Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Profitability of Banks in Japan: The Road to Recovery?

This paper investigates the profitability of City, Trust, Regional, Second Association Regional, Shinkin and Credit Cooperative banks following the major financial crisis that affected Japan in the mid 1990s. We find evidence that well capitalised, efficient banks, with lower credit risks tend to outperform less capitalised, less efficient counterparts with higher credit risks. Second Association Regional banks and Shinkin banks (but not other ownership types) appear to benefit from diversification advantages which feed through to profitability. Furthermore, we find that industry concentration, GDP growth and stock market development play an important role in determining the profitability of Japanese banks.
Effect of tree size and growth form on the presence and activity of arboreal termites (Insecta: Isoptera) in the atlantic rain forest.

Despite the well known diversity of termites capable of inhabiting arboreal environments, the determinants of tree exploitation by termites remain largely unknown. Data collected on trees exploited by termites in Brazilian Atlantic rainforest, a hot spot of diversity, reveals that whereas termite presence on trees is positively related simply to tree size, termite activity within arboreal tunnels depends on tree size and growth form. This leads us to hypothesize that termites find large trees randomly but keep higher activity in large trees due to the availability of food and arboreal nesting sites.
What factors affect the choice of accounting as a career? The case of Romania

This paper aims to examine the motivations of choosing accounting as a profession in Romania. The paper is motivated by the recent interest at the international level in understanding the trends in the accounting profession. The theoretical tension arises from the Romanian context given the significant challenges for the profession triggered by the transition from communism to a market-based economy. We use a survey-based approach. The sample consists of 112 students undertaking accounting courses both for Bachelor’s Degree or Master Courses at two Romanian universities and 125 professionals belonging to The Body of Expert and Licensed Accountants of Romania. We find that the most important group of factors in choosing the accounting career includes the intellectual motivation, followed by relational and financial incentives. There are a few significant differences between men and women, and between students and professionals. When differences occur, women manifest a lower level of motivation, and professional accountants a higher level of motivation. The results show the driving forces behind the composition of the accounting profession and inform the sociology of the profession, of interest for both academia and practice. Our study contributes to an emerging national and international literature investigating the accounting profession by providing concrete information about the motivations of choosing it in Romania.
Sulfide Controls on Mercury Speciation and Bioavailability to Methylating Bacteria in Sediment

A chemical equilibrium model for Hg complexation in sediments with sulfidic pore waters is presented. The purpose of the model was to explain observed relationships between pore water sulfide, dissolved inorganic Hg (HgD), and bulk methylmercury (MeHg) in surficial sediments of two biogeochemically different ecosystems, the Florida Everglades and Patuxent River, MD. The model was constructed to test the hypothesis that the availability of Hg for methylation in sediments is a function of the concentration of neutral dissolved Hg complexes rather than Hg2+ or total HgD. The model included interaction of mercury with solids containing one or two sulfide groups, and it was able to reproduce observed HgD and bulk MeHg trends in the two ecosystems. The model is consistent with HgS0 as the dominant neutral Hg complex and the form of Hg accumulated by methylating bacteria in sulfidic pore waters. The model-estimated decline in HgS0 with increasing sulfide was consistent with the observed decline in bulk sediments MeHg. Since bacterial Hg uptake rate is one of the factors affecting methylation rate, Hg complexation models such as the one presented are helpful in understanding the factors that control MeHg production and accumulation in aquatic ecosystems.
Serendipitous discovery of quadruply imaged quasars: Two diamonds

Gravitationally lensed quasars are powerful and versatile astrophysical tools, but they are challengingly rare. In particular, only ∼25 well-characterized quadruple systems are known to date. To refine the target catalogue for the forthcoming Taipan Galaxy Survey, the images of a large number of sources are being visually inspected in order to identify objects that are confused by a foreground star or galaxies that have a distinct multicomponent structure. An unexpected by-product of this work has been the serendipitous discovery of about a dozen galaxies that appear to be lensing quasars, i.e. pairs or quartets of foreground stellar objects in close proximity to the target source. Here, we report two diamond-shaped systems. Follow-up spectroscopy with the IMACS instrument on the 6.5m Magellan Baade telescope confirms one of these as a z = 1.975 quasar quadruply lensed by a double galaxy at z = 0.293. Photometry from publicly available survey images supports the conclusion that the other system is a highly sheared quadruply imaged quasar. In starting with objects thought to be galaxies, our lens finding technique complements the conventional approach of first identifying sources with quasar-like colours and subsequently finding evidence of lensing.
Investigation and Identification of Mycorrhizal Symbiosis in Rhizosphere Ash (Fraxinusrotundifolia )

Mycorrhiza is symbiosis relationship between the plant root and fungi. Hence, it is important in high stress, arid and destructed environments. Preservation of Zagros forests is a necessity for Iranian plateau ecosystem stability. Ash (Fraxinusrotundifolia) is one of the most important species in these forests. Nowadays, plant symbiosis management has been considered for restoration of disturbed ecosystems as well as stability of natural ecosystems. In this research, this kind of symbiosis has been studied for Ash (Fraxinusrotundifolia) species. Soil samples were taken in spring and autumn from depth 0-30 cm. The soil samples were analyzed chemically and physically in the laboratory. To investigate mycorrhizal symbiosis and determination of colonization percentage, longitudinal incisions were provided from the plants roots in the region and were colored by a 1% solution of aniline blue. Mycorrhizal fungi spores were separated via wet sieving method and centrifugation by sucrose. Statistical results showed that, the highest colonization percentage has been in spring and there is a significant difference with colonization percentage in autumn at 5% probability level. The number of spores per gram of soil was higher in autumn than spring and showed a difference with spring at 1% probability level. The fungi identification was done using the spores separated from soil and based on Morton and Trap keys and INVAM website information. Consequently, a genus of three species of mycorrhizal fungi was identified including Glomus.sp, Glomusconstrictum, Glomusmacrocarpum. Spores abundance was different in spring and autumn depending on the fungi’ species. The number of Glomusconstrictum spores was greater in spring and the spores of Glomus.sp were greater in autumn. It was found that, the spores of Glomus.sp had the highest abundance in all soil samples and in both seasons.
Assessing the impact of viable business plan on the performance of Nigerian SMEs: A study among some selected SMEs operators in North-western Nigeria

The primary aim of this paper is to assess the impact of viable business plan on the performance of Nigerian SMEs. This is quantitative research, using a cross – sectional research design. The researcher used face-to-face method of administering questionnaire for data collection; a total of 100 valid questionnaires were used for data analysis. The finding of the study indicates that, viable business plan has a high impact on the performance of Nigerian SMEs. The study reported the exploratory factor analysis. Finally, the future research directions were also suggested by the study.
The Perspective of Demographic Variables on Dynamic Capabilities in the Context Indonesian Traditional Market Trader

Abstract This study motivated by the need to understand the determinants of dynamic capabilities in the traditional market traders in the context of the Indonesian traditional market. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship of demographic variables such as gender, level of education and experience with the dynamic capabilities of traditional market traders. A survey has a to 400 traders of traditional markets in 16 traditional markets around Bandung, Indonesia. One-way ANOVA is used to test different groups, and previously the reliability and homogeneity of variance. The result of this research that there is no difference of demography (gender, level of education and experience) on the dynamic capabilities of traditional market traders in Bandung. The same is true for each dimension, they are; sensitivity capability, absorption capability, integration capability and innovation capability. Nevertheless, there are several dimensions with different capabilities seen from a gender for absorptive the and innovation capabilities, and experience for sensitivity capabilities.
Prediction and validation of flow-dependent uptake of ammonium over a seagrass-hardbottom community in Florida Bay

Hydrodynamic surveys and field flume experiments were carried out to characterize water flow and measure nutrient uptake over a shallow hardbottom flat sparsely colonized by sea- grasses, a complex community type commonly found along corridors linking Florida Bay and the Florida reef tract. Acoustic Doppler velocimeter profiles collected in tide-driven flows revealed ben- thic hydrodynamic conditions indicative of disturbed boundary layer flow; attenuation of flow near the benthos and measures of bottom friction were considerably less than observed in densely colo- nized seagrass beds. Mass-transfer coefficients (S) for ammonium, predicted using velocity data and estimates of bottom friction, ranged between 0.35 × 10 4 and 1.91 × 10 4 m s -1 for current velocity between 0.03 and 0.39 m s -1 . Values of S measured using a field flume were within the same range as predicted values, validating that ammonium uptake by the community is occurring near the mass- transfer limit. Mass-transfer coefficients fell slightly above those previously measured for low-relief coral rubble and below those for dense seagrass canopies, thereby confirming a close link between bottom roughness and mass transfer. Predicted ammonium uptake based on ambient velocity and nutrient concentrations varied considerably over the tidal cycle (range = 0.014 to 0.094 µmol NH4 m -2 s -1 ) and highlighted the importance of temporal variation in both current velocity and nutrient con- centration in driving rates of nutrient uptake. Additional field flume experiments using 15 N-labeled ammonium enabled us to examine flow-dependent uptake for a number of organisms within the com- plex community. Uptake rates were found to vary among seagrasses, macroalgae, and finger corals, perhaps due to physiological or morphological differences or varying locations within the canopy.
What are the Macroeconomic Effects of Asset Purchases?

We examine the impact of large-scale asset purchases of government bonds on real GDP and the CPI in the United Kingdom and the United States with a Bayesian VAR, estimated on monthly data from 2009 M3 to 2013 M5. We identify an asset purchase shock with sign and zero restrictions. In contrast to the impulse response analysis in previous work, the reactions of real GDP and CPI are left unrestricted, so as formally to test whether these variables are affected by asset purchases. We then explore the transmission channels to the domestic economy and emerging markets. Our results suggest that asset purchases have a statistically significant effect on real GDP with a purchase of 1% of GDP leading to a . 36% (.18%) rise in real GDP and a . 38% (.3%) rise in CPI for the United States (United Kingdom). In the United States, this policy lowers yields on long-term government bonds and the real exchange rate. In the United Kingdom, on other hand, interest rate futures and measures of financial market uncertainty are more affected. There is also some evidence that emerging market sovereign bond and corporate bond spreads decline, with industrial production rising in response a positive asset purchase shock in either country.
THE INTEGRAL RURAL TOURISM EXPERIENCE FROM THE TOURIST'S POINT OF VIEW - A QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF ITS NATURE AND MEANING*

Rural areas have attracted increasing interest as a space for leisure and tourism, as a result of recent trends in tourism demand, especially from urban populations. However, although the literature on the tourist experience has increased significantly in the past decades, the tourist experience of visiting rural areas remains a relatively understudied field of research. In this context, this paper aims to analyse the nature of the tourist experience in a rural context, focusing on the tourists’ point of view. Concretely, in-depth interviews were conducted with 44 individuals who had visited rural areas, aiming at a deeper understanding of the three phases of the tourist experience: (i) pre (planning, expectations and motivations); (ii) during (events occurred during the visit); and (iii) after the experience (satisfaction, memories and evaluation of the visit). The results show that the countryside is imagined as a space opposed to the negative aspects of the urban space, ideal for resting, recovering forces and living as a family, often associated with the possibility of getting to know the “ancient” and “traditions”. However, results also show that rural tourism destinations should seek alternatives to create a dynamic that attracts/ satisfies tourists without damaging their natural, cultural and social resources.
Differentiated chondrosarcoma, originated in thyroid cartilage of larynx: evaluation and treatment. Clinical case presentation

Background. The goal of our clinical case presentation is to introduce evaluation and treatment of rare head and neck tumor, the laryngeal chondrosarcoma (CS). Despite disease origin being properly suspected at the early management of our patient, the final outcomes tend to be just satisfactory because too many cofactors have had a strong influence on the course of disease. Materials and methods. In this case, we described applied investigations and chosen tactics of treatment to our patient in a chronological manner, some immediate results, but also remote consequences of the management of this disease. Results. In our opinion, outcome in this patient’s case was predicted not just by the biology of malignancy itself, but also by some specific qualities of the tumor and even misinterpretations of instrumental examination at the moment of making decisions regarding the initial treatment; moreover, some solutions, corrected by the patient himself, maybe played an important role in the clinical course further. We want to point out how achieved results and outcomes could be unpredictable, under influence of near coincidence of fate, and different, in comparison with the cases described in the majority of the literature. Conclusions. 1. Relatively simple diagnostic with contemporary features, plenty of modern surgical treatment possibilities or even combined therapy in complicated cases – it makes no difficulties for management of typical chondrosarcoma of the larynx, yet sometimes tricky findings when evaluating the disease and an unpredictable or surprising course of treatment and continuation make this rare kind of head and neck malignancies really special. 2. RT neither chemotherapy are recommended therapeutic options, except some rare individual cases. 3. Conservative surgery tends to be adequate if made properly and in time, it obviously ensures long-term remission or cancer-free life.
Pilot Analysis of the Behaviour of Companies Within the 3rd Trading Period of the EU ETS in the Czech Republic

This paper is focused on the first ex-post analysis of the EU ETS in its 3rd trading period in the Czech Republic, based on the analysis of the behaviour of the key EU ETS sector – combustion processes – and the decision making of Czech electricity and heat producers within the EU ETS. Firstly, the general overview of the EU ETS is presented, including the important scientific studies in this area. The characteristics of the EU ETS in the Czech Republic are described. The second chapter, methodology and data, describes the method, the questionnaire survey. The key chapter, results, focuses on the most important outputs obtained from the questionnaire survey. The discussion part deals with particular characteristics of the EU ETS in the 3rd trading period in the Czech Republic. Focusing on the behaviour of Czech companies in the analyzed period, it is obvious, that the companies within the combustion processes group understood the EU ETS much more as an additional environmental tax or fee, instead of commodity, which can be traded on the exchange. Moreover, the EU ETS had no impact on their environmental investments planning in years 2013 and 2014.
The Role of Complexity Studies in the Emerging “Processual” Worldview

As writers including Heinz Pagels to Lee Smolin have noted, a new scientific paradigm is emerging to take the place the linear model of Descartes and Newton. This paper explores Complexity Theory studies the patterns that emerge as phenomena evolve in the world suggested by that new paradigm. The co-authors refer to the new paradigm as “processual”, because it depicts a world composed fundamentally of processes that flow through each other to create systemic causality, rather than the Newtonian image of a clock-like world of cause-and-effect. The paper relates how the co-authors used Complexity Theory to understand this emergent worldview as they wrote The Axial Ages of World History. In doing so, they discovered a way of understanding world history as extremely “thick” and multi-dimensional, less like a machine than an ecosystem. Complexity Theory, they conclude, stands as a gateway to such an understanding of disciplines from psychology to organizational development. The computer as a research instrument provides us with a new way of seeing reality, and the architectonic of the sciences must change accordingly. — Heinz Pagels, The Dreams of Reason
Prevalence and correlates of maternal morbidity in Enugu south-east Nigeria.

The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence and correlates of maternal morbidity following childbirth in Enugu, South East Nigeria. A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study of women with recent deliveries in Enugu was done. Respondent were 8 times more likely to report a symptom than not (OR 8.14 95% C.I. 5.48, 12.68). Puerperal sepsis, perineal pain, dyspareunia, postpartum haemorrhage, gestational (postpartum) hypertension and utero-vaginal prolapse were the commonest obstetric/gynaecological morbidities. Multivariate analysis showed that the main predictors of specific morbidities were high parity category, abdominal delivery and delivery by unskilled birth attendant. It is concluded that the prevalence of morbidity following childbirth in the population sampled was high due mainly to obstetric factors and that reportage of morbidity had little to do with the demographic characteristics of respondents. A population based study is recommended to determine the actual prevalence and predictors of morbidity following childbirth in the population (Afr. J. Reprod. Health 2010; 14[3]: 121-129).
In situ Measurements of Nutrient and Oxygen Fluxes in a Coastal Marine Benthic Community

Benthic nutrient and oxygen fluxes were measured during summer in the nearshore zone of the Georgia Bight, USA. Ammonium, nitrite, nitrate and phosphate were released by the sediments to the overlying water, while dissolved organic nitrogen was taken up by sediments. Oxygen uptake was equivalent to 1.1 g Cm-* d-'. Based on other data available for this area the benthos accounted for the remineralization of approximately 55 % of net primary production and 25 % of total community (benthic and pelagic) metabolism. To balance a simple carbon budget for the nearshore region during summer an outside source of organic matter, most likely originating in adjacent estuaries, is required. The benthos supplied 16 % of the N and 53 % of the P required by phytoplankton. Pore water nutrient concentrations suggested substantial denitrification (estimated at 4.9 mg Nm-2 d by mass balance) in sediments which may have caused the low N : P benthic release ratios we observed. The results support the hypothesis that benthic processes in shallow marine areas control the availability of N and P for water column production.
Bivalves and Gastropods of the Gulf of Tehuantepec, Mexico: A Checklist of Species with Notes on Their Habitat and Local Distribution

The taxonomic composition of 160 species of bivalves and gastropods recorded in the Gulf of Tehuantepec is presented with information on their habitat and distribution along 10 different localities of the shoreline and 42 stations of the continental shelf. The species were on sandy and rocky beaches, coastal lagoons, estuaries, mangroves, rocky breakwaters of ports, and shallow subtidal areas (14–47 m depth). A total of 78 bivalve species and 82 gastropod species were recorded. Most of these were associated with sandy and rocky beaches and breakwaters of ports. The estuaries host 30 species and the coastal lagoons only two. In the shallow subtidal there were 18 gastropod species and 40 bivalve species representing 36.3% of all. This study adds 24 bivalve species and 29 gastropod species not recorded in previous studies for a total count of 213 species (102 bivalves and 111 gastropods) for Gulf of Tehuantepec.
Riding the Globalization Wave (1974-2004): Islandness and Strategies of Economic Development in Two Post-colonial States

In 1974, the Republic of Cyprus and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, both former British colonies, experienced significant events that permanently altered their economic and social realities. The coincidence of these occurrences offers an opportunity for a historical comparison of island development. In effect, this paper argues that the economic paths of these islands were shaped largely by their responses to neo-liberalism. Cyprus’ support for domestic enterprises and resistance to neo-liberal policies throughout the early 1990s compared to Trinidad and Tobago’s forced acquiescence to them and reliance on its energy sector explain the difference in their economic trajectories. Analytically, I argue that island nations can chart a course for economic strategies that benefit more of the population despite neo-liberal pressure to adopt policies that advantage global capital. This comparison supports the island studies position that islands have distinct place-based and/or historical capacities for resourceful and creative tactics towards economic autonomy and development.