Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
University students’ meta-modelling knowledge

Abstract Background: As one part of scientific meta-knowledge, students’ meta-modelling knowledge should be promoted on different educational levels such as primary school, secondary school and university. This study focuses on the assessment of university students’ meta-modelling knowledge using a paper–pencil questionnaire. Purpose: The general purpose of this study was to assess and to describe university students’ meta-modelling knowledge. More specifically, it was analysed to what extent the meta-modelling knowledge, as expressed in a questionnaire, depends on the scientific discipline to which university students relate their answer and the concrete model to which they refer while answering. Sample: N = 184 students from one German university voluntarily participated in this study. Design and methods: The questionnaire was developed based on a theoretical framework for model competence and includes constructed response items asking about the purpose of models, ways for testing models and reasons for changing models. Students written answers were first analysed qualitatively based on the theoretical framework to decide whether they expressed advanced understandings or not. Further analyses then were conducted quantitatively. Results: Findings suggest that only few university students possess an advanced meta-modelling knowledge. However, significant more students who relate their answers to the STEM-disciplines expressed advanced understandings than those who referred to social sciences or linguistics/philology. Furthermore, university students who expressed an advanced meta-modelling knowledge referred to rather abstract kinds of models in order to explain their view. Conclusions: The present study supports the assumption that meta-modelling knowledge may be situated and contextualised. Both the scientific discipline and the concrete model to which university students refer seem to be relevant item features influencing university students’ expressed meta-modelling knowledge. Implications for assessment and teaching are discussed in the article.
A Cross-cultural Examination of the Intention to Use Technology between Singaporean and Malaysian pre-service Teachers: An Application of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)

As computers becomes more ubiquitous in our everyday lives, educational settings are being transformed where educators and students are expected to teach and learn, using computers (Lee, 2003). This study, therefore, explored pre-service teachers' self reported future intentions to use computers in Singapore and Malaysia. A survey methodology was employed such that validated items from past relevant research work were adopted. Based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), 495 completed surveys of pre-service teachers were collected from both countries. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was implemented on the data captured. This study contributes to the growing multi-cultural studies on TAM by demonstrating that perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEU) and computer attitudes (CA) to be significant determinants of both Singaporean and Malaysian pre-service teachers' behavioral intention (BI). Differences were, however, detected between Singaporean and Malaysian pre-service teachers in terms of PU, PEU and CA but no differences were detected in BI with regards to technology acceptance.
Large Deviations and the Generalized Processor Sharing Scheduling : Upper and Lower Bounds Part II : Multiple-Queue Systems

We prove asymptotic upper and lower bounds on the asymptotic decay rate of per-session queue length tail distributions for a single constant service rate server queue shared by multiple sessions with the generalized processor sharing (GPS) scheduling discipline. The special case of a two-queue GPS system has been dealt with separately in Part I of the paper [33], where exact bounds are obtained for each queue. A general multiple-queue GPS system is treated in this part (Part II) of the paper and tight upper and lower bound results are proved by examining the dynamics of bandwidth sharing nature of the GPS scheduling. We are not able to obtain exact bounds in this general case due to the complex nature of dynamic bandwidth sharing under the GPS scheduling. The proofs use sample-path large deviation principle and are based on some recent large deviation results for a single queue with a constant service rate server. These results have implications in call admission control for high-speed communication networks.
The Role of Diversity on Team Effectiveness in a Multinational and Multicultural Military Environment

THE ROLE OF DIVERSITY ON TEAM EFFECTIVENESS IN A MULTINATIONAL AND MULTICULTURAL MILITARY ENVIRONMENT Mustafa Utoglu Old Dominion University, 2015 Director: Dr. Pilar Pazos The trend of deploying multinational coalition or alliance forces to respond to emerging threats in the past two decades has become a conventional approach. Beyond the advantages presented by coalitions and alliances, the literature suggests that multinational forces have raised a new set of challenges in achieving their mission: managing the demographic, functional, and cultural diversity introduced by the individuals from various nations that compose the
The scope of supply chain management research

Advocates an expanded scope for supply chain management research which accounts for the social function and the political and economic implications of supply chain developments. Argues that the research agenda must not be driven by the notion of efficiency alone, but should also be developed around the concept of the just supply chain. Provides a framework which sets out the range of issues which may contribute to this approach. Believes that the objectives and ideological assumptions of research need to be open to challenge and debate.
Spicing up the relationship? The effects of relational boredom on shared activities

The goal of this study was to examine how people respond to relational boredom in the context of growth-enhancing (i.e., novel) and security-restorative (i.e., familiar) shared activities. In Study 1, people’s prescriptive and descriptive beliefs for responding to relational boredom were assessed. Next, we developed a prime of relational boredom (Study 2a) and examined its effects on behavioral intentions for shared activities (Studies 2b and 3) as well as qualities of a planned date (Study 3). In Study 1, people thought they should engage in more growth-enhancing novel activities when bored (but not more security-restorative ones). However, for likely ratings (Study 1) and behavioral intentions (Studies 2b and 3), there were inconsistent findings for the idea that boredom prompts novel shared activities. Instead, in the context of relational boredom, people consistently displayed a pattern of being less likely to engage in security-restorative familiar shared activities.
Astaxanthin-Producing Green Microalga Haematococcus pluvialis: From Single Cell to High Value Commercial Products

Many species of microalgae have been used as source of nutrient rich food, feed, and health promoting compounds. Among the commercially important microalgae, Haematococcus pluvialis is the richest source of natural astaxanthin which is considered as “super anti-oxidant. ” Natural astaxanthin produced by H. pluvialis has significantly greater antioxidant capacity than the synthetic one. Astaxanthin has important applications in the nutraceuticals, cosmetics, food, and aquaculture industries. It is now evident that, astaxanthin can significantly reduce free radicals and oxidative stress and help human body maintain a healthy state. With extraordinary potency and increase in demand, astaxanthin is one of the high-value microalgal products of the future.This comprehensive review summarizes the most important aspects of the biology, biochemical composition, biosynthesis, and astaxanthin accumulation in the cells of H. pluvialis and its wide range of applications for humans and animals. In this paper, important and recent developments ranging from cultivation, harvest and postharvest bio-processing technologies to metabolic control and genetic engineering are reviewed in detail, focusing on biomass and astaxanthin production from this biotechnologically important microalga. Simultaneously, critical bottlenecks and major challenges in commercial scale production; current and prospective global market of H. pluvialis derived astaxanthin are also presented in a critical manner. A new biorefinery concept for H. pluvialis has been also suggested to guide toward economically sustainable approach for microalgae cultivation and processing. This report could serve as a useful guide to present current status of knowledge in the field and highlight key areas for future development of H. pluvialis astaxanthin technology and its large scale commercial implementation.
A retrospective study of HIV antiretroviral treatment persistence in a commercially insured population in the United States

This study examined factors associated with persistence (time from initiation to discontinuation of treatment) on initial antiretroviral (ARV) therapy in commercially insured HIV patients in the United States, a population not well researched. This retrospective analysis of US health insurance claims data from 1 January 2003 to 30 June 2008 included treatment-naive patients aged 18–65 years with an HIV diagnosis receiving ARV therapy consisting of at least two individual nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) or one fixed-dose combination NRTI, plus at least one nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) or one protease inhibitor (PI), with or without ritonavir. Descriptive statistics, Kaplan-Meier survival estimation, and Cox proportional hazards regression models were completed. Patients were considered persistent until any component of the regimen was modified or there was a gap in treatment >90 days. A total of 2460 patients met full inclusion criteria (1388 NNRTI and 1072 PI). Mean (SD) time to discontinuation for NNRTI- vs PI-based regimens was 370 (346) vs 295 (338) days (p<0.001). Female sex, substance use, low comorbidity score, index year before 2007, geographical region, and taking a lopinavir/ritonavir regimen predicted discontinuation. Relative to NNRTI-based regimens, PI-based regimens demonstrated a greater risk of discontinuation (hazard ratio [HR], 1.32; p<0.001). The fixed-dose efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir combination yielded the lowest risk of discontinuation (HR, 0.39; p<0.001). HIV treatment persistence was longer with NNRTI-based regimens than PI-based regimens. The fixed-dose regimen of once-daily efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir had the lowest risk of discontinuation.
Solutions, Spectrum, and Dynamica for Schr\"odinger Operators on Infinite Domains

Let H be a Schr\"odinger operator defined on an unbounded domain D in R^d with Dirichlet boundary conditions (D may equal R^d in particular). Let u(x,E) be a solution of the Schr\"odinger equation (H-E)u(x,E)=0, and let B_R denote a ball of radius R centered at zero. We show relations between the rate of growth of the L^2 norm \|u(x,E)\|_{L^2(B_R \cap D)} of such solutions as R goes to infinity, and continuity properties of spectral measures of the operator H. These results naturally lead to new criteria for identification of various spectral properties. We also prove new fundamental relations berween the rate of growth of L^2 norms of generalized eigenfunctions, dimensional properties of the spectral measures, and dynamical properties of the corresponding quantum systems. We apply these results to study transport properties of some particular Schr\"odinger operators.
Signatures of Alfvén waves in the polar coronal holes as seen by EIS/Hinode

Context. We diagnose the properties of the plume and interplume regions in a polar coronal hole and the role of waves in the acceleration of the solar wind. Aims. We attempt to detect whether Alfven waves are present in the polar coronal holes through variations in EUV line widths. Methods. Using spectral observations performed over a polar coronal hole region with the EIS spectrometer on Hinode, we study the variation in the line width and electron density as a function of height. We use the density sensitive line pairs of Fe XII 186.88 A and 195.119 A and Fe XIII 203.82 A and 202.04 A. Results. For the polar region, the line width data show that the nonthermal line-of-sight velocity increases from 26 km s -1 at 10′′ above the limb to 42 km s -1 some 150′′ (i.e. ∼110 000 km) above the limb. The electron density shows a decrease from 3.3 × 10 9 cm -3 to 1.9 × 10 8 cm -3 over the same distance.Conclusions. These results imply that the nonthermal velocity is inversely proportional to the quadratic root of the electron density, in excellent agreement with what is predicted for undamped radially propagating linear Alfven waves. Our data provide signatures of Alfven waves in the polar coronal hole regions, which could be important for the acceleration of the solar wind. © 2009 ESO.
REIONIZATION ON LARGE SCALES. IV. PREDICTIONS FOR THE 21 cm SIGNAL INCORPORATING THE LIGHT CONE EFFECT

We present predictions for the 21 cm brightness temperature power spectrum during the Epoch of Reionization (EoR). We discuss the implications of the “light cone” effect, which incorporates evolution of the neutral hydrogen fraction and 21 cm brightness temperature along the line of sight. Using a novel method calibrated against radiation-hydrodynamic simulations, we model the neutral hydrogen density field and 21 cm signal in large volumes (L = 2 Gpc h−1). The inclusion of the light cone effect leads to a relative decrease of about 50% in the 21 cm power spectrum on all scales. We also find that the effect is more prominent at the midpoint of reionization and later. The light cone effect can also introduce an anisotropy along the line of sight. By decomposing the 3D power spectrum into components perpendicular to and along the line of sight, we find that in our fiducial reionization model, there is no significant anisotropy. However, parallel modes can contribute up to 40% more power for shorter reionization scenarios. The scales on which the light cone effect is relevant are comparable to scales where one measures the baryon acoustic oscillation. We argue that due to its large comoving scale and introduction of anisotropy, the light cone effect is important when considering redshift space distortions and future application to the Alcock–Paczyński test for the determination of cosmological parameters.
The star formation rate of Ca ii and damped Lyman α absorbers at 0.4 < z < 1.3

Using stacked Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) spectra, we present the detection of (O II) λλ3727, 3730 nebular emission from the galaxies hosting Ca II absorption line systems and galaxies hosting Mg II-selected damped Lyman α (DLA) absorbers. Both samples of ab- sorbers, 345 Ca II systems and 3461 Mg II-selected DLA systems, span the redshift interval 0.4 zabs < 1.3; all of the former and half the latter sample are expected to be bona fide DLAs. The measured star formation rate (SFR) per absorber from light falling within the SDSS fi- bre apertures (corresponding to physical radii of 6-9 h −1 kpc) is 0.11-0.14 Myr −1 for the Mg II-selected DLAs and 0.11-0.48 Myr −1 for the Ca II-absorbers. These results represent the first estimates of the average SFR in an absorption-selected galaxy population from the di- rect detection of nebular emission. Adopting the currently favoured model in which DLAs are large, with radii 9 h −1 kpc, and assuming no attenuation of the (O II) emission by dust, leads us to conclude that the SFR per unit area of Mg II-selected DLAs falls an order of magnitude below the predictions of the Schmidt law, which relates the SFR to the H I column density at z ∼ 0. While DLA sightlines are known to contain little dust, the unknown geometry of the dust distribution in the galaxies causes the main uncertainty in our results. The contribution of both DLA and Ca II absorbers to the total observed star formation rate density, ˙ ρ ∗ , in the redshift range 0.4 < z < 1.3, is small, 10 and 3 per cent, respectively. The result contrasts with the conclusions of Hopkins et al. that DLA absorbers can account for the majority of the total observed ˙ ρ ∗ in the same redshift range. The disagreement is a direct consequence of the much lower SFR per unit area we observe than predicted by the Schmidt law. Our results effectively rule out a picture in which DLA absorbers are the sites in which a large fraction of the total ˙ ρ ∗ at redshifts z 1 occurs.
Genotype identification of Enterocytozoon bieneusi isolates from stool samples of HIV-infected Tunisian patients

The microsporidian species Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a major cause of chronic diarrhea and malabsorption in patients with AIDS. Genotyping was performed on seven E. bieneusi strains for the first time in Tunisia. All the strains were isolated from stool samples of humans with immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Analysis of the ribosomal RNA gene internal transcribed spacer (rDNA ITS) allowed the identification of three distinct genotypes previously described in other studies. Genotypes D and B were characterized in four and two respectively. The Peruvian genotype (Peru 8) was detected in the last isolate. These results indicate a genetic diversity in E. bieneusi strains from HIV Tunisian patients and suggest the coexistence of both zoonotic and anthroponotic route of transmission.
Perclusive Alliances

Although social mechanisms for the control of knowledge are widely studied, research into how intersecting groups and institutions reconcile culturally different approaches to knowledge has been limited. I explore this territory by looking at a collaborative project to create digital 3-D scans and replicas of objects of cultural patrimony that was developed between the National Museum of Natural History and the Tlingit tribe of Alaska in 2010. These 3-D reproductions highlight the social values ascribed to digital technology, including its perceived ability to disseminate knowledge and reveal to the public the inner workings of museums, such as the process of repatriation. The presumed and deceptively straightforward nature of copies, however, belies their powers of social transformation. As explored through these 3-D digital replica projects, I argue these are not only about the power to physically replicate something but also the potential to construct relationships and, therefore, to transform the current social order. I look at the problems of using the term “secrecy” in these cross-cultural contexts, opting instead to identify how responsibilities are assigned to knowledge and its use. By also identifying what I term “perclusive” alliances that traverse groups and public/private knowledge categories, I argue for an analytical approach that studies across institutional and cultural contexts, thereby identifying variations in how these responsibilities toward knowledge are assigned and according to which contexts as well as the means employed to negotiate difference.
Comparison of Optimized Control Strategies of a High-Speed Traction Machine with Five Phases and Bi-Harmonic Electromotive Force

The purpose of the paper is to present the potentialities in terms of the control of a new kind of PM synchronous machine. With five phases and electromotive forces whose first ( E 1 ) and third ( E 3 ) harmonics are of similar amplitude, the studied machine, so-called bi-harmonic, has properties that are interesting for traction machine payload. With three-phase machines, supplied by a mono-harmonic sinusoidal current, the weak number of freedom degrees limits the strategy of control for traction machines especially when voltage saturation occurs at high speeds. As the torque is managed for three-phase machines by a current with only one harmonic, flux weakening is necessary to increase speed when the voltage limitation is reached. The studied five-phase machine, thanks to the increase in the number of freedom degrees for control, aims to alleviate this fact. In this paper, three optimized control strategies are compared in terms of efficiency and associated torque/speed characteristics. These strategies take into account numerous constraints either from the supply (with limited voltage) or from the machine (with limited current densities and maximum acceptable copper, iron and permanent magnet losses). The obtained results prove the wide potentialities of such a kind of five-phase bi-harmonic machine in terms of control under constraints. It is thus shown that the classical Maximum Torque Per Ampere (MTPA) strategy developed for the three-phase machine is clearly not satisfying on the whole range of speed because of the presence of iron losses whose values can no more be neglected at high speeds. Two other strategies have been then proposed to be able to manage the compromises, at high speeds, between the high values of torque and efficiency under the constraints of admissible total losses either in the rotor or in the stator.
Trust in the employer: the role of high-involvement work practices and procedural justice in European organizations

Despite the central role of trust in the organizational sciences, we know little about what makes people trust the organizations they work for. This paper examines the antecedents of employees' trust in their organizations drawing on survey data from over 600 European professional workers and managers. The results revealed direct as well as indirect relationships of both human resource (HR) practices and procedural justice with trust. The relationships of both HR practices and procedural justice with trust were partially mediated by perceptions of organizational trustworthiness (in terms of perceived ability and trustworthy intentions of the organization). Justice and HR practices were also found to interact such that justice forms a stronger predictor of trust in organizations when HR practices are less developed. In addition, employees' dispositional propensity to trust explained significant variance in employee trust in their organization, even when it was controlled in our analysis. The implications of these findings for research and practice are discussed.
A Digital Inclusive Society Study - Understanding the Social Impacts of Information Communication Technology (ICT) Usage in China

This paper discusses the role of self-efficacy to computer novices through a longitudinal study. The researchers conducted this study by collaborating with three non-government organizations (NGOs) for which funding was received from one government unit and a large local charitable organization. A new model was developed to examine the influence of Internet self-efficacy and outcome expectations on usage intention and perceived user competence. Behavioral modeling training courses were offered to matured adults aged 50 and above in two separate studies over a year. Questionnaires and cognitive knowledge assessments were distributed. In general, the findings in the two studies validated the impacts and antecedents of Internet self-efficacy and outcome expectations on usage intention. Limitations and implications of this study are provided following the sections on research model and hypotheses, design and discussion on findings.