Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does Earnings Quality Affect Companies’ Performance? New Evidence from the Jordanian Market

This study aims to investigate the importance of earnings quality as a determinant of companies’ performance. It provides some empirical evidences from an emerging market, specifically from the Jordanian market. This study developed an econometric model for the effect of earnings quality on the companies’ performance using empirical evidence. The study employs a panel data analysis method by using a sample of all Jordanian industrial public shareholding companies listed on Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) during 2010-2018. The results reveal that Return on Assets (ROA), Return on Equity (ROE), and Earnings Per Share (EPS) as proxies of company’s performance are affected by the earnings quality. This provides the importance of positive earnings quality that eventually influences the companies’ performance. The results of this study suggest that the higher control level on the managers’ behavior and its outcome will have an effect on earnings quality, and thus the company’s performance increases. As well as, high relevance of accounting information will improve earnings quality, and thus earnings quality with the interaction factors of the company’s environment work on improving performance. As a conclusion, this study can work as a reference to assist standard setters, security analysts, regulators and other accounting-information users in appraising relation between the earnings quality and companies’ performance.
Off-Grid DoA Estimation on Non-Uniform Linear Array Using Constrained Hermitian Matrix

In this paper, an off-grid direction-of-arrival (DoA) estimation algorithm which can work on a non-uniform linear array (NULA) is proposed. The original semidefinite programming (SDP) representation of the atomic norm exploits a summation of one-rank matrices constructed by atoms, where the summation of one-rank matrices equals a Hermitian Toeplitz matrix when using the uniform linear array (ULA). On the other hand, when the antennas in the array are placed arbitrarily, the summation of one-rank matrices is a Hermitian matrix whose diagonal elements are equivalent. Motivated by this property, the proposed algorithm replaces the Hermitian Toeplitz matrix in the original SDP with the constrained Hermitian matrix. Additionally, when the antennas are placed symmetrically, the performance can be enforced by adding extra constraints to the Hermitian matrix. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm achieves higher estimation accuracy and resolution than other algorithms on both array structures; i.e., the arbitrary array and the symmetric array.
Thematic structure of sustainability reports of the hospitality and tourism sector: A periodical, regional, and format-based analysis

ABSTRACT This study explores the thematic structure of sustainability reports (SRs) of the hospitality and tourism (H&T) industry. The contents of the SRs were analyzed by combining text mining techniques and network analysis. The periodical analysis showed that sustainability reporting in the H&T industry is improving in terms of addressing a higher number of corporate social responsibility (CSR) issues across the period. Continental SRs indicated that although Europe is ahead of other regions, they all need to improve and present richer content to the report readers. The comparison of SRs, according to whether they were prepared with a specific reference to the GRI framework or not, also revealed some differences. Overall, this analysis highlights the H&T sector’s strengths and weaknesses in terms of the topicality of its SRs and provides implications accordingly.
ET-1 regulates the human umbilical vein endothelial cell cycle by adjusting the ERβ/FOXN1 signaling pathway

Background Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic and progressive disease primarily induced by inflammation of the arterial blood vessel wall. Investigating the function and molecular regulation mechanisms of ET-1, ERβ, and FOXN1 in disease models will provide new targets and means for clinical treatment. Methods The effects of ET-1 on oxidative stress in HUVEC were verified through quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), western blot, flow cytometry, as well as dual luciferase reporter gene and biochemical assays. Results Compared with the ET-1+ negative control (NC) group, the ERβ messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression level was significantly reduced, and the FOXN1 mRNA expression level increased markedly in the ET-1 + ERβ small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) group. Meanwhile, the FOXN1 mRNA expression level was significantly reduced in the ET-1 + FOXN1 siRNA group. FOXN1 promoter luciferase reporter gene activity was notably enhanced in the ERβ siRNA group compared with the siRNA control group. Compared with the ET-1 + NC group, the levels of reaction oxygen species (ROS) in the ET-1 + ERβ siRNA group increased considerably, the superoxide dismutase (SOD) level was significantly reduced, and the G0/G1 phase cell ratio was reduced. In addition, the protein expression of ERβ and cyclin B1 (CCNB1) was markedly reduced, whereas the protein expression of cyclin A2 (CCNA2), cyclin D1 (CCND1), and cyclin E1 (CCNE1) increased substantially. The opposite result was observed in the ET-1 + FOXN1 siRNA group. Conclusions ET-1 can contribute to the expression of ERβ and FOXN1. ERβ can inhibit the expression of FOXN1 by regulating promoter activity. The ET-1/ERβ/FOXN1 signaling pathway is involved in the regulation of oxidative stress and cycle progression in HUVEC. This study provides a new mechanism for the regulation of umbilical vein endothelial cells. The ET-1/ERβ/FOXN1 signaling pathway may provide novel therapeutic targets and strategies for the treatment of atherosclerosis.
Determining Optimal Location for Mangrove Planting Using Remote Sensing and Climate Model Projection in Southeast Asia

The decreasing area of mangroves is an ongoing problem since, between 1980 and 2005, one-third of the world’s mangroves were lost. Rehabilitation and restoration strategies are required to address this situation. However, mangroves do not always respond well to these strategies and have high mortality due to several growth limiting parameters. This study developed a land suitability map for new mangrove plantations in different Southeast Asian countries for both current and future climates at a 250-m resolution. Hydrodynamic, geomorphological, climatic, and socio-economic parameters and three representative concentration pathway (RCP) scenarios (RCP 2.6, 4.5, and 8.5) for 2050 and 2070 with two global climate model datasets (the Centre National de Recherches Météorologiques Climate model version 5 [CNRM-CM5.1] and the Model for Interdisciplinary Research on Climate [MIROC5]) were used to predict suitable areas for mangrove planting. An analytical hierarchy process (AHP) was used to determine the level of importance for each parameter. To test the accuracy of the results, the mangrove land suitability analysis were further compared using different weights in every parameter. The sensitivity test using the Wilcoxon test was also carried out to test which variables had changed with the first weight and the AHP weight. The land suitability products from this study were compared with those from previous studies. The differences in land suitability for each country in Southeast Asia in 2050 and 2070 to analyze the differences in each RCP scenario and their effects on the mangrove land suitability were also assessed. Currently, there is 398,000 ha of potentially suitable land for mangrove planting in Southeast Asia, and this study shows that it will increase between now and 2070. Indonesia account for 67.34% of the total land area in the “very suitable” and “suitable” class categories. The RCP 8.5 scenario in 2070, with both the MIROC5 and CNRM-CM5.1 models, resulted in the largest area of a “very suitable” class category for mangrove planting. This study provides information for the migration of mangrove forests to the land, alleviating many drawbacks, especially for ecosystems.
Comparative Analysis of Dacryo Cysto-Rhinostomy: External Versus Endoscopic

Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is a surgical procedure that restores communication between the tear sac and the adjacent nasal cavity. Our work consists of a comparative study of the results of external dacryocystorhinostomy (EX-DCR) versus endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (EN-DCR), whose rate of therapeutic failure by endoscopic route estimated at 20% against only 7% in the case of external surgery.
Promoting LNG as A Marine Fuel in Norway: Reflections on the Role of Global Regulations on Local Transition Niches

Contemporary societies are marked by constant tensions between the notion to improve sustainability and the reluctance to engage in uncertain changes. In any sector, the transition is a delicate and complex process that involves many actors, organizations, and institutions. Niche analysis approaches such as the multilevel perspective model (MLP) explain how such a process grows from innovation within a very restricted field to its generalized application on a global scale. Shipping is a sector particularly challenged by the transition process away from heavy fuel oil towards more environment-friendly alternatives such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) or even non-fossil alternatives. Within this industry, Norway stands as an early adopter and leader of the emerging transition. Drawing from a wide discussion of the treatment of scale in transition literature and from this national case study, we propose that the transition process can emerge not only from a local niche perspective, as widely documented in the literature, but can also be driven by changes at a much larger scale and initiated by new international regulations.
Phytochemistry and biological activity of mustard (Brassica juncea): a review

ABSTRACT Mustard (Brassica juncea) is a cruciferous vegetable used as a food spice and folk medicine worldwide. Mustard contains numerous phytochemicals such as: vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, chlorophylls, glucosinolates (and their degradation products), polyphenols and volatile components(allyl isothiocyanate, 3-butyl isothiocyanate, etc.). The content and exact chemical composition of these phytochemicals is affected by plant variety, growth environment, extraction process and food processing methods. In addition, mustard may possess a plethora of pharmacological activities including anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, and bacteriostatic and antiviral activity. Mustard has also been used to combat several illnesses such as cancer, obesity, depression, diabetes, and cataracts. This review provides an overview of plant characteristics, types, origins, distribution, and consumption methods of Mustard, as well as its phytochemicals and biological activities. The findings of this paper may serve as references for the development and utilization of Mustard resources.
Correlation between Iron Substitution Degree in the M-Type Hexaferrites Based Crystal Structures and Dopant Content in the Crystal Growth Feeding Melt

In this paper the results of the investigation of the properties of the obtained crystals of hexaferrites grown from the sodium carbonate flux doped with 1 – 12 mass % of metal oxide (aluminum, titanium, manganese, cobalt, and copper) are presentd. The ratio of concentration of doping elements in the crystal and in the feeding melt has strong dependence on nature of dopant. Doping metals can be ordered in a line Ti > Al > Mn > Co > Cu where Ti has maximal ratio of 0.5 and Cu of 0.005. Hexagonal M type ferrites attract the reseachers interest due to great capacity for the accommodation of different metals at high doping levels that provides a possibility for wide tuning of physical properties by cation substitution.
Progesterone Only Injectable Contraceptives: A Five Year Review of Side Effects and Discontinuation Rate in a Teaching Hospital in Niger Delta, Nigeria

Background: Progesterone only injectable contraceptives (POICs) are long acting reversible method of contraception used worldwide. Menstrual abnormalities are recognized side effects that can lead to discontinuation of these highly effective and safe contraceptives. Objectives: To determine the prevalence rate, side effects, discontinuation rate and indications for discontinuation of Norethisteroneenanthate (noristerat) and Depot Medroxyprogesterone acetate (depoprovera) at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), Port Harcourt. Methods: A five year retrospective study of 874 clients attending family planning clinic at the RSUTH from 1 st of January, 2015 – 31 st of December, 2019. Their records were retrieved from the clinic and reviewed. Data was extracted, coded and analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) IBM version 25.0 (Armonk, NY). Chi square test was used as test of significance where applicable and a p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: One hundred and thirty eight clients accepted and used POICs out of 874 acceptors of contraceptives within the study period giving a prevalence rate of 15.8%. Original Research Article Ijeoma and Solomon; AJMAH, 18(10): 110-117, 2020; Article no.AJMAH. 61753 111 Depot Medroxyprogesterone acetate was more preferred by the women. The modal age group was 25-34 years accounting for 86 (62.3%). Age range was 19-48 years and the modal parity was para 2. Majority of the clients had formal education, 137 (99.3%), married, 128 (92.8%) and multipara 85 (61.6%). The discontinuation rate was 31.9%and the commonest reason for discontinuation was irregular vaginal bleeding accounting for 25%. Conclusion: The prevalence rate of POICs was low and Depot Medroxyprogesterone acetate was more popular. Majority of the discontinuation was due to the side effects of the contraceptives.
Artificial Neural Network-Based Automated Crack Detection and Analysis for the Inspection of Concrete Structures

The damage investigation and inspection methods for infrastructures performed in small-scale (type III) facilities usually involve a visual examination by an inspector using surveying tools (e.g., cracking, crack microscope, etc.) in the field. These methods can interfere with the subjectivity of the inspector, which may reduce the objectivity and reliability of the record. Therefore, a new image analysis technique is needed to automatically detect cracks and analyze the characteristics of the cracks objectively. In this study, an image analysis technique using deep learning is developed to detect cracks and analyze characteristics (e.g., length, and width) in images for small-scale facilities. Three stages of image processing pipeline are proposed to obtain crack detection and its characteristics. In the first and second stages, two-dimensional convolutional neural networks are used for crack image detection (e.g., classification and segmentation). Based on convolution neural network for the detection, hierarchical feature learning architecture is applied into our deep learning network. After deep learning-based detection, in the third stage, thinning and tracking algorithms are applied to analyze length and width of crack in the image. The performance of the proposed method was tested using various crack images with label and the results showed good performance of crack detection and its measurement.
Chemical Composition and Microbial Contaminants of Poha Beer: A Local Nonalcoholic Beverage in the Bolgatanga Municipality, Ghana

Microbial and physicochemical analysis was performed on randomly sampled Poha Beer manufactured and vended in the Bolgatanga Municipality, Ghana. Poha Beer as it is referred to in Dagbani, is a Tamarindus indica fruit extract, a local nonalcoholic beverage originally processed and sold by rural women of the Dagomba ethnic descend. Morphological examination of bacterial cultures, Gram staining, and biochemical confirmatory tests were used to detect the presence of microbial pathogens in 45 samples of Poha Beer. A refractometer, a flame photometer and an atomic absorption spectrometer were used for the elemental analysis. All Poha Beer samples obtained from the Bolgatanga Municipality were positive for yeast, E. coli, Enterobacter sp. and Bacillus cereus. Pb was not detected in any of the samples. Chemical components detected include Zn2+ (average, 0.154 mg/L), Cd2+ (0.056 mg/L), Na+ (1.723 mg/L), Ca2+ (2.262 mg/L) and K+ (3.96 mg/L). All samples were acidic with an average pH value of 3.55. The Brix value of samples, however, was between 9.0 and 11.4 % per 40 mL of Poha Beer. Therefore, Poha Beer processed and sold in the Bolgatanga Municipality is acidic and contains detrimental amounts of Cd2+ and bacterial pathogens which may render it unwholesome for human consumption.
Pre-auction lane selection in an integrated production–distribution planning problem

ABSTRACT Integrating production scheduling with transportation decisions is an important problem that is receiving increasing interest from the logistics industry. As an order is received, the manufacturer starts planning its production while considering the appropriate decisions for delivery. The company can adopt an auction paradigm to involve external occasional drivers, besides using its own fleet for the delivery. Ahead of an auctioning process, the company should decide which deliveries should be served by its fleet and which can be assigned to the occasional drivers. This is known as the shipper lane selection problem (SLSP). This article integrates the SLSP with production scheduling and proposes an integer formulation and heuristic methods to solve the resulting integrated problem (I-SLSPS). Experiments show the validity of the proposed methods and their capability in achieving minimum cost for the integrated problem.
Visitors’ Perception of the Overcrowding of a Protected Natural Area: A Case Applied to the Natural Reserve “Garganta de los Infiernos” (Caceres, Spain)

The main objective of this research is to analyse the perception of visitors in protected natural areas struggling with mass tourism. An exhaustive analysis is carried out of both the tourist activity and the profile of the tourists in the Garganta de los Infiernos Natural Reserve (Extremadura, Spain). It studies variables such as the number of visitors, their personal profile, their perception of the protected area after the visit, etc. The method used was non-experimental, descriptive, qualitative and analytical, and it allowed for a better understanding of the profile of the visitors: sex, age, origin, professional profile, etc. The results show the visitors’ conviction about the need to properly manage areas of public use, mainly due to the notable and partly uncontrolled growth of tourism activity during certain periods of the year. On the other hand, the relevance of the actions of the Governing Board of the Natural Reserve is highlighted, as it guarantees public participation and channels the opinions of the main partners involved in the management of the protected area, to ensure a responsible management of tourism activity and improve its quality.
The prognostic value of longitudinal circulating tumor DNA profiling during osimertinib treatment

Background Serial profiling of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) could reflect dynamic molecular changes in response to treatment and potentially predict impending disease progression (PD). Herein, we investigated the molecular factors and dynamic changes in ctDNA that can serve as predictors of survival outcomes of patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who received osimertinib therapy after progression from prior EGFR inhibitor regimen. Methods Capture-based targeted sequencing was performed on the baseline and longitudinal plasma samples collected from 72 and 57 patients, respectively, using a 168-gene panel. Results Analysis revealed that inferior overall survival (OS) was correlated with various baseline molecular features including high allelic fraction (AF) of EGFR sensitizing mutations (P=0.045), high maximum AF (maxAF, P=0.060), or harboring concurrent genomic alterations such as copy number amplification (CNA) in EGFR (P=0.026) or in other genes (P=0.026), and genes involved in the cell cycle (P=0.004) or TP53 signaling pathway (P=0.032). Moreover, ctDNA clearance at first follow-up after 6 weeks of osimertinib therapy was correlated with significantly longer progression-free survival (PFS) (P=0.022) and OS (P=0.009). Molecular PD, reflected by the emergence of new mutation or increased AF of existing mutations, was detected at an average lead time of 2.5 months prior to radiological PD. Patients with molecular PD were more likely to harbor CNA (P=0.035) and TP53 mutations (P=0.023). Conclusions Molecular factors derived from serial ctDNA profiling can serve as predictive and prognostic markers, which could allow early detection of PD, preceding imaging modalities by 2.5 months.
A Laser-Based Heating System for Studying the Morphological Stability of Porous Ceria and Porous La0.6Sr0.4MnO3 Perovskite during Solar Thermochemical Redox Cycling

Thermochemical processes are considered promising pathways to utilize solar energy for fuel production. Several physico-chemical, kinetic and thermodynamic properties of candidate oxides have been studied, yet their morphological stability during redox cycling under radiative heating is not widely reported. Typically when it is reported, it is for large-scale directly irradiated reactors (~1–10 kWth) aimed at demonstrating high efficiency, or in indirectly irradiated receivers where the sample surface is not exposed directly to extreme radiative fluxes. In this work, we aimed to emulate heat flux conditions expected in larger scale solar simulators, but at a smaller scale where experimentation can be performed relatively rapidly and with ease compared to larger prototype reactors. To do so, we utilized a unique infrared (IR) laser-based heating system with a peak heat flux of 2300 kW/m2 to drive redox cycles of two candidate materials, namely nonstoichiometric CeO2-δ and La0.6Sr0. 4MnO3-δ. In total, 200 temperature-swing cycles using a porous ceria pellet were performed at constant pO2, and 5 cycles were performed for both samples by introducing H2O vapor into the system during reduction. Porous ceria pellets with porosity (0.55) and pore size (4–7 μm) were utilized because of their similarity to other porous structures utilized in larger-scale reactors. Overall, we observed that reaction extents initially decreased along with the decrease in reaction rates up to cycle 120 because of the change in structure and sintering. In the case of H2O splitting, ceria outperformed LSM40 in total H2 production because of the low pO2 during oxidation, where the oxidation of LSM40 is less favorable than that of ceria.