Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of Compliance with Ifrs Disclosure Requirements on Erc

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of compliance with IFRS disclosure requirements on Earnings Response Coefficient (ERC). The rationale behind this goal is that great compliance will lead to an increase in the information available to users which in turn will increase the response of stock returns to the earnings news. Expected and unexpected earnings and stock returns are used to test the relationship between the earnings and the stock returns response. In addition, company size and company sector are used to control the relationship between stock returns and earnings. The study population includes all public shareholding companies listed in Amman Stock Exchange during the period 2010-2013. Accordingly, an index consists of (305) disclosure requirements, has been used to collect data and to calculate a compliance score of each company. Financial data was collected from the annual reports of the companies. In addition, the publications of Amman Stock Exchange were used to calculate stock returns. Data was analysed and processed by using descriptive statistical measures, correlation, along with multiple regression. The results show that compliance with IFRS disclosure requirements modifies the form of the relationship between earnings and stock returns whether it is expected or unexpected but in two different directions. It has a negative effect on expected earnings and returns relationship, but it has a positive effect on the relationship between unexpected earnings and return relationship. The results of the study suggest that high compliance with IFRS may enable the investors to relay on other factors, in addition to expected earnings, to evaluate the expected stock returns. Meanwhile, it increases the investor's reliance on unexpected earnings to evaluate unexpected stock returns. The main limitation of the study was to consider all variables that affect stock returns, which is a function consisting of many variables. Taking into consideration all these variables and the interaction terms among them is not possible. That is because they are not known or because they cannot be quantified.
Entrepreneurial Level Factors of Early Internationalization: A Cross Country Comparison

This paper provides new knowledge by applying the concept of international entrepreneurship to early internationalizing firms. This study explores the entrepreneurial level factors of success at the startup stage of international new ventures (INVs) in the context of three Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries in transition: Hungary, Lithuania and Poland. Based on multiple case study approach, the study provides important scientific insights into the international entrepreneurship theory by examining the still underexplored transition in CEE countries’ context. Lots of similarities emerge between INVs in three CEE countries, however their cultural and historical backgrounds are different enough to justify scholarly interest in potential idiosyncratic features. Findings suggest that there is significant diversity in the entrepreneurial level factors behind the early success of local INVs in international markets across these countries, especially in terms of direct foreign market experience, entrepreneurial orientation and existing network membership. Nevertheless, the findings reveal that in the sample focused on ITC businesses, solid industry experience of the founders proved to be key in the success of INVs’ internationalisation. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.5755/j01.ee. 30.2. 21185
The pneumococcal Mga Spn virulence transcriptional regulator generates multimeric complexes on linear double-stranded DNA

The MgaSpn transcriptional regulator contributes to the virulence of Streptococcus pneumoniae. It is thought to be a member of the Mga/AtxA family of global regulators. MgaSpn was shown to activate in vivo the P1623B promoter, which is divergent from the promoter (Pmga) of its own gene. This activation required a 70-bp region (PB activation region) located between both promoters. In this work, we purified an untagged form of the MgaSpn protein, which formed dimers in solution. By gel retardation and footprinting assays, we analysed the binding of MgaSpn to linear double-stranded DNAs. MgaSpn interacted with the PB activation region when it was placed at internal position on the DNA. However, when it was positioned at one DNA end, MgaSpn recognized preferentially the Pmga promoter placed at internal position. In both cases, and on binding to the primary site, MgaSpn spread along the adjacent DNA regions generating multimeric protein–DNA complexes. When both MgaSpn-binding sites were located at internal positions on longer DNAs, electron microscopy experiments demonstrated that the PB activation region was the preferred target. DNA molecules totally or partially covered by MgaSpn were also visualized. Our results suggest that MgaSpn might recognize particular DNA conformations to achieve DNA-binding specificity.
Calmodulin regulates the disassembly of cortical F-actin in mast cells but is not required for secretion.

Secretion is dependent on a rise in cytosolic Ca(2+)concentration and is associated with dramatic changes in actin organization. The actin cortex may act as a barrier between secretory vesicles and plasma membrane. Thus, disassembly of this cortex should precede late steps of exocytosis. Here we investigate regulation of both the actin cytoskeleton and secretion by calmodulin. Ca(2+), together with ATP, induces cortical F-actin disassembly in permeabilized rat peritoneal mast cells. This effect is strongly inhibited by removing endogenous calmodulin (using calmodulin inhibitory peptides), and increased by exogenous calmodulin. Neither treatment, however, affects secretion. Low concentrations ( approximately 1 microM) of a specific inhibitor of myosin light chain kinase, ML-7, prevent F-actin disassembly, but not secretion. In contrast, a myosin inhibitor affecting both conventional and unconventional myosins, BDM, decreases cortical disassembly as well as secretion. Observations of fluorescein-calmodulin, introduced into permeabilized cells, confirmed a strong (Ca(2+)-independent) association of calmodulin with the actin cortex. In addition, fluorescein-calmodulin enters the nuclei in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner. In conclusion, calmodulin promotes myosin II-based contraction of the membrane cytoskeleton, which is a prerequisite for its disassembly. The late steps of exocytosis, however, require neither calmodulin nor cortical F-actin disassembly, but may be modulated by unconventional myosin(s).
Associations between fish intake and the metabolic syndrome and its components among middle-aged men and women: the Hordaland Health Study

ABSTRACT In epidemiologic studies, the relationship between fish consumption and the metabolic syndrome (MetS) have been inconclusive and sex differences reported. The aim was to investigate associations between fish intake and the MetS in a cross-sectional study of men and women. Fish intake, waist circumference, triglycerides (TG), HDL-C, glucose and blood pressure were assessed among 2874 men and women (46–49 y) in the Hordaland Health Study (1997–1999). Fatty fish intake was inversely associated with TG in men only; mean difference in TG between highest and lowest quartile of fatty fish intake was –0.33 mmol/L (95% CI: –0.51, –0.15). Lean fish intake was inversely associated with TG in women only; mean difference in TG between highest and lowest quartile of lean fish intake was –0.23 mmol/L (95% CI: –0.34, –0.11). Fatty fish intake was positively associated with serum HDL-C in both men and women. Total fish intake was inversely associated with MetS; adjusted OR 0.75 (95% CI 0.57, 0.97). Higher fish intake was associated with lower odds of having MetS possibly driven by associations of higher fish intake with lower TG and higher HDL-C. The findings of differential associations by sex needs to be confirmed and possible biologic mechanisms explored.
Longitudinal study of earthquake-related PTSD in a randomly selected community sample in north China.

OBJECTIVE This study longitudinally described rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in two groups with different levels of severity of exposure to an earthquake in North China. The effects of diagnostic criteria on the frequency of detected PTSD were also examined. METHOD Subjects were randomly sampled in two villages at different distances from the earthquake epicenter. A total of 181 and 157 subjects were assessed at 3 months and 9 months after the earthquake, respectively, for PTSD by using both DSM-IV and DSM-III-R criteria. The brief version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment and three subscales of the SCL-90-R were also administered at both assessment points. RESULTS The village with a higher level of initial exposure to the earthquake and a higher level of postearthquake support had a lower frequency of PTSD than the village with a lower level of initial exposure and less postearthquake support. The rate of onset of DSM-IV PTSD within 9 months for the two villages was 19.8% and 30.3%, respectively. In both villages, the rate of onset of earthquake-related PTSD within 9 months was 24.2% by using DSM-IV criteria and 41.4% by using DSM-III-R criteria. The introduction in DSM-IV of a criterion requiring clinically significant distress or impairment in functioning for a diagnosis of PTSD was a major contributor to the lower rate of DSM-IV PTSD. CONCLUSIONS PTSD may be as prevalent and persistent in disaster victims in China as in those elsewhere. Prompt and effective postdisaster intervention could mitigate the impact of initial exposure and reduce the probability of PTSD occurrence. Caution should be used in comparing rates of postdisaster PTSD identified by using different diagnostic criteria.
Decomposing Firm-Product Appeal: How Important is Consumer Taste?

We develop and structurally estimate a trade model in order to identify the importance of consumer taste for exporters. The model separates taste from quality and productivity (TFPQ) at the firm-product level. Export data by destination countries allow us to identify the level of taste from consumer heterogeneity across destinations. We decompose export revenue into the contribution of taste, quality and costs. We find that taste is very important and explains about 50% of the variation in export revenue. Productivity (TFPQ) differences between firm-products become more prominent than taste in explaining export success only when the cost elasticity of improving quality is high.
Plasma C1q/TNF-related protein 9: a promising biomarker for diabetic renal vascular injury.

BACKGROUND Adipocytokines are associated with the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). METHODS We analyzed the relationship between levels of the plasma C1q/tumor necrosis factor-related protein 9 (CTRP9) and other adipocytokines or the endothelial function in patients with T2DM, and analyzed their trending manner. RESULTS CTRP9 was detected in plasma from 14 out of a total of 28 patients. The values were not normally distributed. In comparing between groups in which CTRP9 was or was not detected, there were statistically significant differences in the high molecular weight adiponectin (HAN) and the urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR). This indicates that both CTRP9 and HAN reflect the pathophysiology of renal involvement in T2DM. HAN correlated with Body Mass Index, ACR, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance. However, CTRP9 did not correlate with HAN or any other parameters. CONCLUSIONS CTRP9 independently trends in a different manner from HAN, and may reflect diabetic renal vascular risk in association with atherosclerosis and abnormal glucose metabolism besides of impaired vaso-relaxation in patients with T2DM.
Kidney involvement in malaria: an update

ABSTRACT Malaria is an infectious disease of great importance for Public Health, as it is the most prevalent endemic disease in the world, affecting millions of people living in tropical areas of the globe. Kidney involvement is relatively frequent in infections by P. falciparum and P. malariae, but has also been described in the infection by P. vivax. Kidney complications in malaria mainly occur due to hemodynamic dysfunction and immune response. Liver complications leading to hepatomegaly, jaundice and hepatic dysfunction can also contribute to the occurrence of acute kidney injury. Histologic studies in malaria also evidence glomerulonephritis, acute tubular necrosis and acute interstitial nephritis. It is also possible to find chronic kidney disease associated with malaria, mainly in those patients suffering from repeated episodes of infection. Plasmodium antigens have already been detected in the glomeruli, suggesting a direct effect of the parasite in the kidney, which can trigger an inflammatory process leading to different types of glomerulonephritis. Clinical manifestations of kidney involvement in malaria include proteinuria, microalbuminuria and urinary casts, reported in 20 to 50% of cases. Nephrotic syndrome has also been described in the infection by P. falciparum, but it is rare. This paper highlights the main aspects of kidney involvement in malaria and important findings of the most recent research addressing this issue.
Stanislavsky’s system as an enactive guide to embodied cognition?

ABSTRACT This paper presents a model of the structure of subjective experience derived from the work of Konstantin Stanislavsky, and demonstrates its usefulness as a functional framework of enacted cognitive embodiment by using it to articulate his approach to the process of acting. Research into Stanislavsky’s training exercises reveals that they evoke a spatial adpositional conceptualisation of experience. When reflected back onto the practice from which it emerges, this situates the choices made by actors as contributing towards the construction of a stable attention field with which they enter into relationship during performance. It is suggested that the resulting template might clarify conceptual distinctions between practices at the unconscious level, and a brief illustrative comparison between Stanislavsky’s and Meisner’s practices is essayed. A parallel is drawn throughout with the basic principles of embodied cognition, and correlations found with aspects of Dynamic Field Theory and Wilson’s notions of “on-” and “off-line” processing.
Performance Analysis of Reits: Comparison between M-Reits and UK-Reits

Real Estate Investment Trusts or more commonly known as REITs is one of the investment tools that is renowned for the nature of low risk, low volatility, moderate returns, and high liquidity for investors. REITS invest primarily in real properties and tend to receive regular rental incomes from real properties owned and managed by the Trust. In most situations, it may be deemed as a stock by investors. However, the risk borne is lower and has less fluctuations in terms of market price of the stock. Moderate risk takers should consider REITS as one of the investments in their portfolio. REITS started emerging in many countries only recently. Since the successful of the performance of REITs in the United States, numerous countries started planning to enter the REITs regime. The United Kingdom was one of the recent countries to enter into the tax efficient REITs regime. This took place early in the year 2007. At the moment, it ranks fourth in terms of market capitalization based on the Global REITs report 2008. Malaysia, with a long history of Unit Trust Funds with some recently converting to REIT, has yet to achieve the size of UK-REITs. This research is to analyse the performance of six (6) selected REITs in both countries. Nevertheless, prior to the performance analysis, the mechanism as well as the legislation adopted in regulating the respective REITs regime is discussed. In addition, factors which contributed to the variance of performance of REITs are presented and further discussions are made based on the performance analysis done. The findings and analysis showed that the total revenue was the main factor affecting the performance for both the largest M-REITs and UK-REITs. Furthermore, has also demonstrated that for every billion increase in market capitalisation, the profit margins generated by the REITs will raise by approximately 9%.
Analysis of the determinants of dividend policy: evidence from manufacturing companies in Tanzania

How to cite this paper: Epaphra, M. , & Nyantori, S. (2018). Analysis of the determinants of dividend policy: evidence from manufacturing companies in Tanzania. Corporate Governance and Organizational Behavior Review, 2(1), 18-30. http://doi.org/10.22495/cgobr_v2_i1_p2 Copyright © 2018 Virtus Interpress. All rights reserved The Creative Commons AttributionNonCommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0) will be activated starting from May, 2019 followed by transfer of the copyright to the authors ISSN Online: 2521-1889 ISSN Print: 2521-1870 Received: 31.12. 2018 Accepted: 13.05. 2018 JEL Classification: D2, G3, L6 DOI: 10.22495/cgobr_v2_i1_p2 This paper examines the determinants of dividend policy of manufacturing companies listed on the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange in Tanzania. Two measures of dividend policy namely, dividend yield and dividend payout are examined over the 20082016 period. In addition, three proxies of profitability namely return on assets ratio, return on equity ratio, and the ratio of earnings per share are applied in separate specifications. Similarly, investment opportunities are measured using the ratio of retained earnings to total assets and market to book value ratio. Other explanatory variables are liquidity, business risk, firm size, firm growth and gearing ratio. For inferential analysis, 12 regression models are specified and estimated depending on the measurements of dividend policy, profitability, and collinearity between retained earnings to total assets and market to book value ratios. Empirical results show that the determinants of dividend policy vary across the proxies of dividend policy, profitability and investment opportunities. On one hand, return on equity, retained earnings to total assets ratio, market to book value ratio, business risk and size of the firms tend to have a significant effect on dividend yield. On the other hand, liquidity, business risk, and retained earnings to total assets ratio seem to affect dividend payout. Meanwhile, return on asset ratio tends to have an effect on both dividend yield and dividend payout when excluding liquidity in the regression models. Overall, dividend yield as a measure of dividend policy and return on equity as measure of profitability provide better results. The main implication of these results is that managers should consider the major determinants of dividend yield ratio while formulating the appropriate dividend policy for a firm.
Human Capital Accumulation and Transition to Skilled Employment

This paper assesses the impact of investment- and education-specific technical change on occupational transition and the skill premium in a model with human capital. In this framework, human capital augments labor productivity and also facilitates the transition to skilled employment. In line with empirical evidence, this setup predicts that an increase in the productivity of physical capital (investment-specific change) leads to very small increases in the relative supply of skilled workers and to significant and rising increases in the skill premium. Additionally, reforms that improve the productivity of resources used in education (education-specific change) reduce wage inequality and increase mobility.
Conceptual models of customer value: implications for clothing retailing

The concept of customer value has attracted a lot of interest among scholars, marketing resear- chers and many marketing practitioners over last two decades. A lot has been written in terms of customer value definition and quite a few research studies have been conducted in this area focusing on various aspects of the value construct. The concept of customer value is discussed in many streams of marketing literature including relationship marketing, customer relationship ma- nagement (CRM) pricing, consumer behaviour, in total quality management as well as in strategy literature. It has become an important factor in attracting and retaining customers and a fundamen- tal basis in competitive strategies. The paper discusses various conceptual models of customer value found in the literature. Based on the literature study, it presents findings of the research focused on the concept of customer value, its attributes in clothing retailing. For the purpose of the research, a framework presented by Simova (2007) was used. Customer value was defined and measured in terms of get (benefits) and give (sacrifice) components. The concept of customer value based on price and quality di- mensions was broadened by adding another value dimensions composing customer values such as functional, social, and emotional aspects of value in relation to perceived sacrifices. The term „sacrifice“ was perceived in terms of both, monetary and non-monetary costs instead of price only. Multivariate data analysis, In particular, factor analysis was used to identify the main elements of customer value in clothing retailing. Five components with eigenvalues larger than one were extracted for benefit attributes of customer value (psychological aspects, physical appearance of merchandise, quality of merchandise and shopping, environment and communication, personnel) three components (price and discounts, shopping incentives, effort made when shopping) were extracted for sacrifice attributes of customer value.
Pre and Post IFRS Loss Avoidance in France and the United Kingdom

This paper analyzes the effect of a single uniform accounting rule on reporting quality by investigating the influence of IFRS on earnings management. This paper examines whether earnings management is reduced after IFRS adoption through the use of “loss avoidance thresholds”, a method that has been verified in earlier studies. This paper concentrates on two European countries: one that represents the continental code law tradition with weak protection of investors (France) and one that represents the AngloAmerican common law tradition, which typically implies a strong enforcement system (the United Kingdom). The research investigates a sample of 526 companies (6822 firmyear observations) during the years 2000 – 2013. The results are different for the two jurisdictions. This study demonstrates that a single set of accounting standards contributes to better reporting quality and reduces the pervasiveness of earnings management in France. In contrast, there is no evidence that a reduction in earnings management followed the implementation of IFRS in the United Kingdom. Due to the fact that IFRS benefit France but not the United Kingdom, other political and economic factors, such legal system or capital market strength, must play a significant role in influencing the comparability and transparency cross-border companies’ financial statements. Overall, the result suggests that IFRS moderately contribute to the accounting quality of reported financial statements and bring benefit for stakeholders, though the role played by other economic factors cannot be discounted. Keywords—Accounting Standards, Earnings Management, International Financial Reporting Standards, Loss Avoidance, Reporting Quality.