Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Non-spatial and spatial econometric analysis of tourism demand in a panel of countries around the world

ABSTRACT Spatial and non-spatial data econometric models were used on a panel of 43 countries around the world from 2006 to 2016. The number of tourist arrivals was explained using ‘the political stability and the absence of violence/terrorism’ index and the human development indices, that is, the ‘standard of living index’, ‘life expectancy index’ and ‘education index’. Taking spatial information into account improved the forecasting of tourist arrivals in 2017. There was a positive spatial autocorrelation of the ‘endogenous interaction effect’ type. The number of tourist arrivals in neighbouring countries positively impacts those in a given country.
Effect of Ca Addition on Corrosion Behavior of Wrought AM60 Magnesium Alloy in Alkaline Solutions

Magnesium (Mg) alloys possess the lowest density among structural materials, and their application in the automotive and aircraft industries might enhance fuel efficiency. The mechanical properties can be improved by the addition of alloying elements. However, since Mg and its alloys are very susceptible to corrosion degradation, it is important to study the effect of these elements on the alloys’ corrosion behavior. In this study, 1 wt% of calcium (Ca) was added to wrought AM60 Mg alloy, and the electrochemical corrosion behavior of the alloys in alkaline solutions with and without Cl− ions was compared. The corrosion behavior was investigated by means of immersion tests, gravimetric measurements and potentiodynamic polarization (PDP); the characteristics of the oxide layer were studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The addition of Ca resulted in precipitation of the ternary aluminum-rich (Mg-Al)2Ca phase. Scanning Kelvin probe force microscope (SKPFM) identified that this phase has a cathodic behavior relative to the α-Mg matrix; hence it can serve as additional sites for initiation of pitting corrosion. As a result, the corrosion resistance of wrought AM60 alloy with 1 wt% Ca addition deteriorated in a NaCl solution. However, in the absence of Cl− ions, alloying with Ca improves the corrosion resistance of wrought AM60 alloy due to the stabilization of the corrosion products layer. The effect of long-period immersion time on the corrosion behavior and alloy oxidation is discussed.
Complete section of the left vagus nerve does not preclude the efficacy of vagus nerve stimulation: illustrative case

BACKGROUND Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) represents a valid therapeutic option for patients with medically intractable seizures who are not candidates for epilepsy surgery. Even when complete section of the nerve occurs, stimulation applied cranially to the involved nerve segment does not preclude the efficacy of VNS. Complete vagus nerve section with neuroma causing definitive left vocal cord palsy has never been previously reported in the literature. OBSERVATIONS Eight years after VNS implant, the patient experienced worsening of seizures; the interrogation of the generator revealed high impedance requiring surgical revision. On surgical exploration, complete left vagus nerve section and a neuroma were found. Vocal cord atrophy was found at immediate postoperative laryngeal inspection as a confirmation of a longstanding lesion. Both of these events might have been caused by direct nerve injury during VNS surgery, and they presented in a delayed fashion. LESSONS VNS surgery may be complicated by direct damage to the left vagus nerve, resulting in permanent neurological deficits. A complete section of the nerve also enables an efficacious stimulation if applied cranially to the involved segment. Laryngeal examination should be routinely performed before each VNS surgery to rule out preexisting vocal cord dysfunction.
The characteristics of nonprofit performance measurement systems

The last ten years have seen a plethora of organisational studies related to nonprofit organisations (NPOs). Regarding performance measures, the initial approach of NPOs is to adapt models and processes developed in a for-profit context. The NPO performance measurement literature suggests that these models fail in addressing the unique characteristics of NPOs relating to their dynamic and complex environments. The research presented in this paper focus is on organisational performance related studies, and it covers private companies’ foundations, technological and professional institutes, and public or government agencies and departments. Ten cases were studied, and the results could not be generalised for NPOs but could be understood in the three different contexts and organisations studied. Foundations are strongly connected to their private supporter, and they are responsible for actions in terms of social responsibility and accountability. Independent institutes are project-oriented organisations that serve specific purposes that are defined by multiple stakeholders, and strongly influenced by the context in which they operate. Public service and government institutions have their operations ruled by an office term period institutional planning framework that deploys government programs and produces performance reports as they have high demands for transparency and accountability.
Controllable Increase of Boron Content in B-Pd Interstitial Nanoalloy To Boost the Oxygen Reduction Activity of Palladium

Boron doping can boost the catalytic activity of palladium for diverse reactions. Precise control of the doping content is crucial but remains difficult in current synthesis, which generally involves the use of instable and costly borane-organic compounds. Herein, by taking advantage of the relatively strong solvation of N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) to Na+ and the increased stability BH4– in DMF, we synthesize B-Pd interstitial nanocrystals in DMF, with NaBH4 acting as a reductant and boron source. The boron content, which can be readily tuned by changing the reaction time and NaBH4 concentration, can reach up to 20 at. %. Such a high boron doping results in a great beneficial effect on the catalytic capability of Pd toward the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The synthesized B-Pd nanoalloy exhibits a mass and specific activity for ORR that are, respectively, ca. 14 and 14.6 times higher than those of the state-of-the-art commercial Pt catalyst in alkaline solution. Density functional theory (DFT) calculat.
L'incidence d'un enseignement centré sur la forme sur la performance orale

Abstract:The present study examines the timing effect of form-focused instruction within a task on language performance. One hundred and ten university-level, French as a second language students of B1 and B2 proficiency performed a ranking task. Two groups received instruction on the subjunctive prior to completing the task, two groups received instruction during the task, and two groups received instruction after the task. Performance was analyzed along the lines of structural complexity, accuracy, fluidity, and lexical complexity. The group receiving instruction prior to task completion displayed the most structural complexity, overall accuracy, and fluidity. Instruction during the task resulted in the greatest degree of lexical complexity and accuracy with respect to the use of the subjunctive. The post-task instruction group did not stand out in any respect. The results of the study demonstrate that form-focus instruction given prior to task completion does not necessarily yield negative effects on performance, contrary to some theoretical predictions or pedagogical recommendations regarding Task-Based Language Teaching. Résumé:La présente étude s'intéresse à l'effet sur la performance langagière à l'oral du moment où un enseignement centré sur la forme est effectué dans le cadre d'une tâche. En tout, 110 apprenants et apprenantes universitaires de français langue seconde de niveaux B1 et B2 ont effectué une tâche de hiérarchisation. Deux groupes ont reçu un enseignement sur le subjonctif avant le début de la tâche, deux groupes ont reçu l'enseignement pendant la tâche et deux groupes ont reçu l'enseignement à la fin de la tâche. La performance a été analysée sur le plan de la complexité structurale, de la précision, de la fluidité et de la complexité lexicale. Le groupe « avant » a affiché la plus grande complexité structurale, précision globale et fluidité. Le groupe « pendant » a affiché la plus grande complexité lexicale et précision relative à l'utilisation du subjonctif. Le groupe « après » ne s'est démarqué relativement à aucun aspect. Les résultats de l'étude montrent qu'un enseignement centré sur la forme au début d'une tâche n'a pas nécessairement d'effets négatifs contrairement à certaines hypothèses théoriques et recommandations pédagogiques concernant l'enseignement des langues basé sur la tâche.
Use of Lactobacillus rhamnosus (ATCC 53103) as Whole-Cell Biocatalyst for the Regio- and Stereoselective Hydration of Oleic, Linoleic, and Linolenic Acid

Natural hydroxy fatty acids are relevant starting materials for the production of a number of industrial fine chemicals, such as different high-value flavour ingredients. Only a few of the latter hydroxy acid derivatives are available on a large scale. Therefore, their preparation by microbial hydration of unsaturated fatty acids, affordable from vegetable oils, is a new biotechnological challenge. In this study, we describe the use of the probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus rhamnosus (ATCC 53103) as whole-cell biocatalyst for the hydration of the most common unsaturated octadecanoic acids, namely oleic acid, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid. We discovered that the addition of the latter fatty acids to an anaerobic colture of the latter strain, during the early stage of its exponential growth, allows the production of the corresponding mono-hydroxy derivatives. In these experimental conditions, the hydration reaction proceeds with high regio- and stereoselectivity. Only 10-hydroxy derivatives were formed and the resulting (R)-10-hydroxystearic acid, (S)-(12Z)-10-hydroxy-octadecenoic acid, and (S)-(12Z,15Z)-10-hydroxy-octadecadienoic acid were obtained in very high enantiomeric purity (ee > 95%). Although overall conversions usually do not exceed 50% yield, our biotransformation protocol is stereoselective, scalable, and holds preparative significance.
Establishing and theorising data analytics governance: a descriptive framework and a VSM-based view

ABSTRACT The rise of big data has led to many new opportunities for organisations to create value from data. However, an increasing dependence on data also poses many challenges for organisations. To overcome these challenges, organisations have to establish data analytics governance. Leading IT and information governance literature shows that governance can be implemented through mechanisms. The data analytics literature is not very abundant in describing specific governance mechanisms. Hence, there is a need to identify and describe specific data analytics governance mechanisms. To this end, a preliminary framework based on literature was developed and validated using a multiple case study design. This resulted in an extended descriptive framework that can aide managers in implementing data analytics governance. Furthermore, we draw on viable system model (VSM) theory to make a theoretical contribution by discussing how data analytics governance can contnue to fulfil its purpose of creating (business) value from data.
Study of the effect of ginger and turmeric on osteoporosis in female rats

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, involving inflammation and major structural changes of the joint, causing pain and functional disability. Pain and stiffness, particularly after exercise, are the major symptoms, resulting in considerable impact on ability to perform activities of daily living. There is discordance between symptoms and radiographic changes, with some sufferers not experiencing symptoms, but showing osteoarthritic changes on X-ray. The present study was performed to examine the effect of ginger and turmeric consumption on liver function (ALT, AST), phosphorus, total calcium , ionized calcium, x-ray and histopathologyon osteoporosis rats induced by prednisone acetate at a dose of 4 mg / kg bw three time a week for three weeks. On the other hand, the chemical constituent’s moisture, protein, fat, crude fibre, total digestible nutrients, ash, carbohydrate, phosphorous, calcium was determined for the tested ginger and turmeric. In addition to, volatile compounds and analysis of phytochemicals was determined for the tested ginger and turmeric. This work was carried out on 48 non-pregnant female albino rats (age 6 to 8 weeks and about 160 to 210g body weight) classified into two main groups. The first main group (6) fed on basal diet and the second main group (42 rats)injected with prednisone acetate at a dose of 4 mg / kg bw three time a week for three weeks to cause osteoporosis and divided into seven subgroups such as each group consists of (6rats). Then fed on basal diet containing 10% -15% ginger, 10% -15% turmericand10% -15% ginger and turmeric. Results revealed that all osteoporosis groups administrated with different levels of ginger and turmeric (10-15%) had significant decrease liver function (ALT, AST), phosphorus, total calcium, ionized calcium comparing with the positive control group. On the other hand, x-ray and histopathologyof the positive control group after two months revealed bone loss of different part such as fibula, tibia and femur in addition to bone demineralization and femoral fracture and fibula bone trabexculae showed dystrophy and resorption and osteoporosis. These findings revealed that ginger andturmeric treatment attenuated and treated degrees to osteoporosis in compare to positive control group.
Ownership structure’s effect on financial performance: An empirical analysis of Jordanian listed firms

Abstract This study aims to examine the impact of the ownership structure on firm performance in the Jordan. This study employed the multiple-regression model and fixed regression effect to analyse the data. The sample included all Jordanian first market firms listed on the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) from 2012 to 2018. The paper’s findings reveal a positive and significant relationship between institutional ownership and both accounting measure Return on Assets (ROA) and market measure Tobin’s Q (TQ). Other ownership structure types, such as concentration of ownership, also affect ROA and TQ. While managerial ownership shows a negative relationship with ROA, but there is no association with TQ. This study has broad and comprehensive practical implications that are good for policymakers. On the one hand, it adds to the debate on agency theory from the ownership structure and firm’s performance relationship. On the other hand, it helps the Jordanian Government formulate policies and regulations to strengthen corporate governance (CG), which increases the interests of all stakeholders in the Jordanian market.
Corporate governance and financial performance of insurance firms in Kenya

Abstract This study examined the relationship between corporate governance and the financial performance of insurance firms in Kenya over the period 2013–2018. The data were collected from 51 Insurance firms licensed to operate in Kenya as of 31 December 2018. Regression analysis was used and the results showed that corporate governance significantly affects the financial performance of insurance firms. In particular, the findings showed that board composition negatively and significantly affects financial performance. This implied that insurance firms with a bigger ratio of non-executive directors do not perform better than those with a less proportion of non-executive directors. Insurance firms should therefore reduce the ratio of non-executive directors in order to achieve better performance. The results also showed that board diversity positively and significantly affects financial performance. This implied that insurance firms with a bigger ratio of professional directors perform better than the firms with less proportion of professional directors to the board. Insurance firms should therefore engage more professional directors in order to provide professional guidance and enhance financial performance. The findings also indicated that board independence positively and significantly affects financial performance. This implied that firms with a bigger ratio of independent directors perform better than those with a smaller proportion of independent directors. Insurance firms should thus ensure that the board has an adequate number of independent directors in order to ensure independent or unbiased board decisions that will boost financial performance. The results also indicated that board size negatively and significantly affects financial performance. This implied that firms with bigger board sizes do not perform better than firms with smaller board sizes. The board size should thus be smaller to ensure efficiency and effectiveness of the board and better financial performance. This study concludes that proper corporate governance structure significantly affects the performance of a firm. Therefore, the study recommends that directors and other stakeholders should put in place appropriate governance structures in order to boost financial performance. Regulators and policymakers should also come up with policies and regulations that will ensure firms adopt appropriate governance structures to enhance performance. This study contributes to corporate governance literature by providing insight on the effect of corporate governance on performance from a developing country perspective. The study also provides an empirical examination of the effect of the various governance structures adopted by insurance firms and gives recommendations that can be utilized by policymakers in assessing and reviewing corporate governance policies. The study also gives recommendations to managers and other stakeholders regarding the board structure that can be adopted to boost the performance of a firm.
Students’ use behavior towards e-learning tools during COVID-19 pandemics: Case study of higher educational institutions of Thailand

The research purpose was to conduct an empirical investigation into students’ use behavior of e-learning tools during the COVID-19 pandemic, a case study of higher educational institutions in Thailand. The study applied the UTAUT2 theoretical model. Primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire from a total of 1,493 students across institutions of higher learning in Thailand. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was conducted using AMOS. The findings indicated that student’s behavioral intention to use e-learning tools is positively and significantly influenced by performance expectancy (β=0.22, p<0.05); effort expectancy (β=0.14, p<0.05); social influence (β=0.20, p<0.05); facilitating condition (β=0.50, p<0.05); hedonic motivation (β=0.35, p<0.05); learning value (β=0.51, p<0.05); and social distance (β=0.46, p<0.05). Similarly, behavioral intention by the students to use e-learning tools have a positive and significant effect on actual use of e-learning tools (β=0.82, p<0.05). Learning value and social distance had the largest positive effects on the student’s behavioral intention to use e-learning tools. It is important for the higher education institutions in Thailand to consider them. They are major factors driving students towards adopting e-learning tools during disruptions as witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic period.
Interrogating the Causes, Effects and Societal Responses to Rape and Child-Defilement in Nigeria

Nigeria’s social landscape has been inundated by an alarming spate of rape and child defilement cases, so much more that there is hardly a week without media reports of rape in the country. Records released by the Nigeria Police Force shows that a total of seven hundred and seventeen cases of rape and child defilement were recorded in the first five months of the year 2020. More alarming is the defilement of minors and underage children by adults. The foregoing raises concerns and the need to interrogate the causes of alarming cases of rape and defilement of minors in Nigeria. The mixed methods research approach was adopted to generate both primary and secondary data. For the primary data, an online questionnaire was designed and administered to a total of two hundred and nine Nigerians across various sectors and regions of the country. Besides, six (6) key informants, each from the Ministry of Women, Legal Department, National Human Rights Commission, NGO, religious leader and media practitioners, were interviewed. On the other hand, government reports, gazettes, journal and newspaper articles were used to generate secondary data. Findings show that defilement of minors in Nigeria is perceived from a socio-cultural perspective as an avenue for money rituals. Other causes include mental disorders of perpetrators, alcoholism and substance abuse. Effects of such acts are physical and psychological. Recommendations on ways of curbing the menace include life sentences, name shame of perpetrators, and strict enforcement of existing laws prohibiting rape and defilement in the country.
Weather Risk Assessment for Collective Water Supply and Sewerage Systems

The weather derivatives market as an instrument of effective weather risk management is still not flexible enough for many industries. The water supply and sewerage industry is sensitive primarily to heavy rainfalls and periods of high and low temperatures: days with heavy rainfall may cause a hydraulic overload of the sewerage systems; on hot days, the water demand increases significantly; on frost days, the risk of water pipe failure grows. The work aimed to summarise methods of weather risk management and propose indices that will help to protect the interests of the water supply and sewerage industry in Poland. Three indices were proposed: a daily precipitation index, frost day index, and hot day index. The frequency of reaching these indices in Poland was verified with the use of meteorological data from 1970–2019, for 19 locations. The non-parametric Mann-Kendall test was used to determine the climate change impact on the exceedance frequency of the proposed indicators. The results showed that the indexes were exceeded in the past once every 6 years, on average. The hot day index was exceeded the least often, but it was the only one with a clear (growing) trend observed.
Assessment of glenoid baseplate initial micromotion and fixation strength in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty designs using a direct shear force methodology

Background In a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, the altered glenohumeral joint center of rotation subjects the glenoid baseplate to increased shear forces and potential loosening. Methods This study examined glenoid baseplate micromotion and initial fixation strength with the application of direct shear force in a Sawbone model. The reverse total shoulder arthroplasty systems examined were the DJO Reverse® Shoulder Prosthesis, the Exactech Equinoxe® Reverse System, and the Tornier Aequalis TM Reverse Shoulder Prosthesis. Specimens were cyclically tested with increasing shear loads until 150 µm of displacement between the implant and glenoid was achieved, and subsequently until failure, classified as either 1 cm of implant/glenoid displacement or fracture. Results The average load withstood for the 150 µm threshold for DJO, Tornier, and Exactech was 460 ± 88 N, 525 ± 100 N, and 585 ± 160 N, respectively. The average total load at device failure for DJO, Tornier, and Exactech was 980 ± 260 N, 1260 ± 120 N, and 1350 ± 230 N, respectively. Discussion The Exactech implant design trended toward requiring more load to induce micromotion at each threshold and to induce device failure, most commonly seen as inferior screw pull out. This study proposes design features that may enhance fixation and suggests little risk of initial micromotion or failure during initial post-operative recovery.