Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Black-White Differences in the Reciprocal Relationship Between Perceived Discrimination and Psychological Distress

ABSTRACT We formulate a MIDUS longitudinal data-based multi-population LISREL model to gauge variation among Black and White Americans in the reciprocal relationship across time between perceived major and everyday discrimination, and psychological distress. Two hypotheses building on prior theory and empirical findings are generated: reciprocity between perceived discrimination and distress, and stronger reciprocity among Blacks. Here, “reciprocity” denotes positive effects of perceived discrimination and mental health problems such as distress on each other across time. Both hypotheses are supported for relationships between perceived everyday discrimination and distress. The model controls for several potentially relevant variables.
Controlling lignin particle size for polymer blend applications

Softwood lignin produced by the LignoForce SystemTM was physically processed using different milling approaches to ascertain effective and scalable means to yield micro to submicron particles of controllable and uniform size. Our work suggests that wet ball-milling using a small milling medium is the most reliable method in terms of processing efficiency and particle-size controllability. Controllable particle size reduction would permit lignin to be used as an effective filler in polymer blends. We show that wet-milled lignin could, subsequently, be oven- or spray-dried, and, subsequently, blended with, for instance, polypropylene (PP) through co-extrusion. The spray-drying method produced spherical lignin aggregates smaller and more uniform than oven-dried ones. As a consequence, spray-dried lignin demonstrated a more uniform distribution within the polymer melt, leading to noticeable improvement in the strain—or flexibility—of the lignin-PP polymer blends. Furthermore, it is confirmed that the investigated drying methods had no effect on the thermal stability of the resulting lignin-PP blends. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44669.
Foreign Investment under the Spotlight of Home Media

Foreign investors’ information disadvantage is often viewed as a key impediment to their investment. This study questions whether foreign investors’ home media mitigates this information barrier by investigating the relation between U.S. mutual fund ownership and U.S. media coverage of local stocks in their host countries. Using a large sample of 38 host countries, we document a positive association between U.S. mutual fund ownership in a local stock and the coverage of U.S. major news providers on that stock. We find that home media-covered stocks incur lower information acquisition costs and gain greater investor awareness from U.S. investors. The home media effect is most salient in host countries with low quality information environments, supporting a novel home media effect that foreign investors tend to rely on their home market media coverage as an information source. The home media effect helps explain the prominent international finance anomaly regarding the dependence of firm returns on home and foreign market factors.
Changes in Antioxidant Markers and Histopathology of Wistar Rats Fed with Edible Clay (Nzu)

The changes in the antioxidant markers and histopathology in both adult male and female wistar rats fed with Calabash Chalk (nzu) was investigated. Twenty (20) wistar rats weighing between (120-150 g) were used for this study. They were randomly divided into four (4) Groups containing five (5) animals each (n=5) A-D. Groups (B-D) were fed with 1.0%, 2.0% and 8.0% of clay. Group A, not fed with clay served as control. After 21 days of continuous feeding, the animals were sacrificed and their liver organs excised for the following antioxidant markers (Catalase CAT, Reduced Glutathione GSH, Superoxide dismutase, SOD) and histopathology. The results showed significant (p< 0.05) increase in catalase activity in rats fed with 1.0% and 8.0% clay compared to control (0 clay) and group fed with 2.0%. However, no significant (p>0.05) difference was obtained for the group fed with 2.0% when compared to control. The results obtained for GSH and SOD also showed no significant (p>0.05) difference in the fed groups when compared to control. Histopathological changes indicated mild periportal and intraparenchymal inflammation in group fed with 8.0%. From the study it can be deduced that clay consumption has the potential to elicit the activities of antioxidant markers and subsequent depletion providing weak defenses against reactive oxygen species (ROS) and liver damage in the rats. Original Research Article Dokubo et al.; JALSI, 24(1): 16-20, 2021; Article no.JALSI . 52617 17
Diffused effort, asset heterogeneity, and real estate brokerage

We generalize the classic Williams (1998, Review of Financial Studies , 11 , 239–280) brokerage model by intro-ducing diffused effort and asset heterogeneity. The term “diffused effort” refers to the fact that an agent can cross-utilize effort spending on one listing to another . One counterintuitive finding in Williams’ paper is the absence of the agency problem . As a special case in our model, we recover the agency problem. We demonstrate the positive externality due to the diffused effort and show it depends on the agent’s inventory size. Hence, there is a trade-off between agents’ effort committed to existing listings and expanding network size by soliciting new listings.
Negotiating individualisation in neoliberal China: youth transitions among the new generation of rural migrants

ABSTRACT An increasing number of rural youths leave their families to receive education and training in urban vocational schools before seeking employment in China. This article aims to reveal and highlight the collectivist attitudes young migrants develop during their school-to-work transitions, even though they embrace the individualisation discourse of neoliberal self-development and self-reliance. When the young people reflexively adopt the principles of the market culture and neoliberal system to fit into the labour market, they are conscious about the important role of their disadvantageous family origins in their development. To deal with an unequal and competitive society, they rely on mutual support and co-operation to combat their risk collectively. This article suggests that collective sentiments and social networks remain extremely important in these Chinese young people's moral understanding despite the overwhelming influences of individualisation.
Institutional Theory on Internal Audit Effectiveness The Case of India

The need and importance of internal auditing in Indian listed companies is increasing because of strengthening of corporate governance practices by regulatory bodies and the Indian market environment is becoming more competitive. This study attempts to determine some of the critical factors that affect the effectiveness of internal auditing in Indian listed companies. A final sample of 252 Nifty companies was drawn. We mailed questionnaires to the Head of Internal Audit department, Chief of Accounts and Chief Executive Officers of the company. The overall, response rate was 29.4%. Companies represented manufacturing, information technology, retail, banking and financial services. Using multiple regression technique, the study findings reveal that the factors that affect the effectiveness of internal auditing are ‘competency of internal audit staff’ and ‘interaction of internal auditing with audit committee’. Institutional theory best explains the effectiveness of internal auditing in Indian context. The study encourages auditing professionals to develop their core competencies for delivering their services efficiently and a continuous interaction with audit committee members will help them to be focused both on the organizational performance by improving the IA effectiveness. The implication of these findings for the practice and theory and direction for future research are also provided.
Drivers of convergence: The role of first- and second-nature geography

The analysis of regional convergence often stays at the level of documentation, with limited attention placed on the drivers of convergence/divergence dynamics. This article offers a systematic analysis of this, examining the role of first-nature (location, proximity, physical geography) and second-nature geography (economic structure, agglomeration, economic potential) in accounting for regional synchronicity in growth trajectories (stochastic convergence). Utilising historical data for Greece at the prefectural level and up-to-date time-series econometric techniques, we test for the presence of stochastic convergence in the country over three decades prior to the crisis; identify the pairs of regions which exhibit co-movement in their growth dynamics; and examine the covariates of this. Our results unveil a picture of limited-only and cluster-like convergence, driven predominantly by factors related to accessibility, sectoral specialisations, labour market dynamism, market potential and selected locational characteristics. This supports two propositions: (a) convergence is an endogenous process, related to shared and incongruent characteristics of regions; and, by implication, (b) regional disparities are structural (in the sense that they are linked to economic and spatial structure) and thus require targeted policies in order to be addressed.
Unpopularity and cultural power in the age of Netflix: New questions for cultural studies’ approaches to television texts

Although Internet-distributed television bears much in common with the television long studied and theorized using cultural studies-based approaches to analysis, several of its features profoundly deviate from earlier television norms and require reassessment and adaptation of theoretical frames. This article focuses on the issue of textual popularity in relation to these services and identifies key challenges to using the same frames of cultural power that have been used for studying television in the past. The underlying problem of audience fragmentation does not originate with streaming services, but this profound contextual change, in concert with industrial aspects that further distinguish internet-distributed television from television’s past norms, must be addressed. The article concludes by identifying several ways the cultural power of streaming services can be investigated despite the challenges that emerging norms of Internet-distributed video provide. This article is based on a paper presented at the Media in Transition symposium (Utrecht, June 28, 2018), in the Industries and Infrastructures panel organised by Judith Keilbach. Also published in this issue of ECS are Vicki Mayer, ‘From peat to Google power: communications infrastructures and structures of feeling in Groningen’ and Jennifer Holt & Michael Palm, ‘More than a number: the telephone and the history of digital identification’.
The Television Cult: Prevalence of Brand Placements in an Indian Reality Show

Abstract Brand Placements (BP), a predominant strategy to ensure brand prominence has not been explored substantially concerning its role in reality shows (RS). This study on content analysis examines the prevalence and pervasiveness of BP in RS with specific reference to ‘Bigg Boss’, a highest Television Rating Point (TRP) rated Indian RS. The results indicate that the brands have appeared at least once for every minute with an average appearance of 5 seconds, and exhibit that BP are integrated through the plots of RS. The findings imply that BP in RS will deliver better outcomes in comparison with other media platforms.
Reproductive fitness of five Pratylenchus thornei populations from Isparta Province in Turkey on sterile carrot discs, wheat and barley cultivars

In the study, five populations of Pratylenchus thornei which obtained from different locations in Isparta Province in Turkey were investigated for their reproductive fitness on carrot discs and wheat varieties of Ikizce and Altay and barley varieties of Tarm92 and Burakbey. Reproductive ﬁtness evaluated as the ratio of the ﬁnal number of nematodes to the number of nematodes inoculated. There was a significant difference in reproductive fitness among the five P. thornei populations on carrot discs. The highest reproductive fitness on carrot discs was obtained with the P. thornei populations of SK11 and SK24 whereas pathogenicity of these populations was differentiated among wheat and barley varieties. The highest reproductive fitness was found at SK11 population with all wheat and barley varieties. GD18 and ISP10 populations developed better in barley than in wheat varieties. This study showed that there might be differences in reproduction of populations of the same nematode species isolated from different geographical areas.
Studies on Longidorus iberis (Escuer & Arias, 1997) n. comb. (Nematoda: Longidoridae) from Spain

Specimens of a thin longidorid species collected in Peñalba (Huesca), north-west Spain, were previously described as Paralongidorus iberis. However, we conclude, through scanning electron microscopy and molecular studies on a population from about 15 km from the type locality and on paratype specimens, that this species was originally placed in the wrong genus. Both populations have pore-like amphidial apertures, not slit-like as in Paralongidorus, and the species is therefore transferred to Longidorus. Longidorus iberis n. comb. is regarded as a valid species and is clearly different from closely related species such as L. tabernensis, L. iliturgiensis, L. alvegus and L. indalus in morphometrics and molecular markers. Molecular data are reported for the first time, including the D2-D3 expansion segments of 28S rRNA, ITS1 rRNA, partial 18S rRNA and partial mitochondrial coxI regions. These molecular markers were used for inferring the phylogenetic relationships with other species within Longidorus and Paralongidorus, all clearly separating L. iberis n. comb. from other related taxa and placing the species in the Longidorus clade, rather than with Paralongidorus.
Absorptive capacity of Malaysian SME construction organisations

ABSTRACT Absorptive capacity has been acknowledged as a critical component for organisations to sustain, compete and excel in the marketplace. With the current volatile environment, there is increased demand for new knowledge, skills and implementation of new technologies. Every organisation must have the ability to be able to absorb and leverage from new technologies. This research aims to identify the absorptive capacity of Malaysian small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) construction organisations. The research design adapted was based on qualitative approach. Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted with SMEs operating in six different states in Malaysia. Data were analysed using NVivo 12 Pro software and thematic approach was used to categorise the data. This research found 29 main indicators of how construction SMEs developed their absorptive capacity and 10 factors influenced their absorptive capacity. Owners and employees with higher education background and with more industry experience tend to be more receptive to absorb new knowledge. In addition, human resource departments and formal office communications were found to have positive impacts on SMEs’ absorptive capacity. Suppliers and manufacturers were also identified as important external factors. This research provides clear indicators of how SME construction organisations can develop their absorptive capacity and further improve their productivity. It also provides indication for Construction Industry Development Board on how they can assist the SME construction organisations to absorb and apply new technology in construction processes.
Deciphering African Financial Development Interaction With Institutional Quality And Economic Growth Nexus

The paper scrutinized the correlation between financial development interaction with institutional quality and economic growth in Africa. The study adopted 30 different interactions. The study used the Augmented mean group estimation technique to estimate the model. Gross domestic savings/GDP and broad money/GDP positively influenced growth with the majority of interactions with institutional quality indicators. Credit to Private Sector/GDP interaction with Voice & Accountability; and Political Stability has a higher impact on growth than any interaction variable. However, government effectiveness, regulatory quality, and corruption control are weak in Africa; even if interacted with financial development indicators, it mostly reduces economic growth. This study recommends that governments in Africa strengthen financial development indicators; Bank Deposit/GDP, Gross Domestic Savings/GDP and Credit to private sector/GDP, and institutional quality indicator political stability & absence of violence since their interaction has proven to aid rapid economic growth . JEL Classification: E17, F62, F63 How to Cite: Nketia, E. B. , & Kong, Y. (2021). Decipheting African Financial Development Interaction with Institutional Quality and Economic Growth Nexus. Etikonomi: Jurnal Ekonomi , 20(1), 23 – 44. https://doi.org/10.15408/etk.v20i1. 16177.
What are the required qualities of auditors in the public sector?

ABSTRACT This paper adds to literature on financial audit in public sector organizations. The authors examined the effect of adapting a private sector audit body—the Board of Statutory Auditors (BoSA)—for use by Italian public healthcare organizations. The research objective was to explore whether the characteristics generally required of private sector audit bodies (independence, accounting and financial expertise, industry specialization, diligence, and institutional support) are relevant to the public sector. Information on these characteristics was collected through an online questionnaire and used to explain audit quality. The results show the relevance of accounting and financial expertise, as well as industry specialization. The authors call for further research on the need for auditor independence in a public service setting.
The Use of Sistem Pembelajaran Daring (SIPDA) as an Online Learning Management System on Learning Outcomes of Financial Accounting Subject: A Mediation Effect of Learning Motivation

This study aims to determine the effect of SIPDA on Learning Outcomes through Student Learning Motivation taking the Financial Accounting subject. This study population was 70 students in the Accounting Education Department of Faculty of Economics of Universitas Negeri Medan (UNIMED) and used as respondents. The questionnaire consisted of 18 items for SIPDA and 6 question items for learning motivation. This study applies the outer model test, the inner model test, the direct influence hypothesis test, and the indirect hypothesis test using the SmartPLS 3.0 program. The result of data analysis shows that: (1) There is a negative and significant influence between the use of SIPDA on the learning outcomes of accounting class 2019 students with a path coefficient of -0.371 and P-value <0.05, which is 0.025 and the value of T Statistics > 1.96 namely 2.243; (2) There is a positive and significant influence between the use of SIPDA on students' learning motivation for Accounting Education Class of 2019 with a path coefficient of 0.743 and a P-Value <0.05 which is equal to 0.000 and a value of T Statistic> 1.96 which is 13.568; (3) There is a positive and significant influence between learning motivation on student learning outcomes of Accounting Education Class of 2019 with a path coefficient of 0.373 and a P-Value <0.05 which is equal to 0.029 and a value of T Statistics> 1.96 which is 2.188. (4) There is a positive and significant influence between the use of SIPDA on learning outcomes through students' learning motivation for Accounting Education Class of 2019 with a value of 0.277 with a P-Values <0.05, which is equal to 0.045, and a Statistical T value> 1.96 which is 2.014.
On the Synthesis of the Astronomically Elusive 1-Ethynyl-3-Silacyclopropenylidene (c-SiC4H2) Molecule in Circumstellar Envelopes of Carbon-rich Asymptotic Giant Branch Stars and Its Potential Role in the Formation of the Silicon Tetracarbide Chain (SiC4)

Organosilicon molecules such as silicon carbide (SiC), silicon dicarbide (c-SiC2), silicon tricarbide (c-SiC3), and silicon tetracarbide (SiC4) represent basic molecular building blocks connected to the growth of silicon-carbide dust grains in the outflow of circumstellar envelopes of carbon-rich asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars. Yet, the fundamental mechanisms of the formation of silicon carbides and of the early processes that initiate the coupling of silicon–carbon bonds in circumstellar envelopes have remained obscure. Here, we reveal in a crossed molecular beam experiment contemplated with ab initio electronic calculations that the astronomically elusive 1-ethynyl-3-silacyclopropenylidene molecule (c-SiC4H2, Cs, X1A′) can be synthesized via a single-collision event through the barrierless reaction of the silylidyne radical (SiH) with diacetylene (C4H2). This system represents a benchmark of a previously overlooked class of reactions, in which the silicon–carbon bond coupling can be initiated by a barrierless and overall exoergic reaction between the simplest silicon-bearing radical (silylidyne) and a highly hydrogen-deficient hydrocarbon (diacetylene) in the inner circumstellar envelopes of evolved carbon-rich stars such as IRC+10216. Considering that organosilicon molecules like 1-ethynyl-3-silacyclopropenylidene might be ultimately photolyzed to bare carbon–silicon clusters like the linear silicon tetracarbide (SiC4), hydrogenated silicon–carbon clusters might represent the missing link eventually connecting simple molecular precursors such as silane (SiH4) to the population of silicon-carbide based interstellar grains ejected from carbon-rich AGB stars into the interstellar medium.
Managing mobility: commuting domestic workers, mobile phones, and women’s ‘honour’ in Kolkata

ABSTRACT Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork in Kolkata and rural West Bengal and engaging with literature on mobile phones in the global South, and on gender and sexuality in India, this article seeks to understand the incongruence between widespread mobile phone use in India and commuting domestic workers’ own accounts of their mobile phone use. It illustrates the important role that mobile phones play in enabling commuting workers (who are mostly women) to find work and manage relationships, but also how commuting workers play down their mobile phone use, guarding against suspicion from husbands, sons, and others. Such suspicion reflects the stigma around women’s mobility/sexuality, connected to ideas about women’s ‘honour’ and the perceived risks associated with women’s work and journeys. When workers’ mobile phone use is, then, perceived to be ‘inappropriate’, or if workers transgress norms and expectations relating to ideas about women’s ‘honour’ in other ways, they can face (further) surveillance and abuse, their access to phones thereafter often being controlled by men. Contributing to gendered analyses of mobile phones in the global South, the article shows how phones can at once create new possibilities and freedoms for commuting domestic workers while at the same time reinforcing gendered power relationships.