Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Protective effect of intermittent clamping of the portal triad in the rat liver on liver ischemia-reperfusion injury

Background Intermittent clamping (IC) of the portal triad is an effective method of protecting the liver from ischemia-reperfusion injury (IR). In clinical practice, this method is employed during a resection, but its mechanism is still not clear. Objectives To evaluate the effect of IC on rat liver and determine its mechanisms. Materials and Methods Wistar rats were submitted to 60-min IC (cycles of 12-min clamping followed by 4-min reperfusion), and the samples were collected after 1, 6, and 72 hrs of reperfusion. We determined the serum activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and measured the concentration of TNF-α, malondialdehyde (MDA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in liver homogenates. The apoptosis of hepatocytes was evaluated immunohistochemically. Results When compared to the IR rats, the activity of ALT decreased in the IC group in all periods of observation (the highest decrease of ~48% after 1 hr of reperfusion). When compared to the IR group, a statistically significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the TNF-α concentration (~33%) in the IC rats occurred only after 1 hr of reperfusion, and it was accompanied by a decrease in the MPO concentration after 1 and 6 hrs of reperfusion. IC reduces the effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) activity, which has been confirmed by a statistically significant decrease in MDA concentration by 25%-35% in all studied periods. The limitation of hepatocytes apoptosis due to IC occurs in the early (~26%; p < 0.05) and late (~45%; p < 0.01) phases of reperfusion. Conclusions The use of IC in early phase of reperfusion brings about a decrease in TNF-α release, which can be related to liver injury due to neutrophil infiltration and apoptotic cell reduction. It seems that the reduction of lipid peroxidation may also limit the liver injury.
Polarity Classification of Traffic Related Tweets

In this paper we present a study about polarity classification of tweets in the traffic domain. Specifically, we use the data in Portuguese language from an account maintained by a traffic management agency. We evaluate the performance of three learning methods: SVM (Support Vector Machine), Naive Bayes and Maximum Entropy. We also explore how the use of balanced vs. unbalanced corpus affects the models behavior. The results show that, in this context, a ML classifier obtains better results than the reported in the literature. In our experiments, SVM trained with a balanced corpus outperforms all tested models, achieving 99% of Accuracy, Average Recall and Average Precision.
Investment Income Taxes and Private Equity Acquisition Activity

Abstract Utilizing a novel identification strategy, we uncover evidence that reducing the investment income tax rate increases acquisition activity by private equity acquirers. Applying a difference-in-difference methodology, we find that acquisitions sponsored by private equity firms nearly doubled following the investment income tax rate reductions associated with the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 and the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003. We attribute our findings to private equity fund structures and managing partners’ ability to capture the expected benefit of lower capital gains tax rates. These findings are robust to controlling for target shareholders’ tax incentives, as well as firm, industry, and macroeconomic factors possibly influencing acquisition activity.
The Relationship among Directors' Pay, Corporate Governance, and Firm Performance: Evidence from Financial Sector of Pakistan

This research empirically examines the effect of firms' performance and corporate governance attributes on directors' pay. To attain the objective, the data for the period from 2007 to 2014 are retrieved from annual reports of 52 listed financial firms. Return on assets and return on equity are utilized to measure performance. Board size, board independence, board ownership and CEO duality are employed as corporate governance practices. Using the random effect model, the performance has positively related to directors’ pay, but level of significance is sensitive across performance proxies. The board independence has negatively significantly influenced the directors' pay. However, board ownership significantly positively influenced the directors’ pay. Furthermore, board size and CEO duality both have not significantly associated with directors’ pay.
An Agency Perspective on Firm Diversification, Efficiency and Performance: Evidence From Malaysia

I examine, from the agency perspective, the relationship between three important corporate measures among the Malaysian publicly-listed family-controlled firms: firm diversification, asset utilization efficiency and firm performance. I also explore the role of board independence in moderating the firm diversification-performance relationship. My findings suggest that the greater the extent of firm diversification, the poorer will the asset utilization efficiency be. The poorer efficiency is likely to have caused the equally poorer performance for the firms in my findings. Notably, firm diversification is found to be more detrimental to performance for those firms affiliated to business group compared to firms without group affiliation. The group-affiliated firms which are found to be more diversified than the non-group firms, could have engaged in greater diversification for the self-interest of the controlling family. Specifically, I find that the agency-driven diversification causes the ROA (Tobin’s Q) of the firms to be lowered by 0.354% (0.026) for every additional increase in the number of business segments as the measure of firm diversification. In terms of the moderating effect of board independence, my finding shows that audit committee of board comprises entirely of independent outside directors positively moderate the firm diversification-performance linkage and is capable of reversing the apparently negative linkage between the two.
Diversity and performance: a case of board composition of firms on the Nigerian stock exchange

This thesis examines the relationship between crucial board characteristics and firm performance in certain industries in Nigeria. We examine the business case for the inclusion of women and ethnic minority directors on the board. Specifically, we investigate the relationship between the number of women directors and the number of ethnic minority directors (Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa) on the board, important board committees and financial performance measured as Return on Assets and Tobin’s Q. Unlike most studies on board which focus on developed markets, this study was conducted in an emerging market and the focus was on diversity using a pragmatic approach. Most study of this kind are pure empirical studies. To have a broader perspective on the subject we employed a mixed method approach. Employing a fixed effects model for our panel data and a semi-structured interview through a snowballing approach, we explore diversity and firm performance. Different theories such as resource dependence theory, agency theory, and stakeholder theory suggest that gender and ethnic diversity may have either a positive, negative, or no effect on the financial performance of the firm. Our statistical analysis supports the aforementioned effects. Our research results are consistent with what Carter et al. (2010) describe as a contingency explanation because the effect of the gender and ethnic diversity of the board may be different under different circumstances at different times. We found a positive and significant relationship between some ethnic groups and firm performance. However, we do not find a significant relationship between the gender, important board committees, or non-executive female board member and financial performance for a sample 190 firm on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. The results of our analysis do not support the business case for inclusion of women on corporate boards but it also does not deny it. This is linked to how we found that social networking, regionality, social acceptability, double shifting for women and minorities play important roles in determining the effectiveness of women and ethnic minorities on the Nigerian corporate board in our interviews, which may help to explain the limited numbers and the lack of impact of diversity on board performance in this developing country context. The developing country context also theoretically demanded a more integrated use of corporate governance thinking around agency, stewardship and resource dependence to help explain how governance operates in emerging economies like Nigeria.
State Mandates on Renewable Heating Technologies and the Housing Market

We study the effect of a state-level mandate on renewable heating technologies on the housing market. The mandate requires a minimum share of 10% renewable energy sources when changing the heating system in the existing building stock. The mandate could lower the relative price of homes in the existing building stock. We implement a two-stage difference-in-differences nearest neighbor matching approach to identify the effect on prices taking advantage of differences in regulation by location and vintage of the building stock. We find no evidence of a negative effect of the mandate on housing prices.
EFFECT OF STRATEGIC PROCUREMENT MANAGEMENT ON PERFORMANCE OF LEVEL FIVE HOSPITALS IN KENYA

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish the effect of strategic procurement management on performance of level five hospitals in Kenya. Methodology: The study collected both primary and secondary data. The data collection instruments were questionnaires. Secondary data was collected from published materials and information from other sources such as world health organization reports, periodicals and health procurement publications. The information was displayed by use of bar charts, qualitative data was collected using open ended questions and was analyzed using content analysis and presented in phrase form. A census study was conducted and questionnaires were used to obtain data. The study targeted 539 staffs at Kakamega, Kisumu, Kiambu, Machakos,Coast,Makueni, Kajiado, Mama Lucy,Embu,Meru,Thika,Garissa and NyeriCounty referral hospital in twelve counties. A descriptive research design was used. A stratified sampling method was used to pick 162 respondents from the target population. Data was analyzed using Excel worksheets and statistical package for social science (SPSS) to come up with descriptive statistics which included means, frequencies and percentage. Inferential statistics such as correlation and regression were also used to analyze the data. To ensure reliability in the measurements provided in this study the Cronbachs’ Alpha (α) was used. Findings: The findings obtained show that all the four independent variables had significant relationship between performance of level Five hospitals (the dependent variable) and strategic sourcing ; procurement planning ; e-procurement and; supplier relationship.This means that they played vital roles to the overall performance of the hospitals as shown by the multiple correlation coefficients R. Indeed, the findings show that that there was a rather strong correlation between the predicted and observed values in the regression model. Furthermore the coefficient of determination R2 was found to implying that variance in performance of level Five hospitals could be explained by strategic outsourcing, procurement planning, and E-procurement and supplier relationship. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy:Hospitals should strengthen their outsourcing activities and have workable frameworks on how to do so. It is also recommended that there is need to put in place mechanisms for enhancing supplier relationships.
The relationship of Malaysian REITs’ portfolio and its financial performance

Malaysian real estate investment trust (M-REITs) starts since 2006, is different in term of its properties’ holding in portfolio and this resulted a poor response from institutional investors. Thus, this study aims to examine the relationship of M-REITs properties portfolio and its financial performance. A ten year data had been employed and correlation analysis is adopted. This study reveals that property portfolio allocation in commercial mall had significant correlation relationship with M-REITs’ size of market capitalization in such property market value analysis (r: 0.94) and property holding percentage (r: 0.63). Meanwhile, allocation in industrial building also show to have significant correlation relationship with dividend and total return index (TRI). Similarly, with property portfolio allocation in hotel and resort significant correlation relationship with M-REITs’ size of market capitalization which are (r: 0.49). However, both commercial mall and industrial building had insignificant correlation relationship with M-REITs’ financial performance such as dividend per unit (DPU), dividend yield (DY) and total return index (TRI). On the other hand property portfolio allocation in industrial building showed a contradict result in which they have insignificantcorrelation relationship with M-REITs’ size of market capitalization, yet had significant correlation relationship with DPU, DY and TRI. This study reveal that the bigger portfolio allocation on commercial mall as well as hotel and resort property were unable to generate sufficient return to M-REITs, and issue on the ethical of M-REITs property acquisition warrant special attention in future. Yet, there were few insignificant correlations among property type allocation of M-REITs, in which this might indicates that potential diversification for maximize the return and minimize the risk which M-REITs could offers.
A COMPARISON OF OCULAR AND CERVICAL VESTIBULAR EVOKED MYOGENIC POTENTIALS IN THE EVALUATION OF DIFFERENT STAGES OF CLINICALLY CERTAIN MÉNIÈRE'S DISEASE

Cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) testing is widely used in the assessment of vestibular disorders in clinical practice (Welgampola & Colebatch, 2003). Ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (oVEMPs) are similar to the cervical VEMPs in that the vestibular system is also stimulated by a loud sound. The difference is that the response is measured on the inferior oblique muscle of the eye as opposed to the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) of the neck (Chihara, Iwasaki, Ushio, & Murofushi, 2007). The current study compares the standard cervical VEMP to the ocular VEMP in both control subjects and participants with “clinically certain” Ménière’s disease. By investigating cervical VEMPs in comparison to ocular VEMPs we aimed to improve the ability to stage and diagnose Ménière’s disease using the ocular VEMP. 22 control participants and 19 participants with confirmed unilateral Ménière’s disease took part in the study. The peak latency and amplitudes of the ocular and cervical VEMP tests were recorded and analysed. In addition, the background electromyographic (EMG) activity of both the inferior oblique and sternocleidomastoid muscles was recorded throughout testing. A questionnaire was also distributed to all participants to compare the relative difficulty of the VEMP tests. Statistical analysis using the paired t-test, standard t-test and the one-way ANOVA on ranks test was applied to determine a difference between the control and patient groups for both the ocular and cervical VEMP tests. Overall, the threshold and IAD ratio measures did not produce any significant results when sound was presented to the affected ear for the cervical and ocular VEMP tests. A significant reduction in amplitude of the VEMPs from the Ménière’s groups was found compared to the control groups for the ocular the cervical VEMPs. Overall, an increase in P2 and N3 latency of the ocular VEMP response in Ménière’s patients was determined. Results from the questionnaire suggest that the ocular VEMP test was more tolerable to the cervical VEMP test in this current study. Furthermore, statistical analyses revealed no significant differences in EMG level between the control and Ménière’s group for both the ocular and cervical VEMP data.
Solid waste management in urban communities in Ghana: A case study of the Kumasi metropolis

Globally, solid waste management has in recent times attracted massive attention, and one of the commonly cited areas is the sprawling cities and urban communities, where plastics and other solid waste have become major management challenge. In Ghana, solid waste management has become a major problem, particularly in urban settlements. The overall objective of the study was to investigate the key factors that underlie the effective urban solid waste management systems in Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti region, and the second largest city in Ghana. In achieving the study objectives, exploratory and qualitative methods of research were adopted both in data collection and analysis. This comprised review of relevant literature, key informant interviews and observations. Results of the study showed that there was an inadequate budgetary allocation to manage solid waste in the Kumasi Metropolis. A deeper assessment of the situation further showed that bad attitude and the breakdown of sanctions for non-compliance with local authorities’ solid waste management by-laws by citizens were important contributory factors. The study concludes that ineffective solid waste management systems have become a major challenge facing city authorities. This challenge must be addressed holistically because solid waste management is a multi-dimensional issue. The study recommends increased public education and awareness creation on the negative implications of indiscriminate waste generation and disposal on human and environmental health by urban and communal (chiefs/assemblymen) authorities for attitudinal change. Key words: Community engagement, local attitudes, environmental management, non-compliance, sanctions.
Shareholder Value Creation Measurement Analysis in Healthcare, Materials, and Real Estate Industry in Indonesia

The measurement of shareholder value creation has not been accurately and consistently explained. Several studies have been conducted to measure shareholder value creation, based on both accounting and economics. However, the results obtained from these studies are confusing and do not have the same results universally. This research is designed by grouping the companies according to the industry. The results of the study show that the appropriate measure in the healthcare industry is represented by accounting measurements, whereas in the materials and real estate industry, it is represented by economy measurements. In the healthcare industry, the trigger factor is Cash Flow from Operating Activity, but in the materials and real estate industry, the trigger factor is Economic Value Added. In the healthcare industry, management can optimize the company's operational scheduling and maximize the use of facilities in hospitals and minimize errors caused by healing and patient care activities. In the materials industry, management must focus on product quality, corporate profitability, and capital management. In the housing industry, management must evaluate projects, manage an effective supply chain system, and focus on real estate development planning, sales strategies, and an attractive credit strategy. Keywords—shareholder value creation, health care industry, materials industry, real estate industry
Forecasting the Impact of Information Security Breaches on Stock Market Returns and VaR Backtest

This paper wants to analyse the cyber-risk impact on economy in particular on the returns of the companies suffering information braches. The problem has become very interesting in recent years in the literature for the large dependence of the business with cyber world. The analysis focuses on event study in which the impact of cyber-attacks on stock prices of selected companies is investigated. Cyber-risk phenomenon is processed considering a portfolio of targeted assets, in order to analyse their correlation. Risk measures, such as VaR, will be evaluated and backtested using different methods to monitor which one is able to better capture this type of riskiness.
A critical discourse analysis of George W. Bush’s ‘War on Terror’ speech: the rhetoric of (counter)terrorism and the logic of Islamophobia

In this article, I dissect an excerpt from George W. Bush’s address to a joint session of Congress and the American people wherein the former President of the United States (POTUS) uttered the (catch)phrase the ‘war on terror’ (WOT). To accomplish this dissection, I apply Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) together with Lacanian psychoanalysis among other critical tools. My aim here is to deconstruct/recode the WOT discourse in the hope of opening up possibilities for alternative, and more constructive, counter-discourses on the social problem of ‘terrorism’ that afford multiple subject positions beyond the (counter)terrorism binary. As an Orientalist ideology, the WOT indexes the larger archive of Americanexceptionalism and can be traced back to the rise of the neo-conservative movement in the 1980s. This analysis is particularly relevant in the context of the current political climate in the United States, where the WOT rhetoric continues to normalise the logic of Islamophobia.
The effect of internal fetal monitoring on maternal infection following cesarean section.

: A retrospective review of 300 cesarean sections was performed. Patients with internal fetal monitoring were at no greater risk for infection than were those patients with labor and rupture of membranes but without internal monitoring. However, the combination of rupture of membranes and labor was a major risk factor for both the frequency and severity of maternal infection after cesarean section. Once membranes are ruptured, we find no contraindication to the use of internal monitoring.
Extent and drivers of CSR disclosure: evidence from Russia

Abstract The present study aims to assess the status of CSR disclosure and its various determinants in the context of Russia. This study employs Content Analysis to examine the extent of CSR disclosure of 48 Russian companies selected from Broad Market Index for the year 2014–2015. CSR disclosure is measured through CSR disclosure index. Descriptives are used to calculate company wise and industry wise scores. Backward Step-Wise Regression Analysis is applied to investigate the impact of factors that affect the extent of CSR disclosure. The results reveal that Russia has low disclosure score of 41%. The findings of the study show that there is significant positive impact of international listing, industry, board size and board independence on CSR disclosure. The results strongly implicate Russian Government to undertake strong initiatives to inculcate CSR disclosure practices among companies, so that all firms even when they do not have international listing follow CSR practices.
THE IMPACT OF EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT ON ORGANISATIONAL PERFORMANCE: A BALANCED SCORECARD APPROACH

Employee engagement is widely-considered to be a powerful and useful tool to assist organisations achieve competitive advantage. This study investigates employee perceptions regarding the impact of engagement on organisational performance in the Eastern Cape Province. Organisations often fail to enhance long-term business success when they focus narrowly on financial performance measures. This study, consequently, utilised the balanced scorecard (BSC) approach, consisting of financial, customer, internal process as well as learning and innovation measures to evaluate perceptions of organisational performance. A quantitative research design was utilised, surveying employees (n=428) from private organisations through non-probability convenience sampling. Using multiple regression analysis, the empirical results revealed that employee engagement positively and significantly influenced all four measures of the BSC.