Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Methodologies and Professional Practice : Considerations and Practicalities

Professional doctorates have been established as key arenas for learning and research with the requirement for individuals to make both a contribution to management practise and academic knowledge. Many students on these programmes are drawn from the senior business world, for which the traditionally quantitatively focused business environment is familiar territory and, from which, we often see a natural tendency towards research that embraces the positivist approach that brings with it the familiarity of hard, measurable, results-focused business disciplines. The insight into the academic world of ontology, epistemology and the different research approaches that form part of the learning arena of the professional doctorate provides an opportunity for students to consider the qualitative research alternative and the value of this in developing professional understanding and in making a contribution to knowledge, understanding and management praxis. This paper does not seek to critique the criteria for what constitutes “good” research or to argue against positivist research in the professional research arena per se. Our position is that critical reflexive thinking has a key part to play in research in both developing the student and in closing the loop between the approach taken to carry out the research, the research findings, the contribution to academic knowledge and how the research practically informs professional practice. Reflexive exploration we contend takes us beyond simple numerical objective measures and into the field of subjective understanding, which can be unsettling for the mindset of a traditionally positivistic organisation. It can be perceived as difficult and time consuming, and offering vague or conflicting outputs and we recognise that talk of subjectivity, bias and interpretation may seriously affect the acceptability of research in this tradition amongst business people and needs careful handling. The methodology must stand up to the scrutiny of both academic and management disciplines by producing results that both these disciplines accept and understand. The rewards, we suggest, of reflexive exploration, offer the opportunity of a privileged insight into workforce behaviours and motivations that are not often articulated and recognised in the business world. Within this paper we draw upon hermeneutics and critical discourse analysis highlighting the role of critical reflexivity to illustrate how these qualitative research methodologies can be used to bring the academic and business worlds together.
The value of relational contracts : evidence from a supply shock to Kenyan flower exporters

Contract enforcement between firms is an essential ingredient of economic development. Empirically, however, little is known about how enforcement is achieved in the absence of formal contracts and whether the associated inefficiencies are quantitatively relevant. This paper exploits transaction level data to provide a quantitative estimate of the value of relational contracts in the context of Kenyan flower exports, a setting in which formal contracts are not available and relational contracts coexist alongside a spot market. A lower bound estimate for the value of the relationship is derived from the incentive compatibility constraint of a stylized relational contract model. The value of the relational contract is at least 7% of the yearly turnover for the average relationship in the sample. Exploiting an exogenous shock to the cost function induced by an episode of ethnic violence, we find strong support for other assumptions and predictions of the model.
Evidence of genetic subdivision among populations of blacklip abalone (Haliotis rubra Leach) in Tasmania

The scale over which populations exchange individuals (migration) is central to ecology, and important for understanding recruitment and connectivity in commercial species. Field studies indicate that blacklip abalone (Haliotis rubra) have localised larval dispersal. However, genetic studies show differentiation only at large scales, suggesting dispersal over more than 100 km. Most genetic studies, however, have failed to test for subdivision at scales equivalent to field experiments. We used microsatellite DNA to investigate genetic structure at small scales (100 m to 10 km) in blacklip abalone in south-east Tasmania. We found significant subdivision (FST = 0.021; P < 0.05) among sites, and hierarchical FST analysis indicated 64% of genetic variation was at the smallest scale, supporting field studies that concluded larval dispersal is less than 100m. We also tested if genetic differentiation varied predictably with wave exposure, but found no evidence that differences between adjacent sites in exposed locations varied from differences between adjacent sites in sheltered populations (mean FST = 0.016 and 0.017 respectively). Our results show the usefulness of microsatellites for abalone, but also identify sampling scales as critical in understanding gene flow and dispersal of abalone larvae in an ecologically relevant framework. Importantly, our results indicate that H. rubra populations are self-recruiting, which will be important for the management of this commercial species.
Implementation of an autonomous taxi service in a multi-modal traffic scenario using MATSim

In the foreseeable future it will be possible to have self-driving cars in the city environment. A number of simulations have been performed to assess the impact and possibilities of autonomous vehicles, mainly seeing them as a means of public transportation. While previous studies have focused on the replacement of existing private car trips, the interplay between a newly introduced autonomous vehicle taxi service with the existing means of transport in a traffic scenario will be investigated here. The study is based on the agent-based traffic simulation framework MATSim and covers the whole process from the implementation of the transport mode, several extensions of existing MATSim assets and the simulation results. It has been found that the introduced AVs are mainly competing with established public transport services and that the net driven distance by cars in the network is increased. It is claimed that varying pricing schemes alone cannot lead to a more balanced and sustainable mode share, but that they need to be supported by pinpointed incentive and/or taxation policy.
Clinicopathological studies on some antibiotics used in Nile tilapia infected with Streptoccocus iniae

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of infection of fish with S. iniae and their treatments on the hemato-biochemical, immunological and pathological studies. A One hundred and fifty Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) of 50 g average body weight were randomly divided into 5 equal groups. The 1 st gp. was kept as a normal control. The 2 nd , 3 rd and 4 th gps. were infected intraperitoneally (IP) with 25µl of S. iniae (1.2x10 8 CFU/ ml). Following the infection by 48 hours, the 3 rd gp. was treated with florfenicol (10 mg/kg B.W /day) for 10 successive days through medicated feed, while the 4 th gp. treated with dry leaves of R. officinalis which ground to fine powder and mixed with grained commercial fish feed in a ratio of 3:17 w/w for 10 days. The 5 th gp. was fed dry leaves of R. officinalis (prepared as in gp. 4) for 5 days, then infected IP with 25µl of S. iniae (1.2x10 8 CFU/ ml), and after 48 hours from the infection, it fed dry leaves of R. officinalis, for 10 days. The hematological results showed a significant decrease in RBCs counts, Hb content and PCV (gps.2, 3, 4&5). The fish of gps. (2&3) showed a leukocytosis with neutrophilia. In addition, significant changes were recorded in the immunological and biochemical parameters. Antioxidant analysis revealed a significant increase in the hepatic level of malondialdhyde (MDA) in gps. (2, 3&4) with insignificant change in gp. (5). The hepatic catalase (CAT) level revealed a significant decrease in gps. (2, 3&4), while it showed insignificant change in gp. (5). (Mohamed O. T. Badr, Mohamed A. Hashem and Shefaa Ali Elmandrawi Clinicopathological studies on some antibiotics used in Nile tilapia infected with Streptoccocus iniae J Am Sci 2012;8(12):1057-1070). (ISSN: 1545- 1003). http://www.jofamericanscience. org. 142
R&D Spillover Effects on the Strategic Behavior of Large International Firms during the World Financial Crisis

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between competition and innovation through the knowledge spillover effect. In particular, we investigate whether RD one based on trade intensity between sectors using input–output matrix data. The empirical results show a positive effect of R&D externalities on competitive interactions before the beginning of crisis and a negative one after it. These findings are robust with respect to the procedure employed in the estimation method.
Nutritive value and physical characteristics of Xaraes palisadegrass as affected by grazing strategy

The aim of this study was to ascertain whether the defoliation frequency based on a fixed rest period would generate variable sward structural and physiological conditions at each subsequent grazing event. The relative importance of the physiological age was established in comparison with the chronological age in the determination of the forage nutritive value of Xaraes palisadegrass [Brachiaria brizantha (Hochst ex A. RICH.) STAPF. cv. Xaraes]. Two grazing frequencies were defined by light interception (LI) at initiation of grazing (95% LI – “target grazing” [TG] or 100% LI – “delayed grazing” [DG]) and one based on chronological time, grazing every 28 days (28-d). Forage produced under the TG schedule was mostly leaves (93%) with a higher concentration of crude protein (CP; 138 g/kg in the whole forage), a lower concentrations of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) in the stems (740 g/kg), and higher in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of the leaves (690 g/kg), compared to the other treatments. Lower grazing frequency strategies (DG and 28-d) resulted in forage with higher proportions of stems (10 and 9%, respectively). Strategies based on light interception did not produce pre-graze forage with a uniform nutritive value, as the indicators varied across grazing cycles. The treatment based on fixed days of rest did not result in uniformity.
Can we predict groundwater discharge from terrestrial ecosystems using existing eco-hydrological concepts?

Abstract. There is increasing recognition of the role that groundwater plays in the maintenance of ecosystem structure and function. As a result, water resources planners need to develop an understanding of the water requirements for these ecosystems. In this study we reviewed estimates of groundwater discharge from terrestrial vegetation communities around Australia and explored this data set for empirical relationships that could be used to predict groundwater discharge in data poor areas. In particular we explored how leaf area index and the water balance of groundwater systems conformed to two existing ecohydrological frameworks; the Budyko framework, which describes the partitioning of rainfall into evapotranspiration and runoff within a simple supply and demand framework, and Eagleson's theory of ecological optimality. We demonstrate strong convergence with the predictions of both frameworks. Terrestrial groundwater systems discharging groundwater lie above the water limit line as defined in the Budyko framework. However, when climate wetness was recalculated to include groundwater discharge there was remarkable convergence of these sites along this water limit line. Thus, we found that there was a strong correlation between estimates of evapotranspiration derived from the Budyko's relationship with observed estimates of evapotranspiration. Similarly, the LAI of ecosystems with access to groundwater have higher LAI than those without access to groundwater, for a given climatic regime. However, again when discharge was included in the calculation of climate wetness index there was again strong convergence between the two systems, providing support for ecological optimality frameworks that maximize LAI under given water availability regimes. The simplicity and utility of these simple ecohydrological insights potentially provide a valuable tool for predicting groundwater discharge from terrestrial ecosystems, especially in data poor areas.
Security of Multifactor Authentication Model to Improve Authentication Systems

Multifactor authentication (MFA) is a security system in which more than one form of authentication is implemented to verify the legitimacy of a transaction. The goal of MFA is to create a layered defense and make it more difficult for an unauthorized person to access a computer system or network. Multifactor authentication is achieved by combining two or three independent credentials: what the user knows ( knowledge-based authentication ), what the user has ( security token or smart card ) and what the user is ( biometric verification ). Single-factor authentication ( SFA ), in contrast, only requires knowledge the user possesses. Although password -based authentication is well-suited for website or application access, it is not secure enough for online financial transactions. Keywords: authentication , multi-factor-authentication , biometric factor, knowledge factor . possession factor
A comparison of the modern and classic golf swing : a clinician's perspective

Objective. There is little descriptive research on the motion the body displays during the golf swing. The purpose of this research is to review the modern golf swing and compare its motion to the classic golf swing. Discussion. The comparison revealed subtle but significant differences in the backswing and the follow-through positions. The potential implications for power and injury, particularly of the lower back, are discussed. The discussion describes a third swing, the hybrid swing, which is a combination of the classic and modern swing. The hybrid swing may potentially reduce the chances of sustaining a low back injury while still retaining the power of the modern swing. Conclusion. The golf swing has evolved over time as a result of a combination of advanced equipment, course design and human experimentation. The hybrid swing is being taught by some golf professionals as a balance between the power-potential of the modern swing and the ‘back-friendly\' nature of the classic swing, though no studies have so far been conducted on its efficacy. Further investigation into the three golf swings, classic, modern and hybrid, is required to determine which swing is the most effective while also being friendly to the body. Such research will make possible the development programmes aimed at reducing golf injury rates, particularly to the lower back. South African Journal of Sports Medicine Vol. 18 (3) 2006: pp. 80-91
Mean-based error measures for intermittent demand forecasting

To compare different forecasting methods on demand series, we require an error measure. Many error measures have been proposed, but when demand is intermittent some become inapplicable because of infinities, some give counter-intuitive results, and there is no agreement on which is best. We argue that almost all known measures rank forecasters incorrectly on intermittent demand series. We propose several new error measures with almost no infinities, and with correct forecaster ranking on several intermittent demand patterns. We call these ‘mean-based’ error measures because they evaluate forecasts against the (possibly time-dependent) mean of the underlying stochastic process instead of point demands.
Quantitative proteomics of food pathogenic Bacilli - a quest for biomarkers

Food manufacturers have a variety of methods at their disposal to ensure foods are microbially safe. However, due to increasing demands from consumers for minimally processed foods the severity of these treatments is frequently mild. Frequently being able to survive such treatments, bacteria of the genus Bacillus present a pressing issue. Comprising spore-forming, Gram-positive, aerobic or facultative anaerobic bacteria the genus contains a group of pathogenic bacteria known as Bacillus cereus sensu lato. Spores are a metabolically dormant, extremely resistant cell type capable of surviving in extreme environments The mild treatments used in the food industry used to eliminate bacteria are then unable to kill or inactivate spores present. To detect Bacillus cereus and ensure food safety, current ISO guidelines (ISO 7932, ISO 21871) are based around incubation on agar plates for 24 hours or even longer. Developing a platform for direct detection of spores would allow for better, faster and ultimately cheaper detection methods but this requires proper spore biomarkers. This biomarker needs to be robust and specific to the system, be abundant enough to have reliable interaction with the sensor, and be accessible to the receptor molecule of the sensor it is supposed to bind to. The outermost layers of the spore, the inner coat, outer coat and exosporium, primarily consist of proteins. Therefore we set out to identify and quantify the proteome of spores of food pathogenic Bacilli, as well obtain information on protein localisation within in the spore.
On Stability of Nonautonomous Perturbed Semilinear Fractional Differential Systems of Order α∈(1,2)

We study the Mittag-Leffler and class-K function stability of fractional differential equations with order α∈(1,2). We also investigate the comparison between two systems with Caputo and Riemann-Liouville derivatives. Two examples related to fractional-order Hopfield neural networks with constant external inputs and a marine protected area model are introduced to illustrate the applicability of stability results.
Phylogeny and distribution of Palaearctic chipmunks Eutamias (Rodentia: Sciuridae)

We examined a cranial morphometric data set consisting of 940 specimens, as well as 156 complete sequences of the cytochrome b gene of Eutamias sibiricus . The geographic coordinates of 378 (northern chipmunk: 318; Chinese: 50; Korean: 10) localities were used for distribution modelling. Both morphology and genetics support existence of three subspecies of E. sibiricus : northern E. s. sibiricus , Chinese E. s. senescens , and Korean E. s. barberi . Chinese chipmunks form sister clade to northern chipmunks. Only 5.8% of the specimens have no strong similarities with representatives of their own geographical form in terms of cranial shape; an overwhelming majority of these specimens comes from the region of three taxa distributions junction. We expect two potential contact zones between Chinese and northern subspecies: in the south of the central part of the Great Khingan Range and in the central and south-eastern part of Liaoning, China. Click here to access supplementary files
Meilleures pratiques en matière de recherche L ’ importance de procéder à une étude pilote pour les essais cliniques aléatoires en matière d ’ intervention

L’étude pilote fournit une occasion unique de déterminer les difficultés que pose l’évaluation d’une intervention et de s’y préparer. Au bout du compte, cette façon de faire permettra d’améliorer la rigueur et la valeur scientifique de l’étude à grande échelle. Bien que certaines revues publient les comptes rendus d’études pilotes, on accorde très peu d’attention à ces types de questions et de thèmes de recherche qui sont propres à ces mêmes études. Le présent article porte principalement sur l’utilité de procéder à un essai clinique pilote sur un échantillon aléatoire comme première étape avant d’effectuer un essai clinique aléatoire. On y décrit les principaux objectifs d’un essai clinique pilote sur un échantillon aléatoire : à savoir, évaluer la faisabilité et l’acceptabilité de l’intervention, du plan de recherche et des méthodes ainsi que déterminer plus facilement les valeurs des effets à des fins de calculs pour la taille de l’échantillon.
Genetic diversity of the Brazilian Creole cattle Pé-duro assessed by microsatellites and mitochondrial DNA

The objective of this study was to describe the genetic diversity and structure of the largest Pe-duro population by assessing variation at ten autosomal microsatellite (STR) loci and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences. The mean expected heterozygosity was 0.755, the mean observed heterozygosity was 0.600 and significant inbreeding coefficient (Fis) and deviations from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in most of analyzed loci demonstrate the impact of inbreeding and homozygosis on this population. A more in-depth genetic analysis could be achieved by expanding the STR list. The analysis of mtDNA provided evidence of ancestral African taurine haplotypes in Pe-duro and excluded maternal Zebuine introgression. In this report, the main Pe-duro population is genetically portrayed by sampling approximately 40% of it. As this herd represents the core of the Pe-duro conservation program, these findings are of outstanding value for the management and preservation of this Brazilian 'native' cattle breed.
Title Testing context-sensitive middleware-based softwareapplications

Context-sensitive middleware-based software is an emerging kind of ubiquitous computing application. The components of such software communicate proactively among themselves according to the situational attributes of their environments, known as the “contexts”. The actual process of accessing and updating the contexts lies with the middleware. The latter invokes the relevant local and remote operations whenever any context inscribed in the situation-aware interface is satisfied. Since the applications operate in a highly dynamic environment, the testing of context-sensitive software is challenging. Metamorphic testing is a property-based testing strategy. It recommends that, even if a test case does not reveal any failure, follow-up test cases should be further constructed from the original to check whether the software satisfies some necessary conditions of the problem to be implemented. This paper proposes to use isotropic properties of contexts as metamorphic relations for testing context-sensitive software. For instance, distinct points on the same isotropic curve of contexts would entail ∗ This work is supported in part by a grant of the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong, a grant of the Croucher Foundation, a grant of The University of Hong Kong, and an Australian Research Council Discovery Grant (Project No. DP 0345147). comparable responses by the components. This notion of testing context relations is novel, robust, and intuitive to users.
Public Policies and the Demand for Vegetables

Increased consumption of vegetables may reduce obesity and the prevalence of cardiac diseases and cancer. Norwegians consume less vegetables than nutrition experts recommend and the per capita consumption is lower than in most European countries. To investigate the causes of low consumption, a two-step approach is used to estimate the demand segmented by nine different household types. In the first step, a probit model is estimated to investigate the decision whether to purchase traditional vegetables, salad vegetables, and industrially processed vegetables. Conditional on purchase, an almost ideal demand model is used to model how much to purchase. The own-price elasticities and total expenditure elasticities are high for traditional and industrially processed vegetables for most household types. Especially households with children have elastic demand. Lower value added tax or lower import tariffs for traditional and industrially processed vegetables will increase the demand for these vegetables, while reducing the price of salad vegetables seem to have a limited effect. For households with children, increased incomes have large effects on the demand for traditional and industrially processed vegetables indicating that, for example, increased child support will result in increased vegetable consumption.