Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Waves and Determinants in the Activity of Mergers and Acquisitions: The Case of Latin America

This paper contributes to the current literature of mergers and acquisitions (M&As) by studying the existence of waves and the determinants of M&A activity in the economies of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru. From a sample of 2,490 M&As announcements reported by Thomson One for these countries, and applying the methodology proposed by Harford (2005), evidence of M&A waves is found for the periods 1993-2002 and 2003-2010 as reported for other regions in various international studies. After controlling for economic and business environment variables, as well as for profitability and book-to-market variables at industry level, we find evidence in favor of the neoclassical theory as a main explanation for M&As, but not for the misvaluation effect. For this purpose, a Prais-Winsten data model with panel corrected standard errors (PCSE) is used, and the results are confirmed through a negative binomial panel data estimation.
Antibiotic Resistance: An Emerging Global Headache

The discovery of antibiotics was one of the greatest achievements of the twentieth century. The subsequent introduction of sulphonamides, penicillin and streptomycin, broad spectrum bacteriostatic antibiotics, bactericidal antibiotics, synthetic chemicals and highly specific narrow spectrum antibiotics to clinical medicine transformed the treatment of bacterial diseases (Baldry, 1976). However, due to the excessive and inappropriate use of antibiotics there has been a gradual emergence of populations of antibiotic –resistant bacteria, which pose a global public health problem (Komolafe, 2003).
MULTIPLE DISTURBANCE INTERACTIONS AND DROUGHT INFLUENCE FIRE SEVERITY IN ROCKY MOUNTAIN SUBALPINE FORESTS

Disturbances such as fire, insect outbreaks, and blowdown are important in shaping subalpine forests in the Rocky Mountains, but quantitative studies of their interactions are rare. We investigated the combined effects of past disturbances, current vegetation, and topography on spatial variability of the severity of a fire that burned approximately 4500 ha of subalpine forest during the extreme drought of 2002 in northwestern Colorado. Ordinal logistic regression was used to spatially model fire severity in relation to late 1800s fires, a 1940s spruce beetle outbreak, forest cover type, stand structure, and topography. The late 1800s fires reduced the probability of burning in 2002, and the 1940s beetle outbreak slightly increased the probability of fire, particularly at high severity. Aspen (Populus tremuloides) and lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) stands, which established after the late 1800s fires, were less likely to burn, whereas Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii)–subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) s.
The Relevance of Geospatial Techniques in the Assessment of Forest Fragmentation of Anjaneri Hill , Nasik District , Maharashtra , India .

The Western Ghats is one of the prominent regions in the world known for the variety of flora and fauna species. Though it is declared as a biological hotspot, the human interference is causing negative impact on the biodiversity. Consequently, the species are getting rapidly diminished and extinct. The land use and land cover maps for the study area were derived from the satellite imageries for the year 1989, 2006 and 2015. The land use and land cover analysis reveals that there was reduction in natural vegetation cover from 1989 to 2015. The fragmentation analysis for the study area was based on the parameters of class area, percentage of land, number of patches, patch density, total edge length, edge density, and largest patch index. The results obtained from the study revealed an increase in the fragmentation and significant degradation of forests. The evaluation of degraded and fragmented conditions of forests provides a significant platform for the ultimate research on its impacts on the different component of biodiversity. It will also aid in understanding the spatial configuration pattern of the forest fragments and examine the transition in this pattern over time and space at landscape level.
Effects of potassium and iron on macro element uptake of maize.

The current research was conducted to determine the effects of different potassium (K) and iron (Fe) rates on the growth and some macro nutrient uptake of maize. For this purpose, five K (1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 mM) and four Fe (30, 60, 90 and 120 µM) doses were applied to maize (Zea Mays L. cv. BSC 6661) plants in a re-circulated hydroponic system. Increasing K and Fe levels had positive effects on dry weight of the maize leaves and roots. The total Fe and active Fe concentrations and their uptake increased with the increasing levels of Fe and K, but these amounts decreased with the highest K dose. The addition of increasing levels of K decreased the P, Mg, and Ca concentrations in both leaves and roots of maize. Although the lowest dose of K and Fe has positive effects, the elevated K and Fe doses decreased their uptake in both roots and leaves.
ICSD: An Automatic System for Insecure Code Snippet Detection in Stack Overflow over Heterogeneous Information Network

As the popularity of modern social coding paradigm such as Stack Overflow grows, its potential security risks increase as well (e.g., insecure codes could be easily embedded and distributed). To address this largely overlooked issue, in this paper, we bring an important new insight to exploit social coding properties in addition to code content for automatic detection of insecure code snippets in Stack Overflow. To determine if the given code snippets are insecure, we not only analyze the code content, but also utilize various kinds of relations among users, badges, questions, answers, code snippets and keywords in Stack Overflow. To model the rich semantic relationships, we first introduce a structured heterogeneous information network (HIN) for representation and then use meta-path based approach to incorporate higher-level semantics to build up relatedness over code snippets. Later, we propose a novel network embedding model named snippet2vec for representation learning in HIN where both the HIN structures and semantics are maximally preserved. After that, a multi-view fusion classifier is constructed for insecure code snippet detection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work utilizing both code content and social coding properties to address the code security issues in modern software coding platforms. Comprehensive experiments on the data collections from Stack Overflow are conducted to validate the effectiveness of the developed system ICSD which integrates our proposed method in insecure code snippet detection by comparisons with alternative approaches.
The Effect of Bi-dimensionality of the Congruity on Consumer Responses

This study attempts to provide a better understanding of the functioning of television sponsorship and to determine the effect of the bi-dimensionality of congruity between a sponsor brand and a television program on consumer responses. We used structural equation modeling to validate the theoretical model. The final survey show that the relevant side of the association of a pair (TV program/brand) has a positive effect on brand equity, brand image and attitude towards the brand but the expected side of the association between a program and a sponsor does not influence consumers’ responses in terms of brand equity, brand image and attitude towards the brand. Our research equally showed that relevance is necessary for the consumer to make sense of the association between the brand and the TV program. The contribution of this research at the managerial level consists in providing supporting arguments for television sponsorship.
In Situ SAXS Measurement and Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Magnetic Alignment of Hexagonal LLC Nanostructures

The alignment of nanostructures in materials such as lyotropic liquid crystal (LLC) templated materials has the potential to significantly improve their performances. However, accurately characterising and quantifying the alignment of such fine structures remains very challenging. In situ small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and molecular dynamics were employed for the first time to understand the hexagonal LLC alignment process with magnetic nanoparticles under a magnetic field. The enhanced alignment has been illustrated from the distribution of azimuthal intensity in the samples exposed to magnetic field. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal the relationship between the imposed force of the magnetic nanoparticles under magnetic field and the force transferred to the LLC cylinders which leads to the LLC alignment. The combinational study with experimental measurement and computational simulation will enable the development and control of nanostructures in novel materials for various applications.
Evaluating the Blackboard System based on Web Accessibility and Usability Guidelines

In the modern world, every learning organisation needs to be equipped with the latest trends of technology and system so as to ensure they are adept at competing with the rest of the world. Whilst keeping this notion in mind, a new approach for evaluating accessibility and usability for current Learning Management Systems (LMSs) has been proposed. This has been done by presenting various imperative methods for evaluating accessibility and usability for such LMSs. As a case study, this paper provides an attempt at investigating and evaluating the accessibility and usability of the Blackboard System as an example of evaluating LMSs.
Genetic differentiation at the inter- and intra-specific level of stored grain insects using a simple molecular approach (RAPD).

Population diversity in stored grain insects linked with geographical origin of the infesting strains may be an issue in international trade. It may be that some imported strains exhibit phenotypes that may negatively impact control strategies available in the country at the destination of imported grain lots. However, several molecular methods are routinely used to assess genetic diversity among insect species or strains in the same species. Therefore, the potential of RAPD technique for the identification of different strains based on polymorphic DNA revealing was investigated with grain insect species. The banding patterns observed from DNA extracts with six different primers were compared between several grain insect species: Sitophilus spp. , Oryzaephilus surinamensis, Rhyzopertha dominica, Tribolium castaneum, Ephestia kuehniella, Plodia interpunctella, and three bruchid beetles. Then a particular study with the same molecular tools was performed for the differentiation between geographical strains in the Sitophilus spp. complex, with a special attention paid to S. zeamais strains originating from different continents (Africa, South America and Europe). The repeatability of the banding patterns was tested on: i/ extracted DNA from pool samples of different stages and generations in the same strains; ii/ Extracted DNA from individuals of the same species and strain. The differences observed in band profiles of the different species were highly significant and enabled the easy differentiation between them. It was shown frequent dissimilarities between the band profiles of geographical strains of S. zeamais. The potential for RAPD-PCR technique to provide useful genetic data for the discrimination up to the population level of insects found in stored products in international trade is discussed.
"We Are Always After That Balance" - Managing Innovation in the New Digital Media Industries

The pressure to innovate is growing as technology cycles change more rapidly. Organisations need to balance exploration and exploitation effectively if they are to heed the innovation imperative. Organisational ambidexterity is proposed as a means to achieve such balance with structural or contextual ambidexterity as possible choices. Yet how organisations become ambidextrous is an as yet underresearched area, and different industry sectors may pose different innovation challenges. Using the case study method, this paper examines how a computer games company responds to an industry-specific innovation challenge and how it endeavours to balance exploration and exploitation. The findings suggest that ambidexterity is difficult to achieve, and is fraught with organisational tensions which might eventually jeopardise the innovation potential of a company. The paper suggests that more qualitative research is needed to further our understanding of innovation challenges, innovation management and organisational ambidexterity.
Removal of Methyl Violet Dyes from Aqueous Solution using Almond (Prunus dulcis) Seed Shell

The potential of almond seed shell (ASSP), for the removal of methyl violet (MV) dye from aqueous solution was investigated. The adsorbent was characterized by SEM and FTIR analysis. Batch adsorption studies were conducted and various parameters such as contact time, adsorbent dosage, initial dye concentration, pH and temperature were studied to observe their effects in the dye adsorption process. The optimum conditions for the adsorption of MV onto the adsorbent (ASSP) was found to be: contact time (80 mins), pH (10.0) and temperature (303 K) for an initial MV dye concentration of 50 mg/L with adsorbent dose of 1.0 g. The experimental equilibrium adsorption data fitted best and well to the Freundlich isotherm model for the dye adsorption. The maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 628.93 mg/g for the adsorption of MV dye. The kinetic data conformed to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Thermodynamic quantities such as Gibbs free energy (G), enthalpy (H) and entropy (S) were evaluated and the negative values of G obtained indicated the spontaneous nature of the adsorption processes. The negative H and positive values of S indicate the exothermic nature and increased randomness during the adsorption of MV onto ASSP.
Predicting uncertainty in forecasts of weather and climate

The predictability of weather and climate forecasts is determined by the projection of uncertainties in both initial conditions and model formulation onto flow-dependent instabilities of the chaotic climate attractor. Since it is essential to be able to estimate the impact of such uncertainties on forecast accuracy, no weather or climate prediction can be considered complete without a forecast of the associated flow-dependent predictability. The problem of predicting uncertainty can be posed in terms of the Liouville equation for the growth of initial uncertainty, or a form of Fokker-Planck equation if model uncertainties are also taken into account. However, in practice, the problem is approached using ensembles of integrations of comprehensive weather and climate prediction models, with explicit perturbations to both initial conditions and model formulation; the resulting ensemble of forecasts can be interpreted as a probabilistic prediction. Many of the difficulties in forecasting predictability arise from the large dimensionality of the climate system, and special techniques to generate ensemble perturbations have been developed. Special emphasis is placed on the use of singular-vector methods to determine the linearly-unstable component of the initial probability density function. Methods to sample uncertainties in model formulation are also described. Practical ensemble prediction systems for prediction on timescales of days (weather forecasts), seasons (including predictions of El Nino) and decades (including climate change projections) are described, and examples of resulting probabilistic forecast products shown. Methods to evaluate the skill of these probabilistic forecasts are outlined. By using ensemble forecasts as input to a simple decision-model analysis, it is shown that probability forecasts of weather and climate have greater potential economic value than corresponding single deterministic forecasts with uncertain accuracy.
Aerodynamic optimization of the ICE2 high-speed train nose using a genetic algorithm and metamodels

An aerodynamic optimization of the ICE 2 high-speed train nose in term of front wind action sensitivity is carried out in this paper. The nose is parametrically defined by Be? zier Curves, and a three-dimensional representation of the nose is obtained using thirty one design variables. This implies a more complete parametrization, allowing the representation of a real model. In order to perform this study a genetic algorithm (GA) is used. Using a GA involves a large number of evaluations before finding such optimal. Hence it is proposed the use of metamodels or surrogate models to replace Navier-Stokes solver and speed up the optimization process. Adaptive sampling is considered to optimize surrogate model fitting and minimize computational cost when dealing with a very large number of design parameters. The paper introduces the feasi- bility of using GA in combination with metamodels for real high-speed train geometry optimization.
Hashtag Generator and Content Authenticator

In the recent past, Online Marketing applications have been a focus of research. But still there are enormous challenges on the accuracy and authenticity of the content posted through social media. And if the social media business platforms are considered, majority of the users who try to add a market value to their own product face the problem of not getting enough attention from their target audience. The purpose of this research is to develop a safe and efficient trending hashtag generating application solution for social media business users which generates trending and relevant hashtags for user content in order to get a broad reach of target audience, automatically generates a meaningful caption to their relevant posts and guarantees the authenticity of the product at the same time. The user content is analyzed and filters the important keywords, generates a meaningful caption, suggest related trending keywords and generates trending hashtags to get the required reach for online marketers. Additionally, the marketing products’ content authentication is ensured. The application uses Natural Language Processing, Machine Learning, API technologies, Java and Python technologies. A unique database is assigned to users which contains rankings for each user. The target audience who engages in buying products get to know about the status of the sellers with respect to authenticity of the content. It is believed that the application provides a promising solution to existing audience reach problems of online marketers and buyers. The significance of this system is to help marketers and buyers to engage in online buying and selling with much effective, reliable and safer ways. This mitigate the vulnerability of bad social media marketing influences and helps to establish a safe and reliable online marketing practice to make both sellers and buyers happy. This paper provides a brief description on how to perform an organized online marketing discipline via the Trending Hashtag Generator & Image Authenticator application.
Influence of turbidity regime on larval settlement patterns of stony coral Pocillopora damicornis in Polhena reef, Sri Lanka

Coral population structure is determined mainly by the larval settlement and recruitment pattern of sclerectenian corals. This pattern is mainly influenced by various environmental parameters such as temperature, pH, salinity, depth, current velocity and direction, tidal variations and turbidity. Experiments reported here examine the impacts of turbidity on the spatio-temporal distribution patterns of larval settlement of Indo-Pacific coral, Pocillopora damicornis at Polhena reef of Southern Sri Lanka. The experiment was conducted in four sites. Depending on the topography and the characteristics of the reef substrate each site was further divided in to three locations as reef crest, mid reef flat and reef lagoon. Terracotta tiles were attached to quantify larval settlement rates. Tiles were retrieved in monthly intervals and observed for P. damicornis larval settlements. Turbidity measurements were taken from the same locations. Larval settlement and turbidity showed a significant temporal (P DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/sljas.v15i0.5484 Sri Lanka J. Aquat. Sci. 15 (2010): p.45-60
Life Histories and Vulnerability to Exploitation of Elasmobranchs: Inferences from Elasticity, Perturbation and Phylogenetic Analyses

We used life history traits to categorize vulnerability of elasmobranchs to exploitation. However, the utility of this approach required that the links between life histories and population dynamics be explored. We constructed standardized three-stage matrix models for 55 species of sharks and rays. Using these models we (1) conducted elasticity analyses to determine how the vital rates of mortality (M) and fertility (f) influence elasmobranch population growth rate r, (2) determined the response of elasticity to changes in the levels of exploitation, (3) estimated sensitivity of elasticity to perturbation in vital rates, and (4) examined the taxonomic distribution of model inputs and species vital rates, such as size at maturity (Lmat), and total length (Lmax). We found positive relationships between the elasticity of λ (population growth rate) to changes in juvenile and adult stages to longevity and age of maturity; however, the age of maturity and the elasticity of λ to changes in the adult stage relationship appeared to be invariant. There was a negative relationship between both longevity and age of maturity and the elasticity of λ to changes in inter-stage transitions of the models. Under varying fishing levels, estimates of elasticity were robust to changes in survival. Elasticity and perturbation analyses suggested that compensatory responses to exploitation in elasmobranchs were less likely to be expressed as changes in fertility than as changes in juvenile and adult mortality and stage durations (i.e. changes in age of maturity). Combining vital rates and elasticities, we found similar suites of life histories and demographics within groups at various taxonomic levels.
Assessment centres: A tale about dimensions, exercises, and dancing bears

This study reviews prior construct-related validity research in assessment centres. Special focus is placed on disentangling possible explanations for the construct-related validity findings. The conclusion is that we now have a much better picture of the reasons behind the construct-related validity findings. Careful assessment centre design and high interrater reliability among assessors seem necessary albeit insufficient conditions to establish assessment centre construct-related validity. The nature of candidate performances is another key factor. This study next discusses how these empirical findings have changed how assessment centres are conceptualized (theoretical advancements framed in the application of trait activation theory), analysed (methodological advancements), and designed (practical advancements).