Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Do Cash Holdings Differ in Europe and Asia Pacific?

This paper identifies the determinants that contribute towards the variation in financial assets that make up a firm’s total cash reserves, specifically in two important regions of the world i.e. Asia Pacific and Europe. The findings of the research reveal that firms in the region of Asia Pacific have slightly higher cash holdings, as compared to firms in Europe. Moreover, the study also identifies that the elevated cash holdings in Asia Pacific are not a result of the agency problem, as is generally viewed, rather, the shareholder power hypothesis is a more appropriate measure to elucidate this elevation in the level of cash holdings in the region. When shedding light on to the firm specific cash holding determinants, the findings of the research reveal that leverage, dividend payment, profitability, growth and net working capital, cash flows and financial strength, influence cash reserves in both the regions, exactly in the same manner. This shows the application of transaction, and precautionary motives in both the regions. The study further identifies that size, and investments have a varying effect in both the regions that are taken into consideration. Again, this difference may be attributed to Shareholders’ Power Hypothesis, specifically for Asia Pacific and the Agency View, specifically for Europe. Shareholders’ Right Index influences cash reserves in Asia Pacific in a positive manner, while in Europe, the same index shows a negative influence. The development in the financial markets has a negative negatively influence on cash holdings in Asia Pacific, and a positive one in Europe.
Effect of Topical Aromatherapy Turmeric Oil to Pruritus Scale on Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

Introduction : A large number of patients with chronic kidney disease suffer from uremic pruritus, which adversely affects the quality of life and comfort of patients with a potential psychological, functional and social impact, which results in increased morbidity. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the administration of turmeric essential oil aromatherapy which was applied topically pruritus, comfort and quality of life of CKD patients. Methods : This study used a quasi-experimental design with 2 groups (intervention and control), conducted in CKD patients receiving hemodialysis therapy. A total sample of 72 respondents with the division of each group of 36 people. The intervention was carried out independently by the patient for 2 weeks. Measurement using 5-D pruritus scale questionnaire. Results : This study showed a decrease in pruritus scale in 51 respondents (70.8%) after 2 weeks of therapy. Independent t statistical test obtained a significance value of 0.046 (p <0.05). Conclusion : Topical aromatherapy of turmeric oil affects pruritus scale on patients with chronic kidney disease who experience uremic pruritus.
Monitoring, Risk Assessment and Management of Exotic Plants in South Korea

This study aims to introduce entire system of exotic invasive plants management in South Korea. This system includes risk assessment, monitoring, and management. In risk assessment, qualitative expert assessment has been used but this system will be changed into quantitative or semi-quantitative system soon because of subjective perspectives by reviewers. The monitoring on ecosystem disturbance plant species will be performed by National Ecology Institute level. The management of exotic invasive plants has been conducted mainly by physical method on local and regional level. 
Global cities, creative industries and their representation on social media: A micro-data analysis of Twitter data on the fashion industry

The creative and cultural industries form an important part of many urban economies, and the fashion industries are one of the exemplar creative industries. Because fashion is based on intangibles such as branding and reputation, it tends to have a two-way relationship with cities: urban areas market themselves through their fashion industry, while the fashion industry draws heavily on the representation of place. In this paper we investigate this interlinked relationship between the fashion industry and place in four of the major cities of global fashion – London, New York, Milan and Paris – using data from the social media platform Twitter. To do this, we draw upon a variety of computer-aided text analysis techniques – including cluster, correspondence and specificity analyses – to examine almost 100,000 tweets collected during the Spring–Summer fashion weeks of February and March 2018. We find considerable diversity in how these cities are represented. Milan and Paris are seen in terms of national fashion houses, artisanal production and traditional institutions such as galleries and exhibitions. New York is focused on media and entertainment, independent designers and a ‘buzzy’ social life. London is portrayed in the most diverse ways, with events, shopping, education, social movements, political issues and the royal family all prominent. In each case, the historical legacy and built environment form important parts of the city’s image. However, there is considerable diversity in representation. We argue that social media allow a more democratic view of the way cities are represented than other methodologies.
Antibacterial Activity of Silver Nanoparticles Capped by p-Aminobenzoic Acid on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus

This paper describes the antibacterial performance of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) which have been synthesized by using p-aminobenzoic acid as reducing and stabilizing agent simultaneously. The silver nitrate with various concentrations was reacted with pH 11-adjusted p-aminobenzoic acid with a concentration of 5 × 10–3 mol L–1 for 30 min in a boiling water bath. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized by UV-Vis spectrophotometry, Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), and Particle Size Analyzer (PSA). The antibacterial performance of the synthesized AgNPs was evaluated by agar well diffusion method on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The higher silver nitrate concentration, the bigger the nanoparticle size, the wider particle size distribution, and the higher number of AgNPs formed. AgNPs synthesized from higher silver nitrate concentration had higher antibacterial activity. It is an indication that the antibacterial activity of AgNPs is mainly controlled by the silver ion concentration which influences the AgNPs particle size and existence of silver ion in the AgNPs colloidal solution
Impact of wood preservative on the primary film formation in rubber wood

The adhesion of bacterial cells onto biocidal coating (boric acid) of rubber wood coupons in the marine environment upto 24 hours was investigated in the present study. Gram negative bacteria dominated both the untreated and treated wood of which Pseudomonas sp. was found to be the dominating species. The results showed that the biofilm formation was found to be reduced in treated wood when compared to untreated wood. It may be due to the leached components of the preservative boric acid in the treated wood.
Maxillary Sinus Floor Augmentation With or Without Barrier Membrane Coverage of the Lateral Window: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

ABSTRACT Objectives Test the hypothesis of no difference in implant treatment outcomes after maxillary sinus floor augmentation with or without barrier membrane coverage of the lateral window. Material and Methods A MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase and Cochrane library search in combination with a hand-search of relevant journals was conducted. Human studies published in English until the 5th of July, 2019 were included. Randomised controlled trials and controlled trials with an observation period of minimum six months were included. Primary outcomes included survival of suprastructures and implants. Secondary outcomes included implant stability quotient, peri-implant marginal bone loss, bone regeneration, patient-reported outcome measures, biologic and mechanical complications. Results The electronic search and hand-searching resulted in 1068 entries. Six randomised controlled trials characterised by low to high risk of bias and one controlled trial with high risk of bias fulfilled the inclusion criteria. High implant survival rate was reported with both treatment modalities. Meta-analyses disclosed a mean difference of newly formed bone of 6.4% (confidence interval = 0 to 12.9) and non-mineralised tissue of -1.1% (confidence interval = -2.7 to 0.5), indicating more newly formed bone and diminished non-mineralised with barrier membrane coverage. Conclusions There seem to be no statistically significant differences in implant treatment outcomes after maxillary sinus floor augmentation with or without barrier membrane coverage of the lateral window. However, barrier membrane coverage increases percentage of newly formed bone and diminishes proliferation of non-mineralised tissue. Thus, barrier membrane coverage seems to be beneficial and also preventing displacement of the grafting material.
Is Self-Fulfillment Essential for Romantic Love? The self-other tension in romantic love

Two major features of emotions are their personal, interested nature and the centrality of the self-other relation. There seems to be a built-in tension between the two: this is evident, for example, in negative emotions such as envy and hate, where one person has a significant negative attitude toward another. This tension is also obvious in positive emotions, such as schadenfreude, where an individual is pleased about the other’s misfortune. Such tension may even be greater in romantic love, where the lover should give special attention and status to the beloved. The tension gains further momentum when we assume that self-fulfillment is an essential feature of romantic relationships. Indeed, it seems that in many low-quality romantic relations, the tension between selffulfillment and the needs of the beloved is real and toxic. However, in enduring profound love, which involves the personal growth of each partner, self-fulfillment is not egoistic, and the tension drives mutual thriving.
Application of an In Vitro Psoriatic Skin Model to Study Cutaneous Metabolization of Tazarotene

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease characterized by the presence of whitish and scaly plaques, which can cover up to 90% of the body surface. These plaques result from the hyperproliferation and abnormal differentiation of keratinocytes. Dermopharmaceutical testing of new therapies is limited by healthy and pathological skin models, which are not closely enough mimicking their in vivo counterparts. In this study, we exploited percutaneous absorption and Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) analyses in order to determine the metabolic capacity of our psoriatic skin model. Skin substitutes were reconstructed according to the self-assembly method and tested regarding their percutaneous absorption of a topical formulation of tazarotene, followed by UPLC analyses. Histological and immunofluorescence analyses confirmed both the healthy and psoriatic phenotypes. Results from percutaneous absorption showed a significant level of tazarotene metabolite (tazarotenic acid) when the formulation was applied over 24 h on the skin substitutes. The presence of tazarotenic acid in the dermis and the epidermis of healthy and psoriatic skin substitutes confirms the metabolic capacity of both skin models, and thereby their ability to screen new molecules with antipsoriatic potential. In conclusion, the present data suggest that our psoriatic skin model could possibly be used in clinic to screen in vitro responses of patient to a panel of drugs without having them experiencing the drawback of each drug.
The role of national trade logistics in the export trade of African countries

Background: This article critically examines the role of trade logistics in the exports of African countries. The performance of the trade logistics of African countries was analysed using the World Bank logistics performance index (LPI) and its components. The study was conducted based on the performance statistics of countries around the world in 2016. Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify African countries’ inefficient trade logistics areas based on LPI components for future improvement; and to investigate the relevance of trade logistics performance of African countries on export values in order to boost the region’s merchandise export share in the global market. Method: The methodological approach employed in this study is a combination of both descriptive and inferential data analysis. The African countries’ logistics performance in international trade was summarised using LPI median values. The effect of the performance of trade logistics on exports was explored based on a gravity model of international trade. For the estimation, the Heckman selection approach was applied to incorporate zero bilateral trades. Results: On average, African countries experience the lowest LPI score, particularly in terms of quality of trade and transport-related infrastructure, and customs and border clearance. A successful improvement in these areas would enhance African countries’ supply chain deliveries including on-time delivery, tracking and tracing and international shipments in cross-border transactions. Conclusion: The evidence from the gravity model estimates of this study suggests that an improvement in any of the LPI components can lead to significant growth in the export of African countries. This could then increase the African merchandise export share in global trade. The gravity model results also show that landlocked countries have lower trade flows than their coastal neighbours.
In the Beginning … Creation

The creative activities involved all members of the Godhead. A possible delineation of theirroles was investigated. Further, a rationale for creation was sought given knowledge that theprogenitors of the race would betray their trust.The historical-grammatical approach was used in textual understanding. The Genesis accountwas compared with parallel passages and this was combined with variants in word meaningsand was contrasted with the message conveyed by other passages. An understanding of God’scharacter and the defining features of His government were used to answer the secondresearch question.Accounts given by the apostle John and those recorded at Jesus’ baptism and at the preadvent judgment described by Daniel suggests that at creation the Father spoke, the Soninitiated the creative acts, and the Spirit performed an organizational and activating role. Thecooperative activities of the members of the Godhead illustrate the reality of the operation oflove (agape type) from the beginning. Further analysis showed that the creation of this worldrepresented an expression and the triumph of love in the face of knowledge that humanswould fail in the trust given them. Love also explains how the foundational elements ofGod’s character and government fit together—concepts of righteousness, justice, truth, mercyand faithfulness— and hence illustrates how human salvation (recreation) is possible.Creation is seen as a planned event dashing the claims of evolution that existence precededessence. The existence of a widespread sense of right and wrong, of human sexuality, of theamazing analytical and creative capacity of the human mind speaks that essence precededexistence. This is confirmed by the day to day experiences of those who permit God toundertake the recreation of His character image in them. Further research on the questionsraised is merited.
Effects of credit limit on efficiency and welfare in a simple general equilibrium model

We consider a simple general equilibrium model with two agents under the presence of financial market imperfections: agents can borrow to realize their productive project up to the level of debt whose repayment reaches a fraction of the project's value (so-called credit limit). After characterizing the whole set of equilibria, we investigate the connection between credit limit, (individual and social) welfare, and efficiency. We also compute the optimal credit limit which maximizes the social welfare function.
The efficiency of an investing in investment funds in the context of a longevity

Abstract Aim/purpose – The aim of this paper is to evaluate the efficiency of an investing in investment funds with different risk levels in times of a future life expectancy increase. For this purpose, it was analysed how future prices of the investment funds’ entities behave, depending on the window function and the age of the investors, in particular people of retirement age, for whom an investment income may be a supplementary way of raising additional capital. Design/methodology/approach – Based on the historical data of the funds chosen from the different risk groups, a simulation of their price behaviour in the window function was carried out covering investor’s further life expectancy. Then, based on the result, the distribution of prices was analysed and the efficiency of investing in investment funds according to risk exposure was evaluated. Findings – According to the conducted analyses, the funds with the lowest efficiency were share funds. The best funds, in terms of efficiency, were bond and money funds. Research implications/limitations – The study was conducted on a limited number of funds, but this analysis can help take investment decisions. Originality/value/contribution – In this study, the investment in investment funds is treated as a long-term project which expires after 25-30 years, and therefore it may be problematic to use standard methods of evaluation for the purpose of this paper. As a result, the NPV (Net Present Value) method was applied as a measure of the investment’s efficiency. In the literature, this approach to the evaluation of investment funds is unique.
Influence of Strategic Networking on Business Performance; Evidence from Manufacturing SMEs Operating in a Predominantly Service Based Economy

Strategic networking represents firm's strategic posture to develop long-term and sustainable business relationships with the aim of focusing on core business activities and gaining additional benefits from profound coopetitional relations with various market players. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of strategic networking (SN) on the performance of Croatian manufacturing SMEs where unidimensional and multidimensional analysis has been performed. In order to reveal more comprehensive understanding of SN-performance relationship, financial as well as non-financial performance indicators were tested. Moreover, moderating influence of external environment was used to further explore SN-performance relationship. While unidimensional analysis exhibits positive effects of SN on business performance, only reputation as an antecedent of SN in multidimensional analysis confirms the existence of such a positive relationship. Thus, the overall results can be considered inconclusive as to the existence, strength, and direction of the effect of the observed variables.
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for symptomatic improvement of amphetamine-dependent patients after withdrawal

Objective: To investigate the effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on the symptoms of amphetamine-dependent patients after withdrawal. Method: 71 patients with amphetamine-dependent patients were randomly divided into study group and control group. The study group received system rTMS. Treatment, the control group received pseudo-stimulation treatment similar to rTMS, a total of 5 times. At baseline and after the first and fifth treatments, the visual analog scale (VAS) and the amphetamine withdrawal symptom assessment scale were used to assess the patient's psychological craving and symptoms after withdrawal. Results: After one magnetic stimulation treatment in the study group and the control group, the scores were lower than the baseline scores (p
An optimised in vitro protocol for mass production of Rhizophagus irregularis spores - for sustainable agriculture

The Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungus (AMF) plays a symbiotic vital role in most of the plant species by maintaining health, nutrient availability, against water stress, heavy metal resistance, against dreadful diseases with higher yields. To reach the requirement of AMF, large scale production practices can be required to produce specific strain aseptic inoculum. Carrot roots were selected for mass production of mycorrhizal spores among tomato, potato, sweet potato, soybean, amaranths and carrots through root organ culturing method. Aggregated roots were cultured and developed as root clumps for continuous sub-culturing. With slight modification of root organ culture method and split plate method, in containers shown significant increase in the extra radical spore count. Maximum Rhizophagus irregularis spore count was achieved with molecular weight (MW) medium among three different media MW medium, M medium and MSR medium. Almost 99204±1438.10 R. irregularis propagules were achieved with sugar free MW medium per container in 90 days of incubation in dark. M medium fortified with 1% sugars yields 16236±1186.70 intraradical and 39458±1098.00 extra radical spores were observed. To achieve continuous production of Mycorrhizal inoculum, transformed callus root clumps were infected with R. irregularis. This AMF inoculum developed in the sugar free medium is less contagious and highly productive during the process of harvesting, packing, transportation and preserved for longer duration without much contaminants. Key words: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus, Rhizophagus irregularis, root organ culture, endomycorrhizae.
THE SIGNIFICANT OF IL-2, IL-4 AND TNF-Α GENE PROMOTER POLYMORPHISM IN ASSOCIATION WITH SERUM LEVELS OF CORRESPONDING CYTOKINES IN BLADDER CANCER

Bladder cancer (BCa) is one of the most prominent causes of cancer-related death. It is a multifactorial disease caused by a complex interaction between environmental and genetic factors. Proand anti-inflammatory cytokine may have a significant role in this malignancy. Polymorphisms in the promoter region of some cytokine genes can influence the gene expression of these cytokines. This case-control study aimed to dissect the impact of three single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) in the promoter region of IL-2, IL-4 and TNF-α genes in the susceptibility to BCa among a sample of Iraqi patients. This study enrolled 58 patients with histopathologically confirmed BCa, and other 56 ageand sexmatched, family unrelated apparently healthy individuals as a control group. Blood samples as well as demographic and clinical characteristics were collected from each subject, and DNA was extracted from whole blood. Specific sets of primers were used for amplification of gene fragments corresponding to the target SNPs. The genotyping was performed through a direct sequencing. Serum level of IL-2, IL-4 and TNF-α were measured using enzyme linked immune-sorbent assay (ELISA). AG genotype of TNF-α-308 G>A polymorphism showed higher frequency in BCa patients than controls (34.48% vs. 21.43%) with a significant difference (OR=2.6, 95%=1.13-5.9, p= 0.022). Allele analysis of IL-4-590 C>T polymorphism revealed a significantly higher frequency of the mutant allele (allele T) in patients than controls (37.07% vs. 21.43%) (OR= 2.16,95%CI=1.029-4.532, p= 0.039). Median serum level of TNF-α was significantly higher in patients (72.7 pg/mL) than controls (47.3 pg/mL). 12.9-417.4 These data strongly suggest that the significant role of TNF-α-308 G>A and IL-4-590 C>T polymorphisms as a risk factor for Bladder cancer in Iraqi patients. Different variants in this site may influence the expression of the corresponding cytokine. These polymorphisms increase susceptibility to Bladder cancer by altering the immune response of an individual.