Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Araştırma ve Geliştirme (Ar-Ge) Harcamalarının Karlılık ve Satışlar Üzerine Etkisi

R&D is expressed as the sum of the work done to design new applications. It is very important to develop and implement new practices for companies' competitive advantage and sustainability. For this reason, the budget allocated by companies for R&D expenditures is increasing day by day. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of R&D expenditures on sales, net profit and gross profit. For this purpose, the effect of R&D expenditures of 14 companies included in the BIST 30 index between 2009-2019 on net profit, gross profit and sales was analyzed through static panel data analysis. As a result of the study, it was determined that R&D expenditures positively and significantly affect net profit, gross profit and sales. ABSTRACT In the globalizing world, companies' ability to compete and survive is closely related to innovation based on scientific and technological advances. The capacity of companies to produce innovation is directly proportional to economic resources and their efficient use. With R&D investments, it is aimed to improve production processes, to develop new products and thus to achieve profitability by increasing sales. The impact of R&D expenditures is very important in terms of sustainability and competitive advantage. The creation of new products or services, innovation in existing products or services can be expressed as R&D. R&D expenditures create results that will affect the competitiveness of the company. Increasing the sales of the companies and ensuring a sustainable profitability are likely to be among these results. For this reason, R&D investments make companies more advantageous than their competitors and contribute to the technological progress of companies. Today, this situation also manifests itself with the increasing share of companies' R&D expenditures. Most of the investment budgets of companies that want to follow innovation technologically and want to develop continuously are allocated to R&D. Researching the contribution of R&D expenditures to companies, which have such a high share in the companies' budget, constitutes the basis of the study. What is the effect of R&D expenses on company profitability? The study sought an answer to this question. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of R&D expenditures on sales, net profit and gross profit. For this purpose, the effect of R&D expenditures of companies included in the BIST 30 index on net profit, gross profit and sales was analyzed through static panel data analysis. In this study, the effect of R&D expenditures on net profit, gross profit and sales in the 2009-2019 period is examined for 14 companies in BIST 30. R&D expenditures are considered as an independent variable. Accordingly, net profit, gross profit and sales were included in the analysis as dependent variables. As
Differences in oral language growth between children with and without literacy difficulties: evidence from early phases of learning to read and spell in Greek

ABSTRACT The present study examined oral language growth differences in a sample of 256 Greek-speaking children with and without literacy difficulties (LD), during the first two elementary grades. Measures of vocabulary, phonological awareness (PA), morphological awareness (MA), and rapid automatized naming (RAN) were administered in both grades for the assessment of oral language growth. Reading skills were individually assessed in grade 1 and together with spelling in grade 2. Results showed that PA, MA, and RAN growth differed between children with and without LD. Furthermore, children with spelling difficulties, either single or mixed with reading difficulties, presented a slower MA growth rate than children with single reading difficulties. These findings are informative of the early prognosis and intervention of LD.
Sentencing Decisions Around Quantity Thresholds: Theory and Experiment

We study the implications of a structure of the criminal justice system on sentencing decisions. To limit sentencing disparities, offenses are typically divided into subsections with specific sentencing ranges. The classification into corresponding subsections often depends on exceeding a given quantity threshold, such as drug amount. We study the consequences of these quantity thresholds on sentencing decisions and argue that the threshold effect can be decomposed into two opposing mechanisms: the severity mechanism and the reference one. An experiment with Czech prosecutors shows that thresholds cause an enormous increase in harshness in sentencing, leading to sentencing disparities. We further introduce empirical measures of (in)justice and quantify the consequences of quantity thresholds on the probability of imposing a just sentence.
A Method for Visualizing Posterior Probit Model Uncertainty in the Early Prediction of Fraud for Sustainability Development

Corporate fraud is not only curtailed investors’ rights and privileges but also disrupts the overall market economy. For this reason, the formulation of a model that could help detect any unusual market fluctuations would be essential for investors. Thus, we propose an early warning system for predicting fraud associated with financial statements based on the Bayesian probit model while examining historical data from 1999 to 2017 with 327 businesses in Taiwan to create a visual method to aid in decision making. In this study, we utilize a parametric estimation via the Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC). The result show that it can reduce over or under-confidence within the decision-making process when standard logistic regression is utilized. In addition, the Bayesian probit model in this study is found to offer more accurate calculations and not only represent the prediction value of the responses but also possible ranges of these responses via a simple plot.
Exploring men’s alcohol consumption in the context of becoming a father: a scoping review

Abstract The transition to fatherhood may present a ‘teachable moment’ when men evaluate their health behaviors. This scoping review synthesizes evidence on men’s experiences of alcohol consumption in the context of fatherhood, and on interventions to reduce drinking among new fathers. We searched four databases and reference lists to identify eligible studies. The review findings were discussed with key stakeholders. The review identified five articles published in peer-reviewed journals, and one protocol. Three qualitative studies explored fathers’ experiences of alcohol consumption. They suggest that men may reduce their drinking to support their pregnant partner, and that some men believe fathers should be role models for their children. The two intervention studies suggest that text message interventions may be successful in engaging men. However, their effectiveness in addressing alcohol use in fathers is unclear. Only one study evaluated intervention effectiveness and this was a couple-based smoking intervention, that led to reduction in drinking. This review found that it is feasible to recruit fathers through gatekeepers and venues where fathers may go (e.g. antenatal clinics). This scoping review highlights the scarcity of research on fathers’ experiences of alcohol use and on interventions to support new fathers to reduce alcohol consumption.
Role of Isocitrate Dehydrogenase 2, Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor and Alpha Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone in Patients with Non-Segmental Generalized Vitiligo

Background: Vitiligo is a complicated, multifaceted condition of the skin. Abnormalities in the surrounding keratinocytes may lead to death of the melanocytes because growth factors are deprived. Ultraviolet band B (NB-UVB) is a successful treatment option particularly in generalised individuals. Objective: The purpose of this research was to assess in lesional skin of vitiligo patients the levels of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone and isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 (IDH2) and the influence of NBUVB treatment on them. Methods: 25 patients have been enrolled. They got NBUVB twice weekly for a total of 20 sessions on non-consecutive days. Each patient received skin biopsies from lesional skin before and after treatment. Results: 10% of patients had great clinical response after treatment; 10% showed fair response; 40% showed moderate reactions; 35% showed poor reactions; and 5% exhibited advancing illness. Conclusion: NB-UVB is an effective means of treating vitiligo, by upregulating α MSH, the master regulator of melanogenesis.
Influence of facial types on sliding mechanics

Abstract Background/objectives/aims The present study considered the effect of orthodontic friction in an evaluation of the relationship of craniofacial pattern and surface micro-roughness of fixed appliances as determinants of treatment response and time. Methods Brachyfacial (BF; N = 17) and dolichofacial (DF; N = 18) patients treated by canine retraction using sliding mechanics, were identified. One archwire and one bracket per patient (those of the hemi-arch showing the fastest space closure of 4 mm) were subjected to confocal scanning microscopic analysis. Total treatment duration, sliding time, tooth movement rate, topographical surface average roughness (Ra), root mean square roughness (RMS), surface-kurtosis (SK), and surface-skewness (SS) were recorded and compared between groups using the Mann-Whitney U test. Correlations between final micro-roughness and treatment time were investigated using Pearson’s coefficient within each craniofacial type (a = 0.05). The post-treatment appliance surfaces were examined by SEM. Results BF patients recorded a significantly higher sliding time, lowest retraction rates, and greatest final Ra and RMS (p < 0.001). A comparison of total treatment time and final SK and SS values yielded no significant differences. Significant positive correlations between sliding time and final Ra were identified in both groups. Conclusions Compared with DF subjects, BF patients registered higher friction between the orthodontic components, required longer sliding time, and showed lower retraction rates.
Low 30-day mortality in South African orthopaedic patients undergoing surgery at an academic hospital during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: It was safe to perform orthopaedic procedures at our hospital during the first COVID-19 peak.

BACKGROUND Initial local and global evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2-infected patients who undergo surgery, and those who become infected perioperatively, have an increased mortality risk post surgery. OBJECTIVES To analyse and describe the 30-day mortality, presurgical COVID-19 status and hospital-acquired SARS-CoV-2 infection rates of patients, both SARS-CoV-2-positive and negative, undergoing orthopaedic surgery at a tertiary academic hospital in South Africa (SA) during the first COVID-19 peak. METHODS This single-centre, observational, prospective study included patients who underwent orthopaedic procedures from 1 April 2020 (beginning of the COVID-19 case increase in SA) to 31 July 2020 (first COVID-19 peak in SA). All patients were screened for COVID-19 and were confirmed positive if they had a positive laboratory quantitative polymerase chain reaction test for SARS-CoV-2 RNA on a nasopharyngeal or oral swab. Thirty-day mortality, presurgical COVID-19 status and hospital-acquired SARS-CoV-2 infection were assessed. RESULTS Overall, a total of 433 operations were performed on 346 patients during the timeframe. Of these patients, 65.9% (n=228) were male and 34.1% (n=118) were female. The mean (standard deviation) age was 42.5 (16.8) years (range 9 - 89). Of the patients, 5 (1.4%) were identified as COVID-19 patients under investigation (PUI) on admission and tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 before surgery, and 1 (0.3%) contracted SARS-CoV-2 perioperatively; all survived 30 days post surgery. Twenty-nine patients were lost to follow-up, and data were missing for 6 patients. The final analysis was performed excluding these 35 patients. Of the 311 patients included in the final 30-day mortality analysis, 303 (97%) had a follow-up observation ≥30 days after the operation. The overall 30-day mortality for these patients was 2.5% (n=8 deaths). None of the recorded deaths were of screened COVID-19 PUI. CONCLUSIONS We report a low 30-day mortality rate of 2.5% (n=8) for patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery at our hospital during the first COVID-19 peak. None of the deaths were COVID-19 related, and all patients who tested SARS-CoV-2-positive, before or after surgery, survived. Our overall 30-day mortality rate correlates with several other reports of orthopaedic centres analysing over similar timeframes during the first peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Regarding mortality and SARS-CoV-2 infection risk, we can conclude that with the appropriate measures taken, it was safe to undergo orthopaedic procedures at our hospital during the first peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in SA.
Value Consistency across Relational Roles and Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction: The Mediating Role of Self-Concept Clarity

Living in today’s complex social world can contribute to the development of a multi-faceted personal identity and to the risk of identity dispersion. This study focused on values, which are conceptualised as the core of one’s personal identity. It aimed to explore the within-person value consistency across relational roles (i.e., relationships with parents, partners, and friends) and to analyse the association between value consistency, self-concept clarity, and basic psychological needs satisfaction. One hundred ninety-five Italian young adults (F = 85%; Mage = 26.65, SD = 3.83) participated in the study. They completed the Values in Context Questionnaire, the Self-Concept Clarity Scale, and the satisfaction subscale from the Basic Needs Satisfaction and Frustration Scale. Findings showed high value consistencies across the relational roles. Specifically, consistency is higher when values as a partner and values as a friend are considered. Moreover, the relation between value consistency and basic psychological needs satisfaction was fully mediated by self-concept clarity. Limitations of the study, future research developments, and practical implications of the results are discussed.
A Multi-Frequency Galileo PPP-RTK Convergence Analysis with an Emphasis on the Role of Frequency Spacing

The single-receiver integer ambiguity resolution-enabled variant of precise point positioning (PPP), namely PPP-RTK, has proven to be crucial in reducing the long convergence time of PPP solutions through the recovery of the integerness of the user-ambiguities. The proliferation of global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) supports various improvements in this regard through the availability of more satellites and frequencies. The increased availability of the Galileo E6 signal from GNSS receivers paves the way for speeding up integer ambiguity resolution, as more frequencies provide for a stronger model. In this contribution, the Galileo-based PPP-RTK ambiguity resolution and positioning convergence capabilities are studied and numerically demonstrated as a function of the number and spacing of frequencies, aiming to shed light on which frequencies should be used to obtain optimal performance. Through a formal analysis, we provide insight into the pivotal role of frequency separation in ambiguity resolution. Using real Galileo data on up to five frequencies and our estimated PPP-RTK corrections, representative kinematic user convergence results with partial ambiguity resolution are presented and discussed. Compared to the achieved performance of dual-frequency fixed solutions, it is found that the contribution of multi-frequency observations is significant and largely driven by frequency separation. When using all five available frequencies, it is shown that the kinematic user can achieve a sub-decimeter level convergence in 15.0 min (90% percentile). In our analysis, we also show to what extent the provision of the estimable satellite code biases as standard PPP-RTK corrections accelerates convergence. Finally, we numerically demonstrate that, when integrated with GPS, the kinematic user solution achieves convergence in 3.0 and 5.0 min on average and at 90%, respectively, in the presence of ionospheric delays, thereby indicating the single-receiver user’s fast-convergence capabilities.
Play of children living with HIV/AIDS in a low-resourced setting: Perspectives of caregivers

Background Although play is viewed as a childhood occupation that is spontaneous, it can be limited in children with HIV/AIDS. This study explored the perspectives of caregivers from Zimbabwe on the play of children with HIV/AIDS. Methodology A descriptive qualitative research approach was used to explore the perceptions of caregivers on play of children living with HIV/AIDS. Fifteen caregivers of children aged 4–9 years diagnosed with HIV/AIDS were purposively sampled. Two interviews were carried out with each of the caregivers. Findings were analysed thematically. Findings Four major themes were generated from the study: ‘Ubuntu is no more’, ‘Survival is primary (chikuru kurarama)’, ‘Play affirms that my child is still like other children’ and ‘More is required for this child’. Although issues of survival were paramount, caregivers were able to highlight the importance of play in affirming childhood, identifying the specific needs for play of children with HIV/AIDS. Conclusion and Significance Play, like all other human occupation, is contextually situated. Poverty and health status are key in shaping how families prioritise play. However, the ability to play for a child with HIV/AIDS also seems to mitigate stigma and may disrupt the ‘HIV is death’ narrative.
Improving WRF‐Hydro runoff simulations of heavy floods through the sea surface temperature fields with higher spatio‐temporal resolution

This study investigates the impact of the spatio‐temporal accuracy of four different sea surface temperature (SST) datasets on the accuracy of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF)‐Hydro system to simulate hydrological response during two catastrophic flood events over the Eastern Black Sea (EBS) and the Mediterranean (MED) regions of Turkey. Three time‐variant and high spatial resolution external SST products (GHRSST, Medspiration and NCEP‐SST) and one coarse‐resolution and time‐invariant SST product (ERA5‐ and GFS‐SST for EBS and MED regions, respectively) already embedded in the initial and the boundary conditions datasets of WRF model are used in deriving near‐surface atmospheric variables through WRF. After the proper event‐based calibration is performed to the WRF‐Hydro system using hourly and daily streamflow data in both regions, uncoupled model simulations for independent SST events are conducted to assess the impact of SST‐triggered precipitation on simulated extreme runoff. Some localized and temporal differences in the occurrence of the flood events with respect to observations depending on the SST representation are noticeable. SST products represented with higher cross‐correlations (GHRSST and Medspiration) revealed significant improvement in flood hydrographs for both regions. The GHRSST dataset shows a substantial improvement in NSE (~70%), RMSE reduction up to 20%, and an increase in correlation from 0.3 to 0.8 with respect to the invariable SST (ERA5) in simulated runoffs over the EBS region. The use of both GHRSST and Medspiration SST data characterized with high spatio‐temporal correlation resulted in runoff simulations exactly matching the observed runoff peak of 300 m3/s by reducing the overestimation seen in invariable SST (GFS) in the MED region. Improved precipitation simulation skills of the WRF model with the detailed SST representation show that the hydrographs of GHRSST and Medspiration simulations show better performance compared to the simulated hydrographs by observed precipitation.
A Korean immigrant child’s identity negotiation in multicultural book club and critical dialogue as third space

ABSTRACT This study investigates how a Korean immigrant child in the United States negotiates a sense of herself through the participation in a multicultural book club and critical dialogues in an out-of-school setting. Using the lens of third space, it explores how the 7-year-old girl reveals and negotiates conflicting thoughts and ideas about her multiple identities. The research data include field notes of book club meetings and critical dialogues, transcripts of audio recordings of book discussion and critical dialogues, and the child’s journal entries and written artifacts. The interpretive data analysis reveals that the child brought her own understanding of herself and others based on pro-Eurocentrism to the literacy activities. However, the self-assigned identity was constantly challenged by the book club members. Based on the findings, the study discusses the potential of literacy as a catalyst for children’s negotiation of conflicting selves. It also offers pedagogical implications for literacy practice for Asian children and their identity negotiation.
Mobilizing heterogeneity: understanding the dynamic qualities and diversity of energy access in Maputo

ABSTRACT Significant steps have been made to expand grid-level electricity access in Maputo, Mozambique. Simultaneously, research highlights the emergence of alternative socio-technical infrastructures that often run parallel or complementary to centralized electricity networks. Approaching energy access across such technologies and practices is crucial to understand the challenge of energy access even in cities where grid connectivity is high. Recently, the concept of heterogeneity has emerged to describe such diverse infrastructural realities. Through 62 household interviews, this article examines the heterogeneity of energy access in Maputo. It contends that heterogeneity is a dynamic landscape of practices and strategies that interface with contested political ideals. By approaching heterogeneity as a cross-cutting dynamic, qualities of sustainable energy access such as increased security, autonomy, and the preservation of valued livelihoods become apparent. It is contended that such qualities offer reference points to better evaluate the sustainability of heterogeneous energy access and guide more coordinated energy governance.
Influence of Social Capital, Social Motivation and Functional Competencies of Entrepreneurs on Agritourism Business: Rural Lodges

This study is aimed at examining the relationships between social capital, social motivation and functional competencies and their effects on the participation in the development of an agritourism business among Tunisian entrepreneurs who already have rural lodges in the agritourism sector in Tunisia. The authors applied structural modeling of the partial least squares equation to analyze 100 questionnaires completed by participants and test the hypotheses. The results showed positive and direct effects concerning the two variables, namely, the social capital and functional competencies on the participation in the development of a business in agritourism. On the other hand, the mediating role of social motivation between social capital and participation in the development of an agritourism business has shown an insignificant effect. This study creates a distinctive theoretical contribution to the literature on social entrepreneurial factors by analyzing the relationships between social capital, social motivation and functional competencies of an entrepreneur on participation in the development of a business in agritourism. In addition, this study investigates numerous practical implications of these results.