Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Can Uppsala Model Explain the Internationalisation of Central European SMEs

The aim of this paper is to scrutinize some aspects of the Uppsala model whose applicability for SMEs’ internationalisation is often questioned. This model explains internationalisation as a sequential process based on learning in which an enterprise increases its international commitment in incremental steps. The assumptions of Uppsala model are discussed in conditions of SMEs from different countries, namely the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Austria and Germany. The paper is based on primary data obtained by questionnaire survey performed in 2014. Respondents were small and medium-sized firms from the above mentioned countries. Following assumptions are scrutinized: SMEs start internationalisation by exporting to neighbouring markets, SMEs behave in internationalisation according to the establishment chain, SMEs’ risk perception regarding foreign markets with different psychic distance changes with the obtained knowledge and SMEs’ risk perception regarding particular foreign markets differs depending on the country which the enterprise comes from.
PROPAGATION OF ELASTIC WAVES IN EQUIAXED IRON POLYCRYSTALS

A polycrystalline material is composed of numerous discrete grains, each having a regular, crystalline atomic structure. The elastic properties of the grains are anisotropic and their crystallographic axes are differently oriented. Thus the anisotropic nature of elastic wave propagation in a number of structural materials, such as austenitic stainless steel welds and castings, used in nuclear power plants stems from the details of their grain structures. Columnar grain structure is seen in the austenitic stainless steel welds while the microstructure of cast stainless could vary from randomly oriented equiaxed grains to highly oriented columnar grains. An acoustic wave travelling through such a microscopically inhomogeneous medium suffers scattering and consequently has frequency dependent attenuation and phase velocity that depend on the grain structure. This paper is motivated by the desire to better understand these effects.
stack : A promising surface passivation layer for high-efficiency and potential-induced degradation resistant mc-silicon solar cells

A thin SiOyNx film was inserted below a conventional SiNx antireflection coating used in c-Si solar cells in order to improve the surface passivation and the solar cell’s resistance to potential-induced degradation (PID). The effect of varying the flow ratio of the N2O and SiH4 precursors and the deposition temperature for the SiOyNx thin film upon material properties were systematically investigated. An excellent surface passivation was obtained on FZ p-type polished silicon wafers, with the best results obtained with a SiOyNx film deposited at a very low temperature of 130 ◦C and with an optical refractive index of 1.8. In the SiOyNx/SiNx stack structure, a SiOyNx film with ~6 nm thickness is sufficient to provide excellent surface passivation with an effective surface recombination velocity Seff < 2 cm/s. Furthermore, we applied the optimized SiOyNx/SiNx stack on multicrystalline Si solar cells as a surface passivation and antireflection coating, resulting in a 0.5% absolute average conversion efficiency gain compared to that of reference cells with conventional SiNx coating. Moreover, the cells with the SiOyNx/SiNx stack layers show a significant increase in their resistance to PID. Nearly zero degradation in shunt resistance was obtained after 24 hours in a PID test, while a single SiNx-coated silicon solar cell showed almost 50% degradation after 24 hours.
Performance Comparison and Nutritional Requirements of Five Commercial Layer Strains in Phase IV

Five commercial white egg layer strains (Current-Bovans, Older-Bovans, Oldest-Bovans, Experimental-Bovans, and Dekalb) were used to compare performance and nutrient requirements when fed three protein levels (16.00, 14.85 and 13.99%). There were eight replicates of 15 hens (67 wk of age) for each treatment and the trial lasted 10 weeks. The results showed that there were no interactions between protein and strain on feed intake, egg production, egg mass, egg weight, feed conversion, egg specific gravity, and body weight of hens. Protein had significant effects on feed intake, egg mass, egg weight, egg specific gravity, and body weight. There were significant strain effects on feed intake, egg production, egg mass, egg weight, feed conversion and egg specific gravity. Current-Bovans had the best overall performance among the five layer strains. However, Dekalb had significant higher egg weight compared to Bovans. The best performance of Current-Bovans and Dekalb was obtained with hens fed the diet containing 16.00% protein. Current-Bovans hens required 16.5 g protein, 640 mg TSAA, 856 mg lysine, and 296 kcal ME per hen daily or 0.31 g protein, 12.00 mg TSAA, 16.07 mg lysine, and 5.55 kcal ME per g egg for the best performance. Dekalb hens required 17.8 g protein, 691 mg TSAA, 925 mg lysine, and 319 kcal ME per hen daily or 0.34 g protein, 13.04 mg TSAA, 17.45 mg lysine, and 6.03 kcal ME per g egg for the best performance.
Managing Earnings with Intercorporate Investments

We explore to what extent firms deliberately manage their financial reports by exploiting the flexibility of generally accepted accounting principles. Using a sample of Oslo Stock Exchange-listed firms with 20-50% equity holdings in other firms, we find that firms with high financial leverage tend to maximize reported earnings from these investments through their choice between the cost method and the equity method, possibly in an attempt to reduce debt renegotiation costs or to avoid regulatory attention. In contrast, managers do not systematically bias reported earnings to extract private benefits or to signal revised expectations about future cash flows. Firms use different earnings management tools in a consistent way, as the earnings effect of the cost/equity choice is not offset by discretionary accruals.
The Contribution of Economic Sectors to Economic Growth: The Cases of China and India

China and India have recently achieved spectacular economic growth where GDP per capita grows rapidly in both countries. Thus, this study examines the contribution of economic sectors to economic growth in both countries by using time series data from 1978 to 2007. Three economic sectors were analyzed: agricultural sector, manufacturing sector and services sector. Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) unit-root test shows that the time series data are stationary at first difference. Then, correlation analysis indicates that each economic sector has strong, positive and significant linear relationship with economic growth in China and India. In addition, the results of multiple regression analysis show that agriculture, manufacturing and services sectors have positive relationship with GDP per capita in China and India. However, the contribution of economic sectors to economic growth differs in China and India. Manufacturing sector contributes the highest to China’s economic growth while services sector is the highest contributor to India’s economic growth.
The geophysical study of Drybones kimberlite using 3D Time Domain EM Inversion and 3D ZTEM inversion algorithms

Summary Two airborne EM surveys were conducted over the Drybones kimberlite, NWT, Canada. A VTEM helicopter time domain EM survey was flown by Geotech in 2005, followed by a ZTEM helicopter tipper EM survey flown in 2009. The data sets collected over the kimberlite were inverted and interpreted first by Geotech, Ltd using a 1D TDEM conductivity-depth transform for VTEM data and a 2D inversion for ZTEM data. The data sets were transferred to UBC-GIF for 3D inversions and comparative analysis. Both the VTEM and ZTEM data have now been inverted in 3D and the results compared with the drill data over the kimberlite and with older results of previous geophysical interpretation. The 2D and 3D ZTEM inversions show the same general structure but the 3D inversion has greater electrical conductivity contrast and may have fewer artefacts in zones of low sensitivity. On a large scale the conductivity structure, recovered from the 3D inversion of time domain data, is comparable to that from the CDI transform, but the 3D result shows a more complicated distribution of the conductive properties. The 3D magnetic inversion had not been done previously and it shows susceptible material to depths of approximately 400 m, which is consistent with the known geometry of the kimberlite.
Lovastatin-Erythromycin induced Myositis: Case Report and Possible Mechanism

Lovastatin and erythromycin when used concurrently may cause myositis. Lovastatin is metabolized by the cytochrome CYP450 system, mainly using the CYP3A4 pathway. Drugs that inhibit or compete for the CYP450 pathway can cause elevations in lovastatin blood levels and resulting in possibility of increased side effects. Erythromycin is one of the agents known as one of the potent CYP450 pathway inhibitor, which can cause an acute increase of lovastatin concentration. We present a case of lovastatin-erythromycin induced myositis occurring in a 73-year-old female patient who was admitted to the intensive care unit for acute pulmonary oedema. Key words: Lovastatin, Erythromycin, Myositis, Mechanism.
Knee Simulation, Creep, and Friction Tests of Poly(vinyl alcohol) Hydrogels Manufactured Using Injection Molding and Solution Casting

by Benjamin Daniel Hunt Osteoarthritis is a widespread problem throughout the world especially as the average lifespan continues to lengthen. Relieving arthritic pain and finding less intrusive, longer lasting joint replacements revolves around finding a material to replace natural articular cartilage. Poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels (PVA-H) have the potential to be an articular cartilage replacement in the future with properties similar to those of natural articular cartilage. Injection molding and solution casting techniques were employed to manufacture PVA-H specimens. The mechanical properties of PVA-H were then studied using knee simulation, creep, and friction tests. The results show that injection molding produces stiffer and stronger specimens than solution casting due to the higher polymer content. However, injection molding specimens also have a higher coefficient of friction. Benjamin Daniel Hunt Further improvements must be made before PVA-H is a suitable material for articular cartilage replacement.
Peer Influence on Young Adults' Products Purchase Decisions

This study investigates the influence of peers on young adults’ product purchase decisions in Pakistan where the values and cultures differ because of significant religious influence and geographic dispersion. Data is collected from a convenience-based sample of university students via two questionnaires. Using different analysis techniques such as comparisons of means, analysis of variance, and LSD, results support the construct that peers do influence young adults’ product purchase decisions. A number of variables and variations in the level of education, exposure, affluence or other cultural and societal differences etc. impose limitations on the study which can be removed through future studies. The research suggests marketers to pay special attention and invest in creative options for utilizing peer groups for sales and promotion of their products and brands
A Comparative Analysis of the Firm Specific Determinants of Syariah Compliant Versus Non-Syariah Compliant Firms in Bursa Malaysia

This paper aims at investigating two issues. Firstly, whether there is a significant difference in returns between Syariah compliant and non-Syariah compliant firms listed on the Malaysian stock exchange, Bursa Malaysia; and secondly, whether both types of firms react differently to the same selected firm specific variables. Using panel data techniques, we analyse three hundred (300) firms in Bursa Malaysia for the period from 2000 to 2006. The determinants of stock returns used are market capitalisation, market-to-book ratio, price-earnings ratio, market risk and total debt. The results indicate that there is no significant difference between Syariah compliant firms and their counterparts. In addition, using three (3) different models for estimation (i.e. fixed effect, pooled and random effect models), it is found that the fixed effect model is the best model that fits the data. For Syariah compliant firms, it is found that size and market-to-book ratios are the most significant variables explaining returns. However, for non-Syariah compliant firms, market-to-book ratio and market risk (beta) are the most significant variables influencing returns.
Genotypic variability and genotype × environment interactions among switchgrass accessions from the midwestern USA

Genetic variation for economically important traits in switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is needed to develop improved populations. Objectives of this research were to determine the genotypic variability, and the magnitude of genotype × environment (G × E) interaction for agronomic, forage quality, and biofuel feedstock traits among switchgrass accessions collected from remnant midwestern prairies. A total of 23 accessions and five check strains were evaluated in space planted nurseries at Mead, NE; Ames, IA; and West Lafayette, IN, during 1991 and 1992. Forage quality traits were measured at a vegetative growth stage and at heading. Disease ratings were liken just prior to forage harvest at heading. Forage composition was determined by near infrared reflectance spectroscopy. Across locations and years, significant variation among accessions was observed for forage yield at heading, vegetative in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), and heading date. Some accessions, such as IA34, were comparable in forage yield at heading to check strains and should be useful genetic sources of variation for this trait. Except for disease rating, G × E interactions were important for all traits. Selection among accessions for forage yield at heading followed by selection for IVDMD within such accessions should be an effective approach in utilizing genetic variation in switchgrasses from remnant prairie sites
Developmental methylmercury exposure affects avoidance learning outcomes in adult zebrafish

The present study investigated the neurobehavioral effects of embryonic exposure to methylmercury (MeHg) in zebrafish using avoidance conditioning as the behavioral paradigm. In this study, adult zebrafish developmentally exposed as embryos to 0.00, 0.01, 0.03, 0.1, or 0.3 µM of MeHg were trained and tested for avoidance responses. The results showed that control zebrafish hatched from embryos unexposed to MeHg learned avoidance responses during training and showed significantly increased avoidance responses during testing. Zebrafish developmentally exposed to MeHg as embryos were hyperactive as they frequently swam back and forth, and showed no significant changes in avoidance responses from training to testing. Results of the present study suggested that embryonic methylmercury exposure produced hyperactivity and impaired avoidance learning. Key words: Active avoidance conditioning, methylmercury, zebrafish, fish shuttle-box.
The effects of breed, grazing system and concentrate supplementation on the fatty acid profile of the musculus longissimus dorsi and the kidney fat of steers

Abstract. The study is aimed at determining the effect of breed (German Simmental vs. German Holstein), grazing system (continuous grazing system [CGS] vs. rotational grazing system [RGS]) and concentrate supplementation (level and type of concentrate) on the fatty acid profile of longissimus muscle and kidney fat of steers. The trial involved four phases: in P1 all animals remained indoors; in P2 and P4 they were allocated on CGS or RGS; during P3 one group remained outdoors, the other indoors. In P1 and P3 the steers were offered grass silage and concentrate. In P3 the indoors group received a supplement with a medium or low-concentrate level. For the last 28 days of P4 the steers were offered a concentrate type with 4.9 % linseed oil or with 1.0 % rapeseed oil. CGS-pasture resulted in higher fatty acid values than RGS-pasture; linseed-oil concentrate resulted in higher ALA, Σn-3 and lower LA, Σn-6 than rapeseed-oil concentrate. German Simmental breed had lower IMF-content and higher Σn-3, Σn-6, n-6/n-3 ratio and PUFA/SFA ratio in longissimus dorsi and kidney fat than German Holstein breed. The proportion of CLA was higher in German Holstein breed than in German Simmental breed (0.56 vs. 0.50 g/100 g FAME). RGS group showed lower ALA and higher n-6/n-3 in longissimus dorsi and kidney fat than CGS-group. Neither the level nor the type of concentrate affected the LD and kidney fat fatty acids. Healthy fatty acids levels were higher in the German Holstein breed meat. The CGS-group meat had higher contents of ALA and EPA. However, the legal requirements for human nutrition and other health related claims could not be met.
Approximate solution of a Cauchy problem for the Helmholtz equation

A problem of reconstruction of the radiation field in a domain from experimental data given on a part of boundary is considered. For the model problem described by a Cauchy problem for the Helmholtz equation, an approximate method based on regularization in the frequency space is analysed. Convergence and stability are proved under a suitable choice of regularization parameter. Numerical implementation of the method is discussed.
Understanding the Success and Failure of Oyster Populations: The Importance of Sampled Variables and Sample Timing

This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Center for Coastal Physical Oceanography at ODU Digital Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in CCPO Publications by an authorized administrator of ODU Digital Commons. For more information, please contact digitalcommons@odu.edu. Repository Citation Soniat, Thomas M. ; Powell, Eric N. ; Hofmann, Eileen E. ; and Klinck, John M. , "Understanding the Success and Failure of Oyster Populations: The Importance of Sampled Variables and Sample Timing" (1998). CCPO Publications. 89. https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/ccpo_pubs/89
IMPROVED LARGE-SCALE SLOPE ANALYSIS ON MARS BASED ON CORRELATION OF SLOPES DERIVED WITH DIFFERENT BASELINES

Abstract. The surface slopes of planetary bodies are important factors for exploration missions, such as landing site selection and rover manoeuvre. Generally, high-resolution digital elevation models (DEMs) such as those generated from the HiRISE images on Mars are preferred to generate detailed slopes with a better fidelity of terrain features. Unfortunately, high-resolution datasets normally only cover small area and are not always available. While lower resolution datasets, such as MOLA, provide global coverage of the Martian surface. Slopes generated from the low-resolution DEM will be based on a large baseline and be smoothed from the real situation. In order to carry out slope analysis at large scale on Martian surface based low-resolution data such as MOLA data, while alleviating the smoothness problem of slopes due to its low resolution, this paper presents an amplifying function of slopes derived from low-resolution DEMs based on the relationships between DEM resolutions and slopes. First, slope maps are derived from the HiRISE DEM (meter-level resolution DEM generated from HiRISE images) and a series of down-sampled HiRISE DEMs. The latter are used to simulate low-resolution DEMs. Then the high-resolution slope map is down- sampled to the same resolution with the slope map from the lower-resolution DEMs. Thus, a comparison can be conducted pixel-wise. For each pixel on the slope map derived from the lower-resolution DEM, it can reach the same value with the down-sampled HiRISE slope by multiplying an amplifying factor. Seven sets of HiRISE images with representative terrain types are used for correlation analysis. It shows that the relationship between the amplifying factors and the original MOLA slopes can be described by the exponential function. Verifications using other datasets show that after applying the proposed amplifying function, the updated slope maps give better representations of slopes on Martian surface compared with the original slopes.
COMMERCIALIZED DENIM FABRIC PRODUCTION WITH POST-INDUSTRIAL AND POST-CONSUMER WASTES

The purpose of this study was to produce 100% recycled denim without a tradeoff in quality according to zero waste concepts. Initially, the waste points from raw materials to final product in denim fabric production process were determined. Then, denim fabrics were produced from post-industrial (recycled cotton fibers obtained from denim wastes) and post-consumer wastes (produced from recycled PET bottles). Classic cotton fibers and alternative regenerated cellulose fibers (Tencel®) were used as carrier fiber in addition to mentioned fibers for eliminating recycled fibers disadvantages. The effect of fiber types on yarn or fabric characteristics were investigated in accordance with planning design and construction. Furthermore, the relationships between fibers and yarns/fabric results were statistically evaluated using correlation analysis. The results of this investigation show that the amount of fibers have a significant effect on yarn unevenness, thick places, neps, hairiness, air permeability and abrasion resistance of the samples.
Premarket Forecasting of Really-New Products

The authors illustrate how a firm can face the challenge of forecasting consumer reaction for a really-new product. For the case of an electric vehicle, the authors describe how one firm combines managerial judgment and state-of-the-art market measurement to determine whether (1) the really-new product would be a viable business venture at its target launch date, (2) the firm should plan for improvements in technology that would reduce price and/or increase benefits enough so that the business venture would be profitable, or (3) the firm should stop development. The new market measurement system combines existing methods with a multimedia virtual-buying environment that conditions respondents for future situations, simulates user experience, and encourages consumers to actively search for information on the product. The authors comment on the advantages and disadvantages of the methodology and summarize the lessons they have learned from this application.
Active Discriminative Dictionary Learning for Weather Recognition

Weather recognition based on outdoor images is a brand-new and challenging subject, which is widely required in many fields. This paper presents a novel framework for recognizing different weather conditions. Compared with other algorithms, the proposed method possesses the following advantages. Firstly, our method extracts both visual appearance features of the sky region and physical characteristics features of the nonsky region in images. Thus, the extracted features are more comprehensive than some of the existing methods in which only the features of sky region are considered. Secondly, unlike other methods which used the traditional classifiers (e.g., SVM and K-NN), we use discriminative dictionary learning as the classification model for weather, which could address the limitations of previous works. Moreover, the active learning procedure is introduced into dictionary learning to avoid requiring a large number of labeled samples to train the classification model for achieving good performance of weather recognition. Experiments and comparisons are performed on two datasets to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.