Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The determinants of cross-border portfolio equity flows: new evidence from emerging markets

We exploit a proprietary database containing foreign trading data from 20 exchanges for the 2006 - 2018 to expand the existing evidence on cross-border equity flows towards emerging markets. We study whether push and pull factors, as well as explicit and implicit barriers to investment, corporate governance standards and market structure features, influence cross border equity inflows. We firstly find that pull factors are an important determinant of foreign inflows, while push factors have a smaller influence. We also find that emerging markets that remove explicit barriers to investment and adopt stricter corporate governance practices manage to attract larger inflows in the long run, conditional on push and pull factors. Removing information barriers also matters, but relatively less. Market structure features have instead little influence on cross-border flows towards emerging markets.
An Assessment of Retail Service Quality: An Empirical Study of the RSQS in Sri Lankan Supermarkets

In today’s highly competitive business environment, service quality has become one of the major determinants of customer satisfaction. It has also become the key to sustainable competitive advantage for mainly service dominant organizations as well as for the grocery retail sector. This study attempts to measure the consumers’ perception on retail service quality and its impact on customers’ satisfaction in supermarkets in Sri Lanka. In order to collect primary data, 168 retail shoppers from major super market outlets in Colombo district were contacted. The Retail Service Quality Scale (RSQS), which comprised of 27 retail service quality items under five dimensions namely, physical aspects, reliability, personal interaction, problem solving and policy has been used as the data collection instrument. The results of the study were shown that the retail service quality has a positive correlation with customer satisfaction. Further, 80 percent of the variation has been found which is also in the significant level. It means that, customer satisfaction in the retail super market is determined or influenced by the retail service quality. Therefore, service quality is viewed as strategic formula in the marketing practices among retail outlets to enhance the customer satisfaction in both developed and developing countries. Before we come to the general conclusions in the Sri Lankan context, studies among retail service quality should be taken in the various service industries. Further, the concept like retail service quality should be connected with customer loyalty, customer retention and brand equity to get the more insights in the marketing practices of the retail supermarkets. Additionally, we suggested to the future researchers or scholars to carry the research on the factor analysis in order to find out the applicability of RSQS in the Sri Lankan perspective.
Predator-induced defences in offspring of laboratory and wild-caught snails: prey history impacts prey response

Questions: Do behavioural, morphological, and life-history responses to predators differ among offspring of laboratory and newly captured snails from the same field site? The risk allocation hypothesis states that prey should balance predator avoidance and feeding time according to the degree of predation risk. Are there patterns in behavioural, morphological, and fitness traits that provide insight into predictions of this hypothesis? Organism: We used offspring from two parentage lines of the freshwater gastropod, Physa pomilia, obtained from the exact same stream location but either (1) maintained in the laboratory for 3–4 generations or (2) newly field captured. Methods: We employed a caged-snail design in which offspring obtained from the laboratory culture and the newly field-captured snails were both exposed to a crayfish predator cue plus alarm cue for 40 days. We assessed behavioural, morphological, and fitness-related traits and conducted a short-term predator avoidance assay at the end of the 40-day experiment. Results: Over 40 days, offspring of newly caught and laboratory snails displayed similar proportions of predator avoidance behaviour on average. However, offspring of newly caught snails decreased their predator avoidance behaviour over time, as predicted by the risk allocation hypothesis, while offspring of laboratory snails did not. These differences were confirmed with a short-term behavioural assay. Offspring of newly caught snails also developed thicker shells with longer and narrower apertures than the offspring of laboratory snails, making them more predator resistant, which may have explained differences in behavioural responses. Predator cues strongly reduced total egg mass production. Egg mass production was greater in the offspring of laboratory snails under predator-free conditions but greater in the offspring of newly caught snails when exposed to predator cues. The results highlight the importance of population history in studies of phenotypic plasticity.
Effect of Working Capital Management on SME's Performance in Pakistan

Working Capital Management has an intervening effect on a firm’s performance. However, it is expected that an efficient management of working capital might have a profound effect on performance of small enterprises than on the performance of larger companies since a substantial proportion of the total assets of small and medium firms is constituted of the Current Assets and a sizeable fraction of their total liabilities is consisted of the Current Liabilities. This study, therefore, aims to investigation whether working capital management (WCM) is associated with performance of a sample of 54 SME’s listed on Karachi stock exchange for a period of five years 2006-2010. Performance was measured both in accounting and market valuation perspectives. The approach adapt to measure the performance was random effect regression model on panel data. The findings of the panel data regression analysis show that SMEs with shorter inventory holding period, shorter accounts receivable period and shorter accounts payable period are more profitable and create value. However, no evidence was found that cash conversion cycle and net trading cycle has any effect on profitability and market valuation of SME. Under the control variable financial leverage has strong significant positive impact on performance of SME, but liquidity has insignificant positive impact on the performance. Also size of firm and sales growth has positive impact on the performance. Findings from the analyses suggested that indicators of working capital management had a perceptible effect on performance of firms under study. Keywords: Working Capital Management, SME’s, Net operating profitability, Return on Assets, Tobin’s Q, Random Effect.
The Informational Content of Credit Ratings in Brazil: An Event Study

This study analyzes the effect of credit rating announcements on stock returns in the Brazilian market during 1997-2011. We conducted an event study using a sample of 242 observations of listed companies, 179 from Standard and Poor’s and 63 from Moody’s, to analyze stock market reaction. Abnormal returns have been computed using the Market Model and CAPM for three windows: three days (-1, +1), 11 days (-5, +5) and 21 days (-10, +10). We find statistically significant abnormal returns in days -1 and 0 for all the three types of rating announcement tested: initial rating, downgrades and upgrades. For downgrades, consisted with prior studies, our results also showed negative abnormal returns for all practically all windows tested. Overall, our findings evidence the rating announcements do have information content, as it impacts stock returns causing abnormal returns, especially when they bring ‘bad news’ to the market.
Two-loop six-gluon maximally helicity violating amplitude in maximally supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory

We give a representation of the parity-even part of the planar two-loop six-gluon maximally helicity violating (MHV) amplitude of N=4 super-Yang-Mills theory, in terms of loop-momentum integrals with simple dual conformal properties. We evaluate the integrals numerically in order to test directly the Anastasiou-Bern-Dixon-Kosower/Bern-Dixon-Smirnov all-loop ansatz for planar MHV amplitudes. We find that the ansatz requires an additive remainder function, in accord with previous indications from strong-coupling and Regge limits. The planar six-gluon amplitude can also be compared with the hexagonal Wilson loop computed by Drummond, Henn, Korchemsky, and Sokatchev in arXiv:0803.1466. After accounting for differing singularities and other constants independent of the kinematics, we find that the Wilson loop and MHV-amplitude remainders are identical, to within our numerical precision. This result provides nontrivial confirmation of a proposed n-point equivalence between Wilson loops and planar MHV amplitudes, and suggests that an additional mechanism besides dual conformal symmetry fixes their form at six points and beyond.
Beyond Engagement Exercises: Exploring the U.S. National Citizens’ Technology Forum from the Bottom-Up

Exercises intended to engage laypeople in deliberations about emerging scientific and technological issues have become very popular in recent decades. These exercises are typically organized by political or intellectual elites, and often assessed in a top-down fashion as well. This paper disrupts that pattern by using a mix of complementary qualitative approaches to explore the experiences of citizen participants in a large exercise on emerging technologies, the 2008 U.S. National Citizens Technology Forum (NCTF), which included both face-to-face and online deliberations. Research questions explore participants’ perspectives on 1) the quality of the deliberations, 2) the potential for the exercise to have impacts, and 3) the degree of empowerment they experienced. While most participants had positive experiences in the exercise, and did not feel that anyone dominated deliberations, at times tensions and conflicts simmered under the surface. Further, the majority of the participants were highly critical of what they felt were chaotic online interactions that failed to engage with some of their key questions. Though many mentioned gaining some personal efficacy, most categorized the exercise as a research project and therefore did not feel it would have many broader societal or political impacts. Finally, participants’ reflections on their experiences in the exercise revealed interesting insights that went beyond the focal research questions—such as their awareness of the top-down power dynamics in the exercise—and how they actively negotiated these dynamics in ways that shaped the quality of deliberation, their sense of empowerment, and assessments of the exercise’s potential impacts.
High tannin sorghum in diets of japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

This experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of replacing corn by high tannin sorghum in diets of japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) on performance and egg quality. Two hundred and fifty-two quails with 50 weeks of age were evaluated during four periods of 21 days. The treatments consisted of diets containing 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% of sorghum, and a control treatment (100% of corn). Diets were formulated so that the levels of energy, protein, amino acids (methionine+cystine and lysine), calcium and phosphorus were similar A completely randomized experimental design was used, with six treatments, six replicates and seven quails for experimental unit. Evaluated parameters were egg production (%), feed intake, feed: gain ratio (kg/ kg and kg/dozen), egg mass (g), egg weight and egg quality (Haugh unit, eggshell percentage, shell thickness and yolk color). The increasing sorghum levels had a negative linear effect (p 0.05) in feed intake, egg weight, Haugh unit, eggshell percentage and shell thickness. In conclusion, up to 80% of high tannin sorghum may be used on diets if xanthophyll pigments are added in order to maintain the commercial quality of final products.
Social policy preferences from a comparative perspective

Abstract Neither well-functioning institutions nor a well-organized economy can be taken for granted when studying social policy preferences in the Global South. On the contrary, in many low and middle-income countries fiscal capacity is low, the informal sector is considerable, and the quality of institutions lacks far behind, so that reliable provision of public welfare goods is at question. The paper argues that a weak state discourages expectations of the public welfare system so that welfare demand rises only with growing institutional performance and compelling fiscal capacity. Using multilevel analysis of public opinion data for both low and middle-income democracies and advanced industrial states, the article shows that the level of fiscal capacity and the quality of institutions is particularly relevant for individual welfare demand and preferences for redistribution in low- and middle-income democracies. Well-performing distributive and extractive capacities of the state raise social policy preferences. In contrast, institutional dysfunctionalities such as a rising informal sector and corruption exert a detrimental effect. The results reveal the need for explicit analysis of the characteristics of developing countries in order to understand social policy preferences in less affluent democracies.
Swimming bodysuit in all-out and constant-pace trials

There is no doubt that many swimmers do benefit from wearing bodysuit. The questions whether these suits improve performance and should they be allowed in competition are still being asked. The first aim of the study was to determine the influence of swimming suit (FS) on 50 m crawl overall time. Furthermore, possible differences of different segments of the race as well as their impact on total time for two different conditions were also examined. Fifteen male national and international level swimmers completed two trials of 50 m-crawl swimming in regular suit and swimming body suit. Block-off time, Start time, Turn time, Split time, Race time and number of strokes per 50 m were recorded. The second part of the study analysed the differences in fatigue parameters (heart rate, blood lactate concentrations, and number of strokes) in 400 m crawl constant pace test. The results show that the FS suit appears to enhance performance on 50 m crawls. Furthermore turn time, split time and race time were significantly faster while swimming wearing FS. Most of the difference (0.31 s) was gained after first 25 m and turn had been completed. In this research swimming body suit improved performance by 1.6% (0.41 s). It appears that the suit is more beneficial for start and turn (streamlining and kicking) than for swimming the full stroke. The 400 mcrawl constant pace trial determined the differences in fatigue parameters. The post-swim blood lactate concentrations and heart rate values were significantly lower while swimming in the FS suit even though there were no differences in number of strokes. These findings suggest that the FS suit seems to reduce the level of fatigue during 400 m-crawl constant pace test. (Biol.Sport 26:149-156, 2009)
How do algae form multicellular groups

Background: Theory suggests that how groups are formed can have a significant influence on the evolution of cooperation, and whether cooperative groups make the major evolutionary transition to a higher-level individual. The formation of clonal groups, by remaining with parents (subsocial group formation), leads to a greater kin selected benefit of cooperation, compared with formation of groups by aggregating, with potential non-relatives (semisocial group formation). Freshwater algae form multicellular groups in response to the presence of predators, but it is not clear whether they form groups by remaining together or by aggregation. Organisms: The freshwater algae Chlorella sorokiniana, Chlorella vulgaris, and Scenedesmus obliquus, and the freshwater crustacean predator Daphnia magna. Results: Fluorescence microscopy and time-lapse photography revealed that, in response to predator supernatant/live predators, these algae form groups by both remaining with parents and aggregation. Additionally, different algal species form mixed-species multicellular groups in response to predation. Conclusion: The observation of aggregation, even between species: (1) emphasizes the likelihood of direct fitness benefits of forming groups to avoid predation; and (2) strengthens the across-species correlation between the method of group formation and whether multicellularity is facultative or obligate.
Field Study To Evaluate The Effectiveness Of A Continuous Passive Lumbar Motion System

Operating heavy construction equipment is often associated with elevated rates of low back discomfort (LBD). However, there have been few formal studies that dealt with evaluating controls that can reduce the LBD among these workers. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of using a continuous passive lumbar motion system (CPLMS) in reducing low back discomfort among operators of heavy earthmoving equipment. The CPLMS is an additional seat support that has a lumbar support bladder and a pump to provide cyclic inflation and deflation. Two groups of operators were identified as potential subjects for this intervention study, the intervention group with a mean age of 41.2 years and experience of 9.7 years used the CPLMS, and the control group with a mean age of 37.5 years and experience of 7.6 years did not use the CPLMS. Body part discomfort surveys were collected from both groups. In addition, the intervention group completed a CPLMS preference survey. The body part discomfort survey was collected up to eight days at three different times of the day. Results from the body part discomfort survey showed a decreasing trend the longer the CPLMS was used, for both the upper and low back region. A decreasing trend for the low back was also found comparing morning to evening discomfort scores across the days when using the CPLMS. When compared to their regular seat, 54% of the operators felt very comfortable in using the CPLMS, 36% of them wanted one for their equipment, and 54% showed interest in experimenting with the CPLMS for a longer time period. Results from this study indicate that the use of a CPLMS can effectively reduce the low back discomfort experienced by operators of heavy construction equipment.
DECLINE OF ARABLE FLORA DIVERSITY IN ISTRIA (FROM THE YEAR 2005 TO THE YEAR 2017)

Changes in floristic composition of weed flora were assessed comparing two phytocoenological surveys carried out during vegetation seasons in 2005 and in 2017 on the Istrian Peninsula. A total of 50 fields (row crops, cereals, alfalfa fields, orchards/vineyards and ruderal areas) were surveyed for each of the sampling time using Braun-Blanquet cover-abundance scale. Altogether 175 vascular plant species were recognized in both investigations. The most abundant species in 2005 were Avena fatua, Setaria verticilata, Lolium multiflorum and Veronica persica. In the recent survey these species became very rare or were even not detected in some habitats. In contrast, some species with very low relative abundance or not recorded in the earlier survey were found abundant in 2017. These are: Pastinaca sativa, Conyza canadensis, Picris echioides, Polygonum aviculare, and Heliotropium europaeum. The species richness was significantly higher in the earlier survey when 143 (82%) weeds were detected compared to only 97 species (55%) found in 2017. Only 64 species were found in both surveys, and these were considered frequent weeds. The comparison of weed communities from the earlier to the recent survey reflects the reduction of the weed flora at the regional scale, as well as at the field scale. The mean values of Shannon-Wiener diversity index were also higher in the earlier period and it decreased over time, particularly in row crops, cereals and ruderal habitats. This decrease was related to decline of species richness, and to the increase in inequality in the relative abundance of species. On the whole, canonical correspondence analysis indicated the major variations in species composition between different habitats.
Morone chrysops male) Reared at Three Densities in a Pilot-scale Recirculating Aquaculture System

Production characteristics of palmetto bass (Morone saxatilis female x Morone chrysops male) reared at three stocking densities (36 fish/m3, 72 fish/m3, and 144 fish/m3) in a pilot-scale RAS were evaluated. A final mean ±SE fish weight of 412.1 ± 7 . 8 g at the high density was significantly lower than that of fish at the medium density weighing 542 . 1 ± 11.8 g (P < 0.05). Fish weight (676.1 ± 17 .0 g) at the lowest density was significantly higher than at the high and medium densities (P < 0.05). The average daily weight gain at the low density (2.8 g/d) was 22% and 47% higher than fish reared at the medium and high densities, respectively. Total biomass gains of 733.8, 483.3, and 297.9 kg were obtained at the high, medium, and low densities. Feed conversion and survival rates were similar among densities averaging 1.4 and 97 . 1 %, respectively. Higher mean daily and cumulative feed totals at the highest density contributed to significantly higher amm onia and nitrite concentrations and lower pH levels at harvest. All other measured water quality parameters were similar among densities and remained within known acceptable limits for fish growth. The results indicated that International Journal of Recirculating Aquaculture, volume 2 51 palmetto bass reared in closed systems reached market size in 224 days at the low and medium densities. However, the relative biomass production may notjustify such strategies when compared to the yield obtained at the highest rearing density.
CEO-Speeches and Stock Returns

We analyze the market reaction to the sentiment of the CEO speech at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). Adapting a finance-specific German dictionary based on Loughran and McDonald (2011), we find that CEO speeches' textual sentiment is significantly related to abnormal stock returns and trading volume around the AGM. Investors hence seem to perceive the speeches' sentiment as a valuable indicator of future firm performance.
A wide hybrid zone of chromosome races of the common shrew, Sorex araneus Linnaeus, 1758 (Mammalia), between the Dnieper and Berezina Rivers (Belarus)

Karyological study of 75 specimens of the common shrew, Sorex araneus Linnaeus, 1758, from 8 localities in the Berezina River basin (eastern Belarus) was carried out. A wide hybrid zone (not less than 100 km) between the northern West Dvina chromosome race (XX / XYY, af, bc, gm, hk, ip, jl, no, qr, tu) and the southern Turov race (XX / XYY, af, bc, g, h/k, i, jl, m, n, o, p, q, r, tu) was revealed in this region. Frequencies of fused-unfused arms comprising four diagnostic metacentrics of the West Dvina race (g/m, h/k, n/o, q/r) were calculated in all capture sites. Taking into consideration the absence of metacentric ip in specimens from six northern localities, the Borisov (Bs) race (XX / XYY, af, bc, g/m, h/k, i, jl, n/o, p, q/r, tu) (Orlov, Borisov, 2009) was distinguished in these sites. Common shrews from two southern localities on the right and left banks of the Berezina River (Berezino vicinity) were referred to the Turov race. The presence of four metacentrics descended from the West Dvina race in the Bs race testifi es to the hypothesis expressed earlier that the polymorphic populations of the S. araneus between the Dnieper and Berezina Rivers originated as a result of the West Dvina race spreading from the north and of hybridization between this race and local populations with acrocentric chromosomes.