Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
INTERNATIONALISATION AND FINANCING OPTIONS OF GHANAIAN SMES

This article presents a study of internationalisation and the financing options of Ghanaian small and medium scale nontraditional exporters. The article also examines how the age and size of an organisation affect the choice of financing. The results show a positive association between debt financing and the age of an organisation. Over time, organisations become more acceptable investments to lenders, and consequently older organisations are more likely to obtain debt financing than their younger counterparts. With respect to size, the results again indicate that larger organisations are more likely to receive debt financing. The results also show a positive relationship between degree of internationalisation and debt financing. The results suggest that as organisations engage more in international activities, they employ more debt but use less of equity financing. This is explained by the fact that organisations involved in international business tend to be more diversified and, as such, are capable of accommodating more debt capital.
Lagrangian modeling of switch regulated DC-to-DC power converters

A Lagrangian approach is used for the modeling of switch-regulated DC-to-DC power converters. A set of switched Euler-Lagrange (EL) parameters is proposed which recovers the individual EL formulations of the intervening circuit topologies for each particular switch position. Switched models of the "boost", the "buck-boost", and the "Cuk" converters circuits are systematically derived from the Lagrangian formalism.
Sprouting in HPSG: MAX-QUD and Lexico-Syntactic Constraint

Shin, Jaeyeon. 2014. Sprouting in HPSG: MAX-QUD and Lexico-Syntactic Constraint. SNU Working Papers in English Linguistics and Language 12, 138164. Although sluicing is one of the most discussed topics in the literature, sprouting, where the wh-remnant has no correlate in its antecedent clause, still remains theoretically uncertain. The present paper thus aims to investigate the licensing condition of sprouting by examining its syntactic peculiarities and propose a unified account on both merger and sprouting in the framework of Head-Driven Phrase Structure Grammar (HPSG). Specifically, we will modify the non-elliptical analysis on sluicing suggested by Ginzburg and Sag (2000), as MAX-QUD, a contextual attribute, takes the ARG-ST list of the verb head in its antecedent clause, so that the wh-sluice can encompass the lexico-syntactic information from the antecedent clause. (Seoul National University)
The Stability Pact: more than a minor nuisance?

Stability Pact More than a minor nuisance? The Stability and Growth Pact will lead member countries to aim for cyclically balanced budgets. Until this steady state is reached, Europe will continue its efforts at de.cit cutting. While so doing, politicians are less likely to undertake the dif.cult labour market reforms that are really needed. Is further . scal retrenchment wise? The paper reviews the reasons that have been advanced in favour of a Stability Pact and . nds them wanting. The most serious justi.cations, such as the systemic risk of bank crisis following a government.s failure to service its debt, can be better dealt with in other ways: for example, by prudential limits on banks. exposure to public debts. Moreover, our analysis reveals that the macroeconomic costs of the Stability Pact, while sizeable, are not as dangerous as often believed. The costs will be barely visible once the steady state is reached. The true macroeconomic costs are front loaded; they concern the next few years, after a decade already dominated by convergence efforts. — Barry Eichengreen and Charles Wyplosz
Pathways of Grazing Effects on Soil Organic Carbon and Nitrogen

Abstract Grazing modifies the structure and function of ecosystems, affecting soil organic carbon (SOC) storage. Although grazing effects on some ecosystem attributes have been thoroughly reviewed, current literature on grazing effects on SOC needs to be synthesized. Our objective was to synthesize the effects of grazing on SOC stocks in grasslands, establishing the major mechanistic pathways involved. Additionally, and because of its importance for carbon (C) biogeochemistry, we discuss the controls of soil organic nitrogen (N) stocks. We reviewed articles analyzing grazing effects on soil organic matter (SOM) stocks by comparing grazed vs. ungrazed sites, including 67 paired comparisons. SOC increased, decreased, or remained unchanged under contrasting grazing conditions across temperature and precipitation gradients, which suggests that grazing influences the factors that control SOC accumulation in a complex way. However, our review also revealed some general patterns such as 1) root contents (a primary control of SOC formation) were higher in grazed than in their ungrazed counterparts at the driest and wettest sites, but were lower at sites with intermediate precipitation (∼400 mm to 850 mm); 2) SOM C∶N ratios frequently increased under grazing conditions, which suggests potential N limitations for SOM formation under grazing; and 3) bulk density either increased or did not change in grazed sites. Nearly all sites located in the intermediate precipitation range showed decreases or no changes in SOC. We grouped previously proposed mechanisms of grazing control over SOC into three major pathways that can operate simultaneously: 1) changes in net primary production (NPP pathway), 2) changes in nitrogen stocks (nitrogen pathway), and 3) changes in organic matter decomposition (decomposition pathway). The relative importance of the three pathways may generate variable responses of SOC to grazing. Our conceptual model suggests that rangeland productivity and soil carbon sequestration can be simultaneously increased by management practices aimed at increasing N retention at the landscape level.
Di V erential immunolocalization of estrogen receptor Æ and (cid:226) in rat ovary and uterus

In order to investigate the localization of estrogen receptor (ER) Æ and ER (cid:226) in the reproductive organs in the rat, polyclonal antibodies were raised to each speciﬁc amino acid sequence. The Western blot with anti-ER Æ antibody showed a 66 kDa band in rat ovary and uterus, while that with anti-ER (cid:226) antibody detected a 55 kDa band in rat ovary, uterus and prostate. The ligand-independent nuclear localization of the two receptors was veriﬁed by immunocytochemistry. By immunohistochemistry, the nuclei of glandular and luminal epithelial cells in the uterus were stained with anti-ER Æ antibody, whereas only the nuclei of glandular epithelium cells were stained with anti-ER (cid:226) antibody. In rat ovary, positive signals were shown with anti-ER (cid:226) antibody in the nuclei of granulosa cells. No speciﬁc immunostaining was observed with anti-ER Æ antibody. Although ER (cid:226) was immunostained at the proestrous, metestrous and diestrous stages, the immunoreactivity of ER (cid:226) was hardly detected at the estrous stage in rat ovary. Thus, we show di V erential expression of ER Æ and ER (cid:226) in rat uterus and ovary at the protein level, which may provide a clue for understanding the roles of the two receptors in reproductive organs.
Economic Integration Of Pakistan: An Empirical Test Of Purchasing Power Parity

This paper empirically analyses the substantiation of (PPP) purchasing power parity theory in Pakistan. For finding the associationin exchange rate’sprecariousness and inflation rate’sdisparity between Pakistan and its thirteen major trading partners, study used OLS method, and for long run relationship applied co-integration, error correction model and panel co-integration technique over the time span of 1972Q12012Q3. OLS results are shown very small values of R 2 . But co-integration, Unit root test results and Panel tests’ results revealed the existence of long run equilibrium relationship between Pakistan and sample countries. The error correction terms also exposed and confirmed the speed of adjustment from disequilibrium to long run equilibrium condition at significant level.Panel unit root test and panel co-integration test by Pedroni also revealed that expected inflation rate differential have a positive andsignificant effect on exchange rate change between Pakistan and its trading partners during the sample period. The results also provided thestrong evidence thateconomic integration between foreign exchange markets and commodity markets among the sample countries is very high. For getting the proper fruits of globalization it is required to enhance the canvas of exports quantity and numbers of export items.
Sulphur and heavy metals contents in soils and Grewia bicolor leaves around the Selibe Pikwe Cu-Ni mine (BCL), Botswana

This study investigated environmental pollution due to mining activities at the BCL mine in Selibe-Phikwe town, Botswana and assessed the level of heavy metals and sulphur in soil and Grewia bicolor leaves adjacent to the mine. Soil and G. bicolor were contaminated with heavy metals on the downwind side, where also concentrations of sulphur in the soil and G. bicolor were found to be elevated when compared to the upwind side. The leaves samples, were significantly difference at P = 0.00 and soil were significantly different at P = 0.03 for both west and east side. A mean soil pH of 4.12 in the prevailing wind direction suggested that atmospheric deposition from the mine has caused acidification. With further distance from the mine concentration in soil and leaves appeared to reflect a decreasing deposition of heavy metals and sulphur. Elevated concentration of heavy metals in leaves represent a high risk of bioaccumulation and biomagnifications in the food chain because G. bicolor leaves are grazed on by farmed animals and are common ingredients of traditional medicines. Key words: BCL, heavy metals, Grewia bicolor, sulphur, pH, environmental pollution
Novel localized surface plasmon resonance based optical fiber sensor

Over the last decade various optical fiber sensing schemes have been proposed based on local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). LSPR are interacting with the evanescent field from light propagating in the fiber core or by interacting with the light at the fiber end face. Sensor designs utilizing the fiber end face is strongly preferred from a manufacturing point of view. However, the different techniques available to immobilize metallic nanostructures on the fiber end face for LSPR sensing is limited to essentially a monolayer, either by photolithographic structuring of metal film, thermal nucleation of metal film, or by random immobilization of nanoparticles (NP). In this paper, we report on a novel LSPR based optical fiber sensor architecture. The sensor is prepared by immobilizing gold NP’s in a hydrogel droplet polymerized on the fiber end face. This design has several advantages over earlier designs. It dramatically increase the number of NP’s available for sensing, it offers precise control over the NP density, and the NPs are position in a true 3D aqueous environment. The sensor design is also compatible with low cost manufacturing. The sensor design can measure volumetric changes in a stimuli-responsive hydrogel or measure binding to receptors on the NP surface. It can also be used as a two-parameter sensor by utilizing both effects. We present results from proof-of-concept experiments demonstrating a pH sensor based on LSPR sensing in a poly(acrylamide-co-acrylic acid) hydrogel embedding gold nanoparticles.
Biological Analysis of Enzymatic Extracts from Capsosiphon Fulvescens Using the Microbulbifer sp. AJ-3 Marine Bacterium

Microbulbifer sp. AJ-3 was used to acquire the degrading products from Capsosiphon fulvescens (DPCF), which were investigated to determine its physiological activities. A crude enzyme extract from Microbulbifer sp. AJ-3 hydrolyzes polysaccharide substrates such as agar, agarose, alginic acid, fucoidan, laminaran, starch, and chitin. Among them, agarose, laminaran, and alginic acid showed higher activities, especially alginic acid. The antioxidant activity of DPCF was measured by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activities and were about 32% and 93% at 2 mg/ml, respectively. In addition, the nitrite-scavenging activity of DPCF was about 82%, 53%, and 12% at pH levels of 1.2, 3.0, and 6.0, respectively. To determine the influence of DPCF on alcohol metabolism, the generating activity of reduced-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) by alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) was measured. The facilitating rate of ADH activity by DPCF was 130% at 2 mg/ml. The tyrosinase in hibitory activity of DPCF was slightly increased in a dose-dependent manner and was about 28% at 2 mg/ml. These results indicated that the enzymatic products from DPCF have a strong antioxidant, nitrite scavenging, and alcohol metabolizing activity.
Nestedness Maximization in Complex Networks through the Fitness-Complexity Algorithm

Nestedness refers to the structural property of complex networks that the neighborhood of a given node is a subset of the neighborhoods of better-connected nodes. Following the seminal work by Patterson and Atmar (1986), ecologists have been long interested in revealing the configuration of maximal nestedness of spatial and interaction matrices of ecological communities. In ecology, the BINMATNEST genetic algorithm can be considered as the state-of-the-art approach for this task. On the other hand, the fitness-complexity ranking algorithm has been recently introduced in the economic complexity literature with the original goal to rank countries and products in World Trade export networks. Here, by bringing together quantitative methods from ecology and economic complexity, we show that the fitness-complexity algorithm is highly effective in the nestedness maximization task. More specifically, it generates matrices that are more nested than the optimal ones by BINMATNEST for 61.27% of the analyzed mutualistic networks. Our findings on ecological and World Trade data suggest that beyond its applications in economic complexity, the fitness-complexity algorithm has the potential to become a standard tool in nestedness analysis.
Measurement of the subpixel structure of AXAF CCD's

The authors present a method to measure the subpixel structure of a charge-coupled device (CCD), information necessary to accurately determine (<1% uncertainty) the absolute detection efficiency of the device. Their approach uses a thin metal film with periodically spaced holes (small, compared to the pixel size) to localize incident X-rays to a particular region of the pixel. The mesh is rotated to create a small angular misalignment between the grid holes and the CCD pixels, producing a moire effect in the data. The resultant moire pattern is compared to a CCD model, and a best fit minimization technique is used to constrain the parameters that describe the subpixel structure. This technique was developed to measure and calibrate the X-ray CCD's that will comprise one of the two focal plane instruments on-board AXAF, but it is applicable for measuring the structure of any pixelated solid state device.
Superluminal tunnelling through successive barriers: Does qm predict infinite group-velocities?

Abstract The phenomenon of one-dimensional non-resonant tunnelling is analyzed through two or more successive (opaque) potential barriers, separated by intermediate free regions R, just by exploiting the relevant solutions to the Schroedinger equation. The total traversal time has been shown by us to be independent not only of the barrier widths (the so-called ‘Hartman effect’), but also of the R-widths: so that the effective group velocity in the regions R, between two successive barriers, can be regarded as practically infinite. Such a prediction has been theoretically confirmed and generalized (as well as interpreted in terms of ‘super-oscillations’) by Aharonov et al. A recent experiment by Longhi et al. supported the predictions by considering two successive gratings in an optical fibre, that is, by having recourse to two ‘classical barriers’ (which allow simulating the tunnelling, due to the known formal identity between the Schrödinger and the Helmholtz equation).
Test Anxiety & its Relation to Perceived Academic Self-Efficacy Among Al Hussein Bin Talal University Students

Abstract This study aimed to identify the degree of perceived academic self-efficacy and the relationship nature between test anxiety and perceived academic self-efficacy among students of Al Hussein Bin Talal University (AHU). Moreover, to identify the degree of available statistical significance differences that are attributed to gender, college and academic year in test anxiety and perceived academic self-efficacy
An absorptive capacity model for green innovation and performance in the construction industry

Applying the model of absorptive capacity (ACAP), antecedents, predictors and moderators for green innovation and performance in the construction industry are investigated. The aim is to identify mechanisms that influence green innovation and environmental performance in a construction company. Data come from a questionnaire survey assessing environmental attitudes, management and performance within the Swedish construction industry. For data analysis, linear regression analysis was used. From testing the ACAP theory and model, it was concluded that it has a promising potential in explaining mechanisms behind green innovation and performance. The application of ACAP has resulted in a revised ACAP model, green ACAP. Findings indicate that organizations can affect their capacity to absorb green innovations and improve their business performance by focusing on three predictors of green business advantage: acquisition, assimilation and transformation. As such, the green ACAP can serve as a framework for focused efforts within the construction industry.
Loughborough University Institutional Repository Non-uniform mesh for embroidered microstrip antennas

This study presents a non-uniform meshed embroidered structure for wearable microstrip patch antennas. The nonuniform meshed patch antenna (NMPA) has significantly less conductor coverage than a conventional patch antenna without significantly compromise the antenna performance. For wearable applications, less conductor coverage reduces the usage of the specialised conductive materials which are currently expensive. The embroidered NMPA reduced manufacturing cost and improves the flexibility. In this study, the surface current distribution and the effect of the meshing size of NMPAs have been simulated and analysed. Fully textile embroidered NMPA on felt substrate has been fabricated and measured. Representative results showed the NMPA had a 60% total antenna efficiency with 20% conductor area coverage.
LINT YIELD ADVANTAGES OF NO-TILL AND POULTRY LITTER-BASED COTTON/RYE CROPPING SYSTEM IN A SOUTHERN PIEDMONT SOIL: A FIVE-YEAR DATA SET

Cotton [ Gossipium hirsutum (L.)] is a dominant cr op in the Southeast. It is largely gr own using conventional tillage and fertilizers. Georgia and bordering states pr o­ duce about 42% of the poultry in the United States, but only a small per centage of the litter is utilized as fertilizer . We measured and compar ed cotton yield fr om conven­
Initial Conditions and Changes in Commercial Fertilizers under the Farm Input Subsidy Programme in Malawi: Implications for Graduation

The government of Malawi has been implementing agricultural input subsidies since 2005/06 as an intervention aimed at improving food security among resource poor smallholder farmers. Although the issue of graduation is not articulated in the design of the programme, this study investigates the determinants of changes in the demand for commercial fertilizers in the presence of the subsidy programme. The increase in purchase of commercial fertilizers by subsidized households may indicate prospects of graduation from the subsidy programme in future. Using panel data between the 2004/05 and 2008/09 seasons, we find that 6 percent of households that did not purchase ommercial fertilizer in 2004/05 could afford to purchase fertilizers commercially in subsidy years. Relative to those that never purchase fertilizers, these households tend to have higher per capita expenditure and higher values of durable assets. The econometric results show that initial conditions matter, with initial household size, per capita expenditure, agricultural output, and existence of business enterprise all playing a positive role in the changes in demand for commercial fertilizer. We also find that commercial fertilizers decreases with initial commercial fertilizers, land holdings and existence of ADMARC. The results suggest that the poor may have low prospects of graduation and less involvement of ADMARC and greater participation of the private sector can help in improving the ‘potential graduation conditions’.
THE IMPACT OF TASK ON TRUST BUILDING AND PERFORMANCE IN GLOBAL VIRTUAL TEAMS

While a lot of research has been conducted on computer-supported groupwork, only a few studies have focused on global virtual teams, which are becoming a reality of organizational life. Past research has shown that task and trust are key elements that affect both group interaction processes and outcomes. Therefore, the overall objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of task on trust building and performance in global virtual teams.
The stellar mass–size relation for cluster galaxies at z = 1 with high angular resolution from the Gemini/GeMS multiconjugate adaptive optics system

We present the stellar mass - size relation for 49 galaxies within the $z$ = 1.067 cluster SPT-CL J0546$-$5345, with FWHM $\sim$80-120 mas $K_{\mathrm s}$-band data from the Gemini multi-conjugate adaptive optics system (GeMS/GSAOI). This is the first such measurement in a cluster environment, performed at sub-kpc resolution at rest-frame wavelengths dominated by the light of the underlying old stellar populations. The observed stellar mass - size relation is offset from the local relation by 0.21 dex, corresponding to a size evolution proportional to $(1+z)^{-1.25}$, consistent with the literature. The slope of the stellar mass - size relation $\beta$ = 0.74 $\pm$ 0.06, consistent with the local relation. The absence of slope evolution indicates that the amount of size growth is constant with stellar mass. This suggests that galaxies in massive clusters such as SPT-CL J0546$-$5345 grow via processes that increase the size without significant morphological interference, such as minor mergers and/or adiabatic expansion. The slope of the cluster stellar mass - size relation is significantly shallower if measured in $HST$/ACS imaging at wavelengths blueward of the Balmer break, similar to rest-frame UV relations at $z$ = 1 in the literature. The stellar mass - size relation must be measured at redder wavelengths, which are more sensitive to the old stellar population that dominates the stellar mass of the galaxies. The slope is unchanged when GeMS $K_s$-band imaging is degraded to the resolution of $K$-band HST/NICMOS resolution but dramatically affected when degraded to $K_s$-band Magellan/FourStar resolution. Such measurements must be made with AO in order to accurately characterise the sizes of compact, $z$ = 1 galaxies.