Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
FDI and technology spillovers in China

Using a database of Chinese firms, we examine the effects of technology spillovers not only between foreign entrants and local firms but also between "modernized" local firms to other local firms. Our results show that the increased presence of foreign multinationals within industries and in their upstream sectors positively affected the productivity of local firms. The positive intra-industry spillover effect from wholly owned subsidiaries becomes evident when the Chinese government's restriction on foreign ownership was lifted. We also find strong spillover effects among local firms.
Constraints to Sawah Rice Production System in Nigeria

Abstract This study identified the constraints to adoption of sawah system of rice production in Nigeria. Data were collected from 124 randomly selected sawah-rice farmers. Data were analysed using correlation and regression analyses to determine the relationships between the study variables. The results showed that respondents were predominantly male (98.80%), married (98.80%) and had Quranic education (62.70%). Farm size ranged from 0.03 to 10 hectares (χ = 0.5ha), mean yield was 4.65 tonnes/ha, and mean income was $1,041.38 ($1 = N145.00). Production and on-farm constraints affecting sawah development were water management and flood. Major economic constraints faced by sawah farmers were lack of viable financial agencies to support production, poor capital base and non-availability of loan. Regression analysis showed that the yield of sawah was negatively related to land acquisition constraints (β=-0.34, p<0.05) and technological constraints (β = -0.43, p < 0.01). This study concluded that problems faced by farmers were interwoven in which existence of one relates with the other. Addressing these problems will lead to increase in the rate of adoption of sawah rice production technology and ultimately rice productivity in Nigeria.
The Effects of Perceived Supervisor Support, Organisational Justice and Change Management Strategies in the Context of Organisational Restructuring.

This study sought to further our understanding of the antecedents of employee perceptions of organisational justice in the context of organisational restructuring. As such, this study focussed on the previously under-researched change management practices of support for downsizing victims and organisational communication quality, and the similarly underresearched organisational justice dimensions of interpersonal and informational justice, while also hypothesising a moderating effect of perceived supervisor support between these two sets of variables. Using an online survey, a total of 234 employees from a large New Zealand organisation in the Education sector were invited to participate in the study, with 71 volunteering to complete the online survey. The results showed no moderating effects of perceived supervisor support, but did show strong, significant main effects of victim support and communication quality on both interpersonal and informational justice. These findings highlight the importance of change management practices in maximising positive outcomes post-restructuring for the organisation and its employees.
The Expression of Migration Inhibitory Factor mRNA in Peripheral Blood of Children with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Aim: This study was aiming at evaluation of the importance and the change in the level of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in serum studied by ELISA and in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PMBC) through the expression of mRNA of MIF studied by reverse PCR and its correlation with disease activity index in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Also, the relationship of MIF with the treatment by corticosteroids and renal involvement was taken into consideration.Material and methods: For this purpose, twenty lupus patients, regularly attending the Pediatric Allergy and Immunology Clinic, Children Hospital, Ain Shams University and fulfilling the American Rheumatism Association Revised Criteria for diagnosis of SLE, were studied in comparison to thirty-five healthy subjects as normal controls. According to the presence or absence of clinical renal involvement, lupus patients were divided into two groups: Group Ia: included 10 patients with clinical renal involvement and Group Ib: comprised 10 patients without clinical renal involvement. Full history taking and clinical examination were done and the SLEDAI was assessed. Also, the following laboratory investigations were performed ESR, routine microscopic urine analysis, 24 hours urine proteins, serum ANA, C3, serum anti-DNA, serum creatinine, serum MIF by ELISA and MIF gene expression through the mRNA in PBMC by rPCR.Results: The results of the present study showed that the MIF in serum and in PBMC were significantly higher among lupus patients as compared to normal controls. In addition, both were significantly higher among lupus patients with clinically evident nephritis than those without. Serum MIF and MIF gene expression were both significantly higher among lupus patients who suffered from symptoms suggestive of lupus nephritis as edema, hematuria, hypertension and positive anti DNA levels than other patients who did not experience these symptoms. In our study, different correlation analysis were done with serum MIF and MIF gene expression and proved to be significantly positive with SLEDAI score, ESR, cumulative dose of steroids, serum creatinine, 24 hour urinary protein and duration of illness in all lupus patients.Conclusions: In conclusion, MIF both in the serum and MIF gene expression by reverse PCR in macrophages were significantly higher in all lupus patients in comparison to healthy controls being significantly higher in those lupus patients with clinically evident nephritis than those without. Also MIF had a significant positive correlation to SLEDAI score and ESR indicating its correlation with disease activity.
Investigating the online customer experience – a B2B perspective

Purpose This paper explores the online customer experience (OCE) within business-to-business (B2B) websites. The purpose of this paper is to understand the influence of website credibility and information quality on the OCE during search for information and services. In addition, this paper acknowledges the role of customer support within the offline environment and thus explores the potential role of online customer support during a customer’s online experience. Design/methodology/approach An online experiment was conducted with 195 participants along with an associated questionnaire for data capture. Three tasks were developed for participants which they had to complete on three different business advisory websites. The online experiment gave all participants the experience of using a business advisory website. In order to analyse the hypothesised relationships, structural equation modelling was used. Findings The results outlined that the credibility of the website and the quality of the information on the website have a significant effect on the OCE in a B2B context. The research highlights the need for online customer support with a service representative during search on a B2B website. The credibility of the website as well as the success of the search drives the need for online customer support. The lack of online customer support will result in customers becoming dissatisfied with their experience if they have an unsuccessful search. Practical implications Managers of B2B websites should acknowledge the importance of website credibility cues and information quality cues. Each of these variables drive the success of a customer’s search and in turn the customer’s impression of the experience. Additionally, managers ought to provide customers online support, through functions such as an online help desk or a live chat function, as those who have an unsuccessful search expect to be able to seek online support from a company representative, the same way as they would do in the offline environment. Online customer support can act as a service recovery tool for website providers. Originality/value Empirical research on the OCE within B2B websites is limited and somewhat out-dated. Due to technological advancements and changing customer expectations, this research has filled a knowledge gap on the OCE in a B2B perspective. Website credibility and information quality have been overlooked in previous research in relation to the OCE. In addition, this study outlines the need for online customer support resulting from the need to clarify information and the success of the search.
An Analysis of Fixed Income BRICS Markets

In this paper, we examine the performance of the BRICS bond markets, trying to evaluate whether these markets can represent a profitable investment for non-satiable and risk averse investors. First, we analyze the main statistical characteristics of the returns in each of this markets. Then, we propose an empirical comparison of profitability of investment strategies among the BRICS markets. Specifically, we compare the ex-post sample paths of the wealth, obtained investing in the bond BRICS markets, following the classical theory according to Fisher and Weil immunization theory. Moreover, we also evaluate the portfolio investments based on Inflation-Linked Bonds of these emerging markets.
Effect of some factors on enzymatic activity of catalase in maize (Zea mays L.)

Catalase (EC 1.11.1.6), an antioxidant enzyme, has been screened in different plants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the activity, kinetic behavior, and the effect of some factors : pH, temperature, and Zn on catalase activity in Zea mays stalks (6 day old). The results showed that catalase exhibited optimum activity at pH 7.0 using 0.05M phosphate buffer and the optimum temperature at 40°C, also the results displayed that the value of Michaelis-menten constant (Km ) f or H 2 O 2 in these conditions equalled 0.2 M.This study showed that kernels germination using different concentrations of zinc chloride (0; 1; 3 and 6 mM) increased the enzymatic activity and the increase was correlated with the concentration, and 9 mM caused inhibitory effect on germination, while the incubation of stalks (6 day old- distilled water was used for germination and growing) for 24h in different zinc concentration (1; 3; 6 and 9 mM) reduced the enzymatic activity; the most inhibitory effect was at 9 mM.
Can Secession be a Rational Choice?: Explaining Support for the Independence of Catalonia

This paper analyzes support for, opposition to, and indierence towards the secession of Catalonia from Spain. Using data from the Catalan government’s Political Opinion Barometer, it seeks to determine whether economic considerations play an important role in motivating support for secession of the region from Spain. It analyzes the impact of expectations of economic outcomes in an independent state as well as national identities on stated intentions to vote in favour, against or to abstain in a hypothetical referendum on independence. It shows that both economic evaluations and national identity have an exogenous impact on secessionist support. Economic considerations have a significant eect across the identity spectrum. Support for separation is highest among people with the strongest Catalan identities and positive expectations of life in an independent state. Opposition to secession is highest among those who have the least Catalan identities and who have neutral or negative expecations of life in an independant Catalonia. An intention to abstain is most likely among Catalans whose economic expectations conflict with their identities.
Analysis of monetary policy on commercial banks in Nigeria .

This study investigates analysis of monetary policy on commercial banks in Nigeria. The study employed three commercial banks in the Nigeria financial system, that is, the first generation banks. The employed data run through 1992 to 1999 and this was collected through various issues of central bank of Nigeria statistical bulletin and analysed with the use of regression model. The results showed net profit, liquidity ratio, cash ratio and interest rate on savings which confirms to the prior expectation. This could be further explained with the regression estimate whereby an increase in interest rate will leads to a decrease in the lending rate while liquidity ratio and cash ratio were statistically significant to the profit of the selected banks. Key words: Monetary policy, commercial bank, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigeria.
Exogenous Acetylsalicylic Acid Stimulates Physiological Changes to Improve Growth, Yield and Yield Components of Barley under Water Stress Condition

To assay the effect of acetylsalicylic acid pretreatment on enhancement of yield and yield components of barley (Reihan-03) under water stress condition, an experiment was conducted as a spilt-plot arrangement based on randomized complete block design with four replications at the Research Field of Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Iran, in 2012-2013. Irrigation condition was arranged in main plots (normal irrigation and withholding irrigation at flowering) and acetylsalicylic acid (0, 0.5, 1 mM) in sub-plots. Water stress caused a significant reduction in relative water content, fertile spike/m 2 , kernels per spike, 1000 kernel weight, grain yield and biomass and increased electrolyte leakage of plasma membranes, proline content, catalase and also guaiacol peroxidase enzymes activity of flag leaf. Results showed that acetylsalicylic acid application brought on the increased levels of water stress tolerance in barley. Acetylsalicylic acid pretreatment increased antioxidant enzymes activity, relative water content, grain yield, biomass as well as proline content of flag leaf and reduced electrolyte leakage. The concentration of 1 mM acetylsalicylic acid was more effective. In conclusion, seed priming with acetylsalicylic acid increased the tolerance of barley to water stress condition via maintaining cellular membrane integrity and neutralizing or scavenging of reactive oxygen species.
BREEDING OF NEW POTENTIAL CROSSBREED (Bombyx mori L.), MSO3 x APS45 ForTROPICAL REGIONS

Keeping the various objectives of the industry in view, silkworm breeders are contributed significantly for the development of new strains through inbreeding coupled with appropriate selection procedures. Continuous renewal and change of existing breeds/hybrids with superior varieties and their commercialization is the need of the hour to increase silk quality and quantity. In this direction an attempt has been made at Andhra Pradesh State Sericulture Research and Development Institute (APSSRDI), Hindupur, India and contributed for the development of potential cross breed, MSO3 x APS45. Twenty four hybrid combinations were prepared in Line x Tester method involving eight newly developed polyvoltine lines with the three testers. The relative merit of the hybrids over multiple traits was assessed adopting Evaluation Index method. Based on the evaluation methods and performance, the hybrid MSO3 x APS45 were adjudicated as promising and chosen for further laboratory evaluation during different seasons. The performance data obtained was further subjected for multiple trait evaluation index method and the ranks were adjudicated based on the index values. The hybrid MSO3 x APS45 performed well under diversified environmental conditions indicating their overall stability and superiority which could be exploited at field level for the benefit of the sericulture farmers.
The Parceria project: a Brazilian parenting program to mothers with a history of intimate parter violence

This paper takes in consideration the association between child abuse and intimate partner violence (IPV), as well as its implications to children's healthy development. In general, parenting programs do not consider the history of IPV that participants may present. Thus, they tend to not offer a special help to victimized mothers to cope with their emotional problems and other difficulties they may face in educating their children. The present article provides a description of Projeto Parceria (Partnership Project), a Brazilian program to mothers with a history of IPV after a brief review on parenting programs. Such program encompasses two units: a psychotherapeutic and an educational one. The psychotherapeutic unit deals with the emotional aspects associated with a history of IPV, thereby maximizing the aspects of parenting skills and child behavior management of the educational unit. Examples of studies using Projeto Parceria are presented indicating positive results and suggesting future research to test the project widely in randomized control evaluations. Language: en
Effects of heat load gradient occurring in moulding on characterization and ripening of Grana Padano

Summary - A centripetal temperature gradient takes place in Grana Padano (GP) during moulding because of the slow heat transfer within the cheese and the fast cooling of the outer part. This gradient, in combination with the low pH value, induces a centripetal inactivation of alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Throughout the ripening process, the activity of the enzyme keeps > 3 105 mU/kg cheese in the peripheral zones and < 300 mU in the core. The objective of the present study was to determine whether the presence of heat load gradients and ALP inactivation improves the analytical distinction between GP and imitation hard cheeses and affects the ripening behaviour. DifferentIy ripened sampies of traditional GP, grana cheese of reduced size, or made from pasteurized milk following GP technology, or collected at the market were submitted to a stratigraphie study. For each cheese sample, subsequent portions collected from the rind to the core were analyzed for moi sture and water activity, aw' ALP activity, furosine, free ami no acids (FAA), casein phosphopeptides (CPPs) and free fatty acids (FFA). Regarding cheese characterization, thermal treatments of cheese milk can be recognized in GP only by determining the enzyme activity in the most peripheral portions. When the size of the cheese is reduced, cooling in moulding is faster and ALP inactivation in the core is lower. When the moulded cheese is heated, inactivation of the enzyme also takes place in the outer parts. The furosine values, which describe the extent of heat load in dairy systems, increase from the outer part to the GP core (from 10 mg to 60 mg/lOO g protein). This gradient is unaffected by prolonged ripening, but changes when modifications in technoIogical parameters such as pasteurization of milk, forced heating in moulding and reduction of cheese size are introduced. The distribution of ALP and furosine values within the cheese constitutes a distinctive parameter between GP and its imitation products. Regarding chee se ripening, ail the values of chemical indices adopted for describing the ripening of GP show a progressive increase from the inner to the outer portions of nine- or 15month-old chee se samples. These patterns are more pronounced for most of the FAA, and are marked for free serine which increases in the outer zones up to 50% more than in the core. The amount of 'enzyme resistant' CPP ~-CN(f16-22)3P, the accumulation of whieh requires the presence of active phosphatases and aminopeptidases, has the same stratigraphie behaviour as that of FAA. The close
Investigating the Relationship between Learning Styles and ESP Reading Strategies in Academic Setting

The present study investigated the relationship between Art and Science students’ learning styles and their ESP reading strategies in academic settings. Learning styles are defined as general orientations learners take toward their learning experiences. This notion has recently obtained attention in the area of language learning. Strategies are also defined as specific behaviours or techniques learners employ towards leaning in order to achieve their learning goals. The strategies chosen are often linked to the individual's learning style. The purpose of this study was to identify Art and Science students’ major learning style preferences and their strategies they employ to tackle their reading materials in ESP courses at Tabriz Islamic Art University. To this end, 313 Art and Science students at Tabriz Islamic Art University answered two self-report questionnaires (PLSPQ and SORS) to identify their major and minor learning styles as well as their reading strategies in ESP reading. In order to find any relationship between the students’ preferred learning style (s) and their reading strategies in ESP, Pearson Product Moment Coefficient r was used to analyze the participants’ answers to the questionnaires. The results showed that Art students favored Kinesthetic, Auditory, Visual and Tactile learning styles as their major learning styles while Science students showed preference to only Kinesthetic Learning style as their major learning style and other learning styles as their minor ones. It was also found that the most dominant reading strategies both Art and Science students apply in reading their ESP texts was cognitive strategies. Correlational analyses of their major learning styles and their reading strategies are discussed.
Fine mapping a locus affecting host resistance to internal parasites in sheep.

This paper describes the fine mapping of a quantitative trait locus (QTL) for host resistance to internal parasites in sheep using linkage disequilibrium. The QTL previously identified on sheep chromosome 3q was fine mapped to within a region of five centimorgans. One of two unrelated flocks of sheep also showed evidence for a QTL for parasite resistance in this region.
Electrodynamics of the equatorial F-region ionosphere during pre-sunrise period

The electrodynamics of the pre-sunrise equatorial F-region is investigated using HF Doppler radar and digital ionosonde. The observations are limited to those days for which the radar probing frequency is below the foF2 value. The ionosphere observation using HF Doppler radar exhibit interesting features during pre-sunrise period similar to the post sunset pre-reversal enhancement. The most striking fea- ture observed during pre-sunrise period is the sudden down- ward excursion in the vertical drift around local sunrise fol- lowed by an upward turning. Pre-sunrise observations of ver- tical plasma drift and the sunrise downward excursion fol- lowed by an upward turning after the ground sunrise related to the zonal electric field at the equatorial F-region are the most significant results not reported earlier.
InP‐Based Polarization‐Insensitive Planar Waveguide Concave Grating Demultiplexer with Flattened Spectral Response

InP‐based planar waveguide 48‐channel concave grating demultiplexers with a channel spacing of 0.8 nm (100 GHz) are described and demonstrated. Polarization insensitivity and flattened spectral response are successfully achieved by the introduction of a polarization compensator and a two‐focus grating, respectively. The fabricated device shows a polarization‐dependent wavelength shift of less than 20 pm and a −3 dB spectral width of about 0.55 nm (68.75 GHz) over all channels.