Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Subsidiary contribution to the MNC – impact of strategic initiatives

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to investigate subsidiary strategic initiatives in the light of dynamic headquarters-subsidiary relations. The study is based on cross-sectional questionnaire survey data from 105 subsidiary top managers in subsidiaries located in Europe, Asia, and the USA within the ICT industry. The assumption of similar behavior by subsidiaries in the same industry is a sufficient motive for concentration on single industry. Theoretical contribution is reflected in the testing of models in subsidiaries within single rapidly growing turbulent industry that is abundant with hyper-competition and competitive dynamics, and where strategic initiatives are fundamental for survival, and by modeling variables in a different way than previously explored. Furthermore, the additional contribution is reflected in the conceptual model of the interdependence of subsidiaries and MNC in the process of subsidiary strategic initiatives, and besides providing a new perspective in this area, provides a framework for future research. The obtained results show that subsidiary networking and autonomy have a significant impact on subsidiary strategic initiatives whereas top management support and subsidiary innovativeness have no impact on the same variable. The results show that subsidiary strategic initiatives have a significant impact on its contribution to the multinational corporation (MNC).
CHARACTERIZATION, IDENTIFICATION AND OPTIMIZATION OF CHITINOLYTIC RARE ACTINOMYCETES ISOLATED FROM SINAI SOIL, EGYPT

Actinomycetes are highly economic and biotechnologically useful prokaryotes able to produce wide range of bioactive secondary metabolites such as antibiotics and enzymes. The present study, aimed to isolate and screen actinomycetes from various soil samples collected from different regions of Saini, Egypt for chitinase production. In instantaneous isolation and screening of actinomycetes from Sixty-one soil samples, only eight isolates were found to have the capability to produce chitinase on colloidal media. Actinomycete strain A13 exhibit highest chitinase production while other strain shown poor production as compared to an index of relative enzyme activity. The most potent chitinolytic actinomycete isolate No. A13 was selected for further studies concerning their identification. Morphological, physiological, and phylogenetic analysis (16S rRNA). In addition to biochemical studies and culture characteristics as well as the chemical analysis of the cell wall, were carried out for the isolate under study. Based on the phenotypic and genotypic accumulated characteristics of the most potent chitinolytic actinomycetes isolate and consulting the recommended International Key’s of Bergey’s Manual for identification of actinomycetes, it was found that this isolate matched with Amycolatopsis orientalis by 97% with some differences and was given the name Amycolatopsis orientalis A13 sp. nova. The results revealed that the chitinase produced by Amycolatopsis orientalis A13 sp. nova can be optimized to produce the highest yield of chitinase and used as biocontrol agent.
Generalized Hybrid Viscosity-Type Forward-Backward Splitting Method with Application to Convex Minimization and Image Restoration Problems

Abstract Let E be a uniformly convex and q-uniformly smooth real Banach space. Let be an α- inverse strongly accretive mapping of order q, be a set-valued m- accretive mapping and be a nonexpansive mapping. In this article, a viscosity-type forward-backward splitting method for approximating a zero of (A + B) which is also a fixed point of S is introduced studied. Strong convergence theorem of the method is proved under suitable conditions. Furthermore, the convergence result obtained is applied to convex minimization and image restoration problems. Finally, numerical illustrations are presented to compare the convergence of the sequence of our algorithm and that of some recent important algorithms.
Weakened Antarctic Dipole Under Global Warming in CMIP6 Models

The Antarctic dipole (ADP) depicts the leading mode of interannual variability over the Antarctic region in both sea ice and surface air temperature (SAT) fields. The ADP is superimposed on the long‐term climatic trends, modulating the response of the mean climate to external forcing by modifying the signal‐to‐noise ratio. The response of the ADP to greenhouse warming is unknown. Based on the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 models that capture main characteristics of the ADP, we find a robust reduction in variability of ADP under greenhouse warming. The warming‐induced sea ice loss limits the magnitude of ADP SAT variability through surface albedo feedback. The El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Southern Annular Mode (SAM) are two main triggering mechanisms of the ADP on interannual time scale. In a warmer climate, decreased variability of the SAM contributes to weakened ADP but increased ENSO variability plays an offsetting role.
Development of a sentiment measure for dry bulk shipping

ABSTRACT We developed a market sentiment measure for freight markets of the dry bulk shipping segment. Initially, keywords with positive and negative sentiment connotation were identified, and their relative importance was estimated, by administering two surveys with industry stakeholders. Next, a self-developed search algorithm software was developed to scan over 9,500 articles in shipping press, during 2008–2018, in order to calculate keywords’ frequencies. Following the construction of the sentiment measure, its validity was assessed with a system of simultaneous equations. Among others, our empirical results indicate a bidirectional relationship between market sentiment and maritime seaborne economic activity. The findings yield important implications for practitioners in maritime shipping industry.
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss and Hypertension: A Preliminary Analysis of Baseline Data of Occupational Noise-Exposed Workers

The present study aimed to determine the current levels of systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and binaural high frequency (3, 4, and 6 kHz) threshold on average (BHFTA), to assess the prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and hypertension and determine the factors influencing the risk of both, and to evaluate the association between NIHL and hypertension among occupational noise-exposed workers. Questionnaire and occupational health checkup were performed to collect the personal information and physical examination data. Finally, baseline data from 42,588 occupational noise-exposed workers were analyzed. The mean levels of SBP, DBP, and BHFTA were 126.85 ± 15.94 mm Hg, 79.94 ± 11.61 mm Hg and 23.09 ± 11.32 dB, respectively. Of the 42,588 subjects, the prevalence of NIHL and hypertension were 24.38% (n = 10,383) and 25.40% (n = 10,816). The results suggested that higher risk of NIHL and hypertension were more likely to be the groups of male gender, aged > 35 years, exposure time to noise > 5 years, and smoking. The SBP, DBP and BHFTA levels increased with age and noise exposure time (Ptrend < 0.001). Besides, similar trends were also observed in the prevalence of NIHL and hypertension. Furthermore, there was a significant association of NIHL with hypertension. We found that 32.25% (n = 3,348) workers with NIHL had hypertension. The mean levels of SBP and DBP in NIHL workers were significantly higher than those with normal hearing (P < 0.001). In addition, NIHL workers had a significantly higher risk of developing hypertension than normal hearing workers (adjusted OR = 1.08, 95%CI = 1.03–1.14). Our current findings suggest that the prevalence of NIHL and hypertension are high in our study workers and occupational noise exposure is an important factor. Therefore, it is urgent to reduce noise exposure in the workplaces and to strengthen industrial noise monitoring.
Magmatism and Extension in the Anaconda Metamorphic Core Complex of Western Montana and Relation to Regional Tectonics

Metamorphic core complexes (MCCs) are a product of crustal extension, but their dynamics are still debated. Early research suggests that the formation of MCCs in the western United States was due to gravitational collapse of crust that had been thickened during Cordilleran orogenesis. However, the instability of overthickened crust alone cannot explain the diachronous formation of core complexes with a strong spatial dependency, as there was relatively uniform crustal thickness along strike of the Cordillera. For this reason, there is an interest in what role other lithospheric processes (such as subducted slab removal) play in the evolution of MCCs. We investigate the role of such processes by determining the temporal relation between magmatism and extension in the Anaconda MCC (AMCC) of western Montana. Geologic mapping, zircon U‐Pb geochronology, and zircon (U‐Th)/He thermochronology reveal that the initiation of extension in the AMCC in the Eocene (∼53 Ma) began at least 3 Myr after the emplacement of voluminous Paleocene two‐mica plutons. We interpret that the AMCC is an example of a core complex that was primed for extension by magmatic thermal weakening and suggest that foundering of the Farallon flat slab and the onset of the ignimbrite flareup in western Montana was responsible for the initiation of AMCC extension. An updated compilation of MCC cooling ages and Cenozoic volcanic activity across the western United States supports previous interpretations that the removal of Farallon oceanic lithosphere likely initiated MCC exhumation in some regions.
Logjams With a Lower Gap: Backwater Rise and Flow Distribution Beneath and Through Logjam Predicted by Two‐Box Momentum Balance

Logjams with a gap at the bed form naturally in small channels and are used in engineering practice to maintain river connectivity at base flow. Limited understanding of a jam's effect on backwater rise and flow velocity limits assessment of geomorphic and ecological impacts of natural logjams, design of river restoration interventions, and representation in flood models. The distribution of flow through and beneath the jam satisfies a two‐box, momentum‐based model constrained by drag generated in the jam, momentum loss in flow through the lower gap, and net pressure force. The model was validated with 68 flume experiments. Backwater rise is predicted from discharge beneath the jam following established models for solid sluice gates. As a result, backwater rise increases with jam resistance, which forces a greater discharge beneath the jam. Below‐jam velocity and Shields parameter increased with ratio of friction coefficient to slope and decreasing gap height.
Experiments in Shock-Vortex Interactions

Studies of shock-vortex interactions in the past have predominantly been numerical, with a number of idealizations such as assuming an isolated vortex and a plane shock wave. In the present case the vortex is generated from flow separation at a corner. A shear layer results which wraps up into a spiral vortex. The flow is impulsively initiated by the diffraction of a shock wave over the edge. The strength of the shock determines the nature of the flow at the corner and that induced behind the diffracted wave. A wide variety of cases are considered using different experimental arrangements such as having two independent shock waves arriving at the corner at different times, to reflecting the diffracting wave off different surfaces back into the vortex, and to examining the flow around bends where the reflection off the far wall reflects back onto the vortex. The majority of studies have shown that the vortex normally retains its integrity after shock transit. Some studies with curved shock waves and numerous traverses have shown evidence of vortex breakup and the development of turbulent patches in the flow, as well as significant vortex stretching. Depending on the direction of approach of the shock wave it refracts through the shear layer thereby changing the strength and direction of both. Of particular note is that the two diffracted waves which emerge from the vortex as the incident wave passes through interact with each other resulting in a pressure spike of considerable magnitude. An additional spike is also identified.
Changes in Daily Life Satisfaction among Community Dwelling Elderly during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Japan

Previous studies pointed out that the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) had a lesser effect on elderly people compared to their younger counterparts. However, a limited number of studies have analyzed the effects of COVID-19 on the psychological aspects of the elderly using longitudinal data. Therefore, the main objective of our study was to clarify the changes in self-rated overall daily life satisfaction among community dwelling elderly in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic. We used the longitudinal data of 5176 individuals aged 15 years and older from the first and second internet surveys on “Changes in Daily Life Awareness and Behavior under the Influence of the New Coronavirus Infection” conducted by the Cabinet Office of Japan. The estimation result of the mixed-effects model indicated that elderly people were more adversely affected by the first wave of the pandemic (May 2020) compared to their younger counterparts. However, by the beginning of the third wave (December 2020), they had largely recovered to the same level as that of before the COVID-19 pandemic, which suggested that the elderly managed to cope with psychological distress to some extent during the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic.
Effect of Drought Stress on Chlorophyll Fluorescence Parameters, Phytochemical Contents, and Antioxidant Activities in Lettuce Seedlings

This study monitored changes in chlorophyll fluorescence (CF), growth parameters, soil moisture content, phytochemical content (proline, ascorbic acid, chlorophyll, total phenol content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC)), and antioxidant activities in 12-day-old lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) seedlings grown under drought stress (no irrigation) and control (well irrigated) treatments in controlled conditions for eight days. Measurements occurred at two-day intervals. Among ten CF parameters studied, effective quantum yield of photochemical energy conversion in PSII (Y(PSII)), coefficient of photochemical quenching (qP), and coefficient of photochemical quenching of variable fluorescence based on the lake model of PSII (qL) significantly decreased in drought-stressed seedlings from day 6 of treatment compared to control. In contrast, maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm), ratio of fluorescence (Rfd), and quantum yield of non-regulated energy dissipation in PSII (Y(NO)) were significantly affected only at the end. All growth parameters decreased in drought-stressed seedlings compared to control. Proline started increasing from day 4 and showed ~660-fold elevation on day 8 compared to control. Chlorophyll, ascorbic acid, TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activities decreased in drought-stressed seedlings. Results showed major changes in all parameters in seedlings under prolonged drought stress. These findings clarify effects of drought stress in lettuce seedlings during progressive drought exposure and will be useful in the seedling industry.
Work-home interaction and psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic: The mediation effect of cyberloafing

Work from home is one of the policies chosen by the government due to the COVID -19 pandemic; however, work-home interactions (WHIs) can place a burden on one domain. This study aimed to examine the relationship between the dimensions of WHIs and psychological distress and how cyberloafing mediates this relationship. Data were collected with an online survey tool from 2,349 participants who worked at a government institution in Indonesia with employees across the country to test the proposed hypothesis. The results show that all forms of WHIs cause psychological distress. Further, a high level of negative work-home interactions (NWHIs) and negative home-work interactions (NHWIs) increase psychological distress. Conversely, a high level of positive work-home interactions (PWHIs) and positive home-work interactions (PHWIs) reduce psychological distress. In addition, this study’s results also show that cyberloafing mediates the relationships between NWHIs, NHWIs, PWHIs, and psychological distress. This study implies the organization need to provide mental support and technology support to ensure the work of employees effective. Organizations also need to support employees to reduce work-family conflict.
Is educational wellbeing associated with grade repetition and school dropout rates among Indian students? Evidence from a panel study

Despite the Indian government’s continuing efforts to encourage children to attend school, levels of educational wellbeing among some groups of children during their elementary schooling remain low. High school dropout and grade repetition rates are among the negative and deleterious outcomes of poor educational wellbeing in children that are rarely discussed as policy issues. Using the panel dataset of the India Human Development Survey (IHDS) conducted in 2005 and 2012, this study explores the effects of educational wellbeing on children’s later educational outcomes, as measured by their school dropout and grade repetition rates. Variation in the educational outcomes of children across states was also examined. The results show that the children whose educational wellbeing index was below average during their elementary schooling were more likely to drop out of school or repeat a grade in early adolescence. For policymakers, this study highlights that the experiences of children during their elementary schooling merit more attention.
A Framework for Assessing Concentration‐Discharge Catchment Behavior From Low‐Frequency Water Quality Data

Effective nutrient pollution mitigation measures require in‐depth understanding of spatio‐temporal controls on water quality which can be obtained by analyzing export regime and hysteresis patterns in concentration‐discharge ( c−Q ) relationships. Such analyses require high‐frequency data (hourly or higher resolution), hampering the assessment of hysteresis patterns in widely available low‐frequency (monthly, biweekly) regulatory water quality data. We propose a reproducible classification of c−Q relationships considering export regime (dilution, constancy, enrichment) and long‐term average hysteresis pattern (clockwise, no hysteresis, anticlockwise) applicable to low‐frequency water quality data. The classification is based on power‐law c−Q models with separate parametrization for low and high discharge and rising and falling hydrograph limb, enabling a better representation of c−Q dynamics. The classification has been applied to a 30‐years record of daily streamflow and monthly spot samples of solute concentrations in 45 Scottish catchments with contrasting characteristics in terms of topography, climate, soil and land cover. We found that c−Q classification is solute‐ and catchment‐specific and linked to upland versus lowland catchments and streamflow variability. However as the relationship between solute behavior and catchment characteristics is variable, we propose that future typologies should integrate both water quality response, that is, c−Q classification, and catchment characteristics. The data‐driven c−Q classification allows us to increase the information content of low‐frequency water quality data and thus inform mitigation measures, monitoring strategies, and modeling approaches. Such approaches open up an ability to characterize processes and best management for a wider number of catchments, subject to regulatory surveillance and outside of research catchments.
SEEKR2: Versatile Multiscale Milestoning Utilizing the OpenMM Molecular Dynamics Engine

We present SEEKR2 (simulation-enabled estimation of kinetic rates version 2)—the latest iteration in the family of SEEKR programs for using multiscale simulation methods to computationally estimate the kinetics and thermodynamics of molecular processes, in particular, ligand-receptor binding. SEEKR2 generates equivalent, or improved, results compared to the earlier versions of SEEKR but with significant increases in speed and capabilities. SEEKR2 has also been built with greater ease of usability and with extensible features to enable future expansions of the method. Now, in addition to supporting simulations using NAMD, calculations may be run with the fast and extensible OpenMM simulation engine. The Brownian dynamics portion of the calculation has also been upgraded to Browndye 2. Furthermore, this version of SEEKR supports hydrogen mass repartitioning, which significantly reduces computational cost, while showing little, if any, loss of accuracy in the predicted kinetics.
The Impact of Fiscal and Monetary Policies on the Real Sector under Globalization

ABSTRACT This paper examines the effects of fiscal and monetary policies on the real sector under globalization by using the dynamic panel System-Generalized Method of Moments estimator technique with a sample of 79 countries during the 1998–2018 period. The paper primarily aimed to evaluate the roles of fiscal and monetary policies on the real sector by considering aspects of globalization. The results demonstrate that globalization has significantly distorted the role of expansionary fiscal policy on the real sector. Further, the role of monetary policy on the real sector has remained reliable under globalization in developing countries but not in developed countries. Moreover, the effects of economic globalization through trade and financial liberalization on the reliability of fiscal and monetary policies were also investigated. In accordance with the effects of globalization, trade and financial liberalization were found to distort the role of fiscal policy on the real sector; however, under trade liberalization, monetary policy was more effective for the industrial and service sectors than fiscal policy.
Evaluation of Thoracic Equivalent Multiport Circuits Using an Electrical Impedance Tomography Hardware Simulation Interface

Electrical impedance tomography is a low-cost, safe, and high temporal resolution medical imaging modality which finds extensive application in real-time thoracic impedance imaging. Thoracic impedance changes can reveal important information about the physiological condition of patients’ lungs. In this way, electrical impedance tomography can be a valuable tool for monitoring patients. However, this technique is very sensitive to measurement noise or possible minor signal errors, coming from either the hardware, the electrodes, or even particular biological signals. Thus, the design of a good performance electrical impedance tomography hardware setup which properly interacts with the tissue examined is both an essential and a challenging concept. In this paper, we adopt an extensive simulation approach, which combines the system’s analogue and digital hardware, along with equivalent circuits of 3D finite element models that represent thoracic cavities. Each thoracic finite element model is created in MATLAB based on existing CT images, while the tissues’ conductivity and permittivity values for a selected frequency are acquired from a database using Python. The model is transferred to a multiport RLC network, embedded in the system’s hardware which is simulated at LT SPICE. The voltage output data are transferred to MATLAB where the electrical impedance tomography signal sampling and digital processing is also simulated. Finally, image reconstructions are performed in MATLAB, using the EIDORS library tool and considering the signal noise levels and different electrode and signal sampling configurations (ADC bits, sampling frequency, number of taps).