Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of feeding graded levels of Adansonia digitata (baobab ) seed cake on the performance of broilers

1 SUMMARY The effect of feeding graded levels of baobab seed cake on the growth performance of broiler chicks was evaluated. One hundred and eighty (180) day old broiler chicks of the Ross 46 Breed were used. The experimental layout was a completely randomized design with four treatments replicated three times. Each treatment allocated forty-five chicks and fifteen birds per replicate. The inclusion levels of baobab seed cake in the diets were 0, 5, 10 and 15 % on a mass basis. Soya bean meal based feed was used as the control. The experimental diets were isonitrogenous with 25 % and 20 % crude protein content for starter and finisher phase, respectively. The parameters measured were feed intake, weight gain and mortality. ANOVA showed that there was better performance (P < 0.05) from broiler chicks fed the control diet as compared to those fed baobab seed cake based diets. The incorporation of baobab seed cake in broiler chick diets economically reduced the total feed cost. Baobab seed cake can therefore be a valuable ingredient in broiler chick diets at 10 % inclusion level as it maximizes financial returns.
The effect of ownership concentration on non-financial information mandatory disclosure: Evidence from Italy

This study investigates the relationship between non-financial information (NFI) mandatory disclosure and ownership concentration in the Italian context, which is characterized by pyramidal groups and high ownership concentration. Hence, the intent is to understand to what extent NFI mandatory disclosure might be related to ownership concentration. In pursuing this objective, the empirical research examines 141 listed Italian companies that are obliged to prepare their NFI in accordance with Italian Legislative Decree 254/2016. The study addresses the following research method. First, the research develops an NFI disclosure score based on a dichotomous approach following a quantitative content analysis of the 2017 non-financial statements to assess their level of compliance. Then, it develops a multivariate regression analysis to test whether or not, and if so, to what extent, ownership concentration affects the disclosure of NFI. We aim to enhance the academic debate in light of the path development of NFI disclosure under mandatory requirements and the increased awareness around responsible business practices. Moreover, it draws insights on the controversial results of the relationship between ownership structure and corporate social responsibility (CSR) when the disclosure around sustainability issues becomes compulsory.
Global Financial Crisis , Ownership Change , and Corporate Governance Evolution : Firm-Level Evidence from Russia Ichiro IWASAKI July 2015

In this paper, using panel data of industrial firms obtained from unique questionnaire surveys conducted all over the Russian Federation in 2005 and 2009, we trace structural change in corporate governance systems before and after the global financial crisis and empirically examine their determinants. We found that, during this period, Russian firms improved the quality of corporate governance across the entire industrial sector. Furthermore, our empirical evidence strongly supports a hypothesis regarding the relationship between outside ownership and board composition as well as that concerning the impact of outside directorship on the audit system. Meanwhile, our estimation results also indicate the possibility that the global financial crisis has brought about asymmetric changes, in the sense that it enhanced the independence of corporate boards, while it deteriorated the independence of the audit system, thus, partially rejecting our prediction with respect to the disciplinary effect of the crisis on the corporate governance system. JEL classification numbers: D22, G01, G34, M42, P34
Title A Framework for a Strategic Repositioning Strategy

R is conscious adaptation to a changing environment, representing a fundamental shift in the firm’s value proposition (Turner, 2003). Repositioning as a pure play is largely neglected in the strategy literature, while empirical studies are rare. This paper explores the concept and process of strategic repositioning, based on the case of Bulmers cider in Ireland. A framework for successful repositioning is proposed, with six elements: core strategic values, strategic flexibility/learning capabilities, customer awareness and sensitivity, external orientation, management commitment, and belief in the product and brand. The Bulmers case affirms the ontological status of repositioning as a viable strategy. The case also indicates that repositioning is a feasible means of strategic change, which is transformational with limited scale, and is largely intellectual and enacted with strategic learning. This paper affirms the external/internal duality and need for an evolutionary, repositioning process of Turner (2003). It also extends Turner’s study due to the successful and more persuasive context of the * Department of Management, National University of Ireland, Galway 4. Framework.qxp 8/8/2007 6:34 PM Page 81
UNCOLOURING OF LIE COLOUR ALGEBRAS

The link between a Lie colour algebra and a corresponding Lie superalgebra is clarified in the case of the general linear algebras. The Lie superalgebra inherits from the colour cocommutative coproduct of the corresponding Lie colour algebra, a super coproduct which differs from the usual one, and is not supercocommutative. It is associated with a new R-matrix satisfying the super Yang-Baxter equation.
Minimum Wages and On-the-Job Training

Becker''s theory of human capital predicts that minimum wages should reduce training investments for affected workers because they prevent these workers from taking wage cuts necessary to finance training. In contrast, in noncompetitive labor markets, minimum wages tend to increase training of affected workers because they induce firms to train their unskilled employees. We provide new estimates on the impact of the state and federal increases in the minimum wage in the US between 1987 and 1992 on the training of low-wage workers. We find no evidence that minimum wages reduce training, and little evidence that they tend to increase training. We therefore develop a hybrid model where minimum wages reduce the training investments of workers who were taking wage cuts to finance their training, while increasing the training of other workers. Finally, we provide some evidence consistent with this hybrid model.
UvA-DARE ( Digital Academic Repository ) Transfer Entropy for Nonparametric Granger Causality Detection

The information-theoretical concept transfer entropy is an ideal measure for detecting conditional independence, or Granger causality in a time series setting. The recent literature indeed witnesses an increased interest in applications of entropy-based tests in this direction. However, those tests are typically based on nonparametric entropy estimates for which the development of formal asymptotic theory turns out to be challenging. In this paper, we provide numerical comparisons for simulation-based tests to gain some insights into the statistical behavior of nonparametric transfer entropy-based tests. In particular, surrogate algorithms and smoothed bootstrap procedures are described and compared. We conclude this paper with a financial application to the detection of spillover effects in the global equity market.
Habit, information acquisition, and the process of making travel mode choices

Three studies examined the role of habit on information acquisition concerning travel mode choices. On the basis of Triandis’ (1980) model of attitude‐behaviour relations it was expected that habit strength attenuates the elaborateness of choice processes. The studies focused on different phases in the choice process, namely the appreciation of situational cues and appreciation of choice option information. In line with expectations, it was found that, compared to weak habit participants, those who had a strong habit towards choosing a particular travel mode acquired less information and gave evidence of less elaborate choice strategies. It was attempted to break effects of habit by manipulating either accountability demands or level of attention. Although accountability demands raised the level of information acquisition, no interactions with habit were found. Enhanced attention to the choice process initially did override habit effects in a series of choice trials. However, in spite of this manipulation, chronic habit effects emerged during later trials. The results demonstrate the profound effects that habit may have on the appreciation of information about choice situations and choice options. #1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SOIL PROPERTIES IN DIFFERENT YEARS OF CULTIVATION ABANDONMENT IN THE MIDSTREAM AND DOWNSTREAM OF SHIYANG RIVER AREA

To understand changes of soil properties in different years of cultivation abandonment in the midstream and downstream of Shiyang River area, soil physicochemical characteristics, microbial population, soil microbial biomass, relationships between them and comprehensive evaluation of soil fertility quality were analyzed. The results showed that soil pH increased slightly, soil water content, sand content, the number of bacteria ,the number of actinomycetes and SMBN (soil microbial biomass nitrogen) decreased then increased, soil organic carbon, total potassium, Quick-available K, Quickavailable P, SMBC (soil microbial biomass carbon), SMBP (soil microbial biomass phosphorus) and SMBC/SMBN increased then decreased, total nitrogen increased then decreased and tended to be stable, total phosphorus and the number of fungi decreased then increased and decreased finally, and different abandoned years had different significant difference. From the correlation analysis and principal component analysis (PCA), there were close correlations among the soil physical characteristics, soil chemical characteristics and the number of soil microbes, soil microbial biomass. The key factors determining the soil quality were the soil pH, sand content, soil water content, soil water content, total nitrogen, Quick-available K, the number of fungi, SMBC and SMBN. The results that the effects of 4a on the soil during restoration were better for soil improvement than the other abandoned years, making the abandoned years of 4a more critical for use in the ecological restoration and control of the midstream and downstream of Shiyang River area.
The Effect of Technological and Psychological Factors on Users' Intentions to Continually Read e-Books

Due to the growth in both the number and use of e-books, the question arises as to which factors in? uence readers continually engage in e-book reading. This study uses innovation diffusion theory and uses and gratifications theory as theoretical bases from which to predict factors that may influence e-book readers to engage in repeated readings over time. Readers with experience reading e-books were recruited as the research participants. The results show that compatibility and entertainment are two factors salient to readers' attitude toward e-book reading, which in turn affects their intentions to read e-books continually, whereas convenience, social interaction, and price consciousness have no impact on such an attitude. This study helps e-book retailers improve reader retention regarding both technological and psychological considerations.
Effect of dietary replacement of fishmeal with spent brewer’s yeast on growth performance of Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) in Cambodian coastal aquaculture.

Coastal Asian seabass farming is an emerging industry in Cambodia, but most farmers depend upon trash fish to feed seabass due to the high cost of formulated diets, with inherent biosecurity and sustainability problems. Use of locally sourced, low-cost ingredients would overcome the major cost obstacle to integration of dry, formulated diets into Cambodian seabass aquaculture. We conducted two feed trials, one in tanks and one in hapas, to evaluate replacement of fishmeal in dry formulated diets with spent yeast sourced from a local brewery. Replacement of fishmeal with dry brewer’s yeast at 0%, 20%, 37% and 47% did not significantly affect performance in terms of growth and feed conversion in either culture system. Brewer’s yeast can thus be an affordable, locally sourced replacement for fishmeal in formulated diets for farmed seabass in Cambodia.
DETERMINATION OF SP

a Faculty of Technology and Education, Koszalin University of Technology, Koszalin, Poland; b The Szewalski Institute of Fluid-Flow Machinery, Polish Academy of Sciences, Gdansk, Poland; c Institute of Chemical and Environment Engineering, West Pomeranian University of Technology, Szczecin, Poland; d Faculty of Materials Science, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland; e Faculty of Applied Physics and Mathematics, Gdansk University of Technology, Gdansk, Poland E-mail: viktor.zavaleyev@tu.koszalin. pl, zavaleev@list.ru
Syddansk Universitet Co-expression of TIMP-1 and its cell surface binding partner CD 63 in glioblastomas

Background: We have previously identified tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) as a prognostic marker in glioblastomas. TIMP-1 has been associated with chemotherapy resistance, and CD63, a known TIMP-1-binding protein, has been suggested to be responsible for this effect. The aim of this study was to assess CD63 expression in astrocytomas focusing on the prognostic potential of CD63 alone and in combination with TIMP-1. Methods: CD63 expression was investigated immunohistochemically in a cohort of 111 astrocytomas and correlated to tumor grade and overall survival by semi-quantitative scoring. CD63 expression in tumor-associated microglia/macrophages was examined by double-immunofluorescence with ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1). The association between CD63 and TIMP-1 was investigated using previously obtained TIMP-1 data from our astrocytoma cohort. Cellular co-expression of TIMP-1 and CD63 as well as TIMP-1 and the tumor stem cell-related markers CD133 and Sox2 was investigated with immunofluorescence. TIMP-1 and CD63 protein interaction was detected by an oligonucleotide-based proximity ligation assay and verified using co-immunoprecipitation. Results: The expression of CD63 was widely distributed in astrocytomas with a significantly increased level in glioblastomas. CD63 levels did not significantly correlate with patient survival at a protein level, and CD63 did not augment the prognostic significance of TIMP-1. Up to 38% of the CD63+ cells expressed Iba1; however, Iba1 did not appear to impact the prognostic value of CD63. A significant correlation was found between TIMP-1 and CD63, and the TIMP-1 and CD63 proteins were co-expressed at the cellular level and located in close molecular proximity, suggesting that TIMP-1 and CD63 could be co-players in glioblastomas. Some TIMP-1+ cells expressed CD133 and Sox2. Conclusion: The present study suggests that CD63 is highly expressed in glioblastomas and that TIMP-1 and CD63 interact. CD63 does not add to the prognostic value of TIMP-1. Co-expression of TIMP-1 and stem cell markers as well as the wide expression of CD63 might suggest a role for TIMP-1 and CD63 in glioblastoma stemness.
Threat to pre-merger identities in mergers and acquisitions : antecedents, consequences and moderators

The high rate of failure in mergers and acquisitions is often blamed on cultural differences,organizational or national. More recently, it has been argued that cultural differences per se may be less of the problem than how the integration process is managed. The objective of the paper is to show how the process of socio-cultural integration can lead to positive outcomes such as a strong sense of a shared identity with the new organization, or negative outcomes such as intergroup polarization. Specifically, we argue that when socio-cultural processes threaten premerger identities, intergroup polarization becomes stronger which impedes the development of a shared identity. Threat to pre-merger identities may depend on the amount of changes envisioned and the extent to which organizational autonomy is decreased. However, this threat to pre-merger identities may be moderated by the perceived legitimacy of the differences in power and boundary permeability. This argument is illustrated by presenting a merger between two regional banks in Poland. Recommendations for future research are proposed and implications for managing integration processes in mergers and acquisitions are discussed.
The Effect of Intellectual Capital Disclosure, Corporate Governace, and Firm Size on Firm Value

This study aims to analyze the effect of intellectual capital, corporate governance and ﬁrm size towards ﬁrm value. The research method used is panel data regression analysis, by using purposive sampling method, there are eighty one companies from 2012 – 2017 period and listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. The result show that, intellectual capital disclosure and ﬁrm size have a signiﬁcant negative effect on ﬁrm value. Furthermore, institution ownership have a signiﬁcant positive on ﬁrm value. Intellectual capital disclosure, institution ownership and ﬁrm size simultaneously have a signiﬁcant on ﬁrm value, with the value of the coefﬁcient of determination (R2) of 0.90, indicate that all independent variables can explain the variation of ﬁrm value of 90%, whereas the remainder of 10% is explained by other factors not included in the model.
ePubWU Institutional Repository

Fiber-deployment of future telecommunications networks (“Next Generation Access” NGA) is currently a major challenge for sector-specific regulators as well as for investing firms. Although the future socio-economic importance of new telecommunications networks is uncontroversial, the related investment activities vary substantially in international comparison. This work intends to identify the most important determinants of previous NGA deployment using data from the EU27 member states for the years 2005 to 2010. For our analysis, we employ latest data on NGA deployment, relevant competition and regulatory indicators as well as other supply and demand side controls. Our econometric model incorporates: i) aggregated country level data; ii) structurally modeled dynamics of the deployment process which allows us to disentangle long-term and short-term effects; finally, iii) we argue that there is no endogeneity problem with respect to investment activities and regulation since we refer to regulation in preceding broadband markets. For our econometric analysis, we employ several dynamic panel data methods, such as GMM and LSDVC. Our results indicate that stricter previous broadband access regulation has a negative impact on NGA deployment. As regards the dynamics of the adjustment process, we find that there are severe adjustment costs and stickiness towards the desired long-term level of NGA infrastructure.
Does information and communication technologies contribute to organization performance? Evidence from Nigerian universities

This study assessed the relationship between ICT investments in relation to organizational performance with specific focus on knowledge-imbibed organizations – universities. The study focusses on drawing possible relationships between ICT investment and ICT cost efficiency and, various indicators of organization performance such as return on capital employed, net profit margin and return on assets. The study uses data generated from the annual report of 37 universities in South West Nigeria over the period between 2001 and 2010 in dynamic panel environment. Controlling for structural differences and time-varying dynamics among these universities, the analyses show varying effects of ICT investment on performance. The findings indicate that ICT investment and ICT cost efficiency have positive and significant relationship with performance indicators. The study recommends that ICT investment should be guided in order to stimulate organizational performance.
Irrigation Methods and Scheduling in the Delta Region of Mississippi: Current Status and Strategies to Improve Irrigation Efficiency

Even though annual rainfall is high in the Delta region of Mississippi, only 30% occurs during the months in which the major crops are produced, making irrigation often necessary to meet crop water needs and to avoid risk of yield and profitability loss. Approximately, 65% of the farmland in this region is irrigated. The shallow Mississippi River Valley Alluvial Aquifer is the major source of water for irrigation and for aquaculture in the predominant catfish industry. This groundwater is being heavily used as row-crop irrigation has increased tremendously. Water level in this aquifer has declined significantly over the past twenty five years, with overdraft of approximately 370 million cubic meters of water per year. Moreover, the common irrigation practices in the Delta re-gion of Mississippi do not use water efficiently, further depleting the ground water and making ir-rigation more expensive to producers due to increasing energy prices. Irrigation experts in the re-gion have tested and verified various methods and tools that increase irrigation efficiency. This article presents a review of the current status of the irrigation practices in the Delta region of Mis-sissippi, and the improved methods and tools that are available to increase irrigation efficiency and to reduce energy costs for producers in the region as well as to stop the overdraft of the declining aquifer, ensuring its sustainable use.
New regional stratigraphic insights from a 3D geological model of the Nasia Sub-basin, Ghana, developed for hydrogeological purposes and based on reprocessed B-field data, originally collected for mineral exploration

Abstract. Re-processing of regional-scale airborne electromagnetic data is used in building a 3D geological model of the Nasia Sub-Basin, Northern Ghana. The resulting 3D geological model consistently integrates all the pieces of information brought by the electromagnetic data, lithologic logs, ground-based geophysical surveys and the prior geological knowledge of the terrain based on previous research. The geo-modelling process is aimed at defining the lithostratigraphy of the area, chiefly to improve the stratigraphic definition of the area as well as for hydrogeological purposes. The airborne electromagnetic measurements, consisting of GEOTEM B-field data, were originally collected for mineral exploration purposes. Thus, those B-field data had to be (re)processed and properly inverted as the original survey and data handling were designed for the detection of potential mineral targets and not for detailed geological mapping. These new geophysical inversion results, compared with the original Conductivity Depth Images, provided a significantly different picture of the subsurface. The new geophysical model led to new interpretations of the geological settings and to the construction of a comprehensive 3D geomodel of the basin. In this respect, the evidences of a hitherto unexposed paleovalley could be inferred from the airborne data. The stratigraphic position of these paleovalleys suggests a distinctly different glaciation history from the Marinoan events, commonly associated with the Kodjari formation of the Voltaian sedimentary basin. Indeed, their presence may be correlated to mountain glaciation within the Sturtian period though no unequivocal glaciogenic strata have yet been identified. This pre-Marinoan glaciation is recorded in rocks of the Wassangara group of the Taoudeni basin. The combination of the Marinoan and, possibly, Sturtian glaciation episodes, both of the Cryogenian period, can be an indication of a Neoproterozoic Snowball Earth. Hence, the occurrence of those geological features, do not only have an important socio-economic consequences – as the paleovalleys can act as reservoirs for groundwater – but, also from a scientific point of view, could be extremely relevant – as their presence would require a revision of the present stratigraphy of the area.