Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
International projects and political risk management by multinational enterprises: insights from multiple emerging markets

PurposeThis study investigates an under-researched yet fundamental question of how a developed country multinational enterprises (DMNE) perceives and manages political risks when undertaking infrastructure projects in the emerging markets (EMs). Design/methodology/approachThe authors use an abduction-based qualitative research approach to analyze six international project operations of a multinational enterprise originating from Finland in five EMs.FindingsThe findings suggest that the overall nature of political risks in EMs is not the same, except few political risk factors that are visible in most EMs. Consequently, the applied risk management mechanisms vary between EMs, except with few common mechanisms. The authors develop an integrative analytical framework of political risk management based on the findings.Originality/valueThis paper is one of the first studies to identify political risk factors for western MNEs while undertaking international project operations and link them to reduction mechanisms used by them. The authors go beyond the notion of risk being conceptualized at a general level and evaluate 20 specific political risk factors referred to in extant literature. The authors further link these political risk factors with both social exchange and transaction cost theories conceptually as well as empirically. Finally, the authors develop a relatively comprehensive analytical framework of political risk management based on the case projects' findings that combine several strands of literature, including the social exchange theory, transaction cost theory, international market entry, project management and finance literature streams.
Method comparison of beta‐hydroxybutyrate point‐of‐care testing to serum in healthy children

Ketone production is a physiological phenomenon that occurs to avoid irreversible neurological damage from hypoglycemia, thereby serving as a marker of metabolic stress. The primary ketone body, beta‐hydroxybutyrate (BHB), guides the diagnostic evaluation and management of many hypoglycemic disorders. Serum and point‐of‐care (POC) BHB values were not been compared in children without diabetes or metabolic disorders. We aim at comparing the serum and point‐of‐care BHB values in healthy children after an overnight fast. Eligible participants were ≤18 years of age prospectively recruited from elective procedures through our surgery centers. Exclusion criteria included a history of diabetes, hypopituitarism, adrenal, metabolic or inflammatory disorders, dietary restrictions, trauma, or use of medications that might affect blood glucose. The main outcome measure was comparing serum and POC BHB levels after a period of fasting. Data from 94 participants (mean age 8.29 ± 5.68 years, 54.3% male, 45.7% female, BMI mean 19.28 ± 5.25 kg/m2) were analyzed. There was a strong correlation between serum BHB (mean 0.25 ± 0.23 mmol/L) and POC BHB (mean 0.18 ± 0.20 mmol/L) (rs = 0.803, p < 0.0001). The majority (96.81%) of values for serum BHB compared with POC BHB fell within 0.1 ± 0.1 mmol/L. The average of difference between serum and POC BHB (the bias) was 0.064 mmol/L (95% CI 0.047–0.081), and percentage error was 3.19%. Point‐of‐care BHB is accurate and comparable to serum BHB levels in our cohort of children after an overnight fast.
Psychometric Properties of the Spanish Version of the Online Sexual Addiction Questionnaire: An Exploratory Study Using a Sample of Convicted Sex Offenders

ABSTRACT This study explored the psychometric properties of the Online Sexual Addiction Questionnaire (OSA-Q). In total, 100 sexual offenders completed the OSA-Q Spanish version, along with the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III (MCMI-III) for the assessment of related impairment. Thirty-four individuals with social-desirability bias were extracted from the sample. A four-factor structure accounted for 77% of the variance and internal consistency was strong (α = .97). Additionally, correlations with related clinical scales were statistically significant. Overall, online sexual offenders showed higher scores on the OSA-Q than contact-exclusive offenders. According to our results, the OSA-Q shows promise as a screening in forensic samples.
Unpaid Tuition Balances at Community Colleges: An Exploratory Analysis Delinquent Tuition Debt and Graduation

The rising cost of higher education has led to increased tuition costs for students and their families, forcing more students to secure larger amounts of debt to finance their educational pursuits. Although scholars have explored how student loan debt accumulation influences higher education persistence and graduation, an unexplored area of higher education finance and debt is the relationship between unpaid tuition balances on community college student graduation. This analysis attempts to illuminate this gap by utilizing a unique institutional dataset with data from the National Student Clearinghouse to analyze the relationship between unpaid tuition balances and postsecondary graduation for community college students. Results suggest that having an outstanding tuition balance dramatically decreases the likelihood of graduation 3 years out from the unpaid balance. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
Global and Regional Estimation of Carbon Uptake Using CMIP6 ESM Compared With TRENDY Ensembles at the Centennial Scale

To evaluate the ability of CMIP6 Earth System Models to simulate net biome production (NBP) changes caused by natural and man‐made forcing, the simulated NBP during the period 1901–2010 at global, hemispheric and regional scales was compared with the estimated NBP of the TRENDY ensemble. The annual NBP, globally and over the Northern Hemisphere and tropics, from the CMIP6 ensemble reflected well the TRENDY ensemble annual values from 1901 to 2010, and the correlation coefficient passed the 0.05 significance level. The annual NBP estimated by CMIP6 over the globe, Northern Hemisphere and tropics was 0.20 ± 0.46, 0.25 ± 0.34, and −0.02 ± 0.14 Pg C yr−1, respectively; while from the TRENDY ensemble it was 1.04 ± 0.41, 0.55 ± 0.24, and 0.43 ± 0.20 Pg C yr−1, respectively. The main weaknesses of the CMIP6 multi‐model ensemble simulation was the lower strength of NBP, especially at low latitudes. The simulated results showed higher soil respiration estimated by CMIP6 for these regions, especially in the Amazon Basin, than that by the TRENDY ensemble, which produced the greater NPB estimated by TRENDY. The CMIP6 ensemble exaggerated the increasing trend of carbon sinks between 30° and 60°N in the Northern Hemisphere after 1961, due to the stronger positive response of NPP (net primary production) in the high‐latitude Northern Hemisphere to global warming. The NBP during 1901–2010 could not be reproduced well by the CMIP6 ensemble in most sub‐regions, as evidenced by the failure to pass the statistical test at the 5% significance level in 70% of the sub‐regions in terms of the correlation coefficients with the TRENDY ensemble. In eastern Asia, for example, NBP was poorly estimated by the CMIP6 ensemble, as evidenced by negative correlation coefficients with the TRENDY ensemble.
Exploring Correlates of Braille Reading Performance in Working-age and Older Adults with Visual Impairments

ABSTRACT Tactile, motor and cognitive capacities decline with age, but little is known about how this relates to braille reading outcomes. This study investigated correlates of braille reading speed among working-age and older adults. Texts were read in two modes (oral/silent) and two media (paper/electronic braille display) by 46 blind adults (age range 23–88) who learned braille between the ages of 4 and 63. Participants completed demographic questionnaires and tests of tactile acuity, fine-motor dexterity and working-memory. A relationship between decreased performance in tactile sensitivity and increased age was observed, but no relationship between increased age and braille reading speed was found. Active tactile acuity, reading frequency and braille learning age were significantly correlated with braille reading speed. No significant difference based on medium was observed, though silent reading was significantly faster than reading aloud. Findings underscore the importance of providing opportunities for older braille learners to secure training and to have frequent opportunities to practice braille between sessions. Findings also challenge the suggestion that increased age alone will impede braille learning. The most significant barrier faced by older braille learners is not their age, but challenges that could instead be addressed through policy and practice changes.
Análise do monitoramento da qualidade do ar no Brasil

RESUMO Este artigo descreve as condições atuais da rede de monitoramento de qualidade do ar no Brasil. Os resultados revelam que apenas dez estados e o DF realizam o monitoramento através de 371 estações ativas - 80% delas na Região Sudeste. Outras informações relevantes são: (i) 41,2% das estações nacionais são privadas; no estado do Rio de Janeiro elas representam 60% do total de suas estações, enquanto no estado de São Paulo, 100% das estações são públicas; (ii) o MP10 é o poluente mais monitorado em 62,8% das estações e o MP2,5 em apenas 25,9% delas; e, (iii) a comunicação dos dados de monitoramento em tempo real à população ocorre em cinco estados. Após trinta anos de sua criação, a Rede Nacional de Qualidade do Ar encontra-se incompleta, e insuficientemente implantada, inviabilizando uma adequada gestão da qualidade do ar pelos órgãos ambientais.
Learning to be open: instructor growth through open pedagogy

ABSTRACT OER-enabled pedagogy, one form of open pedagogy, is gaining popularity as a method for increasing student engagement and motivation. Realising the potential of this approach, however, depends on faculty implementation and reducing resistance to change. This study explores the experience of instructors during their first and second courses when facilitating OER-enabled pedagogy. Specifically, the research sought to determine how their view of the approach and teaching practices changed between classes, and if this prescribed experience increased their likelihood of using OER-enabled pedagogy in other classes. Interviews with faculty suggest that when teaching OER-enabled pedagogy for the first time, there is a lack of understanding of the value of this approach impacting their perceived mentorship of students. By the second iteration, however, instructors recognise an evolution in their view of teaching generally as well as OER-enabled pedagogy more specifically. This growth increases the quality of interaction with students and fosters broader use of open practices.
The effects of COVID‐19 containment measures on the Asia‐Pacific region

Abstract As the COVID‐19 pandemic spread across the world, governments introduced significant containment measures to control the spread of the virus. In this paper, we leverage inputs from IMF desk economists to construct a novel narrative index of containment measures for 11 countries in the Asia‐Pacific region. A key innovation in our index is that it distinguishes between economic sectors (services, industry, retail), thus providing a more granular view of restrictions related to economic activity. Using this index, along with other high‐frequency data, we find that containment measures have been successful in reducing the spread of the virus (though with some heterogeneity) but have also been associated with large short‐term economic costs. Furthermore, exploiting the granularity of our index, we find that differences in strategies across countries regarding the closing of the industrial sector have mattered: imposing less severe restrictions on industry has been associated with lower economic costs without leading to worse health outcomes, possibly reflecting the less contact intensive nature of industrial activity.
Anatomical structure and degradation characteristics of bioincised oriental spruce wood by Physisporinus vitreus

ABSTRACT Even though oriental spruce (Picea orientalis L.), a common species in the East Black Sea Region of Turkey, is used in a wide range of applications, its wood has low permeability. This study investigated the degradation effects of the bioincising process to improve its treatability with wood preservatives on the microstructure of oriental spruce wood. Test samples were previously subjected to bioincising by Physisporinus vitreus fungus, and the bioincised samples were examined under both a light microscope and scanning electron microscope to observe the effects of the bioincising on the anatomical properties. Bordered pits on the longitudinal tracheid radial walls, piceoid-type cross-field pits, ray tracheid bordered pits, and ray tracheid cell walls in the earlywood and latewood regions within a growth ring were particularly subjected to anatomical evaluations. In the study, the degradation intensity in the samples after the bioincising was well correlated with the weight losses occurred. Splits and factures were determined on the tori of bordered pits on the tracheid cell walls while tears and cracks were present on the pit apertures. The results also show that P. vitreus, a Type I and II white rot fungus, may cause a Type I soft rot.
Validating a multidimensional perspective of relationship marketing on brand attachment, customer loyalty and purchase intentions: a serial mediation model

ABSTRACT Organizations are actively involved in relationship marketing (RM) activities to strengthen their connections with customers. The current study discusses the multidimensional constructs of relationship marketing and its influence on customers’ brand attachment in the hotel sector, taking into account the sequential mediation of attitudinal loyalty and behavioral loyalty between relationship marketing and purchase intention constructs. In order to collect the research data, we distributed questionnaires among 304 hotel customers and used SEM technique to analyze the hypotheses. The findings revealed that four dimensions of relationship marketing played a critical role in improving customers’ brand attachment. Furthermore, brand attachment has a significant and positive impact on behavioral loyalty and attitudinal loyalty. In addition, brand attachment, attitudinal loyalty, and behavioral loyalty have proved as significant serial mediators between the linkage of relationship marketing and purchase intentions. We also discussed the study’s theoretical and managerial implications.
Territorializing sustainability: decoupling and the foundational economy in Wales

ABSTRACT Despite strong evidence that existing economic orthodoxy contributes to socio-economic inequality and the global environmental crisis, it remains largely intact. Various alternatives to the growth-based model have been proposed, but have gained limited traction. One idea that seems to have been embraced is ‘decoupling’ – that growth can be pursued without further social and, particularly, environmental degradation. Against this backdrop, this article considers the recent policy embrace in Wales of what has been called the ‘foundational economy’. The Welsh government seems to have embraced the notion of decoupling. The article begins to critically examine whether this policy embrace can potentially be a means of addressing social and environmental crises. It finds that although there seems to be a genuine interest in experiments with the foundational economy by some policymakers in Wales, largely this has not led to an abandonment of a model that is largely consistent with neo-liberal growth-centric economic priorities. It concludes that if Wales is to truly embrace the foundational, then it needs to be mainstreamed rather than experimental, and if this embrace is to tackle both social and environmental crises, and by extension, help fulfil Wales’s well-being legislation, it also needs to be more firmly routed in place.
Sustainability and firms’ mission in a developing country: the case of voluntary certifications and programs in Costa Rica

Voluntary environmental and social certifications represent a channel by which firms can contribute to sustainable development. Using qualitative and quantitative methods, we explore the motivations and obstacles that Costa Rican companies face when adopting Carbon Neutral (CN) and Fairtrade (FT) certifications. CN is a domestic certification aimed at reducing or offsetting carbon emissions and fighting climate change. FT is a well-known international label that guarantees compliance with environmental and social standards. We conclude that ethical and environmental reasons influence the managers’ decision, along with economic and strategic incentives, such as improving the image of the company and the relationship with stakeholders. High investment and certification costs are ranked as the most difficult obstacles to overcome. By exploring the differences between both certifications, we find out that increasing sales, market shares or prices are more important motivations for the FT companies than for CN ones.
Spatio-temporal Pattern of Specialization of Sunbird-�ower Networks on Mt. Cameroon

Differences in bird-�ower interaction specialization across continents serve as a common example of evolutionary trajectory speci�city. While New World hummingbird-�ower networks have been subject to numerous studies and are considered highly specialized, our knowledge of network specialization for their Old World counterparts, sunbirds (Nectariniidae), is completely insu�cient. A few studies from tropical Africa indicate that sunbird-�ower networks are rather generalized. Unfortunately, these studies are limited to dry seasons and high elevations around the tree-line, the environments where also niche-based hypotheses often predict lower resource partitioning. In our study, we explore the specialization of sunbird-�ower networks and their spatio-temporal variability on Mt. Cameroon (Cameroon). Using a combination of automatic video recording and personal observations, we constructed eight comprehensive sunbird-�ower networks in four forest types occurring in different elevations and in both the dry and wet season. As reported by previous studies the montane forest plants, birds and whole networks were highly generalized. Nevertheless, we observed much higher specialization in forests in lower elevations. The wet season was also characterised by higher, but not signi�cant, specialization. While less specialized �owering trees dominated in dry season networks, more specialized herbs and shrubs were visited during the wet season. Whereas our �ndings do not support the generally accepted assumption that Old World bird-�ower networks are rather generalized, we need further studies to understand the differences in bird-�ower specialization on individual continents.
The impact of Aeolus wind retrievals on ECMWF global weather forecasts

Aeolus is the world's first spaceborne Doppler Wind Lidar, providing profiles of horizontal line‐of‐sight (HLOS) wind retrievals. Numerical weather prediction (NWP) impact and error statistics of Aeolus Level‐2B (L2B) wind statistics have been assessed using the European Centre for Medium‐range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) global data assimilation system. Random and systematic error estimates were derived from observation minus background departure statistics. The HLOS wind random error standard deviation is estimated to be in the range 4.0–7.0 m·s−1 for the Rayleigh‐clear and 2.8–3.6 m·s−1 for the Mie‐cloudy, depending on atmospheric signal levels which in turn depend on instrument performance, atmospheric backscatter properties and the processing algorithms. Complex systematic HLOS wind error variations on time‐scales less than one orbit were identified, most strongly affecting the Rayleigh‐clear winds. NWP departures and instrument housekeeping data confirmed that it is caused by temperature gradients across the primary mirror. A successful bias correction scheme was implemented in the operational processing chain in April 2020. In Observing System Experiments (OSEs), Aeolus provides statistically significant improvement in short‐range forecasts as verified by observations sensitive to temperature, wind and humidity. Longer forecast range verification shows positive impact that is strongest at the day two to three forecast range: ∼2% improvement in root‐mean‐square error for vector wind and temperature in the tropical upper troposphere and lower stratosphere, and polar troposphere. Positive impact up to 9 days is found in the tropical lower stratosphere. Both Rayleigh‐clear and Mie‐cloudy winds provide positive impact, but the Rayleigh accounts for most tropical impact. The Forecast Sensitivity Observation Impact (FSOI) metric is available since 9 January 2020, when Aeolus was operationally assimilated, which confirms Aeolus is a useful contribution to the global observing system, with the Rayleigh‐clear and Mie‐cloudy winds providing similar overall short‐range impact in 2020.
A self‐sparse generative adversarial network for autonomous early‐stage design of architectural sketches

This study develops an autonomous design method for architectural shape sketches by a novel self‐sparse generative adversarial network (self‐sparse GAN), thereby overcoming the problems regarding excessive reliance on sufficient aesthetic knowledge and excessive time consumption in traditional human design. First, a new architectural shape dataset denoted “Sketch” is built by using the eXtended difference‐of‐Gaussians operator. Second, a self‐adaptive sparse transform module (SASTM) is designed following each deconvolution layer of the proposed self‐sparse GAN to utilize the sparsity of sketch images by the sparsity decomposition and feature‐map recombination. Third, the Frechet inception distance (FID) is adopted to evaluate the quality of the generated sketches by comparing the distribution of the real and generated datasets. Finally, two common image generation approaches, Wasserstein GAN with gradient penalty and self‐attention GAN, are compared with the proposed self‐sparse GAN, and results show the proposed method achieves the best performance with a relative decrease in the FID score of 11.87%. The proposed autonomous design method can give tens of thousands of sketches for a class of buildings in a few seconds using the trained network, which can help architects to choose the architectural form and/or inspire architects to consider unique schemes in the early stages of design.
Changing Influences in Criminology: Examining 45 Years of Criminology Journal Citations

Abstract A growing body of research has recently been devoted to quantifying research productivity both on the part of individuals, as well as the prestige that individual productivity levels bring to departments. Only recently has research begun to examine what journals criminologists are most likely to cite in their scholarly research. In this study, we rank the most influential journals cited in Criminology for the years 1969–1973, 1989–1993, and 2009–2013. Our analyses suggest Criminology quickly became the most cited journal, followed by JRCD and Justice Quarterly. Furthermore, the influence of sociological journals has remained strong, but has clearly diminished over time.