Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of Investment Projects on Dividend Policy of a Company in Conditions of Fuzzy Information

Abstract This article describes the problem of using fuzzy logic in the forecasts of variants of the results of implemented investment projects. It also shows the possibility of using calculations with the application of fuzzy triangular numbers L-R in the variants of results: an optimistic result, a pessimistic result and the most probable result (the central result). Moreover, the article draws attention to the possibility of using fuzzy numbers to estimate fuzzy risk of a forecasted financial result of a company. In addition, the article presents how a dividend may be shaped in consideration of multiplicity of variants if dividend policy takes into account dependence on company results as well as implemented investment projects.
Inference in Cointegrating Models: UK M1 Revisited

The paper addresses the practical determination of cointegration rank. This is difficult for many reasons: deterministic terms play a crucial role in limiting distributions, and systems may not be formulated to ensure similarity to nuisance parameters; finite-sample critical values may differ from asymptotic equivalents; dummy variables alter critical values, often greatly; multiple cointegration vectors must be identified to allow inference; the data may be 1(2) rather than 1(1), altering distributions; and conditioning must be done with care. These issues are illustrated by an empirical application of multivariate cointegration analysis to a small model of narrow money, prices, output and interest rates in the UK. Copyright 1998 by Blackwell Publishers Ltd
An Examination of International Retail Franchising in Emerging Markets

There has been an urgent call from both the franchise industry and the academic community for research on world franchising markets, specifically in the retail sector. This article is an attempt to summarize the main research that has been conducted thus far on international retail franchising. The article begins with an overview of the development of the literature and then discusses the nature and scope of emerging markets, with particular reference to their impact on the stakeholders of international retail franchising. Next, the article develops a conceptual model relating international retail franchising to its stakeholders. Then, a review of the research is divided into the areas of emerging world market: Central and Eastern Europe, Mexico and South America, Asia, and other areas that include India, Kuwait, and South Africa. The article concludes by discussing the next step to developing a research base for further understanding of emerging markets in addition to the opportunities and challenges for retail franchising and future research.
i-development not e-development: special issue on ICTs and development

Arrival of the Internet in the late 1990s as a ? global? phenomenon has sparked many changes. One has been a change in terminology. Where before we talked simply of information technology (IT), we now talk of information and communication technology (ICT). This reflects the convergence of digital computing and telecommunications. Computers were largely focused on the processing of information. ICTs undertake both processing and communication of information, with recent interest tending to highlight the latter. These changes have also affected development. e-Development ? use of electronic ICTs like the Internet to support development ? has arrived. Donors, attracted by a combination of the hype and hope generated by ICTs, have altered their funding priorities and pushed ICTs up the development agenda. Within that agenda has begun to appear the idea that ICTs lead to the ? death of distance? , create a ? level playing field? in which the small and the new compete on equal terms with the large and the well-established, and permit leapfrogging to an ? information economy? If ICTs are thus seen as critical to development, then great concern must be expressed about those who lack access to ICTs. Hence, the creation of bodies like the G-8? s DOTForce to combat this ? digital divide? : seen by some as a key target for development action.
Evolution of lamivudine-resistant hepatitis B virus and HIV-1 in co-infected individuals: an analysis of the CAESAR study

ObjectivesLamivudine has potent activity against HIV-1 and hepatitis B virus (HBV). Co-infection with these two viruses is common, and this may therefore influence the choice of antiretroviral therapies. A cohort of co-infected patients treated with lamivudine were studied in order to evaluate the differential effects of lamivudine on the two viral populations within the same individual after 44–52 weeks of therapy. Design and methodsRetrospective virological analysis of an HIV-1/HBV co-infected lamivudine cohort derived from a randomized, placebo-controlled study of lamivudine in HIV infection, the CAESAR study. ResultsFive of thirteen patients with HBV viral load > 10 000 copies/ml after 44–52 weeks of lamivudine therapy had genotypic drug resistance. Four of these five had a rebound of viral replication over the period of study and in one case this was associated with an alanine transaminase serum elevation. Ten of the thirteen patients had a 44–52 week HIV viral load > 1000 copies/ml, all of whom also had HIV reverse transcriptase M184V or M184I mutations. ConclusionsExtrapolating these results to the population yields an estimated 1-year incidence of drug-resistant HBV of at least 14% in lamivudine-treated HIV-1/HBV co-infected patients. The clinical and virological benefit of HBV lamivudine monotherapy in co-infected patients should be balanced against the potential for emergence of drug resistance. Further, these data suggest that the determinants of HIV and HBV drug resistance are different and that parallel evolution, rather than co-evolution of HBV and HIV-1 in co-infected individuals occurs.
Optical Coherence Tomography for the Noninvasive Evaluation of the Cornea

Purpose. To determine the optical coherence tomographic (OCT) characteristics of normal corneas and to characterize the OCT images of abnormal corneal lesions. Methods. Eleven eyes from 10 patients were examined at the Cornea Service of the Nagoya University Hospital: 4 had corneal pathologies, 4 underwent keratoplasty, and 2 were normal controls; 1 enucleated eye was also examined. OCT (OCT 2000 Zeiss-Humphrey) was used to study the normal cornea and various corneal abnormalities. We compared the OCT images to the observations made by slit-lamp biomicroscopy. Results. Fluid spaces were detected as black images. A highly reflective reflex was observed at the interface of different tissues, and intensive backscattering (reflex) was seen when the incident ray hit the laminated layers vertically. Corneal opacities were not clearly imaged when they were diffuse and mild, or when they were arranged axially in a small area, as was the scar of the graft–host junction. It was possible to obtain images from the region of the cornea that was not clearly visible by slit-lamp examination because of a corneal opacity. Conclusion. OCT is a noncontact and noninvasive technique that can be performed safely on diseased corneas. OCT can provide objective documentation of corneal disorders that cannot be obtained by slit-lamp examination. The use of OCT in conjunction with other conventional instruments should provide a more complete image of the cornea.
An ultra-high density genetic linkage map of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) using genotyping by sequencing (GBS) based on a reference shotgun genome assembly.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS High density genetic linkage maps that are extensively anchored to assembled genome sequences of the organism in question are extremely useful in gene discovery. To facilitate this process in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), a high density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)- and presence/absence variant (PAV)-based genetic linkage map has been developed in an F2 mapping population that has been used as a reference population in numerous studies. To provide a reference sequence to which to align genotyping by sequencing (GBS) reads, a shotgun assembly of one of the grandparents of the population, a tenth-generation inbred line, was created using Illumina-based sequencing. METHODS The assembly was based on paired-end Illumina reads, scaffolded by mate pair and long jumping distance reads in the range of 3-40 kb, with >200-fold initial genome coverage. A total of 169 individuals from an F2 mapping population were used to construct PstI-based GBS libraries tagged with unique 4-9 nucleotide barcodes, resulting in 284 million reads, with approx. 1·6 million reads per individual. A bioinformatics pipeline was employed to identify both SNPs and PAVs. A core genetic map was generated using high confidence SNPs, to which lower confidence SNPs and PAVs were subsequently fitted in a straightforward binning approach. KEY RESULTS The assembly comprises 424 750 scaffolds, covering 1·11 Gbp of the 2·5 Gbp perennial ryegrass genome, with a scaffold N50 of 25 212 bp and a contig N50 of 3790 bp. It is available for download, and access to a genome browser has been provided. Comparison of the assembly with available transcript and gene model data sets for perennial ryegrass indicates that approx. 570 Mbp of the gene-rich portion of the genome has been captured. An ultra-high density genetic linkage map with 3092 SNPs and 7260 PAVs was developed, anchoring just over 200 Mb of the reference assembly. CONCLUSIONS The combined genetic map and assembly, combined with another recently released genome assembly, represent a significant resource for the perennial ryegrass genetics community.
The different approaches to leadership

In the last paper we looked at some of the indicators of leadership and considered what it is like to move from being a practitioner into a leadership role. We identified that the skill sets needed for both roles, practitioner and leader, are similar but not entirely the same. In this paper we take a look at some of the more mainstream and influential leadership theories and consider what these might mean for the clinical manager. We start by defining leadership and then we will examine some leadership theories and, in conclusion, we make some suggestions and pose some challenges as to what style the modern healthcare leader might like to consider adopting. One of the key messages for the clinical leader is that it is important to reflect about what type of leader you want to be, so you may remain true to the person you are.
Measuring exchange rate misalignment in Turkey

Turkey has embarked an extensive dis-inflation and stabilization program in December 1999. The programme exclusively relied on a nominally pegged (anchored) exchange rate system for dis-inflation and on fiscal austerity. In February 2001, however, Turkey experienced a severe financial crisis which necessiated the dismantling of the exchange rate anchor and a switch to a regime of free float. The underlying elements of the disinflation program and the succeeding crisis are discussed in detail in Ertuğrul and Yeldan (2003), Akyüz and Boratav (2002), Yeldan (2002), Boratav and Yeldan (2002), Ertuğrul and Selçuk (2001), Eichengreen (2001), Gencay and Selçuk (2001), and Alper (2001). This article proposes a new methodology to measure exchange rate misalignment for Turkey over the period January 1992 to December 2001. In a single equation framework, the model estimates the real exchange rate within a time varying parameter model, where a return-to-normality assumption about the parameters is assumed. Contrary to common belief, it is found that, except the initial four months of the stabilization programme, the Turkish lira remained undervalued for most of 2000. Also, one observes a pattern where the lira has been overvalued after the financial crisis of 1994 until 1998, and has displayed a tendency of undervaluation after then.
The Management System: Its Functions and Processes

What is management? In recent years, a number of schools or approaches to management have evolved. What is rather upsetting to the manager is that there are a variety of unrelated approaches without any suggestion of their relationship to each other. Even more upsetting is that some of these approaches seem to be based on the disciplines of particular researchers rather than their ability to help managers. The study explores the rationale underlying two predominant orientations. One is concerned with the process of management, while the other emphasizes the function of management. The managerial process involves such intuitive principles as planning, organizing, and staffing. The managerial function involves arranging equipment to perform functions such as procurement, production, and adaptation. The goal is to illustrate the relationship of these approaches to each other and to specific managerial needs. The study was conducted among top managers in six municipal organizations. The research utilized a questionnaire and decision-making simulation for gathering data on the relationship of each managerial orientation. The results indicate that each orientation deals with different areas of managerial action. Key managerial processes focus on integrating, making decisions, recording information, motivating, and negotiating. The managerial functions, in this study, are part of three subsystem efforts which are administrative, adaptive, and technical. When management is defined as a process, it has no relationship to functions; when it is defined as functions of specific subsystems, there is no positive relationship to the process.
Ideas for rent: an overview of markets for technology

This article surveys some of the recent literature on technology markets, and summarizes its main issues and insights. We structure our analysis in three parts: the supply and demand of technology; the factors that condition the formation and growth of technology markets; industry structure and dynamic issues. In addition, we summarize some of the studies that have tried to document the size and growth of these markets. We find that the literature has focused mainly on the supply of technology, but several other aspects of these markets remain under-studied, including the demand for external technology, the role of uncertainty in technology markets, and the dynamic interaction between industry structure and the market for technology. Understanding these will illuminate whether markets for technology will continue to grow or remained confined to pockets of the economy. Copyright 2010 The Author 2010. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Associazione ICC. All rights reserved. , Oxford University Press.
Quality improvement of oral medication administration in patients with enteral feeding tubes

Background: The correct administration of oral drugs to patients on enteral tube feeding presents a special challenge. As patients are usually unable to swallow oral drugs and many drugs should not be crushed, ways have to be found to administer them through the feeding tube. Measures to improve the quality of oral drug administration in patients with enteral feeding tubes may consist of introducing guidelines, training nurses, or giving patient-tailored advice by the pharmacy. An integrated program comprising all these measures is likely to result in the greatest improvements. Methods: A study was undertaken in two Dutch hospitals to investigate the effect of such an integrated program. Results: The integrated program in hospital I resulted in a decrease in the number of tube obstructions (odds ratio (OR) 0.22, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.047 to 1.05). There was a significant decrease in the number of administration errors per nurse in hospital II (OR 0.003, 95% CI 0.0005 to 0.02). Conclusions: This multidisciplinary program comprising several interventions to promote the correct administration of drugs through an enteral feeding tube results in substantial improvements. As errors concerning administration of drugs to patients with enteral feeding tubes may lead to adverse drug events and loss of effect, these improvements are likely to contribute to a decrease in patient morbidity.
The communication of information about older people between health and social care practitioners.

AIM to provide an evidence base for strategies, and effectiveness of the transfer of patient information between hospital and community for older people with physical illness. DESIGN a systematic review of qualitative and quantitative literature. SEARCH STRATEGY literature from medical, health-related and social science databases as well as work in progress from national databases, the Internet, British PhD theses and other grey literature and policy documents. SELECTION CRITERIA literature relating to similar healthcare systems published between January 1994 and June 2000 on hospital discharge planning. Empirical studies from peer reviewed sources; theoretical papers from non-peer reviewed sources; research papers from non-peer reviewed sources and professional documents. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS extracted data from empirical studies under the headings of location, sector, research questions and study design and duration. We made structured summaries of all other data sources and used them to supply context and background. We categorized literature and analysed it in terms of method and analysis, quality and strength of evidence and its relevance to the research questions. We synthesized the results and presented them in terms of answers to our research questions. RESULTS a database of 373 potentially relevant studies and of these, 53 were accepted for further analysis. Thirty-one were empirical studies, most of which were qualitative or a combination of qualitative and quantitative in design. The most effective strategy for transferring information is the appointment of a 'key worker', who can provide a point of contact for workers from hospital and community. Nevertheless, problems have arisen because both settings are under pressure and pursuing different goals. Neither setting is fully aware of the needs, limitations and pressures of the other. CONCLUSION raised awareness and the establishment of common goals are the first steps needed to bridge the divide between health and social care staff in hospital and the community.
The Effect of GDSS and Elected Leadership on Small Group Meetings

This research investigated the effect of a group decision support system (GDSS) and elected leadership on meetings of five-person groups. A controlled experiment that varied the form of decision support (no support, manual structure support equivalent to the GDSS structure, and GDSS support) and elected leadership (yes and no) was used to compare group decisions. Forty-eight undergraduate student groups were randomly assigned to one of the six treatment conditions of this 3×2 factorial design. The groups solved a preference task that required resolution of competing preference structures to arrive at group decisions. The level of premeeting consensus was used as a covariate. The dependent measures included postmeeting consensus, equality of influence, and influence of the leader. The major findings of this research are: • Manual groups displayed a significantly higher postmeeting consensus than GDSS groups. Elected leadership did not increase postmeeting consensus. • There was a significant correlation between equality of influence and pre-meeting consensus in GDSS groups. Groups that had high premeeting consensus seemed willing to let one member dominate the final solution. • Group support in the form of structure has potential to undermine leadership in small group meetings because leaders in manual and GDSS groups appeared to be less influential than their counterparts in baseline groups.
Accounting year-end dispersion and seasonality in the Japanese corporate bond market

Using monthly yield data on straight bonds, this article investigates seasonality in the Japanese corporate bond market. A statistical examination of spreads between the yield of each bond and a bond market index reveals that the yield spread consistently decreases from April to August, whereas it increases from September to December. Because accounting year-ends for most investors in Japan are concentrated in either March or December, this seasonality supports the hypotheses of tax-loss selling and window dressing. Moreover, the seasonality becomes more pronounced as the debt rating declines, consistent with the findings in previous studies investigating the US bond market.
RLS-based fault-tolerant tracking control of Multirotor Aerial Vehicles

This paper presents a fault-tolerant PD tracking system for Multirotor Aerial Vehicles (MAV) based on a novel Recursive Least Squares (RLS) Fault Detection and Isolation (FDI) algorithm utilized to diagnose propulsion system faults. As a test platform we investigate an octorotor model, including rigid body dynamics, the gyroscopic effect and motor dynamics. A hover configuration control is extended into an adaptive, fault-tolerant PD tracking controller. The approach is validated within a simulation study that includes a severe triple rotor fault scenario.
Targeting osteoclasts with zoledronic acid prevents bone destruction in collagen-induced arthritis.

OBJECTIVE To study the effect of zoledronic acid (ZA) on synovial inflammation, structural joint damage, and bone metabolism in rats during the effector phase of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). METHODS CIA was induced in female dark agouti rats. At the clinical onset of CIA, rats were assigned to treatment with vehicle or single subcutaneous doses of ZA (1.0, 10, 50, or 100 microg/kg). Clinical signs in all 4 paws were scored on a daily basis. After 2 weeks, the joints in the hind paws were assessed using plain radiographs, microfocal computed tomography (micro-CT), histologic scoring, and histomorphometry, and the serum levels of type I collagen crosslinks were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Although ZA mildly exacerbated synovitis, it effectively suppressed structural joint damage. At doses of >/=10 microg/kg, ZA significantly reduced radiographic bone erosions, Larsen scores, and juxtaarticular trabecular bone loss as quantified by micro-CT. ZA prevented increased type I collagen (bone) breakdown in CIA and diminished histologic scores of focal bone erosion by up to 80%. Increases in the percentage of eroded surface, osteoclast surface, and osteoclast numbers associated with CIA were prevented by ZA, even though synovitis scores were unchanged. CONCLUSION Single doses (>/=10 microg/kg) of ZA strikingly reduced focal bone erosions and juxtaarticular trabecular bone loss, although synovitis was mildly exacerbated. Targeting osteoclasts with ZA may therefore be an effective strategy for preventing structural joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis.