemistry classroom and not applicable outside of school. To deal with such difficulties, chemistry educators have devoted considerable time to developing curricula that help students visualize the molecular world and connect classroom concepts to the world outside of school. In particular, a few novel curricula employ computer-based learning environments as visualization tools with which students reason about chemistry. Following on these previous efforts, this paper introduces a new computer-based modeling environment for learning chemistry. The learning environment, ChemLogo, not only supports students' visualization of the molecular world, but also provides them with the opportunity to interact with and to manipulate the simulated world to gain a deeper understanding of core chemistry concepts and phenomena. In this paper, we present some findings on the use of ChemLogo to learn about chemical equilibrium.
Additionality in U.S. Agricultural Conservation and Regulatory Offset Programs

Conservation payments lead to improvement in environmental quality only if farmers and ranchers who receive them adopt conservation practices that would not have been adopted without the payment. When a voluntary payment causes a change in practice(s) that lead(s) to improved environmental quality, these changes are “additional. ” We estimate this “additionality” for a number of common conservation practices that are frequently supported by existing conservation programs. We find that the level of additionality varies by practice and that additionality is high for structural and vegetative practices while the risk of nonadditionality appears to be higher for management practices. While the risk of nonadditionality cannot be completely eliminated, it can be reduced. We discuss a number of approaches to managing nonadditionality in both conservation programs and environmental offset programs.
The role of statins in patients with arterial hypertension

Several primary and secondary prevention studies have shown that statin (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) interventions have an effect on both cardioand cerebrovascular events, regardless of blood pressure status. In hypertensive patients, studies have shown that primary intervention with statin treatment significantly reduces the risk of both cardio- and cerebrovascular diseases and even death, even though cholesterol levels were considered to be within the normal range. This was particularly so in patients with both hypertension and diabetes. Therefore hypertensive patients with established cardiovascular disease or diabetes should be treated with statins as secondary prevention. Hypertensive patients without overt cardiovascular disease should be considered for treatment with statins if their risk of cardiovascular events is markedly elevated: The 2007 European Society of Hypertension and European Society of Cardiology guidelines suggest intervening at the level of 20% risk over 10 years.
The impact of venture capital investment duration on the survival of French IPOs

Using a sample of 212 IPOs, this paper analyzes the impact of venture capital involvement on the survival time of French IPOs. We find that the ability of venture capitalists to improve the survival of companies is related to the duration of their investment. We show that venture capitalists do not create additional value if investment duration is too short while longer duration allows venture capitalists to monitor the firm efficiently. Our paper provides some interesting results that qualify the findings from empirical studies that highlight the absence of a positive effect of this financing on firm performance in France.
Linked changes in marine dissolved organic carbon molecular size and radiocarbon age

Marine dissolved organic carbon (DOC) is a major global carbon reservoir, yet its cycling remains poorly understood. Previous work suggests that DOC molecular size and chemical composition can significantly affect its bioavailability. Thus, DOC size and composition may control DOC cycling and radiocarbon age (via Δ14C). Here we show that DOC molecular size is correlated to DOC Δ14C in the Pacific Ocean. Our results, based on a series of increasing molecular size fractions from three depths in the Pacific, show increasing DOC Δ14C with increasing molecular size. We use a size‐age distribution model to predict the DOC and Δ14C of ultrafiltered DOC. The model predicts both large and small surface DOC with high Δ14C and a narrow range (200–500 Da) of low Δ14C DOC. Deep model offsets suggest different size distributions and/or Δ14C sources at 670–915 m. Our results suggest that molecular size and composition are linked to DOC reactivity and storage in the ocean.
High-frequency genetic transformation of Phalaenopsis amabilis orchid using tomato extract-enriched medium for the pre-culture of protocorms

Summary The development of an efficient methodology for the genetic transformation of orchids is needed in order to support thegenetic engineering of orchids. It is therefore important to identify those factors affecting the transformation process.Previously, we reported a convenient method for the transformation of Phalaenopsis amabilis using Agrobacterium tumefaciens, in which intact protocorms were used. We also found that embryos cultured on a medium containing tomato extract grew more rapidly than those cultured on a medium with coconut water. When we used protocorms grown on a medium containing tomato extract, we obtained regenerated shoots that had been transformed with a kanamycin resistance gene at relatively high frequencies (7 – 17%). These results suggest that the rate of growth of pre-cultured protocorms may be important for the successful regeneration of transformed shoots. We also obtained regenerated shoots that had been transformed with the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene at a high frequency (10 – 14%). Both the presence and expression of these transgenes were confirmed in transformed plants by molecular analyses and by the detection of green fluorescence following excitation with blue light.
Electrochromic Properties of Prussian Blue Thin Films Prepared by Chemical Deposition Method

The manifestation of electrochromic phenomena makes Prussian blue (PB) thin films very attractive, especially because they exhibit four-color polyelectrochromicity. In this work PB thin films were prepared by simple and low cost shemical deposition method. The films were deposited onto fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) coated glass substrates. An electrochromic test device (ECTD) was constructed by using these films as working electrodes, and FTO coated glass as an opposite electrode in aqueous solution of 1 mol/dm KCl as supporting electrolyte. The electrochemical properties of the films were characterized by cyclic voltammetry. The obtained films exhibited electrochromism, changing color from deep blue in as deposited state into green, and back to blue and colorless. Visible transmittance spectra of PB films were studied in-situ in as deposited, colored and bleached states. From those spectra, contrast ratio (CR) and the optical band gaps Eg were evaluated. The dependence of the optical density (OD) on charge density was examined and the coloration efficiency (CE) was calculated to be 149.8 cmC. The time response during the film switching between transparent and blue states was also examined.
Questioning the Concept of General Falling Techniques (GFT)

Background and Study Aim. Many martial artists and some scholars point out that acquiring martial arts and combat sports falling techniques can prevent injuries in daily life. They have articulated that historical experience and tradition in falling led to the advancement of safe falls. However, safe falls are an inseparable part of many non-combative sports like games or gymnastics. Movement patterns for falling techniques differ from one sport to another, while they are still safe and serving the purpose. Material and Methods. Athletes fall quite often in lot of sports, but research in this area is scarce. In some sports, falling techniques is a part of basic curriculum. Can we presume, that knowledge of falling can be easily transferred from sports to everyday life? Is there any diagnostic tool for that? Results. In this theoretical essay we will clarify terms fall and falling technique as two different movements. Next we will go through the current research about falling in sports. We will find out what the danger of falling is and what benefit we can gain from falling techniques in sports. At the end of the article a look to possible transfer of falling techniques to general physical activities from children to elderly will be given. The scope is to give suggestion for basic principles for General Falling Techniques (GFT). Conclusion. In general, falls and falling techniques can be recognised in sports as well as in everyday working or leisure time. Respect the nature of respective sport, falling techniques differ. This is way it is not possible to use them as general skill to avoid injury.
EFFECT OF GREEN FODDER FEEDING ON CONJUGATED LINOLEIC ACID IN MILK AND GHEE (CLARIFIED BUTTER OIL) OF COWS AND BUFFALOES

Ten multiparous crossbred cows and ten Murrah buffaloes (80S 8ubalis) in their early stage of lactation were randomly divided into four group of 5 animals each (Groups1 and 2 for cows and groups 3 and 4 for buffaloes). Animals of groups 1 and 3 were offered ad lib. berseem fodder (Trifolium alexandrinum) and wheat straw and groups 2 and 4 were fed concentrate mixture and wheat straw ad lib. for 12 weeks of experimental period. After an adaptation period of 4 weeks, the milk samples collected at fortnightly intervals were analyzed for milk fat, solid not fat, total solids and milk protein. Milk sample (100 ml) from each animal of all the four groups was collected from the morning and evening milking at fortnightly interval and pooled for fatty acid analysis including CLA. Ghee (clarified butter oil) was also prepared at fortnightly intervals by indigenous and creamery (commercial) methods from the total milk of each group. The milk yield in four respective groups averaged 12.06, 11.93, 9.99 and 7.80 kg per day showing a significant (P<0.01) increase in the milk yield of buffaloes fed high fodder diet as compared to high concentrate diet, while there was no effect in cows. Milk composition was not affected by dietary treatments in both cows and buffaloes. Milk total CLA content averaged 19.55, 6.44, 16.38 and 6.78 mg/g fat in four respective groups, showing significantly (P<0.01) higher values in berseem fed groups of both the species. In cows, total CLA content increased two folds in ghee prepared by indigenous method irrespective of diet Le.10. 40 vs 20.07 (group 1), 6.93 vs 12.13 (group 2), whereas, it increased by 40-50% in buffaloes (10.38 vs 16.87 in group 3 and 5.83 vs 7.59 mg/g in group 4). Feeding of fresh fodder to the animals along with indigenous
The Reception of Public Signals in Financial Markets – What if Central Bank Communication Becomes Stale?

How do financial markets price new information? This paper analyzes price setting at the intersection of private and public information, by testing whether and how the reaction of financial markets to public signals depends on the relative importance of private information in agents’ information sets at a given point in time. It studies the reaction of UK short-term interest rates to the Bank of England’s inflation report and to macroeconomic announcements. Due to the quarterly frequency at which the Bank of England releases one of its main publications, it can become stale over time. In the course of this process, financial market participants need to rely more on private information. The paper develops a stylized model which predicts that, the more time has elapsed since the latest release of an inflation report, market volatility should increase, the price response to macroeconomic announcements should be more pronounced, and macroeconomic announcements should play a more important role in aligning agents’ information set, thus leading to a stronger volatility reduction. The empirical evidence is fully supportive of these hypotheses.
ANTIMICROBIAL EFFECTS OF OCIMUM SANCTUM ON ORAL MICROBES

Objective: Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) of the Lamiaceae family has been used since centuries for its medicinal properties. Tulsi powder has been utilized for cleaning tooth and is known to be effective in maintaining oral hygiene. Although the medical usefulness of tulsi is investigated extensively, its effectiveness in treating oral diseases is not yet established, and only a few studies are available in the literature regarding this aspect. Therefore, in the current study, the antimicrobial activity of alcoholic extract of tulsi on oral microbes was explored. Methods: Ethanolic extract was obtained from the leaves of O. sanctum (tulsi) using the Soxhlet apparatus. The concentration of 400 μg/ml was chosen to test the antimicrobial properties against common oral microbes such as Prevotella intermedia, Streptococcus mutans, Candida albicans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Streptococcus mitis, and Peptostreptococcus using agar well diffusion and broth dilution method. Chlorhexidine was a positive control. To compare and correlate the results, Mann–Whitney U-test was applied. Results: The ethanolic extract at a concentration of 400 μg/ml showed an inhibitory effect against Streptococcus and Streptococcus with an inhibitory zone of 7.33 mm each. The extract was found to be effective against P. intermedia and Peptostreptococcus. It was also effective against candida (zone of inhibition was 10.67 mm). However, no inhibitory effect was seen on Lactobacillus. Conclusion: O. sanctum extract was found to have inhibitory effects on oral microbes, and hence, pharmaceutical formulations prepared from tulsi extracts could have a potential to be used as a part of routine dental hygiene.
Advances in satellite radiometry for the surveillance of surface temperatures, ocean eddies and upwelling processes in the Gulf of Mexico using GOES‐8 measurements during summer

GOES‐8 satellite infrared (IR) measurements have been under‐utilized in oceanographic research, although they provide several advantages over measurements from other sensors such as the NOAA AVHRR. Frequent coverage (48 times/day) over large regions, low noise in the mid‐ IR channel, and sole use of nighttime data have enabled the development of improved techniques for producing “de‐clouded” images and calculating accurate SSTs (with RMS errors <0.5°C), over cloudy and humid regions such as the Gulf of Mexico. Animations of SST composite images reveal movements of the Loop Current, its frontal eddies and coastal upwelling even during summer months. GOES‐12 and future GOES imagers for the next decade are missing the 12 μm channel; however, this study demonstrates that the mid‐IR channel is even more useful than previously thought.
Will to live in older people's medical decisions: immediate and delayed effects of aging stereotypes

This research explores the duration of age stereotype priming effects on individuals’ will to live when faced with a medical terminal illness decision. Study 1 established the content of the stereotype of the older age group in Portugal. Study 2 tested the effects of priming positive or negative age stereotypes on older and younger individuals’ will to live, immediately after priming or after a delay. Results showed significant effects of stereotype valence on older people’s will to live. As expected, immediate and delayed will-to-live scores were both lower in the negative than in the positive condition. In contrast, among younger people there were no significant effects of stereotype valence. These findings demonstrate the robustness of these types of unconscious influences on older people’s fundamental decisions.
A multilevel analysis of factors influencing child mortality in Ghana

Child mortality being a core indicator for child health and the health status of children has significant effect on health in adulthood and socioeconomic development of a nation. This paper uses the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS) 2013–2014 to investigate the predictors of child (age 1-4 years] mortality in a developing country like Ghana. The multilevel logistic regression technique has been used to estimate the predictors of child mortality. The study found that both child and mother-level characteristics such as birth weight, birth order, mother’s age, educational attainment of the mother have substantial impact on child mortality in Ghana Besides, household wealth index has significant impact on child mortality. The findings also show that place of residence and southern-northern dichotomy has momentous effect on child mortality. The paper recommends that governments must pursue policies that seek to improve the economic conditions of households. In addition, steps should be taken by policy makers to reduce spatial disparities in the availability of maternal health services as the absence of this perhaps contributes to child mortality.
Intensity of T um or Budding as an Index for the M alignant Potential in Invasive Rectal C arcinom a

Purpose: The aim of this study was to quantitatively assess the intensity of tumor budding in rectal carcinoma and to determine how it correlates with the malignant potential. Materials and Methods: Intensities of the tumor budding at the invasive front of the surgical specimens from 90 patients (male, 51) with wellor moderatelydifferentiated rectal carcinoma were investigated. Differences in the budding intensity among pathologic variables were compared, and recurrences and survivals were analyzed in accordance with degree of the budding intensity. The patients ranged in age from 33 to 75 years (mean, 55.4) with the median follow-up being 43 months (range, 12~ 108). Results: Tumor budding was identified in 89 patients (98.9%) with a mean intensity of 7.5±5.3. The budding intensity was significantly higher in tumors with lymphatic invasion (p=0.0081), blood vessel invasion (p< 0.0001), and perineural invasion (p=0.0013) than in those tumor without these findings. It became significantly higher with the increase in nodal stage (p<0.0001). The intensity of tumor budding in patients with relapse (29 patients) was significantly higher than that in patients without relapse (6.2±5.0 vs. 10.2±4.9; p=0.0005), but this difference in the intensity was observed only for the node-positive patients (8.0±3.4 vs. 11.9±5.1; p=0.0064). W hen the patients were stratified into two groups on either side of the mean of the intensity, the higher intensity group showed a significantly less favorable diseasefree (DFS) and overall survival (OS) (p=0.0026 and 0.0205, respectively). Based on the multivariate analysis, the nodal stage and the intensity of budding proved to be the independent variables associated with DFS (p=0.023 and 0.03, respectively). Conclusion: Tumor budding at the invasive margin is a reliable pathologic index that indicates a higher malignant potential and a less favorable prognosis for patients with advanced rectal carcinoma. (Cancer Res Treat. 2005; 37:177-182) 󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏 Key W ords: Rectal carcinoma, Tumor budding, Malignant potential