Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
INNOVATIONS, COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE AND PERFORMANCE OF SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZE ENTERPRISES IN KOGI STATE: AN EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION

This study aimed at investigating competitive For the study, a survey research design was used. Small and Medium Enterprises in Kogi State were surveyed. Multi-stage sampling technique was adopted, and the sample size of 384was chosen.Data were collected through well structured questionnaires. 224 copies of questionnaires (58.3%) were returned out of the 384 copies of the questionnaires administered, while 160 questionnaires (41.7%) were not returned. All data collected were presented and analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression models. Finding showed that innovative activities have weak effect on the survival of SMEs in Kogi State. Finding further showed that innovative activities have strong significant effect on the competitive advantage of SMEs in Kogi State. The study concluded that when innovative activities are undertaken, there is likelihood that the survival of SMEs in Kogi State
A Cross-sectional Case-controlled Study on the Significance of Intestinal Lymphangiectasia Incidentally found in the Duodenum on EGD

Background/Aim: Intestinal lymphangiectasia (IL) is associated with co-existing pathology such as autoimmune diseases or tumors. It can also be incidentally found on esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). However, the clinical significance of this finding is still uncertain. The aim of this study is to determine if those with incidental finding of IL on EGD have a higher risk of co-existing pathology. Methods: This is a cross-sectional case-controlled study. A total of 4948 patients underwent EGD. Results: One-hundred and twenty seven of these 4948 patients (2.6%) had histologically confirmed IL (IL group). Seven hundred and six patients without IL on EGD performed in the same session as those with IL were recruited as control (Control group). Twenty-two of the 127 patients (17.3%) in the IL group had co-existing pathology when compared with 54 of the 706 patients (7.6%) in the Control group (p = 0.001). Patients with co-existing pathology were more likely to have IL in the duodenum [22/76 (28.9%) vs. 105/757 (13.9%), p = 0.001], be older in age [median (range) 56 (34-79) years vs. 53 (21-82) years, p = 0.015], have a higher serum erythrocyte sedimentation rate [median (range) 19 (3-108) mm/hr vs. 15 (1-96) mm/hr, p < 0.001)] and to have an elevated serum erythrocyte sedimentation rate [21/76 (27.6%) vs. 56/757 (7.4%), p < 0.001] when compared with patients without co-existing pathology. On multiple analyses, IL in the duodenum [p = 0.036, Odds Ratio 1.043, 95% confidence interval 0.925-1.175] was an independent factor associated with co-existing pathology. Conclusion: Those with IL are more likely to have co-existing pathology.
Evaluation of assays for the analysis of thermo-tolerance and recovery potentials of seedlings of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars

Summary Response of eight cultivars of wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) to elevated temperature treatment during 60 h greening was examined from the analyses of leaf growth, pigmentation, membrane lipid stability, photosynthesis rates, and chlorophyll a fluorescence characteristics of primary leaves. The potential of 4 d etiolated seedlings for photomorphogenetic and photosynthetic development in response to greening at 40 °C (heat-stressed, HS), and for HS-seedlings to repair heat-injuries during 24 h post-stress growth at 25 °C was determined and compared with those of respective control seedlings greened for the same period at 25 °C. Heat-stress retarded leaf-growth and pigmentation but induced lipid peroxidation in HS-seedlings differentially among cultivars. Photosynthesis in primary leaves of HS-seedlings was markedly inhibited, 60 and 79 percnt; for HD2307 and HD2643, respectively. The quantum efficiency of photosystem (PS) 2 open centers in dark-adapted state, ΦP O (F V /F M , the ratio of variable to maximum chlorophyll a fluorescence), declined marginally, but that of PS2 open centers in light-saturated state, e ′PS2 or ΦP S′ (F M′ -F S /F M′ ), declined markedly in HS-seedlings of different cultivars. The e ′PS2 values of HS-seedlings decreased marginally for HD2307, C306, and HD2329 but maximally for PBN51 cultivar. The excitation trapping efficiency of PS2, Φ exc (ratio of variable to maximum fluorescence in light-saturated state, F V′ /F M′ ) was reduced between 10-32 percnt; in HS-seedlings of different cultivars compared to respective control values. Compared to these chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, the relative fluorescence decrease (R fd ; ΔF/F S ) index was more sensitive to heat-stress. Moreover, the pattern of thermal-sensitivity of this index among cultivars was comparable to that of heat-induced decline in photosynthesis rate determined from other in situ measurements. After 24 h post heat-stress, ΔF/F S index reversed markedly yet differentially, indicating varied responsiveness of cultivars tested. In summary, heat-stress inactivated photosynthesis primarily through a decline in e ′PS2, the quantum efficiency of PS2 open centers, in addition to its effect on excitation trapping efficiency of PS2, Φ exc . A comparative analysis of parameters revealed the potential of chlorophyll a fluorescence-derived e ′PS2 and R fd index as sensor of heat-stress; specifically the sensitivity of the latter index in screening wheat cultivars at an early developmental growth stage for seedling tolerance against heat-stress. Evaluation of photosynthetic stability in HS-seedlings and potential for post-stress reversal allowed screening of eight cultivars at four thermo-tolerance levels: thermotolerant (HD2307, HD2327), moderately thermotolerant (HD2329, C306, HD2402), thermotolerance-deficient (HD1553, HD2643), and thermosensitive (PBN51).
Physiologic Specialization of Wheat Leaf Rust (Puccinia triticina Eriks.) in the Czech Republic in 2005-2008

In 2005–2008 virulence of the wheat leaf rust population was studied on Thatcher near-isogenic lines with Lr1, Lr2a, Lr2b, Lr2c, Lr3a, Lr9, Lr10, Lr11, Lr15, Lr17, Lr19, Lr21, Lr23, Lr24, Lr26 and Lr28 . Samples of leaf rust were obtained from different parts of the Czech Republic. A total of 233 wheat leaf rust isolates were analyzed. Resistance gene Lr9 was effective to all tested isolates as in the four previous years. Virulence to Lr19 (0.8% of the analysed isolates) was found. Gene Lr24 conditioned resistance to almost all collections and a lower frequency of virulence was also observed on Lr2a and Lr28 . Twenty-six winter wheat cultivars, seven spring wheat cultivars and seven winter triticale cultivars registered in 2005–2008 were tested with 7 leaf rust isolates. Winter wheat cultivars Biscay, Mulan and Orlando were resistant to all isolates and were also resistant in field trials.
Forecasting of macro aggregates using yield curve information

This paper obtains the forecasts of Colombian macroeconomic variables and the yield curve by jointly modeling their dynamics. For this purpose, I use unrestricted Bayesian Vector Auto Regressive (VAR) models and the no-arbitrage state-space representation developed by Ang and Piazzesi [2003]. Both the Bayesian VAR and the no-arbitrage representations are used to estimate closed economy, small open economy and macro-latent factor models. The parameters of the models are estimated with Bayesian techniques for di erent horizons using the predictive likelihood function. Monthly data between 20062012 of the in ation, the overnight-interbank interest rate, an economic activity indicator, the 10-year treasury rate and the 5-year CDS was used. The main nding is that the outof-sample forecasts of the interbank overnight interest rate and the in ation consistently improve when the yield curve is incorporated. Moreover, the models that impose the no-arbitrage restriction consistently out-perform the unrestricted VARs. On the other hand, the model with the best performance in terms of both the RMSE and the standard deviation of the forecasts incorporates closed-economy variables and the short-term yield. Adding longer-term yields and small open economy variables does not appear to improve further the forecasts.
The Role of the Top Management Team in Understanding the Innovation Capacity and Sustainability of Family Firms

Theoretically framed by upper echelons theory, this paper aims to synthesize the current knowledge on top managers in family firms and to suggest valuable future research avenues. The purpose is to investigate the relationship between family firms and innovation capacity. This study will examine how innovation capacity is affected by family involvement and other characteristics of the top management teams (TMTs) of family firms. This article examines the management characteristics in a family firm and their affect on the innovation and sustainability of the firm. Familiness is examined to provide further insights and measures of TMTs in explaining the firm’s capacity to innovate. Things like family involvement, size, and age of the firm along with other TMT demographics are investigated. To understand innovation in family-owned businesses, the focus will be on the capacity including innovative activities, such as research and development, number of patents, and new product development. Specifically, this research will investigate the significance of innovation management and how it is influenced by the TMT characteristics of family firms. This work contributes to the field by developing a better understanding of innovation and sustainable competitive advantage within family firms. This paper will advance the research on strategic innovation in a family firm, as well as shed light on the failure of innovation management literature to recognize the importance and deliberately integrate family firms into the literature.
Implications of Circular Economy, Supply Chain Management Innovation and Sustainability on Organisational Performance

Abstract - This study analysed the effects of circular economy, supply chain management innovation and sustainability on organisation performance. A total of 163 respondents, who are public sector employees in Bandung City, participated in this study. The hypotheses were tested using the descriptive and verification research methods. Data were collected using a questionnaire, and structural equation modelling analysis through the LISREL programme was employed. Results indicated that circular economy and supply chain management innovation significantly and positively influence organisation performance. Similarly, supply chain management innovation significantly and positively influences sustainability, which also significantly and positively influences organisation performance.
Antioxidant Activities of Rosemary and Sage Extracts and Vitamin E in a Model Meat System

Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) assay and capillary gas chromatography (GC) were used to assess the effects of storage and the potential antioxidants, vitamin E and rosemary and sage extracts, on lipid peroxidation of a cooked beef homogenate. Increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) or TBA-reactive substances (TBARS) were observed in samples during a 5-day period. TBARS levels ranged from 2.0 to 3.9 times higher than GC-analyzed MDA levels, indicating the presence of other reactants in the TBA assay. Despite elevated levels, TBARS formation is similar to the actual MDA formation. Addition of vitamin E at 25-100 μg/g in the homogenate showed a concentration dependence in inhibiting lipid peroxidation. Samples containing either herbal extract (30 μg/g) showed effective inhibition since MDA levels of treated samples were 62 and 53% of the control. Improved antioxidative activity was not observed when the antioxidants were mixed together in equal amounts.
Morphometric Analysis of Crocodylus novaeguineae from the Fly River Drainage, Papua New Guinea

Formulae for predicting snout-vent length from 17 other body measurements and vice versa were derived from data collected on 1073 wild Crocodylus novaeguineae. Equations for predicting live body attributes from dried skulls also are presented. Relative growth and general growth form are described. A 1:1 sex ratio was found for animals between 50 and 167 cm snout-vent length (SVL). Current laws in Papua New Guinea are based on size criteria and protect wild breeding males. However, the laws do not take into account the smaller breeding size of females and thus subject about 36% of adult females to legal hunting mortality. Of all girth-related measures, neck girth was found to be the best predictor of commercial value. New Guinea crocodiles have shorter tails, longer trunks and wider hind feet than saltwater crocodiles, C. porosus; these differences may be related to ecological niche and habitat separation in Papua New Guinea. The morphological characteristics of New Guinea crocodiles better adapt them for life in marshes and swamps, while those of C. porosus better suit them for life in large, open rivers and estuaries.
TAXONOMY AND FRUSTULAR STRUCTURE OF THE MARINE CENTRIC DIATOM PARALIA SULCATA 1

Light and electron microscopy were used to investigate the complex structure of the frustule of Paralia sulcata (Ehrenb.) Cleve. Rimoportulae are reported for the first time in this diatom and two types of linking processes are described. The ease with which the cingulum is lost is explained with regard to its attachment to the valve. Two kinds of heterovalvy were observed and the taxonomic significance of one of these is discussed. The validity of Heiberg's genus Paralia is confirmed and a type slide of the species is designated.
Recent Advances in Microbial Metal Bioaccumulation

Removal of hazardous metals through biological means has received considerable attention in the last few decades. Nevertheless, only a fraction of these studies employed growing microbial cells that harbor multiple mechanisms of metal sequestration and thus may hold greater metal uptake capacities. The authors summarize the studies concerning response of growing cells to metals toxicity in terms of growth rate, biomass production, and morphological/structural adaptations along with latest reports involving genomics and proteomics approach. The studies indicate bright potential of metal resistant strains or strains with hormesis phenomenon for field application. In the second part of the review they focuses on the effect of nutritional conditions and process parameters on metal removal capacities and the performance in simultaneous removal of multiple pollutants. Reports demonstrating effective treatment of actual industrial effluents using growing cells have been summarized. With ample evidence available on the success of growing cells in metal bioremediation, the development and testing of large scale industrial bioreactors is warranted.
Diclofop and fenoxaprop resistance in wild oat is associated with an altered effect on the plasma membrane electrogenic potential

Abstract We have examined the mechanism of herbicide resistance in a biotype of wild oat ( Avena fatua L.) that is resistant to diclofop-methyl and many other acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (ACCase) inhibitors. Resistance to diclofop-methyl and fenoxaprop-ethyl was not based on reduced uptake nor on enhanced metabolism of the herbicides to inactive products. In in vitro assays of crude or partially purified preparations, ACCase from the resistant (UM-1) and susceptible (UM-5) biotypes was equally sensitive to diclofop, with I 50 values of 6.1 and 7.3 μ M for UM-1 and UM-5, respectively. Corresponding values for fenoxaprop were 2.5 and 1.0 μ M . These results suggest that the high level of resistance observed toward these herbicides is not based on an altered target enzyme. Root tissue from both UM-1 and UM-5 acidified an unbuffered bathing solution. Addition of 100 μ M diclofop or fenoxaprop prevented acidification of the bathing medium by UM-1, but alkalinization occurred rapidly with UM-5. When diclofop was removed from the treatment solution, UM-1 resumed acidification of the solution, whereas the pH of the UM-5 bathing solution continued to increase. Diclofop (50 μ M ) rapidly depolarized the cell membrane in peeled coleoptile sections, with no difference between UM-1 and UM-5. However, when diclofop was removed from the treatment solution, the electrogenic membrane potential was quickly reestablished in UM-1, but remained collapsed in UM-5. These results provide support for the hypothesis that the effect of diclofop on the plasma membrane potential is an important component of its herbicidal activity. The reversibility of the effect of diclofop and fenoxaprop on transmembrane proton flux in UM-1 appears to be associated with resistance to these herbicides.
Updated Risk/Benefit Analysis of Fish Consumption Effects on Neurodevelopment: Implications for Setting Advisories

ABSTRACT Epidemiological studies indicate that fish consumption during pregnancy leads to improved neurodevelopment. This suggests that the beneficial nutrients in fish may offset the adverse effects of mercury in the case of the average fish meal. However, our previous risk/benefit model predicted a net neurodevelopmental risk for the majority of species analyzed. In this article the previous model is calibrated against fish benefit data and then compared to other fish risk/benefit models, including recent models from the World Health Organization and USFDA. Our calibrated model estimated greater benefit for low mercury species but greater risk for high mercury species than the other models. With respect to a commonly eaten high mercury fish, swordfish, the calibrated model yielded risks that are supportive of current fish advisories but, in contrast, the other models predicted net neurodevelopmental benefits. The calibrated model was used in a proposed 3 step framework for setting fish consumption advisories: (1) Set initial consumption level based upon mercury RfD; (2) Adjust consumption upward if risk/benefit model indicates a net benefit; (3) Cap fish consumption based upon saturation of O-3 benefit. The implications of this approach for 7 varieties of fish are used to illustrate the framework.
HYGIENIC AND HEALTH QUALITY OF HOT BEVERAGES DISTRIBUTED BY VENDING MACHINES

The food and beverage vending had in the last 40 years a great development in Italy. From the hygienic and health point of view, the quality of the products distributed by Vending is essentially related to three factors: the quality of raw materials, the quality of tap water and the good working order together with the good cleanliness and hygienic status of equipments. In this work we wanted to test these features. We evaluated microbiological and fungal quality of raw materials (powders), of distributed hot beverages and the used equipments. Despite contamination levels shown by the results of this study, the temperature of the boiler is sufficient to make a significant reduction of bacterial and fungal loads. To obtain satisfactory results on the quality of delivered hot beverages is necessary to apply correct maintenance and cleaning/sanitation procedures of equipments, as well as an appropriate selection of suppliers.
Length-weight relationship and relative condition factor of the Sultan fish, Leptobarbus hoevenii broodstock farmed in earthen ponds

Sajeenuth Srithongthum 1, 2 , Thumronk Amornsakun 2 , Poramat Musikarun 3 , Pornpanom Promkaew 3 , Hsein-Loong Au 1, 2 , Gunzo Kawamura 1 , Mohammad T. M. Lal 1 , Leong-Seng Lim 1 * 1. Borneo Marine Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. 2. Fisheries Technology Program, Department of Technology and Industries, Faculty of Science and Technology, Prince of Songkla University, Pattani Campus, Mueang, Pattani, Thailand. 3. Inland Aquaculture Research and Development Regional Center 12, Khlong Hoy Kong, Amphoe Khlong Hoy Kong, Songkhla, 90230, Thailand. *Corresponding Author: leongsen@ums.edu. my
A consistent occupancy–climate relationship across birds and mammals of the Americas

At broad spatial scales, species richness is strongly related to climate. Yet, few ecological studies attempt to identify regularities in the individual species distributions that make up this pattern. Models used to describe species distributions typically model very complex responses to climate. Here, we test whether the variability in the distributions of birds and mammals of the Americas relates to mean annual temperature and precipitation in a simple, consistent way. Specifically, we test if simple mathematical models can predict, as a first approximation, the geographical variation in individual species’ probability of occupancy for 3277 non-migratory bird and 1659 mammal species. We find a Gaussian model, where the probability of occupancy of a 104 km2 quadrat decreases symmetrically and gradually around a species ‘optimal’ temperature and precipitation, was generally the best model, explaining an average of 35% of the deviance in probability of occupancy. The inclusion of additional terms had very small and idiosyncratic effects across species. The Gaussian occupancy–climate relationship appears general among species and taxa and explains nearly as much deviance as complex models including many more parameters. Therefore, we propose that hypotheses aiming to explain the broad-scale distribution of species or species richness must also predict generally Gaussian occupancy–climate relationships. Synthesis Science aims to identify regularities in a complex natural world. General patterns should be identified before one searches for potential mechanisms and contingencies. However, species geographic distributions are often modelled as complex (sometimes black box), species-specific, functions of their environment. We asked whether a simple model could account for as much of the geographic variation in a species' probability of occupancy, and be widely applicable across thousands of species. As a first approximation, we found that a simple Gaussian occupancy-climate relationship is very common in Nature, whether it be causal or not.
Sire Evaluation for Conformation of Jersey Cows

Abstract A procedure for sire evaluation was developed for Jersey type data; the model contained fixed effects for herd-year and genetic group and random effects for sires, herds-by-sires, and cows. In initial calculations artificial insemination and natural service bulls were grouped separately by year of birth with little evidence of genetic trend for final score. These evaluations then were used for pedigree indexes based on sire and maternal grandsire. Bulls of similar pedigree index for each trait were grouped for new evaluations. The correlation between pedigree index and evaluation for final score on 726 bulls with type information on sire and maternal grandsire and 10 or more classified daughters was . 64. The correlation for 533 bulls with evaluation on sires only was . 58. The regressions of evaluations for final score on pedigree indexes were . 73±. 03 and . 77±. 05. Predicted Difference milk had correlations of . 18, . 13, . 55, . 13, and −. 04 with evaluations for final score, general appearance, dairy character, body capacity, and mammary system. Other correlations ranged from −. 09 for back, rump, and tail to . 20 for breed character. Correlations between these evaluations and previous estimates of genetic merit, daughter averages of latest score, were . 63, . 61, . 54, . 48, and . 69 for final score, general appearance, dairy character, body capacity, and mammary system. Similar correlations for other traits ranged from . 47 for breed character to . 76 for stature. An index combined estimated transmitting ability for milk, fat, and final score. Bulls were ranked by indexes; different weights were used for production and type. The progress that could be expected from selection with each index was shown.