Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dividend Smoothing and Investor Protection

Abstract This paper examines the agency model of dividends where the importance of dividends depends on the level of investor protection. The importance of dividends is presented by the dividend smoothing concept, while the level of investor protection is determined by the legal origin. Within this, the sensitivity of dividends to earnings changes was analyzed to examine the universality of the dividend smoothing phenomenon. Subsequently, the difference in proportions of dividend smoothing firms within the common law and civil law countries was tested to determine which of these two systems attributes more importance to dividends. Finally, the application of Lintner’s model was examined in transition countries as well as in United States. Research results show that dividend smoothing is a globally widespread phenomenon, but the likelihood to reduce or cut dividends is greater in civil law countries. Also, the largest percentage of dividend smoothing firms was recorded in common law countries.
Denture Stomatitis: Treatment with Diode Laser

1Keerthana Sivakumar, 2Sivakumar Palanivelu, 3Sudhakar Ramalingam, 4Sankaranarayanan Seshadri 1Senior Lecturer, Department of Prosthodontics, Karpaga Vinayaga Institute of Dental Sciences, Tamil Nadu, India 2Senior Lecturer, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Karpaga Vinayaga Institute of Dental Sciences, Tamil Nadu, India 3Reader, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Karpaga Vinayaga Institute of Dental Sciences, Tamil Nadu, India 4Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Karpaga Vinayaga Institute of Dental Sciences, Tamil Nadu, India
Hematological, Hormonal and Fitness Indices in Youth Swimmers: Gender‐Related Comparisons

Abstract This study objective was to evaluate gender differences in hematological, hormonal and fitness variables among youth swimmers and to explore relationships between erythrocyte indices and aerobic and anaerobic capacity. 137 girls and 171 boys participated in the study and were divided into three groups based on their training experience. Blood samples were obtained to determine red blood cell counts, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, and plasma erythropoietin and testosterone levels. VO2max was assessed using a submaximal cycle protocol. 76 girls and 102 boys also undertook a Wingate test to determine their peak anaerobic power. Boys had higher (p < 0.05) means than girls for all hematological variables except for erythropoietin and these variables demonstrated an increase with training in boys. The average VO2max in l∙min-1 and peak anaerobic power in watts were also higher in boys (2.91 ± 0.08 and 547 ± 28, respectively) than girls (2.25 ± 0.07 and 450 ± 26, respectively). Modest but significant (p < 0.05) correlations were found between VO2max and red blood cell counts (r = 0.252), hemoglobin concentration (r = 0.345), or hematocrit (r = 0.345) and between peak anaerobic power and red blood cell counts (r = 0.304), hemoglobin concentration (r = 0.319) or hematocrit (r = 0.351). This study revealed relatively lower yet age- and gender-appropriate hematological, hormonal and fitness indices in youth swimmers. The gender-related differences in erythrocyte indices seem unrelated to erythropoietin and may be explained by the higher testosterone levels seen in boys. Given their correlation to both aerobic and anaerobic capacity, erythrocyte indices may be used as part of talent identification for sports.
Chemical and Sensory Properties of Probioticated Drinks from Blends of African Yam Bean, Soybean and Coconut Milk Analogues

Abstract This study assessed the physicochemical and sensory properties of ‘probiotic’ drink from blends of milk analogues from African yam bean, soybean and coconut. Milk analogues were blended at ratios of 1:1:1, 3:1:1 and 5:1:1 (African yam bean: soybean: coconut) as samples A, B and C respectively. These samples were fermented for 24 h at 43°C using Lactobacillus delbrueckii. The results showed that the fermented milk analogue of ratio 1:1:1 was the most acceptable in terms of sensory parameters. The pH of the milk analogues ranged from 5.07 to 5.85. The sample B1 (fermented (1:1:1) African yam bean: soybean: coconut) had a crude protein of 2.38%, potassium of 80.13 mg/100g, phytate of 2.85 mg/100g and saponin was 0.19 mg/100g. The study concluded that the sample with equal ratio of African yam bean, soybean and coconut adjudged the most acceptable by tasters.
LEVOSIMENDAN- THE NEXT FAVOURITE DRUG IN THE MANAGEMENT OF HEMODINAMYC CARDIORENAL SYNDROME

: Cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) is a serious condition in which cardiac dysfunction leads to renal impairment and viceversa, with a high risk of mortality. This paper is a review of the most recent studies that investigated the role of Levosimendan on kidney function in case of patients with CRS. Compared with standard therapy (diuretics, other inotropes), Levosimendan has renoprotective effects associated with a lower mortality rate, it leads to an important improvement in NYHA class, a decrease in markers of congestion (BNP) and shortage of hospitalization stay. A study from 2018, in which Levosimendan was compared with Dobutamine, indicated that although both agents increase renal perfusion, only Levosimendan can improve GFR. In conclusion, Levosimendan – through its protective profile for both heart and kidneys, provides higher survival expectancy and seems to be the ideal alternative to the standard therapy in the management of hemodynamic CRS at present.
Classification of forecasting methods in production engineering

Abstract Business management is a continuous decision-making process. It is difficult to imagine a company that does not use forecasting techniques. Even small enterprises without relevant forecasting departments more or less consciously anticipate future events, forecasting the volume of production and setting directions for development. Today’s production companies must quickly adapt to changing customer requirements, implementing structural and technological changes and delivering projects related to the production of new products. Under the dynamically changing conditions, the functioning and effective management of modern enterprises depend on future-oriented information. This increases the validity of forecasting. This article aimed to identify forecasting methods and areas of their use in production engineering. The publications on this subject were reviewed in the Scopus database, using the time frame from January 1970 to June 2018. An original classification of research subareas was created using VOS viewer software, and then, a bibliometric map was developed to visualise the results of the word coexistence analysis. The analysis of the co-occurrence and co-classification of words made it possible to indicate research subareas of forecasting in production engineering and related emerging research areas and issues.
The Relationships Between Psychological Contract Expectations and Counterproductive Work Behaviors: Employer Perception

Abstract Purpose: The article attempts to identify the relationship between employers’ psychological contract perception (relational and transactional expectations) and the occurrence of counterproductive work behavior among their employees. The study seeks to extend the understanding of the psychological contract concept and its correlation with counterproductive work behaviors. There are numerous studies analyzing the perceptions of obligations and promises of a psychological contract from the employee’s viewpoint. However, the question of employer expectations and the perception of the fulfillment of these expectations is not less important, albeit much less elaborated. Methodology: Participants were 101 managers and owners of small and medium companies who represent different businesses in construction industry in the Ukrainian market. Data were collected through a questionnaire. Key findings: The results of the study show that employers have a high level of expectations toward their employees, and the relational character of the expectations is dominant. However, the perceptions of the fulfillment of these expectations were at a moderate level. The results also show that employers reveal a moderate level of counterproductive work behavior (CWB) and a significant relationship between psychological contract (PC), relational expectations, and CWB.
Relationship Between Nursing Home Safety Climate and Caregivers’ Competence

Abstract To provide quality healthcare, strong teamwork, safety commitment and collaboration between workers are needed. The aim of this paper is to analyse factors related to safety climate and professional competence among caregivers and to compare the results between different age groups in Estonian nursing homes. A Nordic Safety Climate Questionnaire (NOSACQ-50), measuring 7 dimensions of safety climate, was used in order to assess caregivers’ perceptions of the safety climate in Estonian nursing homes, on a sample of 233 caregivers. In order to supplement results from the safety climate study, a Caregivers’ Competence Questionnaire (CCQ) measuring 6 scales of the caregivers’ competences, their perceptions towards received education and safety-related procedures in nursing homes, was used on a sample of 241 caregivers. Results show differences between age groups of caregivers. The most experienced caregivers tended to have a better understanding of their specialty and more positive ratings of the dimensions of safety climate and safety commitment than younger age groups of caregivers. Result show that the age group with respondents born in the period of 1961–1970 gave more positive ratings of “Necessary skills, knowledge in living questions and caring activities” than did other groups of caregivers (mean = 4.46 and 4.41) and of “First aid” (mean = 4.47). The study sheds new light on the usability and applicability of the existing assessment tools NASACQ-50 and CCQ. Interventions to promote safety climate in the nursing homes should be tailored to the target group with a special focus on age and work experiences as attitudes and perceptions may differ among those groups.
Too Much Stick for the Carrot? Job Search Requirements and Search Behaviour of Unemployment Benefit Claimants

Abstract This paper investigates the effects of stricter job search-related conditions for Unemployment Insurance (UI) eligibility on the job search behaviour of claimants. Estimation makes use of exogenous variation introduced by the UK Jobseeker’s Allowance. A significant share of claimants is found to leave the register increasing search intensity as well as request for job search assistance from Public Employment Centres. Exits with increased search are performed predominantly by liquidity constrained individuals. This evidence suggests that tighter search conditionality can lead committed jobseekers to un-subsidized search, reducing the capacity of UI to protect workers against the risk of unemployment.
Appropriate Needle Insertion Depth for Intramuscular Injection Based on Assessment of BMI

Aim: e present study was conducted to clarify the appropriate needle insertion depth for intramuscular injection based on assessment of BMI. Methods: e participants were 553 individuals more than 18 years old. We measured their height, weight, subcutaneous tissue thickness over the deltoid and gluteus medius, and muscle thickness of the deltoid. We clari ed the association between BMI and subcutaneous tissue thickness, with reference to muscle thickness, we clari ed the appropriate needle length for intramuscular injection. Results: Subcutaneous tissue thickness over the deltoid was 0.04×BMI-0.25 in males, and 0.04×BMI-0.17 in females. However, in individuals with a BMI of <18.5, there was a risk of hitting the bone because the deltoid muscle was thin. erefore, the appropriate needle length was 1.5 cm for BMI ≤18.5-<30.0, and 2.0 cm for BMI≥30.0. Subcutaneous tissue thickness over the gluteus medius was 0.05×BMI-0.38 in males, and 0.05×BMI-0.03 in females. However, in individuals with a BMI of ≥30.0, there was a risk of subcutaneous injection because of thick subcutaneous tissue over the gluteus medius. erefore, the appropriate needle length was 1.5 cm for BMI<18.5, and 2.0 cm for BMI≥18.5-<30.0. Conclusion: e appropriate needle insertion depth for intramuscular injection into the deltoid is 1.5 cm for BMI<18.5-<30.0 and 2 cm for BMI≥30.0, whereas that for the gluteus medius is 1.5 cm for BMI <18.5 and 2.0 cm for BMI≥18.5-<30.0.
Compactness criteria for fractional integral operators

Abstract We establish necessary and sufficient conditions for the compactness of fractional integral operators from Lp(X, μ) to Lq(X, μ) with 1 < p < q < ∞, where μ is a measure on a quasi-metric measure space X. As an application we obtain criteria for the compactness of fractional integral operators defined in weighted Lebesgue spaces over bounded domains of the Euclidean space ℝn with the Lebesgue measure, and also for the fractional integral operator associated to rectifiable curves of the complex plane.
State of the world 1984. A Worldwatch Institute Report on progress towards a sustainable society.

This Worldwatch Institute State of the World Report is to be the 1st of an annual series that will measure worldwide progress in achieving a sustainable society defined as 1 in which economic and social systems successfully adjust to changes in the underlying natural resource base. The report monitors changes in the global resource base focusing particularly on how such changes affect the economy and is intended to provide news of innovative or particularly successful activities to create a sustainable society to emphasize global economic connections often overlooked by policymakers to review national policies and programs and to survey major financial commitments by government or international development agencies. Attempts were made to make the report useful to policymakers and to identify basic information gaps. The work begins with an overview of news items changing economic prospects the shrinking resource base energy-related structural adjustments resource depletion and the debt problem. The next chapter deals with population stabilization examining population arithmetic countries with zero population growth rapid national fertility declines population versus economic growth population and resource projections and new population initiatives. The remaining chapters examine reducing dependence on oil conserving soils protecting forests recycling materials reassessing the economics of nuclear power developing renewable energy reordering the automobiles future securing food supplies and reshaping economic policies.
Genotype by environment interaction and teak (Tectona grandis L.) selection in Costa Rica

Abstract A teak progeny trial was established with four replicates at different sites along the northern Pacific region of Costa Rica. The trials followed a randomized block design, with 28 open pollinated families and 36 seedlings per family per site. Data from 7 years-old trees was analyzed both for each test location separately and for all locations combined. High individual heritability was found for diameter, which translates to higher breeding potential. The all locations combined analysis showed high genetic variation, with individual heritabilities reaching up to 22 %. Genotype by Environment (GxE) interactions explained only 2.5 % of total phenotypic variation. The genetic correlation (rg) among all four sites was 0.69. Hence, it is concluded that GxE interactions are not problematic for breeding purposes since they are not complex in nature. This teak breeding population showed strong genetic stability and performed well in most environments in the study area. The Hojancha location showed high genetic correlation with all other sites; therefore, it should be chosen for future testing and selection of elite genotypes. Selection of the 20 best individuals, allowing for up to two individuals per family, would result in a 1.78 cm (11 %) gain in diameter. Furthermore, based on this selection the inbreeding coefficient (F) in the offspring would only reach 2.9 %, while the expected effective population size (Ne) would be16.97 individuals. This selection scheme could reduce rotation age by almost two years, since the diameter goal of 40 cm would be reached earlier than the usual 20 years cycle. The results suggest that the progeny trial can be maintained as a single breeding population, suitable for planting in any site along the Northern Pacific region of Costa Rica.
Surveillance and silence: New considerations in assessing difficult social work placements

Studies to date have highlighted a number of key factors in the assessment of difficult social work placements including the need for adequate professional formation; communication; the changing social work education framework; and the influence of the wider social work context. Factors less widely examined are the perceptions of some practice educators that the assessment of placement students operates in a wider context of surveillance and scrutiny by a range of stakeholders. We argue that such perceptions of surveillance can cause a discursive anxiety for practice educators and can inhibit key developmental conversations between assessor and student. Drawing on interviews with ten practice educators, we examine the tendency of practice educators reflecting on a failed placement to rehearse or even enact those key developmental conversations post hoc, broaching previously unstated or tacit aspects of the placement experience. We argue for the need to create a safe discursive space for these conversations to take place in situ during the challenging placement and suggest that a diminution in perceptions of surveillance and enhanced outcomes for students and practice educators will result.
Psychological Correlates of Nonspecific Electrodermal Responses

Abstract Spontaneous fluctuations in electrodermal responses are known as nonspecific electrodermal responses (NS.EDRs). The use of NS.EDRs as a tool in applied psychophysiological research has resulted in a variety of publications. NS.EDRs are examined separately as associated with the (as a biomarker of) levels of anxiety. The aim of this study was to compare changes (in terms of amplitude, frequency and time components) in NS.EDRs at two different (pre and post of an external stimulus) resting phases. NS.EDRs (nonspecific skin conductance responses (NS.SCRs), nonspecific skin potential responses (NS.SPRs), and nonspecific skin susceptance responses (NS.SSRs)) were recorded from 50 apparently healthy volunteers simultaneously at the same skin area. They were scored as NS.SCRs and NS.SSRs for changes greater than 0.02 μS and NS.SPRs greater than 0.02 mV. It was found that NS.EDRs, in particular NS.SCRs and NS.SPRs, were significantly changed in the second resting period, following the specific stimulus. More specifically, the amplitude of NS.EDRs were significantly decreased for NS.SCRs (p<0.001) and for NS.SPRs (p<0.005), but NS.SSRs remained stable. Moreover, the rise time of NS.SCRs was decreased in the second resting time. Furthermore, the frequency of responses was also changed. The computed NS.EDRs, in particular NS.SCRs and NS.SPRs could be of psychological interest and be used to study the electrodermal responses in detail. NS.SSRs were found to be robust with respect to nonspecific stimuli at various relaxation periods and their role was found to be less important in analysis of NS.EDRs in comparison to NS.SCRs and NS.SPRs at low frequency (20 Hz AC current). This should be considered in analysis of NS.EDRs. The computed NS.EDRs, especially NS.SCRs and NS.SPRs may be used as a useful measure of arousal due to their fast response and sensitivity to nonspecific stimuli and may also be used in assessment of individual differences.
Empirical Ground Motion Relationships for Maximum Incremental Velocity

by Jaime W. Guamán This thesis presents basic attenuation relationships for the maximum incremental velocity, MIV , of earthquake ground motion records. Multiple regression analyses are conducted to determine relationships between the MIV and the relevant earthquake parameters, such as magnitude, distance, soil conditions, and fault type. The PEER-NGA (2009) strong ground motion database is expanded for the purposes of the study, to include the “orientation-independent” geometric mean MIV of the two orthogonal horizontal components of a given record. The proposed attenuation relationship can be used to estimate the MIV at a given site, similar to currently available models for other ground motion intensity parameters such as the peak ground acceleration (PGA) and velocity (PGV), as well as spectral acceleration (SA) and velocity (SV).
Hox Genes Polymorphism Depicts Developmental Disruption of Common Sole Eggs

Abstract In sole aquaculture production, consistency in the quality of produced eggs throughout the year is unpredictable. Hox genes have a crucial role in controlling embryonic development and their genetic variation could alter the phenotype dramatically. In teleosts genome duplication led paralog hox genes to become diverged. Direct association of polymorphism in hoxa1a, hoxa2a & hoxa2b of Solea solea with egg viability indicates hoxa2b as a potential genetic marker. High Resolution Melt (HRM) analysis was carried out in 52 viable and 61 non-viable eggs collected at 54±6 hours post fertilization (hpf). Allelic and genotypic frequencies of polymorphism were analyzed and results illustrated a significantly increased risk for non-viability for minor alleles and their homozygous genotypes. Haplotype analysis demonstrated a significant recessive effect on the risk of non-viability, by increasing the odds of disrupting embryonic development up to three-fold. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the paralog genes hoxa2a and hoxa2b, are separated distinctly in two clades and presented a significant ω variation, revealing their diverged evolutionary rate.
Teacher-student interaction and management practices in Pakistani English language classrooms

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the amount and type of teacher-talk, frequently asked questions and feedback provided by the teacher on learners’ performance in a language classroom. For this purpose, a lecture was recorded from a secondary level English language classroom of a public sector school and interpreted in the light of teacher-student interaction and classroom management model by David Nunan. Results revealed that the maximum amount of time (i.e. 80.1%) was consumed by the teacher which was appropriate. However, certain deviations from classroom management principles were also observed regarding frequently asked questions (i.e. 50% of the total questions were elicitation questions) and the feedback (it was ‘romantic’ in nature). Moreover, wait-time was sufficient but it was of no use to the learners. The study concluded that classroom practices did not conform to the principles therefore, it proposed to ask questions and provide feedback appropriately.