Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Role of Porter’s Generic Strategies on Determining Competitive Advantage of Postal Corporation of Kenya Courier Services

In order to thrive amidst globalization, corporations and enterprises have to compete with each other on the global scale. Competition for market share has become turbulent and most likely, only the most efficient and effective companies will thrive and win out. The Postal Corporation of Kenya is one such corporation that has been caught out by global and regional competition threatening its survival. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of porter’s generic strategies in determining competitive advantage of postal corporation of Kenya courier services. The study was anchored in the Porter’s generic strategies. The study was undertaken using a descriptive crosssectional survey research design. The target population comprised of forty five senior staff of Postal Corporation of Kenya which included one general manager, eleven departmental heads and thirty three branch managers. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. A Cronbach coefficient of 0.88 was achieved for the study variables. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, which comprised of frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation. Chi-Square test and analysis was used to assess the possible association and relationship between strategies adopted by postal corporation of Kenya and competitiveness in the courier services. The study found Porter’s generic strategies had association with Competitive advantage of Postal Corporation of Kenya. The study concluded that Porter’s generic strategies are important strategic determinants of competitive advantage in the postal corporation of Kenya courier services. The study recommended that Postal Corporation of Kenya should focus on cost leadership and differentiation in order to enhance competitiveness in the market as the long term strategies for survival.
Evaluation of a new rapid-diagnostic test for peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis: the PERIPLEX® device.

In 2017, the British company MOLOGIC developed a new rapid-diagnostic test (PERIPLEX®) for the diagnosis of peritonitis in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis. This single-use test is based on the detection in dialysate of two biomarkers of bacterial infection: Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8). The test was evaluated in a prospective multicenter study including 10 centers from the RDPLF (French Language Peritoneal Dialysis Registry). A total of 184 tests were performed; 86 tests were negative and 98 were positive. 85 peritonitis were confirmed. There were no false-negatives, and 13 false-positives. Of the 13 false-positives, 7 of them were for sepsis without peritonitis, or peritoneal inflammation. The performance of the test is considered excellent: sensitivity 100%, specificity 86.9%, positive predictive value 86.7%, negative predictive value 100%. In this study, a negative test can formally rule out the diagnosis of peritonitis.
Does Psychological Capital Matter for the Public Sector Employees? A Survey of the Impact of Psychological Capital on Individual Job Performance in Malaysia

The Malaysian public has implemented various programs aid to improve the employee’s performance and the attitude while carrying the task. However, the number of issues arise among public sector employees over the past year. It is including their involvement in personal businesses, high absenteeism, punctuality, and consequently distracted their focus and job performance. Thus, this led the study to investigate the most researched psychological capital construct and job performance study; psychological capital (self-efficacy, hope, resilience, and optimism) on job performance among individual employees in the Management Service Division of Public Service Department Malaysia. It used a self-administered questionnaire to collect data from 200 public sector employees in Malaysia. It developed a research model of psychological capital and job performance theory and concept. The conducted research analyses revealed that psychological capital significantly influenced job performance. As self-efficacy is the strongest predictor of job performance, it further proposed that it is essential for the public institutions and agencies to encourage high confidence level among their employees, and emphasizing the importance of having high self-efficacy in performing the job while serving the citizens directly and indirectly. Further, as public sector employers, the government needs to encourage its employees to be optimistic in performing their duties, whether the outcome is uncertain.
Estimation of Potato Biomass and Yield Based on Machine Learning from Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Data

: The estimation of potato biomass and yield can optimize the planting pattern and tap the production potential. Based on partial least square (PLSR), multiple linear regression (MLR), support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), BP neural network and other machine learning algorithms, the biomass estimation model of potato in different growth stages is constructed by using single variables such as original spectrum, first-order differential spectrum, combined spectrum index and vegetation index (VI) and their coupled combination variables. The accuracy of the models is compared and analyzed, and the best modeling method of biomass in different growth stages is selected. Based on the optimized modeling method, the biomass of each growth stage is estimated, and the yield estimation model of different growth stages is constructed based on the estimation results and the linear regression analysis method, and the accuracy of the model is verified. The results showed that in tuber formation stage, starch accumulation stage and maturity stage, the biomass estimation accuracy based on combination variable was the highest, the best modeling method was MLR and SVM, in tuber growth stage, the best modeling method was MLR, the effect of yield estimation is good. It provides a reference for the algorithm selection of crop biomass and yield models based on machine learning.
Electrochemical Synthesis of Very Stable Photoluminescent Copper Clusters

Small fluorescent atomic copper clusters, stabilized by tetrabutylammonium nitrate, have been synthesized by a simple electrochemical technique. These small clusters (CuN, N < ≈14) show photoluminescence in the visible range with unusual high quantum yields (13%) and were characterized by UV−vis and fluorescence spectroscopies, LDI-TOF (laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight) mass spectroscopy, XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy), and TEM/HRTEM (high-resolution/transmission electron microscopy). Cu clusters are very stable and can be dispersed in both apolar and polar solvents, which makes them useful as very small building blocks, bringing new possibilities to construct novel nano/microstructures, with potential applications in fields such as biosensors, biomedicine, etc.
Structural study of graphite materials prepared by HTT of unburned carbon concentrates from coal combustion fly ashes

Unburned carbon concentrates with different mineral matter contents were obtained from coal combustion fly ashes by an oil agglomeration procedure. The concentrates were then heated in the temperature interval 1800–2700 °C for the purpose of exploring their ability to graphitize. The influence of the treatment temperature and mineral matter of the unburned carbon on the structural characteristics of the materials prepared was studied. The interlayer spacing, d002, and crystallite sizes along the c-axis, Lc, and the a-axis, La, calculated from X-ray diffractometry (XRD) as well as the relative intensity of the Raman D-band, ID/It, were used to assess the degree of structural order of the materials. Graphite materials with structural characteristics comparable to those of other oil-derived synthetic graphites were prepared from the unburned carbon concentrates at temperatures ≥2400 °C. It was also observed that more-ordered materials were obtained from the unburned carbon concentrates with higher mineral ma.
Response of cotton fiber quality to the carbohydrates in the leaf subtending the cotton boll

This study investigated the effect of nitrogen (N) fertilization on leaf and boll N and carbohydrate concentrations in the development of fiber quality. A two-year field study was conducted with two cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivars, Kemian 1 (average fiber strength 35 cN tex–1) and NuCOTN 33B (average fiber strength 32 cN tex–1) at five (2008) and four (2009) N levels. The relationship between leaf and boll N and carbohydrate concentrations was assessed from measurements of N, carbohydrates, chlorophyll (based on SPAD readings), and free amino acids in the leaf subtending the boll, together with fiber carbohydrates and development of fiber quality. Results indicate that leaf N concentration more accurately reflected boll N status than the concentration of chlorophyll or free amino acids. Leaf sucrose and nonstructural carbohydrate had a quadratic relation with leaf N concentration (p < 1%). The optimal leaf N concentration ranged from 3.0% to 2.4%. During 24–38 d post-anthesis (DPA), fiber sucrose was positively related to leaf sucrose and nonstructural carbohydrate (p < 5%), but was not correlated with leaf starch or total soluble carbohydrates. Fiber strength was positively correlated with fiber sucrose before 38 DPA, and it appeared to be more easily influenced by the fiber sucrose concentration than fiber length, fineness, or maturity. These results suggest that 24–38 DPA is a crucial period for fiber development which might be significantly influenced by physiological and ecological factors. In addition, sucrose or nonstructural carbohydrates in the subtending leaf could be used as a monitoring index to evaluate sucrose levels in the developing fiber, and also for predicting the final fiber strength.
Mitigating the COVID-19 effect: Emergency economic policy-making in Central Europe

This paper analyses the economic policy-making in the first phase of the epidemic in five Central Europe countries, Austria, Czechia, Hungary, Slovakia and Slovenia, whose economic structure is characterized by strong export orientation. The focus is on the participatory character of the governments’ COVID-19 packages, on their design, and targets. The authors find that while social actors were selectively integrated in the policy-making, depending on the established tripartite framework and government political composition, support packages deployed similar tools (such as short-time work provisions, loan and guarantee programmes through development banks, tax/security payment deferrals) though with varying weight and scope. Only in Austria and Czechia the governments adopted specific measures for the export sector. Additionnally, the scope of the fiscally immediately relevant measures is rather limited, resulting in lesser loan programs and social provisions. Although the budgetary limitations have been temporarily suspended by the European Union, the governments in the periphery, regardless of their political inclinations, remain constrained by their uneven integration into the EU’s single market, as well as by their limited access to international financial markets.
Response to RC #1

This paper reports the results of a careful experimental and computational study of the kinetics of the reactions of hydroxyl radicals and chlorine atoms with a new solvent, 2,2,5,5-tetramethyloxolane. The results are presented in a clear and logical fashion and I recommend publication essentially as is. I have only one suggestion for improvement which is to remove the claim of "green" for the subject molecule in the title (which sounds a little unscientific) and to add a quantitative justification for the conclusion in the abstract that TMO is a "less problematic" VOC than toluene. Jenkin et al. (Atmos. Environ., 163, 128, 2017) have provided a method to estimate the photochemical ozone creation potential (POCP) from molecular structure and k(OH). This method could be used to estimate the POCP for TMO which could then be compared to that for toluene (and other solvents). useful. Many thanks for the suggestion. Using the method from Jenkin et al. we have estimated the photochemical ozone creation potential (POCP E 18 in NW Europe conditions. larger POCP E 45. Atmospheric Implications section of our revised manuscript, together details of these calculations in supplemental information. (TMO) and compared to another reagent – relative rate – two complimentary methods for determining the OH + TMO rate coefficient at room temperature. Excellent agreement was observed. The direct monitoring experiments were able to study the reaction over a range of elevated temperatures, up to 502 K, relative rate method the Cl + TMO rate coefficient at room temperature. This experimental work has been carried out with enough suitable checks to give good confidence in their results. initio calculations indicate the site of H-abstraction, at the CH3 is suggested. on these experiments, no recommending for presentation of the calculations should be improved: show the potential energy surface and the vibrational frequencies of the species in the SI.
A Comprehensive Review on the Determinants of Economic Growth for Indebted Countries

This article highlights the main determinants of the economic growth for indebted countries. The reason being is to help future researchers and policymakers to set a priority on the essential variables that assist in stimulating economic growth, especially among the indebted countries. It is because previous researchers include doubtful variables in the growth model that led to biased estimation. Hence, this paper aims to solve the problem by giving guidelines to future researchers and policymakers on the main determinants of economic growth, especially when the countries are facing with high public debt. In light of this, we have conducted a systematic literature review by adopting the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). It is to report the findings found from the reliable journal articles downloaded from the Scopus database. The articles derived from the Scopus database were then being identified and screened accordingly based on specific criteria. The articles selected from the identification and screening processes were then being examined individually by looking at the titles, abstracts and the main contents. In the end, only 26 articles that highlight the determinants of the debt-growth model were selected. The review managed to formulate five main themes that represent the determinants of the debt-growth model, namely demographic, capital, government policies, macroeconomic stability and openness. From the five themes, we have generated eleven themes to allow for more detail explanation on each theme. The findings highlight the importance of five main variables in each theme that can help the indebted countries to boost their economic growth. Finally, we propose a few recommendations for future researches and policymakers.
Soil flooding and rice straw addition can increase isotopic exchangeable phosphorus in P‐deficient tropical soils

Soil flooding increases phosphorus (P) availability due to reductive dissolution of P‐bearing Fe(III) minerals. It is, however, unclear whether such processes also act in P‐deficient soils of the tropics that have large Fe/P ratios (dithionite‐ and oxalate‐extractable P and Fe). The objective was to identify the extent of P release induced by flooding in such soils and the soil characteristics involved. Six topsoils (0.4–5% Fe) from rice fields in Madagascar were incubated aerobically and anaerobically for 66 days amended with factorial combinations of H2PO4− (0, 50 mg P/kg); half of the flooded soils were also amended with 1 g rice straw/kg prior to flooding to stimulate soil oxygen depletion. The release of P after flooding was measured at day 40 with 33P isotopic exchange, which detects both changes of labile P (exchangeable P) and changes in P solubility. Flooding increased labile P concentration in soil compared with aerobic soils by 1.4–60 mg P/kg, effects being significant in 6 of the 12 soil samples. Rice straw addition further increased the labile P in 5 of the 12 flooded soil samples by 2–27 mg P/kg. The release of labile P by flooding increased with soil oxalate‐extractable P concentration. Flooding combined with rice straw addition can increase the labile P in soil, even in soils with large amount of Fe; however, this release in unfertilized soils is likely insufficient for optimal nutrition of rice plants when evaluated against critical values for P solubility.
A Co-Designed Active Video Game for Physical Activity Promotion in People With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Pilot Trial

Background People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who are less active have lower quality of life, greater risk of exacerbations, and greater mortality than those who are more active. The effectiveness of physical activity interventions may facilitate the addition of game elements to improve engagement. The use of a co-design approach with people with COPD and clinicians as co-designers may also improve the effectiveness of the intervention. Objective The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of a co-designed mobile game by examining the usage of the game, subjective measures of game engagement, and adherence to wearing activity trackers. The secondary aim of this study is to estimate the effect of the game on daily steps and daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Methods Participants with COPD who were taking part in the co-design of the active video game (n=9) acted as the experiment group, spending 3 weeks testing the game they helped to develop. Daily steps and MVPA were compared with a control group (n=9) of participants who did not co-design or test the game. Results Most participants (8/9, 89%) engaged with the game after downloading it. Participants used the game to record physical activity on 58.6% (82/141) of the days the game was available. The highest scores on the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory were seen for the value and usefulness subscale, with a mean of 6.38 (SD 0.6). Adherence to wearing Fitbit was high, with participants in both groups recording steps on >80% of days. Usage of the game was positively correlated with changes in daily steps but not with MVPA. Conclusions The co-designed mobile app shows promise as an intervention and should be evaluated in a larger-scale trial in this population.
Qualidade fermentativa e caracterização químico-bromatológica de silagens da parte áerea e raízes de mandioca (Manihot esculenta Crantz)

The effects of wilting and root inclusion (0, 15, 30 and 45% natural matter) on the chemical and bromatological composition coupled to silage fermentation parameters of cassava foliage silages were evaluated. Wilting affected significantly dry matter content (DM), density and pH values (p -3 ; pH values were reduced by 0.0007 and 0.0062) respectively in wilted silages or not wilted ones for every included root percentage unit. All parameters, with the exception of acid detergent fiber (ADF) and lignin contents, showed significant interaction between wilting and root inclusion. Wilting increased ADF and lignin contents respectively by 4.52 and 12.86%, whereas root inclusion caused a linear decrease in both. Silage root addition decreased linearly neutral detergent fiber rates and conversely wilting increased them. The opposite occurred with crude protein contents, with minimum rates 8.99 and 11.03 and maximum ones 18.01 and 20.9% DM values, respectively in silages with and without wilting.
Effects of agglomeration on the properties of spray-dried encapsulated flavours

A flavour model system was encapsulated by spray-drying, using traditional carrier materials, and then subjected to agglomeration by fluidized bed processing. Flavour retention was not adversely affected by the secondary processing as long as agglomeration did not promote structure collapse. Agglomerated powders showed higher moisture contents, absolute densities and mean particle sizes than spray-dried-only powders. Surface oil decreased in the agglomerated powders as a consequence of the stripping effect in the agglomerator, but this reduction was not necessarily correlated with better shelf-life. In general, agglomeration did not considerably change the properties of the powders beyond the limitations inherently associated with the carriers employed. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Melatonin Protects the Purkinje Neurons of Cerebellum of Neonates from Apoptosis Induced by Maternal Hypothyroidism in Wistar Rats

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of melatonin in preventing apoptosis of Purkinje neurons in 22 days old pups born to hypothyroid Wistar albino rats. Sixteen mother rats were equally divided into 4 groups (A, B, C, D). Their medication started a week earlier before they were allowed to conceive and continued during gestation and breastfeeding till weaning of offspring. Group A was the control. Group B was given propylthiouracil (PTU) to inhibit their thyroid gland activity which resulted in increased serum TSH and reduced T4 levels. Group C was administered both PTU and melatonin, whereas group D was administered melatonin only. In melatonin treated hypothyroid rats (group C), significant findings were observed. This study highlighted the potential protective mechanisms of melatonin in Purkinje cells of pups born to hypothyroid dams. Melatonin restored the serum levels of TSH and T4 and downregulated the gene expressions of Bax along with caspases 3 and 9 in Purkinje cells of pups. Thus melatonin suppressed the neuronal apoptosis induced by maternal hypothyroidism. Considering the limited remedies to effectively treat hypothyroidism associated with neonatal brain damage, melatonin may provide an alternative method for this disorder.
Linking Leadership Styles and Affective Commitment to Turnover Intention: A Conceptual Study

Today’s Business environment has been changed substantially because of globalism and radical changes and development in information processing, communication, and try to gain competitive advantages in such a competitive business environment. Leadership styles can significantly influence the turnover intention of a company; the morale and productivity of its employees; and its ability to attract, motivate, and retain talented people. Unfortunately, many managers/ leaders are either unaware of the significant impact leadership styles can have, are aware but overwhelmed by the extensive and sometimes conflicting information, or are not well informed about how to build and sustain leadership styles effectively to reduce employees’ turnover intention. This article mentions that managers and leaders need to know about leadership styles that affect turnover intention and emphasizes its importance. It requires managers and leaders to view it as one of their key tasks and understand the importance of aligning organization and decision making. This conceptualization has potential implications for the proves that finding affective commitment in an organization while improving and maintaining organization performance through participation and involvement, reduce with employees’ turnover intention if strong leadership between employees and employers in an understanding of different management ethic.