Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An evaluation of conventional and subirrigated planters for urban agriculture: Supporting evidence

Abstract Although interest in integrating agriculture into the urban landscape in the USA is increasing rapidly, there is a shortage of guidance for agricultural production in this context as well as a unique set of significant biophysical constraints. A common constraint is not being able to grow directly in the soil, making raised-bed gardening a necessity. Subirrigated planters (SIPs) are a style of raised bed with a subsoil reservoir that provides aeration and allows growers to irrigate below the soil where water is pulled up via capillary action. This bed design has vocal advocates; anecdotally, growers find them to be high yielding, water efficient and easier to maintain than standard raised beds. Given their apparent promise, there is interest in promoting SIPs and in utilizing them in larger-scale urban gardening operations but no rigorous tests compare these beds relative to standard raised beds. At one location and for one season, we compared yields for three crops: cayenne pepper (Capsicum annuum), sungold cherry tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) and lacinato kale (Brassica oleracea), crop quality and labor input for two styles of SIPs, as well as a sack garden, a variation of a SIP that does not require lightweight soil, with two conventional raised beds (one with a compost and topsoil mix and one with the soilless growing medium ideal for container gardening). Results from our first year of data indicate that both the SIP beds and the conventional beds with the soilless growing medium were more productive overall than conventional raised beds with topsoil and compost (P<0.01). Tomato production in the SIP without the root barrier was greater than both the conventional bed with the compost and topsoil mix (P<0.01) and the conventional bed with the soilless growing medium (P<0.05). The majority of the higher-cost beds had a positive revenue stream in the first summer season; given these results, investing in SIPs or in soil appropriate for raised beds appears to be worth the higher initial cost.
The capital structure of Chinese listed firms: is manufacturing industry special?

Purpose - – The purpose of this paper is to examine whether or not industry membership can explain the leverage of Shanghai listed firms prior to the 2007 financial crisis. In view of the central role that manufacturing industry played in China's rise as a global economic power, the authors are particularly interested in whether or not manufacturing is a special case. Design/methodology/approach - – The paper undertakes a comparative study of leverage differences between manufacturing and non-manufacturing industry firms on both a cross-section and time-series basis. This is supplemented by a pooled regression analysis that models the factors determining leverage on an industry-by-industry basis. Findings - – The authors find that leverage levels differ across industries because of industry-based differences in financial characteristics. It is also found that, despite playing a leading role in China's economic development, there is no evidence to suggest that manufacturing is a special case. Across all sectors borrowing-power-related variables were identified as being important determinants of leverage and, contrary to the expectations, factors relating to profitability were largely insignificant. Research limitations/implications - – The trade off and pecking order capital structure theories found to be commonly applicable to firms in the western business environment do not appear to adequately explain capital structure in China. Originality/value - – The paper identify evidence to suggest that China needs to be treated as a “special case” in the context of capital structure theory due to the unique cultural and business environment.
Succession Planning and Its Impact on the Performance of Small Micro Medium Enterprises within the Manufacturing Sector in Johannesburg

Succession planning is a major problem within Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs). The literature shows that although most of these entities are run by their founders or by a small management team and very few such operators have in place proper succession planning. The lack of proper succession planning can have the direct effect of causing the collapse of these businesses especially when key players leave the business upon retirement or in pursuit of other options. The exit or exodus of key stakeholders can make a business vulnerable and diminish its worth as investors will not invest in a business that is not sustainable. Succession planning was identified as one of the most pressing issue for SMME’s within the corporate governance sphere. This was therefore investigated by means of survey that was done in order to take up this study. The intent was to ascertain what the current status is within the manufacturing sector in the Johannesburg region. A combination of qualitative and quantitative methodology was applied to get responses from 15 companies out of a total of 30.The study found that there was a gap between perceived and actual status of succession planning in the SMMEs studied and there is major room for improvement in this area. Further these SMMEs did not put plans in place to groom, train and develop top managers. The study found that there was no preference to recruiting from outside versus developing inside talent in preparation for succession planning. The findings also suggest that most stakeholders agreed that good succession planning can add value to SMME’s and they become more sustainable. It is evident from this study that the manufacturing sector has not changed from those recorded in earlier studies. The conclusion from this study served as a wakeup call to the SMMEs which took part.
Meanings of home for older home owners

Abstract The meaning of home has been the subject of much recent debate. The paper explores this debate and uses empirical data from New Zealand to demonstrate that the meaning of home reflects specific sets of historical and social circumstances and is multi‐dimensional. Key features include home as a cultural value, the investment potential of home and the impacts of gender on the meanings attached to home and home life. The paper explores the meanings of home amongst a group of older New Zealanders interviewed towards the end of 1993 and in early 1994, a time of considerable upheaval within state policy with respect to the elderly. For this group ‘home’ was synonymous with home ownership and reflected deeply held concerns with respect to security, family and continuity. These same concerns it is argued gave rise to the specific pattern of housing tenure, predominantly owner occupation, that developed within New Zealand. Out of these concerns for security and family continuity comes a focus upon bequeat.
Towards sustainable economic practices, flows and spaces: or is the necessary impossible and the impossible necessary?

This paper focuses upon the sustainability of the economy in relation to nature and natural ecosystems. There are two main aspects to this relationship: consumption of natural resources; and generation of pollution and wastes because of economic practices of production, exchange and consumption. The paper addresses the extent to which both consumption of natural resources and production of pollution and wastes can be reduced and the economy and its constituent practices and spaces be made more sustainable, recognizing that sustainability involves cultural, political-economic and social dimensions as well as the impact of human activity on nature. A close and critical reading of the literatures on industrial ecology, industrial metabolism and natural capitalism provides an entry point into these issues. These literatures help identify the 'natural limits' to economic practices but are themselves limited in their approach to issues of sustainability. The paper explores these latter limits and their implications. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Exchange rate volatility and export growth in Nigeria

This article examines the impact of exchange rate volatility on Nigeria's exports to its most important trading-partner–the United States over the quarterly period January 1980 to April 2001. Using cointegration and vector error correction (VECM) framework, empirical tests indicate the presence of a unique cointegrating vector linking real exports, real foreign income, relative export prices and real exchange rate volatility in the long run. Furthermore, the results show that increases in the volatility of the real exchange rate raise uncertainty about profits to be made which exert significant negative effects on exports both in the short- and long-run. Our results also show that improvements in the terms of trade (represented by declines in the real exchange rate) and real foreign income exert positive effects on export activity. Most importantly, we found that the trade liberalization and economic reform policies implemented in the post-1986 structural adjustment period contributed to Nigeria's export performance. Overall, our findings suggest that Nigeria's exporting activities can be further boosted by policies aimed at achieving and maintaining a stable competitive real exchange rate.
Scoreboards of research excellence

A critical discussion is presented of what could be understood as research excellence, and how to deal with fundamental issues and methodological challenges in operationalizing and evaluating this complex, multi-faceted notion in terms of measurable attributes at organizational levels. This paper argues for a systemic and interactive approach, combining multiple perspectives and stakeholders, while incorporating a wide range of information sources and quantitative indicators within the analytical framework of a ‘score-board’. Context-specific and customized score-boards show promise as a structuring tool in informed debate, indicator selection, comparative analysis and benchmarking studies of research excellence. Guidelines and recommendations are illustrated by way of a fictitious scoreboard with recent empirical data for economics research at the universities in the Netherlands. Copyright , Beech Tree Publishing.
MULTI-PRODUCT COST ATTRIBUTES: A STUDY OF U.K. BUILDING SOCIETIES

A translog multiproduct cost function is estimated jointly with a derived input cost share equation to obtain estimates of overall economies of scale and "augmented" overall economies of scale for the U.K. building society industry. The augmented measure takes into account induced changes in the number of building society branch offices as the outputs vary. The parameter estimates are then used to compute the derivatives of the marginal costs of each product to test for product-specific economies of scale and economies of scope. Copyright 1990 by Royal Economic Society.
Variable Strength of Translational Selection Among 12 Drosophila Species

Codon usage bias in Drosophila melanogaster genes has been attributed to negative selection of those codons whose cellular tRNA abundance restricts rates of mRNA translation. Previous studies, which involved limited numbers of genes, can now be compared against analyses of the entire gene complements of 12 Drosophila species whose genome sequences have become available. Using large numbers (6138) of orthologs represented in all 12 species, we establish that the codon preferences of more closely related species are better correlated. Differences between codon usage biases are attributed, in part, to changes in mutational biases. These biases are apparent from the strong correlation (r = 0.92, P < 0.001) among these genomes' intronic G + C contents and exonic G + C contents at degenerate third codon positions. To perform a cross-species comparison of selection on codon usage, while accounting for changes in mutational biases, we calibrated each genome in turn using the codon usage bias indices of highly expressed ribosomal protein genes. The strength of translational selection was predicted to have varied between species largely according to their phylogeny, with the D. melanogaster group species exhibiting the strongest degree of selection.
Functional Results and Outcomes After Repair of Proximal Hamstring Avulsions

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess postsurgical outcomes in active patients after primary repair of acute and chronic proximal hamstring tears. Hypothesis: Surgical treatment of both acute and chronic proximal hamstring avulsion injuries would result in improved patient outcomes using validated outcome scores and a hamstring-specific questionnaire, and operative repair of these injuries results in excellent outcomes with a high level of patient satisfaction, pain relief, and return to function. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Fifty-two patients who underwent proximal hamstring repair (26 male and 26 female; average age, 47.7 years) completed the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), a custom LEFS, the Marx Activity Scale, a custom Marx scale, a proximal hamstring score (which combines the sum of the custom LEFS and Marx), and a proximal hamstring questionnaire with subjective questions. Forty patients were characterized as having acute repairs, and 12 patients had chronic repairs. All patients underwent surgical repair with 5 suture anchors on the ischial tuberosity through a transverse incision. The rehabilitation protocol was also similar with the use of a hip orthosis for 6 to 8 weeks, allowing progressive weightbearing and range of motion. Results: The mean follow-up in our study was 33 months (range, 12-76 months). The mechanism of injury in 28 patients was eccentric hip flexion and knee extension in the ipsilateral knee typically caused by a slip and fall accident. One patient’s injury was caused by trauma to the proximal hamstring. In 23 patients, hamstring injuries were sports related. Overall, 51 (98%) were satisfied with their outcome after surgery. The LEFS, Marx, custom LEFS, custom Marx, and proximal hamstring scores for patients with acute injuries were 76.2, 10.0, 71.4, 20, and 91.7, respectively. For those with chronic injury, the scores were 71.5, 10.4, 70.8, 18.7, and 89.8, respectively. The scores were not statistically different for LEFS, Marx, custom LEFS, and proximal hamstring scores (P = .22, P = .6, P = .72, and P = .6, respectively). Patients with acute injury did have a greater custom Marx score (P = .001). Postoperatively, 5 patients (9.6%) had burning pain or numbness in the posterior thigh or foot, and 25 (48%) had at least some discomfort sitting. Thirty-five patients (67%) reported they could participate in strenuous activities at their latest follow-up. All patients estimated their strength recovery at ≥75%. Conclusion: Results of this study indicate successful outcomes for both acute and chronic repairs, although patients with the acute repairs had higher functional and hamstring scores, and estimated hamstring strength.
Glacial refugia in a maritime temperate climate: Cicada (Kikihia subalpina) mtDNA phylogeography in New Zealand

Understanding the biological significance of Pleistocene glaciations requires knowledge of the nature and extent of habitat refugia during glacial maxima. An opportunity to examine evidence of glacial forest refugia in a maritime, Southern Hemisphere setting is found in New Zealand, where the extent of Pleistocene forests remains controversial. We used the mitochondrial phylogeography of a forest‐edge cicada (Kikihia subalpina) to test the hypothesis that populations of this species survived throughout South Island during the Last Glacial Maximum. We also compared mitochondrial DNA phylogeographic patterns with male song patterns that suggest allopatric divergence across Cook Strait. Cytochrome oxidase I and II sequences were analyzed using network analysis, maximum‐likelihood phylogenetic estimation, Bayesian dating and Bayesian skyline plots. K. subalpina haplotypes from North Island and South Island form monophyletic clades that are concordant with song patterns. Song divergence corresponds to approximately 2% genetic divergence, and Bayesian dating suggests that the North Island and South Island population‐lineages became isolated around 761 000 years bp. Almost all South Island genetic variation is found in the north of the island, consistent with refugia in Marlborough Sounds, central Nelson and northwest Nelson. All central and southern South Island and Stewart Island haplotypes are extremely similar to northern South Island haplotypes, a ‘northern richness/southern purity’ pattern that mirrors genetic patterns observed in many Northern Hemisphere taxa. Proposed southern South Island forest habitat fragments may have been too small to sustain populations of K. subalpina, and/or they may have harboured ecological communities with no modern‐day analogues.
The AMPK/SNF1/SnRK1 fuel gauge and energy regulator: structure, function and regulation

All life forms on earth require a continuous input and monitoring of carbon and energy supplies. The AMP‐activated kinase (AMPK)/sucrose nonfermenting1 (SNF1)/Snf1‐related kinase1 (SnRK1) protein kinases are evolutionarily conserved metabolic sensors found in all eukaryotic organisms from simple unicellular fungi (yeast SNF1) to animals (AMPK) and plants (SnRK1). Activated by starvation and energy‐depleting stress conditions, they enable energy homeostasis and survival by up‐regulating energy‐conserving and energy‐producing catabolic processes, and by limiting energy‐consuming anabolic metabolism. In addition, they control normal growth and development as well as metabolic homeostasis at the organismal level. As such, the AMPK/SNF1/SnRK1 kinases act in concert with other central signaling components to control carbohydrate uptake and metabolism, fatty acid and lipid biosynthesis and the storage of carbon energy reserves. Moreover, they have a tremendous impact on developmental processes that are triggered by environmental changes such as nutrient depletion or stress. Although intensive research by many groups has partly unveiled the factors that regulate AMPK/SNF1/SnRK1 kinase activity as well as the pathways and substrates they control, several fundamental issues still await to be clarified. In this review, we will highlight these issues and focus on the structure, function and regulation of the AMPK/SNF1/SnRK1 kinases.
The role of corporate governance in R&D intensity of US‐based international firms

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study the influence of corporate governance and internationalization on research and development (R&D) investments in US‐based international firms.Design/methodology/approach – The paper draws from agency theory to examine the influence of corporate governance mechanisms and internationalization on R&D intensity by the use of longitudinal data from 1991, 1994, 1997, and 2000 in a sample of large, manufacturing US firms with international operations.Findings – The paper finds that CEO total compensation is positively associated with R&D intensity, whereas equity voting power, insider ownership, and duality are negatively associated.Research limitations/implications – The findings regarding insider ownership confirms agency theory, in that agents will tend to make decisions to maximize their own utility and thus would be expected to reject R&D investments. In terms of duality, the augmented discretion that CEOs assume when they also hold the chairmanship position ma.
Increased Bone Formation Using Calcium Sulfate-Calcium Phosphate Composite Graft

Calcium phosphates (CaPO4) and faster-resorbing calcium sulfate (CaSO4) are successfully employed as synthetic bone grafts for treatment of contained defects. We used a canine critical-sized bone defect model to study an injectable CaSO4/CaPO4 composite graft that incorporated a matrix of CaSO4 and dicalcium phosphate dihydrate into which β-tricalcium phosphate granules were distributed. The area fraction, ultimate compressive stress, and elastic modulus of restored bone and the relative rates of material resorption were compared between the CaSO4/CaPO4 composite graft and pure CaSO4 pellets and to normal canine bone. The area fraction of bone in stained sections and the ultimate compressive stress of the regenerated bone were greater using the CaSO4/CaPO4 composite graft compared to pure CaSO4 pellets after 13 and 26 weeks and were greater than normal bone. The elastic modulus of restored bone in defects treated with CaSO4/CaPO4 composite graft was greater than in defects treated with CaSO4 pellets after 26 weeks, but similar to specimens of normal bone. A small amount of CaSO4/CaPO4 composite graft and no CaSO4 pellets remained after 13 or 26 weeks. This novel CaSO4/CaPO4 composite holds promise for clinical applications where a strong, injectable, slower-resorbing, and biocompatible bone graft substitute would be advantageous.
The State of HRM in Australia: Progress and Prospects

During the last 20 years organisations in Australia have been managing their people in a more competitive, global and deregulated environment. Although practitioners support the development and implementation of a human resource management approach, research indicates that the use of practices that are integrated with corporate strategy is uneven. Large organisations, particularly multinationals, are more likely to adopt this approach than are small and medium size firms. One of the rationales for adopting human resource management practices is that they improve organisational performance. However, it appears that HR practitioners are still regarded as operational managers, rather than as business partners. It is also difficult to generalise about the work done by HR specialists, with particular practices being emphasised in the public sector, and different ones in the private sector. The future of these specialists will be influenced by the way work, organisational structure and contractual relationships change.
DIGITAL GOVERNMENT, TRUST AND CYNICISM: AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF SOCIAL CAPITAL

By Eric Grulke, Ph.D. Washington State University December 2008 Chair: David C. Nice Digital government resources are being implemented in the United States (and the world) at an increasing pace. In Robert Putnam’s widely cited work, Bowling Alone, the Harvard Political Scientist who is housed in the Kennedy School of Government focuses considerable attention on television viewing as an inhibitor of social capital formation. Replacing human interactions with television watching is argued to reduce the amount of social capital that will arise within a community This doctoral dissertation investigates the question of whether participating in digital government activities and one’s satisfaction with digital government has a predictive effect on community-level social capital formation.
Temporal Distribution of Price Changes: Staggering in the Large and Synchronization in the Small

Temporal distribution of individual price changes is of crucial importance for business cycle theory and for the micro-foundations of price adjustment. While it is routinely assumed that price changes are staggered over time, both theory and evidence are ambiguous. We use a large Belgian data set to analyze whether price changes are staggered or synchronized. We find that the more aggregate the data, the closer the distribution to perfect staggering. This result holds for both aggregation across goods and across locations. Our results provide support for Bhaskar’s (2002) model of synchronized adjustment within, and staggered adjustment across, industries.