Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The board chairman’s characteristics and financial stability of Malaysian-listed firms

Abstract This study examines the association between the board chairman’s (BC’s) characteristics (independence, age, ethnicity, tenure, family membership, dual chair with nomination committee (NC), dual chair with remuneration committee (RC)) and the firm’s financial stability. The Altman (1993) Z-Score indicator was used to determine the financial stability of Malaysian suspect-listed firms, i.e., firms with lowest positive earnings for the years 2013–2015. Ordinary Least Square regression indicates that only the age and tenure of the BC are associated with high financial stability. This means that the chairman’s age and tenure could protect the company against financial distress. However, the results showed a negative effect of the BC’s ethnicity, family membership and dual chair with the NC on the firm’s financial stability. These results, in general, are similar to the Feasible Generalized Least Squares regression and other robustness tests. This study is the first to investigate the influence of the board chairman’s characteristics on the firm’s financial stability. Thus, it alerts policymakers, firms and their stakeholders, as well as researchers, to the importance of strengthening the board chairman’s characteristics to protect the company against financial distress, especially in emerging countries such as Malaysia, where it has been observed that the board chairman attempts to dominate the entire firm’s decisions.
Stock Returns and The Weather Effect: the Case of Ghana

In every economy, Stock markets are part of the key elements the build it up. A Few decades ago, there has been a significant change in Ghana stock market returns (GSE). Our study examines the statistical and economic significance of investor sentiment, based on weather conditions/changes, on stock market returns. OLS models, assisted by unit root tests were employed in analyzing the data obtained from the Ghana stock exchange platform from 2000 to 2017. From our literature review, we discovered that investors’ perceptions play a central role in finalizing the direction of stock market returns. Regarding our empirical results, we tested whether weather variations influence the investment decisions of investors; we discovered that temperature and cloud cover significantly influences stock market returns. This is because of mood changes is associated with weather conditions variations. However, sunshine per our regression coefficient shows a statistically insignificant impact on investors’ investment choices. Precipitation to a large extend influence stock market activities further affecting its results negatively as our regression results depicted. We concluded stock brokerage firms, companies and investors (foreign/local) must incorporate weather changes/effects when strategizing about their investment outcomes.
Snails as Taxis for a Large Yeast Biodiversity

Yeasts are unicellular fungi that harbour a large biodiversity of thousands of species, of which particularly ascomycetous yeasts are instrumental to human food and beverage production. There is already a large body of evidence showing that insects play an important role for yeast ecology, for their dispersal to new habitats and for breeding and overwintering opportunities. Here, we sought to investigate a potential role of the terrestrial snails Cepaea hortensis and C. nemoralis, which in Europe are often found in association with human settlements and gardens, in yeast ecology. Surprisingly, even in a relatively limited culture-dependent sampling size of over 150 isolates, we found a variety of yeast genera, including species frequently isolated from grape must such as Hanseniaspora, Metschnikowia, Meyerozyma and Pichia in snail excrements. We typed the isolates using standard ITS-PCR-sequencing, sequenced the genomes of three non-conventional yeasts H. uvarum, Meyerozyma guilliermondii and P. kudriavzevii and characterized the fermentation performance of these three strains in grape must highlighting their potential to contribute to novel beverage fermentations. Aggravatingly, however, we also retrieved several human fungal pathogen isolates from snail excrements belonging to the Candida clade, namely Ca. glabrata and Ca. lusitaniae. Overall, our results indicate that diverse yeasts can utilise snails as taxis for dispersal. This courier service may be largely non-selective and thus depend on the diet available to the snails.
Effects of pretreatments on separating the seed coat from the cotyledon of black bean

iii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS . iv DEDICATION . v LIST OF TABLES . x LIST OF FIGURES . xii LIST OF APPENDIX TABLES . xiv LIST OF APPENDIX FIGURES. xv INTRODUCTION . 1 LITERATURE REVIEW . 5 Background . 5 Morphology and Anatomy of Dry Bean Seed . 6 Seed Coat . 7 Cotyledon. 7 Embryo . 8 Macro Nutrients. 9 Carbohydrate . 9 Starch . 9 Non-Starch Polysaccharides . 10 Oligosaccharides . 11 Protein . 11 Lipids . 12 Micro Nutrients . 13 Vitamins. 13 Minerals . 13
Behavior of thirteen foodborne bacteria on whole Hass avocado and potential of roselle calyx extracts as alternative disinfectant agents of avocado

The behavior of thirteen foodborne bacteria onto whole Hass avocado and the antibacterial effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx extracts, sodium hypochlorite, acetic acid, and colloidal silver against foodborne bacteria on contaminated avocado were investigated. Avocados were inoculated with foodborne bacteria: Listeria monocytogenes, Shigella flexneri, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella Typhimurium, S. Typhi, S. Montevideo, Escherichia coli O157:H7, non-O157:H7-Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, enteropathogenic E. coli, enterotoxigenic E. coli, enteroinvasive E. coli, enteroaggregative E. coli, and Vibrio cholerae O1. The antibacterial effect of four roselle calyx extracts (water, methanol, acetone, and ethyl acetate), sodium hypochlorite, colloidal silver, and acetic acid against all foodborne bacteria were examined onto avocados. All foodborne bacteria successfully attached and survived onto avocado at least 20 days. The acetonic and methanolic roselle extracts caused a greater reduction (until 4-log10 in some cases) in the concentration of all foodborne bacteria than sodium hypochlorite, colloidal silver, and acetic acid on contaminated avocados. Practical applications Hass avocado have been associated with foodborne disease caused by Salmonella. The sodium hypochlorite and colloidal silver solution are widely used to disinfect fruit and vegetables in restaurants and home in Mexico. Even, the Health Secretariat of Mexico promotes their use as disinfectants of fruit and vegetables. However, a number of studies have shown that chemical agents used to eliminate pathogenic bacteria on fruits have a limited antimicrobial effect. Roselle calyx extracts are reported to have an antimicrobial effect. This study provides information on the significant impact of acetone and methanol roselle calyx extracts may be a potentially useful addition to disinfection procedures of avocado in the field and processing plants.
The combined impact of nanoemulsion based on commercial oils and vacuum packing on the fatty acid profiles of sea bass fillets

The effects of oil-in-water nanoemulsions using different commercial oils on the fatty acid composition of vacuum packed sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) fillets stored at 2 ± 2 °C were investigated. The highest SFA content was obtained from the control (21.89%) and among treated groups sunflower (20.13%) followed by olive group (19.90%) because of oxidation at the end of storage period. The total amount of MUFA were in the range of 36–41.52% during storage period. PUFA ranged from 19.31 to 30.11% in which EPA is present from 2.07 to 4.54% and DHA ranges from 2.58 to 7.07%. Hazelnut gave the highest PUFA content (24.35%), followed by canola (24.21%) and soybean (24.15%) at the end of storage since nanoemulsion and vacuum packing prevented the lipid oxidation. Application of nanoemulsion in combination with vacuum packing maintained the PUFA content of fish, especially hazelnut, canola, and soybean groups and can be used as a preservative for fish. Practical applications Lipid oxidation is undesirable in most foods because it causes to the development of undesirable off-flavors known as rancidity. This study indicated that both application of nanoemulsion and vacuum packing maintained the PUFA content of fish. Lipid oxidation process in fish meat may be retarded by the use of nanoemulsions which have potential as a preservative for fish oil.
Relational Needs Satisfaction Scale: 
reliability and validity study in Turkish

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Relational Needs Satisfaction Scale (RNSS) in Turkish, an inventory that was developed based on Erskines Relational Needs Model. Methods: The study was conducted on a sample of 561 people, which consisted of students from faculties of Medicine, Engineering, Law, Fine Arts, Health Sciences and Sports Sciences as well as employees from Faculty of Medicine in Kocaeli University. Reliability and validity analyses were conducted after analysis of the linguistic equivalence of the scale. The construct validity of the scale was investigated using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised (ECR-R), Scale of Dimensions of Interpersonal Relationships (SDIR) and Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) were utilized to test convergent validity. To evaluate the reliability of the scale, test-retest correlation, Cronbach alfa and total item correlation were calculated. Findings: The five-factor structure and the hierarchical model was confirmed via CFA. Levels of fit indices were sufficient and acceptable for both the five-factor model (χ2/df=2.03, RMSEA=0.048, CFI=0.928, TLI=0.914, NFI=0.911, IFI=0.921, AIC=464.211) and the hierarchical model (corrected) (χ2/df=2.05, RMSEA=0.048, CFI=0.924, TLI=0.912, IFI=0.925, AIC=468.610). Cron-bachs alpha reliability score was found to be 0.83, indicating that the internal consistency of the scale was high. The Turkish version of the scale contains 20 items just like the original one. Comparison of RNSS with ECR-R, SDIR and SCS revealed that convergent validity was ensured. Conclusion: In light of the findings, the Turkish version of the RNSS was concluded to be a reliable and valid measurement tool and it is suggested that it can be utilized in future research.
Dental Caries Experience and Associated Factors Among Brazilian Homeless Persons: A Cross-Sectional Study

˚ ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to evaluate the dental caries experience and its associated factors in homeless persons. A non-probabilistic sample of 176 participants (mean age 37.8 years) was included in this cross-sectional study. Interviews and clinical examinations were performed. Dental caries experience was recorded based on the decayed, missing and filled teeth-index (DMFT). The dental caries experience was observed among 98.9 % of participants (mean DMFT 11.0 – 6.95). Individuals in the (cid:210)Over 44 years(cid:211) age groups (PR = 1.4; 95 % CI = 1.1-1.6) and (cid:210)30 to 36 years(cid:211) (PR = 1.2; 95 % CI = 1.0 -1.4) had significantly higher caries experience. Individuals who do not brush or brush only 1x/day have 40 % and 20 % higher caries experience, respectively. Homeless persons had a high experience of dental caries, with significant tooth loss. Individuals in the advanced age groups, lack of income and non-achievement or low frequency of tooth brushing are factors associated with a greater experience of the disease in these individuals.
Preceding crop affects soybean aphid abundance and predator–prey dynamics in soybean

Crop rotations alter the soil environment and physiology of the subsequent crop in ways that may affect the abundance of herbivores and their natural enemies. Soybean aphids are a consistent pest of soybean throughout North America, but little work has focused on how preceding crops may affect pest–predator dynamics. In a replicated experiment over three years, we examined how two preceding crops (spring wheat or an oat/pea mixture) affected seasonal soybean aphid pressure and the ratio of aphids to their predator community. Peak aphid populations were reduced by 40% and 75% in years 1 and 2 by planting spring wheat before soybeans (relative to the oat–pea mixture). Aphid densities were unaffected by preceding crop in the third year of study (aphids were at threshold in this year). Predators responded positively to aphid population increases and were unaffected by preceding crops. Additional research on how crop rotations can be used as a tool to manage soybean aphids warrants further attention.
Basin-scale effects of small hydropower on biodiversity dynamics

Construction of small hydropower plants (<10 megawatts) is booming worldwide, exacerbating ongoing habitat fragmentation and degradation, and further fueling biodiversity loss. A systematic approach for selecting hydropower sites within river networks may help to minimize the detrimental effects of small hydropower on biodiversity. In addition, a better understanding of reach- and basin- scale impacts is key for designing planning tools. We synthesize the available information about (1) reach-scale and (2) basin-scale impacts of small hydro-power plants on biodiversity and ecosystem function, and (3) interactions with other anthropogenic stressors. We then discuss state-of-the-art, spatially explicit planning tools and suggest how improved knowledge of the ecological and evolutionary impacts of hydropower can be incorporated into project development. Such tools can be used to balance the benefits of hydropower production with the maintenance of ecosystem services and biodiversity conservation. Adequate planning tools that consider basin-scale effects and interactions with other stressors, such as climate change, can maximize long-term conservation.
A Study of Bacterial and Fungal Isolates of Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media with their Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern in Patients Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital

Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is a disease of multiple etiology and is known for its persistence and recurrence despite the treatment. The antibiotic resistance of the micro-organisms due to its inappropriate use make this potential dangerous condition difficult to treat. Hence the knowledge of the local epidemiology of the organism and its susceptibility to an antibiotic is essential to initiate an effective treatment. Objectives: 1. To study the bacterial and fungal isolates of Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM); 2. To study the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the isolates. The study was conducted among 100 cases with CSOM and 20 controls without CSOM attending ENT outpatient department at KIMS hospital for a duration of one year. The standard conventional method of isolation and identification was followed for isolating the organisms. The antibiogram for the isolates were determined using Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method. The data was analyzed using standard statistical package. Majority 30.0% among the cases with CSOM were in the age group of 21-30 yrs. 76.0% yielded single organism and 18.0% yielded multiple isolates. Among the cases with single isolates, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (44.7%) was the commonest isolate followed by Staphylococcus aureus (34.2%). Proteus mirabilis + Klebsiella oxytoca was the highest yielded (27.7%) isolate among the multiple isolates. Aspergillus species predominated the fungal isolates. 94.6% of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates was susceptible to piperacillin followed by 67.6% to Gentamycin and 58.5% to Ciprofloxacin. 90.0% of Staphylococcus aureus isolates were sensitive to Gentamycin and Cotrimoxazole followed by Ceftriaxone (87.8%) and 66.6% were sensitive to penicillin. Among all the drugs, gentamycin was found be the effective drug for majority of the bacterial isolates. The study suggests that the common etiological agents for CSOM were Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aspergillus niger. Gentamycin was the most sensitive drug for treatment of CSOM.
Body temperature changes in wild-living badgers Meles meles through the winter

In central Norway, the body temperatures of two wild-living badgers Meles meles, one male and one female, were recorded in the morning and evening from early November to late March using an implanted temperature-sensitive radio transmitter. The external ambient and internal sett temperatures were also recorded. Both badgers showed a general decrease in their mean daily body temperature from early November until the second half of December, followed by a general increase until the beginning of March. The reduction in body temperature for both animals was around 2–3 °C. The female spent most of the winter under a building, in a crawl space where the internal temperature varied from +4°C to -11°C, being strongly influenced by the external ambient temperature. The male spent the winter in a natural sett where the temperature was rather constant (+2–5°C), and where the external ambient temperature had little influence on the internal sett temperature. However, the external ambient temperature only accounted for 11 and 12% of the observed body temperature variations in the male and female, respectively. When the length of daylight was compared with the body temperatures, it was found to account for 60 and 30% of the variations in the male and female temperatures, respectively. Thus, the data indicate that the photoperiod, at its minimum at the winter solstice, acted as the primary synchroniser of the body temperature cycle in the badgers during their winter lethargy.
Genetics of Obesity and Diabetes in the IRAS Family Study

The prevalence of diabetes and obesity in the United States and abroad makes these common diseases a leading health concern. Research involving the discovery of genes contributing to these diseases is great public health importance. Identification of a gene and/or genes that contribute to the phenotypic variance of obesity and/or glucose homeostasis traits measured in this study could lead to better methods of treatment of these disorders. The population that was used in this study was the Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis (IRAS) Family Study, which is a multi-center, multi-ethnic population study that examines the genetic contributions to insulin resistance and obesity. Linkage and subsequent candidate gene analysis was performed on 699 African-American individuals from 42 families searching for regions linked to insulin resistance and obesity phenotypes. While the region on chromosome 6 continued to show linkage, the region on chromosome 5 decreased slightly. Candidate gene analysis of the regions on chromosomes 5 and 6 was performed in order to further investigate these linkage regions. Two genes, E2F3 and CDKAL1, on chromosome 6 showed significant associations with subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT). In E2F3, SNPs rs4710930 and rs6939190, were associated with SAT [Genotypic means: 1/1 (18.62(342)), 1/2 (17.01(142)), 2/2 (17.52(17))]; [1/1 (18.69(353)), 1/2 (17.12(149)), 2/2 (18.48(15))] (p-value=0.0005; 0.002). In addition, CDKAL1 SNP rs9350270 was associated with BMI, WHR, SAT, VAT and waist with the most important association being SAT (p-value=0.008) [Genotypic means: 1/1 (17.59(224)), 1/2 (18.75(243)), 2/2 (17.88(47))]. As noted, the genotypic means show an increase in SAT with an increase in copies of the risk allele. The gene from the chromosome 5 candidate gene analyses that had the most evidence of association with insulin sensitivity, the trait of interest, and the other traits measured was GHR. SI was associated with SNPs rs6870962 (p-value=0.009) [Genotypic means: 1/1 (1.57(400)), 1/2 (1.86(81)), 2/2 (1.94(10))], and rs6883523 (p-value=0.009) [Genotypic means: 1/1 (1.68(371)), 1/2 (1.49(114)), 2/2 (0.82(9))]. In summary, regions that were linked to obesity and glucose homeostasis traits were evaluated for linkage and association. Genes identified within these regions showed various levels of evidence for association with the traits of interest and are candidates for further study.
European trade and projections in forest-based feed-stocks

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to estimate the intra EU trade value of wood products and examine the factors affecting the trade flow. A gravity model is used to estimate the factors affecting the trade flow. The study uses a panel data set, with fixed effects, on trade in two forest products between 28 EU member countries over the period 2005–2014. The forest products are woodchips and particles (HS4401) and industrial roundwood (HS4403). For HS4401, the result suggests that the GDP of both the exporting and importing countries affect the trade flow positively (0.64 and 0.36, respectively). For HS4403, the GDP of the exporting countries affect have a negative effect (−0.69), while the GDP of the importing countries have a positive effect (0.80). In a second step, the estimated parameters are used to forecast the trade up until year 2030. The forecast suggests an increase in the trade by 47 per cent. This suggests an improved efficiency in reaching the EU climate and energy targets. That is, the trade in biofuels is expected to increase due to economic growth, which in turn works towards achieving the renewable and CO2 emission targets in Europe.
Reexamining the MJO Moisture Mode Theories with Normalized Phase Evolutions

A normalization method is applied to MJO-scale precipitation and column integrated moist static energy (MSE) anomalies to clearly illustrate the phase evolution of MJO. It is found that the MJO peak phases do not move smoothly, rather they jump from the original convective region to a new location to its east. Such a discontinuous phase evolution is related to the emerging and developing of new congestus convection to the east of the preexisting deep convection. While the characteristic length scale of the phase jump depends on a Kelvin wave response, the associated time scale represents the establishment of an unstable stratification in the front due to boundary layer moistening. The combined effect of the aforementioned characteristic length and time scales determines the observed slow eastward phase speed. Such a phase evolution characteristic seems to support the moisture mode theory of the second type that emphasizes the boundary layer moisture asymmetry, because the moisture mode theory of the first type, which emphasizes the moisture or MSE tendency asymmetry, might favor more “smooth” phase propagation. A longitudinal-location-dependent premoistening mechanism is found based on moisture budget analysis. For the MJO in the eastern Indian Ocean, the premoistening in front of the MJO convection arises from vertical advection, whereas for the MJO over the western Pacific Ocean, it is attributed to the surface evaporating process.