Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Studies in Malesian Gentianaceae I: Fagraea sensu lato8213;complex genus or several genera? A molecular phylogenetic study

Phylogenetic studies of Fagraea s.l. based on maximum parsimony and Bayesian analyses of gene sequences for the nuclear ITS region and a number of chloroplast regions (trnL intron, trnL-F spacer and two partial sequence regions of ndhF) were carried out. Separate experiments with an ingroup of 29 taxa of Fagraea s.l. (8 from section Cyrtophyllum, 16 from section Fagraea and 5 from section Racemosae; all new sequences) were made with individual gene-region and combined data sets; and with 43 taxa using only an ITS data set that included published gene sequences of other recently revised, well-established genera of the same tribe (Potalieae). Reasonably consistent clade composition was obtained with all analyses: two clades could be equated to sections Fagraea and Racemosae, another two (Elliptica and Gigantea clades) are different portions of the section Cyrtophyllum, and the solitary F. crenulata resolved basal to the Fagraea clade in the chloroplast gene analyses but was a distinct lineage in a polytomy with the Fagraea, Racemosa and Gigantea clades in the ITS analyses. The equivalence of these clades and the F. crenulata lineage to other monophyletic groups represented by established genera in the expanded-ITS analysis, as well as considerations of potential morphological synapomorphies for these individual entities, suggest that Fagraea s.l. is too morphologically and phylogenetically divergent to be considered a single genus.
Executive Insights: Real Differences between Local and International Brands: Strategic Implications for International Marketers

In the current context of globalization, firms have concentrated their efforts on the development of international brands. As a result, international brand portfolios have been restructured, and many successful local brands have been eliminated. This article's objective is to improve the understanding of local brand differences and competitive advantages relative to international brands. To achieve this, the authors reanalyzed the Young & Rubicam database Brand Asset Valuator and examined more than 744 brands across the four largest countries in Europe: the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Italy. The authors discuss the managerial implications of the findings for international marketers as they develop their ideal international brand portfolios.
Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure and Firm Performance of Malaysian Public Listed Firms

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) disclosure has become a rising concern for the public listed firms worldwide due to its ability to enhance firm’s market performance and financial performance. The main objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between CSR disclosure and firm performance of Bursa Malaysia’s listed companies based on their market value added (MVA), return on equity (ROE) and return on assets (ROA). 324 samples of public listed companies’ annual report for the period of 2014 to 2016 were obtained from Bursa Malaysia and examined. The extent of their CSR disclosure were measured and analyzed. After accounting for control variables such as firm size, firm age, firm leverage and firm liquidity, the result shows that there is a positive significant relationship between CSR disclosure and firm performance in terms of ROA and ROE. This reveals that high level of CSR disclosure helps firms to achieve optimum performance through increased competitiveness, improved firm’s image amongst society, and creates new opportunities in the marketplace. The findings also showed mix results among the control variables towards firm performance. For future research, this paper recommends to extend the study by using different CSR disclosure measurement, different firm performance measurement such as return on investments (ROI) and Tobin’s Q and different samples.
Effect of CO and Mo Metal Addition in Co-mo / Zeolite Y Catalyst for Coal Tar Conversion to Liquid Fuel

Coal tar can be used as an alternative source for the production of conventional liquid fuels such as gasoline and diesel, through the process of hydrogenation/ hydrocracking. This research is aimed to investigate the effect of Co and Mo in Co-Mo / zeolite Y catalyst in liquid fuel production from coal tar. The catalyst was prepared via wet impregnation. The objectives of this research are to determine the effect of the addition Co and Mo metals on liquid fuel production process from coal tar, and to know the characteristics of the catalysts by impregnation method. This study began with the preparation of Co-Mo / zeolite Y catalyst, followed by the hydrocracking / hydrotreating reaction between coal tar with hydrogen gases. The independent variables (weight cobalt metals and molybdenum metals) were optimised to obtain the optimum liquid fuels yield. The characterisation results indicated that the increasing concentration of Co and Mo caused the decreasing in the surface area of the catalyst. The acidity of catalysts changed with loaded Co and Mo to zeolite Y. Results of SEM and XRD analysis showed that the morphology and crystal form of Co-Mo / zeolite Y unchanged with zeolite Y before impregnated with Co and Mo. Optimum liquid fuel yield (1.80 %) was obtained on a composition weight with Co metal of 0.59 g and Mo metal of 0.5 g.
Fully Automated Generation of Accurate Digital Surface Models with Sub-Meter Resolution from Satellite Imagery

Modern pixel-wise image matching algorithms like Semi-Global Matching (SGM) are able to compute high resolution digital surface models from airborne and spaceborne stereo imagery. Although image matching itself can be performed automatically, there are prerequisites, like high geometric accuracy, which are essential for ensuring the high quality of resulting surface models. Especially for line cameras, these prerequisites currently require laborious manual interaction using standard tools, which is a growing problem due to continually increasing demand for such surface models. The tedious work includes partly or fully manual selection of tie- and/or ground control points for ensuring the required accuracy of the relative orientation of images for stereo matching. It also includes masking of large water areas that seriously reduce the quality of the results. Furthermore, a good estimate of the depth range is required, since accurate estimates can seriously reduce the processing time for stereo matching. In this paper an approach is presented that allows performing all these steps fully automated. It includes very robust and precise tie point selection, enabling the accurate calculation of the images’ relative orientation via bundle adjustment. It is also shown how water masking and elevation range estimation can be performed automatically on the base of freely available SRTM data. Extensive tests with a large number of different satellite images from QuickBird and WorldView are presented as proof of the robustness and reliability of the proposed method.
Perspective taking in a criminal context : the effect of self-reflection & group membership of the offender on perspective taking

In this study the effects of self-reflection and the offender´s group membership on participant´s willingness to take the perspective of the offender were investigated. Furthermore, it was examined to what extent participants´ motivation to control prejudiced reactions towards an out-group member influenced their willingness to take the offender´s perspective. It was expected that the degree of perspective taking would be higher for the out-group offender than for the in-group offender when reflecting on own criminal deeds. In contrast, the degree of perspective taking should be higher for the in-group offender when reflecting on own good deeds. The current study uses a 2 (self-reflection: ‘criminal deeds’ vs. ‘good deeds’) x 2 (‘in-group’ vs. ‘out-group’) between-subjects design. This study is a replication of Brouwer´s study (2014) with an additional implicit measure to enable a comparison in explicitly (survey) and implicitly measured willingness (essay) to take the perspective of an offender. Little support was found for the hypotheses, mainly because of the unexpected effect of the order in which participants of filling in the survey first and then the essay or vice versa. Hence, implications for further research are provided in the limitation and implication section of the study.
Olivier Godechot, Working rich. Salaires, bonus et appropriation du profit dans l'industrie financière

Dans son dernier ouvrage, Olivier Godechot continue l'etude des milieux financiers amorcee avec Les Traders (La decouverte, 2004). Alors qu'il s'agissait dans ce premier ouvrage de decrire le travail et son organisation dans la finance, Working Rich s'inscrit dans le cadre d'une sociologie d'un mecanisme, plus que d'un univers dans sa totalite. L'epistemologie de l'ouvrage se rapproche de celle des economistes, auxquels il est regulierement fait reference (Williamson notament). L'auteur part .
Arenas, Arena Architecture and the Impact on Location Desirability: The Case of `Olympic Arenas' in Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin

This paper investigates impacts of three multifunctional sports arenas situated in Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg, Germany, employing highly disaggregated data on land values. The three arenas, their architecture and location within the city were explicitly designed to contribute to revitalisation of their economically deprived neighbourhoods. A difference-in-differences approach is employed to check for structural breaks in development of land values within areas of potential impact. The results suggest that arenas emanate positive externalities that improve location desirability in their neighbourhoods. However, evidence also supports concerns that the negative external effects of arenas may adversely affect neighbourhoods, when not addressed appropriately during planning.
Changes in Scomberotoxin (Histamine) and Volatile Amine (TVB-N) Formation in Longtail Tuna (Thunnus tonggol) Stored at Different Temperatures

Changes in histamine and volatile amine (TVB-N) formation was studied in longtail tuna (Thunnus tonggol) captured in the Sea of Oman and stored at different temperatures. Based on sensory analysis, longtail tuna maintained shelf life for 1, 4, 15 and 300 days at 0, 8, 25 and -18 o C, respectively. Histamine and TVB-N increased with time, but the rate of change varied with storage temperature. Histamine formation was suppressed significantly at lower than the FDA limit of 5 mg/100 g at 0 and -18 o C but not at 8 or 25 o C. TVB-N did not reflect the quality index at 0 or 8 o C even though the samples were rejected by sensory evaluation. No correlation was observed between histamine and TVB-N values except at 25 o C and assessment of TVB-N was not sufficient for estimating the degree of histamine-related health hazard. Poor correlation was found between sensory score and pooled TVB-N value compared to histamine, and the correlation was closer at 8 and 25 o C than at the lower temperatures.
The Effect of Explicit Instruction of Clustering New Words on Vocabulary Learning of Iranian Intermediate EFL Learners through Hyperlinks

The effect of explicit instruction of clustering new thematic vocabulary items into two different categories through hyperlinks of PowerPoint was examined on vocabulary learning of 75 Iranian intermediate EFL learners. The sample was randomly assigned to three groups. Experimental group 1 received the meaning of new words in their First Language (L1) translation via PowerPoint, while experimental group 2 received the meanings in English definition in the same way; control group learned the meanings through a traditional method of instruction without employing any specific strategy. To measure the participants’ vocabulary learning, a pretest and a posttest were administered to all groups. The result of t-test indicated that such explicit strategy instruction enhanced vocabulary learning of the experimental groups. According to the results of One-Way ANOVA , although there was no significant difference between the experimental groups, a significant difference was observed between the experimental groups and the control group in vocabulary learning.
New light from hybrid inorganic–organic emitters

We present the highlights of a research programme on hybrid inorganic–organic light emitters. These devices combine recent developments in III–V nitride technology (including UV emitting micro-arrays and specifically tailored quantum wells) with conjugated polymers to access the entire visible spectrum. Two types of devices are studied, those based on down conversion of the quantum well emission by radiative transfer and those based on non-radiative resonant energy transfer. The spectral and operating characteristics of the devices are described in detail. Selectable colour micro-arrays and bar emitters are demonstrated. The nature of the non-radiative energy transfer process has also been studied and we find transfer efficiencies of up to 43% at 15 K, with a 1/R2 dependence on the distance between quantum well and polymer layer, suggesting a plane–plane interaction. The relative importance of the non-radiative resonant energy transfer process increases with temperature to be up to 20 times more efficient, at 300 K, than the radiative transfer process.
BROOD SURVIVAL AND RECRUITMENT OF MALLARDS IN RELATION TO WETLAND DENSITY AND HATCHING DATE

Reproductive success in birds often is measured in terms of the proportion of nests that hatch or fledge young. We assessed survival of 35 Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) broods near Yorkton in east-central Saskatchewan, Canada, from 1990 to 1993. Brood sur- vival was higher for offspring that hatched early in the breeding season in three of four years when wetland abundance declined over the summer. Seasonal patterns of wetland abun- dance were reversed in 1993, and early hatching broods suffered higher mortality. A more accurate measure of reproductive success is the number of young that survive to breed, i.e. recruitment. Ducklings were tagged at Yorkton and on the St. Denis National Wildlife Area (1985 to 1995), enabling us to identify individuals that returned to breed in subsequent years. Female recruits were more likely to originate from early hatched nests at both sites. With respect to recruitment, we also tested for an additional advantage of hatching early, over and above that associated with duckling survival. There was no statistical difference in the seasonal distribution of nests producing recruits compared with broods that successfully fledged at least one young. Thus, the selective advantage to nesting early for Mallards likely is driven by a seasonal decline in duckling survival, which in turn may be associated with decreasing wetland density. Received 3 September 1996, accepted 6 August 1997. TIMING OF BREEDING is considered an adap- tive trait that evolved to maximize reproduc- tive output (Lack 1968). Survival of offspring born later in the breeding season often is lower than that of young born earlier in the season (e.g. mammals, Iason 1989, Virgl and Messier 1997; fish, Schultz 1993). Similarly, among birds, young that hatch early in the breeding season have higher survival to independence than young that hatch late in the season (e.g. Perrins 1965, Murton and Westwood 1977, Dow
Influence of Moisture Absorption and their Effect on the Physho-Mechanical Properties of Coir-Luffa Fibre Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composites

Mechanical properties of fiber reinforced polymeric materials are significantly more essential under the various environmental condition due to higher aging resistance and durability. Composite specimens containing luffa mate, short coir fiber with different fiber length and content were developed by simple hand lay-up method. Water retention test was conducted by the submersing specimen in distilled water for a variable time period till they achieve their saturation state. The specimen was soaked in normal water for 10 days before testing to decide the impact of water absorption on the mechanical properties. The specimen was tested for reference without water immersion. The hardness, voids, tensile strength, flexural strength and impact strength behavior of water immersed specimen were conducted and compared with that of without water immersion specimens as per ASTM standard. A considerable loss in the physical and mechanical properties of coir-luffa fiber composites is observed after water absorption. Moisture absorption leads to the degradation of fiber-matrix interface region creating poor stress transfer efficiencies resulting in the reduction of mechanical and dimensional properties.
Evaluation of Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)Supplementation on Equine Body Composition

Fatty acids, like omega-3s, are often supplemented to horses to increase the caloric density of a diet and to replace soluble carbohydrates. Palatability limitations of omega-3s have led to an interest in alternative sources like Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) that exert health effects similar to omega-3s. However, the effect of CLA on equine body composition has not been established. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of dietary CLA supplementation on equine body composition. Nine stock-type horses were stratified by age, body weight, and sex, and randomly assigned to one of two dietary treatments for a 12-wk study. Diets were formulated to be isocaloric and isonitrogenous and consisted of 0.015% BW/d (AF) of CLA (n=5) or soybean oil (n=4; control) that was top-dressed and mixed immediately prior to feeding. Performance measurements were collected weekly; rump fat thickness, Ribeye area, and intramuscular fat were measured on days 0,42, and 84 by a certified technician. The MIXED procedure in SAS was used with repeated measures to detect differences in measurements. There were no differences in performance characteristics or body fat content between treatment groups (P > 0.05). To account for initial differences between treatments (P < 0.05), ribeye area between the 17 th and 18 th ribs (REA17) was analyzed with day 0 as a covariate. Mean REA17 tended (P < 0.10) to be higher in CLA supplemented horses than controls. Results suggest that CLA does not affect equine body composition, but further study is necessary to elucidate potential benefits of CLA in the horse.
Ultrafast Optical Switching using PT-Symmetric Bragg Gratings

This paper reports on time-domain modeling of an optical switch based on the PT-Symmetric Bragg grating. The switching response is triggered by suddenly switching on the gain in the Bragg grating to create a PT-Symmetric Bragg grating. Transient and dynamic behavior of the PT Bragg gratings is analyzed using the time-domain numerical Transmission Line Modeling (TLM) method including a simple gain saturation model. The on/off ratio and the switching time of the PT-Bragg grating optical switch are analyzed in terms of the level of gain introduced in the system and the operating frequency. The paper also discusses the effect the gain saturation has on the operation of the PT-Symmetric Bragg gratings. OCIS codes: 230.0230, 190.0190.
Same Neighbourhood … Different Views? A Confrontation of Internal and External Neighbourhood Reputations

Residents and non-residents are likely to think differently about a neighbourhood's reputation. Relatively little is known about the similarities and differences between these internal and external types of neighbourhood reputation or the relationship between reputations and ‘real’ or ‘objective’ neighbourhood characteristics. This paper addresses two points: first, the extent to which neighbourhood reputations differ between and within groups; second, the extent to which these neighbourhood reputations are associated with measured neighbourhood characteristics. Data from a specially designed survey carried out in 24 neighbourhoods in Utrecht, the fourth largest city in the Netherlands, are used. Analysis of the data showed that neighbourhood reputations are rated higher by residents and estate agents than by other city residents. Within the group of other city residents, differences were found in how neighbourhood reputations are rated by socio-economic status, ethnicity and educational background. Further, it was found that neighbourhood reputations are correlated with measured social characteristics of the neighbourhood, while physical and functional neighbourhood characteristics are of less importance.
Delegation and the Regulation of Finance in the United States Since 1950

What determines the extent and structure of financial regulation? This question matters for two reasons. First, it matters because, as North and Shirley (2008, 287) note: “A country’s financial institutions significantly determine the extent of new investment and firm entry, and through them, the rate of economic growth, disparity of income distribution, and incidence of poverty. ” Second, it matters because the recent financial crisis has fueled unprecedented government involvement in the economy. Industries including autos, mortgages, and the nation’s largest financial institutions are, to varying extents, now publicly owned and directed. Even if some of these entanglements prove to be short-lived, it seems likely that the 21st century will usher in a fundamental change in the role of government in markets. This paper seeks to understand the determinants of financial market regulation in the United States since 1950. Toward this end, we first build a formal model of the ∗Paper prepared for presentation at the First APE-X Meeting on The Rise and Fall of Democracy, Brussels, Belgium, August 20–21, 2009. Preliminary draft; comments welcome.
Knowledge, Perception and Behaviour of Nigerian Youths on HIV/AIDS

Background: The pandemic of HIV remains on the increase with young people at increased risk of infection. This study assesses the knowledge of HIV/AIDS, perception and practices of youths in Lagos, Nigeria. Method: Descriptive cross-sectional survey conducted between May and June 2008 using structured pre-tested questionnaires among 315 randomly selected students enrolled at a tertiary institution in Lagos, Nigeria. Results: The knowledge of some aspects of the disease was quite high in the study group. The overall mean score to a ten HIV/AIDS knowledge questions was 8.3 of 10 points. 73.5% did not perceive themselves at risk of infection and 70.3% have multiple lifetime sexual partners. Those who perceived themselves at risk are significantly (p=0.019) more likely to always use condoms. Conclusion: The low risk-perception has hindered commitment to behaviour change. Strategies that focus on influencing risk-perception are recommended to prevent further transmission of the virus in young people. Institution where study is done: Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, Nigeria
Analysis of house prices in Spain

House prices in Spain have shown one of the biggest cumulative growth rates among the OECD countries over the past five years and, indeed, over a more extensive period. This paper focuses on analysing this development and its possible determinants. The evidence provided suggests income and nominal interest rates are pivotal explanatory factors, although equity returns may also have been influential in the final years of the sample. According to the estimated models, house prices are currently above their long-term equilibrium level by an amount not unlike other times in the past. Therefore, something of a correction –of an intensity difficult to estimate but not necessarily sharper than in past episodes– may be expected in the future.