Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Sensitivity of Cash Savings to the Cost of Capital

We show theoretically and empirically that in the presence of a time-varying cost of capital (COC), firms have a hedging motive to reduce the overall COC over time by saving cash when COC is relatively low. The sensitivity of cash savings to COC is especially pronounced with respect to the cost of equity and for firms with greater correlation between COC and financing needs for future investments. Both financially constrained and unconstrained firms respond to low COC by saving cash out of external capital issuance in excess of current financial needs.
Impact of urban land cover change on the garden city status and land surface temperature of Kumasi

Abstract Rapid urban expansion and development have resulted in the conversion of many natural green surfaces within cities to non-transpiring built-up surfaces, such as concrete and asphalt. These artificial urban surfaces cause substantial variation in land surface temperatures that affect the urban microclimate. Thus, there is the need to substantially quantify the extent of green cover loss within growing cities and its impact on surface temperatures. This study used LANDSAT data to spatially assess the extent of urban expansion and its effect on land surface temperature within Kumasi, Ghana. Subsequently, the results showed significant changes in the land cover, which had an effect on the observed land surface temperatures from 1986 to 2015. Generally, there was an overall increase in the built-up areas by 24.13% (55.81 km2) from 1986 to 2015, with a corresponding increase in the mean land surface temperature by 4.16°C. As such, there is the need for the adoption of sustainable urban planning strategies with green vegetation conservation initiatives for modern city planners. This would help reduce urban land surface temperatures while promoting clean air circulation within the city.
Single Agent and Synergistic Activity of Maritoclax with ABT-263 in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC) Cell Lines

Objective The BCL-2 anti-apoptotic proteins are over-expressed in many cancers and hence are attractive therapeutic targets. In this study we tested the sensitivity of two NPC cell lines HK1 and C6661-1 to Maritoclax which is reported to repress anti-apoptotic protein MCL-1 and BH3 mimetic ABT-263 which selectively inhibits anti-apoptotic proteins BCL-2, BCL-XL and BCL-w. We investigated the sensitization of the NPC cell lines to these drugs using the SYBR Green I assay and 3D NPC spheroids. Results We report that Maritoclax repressed MCL-1, BCL-2, and BCL-XL in a dose- and time-dependent manner and displayed a single agent activity in inhibiting cell proliferation of the NPC cell lines. Moreover, combination of Maritoclax and ABT-263 exhibited synergistic cell proliferation effect in the HK1 cell line. Similar results were obtained in the 3D spheroids. More notably, 3D spheroids either treated with single agent Maritoclax or combination with ABT-263 over 10 days did not develop resistance to the treatment rapidly. Collectively, the findings illustrate that Maritoclax as a single agent or combination with BH3 mimetics could be a potential treatment strategy for NPC but further studies in preclinical models are warranted to fully unravel the prospects of these drugs.
Exploring frame-based gesture design for immersive VR shopping environments

ABSTRACT In the design of gesture-based user interfaces, traditional gesture elicitation studies suffer from the legacy bias problem. In this paper, we conducted an exploratory study about the practical effects of frame-based design for gestural interaction with immersive VR shopping applications. In this study, we derived gestures via the traditional guessability and the framed guessability approaches. Experimental results indicated that priming participants with a frame, or a scenario, could significantly reduce the impact of legacy bias, and result in superior gesture vocabulary. However, no evidence was found that the priming technique would generate more gesture types, which may lead to lower agreement scores due to the reduction of legacy bias. Based on our findings, we propose some concrete design guidelines for gesture-based interaction. We highlight the implications of this work for the design of all gesture-based applications.
Predicting achievement in distance language learning: a structural equation model

ABSTRACT Getting increasingly common in many settings in higher education, distance language courses have become a vigorous area of research which requires sustained focus. Although the relevant literature has documented well various aspects of distance language learning, the factors affecting academic achievement have remained under-researched. This study investigates the predictive power of the sense of community, perceived learning and learner satisfaction as the possible factors having an influence on academic achievement. Data for this study come from a series of surveys administered to a total of 156 EFL learners and participants’ final grades. Structural Equation Model (SEM) was used to analyse the data. Results indicated acceptable values of the goodness of fit indices for structural model (TLI =.96; CFI =.98; NFI =.95; RMSEA =.06 and SRMR =.04). Analysis of path coefficients revealed that two components of sense of community (i.e. teaching presence and cognitive presence), perceived learning and satisfaction are the significant predictors of academic achievement. The research findings bear implications for the design of distance language courses.
Healthcare commodities for emergencies in Africa: review of logistics models, suggested model and research agenda

Enormous numbers of people suffer from the effects of disasters and humanitarian crises in Africa, including medical and healthcare emergencies. International response to the 2014–2016 Ebola pandemic in West Africa and COVID 19 pandemic vividly demonstrates the need for efficient and effective logistics and supply chain systems in bringing succor to impacted and vulnerable communities. This paper critically reviews the academic literature on logistics models for sourcing, delivery and distribution of medical and healthcare products for humanitarian emergencies in Africa from 1990 to 2018. The paper suggests areas for further research and proposes an effective logistics model useful for international and national humanitarian organizations as well as public health authorities in Africa and developing areas. ,The viewpoint paper draws upon a structured comprehensive and critical review of the academic literature on logistics and supply chain management and a qualitative analysis of the literature in 13 leading academic databases covering over 5,550 articles. ,The paper finds significant gaps in the body of logistics and supply chain management research on practical deployable logistics models for sourcing, delivery, and distribution of medical and healthcare products for humanitarian emergencies. The paper suggests a model worthy of consideration by humanitarian and disaster response stakeholders as well as public health authorities in developing countries. ,This is a critical literature review paper based on a comprehensive literature research and analysis for the period from 1990 to 2018 from which a viewpoint is formed. ,This paper advocates for further research on appropriate models of logistics for the sourcing, delivery and distribution of medical and healthcare products to enhance the basic human rights and dignity of vulnerable people in developing countries. ,The paper contributes directly to policy on logistics, humanitarian aid, disaster management, public health and health security policy in the developing world including Africa.
Risk attitudes and the big five personality traits: a study on construction project practitioners in Malaysia

Abstract Risk management often applies in any decision making process to ensure success of an objective. However, many organizations fail to realize the importance of such knowledge, especially in high risk and complex industries in construction. The decision made while taking uncertainty into account varies among individuals based on their attitudes. Hence, their perspectives towards uncertainty may be the determinant to ensure success in a project. As risk attitudes and perception varies among individuals, so does personality. Henceforth, this study aims to investigate the relationship of the factors in the Big Five theory in influencing risk attitude, by using the Big Five Inventory (BFI) model and the Domain Risk-attitude scale, in order to determine individuals’ personality based on the five dimensions for both categories. The proposed model was tested on 70 decision makers, particularly project practitioners specialize in the construction industry in Malaysia. Partial Least Squared Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to investigate both variables based on the objectives. The results showed that all variables but one has a significant effect towards risk attitude, where extraversion has the most effect towards risk attitude. All factors of the Big Five except neuroticism reacts positively towards risk attitude. The study of relationship between personality traits and risk taking will signify the vast variations of how every decision maker will choose to respond to uncertainty depending on their respective human behaviour. Such understanding helps in the development of a comprehensive risk management plan.
Pleistocene seabirds from Shiriya, northeast Japan: systematics and oceanographic context

ABSTRACT Seabirds are higher-order predators in the marine ecosystem and hence good indicators of the marine environment. Although the North Pacific has been the focal area for investigations of seabird faunal dynamics, the Pleistocene seabird fossil record has been scarce in the western North Pacific. Here, remains of 32 species of seabirds and related taxa (Anatidae, Podicipedidae, Gaviidae, Diomedeidae, Hydrobatidae, Procellariidae, Phalacrocoracidae, Scolopacidae, Laridae, and Alcidae) are reported from the middle–late Pleistocene Shiriya local fauna, northeastern Japan (Marine Isotope Stages 9 and 5e, ~ 320 and ~ 120 ka). This is the first substantial Pleistocene seabird fauna reported from the region so far, and includes globally first fossil records for Cepphus carbo and extant species of Aethia. The fauna also includes three extinct species, Shiriyanetta hasegawai, Mancalla? sp. , and Uria onoi, the former two of which were flightless. The occurrence of immature individuals indicates that at least two species had nearby breeding sites. The seabird populations had probably been sustained by enhanced oceanic productivity in this area during their age, but oceanographic fluctuations in the subsequent glacial period, including the probable disappearance of a nearby oceanic front, would have seriously affected their subsistence, likely causing local extinctions of some species.
The function of vertical and horizontal space to social group identity

ABSTRACT Where an object or person is located in space can communicate important attributes, such as power, agency, or status. We theorized that people may use location to convey messages about social groups. In four studies, we examined whether women and men express ingroup bias or stereotypical bias in their placement of and memory for gendered objects. In Study 1, participants placed objects symbolizing their ingroup higher but not further left than objects symbolizing their outgroup. Vertical ingroup-bias emerged consistently in spatial placement (Studies 2 and 4) but not spatial memory (Studies 3 and 4). We discuss the influence of gender identity, the role of automaticity, and the value of vertical versus horizontal spatial location in communicating group bias.
Invoking the idealized family to assess political leadership and legitimacy: news coverage of Australian and Canadian premiers

ABSTRACT Conventional wisdom holds that women politicians confront a parenting dilemma. Those with children are questioned about their ability to balance parental roles with political responsibilities, but child-free women are regarded as unable to relate to “ordinary” families or perform well in “feminine” policy areas. As both women and men are now balancing parenthood with politics, the time is ripe to re-investigate how cultural ideas about family life shape understandings of political leadership. By systematically comparing newspaper coverage of 22 Canadian and Australian government leaders with diverse families, our study investigates the ways in which discourses of family shape representations of high-profile politicians. It provides valuable insights into the ways in which politicians’ levels of conformity to the idealized western family model shape perceptions of political legitimacy and authenticity for women and men, and parents and non-parents. We find that when the families of newly elected leaders are discussed in newspaper coverage, the message conveyed is that only the “right” kind of family will facilitate political success.
IMPACT OF IDOL IMMERSION ON WATER AND SEDIMENT QUALITY IN THE RIVER MAYURAKSHI AT SAINTHIA, DIST. BIRBHUM, WEST BENGAL, INDIA

The country of India is the unique where different cultural heritage as well as festivals were found. Mainly the West Bengal state is known as various religious festivals, but Durga Puja is one of the biggest and end of this festival idol are immersed in the water bodies. Sainthia town found in the district of Birbhun, West Bengal, India which is present in the south bank of the Mayurakshi river. The idol immersion mainly effect on water as well as sediment quality of this river Mayurakshi near railway bridge at Sainthia. The study will be discussed for immersion effect of this sampling station, because in this point totally Sainthia town Durga idols were immersed. The water and sediment samples were collected at 7:30 am on 9th October 2019 during pre-immersion (before immersion) and 7:30am on 10th October 2019 during the post immersion (after immersion) in this time of periods. Mainly, the Durga idols are been made up by non-biodegrable substances such as clay, plaster of paris, cloths, paper woods, thermocols, jutes and synthetic paints etc. these are mainly toxic substances. Over all the used materials in making of idol, the thermocol is nonbiodegradable while paints contained highly toxic heavy metals like Cr, Cd and Pb. In this study has been made to analysis the physicochemical parameters like temperature, pH, TS, TDS, TSS, EC and three heavy metals like Cr, Cd and Pb on the collected water and sediment samples of the Mayurakshi river on before and after idol immersion periods of near railway bridge sampling station. The analysed results by based on various physicochemical parameters showed that the after immersion in the river Mayurakshi increases concentration of heavy metals and changes other physicochemical parameters of the both water and sediment samples. Finally concluded that, these changes of different parameters are harmful for aquatic life and human beings as well as the level of water pollution highly increases in this Mayurakshi river. So, the huge religious activities mainly causes of the water pollution where huge disturbing aquatic ecosystem.
Entrepreneurial Orientation, Resource Orchestration Capability, Environmental Dynamics and Firm Performance: A Test of Three-Way Interaction

This study investigated the effect of entrepreneurial orientation on firm performance with the firm resource orchestration capability and environmental dynamics in moderating roles. Using survey data collected from 301 Korean manufacturing and service firms, we devised a three-way interaction model to uncover the complex and dynamic conditions that maximize the effect of entrepreneurial orientation on firm performance. We found a positive association between entrepreneurial orientation and firm performance. Moreover, our findings indicated that both the firm resource orchestration capability and environmental dynamics played positive moderating roles in the above relationship. The results also showed that, in the case of a high level of environmental dynamics, entrepreneurial orientation was more positively related to firm performance for firms with a high resource orchestration capability. In addition, in the case of low resource orchestration capability, entrepreneurial orientation was associated more positively with firm performance for firms with high environmental dynamics. Thus, this study confirmed the importance of interaction between the three factors for enhancing firm performance. Furthermore, our investigation of substantial moderators provided key insights regarding the conditions that better explain how entrepreneurial orientation promotes firm performance. In addition to two-way interaction, the support for a three-way interaction suggests that moderators of the relationship interact to further explain the relationship. The theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Longer Duration of the Weak Stratospheric Vortex During Extreme El Niño Events Linked to Spring Eurasian Coldness

The stratosphere is a key link between El Niño and Eurasian surface climate in winter. Instead of the amplitude of the stratospheric response discussed by many previous studies, we focus on the persistence of wintertime extreme El Niño impacts through the stratospheric pathway to midlatitude Eurasia in spring. A novel approach is used by running WACCM4 with El Niño forcing imposed only during winter to isolate the stratospheric role in the following spring. We show that a descending signal with a strong deceleration of zonal wind throughout the atmosphere could reach the surface and persist in spring during extreme El Niño events, whereas during moderate El Niño events the signal is generally confined to the stratosphere. Two different mechanisms are involved in maintaining the tropospheric signal of extreme El Niño. Under the westerly regime, the planetary Rossby waves from the wave centers over East Asia and the North Pacific transmit the signals from the stratosphere to the troposphere; and under the easterly regime, strong tropospheric eddy feedback over the midlatitude Atlantic favors the persistence of tropospheric responses during extreme El Niño events. The prolonged stratospheric pathway of extreme El Niño events amplifies and extends the equatorward shift of the midlatitude jet, allowing southward intrusions of cold polar air into Eurasia. Such circulation changes induced by a prolonged stratospheric pathway can cause springtime coldness and daily cold extremes in midlatitude Eurasia.
How Does Capital Intensity Affect the Relationship between Outward FDI and Productivity? Micro-evidence from Chinese Manufacturing Firms

ABSTRACT Based on outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) data of Chinese manufacturing companies in the period of 2001–2016, this paper examines the impact of capital intensity on the casual relationship between OFDI and productivity. Results show that, first, the pre-entry productivity of OFDI firms is higher than that of non-OFDI firms only for labor-intensive firms but not for capital-intensive firms, which suggests the self-selection effect only holds for labor-intensive firms. Second, the post-entry productivity improvement of OFDI firms only gained by capital-intensive firms but not by labor-intensive OFDI firms, which suggests the learning-by-doing effect only holds for capital-intensive firms. One possible explanation for these results is that the OFDI purpose of capital-intensive firms is to achieve technical progress while the OFDI purpose of labor-intensive firms is to gain profits.
Complexity is never simple: Intangible intensity and analyst accuracy

We examine the relationship between intangible intensity and the accuracy of analyst forecasts. Using an international sample of 2,200 firms during 2000–2016, we show that analyst accuracy decreases significantly when intangible intensity grows. In exploring the determinants of this effect, we distinguish between firm risk and the risk associated with intangibles. Our results reveal the role of financial reporting quality, ownership structure, and institutional quality in moderating the relationship between intangible intensity and analyst accuracy. Analyst forecast accuracy acts as a channel through which the higher levels of information asymmetry associated with intangible intensity affect the cost of equity. Our results are robust to different intangible intensity measures; mandatory changes in financial reporting standards; the implementation of transparency rules in certain industry sectors; and financial crisis periods. We have devised alternative econometric tools that deal with potential sample selection bias and the dynamics of our empirical model. JEL CLASSIFICATION: G00, G14, G30, M41
A Clinical Trial on the Effects of Different Regimens of Phenylephrine on Maternal Hemodynamic After Spinal Anesthesia for Cesarean Section

Background Phenylephrine is used to prevent and treat hypotension during spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery. Objectives The present study aims to investigate the effects of different regimens of phenylephrine on blood pressure of candidates for the cesarean section. Methods In this double-blind, randomized clinical trial, a total of 120 candidates of elective cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia was randomly categorized into three groups. Groups 1, 2, and 3 received bolus and prophylactic saline (control group), prophylactic bolus phenylephrine (100 µg), and prophylactic phenylephrine infusion (50 µg/min), respectively. The incidence of hypotension, maternal hemodynamics, hypertension, rescue phenylephrine dose, nausea, and vomit were compared between the groups. Results In all the three groups, the incidence of nausea and vomit, bradycardia, hypertension, and neonatal Apgar score were not statistically different (P > 0.05). However, the adjuvant phenylephrine dose requirement was remarkably different. Moreover, the mean systolic blood pressure differed significantly in the second and 7th minutes after the spinal block (P < 0.05). 35% in the first group, 15% in the second group, and 2.5% in the third group had hypotension (P = 0.001). Apart from the first measurement after spinal anesthesia, the mean heart rate showed no significant difference between the groups. Conclusions The use of prophylactic phenylephrine infusion is recommended to control the optimal blood pressure in parturients undergoing cesarean section after spinal anesthesia.
Social Artrepreneurship and Collectives: Lessons for Social Entrepreneurs from the Wanderers Art Movement in Imperial Russia

Abstract We draw on a hybrid organisation of artists in Imperial Russia to examine the experience of ‘social artrepreneurs’ – artists who pursued both social and commercial goals. Using contemporary theories of organisation, we argue that a key feature of this organisation – the collective of artists – helped in connecting means and ends while balancing hybridity through the process of partial organising. Our paper contributes to the burgeoning literature on how organisations deal with hybridity challenges by exploring the means-ends perspective at the level of an organisation. It highlights the use of partial organising for balancing social and commercial pursuits.