Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Analysis of Innovation in Oil and Gas Projects

We examine the effects of predictors from the firm, project, and individual levels on innovative behavior within oil and gas projects. The theory and propositions tested in this study stem from extant work on (1) innovation in poor performance conditions and (2) the availability of slack resources. The research findings revealed that innovative behaviors were present regardless of size, type, and project performance level. Further, it appears that the relationship between slack and innovation depends on when the innovation is introduced (i.e., when project performance is ahead of, or behind, a plan). Finally, the existence of innovation in (1) under-performing projects did not appear to exert any influence on project outcome, and (2) over-performing projects appeared to exert a negative influence on project outcome.
The Cauchy problem for hyperbolic systems with Hölder continuous coefficients with respect to the time variable

We discuss the local existence and uniqueness of solutions of certain nonstrictly hyperbolic systems, with H¨older continuous coefﬁcients with respect to time variable. We reduce the nonstrictly hyperbolic systems to the parabolic ones and by use of the Tanabe-Sobolevski’s method and the Banach scale method we construct a semi-group which gives a representation of the solution to the Cauchy problem.
Assessment of Metallic Contamination in Soils and Sediments in the Bétaré-Oya Gold Artisanal Mine District, East-Cameroon

Mining is an activity that involves the use of chemicals and results in unsustainable and dangerous conditions for the miners, their families, the community and the surrounding ecosystem. This study was done to assess metallic contamination of soils and sediments in the Bétaré-Oya gold artisanal mine district, East-Cameroon. A total of thirty (30) samples of exploited soils, control soils and sediments were taken from the mining sites of Lom, Mbal and Mali. The concentrations of heavy metals and metalloids (Fe, Sr, Cu, As, Pb and Zn) were determined by Inductive Plasma Ionisation Source Atomic Emission Spectrometry. The results show that in the sediments metals such as: As (1.82), Cu (24.22), Pb (18.04) and Zn (65.69) have average concentrations slightly higher than the UCC and Average Shale reference values. In the exploited soil As (1.93), Cu (16.86) and Zn (96.22) have average concentrations slightly higher than the UCC and Average Shale reference values.While in the cotrol soils only As (1.62) and Zn (59.72) shows an average concentration slightly above the UCC reference values. The average concentrations of the different heavy metals and metalloids were then used to calculate the intensity of contamination in soils and sediments. The results of this calculation indicate that the Enrichment Factor (EF) of As, Sr, Zn and Pb indicate an extremely high enrichment in these elements. The geo-accumulation Index (Igeo) (22.85-25), the Contamination (CF) (1.47), the low values of the ecological risk indices suggest a low potential ecological risk and Pollution load index (PLI) (0.67) indicates extreme contamination with these elements in the soils and sediments. However, only As indicates a slight contamination (class 1) in soils and sediments. Gold panning activities and untreated mine tailings discharges would be considered as the main sources of sediment and soil pollution in Bétaré-Oya.
Stakeholder complexity in large scale green building projects

Purpose In response to the world’s rising awareness on sustainability, industry players and policymakers are devoting great efforts to bolster green building developments. Every green building project (GBP) involves numerous stakeholders and potentially incompatible concerns. Despite the associated environmental, economic and social benefits, GBP developments have often confronted managerial barriers which are actually emerged from stakeholders – the actual key determinants of a project. Holistically analyzing the complexity of stakeholders in GBPs is, therefore, crucial to improving GBP management and achieving greater sustainability for all involved. The purpose of this paper is to analyze stakeholder complexity in large GBPs using a holistic framework which integrates both empirical and rationalistic analytical perspectives. Design/methodology/approach The complexity of stakeholders in GBPs can be considered from three aspects – identifying stakeholders, assessing stakeholder interactions and analyzing stakeholder concerns. The proposed stakeholder analysis framework uses both empirical methods (e.g. interviews and surveys) and rationalistic methods (e.g. chain referral sampling and social network analysis) to analyze GBP stakeholder complexity. Case study of a lab-enabled commercial GBP in Hong Kong was undertaken to illustrate the framework. Findings The framework enables a holistic, objective and effective stakeholder analysis; leading GBP leaders toward a complete understanding of project stakeholder complexity. The case study findings bring managerial insights to GBP leaders on the general SNA-related stakeholder dynamics and the important stakeholder concerns, of large Hong Kong GBPs. The findings diagnose general connectivity structures of GBP stakeholders, identify influential and peripheral actors in GBP information exchange, and suggest clues to improve their dynamics. In addition, ten key stakeholder concerns were identified, including comprehensive governmental standards and procedures, clear sustainability goals at the outset, effective stakeholder engagement, adequate design flexibility, and a “can-do” attitude of contractors and consultants – which are all vital for successful GBP development. The underlying reasons of these concerns and recommendations to addressing them were also discussed. Originality/value Many existing GBP stakeholder studies appear to use a single analytical perspective to assess project stakeholder complexity, but this may not gain a full understanding. The holistic stakeholder analysis framework used herein combines empiricism and rationalism. It helps to bring GBP leaders and implementers toward a more informed project decision making, a more thorough understanding of stakeholder complexity, as well as a more effective engagement of stakeholders.
Adherence to Mediterranean Diet and Its Association with Metabolic Health Status in Overweight and Obese Adolescents

Background Obesity is becoming more prevalent around the world and greatly contributes to chronic disease progression. Previous studies have investigated individual food groups in relation to metabolic health status of adolescents, mainly in Western countries. Limited data are available on the association between dietary patterns and metabolic health in Middle East nations, where childhood overweight/obesity is increasing drastically. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between the Mediterranean diet and metabolic health status among Iranian adolescents. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 203 overweight/obese adolescents. Dietary intakes were evaluated by a validated food frequency questionnaire. Anthropometric parameters and blood pressure were measured. Fasting blood samples were obtained to determine circulating insulin, glucose, and lipid profile. Two different methods were applied to classify participants as metabolically healthy obese (MHO) or unhealthy obese (MUO): International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria and IDF along with insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) criteria. Results A total of 79 (38.9%) and 67 (33.0%) adolescents were, respectively, categorized as MUO, based on IDF and IDF/HOMA definitions. Considering IDF criteria, higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet was related to lower odds of being MUO, both in the crude (OR: 0.17; 95%CI: 0.08–0.37) and fully adjusted model (OR: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.13–0.84). Excluding each component from the score made the association insignificant, except for two components of meat and dairy products. Based on the IDF/HOMA-IR criteria, there was no significant association between Mediterranean diet score and MUO, after considering all potential confounders (OR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.17–1.30). Conclusions We found an inverse association between the Mediterranean diet and odds of MUO among Iranian adolescents, based on IDF criteria. No significant relation was found when MUO was defined based on HOMA-IR/IDF criteria. Further prospective cohort studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Numerical Investigation of a Gear-Shaped Triple-Band Perfect Terahertz Metamaterial Absorber as Biochemical Sensor

In this work, a triple-band perfect metamaterial absorber (MA) in the terahertz (THz) regime is demonstrated for different biochemical sensing applications. The metasurface’s unit cell is made up of a distinct metallic gear-shaped core with eight identical teeth and two concentric circular rings (CCRs) on the top layer. Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method-based software is utilized for modeling and numerical analysis, and a genetic algorithm (GA) is employed to optimize some geometric parameters of the absorber. The proposed MA shows almost 100% absorption in the frequency range from 0.5 to 4.5 THz. The MA becomes almost insensitive to polarization angle when the number of gear tooth has been increased. Resonance frequencies can be tweaked by adjusting the top layer’s geometric parameters while maintaining the absorption constant. The influence of different metals and forms in the top layer, such as solid and hollow circular metallic cores, on absorption spectra is also illustrated in this article. The modeled MA can detect glucose, ethanol, oils, and cancer cells (BCCs) by changing the resonance frequency and peak absorption of the spectra due to the variation in refractive index (RI) of the sample. When detecting ethanol, the absorber achieves a maximum sensitivity and figure of merit (FOM) of 56.67 THz/RIU and 358.7 RIU−1, respectively. In addition, the effects of incident angle of light and bending of MA on absorption are analyzed in this study. With this unique feasible design, structural tunability, and high sensitivity, the proposed absorber exhibits good promise in detecting biochemicals in the THz region.
Dietary energy and protein levels on lactation performance and progeny growth of Hu sheep

ABSTRACT This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of dietary energy or protein levels on lactation performance and progeny growth of Hu sheep. Thirty early lactation ewes with twin litters were assigned into five treatments (E1, E2 = P2, E3, P1, P3; n = 6) according to dietary energy levels (E1: 9.52 MJ/kg, E2: 10.02 MJ/kg, E3: 10.52 MJ/kg) and dietary protein levels (P1: 9.82%, P2: 10.99%, P3: 12.11%). The corresponding lambs were divided into SE1, SE2 = SP2, SE3, SP1 and SP3 (n = 12). Dietary energy level significantly affected the average daily gain (ADG) of Hu sheep (P = .005). The milk yield increased significantly with the increase of dietary protein level (P = .017), and then significantly increased the ADG of lambs. The serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) of offspring (P = .006) and ewes (P = .003) increased significantly with the increase in the dietary protein level of ewes. Interestingly, at 60 d, the body size of SE3 group was the highest, and the straight crown hip length (P = .005) with the lightest birth weight (SP2) was significantly higher than the other two groups. To sum up, we suggest that Hu sheep be fed diets with energy and protein levels of 10.52 MJ/kg and 10.99%, respectively.
Neighbor Networks: Competitive Advantage Local and Personal

Prologue 1. Introduction PART I: ESTABLISHING SECONDHAND BROKERAGE 2. Process Clues in Network Spillover 3. Balkanized Networks 4. More Connected Networks PART II: TESTING THE PERIMETER 5. Industry Networks 6. Closure and Stability 7. Mishpokhe, Not PART III: EXPLORING IMPLICATIONS 8. Bent Preferences Appendices and References
Effect of temperature on biology of Brevicoryne brassicae L. and Myzus persicae Sulzer of cabbage

Knowing the effect of temperatures on growth and development of crop pests is essential. In this study, effect of six temperature regimes on the cabbage aphids Brevicoryne brassicae L. , and Myzus persicae Sulzer was studied in Manipur, India. For both the species, 25˚C was found to be the optimal in relation to the most of the parameters studied; B. brassicae could not tolerate the extreme temperatures and died in its 2nd nymphal stage. A decrease in reproductive periods with increase in temperature may accommodate 1-2 additional brood(s) a year, consequently will lead to increased damage to cabbage, more particularly, under staggered transplanting.
Deep ROSAT HRI Observations of the Orion Nebula

We present results from three deep ROSAT high-resolution imager observations of the Orion Nebula star-forming region. The X-ray images contain over 1500 cataloged stars in a roughly 0.8 sq deg region centered on the Trapezium. In all, 389 distinct X-ray sources have been detected, at least two-thirds of which are associated with a single proper-motion cluster member. X-ray emission is detected from stars of all spectral types, from massive O- and B-type components of the Trapezium to the coolest, low-mass pre-main-sequence (PMS) stars. In this paper we focus primarily on X-ray emission from the late-type PMS stars. Of the approximately 100 late-type cluster members with measured spectral types, approximately three-fourths have been detected; we have derived X-ray luminosity upper limits for the remaining stars. We found coronal X-ray emission turns on around spectral type F6, with the upper envelope of activity increasing with deceasing effective temperature. When plotted in an X-ray luminosity versus bolometric luminosity diagram, late-type PMS stars lie below a 'saturation' line corresponding to L(sub x)/L(sub bol) approximately 10(exp -3). For approximately solar-mass PMS stars, we find a median X-ray luminosity approximately 1 x 10(exp 30) ergs/s. The late G, K, and M stars exhibit nearly a two order of magnitude spread in X-ray luminosity and in L(sub x)/L(sub bol) at a given effective temperature. Plots of X-ray activity versus v sin i rotational velocity and rotational period appear to show no clear dependence of activity on rotation. However, because only a small fraction of late-type PMS stars in the Orion Nebula have measured v sin i or P(sub rot) and because of uncertainties in L(sub x) and L(sub x)/L(sub bol), we believe the data are not conclusive on this point. Light curves of the detected X-ray sources have revealed at least 10 strong X-ray flares with characteristic rise times greater than or approximately equal to 1 hr and decay times ranging from approximately 2 to 12 hr. All the flares have X-ray energies in excess of 3 x 10(exp 35) ergs. Many of the X-ray sources associated with late-type cluster members have been observed in more than one ROSAT HRI exposure, allowing us to look for variability on the approximately 1 yr timescale between HRI observations. A statistical analysis of the resulting count rate ratios suggests that at least one-fourth of the late-type cluster stars are significantly variable on this timescale.
HORIZON-SCALE LEPTON ACCELERATION IN JETS: EXPLAINING THE COMPACT RADIO EMISSION IN M87

It has now become clear that the radio jet in the giant elliptical galaxy M87 must turn on very close to the black hole. This implies the efficient acceleration of leptons within the jet at scales much smaller than feasible by the typical dissipative events usually invoked to explain jet synchrotron emission. Here we show that the stagnation surface, the separatrix between material that falls back into the black hole and material that is accelerated outward forming the jet, is a natural site of pair formation and particle acceleration. This occurs via an inverse Compton pair catastrophe driven by unscreened electric fields within the charge-starved region about the stagnation surface and substantially amplified by a post-gap cascade. For typical estimates of the jet properties in M87, we find excellent quantitive agreement between the predicted relativistic lepton densities and those required by recent high-frequency radio observations of M87. This mechanism fails to adequately fill a putative jet from Sagittarius A* with relativistic leptons, which may explain the lack of an obvious radio jet in the Galactic center. Finally, this process implies a relationship between the kinetic jet power and the gamma-ray luminosity of blazars, produced during the post-gap cascade.
Functional Characterization of Arylalkylamine N-Acetyltransferase, a Pivotal Gene in Antioxidant Melatonin Biosynthesis from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

Arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT) is a pivotal enzyme in melatonin biosynthesis that catalyzes the conversion of serotonin to N-acetylserotonin. Homologs of animal AANAT genes are present in animals, but not in plants. An AANAT homolog was found in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, but not other green algae. The characteristics of C. reinhardtii AANAT (CrAANAT) are unclear. Here, full-length CrAANAT was chemically synthesized and expressed in Escherichia coli. Recombinant CrAANAT exhibited AANAT activity with a Km of 247 μM and Vmax of 325 pmol/min/mg protein with serotonin as the substrate. CrAANAT was localized to the cytoplasm in tobacco leaf cells. Transgenic rice plants overexpressing CrAANAT (CrAANAT-OE) exhibited increased melatonin production. CrAANAT-OE plants showed a longer seed length and larger second leaf angle than wild-type plants, indicative of the involvement of brassinosteroids (BRs). As expected, BR biosynthesis- and signaling-related genes such as D2, DWARF4, DWARF11, and BZR1 were upregulated in CrAANAT-OE plants. Therefore, an increased endogenous melatonin level by ectopic overexpression of CrAANAT seems to be closely associated with BR biosynthesis, thereby influencing seed size.
Firm Attributes and Value of Pension Fund Administrators in Nigeria

: Value creation is a key objective of every firm and this is applicable to Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) who seek to remain competitive and achieve superior corporate performance by taking advantage of certain firm attributes. Studies have shown that value of PFAs can impact the financial health of a significant number of individuals during their retirement years if their Retirement Saving Account (RSA) funds are well managed. This objective is scarcely achieved following the increasing challenge faced by the pension fund industry in the dimensions of dearth of investment, poor investment decision by PFAs, restrictions and investment limits by the regulator and the hunt for yield for its RSA contributors amid an environment of low interest rates. Studies that examined the combined effect of firm attributes of firm age, size, contribution density, number of contributors, board size, board quality and branch network on the value of PFAs are lean. This study investigated the effect of firm attributes on Value of Pension Fund Administrators (net asset value per unit) in Nigeria. The study employed ex-post facto research design. Purposive sampling technique was used to select a sample of fifteen (15) from 22 pension fund administrators which have been in existence for the past ten years (2011-2020). Data for this study were extracted from the published annual reports and accounts of the sampled companies which were validated by certification of external auditors and National Pension Commission (PenCom). Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential (multiple regression) statistics at α = 0.05 level of significance. The study found that firm attributes jointly exerted significant impact on net asset value per unit of pension fund administrators ( Adj .R 2 = 0.9298, F(6, 143) = 254.96, p < 0.05). The study concluded that firm attributes enhanced the value of pension fund administrators in Nigeria. It was recommended that pension fund managers should make stakeholders’ interest (contributors and shareholders) a priority and use the selected firm attributes to their advantage to drive performance and create value.
Chilli thrips rose management using an Amblyseius swirskii or Amblydromalus limonicus (Acari: Phytoseiidae) pepper banker plant

Banker plant systems can enhance biological control of arthropod pests in protected agriculture if they facilitate the persistence of beneficial organisms by providing them with persistent habitats or supplemental food such as pollen or nectar. Ornamental pepper banker plants infested with either the predatory phytoseiid mites Amblyseius swirskii (Athias‐Henriot) or Amblydromalus limonicus (Garman and McGregor) were tested under greenhouse conditions in Florida, USA, for management of the chilli thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood on Double Knock Out® roses. After two 6‐week studies, performed from October to December 2019 and 2020, both mite species reduced populations of S. dorsalis on roses to nearly undetectable levels (<1 thrips/leaf) compared with predator‐free controls. There was no difference in the mean number of thrips on leaves between the two mite species treatments. Lower S. dorsalis numbers observed on roses when mites were present led to significantly reduced foliar damage assessed as the degree of tissue scarring from S. dorsalis feeding compared with the control. This study may provide rose growers in Florida an alternative option for managing S. dorsalis populations on roses, a typically unsuitable plant for maintaining mite populations.
Laboratory Findings in Different Disease Status of COVID-19 Admitted Patients at Dilla University Referral Hospital Treatment Center, South Ethiopia

Background Millions were infected and many were dying because of the coronavirus disease 2019, since its emergence. The patients experience asymptomatic, mild, moderate, severe and critical disease with varying signs and symptoms. Decreased lymphocytes and abnormal liver and renal function tests are common among COVID-19 patients. Severe and critical cases show higher number of white blood cells, and neutrophils. However, studies showed different laboratory findings in different disease status. Therefore, this study investigated laboratory findings of COVID-19 admitted patients at Dilla University Referral Hospital treatment center, South Ethiopia. Methods A retrospective study design was conducted on 220 patients confirmed by real time polymerase chain reaction, and admitted to Dilla University Referral Hospital treatment center from September 2020 to July 2021. Data were collected from the patients’ record, and analyzed by GraphPad Prism version 8.0. 1.244 software. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the frequency while independent t-test was used to compare means of each parameter for each disease status. Results Of the 220 study cases, 120 (54.5%) were severe, 89 (40.5%) were moderate and 11 (5.0%) were mild. One hundred forty (71.1%) of the 197 laboratory tested cases, 87 (77.7%) of severe, and 49 (64.5%) of the moderate cases had neutrophils above normal range. However, 134 (68.0%) of them, 82 (73.2%) of severe and 49 (64.5%) of moderate cases showed decreased lymphocyte level. Most of the cases showed an increased level of aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, and total calcium. There was statistically significant mean neutrophils (p=0.04), number of white blood cells (p= 0.02), and creatinine level (p=0.00) difference between severe and mild cases. Conclusion Most of the severe COVID-19 patients showed increased neutrophils, liver function tests; and decreased lymphocytes; suggesting higher inflammation and lymphopenia. Therefore, patients with severe and critical disease status require close follow-up.