Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of Selected Financial Variables on Share Price of Publicly Listed Firms in the Philippines

Share investing is taking a risk and investors seek those financial measures that have significant impact on share price. Past empirical studies used various financial and economic variables to determine their effect on share price but some of the results were not very conclusive and there were some recent results that seemed to contradict previous studies. This paper aims to determine whether earnings per share (EPS) and return on assets (ROA) have significant influence on share price of publicly listed firms in the Philippines. The study used the 2009 financial reports of 50 publicly listed firms taken from the OSIRIS electronic database. Result of the Spearman Rank order Correlation disclosed strong positive correlation of EPS with share price. ROA disclosed a weak negative correlation with share price. Multiple regression results showed that the chosen model was able to explain 73% of the average change in share price.
A test of core psychopathic traits as a moderator of the efficacy of a brief motivational intervention for substance-using offenders.

OBJECTIVE In a randomized controlled trial we studied a brief motivational intervention (BMI) for substance use, examining core psychopathic traits as a moderator of treatment efficacy. METHOD Participants were 105 males and females who were 18 years of age and older and in a pretrial jail diversion program. The sample was approximately 52% Black and other minorities and 48% White. Outcome variables at a 6-month follow-up were frequency of substance use (assessed with the Timeline Follow-back Interview and objective toxicology screens), substance use consequences (Short Inventory of Problems-Alcohol and Drug version), and self-reported participation in nonstudy mental health and/or substance use treatment. Psychopathy was assessed using the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R). RESULTS BMI interacted with core psychopathic traits to account for 7% of the variance in substance use at follow-up. Treatment was associated with greater use among individuals with high levels of core psychopathic traits. Toxicology screening results were consistent with self-report data. The treatment and standard care groups did not differ on substance use consequences or nonstudy treatment participation at follow-up, and no moderation was found with these outcomes. An exploratory analysis indicated that low levels of affective traits of psychopathy were associated with benefit from the BMI in terms of decreased substance use. DISCUSSION Findings suggest that caution is warranted when applying BMIs among offenders; individuals with high levels of core psychopathic traits may not benefit and may be hindered in recovery. Conversely, they indicate that a low-psychopathy subgroup of offenders benefits from these brief and efficient treatments for substance use.
IL‐6/sIL‐6R enhances cathepsin B and L production via caveolin‐1‐mediated JNK‐AP‐1 pathway in human gingival fibroblasts

Interleukin (IL)‐6 has an important role in inflammatory diseases. Lysosomal enzymes cathepsins are widely expressed as cysteine proteases regulating inflammatory process. Caveolin‐1 (Cav‐1) is a scaffolding/regulatory membrane protein that interacts with signaling molecules. In this study, we investigated the role of Cav‐1 on (1) the productivity, and (2) the enzymatic activity of cathepsin B and L in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) treated with IL‐6 in the presence of soluble form of IL‐6 receptor (sIL‐6R). At first, we established the siRNA‐mediated Cav‐1 down‐regulating in vitro systems by transient transfection of Cav‐1 siRNA. The siRNA‐mediated Cav‐1 down‐regulated cells were treated with IL‐6/sIL‐6R for indicated times. Then, cell lysates were collected, and examined the IL‐6‐induced signaling pathway, cathepsin B and L production, and measurement of cathepsins activity. To investigate the cathepsin L activity, cathepsin‐(B + L) activity was measured after pretreatment with CA‐074Me, a specific inhibitor for cathepsin B. We found that IL‐6/sIL‐6R enhanced significantly both production and activity of cathepsin B and L in HGFs. Interestingly, IL‐6‐mediated phosphorylation of both p44/42 MAPK and JNK was dramatically suppressed in Cav‐1 down‐regulated HGFs treated with IL‐6/sIL‐6R. In addition, both production and activity of cathepsin B and L were also significantly suppressed. Importantly, we demonstrated that JNK inhibition, but not p44/42 MAPK inhibition, significantly diminished IL‐6/sIL‐6R‐induced cathepsin B and L production. Taken together, we concluded that IL‐6/sIL‐6R enhances cathepsin B and L production via IL‐6/sIL‐6R‐mediated Cav‐1‐JNK‐AP‐1 pathway in HGFs. Our findings indicate that Cav‐1 might be a therapeutic target for IL‐6‐mediated tissue degradation in periodontitis. J. Cell. Physiol. 217: 423–432, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Global Or Local? Consumers' Perception of Global Brands in Latin America

Even though the debate between global vs. local brand has been intense and well-documented, there are still some important pending questions regarding the specific impact of perceived globalness on each of the sources of brand equity. This study aims at understanding how global brands are in a distinct position to affect loyalty drivers. The analysis is set in three major markets of Latin America, evidencing important attitude and behavioral differences among the consumers in these markets. Results show that consumers prefer global brands to local alternatives in some of the main loyalty drivers, but not in all of them.
Marketing and technology resource complementarity : An analysis of their Interaction Effect in two environmental contexts

The dynamic capabilities perspective posits that a firm can leverage the performance impact of existing resources through resource configuration, complementarity, and integration, but little empirical research addresses these issues. We investigate the effects on performance of marketing capabilities, technological capabilities, and their complementarity (interaction), and whether these effects are moderated by low vs. high technological turbulence. Results from SEM two-group analyses (with controls) show that both main effects positively impact performance in both environmental contexts. However, (1) their interaction effect is significant only in the high-turbulence environment; (2) the marketing-related main effect is lower in the high-turbulence environment; and (3) the main effects of technology-related capabilities are the same in both environments. Our research suggests that the synergistic performance impact of complementary capabilities can be substantive in particular environmental contexts: while synergistic rents cannot always be obtained, it is possible to leverage existing resources through complementarity. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Incidence of alcohol use disorders among Hispanic subgroups in the USA.

OBJECTIVE Hispanics are the largest ethnic minority group in the USA and a fairly heterogeneous group. But this heterogeneity has usually been ignored by grouping them into a single category. The objective of this study is to challenge that practice by providing alcohol use disorders (AUD) incidence and risk estimates across Hispanic subgroups. METHODS A subsample of Hispanics (n = 2371) and non-Hispanic whites (n = 7741) at risk for AUD who participated in the first and second wave of the National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions was analyzed. Weighted incidence for AUD was calculated across Hispanic subgroups. A weighted modified Poisson generalized linear model was used to estimate relative risks. RESULTS Compared with non-Hispanic whites, Puerto Ricans have the highest AUD incidence (3.6%; 95% CI: 0.5, 6.7) followed by Mexican-Americans (2.5%; 95% CI: 1.5, 3.6), Other Hispanics (1.6%; 95% CI: 0.1, 3.1) and Cuban-Americans (0.6%; 95% CI: 0.1, 1.2). In contrast, weighted adjusted relative risk estimates for Mexican-Americans were (RR = 3.2; 95% CI: 1.7, 6.2) but for Puerto Ricans (RR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.0, 5.0) it was somewhat attenuated but still significant (P = 0.049). No difference was found for Cuban-Americans or Other Hispanics. CONCLUSIONS The annual incidence and risk for AUD varies greatly among Hispanic subgroups. Nonetheless, the practice of categorizing Hispanics as a homogenous ethnic group still continues. Our findings suggest that this practice is not only inappropriate, but also hinders a better understanding of AUD etiology, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation in the largest ethnic minority group in the USA.
Metabolic profile and exercise capacity outcomes: their relationship to overweight and obesity in a Canadian cardiac rehabilitation setting.

PURPOSE Obesity remains a significant health problem for cardiac rehabilitation patients. The purpose of this study was to examine the relation of overweight and obesity to cardiovascular risk factors in patients, and to compare the change in cardiovascular risk factor profiles in patients with coronary artery disease undergoing cardiac rehabilitation at a tertiary care hospital center in Ontario, Canada. METHODS Retrospective analysis of cross-sectional data for 3542 patients, ages 63 +/- 11 years, stratified by body mass index (BMI), was performed. RESULTS The findings showed that 81% of the patients had a BMI exceeding 25 kg/m(2), and that 35% of the patients were obese (BMI > or =30 kg/m(2)). After adjustment for age, sex, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, and peak power output, BMI was a significant independent predictor of a higher total cholesterol level, higher fasting blood glucose and triglyceride levels, and lower levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The Adult Treatment Panel III criteria were used to examine the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome for each BMI group. At baseline, 77% of the obese males in classes 2 and 3 had three or more risk factors for the metabolic syndrome, as compared with 68% of the obese females in classes 2 and 3. After 24 weeks of intervention, the outcome data for 1353 patients showed that despite no change in body weight, all the BMI groups demonstrated significant improvements in metabolic profiles and peak exercise capacity. CONCLUSIONS Cardiac rehabilitation results in significant improvement in the cardiovascular risk profile at all levels of BMI, independently of weight loss. Future studies should examine whether targeting weight loss in cardiac rehabilitation further improves outcomes and the overall cardiovascular risk profile.
Internal knowledge accumulation and the acquisition of external technology: is there a trade-off?

By combining the markets for technology framework and research on organizational boundaries, I examine the impact of internal knowledge accumulation on firm performance. When firms specialize on internal knowledge and adopt an inward-looking attitude, they can be reluctant to adopt acquired technologies. While recent studies on technology acquisition have emphasized the importance of combining technologies from different sources, there exists a lack of attention on the integration of external technologies into innovative production. A potential tension may exist between external knowledge acquisition and internal knowledge accumulation. I use a unique panel dataset on 92 active pharmaceutical firms between 1997 and 2008 to examine the impact of internal knowledge exploitation on firm sales and licensing adoption. The results show that reliance on existing knowledge has a positive effect on performance while it negatively moderates the marginal effect of licensed technology. Companies can benefit from perceived internal knowledge superiority but this attitude may conflict with external technology exploitation, thereby limiting the potential benefits associated with the technology markets.
Market adoption of reverse factoring

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to show that market dynamics can significantly influence the lifecycle and value of a supply chain finance (SCF) arrangement. Design/methodology/approach – Based on a review of scientific and trade literature, the authors construct a model of market dynamics for reverse factoring, a specific type of SCF arrangement. The authors assume that firms’ participation in a reverse factoring arrangement is determined by the direct benefits they can derive from it. The authors analyse the model by means of simulation in system dynamics. Findings – The authors identify the following market factors as key for direct benefits: competition, interest rates, receivables volumes, and firms’ working capital goals. The authors find that reverse factoring can yield direct benefits for all supply chain participants, but that these benefits are highly sensitive to market conditions. Research limitations/implications – The model is stylized, but this study shows the need for further resear.
Training Needs of Extension Agents in Agricultural Development Programmes of Selected States of South Western Nigeria

It is crucial to devote training opportunities to those areas in which training is most important and most needed since time, personnel, and other resourcesfor in~services training are very limited. The study examined the training needs of extension agents in Agricultural Development Programmes (ADPs) in selected states of southwestern Nigeria. A random sampling technique was used to select 206 village extension agents (VEAs), 46 block extension supervisors (BESs) and 31 subject matter specialists (SMSs)from thefollowing five states of South-Western Nigeria: Oyo, Osunr Lagos, Ondo and Ogun. Thefindings show that majority (84.6%) of the VEAs are male,mostly( 60.1%) between 30 and 49 years of age and 91.5% are married. A significant percentage (73.4%) of VEAs hold Ordinary National DiplomatON.D) certificates. Also, more than half (56.9%) have not had in-service training and 76.6% have sewed more than five years in the ADP. The result indicates that the competency areas where VEAs need training are in the research methodology and programme evaluation. Kendall9s coefficient of concordance shows that there is a relatively low degree of agreement between the ranking of the VEAs, BESs and SMSs of the importance of competency areas (w =0.32). Pearson correlation coefficient shows a significant relationship between the training needs of VEAs and age (r = 0.77 p<0.05); level of education (r = 0.25. p<0.05) and length of sendee (r - 0.96, p<0.05). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) shows that there are significant differences in the training needs assessment of VEAs, BESs and SMSs on extension administration (F = 5.34, p<0.05); programme planning and development (F = 19.42, p<0.05); communication (F- 28.66, p<0.05); research (F =31.13, p<0.05); conducting training (F = 22.21, p<0.05), teaching (F = 37.97, p<0.05), human (F = 20.01, p<0.05) and evaluation (F = 12.53, p<0.05). Recommendationfrom this study is that a training course should be heldfor VEAs in the areas of research methodology and programme evaluation and this should be prioritized with the other competency areas and reviewed regularly by the ADP management. Also more funds must be allocated to training of extension agents.
Maternal periconceptional exposure to cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption and congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

BACKGROUND Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a major birth defect that occurs when abdominal organs herniate through a diaphragmatic opening into the thoracic cavity and is associated with high mortality (>50%). The etiology of CDH is not well understood. METHODS Using data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, we examined associations between CDH and maternal periconceptional exposure (1 month before through the third month of pregnancy) to cigarette smoking and alcohol. Interview reports of exposures were provided by mothers of CDH (n = 503) and unaffected control (n = 6703) infants delivered from October 1997 through December 2005. Any exposure (yes/no), as well as quantity (average number of cigarettes or drinks), type (active/passive smoking; beer, wine, distilled spirits), and duration (e.g., number of months exposed) were examined. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for all CDH cases combined, selected subtypes (Bochdalek, Morgagni, not otherwise specified), and phenotypes (infants with/without additional major birth defects). RESULTS The aOR for any smoking was nonsignificantly elevated for all CDH cases combined. Odds of any smoking was significant for isolated Bochdalek CDH (aOR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.2-3.0). The aORs associated with all measures of alcohol consumption were near unity for each CDH category examined. Stratification of smoking exposure by alcohol consumption and stratification of alcohol consumption by smoking exposure did not appreciably change the aORs. CONCLUSIONS These findings identified periconceptional smoking exposure as a potential risk factor for CDH. Future studies need to confirm our findings and explore possible pathways accounting for the teratogenic effect of smoking.
Doing business in Africa : guidelines for new entrants

The last decade has seen an increased focus on emerging markets. The BRICS countries are at the forefront of this trend and have been achieving high economic growths in comparison to the developed countries. The contribution that these countries make to the global economy is increasing significantly. Many global companies have entered emerging markets seeking new growth opportunities within these untapped regions that are rich with possibility. With the increasing number of companies entering emerging markets, it is important that investors have a good understanding of what it is like doing business in these markets. This research focusses on doing business in Africa within the retail sector. The current literature provides examples of companies entering these markets, but only a handful deals with the retail industry. The purpose of this research is to establish a set of guidelines based on the literature and findings from this research. Four company’s experiences with entering emerging markets are analysed. This research addresses the considerations taken into account prior to entering a market, the challenges faced post entry and what factors contributed to the current success achieved. This research will be particularly useful for foreign companies deciding to enter Africa. Stellenbosch University http://scholar.sun.ac.za
Intangible values and tourists motivations: The case of the Pahang National Park.

Protected areas are fast becoming tourist attractions and as such have contributed increasingly to nature-based tourism , the industry’s fastest growing sector. It is assumed that tourists visiting the protected areas are motivated by intangible values such as recreational, cultural and spiritual, educational, artistic and aesthetic, and existential values. This paper presents the findings of a study aimed at examining the kind of intangible values that had motivated tourists to the Pahang National Park (Taman Negara Pahang, TNP). A total of 341 samples was collected from a questionnaire survey involving both local and international tourists of the TNP. Results of the analyses revealed that tourists to TNP were generally motivated by particular recreational values (‘to exercise’), cultural values (’to understand indigenous people’s lifestyle’), educational values (‘to recognize and gain knowledge about the local flora and fauna ‘), artistic and aesthetic values (‘to show concern with the existence of natural environment’). As for the park existential values, local and international tourists demonstrated different perceptions. Most local tourists were not willing to pay more for park’s entrance fee as compared to the international tourists. Both parties , nevertheless, were willing to pay more if it was to be used for nature conservation purposes. Keywords: intangible values, protected areas, quantitative method, Taman Negara Pahang, tourist demographic,tourist motivation
REVENUE SHARING TRANSACTIONS, RISK AND PROFITABILITY IN ISLAMIC BANK OF INDONESIA

REVENUE SHARING TRANSACTION, RISK AND PROFITABILITY IN ISLAMIC BANK OF INDONESIA Islamic bank is a financial industry with huge potential to grow in Indonesia. Revenue sharing transaction which is adoption of profit risk sharing transaction distinguishes Islamic banks with conventional banks. Revenue-sharing agreement allows sharing of revenue between shahibul maal and mudharib in islamic bank instead of using interest like conventional bank. This study aimed to observe the patterns of relationship between the revenue-sharing agreement to the profitability and risk of Indonesia Islamic banks. This research use panel data from several Islamic banks as sample and path analysis method. This research shows that revenue sharing transactions in Islamic bank simultaneously influential to the profitability. Therefore this research recommends Islamic banks to continue using and developing revenue-sharing agreement in its operational activities, hence to increase profitability.
Regulatory and functional co‐operation of flagella and type 1 pili in adhesive and invasive abilities of AIEC strain LF82 isolated from a patient with Crohn's disease

Genetic determinants that co‐operate with type 1 pili to mediate invasion were sought for in adherent‐invasive Escherichia coli strain LF82 isolated from a patient with Crohn's disease. Two mutants selected for their impaired ability to invade epithelial cells carried insertions of a TnphoA transposon within genes of the flagellar regulon. An isogenic mutant LF82‐ΔfliC deleted for the flagellin‐encoding gene did not adhere, did not invade and, surprisingly, expressed only a few type 1 pili. Type 1 pili downregulation resulted from a preferential switch towards the off‐position of the invertible DNA element located upstream of the fim operon. This was also correlated with a decrease in the flagellar regulator flhDC mRNA levels, suggesting that the transcriptional regulator FlhD2C2 could control type 1 pili expression directly or indirectly. Transformation with a cloned fim operon allowed bypass of the type 1 pili downexpression in the LF82‐ΔfliC mutant. Thus, we showed that flagella play a direct role in the adhesion process via active motility. In addition to downregulating type 1 pili expression, flagella also play an undefined role in strain LF82 invasion, which is not restricted to motility or flagellar structure, but could be related to co‐ordinate expression of invasive determinants.