Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Firm Characteristics on Corporate Financial Performance in Emerging Markets

This study investigates the impact of firm characteristics on the financial performance of companies listed on the Egyptian stock market. Regression model was performed to regress six firm characteristics variables, namely firm size, foreign listing, age, leverage, liquidity, and assets tangibility. The study controlled for five more variables related to corporate governance including board size, board independence, CEO role duality, audit committee, and the quality of external auditor to avert their effect on financial performance. The study used both accounting measures such as return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE) and market-based Tobin's Q Ratio for measuring financial performance. The findings generally indicate that firm characteristics have an impact on both accounting financial performance as measured by ROA or ROE and market-based financial performance as measured by Tobin's Q, with little difference in the level of such impact. These findings revealed that firm characteristics affect corporate financial performance as evaluated by the company or the market.
COMBINING ABILITY STUDIES IN COTTON (Gossypium barbadense L.)

A study was carried out to estimate the GCA of the parents and SCA of the hybrids towards identifying high yielding and better quality cultivars. Eight genotypes and 28 F1 hybrids derived by crossing the eight parental genotypes in half diallel mating system were sown in randomized complete block design. Half diallel analysis revealed significant GCA and SCA mean squares for all the traits except for number of reproductive points per plant, 2.5 percent span length. However GCA variance showed significant mean squares for all the traits except boll weight and uniformity ratio, and SCA showed significant mean squares for all the traits except sympodia per plant, micronaire and fibre strength. Among the parents: GSB 40, RHCB 011 and DB 16 were found to be best general combiners for seed cotton yield. Parent TCB 37 and GSB 21 are good combiners for fibre quality traits.
The Performance of CMIP6 Versus CMIP5 in Simulating Temperature Extremes Over the Global Land Surface

Simulations from the models participating in the sixth phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6), which represent the most recent generation of climate models, are now available. Understanding the performance of these models in simulating historical climate extremes can provide a basis for producing reliable future climate projections. Here, we assess the simulation of 16 indices of temperature extremes defined by the Expert Team on Climate Change Detection and Indices using results from 24 CMIP6 models as compared with results from CMIP5. Comparisons with observations and reanalyses indicate that the CMIP6 models could capture the spatial patterns and temporal variations of the observed temperature extremes well for some indices, although less well for others. Based on spatial and temporal skill scores, CMIP6 ensemble means were more skillful in simulating absolute and threshold indices of extreme temperature than CMIP5 ensemble means were, but the performances of both the CMIP5 and CMIP6 ensemble means in simulating the spatial patterns for duration and percentile indices were relatively unsatisfactory (spatial skill scores S < 0.3). Furthermore, our results suggest that there have been improvements in spatial pattern skill scores in some individual CMIP6 models relative to CMIP5 model scores for summer days, tropical nights, cold spell duration, and diurnal temperature range.
Validation of a survey for measuring scientists' attitudes toward data reuse

This study investigated the validity of a survey measuring scientists' attitudes toward data reuse. Rasch analysis was used to examine the psychometric properties of the survey. Structural equation modeling was subsequently used to examine the validity of hypothesized relationships among the constructs measured by the survey. Overall, findings supported validity of the existing measure for use among researchers across academic disciplines. Recommendations for further refinement of the survey include the addition of new items to improve reliability of measurement. Additionally, implications for organizational practice are discussed, including the importance of fostering individual researchers' perceived usefulness of secondary data, as well as providing access to data repositories and organizational resources for data reuse.
Next-generation resequencing the complete mitochondrial genome of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica)

Abstract As the development of the new generation of sequencing (NGS) technologies, it has been used for standard sequencing applications more and more popular. We used NGS technologies to resequence the complete mitochondrial genome of Japanese quail. The complete mitochondrial genome of Japanese quail is a 16,668 bp circular molecule, which contains 37 typical mitochondrial genes (13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNAs, and 22 tRNAs) and a 1156 bp D-loop. Its gene arrangement pattern is identical with typical other Galliformes. All protein-coding genes start with an ATG codon except COI, which start with GTG. TAA is the most frequent stop codon, although ND2 end with TAG, and COI and ND6 end with AGG, COIII and ND4 end with TGC. The mtDNA sequence contains 12S rRNA and 16S rRNA of rRNA. Except for tRNASer(AGY) and tRNALeu(CUN) without the dihydrouridine (DHU) arm, all tRNAs could be folded into canonical cloverleaf secondary structures. Coturnix japonica has close relative with C. chinensis.
GENE EXPRESSION IN SOWS WITH HIGH AND LOW OVULATION RATE, HIGH AND LOW BIRTH WEIGHT LITTER AND THE EFFECT OF SOW CATABOLIC STATUS ON EMBRYONIC GENE EXPRESSION

Follicular dynamics and the expression of candidate genes using real-time PCR were compared during the estrous cycle of pig breeds with high (commercial-line: n=24) and low (local Brazilian Piau: n=21) ovulation rates and prolificacy. Gilts were slaughtered on days 0, 4, 10, and 18 of the estrous cycle and visible ovarian follicles were classified by follicular diameter. Recovered cumulus-oocyte complexes were classified as normal or atretic and frozen in liquid nitrogen until RNA extraction. Low ovulation rates/prolificacy in Piau gilts was associated with a different pattern of follicle development, with lower numbers of small follicles at day 18, fewer large follicles at days 0 and 18 (P≤0.05) and a higher proportion of atretic follicles at days 0 and 18 (P≤0.05). Compared to commercial-line gilts, less prolific Piau gilts showed higher expression of apoptotic genes during luteolysis (CASP3 and FASL, P≤0.05), decreased expression of TGFBR2 and BAX mRNA in CL (P≤0.05), higher expression of apoptotic genes (FAS, BCL2 and CASP8, P≤0.05) in GC, and a greater abundance (P≤0.05) of genes controlling oocyte secreted factors (GDF9, BMP15 and BMP6), suggesting underlying mechanisms controlling differences in follicular development, ovulation rate and inherent prolificacy in this pig breed.
Enhancement in methane yield from anaerobic co‐digestion of walnut shells and cattle manure

In this study, anaerobic co‐digestion was investigated for mixtures of walnut shells (WS) and cattle manure (CM), which are lignocellulosic wastes, in various different carbon: nitrogen (C/N) ratios. The best mixing ratio for WS and CM in anaerobic digestion (AD) was determined to be 1:3, offering a methane yield of 173.2 ml/g volatile solid (VS)added. Effects of various alkaline pretreatments including calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and potassium hydroxide (KOH) were studied in the concentration range 1–5% wt/wt for the best mixing ratio of WS and CM. The optimal KOH and NaOH concentrations were each found to be 4%, giving methane yields of 312.6 ± 5.1 and 342.5 ± 9.6 ml/g VSadded, respectively, where these yields were found to increase by 80.5 and 97.2%, respectively, compared to the control reactor. By contrast, a 3% Ca(OH)2 concentration was found to increase the methane yield by 67% compared to the untreated reactor. NaOH pretreatments resulted in relatively higher lignocellulosic solubilization and soluble chemical oxygen demand compared to KOH and Ca(OH)2 pretreatments. This study contributes to our understanding of the alkaline pretreatment in taking advantage of CM and WS for methane productions in future applications.
Antibacterial Evaluation and Biochemical Characterization of Thais savignyi Gastropod Extracts from the Persian Gulf

Objectives: This study aimed to screen Thais savignyi whole body extracts for antibacterial activity against clinical isolates of some human pathogenic bacteria and analyze its biochemical compounds, including carbohydrate, proteins, alkaloids, cholesterol, unsaturated fatty acids, as well as functional groups and elements. Methods: Well agar diffusion was used for screening of acetone and methanol extracts against clinical isolates of E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus, and Staphylococcus aureus. Biuret and SDS-PAGE methods were applied for quantitative and qualitative protein evaluation. Anthrone method was used for quantitative and qualitative analysis of carbohydrates. Wagner and Mayer's reagents were employed for alkaloid screening. The Liebermann-Burchard test was performed for the detection of cholesterol, infrared for identifying functional groups, and Dumas method for elemental analysis. Results: Acetone and methanol crude extracts at 0.2 mg/mL concentration inhibited the growth of all the test bacteria; however, the methanol extract was more effective than the acetone extract. The maximum zone of inhibition of the methanol extract was observed against B. cereus (16mm). Minimal inhibitory concentration of the most effective fraction ranged between 12.5 and 100 mu g/mL. Elemental analysis of the bioactive fraction showed 41.55 carbon, 9.49 hydrogen, 6.13 nitrogen, and 1.64 sulfur. IR spectra confirmed the presence of aliphatic, alkenes, secondary amines, and disulfide groups in the most effective fraction of methanol extract of Thais savignyi. Carbohydrate and protein analysis revealed 4.5 carbohydrate and 9 protein. SDS-PAGE disclosed 5 separate bands with 70, 53, 41, 30, and 22 kilodaltons. Wagner and Mayer test showed the presence of alkaloids; mercuric and iodine solutions indicated the presence of unsaturated fatty acids; cholesterol was detected by Liebermann-Burchard reaction and Salkowski test. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that Thais savignyi has antibacterial potential and can be recommended as a source of bioactive compounds of medicinal value.
Rural Food Retailing and Independent Grocery Retailer Exits

We investigate the food retailing landscape and the exit of independent grocery stores in rural America using U.S. NETS data. Our paper makes several contributions that could potentially help the agenda for future research and public policy. We begin by documenting local concentration trends in food retailing and how they change across rural and urban markets from 1990 to 2015. Then, we conduct two event studies to examine how entry by a large chain is associated with the local market concentration and independent grocery retailer (IGR) exits. Last, we document the IGR exit rate in rural markets for a period of twenty&#8208;five years and investigate its determinants in a regression framework. Our results show that market concentration in food retailing has increased since 1990, but the increasing trend after the Great Recession of 2008 is particularly noticeable. The local concentration differs substantially by the urban status of markets. Focusing on rural markets, we show that entry by a large food retailer is associated with higher market concentration and the decreasing number of IGRs. We also find that the annual average IGR exit rate is around 6.6% during the study period. The IGRs that are younger that operate in relatively more competitive markets, and that face entry by a large chain, are more likely to exit. Also, IGR rates are higher in markets with lower median income and higher poverty rates. We discuss how our results can potentially inform policies on sustainable rural development, food access, and food insecurity in rural communities.
Response of basmati rice varieties to integrated nutrient management

Abstract Yield performance of Basmati varieties bred for unconventional areas were assessed under integrated nutrient management. A two-year study conducted in split plot design involving two varieties and three fertility levels in main plots and three bio-inoculants to sub plots. Variety HUBR 10-9 exhibited increased mean yield (18.8%) and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) over HUBR 2-1. Integration of 75% recommended dose of NPK fertilizers (RDF) with 25% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) applied as farmyard manure (FYM) registered highest yield and NUE. Combined application of blue green algae (BGA) and Azospirillum improved yields and NUE than their alone application. Findings suggest that HUBR 10-9 be grown with integration of 75% RDF, 25% RDN as FYM along with BGA and Azospirillum to enhance growth, yield, and NUE. More studies required in potential areas under diverse conditions.
Learning through work and structured learning and development systems in complex adaptive organisations: ongoing disconnections

ABSTRACT Decades of research on workplace learning has reinforced that professionals learn through work; however, organisational learning practices have often not shifted to recognise or facilitate this learning. This article presents findings from an interview-based study of professionals in Australia that investigated their experiences of work and learning in a variety of complex adaptive organisations. The focus of this article is on a particular aspect of the study’s findings which identified that, despite the organisations studied espousing support for learning through work, the professionals interviewed described learning through engaging in ‘fluid work’, and that organisational learning and development systems and practices were still largely oriented towards formality and structure. The study contributes to the research field of work and learning, through the use of complex adaptive systems theory to examine how organisational complexity influences professionals’ experiences of work and learning. It also empirically indicates the interrelatedness of work and learning in complex adaptive organisations. The implications of this study suggest that the focus for understanding and reforming organisational learning and development systems and practices needs to shift away from structure and measurement and towards the interplay of organisational complexity, fluidity of work, and experiences of learning primarily through work.
The Internet and Prospective Engineers: Results Analysis for Studies Conducted During the Pandemic

The relevance of the study is justified by transition to distance learning that modifies the learning methods and principles during the pandemic to conform to remote training needs of students majoring in Land Management and Cadastres at Arctic State Agrotechnological University (ASAU). of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). The study objective was to substantiate the interaction between ASAU students and teachers in remote training organization within the pandemic period using network technologies. The study monitored the educational process dynamics during the pandemic. The study results evidence that during the pandemic, a particular priority in educational process arrangement at ASAU was given to enhancing the professional readiness of students and teachers and building up their competence in organizing their professional activities using the Internet in compliance with the latest requirements of the Federal State Educational Standards. The reference and experimental groups were sampled based on students’ interviews during the transition to remote access Internet-based educational process. The practical implications of the study lie in identifying the distinctive features of teachers’ and students’ educational activities at ASAU during the pandemic. These results can be adapted and implemented in the system of prospective engineers’ training in other regional universities in the north-east of Russia.
A Western franchise in Shanghai, China: a late entrant’s success

ABSTRACT This research examines the timing of a food retail franchise’s entry into Shanghai, China. Previous literature espouses the benefits of early movers, but there is a lack of focus on related contingencies that influence the effect of entry timing on franchising outcomes. We employ a qualitative case study in two phases. The first interviews key franchise personnel regarding their motivations and strategies for expanding. The second utilizes focus groups to gain an understanding of customers’ perspectives. This paper considers the implications of the timing of market entry for franchises. Applying resource-based view, dynamic capabilities, and agency theory and institutional theory, the study provides an understanding on how entry timing should be analysed in conjunction with other contingencies including the area that is entered, the type of entry, the relevant players and the strategies, resources, capabilities, and assets needed to enter in order to achieve desirable outcomes.
Komunikasi Keluarga Dalam Pencegahan Coronavirus Disease 2019

Transmisi Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) mulai mengancam unit sosial terkecil, yaitu klaster keluarga. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis manfaat komunikasi keluarga dalam pencegahan COVID-19 pada masyarakat Desa Nupabomba sebagai daerah perbatasan Kabupaten Donggala dan Kota Palu. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif dengan teknik pengumpulan data wawancara dan observasi di lapangan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa komunikasi keluarga yang digunakan oleh orangtua dan anak sangat bermanfaat dalam mencegah terjadinya penyebaran COVID-19 di Sulawesi Tengah. Proses penyampaian pesan terkait dengan bahaya COVID-19 yang dilakukan orangtua dapat mengubah pemahaman dan perilaku anak sehingga terjadilah tindakan pencegahan. Hal ini dilakukan karena menganggap bahwa informasi terkait dengan virus tersebut sangat penting, apabila diabaikan menyebabkan tubuh menjadi sakit ringan hingga pada kematian. Pencegahan yang dilakukan seperti rajin mencuci tangan, memakai masker, tidak bersentuhan dan menjaga jarak, seperti menjauhi para pendatang atau masyarakat lain yang melewati Desa Nupabomba. Penelitian ini memberikan kontribusi berupa usulan kebijakan kepada setiap keluarga untuk menyosialisasikan berbagai hal positif dalam pengurangan risiko COVID-19 dengan cara buka aliran udara, atur interaksi bermasker, dan jaga jarak.
Examining key hotel attributes for guest sleep and overall satisfaction

Introduction Despite the fact that hotels provide a venue for sleeping, there is surprisingly little research that has explored sleep among hotel guests. The aim of this study is to identify the relationship between hotel attributes (e.g., light in the guestroom, bed linens), guest sleep, and overall guest satisfaction. Methods Cross-sectional survey data were obtained from frequent business and leisure travelers (N = 609). Guest sleep satisfaction and overall guest satisfaction were measured on 5-point Likert scales. Participants were asked to report the extent to which hotel attributes (e.g., “Room too light or too dark”) related to their sleep on a scale from 1 (not at all) to 5 (very much). We used ordinal logistic regression to predict guest sleep and hotel satisfaction using hotel attributes as predictors while controlling for age, sex, and relationship status. Results Hotel guest sleep did not differ between business and leisure travelers. Hotel guest sleep was inversely associated with “uncomfortable bed linen,” “uncomfortable pillows,” and “sound from the air conditioning unit or heater. ” Regression revealed that sleep satisfaction was a strong predictor of overall hotel satisfaction. Conclusions Our study suggests that guest sleep is be a critical component of the guest satisfaction equation. Importantly, our study illuminated the hotel attributes that offer the biggest contribution to hotel guest sleep and the specific steps for improving guest sleep.
The Effect of Market Sentiment and Information Asymmetry on Option Pricing

Abstract This work addresses the impact of imperfections, such as information asymmetry and market sentiment, on the performance of option pricing models. More precisely, this work compares the option pricing model of Black and Scholes and the same model in the presence of imperfections. This study is based on S&P 500 options that cover the period between 17/03/2000 and 14/06/2013. The achieved results show that, in general, in the presence of imperfections, the model is more effective than the Black and Scholes model. This research appears to be promising for the incorporation of imperfections into the assessment of options.
Reproductive Biology And Host Requirement Differences Among Isolated Populations Of Cyprogenia Aberti

Cyprogenia aberti, the Western fanshell, is a rare and threatened pearly mussel endemic to the Interior Highlands of Eastern North America. Previous genetic analysis suggested that multiple species are present within this taxon. The present study sought phenotypic differences among genetically distinct populations in the upper Arkansas River system (Verdigris and Spring rivers), the St. Francis River, and the Ouachita River. Like other native mussels, the glochidia larvae of Cyprogenia are obligate parasites on particular species of host fish. Transformation success of glochidia was compared among 8 species of Percina and Etheostoma. The percentage of attached glochidia that transformed on individual fish ranged between 0 and 86%. Effective hosts (those that transformed a large proportion of attached glochidia) were always sympatric with the mussel population, and species with narrow geographic range were effective hosts only for sympatric mussel populations. However, two populations of a geographically widespread host species, the logperch, were effective hosts for each mussel population tested. The timing of glochidia and juvenile drop-off appeared to be related to the age or maturity of the glochidia. Glochidia size and shape differed among mussel populations. Conglutinate color, which is determined by the color of undeveloped eggs, varied within and among populations. Upper Arkansas mussels produced only white conglutinates. Ouachita and St. Francis mussels produced either red or brown conglutinates. The conglutinate color of individuals in the Ouachita and St. Francis populations correlated with two widely different mitochondrial genotypes present in both of these populations. Overall, the results demonstrate that all three mussel populations are distinct and they should be recognized and protected as such. This abstract is approved as to form and content ________________________________ Dr. M. Chris Barnhart Chairperson, Advisory Committee Southwest Missouri State University