Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Business strategy, market competition and earnings management

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to explore the relationships among business strategy, market competition and earnings management. Design/methodology/approach – This paper uses 2,037 Chinese A-share listed firms from 2010 to 2012 to test the research questions using regression analyses. Findings – The firms that follow cost leadership strategy (cost leaders) are more likely to have a higher level of real earnings management. The firms that follow differentiation strategy (differentiators) are less likely to use real earnings management. For cost leaders, the market competition further increases the level of real earnings management, whereas the level of earnings management of differentiators is not significantly impacted by the market competition. Practical implications – Results of this study indicate the feasibility of differentiation strategy in China and suggest that management should be encouraged to use such a strategy or to use a hybrid strategy to achieve its operational and financial goals.
Railways Regulation in Countries of the Former USSR: Reforms, Efficiency Estimation and Governance Choice

Railways restructuring in the countries of the former USSR has practically never been studied before. Meanwhile most of these countries are implementing the same reforms as their western neighbours put in force some years earlier. In this paper, we analyse railway reform trends in these countries and discover a huge diversity of approaches and states of progress. Besides, we make an extended review of literature on railways reforms which covers empirical and institutional papers, theoretical descriptive analyses and, in particular, the reform of Russian railways. Finally, the present study gives the background necessary to learn the situation in the region in question and to understand better the two papers which follow.
Increased levels of cathepsin B and L, urokinase-type plasminogen activator and its inhibitor type-1 as an early event in gastric carcinogenesis.

BACKGROUND Cysteine proteases [cathepsin B (CATB), cathepsin L (CATL)], the serine protease urokinase-type plasminogen activator (UPA) and its inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1) play an important part in cancer invasion. No data are available on the relationship between these proteases and gastric precancerous changes. AIMS To determine CATB, CATL, UPA, PAI-1 in chronic atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia and gastric epithelial dysplasia, as precancerous changes, and to compare these data with those obtained in gastric cancer. PATIENTS Endoscopic biopsies were obtained from 12 patients with gastric cancer (cancerous tissue), 33 patients with chronic atrophic gastritis (all with intestinal metaplasia and 12 with dysplasia) and from 47 control subjects, for a total of 92 patients. METHODS Antigen concentrations were measured using ELISA methods. Immunohistochemistry was performed using monoclonal anti-CATB and anti-PAI-1 antibodies. RESULTS CATB, CATL, UPA and PAI-1 were significantly higher in chronic atrophic gastritis than in controls (CATB: P < 0.001; CATL: P < 0.005; UPA: P < 0.000001; PAI-1: P < 0.005). The same was observed for cancer. CATB and UPA were significantly higher in chronic atrophic gastritis, with versus without dysplasia (P < 0.05). Dysplastic epithelia showed strong immunoreactivity to PAI-1 and CATB. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates that cathepsins, UPA and PAI-1 may have a role not only in the process of cancer invasion, but also in the progression of precancerous changes into cancer.
EMBODYING SUSTAINABILITY: AN EXPLORATION OF PERSONAL SUSTAINABILITY AMONG ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVISTS

Thomashow (1996) suggests that environmental activists are particularly vulnerable to burnout due to their limited resources and the magnitude of the environmental crisis. This study uses a combination of Appreciative Inquiry, grounded theory and phenomenology within an ecofeminist theoretical framework to understand how environmental activists maintain their well-being. The research focuses on factors relating to burnout and factors that contribute to well-being. These themes are analyzed in the context of Thomashow’s (1996) four types of environmental stress as well as Macy’s (2007) four environmental worldviews. This study suggests that an integral approach to environmentalism that focuses on the health of the mind and body, as well as the sustainability of the inner and outer world, is needed to develop a more holistic paradigm of environmental activism.
Motivation and Other Considerations in Tourist Destination Choice: A Case Study of Nigeria

This study aims to explore the motivations for tourists' choice of diverse tourism environments in a Third World country, Nigeria. Results obtained from a questionnaire survey of 376 tourists randomly sampled from seven tourism destinations in Nigeria show that the most prominent motivations for tourist destination choice are self-actualization in an appreciative, educational or cultural context and leisure/recreational pursuits. Attractiveness of destination, quality services, facilities/amenities, favourable location and accessibility of centres also emerged as important considerations in tourist destination choice. Motivation for tourism differed significantly amongst tourists groups in various destinations, and also between domestic and foreign tourists groups when compared with aχ2test at 0.05 significance level. The implications of the disparities in motivation between visitors in various destinations and between domestic and foreign tourists for destination planning, marketing and management are highlighted.
Contribution of Siderophore Systems to Growth and Urinary Tract Colonization of Asymptomatic Bacteriuria Escherichia coli

ABSTRACT The molecular mechanisms that define asymptomatic bacteriuria (ABU) Escherichia coli colonization of the human urinary tract remain to be properly elucidated. Here, we utilize ABU E. coli strain 83972 as a model to dissect the contribution of siderophores to iron acquisition, growth, fitness, and colonization of the urinary tract. We show that E. coli 83972 produces enterobactin, salmochelin, aerobactin, and yersiniabactin and examine the role of these systems using mutants defective in siderophore biosynthesis and uptake. Enterobactin and aerobactin contributed most to total siderophore activity and growth in defined iron-deficient medium. No siderophores were detected in an 83972 quadruple mutant deficient in all four siderophore biosynthesis pathways; this mutant did not grow in defined iron-deficient medium but grew in iron-limited pooled human urine due to iron uptake via the FecA ferric citrate receptor. In a mixed 1:1 growth assay with strain 83972, there was no fitness disadvantage of the 83972 quadruple biosynthetic mutant, demonstrating its capacity to act as a “cheater” and utilize siderophores produced by the wild-type strain for iron uptake. An 83972 enterobactin/salmochelin double receptor mutant was outcompeted by 83972 in human urine and the mouse urinary tract, indicating a role for catecholate receptors in urinary tract colonization.
The Time Effect of Pressure on Tissue Viability: Investigation Using an Experimental Rat Model

An experimental rat model was used to investigate the time–pressure effect on tissue viability. External loading equivalent to 13.3 kPa (100 mm Hg) of pressure was applied to the greater trochanter and tibialis area of Sprague-Dawley rats using pneumatic indentors for duration of 6 hrs each day for 1 to 4 days. It was observed that postocclusive hyperemic responses were gradually increased at the trochanter throughout the 4 days of loading, whereas for the tibia there was a significant increase (P = 0.04) in postocclusive hyperemic flow between Days 2 and 3. In histologic evaluations, cutaneous tissue damage was observed at the trochanter area but not at the tibialis area after 2 consecutive days of load application. In contrast, degeneration of muscle cells characterized by numerous increases of nuclei occupying the central of the muscle fibers was observed after 2 days of load application at the tibialis. The situation was found to progress with time (P = 0.17). The presence of other histologic signs, including the internalization of peripherally located nuclei, replacement of muscle cells by fibrosis and adipose tissues, and the presence of pyknotic nuclei as well as karyorrhexis, confirmed that the affected tissues were damaged. These findings suggest that postocclusive hyperemia and the distress of tissues under loading could be closely related.
Stock Repurchase in Korea: Market Reactions and Operating Performance

This study examines the motive for stock repurchase. We examine four hypotheses — undervaluation, signaling, free cash flow, and optimal leverage hypotheses — using both short-run and long-run market reactions. We find that the undervaluation hypothesis is most consistent with both short-run and long-run tests. Improvement in operating performance following repurchase suggests the signaling hypothesis. However, the signaling hypothesis is supported only in the long-run test, not the short-run test, suggesting that market underreaction exists to the signaling initially. Of the control variables, the target purchase ratio and ownership by the largest shareholders are found significant, suggesting that the magnitude of repurchase and the ownership increase motive by the largest shareholders are also important factors that explain the repurchase.
PPP Despite Real Shocks: an Empirical Analysis of the Norwegian Real Exchange Rate

Despite the emerging consensus on the validity of purchasing power parity (PPP) between trading countries in the long run, empirical evidence in favour of the PPP theory is scarce in data predominantly exposed to real shocks. This paper tests for PPP between Norway and its trading partners using quarterly observations from the post Bretton Woods period, in which the Norwegian economy has been exposed to numerous real shocks as repeated revaluation of oil and gas resources through new discoveries and price fluctuations. The paper undertakes an extensive examination of the behaviour of the Norwegian real and nominal exchange rates and shows that it is remarkably consistent with the PPP theory. Moreover, convergence towards the equilibrium level appears relatively fast, which is partly ascribed to the Norwegian government`s competitiveness preserving policies and the system of centralised wage bargaining.
Mitigation of U.S. Home Bias in the Valuation of Canadian Natural Resource Firms: Choice of Reporting and Transaction Currency

This study explores whether the valuation of Canadian natural resource firms is related to their decisions to present financial reports in U.S. dollars or to allow dual currency (Canadian and U.S. dollar) trades of their shares in Canadian markets. The results indicate that firms electing to report their financial results in U.S. dollars do enjoy a higher proportion of U.S. trades, and a higher market value, compared with firms reporting in domestic currency. These findings are consistent with U.S. dollar reporting reducing the behavioral phenomenon known as “home bias”, for U.S. investors. In contrast, giving investors the opportunity to transact in U.S. dollars in Canada does not appear to have a beneficial impact. This latter finding is consistent with the practical observation that very few Canadian firms adopted dual currency trading. The dual currency trading experiment on the TSX appears to have failed.
The Influence of Race on Symptom Severity and Quality of Life in Gastroparesis

Background: The majority of clinical studies for gastroparesis have primarily included white women. Our aim was to compare the etiology, clinical characteristics, healthcare utilization, symptom profile, and quality of life (QOL) in white and nonwhite patients with gastroparesis. Methods: Newly referred patients with gastroparesis completed: (1) a comprehensive demographic profile, (2) the Patient Assessment of Upper Gastrointestinal Disorder Symptoms (PAGI-SYM), and (3) the Patient Assessment of Upper Gastrointestinal Disorders QOL (PAGI-QOL). All patients had confirmed delayed gastric emptying as measured by 4-hour scintigraphy. Results: A total of 255 patients were enrolled; mean age was 42.5 years and 83.3% were females. There were 44 (17%) nonwhites (33 African American and 11 Hispanic) and 211 (83%) whites. The proportion of nonwhite patients with gastroparesis secondary to diabetes was 55% compared with 19% of white patients (P<0.001). The total PAGI-SYM score was higher in nonwhite patients. Nonwhite patients had higher PAGI-SYM subscale scores for nausea/vomiting, upper abdominal pain, and lower abdominal pain. The 2 groups differed in health care utilization: 49% of nonwhite patients reported ≥4 gastroparesis-related emergency department visits and 42% reported more ≥4 gastroparesis-related hospitalizations, as compared with 20% and 14% of white patients, respectively. Total PAGI-QOL scores were lower in nonwhite patients. Linear regression showed that nonwhite race, sex, age, and age of onset were independently associated with symptom scores, whereas etiology of gastroparesis and gastric emptying times were not. Conclusions: Nonwhite patients with gastroparesis had more severe symptoms, poorer QOL, and utilized more health care resources than white. Nonwhites were more likely to have diabetes as the etiology.
Which Types of Capital Inflows Foster Developing‐Country Growth?

As a result of the Asian crisis, both the virtues of domestic savings and the risks of foreign savings have been emphasized in the debate on development finance. In particular, East Asia, with its enviable saving rates, it has been argued by economists such as Joe Stiglitz and Jagdish Bhagwati, does not need foreign funds for investment and growth. This paper explores the benefits of private capital inflows by reviewing the analytical arguments advanced in the literature and by building fresh empirical evidence. Particular attention is given to the independent growth impact of the various broad categories of flows in the recipient emerging markets. The paper provides panel data analysis covering 44 countries over the period 1986-97; correcting for standard growth determinants, it measures the independent growth effect of foreign direct investment, portfolio equity investment, bond flows, as well as short-term and long-term bank lending. The findings suggest that developing countries should not solely rely on national savings, but rather should encourage foreign direct investment and portfolio equity inflows so as to stimulate long-term growth prospects. Copyright 2001 by Blackwell Publishers Ltd.
Alphavirus RNA Genome Repair and Evolution: Molecular Characterization of Infectious Sindbis Virus Isolates Lacking a Known Conserved Motif at the 3′ End of the Genome

ABSTRACT The 3′ nontranslated region of the genomes of Sindbis virus (SIN) and other alphaviruses carries several repeat sequence elements (RSEs) as well as a 19-nucleotide (nt) conserved sequence element (3′CSE). The 3′CSE and the adjoining poly(A) tail of the SIN genome are thought to act as viral promoters for negative-sense RNA synthesis and genome replication. Eight different SIN isolates that carry altered 3′CSEs were studied in detail to evaluate the role of the 3′CSE in genome replication. The salient findings of this study as it applies to SIN infection of BHK cells are as follows: i) the classical 19-nt 3′CSE of the SIN genome is not essential for genome replication, long-term stability, or packaging; ii) compensatory amino acid or nucleotide changes within the SIN genomes are not required to counteract base changes in the 3′ terminal motifs of the SIN genome; iii) the 5′ 1-kb regions of all SIN genomes, regardless of the differences in 3′ terminal motifs, do not undergo any base changes even after 18 passages; iv) although extensive addition of AU-rich motifs occurs in the SIN genomes carrying defective 3′CSE, these are not essential for genome viability or function; and v) the newly added AU-rich motifs are composed predominantly of RSEs. These findings are consistent with the idea that the 3′ terminal AU-rich motifs of the SIN genomes do not bind directly to the viral polymerase and that cellular proteins with broad AU-rich binding specificity may mediate this interaction. In addition to the classical 3′CSE, other RNA motifs located elsewhere in the SIN genome must play a major role in template selection by the SIN RNA polymerase.
A comparative study of perforated and non-perforated appendicitis with respect to clinical findings, radiological findings and post-operative management

Introduction: The vermiform appendix is considered by most to be a vestigial organ, its importance in surgery is only due to its tendency for inflammation resulting in the syndrome called acute appendicitis. Acute appendicitis is the most common cause of an “acute abdomen” in young adults. Appendectomy is the most frequently performed emergency abdominal operation. Present study was undertaken to evaluate the intraoperative features and postoperative outcome in pts with acute appendicitis presenting with or without perforation and to evaluate the relative importance of these determinants, effect of preoperative delay, prehospital antibiotic therapy with postoperative morbidity of perforated acute appendicitis. Materials and Methods: Present study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital over a period of two years. All patients were admitted in the emergency care unit as per hospital protocols. Patients were divided into two groups (Perforated and non-perforated). Patients found eligible as per inclusion and exclusion criteria were included. Results: 150 cases were studied with median age being 35 years. Male preponderance was noted. Symptom duration was higher in perforated appendicitis. Patients with perforated appendix had high Alvarado score. Appendicectomy was the most common surgical procedure. Probe tenderness was seen in maximum patients. Extraluminal air and periappendiceal inflammation were statistically significant predictors for appendiceal perforation. Conclusion: Patients with longer duration of pain have higher incidence of perforation. Alvarado score can predict the likelihood of perforation. Hospital stay is more in cases of perforated appendix. Antibiotic sensitivity should be considered when change of antibiotic is contemplated.
Dutch Disease and Nigeria Oil Economy

The paper examines why the enormous promises held out by the inflow of revenues from oil export has not made any significant improvement in the lives of Nigerians and the economy as a whole. The paper traces the problem to the inherent contradictions, anomalies, and problems associated with countries that depend on oil as their primary export commodity. The revenue it generates when prices are high tends to cause “Dutch-Diseases”, high oil revenue raises exchange rates, promotes an adverse balance of payments when prices fall, reduce the incentive to risk investment in non-oil sectors like agriculture and manufacturing. Just one example is Nigeria, which, since initiating the export of oil has seen its agricultural sector collapsing and now it is entirely dependent on imported food. The paper draws attention to the political imperative strengthening governance to address these anomalies.
An analysis of Religious Educaton Coordinators' perceptions of their role in Catholic Secondary Schools in the Archdiocese of Melbourne

This thesis analysed Religious Education Coordinators’ perceptions of their role in Catholic secondary schools of the Archdiocese of Melbourne from 1970 – 2000. The theoretical framework for the study, which was reported on in this thesis, was drawn from Catholic Church documents on religious education at both international and national levels, and from the work of researchers within the field of religious education. In particular the study investigated the diversity of language used to describe religious education and religious education theory and analysed the significance that this has had in the development of an understanding of the role of the Religious Education Coordinator. It was argued that there were significant factors in the development of the role of the Religious Education Coordinator that included changes in the understanding of the nature and purpose of religious education during the second half of the twentieth century. In addition there were historical factors peculiar to the Archdiocese of Melbourne that played an important part in the understanding of the RECs role. Quantitative data in the form of annual survey material (1988-1999) from the Catholic Education Office Melbourne provided a framework for the empirical component of the research. The empirical component involved the interviewing of Religious Education Coordinators from a deliberately selected sample that covered the range of skills and experiences deemed necessary in the research. The purpose was to ascertain from the perspective of the Religious Education Coordinators themselves how they analysed their role. Grounded theory methodology was used as the basis for the inductive analysis of the data that emerged from the in-depth interviews. Theory that was generated on the role of the Religious Education Coordinator includes: the importance of an understanding of the theoretical dimensions of religious education and the role of the Religious Education Coordinator; an elaboration of the role of the Religious Education Coordinator in the school context and the necessary skills and attributes that are required to meet the challenges in the role; and the complexity of the challenges that are faced by the Religious Education Coordinator.
Evaluation of the environmental, social and governance information disclosed by Spanish listed companies

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the quality of environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting of Spanish companies listed in the IBEX-35 stock index and the main drivers of the differences among reporters. Design/methodology/approach - A benchmark tool was built based on GRIv3, and the ESG information issued by Spanish companies listed in the IBEX-35 index was analyzed. Findings - The authors conclude that GRI has resulted in some standardization of corporate social and environmental reporting, particularly in terms of format, but their approach to indicators is unlikely to produce high quality information that is relevant, comparable, complete and accessible to all stakeholders. Regulation and reputation seem to be the main drivers for improving the quality of ESG reporting. Global companies operating in industries with higher reputation risks had the highest levels of disclosure. Furthermore, reporting seems to be oriented to satisfying the demands of shareholders and investors rather than those of other stakeholders. Originality/value - This paper proposes a structured definition of ESG quality reporting. Secondly, it makes an empirical contribution, by developing a reliable and valid instrument of research based on GRIv3.