Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pilot Evaluation of a Sexual Abuse Prevention Program for Taiwanese Children

The purpose of the current study was to develop and evaluate the efficacy of a school-based child sexual abuse prevention program for Taiwanese children. Forty-six Taiwanese children age 6 to 13 were divided into one of two groups based on their school grade and then randomly assigned to a skills-based child sexual abuse prevention program who received training immediately or a waiting-list control condition who received the training after a delay. Children's self-protection skills improved regardless of age after participation in the program. The program, however, did not successfully improve children's knowledge of sexuality and safety. Although future studies should modify the program content to better target knowledge of sexuality and safety, these results are promising for a pilot of this skills-based CSA prevention program in Taiwan.
Behavioural Economics and Finance

Part I: Background 1. Introduction 2. Foundations: Psychology 3. Foundations: Neuroscience and Neuroeconomics Part II: Behavioural Microeconomic Principles 4. Learning 5. Socially and Identity 6. Heuristics and Biases 7. Prospects and Regrets 8. Personality, Moods and Emotions 9. Time and Plans 10. Bad Habits Part III: Macroeconomics and Financial Markets 11. Financial Instability 12. Behavioural Macroeconomics, Happiness and Wellbeing
Cross Listings of Stocks Among European Arab Markets

This research aims to examine the issue of initiating cross-listed of stocks among Euro- Arab stock markets (Mediterranean region). Based on the investigations of the general features of both markets. There are no obstacles from the European stock markets side, Arab companies may be listed if they are interested. On the other hand there are still major obstacles concerning the ability and willingness of Arab stock markets to attract European companies for cross-listing in their exchanges. The study also indicated that there is no significant positive correlation between the selected samples of Arab and European stock markets, based on two financial indicators including price earning ratios and performance growth in the index shares. Thus, cross listing of stocks in both stock markets may offer an opportunity to diversify their investments, by investing in different markets, and increasing financial and economic ties within Mediterranean region.
Detection of asymptomatic Clostridium difficile carriage by an alcohol shock procedure

Direct inoculation to cefoxitin-cycloserine-fructose agar and broth was compared with alcohol shock-chopped meat broth inoculation for optimal detection of Clostridium difficile in fecal samples. Alcohol shock is significantly more sensitive than cefoxitin-cycloserine-fructose agar or broth and may be the method of choice to detect C. difficile in asymptomatic carriers.
Rethinking the Use of Credit Ratings in Capital Regulations: Evidence from the Insurance Industry

We analyze an initiative by insurance regulators to reform capital regulations for mortgage-backed securities (MBS) by replacing credit ratings with third-party estimates of expected credit losses and by considering an insurer’s exposure to future losses when determining regulatory capital. After implementation, insurers are less likely to sell distressed MBS, gains trade corporate bonds, and/or raise external financing. However, the new regime allows insurers to purchase more low-rated MBS at significant capital savings and insurers with greater capital savings are more likely to do so. Our analysis highlights the potential costs and benefits of an alternative methodology for determining regulatory capital. JEL (G11, G18, G22, G28, G32, G38). Received May 6, 2019; editorial decision April 4, 2020 by Editor Andrew Ellul.
Who Pulls the Plug? Theory and Evidence on Corporate Bankruptcy Decisions

We offer a model and evidence on firms' optimal bankruptcy decisions. In the model, both the borrower and bank lenders can trigger a bankruptcy filing. We show that debt composition has significant influence on corporate bankruptcy decisions. For example, firms with a small share of bank debt as a fraction of total debt tend to voluntarily file for bankruptcy. When a firm depends heavily on bank debt, the bankruptcy boundary is more likely to be determined by the bank. Our results highlight the control rights of large private creditors in distressed firms.
Coarse particulate matter air pollution and hospital admissions for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases among Medicare patients.

CONTEXT Health risks of fine particulate matter of 2.5 microm or less in aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5) have been studied extensively over the last decade. Evidence concerning the health risks of the coarse fraction of greater than 2.5 microm and 10 microm or less in aerodynamic diameter (PM10-2.5) is limited. OBJECTIVE To estimate risk of hospital admissions for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases associated with PM10-2.5 exposure, controlling for PM2.5. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Using a database assembled for 108 US counties with daily cardiovascular and respiratory disease admission rates, temperature and dew-point temperature, and PM10-2.5 and PM2.5 concentrations were calculated with monitoring data as an exposure surrogate from January 1, 1999, through December 31, 2005. Admission rates were constructed from the Medicare National Claims History Files, for a study population of approximately 12 million Medicare enrollees living on average 9 miles (14.4 km) from collocated pairs of PM10 and PM2.5 monitors. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Daily counts of county-wide emergency hospital admissions for primary diagnoses of cardiovascular or respiratory disease. RESULTS There were 3.7 million cardiovascular disease and 1.4 million respiratory disease admissions. A 10-microg/m3 increase in PM10-2.5 was associated with a 0.36% (95% posterior interval [PI], 0.05% to 0.68%) increase in cardiovascular disease admissions on the same day. However, when adjusted for PM2.5, the association was no longer statistically significant (0.25%; 95% PI, -0.11% to 0.60%). A 10-microg/m3 increase in PM10-2.5 was associated with a nonstatistically significant unadjusted 0.33% (95% PI, -0.21% to 0.86%) increase in respiratory disease admissions and with a 0.26% (95% PI, -0.32% to 0.84%) increase in respiratory disease admissions when adjusted for PM2.5. The unadjusted associations of PM2.5 with cardiovascular and respiratory disease admissions were 0.71% (95% PI, 0.45%-0.96%) for same-day exposure and 0.44% (95% PI, 0.06% to 0.82%) for exposure 2 days before hospital admission. CONCLUSION After adjustment for PM2.5, there were no statistically significant associations between coarse particulates and hospital admissions for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.
Neuropsychological disturbances in cerebellar infarcts

Background– Recent clinical and research reports suggest that the cerebellum may contribute to the modulation of higher cognitive functions. Material and methods– We included 15 consecutive patients with isolated cerebellar infarcts (4 superior cerebellar artery territory infarcts, 1 anterior inferior cerebellar artery territory infarct and 10 posterior inferior cerebellar artery territory infarcts), all confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. These subjects plus 15 controls matched for age, sex, and educational level underwent a neuropsychological test battery including vocabulary, similarities and block design subtests of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Revised (WAIS‐R); verbal fluency tests (categorial, phonemic, and alternate categorial fluency tests); Rey's 15 auditory word learning list; the paced auditory serial addition task; the Stroop test and the Zerssen Rating Scale. One year after the cerebellar infarct, each subject with cerebellar infarct was asked to undergo a second neuropsychological examination with the same test battery. Results– Patients with cerebellar infarcts exhibited significantly lower neuropsychological performances compared to those of the control group without any obvious difference between the different vascular cerebellar territories. After 1 year of follow‐up, this neuro‐psychological impairment tended to improve. Conclusions– The pattern of deficits observed in isolated cerebellar infarcts highlights the non‐motor functions of the cerebellum and functional relationship between the cerebral cortex and the cerebellum.
Fgf3 is required for dorsal patterning and morphogenesis of the inner ear epithelium

The inner ear, which contains sensory organs specialized for hearing and balance, develops from an ectodermal placode that invaginates lateral to hindbrain rhombomeres (r) 5-6 to form the otic vesicle. Under the influence of signals from intra- and extraotic sources, the vesicle is molecularly patterned and undergoes morphogenesis and cell-type differentiation to acquire its distinct functional compartments. We show in mouse that Fgf3, which is expressed in the hindbrain from otic induction through endolymphatic duct outgrowth, and in the prospective neurosensory domain of the otic epithelium as morphogenesis initiates, is required for both auditory and vestibular function. We provide new morphologic data on otic dysmorphogenesis in Fgf3 mutants, which show a range of malformations similar to those of Mafb (Kreisler), Hoxa1 and Gbx2 mutants, the most common phenotype being failure of endolymphatic duct and common crus formation, accompanied by epithelial dilatation and reduced cochlear coiling. The malformations have close parallels with those seen in hearing-impaired patients. The morphologic data, together with an analysis of changes in the molecular patterning of Fgf3 mutant otic vesicles, and comparisons with other mutations affecting otic morphogenesis, allow placement of Fgf3 between hindbrain-expressed Hoxa1 and Mafb, and otic vesicle-expressed Gbx2, in the genetic cascade initiated by WNT signaling that leads to dorsal otic patterning and endolymphatic duct formation. Finally, we show that Fgf3 prevents ventral expansion of r5-6 neurectodermal Wnt3a, serving to focus inductive WNT signals on the dorsal otic vesicle and highlighting a new example of cross-talk between the two signaling systems.
Task Characteristics in Data Modelling

Natalia Bedran Officer at GCCC, Brisbane Area, Australia Bedran777@hotmail.com Abstract An experimental case study on how task characteristics affect student performance was conducted with the objectives of improving data modelling training in academia, and assisting students in achieving skills desired in industry. The research focused on modelling techniques employed in the IT industry as compared to those used in computing and IT education, by investigating differences in student performance in completion of two tasks, comprehension and verification, based on IDEF1X data modelling notational system. The two tasks were found to be interrelated and of equal complexity, although the comprehension task was more time-consuming than the verification task. The research also identified the constructs that were poorly interpreted by students in the comprehension task. The majority of students were able to solve both tasks, revealing both to be appropriate for training and textbooks on data modelling to help students in the acquisition of expert data-modelling skills.
3-Chloro-N′-(4-hydroxy-3-nitrobenzylidene)benzohydrazide methanol disolvate

In the title compound, C14H10ClN3O4·2CH4O, the main molecule is in an E configuration with respect to the methylidene unit. The dihedral angle between the mean planes of the two benzene rings is 1.9 (3)°. In the crystal, intermolecular N—H⋯O, O—H⋯O and bifurcated O—H⋯(O, O) hydrogen bonds link the components into sheets parallel to (100). An intramolecular O—H⋯O hydrogen bond is also present.
Proton beam versus photon beam dose to the heart and left anterior descending artery for left-sided breast cancer

Abstract Purpose. The purpose of this study was to compare the dose to heart, left anterior descending (LAD) artery and lung between proton and photon beam irradiation for left-sided early stage breast cancer. Material and methods. Ten women with early stage left-sided breast cancer were treated with breast conserving surgery and radiation. Whole breast radiation was delivered for actual treatment via a tangential technique with deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH) utilizing inverse planned intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Each patient was replanned on an Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved prospective study using en face proton beam radiation with both uniform scanning (US) and pencil beam scanning (PBS) techniques. Results. Both PBS (0.011 Gy) and US (0.009 Gy) proton plans resulted in a significantly lower mean heart dose compared to IMRT (1.612 Gy) (p < 0.05 for PBS vs. IMRT and US vs. IMRT). The Dmean, Dmin, Dmax, and D0.2cm3 of the LAD with either proton technique were significantly lower (p = 0.005) compared to IMRT. Both US and PBS reduced the mean dose to the lungs compared to IMRT. The coverage of the breast planning target volume was comparable between photon and proton plans. Conclusions. The dose to whole heart was relatively low in this study of patients treated under conditions of DIBH. However, proton beam radiation was associated with lower minimum, maximum, and dose to 0.2 cm3 of the LAD, which is the critical structure for late radiation therapy effects, compared to even the most optimized photon beam plan with DIBH and IMRT.
Exploring the Mediation Effect of Service Quality Implementation on the Relationship between Service Quality and Performance: Managers’ Perceptions in the Banking Industry in Jordan

The aim of this study is to empirically examine the mediation effect of service quality implementation variables on the relationship between service quality and performance. A quantitative methodology was employed to test a model of service quality which was developed for the purpose of the study. The model included service quality dimensions, service quality implementation and banks performance. The research data were collected from managers working at commercial banks headquarters operating in Jordan. The results indicate that service quality dimensions are positively and significantly related to banks performance. The functional quality has a stronger effect on performance relative to technical quality. A major finding of this study is that service quality implementation variables mediate the relationship between service quality and performance. The study found that the service quality implementation variables have stronger mediation effect on the relationship between technical quality and banks performance than their effect on the relationship between functional quality and banks performance. Specifically, organizational factors partially mediate the relationships between functional quality and performance. Organizational factors partially mediate the relationship between technical quality and financial performance, meanwhile; this variable fully mediates the relationship between technical quality and customer performance. Further, marketing capabilities partially mediate the relationships between functional quality and performance, meanwhile; marketing capabilities fully mediate the relationships between technical quality and performance. Finally, corporate image partially mediates the relationships between functional quality and performance. Moreover, corporate image fully mediates the relationships between technical quality and financial performance; meanwhile; it partially mediates the relationship between technical quality and customer performance criteria. Research conclusions, contribution to services marketing knowledge as well as limitations, future research and recommendation were also discussed.
Geophysical parameters estimation with TerraSAR-X of outlet glaciers in the Transantarctic Mountains

We discuss TerraSAR-X observations of three Transantarctic Mountain (TAM) outlet glaciers: Byrd, Nimrod and Beardmore. High resolution TerraSAR-X data acquired over the area in late 2009 and late 2010 using left looking mode were processed to generate detailed 2D ice velocity maps by means of speckle tracking. The ice dynamics from East Antarctica to Ross Ice Shelf through the three TAM fjords is compared. The position of the grounding line is determined by DInSAR and compared to other sources. The surface velocity at the grounding line is needed for estimating the magnitude of ice flux from East Antarctica fast glaciers into the Ross Ice Shelf.
Performance Evaluation of Ethical and Conventional Funds - A Study of Taurus Mutual Fund in India

One of the significant developments in the investing community is the rise of socially responsible or ethical investments during last two decades. Because of the increasing size and importance of ethical mutual funds, this paper seeks to evaluate and compare the performance of ethical mutual funds with general funds and benchmark index (S&P BSE Shariah 500 Equity Index) in the Indian market. The sample comprises of six ethical fund schemes and three general fund schemes of Tauras mutual fund over the period 2009-2014 using weekly NAVs. The study uses return, risk, risk-adjusted measures (Sharpe ratio, Treynor ratio, Jensen’s alpha and information ratio), Fama’s decomposition measure, paired samples t-test and growth regression equation to accomplish the objectives. The findings suggest that some of the ethical funds generated significantly higher return than other funds and benchmark index. Despite having higher risk, ethical funds outperformed other funds and benchmark index on the basis of various risk-adjusted measures and net selectivity returns. This indicates that the compromise made with respect to diversification by investing in ethical funds was well rewarded in terms of higher returns in Indian context. Our findings lend support to the case of ethical investing in India. Mutual funds and other investment funds should launch schemes which invest in socially responsible or ethical stocks.
Employment Characteristics and Transitions of Mothers in the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children

Four waves of LSAC are used to explore mothers’ participation in paid employment, in particular to analyse changes in employment participation, using the longitudinal nature of the data. Differences in employment participation and work hours are examined by age of youngest child and by various sociodemographic characteristics to build understanding of which mothers are remaining out of employment or with low hours of employment as their children grow. The longitudinal data are exploited to examine mothers’ transitions into and out of work and between jobs of different types as children grow or as new children are born. The analyses include examination of employed mothers’ job characteristics, such as type of employment contract (permanent/casual/self-employed), occupation, flexibility and scheduling of hours. For mothers who are not employed, some additional analyses focus on information about reasons for being out of employment.
In-Service Teachers' Self-Efficacy, Professional Development, and Web 2.0 Tools for Integration.

Background: T he implementation and integration of computer technologies in K-12 education has seen nearly constant growth since the early 1980s (Culp, Honey, Mandinach & Bailey, 2003), in part because this trend has become synonymous with skills that students will need as participants in a competitive global economy (Culp et al., 2003). It has been argued that the integration of Web 2.0 tools into K-12 education will help students acquire such skills, as the web-based platforms offered by Web 2.0 provide an open, dynamic environment allowing all end-users to participate, interact, and collaborate with instructors, peers, friends, and unknown people worldwide (Buffington, 2008; Jonassen, Howland, Marra & Crismond, 2008; Solomon & Schrum, 2007). This paper investigated the relationship between in-service teachers’ self-efficacy and the integration of Web 2.0 tools (e.g., blogs, wikis, podcasts, social networking sites, image/photo sharing sites, & course management systems) at K-12 public schools in the United States. Goals: This study identified the factors predicting the utilization of these Web 2.0 tools in classroom instruction. It provides insight into the barriers of technology integration for future implementation. Research Method: A nationwide stratified sample frame was utilized to collect quantitative data through a web survey. A multiple regression analysis was employed to isolate the factors influencing the integration of Web 2.0 tools in K-12 classrooms. Results: A total of 559 in-service teachers responded to this research invitation. The results revealed public in-service teachers reported a low level of self-efficacy in using Web 2.0 tools, as well as a low frequency of Web 2.0 tools integration in their classrooms. Three out of five predictors included: teachers’ self-efficacy, professional development, and school administrative support significantly predict the use of Web 2.0 tools.
Malaysian Consumer’s Credit Card Usage Behavior

Purpose – Despite the spread in usage and ownership of credit cards, few studies have examined its effect on consumer debt in developing nations. The main purpose of this paper is to understand consumers' attitude and spending behavior using credit cards.Design/methodology/approach – This study is based on a questionnaire survey conducted in Malaysia. Based on an extensive review of literature, a model is developed to identify the psychographic factors that influence the consumer attitudes toward using credit cards.Findings – The paper found support for some of the theoretical expectations and lends support to some of the earlier deviations reported in the literature.Practical implications – The findings are likely to be important to banks and financial institutions issuing credit cards, as they help managers to have a better understanding of cardholders in Malaysia and their attitude and behavior toward usage of credit cards.Originality/value – This paper makes a valuable contribution given the fact that.
Leadership styles in technology acceptance: do followers practice what leaders preach?

Purpose – Service firms recognize the need to introduce new technologies to stay in the market, or to retain their competitive advantage compared to their rivals. Introducing new technologies in an organization is by no means easy and poses many challenges like the acceptance and adoption of new technologies by employees. The technology acceptance model (TAM) has often been applied to explain individual technology use. In previous studies, the model has been extended with many different constructs, including personal and technology related factors. Also management support and training have been shown to positively influence technology acceptance. However, the influence of leadership style in this context has not been studied before. This study models and tests two leadership styles (transactional and transformational) as antecedents to perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use of new technologies.Design/methodology/approach – This is an empirical study in a service setting.Findings – In the surveyed .