Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Board Diversity, CEO Characteristics, and Board Committees on Financial Performance in the Case of Romanian Companies

This paper examines the impact of board diversity, CEO characteristics, and board committees on the financial performance of the companies listed on the Bucharest Stock Exchange (BSE). In order to test the influence of these characteristics, detailed data on more than 70 firms are collected by hand, for the 2016–2020 period, and comprehensive regression models are estimated. The findings show that there are positive effects of board diversity especially with regard to the independent board members. In terms of the board committees, the audit committee is found to have a favourable influence. The regression coefficients imply that a 10% increase in the share of independent board members would be associated with a 0.93% increase in ROE. Based on these findings, it can be argued that improving the corporate governance practices of the companies listed on the BSE would increase the performance and the value of these firms.
The Effect of Hydrochloric Acid Solution and Glycerol on The Mechanical, Hydrate Properties and Degradation Rate of Biofilm from Ripe Banana Peels

Banana peel is a biomass waste that has not been utilised optimally, despite its high starch content. Moreover, starch has potential as a raw material for biofilm or edible film production. This research focused on using the starch content from the mature banana peel to create a biofilm. Starch was extracted from the banana peel; then, it was hydrolyzed with a variation of hydrochloric acid solution (HCl) of 0.5 M (0, 2, 4 %-v/v Starch). Glycerol (0, 20, 40 %-w/w starch) was used as a plasticizer. It was found that the formulation of 4%-v/v HCl solution and glycerol 20%-w/w resulted in the highest biofilm’s tensile strength of 4.18 MPa. However, the elongation break percentage achieved the best result at 20,2% when the formulation of 0%-v/v HCl solution and 40%-w/w glycerol was applied. Increasing HCl solution and glycerol was proven to improve the biofilm’s solubility in the water, where 47.9% solubility was attained in the formulation of 40%-w/w glycerol and 4%-v/v HCl solution. The degradation rate of biofilm in the soil was measured using zero- and first-order kinetic rates. The zero-order resulted in the best model with a half-life time (t1/2) between 73 to 108 days.
Microstructural Characterization of a 1200 MPa Complex-Phase Steel

The demand for new advanced high strength steels (AHSS) has been increasing in the last few decades. A large part of this demand comes from automotive companies. We have produced a new complex-phase (CP) steel with 1200 MPa of mechanical resistance and 8% of elongation, called CP1200. In this paper the dilatometric and microstructural characterization of a newly produced CP1200 steel is presented. The new steel was produced by making changes to the heat treatment of the already industrially available CP1100. The microstructure was quantified using light optical microscopy (LOM) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). The microstructure of both steels was compared to identify the origin of the mechanical properties improvement. A new microstructure distribution, with higher amount of bainite and smaller concentration of ferrite and martensite was identified.
Computational Evaluation of a Transonic Laminar-Flow Wing Glove Design

Computational Evaluation of a Transonic Laminar-Flow Wing Glove Design. (May 2012) Matthew William Roberts, B.S., Kansas State University Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Helen Reed The aerodynamic benefits of laminar flow have long made it a sought-after attribute in aircraft design. By laminarizing portions of an aircraft, such as the wing or empennage, significant reductions in drag could be achieved, reducing fuel burn rate and increasing range. In addition to environmental benefits, the economic implications of improved fuel efficiency could be substantial due to the upward trend of fuel prices. This is especially true for the commercial aviation industry, where fuel usage is high and fuel expense as a percent of total operating cost is high. Transition from laminar to turbulent flow can be caused by several different transition mechanisms, but the crossflow instability present in swept-wing boundary layers remains the primary obstacle to overcome. One promising technique that could be used to control the crossflow instability is the use of spanwiseperiodic discrete roughness elements (DREs). The Flight Research Laboratory (FRL) at Texas A&M University has already shown that an array of DREs can successfully delay transition beyond its natural location in flight at chord Reynolds numbers of 8.0×10 6 . The next step is to apply DRE technology at Reynolds numbers between 20×10 6 and 30×10 6 , characteristic of transport aircraft. NASA’s Environmentally Responsible Aviation Project has sponsored a transonic laminar-flow wing glove experiment further exploring the capabilities of DRE technology. The experiment will be carried out jointly by FRL, the NASA Langley Research Center, and the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center. Upon completion of a wing glove design, a thorough computational evaluation was necessary to determine if the design can meet the experimental requirements. First, representative CAD models of the testbed aircraft and wing glove were created. Next, a computational grid was generated employing these CAD models. Following this step, full-aircraft CFD flowfield calculations were completed at a variety of flight
ANALYSIS OF CLIMATIC VARIABILITY AT HEAVY RAINFALL ZONE OF SOUTH GUJARAT

1. The present study was carried out by using the 32 years (1980-2011) daily meteorological data of Agro meteorological observatory, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat (20° 57′ N latitude, 72° 54′ E longitude and 10 m AMSL) and 22 years (1990-2011) daily meteorological data of Agro meteorological observatory, Regional cotton research station Maktampur, Navsari Agricultural University, Bharuch, Gujarat (22° N latitude, 73° 5′ E longitude and 16.5 m AMSL). Navsari station comes under South Gujarat heavy rainfall zone while Bharuch station falls under South Gujarat zone. The daily weather data were utilized for preparing daily, weekly and monthly averages. The monthly averages of weather parameters were analyzed to determine climatic trend. The climatic study was analyzed by calculating the mean, standard deviation (SD), coefficient of variations (CV). The significant test (t) for all the weather parameters have also been carried out.
In Silico Investigation of Propolis Compounds as Potential Neuroprotective Agent

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by several factors, namely neuroinflammation, neuronal apoptosis, and low levels of neurotransmitter Acetylcholine. MAPK14, TNF-α, IL-1β, and NF-KB are proteins that are directly involved in the neuroinflammatory signaling pathway. Caspase3 is involved in neuronal apoptosis, and AChE act as a neurotransmitter breakdown catalyst. In this study, docking analysis of propolis compounds was successfully done against six proteins related neurodegenerative. The results show that 18 compounds of propolis have a better binding affinity than standard drugs (donepezil, huperzine A, fostamatinib, and amrinone). For AChE, only isoetin has a lower binding affinity than donepezil. Isoetin was also observed to inhibit the Caspase3, MAPK14, NF-kB, and TNF-α. In silico prediction of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeant revealed that three propolis compounds could pass the BBB, they are isoetin; 5,7,8,3′,4′-pentamethoxy flavone; and flavenochromane C. 5,7,8,3′,4′-pentamethoxy flavone can strongly bind to NF-kB and TNF-α, while Flavenochromane C potentially inhibits MAPK14, NF-kB, and TNF-α better than standard drugs. These compounds are firstly reported as neuroprotective agents. They can be further explored and could be used as a backbone molecule to develop a new treatment for neurodegenerative diseases.
Income-Related Mortality Inequalities and Its Social Factors among Middle-Aged and Older Adults at the District Level in Aging Seoul: An Ecological Study Using Administrative Big Data

This study investigated income-related health inequality at sub-national level, focusing on mortality inequality among middle-aged and older adults (MOAs). Specifically, we examined income-related mortality inequality and its social factors among MOAs across 25 districts in Seoul using administrative big data from the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS). We obtained access to the NHIS’s full-population micro-data on both incomes and demographic variables for the entire residents of Seoul. Slope Index of Inequality (SII) and Relative Index of Inequality (RII) were calculated. The effects of social attributes of districts on SIIs and RIIs were examined through ordinary least squares and spatial regressions. There were clear income-related mortality gradients. Cross-district variance of mortality rates was greater among the lowest income group. SIIs were smaller in wealthier districts. Weak spatial correlation was found in SIIs among men. Lower RIIs were linked to lower Gini coefficients of income for both genders. SIIs (men) were associated with higher proportions of special occupational pensioners and working population. Lower SIIs and RIIs (women) were associated with higher proportions of female household heads. The results suggest that increasing economic activities, targeting households with female heads, reforming public pensions, and reducing income inequality among MOAs can be good policy directions.
Effect of Foot Orthoses in Children With Symptomatic Flexible Flatfoot Based on Ultrasonography of the Ankle Invertor and Evertor Muscles

Objective To examine the changes in the cross-sectional area (CSA) ratio of the ankle invertors and evertors following rigid foot orthosis (RFO) application in children with symptomatic flexible flatfoot and to determine the correlation between the degree of change in CSA ratio and pain-severity after RFO application. Methods We included 24 children with symptomatic flexible flatfoot without comorbidities and measured the CSAs of tibialis anterior (TA), tibialis posterior (TP), and peroneus longus (PL) using ultrasonography, resting calcaneal stance position (RCSP) angle, calcaneal pitch (CP), Meary’s angle, talonavicular coverage angle, and talocalcaneal angle using radiography, and foot function index (FFI) at baseline and 12 months after RFO application. We analyzed 48 data by measuring both feet of 24 children. The CSA ratios, the ratio of CSA of each muscle to the sum of CSA of TA, TP, and PL, were also compared. Correlations between the degree of change in FFI, each muscle’s CSA ratio, RCSP angle, and radiographic measurements were investigated. Results Following RFO application, significant increase in the PL ratio and CP and significant decrease in the RCSP angle, FFI total, pain, and disability scores were observed. The degree of change in the total score, pain, and disability score of FFI were significantly correlated with the degree of change in the PL ratio and RCSP angle. Conclusion RFOs applied to children with symptomatic flexible flatfoot might reduce the compensatory activities of the ankle invertors, thereby increasing the PL ratio, and pain decreases as the PL ratio increases.
Development of glucose valves for metabolic engineering applications in E. coli

Microbial production platforms have extraordinary potential to help meet the energy, material and health needs of tomorrow. Through the reactions of cellular metabolism, microbes are an attractive option for the sustainable production of commodity and enantiopure specialty chemicals. One outstanding challenge, however, is the engineering of these systems for economic viability. As a solution to this issue, a metabolite valve is proposed: a biochemical device which may be used to dynamically redirect metabolite flux away from endogenous processes into production pathways.
A High-Efficiency W-Band Power Combiner Based on the TM₀₁ Mode in a Circular Waveguide

A high-efficiency W-band 12-way power combiner system based on the TM01 mode in a circular waveguide has been presented in this study. It is a radial structure composed of three elements: a circular waveguide TM01-mode transducer, an isolated 12-way radial power combiner, and amplifier modules. The measured passive combining efficiency is observed to be greater than 89.5% over the range of 85–100 GHz. The isolation between the inputs is better than 10 dB, with a maximum back-to-back return loss of 13 dB. By using 12 GaN monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) 2-W power amplifiers, the active combiner system produces a maximum power output of up to 22 W with an average combining efficiency of 81.7% within the band of 92–97 GHz. The power-added efficiency within the operating band has been measured to be up to 20.8%.
Effects of a Multimodal Sensory Stimulation Intervention on Glasgow Coma Scale Scores in Stroke Patients with Unconsciousness

Faozi, Ekan · Fadlilah, Siti · Dwiyanto, Yusup · Retnaningsih, Listyana Natalia · Krisnanto, Paulinus Deny · Sumarni Lecturer, Nursing Programme Study Universitas Kusuma Husada Surakarta, Indonesia Lecturer, Nursing Programme Study Universitas Respati Yogyakarta, Indonesia Postgraduate Student, Magister Nursing Programme Study Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta, Indonesia Lecturer, Nursing Programme Study Poltekkes Kemenkes Semarang, Indonesia
Antioxidative Effect of Sage (Salvia officinalis L.) Macerate as “Green Extract” in Inhibiting the Oxidation of Fish Oil

The aim of the study was to assess the antioxidant effect of concentrated oil macerate of sage (M) as a “green extract” in inhibiting the oxidation of Fish Oil (FO). In the homogenization-assisted maceration process, FO was used as a solvent for the sage active substances to produce M, which was then added to FO (25% w/w) and evaluated for its effect by monitoring the level of oxidation during refrigerated and room temperature storage. The macerate also examined polyphenols, plant pigments, DPPH antioxidant potential, oxidation level and sensory quality. It was shown that the maceration process made it possible to obtain aromatized M, containing polyphenols (carnosic acid, carnosol) and pigments, but with an increased level of peroxides, free fatty acids, compared to the control oil. M showed antioxidant properties and inhibited FO oxidation. It showed the best efficiency in FO during refrigerated storage, in the third month it reduced the level of peroxides by about 9 times, compared to the control. M retains unchanged quality at refrigerated temperature for up to 3 months. Sage macerates are “green extracts” that can be used as effective natural antioxidant additives, following preparation improvements to reduce the amount of peroxide formed.
Effects of Boron Application and Gamma Ray Irradiation On Yield of Sugar Beet (Beta Vulgaris L.) Grown in Sandy Soil

Effects of boron as an essential nutrient for sugar beet along with gamma irradiation was traced under field conditions. Data demonstrated that the fresh and dry root yields of sugar beet significantly increased with the increase either gamma dose or boron levels comparing to the non-irradiated and born-untreated plants. It seems that root dry weight tended to increase gradually with increasing gamma dose 0 to 100 Gy, then tended to decrease with 200 Gy dose but it still increased with gradual increases of boron levels. In this regard, the best value of root dry weight was achieved with 100 Gy dose interacted with 2.40 kg/ ha of boron addition. On the other hand, plants exposed to 50 Gy and treated with 2.40 kg/ ha reflected the highest shoot dry matter yield compared to other treatments. Relatively, this treatment increased shoot dry weight by about one fold, two folds and near to two folds for the same sequence. Behavior of NPK uptake by shoots has the same trend. Plants irradiated with 100 Gy together with 2.40 kg boric acid ha-1 yielded the highest total soluble solids (TSS%) and produced the best per cent of sucrose. Bangladesh J. Bot. 50(4): 1041-1049, 2021 (December)
Production and Properties of Microbial Polyhydroxyalkanoates Synthesized from Hydrolysates of Jerusalem Artichoke Tubers and Vegetative Biomass

One of the major challenges in PHA biotechnology is optimization of biotechnological processes of the entire synthesis, mainly by using new inexpensive carbon substrates. A promising substrate for PHA synthesis may be the sugars extracted from the Jerusalem artichoke. In the present study, hydrolysates of Jerusalem artichoke (JA) tubers and vegetative biomass were produced and used as carbon substrate for PHA synthesis. The hydrolysis procedure (the combination of aqueous extraction and acid hydrolysis, process temperature and duration) influenced the content of reducing substances (RS), monosaccharide contents, and the fructose/glucose ratio. All types of hydrolysates tested as substrates for cultivation of three strains—C. necator B-10646 and R. eutropha B 5786 and B 8562—were suitable for PHA synthesis, producing different biomass concentrations and polymer contents. The most productive process, conducted in 12-L fermenters, was achieved on hydrolysates of JA tubers (X = 66.9 g/L, 82% PHA) and vegetative biomass (55.1 g/L and 62% PHA) produced by aqueous extraction of sugars at 80 °C followed by acid hydrolysis at 60 °C, using the most productive strain, C. necator B-10646. The effects of JA hydrolysates on physicochemical properties of PHAs were studied for the first time. P(3HB) specimens synthesized from the JA hydrolysates, regardless of the source (tubers or vegetative biomass), hydrolysis conditions, and PHA producing strain employed, exhibited the 100–120 °C difference between the Tmelt and Tdegr, prevailing of the crystalline phase over the amorphous one (Cx between 69 and 75%), and variations in weight average molecular weight (409–480) kDa. Supplementation of the culture medium of C. necator B-10646 grown on JA hydrolysates with potassium valerate and ε-caprolactone resulted in the synthesis of P(3HB-co-3HV) and P(3HB-co-4HB) copolymers that had decreased degrees of crystallinity and molecular weights, which influenced the porosity and surface roughness of polymer films prepared from them. The study shows that JA hydrolysates used as carbon source enabled productive synthesis of PHAs, comparable to synthesis from pure sugars. The next step is to scale up PHA synthesis from JA hydrolysates and conduct the feasibility study. The present study contributes to the solution of the critical problem of PHA biotechnology—finding widely available and inexpensive substrates.
Computational Biophysical Modeling of the Radiation Bystander Effect in Irradiated Cells

It is well known that ionizing radiation can cause damages to cells that interact with it directly. However, many studies have shown that damages also occur in cells that have not experienced direct interaction. This is due to the so-called bystander effect, which is observed when the irradiated cell sends signals that can damage neighboring cells. Due to the complexity of this effect, it is not easy to strictly describe it biophysically, and thus it is also difficult to simulate. This article reviews various approaches to modeling and simulating the bystander effect from the point of view of radiation biophysics. In particular, the last model presented within this article is part of a larger project of modeling the response of a group of cells to ionizing radiation using Monte Carlo methods. The new approach presented here is based on the probability tree, the Poisson distribution of signals and the saturated dose-related probability distribution of the bystander effect’s appearance, which makes the model very broad and universal.
Advancing a Three-Tier Personality Framework for Posttraumatic Growth

Adversity has been assumed to foster positive personality change under certain conditions. In this article, we examine this assumption within the context of the three-tier personality framework integrating traits, characteristic adaptations, and narrative identity to provide a comprehensive understanding of personality growth. We first review findings on how adverse events affect personality on each of these three levels. Second, we summarize knowledge on event-based and person-based predictors of personality change in the face of adversity. Third, we specify affective, behavioral, and cognitive processes that explain personality change across levels of personality. Innovatively, our proposed process model addresses change at all three levels of personality, as well as similarities and differences in processes across the levels. We conclude by discussing unresolved issues, asking critical questions, and posing challenging hypotheses for testing this framework.
Parent–offspring and inter-offspring responses to conspecific versus heterospecific distress calls in 2 sympatric birds

Abstract Distress calls, as a type of alarm call, play important roles in expressing bodily condition and conveying information concerning predation threats. In this study, we examined the communication via distress calls in parent–offspring and inter-offspring interactions. First, we used playback of chick distress calls of 2 sympatric breeders, the vinous-throated parrotbill Sinosuthora webbiana and the oriental reed warbler Acrocephalus orientalis, to the adults/chicks of these 2 species, respectively, and measured the responses of conspecifics or heterospecifics. The playback-to-chicks experiment showed that both species of chicks reduced the number of begging calls and begging duration time as a response to conspecific/heterospecific distress calls compared with natural begging and background noise controls. However, reed warbler chicks also reduced beak opening frequency in the response to conspecific distress calls compared with other playback stimuli. Second, the results of the playback-to-adults experiment showed that reed warbler adults could eavesdrop on distress calls of conspecific neighbors and sympatric heterospecifics. Furthermore, the nest-leaving behavior of reed warblers did not differ significantly when they heard the distress calls of conspecifics or parrotbills. Finally, reed warbler adults responded to heterospecific distress calls more quickly than to conspecific distress calls, and parrotbill adults presented the same response. Our results supported the warn-kin hypothesis and show that chick distress calls play an important role in conveying risk and the condition of chicks to enhance individual fitness. In addition, we also found that eavesdropping on distress calls is a congenital behavior that begins in the chick stage.