Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exchange rate volatility, stock price fluctuations and the lending behaviour of banks in Nigeria

Following the recent global economic crisis, so many macroeconomic maladjustments have unfolded in the Nigerian economy. First, the naira exchange rate depreciated sharply and became more volatile than any other time in nearly a decade; the stock market indices have dived very south relative to their previous year's levels and banks, because of their exposure to foreign credit lines, the stock market by themselves and their loan customers- were feared to be on the brink of collapse. Consequently, the Central Bank of Nigeria went to no end of limits to provide liquidity for the banks with a view to forestalling the feared consequences of the crisis. The main concern of researchers and analysts has been to identify the nexus through which the international crisis passed through to the domestic economy. Was the depreciation in the naira exchange rate responsible for the stock market collapse? Or was the reverse the case? Did banks curtail lending because of the depreciation or the fluctuation in the stock indices? This study empirically answers these questions. The vector auto regression (VAR) methodology is applied, treating the data series for temporal properties unit roots and co integration. The impulse response function and the analysis of variance were used to filter the effects of the included variables on bank loans, while the Engel Granger causality confirmed the lines of causation among exchange rate volatility, equity prices and bank loans. Preliminary evidence show that exchange rate volatility and equity price fluctuations affected the behaviour of banks in Nigeria but that the effects were insignificant and that the fluctuation of the stock index caused the naira to depreciate and there was no reverse causality. Changes in bank loans also led to equity price fluctuations and again, there was no evidence of reverse causality. Key words: Exchange rate volatility, global crisis, bank lending behaviour.
The effect of housing and handling practices on the welfare, behaviour and selection of domestic cats (Felis sylvestris catus) by adopters in an animal shelter

As adult cats can often be difficult to re-home, they may spend long periods in rescue shelters where barren housing and inconsistent handling can reduce their welfare. In this study, 165 adult cats in an animal shelter in Vancouver, Canada, were assigned to four treatments. The Basic Single treatment reflected typical conditions in that particular shelter, with cats handled in an inconsistent manner by various staff and housed singly in relatively barren cages. Three alternative treatments involved more consistent, positive handling by only the experimenter and research assistants, plus three housing conditions: Enriched Single (individual cages with opportunities to perch and hide), Basic Communal (group housing with opportunity for each cat to have personal space), and Enriched Communal (group housing enriched to encourage play and cat – cat interaction). The Basic Single treatment had the lowest percentage adopted in 21 days (45% versus 69-76% for other treatment, and higher stress scores than other treatments. The three alternative treatments did not differ significantly on any measure. Cats euthanised for poor health showed higher stress levels when alive than other cats. In a questionnaire, most adopters cited certain behavioural/emotional traits (‘friendly’, ‘playful’, ‘happy’) as reasons for selecting cats; these were generally associated with lower stress scores. The results suggest that consistent handling combined with a range of improved housing options can improve the chances of adoption for adult cats, perhaps by reducing fear-related behaviours that make cats less attractive to adopters.
Self-dual configurations in a generalized Abelian Chern-Simons-Higgs model with explicit breaking of the Lorentz covariance

We have studied the existence of self-dual solitonic solutions in a generalization of the Abelian Chern-Simons-Higgs model. Such a generalization introduces two different nonnegative functions, $\omega_1(|\phi|)$ and $\omega(|\phi|)$, which split the kinetic term of the Higgs field - $|D_\mu\phi|^2 \rightarrow\omega_1 (|\phi|)|D_0\phi|^2-\omega(|\phi|) |D_k\phi|^2$ - breaking explicitly the Lorentz covariance. We have shown that a clean implementation of the Bogomolnyi procedure only can be implemented whether $\omega(|\phi|) \propto \beta |\phi|^{2\beta-2}$ with $\beta\geq 1$. The self-dual or Bogomolnyi equations produce an infinity number of soliton solutions by choosing conveniently the generalizing function $\omega_1(|\phi|)$ which must be able to provide a finite magnetic field. Also, we have shown that by properly choosing the generalizing functions it is possible to reproduce the Bogomolnyi equations of the Abelian Maxwell-Higgs and Chern-Simons-Higgs models. Finally, some new self-dual $|\phi|^6$-vortex solutions have been analyzed both from theoretical and numerical point of view.
Are International R&D Spillovers Costly for the US?

Coe and Helpman (1995) and others report positive and equivalent RD (ii) panel estimates do not correspond to country specific estimates and conceal important cross-country differences in knowledge diffusion; and (iii) the US is a net loser in terms of international R&D spillovers. Our interpretation is that when competitors ‘catch-up’ technologically, they challenge US market shares and investments worldwide and this has implications for US productivity.
ASSESSING TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY FOR TEACHING IN POLYTECHNICS IN THE NORTH EASTERN STATES OF NIGERIA

This study was designed to assess the level of preparedness of technical teachers to use information and communication technology facilities for teaching in Polytechnics in the North Eastern States of Nigeria. The study adopted descriptive survey research design to collect opinions of technical teachers on their professional development in information and communication technology and their exposure to information and communication technology facilities used for teaching. A 5-point researcher made questionnaire was used for data collection. The instrument was validated by two experts in information and communication technology and it was also pilot tested on nine polytechnic teachers after which a reliability coefficient of 0.98 was estimated. Two research questions were raised and one hypothesis propounded. The study revealed that technical teachers teaching in polytechnics in the North Eastern States of Nigeria possess moderate professional development and exposure to information and communication technology facilities. This implies that the teachers need further training on information and communication technology facilities used in the classroom. It was then recommended that employers of the teachers should send them on in-service training in information and communication technology and to also put in place adequate information and communication technology facilities for instructional purpose. The study suggested further studies to investigate the teachers’ level of competency in using information and communication technology in the classroom.
The underestimated role of stratosphere-to-troposphere transport on tropospheric ozone

Abstract. The atmospheric composition is strongly influenced by changing atmospheric dynamics, in potential relation to climate change. A prominent example is the doubling of the stratospheric ozone component at the summit station Zugspitze (2962 m a.s.l., Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany) between the mid-seventies and 2005, roughly from 11 ppb to 23 ppb (43 %). Systematic efforts for identifying and quantifying this influence have been made since the late 1990s. Meanwhile, routine lidar measurements of ozone and water vapour carried out since 2007, combined with in-situ and radiosonde data and trajectory calculations, have revealed the presence of stratospheric intrusion layers on 84 % of the yearly measurement days. The seasonal cycle for deep intrusions with a pronounced summer minimum seen at Alpine summit stations disappears if one looks at the entire free troposphere. The seasonal cycle previously obtained for the Zugspitze summit is rather well reproduced by the lidar data. The mid- and upper-tropospheric intrusion layers seem to be dominated by very long downward transport up to a full tour around the northern hemisphere in an altitude range starting at about 4.5 km a.s. l. Unless there is a strong perturbation, these layers remain considerably dry, typically with RH l 5 % at the centre of the intrusion. It is interesting to note that, in recent years, most pronounced ozone maxima have been related to a stratospheric origin rather than to long-range transport from remote boundary layers. This fact could be caused by improving air quality in the most relevant source regions or changing transport patterns.
An Influence of Strategic Awareness on Management Control: Evidence from Polish Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises

Abstract Purpose: The paper investigates whether employees’ strategic awareness influences the shape of management control systems (MCSs) in Polish micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (mSMEs). Methodology: The study is based on data obtained from 223 companies between November 2010 and January 2012. The quantitative analysis used a set of variables which depicted MCSs: ‘goalsetting process’, ‘control framework’ and ‘organisation of control’. Strategic awareness was considered an independent variable. Findings: The results showed positive correlations between strategic awareness and considered variables. Regression models developed by the authors proved statistically valid. The study evidences, that increasing employees’ strategic awareness stimulates their participation in goal-setting, contributes to the development of more comprehensive MCSs, or may even imply formalisation of management control. Research limitations: The study does not include an analysis of the extent to which employees find MCSs useful in their work. This will be considered in future research. Another possible extension of the project is to identify factors which enable the capturing of the dynamic character of MCSs and their changes over time. Practical implications: The knowledge of MCSs does not explain whether or not the strategic orientation of a company stimulates a need for MCS. Such knowledge may be important to managers who have to face Polish employees’ general aversion to control. Originality: The study contributes to the limited body of knowledge in a scope of relations between employees’ strategic awareness and control mechanisms in Polish mSMEs.
Development and Validation of an Active Magnetic Regenerator Refrigeration Cycle Simulation

An alternative cycle proposed for refrigeration and gas liquefaction is active magnetic regenerator (AMR) refrigeration. This technology relies on solid materials exhibiting the magnetocaloric effect, a nearly reversible temperature change induced by a magnetic field change. AMR refrigeration devices have the potential to be more efficient than those using conventional refrigeration techniques but, for this to be realized, optimum materials, regenerator design, and cycle parameters must be determined. This work focuses on the development and validation of a transient one-dimensional finite element model of an AMR test apparatus. The results of the model are validated by comparison to room temperature experiments for varying hot heat sink temperature, system pressure, and applied heat load. To demonstrate its applicability, the model is then used to predict the performance of AMRs in situations that are either timeconsuming to test experimentally or not physically possible with the current test apparatus. iv Table of
Use of RAPD to aid selection in common bean backcross breeding programs

Aiming at using RAPD markers to accelerate the recovery of desirable phenotypes in backcross programs, 167 common bean plants belonging to BC 1 , BC 2 and BC 3 resistant to the 2047 race of the fungus Colletotrichum lindemuthianum were selected after inoculation. The DNA of those plants and of the parents G2333 (donor), ESAL696 and CI140 (recurrents) was extracted and 70 polymorphic bands were obtained using 34 primers, through the RAPD procedure. Genetic similarities between BC plants and parents for each group were estimated. It was verified that RAPD was efficient in estimating genetic diversity among genotypes, as well as parentage for the BC 1 F 4 and BC 2 F 1 populations in relation to their parents, according to their genealogy. The efficiency of the genetic similarity for determining the parentage of the backcross populations in relation to their parents confirms its usefulness in selecting plants more similar to the recurrent parent, even in BC 1 .
Effects of Dietary Protein, Energy and Lysine Intake on Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Growing Japanese Quails

The present study was performed to investigate the effect of dietary levels of protein, energy and Lys on growth performance and carcass traits of growing Japanese quails during 1-5 weeks of age. A factorial design 3×2×2 arrangement was performed including three levels of crud protein (CP; 22, 23.5 and 25%), two levels of metabolizable energy (ME; 2900 and 3000 kcal ME kgG 1 ) and two levels of total lysine (Lys; 1.3 and 1.45%). Live Body Weight (LBW) at 3 weeks of age and Body Weight Gain (BWG) during 1-3 weeks of age were significantly (p#0.01) maximized when chicks were fed 22% CP compared to those received 23.5 and 25% CP. LBW at 3 and 5 weeks of age as well as BWG through 1-3 and 1-5 weeks of age were statistically (p#0.05) decreased with increasing dietary energy from 2900-3000 kcal ME kgG 1 diet. LBW at 3 weeks of age and BWG during 1-3 weeks of age were maximum when chicks were fed 1.45% Lys compared with group received 1.3% Lys level. Interaction between protein and energy levels significantly (p#0.01) affected LBW at 3 weeks of age and BWG through 1-3 weeks of age. Also, LBW at 5 weeks of age and BWG through 1-5 weeks of age were statistically (p#0.05) influenced by the interaction between ME and Lys levels. Increasing dietary ME level from 2900 to 3000 caused significant improvements in FCR at all studied ages except period 1-3 weeks of age. The present results did not show any significant effect on all carcass characteristics due to different dietary CP, ME and Lys or their interactions, except carcass percentage was higher in chicks fed diet contained 1.3% Lys. Also, giblet percentage was significantly (p#0.01) affected by energy levels and the interaction among dietary CP, ME and Lys levels. Moreover, dressing percentage was significantly (p#0.01) influenced by CP and Lys levels. It can be concluded that, diet formulated in 22% CP, 2900 kcal ME kgG 1 and 1.3% Lys can adequately ensure the growth performance in Japanese quails.
Effect of level of rumen protected CLA supplementation on milk yield and composition in Saanen goats

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of level of rumen protected conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) 35 on milk yield and composition in Saanen goats. Eight multiparous goats were used in an eight animals and four periods repeated Latin square experimental design. Supplementation levels were based on 10% of the recommended level for cows. Goats were fed either a control, 1.3 g/d, 2.6 g/d or 3.9 g/d. The rumen protected CLA 35 contained 17.5% of each of the cis 9-trans 11 and trans 10-cis 12 isomers respectively. Supplementation of up to 3.9 g rumen protected CLA 35, which is on a bodyweight basis, equivalent to 150% of the recommended level for cows, did not affect milk yield or composition. In a second trial 10 additional goats were used in a two treatment factorial design and fed either 30 or 60 g of rumen protected CLA 35. Milk lactose, protein and milk urea nitrogen concentrations were not affected. When the average milk fat percentage of the two days prior to the trial was compared with the fat percentage on day 8, 60 g rumen protected CLA 35 reduced milk fat by 0.57 percentage units compared to 0.07 units when 30 g rumen protected CLA 35 was fed. The results suggest that much higher levels of rumen protected CLA/unit of body weight would be needed in goats, as compared to cows, to suppress butterfat production to the same extent as in cows. Therefore, dairy goats cannot merely be used as a model for cows in butterfat depression studies and more long-term studies on CLA supplementation of goats are needed.
Publicness and strategic planning of public institutions: Evidence from Indonesia

Strategic planning has become a very common practice in public organizations. Research shows the positive impacts of strategic planning on the firm performance. This study examines the impacts of publicness on planning formalization, flexibility and participation. Empirical evidence collected from Indonesia suggests that planning formalization associates negatively with publicness; and mediates the relationships between publicness, flexibility and participation. The results support the political control view of public organizations. The results suggest that public organizations need to be both formal and flexible. We also find the positive association between participation and flexibility.
First record of Viperidae snakes from the Pleistocene of southwestern Brazilian Amazonia

We describe an incomplete trunk vertebra of a snake attributable to the Viperidae, collected from a conglomerate facies in upper Pleistocene sediments at the Mississippi locality, Upper Juruá River, southwestern Brazilian Amazonia. It represents the first fossil snake record from the Pleistocene of this region. This specimen extends the fossil distribution of the Viperidae, representing the northernmost record of a snake in the Brazilian Pleistocene.
Recovery of fibroblast-like cells after 160 days of postmortem storage of goat skin tissues in refrigerated media.

Animals have been cloned from frozen decade old postmortem tissues preserved within few hours of animal death. Delay in tissue preservation may reduce cloning success due to compromised nuclear DNA integrity. In vitro culture of cells ensures nuclear integrity and is a preferred method of preparing somatic cells for cloning. However, the time limits of postmortem recovery of cells capable of in vitro culture are not precisely known. Here we show recovery of fibroblast-like cells after 160 days of postmortem storage of goat skin in culture media at 4? C. Forty skin explants were cultured at 10 days interval up to 160 days and the outgrowing fibroblast-like cells around them were observed under inverted microscope. Explants with a cluster of more than 50 cells, after 10-12 days of culture initiation, were considered positive. We observed the outgrowth in all the time points, however, the confluence level reduced with increasing postmortem time interval. Secondary cultures established from primary outgrowth of 0-, 90- and 160-dpm tissues exhibited similar fibroblast-like morphology. Growth curves of 0- and 90-dpm cells were similar but 160-dpm cells grow slightly slower.Cytogenetic analysis performed on twenty G-banded metaphase cells of 160-dpm cell line revealed an apparently normal male goat karyotype with 60 chromosomes and their post-freezing cell-viability was >67%. Potential of using these cells to clone the goats remains to be seen in future. These findings may be useful in decisions for preservation of tissues for future cloning of animals and cell therapy.
TECHNOLOGICAL POSTURE AND CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: EFFECTS ON INNOVATION PERFORMANCE

Interest in the relationship between innovation and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has grown considerably in the last few years. The aim of this paper is to analyze the relationship between a company’s technological posture and CSR, as one of the main determinants of technological innovation performance. From knowledge-based and stakeholders’ theories a structural equations model of relationships was established and statistically tested through Smart PLS on a sample of Spanish firms from the renewable energy sector. Our findings suggest that in these kinds of industries, leadership postures (proactive strategies) lead firms to engage in high levels of CSR commitment. Moreover, CSR activities are positively related to innovation performance, which suggests that the higher the level of a firm’s engagement in CSR activities, the greater the possibility of achieving further innovation derived from the exploitation of its stakeholders’ knowledge.
Gentamicin, Salicylate and Their Combinations as Anti- Infective Coating of Orthopedic Implants

Our objective was to determine the efficacy of gent amicin, salicylate and their combinations- PDLLA-coated orthopedic stainless steel wires in preventing gram positive a nd gram negative bacterial colonization. Stainless steel wires were coated with gentamicin/salicylate combinations. The zone o f inhibition (ZoI) around the wires with and withou t drugs was determined by a modified Kirby‐Bauer method. The adherence of bacteria to coated and uncoated wires an d after 3 months shelf life followed by 4 weeks of immersion in seru m were determined. Gentamicin/salicylate coated metal segments showed the highest inhibitory effect on bacterial a dherence when compared with controls (93.1%‐100%). These segments showed zones of inhibition ranged from (20-45 mm) diameter. After 4 weeks immersion in serum, the coat ed wire segments maintained significant durability and inhi bited bacterial adherence when compared with controls by 92.8%93.7%. Salicylate increases the coating efficacy of gentamicin when used in combination with them. These combinations can be used as coating for the orthopedic implants due to their effect in preventing biofilm formation .
Role of collective action and handling practices on aflatoxin contamination of groundnuts: evidence from Kenya

Groundnut is a major dietary component and a relatively cheap source of proteins for many people in western Kenya. In order to commercialize groundnut production, the government of Kenya, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and Catholic Relief Services mobilized growers into producer marketing groups (PMGs). The PMGs are trained on practices that minimize groundnut contamination with aflatoxin. This paper examines the effectiveness of PMGs as avenues for promoting practices that reduce the risk of groundnut contamination with aflatoxin based on a household survey conducted in Homabay district, western Kenya. Aflatoxin content of groundnuts samples obtained during the survey was determined by indirect competitive ELISA. The results indicated a significant (P<0.01) level of awareness about aflatoxins among farmers belonging to PMGs (90.6%) than those who did not (58.1%). A significantly higher percentage of PMG farmers practiced sorting and grading. In addition, a significantly (P<0.01) higher percentage of PMG respondents (89.5%) employed cultural methods of pest control compared with the non PMG farmers (52.2%). However, levels of aflatoxins in groundnut samples taken from both categories of farmers did not differ, suggesting a lag between the time farmers receive a message and its implementation. These results indicate that PMGs have contributed substantially to increased awareness about aflatoxins and underscore the need for up-scaling training of farmers on specific measures that reduce the risk of exposure.