Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Micro-credit programmes of different NGOs/MFIs: A comparative study

This study evaluated micro-credit programmes of six leading NGOs/MFIs (BRAC, Grameen Bank, PROSHIKA, ASA, SSS and TMSS) in terms of the clients’ views towards the programmes. The objective of this project is to develop a selection criterion to identify the efficient programme. A total of 406 members from the selected NGOs/MFIs operating micro-credit programmes in Dhaka, Mymensingh, Sherpur, Netrokona, Kishoreganj, Norshingdi, Sylhet and Lalmonirhat were interviewed. The data analyses reveal that the majority of the large amount of loans (above Tk.15000) was taken by GB members (33.7 percent). The respondents who knew the actual interest rate were more in BRAC (42.9 percent). Workers of GB ranked first in terms of field visit (24.9 percent). Request needed to get loan was the highest in BRAC (53.0 percent). The satisfaction level of respondents was more in GB and low in SSS. Poverty alleviation due to micro-credit was the highest among GB members (22.0 percent). Logistic regression analysis suggests that amount of loan taken, experience of poverty alleviation and NGO membership are three important determinants of satisfaction level on the micro-credit programme. A set of characteristics were chosen to find out the best performing micro-credit operating NGOs/MFIs. The data analysis suggests that TMSS is the best performing NGOs/MFIs. The successive NGOs/MFIs in order of rank are GB, SSS, PROSHIKA, BRAC and ASA, respectively.
Mitigation of Direct Signal Cross-Talk and Study of the Coherent Component in GNSS-R

In Global Navigation Satellite System Reflectometry (GNSS-R), power waveforms or Delay-Doppler Maps (DDM) are incoherently averaged to reduce the standard deviation of the fluctuations caused by the speckle and thermal noise. This letter proposes a simple and innovative processing concept based on the computation of the variance of the complex waveforms. By this approach, the coherent part of the signal is subtracted from the incoherent averaged waveform. It can be useful, for example, in scenarios where reflected signal is contaminated by the direct signal, as ground-based scenarios or in future experiments such as GEROS-ISS due to the nearby multipath of direct signals.
Managerial optimism or managerial opportunism: From a seasoned equity offerings perspective

Abstract This study explores whether high-growth firms use accruals as a signal, rather than as a misleading device, in seasoned equity offerings (SEOs). For high-growth companies only, we find a positive relation between pre-SEO discretionary accruals and SEO announcement returns. We fail to find a negative relation between pre-SEO accruals and post-SEO long-run returns. Finally, we observe a positive relation between pre-SEO accruals and the long-run operating performance. Our findings suggest that high-growth firms are more likely to use high abnormal accruals during SEOs to signal managerial optimistic perspectives, while managerial opportunism is more likely to appear in non-high-growth firms.
Efficiency of Capital Market: A Case Study On Dar-es-Salaam Stock Exchange and the Impact it Has on Investors.

iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENT . vii DEDICATION . viii LIST OF TABLES . xii LIST OF FIGURES . xiv LIST OF ABBREVIATION . xv CHAPTER ONE . 1 1.0 INTRODUCTION . 1 1.1 Background of the Problem . 1 1.2 Statement of the Problem . 4 1.3 General Objective . 5 1.4 Specific Objectives . 5 1.5 Importance of Study . 5 1.6 Scope of the Study . 7 1.7 Definition of Terms . 7 1.8 Chapter Summary . 7 CHAPTER TWO . 9 2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW . 9 2.
Biological Transmutations

For nearly 20 years, with many collaborators, I have studied biological transmutations, measuring the contents of seeds, bacteria, embryo cells and algae, before and after their growth. I have measured variations in their mineral composition indicating that it is very likely that transmutations occur in living systems. c ⃝ 2019 ISCMNS. All rights reserved. ISSN 2227-3123
Rotenone Damages Striatal Organotypic Slice Culture

Epidemiological studies suggest the involvement of pesticides in the etiology of Parkinson's disease. Exposure to rotenone results in degeneration of the nigrostriatal pathway through inhibition of complex I. Organotypic striatal slice cultures were prepared from brains of adult mice and treated with rotenone (0.01, 0.05, 0.1, and 1 mM) for 48 h. Lactate dehydrogenase activity was elevated by 167% at 1 mM of rotenone. Using fluorescent indicators, membrane damage was up to 130% as measured by propidium iodide fluorescence, and superoxide (DHE) and nitric oxide (DAF‐FM) formation were increased by 195% and 774% at 1 mM of rotenone, respectively, compared to controls. The study concludes that formation of radicals mediated striatal degeneration by rotenone.
Development of a structural framework to assist SMEs formulate eBusiness strategies

Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are encouraged by government agencies, industry groups and sections within the community to take an active role in contributing toward the ‘knowledge economy’ by becoming adopters of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and contribute to the Australian economy by doing business online. When developing an eBusiness strategy, SMEs have to rely on the literature and online information available through various federal and state government agencies, non-government organisations, newspaper articles, industry groups, books, the Internet, radio, television, academic and practitioner journals and publications. While the literature is rich with concepts, definition, examples and case studies of organisations that have successfully implemented an online eBusiness strategy, there is confusion in the mind of many SMEs as to their meaning, relevance and what they have to do when developing an eBusiness strategy. This prompted the research to explore what resources would be required by an SME to successfully develop an eBusiness strategy? Preliminary reading of the literature and brochures available to the SME from government and non-government agencies identified a gap in the practical ‘how to’, step-by-step process they should follow when developing their eBusiness strategy resulting in two interrelated questions: 1) what issues are encountered by SMEs when formulating an eBusiness strategy? and 2) could a structural framework assist SMEs develop their eBusiness strategy? ; ; Submitted in the fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast, 2009.
Rickettsiae and Borrelia burgdorferi in ixodid ticks

Nymphs and adults of hard-bodied ticks were collected in Connecticut and tested by direct and indirect immunofluorescence staining methods for rickettsiae and Borrelia burgdorferi. Of the 609 Ixodes dammini ticks examined, 59 (9.7%) harbored rickettsialike microorganisms in hemocytes (blood cells). These bacteria reacted with fluorescein-conjugated antiserum to Ehrlichia canis, the etiologic agent of with fluorescein-conjugated antiserum to Ehrlichia canis, the etiologic agent of canine ehrlichiosis. Prevalence of infection ranged from 6.8 to 12.7% for males and females, respectively. Although the specific identities of the hemocytic rickettsialike organisms are unknown, they share antigens with ehrlichiae. Electron microscopy revealed rickettsiae in ovarian tissues of I. dammini that also had infected hemocytes. Rickettsialike organisms were also observed in the hemocytes of 5 (6.9%) of 73 Dermacentor variabilis ticks. In analyses for B. burgdorferi, 146 (23.7%) of 617 I. dammini ticks harbored these spirochetes in midguts. Hemocytic rickettsialike microorganisms coexisted with B. burgdorferi in 36 (6.7%) of the 537 nymphs and adults of I. dammini examined. I. dammini, with its broad host range, has the potential to acquire multiple microorganisms.
An investigation of the auditor's role in auditing “other information” in annual reports : evidence from senior audit professionals.

I Acknowledgements . II Chapter 1 – Introduction . 1 1.1 Overview . 1 1.2 Motivation and contributions of this study . 2 1.3 Structure of thesis . 4 Chapter 2 – Literature review . 5 2.1 Narratives . 5 2.1.1 Chairman’s statement . 6 2.1.2 MD&A . 7 2.1.3 Visuals . 9 2.2 Web documents . 10 2.3 Integrated reporting . 11 2.4 ISA 720 . 12 2.4.1 Comparison of ISA 720 and ISA 720 (revised) . 14 2.5 Audit expectation gap. 18 2.5.1 Components of the audit expectation-performance gap . 19 2.6 Summary . 22 2.7 Research questions . 24 Chapter 3 – Research methodology and method . 26 3.1 Theoretical framework . 26 3.2 Research method . 27 3.2.1 Interviews . 27 3.3 Research process . 28 3.3.1 Sampling . 29 3.3.2 Profile of interviewees . 29 3.3.3 Recruiting interviewees . 30 3.3.4 Conducting the interviews . 30 3.4 Interview Data . 31 3.4.1 Recording and transcribing . 31 3.4.2 Data evaluation . 32 3.5 Data Analysis . 34 3.5.1 Identifying themes . 34 3.5.2 Coding the data . 34 3.5.3 Interpreting and presenting data . 35 3.6 Limitations . 36 3.7 Chapter summary . 36 Chapter 4 – Research findings . 37 4.1 Auditors’ perception of “other information” . 37 4.1.1 Awareness of “other information” . 37 4.1.2 Current role of auditors regarding “other information” . 38 4.2 Effect on current practice and challenges . 40 4.2.1 Objective . 40 4.2.2 Scope . 41 4.2.3 Visuals . 41 4.3 Implications on the audit expectation gap . 53 4.3.1 Auditors role and the audit expectation gap . 54 4.3.2 Impact RQ2 on the audit expectation gap . 55 4.4 Summary . 56 Chapter 5 – Discussion . 58 5.1 Current literature . 58 5.2 Theoretical implications . 61 5.3 Practical implications . 62 5.4 Summary . 63 Chapter 6 – Conclusion . 64 6.1 Summary of research questions. 64 6.1.1 Research question one . 64 6.1.2 Research question two . 64 6.1.3 Research question three . 66 6.2 Contributions to literature . 66 6.2.1 Contributions to current literature . 66 6.2.2 Contributions to qualitative audit research . 68 6.3 Contributions to theory. 68 6.4 Contributions to practice and policy . 68 6.4.1 Contributions to practice . 68 6.4.2 Contributions to policy . 69 6.5 Recommendations for future research. 69 6.6 Concluding remarks . 70 References . 71 Appendix 1: Comparison of ISA 720 and ISA 720 (revised) . 82 Appendix 2: Interview guide . 89
Multiple protocadherins are expressed in brain microvascular endothelial cells and might play a role in tight junction protein regulation

Protocadherins (Pcdhs) are a large family of cadherin-related molecules. They play a role in cell adhesion, cellular interactions, and development of the central nervous system. However, their expression and role in endothelial cells has not yet been characterized. Here, we examined the expression of selected clustered Pcdhs in endothelial cells from several vascular beds. We analyzed human and mouse brain microvascular endothelial cell (BMEC) lines and primary cells, mouse myocardial microvascular endothelial cell line, and human umbilical vein endothelial cells. We examined the mRNA and protein expression of selected Pcdhs using RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunostaining. A strong mRNA expression of Pcdhs was observed in all endothelial cells tested. At the protein level, Pcdhs-gamma were detected using an antibody against the conserved C-terminal domain of Pcdhs-gamma or an antibody against PcdhgC3. Deletion of highly expressed PcdhgC3 led to differences in the tight junction protein expression and mRNA expression of Wnt/mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin) pathway genes as well as lower transendothelial electrical resistance. Staining of PcdhgC3 showed diffused cytoplasmic localization in mouse BMEC. Our results suggest that Pcdhs may play a critical role in the barrier-stabilizing pathways at the blood–brain barrier.
PENGARUH PROFITABILITAS, LEVERAGE, DAN KEBIJAKAN DIVIDEN TERHADAP NILAI PERUSAHAAN FOOD AND BEVERAGES

The main objective of the company is to maximize the shareholder wealth, this can be achived by maximizing firm value. But sometimes companies fail to increase their value, because one of the causative factors is the company is less conscientious in applying the factor which can influence firm value. This research is aimed to find out and to prove empirically the influence of profitability, leverage and dividend policy to the firm value. The research sample has been selected by using purposive sampling. The data uses financial data food and beverage companies in 2010-2014 periods have published their audited financial statements and have been presented in Rupiah currency consecutively. Based on these criteria then acquired 8 food and beverages companies with the observation period of 5 years (2010–2014). The result of this research shows that: profitability has positive influence to the firm value; leverage does not have any influence to the firm value and dividend policy does not have any influence to the firm value. Then the estimation result of regression shows that the predictive capability of these three independent variables to the firm value by 48% whereas the remaining 52% is influenced by the other factors outside this research. Keywords: Profitability (ROA), Leverage (DER), Dividend policy (DPR), firm value (PBV).
Risk Management in Commercial Banks (a Case Study of Public and Private Sector Banks)

"Banks are in the business of managing risk, not avoiding it . " Risk is the fundamental element that drives financial behavior. Without risk, the financial system would be vastly simplified. However, risk is omnipresent in the real world. Financial Institutions, therefore, should manage the risk efficiently to survive in this highly uncertain world. The future of banking will undoubtedly rest on risk management dynamics. Only those banks that have efficient risk management system will survive in the market in the long run. The effective management of credit risk is a critical component of comprehensive risk management essential for long-term success of a banking institution. Credit risk is the oldest and biggest risk that a bank, by virtue of its very nature of business, inherits. This has, however, acquired a greater significance in the recent past for various reasons. Foremost among them is the wind of economic liberalization that is blowing across the globe. India is no exception to this swing towards market-driven economy. Better credit portfolio diversification enhances the prospects of the reduced concentration credit risk as empirically evidenced by direct relationship between concentration credit risk profile and NPAs of public sector banks. ". a bank's success lies in its ability to assume and aggregate risk within tolerable and manageable limits. "
Relationships between social Web, IMC and overall brand equity

Purpose The purpose of this study is to empirically validate the relationships between social Web, integrated marketing communications (IMC) and overall brand equity and to test the moderating role of national culture on these relationships. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected among 475 customers and analysed using the LISREL and partial least squares (PLS) techniques and non-parametric methods. Findings Strong positive and significant relationships are found between social Web and IMC on the one hand, and IMC and brand equity on the other, the second relationship being even stronger than the first one. Moreover, national culture is found to exert a statistically significant moderating effect on both relationships. Research limitations/implications The findings of this study contribute to the wider knowledge and theoretical understanding of both technology and marketing communications potential in the development of brand equity. The results therefore suggest that brand equity requires a representative brand name and consistent meaning of the brand sustained by social Web and the integration of marketing communications. Practical implications Consistency in marketing communications can be considered as a primary basis for brand equity building in companies. Moreover, efficient management of the user-generated content available in social media platforms represents a great challenge for marketers. Originality/value Although the connection between social Web, IMC and brand equity was founded in theory, there is a lack of empirical contributions on the causal relationships among these constructs. This gap is filled by the current empirical contribution. Another significant insight of this work lies in considering the role of national culture in the IMC research.
Human precipitins against a micro-organism (Candida albicans) demonstrated by means of quantitative immunoelectrophoresis.

By means of the antigen–antibody crossed electrophoresis of Laurell twenty-two different Candida albicans precipitins were demonstrated in a serum from a 56-year-old woman suffering from idiopathic hypoparathyroidism and chronic candidiasis. This precipitin response is remarkably strong, but a detailed evaluation of the finding must await further investigations. It is mentioned how the human precipitins may be quantitated and the titres expressed in arbitrary rabbit precipitin units. The antigen–antibody crossed electrophoresis may be useful in other infections, and possibly in certain autoimmune diseases, in order quantitatively to screen patient sera for a multitude of precipitins without purification of the individual antigens.
The Effects of Rumors on Stock Prices: A Test in an Emerging Market

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of rumors (released on the web) in the stock market on common stock returns traded in the Shenzhen and Shanghai Stock Exchange. The sample consists of 188 rumors mentioned in the eastmoney.com and 10jqka.com. cn. The results show that the significant average cumulative abnormal returns (CAR) are observed in the beginning 5 days prior to the publication date and the significant CARs are also detected in 10 days post to the publication date. Furthermore, the difference of type of rumors may be an important explanation of the price movement.
Micro Finance and Poverty Reduction in Asia: What is the Evidence?

Despite the extensive spread of micro finance, studies on the actual impact of MFIs are often more ambivalent about its impact than is the aid community. Much has been written on the range of institutional arrangements pursued in different organizations and countries and in turn a vast number studies have attempted to assess the outreach and poverty impact of such schemes. However, amongst the academic development community there is a recognition that perhaps we know much less about the impact of these programs than might be expected given the enthusiasm for these activities in donor and policy-making circles. In recognition of this uncertainty this paper aims to bring together some of the recent evidence that has been accumulating on the impact of microfinance activities on poverty reduction. In particular we ask what is the evidence on three specific issues: (1) the extent to which microfinance initiatives have made a lasting difference in pulling households out of poverty on a permanent basis; (2) the extent to which microfinance programs reach only the better-off amongst the poor, leaving the ‘core poor’ unaffected; and (3) how far micro finance is a cost-effective means of transferring income to the poor. The evidence surveyed here suggests that the conclusion from the early literature, that whilst micro finance clearly may have had positive impacts on poverty it is unlikely to be a simple panacea for reaching the core poor, remains valid. Reaching the core poor is difficult and some of the reasons that made them difficult to reach with conventional financial instruments mean that they may also be high risk and therefore unattractive microfinance clients. Hence there is a need to continually improve design and outreach and to see MFIs as part of the package for targeting the poor, rather than the whole solution.
Decreasing trend of seroprevalence of hepatic amoebiasis in tertiary care hospital of North India: 2010–2015

BACKGROUND: Globally, amoebic liver abscess, a common extraintestinal complication of intestinal amoebiasis. Diagnosis of hepatic amoebiasis is based on the detection of anti-Entamoeba histolytica immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), because of its technique's relatively higher sensitivity and specificity (90%). AIM: The aim of the present study was to determine the seroprevalence of hepatic amoebiasis in a referral tertiary care hospital in North India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The blood samples were tested specifically for anti-E. histolytica IgG antibody using commercially available ELISA kit (RIDASCREEN® E. histolytica IgG [K1721] kit). RESULTS: A total of 879 patients (n = 879) were evaluated, of which 78.49% (690/879) were positive for anti-E. histolytica IgG antibody. The seroprevalence rates showed a declining trend from 2010 to 2015 with rates falling from 91.4% to 66.7%. He present a study showed the decreasing trend of seroprevalence of hepatic amoebiasis from 2010 to 2015. CONCLUSIONS: This decrease may be attributed to several factors such as increase in awareness, improved hygienic practices, use of safe drinking water, better socioeconomic condition, and perhaps early treatment sought for intestinal amoebiasis.
Effects on Weight and Outcome of Long-term Olanzapine-Topiramate Combination Treatment in Bipolar Disorder

Abstract: Olanzapine is an effective drug for the long-term treatment of bipolar disorder but is associated with burdensome weight gain. Topiramate is a novel anticonvulsant that may induce weight loss in some patients. This is the first study to address the long-term efficacy and impact on weight of the combination of olanzapine and topiramate in bipolar patients. Twenty-six Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition bipolar spectrum patients received olanzapine plus topiramate cotherapy for treatment of their manic (n = 14), hypomanic (n = 6), depressive (n = 2), and mixed (n = 1) symptoms for 1 year. Three rapid cycling patients were also enrolled despite being euthymic. Efficacy was assessed with the Young Mania Rating Scale, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, and the Modified Clinical Global Impressions for Bipolar Disorder. Weight, body mass index, and side effects were collected at every visit. Thirteen (50%) patients completed the 1-year follow-up. By intent-to-treat, patients significantly improved from baseline in Young Mania Rating Scale scores (P < 0.0001), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (P < 0.05), and Modified Clinical Global Impressions for Bipolar Disorder subscales (mania P < 0.0001, depression P < 0.05, overall P < 0.0001). Most patients gained weight during the first month of combined treatment (mean weight gain 0.7 ± 0.6 kg), but at the 12-month endpoint, the mean weight change was −0.5 ± 1.1 kg. The combination of olanzapine and topiramate was efficacious for the long-term treatment of bipolar patients and appeared to carry some benefits for controlling weight gain. Given the limitations of the open, uncontrolled design, further trials are warranted with this combination.