Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effect of national culture on entrepreneurs’ networks: a comparison of the MENA region and Denmark

This study examines the effect of cultural variables on entrepreneurs' networks in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region countries and Denmark. Using data collected by the GEM surveys and clustered for the purpose of this research, analysis is undertaken on the effect of cultural variables on entrepreneurs' private networks in addition to their work, professional, market and international networks. The major cultural contrast in the empirical analysis is between Denmark and the MENA countries. Traditionalism dominates in the MENA region while secular-rationalism pervades Denmark: trust is widespread in Denmark, but more limited to family members in MENA; and collectivism prevails in MENA while Denmark is more individualistic. Analyses show that both traditional culture and collectivism promote networking in the private sphere, which explains the intensity of private networking in MENA and the lower level of private networking in Denmark. Trust in society, generally promotes networking, and specifically networking in the public spheres of the work-place, the professions, the market and the international environment. This explains the greater prevalence and intensity of networks and networking in the public domain in Denmark compared to that in the MENA region.
Do Epiphytes in Drier Climates Select Host Tree Substrates between Rough and Smooth Bole Textures and Crown and Stem, Vertical and Upright Stems? What Are the Implications for Water Catchment and Forest Management?

Epiphyte biomass (dry weight kg) placement between rough and smooth bole bark textures; crown and trunk as well as upright and horizontal substrates in Lusenga National Park were examined through ground surveys. Transects were located at random in woody vegetation using quadrats 20 m × 20 m which were located every 100 m along 1 km long transects. For every host tree substrate sampled, tree species was identified and bark texture was determined. Presence and location of epiphytes were determined through direct observation. Epiphytes were collected, dried and weighed, so as to apportion biomass between rough and smooth bole textures, crown and trunk as well as stem inclination. Rough bole textured stems had more epiphytes of 1967 kg (89%) than smooth bole substrates of 313.48 kg (11%) and also inclined stems had higher biomass of 85% than vertical stems of 14.64% (χ2 = P successional colonization, incidences of host species specificity, rain water interception and retention and impact of fire on epiphyte biomass as these are important water catchment attributes.
Silicon detectors with 3-D electrode arrays: fabrication and initial test results

The first three-dimensional detectors with n and p electrodes that penetrate through the silicon substrate have been fabricated. Some expected properties, including low depletion voltages, wide voltage plateaus before leakage current limits are reached, and rapid charge collection are reviewed. Fabrication steps and initial test results for leakage currents and infrared signal detection are covered. The authors conclude with a description of current work, including fabrication of active-edge detectors, ones with sensitive areas that should extend to their physical edge.
Investigations of solar plasma in the interior and corona from Solar Dynamics Observatory

Abstract The Sun is a plasma laboratory for astrophysics, which allows us to investigate many important phenomena in turbulent magnetized plasma in detail. Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) launched in February 2010 provides unique information about plasma processes from the interior to the corona. The primary processes of magnetic field generation and formation of magnetic structures are hidden beneath the visible surface. Helioseismic diagnostics, based on observations and analysis of solar oscillations and waves, give insights into the physical processes in the solar interior and mechanisms of solar magnetic activity. In addition, simultaneous high-resolution multi-wavelength observations of the solar corona provide opportunity to investigate in unprecedented detail the coronal dynamics and links to the interior processes. These capabilities are illustrated by initial results on the large-scale dynamics of the Sun, the subsurface structure and dynamics of a sunspot and observations of a X-class solar flare.
The influence of a supportive environment for families on women’s fertility intentions and behavior in South Korea

Background: Recent theories of low fertility emphasize the increasing importance of support for the family in changing gender roles toward egalitarianism. In a context of weak institutional support for families and low levels of gender equity, do family policies influence individual fertility? Moreover, might support from other sources, such as men’s involvement in the family or grandparental childcare assistance, positively influence fertility intentions and behavior? Objective: I examine the influence of three sources of a supportive environment for families – the state, husbands, and parents or in-laws – on women’s fertility intentions and behavior regarding second children. Methods: Using data from three waves of the Korean Longitudinal Survey for Women and Families, I measured supportive environments by knowledge of family policy, men’s involvement in housework and childcare, and grandparental childcare assistance. I then studied these factors with binary logistic regression analysis. Results: The findings suggest that supportive environments for the family have a stronger effect on fertility behavior than on fertility intentions. Women who are knowledgeable about childcare leave reserved for use by fathers are more likely to have a second child than women who do not know about it. Support from husbands for housework and childcare and intensive childcare assistance from coresiding parents or in-laws increase the likelihood of a second birth. Contribution: These findings contribute to our theoretical understanding of the interplay between the welfare state and the family in studies of fertility. Moreover, the findings have unique implications for very low fertility in countries with limited and fragmented state support of families.
Antimicrobial resistance of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from human and food against Linezolid, Quinupristin-Dalfopristin, Quinolones and Imipenem

Staphylococcus aureus is a versatile pathogen of humans and animals that has evolved resistance to all classes of antimicrobials. A total of 293 S. aureus isolates including 71 obtained from human and 222 recovered from food against crucial antimicrobial agents used in human and veterinary practice were examined for the antimicrobial resistance profiles. The in vitro activities of new agents (linezolid and quinupristin-dalfopristin), quinolones (ofloxacin, norfloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin) and imipenem against the isolates were performed by standard disk diffusion method. The 293 isolates demonstrated very low levels of resistance to imipenem (0.7%), followed by quinupristin-dalfopristin (1.7%) but had the highest activity against linezolid (6.8%) and moxifloxacin (5.5%). Over 9.9% of clinical isolates showed resistance to three or more antimicrobial agents. Only 1.8% of food isolates were multidrug resistant (≥3 antibiotics). The differences between clinical and food isolates in the results of antimicrobial resistance were statistically significant. Besides, comparing the resistance to each antimicrobial agent between the two group isolates, there were statistically significant differences (P<0.05). Because S. aureus has a remarkable propensity to develop or acquire resistance to antimicrobial agents, it is important to continually monitor antimicrobial susceptibilities of isolates from clinical and food sources.
Simultaneous synthetic schlieren and PIV measurements for internal solitary waves

Large-amplitude internal solitary waves in a stratification comprising a thick, lower, homogeneous layer separated from a thin, upper, homogeneous layer by a broad gradient region are studied using simultaneous measurements of the density and velocity fields. Density field measurements are achieved through synthetic schlieren, operating in an absolute mode to allow efficient and accurate measurements of density in systems with strong curvatures and large perturbations to the density field. The images used for these density measurements are interleaved with images used for particle image velocimetry by phase locking two video cameras (one configured for the density measurements and the other for the velocity measurements) with a computer-driven LCD monitor, allowing the background texture required for synthetic schlieren to be turned off for the particle image velocimetry measurements on the mid-plane of the experimental tank. The simultaneous measurements of both density and velocity fields not only allow greater insight into the internal wave dynamics, but also allow the velocity measurements to be corrected for the normal errors associated with the refractive index variations. As an illustration of the power of this technique, we determine for the first time in an internal solitary wave the spatial structure of the local gradient Richardson number, finding regions where this falls below the limit for linear stability.
An effectiveness evaluation of the palmar fascia irradiation of patients suffering from Dupuytren’s disease

Introduction. Dupuytren’s disease (DD) is a fibroproliferative disorder of an unknown etiology manifested by a progressive contracture of fingers. The basic method of the treatment is surgery. Among non-surgical treatments, radiotherapy (RT) represents a relevant method. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of palmar fascia irradiation in patients with Dupuytren’s Disease. Material and methods. The research included a group of 117 patients with Dupuytren’s disease irradiated in the Department of Radiotherapy in the Maria Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Cancer Center and Institute of Oncology in Gliwice. Patients’ medical records from the Institute of Oncology in Gliwice and the Provincial Hospital of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery in Piekary Śląskie have been analysed retrospectively. The following were assessed: smoking history and the subjective evaluation of the effect of the therapy and its side effects before irradiation and check-up visits. All patients were irradiated to a total dose of 21 Gy given in 7 fractions. Results. After the RT, 35% of patients showed an improvement, in 58% of patients the disease progress stopped, whereas 7% of patients reported a deterioration. During the observation period, 7.5% of patients noted a deterioration of the contracture or the topical condition, in 35% stagnancy was observed, and 57.5% of patients showed a reduction of the contracture and an improvement in the topical condition. After the RT, 87.5% of patients had no side effects, in 7.5% there was a slight skin erythema, 2.5% had superficial epidermis exfoliation, and 2.5% reported dry skin. Conclusions. The obtained results allow one to conclude that palmar fascia irradiation is an effective method of treatment for patients with Dupuytren’s disease and it is characterised by a low proportion of complications.
An Evaluation of The Effect of ICT on Job Characteristics in Kenyan Banks: Case of Banks in Nakuru Town

This study sought to evaluate the effect of the ICTs on job characteristics of employees as characterized in the banking sector, case of banks operating in Nakuru- Kenya. The focus of the study was on the effects of ICTs on the five job characteristics namely; skill variety, task identity, task significance, autonomy and feedback, in the job characteristics model (JCM). The study used descriptive survey research design. Data collection was undertaken by use of questionnaires, edited and processed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences for windows version 20.0. Pearson’s coefficient of correlation (r) was used to assess the effect of the ICTs on job characteristics. A within subject comparison using ANOVA followed by a Levene's test was conducted to test the mean differences of job characteristics within the employees who reported use of ICTs and those who did not. The findings indicated that use of ICT had significant positive influence on the job characteristics as hypothesized.
Cloud condensation nuclei and cloud droplet measurements during ACE-2

During the 2nd Aerosol Characterization Experiment (ACE-2), relationships between stratocumulus cloud properties and aerosols were examined. Here, the relevant measurements including the cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) activation spectrum, updraft velocity, cloud microphysical and aerosol properties are presented. It is shown that calculations of droplet concentration based on updraft velocity and the CCN activation spectrum are consistent with direct observations. Also discussed is an apparent disparity among measurements of the CCN activation spectrum, the accumulation mode size distribution, and the composition of the submicrometric aerosol. The observed consistency between CCN, updraft and cloud droplets is a necessary refinement; however, extended analyses of the ACE-2 data set are needed to guide improvements in model simulations of the interaction between aerosols and cloud microphysics. In particular, there is need for an examination of aerosol size spectra and chemical composition measurements with a view towards validating droplet activation schemes which relate the aerosol and cloud dynamical properties to cloud albedo.
PHYSICO-MECHANICAL, THERMAL AND ACTIVATION ENERGY STUDIES OF JUTE-MAT/POLYVINYLCHLORIDE SANDWICH COMPOSITES

Polyvinylchloride sheets (PVCS) as well as sandwiched composites of untreated jute-mat (JM)/PVC (UJPC) and organic acid treated JM/PVC (TJPC) were prepared with various JM contents by compression molding method at 160oC. Mechanical, chemical textural, surface morphological, thermal and water intake ( WI ) properties of these samples were measured using a universal testing machine, a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer, a scanning electron microscope, a thermal analyzer and the gravimetric method, respectively. Young modulus ( Y ) and tangent modulus ( G ) of TJPC are found to increase from UJPC. FTIR spectra clearly exhibited distinct absorption peaks of UJPC and TJPC, indicating a modified texture of treated JM. The observed WI value was lower in TJPC than UJPC. Fiber-tearing of fractured surface micrographs observed for TJPC and fiber pull-out for UJPC suggested a good adhesion between JM and PVC in the former one. Most importantly, the activation energy (E a ) analysis by Ozawa’ method gives its value of 164 KJ/mol for TJPC and 135 KJ/mol for UJPC. Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 39, No. 1, 13-23, 2015
Investigating Flame Fronts in Competitive Exothermic Reactions

The phenomenon of combustion is undoubtedly one of the most important physiochemical processes in nature and industry. Combustion theory has played a significant role in the advance of human civilization and provided an understanding of natural phenomena such as energy production from burning fossil fuels, the synthesis of advanced materials (e.g. the steady travelling wave is extremely important in the combustion synthesis via the Self-propagating High-temperature Synthesis process) and bushfire (the combustion models can be utilized to give correct predictions or even effective control over mountainous or grassland bushfires). However, there are still many aspects of combustion that are still not understood. Hence, there is a great value in understanding the process of combustion through mathematical modelling. In this work, we consider travelling wave solutions of a one-dimensional reaction-diffusion system corresponding to two competitively exothermic reactions with the inclusion of Newtonian heat loss. We suppose all reactions occurring during the combustion may be lumped together as two different paths. The two exothermic reactions compete for the same reactant and both reactions are well described by the Arrhenius law. Such a reaction scheme has been shown to represent the combustion of titanium–carbon–hydrogen and zirconium– carbon–hydrogen experimentally. The model presented considers a general case of there being volumetric heat loss transferring heat to the surroundings in the reactions. Properties of travelling wave fronts, particularly wave speed, are determined numerically by solving the governing partial differential equations (PDEs). The speed of the combustion wave is analysed for different values of the heat loss parameter with other parameter values fixed. We point out that as the heat loss coefficient increases with other parameter values fixed, the flame speed decays gradually before the front ceases to exist. This is expected as increasing the heat loss would result in less energy being available to sustain the propagation of the flame fronts. We also determine how the extinction limit depends on the heat loss parameter as well as the exothermic parameter. Numerical solutions show that there is no travelling wave when we choose the parameter values of the exothermicity and heat loss parameter above threshold values. All numerical solutions were obtained using the Method of Lines approach to solve the governing PDEs and were independently verified using a commercial finite-element package, FlexPDE.
Structural analysis of the collar of the Vredefort Dome, South Africa—Significance for impact‐related deformation and central uplift formation

Abstract— Landsat TM, aerial photograph image analysis, and field mapping of Witwatersrand supergroup meta‐sedimentary strata in the collar of the Vredefort Dome reveals a highly heterogeneous internal structure involving folds, faults, fractures, and melt breccias that are interpreted as the product of shock deformation and central uplift formation during the 2.02 Ga Vredefort impact event. Broadly radially oriented symmetric and asymmetric folds with wavelengths ranging from tens of meters to kilometers and conjugate radial to oblique faults with strike‐slip displacements of, typically, tens to hundreds of meters accommodated tangential shortening of the collar of the dome that decreased from ˜17% at a radius from the dome center of 21 km to <5% at a radius of 29 km. Ubiquitous shear fractures containing pseudotachylitic breccia, particularly in the metapelitic units, display local slip senses consistent with either tangential shortening or tangential extension; however, it is uncertain whether they formed at the same time as the larger faults or earlier, during the shock pulse. In addition to shatter cones, quartzite units show two fracture types—a cmspaced rhomboidal to orthogonal type that may be the product of shock‐induced deformation and later joints accomplishing tangential and radial extension. The occurrence of pseudotachylitic breccia within some of these later joints, and the presence of radial and tangential dikes of impact melt rock, confirm the impact timing of these features and are suggestive of late‐stage collapse of the central uplift.
Do Managers Act Opportunistically Towards the End of Their Career?

As managers approach retirement, their career horizons become shorter and they might start to behave opportunistically by taking a more risk-averse and short-term orientation. Long-term risky investments, such as research and development, can suffer the most from this problem as their payoff comes long after CEOs retire. To mitigate such behavior, most executive compensation contracts include long-term performance incentives. In this study, we hypothesize that long-term debt-like compensation in the form of defined benefit pension can make the career horizon problem more severe. We empirically examine the impact of managerial opportunism, influenced by pension compensation, on the research and development investments. We find that on average UK CEOs do not curtail research and development as their career horizons become shorter. But, the defined-benefit pension component of executive compensation leads CEOs, who are closer to retirement, to decrease R&D investments. Our results imply that executive compensation contracts need to be appropriately adjusted when managers approach retirement.
AIS Electronic Library (AISeL) The Impact of Schedule Pressure on Software Development: A Behavioral Perspective

Timely software development has been a major issue in both information systems research and software industry. While researchers and practitioners seek better techniques to estimate and manage software schedules, it is important to understand the impact of management pressure on software development projects. This paper investigates the impact of schedule pressure on the performance in software projects. Data analysis indicates that a U-shaped function exists between time pressure and cycle time. A similar relationship is found between time pressure and development effort. Meanwhile, time pressure does not significantly affect software quality. The findings of this study will help software project managers develop effective deadline and budget setting policies.
Price Setting Behaviour: Micro Evidence on Slovakia

The paper provides an empirical analysis of price setting behaviour in Slovakia, using large micro-level dataset covering about 57% of Slovak CPI for the period 1997-2001. The novelty of the paper is the analysis of a country characterized by nearly double-digit inflation and undergoing massive changes in market structure during the process of transition and accession to the EU. Several empirical findings stand out. Similarly to results on advanced market economies, we find that price changes are infrequent and sizeable. Moreover, the relationship between frequency and size of price changes is highly non-linear. Product-specific inflation is typically highly persistent. We find that market structure is an important determinant of pricing behaviour. The dispersion of prices is higher while persistence is lower in the non-tradable sectors, suggesting that higher competition in goods markets is not conducive to lower persistence. An important implication is that increasing market competition brought about by entry in the EU will not necessarily lead to lower persistence. By contrast, the increasing share of services in consumption will reduce persistence. Our results, together with the finding that the frequency of price changes depends negatively on the price dispersion and positively on the individual inflation, seems consistent with predictions of Calvo’s staggered price model.
Perinatal mortality in a referral hospital of Orissa - A 10 year review

Perinatal mortality depicts the economic and health care progress of a country. It reflects the efficacy of Maternity and Child Health (MCH) care and hence is a sensitive indicator of the MCH care. The MCH program of India has now geared up to orient and improvise the existing available facilities. During the last few decades there has been marked reduction in perinatal deaths in developing countries including India. Inspite of this, our perinatal mortality rate (PMR) is much higher than that in the developed countries. Global PMR is 49.6/1000. The present alarming perinatal mortality can be reduced by repeated periodic analysis of its magnitude and causative factors, and by making necessary efforts to rectify them. The present study was aimed at determining the exact perinatal mortality in a referral hospital, finding the probable causes behind it, and making possible suggestions for remedy.