Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adopting an open innovation paradigm: managerial perceptions and the innovation value chain

This study explores the adoption of open innovation (OI) practices in medium-sized and large firms in a sector characterised by low levels of external collaborations. Many firms struggle to adopt OI practices (O'Connell, 2011); the processes that lead to the adoption of OI practices are unclear (Mortara and Minshall, 2011); and the degree of open innovation, as measured by the number of external collaborations, in Irish firms is low (Vahter et al., 2012). This inductive study is based on case studies of a significant innovation in four medium-sized (€50m to €500m) and four large (Revenue above €500m) firms from the food sector in Ireland. In each of the firms, multiple senior managers (CEOs, innovation managers and marketing managers) were interviewed about the origin of the innovative idea; the management of the innovation; and the role of external partners and customers in the innovation process. Within and cross case analysis finds that the adoption of OI innovation practices are most common at the early stage of the innovation value chain (IVC); that managerial perceptions of competitive threats appear to limit the extent to which firms adopt OI practices at the conversion stage of the IVC; that at the diffusion stage OI practices are largely limited to collaborations with customers; and managers regard external interactions for market orientation as being open in their innovation processes. In terms of the process of adoption, the smaller firms in this study are characterised by ad-hoc adoption of OI practices, while in the larger firms there is some evidence of more ‘conscious adoption’ of OI practices (Mortara and Minshall, 2011). Contributions include an argument that OI practices differ by stages of the innovation process; that managerial perceptions limit the adoption of OI practices; that market orientation may be regarded as a subset of open innovation; and the development of emerging work that explores the adoption of OI in non-‘high-tech’ contexts.
Detecting bribery: a guide for external auditors – insights from the audit profession in Egypt

Corruption in general and bribery in particular is a topic of global concern. External auditors are required by audit standards to assess and respond to the risk of illegal acts, yet neither the audit standards nor do prior studies provide a guide for external auditors to audit bribery risks. Hence, the aim of the current study is to help external auditors assess and respond to bribery risks. To achieve this, the current study proposes a guide that might help external auditors assess and respond to bribery risks. The proposed guide is based on evidence from prior literature and the insights from the audit profession in Egypt. Data was collected by the means of mixed methods, mainly an online questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. Our results supports the current body of knowledge that argued for the effectiveness of red flags in fraud risk assessments, however our study was the first to explore the effectiveness of red flags for bribery. Our findings also revealed that although red flags for bribery were perceived as effective in assessing bribery risks, not all of them have the same significance. Our study was the first to suggest how external auditors might respond to the heightened red flags for bribery. The current study also provides recommendations to audit regulators, audit firms, policy makers, and researchers on how to combat corruption and bribery.
Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Budget Effectiveness in Nigeria

The inadequacy of annual budget system has in recent times forced many countries' government into search for a more appropriate framework that supports the reform of policy makers degree of planning, improves inter and intra-sectoral resource allocation by effectively prioritizing all expenditures and dedicating resources only to the most important activities as well as developing accuracy of revenue estimation. Medium term expenditure framework (MTEF) seems to be the framework that best meets these criteria. This research paper investigated the concept of MTEF and its relationship with budget effectiveness in Nigeria public sector. The study adopts a cross sectional survey research design. Six-point rating scaled structured questionnaire starting from highly ineffective to highly effective was used to elicit primary data from 258 selected members of the population which consists of senior staff of accounting, finance and internal audit department of federal Ministry of finance, Fiscal responsibility commission and CBN. The result shows that the MTEF positively and significantly correlates with budget process, sectoral planning, aggregate discipline and revenue estimation in Nigeria public sector. The study concluded that MTEF has influenced budget effectiveness by overcoming the shot sighted planning, irresponsible resource allocation, and has coordinated the linkage between policy, planning and budgeting which led to improved service delivery in Nigeria public sector.
Influence of Strategic Marketing Capabilities on Performance of Manufacturing Firms in Kenya

The objective of the study was to determine the influence of strategic marketing capabilities on performance of manufacturing firms in Kenya. A descriptive survey design was used to analyse the primary data collected through selfadministered questionnaires. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics where data was coded and descriptive statistics generated using SPSS. Results were presented using graphs, tables and chart. Results indicated that strategic marketing capabilities have a positive and significant effect on performance. Firms should constantly carry out market research is carried out to ascertain the needs of customers and adoption of marketing information that enables the firm to maintain relationship with customers and in turn this will enable them to launch new products in the market successfully by use of information coming from the market.
Wireless Sensors: Technology and Cost-Savings for Commercial Buildings

Two projects under way for the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Building Technology, State and Community Programs, aim to adapt, test and demonstrate wireless sensors and data acquisition for heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) in commercial buildings. One project focuses on built-up systems in medium to large buildings; the second on applications for rooftop units in small- to medium-size facilities. In this paper, the authors present the technical characteristics and costs of off-the-shelf wireless sensor and data-acquisition systems and describe how they can be adapted to commercial buildings. The first part of the paper discusses the appropriateness of the different wireless protocols and then uses a "low-cost" and "high-cost" scenario later in the paper for comparison to wired systems. The paper provides a brief overview of wireless communication standards and discusses their appropriateness to HVAC control applications. The authors describe two wireless technology demonstration projects and discuss the limitations of today's technology and how wireless technology might be improved to reduce costs. Finally, a cost comparison between wired and wireless control networks for retrofit and new construction is presented to provide insights into the key drivers that determine the cost competitive of wireless technologies for HVAC control applications.
The Effect of Using Patency File on Apical Transportation in Canals Prepared with Passive Step Back Technique

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of patency file on apical transportation in curved canals prepared with passive step back (P.S.B) technique. Methods: This is an interceptive experimental, Invitro, study. Human extracted first permanent molars with 19-23mm length and curvature of 15-35 degrees (Schneider method) were considered for use in this study. Simple sampling was done and 35 teeth for each group was selected. In experimental group A canal preparation was done with P.S. B technique and usage of a # 10 file (as Patency file) between successive files. In experimental group B preparation was done in the same way except for usage of patency file. Pre and post operative radiographs were taken with similar condition. Radiographs were scanned and changes in canal curvature was determined using four different methods [Schneider, Weine, Long â€“ Axis techniques (L. A.T), and Digital image overlay technique (overlay. T)] , using Idrisi for windows and AutoCAD softwares. Results: The mean of canal transportation angle in experimental group A with Schneider, Weine , LAT, and Over Lay techniques was: 7.006 Â± 3.478, 12. 285 Â± 6.032, 4.376 Â± 3.516, 3.147 Â± 2.744 respectively. Mean of canal transportation angle in experimental group B with the same methods was also determined: 8.009 Â± 4.178, 13.55 Â± 7.602, 9.464 Â± 5.384, and 9.641 Â± 5.382 respectively. T- test statistical analysis shows that there are no significant differences between the mean of canal transportation angles in two groups as measured by Schneider and Weine method (P>0.05). Mann- Whitney test shows that there are statistically significant differences between two groups as measured by LAT and Over Lay techniques (P<0.001). Conclusions: Results of this study shows that patency file in conjunction with P.S. B techniques causes significant reduction in apical transportation angle. Shortcomings of Schneider method in determination of canal curvature and specially assessment of apical transportation after instrumentation is mentioned in several studies. Our study shows that both Schneider and Weine techniques are not reliable methods for transportation assessment when compared with Image Over Lay technique. The result of LAT Shows close proximity with Over Lay technique and can be used for evaluation of apical transportation as a simple and reliable technique. Keywords: Apical transportation, Passive step back, Apical patency, Schneider technique, Weine technique, Long axis technique, OverLay technique.
The impact of text fading on reading in children with reading difficulties

Studien zum Acceleration Phenomenon (AP) konnten zeigen, dass Probanden ihre Lesegeschwindigkeit und ihr Leseverstandnis verbessern konnen, wenn prasentierter Text beim Lesen in der schnellsten individuellen Lesezeit ausgeblendet wird. Ob diese Leseverbesserungen auch erzeugt werden konnen, wenn die Ausblendegeschwindigkeit langsamer als die individuelle Lesegeschwindigkeit ist, wurde bisher nicht untersucht. Mit Hilfe der Untersuchung einer Stichprobe von 34 Drittklasslern mit Leseschwierigkeiten sollte in dieser Studie uberpruft werden, welchen Einfluss langsames Ausblenden auf den Leseprozess hat. Zwei Bedingungen wurden eingefuhrt: eine, in welcher der Text um 40 % langsamer, und eine zweite, in welcher der Text um 70 % langsamer als die normale Lesegeschwindigkeit ausgeblendet wurde. In der um 40 % verlangsamten Bedingung verbesserten sich die Kinder signifikant in ihrer Lesegeschwindigkeit sowie in ihrem Leseverstandnis. Die um 70 % verlangsamte Bedingung erzeugte zwar Verbesserungen in der Lesegeschwindigkeit, jedoch nicht im Leseverstandnis. Die Ergebnisse verdeutlichen, dass die Ausblendegeschwindigkeit nicht schneller sein muss als die individuelle Lesegeschwindigkeit um positive Leseverbesserungen zu erzielen. Weiterhin konnte gezeigt werden, dass die Ausblendegeschwindigkeit grose Relevanz hat, da keine Leseverstandnisverbesserungen in der um 70 % verlangsamten Bedingung gefunden werden konnten. Die Anwendbarkeit der Befunde fur die padagogische Praxis sowie mogliche zukunftige Forschungsschwerpunkte werden in der Diskussion aufgegriffen.
Direct and Mediating Effects of Auditor Quality on Auditor Size and Performance

In defining audit quality, DeAngelo (1981) assumes no variation in auditor’s technical competency in discovering a breach. Instead, we relax this assumption and utilize principal components analysis technique to extract auditor quality from human capital factors of an audit firm. With the auditor quality, this study examines the association between auditor size and performance. In terms of market segment, audit firms are divided into public company audit market firms (PCAMFs) and non-public company audit market firms (NCAMFs). Based on path analysis, we find that auditor size has direct effect on performance and indirect effect through auditor quality. Auditor quality associates with both auditor size and performance positively. In further, auditor size has more contribution to performance of PCAMFs than that of NCAMFs. Auditor quality of PCAMFs explains more variation of financial performance than do NCAMFs. The results indicate that PCAMFs earn more financial performance through the upgrade of auditor quality.
Comparison of the efficacy of sitagliptin with pioglitazone on dexamethasone-induced hepatic steatosis, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia in albino rats -

Background: Sitagliptin is a dipeptidyl peptidase type 4 inhibitor. This study was done to assess the insulin-sensitizing effect of sitagliptin on Wistar albino rats by means of surrogate measures. Methods: There were four groups of six rats each. First group received dexamethasone alone in a dose of 8 mg/kg intraperitoneally for 6 days to induce metabolic changes and considered as dexamethasone control. Second group received sitagliptin 100 mg/kg orally 6 days before dexamethasone and 6 days during dexamethasone administration. Third group received pioglitazone 45 mg/kg orally 6 days before dexamethasone and 6 days during dexamethasone administration. Fourth group did not receive any medication and was considered as normal control. Fasting blood sugar, lipid profile, blood sugar 2 hrs after glucose load (postprandial blood sugar), liver weight, liver volume, and histopathological analysis were done. Results: The effects of sitagliptin were compared with that of pioglitazone. Dexamethasone caused hepatomegaly, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia. Both pioglitazone and sitagliptin significantly reduced hepatomegaly, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia (p<0.01). Reduction of blood sugar levels after glucose load was significant with pioglitazone in comparison to sitagliptin (p<0.01). Conclusions: Sitagliptin has comparable efficacy to pioglitazone in dexamethasone-induced hepatomegaly, dyslipidemia, and fasting hyperglycemia.
Instructional efficiency of animation: effects of interactivity through mental reconstruction of static key frames

This study used cognitive load theory to investigate whether an animation about the cardiovascular system can become a more effective educational tool by designing it with sensitivity to the capacity limitations of working memory. To manage the high extraneous cognitive load imposed by the need to process series of successive and transient information elements, a sequence of static key frames from the animation was presented to learners directly after the animation. Two interactive instructional conditions, which required learners either to construct or reconstruct the sequence of key frames, were compared to a non-interactive condition. It was hypothesised that the interactive activities would lead to more efficient transfer performance. The results confirmed the hypothesis, indicating that the interactive conditions required less mental effort to attain the same performance as the non-interactive condition. Instructional design implications for learning from animations are discussed.
Self-Perceived Oral Malodorous Among Sulaimani Dental Students

Oral malodorous is a common public problem, which is well recognized at dental clinics that pose considerable psychological distress to the sufferers. The aim of this study was to determine self-experience oral malodorous among dental students and to consider their knowledge toward its etiology and management. A questionnaire-based study was conducted on dental students to assess their experience of oral bad breath, how they accept the problem, how people around them react to their problem and what are the measures applied by the sufferers to overcome the problem of bad breath. Furthermore, this study attempted to record the psychological impact of oral bad breath on our students. The questioner examined students’ knowledge on cause of malodorous and factors (systemic and habits) that associated with it. Three hundred students answered the questioner and the frequency of oral bad breath was 33% experienced bad breath and 41.7 had a positive answer for having bad breath in past. Only 27% of the sufferers had been told about having bad breath by people around them. 31.7% sensed uncomfortable, 45%) sensed sad and 23.1% of suffers started taking and immediate action to controlling their bad breath when they have been told about it. Number of student suffering from oral malodorous and those provided history of halitosis wasn’t trivial. Furthermore, oral malodorous found to burden the sufferers psychologically; they were uncomfortable and have been embarrassed frequently by the response of their surrounding people.
Steady and unsteady turbulent velocity profiling in open channel flows using the ADV Vectrino II profiler

The Nortek Vectrino II profiler acoustic Doppler velocimeter (ADV) was developed for velocity profiling. Herein, the study aims to 1) demonstrate the applicability of the ADV profiler to steady and rapidly-varied unsteady open channel flows, 2) check the data quality, based upon a new systematically comparative analysis with traditional ADV data, and 3) conduct a sensitivity analysis on ensemble-averaged data collection in a positive surge. This was achieved by systematically performing steady and unsteady velocity measurements under controlled flow conditions in a relatively large laboratory facility. All experiments were repeated 25 to 50 times for each controlled flow condition and the results were ensembleaveraged. Steady and unsteady velocity measurements highlighted a number of instrumental errors using the ADV Profiler. Overall, the study demonstrated that the propagation of positive surges was a highly unsteady turbulent process, and the performance of ADV Profiler in such an unsteady turbulent flow could be satisfactory provided that careful validation was undertaken for all ADV Profiler outputs.
Antioxidant and Antifungal Activities of Essential Oils of Origanum vulgare ssp. gracile Flowers and Leaves from Iran

Background: Herbal Essential Oils (EOs) are natural, volatile, and complex compounds that are defined by a strong odor. This study was conducted to investigate and compare antioxidant and antifungal properties of EO extracted from flowers and leaves of Origanum vulgare ssp. gracile from Iran. Methods: EOs of leaves and flowers of O. vulgare ssp. gracile were extracted using a modified Clevenger apparatus and hydro-distillation method. In vitro antioxidant properties of the EOs were evaluated by 2,2diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethyl benzo thiazoline-6-sulphonic acid, ABTS + ) assays and their antifungal properties were assessed against Aspergillus flavus and A. niger by agar disk diffusion and micro well dilution methods. The EOs exhibited both fungistatic and fungicidal activity against tested fungal species. Statistical analysis of data was performed using SPSS, Inc, Chicago, IL software (v.16.0). Results: Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) values for A. niger and A. flavus were 200 and 100 μg/ml, respectively; however, the MFC values for the mentioned fungi were 400 and 200, respectively. The flower EOs had significantly (p<0.05) higher inhibitory activities against both fungal species comparing to leave EOs. Also, it was found that A. flavus was significantly (p<0.05) more susceptible to EOs than A. niger. Remarkable antioxidant capacity was observed in both EOs, but it was significantly (p<0.05) lower than Butylated Hydroxy Toluene (BHT) as a synthetic antioxidant. Conclusion: Although, antioxidant as well as antifungal efficacy of flowers EO was significantly higher than the leaves EO, both leaves and flowers EOs could be recommended as an antifungal preservative in food industries for their application in hurdle systems.
Mentoring in the Nigerian academia: experiences and challenges

Using qualitative and quantitative measures, this study explores the mentoring experiences and challenges among 48 members of the academic staff in a Nigerian university social science faculty, where the mission was to enhance the skills of academic staff members through mentoring programmes. The findings of the survey revealed that the few existing mentoring relationships are informal and were developed on the basis of similarity of research interests, initial delegation of work activity by mentors to their proteges, the delegation of conference/workshop attendance by mentor to proteges, inclusion of proteges in research projects and supervision of the protege’s thesis. Results showed that areas in which mentors have supported their proteges include enlistment in group and international research networks, publication, counselling and advice, and financial support. The unresponsive attitude of junior academics, the pressure of administrative duties, lack of funds and formal mentor/protege structures were commonly reported as barriers to mentoring. The implications of these findings for faculty policy formulation, training and effective delivery of mentoring are discussed.
Making It to the Top: From Female Labor Force Participation to Boardroom Gender Diversity

The list of barriers to female representation in management is analogous to the list of barriers to female labor force participation. Accordingly, we examine whether low female labor force participation is the main reason few women hold seats on corporate boards using data from 22 countries over the 2001-2010 period. Using a novel country-level measure of female participation on corporate boards, we show first that the representation of women on boards across countries is actually worse than most surveys suggest. We then examine the extent to which female labor force participation and institutional and country-level characteristics are related to boardroom diversity. We find that labor force participation is significantly related to the representation of women on boards when part-time and unemployed workers are excluded. However, cultural norms, the presence of boardroom quotas and codes promoting gender diversity are also correlated with female representation. This suggests that economic and cultural factors may be important barriers to female career advancement, but that preferences may be less important. While quotas may overcome problems of discrimination, they may be too narrow a policy tool to address other causes of female underrepresentation in management.