Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Determinants of Cherry Production and Marketing in Pakistan: A Propensity Score Matching Approach

In the current study determinants of cherry production and marketing in Pakistan are estimated. For the study cross sectional data set of 60 cherry producers was collected from Kalat and Ziarat districts of the Balochistan province. The analysis was carried out by employing a number of different econometric models and techniques like poison regression model was employed for estimating number of hectares under cherry orchard while logit model was employed for farmers’ decision making like selling at farm gate or taking the commodity to the market. Propensity score matching technique was employed for estimating the cherry net returns and cherry yield. The empirical results indicate that farmers selling cherry at market are obtaining higher net returns.
A BRDF–BPDF database for the analysis of Earth target reflectances

Abstract. Land surface reflectance is not isotropic. It varies with the observation geometry that is defined by the sun, view zenith angles, and the relative azimuth. In addition, the reflectance is linearly polarized. The reflectance anisotropy is quantified by the bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF), while its polarization properties are defined by the bidirectional polarization distribution function (BPDF). The POLDER radiometer that flew onboard the PARASOL microsatellite remains the only space instrument that measured numerous samples of the BRDF and BPDF of Earth targets. Here, we describe a database of representative BRDFs and BPDFs derived from the POLDER measurements. From the huge number of data acquired by the spaceborne instrument over a period of 7 years, we selected a set of targets with high-quality observations. The selection aimed for a large number of observations, free of significant cloud or aerosol contamination, acquired in diverse observation geometries with a focus on the backscatter direction that shows the specific hot spot signature. The targets are sorted according to the 16-class International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (IGBP) land cover classification system, and the target selection aims at a spatial representativeness within the class. The database thus provides a set of high-quality BRDF and BPDF samples that can be used to assess the typical variability of natural surface reflectances or to evaluate models. It is available freely from the PANGAEA website ( doi:10.1594/PANGAEA.864090 ). In addition to the database, we provide a visualization and analysis tool based on the Interactive Data Language (IDL). It allows an interactive analysis of the measurements and a comparison against various BRDF and BPDF analytical models. The present paper describes the input data, the selection principles, the database format, and the analysis tool
Genetic diversity of Tor douronensis (Pisces: Cyprinidae) in West Sumatra, Indonesia

Roesma DI, Tjong DH, Munir W, Agesi AV, Chornelia A. 2017. Genetic diversity of Tor douronensis (Pisces: Cyprinidae) in West Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 18: 1018-1025. A random amplified polymorphic DNA-polymerase chain reaction (RAPDPCR) analysis was applied to determine the genetic diversity within and among the populations of Tor douronensis in West Sumatra river system. The results provided information for proper breeding, maintenance, and conservation of T. douronensis. The highest and the lowest values of genetic diversity were the population of Batang Matur (H = 0.1571; I = 0.2411) and Batang Malalo (H = 0.0880; I = 0.1353), respectively. The value of genetic differentiation (GST) was 0.4266 while that of heterozygosity between populations (DST) and within a population (HS) was, respectively, 0.088 and 0.1184. The value of gene flow between populations (Nm) was 0.6721. Grouping of individuals in a population based Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCO) and UPGMA was in line with the genetic distance values. Matur and Malalo were the most closely related populations (0.0174) while Batang Gumanti and Batang Sinuruik were the most distantly related populations (0.1918). The genetic variation between populations was lower than the genetic variation within the population of T. douronensis and population of Matur is recommended to be used as brood stock in the procurement of stock.
The Implied Cost of Capital: An Empirical Assessment in the Tunisian Context

This research is a feedback to Wang (2015) suggesting that realized returns should be used in conjunction with ICCs to make more robust inferences about expected returns. We examine the validity of six firm-specific ICCs along with a synthetic one, in the Tunisian context, according to their feasibility and their correlation with realized return. The examined estimators are calculated according to three types of earnings forecasts: smoothing, random walk and cross-section. These estimators represent three main valuation approaches: Present Value of Expected Dividend (PVED), Residual Income Valuation Model (RIV) and Abnormal Earnings Growth (AEG). Our results confirm the assertions of Gerakos and Gramacy (2013) on random walk forecasts’ good performance as well as those of Li and Mohanram (2014) on the poor quality of Hou et al. (2012)’s cross-section forecasts. Furthermore, dividend seems best reflecting Tunisian stock market expectations concerning future revenues which would be generated by the valuated asset. These findings bring into question the relevance of new accounting valuation approaches which are anchored rather on equity book value (RIV) and on earnings forecasts (AEG).
Business Education For Sustainable Development: The Case of Romanian Universities

Our study approaches the concept of sustainable development from a business perspective by looking into how universities can contribute to incorporating sustainability in the formation of future business professionals. The main objective of our paper is to develop an analysis that offers a current overview on the business higher education system as a source of education for sustainable development, particularly in the Romanian context. The employed research methodology mainly relies on content analysis of selected universities’ curricula and syllabuses as available on their websites. The obtained results document the current state of facts and allow suggestions for future improvements. Overall, our findings bring support to previous studies in suggesting that Romanian higher education should adjust more to the realities of the current business environment. Our study contributes to the literature on sustainable development by providing insights into the Romanian business higher education particularities, which might prove helpful for academics and students, as well as practitioners.
Quality Evaluation of Yoghurt Collected From the Local Market in Some Governorates of Egypt

The present study was carried out to evaluate quality of yoghurt collected from the local market in Cairo, Giza, Gharbia and Minufiya governorates and to compare it with the manufactured yoghurt using Bifidobacteria bifidum (B. bifidum) added to normal starter. Physicochemical, microbiological and organoleptic properties of all yoghurt samples were determined during 12 days storage period in a refrigerator. The results showed that yoghurt collected from Cairo and Giza markets contained less content of total solids and fat than that collected from Gharbia and Minufiya markets as compared to the manufactured yoghurt using B. bifidum. Microbiological examination revealed that the total viable bacterial count was less in yoghurt collected from Cairo and Giza markets than that collected from Gharbia and Minufiya markets. The coliform, mold and yeast count was nil or ignorable in all yoghurt samples till 6 days of storage, then these microorganisms were detected on the 9th and the 12th day of storage period. Organoleptic properties showed that the yoghurt collected from Cairo and Giza markets has higher sensory scores and more acceptable than that collected from Gharbia and Minufiya markets. The manufactured yoghurt using B. bifidum has the best quality and high degree of acceptability by consumers.
Adoption Status of Various Sowing Practices of Protected Cultivation of Vegetables in Punjab

Vegetables are rich source of protein, carbohydrates, minerals and fibre (Weinberger and Lumpkin, 2007). India is the second largest producer of vegetables in the world, next to China. Area under vegetable cultivation in India is 9465.30 thousand hectare with production of 168502.90 thousand tonnes and productivity of 17.80 metric tonnes per hectare (Anonymous, 2016). In Punjab, area under vegetable cultivation is 208 thousand hectare with production of 4167.60 thousand tonnes and productivity of 15.60 metric tonnes per hectare (Anonymous, 2016). To feed the International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 6 Number 12 (2017) pp. 801-812 Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas. com
Woodallite, a new chromium analogue of iowaite from the Mount Keith nickel deposit,Western Australia

Abstract Woodallite is a new Cr-rich member of the hydrotalcite group from the large, low-grade Mount Keith nickel deposit, in the northeastern Goldfields district of Western Australia. Woodallite occurs as whorls and clusters of minute platelets up to 6 mm across in lizardite+brucite-altered dunite. Individual platelets are typically 10-100 μm in maximum dimension and are often curved. Associated minerals include chromite, lizardite, iowaite, pentlandite, magnetite, tochilinite and brucite. Electron microprobe analysis gave: Mg 25.90 wt. %; Cr 10.81; Fe 4.86; Al 0.68; Cl 9.89; S 0.03; Si 0.01; Ni 0.01; Na 0.01, yielding (after correction for loss of volatiles) an empirical formula of Mg6.19(Cr1.21Fe0.51Al0.15)∑1.87(OH)16[Cl1.62(CO3)0.17(SO4)0.01]‧4H2O, by analogy with the hydrotalcite group. The simplified formula is Mg6Cr2(OH)16Cl2‧4H2O. Combined thermogravimetric analysis and mass spectroscopy showed a two-stage weight loss of 12.7% and 27.3% occurring over the ranges 25-300°C and 300-660°C, respectively. The first weight loss is attributed to loss of interlayer water, chlorine-bearing species (e.g. HCl) and some CO2, the second to loss of hydroxide water, remaining CO2 and Cl species. The mineral is deep magenta to purple in colour, transparent, with a resinous to waxy lustre, and a perfect basal {0001} cleavage. Woodallite has a Mohs hardness of 1.5-2, and a pale-pink to white streak. The strongest lines in the X-ray powder pattern are [dobs (Iobs) (hkl)] 8.037 (100) (003); 4.021 (48) (006); 2.679 (1) (009); 2.624 (3) (012); 2.349 (5) (015); 2.007 (6) (0,0,12); 1.698 (2) (0,1,11); 1.524 (2) (21̄3). These lines were indexed on a hexagonal cell with a = 3.103(2), c = 24.111(24) Å, V = 201.14 Å3 and Z = 3/8. The new mineral is isostructural with the hydrotalcite group and has space group R3̄m. The measured density is 2.062 gm/cm3. Woodallite is uniaxial negative with ω = 1.555 and ε = 1.535 (white light); pleochroism is distinct from violet to pinkish lilac. Woodallite forms as a result of hydrothermal alteration of primary magmatic chromite by Cl-rich solutions at temperatures <320°C. Relict chromite fragments are frequently present in the whorls, and associated magnetite is altered extensively to iowaite. The mineral is named after Roy Woodall, eminent Australian industry geologist.
Use of N-alkanes to estimate intake and digestibility by beef steers

The objective of the study was to evaluate the use of n-alkanes to estimate DM intake and digestibility by beef cattle. Six steers were blocked (3 blocks, 2 animals/block) according to the body weight (279±19 kg) and randomly allotted within blocks to two diets (3 steers/diet). A second trial was conducted with the same animals (321±18 kg) after 36 days (d), using a switch back design. The diets consisted of two types of chopped sun-cured hay, alfalfa (Medicago sativa L) hay, or fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb) and alfalfa mixture, which were fed in equal amounts to steers. Animals were dosed with C32 and C36 alkanes, employing an intra-ruminal controlled-release device at the beginning of each trial. Hay intake per animal was measured from d 6 to 12 and sub samples were taken for chemical analysis. Rectal samples of feces were taken from each animal once/daily from d 8 to 14, freeze dried, and ground prior to alkane analysis. Alkanes were extracted from ground hay and feces. Feed intake was calculated from the dose rate of C32 alkane and, the herbage and fecal concentrations of adjacent odd (C33 or C31) and even (C32) chain length alkanes. Crude Protein, NDF, ADF, ash concentrations and In vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) were 17.7, 42.2, 28.4, 7.9 and 71.7 for alfalfa, and 12.4, 56.5, 30.4, 6.9 and 69.1% for fescue/alfalfa mixture, respectively. For both diets, intake estimated from C33:C32 ratio was not different from the measured intake, but intake estimated from C31:C32 ratio was lower (p<0.05), than the measured intake for both diets. The average estimated forage intake from C33:C32 ratio was 4.86 and 0.69% below than the measured intake for alfalfa and, fescue/alfalfa mixed diets, respectively. The respective estimates with C31:C32 ratio were 9.59 and 11.33% below than the measured intake. According to these results, alkane C33:C32 ratio is better than alkane C31:C32 ratio for the estimation of intake by beef steers. (Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. 2005. Vol 18, No. 11 : 1564-1568)
Plunge pool scour formulae - an experimental verification

Plunge pools are currently designed with a limited number of formulae, most of which are either outdated or dimensionally incorrect. Based on a large data accumulation collected at VAW in 2003, a selection of formulae was tested to obtain indications on their performance. It was observed that some formulae may be recommended, but most must be limited for application. The present paper may shed new light on the research directions required for future projects, and the limitations of the available methods for predicting the maximum plunge pool depth. It was also observed that a number of parameters considered important during the VAW research was so far overlooked, such as the relative tailwater depth or the effect of impact jet shape. The results of the present study may guide designers in the selection of their model equations.
Adolescent girls’ friends, peers, school type: do these influence self-esteem and self-concept of school?

Adolescence is a period when self-esteem and academic decisions become salient; peer friendships expand and their significance increases. This research examined female midadolescent friendships, best-friendships, same-sex friendships, opposite-sex friendships, and whether each of these three categories of friendship correlated with self-esteem, self-concept of school. Two different schools were compared. Ninety-seven girls participated, forty-three from a same-sex school, fifty-four from a mixed-sex school. Using a mixed design, respondents completed the McGill Friendship Questionnaire (MFQ – RA) (Mendelson & Abound, 1999), two peer relationship scales and academic self-concept scale, drawn from Self-Description Questionnaire II (SDQ II) (Marsh, 1992), Rosenberg Self Esteem Questionnaire (Rosenberg, 1989). Same-sex friendships positively correlated with selfesteem and self-concept of school. Opposite-sex friendships positively correlated with selfesteem. Best friendships were not found to be significant. Same-sex school participants had higher self-concept of school ability. Self-esteem was not significantly different between both groups. Findings and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Determinants of Capital Structure: Evidence from Pakistani Panel Data

Using two variants of panel data analysis, we attempt to find the determinants of capital structure of KSE listed none-financial firms for the period 1994-2002. Pooled regression analysis was applied with the assumption that there were no industry or time effects. However, using fixed effect dummy variable regression, the coefficients for a number of industries were significant showing there were significant industry effects hence we accepted the later model for our analysis. We used six explanatory variables to measure their effect on leverage ratio. Three of our variables were significantly related to leverage ratio whereas the remaining three variables were not statistically significant in having relationship with the debt ratio. Our results approve the prediction of trade-off theory in case of tangibility variable whereas the earning volatility (EV), and depreciation (NDTS) variables fail to confirm to tradeoff theory. The growth (GT) variable confirms the agency theory hypothesis whereas profitability (PF) approves the predictions of pecking order theory. Size (SZ) variable neither confirms to the prediction of tradeoff theory nor to asymmetry of information theory.
Challenges in Double Beta Decay

In the past ten years, neutrino oscillation experiments have provided the incontrovertible evidence that neutrinos mix and have finite masses. These results represent the strongest demonstration that the electroweak Standard Model is incomplete and that new Physics beyond it must exist. In this scenario, a unique role is played by the Neutrinoless Double Beta Decay searches which can probe lepton number conservation and investigate the Dirac/Majorana nature of the neutrinos and their absolute mass scale (hierarchy problem) with unprecedented sensitivity. Today Neutrinoless Double Beta Decay faces a new era where large-scale experiments with a sensitivity approaching the so-called degenerate-hierarchy region are nearly ready to start and where the challenge for the next future is the construction of detectors characterized by a tonne-scale size and an incredibly low background. A number of new proposed projects took up this challenge. These are based either on large expansions of the present experiments or on new ideas to improve the technical performance and/or reduce the background contributions. In this paper, a review of the most relevant ongoing experiments is given. The most relevant parameters contributing to the experimental sensitivity are discussed and a critical comparison of the future projects is proposed.
Precise Synthesis, Properties, and Structures of Cyclic Poly(ε-caprolactone)s

Cyclic PCL (c-PCL) has drawn great attention from academia and industry because of its unique, unusual structure and property characteristics due to the absence of end groups in addition to the biocompatibility and biodegradability of its linear analogue. As a result of much research effort, several synthetic methods have been developed to produce c-PCLs so far. Their chain, morphology and property characteristics were investigated even though carried out on a very limited basis. This feature article reviews the research progress made in the synthesis, morphology, and properties of c-PCL; all results and their pros and cons are discussed in terms of purity and molecular weight distribution in addition to the cyclic topology effect. In addition, we attempted to synthesize a series of c-PCL products of high purity by using intramolecular azido-alkynyl click cyclization chemistry and subsequent precise and controlled separation and purification; and their thermal degradation and phase transitions were investigated in terms of the cyclic topology effect.
THE ROLE OF REMITTANCES RECEIVED ON THE POST-COMMUNIST ALBANIA’S FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Studies on the role of remittances received on the recipient country’s financial development have given mixed results. The most notable empirical studies try to assess this relation for a group of countries using panel data. In this study we concentrate on the relation between these two variables for the post-communist Albania using annual time series data provided by the World Bank. The multiple regression model developed is estimated using the ARDL bounds testing approach which is highly recommended when the sample size is small. Results indicate a significant positive role of remittances in the country’s financial development. In particular, a 10% increase in remittances is associated with approximately a 11.78% increase in the financial development. Other financial development enhancing variables are trade openness and the sum of foreign direct investment and official development assistance, although with a smaller impact.
Labour Market Institutions and Their Contribution to Labour Market Performance in the New EU Member Countries

This paper focuses on the role of labour market institutions in explaining different labour market developments in European countries, with a special attention to the new European Union member countries. Labour market in these two parts of the EU witnessed diverging developments in the late 1990’s. While labour markets indicators generally improved in the “old” EU15, they were exposed to severe shocks in Central Europe. At the same time, Central European labour markets’ institutional background was changing and converging to the EU “standards”. This may allow us to analyse effects of various institutional setups and of their changes on major labour market indicators. We aim at complementing several studies from the late 1990’s by using more recent data that allow us to compare institutional setups from the mid 1990’s and early 2000’s both in “old” and “new” EU member states. We estimate effects of labour market institutions on various performance indicators (unemployment, long-term unemployment, employment, activity rate). While institutional arrangements played relatively minor role in both unemployment measures, they were much more powerful in explaining labour supply decisions. Our results confirm that high taxes and stricter employment protection increase unemployment and depress activity rate. We also show that active labour market policies seem to reduce unemployment and increase activity rate. Statistical tests further do not indicate that there is a difference in the institutional effects between “old” and “new” EU members.
Micronucleus Test Good Biomarker for Determination of Genetic Changes in Aquatic Organism

Micronucleus experiments are mutagenicity-testing systems used to identify chemicals and pollutants that cause DNA particles to change, such as micronuclei in the cytoplasm of Interphase cells. Damage caused by genotoxic pollutants on DNA is the first effect that occurs in aquatic organisms. This paper reported that the micronucleus test gives sensible results in monitoring the chemical and anthropogenic pollution.
How Responsive Executive Compensation is to Corporate Performance? An Indian Perspective

Based on the principal-agent framework, the present research puts to empirical scrutiny the responsiveness of executive pay to corporate performance in a sample of 209 companies listed on the S&P BSE 500 Index. Both sensitivity and elasticity models have been formulated to measure the strength and magnitude of the pay-performance relationship over the period 2008-09 to 2012-13. Using robust statistical tools, the results of the present study reveal a positive, yet weak strength of such relationship. The stronger responsiveness of pay to accounting-based performance vis-a-vis to market-based performance suggests remedial compensation policies further aligning executive pay to increase in shareholders’ wealth in the sample Indian firms. Future research can explore additional theoretical underpinnings of the pay paradigm.