Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Competitive advantages and operations strategy: scientific production analysis in the period from 2008 to 2013

Nowadays there is a growing market demand by increasing consumers’ purchase power as a result of incentive programs of government and international agencies for companies and self-employed professionals that generate improvement in quality of life and purchase power of those consumers. Competitiveness condition arises as a concern in the companies, particularly with respect to gains of competitive advantages (CA) in order to keep on operating and raising their economic position. This paper aims to put the topic into context by reviewing the literature on which attributes generate CA, seeking the contribution from the main authors on that issue and using the operations strategy (OS) technique to manage this competitive advantage. As a result we expect to contribute to confirming whether AC generation is a condition required for the success of the business activities and whether using the OS to manage it is the best technique.
Effects of Plant Pattern and Nitrogen Fertilizer on Yield and Yield Components of Silage Corn Cultivars

To study effect of sowing pattern and nitrogen on maize silage yield and its dependents components a trial was done at split-split plot design in compeletly randomized block at four replications in Qrakheil(Qaemshahr) agricultural research station in 2015 in Iran. Row spacing was chosen as main plots including: 65cm, 75cm and 85cm.Two cultivars (Sc704 and Sc770) in sub plots and three levels of N (250, 350 and 450 kg ha1) in sub-sub plots were laid out. Silage forage yield, ear and dry ear yield, leaf and dry leaf yield, plant dry weight and stem and dry stem weight,plant height , ear height,kernel number in ear row and row number in ear were measured.The results indicated that row spacing, were not affected on investigated traits. While nitrogen effected on silage yield, ear and dry ear yield, leaf and dry leaf yield, plant dry weight and stem and dry stem weight, plant height and ear height and showed significant difference. Sc704 had significant difference on plant silage weight, dry and wet stem weight with Sc770. Amount of 350kg/ha nitrogen was caused the most silage yield (36.74t/ha) and plant dry weight (16.64 t/ha) that had not significant difference with usage of 450kg/ha nitrogen(16.46 t/ha). Amount of 450kg/ha nitrogen was caused the most silage yield (37.30t/ha) that had not significant difference with usage of 350kg/ha nitrogen (36.74 t/ha). The most silage yield (38.21t/ha) obtained from Sc704 that was better than Sc770 (34.22 t/ha). The most plant dry weight (16.54) obtained from Sc704 that had not significant difference with Sc770 (15.92 t/ha).
Defining and Categorizing Consumer Resale Behavior in Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C) E-Commerce

More consumers nowadays function as resellers by taking advantage of online transactions. This exploratory study investigates the phenomenon of consumer online resale behavior in consumer-to-consumer (C2C) e-commerce in Taiwan and China. The authors define consumer resale as products that are resold or purchased mainly for self-use, not for resale. They conceptually define and categorize four consumer online resale types – (1) resale of extra purchase, (2) resale after temporary ownership, (3) unintentional resale, and (4) disposition. In conclusion, they draw three major implications. First, C2C e-commerce has changed consumer behavior by enabling consumers to resell in the secondary market. Second, consumer online resale is multi-faceted, with each type of consumer online resale being formed by different motivations and resulting in various impacts on consumer purchase and resale decisions, both online and off-line. Third, the concept of products, evaluation of product value, and consumer satisfaction with online resale may change when consumers act simultaneously in the roles of reseller and consumer. The authors present their findings in such a cultural context as to provide a framework for further research, and also provide propositions for discussion and further study.
International Business Company in a Tax Haven: Selecting and Prioritizing Favourable Investment Locations

Benefits arising from application of a certain instrument of tax optimisation depend on the location of a MNC (Multinational Corporation). Different jurisdictions offer diversified tax conditions for enterprises conducting business activity at an international scale. This concerns in particular tax havens which compete for investors by including a number of tax exemptions and reliefs in their tax systems. Many of these exemptions and reliefs are available only for enterprises of a specified legal form, conducting business activity within a legally defined scope and investing in strictly specified assets. Tax havens have always been a popular subject of discussion in economic and legal literature. Over the last few years, the so-called aggressive tax planning has been analysed more and more often. Its instruments are used by enterprises conducting economic activity in at least two jurisdictions. Aggressive tax planning means takPobrane z czasopisma Annales H Oeconomia http://oeconomia.annales. umcs.pl Data: 05/12/2018 10:07:55
Inhibition of methanogenesis by tea saponin and tea saponin plus disodium fumarate in sheep

The study was conducted to investigate the effects of tea saponin (TS 5 g/kg DM), TS plus disodium fumarate (DF 20 g/kg DM) and coconut oil (7% DM) on methane emissions in sheep using simple box chamber. Eight Huzhou sheep were assigned to four treatments in a 4 × 4 Latin square arrangement. Addition of TS and TSDF decreased (P<0.0001) methane emissions by 8.5 and 9.6%, respectively. Addition of TSDF signifi cantly increased (P<0.01) propionate and decreased (P<0.01) acetate proportion. Addition of TS and TSDF, though not as effectively as coconut oil, can inhibit methane emissions, which is benefi cial for economy and environment.
Exploring the factors influencing the negotiation process in cross-border

This research study provides an empirical examination of the impact of national cultural distance, organizational cultural differences, communication, and planned employee retention on the effectiveness of negotiation process in the crossborder Mergers & Acquisitions (M&As). We developed and tested a conceptual framework of negotiation process in order to provide a framework to analyze the key components of the negotiation process of the cross border M&A. The findings indicate that communication positively influence antecedent and concurrent phase of negotiation process. In addition, national cultural distance and organisational cultural differences negatively influence the effectiveness of concurrent phase. We also found that national cultural distance moderates the relationship between communication and effectiveness of concurrent phase of the negotiation process, as such that the positive effect of communication is lower when national cultural distance is higher. We also found that planned employee retention positively affect the effectiveness of concurrent phase. Finally, the effectiveness of concurrent phase positively influence the effectiveness of consequent phase i.e. M&A agreement. The contribution of this study lies in providing new insights on negotiation-associated factors for incumbent executives, in order to enable them to better plan and implement cross-border mergers and acquisition deals.
Toxicity and biodegradability of caffeic acid in anaerobic digesting sludge

Caffeic acid in waste comes from a variety of industries, and its disposal is likely to increase due to emerging processes such as graphene production and use in healthcare products. The current sustainable option to treat waste caffeic acid and prevent its natural transformation in soil to greenhouse gases, is anaerobic digestion. However, little is known about the toxic and inhibitory effects of caffeic acid on biogas production as well as its ultimate anaerobic biodegradability; or about the reactiveadsorptive processes taking place with caffeic acid in sludge, metabolic intermediates, thermodynamic limitations and the effects on extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Standard methods revealed that 80% of biogas production (EC 80 ) from a readily digestible biomass was inhibited at 389 mg caffeic acid·g -1 VSS. Up to 52% of caffeic acid was biodegraded. β-oxidation and reductive dehydroxylation were the initial activation reactions transforming caffeic acid into typical polyphenol structural units (protocatechuic acid and 4HBA). Adsorption of caffeic acid (53.3% and 28.6%) to the sludge occurred even at inhibitory concentrations. The EPS structure remained unchanged regardless of the increase in concentration of caffeic acid. Reasonable concentrations of caffeic acid could be co-digested with a similar readily digestible biomass with an expected reduction in biogas production. It is feasible to treat waste caffeic acid by anaerobic digestion and adsorption of its derivates, in order to reduce the contribution to global warming and to protect the environment. Keywords: anaerobes, anaerobic digestion, biogas, biomass, caffeic acid, graphene, inhibition, polyphenols, renewable energy, toxicity, wastewater
NEOTωIST - An Asteroid Impactor Mission Featuring Sub-spacecraft for Enhanced Mission Capability

Near Earth Object (NEO) deflection for the purpose of planetary defense has become increasingly recognized as a valid and valuable endeavour. NEOTωIST stands for Near-Earth Object Transfer of angular momentum (ω) Spin Test. This describes a demonstration mission intended to develop the capabilities required to execute an effective kinetic impactor NEO deflection mission. The chosen measurement technique and employment of small sub-spacecraft for observation purposes represent a novel approach to achieving the main goals of such a demonstration mission. The approach promises comparatively low cost and features capabilities that are unique and valuable for an operational deflection mission. Most standard deflection demonstration missions propose to quantify momentum transfer from the impactor spacecraft to the target object by measuring a change in its heliocentric orbit. The change is typically so small that it must be performed via radio-science from a second observer spacecraft which rendezvous with the NEO prior to impact. In our case the NEO is struck off-center which changes its spin rate. This rate change, which can be measured from Earth via light curve measurements, allows quantification of the transferred momentum. Using this measurement method the need for an observer spacecraft for the purpose of NEO orbit measurement is eliminated. The second function of the observer spacecraft is the close-up observation of the impact event for improvement of impact effectiveness modelling. The NEOTωIST mission achieves this observation by deploying several small sub-spacecraft from the main impactor spacecraft shortly before impact. These sub-spacecraft allow observation of the impact event from multiple vantage points some of which are unique because their destruction is accepted. At least one sub-spacecraft trajectory is planned such that survival is guaranteed, which enables it to receive observation data from the other spacecraft for delayed transmission to Earth. We present the overall mission concept as well as preliminary design work on the key technical challenges, in particular those associated with the highly dynamic operation of the small sub-spacecraft that are a key feature of the NEOTωIST mission.
Long-term effects of extreme weather events and eutrophication on the fish community of shallow Lake Peipsi (Estonia/Russia)

The fish kill in lake Peipsi (Estonia/Russia) during the extraordinarily hot summer of 2010 evoked an investigation into the effects of environmental extremes and long-term eutrophication on the fish community of the lake. Current data on lake Peipsi indicate that temperature extremes and synergistic interactions with eutrophication have led to a radical restructuring of the fish community. Commercial landings of lake smelt, Osmerus eperlanus eperlanus m. spirinchus (Pallas), the previous dominant species of the fish community, have decreased dramatically since the 1930s, these declines being coupled with summer heat waves coinciding with low water levels. Gradual decline in smelt stock and catches was significantly related to a decline of near-bottom oxygen conditions and to a decrease in water transparency. The first documented fish kill in 1959 occurred only in the southern, most shallow and eutrophic lake (lake Pihkva). Recently, summer fish kill have become more frequent, involving larger areas of the lake. In addition to the cold-water species, e.g. smelt and vendace Coregonus albula (L.), the abundance of bottom-dwelling fishes such as ruffe Gymnocephalus cernuus (L.) and juvenile fish have significantly decreased after the 2010 heat wave probably due to hypoxia and warm water temperatures. This study showed that fish community structure in large shallow lakes may be very vulnerable to water temperature increases, especially temperature extremes in combination with eutrophication.
Teleworking in South Africa: Employee benefits and challenges

Orientation: Virtual working arrangements present possible benefits to organisations and their employees. However, in South Africa, few organisations have implemented teleworking as a specific form of virtual work. The benefits and challenges to teleworkers are therefore largely unknown. Research purpose: The present study aimed to identify employee perceptions of personal benefits and challenges of teleworking. Motivation for the study: The study sought to contribute insights for South African business practice in this under-researched field. Research design, approach and method: This exploratory study collected primary data through the distribution of an electronic questionnaire to 94 employees at three South African organisations, with a 67% response rate. The survey included both closed and open-ended questions that were analysed using a combination of quantitative and qualitative techniques. Main findings: Most of the internationally identified benefits of teleworking were supported by participants, such as improved productivity, increased job satisfaction and organisational loyalty, decreased stress and improved work-life balance. Challenges identified included an increase in working hours and the lack of availability of training opportunities. Practical/managerial implications: The possible employee benefits and challenges of teleworking may assist organisations in devising teleworking practices and procedures that leverage benefits and address challenges inherent in this form of work practice. Contribution/value add: The study aims to supplement the dearth of knowledge about teleworking, specifically in the South African context, to assist organisations practically in their development of this form of virtual work arrangement for the benefit of organisations and their employees.
Systematic Significance of the Burrow Form of Seven Species of Garden Eels ( Congridae : Heterocongnnae )

Garden eels are highly specialized anguilliform fishes that live in colonies worldwide in warm seas. Unlike most eels, they are sight feeders, spending their daylight hours partially extended from their burrows feeding on drifting particles. Because they live in unconsolidated sand it has been difficult to determine the form oftheir burrow. Using araldite epoxy plastic, we made casts of the burrows of six species representing both of the currently recognized genera. All of the casts are in the form of simple sinusoidal waves but differences in amplitude and wavelength in relation to the length of the fish and the size of the casts have potential significance in classification. A preliminary analysis using Hennig86 indicates that the two species of Gorgasia in our sample are indeed each other's closest relatives and part of a lineage that includes Heteroconger klausewitzi and H. hassi. The relationships ofH. halis, H. perissodon, and H. polyzona, however, cannot be resolved from our data.
Fermi acceleration on the annular billiard: a simplified version

A simplified version of a time-dependent annular billiard is studied. The dynamics is described using nonlinear maps and we consider two different configurations for the billiard, namely (i) concentric and (ii) eccentric cases. For the concentric case and for a null angular momentum, we confirm that the results for the Fermi–Ulam model are recovered and the particle does not experience the phenomenon of Fermi acceleration. However, on the eccentric case the particle demonstrates unlimited energy gain and Fermi acceleration is therefore observed.
Decalcifying Effect of Three Chelating Agents

* Post-graduate Student, ** Professor, *** Professor & Head. # Dept Of Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics, College Of Dental Sciences, Davangere-577004 ABSTRACT Background and Objectives: The objective of my study is to determine the efficacy of 17% EDTA plus 1.25 % sodium lauryl ether sulfate (EDTA-T), 10% Citric acid and 17% EDTA with respect to calcium ion extraction from the root canal dentin.
AGNPS model assessment for a mixed forested watershed in Thailand

Watershed modeling, as a tool to identify environmental problems, is becoming more popular. The modeling approach will allow evaluating present scenarios and possible remedial measures and strategies. The present study attempts to verify the suitability of the Agricultural Non-Point Source (AGNPS) pollution model developed for an agricultural watershed, for a mixed forested watershed. The study watershed, Huai Nong Prong in Southeastern Thailand, is a mixed forested watershed with 26% forest, 25% mangrove forests, and 36% agro-forests. Extensive fieldwork was completed to collect data and information needed for the model preparation and application. The study revealed that the AGNPS model produces satisfactory results regarding runoff volume and soluble nitrogen yields for the watershed. The sediment yield prediction is marginal for the selected watershed, partially attributed to the mangroves and the pools in the streams, which act as sediment traps. This suggests that mangroves in the downstream end of the watershed could act as natural wetlands capable of neutralizing or reducing environmental problems created by a watershed. The model, however, could not accurately simulate the peak flows, suggesting the peak flow simulating approach in AGNPS does not suitably predict peak flows from mixed forested watersheds.
Budget Deficits : A Cross-CountrY ComParison

This paper provides a cross-country comparison of the role of government budget deficits in determining the course of macroeconomic activity. Government deficits have been accused of contributing to excessive money growth, inflation, high interest rates, the crowding out of private demand, etc. The purpose of this paper is to examine systematically and within a uniform econometric structure the effects of government budget deficits as well as the modes of financing these deficits on macroeconomic activity. Section I provides an initial brief outline of the issues involved and the inadequacies found in the relevant literature. Section II reviews the Literature that has examined the role of government budget deficits as well as their financing in affecting macroeconomic activity. Section III provides a comparative discussion of central bank's role in financing government deficits across the countries of our sample Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Japan and the United States. Section IV examines systematically how the objectives of central bank policy affect the financing of the government budget deficit. Reaction functions are estimated for each country depending upon the exchange rate regime and imposing the cross-equation parameter constraints implied by the government budget constraint. Section V considers the effect of government budget deficits on macroeconomic activity through the vector autoregressive methodology. The findings and policy conclusions along with their comparison of those of the Literature are brought together in Section VI.
Production potential and economic viability of Som ( Persea bombycina Kost ) based intercropping systems

A field experiment was conducted from 2007-08 to 2009-10'at Lahdoigarh, Jorhat under agro climatic condition of Assam to evaluate the production potential, system productivity and economics of nine Som {Persea bombycina Kost. ) based intercropping systems. Som + Stevia {Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) Hemsl. ) recorded significantly higher Muga cocoon equivalent yield (52’000 numbers /ha/year, system productivity (117.1’OOb numbers /ha/year) and net returns (? 41,110 /ha/yr). However, Som + Patchouli {Pogostemon cablin Benth. ) recorded higher benefit cost ratio (1.67) than Som + Stevia (1.54) indicating higher returns from per rupee invested. The increase in Muga cocoon equivalent yield, system productivity and net returns in Som + Stevia over Som + Patchouli was 22.2’000 numbers, 20.8’ObO numbers and ? 2,400 /ha respectively. The land equivalent ratio was higher in both Som + Stevia (1.27) and Som + Patchouli (1.44) systems over Som sole cropping (Control) indicating 27 % and 44% more land utilization. Soil nutrient status of different intercropping systems showed improvement with respect to available nitrogen (15.4 %), available phosphorus (89.3%), organic carbon (2.3%) and soil reaction (5.3%) over initial level. , , <
Determinants of Chinese Cross-Border M&As

This paper focuses on two of the key determinants of Chinese cross-border M&A performance, industry preference and currency appreciation. Our results show that although resource-related bidders may be motivated to pursue national strategic goals, they do not sacrifice their shareholders' wealth. The substantial RMB appreciation following the exchange rate reform leads to higher bidder abnormal returns in the short-term, with no long-term reversal. We find that the insignificant long-term abnormal returns are mainly due to the enhanced empire building invectives and other agency costs of cash-rich firms in some of the currency-driven acquisitions.
Nutrient Use Efficiency of Three Fast Growing Hardwood Species across a Resource Gradient

th , 2012 Attitudes regarding traditional energy sources have shifted toward renewable resources. Specifically, short-rotation woody crop supply systems have become more prevalent for biomass and biofuel produc- tion. However, a number of factors such as environmental and inherent resource availability can limit tree production. Given the intensified demand for wood biomass production, forest and plantation manage- ment practices are focusing on increasing productivity. Fertilizer application, while generally one of the least expensive silvicultural tools, can become costly if application rates exceed nutrient uptake or de- mand of the trees especially if it does not result in additional biomass production. We investigated the ef- fect of water and varying levels of nitrogen application (56, 112, and 224 kg·N·ha -1 ·yr -1 ) on nutrient con- tent, resorption efficiency and proficiency, N:P and the relationship with ANPP, as well as leaf- and can- opy-level nutrient use efficiency of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for Populus deltoides, Quercus pagoda, and Platanus occidentalis. P. deltoides and P. occidentalis reached their maximum nitrogen budget with the application of water suggesting old agricultural fields may have sufficient nutrient levels to sustain short-rotation woody crops negating the application of additional nitrogen for these two species. Additionally, for P. deltoides and Q. pagoda application of nitrogen appeared to increase the uptake of phosphorus however, resorption efficiency for these two species were more similar to studies conducted on nutrient poor sites. Nutrient resorption proficiency for all three nutrients and all three species were at levels below the highest rates of nitrogen application. These findings suggest maximum biomass produc- tion may not necessarily be tied to maximum nutrient application.