Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Organizational Capabilities, Business Strategic Orientation, and Performance in Family and Non-family Businesses in a sub-Saharan African Economy

ABSTRACT The study compares the impact of the interactions between organizational capabilities and business strategic orientation on performance for micro and small family businesses (FBs) and non-family businesses (NFBs). We use data from 207 FBs and 293 NFBs from Ghana to test our hypotheses. The findings indicate that the impact of the interaction between managerial capabilities and cost strategy on performance was more beneficial for FBs than NFBs. Moreover, the influence of the interaction between marketing capabilities and cost leadership strategy on performance was more detrimental to FBs than NFBs. Furthermore, the impact of the interaction between marketing capabilities and differentiation strategy on performance was greater for NFBs than FBs. The findings show that while FBs benefit more by leveraging managerial capabilities to pursue the cost leadership strategy, NFBs benefit more by leveraging marketing capabilities to implement the differentiation strategy. Implications are discussed.
Enhancing IoT Security via Cancelable HD-sEMG-Based Biometric Authentication Password, Encoded by Gesture

Enhancing information security via reliable user authentication in wireless body area network (WBAN)-based Internet-of-Things (IoT) applications has attracted increasing attention. The noncancelability of traditional biometrics (e.g., fingerprint) for user authentication increases the privacy disclosure risks once the biometric template is exposed, because users cannot volitionally create a new template. In this work, we propose a cancelable biometric modality based on high-density surface electromyogram (HD-sEMG) encoded by hand gesture password, for user authentication. HD-sEMG signals (256 channels) were acquired from the forearm muscles when users performed a prescribed gesture password, forming their biometric token. Thirty four alternative hand gestures in common daily use were studied. Moreover, to reduce the data acquisition and transmission burden in IoT devices, an automatically generated password-specific channel mask was employed to reduce the number of active channels. HD-sEMG biometrics were also robust with reduced sampling rate, further reducing power consumption. HD-sEMG biometrics achieved a low equal error rate (EER) of 0.0013 when impostors entered a wrong gesture password, as validated on 20 subjects. Even if impostors entered the correct gesture password, the HD-sEMG biometrics still achieved an EER of 0.0273. If the HD-sEMG biometric template was exposed, users could cancel it by simply changing it to a new gesture password, with an EER of 0.0013. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to employ HD-sEMG signals under common daily hand gestures as biometric tokens, with training and testing data acquired on different days.
Association Between Benzodiazepine and Opioid Prescription and Mortality Among Patients in a Large Healthcare System

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text Objective: Coprescription of opioids and benzodiazepines (BDZ) is associated with adverse outcomes, including greater healthcare utilization and overdose risk. This study aims to examine opioid and BDZ coprescription, dosing, and mortality among patients with and without opioid use disorder (OUD) in a large healthcare system. Methods: Using data from the California state Prescription Drug Monitoring Program during 2010 to 2014 linked with a large healthcare system electronic health record database and mortality records from the Centers for Disease Control National Death Index, this study examined 5202 patients (1978 with OUD, 3224 controls). Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine relationships between most recent BDZ and opioid prescription, and their interaction with respect to mortality. Results: About 10.5% of the sample died on or before December 31, 2014. About 17.7% were prescribed BDZ during the final month of observation. Individuals with OUD were prescribed higher average BDZ and opioid doses than those without OUD. After adjusting for covariates, increased prescribed doses of BDZ (odds ratio [OR]=1.34, 95%CI: 1.15–1.55 per 10 mg/d increment) and opioids (OR = 1.04, 95%CI: 1.02–1.05 per 10 mg/d increment) were positively associated with mortality. Non-OUD patients who received both BDZ and opioid prescriptions had a higher mortality than those who received only BDZ or opioids (The ratio of odds ratio (ROR) = 3.83, 95%CI: 1.78–8.21). Conclusions: Study findings highlight significant mortality associated with the coprescription of opioids and BDZ in a general healthcare setting. Further research is needed to elucidate factors associated with mortality among non-OUD patients who are co-prescribed opioids and BDZ.
DISTAL TIBIAL RECONSTRUCTION WITH INTRAMEDULLARY NAIL COMBINED WITH T-PLATE FOLLOWING EN-BLOC-EXCISION OF GIANT CELL TUMOR OF DISTAL TIBIA: CASE-REPORT

Background: Giant cell tumor is locally aggressive benign tumor that occur more common in distal femur, proximal tibia, and distal radius, and has tendency for recurrence and has capability for metastatize. Giant cell tumor in foot ankle are rare, and comprise less than four percent of giant cell tumor of the bone. Case Report: A 33 years old man presented with complains of pain and swelling in right ankle since 6 months ago with no history of trauma. Physical examination revealed increasing swelling over the distal-posteromedial aspect of lower leg and limitation ankle movements due to pain. Routine blood investigations showed slight increase of alkaline phosphatase. X-ray and Magnetic Resonance Imaging showed the lesion with morphology suggestive of giant cell tumor. Histopathology examination showed multinucleated giant cells and spindle shaped of mononuclear cells suggestive of giant cell tumor. The patient was treated with en-bloc-excision followed with distal tibial reconstruction using reverse intramedullary tibial nail combined with T-plate (tibio-talar arthodesis). Discussion: The main treatment of giant cell tumor of the bone is surgical removal to achieve tumor-free by eradication of the tumor, with various surgical techniques for reconstructing the cavity left. In this case we performed distal tibial reconstruction using reverse intramedullary tibial nail combined with T-plate. Conclusion: The patient at 12-month follow up is doing well, walking comfortably without any pain, has no limitation in range of motion with no signs of recurrence and good MSTS score (90).
The Associations Between Internalized Racism, Racial Identity, and Psychological Distress

Internalized racism, or the acceptance of negative stereotypes about one’s own racial group, is associated with psychological distress; yet, few studies have explored the longitudinal impact of internalized racism on the psychological well-being of African American emerging adults. Furthermore, racial identity’s role as a protective factor in the context of internalized racism remains unclear. This study examined the longitudinal impact of internalized racism on psychological distress (depressive and anxiety symptoms) and the moderating role of racial identity beliefs among 171 African American emerging adults. Full cross-lagged panel models revealed no main effects of internalized racism beliefs on psychological distress. However, several racial identity beliefs moderated the relationship between internalized racism beliefs and changes in psychological distress over a year later. Initial levels of alteration of physical appearance, internalization of negative stereotypes, and hair change internalized racism beliefs were related to subsequent psychological distress, but only for those with certain levels of racial centrality, private regard, public regard, and assimilationist, humanist, and nationalist ideology beliefs. These findings suggest that, over time, internalized racism and racial identity beliefs can combine to influence the psychological well-being of African American emerging adults.
Determination of Physiochemical Qualities of Abattoir Effluent on Soil and Water in Gandu, Sokoto State

The effect of abattoir effluent on Gandu area of Sokoto State was examined for the physio-chemical properties during the rainy and dry season. The value pH, phosphate, Nitrate, nitrogen contents dissolved oxygen (DO), BOD, potassium, percentage calcium magnesium and electrical conductivity was determined. The pH of well water DO, dissolved oxygen and nitrate all fall below the WHO tolerance level for drinking water quality standard these parameters shows that the water is not fit for human animal consumption.
Risk-seeking or impatient? Disentangling variance and time in hazardous behaviors

Individual observations of risky behaviors present a paradox: individuals who take the most risks in terms of hazards (smoking, speeding, risky sexual behaviors) are also less likely to take risks when it comes to innovation, financial risks or entrepreneurship. Existing theories of risk-preferences do not explain these patterns. From a simple model, we argue that many decisions involving risk have a temporal dimension, and that this dimension is often the main determinant of individual choices. In many real life instances, risk taking amounts to damaging the individual's capital (whether embodied capital, financial capital, social reputation, etc.), which would affect her over a long period of time after the risky decision. In evolutionary terms, the marginal cost of this type of risky behavior depends on the relative importance of the future in the individual's fitness (e.g. her time horizon). Because the cost of a degradation of their capital will be paid for an effective shorter period of time, individuals with short time horizons will give less importance to this degradation. This approach explains patterns of behaviors observed across socio-economic groups and puts forward new approaches to prevent hazardous behaviors such as smoking.
Spread-F characteristics at the southern anomaly crest in South America during the descending phase of solar cycle 24

Ionospheric F-region irregularities can acutely affect navigation and communication systems. To develop predictive capabilities on their occurrence, it is key to understand their variabilities in a wide range of time scales. Previous studies at low latitudes in South America have been performed mostly for the eastern sector, and fewer efforts have been done in the Argentinian region. This work presents the analysis of the spread-F (range spread-F, frequency spread-F and strong spread-F) and plasma bubble occurrence characteristics near the southern crest of the Equatorial Ionization Anomaly (Tucumán, 26.8°S, 65.2°W; magnetic latitude 15.5°S). We used ionosonde and Global Positioning System (GPS) data from November 2014 to December 2019 for different solar and geomagnetic conditions. The data shows that spread-F and plasma bubble occurrence rates peak in summer and are minimum in equinox and winter, respectively. There is, usually, a negative correlation between each type of spread-F and solar activity, whereas the opposite happens for plasma bubbles. Geomagnetic activity suppresses the generation of spread-F in equinox and summer and enhances it in winter. Plasma bubble occurrence is higher during disturbed days than during quiet days, but under medium solar activity, summer months register more plasma bubbles in quiet conditions. Range spread-F observed in winter under low solar activity is not associated with plasma bubbles originated at the magnetic equator. These results contribute to the knowledge necessary to improve the prediction of the spatial and temporal distribution of the night-time ionospheric irregularities.
Distribution characteristics of different forms of nitrogen in surface sediments of Daya Bay

The authors separated different forms of nitrogen in the surface sediments of the Daya Bay by means of sequential extraction for the first time,and analyzed their contents,distribution characteristics and influencing factors.The results indicate that the content of total nitrogen is relatively high in the surface sediments,on average of 1 692.52 mg·kg-1,of which 1 341.11 mg·kg-1 is organic nitrogen(or 77.32%),and the rest,inorganic nitrogen.The averaged content of total transformable nitrogen in the surface sediments is 229.45 mg·kg-1.The content of nitrogen in strong-oxidant extractable form is the highest among all transformable nitrogen forms of the surface sediments,accounting for an average of 96.88%. Nitrogen in ion-exchangeable form,which can take part in nitrogen cycling most easily,is the predominant form of the transformable inorganic nitrogen,accounting for an average of 2.10%. Nitrogen in weak-acid extractable form or in strong-alkali extractable form only is a small part of the total transformable nitrogen,accounting for 0.57% or 0.44% on average,respectively.The contents of different forms of nitrogen at different sites are mainly influenced by terrigenous inputs,aquaculture pollution,and character of sediments,etc.
Environmental Heavy Metal Contamination in Some Selected Cocoa Plantations in Oyo State, Nigeria

The frequent use of copper-based pesticides for the control of cocoa pests and diseases by farmers in Oyo State, Nigeria has necessitated the determination of heavy metal contamination in soil samples obtained from randomly selected cocoa plantations in Longe, Abaagbo, Sikiti, Idi-Ope, Alaagba, and Idi-Ogun in the State. Presence and quantities of copper, chromium, cadmium, manganese, lead and zinc were assayed in the collected samples. Levels of contamination of each of the soil samples were also assessed using contamination factor, degree of contamination, index of geo-accumulation and pollution load index (PLI). Results obtained from the study revealed a gradual deterioration of the analyzed cocoa soils. The PLI values also gave an indication of pollution. Cocoa farmers in the State therefore need to be properly enlightened on the use of synthetic pesticides, and be encouraged to adopt integrated pest management practices that place less emphasis on the use of chemicals.
Effect of Aerobic Exercise-induced Weight Loss on the Components of Daily Energy Expenditure

ABSTRACT Introduction Exercise usually results in less weight loss than expected. This suggests increased energy intake and/or deceased expenditure counteract the energy deficit induced by exercise. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in components of daily energy expenditure (doubly labeled water and room calorimetry) after 24 wk of exercise training with two doses of aerobic exercise. Methods This was an ancillary study in 42 (29 women, 13 men) sedentary, middle-age (47.8 ± 12.5 yr) individuals with obesity (35 ± 3.7 kg·m−2) enrolled in the Examination of Mechanisms of Exercise-induced Weight Compensation study. Subjects were randomized to three groups: healthy living control group (n = 13), aerobic exercise that expended 8 kcal·kg−1 of body weight per week (8 KKW, n = 14), or aerobic exercise that expended 20 kcal per kilogram of weight per week (20 KKW, n = 15). Total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) was measured in free-living condition by doubly labeled water and in sedentary conditions in a metabolic chamber over 24 h (24EE). Energy intake was calculated over 14 d from TDEE before and after the intervention using the intake-balance method. Results Significant weight loss occurred with 20 KKW (−2.1 ± 0.7 kg, P = 0.04) but was only half of expected. In the 20 KKW group free-living TDEE increased by ~4% (P = 0.03), which is attributed to the increased exercise energy expenditure (P = 0.001), while 24EE in the chamber decreased by ~4% (P = 0.04). Aerobic exercise at 8 KKW did not induce weight change, and there was no significant change in any component of EE. There was no significant change in energy intake for any group (P = 0.53). Conclusions Structured aerobic exercise at a dose of 20 KKW produced less weight loss than expected possibly due to behavioral adaptations leading to reduced 24EE in a metabolic chamber without any change in energy intake.
Curing Behaviors for Phenolic Resin/Wood Flour System

Differential scanning calorimetry(DSC) was used to study the thermal behavior of phenolic resin/wood flour system by dynamic method.Curing reaction kinetic parameters was obtained by data processed by means of Kissinger method and set up a model for phenolic resin/wood flour system.DSC analysis shows that the addition of wood to the resin moves two separated peaks in the DSC curves.It also accelerates the addition reaction in the curing process of phenolic resin and reduced the activation energies for phenolic resin.The model is important for determining the curing parameters.
Communication and coordination across event phases: A multi‐team system emergency response

This paper explores how multi-agency response teams communicate and coordinate in different phases of a simulated terrorist incident. Procedural guidelines state that responders should coordinate their response to a major emergency across two phases: “response” (when the incident is ongoing) and “recovery” (when the threat has subsided, but the legacy of the incident is ongoing). However, no research has examined whether these phases map to the behaviours of responders in situ. To address this, we used measures of communication and coordination to examine how behaviours evolved during a simulated terrorist incident in the U.K. We grounded our approach within the theoretical literature on multi-team systems. It was found that the current response/recovery classification does not fit the nuanced context of an emergency. Instead, a three-phase structure of “response/resolve/recovery” is more reflective of behaviour. It was also found that coordination between agencies improved when communication networks became less centralised. This suggests that collaborative working in multi-team systems may be improved by adopting decentralised communication networks.
Adapting the Selective Exposure Perspective to Algorithmically Governed Platforms: The Case of Google Search

Experimental research on selective exposure on online platforms is generally limited by a narrow focus on specific parts of the information selection process, rather than integrating the entire sequence of user-platform interactions. The current study, focusing on online search, incorporates the entire process that stretches from formulating an initial query to finally satisfying an information need. As such, it comprehensively covers how both users and platforms exercise agency by enabling and constraining each other in progressively narrowing down the available information. During a tailored online experiment, participants are asked to search for social and political information in a fully tracked, manipulated Google Search environment. Although the results show a structural impact of varying search result rankings, users still appear to be able to tailor their information exposure to maintain their prior beliefs, hence defying that algorithmic impact. This corroborates the need to conceptually and methodologically expand online selective exposure research.
Spatial Econometric Analysis on the Exports-PM2.5 Emissions Nexus: Evidence from the Chinese Smog Provinces

The study presents an empirical analysis to investigate the effect of export volume and significant factors on PM2.5 emissions in the highest concentrations of air pollution provinces in China during 1998-2015. This paper proposes a spatial econometric model based on an extended Stochastic Impact by Regression on Population, Affluence, and Technology (STIRPAT) model. The results revealed evidence that spatial spillover effects of PM2.5 emissions exist among major provinces. Provinces in the northeast, south-central China, and north China regions have more potential in reducing PM2.5 emissions. Exports per capita have negative and significant effects on PM2.5 emissions, which revealed that an increase in own-province exports per capita would reduce the PM2.5 concentrations of both own province and the neighboring provinces. Also, the results confirm the existence of an inverted-U shaped Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) between PM2.5 emissions and economic growth. Surprisingly, the study doesn’t validate the pollution haven hypothesis (PHH). Along a similar line, the empirical evidence has shown that the private vehicle has a significant impact on PM2.5 concentrations, whereas energy intensity exerts a negative effect. Other policy suggestions put forth for policymakers on reducing PM2.5 emissions.
Challenging serve myths in doubles tennis

Doubles tennis has received little interest from quantitative research to date. Coach-led anecdotes therefore abound. The aims of this study were therefore to evaluate the veracity of the following common anecdotes: (a) serving teams have an advantage regardless of the length of the point; (b) serving teams have a greater advantage with new balls; (c) regular teams perform better when serving than new teams and (d) serving teams decrease their performance during break points. Data from doubles hard-court and clay-court tennis were collated for 52 doubles teams during 2018 ATP tournaments. Results revealed that the advantage of serving teams was evident on the points lasting up to 4 shots. Serving teams only had a greater advantage with new balls when playing on clay courts and suffered reduced winning probabilities on break points. A team’s familiarity only seemed to positively influence outcomes on hard courts. In sum, our novel findings highlight the important role that quantitative analysis can play in challenging doubles convention and shaping contemporary practice design and match strategy.
High Pressure Behavior Study of the Apophyllite (KF)

Apophyllite (KF)(), one of the sheet silicates, was compressed up to 7.7 GPa at ambient temperature and 15 high pressure data were obtained. Lattice parameters of the starting specimen were as follows: , , . Symmetrical diamond anvil cell was employed with synchrotron radiation in the mode of angular dispersive X-ray diffraction. Bulk modulus was determined to be 59(4) GPa when is 4. No clear first order phase transition symptom was observed in the series of XRD pattern. However, second-order phase transition cannot be ruled out from the correlation between normalized pressure and strain.
“Small town girls” and “country girls”: Examining the plurality of feminine rural subjectivity

Despite growing scholarly interest in the identities and experiences of girls, little attention has been paid to the identities and experiences of rural girls, and in particular how girls’ subjectivities are discursively constituted in rural spaces. Using interviews and focus group discussions with girls and young women who attended a girls’ empowerment program, this paper draws on feminist poststructuralism and positioning theory to examine how rural gendered subjectivities are constructed and negotiated by girls and young women within the social, spatial, and discursive boundaries of a rural Canadian community. I examine how the girls and young women positioned themselves and were positioned by others as “small town girl” and “country girl” subjects, and how rural positionality was accomplished through invoking real and imagined notions of more urban “others. ” It is through these contrasts to urban subjecthood that the variability of rural positionality is made visible. The findings of this study complicate and extend the dominant narrative of the urban-rural binary, and gendered identities and performances within rural spaces, by demonstrating the plurality of feminine rural subjectivity. This study offers new applications for the role of girls’ empowerment programs in shaping girls’ identities, experiences, and perspectives.