Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Service system innovation and firm competitiveness in an emerging market: The role of corporate governance system

Abstract The study empirically examined the effect of service system innovation on firm competitiveness in Nigeria, an emerging market, focusing on the country’s telecommunication sector. Additionally, the moderating effect of the corporate governance system on service system innovation—firm competitiveness nexus was observed. Data were collected using a survey instrument from 230 respondents. The study followed a cross-sectional research design while the study hypotheses were tested using the partial least square—structural equation model (PLS-SEM). Analyses revealed that service system innovation as represented by idea development, service development, and commercialization enhance firm competitiveness. Implying that idea development, service development, and commercialization are essential for higher levels of firm competitiveness. In addition, corporate governance system was found to boost the relationship between service system innovation and firm competitiveness. The study offers new understanding into the role of service system innovation in competitiveness of the telecommunication firms especially in developing economies such as Nigeria. The study also shows that the corporate governance system contributes significantly to the success of telecommunication firms. Further, the study provides evidence on the characteristics of service system innovation, corporate governance system, and firm competitiveness within the telecommunication industry. In addition, the study developed and validated an instrument for measuring service system innovation, firm competitiveness, and corporate governance system within a developing economy which may be adopted by future studies when examining these variables. Furthermore, the study confirms the usefulness of dynamic capabilities theory in understanding service system innovation, firm competitiveness, and corporate governance.
Large‐Scale Comparison of Polar Cap Ionospheric Velocities Measured by RISR‐C, RISR‐N, and SuperDARN

The combined fields of view of the two Resolute Bay Incoherent Scatter Radars (RISR‐Canada and RISR‐North) significantly overlap the field of view of the Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) radar located in Rankin Inlet. These radars measure ionospheric flow velocities in the polar cap region. Velocity data from the first multiple‐day combined operations of the two RISR radars and Rankin Inlet have been compared. Direct comparisons between line‐of‐sight measurements by both types of radars have been performed. These comparisons included data from 40 days of radar operations and used velocity data from 35 SuperDARN range gates (spanning 1,575 km). Overall, 5.2 × 105 comparison sets were analyzed. In particular during the daytime, signatures of groundscatter in the SuperDARN data often existed at most of the ranges considered in this comparison. This groundscatter could be partially removed from the comparison by only considering SuperDARN data points that had ionospheric velocity measurements in surrounding range cells. It was found that after removing groundscatter contamination at medium SuperDARN ranges (range gates 18–45), velocities measured by the two radar systems agreed when the high‐frequency results were adjusted to account for the refractive index effect. In regions dominated by groundscatter and E region scatter, lower SuperDARN velocities were measured and the overall comparison with the F region RISR velocities was poor.
The Effect of Murottal Therapy on Blood Pressure in Elderly Patients With Hypertension at Jambidan Posyandu, Banguntapan 1 Community Health Center

Hypertension is a non-communicable disease that poses a threat to people in developing countries. Hypertension is a cause of death, called the silent killer, and is mostly suffered by the elderly. This is caused by physiological factors, namely decreased body function due to the aging process, so that non-communicable diseases attack many elderly people. The global health standard does not only rely on curative measures because most diseases can be prevented by healthy lifestyles and avoiding risky lifestyles. This study aims to determine the effect of murottal therapy on blood pressure in the elderly with hypertension. This study used a quasi-experimental research design using a one-group pre-post test design and a sample size of 34 elderly with the sampling technique of purposive sampling and bivariate analysis using the Wilcoxon test. The result is that murottal therapy has an effect on reducing blood pressure in elderly people with hypertension, with a Wilcoxon signed rank test p-value of 0.000 (P <0.05), so there is an effect of murottal therapy on blood pressure in the elderly with hypertension.
Nonlinear concentration patterns and bands in autochemotactic suspensions

E.L. acknowledges a New Jersey Institute of Technology faculty seed grant award. R.E.G. was supported in part by Established Career Fellowship EP/M017982/1 from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and the Schlumberger Chair Fund. M.J.S. acknowledges support from NSF Grants No. DMS-1463962 and No. DMS-1620331, as well as the NSF Grant No. DMR-1420073 awarded to the MRSEC at NYU.
Computing multiple Lyapunov‐like functions for inner estimates of domains of attraction of switched hybrid systems

Domain of attraction plays an important role in stability analysis and safety verification of nonlinear control systems. In this paper, based on the concept of multiple Lyapunov‐like functions, we propose iteration algorithms for computing inner estimates of domains of attraction for a class of switched hybrid systems, where the state space is composed of several regions and each region is described by polyhedral sets. Starting with an initial inner estimate of domain of attraction, we firstly present a theoretical framework for obtaining a larger inner estimate by iteratively computing multiple Lyapunov‐like functions. Successively, the theoretical framework is underapproximatively realized by using S‐procedure and sums of squares programming, associated with the coordinatewise iteration method. Afterwards, for obtaining a required initial inner estimate of domain of attraction, we propose an alternative higher‐order truncation and linear semidefinite programming based method for computing a common Lyapunov function. Especially, a bisection method based improvement is proposed for obtaining better estimates in each iteration step. Finally, we implement proposed algorithms and test them on numerical examples with comparisons. These computation and comparison results show that the advantages of our multiple Lyapunov‐like functions based algorithm. Especially, we provide alternative underapproximations for avoiding the possible numerical problem.
Foreign Language Anxiety, Motivation and Intercultural Communication Competence of Chinese Top University Students

The study explored the relationship between foreign language anxiety, motivation and intercultural communication competence of Chinese university students in top-notch programs. 223 undergraduate students from a leading university in China participated in the study by filling in a battery of questionnaire including the modified versions of Gardner’s Classroom Anxiety Scale and Attitude towards English, Noels et al.’s Language Learning Orientations Scale, Chen and Starosta’s intercultural sensitivity scale, and Portalla and Chen’s intercultural effectiveness scale. 10 of the participants then joined in the follow-up interviews, sharing their personal experience of English learning and intercultural communication. Results indicated that: (1) these students experienced a low-to-medium level of anxiety, and a medium-to-high level of motivation in general, in which intrinsic motivation appeared to be at a higher level than the extrinsic motivation; (2) there was a statistically significant negative correlation between their English use anxiety and English learning motivation; (3) they have experienced a low level of interaction confidence and interaction enjoyment in intercultural communication, and they had also expressed medium to high level in other aspects, for example interactant respect and interaction attentiveness; (4) as for the relationship with intercultural communication competence, the English use anxiety had statistically significant negative correlations with most aspects, while different aspects of English learning motivation had a statistically significant positive correlation with each other. Implications for future research and teaching were also discussed.
Test results of a 20 kA high temperature superconductor current lead using REBCO tapes

The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology has developed a 20 kA high temperature superconductor (HTS) current lead (CL) using the second generation material REBCO, as industry worldwide concentrate on the production of this material. The aim was to demonstrate the possibility of replacing the Bi-2223/AgAu tapes by REBCO tapes, while for easy comparison of results, all other components are copies of the 20 kA HTS CL manufactured for the satellite tokamak JT-60SA. After the manufacture of all CL components including the newly developed REBCO module, the assembly of the CL has been executed at KIT and an experiment has been carried out in the CuLTKa test facility where the REBCO CL was installed and connected to a JT-60SA CL via a superconducting bus bar. The experiment covers steady state operation up to 20 kA, pulsed operation, measurement of the heat load at 4.5 K end, loss-of-flow-accident simulations, and quench performance studies. Here the results of these tests are reported and directly compared to those of the JT-60SA CL.
Verification of the origin of rotation in tornadoes experiment, part 2 (VORTEX2): data from the NOAA (NSSL) x-band dual-polarized radar

The advantages of dual-polarimetric radar observations have been studied for some time (Zrnic and Ryzhkov 1999) and certain signatures have been found to exist in supercell thunderstorms. These signatures include the tornado debris signature (TDS; Ryzhkov et al. 2002, 2005a), the low-level ZDR arc (e.g., Kumjian 2008; Kumjian and Ryzhkov 2008, 2008; Outinen and Teittinen 2007; Snyder 2008), ZDR and KDP columns (e.g., Caylor and Illingworth 1987; Illingworth et al. 1987; Tuttle et al. 1989; Meischner et al. 1991; Conway and Zrnic 1993; Brandes et al. 1995; Hubbert et al. 1998; Kennedy et al. 2001; Loney et al. 2002; Ryzhkov et al. 2005; Kumjian and Ryzhkov 2008), midlevel ZDR and ρHV rings (Kumjian and Ryzhkov 2008; Kumjian 2008), updraft signature (Kumjian and Ryzhkov 2008), and hail signatures (Heinselman and Ryzhkov 2006). Each signature reveals a distinguishing distribution of hydrometeors. Varying hypotheses have correlated these characteristics to different kinematic properties of the parent storm and its interaction with the environmental flow. Most dual-polarimetric studies have been performed at Sand C-bands (e.g., Kumjian and Ryzhkov 2008, Romine et al. 2008, Ryzhkov et al. 2005a, Ryzhkov et al. 2002, Van Den Broeke 2008), but relatively few studies have been made at X-band. Snyder (2008) examines X-band dual-polarimetric observations from UMass X-Pol using different cases for different estimates of attenuation and differential attenuation in order to mitigate the impacts of both. Among his findings (see the paper for more details) is that the correction technique called the ZPHI-Rain Profiling Algorithm (Testud et al. 2000) performs amongst the best of all the tested cases. The techniqued is used in results presented in this paper. Some details and limitations of the algorithm will be briefly described as well. The main focus of this paper is to provide a summarized analysis of storm evolution obtained from the NOAA (NSSL) X-Band Polarized (NOXP) mobile weather radar during the Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes EXperiment, Part 2 (VORTEX2) field project. Herein the hail signature, ZDR arc, and ZDR and KDP column signature evolution are analyzed in
Bigil Adicha Massu Da: Self-reflexivity and Masculinity in Bigil (2019)

Contemporary Tamil films are largely dependent on viewers having prior knowledge of film canon, celebrities, industry happenings and social issues in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Taking the form of complicated chains of intertextuality, self-reflexive moments are fundamental to the ways in which Tamil film narratives, particularly the narratives of mass hero films, are constructed. The 2019 blockbuster film Bigil (Whistle), a sports film about a male coach leading an all-women soccer team, highlights the extent to which Tamil mass hero films rely on self-reflexive techniques to uphold the portrayal of specific gendered identities. This article examines the ways in which Bigil constructs contemporary Tamil masculinity through both the narrative representation of the central character Michael and the use of cinematic techniques, which privilege and celebrate the star’s (Vijay) relationship with his fans. This article conducts a close textual analysis of key sequences in the film, including song sequences, and interactions between Michael and the women soccer players. In doing so, it unpacks the ways in which the hypermasculinity of the male protagonist fundamentally diminishes the film’s supposedly empowering storyline and the ways in which contemporary Tamil films seek to capitalise on the marketability of such narratives.
Conditional Distributions of Crop Yields: A Bayesian Approach for Characterizing Technological Change

What changes in the distribution of crop yields occur as a result of technological innovation? Viewing observed yields as random variables, estimation of the yield distribution conditional on time provides one approach for characterizing distributional transformation. Yields are also affected by weather and other covariates, spatial correlation, and a paucity of data in any one location. Common parametric and nonparametric methods rarely consider these aspects in a unified manner. Comprehensive solutions for describing the distribution of yields can be considered ideal. We implement a Bayesian spatial quantile regression model for the conditional distribution of yields that is distribution-free, includes weather (covariate) effects, smooths across space, and models the complete quantile process. Results provide insight into the temporal and spatial evolution of crop yields with implications for the measurement of technological change. Acknowledgement :
Narcissistic Personality Features and Perceptions of Social Worth at Work: Implications for Job-Related Attitudes

We examined the role that perceptions of social worth played in the connections that narcissistic personality features had with job-related attitudes in a sample of Israeli community members (N = 814). Our results showed that the positive associations that the extraverted aspect of narcissism had with each of the job-related attitudes were mediated by status-based social worth. In contrast, the neurotic aspect of narcissism was negatively associated with job-related attitudes – with the exception of the perceived quality of alternative jobs – and these associations were mediated by status-based social worth. Antagonistic narcissism was negatively associated with job-related attitudes, but perceptions of social worth seemed to play little role in these associations. The discussion is focused on the role that perceptions of social worth may play in the connections between narcissism and job-related attitudes.
Inducing The Viability of Deteriorated Jatropha Seeds Through Matriconditioning Technology and Pseudomonas Fluorescens as Biological Agent

Jatropha curcas is a prospective vegetable oil or biodiesel and various derivative products as well as phytoremediation (plants cleaning the environment) and phytomining (plants that mine metals such as gold, nickel etc.). However, the commodity often experiences problems in the supply of seeds. The seed used usually has decreased their viability after going through a certain storage period. Therefore, matriconditioning technology and the application of the biological agent Pseudomonas fluorescens were used to increase the viability and vigor of these seeds. The aim of the study was to determine the interaction between the duration of the matrioditioning treatment and the application of Pseudomonas fluorescens to increase the viability and vigor of Jatropha seeds and to determine the optimal duration of the matrioditioning treatment and the dosage of Pseudomonas fluorescens in increasing the viability and growth performance of sprouts and seedlings. Field experiments would be carried out in the greenhouse of the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Jember. This experiment was arranged using a factorial design (two factors) with a randomized block design (RBD) repeated 3 times. The result showed that the interaction effect of matriconditioning time and dose of Pseudomonas fluorescens was significantly different on the observed variables of growth speed, vigor index and T50. Combination of 24 hours matriconditioning treatment and dose of Pseudomonas fluorescens 100 ml l-1 produced the best treatment on variables representing seed vigor (growth rate and vigor index).
Roles of the Moisture and Wave Feedbacks in Shaping the Madden-Julian Oscillation

AbstractThis study investigates the moisture and wave feedbacks in the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) dynamics by applying the general three-way interaction theoretical model. The three-way interaction model can reproduce observed large-scale characteristics of the MJO in terms of horizontal quadrupole-vortex structure, vertically tilted structure led by planetary boundary layer (PBL) convergence, slow eastward propagation with a period of 30–90 days, and planetary-scale circulation. The moisture feedback effects can be identified in this model by using diagnostic thermodynamic and momentum equations, and the wave feedback effects are investigated by using a diagnostic moisture equation. The moisture feedback is found to be responsible for producing the MJO dispersive modes when the convective adjustment process is slow. The moisture feedback mainly acts to reduce the frequency and growth rate of the short waves, while leaving the planetary waves less affected, so neglecting the moisture feedback is a go.
Youths not in Education, Employment and Training: An Overview of Characteristics, Challenges and Future Prospects

This paper investigates the characteristics and the challenges of youths not in education, employment or training (NEETs), particularly those aged between 15 and 29 years. This study also discusses strategies that are needed to give them a better direction in life. The literature review gives an overview of the studies conducted by several world organisations, namely, the European Union, the OECD and UNESCO. Then, it goes on to discuss the various categories of NEETs, the causes for becoming a NEET, and intervention programmes.A qualitative kind of study was conducted through telephone interviews with eighteen participants. The majority of the participants were NEET for less than six months and almost all of them were planning to go back to work or study. Covid-19, together with personal or medical reasons, were the main hindrances for the participants to find a job. Career guidance was one of the main factors that was suggested by the participants as a helping tool to find a job, because they did not know in which sector they would like to work or study. Further recommendations emanating from this study where those of helping these youths to enhance their self-confidence and supporting them in literacy and numeracy skills throughout their studies.
Theoretical Foundations for Quantum Measurement in a General Relativistic Framework

In this work, we develop theoretical formulations to analyze experimentally relevant quantum measurement schemes in a general relativistic framework, and discuss their implications versus the Newtonian or non-relativistic viewpoints. Specifically, we address (i) matter waves in simple free fall, (ii) the Mach-Zehdner atom interferometer with light-matter interaction and (iii) optomechanical systems. The motivation is to explore the regime of physics where gravity and relativistic effects become pertinent for quantum experiments due to the increase in system size and complexity. Such experiments may illuminate a way forward to reconcile the independently successful but apparently paradoxical theories of gravity and quantum mechanics, where sound theoretical foundations are necessary to help guide the search for new physics at their interface.
Multivariate Time Series Model in Forecasting Gross Domestic Product Growth, Inflation, and Foreign Direct Investment in Tanzania

The purpose of this study is to use time-series econometric methods, specifically Vector Autoregression (VAR) models, to predict the growth of Tanzania's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Inflation, and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) using annual data from 1991 to 2020. The research finds that there is a Granger causality between GDP and FDI, largely due to increased private investment and consumption. However, there is no Granger causality between inflation and GDP or FDI. The study predicts that inflation will remain stable but may experience occasional spikes due to supply-side shocks. Additionally, the study anticipates that FDI will continue to increase due to ongoing reforms aimed at improving the business climate and attracting more overseas investments. The model diagnostic test shows no autocorrelation and a stable model. Finally, the study forecasts that both GDP and FDI will continue to rise due to major sectoral projects taking place in Tanzania. This information is useful for policymakers and investors who can use it to make informed decisions and manage the risks associated with economic growth and development in Tanzania.
HYPERLIPIDEMIA CONNOTED VITIATION OF SERUM ADIPOKINES AND REDOX IMBALANCES

Background and objectives: Atherosclerosis is the underlying pathology of ischemic heart disease. There are many aggravating metabolic and oxidant parameters which are participating together overwhelming the pathology of vascular stenosis. Adipokines play a positive metabolic effect in healthy individuals and oxidation reaction greatly impacts the lipid metabolism and might negatively impact the condition. In the present study, we aimed to characterize the level of adiponectin, obestatin, and redox parameters in atherosclerotic patients. Methods: Serum was collected from atherosclerotic patients and froze to be ready for analysis. Results: The results indicated that hyperlipidemia significantly reduced adiponectin, obestatin, and antioxidant enzymes (catalase, glutathione, glutathione-S-transferase, and glutathione peroxidase) together with a significant increase in oxidant byproduct (malondialdehyde) and modulated lipid parameters (cholesterol, triglyceride, and high-density lipoprotein). Conclusion: The study concluded that atherosclerosis is associated with reduced antioxidant enzymes, obestatin, and adiponectin levels and increased lipid levels. These parameters play a great role in the patho-logical status of coronary stenosis
Stochastic models for CD4+ T cells

In this thesis, we study the mechanisms involved in CD4+ T cell activation focusing on the crucial role of costimulation for an effective immune response. For this purpose, interactions between receptors from T cells and ligands on the APCs, as well as the trafficking of these molecules, need to be analysed. At the same time, population models are developed to study their homeostatic behaviour and the role of IL-2, as well as quorum-sensing mechanisms in CD4+ T cell maintenance. A multidisciplinary approach that combines statistical analysis of experimental data and mathematical models that describe the experiments, has been used that take into account the stochastic nature of these processes. We have combined deterministic methods when appropriate with stochastic ones, as well as made us of numerical simulations.