Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Entrepreneurial Orientation and Growth in Mexican Small Business

In the literature, there are various studies relating positively the entrepreneurial orientation to business performance. In such studies a great deal of variables have been introduced to measure business performance, among the variables most accepted by researchers and academics are profit and business growth. Therefore, it is possible to consider that entrepreneurial orientation plays an essential role in business growth. For that reason, this paper has the objective to analyse the existing relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and growth, by using a random sample of 318 small and medium-sixed enterprises in Mexico. The results obtained show that proactivity, risk taking and innovativeness along with the competitive aggression and autonomy have significant and positive effects on small and medium-sized enterprisesi¯ growth.
A Novel Margin-Based Measure for Directed Hill Climbing Ensemble Pruning

Ensemble pruning is a technique to increase ensemble accuracy and reduce its size by choosing a subset of ensemble members to form a subensemble for prediction. Many ensemble pruning algorithms via directed hill climbing searching policy have been recently proposed. The key to the success of these algorithms is to construct an effective measure to supervise the search process. In this paper, we study the importance of individual classifiers with respect to an ensemble using margin theory proposed by Schapire et al. and obtain that ensemble pruning via directed hill climbing strategy should focus more on examples with small absolute margins as well as classifiers that correctly classify more examples. Based on this principle, we propose a novel measure called the margin-based measure to explicitly evaluate the importance of individual classifiers. Our experiments show that using the proposed measure to prune an ensemble leads to significantly better accuracy results compared to other state-of-the-art measures.
Phylogenetic relationships of the lancelets of the genus Branchiostoma in China inferred from mitochondrial genome analysis

It is commonly accepted that the Branchiostoma lancelets in South and North China belong to Branchiostoma belcheri (Gray, 1847) and Branchiostoma belcheri tsingtauense (Tchang and Koo, 1934), respectively. Three partial mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) fragments of cytochrome oxidase c subunit I (COI), cytochrome b (Cytb), and 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) genes were sequenced to analyze phylogenetic relationships of the Branchiostoma lancelets from South (Xiamen) and North (Qingdao and Rizhao) China, and phylogenetic trees constructed also included the existing data from Japanese waters. The genetic distances of the lancelets between South and North China averaged 0.19, 0.21, and 0.17 based on partial sequences analysis of COI, Cytb, and 16S rRNA genes, respectively, which were much higher than those observed in other intraspecific variations. However, the value between North China and Japanese waters was only 0.01 based on partial sequences analysis of three mtDNA genes, which indicated low intraspecific genetic divergence existed in the two areas. The results also clearly indicated two monophyletic clades (clade A (North China and Japanese waters), clade B (South China)) existed in the specimens, corresponding to the South and North China, respectively. Above all, our results indicate that the Branchiostoma lancelets in South and North China should belong to different species, and the original subspecies B. belcheri tsingtauense together with the lancelets in most Japanese waters is an independent species. According to the rule of priority and present studies, the B. lancelets in North China and most Japanese waters should be revised to Branchiostoma japonicus. The divergence time between B. belcheri and B. japonicus was estimated at about 39.90 - 43.24 million years ago.
A Mediation Role of Self-Esteem in the Relationship between Marital Satisfaction and Life Satisfaction in Married Individuals

The aim of this correlational study was to examine the mediation of the self-esteem in the relationships between the life satisfaction and marital satisfaction. The participants of this study were 294 married individuals residing in the Adiyaman province of Turkey, 41.8 % of whom (N=123) are male and 58.2 % of whom (N=171) are female. Participants completed the Marital Life Scale developed by Tezer (1986 as cited in Cag and Yildirim, 2013, p. 16) which measures individuals' marital satisfaction levels, Self-Esteem Scale developed by Rosenberg and adapted to Turkish by Cuhadaroglu (1986 as cited in Yildiz and Duy, 2015, p. 526-527) that measures the self-esteem level and Life Satisfaction Scale developed by Diener et al. (1985) and adapted to Turkish by Koker (1991) that used to assess life satisfaction level; and the personal Information form that used to obtain socio-demographic information about the participants. In the current study, descriptive statistics and the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients were reported. The effects of the model tested by using statistically significant Ordinary Least Squares regression and bootstrap method-based approach. According to the findings of the study, the mediation self-esteem between the marital satisfaction and life satisfaction was statistically significant (p<.001). The whole model was significant (F(5-288)= 36.71, p<. 001) and it was observed that it explained 39% of the total variance in the life satisfaction. Self-esteem was positively associated with marital satisfaction and considered one of the most important determinants of life satisfaction. The dissemination of programs to improve the marital satisfaction and self-esteem are recommended considering the results of the current study.
Study of aflatoxin B1 as a risk factor that impairs the reproductive performance in females – Egypt

Infertility among couples in Egypt is causing increasing concern. Investigations showed a relationship between ovulatory disorders and the incidence of female factor-mediated fertility difficulties in couples. However, the factors responsible for the sudden increase in ovulatory disorders are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to assess the presence of aflatoxin in sera of infertile women and to correlate this with ovarian functions and hormonal parameters. Blood samples were collected from 70 adult Egyptian females comprising 50 infertile and 20 fertile control individuals, and screened for the presence of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). Ovarian function was examined by measuring mean ovarian volume, and the umber and size of ovarian follicles. Blood hormonal levels were determined. All blood samples (patients and controls) showed negative results as regards AFB1 analysis. However, there was a significant enlargement in the mean ovarian volume but a significant decrease in follicular size. In addition, there were significant higher levels of lutinizing hormone (LH) and significant lower levels of mid-luteal progesterone in infertile females. Although blood samples were negative with respect to AFB1, the role of aflatoxin cannot be excluded as a contributing factor to female infertility, since the toxin was found to produce deleterious effects on the reproductive system in animals. More studies including aflatoxin analysis in ovarian biopsies are recommended to ascertain involvement of this toxin.
Procedure Model for the Analysis and Design of Reporting Systems – A Case Study in Conceptual Modelling

A structured conceptual design of reporting systems is a crucial task that has to precede implementation and monitoring. A basic challenge can be seen in information requirements engineering. On the one hand, users need certain information to successfully accomplish their tasks. On the other hand, it has to be avoided to supply them with too much and potentially irrelevant information. Information requirements engineering has to support the conceptual specification of information requirements. Thus, there is need for conceptual languages and appropriate procedure models. We propose a procedure model for the analysis and conceptual design of reporting systems as well as a conceptual modelling language that can be used for both as-is analysis and to-be modelling. It has been developed in an iterative approach based on multiple case studies. Due to the fact that different projects and different basic conditions require the use of different approaches of information requirements engineering, within the procedure model different approaches can be used. In this paper we introduce both procedure model and conceptual modelling language and present findings of a case study in which they were used.
THE ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROL OF PRINCIPALS IN EFFECTIVE SCHOOL DISTRICTS

In this study the authors set out to investigate the nature of administrative control in school districts in general and the control processes and activities employed in instructionally effective school districts in particular. Nine control functions are identified which are assumed to affect student outcomes by influencing the culture and technology (curriculum and instruction) of schools. Data were collected from interviews of superintendents in 12 effective school districts in California. The findings revealed inter alia more district‐level control of principal behavior and site activity than anticipated; control functions that were pervasive and connected; a wide range of control mechanisms; and the key role of the superintendent in connecting schools and district offices.
Water relations and gas exchange in alfalfa leaves under drought conditions in southern Tunisian oases

Water stress has become among the most limiting factors of productivity and plant development. To survive under these conditions, several plants have developed many strategies aimed at protecting plant functions. The aim of this study is to evaluate water stress effects on three alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) populations (Chenini, Gannouch, and Tebelbou) cultivated in southern Tunisian oases. To investigate the effect of water stress on alfalfa, four treatment levels were applied: 25, 50, 75, and 100% (control) of fi eld capacity with four replicates for each treatment. Drought application led to a high reduction (p<0.05) on net photosynthetic rate (PN), stomatal conductance (gs), water use effi ciency (WUE), relative water content (RWC), leaf area (LA), and chlorophyll a and b content while leading to an increase on water use effi ciency of productivity (WUEp) and on intracellular CO2 concentration (Ci). Both stomatal and non-stomatal limitations govern photosynthesis variation in Medicago sativa plants. The Tebelbou population seems to be the most tolerant population as compared to the other two populations. This tolerance is due to its capacity to reduce the most (LA) in addition to maintaining the highest values for (WUEp), which are considered an adaptative mechanism to drought conditions.
Reformulating tortillas with zero trans fat

Compared with saturated fats, little health risk traditionally has been associated with unsaturated fats. Recent studies have shown, however, that trans fat can have detrimental effects on health and that many of the foods we consume regularly contain trans fat. Nutritional studies done in the 1980s, for example, found that Scandinavian subjects who consumed large amounts of saturated fats had significantly lower incidences of coronary heart disease than their American counterparts who consumed smaller amounts of saturated fats but higher amounts of trans fat (7). Most of the tortillas currently in the market are made with hydrogenated shortenings that have trans fat contents of approximately 12–30% (8). In light of health concerns about trans fat, there is a growing demand for alternative fats that will not contribute to the trans fat content of tortillas. There are a variety of alternative fats from which to choose. Generally, unmodified vegetable oils do not contain significant amounts of trans fat, but they are mostly liquid at room temperature and may not have the desired functionality of solid shortenings. One exception is palm oil, which is partially solid at room temperature in its unmodified form. Solid fats with 0–4% trans fat can be produced without hydrogenation through interesterification, fractionation, or blending of saturated and polyunsaturated oils. Interesterification is a process that converts liquid oils into solid shortening through rearrangement or redistribution of the fatty acids on the glycerol fragment of the molecule (6). Fractionation relies on differences in melting points and triglyceride solubility to separate the oil fractions, allowing selection of fractions that have higher melting points. For example, palm oil can be separated into a liquid fraction called palm olein (used for frying) and a solid fraction called palm stearin (1). This study aims to identify acceptable replacements for hydrogenated shortenings in zero trans fat tortilla formulations.
Exploring Conflict Management Using Qualitative Approach

This paper focuses on qualitative methods in researching the area of conflict management, specifically in Self-Managed Project Team (SMPT). The research aims to explore the evolvement of conflict management strategies in SMPT as this type of team is given the responsibility to solve problems and make decision by themselves. The inductive approach will overcome the limitation of quantitative method in management research as one of its objectives is to explain the different elements of the explored social system and their interconnection. Hence, it aims at the contextual understanding of social behavior rather than extensive measurement. This paper also includes the research activities in details such as the data collection methods which involved semi-structured interviews and weekly telephone interviews. The findings of the research proposed that conflict management strategies in SMPT changes over time from confrontation and cooperative style towards avoidance due to the issues of reputation and the deadline.
Gross anatomical features of the oropharyngeal cavity of the ostrich ( Struthio camelus ) 1

Tivane C. , Rodrigues M.N. , Soley J.T. & Groenwald H.B. 2011. Gross anatomical features of the oropharyngeal cavity of the ostrich (Struthio camelus). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 31(6):543-550. Departamento Pré-Clinico, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Avenida de Moçambique, Km 1.5, Maputo, Mozambique. E-mail: catarina.tivane@uem.mz Most descriptions of the ostrich oropharynx and oesophagus are superficial and supply little meaningful morphological data. The aim of this investigation is describe the ostrich oropharingeal cavity, in order to supply the deficiency of macroscopic data about this important animal. Five heads of 12 to 14-month-old ostriches of either sex were anatomically dissected to expose the oropharynx. The ostrich oropharynx was “bell-shaped” composed by the maxillary and mandibular ramphoteca. The roof and floor presented two distinct regions different in colour of the mucosa. The rostral region was pale pink contrasting to creamy-pink coloured caudal region. The median longitudinal ridge extended rostrally from the apex of the choana to the tip of the beak in the roof and it is clearly more prominent and rigid than the homolog in the floor that appeared thin and stretched rostrally, continuing caudally surrounding the tongue and the laryngeal mound eventually merging with the oesophageal mucosa. The floor was formed by the interramal region, tongue and laryngeal mound containing shield-shaped glottis. It can be concluded that the present study, in addition to confirming the basic features of the oropharynx previously described for the ostrich, clarified the contradictory information presented in the literature and also provided new, unreported morphological data, some of which may be important when studying nutrition and health in these birds.
Design of organic ternary blends and small-molecule bulk heterojunctions: photophysical considerations

Abstract. We explored relationships between photophysical processes and solar cell characteristics in solution-processable bulk heterojunctions (BHJs), in particular: (1) polymer donor:fullerene acceptor:small-molecule (SM) nonfullerene acceptor, (2) polymer donor:SM donor:SM nonfullerene acceptor, and (3) SM donor:SM nonfullerene or fullerene acceptor. Addition of a nonfullerene SM acceptor to “efficient” polymer:fullerene BHJs led to a reduction in power conversion efficiency (PCE), mostly due to decreased charge photogeneration efficiency and increased disorder. By contrast, addition of an SM donor to “inefficient” polymer:SM nonfullerene acceptor BHJs led to a factor of two to three improvement in the PCE, due to improved charge photogeneration efficiency and transport. In most blends, exciplex formation was observed and correlated with a reduced short-circuit current (Jsc) without negatively impacting the open-circuit voltage (Voc). A factor of ∼5 higher PCE was observed in SM donor:fullerene acceptor BHJs as compared to SMBHJs with the same SM donor but nonfullerene acceptor, due to enhanced charge carrier photogeneration in the blend with fullerene. Our study revealed that the HOMO and LUMO energies of molecules comprising a blend are not reliable parameters for predicting Voc of the blend, and an understanding of the photophysics is necessary for interpreting solar cell characteristics and improving the molecular design of BHJs.
In Vitro Synergistic Action of Certain Combinations of Gentamicin and Essential Oils

The aim of this study was to verify the existence of synergistic antibacterial effect between four essential oils (Aniba rosaeodora, Melaleuca alternifolia, Origanum vulgare, and Pelargonium graveolens) individually combined with the antibacterial drug Gentamicin. We investigated the effectiveness in vitro of the association of essential oil/Gentamicin, against fifteen different strains of Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. The antibacterial effects of these oils in combination with Gentamicin were evaluated by using the MHB microdilution method, while gas chromatography (GC) and GC/Mass spectrometry were used to analyze the chemical composition of the oils. A synergistic interaction was observed against all tested strains with the associations between the essential oils Aniba rosaeodora/Gentamicin and Pelargonium graveolens/Gentamicin. In particular a very strong synergistic interaction was observed against Acinetobacter baumannii ATCC 19606 (FIC index = 0.11). In contrast, the essential oils Origanum vulgare and Melaleuca alternifolia in association with Gentamicin were less effective on bacterial species growth. In vitro interaction can improve the antimicrobial effectiveness of the Gentamicin and may contribute to reduce its dose correlated to side effects.
Fire Tests on Loaded Cross-laminated Timber Wall and Floor Elements

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels are relatively new engineered wood products that can be used as load bearing walls, floors and roof elements in innovative and high quality modern timber structures. The fire behavior of cross-laminated timber panels requires careful evaluation to allow the expansion of CLT elements usage in buildings. A University of British Columbia study has been conducted at the Trees and Timber Institute CNR-IVALSA in San Michele all’Adige, Italy to experimentally evaluate the fire performance of Canadian CLT panels. In total, ten loaded fire tests were performed using standard fire curves (ULC/ASTM and ISO) to study the influence of different cross-section layups on the fire resistance of floor and wall elements and to investigate the influence of different anchors on the fire behavior of wall elements. This paper presents the main results of the experimental analyses and discusses in particular the charring rate, one of the main parameters in fire design.
Mosquitocidal effect of Euphorbia heterophylla Linn. against the Bancroftian filariasis vector, Culex quinquefasciatus say (Diptera: Culicidae)

An investigation has been made on the whole plant ethanolic extracts and petroleum ether seed extracts of Euphorbia heterophylla Linn. were evaluated for larvicidal, pupicidal and adult repellency and ovicidal properties against the bancroftian filariasis vector, Culex quinquefasciatus Say. The bioassays were carried out according to the recommendation of World Health Organisation. The whole plant ethanolic extracts and petroleum ether seed extracts were effective against the larvae of all instars. The effect on larval mortality was concentration dependent. The highest concentration 53ppm of the ethanolic extract produced almost 98 to 93% mortality in first to third instars and the petroleum ether seed extract produced 96, 94, 90% for first, second, third instars respectively. The fourth instar larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus were less susceptible to the samples than the first instar larvae with 90 and 89 percent mortality for ethanolic and petroleum ether seed extracts respectively. The treatment of ethanolic whole plant extracts on pupae showed 77-87 % mortality and the petroleum ether seed extracts on pupae showed slightly weaker pattern of mortality with 76-83% when compared to whole plant ethanolic extract treatment. In repellent bioassays the petroleum ether seed extracts showed more effective than the whole plants ethanolic extracts with 86 and 88% protection upto 6 hrs for petroleum ether seed extracts and whole plant ethanolic extracts respectively. The treatment of the eggs of various age groups of Culex quinquefasciatus with whole plant ethanolic extracts and petroleum ether seed extracts of Euphorbia heterophylla Linn. caused only moderate ovicidal activity per se but inflicted delayed effects such as high larval and low pupal and adult mortality. Whole plant ethanolic extracts proved more effective than the petroleum ether seed extracts against eggs of Culex quinquefasciatus. The age of the eggs and the duration of the treatment also influenced the ovicidal activity.
Efficacy of Selected Fungicides in Controlling Foliar Diseases of Rice ( Oryza sativa L.)

An experiment was conducted at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Bangladesh to evaluate the efficacy of different fungicides against major foliar diseases of rice, namely brown spot (Bipolarisoryzae), blast (Pyriculariagrisea), narrow brown leaf spot (Cercosporaoryzae) and sheath rot (Sarocladiumoryzae). Nine fungicides such as Knowin 50 WP 0.2%, Score 250 EC 0.1%, Control 15 EC 0.1%, Proud 25 EC 0.1%, Tilt 250 EC 0.2%, Folicure 250 EW 0.1%, Sunvit 50 WP 0.7%, Cupravit 50 WP 0.7% and Bordeaux Mixture (CuSO4 2.27g: CuO 2.27g: H2O 100ml) were sprayed at maximum tillering stage to control the diseases. All fungicides were effective in reducing the incidence of aforesaid diseases at flowering, milking, dough and maturity stages. The effect of Tilt 250 EC 0.2% (Propiconazole) and Proud 25 EC 0.1% (Propiconazole) were better than the other fungicides in controlling those diseases, resulted higher yield. In maturity stage, the highest disease severity of brown spot and sheath rot were found in the control (untreated) while the lowest severity was observed in Tilt 250 EC 0.2%. Proud 25 EC 0.1% also showed the lowest severity of blast and narrow brown spot at maturity stage. The highest grain yield (4.75t ha-1) was recorded at treatment, Tilt 250 EC 0.2%. Therefore, Tilt 250 EC 0.2% and Proud 25 EC 0.1% can be recommended to control the foliar diseases of rice which help to increase the grain yield of that crop.