Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cross-Cultural Analysiis of European e-Government Adoption

In terms of adoption, the topic of e-government has focused on the supply side (or government-related issues) such as strategies and policy, challenges, technical issues, evaluation of the usability of e-government Websites; however, less attention has been given to the demand (or citizen’s) perspective. Recent studies of the citizen adoption of e-government services suggest that trust, security, and transparency are the major issues for e-government adoption. The aim of this study was to explore whether cross-national differences in the adoption of e-government (Internet users who visited public authorities’ websites in last three months to obtain information, download, and file forms) are associated with differences among national cultures as described in Hofstede's model of cultural dimensions (Power Distance, Individualism, Masculinity, Uncertainty Avoidance and Long-Term Orientation).
Effect of Some Non steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs on Growth, Adherence and Mature Biofilms of Candida spp.

Candida spp. are the most common cause of fungal diseases and the fourth commonest cause of nosocomial invasive infections which are considered in many cases as life threatening. Among Candida spp. , C. albicans is the most common cause of many fungal diseases, but non-albicans spp. infections are in increase. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have previously been shown to have antifungal activity. In this study we determine the antifungal activity of the tested NSAIDs using agar well diffusion method, their effect on the dimorphic transition of C. albicans by testing their ability to form germ tube in the presence of human serum. Determining the effect of NSAIDs on the adherence to plastic surfaces and on the mature biofilms formed by the tested Candida spp. The results indicated that Sodium Diclofenac showed lower MIC against C. albicans and C. glabrata while Ibuprofen had lower MIC against C. krusei. upon examining the effect of Diclofenac sodium, Ibuprofen and ketoprofen on biofilm formed on polyurethane segments by Scanning electron microscope (SEM), a damage to membranes of the tested species was observed. Sodium Diclofenac showed the highest inhibitory effect on the adherence (51.1-76.9% at MIC and 56.6-83.3% at 2XMIC) of C. albicans and C. glabrata but Ibuprofen showed a higher inhibitory effect against the adherence of C. krusei. For mature biofilms, the highest disruptive effect on mature biofilms formed by all tested Candida Spp. (37.72-59.29% at MIC and 42.68-63.06% at 2XMIC) was observed by Diclofenac sodium. Sodium Diclofenac inhibited dimorphic transition of C. albicans but a decrease in germ tube formation was shown by others. In conclusion, the tested drugs showed antifungal, anti-adherent and anti-biofilm activity that make them useful in the treatment of fungal infection and the prevention of biofilm formation on the surface of medical devices.
Eva Versus Traditional Accounting Measures of Performance as Drivers of Shareholder Value - A Comparative Analysis

Several researchers and practitioners, notably Stern Stewart Consulting Company and Associates, have claimed that economic value added (EVA) is superior to traditional accounting measures in driving shareholder value. Other researchers have refuted these claims by supplying data in support of traditional accounting indicators such as earnings per share (EPS), dividends per share (DPS), return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE). This study endeavoured to analyse the results of companies listed on the JSE Securities Exchange South Africa, using market value added (MVA) as a proxy for shareholder value. The findings do not support the purported superiority of EVA. The results suggest stronger relationships between MVA and cash flow from operations. The study also found very little correlation between MVA and EPS, or between MVA and DPS, concluding that the credibility of share valuations based on earnings or dividends must be questioned.
A parametrization, based on sea ice morphology, of the neutral atmospheric drag coefficients for weather prediction and climate models

[1] A hierarchy of parametrizations of the neutral 10 m drag coefficients over polar sea ice with different morphology regimes is derived on the basis of a partitioning concept that splits the total surface drag into contributions of skin drag and form drag. The new derivation, which provides drag coefficients as a function of sea ice concentration and characteristic length scales of roughness elements, needs fewer assumptions than previous similar approaches. It is shown that form drag variability can explain the variability of surface drag in the marginal sea ice zone (MIZ) and in the summertime inner Arctic regions. In the MIZ, form drag is generated by floe edges; in the inner Arctic, it is generated by edges at melt ponds and leads due to the elevation of the ice surface relative to the open water surface. It is shown that an earlier fit of observed neutral drag coefficients is obtained as a special case within the new concept when specific simplifications are made which concern the floe and melt pond geometry. Due to the different surface morphologies in the MIZ and summertime Arctic, different functional dependencies of the drag coefficients on the sea ice concentration result. These differences cause only minor differences between the MIZ and summertime drag coefficients in average conditions, but they might be locally important for atmospheric momentum transport to sea ice. The new parametrization formulae can be used for present conditions but also for future climate scenarios with changing sea ice conditions.
Effect of N fertilizer on the emergence and seedling growth of Eleusine indica in aerobic rice systems

Weed has become one of the most serious problems in aerobic rice systems. Weed management in aerobic rice system needs a manipulation of optimum N fertilizer application to control the weed and simultaneously enhance aerobic rice growth performance. In this study, three types of N sources (urea, ammonium sulphate and ammonium nitrate) with concentration starting from (0, 60, 120, 180 and 240 kg ha) were evaluated for effective control of the bioassay species, Eleusine indica, while observing the rice injury level. The data on weed (emergence and shoot fresh weight), while rice growth (root length, shoot fresh weight, shoot height and leaf greenness) was collected in this study. It was found that urea at a higher application rate of 240 kg ha strongly inhibit the emergence and shoot growth of E. indica by >78%. Conversely, ammonium sulphate and ammonium nitrate gave moderate inhibition (58-65% inhibition) on weed emergence and shoot growth at higher application rates of 240 kg ha, respectively. Significant stimulation effect on rice root growth, shoot height, shoot fresh weight and leaf greenness was noticed at a low application rate of 60 kg ha urea, while ammonium sulphate and ammonium nitrate only exerts its stimulation effect starting at 120 kg ha. Stimulation effect on the rice growth was likely negligible at 0 and 4 DAS across urea, ammonium sulphate and ammonium nitrate application rates. However, the rice plants growth increases with increasing growth stage. The finding suggest that application of urea at 240 kg ha starting from 8 DAS of rice growth stage was the most efficient application rate in inhibiting E. indica with the stimulation effect on the growth of rice seedlings.
Comparison of the breeding performance of the barn owl Tyto alba javanica under chemical and bio-based rodenticide baiting in immature oil palms in Malaysia

The breeding performance of barn owl, Tyto alba javanica, in areas treated with rodenticides in immature oil palms in Malaysia was investigated. Four plots were established, each at least 100 ha in size and treated with warfarin, brodifacoum, a biorodenticide (Sarcocystis singaporensis) and a non-baited control plot. Three rat baiting campaigns, which coincided with the barn owl breeding season, were carried out in October 2008, February and March 2009, and in October 2009. The nest boxes were distributed at a mean density of one unit per 25 ± 3.83 ha. The clutch size, hatching and fledging rates of barn owls in each plot was monitored monthly from September 2008 to January 2010. There was no significant difference in mean clutch size for all four treatments. The lowest percentage of hatching success was recorded in the brodifacoum-treated plot in all three breeding seasons. Fledging success was highest in the control plot, followed by the S. singaporensis-, warfarin- and brodifacoum-treated plots. The mean clutch size and mean hatching success was not significantly correlated with mean rat damage (clutch size, r = 0.754, p > 0.05; mean hatching success, r = 0.832; p > 0.05). The mean fledging success was significantly correlated with mean rat damage (r = 0.969; p < 0.05). Brodifacoum achieved the lowest level of rat damage but not significantly lower than warfarin and S. singaporensis. This indicates that S. singaporensis is a better rodenticide than warfarin and brodifacoum in controlling rats and yet achieved the highest reproductive rates in the baited areas as reflected by the rate of fledging success.
Motivations for aspiring multiple unit franchisees in Australia

Most conceptual, exploratory and explanatory investigations into the motivations to enter franchising arrangements have taken only the situation of a traditional single unit owner-operator into account. Presumably, franchisees are attracted to these contractual vertical marketing networks as they become part of a larger, established system with a proven brand and consumer following, while retaining some independence and receiving financial support, and initial and ongoing operational assistance. However, multiple unit franchisees may differ from their single unit counterparts in terms of their experience, philosophical orientations and expectancies. Therefore, a single theoretical model of franchisee motivations that postulates symmetry of motives would be unrealistic and untenable. Instead this research aims to build theory through the presentation of a set of propositions that explains multiple unit franchising as a function of an individual's need for empowerment, anticipation of future scale economies, available financial liquidity, entrepreneurial orientation and desire to minimise future intra-system conflict. Overall, the qualitative findings clarified and confirmed the validity of the general propositions in preparation for future empirical testing.
Experimental harvesting of fish populations drives genetically based shifts in body size and maturation

Size-selective harvesting in commercial fisheries can induce rapid changes in biological traits. While experimental and wild harvested populations often exhibit clear shifts in body size and maturation associated with fishing pressure, the relative contributions of genetic and environmental factors to these shifts remain uncertain and have been much debated. To date, observations of so-called fisheries-induced evolution (FIE) have been based solely on phenotypic measures, such as size data. Genetic data are hitherto lacking. Here, we quantify genetic versus environmental change in response to size-selective harvesting for small and large body size in guppies (Poecilia reticulata) across three generations of selection. We document for the first time significant changes at individual genetic loci, some of which have previously been associated with body size. In contrast, variation at neutral microsatellite markers was unaffected by selection, providing direct genetic evidence for rapid evolution induced by .
Late Miocene snakes from Polgardi [Hungary]

Snake remains from the [:te Miocene (MN 13) localities o( PolgCrdi 2 and polgirdi 4 (tlungary) belong to at least eight different taxa: Coluber hungaricus, Coronella "i. C. iutiiiora, Elaple kormosi, Elaphe praelongissima sp.n. , iVatzr cf' fl. longivertebra! a (Colubridae), Vipera gedulyi, Vipera sp.l ("Oriental viper" group), and Vipera sp.2 (oEuropean viper" group) (Viperidae). The ophidian assemblage_from eotgrlrcti '4 was dominated by small colubrids, while that from Polgirdi 2by Vipera g"d7lyi. ^thecomposition of the snake fauna indicates rapid faunisticand paleoecological changes at the end of ihe Miocene.
Labour market institutions: an obstacle or support to Latvian labour market recovery?

In 2008, the Latvian economy experienced the strongest shock in the post-transition period. The repercussions of the shock have extended to all sectors of the economy and have impacted essentially all socio-economic groups of the population. The recovery took place under an unchanged currency peg and in circumstances where the government’s capacity to use fiscal stimulus was very limited, which left most burden of adjustment on the ability of labour and product markets to react flexibly. In a sense, in light of Latvia’s prospective eurozone membership, the recovery from the crisis provides a very useful insight into the effectiveness of adjustment mechanisms which will be available when the exchange rate instrument becomes unattainable.
Effects of Cultivation and Proximity to Natural Habitat on Ground-nesting Native Bees in California Sunflower Fields

Abstract Agricultural conversion is one of the most prevalent anthropogenic uses on the terrestrial earth. Persistence of organisms in such landscapes is thought to be related to species-specific characteristics such as life history traits and dispersal distance. In an agricultural landscape in California, we examined local (farm-level) and landscape variables associated with nesting preferences of native ground-nesting bees. Compared to the known ground-nesting visitors to crops, bee community nesting on farms was depauperate. Further, more abundant and diverse communities of bees were found nesting at farms with patches of natural habitat near by than farms that were far away from natural habitat. Species responded differently to soil conditions created by farming practices, but the variability in nesting bee abundance was lower in farms near natural habitat than farms far from natural habitat. These findings suggest that most bee species are affected adversely but to varying degrees by agricultural intensification, and that natural habitats may buffer against the bee population variability in agricultural landscape. We present source/sink dynamics and resource limitations as possible explanations for the observed patterns.
Special Education in an Era of School Reform: Building the Capacity for Standards-Based Reform.

Part of a series on contemporary school reform and special education, this report discusses how states are building capacity for standards-based reform. An introduction describes seven key areas in which states must build classroom and organizational level capacities, including: (1) teachers' knowledge, skills, and dispositions; (2) students' motivation and readiness to learn; (3) curriculum material for students and teachers; (4) numbers and kinds of people supporting the classroom; (5) number and quality of social relationships within and among the different organizational levels; (6) material (non-human resources); and (7) organization and allocation of school and district resources. The next section reviews some of the policies and strategies that eight states (California, Colorado, Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, and Texas) used to address the issue of capacity. Four of the most common approaches to building capacity are then described, including infrastructure for professional development and technical assistance, professional development and training standards, curriculum materials for students and teachers, and organization and allocation of school and district resources. The last part discusses continuing challenges. An appendix includes a chart outlining the development of standards and assessments in the eight states. (Contains 51 references.)
A study on Electron Beam Melted Ti-6Al-4V

The work presented in this dissertation is concerned with the microstructures and surface roughness of test slabs of Ti-6Al-4V produced by one of powder based Additive Manufacturing (AM) technique namely electron beam melting (EBM). The effects of process parameters of a EBM system and geometry factors of a EBM build such as slabs’ thickness and height etc. on the microstructure and the surface roughness of the EBM produced Ti-6Al-4V have been investigated. The processing parameters of the EBM system include beam current, scan speed, offset focus and scanning length. In this study three different batches of samples were prepared. Microstructures of EBM built Ti-6Al-4V were studied using optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Confocal microscopy (CM) and image analysis codes ImageJ’s routine SurfCharJ were used to quantify the surface roughness of the test slabs. The microstructures of EBM built Ti-6Al-4V in general consist of columnar grains of prior β phase. Inside the columnar grains there is a typical (alpha+beta) microstructure of titanium alloys containing Widmanstatten alpha platelets and rod-shaped β phase. Grain boundary layer has also been observed on the grain boundaries of prior β columnar grains. By using TEM, the β phase in EBM built Ti-6Al-4V has been identified as a rod-like structure located on the grain boundaries of the fine alpha grains and they often grow along the build direction. The size of the β rods is about 200 nm and the distance between the β rods is ranged between 0.5-2 µm. Chemical compositions for different phases have been measured by TEM/EDX and volume fraction of the β phase in the EBM Ti-6Al-4V has been determined to be 2.7%. The phase transformation sequence in EBM built Ti-6Al-4V has been discussed according to processing history and microstructures observed. It has been observed that, the size, number and geometry of prior β columnar grain depend on the sample thickness and other process parameters setting. The diameter of columnar grain varies between 2-70 µm. The increase in size, number and regularity of columnar grains has been observed with increase in sample thickness, beam energy density and the scanning length. While with increase in height of the build it decreases. The length and smoothness of α platelets increases with increase in diameter of prior β columnar grain. The β phase rods are unaffected by sample thickness and process parameter settings. The sample thickness and beam energy density has a strong effect on the surface roughness of the test slabs. The value of surface roughness coefficient Ra for different test slabs varies between 1-20 µm. It is observed that the surface roughness of the test slab increases with increase in thickness of the slab and beam energy density. Response surface methodology is applied to model the effect of process parameter on surface roughness of EBM parts. Phase field modelling approach has been successfully applied to study the microstructure development in EBM built Ti-6Al-4V. (Less)
BOTHO/UBUNTU: THE HEART OF AFRICAN ETHICS

The tenets of botho/ubuntu analysed in this article demonstrate the interplay between individuals and their respective communities. A thorough but not exhaustive definition and description of ubuntu are given, indicating its indispensable elements, which are derived from African culture and religion. This article indicates that culture and religion are not static entities, that in this postmodernist and globalising world ubuntu could be enriched by taking cognisance of the values and principles of other cultures and religions.
Resonance Parameters of the rho-Meson from Lattice QCD

We perform a non-perturbative lattice calculation of the P-wave pion-pion scattering phase in the rho-meson decay channel using two flavors of maximally twisted mass fermions at pion masses ranging from 480 MeV to 290 MeV. Making use of finite-size methods, we evaluate the pion-pion scattering phase in the center-of-mass frame and two moving frames. Applying an effective range formula, we find a good description of our results for the scattering phase as a function of the energy covering the resonance region. This allows us to extract the rho-meson mass and decay width and to study their quark mass dependence.
Factors affecting the Adoption of Online Banking in Ghana: Implications for Bank Managers

Internet usage in Ghana is on the increase and all indications points to the direction of the possibility of its application on online banking to be successful. However, online banking adoption that will lead to a cashless economy is facing doubts. This paper aimed at critically examining the factors that influence the adoption of online banking in Ghana. The study was based on TAM (Technology Acceptance Model), which has been used expansively in similar studies, a descriptive cross-sectional mixed-methodology approach was used. To generalize the findings the researchers used a multi case study approach to help find out the factors that influence online banking adoption. Data was analysed by using multiple Regression Analysis in SPSS to generate ANOVA results. The results showed that the original constructs of TAM i.e. Perceived Usefulness (PU), Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU) as well as the extensions of government support, trust and security were all significant to customersâ€™ intensions to adopt online banking. An implication for bank Managers is that they should concentrate on the promotion and advancement of the priceless paybacks that are gained from â€˜Intended and Unintended Benefitsâ€™ such as lower transaction fees, high deposit rates among others which are realized from the usage online of banking linked to Perceived Usefulness
Working paper n ° 04 / 030 Innovation Capabilities and Firm Labor Productivity

This study relies on a Cobb-Douglas production function to assess the relationship between the development of innovation capabilities by firms and their labor productivity. Intra-organizational capabilities relate to firms’ corporate culture and work organization, generation of innovative ideas and selection of projects, and innovation funding sources. Inter-organizational capabilities relate to the use of external information from vertical partners, competitors, and consultants, and to R&D partnerships with scientific institutions. In addition to the traditional effect of a growth in the ratio of physical capital per employee, both types of innovation capabilities are found to significantly increase labor productivity.
The Impact of Writing Portfolio Assessment on Developing Editing Ability of Iranian EFL Learners

Developing autonomy among students has been one of the major concerns in second language instruction. Nowadays portfolio assessment as an alternative form to traditional evaluation has found its place in writing pedagogy. Present investigation was designed to study a group of thirty eight Iranian EFL learners with the aim of investigating the possible effects of using writing portfolio assessment on developing the ability of editing among Iranian EFL learners. The learners were asked to perform some writing tasks. Then they edited their own papers and corrected their writing products using the five categories of content, organization, grammar, spelling, and mechanics. There was a continuous dialogue between the teacher and the learners. The result indicated that the learners could be trained to use editing in their writing. Editing seems to be an effective way for higher proficiency learners to improve the organization of their writing.