Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CAREER AFTER GRADUATION: FUTURE GRADUATES’ PERCEPTIONS OF JOB ATTRIBUTES IN SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SMEs) AND MULTI- NATIONAL CORPORATIONS (MNCs)

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have made significant contribution towards economic growth especially in the creation of job opportunities in Malaysia. Despite this significant contribution, SMEs are however confronted with numerous issues and challenges regarding quality human capital that is knowledgeable, skillful and with specific expertise in running operations within SMEs. Past studies have shown that graduates preferred employment in large companies including multi-nationals (MNCs) over SMEs despite there being more opportunities due to the rapid growth of the latter in the country. A deciding factor identified in these studies as having influence on graduates’ career choices concerns job attributes. This study is therefore conducted to examine job attributes that form the basis for decisions by graduating final-year students on whether to work with SMEs or MNCs. Twelve (12) job attributes (salary, benefits, management and relationship quality, training and development, career development, level of responsibility given, job marketability, job security, working hours, occupational safety and health, involvement in the job, and a work and family balance policy) are evaluated in this study. The results indicate a large majority of graduating students choose employment in large companies compared to SMEs due to the perception that bigger companies offer better levels of compliance to these job attributes. It is hoped that this evaluation of job attributes will not only help SMEs understand and recognise the needs and desires of potential employees but also spur them towards offering better and more attractive job packages to entice graduates into their organisations
Towards analytical mix design for large-stone asphalt mixes

Increasing traffic volumes and axle loads in South Africa has recently resulted in traffic loading beyond the current design classes. In addition, there is a strong lobby to increase the legal axle load limit. A need was expressed by the Southern African Bitumen and Tar Industry for an investigation into Heavy Duty Asphalt Pavements. A project focussing on the use of large-aggregate asphalt mixes (37,5 mm and 53 mm) was defined. This paper addresses the development of an analytically based design procedure for large-aggregate asphalt and its application in thirteen trial sections. In addition, the physical and engineering properties of the various materials are discussed and related to the constructability of the mixes. The performance of these trial sections under accelerated trafficking are related to laboratory results.
Group Polarization on Corporate Boards: Theory and Evidence on Board Decisions About Acquisition Premiums

This study investigates how group polarization can influence boards’ acquisition premium decisions. The theory suggests that when prior premium experience would lead directors on average to support a relatively high premium prior to board discussions, they will support a focal premium that is even higher after discussions; but when directors’ prior premium experience would lead them on average to support a relatively low premium prior to board discussions, they will support a focal premium that is even lower after discussions. Results provided strong support for the theory. Moreover, group polarization was reduced by demographic homogeneity among directors and minority expertise but increased by board influence. This study introduces a fundamental group decision-making bias into governance research and explains how group processes can influence network diffusions.
FAMILY FORMS AND WELL BEING AS CORRELATES OF PUPILS’ ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT IN BAYELSA STATE

The study sought to investigate family forms and well-being as correlates of pupils academic achievement in Bayelsa State. Two research questions and two null hypotheses guided the study. The design was correlation survey. The population of the study was 13,256 primary 5 pupils (5,178 males and 7,078 females) in all public primary schools in Yenagoa and Ogbia education zones in Bayelsa State. Using proportionate stratified random sampling technique, 320 pupils were used as sample. Three researcher-made instruments; Broken Home Childhood Education Questionnaire (BHCEQ), Unbroken Home Childhood Education Questionnaire (UHCEQ), and Wellbeing Childhood Education Questionnaire (WCEQ) with correlation coefficients of . 82, . 76 and . 71 respectively, using Pearson Product Moment Correlation statistics were used for data collection. The findings indicated that both family forms as well as wellbeing significantly correlates with pupils’ academic achievement. An educational implication of the findings is that, the family plays significant role in a child’s school achievement. It was recommended that parents should always provide positive family experiences and resources that can foster pupils’ school achievements.
THE IMPACTS OF PERFORMANCE FUNDING ON THE FACULTY EXPERIENCE: VIEWING FACULTY AS STREET-LEVEL BUREAUCRATS OR PASSIVE RECIPIENTS

Brandon M. Jenkins, THE IMPACTS OF PERFORMANCE FUNDING ON THE FACULTY EXPERIENCE: VIEWING FACULTY AS STREET-LEVEL BUREAUCRATS OR PASSIVE RECIPIENTS (Under the direction of Dr. David Siegel). Department of Educational Leadership, May 2020. This comparative case study examined how performance funding programs shape the faculty experiences at two North Carolina Community Colleges. Using Principal-Agent Theory, Street-Level Bureaucracy, and Bottom-Up Policy Perspective as theoretical frameworks, six themes and four subthemes emerged from semi-structured interviews of twenty community college faculty members. The study revealed that (1) faculty experiences are shaped according to the institutions’ overall capacity and response to performance funding; (2) the awareness of faculty regarding performance funding is dependent upon the institutions’ efforts to share information; and (3) depending upon the institution, faculty can be seen as both street-level bureaucrats and passive recipients of performance funding initiatives. While performance funding programs can result in the Principal-Agent dynamic, Bottom-Up Policy Perspective, and street-level bureaucracy, each of these is dependent upon the sharing of information. Institutional efforts to improve performance often negate the demands on faculty time and fail to include faculty in decision making processes. Furthermore, institutional budget concerns take precedence and create greater problems than those of performance funding. Finally, key practical implications for community colleges and educational systems are that (1) information regarding performance funding and any subsequent budgetary allotments should be readily available to all faculty; (2) institutional initiatives and response mechanisms aimed at improving performance should be inclusive of the entire faculty body; (3) significant attention should be given to the conditions that lead to the weakening of academic standards; and (4) educational systems should examine performance funding systems while weighing the capability of all institutions to effectively respond. THE IMPACTS OF PERFORMANCE FUNDING ON THE FACULTY EXPERIENCE: VIEWING FACULTY AS STREET-LEVEL BUREAUCRATS OR PASSIVE RECIPIENTS A Dissertation Presented to The Faculty of the Department of Educational Leadership East Carolina University In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership by Brandon M. Jenkins
The Management of Greek Sovereign Risk

In 2010, excessive public spending produced the first sovereign bond market crisis in Europe: Greece. The Hellenic crisis is the product of years of recession, sluggish economic environment and poor productivity, and above all, it is the product of the mismanagement of public finances, and unsatisfactory reporting, risk management and accounting practices. Information about Greece is scarce and fragmented, but the inability of the European authorities to understand the incredible mismanagement strongly disappoints the taxpayer. The relevant exposure of European banks in the bond market toward the default risk of Greece supports the need for hedging tools such as Credit Default Swap (CDS). However, there is evidence that the CDS market on Greek sovereign bonds is segmented, and the contracts are mis-priced. The lack of comprehensive data on CDS and other Over-the-Counter (OTC) contracts impedes any further investigation. European authorities should consider revising CDS’s trading rules and requirements, until the risks produced are properly limited.
Network analysis of frontal lobe alpha asymmetry confirms the neurophysiological basis of four subtypes of depressive behavior

Introduction Although depression is widespread carries a major disease burden, current treatments remain non-universally effective, arguably due to the heterogeneity of depression, and leading to the consideration of depressive “subtypes” or “depressive behavior subtypes. ” One such model of depressive behavior (DB) subtypes was investigated for its associations with frontal lobe asymmetry (FLA), using a different data analytic procedure than in previous research in this field. Methods 100 community volunteers (54 males, 46 females) aged between 18 yr. and 75 years (M = 32.53 yr., SD = 14.13 yr) completed the Zung Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) and underwent 15 min of eyes closed EEG resting data collection across 10 frontal lobe sites. DB subtypes were defined on the basis of previous research using the SDS, and alpha-wave (8-13 Hz) data produced an index of FLA. Data were examined via network analysis. Results Several network analyses were conducted, producing two models of the association between DB subtypes and FLA, confirming unique neurophysiological profiles for each of the four DB subtypes. Discussion As well as providing a firm basis for using these DB subtypes in clinical settings, these findings provide a reasonable explanation for the inconsistency in previous FLA-depression research.
TRANSMISSION SPECTROSCOPY OF EXOPLANET XO-2b OBSERVED WITH HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE NICMOS

Spectroscopy during planetary transits is a powerful tool to probe exoplanet atmospheres. We present the near-infrared transit spectroscopy of XO-2b obtained with Hubble Space Telescope NICMOS. Uniquely for NICMOS transit spectroscopy, a companion star of similar properties to XO-2 is present in the field of view. We derive improved star and planet parameters through a photometric white-light analysis. We show a clear correlation of the spectrum noise with instrumental parameters, in particular the angle of the spectral trace on the detector. An MCMC method using a decorrelation from instrumental parameters is used to extract the planetary spectrum. Spectra derived independently from each of the three visits have an rms of 430, 510, and 1000 ppm, respectively. The same analysis is performed on the companion star after numerical injection of a transit with a depth constant at all wavelengths. The extracted spectra exhibit residuals of similar amplitude as for XO-2, which represent the level of remaining NICMOS systematics. This shows that extracting planetary spectra is at the limit of NICMOS's capability. We derive a spectrum for the planet XO-2b using the companion star as a reference. The derived spectrum can be represented by a theoretical model including atmospheric water vapor or by a flat spectrum model. We derive a 3σ upper limit of 1570 ppm on the presence of water vapor absorption in the atmosphere of XO-2b. In the Appendix, we perform a similar analysis for the gas giant planet XO-1b.
The changing contours of the psychological contract: Unpacking context and circumstances of breach

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose a processual framework of psychological contract breach, which maps holistically the interactions among concepts drawn from the trust and justice literature. However, the price of a holistic picture is frequently a lack of depth of analysis of any single variable, and consequently the second part of the paper seeks to unpack a central variable, circumstances of breach.Design/ methodological approach – Draws on findings from a four‐year qualitative study and investigates the psychological contract in situ. The issue of circumstances of breach was explored inductively by applying in‐depth employee case histories using theory‐based sampling.Findings – Key findings indicate that breach may occur as a result of direct or indirect organisational actions. Further the degree of reaction may differ according to the type of trigger (i.e. a distributive, procedural or interactional justice issue) and also the extent to which the organisation is held responsible.Resea.
Acute Exercise Response in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injuries during High Intensity Interval Training.

Spinal cord injuries (SCI) are limiting to an individual’s health and reduce quality of life. Individuals with SCI are at higher risk for developing secondary health problems, due to physical inactivity.1,2 Current exercise recommendation consist of moderate intensity of 20-60 min./week three to five times/week, though most do not met recommendation levels.10,21 High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) has been studied in various other populations, and deemed to be appropriate and beneficial to individual’s health.3,4,7,20,32,33 Health benefits from HIIT has not been studied within this population. The objective of this study was to determine physiological and perceptual responses to HIIT in individuals with SCI and to describe between session variations, and differences among sub-categories: tetraplegia and paraplegia. Subjects participated in baseline- and post- graded exercise testing before and an exercise program consisting of 6 weeks (2x/week) of HIIT handcycling. Subject’s maximum power output recorded during baseline testing determine their training range. Subjects completed 2, 20 minute supervised at-home sessions (ten 60 second bouts of exercise at 90% maximum power output, then 60 seconds of 0-20% maximum power output), per week. Variables analyzed consisted of: peak heart rate (bpm), cadence (RPM), power (W), rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and feeling, time to peak HR, cadence, power, RPE, and feeling, and average power and cadence. Eight subjects were included in the analysis. Two subjects did not complete all twelve training sessions. Average and peak power (W), peak HR (bpm), and RPE improved significantly from subjects’ first to last session of the exercise program. Between session variation showed a positive trend for average and peak power, peak feeling, and time to peak HR. A downward trend was observed for peak HR and RPE. No comparisons could be drawn between sub-groups due to the small sub-sample size. HIIT was found to be safe, effective, and beneficial for individuals with SCI. Six weeks of HIIT handcycling elicited physiological and perceptual improvements within this population. The outcomes from this study should assist in validating HIIT exercise programming for individuals with SCI. Further research should expand to a larger sample size and an increased HIIT intervention timeframe.
SOCIAL NETWORKING AS CORRELATE OF ADOLESCENTS’ ADJUSTMENT IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN UDI EDUCATION ZONE OF ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA

This study investigated social networking as correlate of adolescents’ adjustment in secondary schools. The area of the study was Udi education zone of Enugu State, Nigeria. The study adopted a correlation survey research design. The sample of the study was 420 senior secondary class two students drawn through multistage sampling technique from a population of 2446. One instrument- Social Networking Involvement and Adolescents’ School Adjustment Questionnaire (SNIASAQ) in two clusters was used for data collection. Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation was used to answer the research questions while Multiple Regression was used to analyze the hypothesis. Major findings of the study revealed that the extent of adolescents’ involvement in social networking is low. The nature of adolescents’ adjustment in school is that they adjust positively academically and negatively socio-psychologically and there exists a positive relationship between social networking and adolescents’ adjustment in school. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that workshops and seminars should be organized for the secondary school students to guide them on the importance of social networking in their life, especially for academic engagements. Parents, guardians and the society at large should be sensitized on the need for the adolescents to have good school adjustment. They should be made to understand that how a child is reared goes a long way to determine the later adjustment in life.
PARENTAL EXPECTATIONS AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF ADOLESCENTS IN SOUTH EAST NIGERIA

The study investigated parental expectations and academic achievement of their adolescents in Abia and Anambra state in the South east of Nigeria. Two research questions and one hypothesis guided the study. Multistage sampling technique was used to select the sample of 1,597 (676 male and 921 females) from a population of 3738 (1621 males and 2117 females). Parents of senior secondary school students chosen from 28 schools (14 schools from each state) were used. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire which solicited for parental expectations on the academic achievement of their adolescents (PEAAA) and the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) results which were collected from state education commission of each state. Person product moment correlation and Z-test correlation were used in answering research questions and the hypothesis. The result showed that there was positive relationship between parental expectations and academic achievement of their adolescents. The size of correlation between parental expectation and academic achievement of their adolescents was not significantly different among parents dwelling in urban and rural areas. Based on the findings, recommendations were made which include that parents should endeavor to have realistic expectations for the academic achievements of their adolescents. This would make the students increase their efforts and so work harder towards better achievement.
Shariah supervisory board, the political connection and performance

The study aims to examine the effect of Characteristics of Shariah Supervisory Board (SSB) towards the financial performance of shariah banking in Indonesia in 1999-2018. The study shows that SSB with their political connections affected the company financial performance. This indicates that members of SSB who possessed a political connection improved the banking performance, meanwhile the number of SSB members with the cross membership and SSB members with doctoral degree have no effect to the financial performance. key words: performance, political connection, shariah bank, shariah supervisory board Resumen El estudio tiene como objetivo examinar el efecto de las Características del Consejo de Supervisión de la Shariah (SSB) en el desempeño financiero de la banca Shariah en Indonesia en 1999-2018. El estudio muestra que SSB con sus conexiones políticas afectó el desempeño financiero de la compañía. Esto indica que los miembros de SSB que poseían una conexión política mejoraron el desempeño bancario, mientras que el número de miembros de SSB con membresía cruzada y miembros de SSB con doctorado no tienen ningún efecto en el desempeño financiero. palabras clave: desempeño, conexión política, banco de la sharia, junta supervisora de la sharia
Effect of Organic Nano-Materials on Heavy Metals Concentration of Wheat Plants Inoculated With Piriformospora indica Fungus and Irrigated With Wastewater of Plating Industry

Removal of heavy metals from industrial effluents is one of the most important in environmental research. This research was done to investigate the adsorption effect of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) and nano Zn-oxide on decreasing chromium (Cr) and cadmium (Cd) concentration in wheat inoculated with Piriformospora indica (P.indica) that irrigated with wastewater of plating industry. Treatments were consist of applying MWCNs (0 and 0.5 % (W/W)) and nano Zn-oxide (0 and 1.5 % (W/W)) in the soil irrigated with the wastewater of plating industry under wheat inoculated with P.indica. This research was done as a factorial experiment in the layout of completely randomized block design in three replication After 90 days, plants were harvested and plant Cd and Cr were measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Using MWCNs had significant effect on increasing cation exchangeable capacity of soil. Applying 0.5 % (W/W) MWCNs in the soil irrigated with waste water significantly decreased the soil Cd concentration by 11.7%, while the plant biomass was increased by 13.4%. In addition, applying 1.5 % (W/W) nano Zn-oxide significantly decreased the negative effect of heavy metal toxicity that can be related to the role of nano Zn-oxide on increasing soil sorption properties. However, the interaction effect of Zn and Cd cannot be ignored. The results of this study showed that applying MWCNs and nano Zn-oxide has a significant effect on decreasing phytoremediation efficiency in soil irrigated with wastewater of plating industries. However, the type and the amount of heavy metals in wastewater cannot be ignored.
The Ex-Day Behavior of Preferred and Common Stocks

This paper examines the effects of investor level taxes on ex-dividend day behavior. Using fifteen years of historical data, we perform a quasi-experiment using the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which reduced corporate investors’ tax rate on capital gains relative to dividends. We exploit variation in the portion of shares held by institutional investors to identify securities for which corporate investors set prices, and we leverage a market adjusted model to describe ex-day price drops. Using a crosssectional methodology, we find that ex-day behavior among common stocks did not change around the TCJA but price drops decreased for preferred stocks held by corporate investors. We implement a matched-pairs design to show that this observation among preferred stocks is attributable to tax effects. These findings suggest that while short-term arbitrageurs are capturing dividends for common stocks, tax clienteles affect ex-day pricing for preferred stocks. We vet these conclusions by back testing a dividend capture strategy and looking at ex-day behavior outside of the TCJA. While we document support for the aforementioned results, we find evidence for tax clienteles among illiquid common stocks and show that arbitrageurs are capturing ex-day returns for the most liquid preferred stocks.