Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CORPORATE FINANCIAL POLICY AND ITS IMPACT ON SUSTAINABLE CAPITAL STRUCTURE: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM TEXTILE FIRMS OF PAKISTAN

Purpose of the study: In this article, the objective is to discover the influence of business financial policy on the firm’s Capital structure of the textile zone of Pakistan. The present outcomes of productivity, total assets, future growth, and asset structure have started a discussion over the total debt ratio. Methodology: The methodology used to conduct this work in order to examine the effect of total assets, future growth, profitability, and asset structure and its impact on total debt ratio, Panel data analysis has been accomplished and together the firm and industry explicit dynamics have been measured, yearly data has been taken off 96 textile firms of Pakistan concluded the period of 2012 - 2017 for OLS, regression model & LSDVM. Main Findings: The results reveal that the OLS regression model is not a good fit and the model shows that there is no significant impact of all the independent variables on the dependent variables. Whereas the results of LSDVM indicated that this model is a good fit, the model revealed that the entire individuals have combined effect on the dependent variable. Similarly, the alternate hypothesis indicates the significant influence of independent variables on the dependent variable whereas the Null hypothesis indicated no or insignificant influence of independent variables on the dependent variable. Application of this study: This study contributes toward the financial sector for policymakers in order to construct the best capital configuration of the firm. This study also suggests that which element is having more importance while making capital configuration of the firm. The originality of this study: Capital structure is a crucial issue for entrepreneurs and CEOs of any firm. The number of studies is available related to other industries but fewer studies are available related to the textile firms of Pakistan so this research work provides the technique while making the best capital configuration for textile firms of Pakistan.
Event and decadal-scale modeling of barrier island restoration designs for decision support

An interdisciplinary project team was convened to develop a modeling framework that simulates the potential impacts of storms and sea level-rise to habitat availability at Breton Island, Louisiana, for existing conditions and potential future restoration designs. The model framework was iteratively developed through evaluation of model results at multiple checkpoints. A methodology was developed for characterizing regional wave and water levels, and the numerical model XBeach was used to simulate the potential impacts from a wide range of storm events. Simulations quantified the potential for erosion, overwash, and inundation of the preand post-restoration beach and dune system and were used as a preliminary screening of restoration designs. The model framework also incorporated a computationally efficient method to evaluate the impacts of storms, long-term shoreline changes, and relative sea level rise over a 15-year time period, in order to evaluate the effect of the preferred restoration alternative on habitat distribution. Results directly informed engineering design decisions and expedited later project stages including the construction permitting process.
Comparison of endocannabinoid actions on metabolomic analysis of mouse and human myoblast cultures (1036.1)

An aim of our laboratory is to characterize the actions of endocannabinoids (EC) and their precursor fatty acids on cannabinoid receptors in muscle. To understand the effect of the EC system (ECS) on myoblast metabolism an untargeted global metabolomic analysis was conducted. Primary mouse and human and C2C12 myoblasts were treated with 25µM docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), docosahexaenoylethanolamide (DHEA), arachidonoylethanolamide (AEA), 1µM of the cannabinoid receptor type 1 CB1 antagonist NESS0327, or BSA control. After 24h, cells were collected for metabolite analysis. In C2C12, mouse and human cultures, inclusion of BSA‐complexed DHA in culture media consistently led to higher DHA and 22:5n3 compared to the control. DHA treatment of C2C12 and mouse myoblasts also increased DHA containing lyso‐glycerol lipids and 1‐myristoylglycerol, 2‐myristoylglycerol, 1‐linoleoylglycerol, and 2‐linoleoylglycerol. In the mouse and human myoblasts, DHA treatment reduced choline phosphate but increased phosphoethanolamine and G3P compared to the control. Treatment of human myoblasts with cannabinoid agonist AEA and DHEA as well as NESS0327 led to higher amounts of glucose, lactate, and many intermediates of glycolysis compared to the control. These findings show that mouse and human myoblasts are responsive to DHA and ECS agonists/antagonist to influence glycolysis and lipid metabolism.
Evaluation of Bio-Stimulatory Effect of Low Intensity Laser on Platelet Rich Fibrin System and Bone Graft in Treatment of Infra-Bony Defect

Purpose: The current clinical study was done to examine clinical and biochemical changes of Vascular Endothelial Growth factor (VEGF) biomarker present in (GCF) in response to LLLT combined with Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) & bovine xenograft to treat infra-bony defects. Material and methods: The current study was conducted on twenty (20) sites from ten (10) patients. A spilt-mouth design used, sites were randomly selected from each patient, into two groups: laser group; ten (10) sites received PRF system without irradiation, and control group; ten (10) sites received PRF system and it will be irradiated with low level laser. Clinical parameters including probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), Plaque index (PI), and gingival index (GI). ELISA quantification analysis of VEGF was done. Results: comparison between the groups at 6 months showed significant difference between both Probing depth and clinical attachment level, while Plaque index and Gingival index showed a significance difference starting from 2 weeks postoperatively. VEGF revealed no significant difference among groups. Conclusion: The using of low intensity laser with PRF system showed an improvement in the outcome of infra bony defects treatment.
A global perspective on the climate‐driven growth synchrony of neighbouring trees

Aim: Previous work demonstrated the global variability of synchrony in tree growth within populations, that is, the covariance of the year-to-year variability in growth of individual neighbouring trees. However, there is a lack of knowledge about the causes of this variability and its trajectories through time. Here, we examine whether climate can explain variation in within-population synchrony (WPS) across space but also through time and we develop models capable of explaining this variation. These models can be applied to the global tree cover under current and future climate change scenarios. Location: Global. Time period: 1901–2012. Major taxa studied: Trees. Methods: We estimated WPS values from a global tree-ring width database consisting of annual growth increment measurements from multiple trees at 3,579 sites. We used generalized linear mixed effects models to infer the drivers of WPS variability and temporal trends of global WPS. We then predicted WPS values across the global extent of tree cover. Finally, we applied our model to predict future WPS based on the RCP 8.5 (2045–2065 period) emission scenario. Results: Areas with the highest WPS are characterized by a combination of environments with both high mean annual temperature (>10°C) and low precipitation (<300 mm). Average WPS across all temperate forests has decreased historically and will continue to decrease. Potential implications of these patterns include changes in forest dynamics, such as higher tree growth and productivity and an increase in carbon sequestration. In contrast, the WPS of tropical forests of Central and South America will increase in the near future owing to reduced annual precipitation. Main conclusions: Climate explains WPS variability in space and time. We suggest that WPS might have value as an integrative ecological measure of the level of environmental stress to which forests are subjected and therefore holds potential for diagnosing effects of global climate change on tree growth.
A comparative study on the antimicrobial activity of irreversible hydrocolloid mixed with silver nanoparticles and chlorhexidine

Background: Impressions taken from patients have the potential of cross-transmission of infection among dentistry personnel. The present study aimed to compare the antimicrobial activity of chlorhexidine (CHX) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) combined with irreversible hydrocolloid. Materials and Methods: This experimental study examined the in vitro antimicrobial effects of irreversible hydrocolloid mixed with silver nanoparticles and chlorhexidine using four groups, namely CHX (0.2%) solution and mouthwash mixed with irreversible hydrocolloid Groups 1 and 2), AgNPs (0.1 and 0.2%) (Groups 3 and 4), and specimens mixed with distilled water as a control group (Group 5) on bacterial strains, namely, Staphylococcu saureu s,Enterococcu sfaecali s,Pseudomona saeruginos a,Escherichi acoli, andStaphylococcu sepidermidi s through disc diffusion method. There were three replications per bacterial species. As data were not normally distributed, Kruskal–Wallis test was used at a significance level of 0.05. Results: No antimicrobial activity was observed in the control groups. In S. aureus, CHX mouthwash had the highest antimicrobial activity, and AgNPs 0.1% and 0.2% groups had lower antimicrobial activity, and there was a significant difference between the two concentrations of AgNPs (P < 0.05). InE.faecali s, the effects of CHX compounds and AgNPs 0.2% were similar to each other and were higher than the effect of AgNPs 0.1% (P < 0.05). In E. coli, CHX compounds exhibited the highest efficacy relative to other materials (P < 0.05), and the AgNPs had no effect. In P. aeruginosa, AgNPs showed the highest growth inhibition zone, which had a significant difference compared to other materials (P ≤ 0.01), whereas the CHX compounds were not effective. InS.epidermidi s, the effect of CHX compounds was similar to one another and was higher than the effect of AgNPs (P ≤ 0.01). Conclusion: According to our observations, the antimicrobial activity of AgNPs at 0.1 and 0.2% against five tested bacterial strains was similar to those of pure CHX 0.2% solution and CHX 0.2% mouthwash.
Motivational Factors to Adopt Social Media Technology in Small Medium Enterprises

Social media technology has become part of the community needs, not only as a means to socialize but also to support business operations. In the MEA era, the demands of the market expansion of business networks become mandatory for employers, including for SMEs. This study aim to analyze the motivational factors of SMEs to use social media technologies to support their business activities. This study used survey technique and analysis of Structural Equation Modeling with PLS analysis tools. The results showed that perceived enjoyment have positive effect on the perceived ease of use of social media technology, Perceived ease of use have positive effect toward the perceived usefulness, perceived enjoyment and perceived ease of use have positive effect to attitudes towards the use of social media technology, Perceived usefulness and attitude towards the use of social media technology have positive effect toward the intention of using social media technology.
Determination of user satisfaction in Abant Nature Park by using ROS method.

The aim of this study is determining the participation in recreational activicies in Abant National Park and also the differences of the satisfaction of the visitors who use the areas chosen by ROS classes criterias. Besides adaptation of the ROS system to Abant Nature ark was researched. For his reason an inquiry was done to 359 people. Corelation and variance analyzes were used for interpreting the data taken. As a result it was found out that reestablishing the ROS class system according to Turkish standards, stabeling the system on clerarer standards, explaining the ROS language for easier understandingis needed. The most effective factors on general satisfaction in Abant Nature Park are, season, group size, visitor’s gender, age, income level and the places they come from.
Deep Time : Paleobiology's Perspective

This text presents an overview of current work and an outline of important unsolved problems in the field of palaeobiology, revealing interactions between the study of fossils and findings in biogeochemistry, genetics, developmental and functional biology, ecology, evolution, systematics and geology. Within the diversity of this research lie the unifying themes that are central to the discipline - the idea that the histories and past behaviours of living systems are key to understanding their workings, and that "deep time" is a perspective palaeobiology alone brings to the study of living things.
Acceptance of E-learning among university students in UAE: A practical study

The objective of the study is to find out the factors which affect the acceptance of E-learning among students and how the students’ purpose of using E-learning is determined by these factors. The research was based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The researcher developed a questionnaire to gather data from a sample of 366 university students who actively used the E-learning system. According to the results of the study, subjective norms, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, enjoyment, and accessibility” are the vital predictors behind the intention of students for using E-learning systems. This indicates that extended TAM is applicable in the UAE. The results show that policymakers and education developers should take E-learning system seriously since it can be opted not just as a technological solution but also as a learning platform for students belonging to a distant area. The results present practical implications for education developers, policymakers and practitioners in devising useful plans to implement E-learning systems.
Solar Cycle Modulation of Nighttime Ozone Near the Mesopause as Observed by MLS

Eleven‐year solar cycle variations of nighttime ozone near the secondary ozone maximum layer in the mesosphere are analyzed with Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) observations since 2004, fully covering solar cycle 24. Produced primarily from the recombination of molecular oxygen (O2) with atomic oxygen (O) transported from the lower thermosphere, the mesospheric nighttime ozone concentration is proportional to atomic oxygen density [O], which itself is modulated by ultraviolet (UV) solar cycle variations. MLS nighttime ozone data and UV data at 240 nm from Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE) Solar‐Stellar Irradiance Comparison Experiment (SOLSTICE) show a positive correlation over the solar cycle. Nighttime O3 and nighttime carbon monoxide (CO) distributions are highly correlated with each other with similar seasonal and solar cycle variations, because both [O3] and [CO] depend strongly on UV photolysis and are modulated by Eddy diffusion in this region. Nighttime ozone correlates strongly with temperature, with a generally positive correlation, except at high latitudes during boreal winter.
Influence of Storage on Briquettes Mechanical Properties

Abstract The effects of the storage place, placing manner, and storage time on mechanical properties of briquettes made from birch chips were laboratorily tested. A unique methodology developed by the present author enabling a relatively easy assessment of mechanical properties of the briquettes is described. The briquettes properties were evaluated by their density and rupture force determination. From the test results it follows that if the briquettes are stored in a well closed plastic bag, neither the place nor the storage time influence significantly their life time. When stored in a net plastic bag, the briquettes get seriously damaged, namely depending on their storage place and storage time.
Assessing the impacts of vehicle wash wastewater on surface water quality through physico-chemical and benthic macroinvertebrates analyses

ABSTRACT Vehicle wash wastewater (VWW) contains a wide range of contaminants and discharge of such contaminated wastewater into the surface water bodies degrade water quality and affect aquatic ecosystems. This study, presents an impacts of discharging VWW into the stream Olarong Chhu in Thimphu and river Paa Chhu in Paro using water chemistry and benthic macroinvertebrates data sets obtained over a period of 6 months. Water samples and benthic macroinvertebrates were sampled once in a month from upstream, impact, and downstream sites in premonsoon (March to May) and post-monsoon (September to November) seasons in 2016. Significant levels of contaminants associated with vehicle washing were detected in water samples of impact sites whose cumulative effects on benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages were supported by HKHbios index, biological indices, and statistical analyzes. Canonical correspondence analysis indicated that T, dissolved oxygen, pH, biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, total suspended solids, turbidity, oil and grease, and sulfate significantly alter water quality and affect benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages. With the increasing number of vehicles, management of VWW is becoming a serious issue in Bhutan. Hence, there should be proper enforcement of water and environmental legislations and effective measures like constructions of wastewater treatment facilities should be considered for protecting Bhutan’s surface water resources and aquatic ecosystems.
Effect of population and organomineral fertilization on physico-chemical quality of fruits of Passiflora edulis cv. Guinezinho

The phyto-technical management of crops, such as the conduction system, spatial arrangement of plants and mineral and organic fertilization are pre-harvest agronomic factors that can alter fruit quality. Therefore, this research was developed to evaluate physico-chemical attributes of yellow passion fruit as a function of population arrangement and organomineral fertilization. The experiment was carried in Entisol with free-sand texture under tropical climate with dry summer. The treatments were obtained from the combination of doses of nitrogen (92, 119, 183, 248 and 275 kg ha -1 ) and soil organic matter (1.3, 1.8, 2.9, 4.0 and 4.5%), through Central Box Compound, plus four additional treatments to study the effect of the number of plants per pit. The evaluations were carried on seven and ten months after the transplanting of the seedlings. A randomized block design with three replications was used. The fruits were harvested at the beginning of the yellowing of the bark and evaluated in the pulp: pH, total titratable acidity (TTA), total soluble solids (TSS), reducing sugars, non-reducing sugars and total sugars, ascorbic acid, TSS/TTA ratio, electrical conductivity and humidity. The harvesting season changed the physico-chemical properties of the passion fruit pulp and interfered with the effects of plant management and fertilization on the quality of passion fruit. For the production of the best quality passion fruit we may cultivate one, two or three plants per pit. With three plants per pit it is recommended to apply 180 kg ha -1 of nitrogen annually and raise the soil organic matter to 4%.
Preserving Organizational Trust During Disruption

How is organizational trust preserved during times of disruption? We address this question, building on the concept of active trust which views trust as an ongoing accomplishment constituted by reflexive actors. Drawing on a multi-case study of four organizations that experienced major disruption in response to the global financial crisis of 2009, we contribute to trust theory in three ways. First, we extend beyond the current focus on trust building and repair by developing conceptual understanding of trust preservation as a distinct phenomenon. Second, we develop a theoretical model that explains how organizational actors accomplish the preservation of employees’ trust in their organization. We identify three trust preservation practices used in the successful case organizations – cognitive bridging, emotional embodying and inclusive enacting – and show that organizational members’ understanding of the established foundations of trust in the organization, and their ability to mobilize these, are critical to the preservation of trust. Third, we position trust preservation as a manifestation and extension of active trust, and show that for trust to be preserved in disruptive contexts, both familiarization and transformation of existing trust practices are required.
Distributed control of electric vehicle fleets considering grid congestion and battery degradation

Nowadays, developing coordinated optimal charging strategies for large‐scale electric vehicle (EV) fleets is crucial to ensure the reliability and efficiency of power grids. This paper presents a novel fully distributed control strategy for the optimal charging of large‐scale EV fleets aiming at the minimization of the aggregated charging cost and battery degradation, while satisfying the EVs' individual load requirements and the overall grid congestion limits. We formulate the optimization problem as a convex quadratic programming problem where all the EVs' decisions are coupled both via the objective function and some grid resource sharing constraints. Based on the distributed waterfilling approach, the proposed resolution algorithm requires a minimal shared information between EVs that communicate only with their neighbors without relying on a central aggregator, thus guaranteeing the EV users' privacy. The performance of the proposed approach is evaluated through numerical experiments to validate its effectiveness in achieving a global optimum while respecting the grid constraints with a favorable computational efficiency.
Bioremediation of Petroleum Contaminated Soils in the Arabian Gulf Region: A Review

While environmental biotechnology is broadly based in variety of environmental protection, restoration, and agriculture industrial practices, for a decade it has been most commonly linked with bioremediation, rehabilitation and waste treatment technology. Most of the Eastern region of Saudi Arabia, including the coastal area bordering Kuwait, became polluted with petroleum during the recent Gulf war (1990). Microorganisms can degrade petroleum as a carbon and energy source and this might provide scope to remediate and rehabilitate petroleum-contaminated soils. There are several problems dealing with petroleum-contaminated soils which effect human health and environmental quality. The present review may give some opportunities in bioremediation of petroleum-contaminated soils for more future studies in the Arabian Gulf region.