Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does Enterprise Risk Management Increase Firm Value?

Enterprise risk management (ERM) has emerged as a construct that ostensibly overcomes limitations of silo-based traditional risk management (TRM), yet little is known about its effectiveness. The scant research on the relationship between ERM and firm performance has offered mixed findings and has been limited by the lack of a suitable proxy for the degree of ERM implementation. Using Standard and Poor’s newly available risk management rating, the authors find evidence of a positive relationship between increasing levels of TRM capability and firm value but no additional increase in value for firms achieving a higher ERM rating. Considering these results, the authors suggest directions for future research.
Values and Hostile Intent Attribution to Out-Groups within China-Japan Relations: The Mediating Role of Perceived Threats

This study examines a specific effect of hostile intent attribution within intergroup relationships. Based on our application of integrated threat theory, we hypothesised that different types of symbolic and realistic threats had a mediating effect on relations between basic human values (traditionalism and universalism) and hostile intent attribution. We conducted a survey among two university population samples of Chinese and Japanese respondents. The results for our first sample of Chinese undergraduate students (N = 201) revealed that both traditionalism and universalism predicted hostile intent attribution and that these relations were fully mediated by symbolic threats, but not by realistic threats. However, the results for the second sample of Japanese undergraduate students (N = 256) differed, indicating that traditionalism, but not universalism, predicted hostile intent attribution, and that this relation was fully mediated by both symbolic and realistic threats. In conclusion, we discuss the theoretical and practical implications of these findings.
Effect of molecular architecture on the crystalline structure and stiffness of iPP homopolymers: Modeling based on annealing experiments

Five polypropylene (PP) homopolymers were selected and their molecular structure was thoroughly characterized to determine the effect of molecular architecture on their annealing behavior and on the ultimate stiffness achieved by heat treatment. Molecular mass and its distribution were characterized by rheological measurements, while chain regularity was determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) using stepwise isothermal segregation technique (SIST). The samples were annealed in two different ways. Tensile bars were treated in an oven at 165 °C for increasing times to determine changes in stiffness. Various defects (microcracks and voids) developed during the annealing of tensile specimens that did not allow the reliable determination of modulus by direct measurement. On the other hand, the second approach, the annealing of small samples in a DSC cell clearly showed the changes occurring in crystalline structure and also the effect of nucleation and molecular architecture on them. The large molecular weight fraction used to facilitate nucleation hinders crystal perfection, whereas the presence of a heterogeneous nucleating agent increases overall crystallinity, but does not influence recrystallization during annealing. Melting traces were transformed into lamella thickness distributions from which average lamella thickness was derived. Lamella thickness and crystallinity, the independent variables of the model equation used for the calculation of modulus, were extrapolated to infinite annealing time to predict maximum stiffness. The value obtained, 3.5 GPa, is very far from the theoretically predicted 40 GPa of oriented crystals, which cannot be achieved under practical conditions. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 3365–3373, 2013
Experimental evidence for sex-based palatability variation in fourwing saltbush.

Two small-plot grazing trials were conducted in the spring of 1996 and the winter of 1997 to determine whether sheep would differentially graze fourwing saltbush [Atriplex canescens (Pursh) Nutt. ] on the basis of shrub sex in a uniform garden. Consumption was determined using an Australian method of leaf tagging in conjunction with the Adelaide Technique of biomass estimation. The results confirmed anecdotal field observations that herbivores prefer to graze the male shrub during late spring. No sex based preference was apparent during winter. We suggest that differences in physiological vigor and/or chemistry may influence relative palatability of the sexes through time. Results of these experiments contrast with those for an Australian member of the genus (A. vesicaria Hew. ex Benth.), for which it was found that the female was the preferred phenotype throughout the year.
Mise en place: time management behaviour and flow within the hospitality training environment

This study investigated the relationship between time management behaviour (TMB) and flow (optimal experience) which is a psychological well-being construct embedded in subjectivity within in the culinary training environment. Time constraints may have an adverse impact on a culinary student’s personal skill of his/her culinary ability. The construct of flow (optimal experience) refers to the state in which individuals are so intensely involved in an activity that nothing else seems to matter. The activity is so enjoyable that individuals will perform it for the sheer sake of doing it, even at great personal cost. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a sample of n=229 students at a tertiary institution spanning across different ages, racial groups and education levels. Significant relationships were found between flow and TMB. The dimensions of TMB mediated through perceived control of time on flow. Successful TMB skills may be beneficial for increasing flow experiences within hospitality management which in turn could contribute to better work performance within the hospitality industry and should consequently be embedded in culinary training to enhance subsequent work performance.
Macroeconomic Uncertainty and Private Investment in Ghana:An Empirical Investigation

In spite of the progress made in economic performance over the years, the Ghanaian economy continues to be bedevilled by a host of constraints. Among these constraints are low levels of savings and investments which have raised serious concerns among economists and policy makers with respect to the sustainability of the achievements attained so far. This study attempts to investigate empirically the link between investments and uncertainty using dataset from Ghana covering the period 1975 to 2008. In the empirical analysis, the paper aims at separating ordinary variability from uncertainty by the construction of measures of uncertainty for some key macroeconomic indicators and using them to assess their impact on investment behaviour within an econometric framework including other acceptable determinants of investment. The Phillip-Hansen cointegration test confirms the existence of long-run equilibrium relationship between private investment, standard determinants of investment, and macroeconomic uncertainty. Result from the study shows that on the whole the investment-uncertainty link reveals a significant negative effect of all macroeconomic uncertainty indicator variables on private investment with the exception of real exchange rate volatility. The values for price of capital uncertainty, real GDP growth uncertainty, and terms of trade uncertainty are large in absolute terms. The regression result further reveals that private investment displays important inertia and shows slow adjustment process towards long-run equilibrium. Lastly, the summary measure of macroeconomic uncertainty which encompasses the first principal components of the conditional variances of the five macroeconomic variables shows a consistent indirect effect on private investment. Generally we found macroeconomic uncertainties to be more detrimental to private investment growth in the long-run relative to the short-run.
The influence of novel 4-thiazolidinone derivaties in cytoprotective mechanisms of small intestine under nsaid-induced damage

The aim of investigation was to compare the action of novel 4-thiazolidinone derivaties (compounds les-5054 and les-5055) toward parameters of nitroso-oxidative processes in mucous membrane of small intestine (MMsI) in rats on the background of indomethacin induced injury. The activity of nitric oxide synthases, myelopeoxidase, content of NO, and parameters of lipoperoxidation processes were measured in MMSI and the level of H2S and L-arginine in blood serum. Administration of indomethacin caused significant destructive damages in distal part of small intestine and increase in activity of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOs) and intensity of lipoperoxidation processes in comparison to control were observed. also indomethacin injection was accompanied by decrease of H2s and l-arginine level in blood serum. administration of 4-thiazolidinone derivaties on the background of indomethacin induced injury reduce the activity of iNOs, myeloperoxidase, intensity of lipid peroxidation and increase generation of H2s, that may be linked with the structure of this compounds. However compound Les-5054 showed more significant cytoprotective effect and antioxidant properties than compound les-5055. Thus, the novel 4-thiazolidinone derivaties led to reduce of nitroso-oxidative processes caused by administration of NsaIDs.
Niche partitioning in tenebrionid species (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) inhabiting Mediterranean coastal dunes

We analyzed the abundance, distribution and niche overlap of species (Pianka's Ojk index) in tenebrionid beetle communities inhabiting different biotopes in Tyrrhenian and Adriatic sand dunes. The rank abundance distribution of the different species has the form of a geometric series in both communities as predicted by the niche preemption hypothesis for communities in harsh environments. Mean niche overlap values did not deviate significantly from null expectations, which indicates random interspecific interactions. These results, coupled with evidence of species habitat preferences, led us to conclude that the community organization of tenebrionid species inhabiting coastal dunes is determined more by habitat preferences than interspecific competition.
POEMS Syndrome and Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma Co-Existing in the Same Patient: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

The coexistence of B-cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (CLL/SLL) and Plasma Cell Dyscrasias (PCD) has rarely been reported. The patient described herein presented with a clinical course resembling POEMS syndrome. The histopathological evaluation of the bone marrow biopsy established the presence of an osteosclerotic plasmacytoma despite the absence of monoclonal protein in the peripheral blood. Cytochemical analysis of the plasmacytoma demonstrated monotypic expression of lambda (λ) light chains, a typical finding associated with POEMS syndrome. A subsequent lymph node biopsy performed to rule out Castleman’s disease led to an incidental finding of B-CLL/SLL predominantly involving the B-zone of the lymph node. The B-CLL population expressed CD19, CD20, CD23, CD5, HLA-DR, and kappa (κ) surface light chains. To the best of our knowledge, a simultaneous manifestation of CLL/SLL and POEMS has not been previously reported in the literature. The expression of a different immunoglobulin (Ig) light chain on the plasmacytoma (λ) and CLL (κ) suggested a biclonal B-cell origin. In our patient, a definite clonal relationship between the two neoplasms by Ig heavy chain gene rearrangements could not be established because of the nonsecretory myeloma and absence of CLL lymphocytosis in the peripheral blood.
Transmission of Shocks from Japan to Southeast Asia: Can Open-Economy New Keynesian Model Account for the Facts?

This paper documents that for Southeast Asia (1) Japan’s favorable output shock and monetary policy tightening prosper thy neighbors and is welfare-enhancing; (2) regional output and price rise while currency depreciates facing Japan’s price shock; (3) yen depreciation against U.S. dollar is contractionary and deflationary to the region; and (4) regional currencies generally peg softly to U.S. dollar. We find that the open-economy New Keynesian model cannot explain these facts simultaneously. We suggest that production interconnectedness and trade in intermediate inputs are critical to comprehend macroeconomic dependence of Southeast Asia on Japan.
Some Notes on How Land Title Affects Child Labor

Secure property rights are considered a key determinant of economic development. However, evaluation of the causal effects of land titling is a difficult task. Since 2004, a program called “Papel Passado” has issued titles to more than over 85,000 families and has the goal to reach 750,000. This paper examines the direct impact of securing a property title on child labor force participation. This study uses a comparison between two close and similar communities in the City of Osasco case. The key point of this case is that some units participate in the program and others do not. Estimates, generated using difference-in-difference econometric technique suggest that titling results in a substantial decrease in child labor force participation for the families that received the title compared with the others. This findings are relevant for future policy tools for dealing with informality and how it affects economic growth.
Improving Flexibility and Endurance of Elderly Women Through a Six-Month Training Programme

Purpose. Advancing age is associated with predictable sensory, motor and cognitive changes, which may have a potential impact on an older person’s ability to function effectively in society. The purpose of this study was to assess whether two slightly different half-year-long regular training programmes had a positive effect on flexibility, range of motion and endurance in a sample population of elderly persons. Also analysed was which programme was found to be more effective. Methods. A group of women (N = 42, M = 67.1 ± 4.5 years) was chosen from retired persons clubs from Eger, Hungary. They were randomly divided into three groups. The first group (N = 15, M = 66.2 ± 3.8 years) took part in a one-hour-long Pilates training session three times a week, the second group (N = 15, M = 67.1 ± 5.9 years) took part in an aqua-fitness class twice a week with one Pilates class once a week and the third group (N = 12, M = 68.2 ± 3.2 years) was the control group. Pre-and postmeasurements were conducted on: flexion of the right shoulder and hip, lumbar spine flexion, thoracolumbar spine flexion, trunk lateral flexion on the right side, a 6-minute walk test, and a 30-second sit-to-stand test. Significant inter-group differences could be found in all of the measurements. Data were analysed using statistical software with the Paired-Samples T-test and Multivariate Analysis of Variance (p < 0.05). Results. After the six-month regular training programmes no differences were found in the control group. For the two groups subjected to the training programmes all the other variables showed significant differences. The most remarkable results for the Pilates group were with the 6-minute walk and sit-to-stand test, while for the aqua-fitness and Pilates group shoulder and hip flexion. Conclusions. A half-year-long training program can considerably improve the physical performance elderly adults need in everyday life.
Ionosphere over Africa: Results from Geomagnetic Field Measurements During International Heliophysical Year IHY

o– 40 o East) were examined for Solar quiet daily Sq variations in the two geomagnetic field components H and D. Latitudinal variations of Sq in the geomagnetic components were examined. Signatures of equatorial electrojet and worldwide Sq were identified and studied in detail. H field experienced more variation within the equatorial electrojet zone. Diurnal variations of the geomagnetic variations in the two components were discussed. Sq H is expectedly consistently maximum within the electrojet zone as a result of EEJ. Sq D has maximum values at about -20є (sunrise), -10є (noon time) and +10є (sunset). Levels of inter-relationships between the Sq and its variability in the two components were statistically derived and interpreted in line with the mechanisms responsible for the variations of the geomagnetic field. Data from 2 magnetic observatories within equatorial electrojet EEJ strip and 2 stations outside the EEJ strip were employed to evaluate and study the signatures of the Equatorial electrojet over the African sector. The transient variations of the EEJ at two almost parallel axes using Lagos-Ilorin (West Africa) and Nairobi-Addis Ababa (East Africa) pairs were examined. The eastern electrojet appeared stronger than the western. The latitudinal and longitudinal profiles of the Sq were examined and inferences drawn from observed results were discussed.
Studies on Productivity and Performance of Spring Sugarcane Sown in Different Planting Configurations

Row spacing has a pivotal role in enhancing sugarcane yield and improving its quality. A study was undertaken to evaluate the influence of different planting techniques on performance of sugarcane at Agronomic Research Area, Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture Faisalabad during Kharif 2014. Experimental treatments comprised of: 180 cm spaced trenches with tripple row strips, 180 cm spaced trenches with alternate row strips, 120 cm spaced trenches with double row strips and 60 cm spaced furrows with single rows. Sugarcane cultivar HSF-240 was used as experimental material. The experimental was conducted in RCBD with four replications. The expeimental results revealed that sugarcane number of tillers, plant height, cane length, stripped cane weight and stripped cane yield increased progressively with the increase in row spacing from 60 to 180 cm. While germination percentage and number of millable canes were not affected by different sowing techniques, maximum number of tillers (15.96 m-2), plant height (333.25 cm), stripped cane weight (0.94 kg) and stripped cane yield (107 t·ha-1) were recorded from 180 cm spaced trenches with tripple row strips.
Effects of Triclosan Contents on Antimicrobial Efficacy of Environmentally-friendly Biodegradable Polylactic Acid Composite Films

In this study, polylactic acid (PLA) and Triclosan with blending ratios 99:1, 97:3, and 95:5 wt% are dissolved in Dichloromethane via the solution method. The mixtures are then made into PLA/Triclosan composite films by using a casting method. The tensile strength test and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) are used in order to evaluate the mechanical properties and thermal behaviors of composite films. Finally, Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus auresus (S.aureus) are used to culture with the composite films in order to examine the optimal antimicrobial efficacy of different PLA/Triclosan composite films. The test results indicate that the composite films have a slightly lower tensile strength when the films are composed of 5wt% of Triclosan. Increasing Triclosan contents decreases the Tg of the composite films according to DSC results. Moreover, the antimicrobial efficacy of composite films increases with the increasing Triclosan content, and the antimicrobial efficacy against S.aureus is higher than E. coli.
Analyzing the differentiation strategies of big companies competing with each other

The purpose of the research was to evaluate the competitive strategies of the two big companies in Pakistan. To achieve this aim, the two competing companies in the ice cream sector were evaluated that include Unilever Pakistan and Engro for their brands Magnum and Omore respectively. The primary research was conducted using a questionnaire survey as the research instrument. The instrument was evaluated for its reliability and then the research was conducted with 100 consumers. The findings were relevant to the literature discussed in the research that the product is differentiated by adding value to add. Additionally, it was also found that to create value it is not limited to add value through quality, but it can also be differentiated by adding features into the product to add value. Nevertheless, the findings from the study revealed that the consumers in Pakistan prefer the differentiated product. Particularly, the consumers preferred Magnum ice cream over Cornetto and Omore because it was rich in taste and quality. Although, consumers also regarded it as expensive but they also responded to a survey that it offers value for the price. Notably, the consumers were also found preferring a low-cost product which indicates that in Pakistan the competitive strategy that is successful is differentiation and that Unilever Pakistan capitalizes with differentiation through Magnum and also serves lowcost markets and competes with OMORE brand. The recommendations were proposed for further research.
Tectonic structure of the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge near 16°30′N

The 16°30'N area of the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge represents an area of present‐day detachment faulting. Here we present shipboard bathymetric, magnetic and gravity data acquired up to 65 km from the ridge axis that reveal a varied tectonic history of this region. Magnetic data are used to calculate spreading rates and examine spreading rate variability along and across the axis. Bathymetric and gravity data are used to infer the crustal structure. A central magnetic anomaly 40% narrower than expected is observed along much of the study area. Misalignment between modern‐day spreading center and magnetic anomalies indicates tectonic reorganization of the axis within the past 780 ka. Observed magnetic anomalies show a pattern of anomalous skewness consistent with rotation of magnetic vectors probably associated with detachment faulting. Relatively thin crust north of a small (∼7 km) nontransform offset coincides with a weakly magmatic spreading axis. In contrast, to the south a robust axial volcanic ridge is underlain by thicker crust. Variations in crustal structure perpendicular to the axis occur over tens of kilometers, indicating processes which occur over timescales of 1–2 Ma.
Replication of long virus-like particles in the reproductive tract of the ichneumonid wasp Diadegma terebrans

Summary Long virus-like particles were found in the apical region of the calyx in the ichneumonid wasp Diadegma terebrans. Replication began in foci of intranuclear inclusion bodies where long, 20 nm diameter electron-dense cylinders were produced. These putative nucleocapsids were released into the cytoplasm after nuclear disintegration and became enveloped in areas containing many membrane-bound vesicles. Mature particles appeared in large vacuoles and were released by cell lysis into the calyx lumen. The mature particles were enveloped, 65 nm in diameter with a 20 nm diameter nucleocapsid and a length of at least 1 µm with a long, narrow (20 nm diameter) end structure. This is the first report of a virus with such a morphology replicating in the family Ichneumonidae.
Credit Distribution and Exports: Microeconomic Evidence from China

This paper explores how the distribution of credit supply within an industry affects that industry's export intensity (the export-to-sales ratio) and export propensity (the ratio of the number of exporters to the total number of firms). Using a heterogeneous firm trade model, we derive two opposing hypotheses: for industries with relatively low (high) foreign market penetration costs, a more dispersed credit distribution decreases (increases) the industry's export intensity and the number of exporters. The empirical results using Chinese firm-level data and bank loan data support both hypotheses and confirm the significant heterogeneous impacts of credit distribution on exports across industries.