Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Electron transport in zinc-blende wurtzite biphasic gallium nitride nanowires and GaNFETs

Two-point and four-point probe electrical measurements of a biphasic gallium nitride nanowire and current–voltage characteristics of a gallium nitride nanowire based field effect transistor are reported. The biphasic gallium nitride nanowires have a crystalline homostructure consisting of wurtzite and zinc-blende phases that grow simultaneously in the longitudinal direction. There is a sharp transition of one to a few atomic layers between each phase. All measurements showed high current densities. Evidence of single-phase current transport in the biphasic nanowire structure is discussed.
Developing an atlas based on frond venation patterns analysis of polypodiales in Tarakan

This study aims to identify and analysis of frond venation pattern of Polypodiales in Tarakan, which then developing an atlas based on the results obtained. T he results of identify and analysis the frond venation pattern of Polypodiales showed that there were 14 species of Polypodiales . The venation pattern found in Polypodiales were reticulate and open forked. While in the development of an atlas, the assessment result of the content feasibility aspect by the content expert obtained 90.77% (valid), and assessment result of the presentation feasibility aspect obtained 100% (valid). The assessment result of the book size aspect by the media expert obtained 90% (valid), while assessment result of the book cover design aspect obtained 93.33% (valid), and assessment result of the content book design obtained 91.42% (valid). The assessment result of the language usage by language expert obtain 92% (valid), and assessment result of the language accuracy obtained 96% (valid). The field assessment result by lecturer for the easiness aspect obtained 92.31% (valid), the attractiveness aspect obtained 100% (valid), and the understandable aspect obtained 90% (valid). Meanwhile, the field assessment result by student for the easiness aspect obtained 97.43% (valid), the attractiveness aspect obtained 93.33% (valid), and the understandable aspect obtained 100% (valid).
Payment Methods in Acquisitions of Association of Southeast Asian Nations Bidders

This paper examines the determinants of methods of payment in M&A transactions in ASEAN countries. We take into account the effects of characteristics of bidders, targets and countries on the choice of method of payment. The findings document the importance of bidders’ technology status, targets’ ownership status, relative size of bidders and targets, and especially the corporate governance variables in the countries that involved in those M&A transactions. In addition, crisis periods also distinguish the choices of payment method for domestic and cross-border M&As in ASEAN countries. Keywords: Methods of payment, ASEAN countries, Mergers, Acquisitions JEL Classifications: G32, G34, G38
The Impact of Corporate Governance on Agency Cost: Empirical Analysis of Quoted Services Firms in Kenya

The effect of corporate governance on firm performance has long been of great interest to financiers, economists, behavioural scientists, legal practitioners and business operators. Yet there is no consensus over what constitutes an effective corporate governance mechanism that induces agents or managers to consistently act in the interest of share value optimization. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of corporate governance in mitigating agency cost in a sample of 9 service firms selected on the basis of market capitalization from Nairobi Securities Exchange during the period 2008-2012. We used the proxy asset utilization ratio to measure agency cost. Multivariate fixed effect regression is used to analyze the data. The explanatory variables include director ownership, institutional ownership, external ownership, board size, CEO/Chair duality, remuneration structure and board independence. The results show that higher director and institutional ownership reduces the level of agency cost. Smaller sized boards also results in lowering agency cost. Board independence has positive association with asset utilization ratio. The separation of the post of CEO and chairperson and higher remuneration lower agency cost. Keywords: Corporate governance, Agency cost, Multivariate fixed effect regression
Corporate Governance Mechanisms and Bank Performance: Evidence from the Greek Banks during Crisis Period

This paper is the first research attempt that investigates the impact of a large number of corporate governance mechanisms on the performance of Greek banks, employing widely accepted in the literature of corporate governance econometric models. Results indicate that system GMM models are more suitable methodological tools than pooled OLS and fixed effects models to address well-known econometric problems, such as endogeneity, simultaneity and unobserved heterogeneity of individual banks. The findings, as derived from the application of GMM models, imply that increasing the board size and the number of independent directors can both have a positive impact on the performance of Greek banks, but only up to a certain point. Thus, bank efficiency will increase as board size and the proportion of independent directors grow up to a point where these relationships hit a maximum from which bank performance decreases. Our multi-model estimations failed to trace any significant contribution of the number of female and foreign directors on the performance of Greek banks. Finally, the dual appointment of a CEO as Chairman appears to affect negatively two out of four proxies of bank performance. Overall, the results provide support for the positive impact of corporate governance mechanisms on the performance of Greek banks. The significance of these findings increases, considering that the period under study (2008-2014) is marked by high market volatility and uncertainty due to the well-known debt crisis that plagues Greece since the beginning of 2008.
Nonparametric Approach to Portfolio Diversification: The Case of Australian Equity Market - Un approccio non-parametrico alla diversificazione del portafoglio: il caso del mercato azionario australiano

This study investigates the portfolio diversification possibilities among Australian sectoral, size and style indexes and between Australian aggregate equity index and selected international indexes. Two analytical methods are used – nonparametric cointegration that appears to be the most appropriate for the financial data analysis, and principal component analysis (PCA) that is suitable for detecting relations among a large number of variables and for clustering co-moving variables. Having identified linear and nonlinear unit roots in the time series data we show that based on Bierens’ nonparametric cointegration the number of cointegrating relations between respective indexes increases (and the portfolio diversification opportunities diminish) in the post-GFC period (2007-2012) relative to the historic average (1992-2012). Regarding sectoral diversification, the PCA results suggest that sectoral relations underwent minor changes in the post-GFC period with few additional diversification opportunities appearing. - In questo studio si esaminano le possibilita di diversificazione del portafoglio tra indici australiani settoriali, dimensionali e di stile di gestione e tra indici aggregati australiani e indici internazionali. Vengono usati due metodi – la cointegrazione non-parametrica, che sembra essere la piu appropriata per l’analisi dei dati finanziari, e l’analisi delle componenti principali (PCA) che consente di individuare le relazioni esistenti tra numerose variabili e di individuare gruppi di variabili mobili. Dopo aver identificato le radici unitarie lineari e non lineari nei dati time series lo studio mostra che sulla base della cointegrazione non-parametrica di Bierens il numero di relazioni cointegrate tra i rispettivi indici aumenta (e le opportunita derivanti dalla diversificazione del portafoglio diminuiscono) nel periodo post-GFC (2007-2012) relativamente alla media storica (1992-2012). Per quanto riguarda la diversificazione settoriale, i risultati della PCA suggeriscono che relazioni settoriali hanno subito cambiamenti modesti nel periodo post-GFC con poche opportunita ulteriori di diversificazione.
Prolyl oligopeptidase in multiple sclerosis

Tiivistelmä   Referat – Abstract Prolyl oligopeptidase (POP, E.C. 3.4.21.26) cleaves short peptides, of less than 30 amino acid long, at the C-side of an internal proline. It has been associated with many pathophysiological processes, such as neurodegeneration and inflammation. At the moment there are no studies that have been focused on POP function in multiple sclerosis (MS). A preliminary study in a Spanish cohort reported altered POP activity in plasma samples of patients with relapsingremitting multiple sclerosis (RR-MS) compared with healthy controls. Also they observed increased levels of the endogenous POP inhibitor in plasma samples of patients with RR-MS. The first objective of this study was to evaluate the POP activity levels in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from RR-MS patients and healthy controls in a Finnish population using a kinetic fluorescence assay. The seral levels of the endogenous POP inhibitor were also investigated by preincubating recombinant porcine POP (rPOP) with serum and determining the percentual decrease of POP activity compared to basal rPOP values (inhibitory capacity %). The second objective of this study was to purify and characterize the endogenous POP inhibitor in serum. In order to accomplish this goal, different biochemical and biophysical features, such as temperature resistance and filtering cut-off were tested. Also a combination of chromatographic approaches (affinity/anion exchange/hydrophobic interaction chromatography) with polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and protein staining was used. All the differences observed in POP activity/inhibitor levels (serum, serum with DTT, CSF) between healthy controls and patients with RR-MS in this study did not reach statistical significance due to low values in all the samples. However, the trends in all the measured parameters were similar to the preliminary study in a Spanish cohort. Thus, the data supports further, more comprehensive, studies on the role of POP in MS. After series of chromatographic runs, a mass spectrometry analysis revealed the endogenous POP inhibitor to be α2-macroglobulin, a panprotease inhibitor in serum. α2 -Macroglobulin has also been associated with MS, thus this finding substantiate the relationship between POP and MS.
The determinants of profitability in companies listed on the Bucharest stock exchange

This research aims to establish the determinants of financial performance in 126 Romanian companies listed on the Bucharest Stock Exchange, over a period of ten-years (2003-2012). The analysis is based on cross sectional regressions. Return on assets is the performance proxy, while the variables expected to have a significant impact on profitability are debt, asset tangibility, size, liquidity, taxation, risk, inflation and crisis. Regression results indicate that profitable companies operate with limited borrowings. Tangibility, business risk and the level of taxation have a negative impact on return on assets. Although earnings are sustained by significant sales turnover, performance is affected by high levels of liquidity. Periods of unstable economic conditions, reflected by high inflation rates and the current financial crisis, have a strong negative impact on corporate performance.
High‐resolution spectral characterization of two photon states via classical measurements

Quantum optics plays a central role in the study of fundamental concepts in quantum mechanics, and in the development of new technological applications. Typical experiments employ sources of photon pairs generated by parametric processes such as spontaneous parametric down‐conversion and spontaneous four‐wave‐mixing. The standard characterization of these sources relies on detecting the pairs themselves and thus requires single photon detectors, which limit both measurement speed and accuracy. Here it is shown that the two‐photon quantum state that would be generated by parametric fluorescence can be characterised with unprecedented spectral resolution by performing a classical experiment. This streamlined technique gives access to hitherto unexplored features of two‐photon states and has the potential to speed up design and testing of massively parallel integrated nonlinear sources by providing a fast and reliable quality control procedure. Additionally, it allows for the engineering of quantum light states at a significantly higher level of spectral detail, powering future quantum optical applications based on time‐energy photon correlations.
The role of discussion in changing opinion regarding a matter of fact.

I N a previous article 2 the writer mentioned a series of experiments carried on at Syracuse University, the purpose of which was to provide data which might aid in answering such questions as the following: Under controlled conditions, what per cent of individuals alter their expressions of opinion during discussion? Is the accuracy of individual judgments or opinions increased by discussion? Is the average opinion of the group more accurate after discussion than before? Is the typicality of the group increased during discussion? Are men more or less likely to change their opinions than are women? If there are changes, are they due to discussion itself or to other factors? Is there a relationship between willingness to alter opinion during discussion or to take the leadership in discussion groups, and standing in ascendance-submission, aggressiveness and mental tests? It was also suggested that a topic to be discussed under experimental conditions should allow for (1) interest and comprehension on the part of the subjects, (2) diversity of opinion, (3) quantitative standards of measurement, (4) central point from which to measure dispersion, (5) sufficient range for expression of opinion so that no one might hold a more extreme opinion or judgment than is provided for in the scale of measurement. The present article will describe several experiments which were designed to furnish data bearing on the above-mentioned problems.
Effects of Natural Wetland in Reducing Nutrient Loadings from Rice Culture - Free-Range Ducks (RCFD) Paddy fields in Korea

The amount of nutrients from the effluents of rice culture - free-range ducks (RCFD) paddy fields and the effects of natural wetlands located at downstream of RCFD on water quality and aquatic plants was evaluated. This was carried out in a 61.9 ha paddy fields in Ulsan, Gyeongnam, where downstream is a 5.9ha natural wetland, 61% of which was covered with well-developed aquatic plants. The amounts of T-N and T-P in the effluent from paddy field with RCFD were 13.7 and 2.5 kg ha-1, respectively, which is 1.2~2.5 times higher than those observed in conventional rice culture practice. The amount of runoff from the RCFD area, calculated using the revised TANK model, was 543 mm ha-1 with 808 kg of T-N and 130 kg of T-P during rice cultivation period. The dominant aquatic plants in the wetland includes Phragmites communis, Zizania latifolia, Persicaria thunbergii. etc. The nutrient contents of the aquatic plants which amounted to 761 kg of T-N and 103 kg of T-P were almost equivalent to 94% and 79% of the T-N and T-P in RCFD and CRC effluent. Therefore, the use and maintenance of wetlands in RCFDs area could be a good solution to management the non-point pollution from duck feces in RCFD paddy fields.
Tensile properties and color and mass variations of GFPR composites under alkaline and ultraviolet exposures

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the influence of two different environmental conditions on the quantitative change of color and mass, tensile strength and modulus of elasticity of glass fiber reinforced polymers (GFRP) produced in Brazil. For this purpose, specimens were taken from pultruded composite profiles with two different matrices (vinylester and phenolic resins) reinforced with glass fibers. The first condition consisted of exposing them to cycles of ultraviolet radiation followed by water spray. In the second environment, the specimens were continuously exposed to alkaline solution at a constant temperature of 40 °C. After the exposure, both vinylester and phenolic composites were characterized according to the following parameters: variation of mass, tensile strength and modulus of elasticity. The CIE 1976 L*a*b* color system was used to determinate the color variation of the specimens after degradation using a spectrophotometer. Results indicated significant reductions in tensile strength values for both composites, in addition to expressive variations of mass and color. However, the color variation was not directly related with the loss of mechanical strength.
Feasibility of Lowering Soybean Planting Density without Compromising Nitrogen Fixation and Yield

Adjusting soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] density can be critical to reduce inter-plant competition for water, nutrients, and sunlight, and to increase intercepted radiation, photosynthesis, and biomass production. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of soybean-population density on soybean nodulation, plant nutrient status, yield, and grain quality. Three field experiments were performed in southern Brazil with soybean cultivar BRS 284, of indeterminate growth type and maturity group 6.6, at 80,000 and 320,000 plants ha –1 . For N supply plants were dependent either largely on biological fixation of atmospheric N—with a naturalized population of Bradyrhizobium or inoculated with Bradyrhizobium japonicum strain CNPSo 2050—or largely on N fertilizer—200 kg N ha –1 , split-applied at sowing and R1 growth stage. The lower plant density resulted in increased nodulation parameters (number and mass), but plant nutritional status—evaluated by the diagnosis and recommendation integrated system (DRIS) method—in general was not affected. Seed oil content increased by 3.4%, but protein decreased by 4.5% at the lower plant density. The N source affected nodulation, but not nutritional status or grain yield. Although plant density was reduced by 75%, yield decreased by 16% during only one of the three cropping seasons. These results indicate a high plasticity of soybean to adapt photosynthesis and N fixation to different plant densities. Furthermore, planting at the lower density has the advantages of lower input costs and less susceptibility to environmental and plant nutritional stresses.
IMPACT OF DISTILLERY EFFLUENT ON SEEDLING GROWTH AND PIGMENT CONCENTRATION OF Cicer Arietinum L

The impact of different concentrations (10%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) of distillery effluent on seed germination (%), germination index, plumule and radicle length, fresh and dry weight of plumule and radicle, chlorophyll and carotenoid content of Cicer arietinum was investigated. The germination percentage of seed, seedling growth and chlorophyll content showed a gradual decline with increase in effluent concentration. The distillery effluent did not show any inhibitory effect on seed germination at low concentration (25%). Seeds germinated in 100% effluent but did not survive for longer period. The better growth was at 25% effluent concentration, may be due to the growth promoting effect of nitrogen and other mineral elements present in the effluent.
Gaia Reveals a Metal-rich, in situ Component of the Local Stellar Halo

We use the first Gaia data release, combined with the RAVE and APOGEE spectroscopic surveys, to investigate the origin of halo stars within kpc from the Sun. We identify halo stars kinematically as moving at a relative speed of at least 220 km s−1 with respect to the local standard of rest. These stars are generally less metal-rich than the disk, but surprisingly, half of our halo sample is comprised of stars with . The orbital directions of these metal-rich halo stars are preferentially aligned with the disk rotation, in sharp contrast with the intrinsically isotropic orbital distribution of the metal-poor halo stars. We find similar properties in the Latte cosmological zoom-in simulation of a Milky Way-like galaxy from the FIRE project. In Latte, metal-rich halo stars formed primarily inside of the solar circle, whereas lower-metallicity halo stars preferentially formed at larger distances (extending beyond the virial radius). This suggests that metal-rich halo stars in the solar neighborhood actually formed in situ within the Galactic disk, rather than having been accreted from satellite systems. These stars, currently on halo-like orbits, therefore have likely undergone substantial radial migration/heating.
Effects of Instructional Scaffolding on the Achievement of Male and Female Students in Financial Accounting in Secondary Schools in Abakaliki Urban of Ebonyi State, Nigeria

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of instructional scaffolding on the achievement of male and female students in financial accounting in Abakaliki Urban of Ebonyi State, Nigeria. A pretest, posttest, control group, non randomized quasi experimental design was used in this study. The population of the study comprised all SS II students in all the secondary schools in Abakaliki Urban offering financial accounting. Four secondary schools were selected out of the fourteen secondary schools in Abakaliki offering financial accounting. Two schools were assigned to the treatment group while the other two were assigned to the control group. A total of one hundred and sixty-three (163) students offering financial accounting were used for the study. Two instructional packages were developed, one for the treatment group and the other was subjected to the conventional method of teaching financial accounting. The financial accounting achievement test was used for data collection. The data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation while the analysis of co-variance was used to test the hypothesis. Summary of result revealed that instructional scaffolding method was superior to the conventional method in improving the achievement of male and female students in financial accounting. The test of interaction showed that gender had no significant interaction with teaching approach on students mean achievement. It was concluded that instructional scaffolding is a good teaching method for teaching financial accounting and the researcher recommended that financial accounting lessons should be scaffolded irrespective of the gender of the students.
Cash Flow or Discount Risk ? Evidence from the Cross Section of Present Values ∗

Realized returns comprise (ex-ante) expected returns plus (ex-post) innovations, and consequently both expected returns and returns innovations can be broken down into components reflecting fluctuations in cash flow (CF) and discount rate (DR). I use a present-value model to identify the CF and DR risk factors which are latent from the time series and cross sections of price–dividend ratios. This setup accommodates models where CF risk dominates, like Bansal and Yaron (2004), and models where DR risk dominates, like Campbell and Cochrane (1999). I estimate the model on portfolios, which capture several of the most common cross-sectional anomalies, and decompose the expected and unexpected returns into CF and DR components along both time-series and cross-sectional dimensions. I find that (1) the DR risk is more likely to explain the variations of expected returns, (2) the CF risk drives the variations of unexpected returns, and (3)together they account for over 80% of the cross-sectional variance of the average stock returns.