Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association of cardiomyopathy and celiac disease: an almost diffuse but still less know entity. A review

Introduction: This study is a systematic revision of scientific articles regarding the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of cardiomyopathy associated with celiac disease. Material and methods: 1193 adult cases of cardiomyopathy and 15890 clinically healthy control subjects have been scrutinized. Results: The prevalence of celiac disease in cardiomyopathy patients was found higher vs control (3.36 vs. 0.425%, P=0.004). The risk of association was 2-3 times higher than expected. Mean age a 42 years ejection fraction was 25%. A gluten free diet induced an improvement in cardiac performance. Conclusions: In patients with cardiomyopaty may be the real risk of a concomitant celiac disease. The study protocol is not able to provide inferences on the causeeffect relationship existing between two diseases. Gluten free diet can improve cardiac performance in patients with this association. In patients with cardiomyopathy, an appropriate screening of celiac disease should be routinely performed.
Character of seismic motion at a location of a gas hydrate‐bearing mud volcano on the SW Barents Sea margin

The Håkon Mosby mud volcano (HMMV) at 1270 m water depth on the SW Barents Sea slope has been intensively studied since its discovery in 1989. A variety of sensors monitored morphological, hydrological, geochemical, and biological parameters in the HMMV area. An ocean bottom seismometer deployment allowed us to register seismic motion for 2 years, from October 2008 to October 2010. The analysis of seismic records documents two types of seismic signals. The first type are harmonic tremors with frequency peaks around 4–5 and 8–10 Hz that occur in swarms. Their origin could be from fluid flow circulation or resonant vibrations of gas bubbles or from delayed movement of fluid‐rich sediments in the conduit or in a deeper pseudo‐mud chamber of the HMMV. Because swarms occur with a periodicity of ~ 6 h, tide‐related effects are suspected to influence the mechanism originating the tremors. The second type of signals are regional earthquakes that were in 15 cases recognized in seismic records. The activity of harmonic tremors was not significantly affected by earthquakes.
Corporate Dividend Payout and Earnings Management: Evidence from Chinese Regulatory Changes

This paper examines the market reaction to and earnings management choices around changes in the regulations requiring a higher minimum dividend payout in China. We exploit the unique Chinese setting that facilitates identification of the agency cost effect to shed new light on the determinants of dividend payout policy. First, we find that the market reaction is more positive for firms that paid less than the new required minimum payout than for those that paid more than the new required minimum. In addition, we show that low dividend payers exhibit a greater tendency to manage their earnings downwards to comply with the earnings-based threshold, and investors can “see through” such earnings management behaviors. Our findings support the view of DeAngelo, DeAngelo and Skinner (2009) that agency costs of free cash flow retention are an important part of the dividend payout story.
West Meets East and East Meets West: Gender Research as a Cultural Encounter in Accounting

Abstract Globalization has brought about migration and the transnational movement of people from different backgrounds, cultures, ethnicities, using different languages, and has thereby facilitated intercultural interaction and re-interpretation of lived experiences. Gender research in accounting is also influenced by globalization, which has created a platform where different cultures can meet and interact, and where knowledge can be synthesized from the work of authors from various different countries. Building on my own research experiences and their outcomes, this study examines the globalization of gender research in accounting by tracing the development of research on the relationship between Japanese women and accounting. The experiences of Japan highlight that knowledge in accounting, including gender-in-accounting studies, historically flows from West to East. The language, concepts and framework in existing Western-led accounting studies translate and visualize the history and phenomena in a Japanese context to be shared within the international accounting arena. This study demonstrates that this process provides a body of interesting evidence from Japanese contexts in the fields of history, household accounting and professionalization. Accounting played an enabling role for women in Japan, while positioning women to act as catalysts for social change. Questions arise regarding the potential for such findings (from the East) to flow to the West and be accorded equal status to Western-led accounting research. The study concludes by discussing, in terms of achieving sustainable and innovative knowledge creation in accounting, the importance of herstory in understanding local culture and its integration into ‘global’ academic research.
How does relationship banking influence credit financing? Evidence from the financial crisis

During the financial crisis asymmetric information in credit markets became more severe. Did relationship banking help firms to avoid impaired credit financing and which credit financing problems did relationship banking help to circumvent? We use survey data for 1,139 German firms to analyze how relationship banking works. We find that it lowers the probability of higher information requirements from banks. It does not, however, help to avoid constrained availability of bank credit. If credit is granted, relationship banking makes deteriorated non-price contract terms (i.e. collateral and maturity) less likely. Its impact on interest rates is ambiguous.
Trade Union Membership in Eastern and Western Germany: Convergence or Divergence?

An empirical analysis of various waves of the ALLBUS social survey shows that the level and the structure of unionization has become more and more similar in eastern and western Germany in the period 1992 to 2000. The originally high level of union density in eastern Germany has dropped below that of western Germany, and union membership has been falling steadily in both parts of the country since 1992. Repeated cross-sectional analyses indicate that the factors influencing individuals' probability of union membership have converged over time between western and eastern Germany. After an assimilation period of about ten years the same set of variables can be used to explain unionization in postsocialist eastern Germany and in traditionally capitalist western Germany.
An Analysis of Violence in Teen Dating Relationships

In an effort to better understand and prevent teen dating violence, this study examined the risk factors associated with teen dating violence as well as methods of intervention/prevention. Eight mental health practitioners who work with adolescents who are involved in teen dating violence or who work with teen dating violence prevention programs were interviewed regarding their experiences with these adolescents. Six themes were found from these interviews: (a) the prevalence of teen dating violence, (b) the negative effects of teen dating violence, (c) the risk factors of teen dating violence, (d) reasons victims stay in abusive relationships, (e) support systems for teen dating violence victims and perpetrators, (f) and methods of prevention and intervention. Comparison to previous research found that this study, overall, supported previous research regarding the importance of prevention and intervention programs based on minimizing risk factors due to the damaging effects of teen dating violence on adolescents’ lives. Implications for social work policy, practice, and research are also discussed.
Empirical Test of Fama and French Three-Factor Model in Amman Stock Exchange

This study aims to empirically test the ability of Fama and French (1993) Three-Factor Model (FF3F) in predicting monthly excess rates of returns of stocks traded in Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) during the period (2001 2010). The study uses similar methodology of FF3F. Stocks in the sample have sorted according to the size (market value) and value (book-tomarket ratio, B/M) in order to form portfolios and measuring the dependent and independent variables. To estimate the FF3F parameters, a time series regression ran using the ordinary least square method. The study documents positive value effect in ASE. Portfolios with high B/M outperformed those of low B/M. Also, the study finds small size effect, but not in a like-manner as in the U.S or other developed markets. The study finds that multi factor asset pricing model works better than the single factor model, i.e. the CAPM. Therefore, it is recommended that participants in ASE should exploit size and value effect in investment strategy and replace the CAPM by FF3F in various asset pricing applications.
Quantitative Approximability of Optimal Control by Linear Programing Model for Asymptomatic Dual HIV - Pathogen Infections

It has become obvious that the human race have been skewed to the realization of the painful fact that human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in their negative affinity, have become an important integral component of the human immune systems with the later as primary victim. This negativity in affiliation has rather place the scientific community and beyond in a most seeming precarious dehumanization following the near insurmountable and colossal activities of the deadly disease, which have been without outright medical cure. A situation, which often transmute to full-blown acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) with lethal outcome as final consequences.
Milk Production and Reproductive Efficiency in Friesian and Friesian X Sharabi Cows

The reproductive efficiency was estimated from reco ds of 104 Friesian and 48 crossbreed [Friesian X Sharabi (native breed)] cows . Functional traits interm of reproductive efficiency as well as age at first cal ving were studied with relation with milk production in both breeds. The trends of the a ver ge milk production and reproductive efficiency at different age groups at firs calving were estimated. Likewise, the average reproductive efficiency and age at firs t calving at different groups of milk production were determined. With increase in milk p roduction there were decrease in reproductive efficiency and age at first calving. W hen the average milk production was related with age at first calving in both Friesian and crossbreed there are an increase in reproductive efficiency with increase age at first calving while milk production decreased. There were significant difference (P<0.0 5) in average milk production and age at first calving between Friesian and crossbree d, while the difference was not significant for average reproductive efficiency, th ey were 84.04% and 83.17% respectively for Friesian and crossbreed. The Pearson correlation coefficient as well as part ial correlation coefficient between milk production and age at first calving wa s negative and significant in both breeds. Likewise, between milk production and repro ductive efficiency was negative in both breeds and significant in Friesian only. On ot her hand, Pearson correlation and partial correlation coefficients between reproducti ve efficiency and age at first calving were positive and significant in both breeds. It can be concluded that for improving efficiency i n Friesian and crossbreed cattle, it is necessary that functional traits interims of reproductive efficiency and age at first calving deserve primary consideration beside milk p roduction into national breeding programmers.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Beef Cow-Calf Grazing Systems in Uruguay

Evaluating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at farm level is an important tool to mitigate climate change. Livestock account for 80% of the total GHG emissions in Uruguay, and beef cow-calf systems are possibly the largest contributors. In cow-calf grazing systems, optimizing forage allowance and grazing intensity may increase pasture productivity, reproductive performance, beef productivity, and possibly reduce GHG emissions. This study estimated GHG emissions per kg of live weight gain (LWG) and per hectare from 20 cow-calf systems in Uruguay, with different management practices. The GHG emissions were on average 20.8 kg CO2-e.kg LWG-1, ranging from 11.4 to 32.2. Beef productivity and reproductive efficiency were the main determinants of GHG emissions. Five farm clusters were identified with different productive and environmental efficiency by numerical classification of relevant variables. Improving grazing efficiency by optimizing the stocking rate and forage production can increase beef productivity by 22% and reduce GHG emissions per kg LWG by 28% compared to “low performance” management. Further improvements in reproductive efficiency can increase productivity by 41% and reduce GHG emissions per kg LWG by 23%, resulting in a “carbon smart” strategy. However, the most intensified farms with highest stocking rate and beef productivity, did not reduce GHG emissions per kg LWG, while increased GHG emissions per ha compared to the carbon smart. This analysis showed that it is possible to simultaneously reduce carbon footprint per kg and per ha, by optimizing grazing management. This study demonstrated that there is high potential to reduce cow-calf GHG emissions through improved grazing management.
Farmers perception of low soil fertility and hybrid maize and the implications in plant breeding.

In spite of efforts by national and international scientists to improve crop productivity, varieties of crops grown in Africa have low productivity. Varieties improved for yield have had low adoption rates among small scale farmers. Productivity of maize remains low in the smallholder sector because the crop continues to be grown under stress-prone environments and with limited resources. Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) tools, including two focus group discussions and interviews with 120 individual farmers were conducted in Wenchi and Ejura-Sekyedumase districts in Ghana to determine maize production constraints, assess farmers’ perceptions of low soil fertility in maize production and their coping strategies for the control of low soil fertility. Opportunities for breeding new maize varieties with tolerance to low soil fertility and improving farmers' perception on adoption and utilisation of maize hybrids were also examined. Results from interviews revealed that low soil fertility, drought, diseases and insect pests are the dominant constraints in maize productivity in the two districts. Farmers in the study area also have preference for low soil nitrogen (low N) tolerant, drought tolerant, disease and pest resistant varieties that require lower inputs. They prefer maize varieties which produce slender cobs that are light in weight with lots of grain. The farmers lack knowledge about hybrids but are willing to adopt maize hybrids that are tolerant to low N.
Crisis, Urban Segregation and Social Innovation in Catalonia

This paper questions the contribution of social innovation to the capacity of disadvantaged communities to resist the effects of the 2008 financial crisis and its social repercussions. It does so on the basis of a study on the dynamics of urban segregation and social innovation in the context of the crisis in Catalonia (Spain). The study adopts a multi-method approach that combines statistical analysis of urban segregation dynamics in the 2001-2012 period; the mapping of social innovation practices across the region; and a cross-case comparison of six case studies. The paper highlights the structural and metropolitan character of urban segregation in the region, which has been significantly aggravated both by the crisis and the residential transformation that occurred during the years of the housing bubble. It also shows that social innovation practices are distributed very unevenly in spatial terms, being concentrated in middle-income areas with a tradition of social mobilisation. In summary, the paper states the limits of social innovation as a driver for socio-spatial cohesion in cities and stresses the need for stronger (redistributive) public policies.
Efficient Implementation Monitoring in Routine Prevention Practice: A Grand Challenge for Schools

Objective: Monitoring the implementation of preventive interventions in schools is challenging for educators and school social workers. This study sought to verify the implementation–outcome relationship; determine whether implementer characteristics predict participation in implementation-monitoring protocols; and suggest the number of (a) implementers requiring monitoring, (b) planned observations per implementer, and (c) items rated within each observation that are necessary to monitor program implementation. Method: Data are from a district-wide implementation of the Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies (PATHS) curriculum. Two technical-assistance providers attempted to make 8 observations of 170 classroom teachers across 15 elementary schools while they delivered the PATHS program. Teacher characteristics, adherence, participant responsiveness, overall implementation quality, and other implementation aspects were observed. Student social–emotional competence was assessed with the Devereux Student Strengths Assessment-Mini at 3 time points to verify the implementation–outcome relationship. Results: Growth of student social–emotional competence was predicted by the overall quality of PATHS implementation. Teacher compliance with implementation-monitoring protocols declined over time, and teachers who demonstrated an initial commitment to implementation participated more fully in monitoring, regardless of their initial implementation quality. A teacher’s initial implementation quality, however, predicted their long-term implementation quality. Items within a single observation were highly intercorrelated. Conclusions: Findings suggest strategies that can be used to improve teacher participation and reduce inefficiencies in implementation-monitoring protocols.
The role of standing dead Spartina alterniflora and benthic microalgae in salt marsh food webs: Considerations based on multiple stable isotope analysis

The stable isotope compositions (C, N, and S) of hve, senescent, and standing dead Spartina alterniflora were compared in order to determine the effects of aerial decomposition on the isotopic signature of aboveground S. dlterniflora tissue entering the food chain. Aerial decomposition of aboveground S. alterniflora resulted in a 6 to 18% increase in P S , and a 2 to 3 % decrease in 615N values; 613c values were unchanged. We describe mechanisms whereby the activity of fungi and epiphytic microorganisms may contribute to the observed shlfts in and 6I5N, respectively. The 613c value of salt marsh benthic and eplphytic microalgae ranged from -13.0% in summer to -17.6%0 in early spring. Average 6'" values of microalgae and standing dead S. altemiflora were -0 3 and l. %, respectively, reflecting the activity of NZ-fixing microorganisms. The 615N values for omnivorous and herbivorous salt marsh macrofauna ranged between 7.5 and 2.2% and for predatory Fundulus spp. averaged 9.2%. Given a presumptive + 3 % trophic shift in N assimilation, these results suggest that N2-fixing microorganisms associdted with microalgal communities were an important source of N to salt marsh consumers. The 6% 6'"N, and 6"'s values of primary producers were compared to the values of the following consumers: Fundulus spp. , Uca spp. , Ilyanassa obsoleta, and Littoraria irrorata. 6I3C VS 6 1 5 ~ and 613C vs 63JS dual isotope plots demonstrated that microalgae and standing dead S. alternjflora are important food resources in the North Carolina (USA) marshes we sampled. In addition, a compilation of literature values suggests that this is true in salt marshes throughout the East and Gulf coasts of North America. Future isotope studies of marsh food webs should include detrital Spartina spp. material in analyses of trophic structure.
Winter Precipitation Efficiency of Mountain Ranges in the Colorado Rockies Under Climate Change

Orographic precipitation depends on the environmental conditions and the barrier shape. In this study we examine the sensitivity of the precipitation efficiency (i.e., drying ratio (DR)), defined as the ratio of precipitation to incoming water flux, to mountain shape, temperature, stability, and horizontal velocity of the incoming air mass. Furthermore, we explore how the DR of Colorado mountain ranges might change under warmer and moister conditions in the future. For given environmental conditions, we find the DR to be primarily dependent on the upwind slope for mountain ranges wider than about 70 km and on both the slope and width for narrower ranges. Temperature is found to exert an influence on the DR for all Colorado mountain ranges, with DR decreasing with increasing temperature, under both the current and future climate conditions. The decrease of DR with temperature under warmer climate was found to be stronger for wider mountains than the narrower ones. We attribute this asymmetry to the sensitivity of DR to reduced horizontal velocity under warmer conditions. Specifically, while DR for wider mountains shows no sensitivity to changes in horizontal velocity, the DR for narrow ranges increases as the horizontal velocity decreases and more time is provided for precipitation to form. Thus, for narrower ranges, the horizontal velocity appears to offset the temperature effect slightly. The percentagewise decrease of DR for all examined mountain ranges is about 4%K−1. In comparison, the increase in precipitation is about 6%K−1 while the vapor flux increase is about 9%K−1.
Self-Esteem and Justice Orientation as Moderators for Individual- and Group-Level Justice Effects

We examine self-esteem and justice orientation as individual difference factors that moderate the relationship between individual-level and group-level justice and potential employee reactions. Two studies were conducted using scenarios in which levels of individual-level and group-level justice were manipulated. Using a sample of 419 undergraduate students, Study 1 showed that, whereas self-esteem moderated the relationship between individual-level procedural justice and intention to leave, justice orientation moderated the relationship between group-level procedural justice and helping behaviors. Using a sample of 207 undergraduate students, Study 2 showed that justice orientation moderated the relationships between individual-level and group-level distributive justice, and helping and counterproductive behaviors. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.