Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Competitive pressure and technological degree of the product portfolio: Implications for firm performance*

This paper seeks to illuminate empirically a class of drivers of firm performance hitherto neglected in the economic literature. To accomplish this objective, we distinguished three elements: sales volume, participation in technology alliancing, and successful patent issuing. Our findings suggest that competitive pressure posed by larger rivals in an industry affects sales performance negatively, but the possession of absorptive capacity can counter this deleterious effect. Findings regarding the effects caused by a product portfolio with high technological content are mixed. Depending on the performance measure applied, the results show evidence of adverse outcomes for sales, U-shaped effects for participation in technology alliancing and inverted U-shaped results for patenting. We obtained our raw data from the 2006 and 2008 PITEC database, which is the Spanish equivalent of the EU Community Innovation Survey. Our sample embraces more than 3000 firms.
Determinants of financial performance of a firm: Case of Pakistani stock market

This paper examines the possible association between financial performance of the firm and economic indicators, corporate governance, ownership structure, capital structure, and risk management. It is also one of the very few examples, which attempts to test various determinant of firm performance in context of developing market (Pakistan). The present study examines the performance of firms in terms of profitability and its association with multiple determinants for 60 Pakistani corporate firms listed in Karachi stock exchange for the period of 2007 to 2011 and attempts to explain the observed behavior with the help of fixed effect model. The results consistently support the potential association between firm’s financial performance and economic indicators, corporate governance, ownership structure, and capital structure although the intensity of relationship differs across different measures of performance. We find evidence in support of the hypotheses that a positive association exists between corporate governance, and risk management and performance while mixed results are observed for other variables. Key words: Economic indicators, ownership structure, capital structure, risk management, financial performance, Pakistan.
Examination of the Applicability of the Physical Activity Questionnaire from European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition Study in the Hong Kong Chinese Population

This study assessed the applicability of a four-level physical activity index, developed from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study, to rank Hong Kong Chinese according to their physical activity 197 healthy participants were interviewed with the EPIC physical activity questionnaire (EPIC-PAQ) and the Hong Kong Physical Activity Questionnaire (HKPAQ). Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) was measured using indirect calorimetry and Total Energy Expenditure (TEE) was estimated using the HKPAQ. Physical activity ratio was calculated as a ratio of estimated TEE to measured BMR. The four-level physical activity index, namely inactive, moderately inactive, moderately active, and active, derived using the EPIC-PAQ was compared with the corresponding physical activity ratio. Reproducibility of the EPIC-PAQ was assessed with participants completed the EPIC-PAQ twice with at least 14-day interval. There was significant trend across the physical activity index with the calculated physical activity ratio. Participants with higher physical activity ratio were categorized with physical activity index (r s =0.205, p=0.004). The reproducibility of the EPIC-PAQ was high (weighted kappa = 0.7, p<0.0001). The physical activity index derived by the EPIC-PAQ may be a reasonable measure to rank the physical activity level of Hong Kong Chinese.
Forage quality declines with rising temperatures, with implications for livestock production and methane emissions

Abstract. Livestock numbers are increasing to supply the growing demand for meat-rich diets. The sustainability of this trend has been questioned, and future environmental changes, such as climate change, may cause some regions to become less suitable for livestock. Livestock and wild herbivores are strongly dependent on the nutritional chemistry of forage plants. Nutrition is positively linked to weight gains, milk production and reproductive success, and nutrition is also a key determinant of enteric methane production. In this meta-analysis, we assessed the effects of growing conditions on forage quality by compiling published measurements of grass nutritive value and combining these data with climatic, edaphic and management information. We found that forage nutritive value was reduced at higher temperatures and increased by nitrogen fertiliser addition, likely driven by a combination of changes to species identity and changes to physiology and phenology. These relationships were combined with multiple published empirical models to estimate forage- and temperature-driven changes to cattle enteric methane production. This suggested a previously undescribed positive climate change feedback, where elevated temperatures reduce grass nutritive value and correspondingly may increase methane production by 0.9 % with a 1 °C temperature rise and 4.5 % with a 5 °C rise (model average), thus creating an additional climate forcing effect. Future methane production increases are expected to be largest in parts of North America, central and eastern Europe and Asia, with the geographical extent of hotspots increasing under a high emissions scenario. These estimates require refinement and a greater knowledge of the abundance, size, feeding regime and location of cattle, and the representation of heat stress should be included in future modelling work. However, our results indicate that the cultivation of more nutritious forage plants and reduced livestock farming in warming regions may reduce this additional source of pastoral greenhouse gas emissions.
Antimicrobial compounds produced by Enterococcus spp. isolates from fecal samples of wild South American fur seals

The aims of this study were to identify bacteriocinogenic activity in 13 enterococci isolated from fecal samples of wild South American (Arctocephalus australis) and Subantarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus tropicalis); to determine the physicochemical characteristics and antimicrobial spectrum of antimicrobial compounds against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria; and to evaluate the presence of bacteriocin structural genes by PCR. Out of 13 enterococci screened for antimicrobial activity, five enterococci showed activity against Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 35152, an important pathogen linked to food. Of these, only the E. mundtii strain J5 maintained the activity after the pH was adjusted (pH 6.5). The activity of antimicrobial compounds from the E. mundtii strain J5 (ACs-J5) was lost after proteolytic enzyme treatment; however, the activity was maintained after heat, pH (acidic and basic conditions) and chemical treatment. ACs-J5 showed narrow spectrum activity. Only the mundticin KS gene was detected in the J5 strain and no plasmid was present. In conclusion, the properties presented by ACs-J5 make it a valuable biopreservative in food industries in avoiding pathogenic microorganisms such as L. monocytogenes and it should be a good candidate for probiotic application. Key words: Antimicrobial compounds, Enterococcus mundtii, wild fur seal, antilisterial activity.
The Relationship Between Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Depression in the General Population

Though much is known about obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression individually, not much research has been done to look at the comorbidity of the two mental illnesses. This study seeks to review the comorbidity of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and depression in a college sample. Comorbidity between mental illnesses like OCD and depression is important to study because results will implicate what symptoms should be of concern, and these symptoms should be used to consider treatment. Understanding symptoms of both illnesses, and how they relate, can drive future research on what the best treatment options are for individuals diagnosed with these illnesses. This study measured depression with various subtypes of OCD through an online SONA survey. Data was collected from a sample of l 05 college students. Furthermore, results showed an overall correlation between depression and OCD rates overall. Obsessive subtypes had higher correlations within those with depressive symptoms than did compulsive subtypes. This study indicates that further research needs to be done to understand treatment outcomes of those with comorbid OCD and depression. More studies should take into account for the complexity of OCD subtypes when measuring comorbidity. Degree Type Open Access Senior Honors Thesis Department Psychology First Advisor James T. Todd Second Advisor Natalie Dove
Enhancing an Automatic Analog IC Design Flow by Using a Technology-Independent Module Generator

This chapter presents a new methodology to enhance the optimization process of an analog integrated circuit synthesis tool, AIDA-C, by taking into account the floorplan of the circuit. The addition of the new Analog Module Generator (AMG) in the AIDA framework creates the possibility to efficiently explore the circuit floorplan during the optimization process and to improve the quality of the final floorplan by adding complex device structures enhancing the layout matching, symmetry
Running head: ACHIEVEMENT PROFILES AND GROWTH TRAJECTORIES 1 Reading and math achievement profiles and longitudinal growth trajectories of children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder

This study examined the reading and math achievement profiles and longitudinal growth trajectories of a nationally representative sample of children ages 6 through 9 with an ASD. Four distinct achievement profiles were identified: higher-achieving (39%), hyperlexia (9%), hypercalculia (20%), and lower-achieving (32%). Children with hypercalculia and lowerachieving profiles were more likely to be from low socioeconomic families and had lower functional cognitive skills than the higher-achieving profile. All four profiles lost ground in passage comprehension over time. Slower improvement occurred for the higher-achieving group on letter-word identification, the hyperlexia group on conversation abilities, and the hypercalculia group on calculation and functional cognitive skills relative to the lower-achieving group.
Mandatory IFRS Adoption and Earnings Quality: Evidence from the UK

This study examines the effect of mandatory IFRS adoption on the quality of accounting earnings for the firms listed in London Stock Exchange. After examining 9056 firm year observations for the period from 1994 to 2013 the results suggest that the mandatory adoption of IFRS leads to higher earnings quality. This study extends the current literature that examines the consequences of mandating IFRS adoption in the UK and shows that adopting high quality accounting standards leads to high quality accounting numbers.
Financial Effectiveness and Areas of Improvement in Greek Municipalities

The aim of this research is to separate the entire sample of Municipalities in Greece into categories, based on the effectiveness of financial management and financial performance into effective and ineffective ones. In this study, it investigated the existence of differences between the characteristics of these two categories. The main objective is to investigate the influence of financial effectiveness regarding those areas falling under state jurisdiction with the greatest room for improvement. Specifically, in Municipalities with ineffective financial management, local employment was notably considered to be the area with the greatest margin for improvement. Additionally, 21% of mayors of Municipalities with effective financial management consider that the state area of responsibility with the greatest capacity for improvement is that of attracting private investment. Moreover, the influence of financial effectiveness regarding the areas of competence of Greek Municipalities with the greatest room for improvement has a similar pattern. According to responses from mayors in Municipalities with ineffective financial administration, the areas of competence with the greatest room for improvement are provision and maintenance of infrastructure (23% of responses) and attraction of private investment (19% of responses). Accordingly, responses from mayors in Municipalities with the highest financial performance indicate that the areas of competence with the greatest room for improvement are provision and maintenance of infrastructure (21% of responses) and attraction of private investment (20% of responses).
Visfatin Gene Responses to 8 Weeks of Treadmill Running with or without Pistachio atlantica Liquid Extraction in Female Rat Tissues

Visfatin, a novel adipokine, was revealed to be associated with obesity and to have insulin mimetic effect that is highly expressed in visceral adipose tissue. The aim of this study was to determine the liver and kidney visfatin relative gene expression. Twenty wistar rats (6-8 weeks old and 125-135 g weight) were used. Animals were randomly assigned into saline-control (SC), saline-training (ST), and Baneh-control (BC), and Baneh-training (BT). Training groups was given exercise on a motor-driven treadmill at 25 m/min (0% grade) for 60 min/day and 5 days/week for eight weeks. Subjects were fed oral, with Baneh extraction and saline for four weeks. Visfatin relative gene expression was detected by Real-time PCR method. Also plasma was collected for glucose measurements. Results demonstrated that Baneh extraction significantly increase visfatin relative gene expression in liver (P < 0.002) and increase not significantly in kidney tissue. Exercise training significantly reduce visfatin relative gene expression in liver (P < 0.042), and reduce not significantly in kidney tissue. Plasma and liver glucose level increases by Baneh. Exercise training decreses visfatin relative gene expression and Baneh increases visfatin relative gene expression in liver and kidney. Also Baneh can increases plasma glucose and liver glucose and glycogen concentration probably due to high fatty acid and component.
Examining the impact of electronic supply chain management processes on customer satisfaction: A literature review

This paper aims to discuss a collection of empirical studies examining the impact of electronic supply chain management (e-SCM) processes on customer satisfaction. A review of the relevant literature has shown that a limited number of previous studies has attempted to identify the impact of e-SCM processes on customer satisfaction. Thus, the obtained data from the secondary source will be discussed and explained here. Findings of this study show the impact of e-SCM processes on customer satisfaction. This study has been based on a literature review and opens the door for future researchers to further expand this field.
Exercising consumer choice : switching gas suppliers in the residential market

In 1996 the UK government introduced competition into the UK residential gas market, the first such nation-wide experiment, and the forerunner of similar choice in the electricity market, both in the UK and later elsewhere. We report consumers’ attitudes to and behaviour in switching suppliers based on a representative nation-wide survey at an intermediate stage, when some consumers had a choice of suppliers, and other markets were yet to be opened. We explore their attitudes and choices using an investment model of costs and benefits.
An Improved Encryption Scheme of Short Message Based On CP-ABE

In order to solve the problem of short message sharing in multi-user environment, we improve the existing CP-ABE encryption scheme, and propose a high efficient encryption scheme for short message protection. To improve the decryption efficiency, we reduce the number of bilinear operations to a fixed range in the decryption operation. And we use the security model which resists in distinguish ability chosen plaintext attacks in the CP-ABE encryption scheme to carry out a safety proof. Several experiments show that the encryption scheme performs with high efficiency and remains sufficient security.
Examining the Effects of the Emergency Credit Guarantee Program on the Availability of Small Business Credit

This paper examines the effectiveness of Japan’s Emergency Credit Guarantee (ECG) program, which was set up during the financial turmoil after the failure of Lehman Brothers, in increasing credit availability and improving ex-post performance of small businesses. In particular, the paper examines whether lending relationships enhance or dampen the effects of the ECG program by using a unique firm-bank matched dataset. The ECG program significantly improves credit availability for the user firms. However, when the main bank of a firm extends the ECG loan, this positive effect is partially, if not completely, offset by the decrease in non-ECG loans extended by the same main bank. In addition, one year after ECG loans are provided, these borrowers deteriorate their performance more than those that do not obtain ECG loans. We do not find such loan “substitution” effects when a non-main bank extends the ECG loan. Our findings suggest that close firm-bank relationships may have perverse effects on the efficacy of the public credit guarantees.
Murder capital to modern miracle? : the progression of governance in Medellin, Colombia

The most violent city in the world only twenty years ago, Medellin, Colombia is now a beacon of progressive urban development. Governance and structuration theory provide an analytical framework through which three stages of this remarkable transformation can be assessed. During an illicit hegemony, narcotraffickers and state military forces ruthlessly controlled the city, and clientelism and corruption went unchecked. The principle results of the period were fixity of violence, a destabilization of formal government and a systematic disempowerment of the urban poor, who populated the city’s precarious mountainsides. Progressive interventions, inspired by a wave of decentralization in the late-1980s, sought to redress growing informality and enable local agency. The city’s first resulting policy experiment, PRIMED, was short-lived, however, because it did not improve municipal administration, strengthen community organization or build a political clientele around pro-poor governance. Learning from PRIMED, the current social urbanism agenda has ignited a political movement for poverty alleviation and directed spectacular infrastructure investment to the city’s poorest regions. Yet, as social urbanism reaches maturity, escalating violence and the city’s competitiveness agenda risk derailing its redistributive goals. Viewing these three periods in continuum suggests that while efficiency, agency and equitable distribution are critical components and outcomes of good governance, the level of interdependence fostered—particularly through strong state leadership—profoundly influences both the longevity of good governance practice and the durability of its impact. The city’s trajectory, furthermore, offers some substantiation of structuration theory. Local political leadership has built and financed a progressive discourse, which has, over time, established new social structures to govern the city’s public affairs.
The use of Gold nanorods conjugated with Herceptin in breast cancer treatment by photothermal therapy method in mouse model

Treatment methods for breast cancer are not specific and each one has its own drawbacks. For this reason, scientists are seeking ways in which specifically affect cancer cells. Photothermal therapy is a method that uses near-infrared (NIR) laser energy to create sufficient heat to destroy cancer cells. In this study, the photothermal effect of gold nanorods (GNRs) was investigated for breast cancer treatment in vitro and in vivo. GNRs with the peak absorption of 808 nm were synthesized and conjugated with Herceptin (anti-HER2). After confirming the characteristics of the prepared conjugate, the therapeutic effect of the new agent was studied on SK-BR-3 cell line and BALB/c mouse model bearing breast tumor using the NIR laser. The cytotoxicity assay showed the biocompatibility of PEGylated GNRs-HER conjugate. Through the in vitro photothermal study, significant cell death was observed in breast cancer cells incubated with the conjugate along with the laser irradiation. Afterward, the biodistribution of the conjugate in the mouse model with breast tumor showed the considerable localization of new agent in breast tumor in comparison with other organs 24 h postinjection. The animal study showed a significant decrease in tumor growth rate as well as the increased lifespan of treated mice with breast tumor in comparison with the control groups.
Adaptive dynamics on a lattice: role of spatiality in competition, co-existence and evolutionary branching

We investigated the effect of limited dispersal on co-existence and evolutionary branching on a lattice. The ‘contact process’, which is the minimal model of population growth on a lattice, is modified by introducing local resource competition in addition to site competition. We study phenotypic evolution in the framework of the theory of adaptive dynamics. We show that a higher birth rate cannot compensate for a lower intrinsic lifetime reproduction ratio. Speed difference alone, without resource competition or different dispersal scale, does not lead to co-existence via a competition–colonization trade-off. Co-existence and evolutionary branching become possible only when resource competition, with reduced competition between the populations, is introduced. There is a convergent stable singular point in the strategy space. The singular strategy is an evolutionarily stable strategy (ESS) below a critical strength of resource competition. Above this threshold, the singular strategy is no longer an ESS and evolutionary branching occurs. This is the first demonstration of evolutionary branching on a lattice. We compare the behaviour of the spatial simulation to its mean-field and pair approximation counterparts. This comparison demonstrates that spatiality and limited dispersal reduce the possibility of evolutionary branching, in addition to that of co-existence. We interpret this phenomenon based on the partial spatial segregation between the competing strategies.