Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Franchisee’s entrepreneurial orientation dimensions and performance. Evidence from France

ABSTRACT Franchisee’s performance has been frequently positively related to entrepreneurial orientation (EO), but the EO is a multidimensional concept and the interest of the literature on the dimensionality of entrepreneurial orientation in franchising is relatively recent. Consequently, one crucial issue that has not been addressed in previous research is the identification of the EO dimensions that most contribute to franchisee’s performance. The present study attempts to identify which entrepreneurial orientation dimension(s) are most relevant for differentiating franchisees by their relative performance. Our research pursues this objective with a segmentation methodology and identifying segments of heterogeneous franchisees that differ significantly regarding their performance as well as the dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation. Knowing better their franchisees’ EO, franchisors can select, support and train them bearing in mind the superior contribution of some dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation in comparison to others to improve franchisee’s performance.
PLFA and enzyme activities to assess the impact of shrub canopy and residue type on microbial community during shrub decomposition in semi-arid Senegal.

In semi-arid Senegal two shrubs dominate in farmers’ fields, Guiera senegalensis and Piliostigma reticulatum, which are coppiced and burned prior to crop planting. The interactions of these shrubs with the microbial communities are uninvestigated. Our objective was to determine the influence of shrub rhizosphere and residue chemistry on the microbial community during the decomposition process. The experimental design was a 2X3 factorial design with two soil treatments (beneath and outside the influence of the shrub) and three residue amendments (leaf, leaf+stem and control). The samples were incubated in laboratory conditions with destructive samplings at days 7, 14, 45, 75, or 105 after incubation. Shrub rhizosphere on the microbial communities was stronger than the residue type effect. The fungal biomarkers were more closely correlated than other microbial groups to residue chemistry. Furthermore, Gram-positive bacteria and the fungal markers 18:2ω6c and 18:1ω9c were highly correlated with both cellulase and β-glucosidase activities. This study showed PLFA profiling of microbial communities was sensitive to temporal dynamics and residue amendments during residue decomposition and that correlation of PLFA markers with hydrolytic enzyme activities provides a means of inferring the functional role of microbial groups that dominate over time during decomposition.
Field pea cultivar and weed response to crop seed rate in western Canada

Weed competition is a serious limitation to field pea (Pisum sativum L.) production. Trials were conducted in northeastern Saskatchewan to determine the effects of field pea growth habit, stand density and herbicide treatments on weed growth and on field pea stand and yield. Century, a long-stem leafy type, Tipu, a long-stem semi-leafless type, and Express, a short-stem leafy type, were seeded at 6, 12, 25, 50 and 100 seeds m−2. Some of each cultivar was unsprayed sprayed with a sethoxydim-metribuzin tank-mix for control of grass and broadleaf weeds. Field pea growth habit (cultivar) did not affect number of weeds, but increasing stand density (seed rate) reduced weed numbers in all 3 yr. Express reduced above-ground dry matter production of broadleaf weeds in 1988 and 1991. Increasing seed rate reduced above-ground dry matter production of weeds in all 3 yr. Field pea yield increased with increasing seed rate to a rate between 50 and 100 seeds m−2. Herbicide application reduced weed dry matter production.
Patrones de distribución de las Naucoridae argentinas (Hemiptera: Heteroptera)

N ABSTRACT. Distributional patterns of Argentinean species of Naucoridae were analyzed. Based on a track analysis of 23 species, five generalized tracks were found: (1) northwestern-central Argentina (Jujuy, Salta, Tucuman, Catamarca, La Rioja, Cordoba, and San Luis provinces), determined by Ambrysus bergi Montandon, A. fucatus Berg, A. gemignanii De Carlo, A. ochraceus Montandon, Limnocoris borellii Montandon, L. pectoralis Montandon and L. ovatulus Montandon; (2) northeastern-north Argentina-Mesopotamia (Jujuy, Salta, Formosa, Chaco, Santa Fe, Corrientes, and Entre Rios provinces), determined by Ambrysus kolla Lopez Ruf, Pelocoris binotulatus binotulatus (Stal), P. binotulatus nigriculus Berg and P. bipunctulus (Herrich-Shaffer); (3) northeastern-north Argentina (Corrientes, Formosa, Chaco y Tucuman provinces) and Paraguay, determined by Ctenipocoris schadei (De Carlo), Pelocoris politus Montandon, P. procurrens White, and Limnocoris minutus De Carlo; (4) northeastern Argentina (Corrientes and Misiones provinces), determined by Ambrysus acutangulus Montandon, A. attenuatus Montandon, Cryphocricos barozzii Signoret and C. vianai De Carlo; and (5) northeastern Argentina (Misiones y Corrientes provinces) and Brazil, determined by Ambrysus truncaticollis De Carlo, Limnocoris pusillus Montandon, Pelocoris magister Montandon, and P. subflavus Montandon. Three nodes were identified, one in northwestern Argentina (Yungas biogeographic province), in the intersection of generalized tracks 1 and 2 (A), and two in northeastern Argentina (Chaco and Parana Forest biogeographic provinces), in the intersections of generalized tracks 2, 3, and 4 (B) and 4 and 5 (C).
Preferential prey sharing among kin not found in the social huntsman spider, Delena cancerides (Araneae: Sparassidae)

Abstract Although the benefits of group foraging are important for evolution of sociality in spiders, the factors that influence group-level benefits of prey sharing in social spiders are still poorly understood. In the unusual transitional social spider Delena cancerides Walckenaer 1837 (Sparassidae), prey sharing almost certainly occurs occasionally among non-kin in the wild, and so we tested the effects of kin relationships and familiarity on the amount of prey consumed in this species. To determine whether the amount of prey sharing increased with relatedness or with familiarity, we fed treatment groups containing spiderlings of varying relatedness and familiarity a single prey item and measured the amount of weight gained by sharing groups. We found no effect of relatedness or familiarity on the amount of prey consumed by prey-sharing groups of D. cancerides. Increased duration of sharing, number and age of the spiders involved, and size of the prey item all increased the amount of prey consumed. The benefits of prey sharing in this species likely overwhelm any possible inclusive fitness benefits derived from kin discrimination in this highly outbred social spider. Hence, we reject the hypothesis that groups of kin consumed proportionately larger amounts of prey biomass than groups of non-kin, as proposed by Schneider and Bilde in 2008 with Stegodyphus lineatus Latreille 1817 (Eresidae).
WINTER PREY SELECTION AND ESTIMATION OF WOLF KILL RATES IN YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, 1995–2000

Abstract Wolf (Canis lupus) impacts on prey are a central post-wolf-reintroduction issue in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem (GYE) of the western United States. Further, estimates of wolf kill rates, used to understand these impacts, can be biased due to unrecovered kills. In Yellowstone National Park (YNP), visibility of wolves allowed us to combine independent aerial and ground observations and use a double-count method to estimate the probability of recovering kills. We consequently used these data to adjust estimates of wolf kill rates. We conducted monitoring annually from 1995 to 2000 during 2 30-day periods in early (15 Nov–14 Dec) and late winter (Mar). Estimated recovery rates of wolf kills for ground and aerial crews were 50% and 45%, respectively, although we determined that this varied by location (distance from road) and possibly age (calf or adult) of the kill. The estimated combined recovery rate was 73%. Estimated wolf kill rates were higher in late winter (2.2 kills/wolf/month) compared to early winter (1.6 kills/wolf/month), with an overall estimated rate of 1.9 kills/wolf/month. The primary prey of wolves in winter was elk (Cervus elaphus; 90%). During our study, 43% of the elk killed were calves, 28% were adult females (cows), 21% were adult males (bulls), and 9% were of unknown age/sex. Comparing prey selection to prey availability, wolf packs residing on the northern range (NR) of the GYE selected for calves, against cows, and approximately proportional to availability for bulls. Prey use was different for wolf packs occupying the NR compared to packs residing in other areas (non-northern range [NNR]) and varied seasonally for NR packs. Variation in wolf kill rates by season, and the relative stability of the northern Yellowstone elk herd during a series of mild winters despite increases in wolf density, suggest that kill rates and ultimately elk population size are influenced by winter weather. Management of ungulates should reflect the addition of wolves combined with the unpredictability of winter weather in the mountainous terrain of the western United States.
A NEW MONTANE SPECIES OF THE GENUS Pareas WAGLER, 1830 (SQUAMATA: PAREATIDAE) FROM NORTHERN MYANMAR

A new species of the genus Pareas is described from northern Myanmar. It differs from all other known species of the genus by coloration, which is mainly uniform, and its size (one of the largest species in the genus). Furthermore it is characterized by a low number of supralabials (six), a loreal that touches the orbit, presence of a presubocular and absence of a preocular. The new species was found at an elevation of 1890 m a.s. l. and is regarded as an inhabitant of high elevation mountainous areas.
The business models of small family wineries

PurposeThe business model plays a key role in the survival and success of any business. In the family business context, the business model includes more than purely economic variables, and it is vital to recognise and identify these for sound business decision-making. This empirical and grounded research clarifies the nature of the business model for small family wineries and, for the first time, specifies four key non-economic or socio-emotional wealth dimensions of the business models for these enterprises.Design/methodology/approachThe nature of business models is identified by analysing qualitative data from in-depth interviews with decision-makers in small family wineries in Australia. This was done using an abductive approach that produces maps identifying the key dimensions of their business models.FindingsThis research supports the construct of socio-emotional wealth by clarifying the non-economic sources of value in these businesses, while not ignoring economic sources of value. In particular, this grounded study identifies “being special”, “tradition”, “relationships” and “control” as key dimensions of socio-emotional value.Research limitations/implicationsThis research provides empirical support for the emerging view that non-economic value should be incorporated into the business model construct. In particular, it specifies four key dimensions of socio-emotional wealth in the firm that are incorporated in a proposed empirical model of the business model of family wine businesses that is appropriate for further study. This research was carried out with cases in one industry that were as similar as possible to obtain robust findings and provides the basis for generalisation through replication in other industries and in other categories of family businesses.Practical implicationsThis research has significant practical implications associated with the concept of value. The particular dimensions of value as perceived by business owners need to be considered explicitly by business owners and advisors in their strategic and operational decision-making.Originality/valueSmall family wineries represent most enterprises operating in the global wine industry. This research study provides empirical support for the role of socio-emotional wealth, or the non-economic components, in their business models. In particular, this study specifies key dimensions for socio-emotional wealth, and the findings have conceptual as well as practical value.
Effects of spacing on contextual vocabulary learning: Spacing facilitates the acquisition of explicit, but not tacit, vocabulary knowledge

Studies examining decontextualized associative vocabulary learning have shown that long spacing between encounters with an item facilitates learning more than short or no spacing, a phenomenon known as distributed practice effect. However, the effect of spacing on learning words in context is less researched and the results, so far, are inconsistent. In this study, we compared the effect of massed and spaced distributions on second language vocabulary learning from reading. Japanese speakers of English encountered 48 novel vocabulary items embedded in informative English sentences, inferred their meanings from contexts, and received feedback in the form of English synonyms and Japanese translation equivalents. To test the hypothesis that the effects of spacing might differentially affect the development of explicit or tacit word knowledge, spacing effects were measured using semantic priming as well as a meaning recall and a meaning–form matching posttest. Results showed an advantage of spaced over massed learning on the meaning recall and meaning–form matching posttests. However, a similar semantic priming effect was observed irrespective of whether an item was encountered in the massed or spaced distribution. These results suggest that the spacing effect holds in contextual word learning for the development of explicit vocabulary knowledge, but massing appears to be as effective as spacing for the acquisition of tacit semantic knowledge.
Worker reproduction in mixed-species colonies of honey bees

To explore reasons for the unusually high rates of worker ovary activation in Apis cerana, we investigated the reproductive physiology of workers in conspecific and mixed-species colonies of A. cerana and its sibling species Apis mellifera under queenright and queenless conditions. In both queenless and queenright conspecific colonies, the proportion of A. cerana workers with activated ovaries was significantly greater than the proportion of A. mellifera workers with activated ovaries. Apis cerana workers showed significantly greater ovary activation in queenright mixed-species colonies than in conspecific queenright colonies. Moreover, there was significantly greater ovary activation in A. cerana workers in mixed-species colonies headed by A. mellifera queens than A. mellifera workers in mixed-species colonies headed by A. cerana queens. Apis mellifera workers in conspecific queenless colonies showed significantly greater ovary activation than those in mixed-species queenless colonies. Quantification of the chemical components of mandibular gland pheromones of queens of the 2 species showed that they are similar. Combined, our results show that queen signals have been preserved between the 2 species and that workers respond to the heterospecific signals from queens. However, despite the similarity in the queen mandibular gland fatty acid secretions between the 2 species, workers respond differentially toward hetero- and conspecific queens. Copyright 2009, Oxford University Press.
Traditional Agroforestry Systems and Conservation of Native Plant Diversity of Seasonally Dry Tropical Forests

Traditional agroforestry systems (TAFS), which integrate crops with wildlife, are important reservoirs of human culture and technical experiences with a high capacity for biodiversity conservation. Our study aimed to evaluate the capacity of TAFS to conserve the floristic diversity of tropical dry forests (TDF) in the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley, Mexico. We compared TAFS and TDF by measuring their forest cover, floristic composition, and structure, in addition to documenting the motivations of people to maintain native vegetation in their agricultural fields. We conducted a restricted randomized sampling of perennial plant species, including nine sites of TAFS and nine of TDF to determine the alpha, beta, and gamma diversity. Furthermore, we conducted semi-structured interviews with peasants who managed the agricultural plots we studied. We also performed workshops with people of the communities where surveys were performed. Our findings show that TAFS can maintain, on average, 68% of the species (95% of them native to the region) and 53% of the abundance of individuals occurring in the adjacent TDF. TAFS harbour 30% (39 species) of plants endemic to Mexico. Total species richness of TDF and TAFS were similar, as well as the effective number of species or communities estimated for the alpha, beta, and gamma diversity, but differed in the abundance of individuals. The high species turnover recorded in TDF (72%) and TAFS (74%) has profound implications for conservation, suggesting that it would be necessary to maintain several sites in order to conserve the regional diversity of native vegetation. Material, non-material, and regulatory contributions were reported to be the reason that peasants take into account maintaining natural vegetation. TAFS associated with TDF in the region (also called “Apancles”) contain an important richness, diversity, and endemism of components of natural ecosystems, as well as provide multiple socio-ecological contributions. These systems could represent a viable alternative to reconcile biological conservation with social well-being.
Response of Four Market Classes of Dry Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) to Foramsulfuron, Isoxaflutole, and Isoxaflutole plus Atrazine Applied in Previous Years1

Three field trials were established from 2001 to 2003 in Ontario to determine the effect of foramsulfuron POST (35 and 70 g ai/ha), isoxaflutole PRE (105 and 210 g ai/ha), and isoxaflutole plus atrazine PRE (105 + 1063 and 210 + 2126 g ai/ha) applied in the previous years to field corn on cranberry, black, kidney, and white (navy) bean. Foramsulfuron residues did not cause visible injury, or reductions in shoot dry weight or yield of dry bean 1 yr after application in corn. In contrast, visual injury across the four market classes varied from 4 to 37% 1 yr after application of isoxaflutole, and from 30 to 54% 1 yr after application of isoxaflutole plus atrazine. Isoxaflutole residues reduced shoot dry weight and yield as much as 81 and 44% in cranberry, 52 and 39% in black, 53 and 19% in kidney, and 42 and 19% in white bean, respectively. Isoxaflutole plus atrazine residues reduced shoot dry weight and yield as much as 87 and 64% in cranberry, 75 and 61% in black, 71 and 46% in kidney, and 65 and 33% in white navy bean, respectively. Injury was not detected regardless of market classes 2 yr after application of isoxaflutole alone or in tank mix with atrazine. Based on these results, it is recommended that none of the market classes of dry bean tested in this study should be grown 1 year after an application of isoxaflutole or isoxaflutole plus atrazine. A recropping interval of 2 years is currently recommended following applications of isoxaflutole or isoxaflutole plus atrazine for these market classes of dry bean. Nomenclature: Atrazine; foramsulfuron; isoxaflutole; corn, Zea mays L. ; dry bean, Phaseolus vulgaris L. Additional index words: Black bean, carryover, cranberry bean, foramsulfuron, isoxaflutole, kidney bean, white navy bean. Abbreviations: DAE, days after emergence; OM, organic matter; PRE, preemergence; POST, postemergence.
Predictors for the adoption of e-democracy: an empirical evaluation based on a citizen-centric approach

Purpose This study aims to explore the factors influencing the intention to use e-democracy. The literature depicted conflicting results regarding such domain and especially in the Middle East, where the authors aim at establishing a solid view of the discipline. Design/methodology/approach A research model was developed based on the theory of planned behavior, technology acceptance model and unified theory for acceptance and use of technology-2. The model hypothesized that perceived public value (PPV), ease of use and enjoyment are major antecedents of attitudes, and subjective norms (SNs), perceived behavioral control (PBC) and attitudes are significant predictors of behavioral intentions. A quantitative cross-sectional design was used. A questionnaire was used to explore Jordanian citizens’ perceptions regarding the research model constructs. A sample of 302 Jordanian citizens filled the surveys based on their awareness of e-democracy concepts and their willingness to participate in the study. This study uses the structural equation modeling approach with partial least square as an analysis method. Findings Findings indicated that PPV, perceived ease of use and enjoyment jointly determine the attitudes of citizens toward e-democracy. Results also suggest that attitudes, PBC and SNs have a significant effect on citizen’s intention to use e-democracy. Finally, this research supported the role of enjoyment as the most significant determinant of citizen’s attitude toward using e-democracy. Research limitations/implications This study is limited by its small sample size and newly developed Arabic instrument. Still, results imply that more research is needed to replicate and validate the instrument and support the role of the selected research constructs. Public institutions are required to make e-democracy applications enjoyable and easy to use. They also need to demonstrate its value to the public. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the few studies to explore e-democracy and the first to conduct an empirical study (survey-based) in Jordan. The foundation of the study depended on three robust theories in the technology adoption theories.
Impact of Cognitive Distractions on Drivers’ Hazardous Event Anticipation and Mitigation Behavior in Vehicle–Bicycle Conflict Situations

Vehicle–bicycle collisions are increasing alarmingly. A recent study shows that cognitively distracted drivers who are glancing on the forward roadway are also less likely to glance toward areas for potential vehicle–bicyclist conflicts. But this study did not determine whether cognitively distracted drivers who did glance toward the appropriate area were as likely to process the information as drivers who were not cognitively distracted. Evidence that drivers who were cognitively distracted and glanced toward the bicyclist were not as likely to process the information could be inferred either from shorter fixations in the area where a bicyclist could appear or from smaller reductions in the speed of their vehicle to mitigate a potential conflict. This study intends to add to previous results by examining only glance and vehicle behaviors of participants who glance toward the latent hazardous events involving bicyclists. Specifically, the durations of the glances toward the latent hazardous events of participants who are and are not cognitively distracted are compared as well as their velocity while approaching the potential strike zones. Two groups of 20 participants (one distracted, one not distracted) each drove through seven scenarios on a fixed-based driving simulator while their eye movements were continuously tracked using an eye tracker. Analysis of the participants’ longest glance duration toward the latent hazardous events indicated that distracted drivers made shorter glances toward the latent hazardous events when compared with their non-distracted counterparts. However, there was no difference in vehicle velocity between distracted and non-distracted drivers near the potential strike zones.