Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Trade Potential Determinants of the Adoption of Seed Yam Innovations in Ghana

This paper analyses the factors that influence the adoption of seed yam innovations in Kpandai District in Northern Ghana. In contrast to most empirical studies on innovation adoption in which a specific technology is analyzed, this study covers several seed yam technologies (such as minisett, milked seeds, small setts, traditional setts). The paper estimate a logit model with data from 510 sampled yam farm households. It was identified that households’ ability and willingness to address consumer complaints, export, and integration into market economy positively and significantly influence the adoption of seed yam innovation. However, farm size and cost of transportation significantly influences the adoption of seed yam innovation negatively. The results therefore call for policies aimed at ensuring means to promote integration of households into local and international markets by bridging the gap of trust between farmers and yam exporters or middlemen.
Building global football brand equity

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse the perceived brand equity of professional football clubs on foreign markets as these clubs firmly want to expand and reach a global brand status.Design/methodology/approach – Fitting with an inductive approach, 12 semi‐structured interviews are conducted in order to analyse the perceptions of Chinese fans of four English Premier League clubs.Findings – The results of this research highlight the fact that the strength of professional football brand equity on the Chinese market is strongly determined by the level of brand awareness and perceived quality but, due to the increasing competition on foreign markets, professional football clubs need to clearly define their strategic marketing in order to improve the two other dimensions of brand equity, which are brand image and loyalty, which represents crucial stake to distinguish themselves.Originality/value – The results provide useful information for professional clubs in general which want to become global .
Examining the Choice Between Tracking Stocks and Minority Carve-out and Their Relative Performances

In this paper, we examine factors influencing the choice between tracking stocks and minority carve-outs and their performances. We expand the research in this field by incorporating a fa ctor that was largely ignored in extant literature: managerial entrenchment. We find that the following firms have a greater tendency to choose tracking stocks over carve-outs: firms with a tendency to increase executive pays--especially those in the form of subsidiary stocks, firms that are more tightly controlled by their executives, and firms with greater financial strength prior to restructuring. The former two are consistent with our conjecture that managerial entrenchment plays a role in the choice between tracking stocks and carve-outs. The latter result is consistent with our other hypothesis that prior financial strength influences the decision. Equally important findings are that both are characterized by poor long-term performances and that tracking stocks’ performances are on average inferior to those of carve-outs. Evidence suggests that these sub-par performances can be partially attributable to managerial entrenchment.
Progesterone pharmacokinetics in the mouse: implications for potential stroke therapy

Objectives Progesterone has been shown to be neuroprotective in a number of preclinical central nervous system injury models including cerebral ischaemia. The aim of this study was to clarify differences in outcomes owing to different dosing regimens and the pharmacokinetic profile of progesterone, particularly in relation to brain levels.
Evaluation of A Single-reaction Method for Whole Genome Sequencing of Influenza A Virus using Next Generation Sequencing.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate a single-reaction genome ampliﬁcation method, the multisegment reverse transcription-PCR (M-RTPCR), for its sensitivity to full genome sequencing of influenza A virus, and the ability to differentiate mix-subtype virus, using the next generation sequencing (NGS) platform. METHODS Virus genome copy was quantified and serially diluted to different titers, followed by amplification with the M-RTPCR method and sequencing on the NGS platform. Furthermore, we manually mixed two subtype viruses to different titer rate and amplified the mixed virus with the M-RTPCR protocol, followed by whole genome sequencing on the NGS platform. We also used clinical samples to test the method performance. RESULTS The M-RTPCR method obtained complete genome of testing virus at 125 copies/reaction and determined the virus subtype at titer of 25 copies/reaction. Moreover, the two subtypes in the mixed virus could be discriminated, even though these two virus copies differed by 200-fold using this amplification protocol. The sensitivity of this protocol we detected using virus RNA was also confirmed with clinical samples containing low-titer virus. CONCLUSION The M-RTPCR is a robust and sensitive amplification method for whole genome sequencing of influenza A virus using NGS platform.
Social Compliance Accounting: Managing Legitimacy in Global Supply Chains

This book covers key discussions involving major US and European multinational companies (MNCs) that source products from suppliers in developing countries. Due to the transfer of production from developed to developing nations, there is an urgent need to establish social compliance as a new form of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and a means by which MNCs can meet expected social standards. The cases described are internationally relevant and can be seen to reflect or represent the behavior of many MNCs and their suppliers in developing nations. The discussion offers essential insights into how different levels of social compliance risk and pressure (including broader stakeholder concerns) move managers to adopt or embrace particular social compliance accounting, reporting and auditing strategies. The book will help readers to understand the major concerns, challenges and dilemmas faced by management in the supply chains of MNCs, and proposes measures that can be taken to resolve those dilemmas. Most importantly, it develops a systematic method of assessing the social compliance performance of suppliers to MNCs. This includes highly detailed accounts of the social compliance performance of suppliers within the clothing industry (in a developing nation) that supply goods to the extensive US and European markets. The book offers a valuable guide, not only for corporate managers but also for practitioners, researchers, academics, and undergraduate and postgraduate business students.
A new genetic model for calcium induced autophagy and ER-stress in Drosophila photoreceptor cells

Cytoplasmic Ca2+ overload is known to trigger autophagy and ER-stress. Furthermore, ER-stress and autophagy are commonly associated with degenerative pathologies, but their role in disease progression is still a matter of debate, in part, owing to limitations of existing animal model systems. The Drosophila eye is a widely used model system for studying neurodegenerative pathologies. Recently, we characterized the Drosophila protein, Calphotin, as a cytosolic immobile Ca2+ buffer, which participates in Ca2+ homeostasis in Drosophila photoreceptor cells. Exposure of calphotin hypomorph flies to continuous illumination, which induces Ca2+ influx into photoreceptor cells, resulted in severe Ca2+-dependent degeneration. Here we show that this degeneration is autophagy and ER-stress related. Our studies thus provide a new model in which genetic manipulations trigger changes in cellular Ca2+ distribution. This model constitutes a framework for further investigations into the link between cytosolic Ca2+, ER-stress and autophagy in human disorders and diseases.
Overt visual attention under natural conditions

In a natural environment, humans are not able to process all information available to the visual system simultaneously. As a consequence, we attend to different subparts of the input one after the other. Under natural viewing conditions, these shifts of attention are associated with changes in fixation. This so-called “overt” attention therefore provides an objective measure of attention shifts. In my thesis, I investigate the influence of color on overt visual attention. I present human subjects with different categories of color-calibrated images and record their eye-movements. If an image feature like red-green color contrast has an influence on attention i.e. is salient, then it should be strongly elevated at fixated locations. However, since this measure is only correlational, I present the images in several different levels of modifications. The modifications, systematic changes across the entire image, influence only the global appearance of the stimuli, while leaving the local features under investigation unaffected. In the first series of experiments, images of 7 different categories (Face, Flower, Forest, Fractal, Landscape, Man-Made object, and Rainforest) are presented either in natural color or grayscale. With regard to the influence of color on overt attention, I find two extreme categories: while in Rainforest images all color features examined (red-green and blue-yellow color contrast, as well as saturation) are salient, none is salient in Fractal. In all other categories, color features are selectively salient. This shows that the influence of color on overt attention depends on the type of image In the second series of experiments, I use only Rainforest images. These are presented to color-normal or deuteranope subjects with several modifications in the color domain. I find a causal influence of color-contrast on overt attention, processed in a way that it is not specific to either the red-green or blue-yellow color channel. In the case of color blindness, a slower high-level compensatory mechanism affects the selection of fixation points. These experiments show that there is no single color feature, which influences overt attention in all possible environments. I provide evidence that different levels of the visual hierarchy are involved in the computation of saliency. The experiments conducted also highlight the importance of higher-level mechanisms. Overt visual attention under natural conditions 2
Transnational Entrepreneurs: Implications of the dual background on opportunity recognition

Transnational entrepreneurs are migrant business owners, traveling abroad for business purposes and engaged in business activities, based on ties to a foreign country. Operating in two countries exposes the entrepreneur to more sources of information and can increase the ability of the entrepreneur to make connections and discover opportunities. Using dual habitus and theory of practice as the main theoretical framework, this paper explores the sources of information of transnational entrepreneurs, and how they are influenced by their unique position of being embedded in two countries at the same time. A case study on transnational entrepreneurs in Skane is conducted. The data for the study is obtained through the use of general, semi-structured interviews with entrepreneurs, fitting the profile. The critical incidents, leading to opportunity recognition are identified. The findings reveal a clear link between the entrepreneur's transnational background and the recognised opportunity. Furthermore, the results suggest that the main sources of information used to identify opportunities are knowledge corridors and social ties. A link between an individual's transnationalism and perceived competitive advantage is established. The conclusion underlines the value of international experiences and suggests a link between transnationalism and enhanced creativity. Future and practical implications are suggested.
Extreme mitogenomic divergence between two syntopic specimens of Arremon aurantiirostris (Aves: Emberizidae) in central Panama suggests possible cryptic species

Abstract We report the complete mitochondrial genome of two specimens of Orange-billed Sparrow Arremon aurantiirostris from Colón Province, in central Panama. The two specimens were collected on the same day, and at the same locality; however, they showed substantial divergence (6.3% average pairwise divergence among coding genes). A survey of ND2 sequence variation across Panama suggests that this divergence is the result of geographic differentiation and secondary contact. This high level of mitochondrial divergence among co-occurring individuals raises the possibility of multiple biological species in Orange-billed Sparrows. Our results are yet another demonstration that much remains to be discovered regarding avian biodiversity in Panama and throughout the Neotropics.
Recreation Resource Management for Visitor Satisfaction

This paper discusses the relationships between recreation resource management and the quality of visitor experiences. "Quality control" in the delivery of recreation services has largely taken the form of input guarantees-construction and management standards-plus limited staff training. The author argues that some output assessment of the quality of management's performance also is necessary. A method of monitoring visitor satisfaction and tests of the method are discussed, as are research opportunities for improving our professional understanding of "experience quality" through satisfaction monitoring.
Navigation in Dynamic Envrionment

A* algorithm has been proved that it will provide optimal solutions in a static environment. We also want to introduce the A* algorithm to a dynamic environment where exists some moving objects which are unknown to the path planner, the agent. Since A* algorithm requires a perfect knowledge to the environment, we cannot directly implement A* in this situation. But we will enlarge the agent’s knowledge to the map while moving towards the goals state by detecting the moving object, so that we can use A* to plan a new optimal path from the current state to the goal state if it is necessary. The definition of ”optimal” means the path should be the shortest without colliding to the object. Our algorithm will accomplish two subgoals: collision prediction and path re-planning. The collision prediction determines whether a re-planning is necessary.
The Effects of Knowledge from Collaborations on the Exploitative and Exploratory Innovation Output of Greek SMEs

There is very limited research linking the collaborations of Greek SMEs and their innovation output. This paper uses the exploitation / exploration framework and links it to the knowledge flows towards SMEs coming through their collaborations. It explores three types of knowledge, namely managerial, technological and market-related. It finds that the exchange of management knowledge has a positive and significant effect on exploratory innovation only, the exchange of technical / technological knowledge has a negative and significant effect on exploitative and exploratory innovation output, and the exchange of market knowledge does not have an effect on any type of innovation output. Also, partnering with same nationality firms has a negative effect on exploratory innovation and particularly for exploitative innovation the existence of a collaboration manager has a negative effect. Most of these findings are corroborated by interviews with 10 managers of Greek SMEs.
New approach to multihop - cellular based multihop network

By observing problems of multihop ad hoc networks, this paper proposes cellular based multihop network architecture, which is able to give network control packets better QoS. This leads to reliable network operation and promises much better performance comparing to ad hoc multihop network. In addition, a source routing algorithm in this architecture is proposed and implemented. The simulation results demonstrated the potentials and advantages of this architecture, in terms of robustness, performance and scalability.
The Lucas Critique in Practice: An Empirical Investigation of the Impact of European Monetary Integration on the Term Structure

An empirical investigation of the term structure (the relation of the long interest rate to the short interest rate) showed structural change as the deadline for the euro became closer. Our empirical analysis of the term structures (yield curves) in 12 OECD countries uncovers that econometrically estimated behavioural equations for most EMU countries were stable even in the light of the creation of the euro. This finding would seem to defy the Lucas Critique. However, the significant structural instability found for the euro area's core country Germany suggests that the Lucas Critique is relevant in the analysis of the impact of the creation (and future extensions) of EMU.
Linking Health Records for Federated Query Processing

Abstract A federated query portal in an electronic health record infrastructure enables large epidemiology studies by combining data from geographically dispersed medical institutions. However, an individual’s health record has been found to be distributed across multiple carrier databases in local settings. Privacy regulations may prohibit a data source from revealing clear text identifiers, thereby making it non-trivial for a query aggregator to determine which records correspond to the same underlying individual. In this paper, we explore this problem of privately detecting and tracking the health records of an individual in a distributed infrastructure. We begin with a secure set intersection protocol based on commutative encryption, and show how to make it practical on comparison spaces as large as 1010 pairs. Using bigram matching, precomputed tables, and data parallelism, we successfully reduced the execution time to a matter of minutes, while retaining a high degree of accuracy even in records with data entry errors. We also propose techniques to prevent the inference of identifier information when knowledge of underlying data distributions is known to an adversary. Finally, we discuss how records can be tracked utilizing the detection results during query processing.
The Rural ICT Comprehensive Evaluation Framework: Implementing the First Domain, the Baseline Study Process

ICTs are continuously emerging as key tools to support development activities. However, with the growing implementation of such technology requires the need to account for such implementations and assess the need, process, outcome and impact of ICT projects in developing countries. Most evaluations in ICT4D tend to focus on impact assessment, yet assessing the impact of a project relies on interdependent assessments that should be conducted throughout the life of a project; especially to gauge the actual contribution of an ICT project to specified impact in a rural community. This paper presents a Rural ICT Comprehensive Evaluation Framework (RICT‐CEF), which encompasses the key domains of evaluation that should be applied throughout the progression of an ICT for development project. The scope of this paper, specifically elaborates on the first two stages of the framework: 1) The Overall Evaluation Plan, and 2) The Baseline Study. These stages are explored in the Siyakhula Living Lab, an ICT4D project in South Africa, to reveal the shortcomings and suitability of the framework through lessons learned, and contribute to the continuous revision of the RICT‐CEF.
On average P vs. average NP

Structures of polynomial-time computable distributions and polynomial-time many-one reductions on randomized decision problems are investigated. The scope is widened from the most studied class DNP (distributional-NP) to the class ANP (average-NP), which consists of randomized decision problems accepted by nondeterministic Turing machines in average polynomial time. Results indicate that the structures of average-case complexity classes are very different from their counterparts in worst-case complexity due to the complex structures of probability distributions and distribution functions. <<ETX>>
A comparison of methods for determining soil water availability in two sites in Panama with similar rainfall but distinct tree communities

Plant productivity, distribution and diversity in tropical rain forests correlate with water availability. Water availability is determined by rainfall and also by the available water capacity of the soil. However, while rainfall is recognized as important, linkages between plant distribution and differences among soils in available water capacity have not been demonstrated. One reason for this may be that measurements of soil moisture, such as gravimetric water content, may be overly simplistic. To investigate this, we compared two sites in Panama, Allee and Rio Paja, which have similar rainfall but different plant communities. Soil water release curves were obtained from about −0.1 MPa to −9 MPa, permitting us to calculate available water capacity. The Rio Paja site had 17% greater available water capacity (between −0.1 MPa to −3 MPa), whereas the gravimetric water content at Rio Paja was lower by 16% in rainy season and by 41% at the end of the dry season. Hence soil gravimetric water content and soil available water capacity did not correspond. The results suggest that available water capacity may better predict plant distributions. Hence, whenever possible, available water capacity should be determined in addition to gravimetric water content.
Classification of gross upper limb movements using upper arm electromyographic features

This research paper explores the possibility of using Electromyogram (EMG) signals for classifying point to point upper limb movements during dynamic muscle contraction in the context of human-robot interactions. Previous studies have mostly focused on classifiers for gesture recognition using steady state EMG. Only few studies have used non-steady-state EMG classifier when gross upper arm muscles are in motion. To investigate it further, our study was designed to take EMG measurements from 4 upper limb muscles of 10 participants while interacting with HapticMaster robot in assisting mode. The participants were asked to move the robotic arm in a rectangular path consisting of 4 segments named S1 to S4. The EMG signals were analyzed by splitting them into non-overlapping windows of 100 milliseconds width. The initial windows within the initial 1 seconds of each segment iteration were considered to train and test a Support Vector Machine classifier. Various EMG features were calculated for different number of windows and used for classifying different segments. For the different combinations of features and muscles, it was noticed that the near-the-body segments S1 and S4 displayed the highest median accuracy for the feature combination (Waveform Length + Mean Average Value + Zero Crossing Count + Signal Slope Change) which were 100% each. For the same feature combination, it was also noticed that the segments S2 and S3 had the least accuracy, 76.2% and 73.8% respectively, possibly due to the away-from-body movements. In general, the accuracy was found to be more stable and higher for S1 and S4 segments. Considering 700 milliseconds (so 7 windows) for classification provided the best accuracy and the best muscle combination was Trapezius + Deltoid + Biceps Brachii + Triceps Brachii.