Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A quest for corporate sustainability in forest-based industry: a resource-based perspective

Growing interest in corporate sustainability has translated into growing concerns about how corporate responsibility management can be more effectively integrated with economic business goals, challenging organizations to shift their priorities toward more holistic strategies and performance assessment models which encompass measures related to both multiple stakeholders and responsibilities. Although interactions between corporate (social) strategy, sustainability performance, and business competitiveness have received considerable attention in both theory and practice over the past three decades, the phenomenon is under-investigated in forest-based industry, which is undergoing broad structural changes and global shifts in market demand and supply. This dissertation aims to fill this gap by approaching it from the resource-based view of the firm and empirically investigating a variety of aspects in an attempt to provide an overview of state-of-the-art corporate sustainability in global forest-based industry and to capture a structured view of the relationships between sustainability performance, competitiveness and economic performance among forest-based companies. The results indicate that both larger and small forest-based companies seem to have clear stakeholder orientations. Driven by legal requirements aspects, small companies tend to adopt informal corporate responsibility strategies and tools to meet their stakeholder expectations. A majority of large forest industry companies appear to have implemented corporate responsibility mainly with a profit-maximizing assumption and a relatively defensive approach parallel to and beyond their core business. To these large companies, environmental and economic issues are dominant in disclosure and profitability, while regional differences are not decisive in formulating strategies for sustainability reporting. Furthermore, the results bolster previous findings that have reported a positive return on corporate responsibility initiatives in terms of profitability, suggesting that corporate responsibility can enhance value creation for forest-based companies. To that end, a differentiated business-oriented approach is necessary in managing the business case for sustainability.
Retaining Core Staff: The impact of human resource practices on organisational commitment

As organisations battle to get the most from their existing people in an environment characterised by skill shortages, the role of human resource practices in fostering employee engagement and commitment is paramount. This paper reports the findings of an Australian study, which examined the current relationship between human resource management practices and the retention of core (critical) employees working in nine organisations. This research specifically, reports on the conditional nature of the relationship between organisational and human resource practices, and commitment. The findings of the study have important implications for human resource academics and practioners.
Juvenile coral population dynamics track rising seawater temperature on a Caribbean reef

There is now widespread consensus that climate change-related increases in seawater temperature have become a leading cause of coral mortality by bleaching. However, despite widely reported and geographically extensive coral-bleaching episodes, little is known about the less con- spicuous demographic consequences of elevated temperature for coral populations. Here, I use 12 yr of daily temperature records and 8 yr of annual surveys of juvenile corals (≤40 mm diameter, a size range that includes recruits) from the US Virgin Islands to demonstrate the subtle effects of an unusu- ally rapid increase in seawater temperature (0.06°C per year since 1989) on coral community struc- ture in shallow water (5 to 9 m depth). The analysis reveals that the density of juvenile corals is cor- related positively with mean seawater temperature, but concurrently, in warm years, juvenile corals tend to grow slowly and appear to die faster, in a pattern leading to changes in relative generic abun- dance. Although perturbations such as these appear minor against the backdrop of widespread reef degradation, summation of these subtle effects could result in major changes, with far-reaching eco- logical consequences for the survival of coral reefs.
Adverse Effects of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) on Measurements of the Umbilical Cord and its Vessels

The pregnancy complicated by uncontrolled maternal diabetes affected the maternal health and the placenta experiences a diversity of structural and functional changes. The study aims to explore the possible adverse effects of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) on the morphometric of umbilical cord and its vessels. The study carried on fifty placentas with its cords of normal pregnancy were without any known pre-existing disease and 50 placentas with its cords from mothers complicated by GDM (untreated). Gestational diabetes mellitus group was selected from Gynecology and Obstetrics Department of AL-Hilla Teaching Hospital, Iraq. The gross examination showed that the number of cords with Single Umbilical Artery (SUA) was 13 out of 50 cords in pregnant women with gestational diabetes compared with normal pregnancy. All the histomorphmetric parameters of cord with SUA as the circumference, diameters, cross-section area of cord, CSA of whrton’s jelly and histomorphometric umbilical vessels of SUA and vein of GDM group were decreased when compared to the normal group. The GDM has adverse perinatal outcome as respiratory distress, cardiovascular anomalies and still birth. It can be concluded that the lean cord with single umbilical artery were related with GDM and associated with adverse fetal outcome.
Effective radiative forcing in the aerosol–climate model CAM5.3-MARC-ARG

Abstract. We quantify the effective radiative forcing (ERF) of anthropogenic aerosols modelled by the aerosol–climate model CAM5.3-MARC-ARG. CAM5.3-MARC-ARG is a new configuration of the Community Atmosphere Model version 5.3 (CAM5.3) in which the default aerosol module has been replaced by the two-Moment, Multi-Modal, Mixing-state-resolving Aerosol model for Research of Climate (MARC). CAM5.3-MARC-ARG uses the ARG aerosol-activation scheme, consistent with the default configuration of CAM5.3. We compute differences between simulations using year-1850 aerosol emissions and simulations using year-2000 aerosol emissions in order to assess the radiative effects of anthropogenic aerosols. We compare the aerosol lifetimes, aerosol column burdens, cloud properties, and radiative effects produced by CAM5.3-MARC-ARG with those produced by the default configuration of CAM5.3, which uses the modal aerosol module with three log-normal modes (MAM3), and a configuration using the modal aerosol module with seven log-normal modes (MAM7). Compared with MAM3 and MAM7, we find that MARC produces stronger cooling via the direct radiative effect, the shortwave cloud radiative effect, and the surface albedo radiative effect; similarly, MARC produces stronger warming via the longwave cloud radiative effect. Overall, MARC produces a global mean net ERF of -1.79±0.03 W m−2, which is stronger than the global mean net ERF of -1.57±0.04 W m−2 produced by MAM3 and -1.53±0.04 W m−2 produced by MAM7. The regional distribution of ERF also differs between MARC and MAM3, largely due to differences in the regional distribution of the shortwave cloud radiative effect. We conclude that the specific representation of aerosols in global climate models, including aerosol mixing state, has important implications for climate modelling.
Integrating Free-Range Hens into a Wheat Stubble

Some grain farmers, market gardeners and graziers integrate hens into their farming system in Australia. In this system, hens move freely around the farm except that they are usually locked in sheds at night for protection from predators. Consumers pay a premium for eggs due to enhanced welfare of hens in a free-range system. The purpose of this experiment was to compare the impact of hens vs. sheep when integrated into a wheat stubble in a crop and pasture rotation system. The stubble availability, weeds and soil fertility were measured before and after grazing. Laying hens stocked at 110/ha (compared to the sheep stocking density of 12/ha) were allowed to forage on the wheat stubble. The performance of the free-range hens was excellent with production averaging 90%. Free-range hens were heavier than Hyline standard (2.09 vs. 1.99 kg) at week 33. Hens foraged extensively in the wheat stubble over the foraging period from January to May. Generally, paddocks foraged by hens had more stubble remaining compared to paddocks grazed by sheep. Hens preferred rye seeds, while sheep preferred other grass, wire weed, medic pods and other broad leaf weeds. There was no effect of grazing on soil pH with this low stocking density of both sheep and hens but soil nitrate levels were higher (6.69 vs. 39.90 mg/L for sheep and 7.80 vs. 32.98 mg/L for hens) after grazing, suggesting that animal droppings were contributing to the increase. This trial indicates that integrating hens into crop and pasture rotation system could assist in weed control and increase soil fertility.
UTAUT Model in Explaining the Adoption of Mobile Money Usage by MSMEs' Customers in Uganda

Technology advancement has always been part of organizational efficiency and organizations take investment in technology as part and parcel of their annual plans. The increase in mobile telephone penetration in the emerging economies has presented new frontiers for technology to enhance Micro Small and Medium Enterprises' (MSMES) operations. Combining technological advancement in mobile connectivity with the low coverage of financial institutions/ services, has given rise to the phenomenon of mobile money which has in a way affected the MSMEs both positively and negatively. This paper uses both Meta-analysis and primary data to test to try and determine the extent to which the Unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (Venkatesh et al. 2003) can be used to explain the adoption of Mobile money services by the customers of Micro, small and medium enterprises in Uganda.
Multi-method luminescence investigations on quartz grains of different sizes extracted from a loess section in Southeast Romania interbedding the Campanian Ignimbrite ash layer

In this study we present luminescence investigations of four samples of loess bracketing the Campanian Ignimbrite/Y5 tephra at the Rasova-Valea cu Pietre site, on the eastern bank of the Danube River, southeastern Romania. Investigations involved SAR-OSL dating on aliquots of fine (4–11 μm) and medium-grained (63–90 μm) quartz, as well as single grain analyses on 125–180 μm quartz. Luminescence dating results coupled with glass-shard chemical fingerprinting assign the depositional age and origin of the ash layer to that of the Campanian Ignimbrite/Y5 tephra, dated elsewhere using 40Ar/39Ar to 39.28 ± 0.11 ka. Fine-grained (4–11 μm) quartz SAR-OSL analyses yielded ages of 44.4 ± 4.5 ka below the ash, and 41.4 ± 4.2 ka above the ash layer. Single grain analysis on coarse-grained quartz, however, demonstrates that coarse material from these samples exhibits low sensitivity and responds poorly to internal checks of the SAR protocol in comparison with the finer sediment. This observation highlights the need for more extensive investigations into the luminescence properties of quartz as well as into the origin of quartz contributions from different primary sources in the Lower Danube loess steppe.
Software project management and planning: the case of the Greek IT sector

Some of the most important factors that affect the competitiveness of the companies within the IT/IS sector are the use of modern management techniques and state-of-the-art production tools. This research attempts to examine the production process adopted and the management practices used by Greek IT/IS sector. A structured questionnaire was addressed to project managers of almost all Greek IT/IS companies. The results show that, although very experienced and highly educated people are involved in the production process, most companies are not using any formal development methodology and they do not plan or manage their development process in the right way.
UvA-DARE ( Digital Academic Repository ) Computer models in bedside physiology

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Pseudospin and nonlinear conical diffraction in Lieb lattices

We study linear and nonlinear wave dynamics in the Lieb lattice, in the vicinity of an intersection point between two conical bands and a flat band. We define a pseudospin operator and derive a nonlinear equation for spin-1 waves, analogous to the spin-1/2 nonlinear Dirac equation. We then study the dynamics of wave packets that are associated with different pseudospin states, and find that they are distinguished by their linear and nonlinear conical diffraction patterns.
Waste Geothermal Hot Water for Enhanced Outdoor Agricultural Production

In Iceland there is a super abundance of waste hot water from geothermal power plants. Some of this is re-purposed (sequentially used) for district heating and heated swimming pools. This vast underused energy source can also enable the growth of out of zone plants, enhance agricultural production by 20% and extend the growing season. The authors have developed and field tested an energy intensive shallow system of bottom heat using the existing heated sidewalk materials. Tomatoes that do not survive outdoors in Iceland have produced ripe fruit. A zucchinis harvest was documented and the test banana plant was still alive in September after the first frost. These plants all died in the control garden which had the same piping system, and identical soil types and depths. Heat transfer data, infrared analysis and plant growth data were gathered to preliminarily document and quantify the system’s viability and market potentials.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Observed and predicted responses of plant growth to climate across Canada

Using satellite observations from 1981–2000, and data interpolated from surface weather stations, we examined the association between gross photosynthetic activity (Pg) and climate across the boreal forest and tundra of Canada. The response of annual and interannual Pg was tightly coupled to climate, and seasonal associations between Pg and climate varied with plant functional types. The most important variable for modeling summer growth of conifer forests was the previous spring minimum temperature, whereas tundra responded primarily to summer maximum temperature. Using general circulation model predictors to 2050, we project that tundra will continue to grow vigorously in the coming decades while conifer forests will not. Increased tundra productivity will likely be associated with changes in vegetation composition (e.g., woody proliferation). If these biotic responses are stationary and persist as predicted, terrestrial carbon budgets will need to be modified.
The economic analysis of lotteries

"This paper considers policy issues arising in the design, regulation and taxation of lotteries, focusing on the market for an on-line lottery game. Demand determines who buys lottery tickets and in what quantities. The design of lotteries affects the terms on which tickets are supplied. " Copyright Centre for Economic Policy Research, Centre for Economic Studies, Maison des Sciences de l'Homme 1997.
The Centrality of O&M in Rehabilitation Programs Designed to Enhance Quality of Life: A Structural Equation Modelling Analysis

This study employs structural equation modelling to explain the manner and extent to which ability to get around; satisfaction with functional capacity, satisfaction with life essentials, satisfaction with personal relationships, and a number of concomitant health conditions affect QOL among older persons who have difficulty seeing (N = 356). Findings revealed that ability to get around was indirectly associated with QOL through a pathway that included satisfaction with functional capacity, life essentials, and personal relationships. The number of health conditions was directly related to ability to get around and satisfaction with functional capacity. These findings support the notion that O&M, which seeks to improve ability to get around, is central to vision rehabilitation programs designed to enhance QOL in older persons.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Screening for the presence and prevalence of Edwardsiella tarda infection in fish harvested from Lakes Zeway and Langano, Southern Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract A study was carried out from October 2009 to April 2010 with the objective of isolating E. tarda an important fish pathogen from fish harvested for human consumption from Lake Zeway and Langanoo. A total of 372 tissue samples (three from each fish) comprising liver, intestine and kidney were collected from 124 fish (Clarias gariepinus and Oreochromis niloticus). Distribution of E. tarda infection among these three organs examined indicated that E. tarda was isolated most frequently from liver (6.5%) followed by intestine (2.4%) and kidney (0.8%) with significant difference. Statistical significant differences (p < 0.05) were found in E. tarda infection with respect to tissue samples. Fish from Lake Zeway was prevalently infected by E. tarda than Lake Langano. Male fish were more frequently harbor E. tarda than female fish and were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The current study is signified that E. tarda infection is a potential threat to the fishery sector and public health. Therefore, awareness should be created on the hazardousness of E. tarda on public health significance and hence further studies have to be conducted in other lakes of Ethiopia that harbor fishes.
Protein Fortification of Mango and Banana Bar using Roasted Bengal Gram Flour and Skim Milk Powder

Among the various proportions of roasted bengal gram flour (RBF) and skim milk powder (SMP), 0, 5 and 10 %, the optimized level was selected for the preparation of mango and banana bar, respectively. The effect of acidity (0.30, 0.45 and 0.60 %, as citric acid) and TSS (20, 25 and 30 O brix.) was studied on the sensory attributes (colour, texture, flavour and texture) of fortified mango and banana bars. The results indicated that 5% level of RBF and SMP in mango and banana bar, respectively gave better sensory attributes. The acidity and TSS, adjusted to 0.60 % & 30 O brix for fortified mango pulps and 0.45 % & 25 O brix for fortified banana pulps resulted into the products of superior quality in terms of sensory attributes. The fortified bars were found to be richer in protein and minerals in comparison to plain bars and also found to be superior in terms of OAA having score of 8.5 and 8.1 in comparison to plain mango and banana bar with the sensory OAA score of 7.8 and 7.5, respectively.
Two new haplosclerid sponges from Caribbean Panama with symbiotic filamentous cyanobacteria, and an overview of sponge-cyanobacteria associations

Two new species of the order Haplosclerida from open reef and mangrove habitats in the Bocas del Toro region (Panama) have an encrusting growth form (a few mm thick), grow copiously on shallow reef environments, and are of dark purple color from dense populations of the cyanobacterial symbiont Oscillatoria spongeliae. Haliclona (Soestella) walentinae sp. nov. (Chalinidae) is dark purple outside and tan inside, and can be distinguished by its small oscules with radial, transparent canals. The interior is tan, while the consistency is soft and elastic. The species thrives on some shallow reefs, profusely overgrowing fire corals (Millepora spp.), soft corals, scleractinians, and coral rubble. Xestospongia bocatorensis sp. nov. (Petrosiidae) is dark purple, inside and outside, and its oscules are on top of small, volcano-shaped mounds and lack radial canals. The sponge is crumbly and brittle. It is found on live coral and coral rubble on reefs, and occasionally on mangrove roots. The two species have three characteristics that make them unique among the families Chalinidae and Petrosiidae: filamentous, multicellular cyanobacterial symbionts rather than unicellular species; high propensity to overgrow other reef organisms and, because of their symbionts, high rate of photosynthetic production. These are the first descriptions of West Atlantic haplosclerid species associated with an Oscillatoria-type symbiont; all previous records of haplosclerid- cyanobacteria associations were of symbioses with unicellular cyanobacteria. High rates of photosynthetic production of Oscillatoria spongeliae could explain the abundance and overgrowth capability of the two host sponges in the region's reef environments. An overview of associations between sponges and cyanobacteria is presented.
EVALUATION OF DISABILITY DUE TO B AND/OR C VIRAL HEPATITIS AMONG HEALTH CARE WORKERS IN CAIRO UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS

This study was conducted on 958 workers in Cairo University Hospitals where hepatitis markers (Hepatitis C virus antibodies and Hepatitis B surface antigen) were investigated for all of them. The seropositivity of HCVantibodies and HBsAg were found to be 10% and 0.93% respectively of the total studied patients. All positive cases were called for further evaluation but only 66 patients agreed to continue such an evaluation. All patients were assessed clinically, and with biochemical tests (ALT, AST, bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase) as well as with abdominal ultrasonographythen an impairment rating was calculated for each subject using The American Medical Association (AMA) Guides for Evaluation of Permanent Impairment and the Australian Commonwealth Employees' Rehabilitation and Compensation Act.Of the 66 patients, about 40.9% were asymptomatic and 71.21% were apparently normal on clinical examination whereas 40.91% of patients had elevated serum ALT and 76% showed abnormal hepatic echo pattern that could be attributed to chronic viral hepatitis. The sonographic changes were found to be insignificantly related to job duration, type of job or type of hepatitis. Also, no statistically significant differences