Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Venture Creation Process, Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy and Competitiveness:A Focus on Technology Enterprises

Venture creation is typically conceptualized in terms of entrepreneurial tasks within a venture creation process, where the transition from one stage to another is often the result of a combination of various skill and belief components. This paper investigates the relationship between the venture creation phase, in terms of entrepreneurial self-efficacy and the competitiveness of small and medium technology enterprises. Correlational and regression analysis are performed where empirical evidence supports that the searching, planning, marshaling resources and implementing people phases of the venture process are significantly associated with the competitiveness of these enterprises.
Price Improvement and Order Execution Quality on the Boston Options Exchange

This study focuses on innovations in order execution processes in competitive option markets. More specifically, it examines the impact of new competition arising from the Price Improvement Process introduced by the Boston Options Exchange on options spreads and the quality of order execution. Using an original data set, the paper shows that the marginal price improvement averages 1.49% of the option price quoted immediately before the transaction, and that this improvement varies according to order size and market liquidity. Moreover, price effects appear to be temporary as quoted spreads immediately after PIP related transactions revert to their previous higher level.
Pan-STARRS1: Galaxy clustering in the Small Area Survey 2

The Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System 1 survey is currently obtaining imaging in five bands (gP1, rP1, iP1, zP1 and yP1) for the 3π steradian survey, one of the largest optical surveys ever conducted. The finished survey will have spatially varying depth, due to the survey strategy. This paper presents a method to correct galaxy number counts and galaxy clustering for this potential systematic based on a simplified signal-to-noise ratio measurement. A star and galaxy separation method calibrated using realistic synthetic images is also presented, along with an approach to mask bright stars. By using our techniques on a 69 square degree region of science verification data this paper shows PS1 measurements of the two-point angular correlation function as a function of apparent magnitude agree with measurements from deeper, smaller surveys. Clustering measurements appear reliable down to a magnitude limit of rP1 < 22.5. Additionally, stellar contamination and false detection issues are discussed and quantified. This work is the second of two papers which pave the way for the exploitation of the full 3π survey for studies of large-scale structure.
Tourism, trade externalities and public goods in a three-sector growth model

The purpose of this study is to introduce tourism, externalities, and public goods to a small-open growth with endogenous wealth and public goods supply. We develop the model on the basis of the Solow-Uzawa growth model, the neoclassical neoclassical growth theory with externalities, and ideas from tourism economics. The economy consists of three – service, industrial, and public - sectors. The production side is based on the traditional growth theories, while the household behavior is described by an alternative utility function proposed by Zhang. We introduce endogenous land distribution between housing and supply of services. The industrial and service sectors are perfectly competitive subject to the government’s taxation. The public sector is financially supported by the government. We introduce taxes not only on producers, but also on consumers’ incomes from wage, land, and interest of wealth, consumption of goods and services, and housing. We simulate the motion of the national economy and show the existence of a unique stable equilibrium. We carry out comparative dynamic analysis with regard to the rate of interest in the global market, the total productivity of the service sector, tax rate on the service sector, tax rate on consumption of services, human capital, the propensity to consume services, and the impact of public services on the productivity of the industrial sector. The comparative dynamic analysis provides some important insights into the complexity of open economies with endogenous wealth, public goods, and externalities.
Free and Attached Proteolytic Activity in Water Environments

Size distribution of exoproteolytic activity, as detected by hydrolysis of L-Leucyl-pNaphthylamide, was studied by differential filtration, ultrafiltration and centrifugation, on natural and enriched samples from the Southern Bight of the North Sea and the Scheldt estuary. Effects of sonication and treatment with Triton X-100 on this size distribution were also investigated. Most exoproteolytic activity in the aquatic environments studied is bound to the envelopes of bacteria. The small fraction (0 to 30 %) of total exoproteolytic activity passing a 0.2 pm filter probably consists of cell fragments, produced upon lysis of bacteria instead of being actively excreted. INTRODUCTION free or attached nature of exoproteolytic activity (EPA)
Short Term Sacrifices for Long Term Benefits: A Look at High Growth Firms

Emerging countries tend to be characterized by large quantities of labor and by rapidly expanding markets. High growth firms typically need to increase their workforce to maintain rapid sales growth. Thus, emerging countries tend to be well suited for high growth firms with labor intensive strategies. Difficult decisions, however, must be made to achieve and sustain high growth and profitability. These decisions involve various tradeoffs, including maximizing hiring in order to generate early profit versus making short term sacrifices and investing in complementary resources in order to generate long term profits. We develop a multi-period decision model of hiring policies for high growth firms that offers new insights on the relationships between profitability, size, and relative size increase in rapidly expanding markets.
Taxation and Sustainable Development in Nigeria: Informal Sector Challenges

The increasing interest of government to tax the informal sector is driven by pressure on government to generate more revenue for the purpose of embarking on more socio-economic development programmes. However, over the years, this effort has not yielded meaningful results owing to operational constraints. This study examines this concern with a view to identifying the critical challenges, with particular focus on the Rivers State tax district. Data were provided by 75 selected informal business operators and five officials of the Rivers State Internal Revenue Service (RSIRS). Analysis and ranking of the responses indicated the main challenges as bordering on tax officials capacity constraints and largeness of the informal sector as well as the tax district. It is recommended that special training programmes be regularly organized for tax officials involved with the informal sector. The segmentation of tax districts is also advocated to enhance efficiency in the administration of informal sector taxation and promote sustainable development of the Nigerian economy. Keywords: Informal sector, Tax administration, Sustainable Development.
The effects of serotonin versus catecholamine depletion on emotional processing: an event-related potential study on the International Affective Picture System

This study examined the effects of serotonin, catecholamine, and combined serotonin and catecholamine depletion on attentional biases associated with emotional processing. The sample comprised ten healthy male participants aged between 22 and 42 years. Depletion, or reduction of neurotransmitter function, was achieved by administering an amino acid mixture that was lacking in the precursor necessary for the production of the corresponding neurotransmitter. Emotional processing was assessed by the early attention event-related potential component, the P100, to photographs from the International Affective Picture System. Mood was rated on the quick wittedmentally slow, happy-sad, and amicable-antagonistic scales of the Visual Analogue Mood Scale. Unexpectedly, the amplitude of the P100 was larger for positive stimuli than for negative or neutral stimuli. Also contrary to expectations, there were no differences among treatment conditions in terms of the P100 to any of the emotional stimuli. Consistent with expectations, serotonin depletion and catecholamine depletion did not have any effects on subjective ratings of mood. In contrast to expectations, however, combined serotonin and catecholamine depletion failed to have any effect on mood. These findings suggest that the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine do not affect attentional bias in the processing of emotional stimuli. Chapter 1: Introduction 1.1 Overview The affective disorder depression is now one of the most debilitating illnesses in Australia (Mathers, Vos, & Stevenson, 1999). Contributing to both the onset and maintenance of the depressed mood is the existence of a negativity bias in emotional processing (Beck, Rush, Shaw, & Emery, 1979). That is, depressed individuals are believed to selectively direct their information processing towards negative events (Beck et al., 1979). It is believed that disturbances in neurotransmitter function, in particular serotonin and dopamine, are responsible in part for the emotional processing deficits observed (Delgado et al., 1990). The neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine can be manipulated experimentally in order to increase or decrease their function. With a greater understanding of the neurotransmitters involved in emotional processing, we are able to come closer to identifying the mechanisms behind disorders such as depression. In terms of the negative bias that is often observed in depression, psychological theories of depression contend that there is an attentional bias whereby attention is selectively directed towards unpleasant events (Beck et
A generalization of the dualizing complex structure and its applications

The structural property of dualizing complex is generalized and its applications are given to show that (1) over a ring possessing a dualizing complex, the conditions of Serre on the canonical module are connected with the local cohomologies of the ring itself; (2) the Cousin complexes of certain modules over a ring possessing a dualizing complex have nitely generated cohomologies; (3) a quotient of a Cohen–Macaulay local ring which satis es (S 2) and admits canonical module, also possesses a dualizing complex. c © 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved. MSC: 13D25; 13H10; 13D45
APPLYING THE BRIEFING PROCESS ON THE PEOPLE'S HOUSING PROCESS PROJECTS

The briefing process is seen as one of the most important and influential activities within a conventional construction project as it has the power to eradicate potential problems and, in so doing, save the client and developer problems and delays and prevent unwanted costs. The vital aspects to a brief are seen to be communication, the role of the client, client classification, and appropriate allocation of time. South Africa hosts one of the most diverse housing schemes in the world, with a variety of subsidy options. The People’s Housing Process (PHP) is a housing mechanism that encourages client engagement in the development process and the aims of this delivery system are the empowering and uplifting of the community by giving them the responsibility, skill and power to assist each other in developing their own community environment. The client or beneficiary engages in the process from the start and has a large degree of choice over matters relating to the product, the project and the development process to be followed. The objectives of this research project were to address the effectiveness of the PHP as a delivery process, the level of client satisfaction on completion of the project, the level of participation by the client, who can be defined as inexperienced, in the briefing process and the level of development experienced by the client as a result of participating in the project. This paper reports on phase one of the project namely the level of client involvement during the briefing phase of the project.
Firm Valuation in Venture Capital Financing Rounds: The Role of Investor Bargaining Power

This study explores the impact of bargaining power of venture capital (VC) firms on the valuation of their portfolio companies. We argue that VC firm types with greater bargaining power vis-a-vis the entrepreneur negotiate lower valuations compared to VC firm types with less bargaining power. We find that VC firm types with stronger bargaining power, namely university and government VC firms, value investments lower compared to independent VC firms. The valuations of captive VC firms equal those of independent VC firms. Our findings suggest that valuations in the VC contract reflect the relative bargaining power of the VC investor.
Effects of Users’ Bounded Rationality on a Traffic Network Performance: A Simulation Study

In this paper, we revisit the principle of bounded rationality applied to dynamic traffic assignment to evaluate its influences on network performance. We investigate the influence of different types of bounded rational user behavior on (i) route flows at equilibrium and (ii) network performance in terms of its internal, inflow, and outflow capacities. We consider the implementation of a bounded rational framework based on Monte Carlo simulation. A Lighthill-Whitham-Richards (LWR) mesoscopic traffic simulator is considered to calculate time-dependent route costs that account for congestion, spillback, and shock-wave effects. Network equilibrium is calculated using the Method of Successive Averages. As a benchmark, the results are compared against both Deterministic and Stochastic User Equilibrium. To model different types of bounded rational user behavior we consider two definitions of user search order (indifferent and strict preferences) and two settings of the indifference band. We also test the framework on a toy Braess network to gain insight into changes in the route flows at equilibrium for both search orders and increasing values of aspiration levels.
Folk taxonomy and traditional management of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) diversity in southern and central Benin

Cassava ( Manihot esculenta Crantz) is an important food security crop for poor rural communities, particularly in Africa. At household level, cassava landraces used for cultivation are mainly selected based on farmers' interests, leading to very particular diversity evolution over generations. The structure, composition and factors influencing cassava diversity at that level is not well monitored and under documented. This study aimed at capturing and analyzing local knowledge on cassava genetic diversity and the key parameters affecting it in Benin, for better and sustainable local cassava genetic resources management. The methodological approach was based on field visits, interview using questionnaire and group discussion with farmers. Data were collected from one hundred and ninety eight (198) respondents and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The majority (82%) of the respondents were male, generally 20 to 80 years old. Positive correlation was found between cassava diversity maintained per household with cultivated area and household size (R 2 = 0.162). Farmers used mainly stem and leaves characteristics to identify cassava varieties. Plant materials for next season were mostly selected according to the disease (mainly plant free of viral infection) status, size of the stem and number of nodes. The study revealed existence of a high diversity of cassava at the household level. However, various factors constrained cassava production and threats on cassava diversity were observed. Establishment of community field genebank, introduction of new varieties were some of the on-farm conservation strategies proposed by cassava farmers.
Rancang Bangun Layer Fisik Visible Light Communication Pada Sistem Transmisi Audio

Kini, fungsi LED tidak hanya sebagai penerangan saja, melainkan dapat dimanfaatkan sebagai media komunikasi. Teknologi ini lazim disebut sebagai komunikasi cahaya tampak atau VLC, yang mana telah mulai diaplikasikan pada area-area yang rentan gelombang elektromagnetik seperti rumah sakit, kabin pesawat, bandara, markas militer dan lain sebagainya. Media yang umumnya dijadikan objek transmisi data adalah berupa gambar, video, audio (musik), teks, bahkan paket data untuk keperluan browsing internet. Penelitian ini mengimplementasikan sistem VLC yang berfokus pada layer fisik, yakni pada bagian Analog Front-End (AFE). Sistem yang dirancang terdiri atas modul AFE transmitter sebagai modulator dan AFE receiver sebagai demodulator. Rancangan AFE transmitter mengadopsi prinsip dari modul Bias-T, dengan fungsi yang sama namun memiliki keunggulan pada sisi low-cost. Sedangkan pada bagian AFE receiver, terdapat modul DC-offset remover yang berfungsi untuk mereduksi sinyal DC dari ambient light. Hasil demonstrasi menunjukkan bahwa sistem secara fungsional dapat digunakan untuk transmisi sinyal audio via cahaya tampak dan secara langsung ditampilkan ke loudspeaker yang mana pengamatan dilakukan secara langsung dengan membandingkan amplitude sinyal input ke LED driver dengan sinyal output dari stage terakhir dari AFE receiver. Berdasarkan pengujian dapat ditunjukkan bahwa bandwidth optimum dari AFE transceiver adalah dalam rentang 50 kHz sampai 450 kHz (referensi redaman pada frekuensi cut-off = -3 dB) dan jarak maksimum transmisi data adalah 40 cm dengan sudut elevasi penerimaan sebesar 0 derajat
Sexual coercion and forced in-pair copulation as anti-cuckoldry tactics in humans

Introduction Rape in humans may or may not be generated by specialized psychological adaptation (Alexander & Noonan, 1979; Palmer, 1991; Thornhill & Palmer, 2000; Thornhill & Thornhill, 1992). Although several hypotheses have been proposed, there are only two likely candidates for evolutionary explanations of rape in humans. One hypothesis posits that rape is generated by an adaptation that functions as a facultative male reproductive tactic that contributes directly to reproductive success by increasing sexual partner number (e.g. Shields & Shields, 1983; Thornhill & Thornhill, 1983). The other hypothesis posits that rape was not directly selected for over evolutionary history, but instead is a byproduct of other male psychological adaptations, particularly those associated with sexual variety and aggression (Palmer, 1991; Thornhill & Palmer, 2000). Although the debate continues about whether human rape is generated by specialized adaptation or is generated as a byproduct, a special case of human rape presents an equally interesting question. If human rape is either due to selection pressures to increase sexual partner number, or due to other psychological adaptations, such as those associated with obtaining numerous sexual partners, then why do men in committed sexual relationships sometimes rape their partners? Researchers estimate that between 10 and 17% of women experience rape in marriage (Finkelhor & Yllo, 1985; Painter & Farrington, 1999; Russell, 1982). Moreover, particular subgroups of women may be especially at risk of experiencing rape in their marriage: 23–50% of physically abused women experience rape by their husbands (Bowker, 1983; Campbell, 1989; Frieze, 1983; Pagelow, 1981; Shields & Hanneke, 1983).
International Comparisons of Rural-Urban Educational Attainment: Data and Determinants

We study cross-country differences in rural and urban educational attainment by using a data set comprising 56 countries. We focus on the determinants of rural–urban educational inequality, which is measured by the ratio of rural to urban average years of schooling within each country. We find that riskier human capital investment, less credit availability, a colonial heritage, a legal system of French origin and landlockedness of nations are all associated with relatively lower rural educational levels and greater rural–urban educational inequality. Conversely, larger formal labor markets, better infrastructure and a legal system of British origin are associated with relatively higher rural educational levels and lower rural–urban educational inequality. We also identify an interaction effect between economic development level and some of these factors. In particular, we find that as development level increases, the negative (positive) relationship between French (British) legal systems and rural–urban educational inequality is reversed and becomes positive (negative).
Investigating the Influence of Customers' Feeling and Judgment on Their Loyalty with Emphasize on Brand Equity The Case of Isfahan Crystal and Glalss Products

This study aimed to investigate the effect of customers' feeling and judgment about Isfahan Crystal and Glass products on their loyalty. The customers of Isfahan Crystal and Glass products were the studied population. 348 respondents were randomly selected to participate in the study. The data gathering instrument was a questionnaire which its validity and reliability have been verified. Structural Equations Modeling was applied to examine the relationship between variables. The findings indicated that the direct effect of the Brand equity on customers' loyalty and also direct effect of the customers' Feeling and judgment toward Isfahan Crystal and Glass products on their loyalty were positive and significant.
Identifying an improvement method for Ecuadorian small companies

This article presents the improvement methodologies that fit the characteristics of Ecuadorian small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs). First, these characteristics were collected through primary and secondary data. The secondary data was collected from previous studies performed by gubernmental and not gubenmental institutions. The primary data was collected through twelve in-depth interviews performed by the researches to key personnel from SMEs from the plastic industry of Ecuador. Lean Manufacturing and the SHEN model are the improvement methods that best suits the majority of the weaknesses identified in the Ecuadorian SMEs.
Water for the urban poor: water markets, household demand, and service preferences in Kenya

Access to safe water supply has been one of the top priorities in developing countries over the past three to four decades, and billions of dollars have been invested in pursuit of the goal of universal service. And yet the general consensus at the 2002 United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development was that the current reality-as well as the situation expected in the near future-are far from that goal (The Economist Sept. 7-13, 2002). In fact, recent reports emphasize that the world is facing a serious water crisis and that water access and service delivery in the developing world need to be improved dramatically and urgently, especially if we are to make gains in the fight against poverty, hunger, and disease (United Nations 2003). World leaders not only agree that water is an important part of the core development agenda but have also committed to ambitious targets for expanding access to water services. At the U.N. Millennium Summit in 2000 and subsequently at the Johannesburg Earth Summit in 2002, world leaders agreed to a set of time-bound and measurable development targets-widely known as the Millennium Development Goals for 2015-which include a commitment to halve the proportion of people without access to safe drinking water.