Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does political connection affect corporate financial performance? The moderating role of directors’ financial expertise

Purpose This paper aims to examine the effects of political connections (PCs) on corporate financial performance (CFP) in an emerging economy. It also investigates the moderating influence of the directors’ financial expertise (DFE) on the relationship between politically connected firms and their financial performance. Design/methodology/approach The study sample includes 304 firm-year observations from non-financial Tunisian listed firms covered over 2012–2019. Financial data are from various sources: financial statements, annual reports, official bulletins of the Tunisian Stock Exchange (TSE) and the Financial Market Council. PCs and DFE data are manually collected from the TSE and companies’ websites. Multivariate regression analyses are used to test the research hypotheses. Findings The results show that PCs negatively affect CFP and the DFE is a moderator variable that exacerbates this negative relationship. These results could be explained on the one hand by the fact that politicians often lack management, professionalism and know-how. On the other hand, political members on boards focus mainly on their political agendas and prioritize their interests rather than firm performance. Furthermore, board directors are more inclined towards the grabbing-hand approach to create personal linkages with these politicians and take personal benefits rather than protect the interests of minority shareholders and effectively use firm resources. Research limitations/implications The most important limitation of the study is the small number of non-financial TSE-listed firms. Indeed, the small sample size prevents us from considering industry specificities and working in a homogeneous environment. Practical implications This study recommends that external investors pay particular attention to politically connected firms as PCs tend to weaken corporate governance. Also, it helps policymakers better assess the need to harmonize and develop corporate governance standards and practices that account for the specific conditions in Tunisia to mitigate the lobbying of political parties and supervise their abuse of power. Furthermore, the negative relationship between PCs and CFP in a poorly regulated and governed country could be used by financial institutions in their credit scoring. Social implications The findings suggest that the nexus between politics and business draws attention to corruption post-revolution. Originality/value The originality and the relevance of this study consist in studying the moderating effect of the DFE on the association between PCs and CFP. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study pioneers assessing the role of the DFE as a moderating variable. It also supplements prior literature by examining the combined factors, such as PCs and DFE, on CFP in an emerging market.
Peninsular southern Europe refugia during the Middle Palaeolithic: an introduction

Neanderthals faced great environmental and climatic instability during the Pleistocene, which may have influenced their lithic technology, subsistence patterns, mobility, behaviour and survival. Modern research assessing the effect of climate and environment on the Middle Palaeolithic and transition to the Upper Palaeolithic has often turned to southern Europe, specifically peninsular southern Europe (Iberia, Italy and the Balkans). These are regions typically regarded as refugia during periods of unfavourable climatic conditions, inspiring hundreds of palaeoenvironmental studies at Neanderthal sites and hypotheses on late Neanderthal survival in locations with relative ameliorated conditions. Here, we present the topic of the special issue focusing on peninsular southern Europe refugia during the Middle Palaeolithic covering the three main peninsulas. Its 16 contributions discuss relevant data on peninsular southern Europe as possible refugia during periods of unfavourable climate during the Middle Palaeolithic and transition to Upper Palaeolithic.
A Novel Highly Sensitive Electrochemical Nitrite Sensor Based on a AuNPs/CS/Ti3C2 Nanocomposite

Nitrite is common inorganic poison, which widely exists in various water bodies and seriously endangers human health. Therefore, it is very necessary to develop a fast and online method for the detection of nitrite. In this paper, we prepared an electrochemical sensor for highly sensitive and selective detection of nitrite, based on AuNPs/CS/MXene nanocomposite. The characterization of the nanocomposite was demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), a transmission electron microscope (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Under the optimized conditions, the fabricated electrode showed good performance with the linear range of 0.5–335.5 μM and 335.5–3355 μM, the limit of detection is 69 nM, and the sensitivity is 517.8 and 403.2 μA mM−1 cm−2. The fabricated sensors also show good anti-interference ability, repeatability, and stability, and have the potential for application in real samples.
Representing Solo Self-Employed Workers: The Strengthening of Relations between Traditional and New Collective Actors in Industrial Relations

To date, the emergence of representation of hitherto under-represented workers has mainly been analysed in terms of strategic choices of traditional industrial relations actors. This study – focused on solo self-employed workers (SSE) – instead analyses the interactions between unions, employer organisations and new collective actors, namely SSE associations. More specifically, drawing on a comparative ethnography conducted in three European countries, it conceptualises the representation of SSE as a ‘subfield’ of the ‘parent field’ of employee and employer representation and shows how interactions between traditional and new collective actors consolidate the subfield of SSE representation by also shaping the industrial relations’ institutions. This article thus contributes, first, to the debate about the representation of under-represented workers by emphasising the importance of interactions between traditional and new actors in industrial relations, and second, to the theory of fields by conceptualising interactions as a central element of field-level change.
Clinical Characteristics of Crohn's Disease in a Cohort from Saudi Arabia

Objective: In Saudi Arabia, there are limited studies on the clinical characteristics of patients specifically with Crohn's disease (CD). This study was conducted to describe the clinical characteristics of CD at a tertiary care center in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This retrospective study included all patients aged >14 years who had a definitive diagnosis of CD and were managed at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between 2012 and 2018. Data were collected for the following categories: clinical, laboratory, radiological, histological features at presentation, and disease-related complications. Results: The study included 245 newly diagnosed CD patients, aged 14–73 years (median: 26.3 years). All subjects presented with abdominal pain. Majority of the patients (59.7%) received a definitive diagnosis of CD >3 months after the onset of symptoms; 15.1% were initially suspected to have intestinal tuberculosis. Diarrhea and bleeding per rectum were reported in 60.8% and 49.7% of the patients, respectively. Sacroiliitis was the most frequent extraintestinal manifestations (11.4%). In terms of disease location, the terminal ileum (L1) was the most affected area (46.9%). Twenty-five patients had perianal disease, of which 40% had complex fistulae and 36% had perianal abscesses. The majority had hemoglobin levels >10 g/dl (74.1%), decreased serum iron (69.6%) and ferritin (50.5%) levels, and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (68.2%) and C-reactive protein (82.2%). Conclusions: The majority of the patients in our cohort presented with the characteristic quartet of abdominal pain, weight loss, fever, and diarrhea. This study also found a significant number of patients with CD in Saudi Arabia experience diagnostic delay, which may contribute to disease morbidity and complications. These findings highlight the need for future studies to determine factors influencing this diagnostic delay.
A Compact Wireless Passive Harmonic Sensor for Packaged Food Quality Monitoring

There is currently a need to monitor food products while preserving quality and safety during long-term storage. In this article, a compact low-cost quasi-chipless sensor for monitoring the quality of high-value food items, such as milk and meat products, is presented. The sensor utilizes a dual-band dual-polarized annular ring antenna with an integrated harmonic generator and sensor to receive, modulate, and retransmit the interrogator signal. The resonant frequency of the receiving mode of the antenna is sensitized to the parameter being sensed using a varactor—pH electrode-based transduction scheme. The received signal is doubled using a diode frequency doubler circuit to minimize the clutter from the environment before retransmission. One application of the sensor for monitoring pH is presented. The sensor was shown to be able to successfully monitor the milk souring process.
One Ultrasonic Distance Measurement Device Based on Single Chip Processor 8031

This paper introduces one ultrasonic distance measurement device based on single chip processor 8031 and mainly describes its hardware circuit and software design. This device solves the temperature offset problem in effect with temperature sensor LM92 and puts up with effect solution in data-processing and sound-hiding. This device has good measuring precision and sensitivity.
F(i)unding Your Way: A Managerial Compass for Social Organizations

Social organizations are faced with an increasing diversification of funders, financial sources, and financing instruments and a growing complexity of funding relationships. They still prioritize social impact over financial returns, but funding considerations significantly influence the way these organizations operate. Existing models to understand the sector do not include this essential component, thus limiting insights and decision-making premises on how to reach as many beneficiaries as possible. Based on previous quantitative and qualitative research, this article conceptualizes the organizational, programmatic, impact, and financing strategies of social organizations and their interrelatedness in a new framework. This could be perceived as a managerial compass illustrating the multiple dependencies social organizations are confronted with. The compass aims at reducing complexity, serving as a tool for social organizations for more effective financial management. The article closes with a call for more analysis on how social organizations manage their multiple bottom line.
Towards Semantic Photogrammetry: Generating Semantically Rich Point Clouds from Architectural Close-Range Photogrammetry

Developments in the field of artificial intelligence have made great strides in the field of automatic semantic segmentation, both in the 2D (image) and 3D spaces. Within the context of 3D recording technology it has also seen application in several areas, most notably in creating semantically rich point clouds which is usually performed manually. In this paper, we propose the introduction of deep learning-based semantic image segmentation into the photogrammetric 3D reconstruction and classification workflow. The main objective is to be able to introduce semantic classification at the beginning of the classical photogrammetric workflow in order to automatically create classified dense point clouds by the end of the said workflow. In this regard, automatic image masking depending on pre-determined classes were performed using a previously trained neural network. The image masks were then employed during dense image matching in order to constraint the process into the respective classes, thus automatically creating semantically classified point clouds as the final output. Results show that the developed method is promising, with automation of the whole process feasible from input (images) to output (labelled point clouds). Quantitative assessment gave good results for specific classes e.g., building facades and windows, with IoU scores of 0.79 and 0.77 respectively.
A timer gene network is spatially regulated by the terminal system in the Drosophila embryo

In insect embryos, anteroposterior patterning is coordinated by the sequential expression of the “timer” genes caudal, Dichaete and odd-paired, whose expression dynamics correlate with the mode of segmentation. In Drosophila, the timer genes are expressed broadly across much of the blastoderm, which segments simultaneously, but their expression is delayed in a small “tail” region, just anterior to the hindgut, which segments during germband extension. Specification of the tail and the hindgut depends on the terminal gap gene tailless, but beyond this the regulation of the timer genes is poorly understood. We used a combination of multiplexed imaging, mutant analysis, and gene network modelling to resolve the regulation of the timer genes, identifying 11 new regulatory interactions and clarifying the mechanism of posterior terminal patterning. We propose that a dynamic Tailless expression gradient modulates the intrinsic dynamics of a timer gene cross-regulatory module, delineating the tail region and delaying its developmental maturation.
A Dual Polarization Bow-tie Slot Antenna for Broadband Communications

A dual polarization bow-tie slot antenna for broadband communications is proposed in this paper. This antenna consists of two bow-tie slot antennas which is perpendicular to each other and with coplanar waveguide (CPW)-fed. The proposed antenna has a very simple antenna structure and wide impedance bandwidth (» 400% for jS11j and jS22j = 10dB) which can cover the 1:5 » 6GHz frequency band for Global Positioning System (GPS, 1575MHz) and dual ISM band (2.4GHz and 5.8GHz) applications. Good isolation between the two input ports (jS21j = 20dB) is also achieved at the operating band. The radiation pattern and e-ciency of the proposed antenna are also measured, and radiation pattern data are compared with simulation results.
Automatic separation of waste rock in coal mine based on image procession and recognition

It is important in the production in coal mine that separation of waste rock from lump coal. At present in our country large waste rock are usually selected by hand. Not only the intensity of labor is very high and the efficiency of manufacturing is low, but also the circumstance of working is bad, which do harm to the health of workers heavily. Based on the technology of image procession and pattern recognition, a method is adopted to achieve the goal of automatic selection of waste rock, by recognizing lump coal and waste rock, combine with computer technology and mechanism automation.
Research and Simulation on Automatically Verifying Super Large-Scale Smart Meter

This paper introduces the state of automatic verification system for electric meter and a new scheme suitable for constructing the system,and develops a simulation system which is mainly used to verify the scientificity and rationality of the scheme according to the requirement of constructing super large-scale smart meter automatic verification system by which 8,000,000 smart meters will be verified yearly in Jiangsu province.The scheme is mainly composed of AGV,RGV robot and verifying attachment,and it has the characteristics of advanced technology,flexible assembly and easy maintenance.The RD of the simulation system builds a digital platform for researching the key technologies of super large-scale smart meter automatic verification.For the future engineering construction,it can provide many suggestions and methods,reduce the risks and cost,and improve the standards and qualities.
Perancangan Sistem Rekomendasi Influencer Menggunakan Knowledge-based Filtering

Media sosial merupakan pangsa pasar yang sangat besar bagi pelaku usaha karena memiliki jumlah pengguna yang tinggi. Hal ini dapat dimanfaatkan oleh pelaku usaha untuk memasarkan produk atau jasa mereka dengan bantuan influencer. Pemilihan influencer yang tepat dapat meningkatkan jumlah transaksi, namun pemilik usaha juga dapat mengalami kerugian apabila bekerja sama dengan influencer bercitra negatif. Salah satu cara menemukan influencer yang tepat adalah dengan menggunakan sistem rekomendasi berbasis knowledge-based filtering. Sistem ini dapat menerima masukan dari pengguna sesuai kebutuhan usaha masing-masing dan mengeluarkan rekomendasi influencer. Sistem rekomendasi memanfaatkan dua atribut, yaitu engagement rate dan growth rate. Engagement rate digunakan sebagai indikator keaktifan komunikasi antara influencer dengan follower. Growth rate digunakan sebagai indikator popularitas influencer.
NHF as an Edge Detector of Potential Field Data and Its Application in the Yili Basin

Edge enhancement is a frequently used transformation of potential field data. Its goal is to sharpen the position of the subsurface structures. Here we propose a new method to enhance the edges of the sources causing the potential anomalies called normalized Harris filter (NHF), which is based on the Harris filter and amplitude balance. Three synthetic data sets are used to evaluate the performance of the proposed approach. The presented approach provides a better estimation of the sources’ edges when compared to the other methods. The proposed method is robust to noisy data and can avoid the generation of artificial edges, thereby reducing the ambiguity of interpretation. The testing on real data set from the Yili basin in Northwestern China demonstrates that the new approach highlights several anomalies not shown in the geological map or other methods. The proposed approach also shows the advantages of gradually enhancing the edges of the deep-seated structure. The results demonstrate that the proposed approach may be a better detector in qualitatively determining the edges of sources causing potential field data.
System-Level Factors Associated With Telephone and Video Visit Use: Survey of Safety-Net Clinicians During the Early Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background The COVID-19 pandemic prompted safety-net health care systems to rapidly implement telemedicine services with little prior experience, causing disparities in access to virtual visits. While much attention has been given to patient barriers, less is known regarding system-level factors influencing telephone versus video-visit adoption. As telemedicine remains a preferred service for patients and providers, and reimbursement parity will not continue for audio visits, health systems must evaluate how to support higher-quality video visit access. Objective This study aimed to assess health system–level factors and their impact on telephone and video visit adoption to inform sustainability of telemedicine for ambulatory safety-net sites. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey among ambulatory care clinicians at a hospital-linked ambulatory clinic network serving a diverse, publicly insured patient population between May 28 and July 14, 2020. We conducted bivariate analyses assessing health care system–level factors associated with (1) high telephone adoption (4 or more visits on average per session); and (2) video visit adoption (at least 1 video visit on average per session). Results We collected 311 responses from 643 eligible clinicians, yielding a response rate of 48.4%. Clinician respondents (N=311) included 34.7% (n=108) primary or urgent care, 35.1% (n=109) medical, and 7.4% (n=23) surgical specialties. Our sample included 178 (57.2%) high telephone adopters and 81 (26.05%) video adopters. Among high telephone adopters, 72.2% utilized personal devices for telemedicine (vs 59.0% of low telephone adopters, P=.04). Video nonadopters requested more training in technical aspects than adopters (49.6% vs 27.2%, P<.001). Primary or urgent care had the highest proportion of high telephone adoption (84.3%, compared to 50.4% of medical and 37.5% of surgical specialties, P<.001). Medical specialties had the highest proportion of video adoption (39.1%, compared to 14.8% of primary care and 12.5% of surgical specialties, P<.001). Conclusions Personal device access and department specialty were major factors associated with high telephone and video visit adoption among safety-net clinicians. Desire for training was associated with lower video visit use. Secure device access, clinician technical trainings, and department-wide assessments are priorities for safety-net systems implementing telemedicine.
A One-Stop Protocol to Assess Myocardial Fibrosis in Frozen and Paraffin Sections

Masson’s Trichrome Staining (MTS) is a useful tool for analyzing fibrosis in a plethora of disease pathologies by differential staining of tissue components. It is used to identify collagen fibers in different tissues like heart, lung, skin, and muscles. Especially in cardiac fibrosis, MTS stains the collagen fibers (blue color), which helps in the distinction of scar area versus the healthy area (red color). However, there are several challenges to stain both paraffin-embedded sections and frozen (cryosections) using a single protocol. Therefore, the goal of this study was to develop a simple short protocol to assess cardiac fibrosis in both paraffin-embedded and cryo heart sections. MTS uses three different stains, i.e., Weigert’s Iron Hematoxylin, Biebrich scarlet-acid fuchsin, and aniline blue to detect nuclei, cytoplasm, and collagen, respectively. In this study, we developed a simple short protocol that can be adapted by any lab to easily assess cardiac fibrosis in paraffin and frozen heart sections. Furthermore, we have addressed the challenges that are commonly faced during the immunostaining process and troubleshooting techniques. Overall, we have successfully developed a simple one-step protocol to assess myocardial fibrosis in paraffin-embedded and frozen cryosections.
Effect of Synthesis Method and Melamine Content of Melamine-Urea-Formaldehyde Resins on Bond-Line Features in Plywood

1) This work examined effects of the synthesis method and melamine content of melamine-urea-formaldehyde (MUF) resins on the bond-line features (i.e. resin penetration and bond-line thickness) in plywood. Two synthesis methods (MUF-A and MUF-B) and three melamine contents (5, 10, and 20%) were employed to prepare MUF resins. The MUF-A resins at three melamine contents were prepared by a simultaneous reaction of melamine, urea, and formaldehyde, while the MFU-B resins were prepared by reacting melamine at the same levels with formaldehyde followed by urea. The results showed that higher melamine content increased the viscosity of MUF-A and MUF-B resins. The resin penetration of MUF-A resins decreased by 48% while those of MUF-B resins increased by 16% at 20% melamine content. As a result, the MUF-A resins had greater bond-line thickness than those of MUF-B resins as the melamine content increased. The MUF-B resins resulted in thinner bond-line and greater resin penetration compared to those of MUF-A resins. The results suggested that MUF-B resins prepared with 20% melamine content had a proper combination of resin penetration and bond-line thickness that could produce plywood panel with a better adhesion performance.