Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Structural Changes in the Contemporaneous Linear Relation between Returns and Earnings after 1997 Financial Crisis in Korea

We study the effect of accounting reforms on the quality of accounting information after the 1997 financial crisis in Korea. Using observations of accounting earnings and stock returns over the past 20 years for the companies listed on the Korea Stock Exchange, we find that the contemporaneous linear relation between stock returns and accounting earnings has changed after the accounting reforms in the late 1990s. The association between annual earnings and returns has strengthened since the 1997 crisis. We also find that the changes in the association between annual earnings and returns are partly explained by the changes in asymmetry and lags effect. Annual earnings reflect good and bad news in a more asymmetric fashion and have a stronger association with lagged price changes surrounding the financial crisis.
Study of deep foundation performances by frustum confining vessel (FCV)

Physical modeling for study of deep foundations can be performed in simple chambers (1g), calibration chambers (CC), and centrifuge apparatus (ng). These common apparatus face certain limitations and difficulties. Recently, Frustum Confining Vessels (FCV) have been evolved for physical modeling of deep foundations and penetrometers. Shaped as the frustum of a cone, this device applies steady pressure on its bottom and creates a linear stress distribution along its vertical central core. This paper presents the key findings in FCV, as developed in AUT. The FCV has a height of 1200 mm, with top and bottom diameters of 300 and 1300 mm, respectively. By applying bottom pressure up to 600 kPa, the in-situ overburden stress conditions, equivalent up to 40 m soil deposits, become consistent with the embedment depth of commonly used piles. Observations indicated that a linear trend of stress distribution exists, and this device can create overburden stress in the desired control volume along the central core. Moreover, a couple of compressive and tensile load tests were performed on steel model piles driven in sand with a length of 750 mm, and different length to diameter (L/D) ratios between 8-15. Comparison between measured and predicted ultimate capacity of model piles performed in FCV demonstrate a suitable conformity for similar confinement conditions in the field. Therefore, the FCV can be considered as an appropriate approach for the investigation of piling geotechnical behavior, and the examination of construction effects.
Effects of Coastal Recreation on Social Aspects of Human Well-being

Coastal ecosystems are under increasing pressures from a wide variety of human impacts. As the coastal zone provides many goods and services essential to the well-being of people, there is potential for changes in the condition of coastal ecosystems to have reciprocal impacts on the human population. Based on existing literature, it was hypothesised that changes in coastal ecosystem condition could affect aspects of social and community relations through affecting residents' coastal recreational activities, sense of place, social interactions and networks, health and overall quality of life. These relationships were investigated in the Pumicestone catchment in south-east Queensland with the aim of identifying the interactions between coastal condition and human well-being. Information on key variables was collected by surveying catchment residents, and data were analysed using path analysis. The results indicate that the recreation in coastal areas can impact on the well-being of coastal residents. Understanding the positive relationship between ecosystems and human well-being can potentially reduce the apparent conflict between environmental improvement and human interests, thus improving management of local ecosystems.
Emotional Intelligence in Adults With ADHD

PSI CHI JOURNAL OF UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH Summer 2008 Copyright 2008 by Psi Chi, The National Honor Society in Psychology (Vol. 13, No. 2, 86–95 / ISSN 1089-4136). For many years, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been studied in children. Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention in class, may fidget when required to sit for long periods of time, and may have a hard time waiting their turn (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed. [DSM-IV]; American Psychiatric Association [APA], 1994; Koyama, Tachimori, Osada, Kurita, 2006; Maniadaki, Sonuga-Barke, Kakouros, & Karaba, 2007). Only recently has research begun to focus on ADHD found in adults. Much of this research indicates that the symptoms of ADHD can be found in adults as well as in children. For example, Young (2000) has found that about 0.5% to 1% of young adults have continuing symptoms from childhood ADHD. Another estimate given by Weiss and Murray (2003) suggests that anywhere from 2%-6% of adults suffer from ADHD. In a self-report study done on university students, 2.9% of men from the United States and 3.9% of women reported symptoms of ADHD that would classify them as having ADHD (DuPaul et al., 2001). The symptoms included in a diagnosis of ADHD for adults consist of behaviors that may not be as extreme as the behaviors found in childhood ADHD. This is apparent in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (APA, 1994) which states that ADHD symptoms are usually at their most prominent stage in elementary school. Also according to the DSM-IV, ADHD in adults can cause a person to miss details and make mistakes, and ADHD can cause adults to perform messy work that may never be completed. Adults with ADHD also may show symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity (e. g., restlessness) in situations that require a person to be still, and then may show impatience and an inability to wait (APA, 1994). In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, a person must meet at least six of the nine DSM-IV criteria in either the inattention category or the hyperactivityimpulsivity category, or six of the nine criteria in both categories. Included in the inattention category are symptoms such as not paying attention to details, not finishing tasks, being unorganized, and getting distracted easily. With these symptoms present, a person would be labeled as having attention-deficit /hyperactivity disorder, predominantly inattentive type. A second type, called attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type, CALLIE FLEMING
Effect of Interleukin-1Beta (IL-1 β ) on the Cortical Neurons Survival and Neurites Outgrowth

Insults to the brain are known to cause a myriad of downstream effects, including the release of cytokines by astrocytes and resultant reactive gliosis. The author has examined effect of cytokine IL-1β on the survival of cortical neurons using mouse astrocyte-neuron co-culture. Five groups were used. These were neurons alone (Group 1), neurons with added IL-1β (Group 2), neurons co-cultured with astrocytes (Group 3), neurons co-cultured with astrocytes that was pre-treated with IL-1β before co-culture (Group 4) and neurons co-cultured with astrocytes and IL-1β added (post-treated) (Group 5). In Group 1 only a few neurons grew and survived only for 5-6 days. In Group 2, it was observed that more neurons survived up to 11 days. Moreover, in Group 3, more neurons grew and survived up to 16-18 days. They had large cell bodies and many long neurites that formed anastomosing networks. In Group 4, few neurons survived up to 13 days, whereas in Group 5, the growth of neurons were affected but to a much lesser extent than Group 4 and survived up to 15 days. In addition, it was found that IL-1β stimulated the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) by astrocytes. This study indicates that IL-1β affects the survival of cortical neurons and modulates the astrocytic support to neuronal survival and neurites outgrowth by acting directly on the astrocytes.
The puzzling assembly of the Milky Way halo:contributions from dwarf Spheroidals and globular clusters

While recent sky surveys have uncovered large numbers of ever fainter Milky Way satellites, their classification as star clusters, low-luminosity galaxies, or tidal overdensities remains often unclear. Likewise, their contributions to the build-up of the halo is yet debated. In this contribution we will discuss the current knowledge of the stellar populations and chemo-dynamics in these puzzling satellites, with a particular focus on dwarf spheroidal galaxies and the globular clusters in the outer Galactic halo. Also the question of whether some of the outermost halo objects are dynamically associated with the (Milky Way) halo at all is addressed in terms of proper measurements in the remote Leo I and II dwarf galaxies.
Agricultural Trade and its Determinants: Evidence from Bounds Testing Approach for Turkey

This paper empirically analyses the long run relationship between agricultural trade performance and real exchange rate in Turkey by using quarterly data covering 1994:Q1-2012:Q3. The other factors that are expected to effect agricultural trade balance such as ratio of export and import prices of agricultural goods, producer prices, real income of the country are also added to the model. For this purpose, bounds test approach for co-integration and autoregressive distributed lag method are used to show the existence of long-term relationship between agricultural trade balance and its determinants in Turkey. The results show that real exchange rate, real gross domestic product, and agricultural producer prices are highly significant and have negative impact on determining agricultural trade balances in Turkey. Consequently, findings suggest that the policies or reforms that reducing producer prices and using new technologies to increase productivity may help to create trade surplus in agricultural trade of Turkey
Intra- and Extra-Bank Determinants of Latin American Banks’ Performance

This paper seeks to examine the determinants of the performance of Latin American banks during the period 1995-2010. The sample of banks is representative of the Latin American region because it includes small and large economies with different levels of development in their financial markets (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Salvador, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, and Venezuela). The empirical analysis combines intra-bank determinants of its performance (bank-based variables) and extra-bank variables (institutional-based exogenous variables) through the GMM system estimator. The results report remarkable findings. First, that there is a non-monotonic, inverse U-shaped relationship between the capital ratio and profitability, supporting the efficiency-risk, franchise-value, and agency cost hypotheses. Second, asset diversification impacts positively the banks’ performance. Third, the high concentration of the banking sector in Latin America caused by the financial liberalization and the mergers during the period of analysis, as well as the international investment (mainly from US and EU), allows banks to take advantage of immature financial markets and generate monopolistic profits. Fourth, despite of all these factors, the results uncover evidence that the measures taken in order to improve market competition such as enforcement of the regulation and transparency have resulted in lower profits for the banking industry. The paper draws some direct policy implications particularly focused on the removal of some remaining barriers to competition in the banking sector.
Low electrical percolation thresholds and nonlinear effects in graphene-reinforced nanocomposites: A numerical analysis

A numerical model of graphene-reinforced nanocomposites taking into account the electric tunneling effect is employed to analyze the influence of microstructural parameters on the effective electric conductivity and the percolation thresholds of the composite. The generation procedure for the random microstructures of graphene-reinforced nanocomposites is described. Effects of the barrier height, of graphene aspect ratio and alignment of graphene sheets have been quantitatively evaluated. The results show that both higher graphene aspect ratio and lower barrier height can lead to smaller percolation threshold, and the alignment of graphene sheets results in anisotropic electrical behavior without affecting the percolation threshold. The numerical model also shows the importance of the tunneling effect to reproduce the nonlinear electric behavior and the low percolation thresholds reported in the literature. Finally, results are compared with available experimental data.
In vitro procedure to predict apparent antioxidant release from wholegrain foods measured using three different analytical methods

Several methods have been applied to the measurement of antioxidants in biological samples. Extraction methods have previously relied on chemical methods which are non-physiological. This paper reports the use of an in vitro method with enzymatic and fermentation steps, designed to mimic digestion through the gastrointestinal tract, on release of antioxidants from a range of wholegrain foods. A total of 41 samples, (31 raw foods, 10 of which were also analysed after cooking) were analysed using the ferric reducing antioxidant capacity and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity methods. Six samples were also measured using the oxygen radical absorption capacity method. The three antioxidant assay methods gave different apparent antioxidant activity trends, and the range of values was dependent on the type of food. The effects of cooking were mainly observed in the early stages of the incubation procedure, suggesting that cooking may destroy soluble antioxidants but not those bound within the food matrix. For all samples, apparent antioxidant release increased during the incubation period, suggesting that antioxidants bound within the food matrix may be released and exert their effects in different regions of the gastrointestinal tract.  2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Grid Resources Search Engine based on Ontology

In grid condition, the traditional search engine can find few resources. It cannot meet the users’ requirements. The grid resources cannot be utilized efficiently. A search engine system based on ontology of grid resources is hereby proposed. In this system, a database with ontology knowledge is designed to store all related conceptions, the relationship of grid domains and instances. Upon analyzing the semantic of users’ queries, the expected resources can be retrieved more precisely and completely to satisfy their intentions.
Multi-Dimensional Simulation of n-Heptane Combustion under HCCI Engine Condition Using Detailed Chemical Kinetics

In this study, an in-house multi-dimensional code has been developed which simulates the combustion of n-heptane in a Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) engine. It couples the flow field computations with detailed chemical kinetic scheme which involves the multi-reactions equations. A chemical kinetic scheme solver has been developed and coupled for solving the chemical reactions and calculation of heat release. The effect of parameters such as, initial temperature, initial pressure, compression ratio and equivalence ratio on the combustion characteristics of a n-heptane fuelled HCCI engine have been studied. The chemical kinetic scheme used here, consists of 27 elementary reactions and 26 species which involves the reactions required for calculation of NOX also. The results show good agreement with available experimental data.
Women's Transitions from Welfare: "Where Does that Leave Us? Employable or in the Pit?".

In a globalized market training, education, and credentials are important as individuals compete for spaces in the workplace. For some, like single mothers on welfare, acquisition of training and credentials becomes a long, arduous, circuitous "walk" as they attempt to enter the labour force. This article examines how government policies and labour market demands influence women's transitions from welfare, explores the experiences of women in a case study, and analyzes the role that using brainstorming, popular education techniques, and content in a pre-employment upgrading program had on women's educational and employment needs as they attempted to leave welfare. Resume Dans un marche de formation desormais mondial, l'education et les references d'emploi sont essentielles lorsqu'on est en competition pour une place dans le marche du travail. Pour certains, comme les meres celibataires vivant de l'aide sociale, acquerir de la formation et avoir des references devient un processus long, ardu, voire circulaire, lorsqu'ils cherchent a s'integrer au marche du travail. A travers une etude de cas, cet article examine comment les politiques gouvernementales et les exigences du marche de l'emploi influencent l'issue de la demarche desfemmes qui tentent de sortir de l'aide sociale. Il explore des experiences de femmes et analyse le role de l'utilisation du remue-meninge et des techniques et des contenus d'education populaire dans un programme de pre-emploi visant a combler les besoins educatifs de ces femmes a mesure qu'elles tentent de quitter l'aide sociale.
Using scenarios to explore the social aspects of design led innovations

Emerging technologies have redefined the way people go about everyday life. An increasing array of online and on-the-go solutions supporting remote work, entertainment on demand, information sharing, social communication, telehealth and beyond, are now available at the touch of a screen. This paper discusses concept of scenarios as a design tool that can be successfully employed by organisations as an innovative design led approach to: (i) understand people’s everyday practices in current social contexts in order to identify opportunities and emerging markets, and (ii) reveal stakeholder relationships existing in the provision of services within current everyday practices. To illustrate this approach, two case studies will be presented: the first focusing on a real industry project exploring opportunities for the development of future health care services, the second focusing on people’s access to services as part of a transport journey experience. This paper aims to demonstrate the use of scenarios as part of a design led innovation approach to understand the social aspects and their complexities of new designs in an increasing everyday technological driven context.
A STUDY TO INVESTIGATE THE EFFECT OF DEMOGRAPHIC VARIABLES ON LEADERSHIP STYLES USED BY DEPARTMENT HEADS IN UNIVERSITIES

This article presents a study conducted to investigate the effect of demographic variables on leadership styles of Department heads from HEC recognized Public and Private Universities at Lahore. In any organization, Leadership is an essential component for their success or failure. Leadership position which interacts with faculty, students and employees within any university or college is referred as department head or chair. In today’s competitive environment educational leaders are facing challenges. This study was designed to explore the effect of demographic variables on leadership styles of departmental heads (Deans, Principals, Directors, and Chairpersons). For this purpose, Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) was administered to a sample of 650 participants (490 male and 160 female) of ages between 31-70 years. Statistical analyses revealed no significant differences regarding gender and age in using transformational, transactional, and passive-avoidant leadership style by university heads. Results revealed significant differences with regard to university type and designation in using Transactional leadership style.
Łódź accessibility by public transport

The article presents the results of research devoted to differentiation of spatial accessibility of Łodź with the assumption that travelers from the Łodź province relocate using public transport. The analysis was conducted on the basis of a full inventory of bus, minibus, tram and railway connections reaching Łodź and 410 stops located within one-hour access isochrone to the region’s centre. The research accounts also for the distribution and the number of population of 2,419 towns and localities of the Łodź province. The calculations were based on the two-step floating catchment area method modified for the purposes of research into public transport effectiveness.
Murine spleen contains a diversity of myeloid and dendritic cells distinct in antigen presenting function

The spleen contains multiple subsets of myeloid and dendritic cells (DC). DC are important antigen presenting cells (APC) which induce and control the adaptive immune response. They are cells specialized for antigen capture, processing and presentation to naı̈ve T cells. However, DC are a heterogeneous population and each subset differs subtly in phenotype, function and location. Similarly, myeloid cell subsets can be distinguished which can also play an important role in the regulation of immunity. This review aims to characterize splenic subsets of DC and myeloid cells to better understand their individual roles in the immune response.
Wrist and tendon dynamics as contributory risk factors in work‐related musculoskeletal disorders

Many studies have shown that repetitive wrist motion is a major risk factor for work‐related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Specific contributory factors include wrist and tendon dynamics. The authors present recent methodological advances, epidemiological studies, and biomechanical models estimating the effects of wrist dynamics on internal tendon force as a theoretical basis for the risk of incurring a WMSD. These biomechanical models utilize either the reduction method or the optimization method to solve the indeterminate problem resulting from too many internal variables. Generally, the optimization methods show the best agreement with direct in vivo tendon force studies. For the models of pinch grips, the average ratio of tendon forces to external forces ranges from 1.8 to 3.5, while for direct tendon measurements, the ratio ranges from 1.73 to 7.92. Similarly, high contributions of flexor tendons for pinches and grasps are found in both the models and direct tendon measurements. These high tendon forces combined with wrist dynamics may be a significant factor in the development of WMSDs. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Hum Factors Man 16: 83–105, 2006.
PIV investigation of two-phase flow in a micro-pillar microfluidic device

Here we report on the dynamics of immiscible fluid displacement in porous media at the microscale captured with microscopic particle image velocimetry (? PIV). The experimental challenges associated with simultaneously imaging two immiscible fluids, tracking their interface and quantifying the flow processes induced by the fluid-fluid interaction are discussed and an imaging method coupling refractive index matching and fluorescent signal separation is described. The technique was first applied to single-phase flow for validation and then to two-phase flows in porous micromodels. Both drainage and imbibition in a regular pore network were considered herein with a focus on interface migration and effects owing to the passage of the interface. The velocity distribution obtained for these experimental conditions revealed several flow peculiarities. In particular, the instabilities associated with the interfacial processes propagate downstream and perturb the flow field, resulting in dramatic differences from the regular flow paths typical of steadystate, single-phase flow. Additionally, the passage of the interface does not restore previous flow patterns but instead yields complex preferential flow paths that mutually interact with residual trapped pockets of fluid.