Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
OCCURRENCE OF MYCORRHIZAE IN SOME SPECIES OF CAREX ( CYPERACEAE ) OF THE DARJEELING HIMALAYAS , INDIA

The Cyperaceae (sedge family) have generally been considered non-mycorrhizal, although recent evidences suggest that mycotrophy may be considerably more widespread among sedges than was previously realized. In this study, 28 in situ populations of 12 species of Carex L. (C. myosurus Nees, C. composita Boott, C. cruciata Wahl., C. filicina Nees, C. inanis Kunth, C. setigera D. Don, C. insignis Boott, C. finitima var. finitima; C. fusiformis Nees subsp. finitima (Boott) Noltie, C. teres Boott, C. longipes D. Don ex Tilloch and Taylor, C. nubigena D. Don ex Tilloch and Taylor and C. rochebrunii subsp. rochebrunii; C. remota Linnaeus subsp. rochebrunii (Franchet and Savatier) Kükenthal) occurring in the Darjeeling Himalayas were surveyed. Mycorrhizal infection by VAM (Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhiza) fungi was found in roots of 9 species (C. myosurus, C. composita, C. cruciata, C. filicina, C. inanis, C. setigera, C. finitima, C. teres, and C. nubigena) and appears to occur in response to many factors, both environmental and phylogenetic. In non-mycorrhizal species, a novel root character, the presence of bulbous-based root hairs, was identified.
Post Fraud: An Empirical in Malaysia

The paper specifically examines the post fraud firms’ characteristics for over 3 years after fraud had occurred. Selections of companies were made from Securities Commissions’ enforcement actions released between the years 2000 until 2008. A matched pair sampling was made with the control group, and 256 firms’ observations were made. Findings revealed declining sales as well as increased in debts during the three years after the fraud for fraud firms. However, roles of block holders and board’s size may lessen the impact of fraud.
Strategic cores and magnificent obsessions: Discovering strategy formation through daily activities of ceos

Obsessions play an important role in strategic management: this paper shows how they establish causality between intention and action. Following 1 month of continuous, direct observation of CEOs at work, strategies were revealed to be intentional: by their activities the CEOs generated a strategic core consistent with their preoccupations. The Magnificent Obsessions latent in their preoccupations appeared as a common element in all their activities and served as a key to understanding their compulsion to address certain issues over others.
東海地域における中小企業の経営力強化のための 金融機関と自治体等の取り組みの現状と課題 ―中小企業アンケート調査の概要－ [How Do Financial Institutions and Regional Governments Address to Support and Strengthen Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in the Tokai Region? : A Survey Result]

This paper reports a survey result conducted in May 2012. We sent a questionnaire to 3,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), whose main business sector is manufacture and which locate in Aichi Prefecture, one of the largest economic regions in Japan. 803 SMEs answered this questionnaire. We asked 53 questions, including firm’s current business condition, relationship with their main banks, financial support from local governments, cooperation with universities and research institutes, and usage of public guarantee scheme. The main feature of this survey is that it focuses on the role of local government in providing financial supports to SMEs. According to the results, approximately 30% of the respondents currently use financial support programs provided by local governments, such as favorable fixed interest rates loan guaranteed by public guarantee corporations. Over 90% of the respondents understand outlines of these financial support programs. We find that the support programs are very popular among SMEs. Many respondents that have used the program said that the programs contribute to the improvement of corporate performance and enable them to invest new equipment. Also, we asked SMEs about cooperation with universities and research institutes. We found that 63% of the respondents have not worked with universities and research institutes, and only 3.7% of the respondents experienced successful results, such as new products and services. We believe that Japanese SMEs should conduct innovations in order to survive in more and more competitive environments, and business-academia collaboration appears a promising way to conduct innovations. We have to analyze what are main obstacles for the collaboration and how we can encourage SMEs to participate in the collaborating activity.
The impact of IFRS on financial statement data in Greece

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of IFRS adoption on financial statement data and their usefulness in Greece. Additionally, the authors examine the effect on the informativeness/usefulness of financial statement data for stock prices in Greece and the effect of the Greek Financial Crisis. Design/methodology/approach – This study examine the effects of IFRS adoption on financial statement data and their usefulness in Greece. Additionally, the authors examine the effect on the informativeness/usefulness of financial statement data for stock prices in Greece and the effect of the Greek Financial Crisis. Findings – The results indicate that several financial ratios were dramatically affected by IFRS adoption in Greece. In contrast to other countries, IFRS has not resulted in improved statistical behavior of these ratios in Greece: the ratios are highly skewed and the normality of their distribution is not improved. Additionally, when examining the usefulness of financial statement.
A simplified linear feature matching method using decision tree analysis, weighted linear directional mean, and topological relationships

ABSTRACT Linear feature matching is one of the crucial components for data conflation that sees its usefulness in updating existing data through the integration of newer data and in evaluating data accuracy. This article presents a simplified linear feature matching method to conflate historical and current road data. To measure the similarity, the shorter line median Hausdorff distance (SMHD), the absolute value of cosine similarity (aCS) of the weighted linear directional mean values, and topological relationships are adopted. The decision tree analysis is employed to derive thresholds for the SMHD and the aCS. To demonstrate the usefulness of the simple linear feature matching method, four models with incremental configurations are designed and tested: (1) Model 1: one-to-one matching based on the SMHD; (2) Model 2: matching with only the SMHD threshold; (3) Model 3: matching with the SMHD and the aCS thresholds; and (4) Model 4: matching with the SMHD, the aCS, and topological relationships. These experiments suggest that Model 2, which considers only distance, does not provide stable results, while Models 3 and 4, which consider direction and topological relationships, produce stable results with levels of accuracy around 90% and 95%, respectively. The results suggest that the proposed method is simple yet robust for linear feature matching.
The drivers of the relationship between corporate environmental performance and stock market returns

Is there a relationship between corporate environmental performance (CEP) and stock returns? And if so, what drives this relationship: changes in corporate risk exposure or mispricing because of investors' taste for high CEP stocks, based on personal values or social norms? To answer these questions, we use a new and comprehensive ranking that measures the environmental performance of the 500 largest publicly traded US corporations. Our methodology is based on the Fama–French–Carhart four-factor asset-pricing model. In addition, we incorporate a fifth factor to capture common CEP-related risks. The results point to a negative relationship between CEP and stock returns, partially driven by common CEP-related risks. At the same time though, the influence of taste cannot be ruled out.
The Effect of Extrinsic Cues on Imported Wine Evaluations: An Experimental Approach

ABSTRACT This paper reports the results of an experimental study conducted to assess the effect of expert reviews, price, and country of origin, on consumers' evaluations of imported wine quality and value. The study revealed a main effect of expert reviews on quality and value perceptions, and that the effect of expert review is higher than the effects of price and country of origin. The study also revealed that country of origin effect is significant on perceived quality but not on perceived value. Moreover, the study revealed that the effect of country-of-origin information is significant when price information is also present, but becomes not significant when expert review information is added.
Unilateral NMR investigation of multifunctional treatments on stones based on colloidal inorganic and organic nanoparticles

Consolidation and protection are among the most important treatments usually carried out in conservation of stone artifacts and monuments. In this paper, portable unilateral NMR and conventional techniques were used for investigating new multifunctional treatments based on tetraethoxysilane, silica, and polytetrafluoroethylene nanoparticles. The study was carried out on a very complex and heterogeneous porous stone such as tuff. NMR study allowed to obtain detailed information on the penetration depth of treatments, the hydrophobic effect, and changes in the open porosity caused by treatments. Physical and chemical inhomogeneities between the impregnated layers of tuff and the layers underneath were also detected. The average pores radius and pores interconnection obtained from NMR diffusion measurements were used for the first time to compare effects of different consolidating and/or protective treatments on stone. Because unilateral NMR technique is neither destructive nor invasive, investigation of treatments can be also carried out and optimized directly on buildings and monuments of interest for Cultural Heritage. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An investigation into the overseas market servicing strategies of Queen’s Award for Export winners: revisiting the concentration versus spreading debate

Although a body of knowledge exists on the areas of both export strategy and competitiveness, empirical data have tended to relate to general industrial surveys rather than concentrating on higher‐performing firms. Existing studies have provided mixed results concerning the merits of managers adopting particular international growth strategies. This paper reports on findings from a postal survey of winners of the Queen’s Award for Export, arguably the premier award for export achievement in the UK. Multivariate quantitative analysis of survey data and subsequent findings from interviews indicate that limited statistical differences exist between the performance and competitiveness of two groups drawn from the sample of “successful” firms. The two groups are those that employ as a growth strategy an approach which concentrates on key overseas markets compared with those that spread their efforts over a number of markets.
Helminth communities in murid rodents from southern and northern localities in Lao PDR: the role of habitat and season

Abstract The helminth communities of wild murid rodents were investigated in Luang Prabang and Champasak province, Lao PDR. Thirteen species of rodents (404 individuals) were infected by 19 species of parasites (2 trematode, 3 cestode, 14 nematode species). Four of the recorded helminth species (Echinostoma malayanum, Raillietina sp., Hymenolepis diminuta and H. nana) are known to cause potential zoonotic helminthiases of medical importance in the South-East Asian region. Individual helminth infection was significantly higher in the wet season. Habitat significantly influenced individual helminth species richness and individual helminth abudance, with a decrease of individual helminth species richness and individual helminth abundance from forest habitat to agricultural and human settlement habitats. The reduction of helminth diversity and abundance is discussed in relation to the ongoing increase of human influence on habitats in Lao PDR.
Pharmaceutical policies: effects of restrictions on reimbursement.

BACKGROUND Public policy makers and benefit plan managers need to restrain rising pharmaceutical drug costs while preserving access and optimizing health benefits. OBJECTIVES To determine the effects of a pharmaceutical policy restricting the reimbursement of selected medications on drug use, health care utilization, health outcomes and costs (expenditures). SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the 14 major bibliographic databases and websites (to January 2009). SELECTION CRITERIA Included were studies of pharmaceutical policies that restrict coverage and reimbursement of selected drugs or drug classes, often using additional patient specific information related to health status or need. We included randomised controlled trials, non-randomised controlled trials, interrupted time series (ITS) analyses, repeated measures studies and controlled before-after studies set in large care systems or jurisdictions. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors independently extracted data and assessed study limitations. Quantitative re-analysis of time series data was undertaken for studies with sufficient data. MAIN RESULTS We included 29 ITS analyses (12 were controlled) investigating policies targeting 11 drug classes for restriction. Participants were most often senior citizens or low income adult populations, or both, in publically subsidized or administered pharmaceutical benefit plans. Impact of policies varied by drug class and whether restrictions were implemented or relaxed. When policies targeted gastric-acid suppressant and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug classes, decreased drug use and substantial savings on drugs occurred immediately and for up to two years afterwards, with no increase in the use of other health services (6 studies). Targeting second generation antipsychotic drugs increased treatment discontinuity and the use of other health services without reducing overall drug expenditures (2 studies). Relaxing restrictions for reimbursement of antihypertensives and statins increased appropriate use and decreased overall drug expenditures. Two studies which measured health outcomes directly were inconclusive. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Implementing restrictions to coverage and reimbursement of selected medications can decrease third-party drug spending without increasing the use of other health services (6 studies). Relaxing reimbursement rules for drugs used for secondary prevention can also remove barriers to access. Policy design, however, needs to be based on research quantifying the harm and benefit profiles of target and alternative drugs to avoid unwanted health system and health effects. Health impact evaluation should be conducted where drugs are not interchangeable. Impacts on health equity, relating to the fair and just distribution of health benefits in society (sustainable access to publically financed drug benefits for seniors and low income populations, for example), also require explicit measurement.
Turning Themselves in: Why Companies Disclose Regulatory Violations

As part of a recent trend toward more cooperative relations between regulators and industry, novel government programs are encouraging firms to monitor their own regulatory compliance and voluntarily report their own violations. In this study, we examine how enforcement activities, statutory protections, community pressure, and organizational characteristics influence organizations' decisions to self-police. We created a comprehensive dataset for the "Audit Policy", a United States Environmental Protection Agency program that encourages companies to self-disclose violations of environmental laws and regulations in exchange for reduced sanctions. We find that facilities were more likely to self-disclose if they were recently inspected or subjected to an enforcement action, were narrowly targeted for heightened scrutiny by a US EPA initiative, and were larger and thus more prominent in their environment. While we find some evidence that state-level statutory immunity facilitates self-disclose, we find no evidence that statutory audit privilege does so.
Autonomic and central nervous system responding: during hypnosis and simulation of hypnosis.

Abstract Heart rate, electrodermal responding, respiratory rate, firon-talis muscle tension, and occipital electroencephalographic activity were monitored while 6 female Ss were experiencing hypnosis and while 6 other female Ss simulated the experience of hypnosis. Physiological data were collected during 7 sessions on 7 consecutive days. The results indicated no differences in physiological responding between hypnotized and simulating Ss. Both groups of Ss exhibited significant decreases in heart rate and amount of electroencephalographic alpha activity during their experiences, relative to pre- and posthypnotic or simulating levels. In addition, both groups of Ss exhibited significant increases in electroencephalographic beta activity during their experiences. Both groups of Ss also displayed lowered levels of electrodermal activity, skin conductance, and respiratory rate during their experiences. The changes in these modalities, however, were significant for hypnotized Ss, but were generally not signif.
Determining the Growth of Pigs in Commercial Facilities Using Machine Vision: On-Farm and Offline Results

Abstract A vision system was developed to determine the live weight of pigs from their body measurements non-invasively. This article presents on-farm and offline results obtained from the piGUI system while estimating the weight of grower pigs. During the on-farm trial the system recorded the growth of four successive batches of grower pigs at a commercial piggery. The growth output from the system was used to demonstrate the system’s potential in detecting the effect of undesirable conditions in practice. As according to the system, extreme summer temperatures may have been responsible for a decrease in the animal’s activity and growth. Offline results indicated that the group average weights of the grower pigs could be estimated within 1.3 kg error and group weight deviations within 1.2 kg error. More than 65% of all the estimates of individual pigs were within 2 kg of their actual weight, while estimates greater than 5 kg error were restricted to less than 5% of all estimates.
Understanding the Consumer Behavior Towards Shopping Malls

Many developed and developing countries like USA, Japan, Brazil, China etc.have already witnessed the importance of the mall culture which has redefined "Retail". The emergence of malls, as an important and significant destination for shopping, recreation and socialization has turned the face of the retail industry in India. Cities of India like Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Banglore and Gurgaon etc., has received huge economic and social contributions from these malls making them one of the most well known cities not only in India but also around the world as well. Even small cities like Gorakhpur, Faizabad and Allahabad of eastern U.P. is now witnessing the same phenomenon, as described earlier as Mall Culture. Three malls have already been functioning in the Gorakhpur city and many more are in the queue. Therefore the main objective of this study is to investigate the consumer behavior towards these shopping malls, with special reference to Gorakhpur city. This study attempts to explore the different variables of the consumer involvement like buying behavior of the consumers in malls, ability to spend money in the malls in comparison to common market place by the responses of 120 respondents from different age groups, gender, etc. The study is based upon the primary survey and the data has been collected from 120 respondents with the help of well designed, pre-tested structured questionnaire. In this study, simple and convenient sampling techniques are used. The paper also tries to facilitate the mall developers, managers, marketers and operators with the perfect blend of necessary sharpness in terms of various shopping dimensions necessary to offer the potential customers so as to operate the mall with highest productivity and performance.
How professional service firms compete in the market: an exploratory study

Abstract This study investigates how professional service firms (PSFs) compete in the market. Drawing on strategic marketing literature, a managerial rather than customer perspective is adopted. The study investigates the competitive positions sought by professional service providers and the specific marketing activities actually undertaken to achieve these positions. Thirty-seven depth interviews with senior management from a range of PSFs indicate that firms seek to differentiate themselves by developing long-term relationships, providing better service quality and greater value, and developing brands with strong reputations. Organisations typically seek such interrelated competitive positions simultaneously. A list of marketing activities used by the PSFs to achieve these competitive positions offers practical insights into the specific activities needed to achieve the various competitive positions sought.
Consumer behaviour towards honey products in Western Australia

Purpose – This paper aims to explore the factors impacting and influencing the consumer's decision to purchase honey in a retail store.Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected from shopping mall intercepts in Perth, Western Australia, using a structured questionnaire. Exploratory factor analysis was used to identify the principal constructs which most influence the consumer's decision to purchase. On the basis of the ways in which honey was consumed within the household, cluster analysis was utilised to group the respondents into meaningful segments.Findings – In Perth, Western Australia, honey is primarily consumed as a spread or a sweetener on breakfast cereals and porridge. However, honey is also used as a marinade, in cakes and cookies and as a beverage. According to the way in which honey is consumed in the household, five clusters were identified. In purchasing honey from a retail store, exploratory factor analysis revealed three principal constructs which were most influential in the consu.
Experiential Learning in Sport Sales: Student Perceptions of Sport Sales Expectations, Skills and Preparation

Experiential learning within sport sales is a growing component of the sport management curriculum. Assessment of student learning outcomes within these experiences is important in quantifying the effectiveness of the learning experience. This study utilized a survey to examine the change in students’ perceptions of sport sales as a result of completing an experiential, client-based sport sales program. The methodology included development and analysis of a survey instrument and application of that survey with enrolled and non-enrolled groups with pre- and post-test experiential learning assessment. Student expectations of a career in sport sales significantly decreased after program completion (t(56) = 2.33, p < . 05), while their perception of skill level and preparation for a sport sales employment did not significantly change for the experimental group. These findings relate this learning experience to a realistic job preview for the students, which typically decrease an individual’s expectations towar.