Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An investigation on the effect of IT management capabilities on role performance of senior IT executives

Article history: Received January 4, 2014 Accepted 28 May 2014 Available online June 2 2014 This paper presents an empirical investigation to study the effects of information management (IT) on senior IT executives. The population of the survey includes all senior IT executives who work for different banks in Iran. The study adopts a questionnaire developed by Chen and Wu (2011) [Chen, Y. C. , & Wu, J. H. (2011). IT management capability and its impact on the performance of a CIO. Information & Management, 48(4), 145-156. ]. The study investigates whether CIOs’ superior IT competency and CIO's superior management are positively associated with IT management activity effectiveness. In addition, the study investigates whether a higher level of IT management activity effectiveness is positively associated with CIO role performance. Using structural equation modeling, the study has confirmed three hypotheses of the survey. © 2014 Growing Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
The snow border

Context. The study of the snow line is an important topic in several domains of astrophysics, and particularly for the evolution of proto-stellar environments and the formation of planets. Aims. The formation of the first layer of ice on carbon grains requires low temperatures compared to the temperature of evaporation (T > 100 K). This asymmetry generates a zone in which bare and icy dust grains coexist. Our aim is to derive the proportion of bare grains around the theoretical snow line position for a typical low-mass protostellar disk and a massive protostar, and estimate the size of this mixing zone compared to the dust envelope size. Methods. We use Monte-Carlo simulations to describe the formation time scales of ice mantles on bare grains in protostellar disks and massive protostars environments. Then we analytically describe these two systems in terms of grain populations subject to infall and turbulence, and assume steady-state. Numerical applications use standard numbers obtained by previous observations or modelling of the astrophysical objects studied. Results. Our results show that there is an extended region beyond the snow line where icy and bare grains can coexist, in both proto-planetary disks and massive protostars. This zone is not negligible compared to the total size of the objects: on the order of 0.4 AU for proto-planetary disks and 5400 AU for high-mass protostars. Times to reach the steady-state are respectively estimated from 10(2) to 10(5) yr. Conclusions. The presence of a zone, a so-called snow border, in which bare and icy grains coexist can have a major impact on our knowledge of protostellar environments. From a theoretical point of view, the progression of icy grains to bare grains as the temperature increases, could be a realistic way to model hot cores and hot corinos. Also, in this zone, the formation of planetesimals will require the coagulation of bare and icy grains. Observationally, this zone allows high abundances of gas phase species at large scales, for massive protostars particularly, even at low temperatures (down to 50 K). This could be a critical point for the analysis of upcoming water observations by the Herschel Space Observatory.
Seroprevalence and Detection of Avian Influenza Type A in Ducks at Nikli and Bajitpur Upazila of Bangladesh

Waterfowl are the natural reservoir of avian influenza viruses and ducks may play a role in the maintenance of avian influenza type A. The aim of the present study was to investigate the seroprevalence and detection of avian influenza virus (AIV) type A in duck. This study was carried out during July 2013 to December 2013 on AIV type A from semi-scavenging farm at Nikli and Bajitpur upazila of Kishoregonj district in Bangladesh. A total of 368 blood samples were collected from duck and tested by indirect ELISA for seroprevalence. For detection of AIV type A, The cloacal swabs were collected from 75 duck and subjected to RNA extraction and real time RT-PCR (rRT-PCR) with specific primer and probe for detection of matrix (M) gene. The average seroprevalance of AIV type A in seven different age groups was found to be 90.21%. The highest (25.81 %) seroprevalence was found in 5 months age of birds and the lowest (2.44 %) was found in 12 months age of birds. As regard to area distribution, the average degree of seroprevalence was 93.51% from Nikli had the highest order than Bajitpur (86.88%) upazila of Bangladesh. In case of cloacal sample by using rRT–PCR, out of 15 pooling cloacal samples, two pooling samples (13.33%) that contain 10 samples were positive and 13 pooling samples showed negative (86.67%) for AIV type A in duck. It can be concluded that the long distance movement of duck flocks, may influence outbreak of avian influenza virus (AIV) type A among different poultry species in Bangladesh. Therefore, it needs to develop control strategy for future dissemination of AIV in duck population. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.3329/bjvm.v13i1. 23705 Bangl. J. Vet. Med . (2015). 13 (1): 5-9
Effect of initial spacing on gas permeability of Populus nigra var. betulifolia.

1Wood Science and Technology Department, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Lavizan, Shabanloo St, Tehran, Iran 2Institute of Tropical Forestry and Forest Products (INTROP), Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia 3Wood and Paper Science and Technology Department, Faculty of Natural Resources, The University of Tehran, Imam Hossein Square, Karadj, Iran
Effect of cadmium in the gills of green tiger prawn,Penaeus semisulcatus

The aim of this study was to determine the acute toxicity levels of cadmium for Penaeus semisulcatus and elucidate the impact of this heavy metal on gills at two sublethal (250 and 500 μg L-1) levels for a period of 14 days. The median lethal concentration level (LC50) of cadmium in 24, 48, 72 and 96 h for P. semisulcatus were 8180, 5160, 4000 and 2680 μg L-1. The gills of the shrimps were dissected out and processed for light and electron microscopic studies. The light microscopic studies revealed several alterations in the histoarchitecture of the gills and the prominent changes include deformity of the secondary gill lamellae, infiltration of hemocytes, malformation at the tip of gill filament, lifting of lamellar epithelium, hyperplasia and swelling of the gill lamellae. The ultrastructural examination exposed detachment of gill epithelium, formation of electron dense deposits in the cuticle, disrupted and damaged microvilli, shrunken nucleus, vacuole formation, swollen mitochondria with disoriented cristae, fragmented endoplasmic reticulum and numerous vacuoles with electron dense granules. These alterations impair vital physiological functions, such as respiration and osmoregulation of the gills, which in turn affect the survival of P. semisulcatus. Therefore, the present study suggests that efficient remedial measures should be adopted to prevent the occurrence of cadmium contamination in the aquatic environment.
Measuring the Effects of Students' Perceptions of Classroom Social Climate on Academic Self-Concept.

This research measured the effects of students' perceptions of classroom social climate in middle school social studies classes on academic self-concept in social studies. The 185 subjects, consisting of 95 females and 90 males, were eighth graders enrolled in U.S. history courses. Students' perceptions of classroom social climate were measured by the involvement subscale and by the affiliation subscale of the Classroom Environment Scale (E. Trickett and R. Moos, 1993) . Academic self-concept was measured by the Academic Self Description Questionnaire II (H. Marsh, 1990). Statistically significant (p<.05) relationships were found between students' perceptions of classroom social climate and academic self-concept. Evidence of consistent relationships between students' perceptions of classroom social climate and academic self-concept was increased. Appendixes contain both measures used. (Contains 39 references.) (Author/SLD) ******************************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. ******************************************************************************** Measuring the Effects of Students' Perceptions of Classroom Social Climate on Academic Self-Concept Paper Presented to the Annual Meeting of the Louisiana Education Research Association
A smarter policy for smart sanctions

by ELLA SHAGABUTDINOVA (Under the Direction of Jeffrey Berejikian) ABSTRACT This work explores the concept of “smart” sanctions in relation to sanctions’ effectiveness. First part of this thesis argues that financial sanctions are “smart” or “humane” way to conduct foreign policy since the losses directly affect the ruling elite of the target, while preventing harm and suffering of innocent population. The quantitative analysis addresses the question of effectiveness of trade and financial sanctions. The results indicate that financial sanctions when imposed alone and in combination with trade sanctions are effective in achieving policy objective. Since financial sanctions are both effective and humane, what is humane is also effective. Given that “financial combination” reported to be effective as well additional analysis was performed to examine their humanness. The analysis of the study suggests that despite their effectiveness, financial sanctions when used in combination with trade sanctions are not humane. Based on these findings, policy recommendations were proposed in the last chapter.
Effects of straw mulch and farmyard manure on runoff, erosion, in-situ water conservation, and yield and yield components of wheat at the highlands of Bale, south eastern Ethiopia

A field experiment was conducted under natural rainfall conditions to investigate the effects of farmyard manure and straw mulch on runoff, soil loss, in-situ water conservation, and the yield and yield components of an improved bread wheat variety (HAR-1480) grown on vertisol of Sinana area, south eastern Ethiopian highland. The experimental design used was randomized complete block design (RCBD) with seven treatments involving three levels of farmyard manure (2, 4 and 6 ton ha-1), three levels of barley straw mulch (2, 4 and 6 ton ha-1), and a control without manure and mulch that were replicated three times. The results revealed that there was a highly significant difference (P<0.0001) between the treatments regarding their effect on runoff depth, soil loss and in-situ water conservation. However, there was no significant difference in grain yield due to the treatments. Moreover, compared to straw mulch, manuring was found to be less effective in reducing runoff and soil loss in the first season of application. Additionally, the soil loss measured for all strawmulch rates were not significantly different, implying that the 2 ton ha-1 mulching rate can effectively check soil erosion under the existing slope and rainfall conditions of the study area. Key words: Bale highland, runoff depth, soil conservation, grain yield, sediment concentration.
Anxiety among Engineering Students in a Graduate EFL Classroom.

This article reports the descriptive results of foreign language anxiety experiences of engineering students in a top-ranked research university in Thailand. Although numerous studies have been conducted in the past years about English language anxiety, few studies have reported anxiety situations specific to Thai engineering graduate students in learning English as a foreign language (EFL). The Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS) modified by Mak [18] was distributed to two groups of graduate students – Chemical Engineering and Food Engineering to identify highly anxiety provoking situations and/or situations indicating language anxiety specific to engineering students. Descriptive analysis of FLCAS revealed that sixty percent of the students (n=35) have negative self-perceptions about their English ability. Nevertheless, more than seventy percent showed that they are „not frightened’ when they do not understand their teacher and they ‘look forward’ to attending their English lessons, especially in the class of Chemical engineering students. Meanwhile, Food Science engineering students indicated that they are focused as they expect to learn grammatical rules in their English class. Further results have shown that Chemical engineering students tend to ‘understand their peers’ when they get nervous while Food Science engineering students usually ‘compare their performances’ with other students. In sum, both groups share 13 anxiety provoking situations, five anxiety provoking situations specific to Chemical engineering students, and two specific anxiety provoking situations for the Food science group. The study generated pedagogical implications for teaching English language to engineering graduate students.
Gross, histological and histochemical studies on the ovary and oviduct of Kendrapada sheep (Ovis aries) at different age groups

The present study was conducted on ovary and oviduct of 18 healthy female Kendrapada sheep from the Kendrapada district, Odisha minimum six each from three age groups viz. pre-pubertal (4-6 months), pubertal (8 to 10 months) and adult animals (11 months and above). After conducting gross studies, histological, micrometrical and histochemical observations were made from sections obtained from different parts of the ovary and oviduct. Gross studies revealed that the ovaries of Kendrapada sheep were firm and oval in shape. They were held in positions by the broad ligament known as mesovarium. The oviducts were tortuous and had three parts as infundibulum, ampulla and isthmus. Biometrical observations revealed that the weight of left ovary and oviduct were more than the right ones in pubertal and post-pubertal stages. The left oviduct was longer in the animal. Histological studies revealed that the ovary consisted of an outer cortex and an inner medulla. Further, the cortex consisted of the superficial epithelium or germinal epithelium, tunica albuginea, primary follicles, secondary follicles, matured Graafian follicles and atretic follicles. The medulla had Hilar cells, blood vessels, collagen and reticular fibers. The wall of the oviduct comprised of four layers viz., tunica mucosa, tunica submucosa, tunica muscularis and tunica serosa. The oviduct was lined by pseudo-stratified columnar epithelium. Mucosal folds were maximum in the tubual part of infundibulum, less in ampulla and least in isthmus in all stages of the animal. The propria–submucosa was comprised of loose connective tissue with blood vessels, abundant amount of collagen fibres and few reticular fibers. It housed oviductal glands that were simple tubulo-alveolar type. The micrometrical, histochemical and histoenzymatic studies of ovary and oviduct revealed variable results pertaining to their functional status and genetic potential at pre-pubertal, pubertal and post-pubertal stages of Kendrapada sheep.
Byssus secretion of Mytilus galloprovincialis: effect of site at macro- and micro-geographical scales within Ría de Vigo (NW Spain)

This study was partly funded by “National Science Foundation EF1041213 to E. 600 Carrington. JMF Babarro acknowledges the funding of the projects AGL2006-06986/ACU and 601 AGL2010-16464 (Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovacion, Spanish Government). 602 603
Measurement of the hadronic cross sections at Novosibirsk

Two experiments, CMD-3 and SND, collected over 100 pb−1 in total taking data in 2011-2013 at the VEPP-2000 electron-positron collider. The data sample covers the whole available c.m. energy range from 0.32 GeV to 2.0 GeV. An upgrade of VEPP-2000 started in the second half of 2013, aimed at the luminosity increase up to 10 times at 2.0 GeV. Data taking is expected to resumed in 2015. The current results of analysis of the collected data for various modes of e + e − → hadrons are discussed.
Estimating Heterogeneous Take-Up and Crowd-Out Responses to Marginal and Non-Marginal Medicaid Expansions

We use a linear probability model with interactions and a switching probit model (SPM) to estimate heterogeneous effects of Medicaid expansions on Medicaid take-up, private insurance coverage and crowd-out. Specifically, we estimate: i) LATEs; ii) ATETs for the currently eligible; and iii) ATETs for those made eligible by a non-marginal (counterfactual) expansion in Medicaid eligibility. Both estimation methods can control for observable differences across individuals, while SPM can also control for unobservable differences. For Medicaid take-up and private insurance coverage, the effects are precisely estimated and differ dramatically across demographic groups, but this is less true for the crowd-out estimates.
Simulation of processes in cellular membranes

Many important processes in cells involve ions, e.g., fusion of synaptic vesicles with neuronal cell membranes is controlled by a divalent cation Ca2+; and the exchange of Na+ and K+ drives the the fast electrical signal transmission in neurons. We have investigated model phospholipid membranes and their interactions with these biologically relevant ions. Using state-of-the-art molecular dynamics simulations, we accurately quantified their respective affinites towards neutral and negatively charged phospholipid bilayers. In order to achieve that, we developed a new model of phospholipids termed ECC-lipids, which accounts for the electronic polarization via the electronic continuum correction implemented as charge rescaling. Our simulations with this new force field reach for the first time a quantitative agreement with the experimental lipid electrometer concept for POPC as well as for POPS with all the studied cations. We have also examined the effects of transmembrane voltage on phospholipid bilayers. The electric field induced by the voltage exists exclusively in the hydrophobic region of the membrane, where it has an almost constant strength. This field affects the structure of nearby water molecules highlighting its importance in electroporation.
Characteristics of Firms with Material Weaknesses in Internal Control: An Empirical Analysis

The two million fake accounts opened by Wells Fargo employees have underscored the importance of internal controls in recent times. We examine a sample of 395 MWIC firms matched with a sample 395 control firms in the same industry. The univariate test results indicate that the MWIC firms have significantly lower gross margins and are smaller when compared to control firms. The logistic regression results indicate that the total assets turnover ratio, current ratio, audit opinion and the size measure are significantly different between the two groups. Tobins Q and capital intensity measures are marginally different between the two groups.
Optimal Restoration for Distribution System using PSO and ANN

Service restoration is an important aspect of power system design that caters the restoration of power to an un-faulted area under blackout after an emergency condition. The power system operators have the principal objective of minimizing the inconvenience occurred to consumers by isolating only the faulty area while providing the power to unaffected areas as much as possible. Their objective of providing service to customers is subjected to further constraints such as distribution system configurations, power available in the network, and the current carrying capacity of the distribution lines or feeders. Once a fault takes place, the number of customers in the blackout area mainly depends upon the effectiveness of the load restoration mechanism. Currently, the power system operators respond by implementing a pre-defined restoration schedule based on the previous human knowledge. While this may serve the purpose of power restoration to some extent. There is typically a large number of feeders with even larger number of switches in a distribution system and it is not humanly possible to restore the service to an out of service area solely based on past experiences. Many algorithms have been proposed to serve the purpose of restoration with each one having certain merits and demerits. This paper presents an effective and globally optimal restoration mechanism using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN).
Resource-Based View and Service-Dominant Logic: Similarities, Differences and Further Research

In this paper the authors apply a meta-theory analysis to compare two theoretical approaches: the resource-based view (RBV) and service-dominant logic (S-D logic). The comparison is based on three aspects: 1. a general profile; 2. the role of resources; 3. the conceptualisation of value. The authors give insights to a deeper understanding of the two approaches and their possible interdependencies without reducing multiplicity and complexity. The analysis ends with suggestions for further research.
Growth of melt–freeze clusters and formation of impeding layers to water flow in snow irradiated by a sun simulator under controlled laboratory conditions

Abstract Stratigraphic boundaries at fine-to-coarse transitions in snow can introduce impeding layers to infiltrating water. In our present investigation, such impeding horizons were observed within sub-freezing homogeneous snow as a consequence of subsurface melting caused by the penetration of solar radiation. This new texture impeded the further downward flow of meltwater at fine-to-coarse transitions, leading to the formation of low-permeability melt–freeze crusts following multiple melt–freeze cycles. In this work, a large sub-freezing (–6°C) homogeneous sample, consisting of small rounded grains, was periodically exposed to intense radiation generated by a sun simulator. Due to the penetration of shortwave radiation into the snow, subsurface melting caused the growth of melt–freeze polycrystals from clustered rounded crystals. Variations in mass growth (%) of melt–freeze polycrystals and mass loss (%) of grain clusters were studied within the sub-freezing snow with respect to different melt–freeze cycles. In this work, we study the growth of melt–freeze polycrystals in the top and bottom sub-layers with respect to collective saturation. Saturation profiles from the snow were recorded with a parallel-probe saturation profiler (PPSP) device, sampling at vertical intervals of 7mm, after each melting cycle. Intrinsic permeabilities across different stratified sub-layers were monitored in relation to saturation as a function of different melt–freeze cycles. Our observations revealed that there is a significant decrease in intrinsic permeability for the first few top sub-layers. Also, permeability in the second topmost sub-layer was less than that in the topmost sub-layer directly interacting with the radiation. These results support the evolution of a new coarse grain texture within the homogeneous snow that subsequently converts into a layer of low permeability. In the various transects of the snow sample, two melt–freeze crusts and one ice crust were manually identified through stratigraphic mapping. A correlation was also established between the saturation spikes recorded with the help of the PPSP and corresponding depth positions of the crusts.
The Fisher Hypothesis and Investment Assets: The Vietnamese and Thai Case

Following the approach of Fama and Schwert (1977), we investigate the inflation hedging ability of stocks, gold and real estate for Vietnam and Thailand. We estimate the relationship between their returns and various inflation measures (actual inflation, expected inflation as well as unexpected inflation) on both monthly and quarterly data. We do not find statistical support for the Fisher effect, due to the large standard errors. Still, from a short term qualitative point of view, both gold and real estate qualify more as a potential inflation hedge than stocks.