Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Methodological Limits of 'Doing Business' Reports

The methods used to construct indicators supposed to measure the quality of Legal systems and Institutions often meet with criticism. The present study is to complete this criticism. We will point out that the methodology, derived from A. Shleifer's work on Institutions assessment and "Law and Finance" approach, used in the World Bank Doing Business combines several weaknesses. The two major limits – the recourse to purely hypothetical cases and the technique of encoding law in binary variables – however, appear too difficult to remove without profoundly calling into question all measures undertaken in Doing Business reports. We argue that these methodological problems suggest, as a minimum, that one greatly differentiates when considering the statements and recommendations expressed in Doing Business reports.
Fired or Retired? A Competing Risks Analysis of Chief Executive Turnover

We apply duration analysis to model the tenure and mode of exit of CEOs from FTSE 350 companies from 1996-2005, a decade in which corporate governance reforms have sought to increase the accountability of the CEO to shareholders and their representatives on the board. We find a greater likelihood of dismissal in the latter part of the period. However, we also find that the likelihood of forced departure sharply decreases from the fifth year of a CEO's tenure. We find evidence that this is because CEOs who survive beyond year four are able to entrench themselves in their position.
Resource Partitioning in Bumblebees: Experimental Studies of Foraging Behavior

A system comprising 2 species of bumblebess (Bombus appositus and Bombus flavifrons) and 2 species of flowers (Delphinium barbeyi and Aconitum columbianum) in Gothic, Colorado, USA, was manipulated to determine whether resource utilization by each bumblebee species was influenced by the presence of the other species of bumblebee. Each bumblebee species concentrated its foraging efforts on a different flower species, apparently choosing the species whose corolla tube length matched its proboscis length most closely. When each bumblebee species was temporarily removed from its preferred flower species, the remaining bumblebee species increased visitation to the other, previously less—utilized, flower species. The remaining bumblebees visited more flowers per stay in the patch, suggesting that they were finding greater amounts of nectar in the absence of other bumblebee species. These removal experiments demonstrated that the bumblebees were sampling flowers frequently enough and were flexible enough in thei.
Comparative study of the effect of various parameters on growth and antimicrobial activity of probiotics

Probiotics are an important part of the complex world of foods that are good for health. These bacteria have belong to the natural flora in order to be able to resist acid and bile, to survive during intestinal transit, to adhere to the intestinal mucosa and to produce antimicrobial substances in order to retain the characteristics that contribute to their beneficial health effects (Fuller, 1989). Probiotic organisms are thought to act through a variety of mechanisms which includes (a) Compete with potential pathogens for nutrients and growth factors or enterocyte adhesion sites or substract and involved in modifying the gut pH. (b) Degradation of toxins, production of antimicrobial substances, and antioxidants (Caglar et al., 2006). The lactic acid bacteria need to withstand varying environmental conditions including differences in temperature, pH and salinity, depending on the specific application. Glucose is frequently used as a carbon source in lactic acid fermentation. For instance, it had been used to promote lactic acid fermentation of shrimp wastes (Rao et al. 2000). For application of these strains in processes where high salt concentrations are required or are naturally present, their salt tolerance should be studied. Combined effect of low initial pH and salt addition may present additional advantages. ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 3 Number 11 (2014) pp. 320-330 http://www.ijcmas. com
What Determines the Discount for Private Equity Offerings- Ownership or Control Right?

This paper examines the relationship between private benefits and the discount of private equity offerings. The results indicate that concern with private benefit (including cash flow right and control right) is the most important influence besides other firm characteristics in explaining the offer price discount. Measuring private benefits in terms of both control rights and cash flow rights for insiders and outsiders, we find that control rights influence pricing decision far less than ownership does, and thus private benefits are primarily attributed to cash flow right rather than control. Furthermore, insiders buy at a discount when their ownership is lower than 5%, but are willing to pay more to increase their private benefit only if their ownership is in the 5%-25% range. Finally, we find that consistent with the literature in corporate governance, the deviation between control rights and ownership appears more meaningful to insiders than level of control in private equity offerings.
Distribution and retention of effluent nitrogen in surface sediments of a coastal bay

Anthropogenic nitrogen (N) often causes coastal eutrophication, yet little is known about the fate and retention of effluent N in coastal waters and, hence, about the system’s ability to assimilate excess N loads. We used the spatial distribution of stable N isotope ratios and algal pigments in sedimentary organic matter from a Baltic bay receiving tertiary‐treated effluent to evaluate the extent of effects and the role of nearshore marine environments as sinks of anthropogenic N. Surface sediments (0–2 cm and 2–4 cm) exhibited a pronounced spatial gradient of δ15N, with the most elevated values (~8‰) near the outfall; values decreased linearly to values of ;4‰ outside the bay. Sedimentary pigment concentrations were consistent with water‐column data and showed that phytoplankton biomass was elevated in the inner reaches of the bay. In particular, diatoms were heavily labeled (δ15N ~ 10‰), reached maximum abundance near the effluent outfall, and were likely the main mechanism delivering effluent N to the sediments. Sediments within the bay removed ~5–11% of wastewater N inputs, with 50% of the sequestered effluent N buried in the basin nearest to the outfall. Magnitudes of N removal by sediments (23–26 x 104 kg N yr−1) were less than those estimated for denitrification (30–60 x 104 kg N yr−1), but they were substantially greater than biological uptake by macroalgae (~2 x 104 kg N yr−1). Taken together, these patterns demonstrate the idea that coastal sediments can be effective sinks of wastewater N, even after 30 yr of effluent input.
Using automatic conductimetry for monitoring spoilage bacteria on chilled pork cutlets

Experimental batches of chilled cutlets of pork have been stored aerobically and surface growth of bacteria was determined by standard aerobic spread-plate counts, and colony counts of pseudomonads on Cetrimid Agar simultaneously with detection times of respective stomached samples in triplicate using a Malthus Microbiological Analyzer at 30 °C, applying general impedance broth and Pseudomonas impedance medium, respectively. To study the effects of storage temperature on growth of spoilage bacteria, numerous samples were kept in successive experiments at 4, 8 or 12 °C. Parameters of the bacterial growth curves were estimated by curve fitting of the colony counts by DMfit programme package of the ComBase softwares, using Baranyi’s dynamic growth model. Linear correlations were found between the respective colony counts and the conductimetric detection times observed in periodic investigations during storage. According to these calibrations, the conductimetric method at 30 °C incubation is able to assess wi.
Monitoring of fish and fish catches by local fishermen in Kenya and Tanzania

Monitoring of fish populations underwater and of fish catches is being undertaken at several sites in Kenya and Tanzania using local names and languages. This paper describes the programmes underway at Kiunga Marine Reserve and Diani-Chale in Kenya, and at Tanga in Tanzania. At all three sites, standard protocols have been adapted for use by local fishermen, who have been trained to collect data. A key factor enabling this has been to use local knowledge as the foundation of monitoring. The paper discusses some of the difficulties encountered, such as variations in the use of names, and generally low literacy among fishermen. Overall, the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages in terms of developing a much greater sense of involvement in, and participation by, the fishing communities in the management of their resources. The programmes are also providing the fishermen with a deeper understanding of the impact of fishing on their resources and thus will help them to apply appropriate management approaches.
Protein Kinase C-θ Mediates a Selective T Cell Survival Signal Via Phosphorylation of BAD1

Protein kinase C (PKC)-activating phorbol esters protect T cells from Fas-induced apoptosis. However, the mechanism of this protective effect and the identity of the relevant PKC isoform(s) are poorly understood. Here, we show that PKCθ plays a selective and important role in this protection. Fas triggering led to a selective caspase-3-dependent cleavage of the enzyme and proteasome-mediated degradation and inactivation of its catalytic fragment. These events preceded the onset of apoptosis. Pharmacological inhibition of PKCθ promoted Fas-mediated apoptosis in three different types of T cells. Conversely, constitutively active PKCθ (and, to a lesser degree, PKCε) selectively protected T cells from Fas-induced apoptosis. We provide evidence that the distant Bcl-2 family member, BAD, is a PKCθ substrate, is phosphorylated by TCR stimulation, and can mediate at least in part the anti-apoptotic effect of PKCθ.
ARTHROPOD MANAGEMENT Effect of Genotype, Edaphic, Environmental Conditions, and Agronomic Practices on Cry1Ac Protein Expression in Transgenic Cotton

Poor Cry1Ac protein expression was common in the first years of transgenic (Bt) cotton in Australia, when single-gene Cry1Ac cotton (called Ingard in Australia and Bollgard in USA) was grown. Two-gene cultivars (called Bollgard II in both countries) show enhanced Cry1Ac protein expression compared with Ingard cultivars. Environment, soil properties, and agronomic management are believed to affect Cry1Ac protein expression. This research evaluated the impact of crop nutrition, plant population density, light intensity, water management, herbicide application, soil fertility, plant growth regulator application, and cotton cultivars on Cry1Ac protein expression in field and glasshouse experiments, as measured in cotton leaves using commercial quantitative ELISA assays. Cultivars provided the major source of variation in leaf Cry1Ac protein expression. Cry1Ac protein concentration ranged from 0.27 to 6.01 mg kg -1 in 15 experiments conducted over 4 yr. There was considerable variation among individual plants of a cultivar. Cry1Ac protein expression was highly heritable (h 2 = 0.94), as parent plants produced progeny with a similar level of Cry1Ac protein expression. Cry1Ac protein expression was higher in older (lower) leaves. Treatment effects were often more evident in older than younger leaves. Short episodes of waterlogging, shading, herbicide application, or plant growth regulator application did not significantly affect leaf Cry1Ac protein expression, while severely wilted plants exhibited reduced Cry1Ac expression. Cry1Ac protein expression was reduced under conditions that affected cotton growth and development or plant survival, such as drought or sodic/saline soil that severely impaired crop nutrition. Cry1Ac protein synthesis may be limited or the protein metabolized in plants subjected to environmental or edaphic stresses.
Nonlinear behavior of a vibrating axially moving small‐size beam under an electrostatic force

Small size (micro/nano)‐scale beams constitute important building blocks of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)/nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS). Emerging roll‐based, high rate, manufacturing processes can make these small size‐beams vibrate, while they are axially moving. In this paper, an analytical‐numerical study on the nonlinear transverse vibration of the representative case of axially moving micro‐beam under an electrostatic force is conducted. The analytical model is realized by employing Hamilton's principle together with Galerkin discretization. The method of multiple time‐scales and Runge‐Kutta based numerical scheme are utilized to investigate the nonlinear dynamic behavior of the micro‐beam. Results are obtained for the influence of axial beam velocity and modified couple stress theory length scale parameter (i) on the values of pull‐in instability voltage of the small‐size beam, and (ii) on the small‐size beam nonlinear softening/hardening characteristics. The effect of axial load on the frequency response is investigated.
Parasites of the nine‐spined stickleback Pungitius pungitius (L)

Eleven species of parasite are reported from the nine-spined stickleback Pungitius pungitius (L). Nine of these, namely, Trichodina domerguei, T. tenuidens, Vorticella sp. , Epistylis? , Diplostomum spathaceum, Cryptocotyle lingua, Proteocephalus filicollis, Schistocephalus solidus and glochidia of Anodonta cygnea, are new host records for Great Britain. Gyrodactylus spp. and Thersitina gasterostei were also found.
Inflow of Direct Capital to Developing Countries - Selected Economic and Legal Problems

Under the economic globalization mobility of capital, labor and goods is growing. Enterprises are dividing manufacturing process into stages located in different countries. An expansion of multinational enterprises (MNEs) follows. Below, we analyze the causes and results of the creation of branches by the enterprises originating from industrialized countries, in less developed countries. We conduct research on the nature of barriers that hinder the inflow of direct capital to the countries that lack it the most. We turn our attention to the fact, that the benefits from the inflow of foreign direct investments are dependent not only on the attributes of economic structure, but also on characteristics of political system and specific institutions in receiving state. We underline the meaning of insufficient legal protection of foreign direct investments. We prove that the analysis of cost-effectiveness of foreign investment requires taking into account the legal protection of such an investment.
Status and management of anthracnose of pomegranate in Karnataka State of India

Pomegranate is extensively cultivated around the Mediterranean and other parts of world including India. It is regarded as the "Fruit of Par adise". The most popular varieties in India are Ganesh, Mridula, Arakta, Bhagwa (Kesar). Successful cultivation of pomegranate in recent years has met with different problems such as pests and diseases. Among the various fungal diseases, anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.) Penz. and Sacc. , is one of the most serious disease of pomegranate, remaining latent in early stages of fr uit development and reducing fruit quality to a greater extent. Propagules of pathogen cause lesions and decay of the fruit. The study was carried out in Karnataka State (India). The survey on the disease in the field showed the extent of anthracnose affecting the crop and quality of the fruits in different locations. The disease was widespread particularly in rainy season/high moisture conditions and incidence and severity disease were higher in Bagalkot district, followed by Koppal, Bijapur Gadag and Raichur districts. Studies on cultur al, morphological, and physiological features of the pathogen showed maximum growth on Potato dextrose broth on the 12th day after incubation at 27±1oC. C. gloeosporioides exhibited diversity with respect to cultural characters like type of the growth, mycelial colour, pigmentation and sporulation with maximum growth on Potato dextrose agar. The different days of incubation of culture filtrates of C. gloeosporioid es differed in their action to inhibit the seed germination, root and shoot elongation of sorghum seeds and induction of phytotoxic symptoms on tomato seedlings. Among the tested fungicides, bioagents and botanicals, iprobenfos, propiconazole, carbendazim + mancozeb and T. viride were superior in inhibiting the mycelial growth of the fungus in vitro. carbendazim + mancozeb at 0.3 per cent and propiconazole at 0.1 per cent concentration were effective in reducing the percent disease index of anthracnose under field conditions.
How Urbanization Affects Employment and Social Interactions

We develop a model where the unemployed workers in the city can find a job either directly or through weak or strong ties. We show that, in denser areas, individuals choose to interact with more people and meet more random encounters (weak ties) than in sparsely populated areas. We also demonstrate that, for a low urbanization level, there is a unique steady-state equilibrium where workers do not interact with weak ties, while, for a high level of urbanization, there is a unique steady-state equilibrium with full social interactions. We show that these equilibria are usually not socially efficient when the urban population has an intermediate size because there are too few social interactions compared to the social optimum. Finally, even when social interactions are optimal, we show that there is over-urbanization in equilibrium.
Effects of Dietary Supplements on Growth Performance and Phosphorus Waste Production of Australian Catfish, Tandanus Tandanus, Fed with Diets Containing Canola Meal as Fishmeal Replacement

Effects of dietary phytase, amino acid (AA), and inorganic phosphorus (P) in canola meal diets on the growth and P waste production of Australian catfish, Tandanus tandanus were evaluated. Fishmeal protein was replaced by 30% and 45% with canola meal protein in two separate experiments, in which test diets were fortified with phytase, AA, inorganic P, or their combinations. Addition of sole phytase to the 30% replacement diets did improve growth performance and feed utilization of fish compared to those fed with the non-phytase diet. Inclusion of phytase and/ or AAs did not improve the growth and feed utilization of catfish when fishmeal protein was replaced by 45% while adding inorganic P showed significant improvement in the performance of the fish. Ortho-P waste was significantly lower while total P waste was significantly higher in fish fed with canola meal diets at both levels of fishmeal replacement. Phytase did not affect the total P waste of catfish but a combination of phytase and AA resulted in a significant reduction. Dietary inclusion of inorganic P significantly elevated the total P waste of catfish compared to that of the control fish. It was concluded that the use of canola meal in combination with inorganic P in diets for Australian catfish could significantly increase nutrient pollution in aquaculture.
Determinants of Yield Spread Dynamics: Euro versus US Dollar Corporate Bonds

This paper presents a systematic comparison between the determinants of euro and US dollar yield spread dynamics. The results show that US dollar yield spreads are significantly more affected by changes in the level and the slope of the default-free term structure and the stock market return and volatility. Surprisingly, euro yield spreads are strongly affected by the US (and not the euro) level and slope. This confirms the dominance of US interest rates in the corporate bond markets. Interestingly, I find that liquidity risk is higher for US dollar corporate bonds than euro corporate bonds. For both regions, the effect of changes in the bid-ask spread is mainly significant during periods of high liquidity risk. Finally, the results indicate that the credit cycle as measured by the region-specific default probability significantly increases US yield spreads. This is not the case for euro yield spreads.
Subarctic and alpine tree line dynamics during the last 400 years in north‐western and central Canada

Aim The objectives of this study were to: (1) identify episodes of establishment and mortality of young and mature trees at several sites at the alpine tree line in the western Northwest Territories and the latitudinal tree line in northern Manitoba; (2) infer changes in the structure and location of the tree line from patterns of establishment; (3) evaluate any relationship between these changes and climate; and (4) investigate sources of variability between sampling sites and study areas.
Antifungal activity of some actinomycetes isolated from Riyadh soil, Saudi Arabia: An evaluation for their ability to control Alternaria caused tomato blight in green house pot trial

A collection of 105 strains of actinomycetes isolated from the soils of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia were evaluated for their ability to inhibit plant pathogenic Fusarium oxysporum, Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus flavus in vitro. About 61.90% isolates were able to inhibit the growth of A. alternata, followed by 61.8, 52.24 and 50.9% inhibiting A. flavus, F. oxysporum and A. niger respectively. Subsequently, these isolates were tested for their ability to control Alternaria blight on tomato plant (Lycopersicon lycopersicum) grown in sterilized peat moss soil. Broth and crude extract of all except, DS-8(32), DS-6(48) and DS-6(33) isolates of actinomycetes have shown effect on plant disease severity. Over all analysis of data showed that strain AS-2(29) was the most effective isolate.Broth and crude extract of this strain had shown maximum zone of inhibition against F. oxysporum (11 and 18 mm respectively) and A. alternata (15 and 17 mm respectively). Plants treated with this strain were healthy and green and only a few older leaves showed the blight symptom and growth was found at par with control plants. However, strain DS-6(33) has not shown any antifungal activity and plants succumbed to infection of A. alternata, whereas, broth of DS-8(24) and DS-1(23) showed strong antifungal activity against A. alternata (20 and 19 mm zone of inhibition). However, crude extract of these strains has not shown any antifungal activity and plants treated with these strains were healthy and only older leaves were blighted. Extract but not broth of DS-1(20) showed strong antifungal activity against F. oxysporum and A. alternata (15 and 16 mm respectively) and the growth of the plant was similar to that of the control plants in pot trial strains varied in their antifungal activity against one or both plant pathogenic fungi. Based on the cultural, morphological and physiological characteristics, most of the strains were identified as the different isolates of the genus Streptomyces. In the further study, Streptomyces species as biological control agents would be offered a much needed alternative to the use of synthetic agrochemicals. Key words: Actinomycetes, screening antifungal activity, A. alternata, green house pot trial, scanning electron microscope, tomato blight disease.