Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Incremental Information Content of Cash Flows Versus Funds from Operations and Earnings: Empirical Results from French Companies

Abstract: The purpose of our study is to examine the information content of cash flows versus funds from operations and earnings in the French context. By applying two methodologies relating to linear and nonlinear models, our work analyzes the capacity of these accounting measures to explain stock returns of French listed companies in the SBF120 index. Our results relating to linear models show that cash flows and funds from operations have incremental information content while nonlinear models note that these accounting measures have incremental information content only in the case of extreme variations. In addition, the results note that earnings have incremental information content in the case of moderate variations. One can infer that market participants in French context use and appreciate information contained in cash flows to evaluate firms’ performances especially when they show extremes variations.
Lessons from national experience

The paper elaborates on the potential for national evaluation capacities, as a means to ensure that evaluation findings are available to assist countries in government decision-making, and prioritization, particularly in the budget process. Second, it assists managers in the performance of ongoing activities at the project, program, and sector levels, as well as organizations, institutional, and reform process performance. Third, evaluation findings are also an input to accountability mechanisms. Based on the importance of governance issues, and the need to support capacity building, and institutional development, it is recognized that although capacity building has received some attention, it is far less than it should have, thus the link between public sector performance, and the role of evaluation needs to be enhanced. The paper describes the broad spectrum of performance measurement activities, including monitoring and evaluation, and examines country experiences, and success factors on the development of evaluation systems, including implications for the Bank, and other donors.
The Synergy Trap: How Companies Lose the Acquisition Game

This study explains how companies often pay too much - and never realize goals of increased performance and market strength - in their quest to acquire other companies. Sirower investigates mergers across 28 measures of performance. He reveals that if the high risks taken by acquirers are to pay off, chief executives must act swiftly in making improvements to management and resolving corporate cultural differences, or face steep and debilitating losses to the parent company's own value. By examining such variables as method of payment and strategic relatedness, Sirower also provides a formal definition for synergies, or the specific increases in performance which the combined companies can realistically expect through acquisition. This expose argues that the tendency of managers to succumb to the "up-the-ante" philosophy in acquisitions often leads to disastrous ends in the hyper-competitive marketplace, and that companies must meticulously plan - and account for huge uncertainties - when deciding to enter the mergers game.
New Deals of New Social Entities. Evolution of old friends/ workers - firms – classes - states

This paper sets out to discuss the major building blocks for new deals in the global political economy. It starts with a discussion of the major changes experienced since the end of World War II and derives some ideas concerning the bargaining partners of potential future New Deals. It then shows how some classic concepts of political economy have recently evolved. Finally some reasons why possible deals will be so complicated are presented.
Investigating the role of reportable irregularities in South African audit

6 I: Lists and schedules. 7 I: I General abbreviations . 7 I: II Abbreviated names of legislation . 8 I: III List of tables . 9 I: IV List of figures . 9 1: Introduction . 10 1.1: Research context . 10 1.2: Research objectives: Identifying the need for further research . 12 1.3: Definitions . 19 1.4: Research scope . 21 1.4. 1: Thesis structure. 22 1.4. 2: Delimitations and assumptions . 24 2: External audits and whistle-blowing . 27 2.1: Corporate governance in South Africa, external audit and the RI provisions . 27 2.1.1: A brief history of South African corporate governance . 27 2.1.2: Auditing in South Africa . 30 2.1.3: The reportable irregularity provisions . 35 2.1.4: Whistle-blowing by external auditors in South Africa . 37 2.2: An agency theory perspective on audit quality . 41 2.2.1: Agency theory and the need for external audit . 41 2.2.2: Audit quality . 43 2.2.3: External regulation through the lens of agency theory . 48 2.2. 4: A practical perspective on audit quality and external regulation . 51 2.2. 5: An institutional perspective on audit quality . 55 2.3: Audit quality, external regulation and legitimacy theory . 56 2.3. 1: Legitimacy theory . 56 2.3. 2: An institutional perspective on auditing . 58 2.3. 3: External regulation of the audit profession as a source of legitimacy . 62 2.3. 4: Legitimacy, external regulation and reportable irregularities: A critical perspective . 71
Fuel Cell Technology for Distributed Generation: An Overview

Fuel cell technology for distributed generation (DG) is attracting more and more attention due to its high efficiency and unique environmentally friendly features. In this paper, the system characteristics, state-of-the-art, prospective markets and applications of different fuel cells are discussed. The operational principles of these fuel cell systems are also presented and their distinct characteristics are summarized. As a new technology for DG, this paper focuses more attention on the DG application aspect of fuel cells. Comparison of different type of fuel cells in the framework of DG is also made. Furthermore, the power conditioning and control techniques for fuel cell based DG are also reviewed. Finally, future prospects of fuel cell based DG are predicted
Epstein‐Barr‐virus‐associated gastric cancer in Russia

The present investigation was carried out to estimate the prevalence of EBV‐associated cases among gastric carcinoma (GC) patients of Russia and the Republics of the former Soviet Union (FSU). With this aim, formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded blocks from 206 gastric carcinomas obtained from patients of the Cancer Research Center, Moscow, were investigated by EBV‐encoded RNA‐1 (EBER‐1) in situ hybridization applied to paraffin sections. As a result, 18 GC cases (8.7%) revealed uniform EBER‐1 expression restricted to the carcinoma cells. Hybridized signals not detected in non‐neoplastic gastric epithelium. EBV involvement was significantly more frequent among males, especially in tumors of less differentiated types (moderately differentiated tubular adenocarcinomas and poorly differentiated solid adenocarcinomas) and located in the upper stomach (cardia and middle). Most EBV‐positive GCs were characterized by strong lymphoid‐compartment involvement. Our findings concerning the distribution of EBV‐positive GCs by sex, site and hystological type are similar to those in Japan, however, EBV‐positive rate of GC cases in Russia is higher than in Japan and lower than in USA. Int. J. Cancer 73:786–789, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modeling of the phase noise influence in the general M-PSK system

This paper deals with the investigation of a simultaneous incidence of an additive thermal noise and a multiplicative phase noise in narrowband low rate satellite communication systems where a multi-state phase shift keying is utilized. For the evaluation of the behavior of both noise types, a new approach is established. It derives mathematical relations of noise powers in chosen significant points of the communication system. The system model is also programmed in Matlab environment. Simulation results serve for comparisons with calculations, while a good agreement is achieved. Both noise types effects on error rates are also examined.
Optimal solutions for implementing the supply-sales chain management.

The supply chain represents all physical flows , information and financial flows linking suppliers and customers. It leads on the one hand, the idea of the chain in which the various elements of an industrial production system are interrelated and secondly to a broad definition of supply (flow between plants, flow between a supplier and a customer, flow between two workstations etc.). For a number of enterprise managers, supply chain is a topic of major interest. In contrast, non-chain coordination, losses may result for the enterprise: obsolete inventory devaluation, impairment etc. Since the 1980’s, several companies came together in the same service all functions dealing logistic flow from supply to distribution, through production management and resource planning. At the same time it was developed the notion of “time" to expand these flows and to increase quality and reduce inventory. 1990’s promotes the trend of broadening the concept of integrated logistics to a more open organization, "supply chain" in which is contained the whole organization of the enterprise, designed around streams: sales, distribution, manufacturing, purchasing, and supply. This is the area where, through this work, I try to make a contribution towards finding practical solutions to implement an efficient supply chain that contribute to increased economic performance of companies.
Synthesis, characterization and preliminary screening of regioisomeric 1-(3-pyridazinyl)-3-arylpyrazole and 1-(3-pyridazinyl)-5-arylpyrazole derivatives towards cyclooxygenase inhibition

In a search for novel compounds with analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity, a series of regioisomeric 1-(3-pyridazinyl)-3-arylpyrazole (5a–f, 6a–f) and 1-(3-pyridazinyl)-5-arylpyrazole (7a–f, 8a–f) derivatives were synthesized. The structure of these regioisomers was confirmed by spectral techniques. The compounds were preliminarily screened at 8 μM concentration for their inhibitory activity against cyclooxygenase enzymes, COX-1 and COX-2, using a human whole blood test. The tested derivatives showed inhibitory activity for both enzymes and are worthy of further investigation for developing better leads.
A possible role of ProP, ProU and CaiT in osmoprotection of Escherichia coli by carnitine

A VERHEUL. J A WOUTERS, F.M. ROMBOUTS AND T. ABEE. 1998. Exogenously provided carnitine (β‐hydroxy‐L‐τ‐N‐trimethyl aminobutyrate) was found to stimulate aerobic growth of enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 in a medium of inhibitory osmotic strength. Its osmoprotective ability is comparable with that of betaine. As carnitine is an important compound in mammalian tissues, it is suggested that it might play a role in the growth of the pathogen on low water activity (aw) meat products. Using specific uptake mutants of E. coli K‐12, it was established that, under osmotic stress, carnitine accumulates in the cytoplasm following import through the ProP and ProU transport systems. Betaine and carnitine also protect E. coli cells while growing anaerobically at inhibitory osmolarity. Under these conditions, an E. coli K‐12 strain with lesions in both proP and proU accumulates low levels of L‐carnitine but fails to accumulate betaine when these compounds are supplied in the external medium. This is probably a result of uptake of L‐carnitine by the secondary transporter CaiT. The caiT gene forms part of the caiTABCDE operon which encodes the carnitine pathway, and is transcribed during anaerobic growth in the presence of carnitine. However, further experiments revealed that the carnitine pathway, including CaiT, does not play a significant role in osmoregulation of E. coli during anaerobiosis. Together, the results indicate that ProP and ProU are the sole transport systems involved in carnitine influx, both in aerobically and anaerobically osmotically stressed E. coli cells.
Timely Loss Recognition and the Early Termination of Unprofitable Projects

Ideally, firms should discontinue projects that become unprofitable. Managers, however, continue to operate such projects because of their limited employment horizons and empire-building motivations (Jensen 1986, Ball 2001). Prior studies suggest that timely loss recognition in accounting earnings enables lenders, shareholders, and boards of directors in identifying unprofitable projects; thereby, enabling them to force managers to discontinue such projects before large value erosion occurs. However, this conjecture has not been tested empirically. Consistent with this notion, we find that timely loss recognition increases the likelihood of timely closures of unprofitable projects. Moreover, managers, by announcing late discontinuations of such projects, reveal their inability to select good projects and/or to contain losses, when projects turn unprofitable. Accordingly, thereafter, the fund providers and board of directors are likely to demand improved timeliness of loss recognition and stringent scrutiny of firms’ capital expenditure plans. Consistently, we find that firms that announce large discontinuation losses reduce capital expenditures and improve timeliness of loss recognition in subsequent years. Our study provides evidence that timely loss reporting affects “real” economic decisions and creates economic benefits.
Collective achievement of making in cosplay culture

This paper analyzes peer-based learning and the concept of Scaffolding represented in ethnographic case studies of ten female informants aged 20-25 participating in the cosplay community. Cosplay is a female-dominated niche subculture of extreme fans and mavens, who are devoted to dressing up as characters from manga, games, and anime. Cosplayers are highly conscious of quality standards for costumes, makeup, and accessories. Cosplay events and dedicated SNSs for cosplayers are a valuable venue for exchanging information about costume making. First we frame this work as an effort to think about their learning environment using the concept of connected learning by Ito et al(2013). Then we share an overview of cosplay culture in Japan and our methodologies based on interviews and fieldwork. The interview transcripts were analyzed according to the Steps for coding and Theorization method, a qualitative data analysis technique by Otani (2008). In this study, We focus on their reciprocal learning and expanding the concept of Scaffolding.
A Prolonged Outbreak of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Did Staff Fingernails Play a Role in Disease Transmission?

Abstract Objectives: To describe an outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bloodstream infection (BSD and endotracheal tube (ETT) colonization in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), determine risk factors for infection, and make preventive recommendations. Design: A 15-month cohort study followed by a case-control study with an environmental survey and molecular typing of available isolates using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Setting and Patients: Neonates in the NICU of a university-affiliated children's hospital. Interventions: Improved hand washing and restriction of use of long or artificial fingernails. Results: Of 439 neonates admitted during the study period, 46 (10.5%) acquired P aeruginosa; 16 (35%) of those died. Fifteen (75%) of 20 patients for whom isolates were genotyped had genotype A and 3 (15%) had genotype B. Of 104 healthcare workers (HCWs) from whom hand cultures were obtained, P aeruginosa was isolated from three nurses. Cultures from nurses A-1 and A-2 grew genotype A and cultures from nurse B grew genotype B. Nurse A-1 had long natural fingernails, nurse B had long artificial fingernails, and nurse A-2 had short natural fingernails. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, exposure to nurse A-l and exposure to nurse B were each independently associated with acquiring a BSI or ETT colonization with P aeruginosa, but other variables, including exposure to nurse A-2, were not. Conclusion: Epidemiological evidence demonstrated an association between acquiring P aeruginosa and exposure to two nurses. Genetic and environmental evidence supported that association and suggested, but did not prove, a possible role for long or artificial fingernails in the colonization of HCWs' hands with P aeruginosa. Requiring short natural fingernails in NICUs is a reasonable policy that might reduce the incidence of hospital-acquired infections.
Epithelial Integrins with Special Reference to Oral Epithelia

Adhesion of epithelium to the extracellular matrix is crucial for the maintenance of systemic and oral health. In the oral cavity, teeth or artificial dental implants penetrate the soft tissue of the gingiva. In this interface, gingival soft tissue needs to be well attached via the epithelial seal to the tooth or implant surface to maintain health. After injury or wounding, epithelial tissue rapidly migrates to form the initial epithelial cover to restore the barrier against infection. These events are crucially dependent on deposition of extracellular matrix and proper activation and function of integrin receptors in the epithelial cells. Recent experimental evidence suggests that epithelial integrins also participate in the regulation of periodontal inflammation. In this review, we will discuss the structure and function of epithelial integrins and their extracellular ligands and elaborate on their potential role in disease and repair processes in the oral cavity.
Impact of Cyber Atmospherics on Buyers of Different E-retailing Sites: Literature Review and Conceptual Model Proposal

The boom in internet usage coupled with development of required infrastructure and use of different net devices have brought a sea change in the world of retail. Today’s net savvy customers are ready both technologically and mentally to take full advantage of these changes. Different categories right from apparel to gifts, accessories, even groceries are now getting sold through the online channel. In order to provide a great shopping experience to the customers e-retailers have taken the path of creating a superb online atmospherics so as to retain the loyalty of customers. Researchers have divided online or cyber atmospherics into six variables. Now the time has come for people both in academics and e-retail industry to gauge the impact of cyber atmospherics on consumers and how it impacts consumer contentment, consumer reliance and consumer adhesion. With the main objective of studying the complicated relationship between elements of cyber atmospherics, consumer behavior and response in terms of contentment, reliance and adhesion this study will propose an integrative Cyber Atmospherics – Contentment – Reliance - Adhesion model by putting emphasis on extensive review of literature. The paper has delved extensively into literature to get all of the constructs of the model and validate them. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015. v6n6p260
Metabolic and Ventilatory Acclimatization to Cold Stress in House Sparrows (Passer domesticus)

Passerines that overwinter in temperate climates undergo seasonal acclimatization that is characterized by metabolic adjustments that may include increased basal metabolic rate (BMR) and cold‐induced summit metabolism (Msum) in winter relative to summer. Metabolic changes must be supported by equivalent changes in oxygen transport. While much is known about the morphology of the avian respiratory system, little is known about respiratory function under extreme cold stress. We examined seasonal variation in BMR, Msum, and ventilation in seasonally acclimatized house sparrows from Wisconsin. BMR and Msum increased significantly in winter compared with summer. In winter, BMR increased 64%, and Msum increased 29% over summer values. The 64% increase in winter BMR is the highest recorded for birds. Metabolic expansibility (Msum/BMR) was 9.0 in summer and 6.9 in winter birds. The metabolic expansibility of 9.0 in summer is the highest yet recorded for birds. Ventilatory accommodation under helox cold stress was due to changes in breathing frequency (f), tidal volume, and oxygen extraction efficiency in both seasons. However, the only significant difference between summer and winter ventilation measures in helox cold stress was f. Mean f in helox cold stress for winter birds was 1.23 times summer values.
An agent based particle swarm optimization for PAPR reduction of OFDM systems

Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is usually regarded as a spectral efficient multicarrier modulation technique, yet it suffers from a high peak to average power ratio (PAPR) problem. Partial transmit sequences (PTS) is one of the most well-known schemes to reduce the PAPR in OFDM systems. However, the conventional PTS scheme requires an exhaustive searching over all combinations of allowed phase factors. Consequently, the computational complexity increases exponentially with the number of the sub-blocks. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is a recently proposed approach to solve the optimization problem of finding the phase factors of the PTS. In this paper, we propose an agent based particle swarm optimization for reducing computational complexity of the original PSO (OPSO) technique. Simulation results show that the agent based PSO (APSO) compare to the original PSO can effectively reduce the computational complexity of finding phase factors of the PTS.
Improving sustainability of road infrastructure projects by procurement

The Dutch government has declared the ambition to use its market power to stimulate sustainable development. The strategy set up to reach this goal, however, lacks support of governmental employees and does not significantly influence the market. In this study, we analyse the necessities to improve the current strategy as well as measures to do so. Hereby, we focus on procurement of road infrastructure projects, which have the most room for improvement. We are proposing a framework that supports sustainable development of road infrastructure via sustainable procurement by the government. This framework should be applied by the Dutch government to improve the current strategy.
Programming Abstractions for Dynamically Partitioning and Coordinating Localized Scientific Calculations Running on Multiprocessors

Certain software abstractions help to automate load balancing during various math-physics calculations on a team of concurrently executing processors. These abstractions have been tested on a vortex method for computational fluid dynamics. Experiments exhibited good parallel speedups of 24 and 3.6,respectively, on 32 processors of the Intel iPSC-1—a message-passing hypercube architecture—and on 4 processors of a Cray X-MP—a shared-memory vector architecture. The abstractions should apply to diverse applications, including finite difference methods, and to diverse architectures without requiring that the application be reprogrammed extensively for each new architecture.