Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Long-term spectroscopic monitoring of the Luminous Blue Variable AG Carinae

We have extensively monitored the Luminous Blue Variable AG Car (HD 94910) spectroscopically. Our data cover the years 1989 to 1999. In this period, the star underwent almost a full S Dor cycle from visual minimum to maximum and back. Over several seasons, up to four months of almost daily spectra are available. Our data cover most of the visual spectral range with a high spectral resolution (= 20 000). This allows us to investigate the variability in many lines on time scales from days to years. The strongest variability occurs on a time scale of years. Qualitatively, the variations can be understood as changes of the eective temperature and radius, which are in phase with the optical light curve. Quantitatively, there are several interesting deviations from this behaviour, however. The Balmer lines show P Cygni proles and have their maximum strength (both in equivalent width and line flux) after the peak of the optical light curve, at the descending branch of the light curve. The line-width during maximum phase is smaller than during minimum, but it has a local maximum close to the peak of the visual light curve. We derive mass-loss rates over the cycle from the H line and nd the highest mass loss rates (log _ M=(M yr 1 ) 3:8, about a factor of ve higher than in the minimum, where we nd log _ M=(M yr 1 ) 4:5) after the visual maximum. Line-splitting is very commonly observed, especially on the rise to maximum and on the descending branch from maximum. The components are very long-lived (years) and are probably unrelated to similar-looking line-splitting events in normal supergiants. Small apparent accelerations of the components are observed. The change in radial velocity could be due to successive narrowing of the components, with the absorption disappearing at small expansion velocities rst. In general, the line- splitting is more likely the result of missing absorption at intermediate velocities than of excess absorption at the velocities of the components. The Hei lines and other lines which form deep in the atmosphere show the most peculiar variations. The Hei lines show a central absorption with variable blue- and red-shifted emission components. Due to the variations of the emission components, the Hei lines can change their line prole from a normal P Cyg prole to an inverse P Cyg-prole or double-peak emission. In addition, very broad (1500 km s 1 ) emission wings are seen at the strongest Hei lines of AG Car. At some phases, a blue-shifted absorption is also present. The central absorption of the Hei lines is blue-shifted before and red-shifted after maximum. Possibly, we directly see the expansion and contraction of the photosphere. If this explanation is correct, the velocity of the continuum-forming layer is not dominated by expansion but is only slightly oscillating around the systemic velocity.
Long-term measurements of the carbon balance of a boreal Scots pine dominated forest ecosystem

We measured on annual basis the magnitude and relative importance of different components of the carbon balance of a boreal Scots pine dominated forest ecosystem. The continuous 10-year-long measurement period of this study and the miscellaneous measurements of the components of the ecosystem carbon balance carried out at the same site are almost unique. The ecosystem was shown to be a carbon sink in all measured years. The average net ecosystem exchange (NEE) estimated with the eddy covariance (EC) method was 206 g C m a and the average annual accumulation of carbon into trees was 242 g C m a. The above-ground litter production was 186 g C m a of which 92 g consisted of needles and leaves. The average respiration rates of the soil, canopy and stems were 646, 316 and 62 g C m a, respectively and the TER deduced from EC measurements was 826 g C m a. The average rate of the tree and ground vegetation photosynthesis was 982 and 114 g C m a, respectively. In forest ecosystems the application of biomass equations to measurements of tree dimensions and increment cores can give a reliable and unbiased estimate of carbon accumulation into trees. The chamber based fl ux measurements are useful in showing short term response to changes in light, temperature and moisture conditions, but the generalization of the results over time and space is diffi cult.
Rethinking Formalisms in Formal Education

I explore a belief about learning and teaching that is commonly held in education and society at large that nonetheless is deeply flawed. The belief asserts that mastery of formalisms—specialized representations such as symbolic equations and diagrams with no inherent meaning except that which is established by convention—is prerequisite to applied knowledge. A formalisms first (FF) view of learning, rooted in Western dualist philosophy, incorrectly advocates the introduction of formalisms too early in the development of learners’ conceptual understanding and can encourage a formalisms-only mind-set toward learning and instruction. I identify the prevalence of FF in curriculum and instruction and outline some of the serious problems engendered by FF approaches. I then turn to promising alternatives that support progressive formalization, problem-based learning, and inquiry learning, which capitalize on the strengths of formalisms but avoid some of the most costly problems found in FF approaches.
Heterogeneous intra-annual climatic changes drive different phenological responses at two trophic levels

A shift in a life cycle event of one species relative to other species in an ecosystem should be considered more relevant than an absolute shift in phenological dates. However, there is very little evidence regarding the differential effects of climate change on the phenologies of differ- ent trophic levels and their potential effects on ecosystem functioning. The Japan Meteorological Agency has monitored the flowering of 4 Prunus tree species and the appearance date of the butter- fly Pieris rapae (a proxy for potential pollinators) in spring at Nagano, Japan, since 1953. Flowering tended to occur earlier over the last 3 decades, whereas the appearance of the butterfly was delayed. The effects of climate and the timing of the sensitive period differ between both trophic levels. The plants were strongly affected by temperature (r = -0.87) 30 to 40 d prior to flowering, whereas the butterfly was less affected by temperature (r = -0.50), and the effects mainly occurred during the 15 d prior to its appearance. The temperature during the plants' sensitive period has increased sharply since 1953, whereas the temperature during the butterfly's sensitive period has not changed signifi- cantly. The phenologies of the plants and butterfly are changing in opposite directions because they use different climatic cues with different temporal trends. This is the first documentation of differen- tial effects of climate change between plant and insect phenology in Japan.
Market reaction to transparency: An empirical study on life insurance demand in Europe

This article explores life insurance consumption in 31 European countries from 2003 to 2012 and aims to investigate the extent to which market transparency can affect life insurance demand. The cross-country evidence for the entire sample period shows that greater market transparency, which resolves asymmetric information, can generate a higher demand for life insurance. However, when considering the financial crisis period (2008-2012) separately, the results suggest a negative impact of enhanced market transparency on life insurance consumption. The mixed findings imply a trade-off between the reduction in adverse selection under greater market transparency and the possible negative effects on life insurance consumption during the crisis period due to more effective market discipline. Furthermore, this article studies the extent to which transparency can influence the reaction of life insurance demand to bad market outcomes: i.e., low solvency ratios or low profitability. The results indicate that the markets with bad outcomes generate higher life insurance demand under greater transparency compared to the markets that also experience bad outcomes but are less transparent.
THE IMPACT OF ENTREPRENEURIAL CHARACTERISTICS ON BRIBERY INCIDENCE IN TRANSITION ECONOMIES

Entrepreneurs in Asian economies face many difficulties in starting up and running their businesses. Relationships with government officials help to, e.g., mobilise resources and cope with the constraints imposed by bureaucratic structures. In this context, bribery can be regarded as an investment that entrepreneurs need to make in order to operate successfully in an institutionally weak transition economy. However, not all entrepreneurs pay a bribe. In this paper the relationship between demographic characteristic and bribery incidence has been investigated. This relationship was estimated using unique data derived from a survey of 606 Vietnamese entrepreneurs. The author controlled for various organisational and industrial characteristics. The exploratory results show that in particular well-educated entrepreneurs are more inclined to bribe than others.
The Impact of Variation in Foliar Constituents of Sunflower on Development and Reproduction of Diacrisia casignetum Kollar (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae)

Effects of feeding on young, mature, and senescent sunflower leaves were studied under laboratory conditions (°C, 12L : 12D, % RH) to evaluate the impact of variation of nutrients on larval food utilization efficiency, larval and pupal development and survival, longevity, and fecundity of Diacrisia casignetum Kollar. The growth rate, which is the ratio between the dry weight gain of insect and duration of experimental period, of D. casignetum was in the order of mature leaf > young leaf > senescent leaf of sunflower. This was correlated with nutrient constituents of three kinds of sunflower leaves, which was measured by various biochemical analyses described elsewhere in the text. Total carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nitrogen, amino acids, and water content are in greater amount in mature leaves when compared to young and senescent leaves, whereas phenol content was highest in young leaves than mature leaves. Hence, higher amount of total carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nitrogen, amino acids including water and lower amount of total phenol content in mature leaves have influenced higher growth rate, less developmental time, and higher fecundity of D. casignetum.
Application of Hybrid Optimization Algorithm in the Synthesis of Linear Antenna Array

The use of hybrid algorithms for solving real-world optimization problems has become popular since their solution quality can be made better than the algorithms that form them by combining their desirable features. The newly proposed hybrid method which is called Hybrid Differential, Particle, and Harmony (HDPH) algorithm is different from the other hybrid forms since it uses all features of merged algorithms in order to perform efficiently for a wide variety of problems. In the proposed algorithm the control parameters are randomized which makes its implementation easy and provides a fast response. This paper describes the application of HDPH algorithm to linear antenna array synthesis. The results obtained with the HDPH algorithm are compared with three merged optimization techniques that are used in HDPH. The comparison shows that the performance of the proposed algorithm is comparatively better in both solution quality and robustness. The proposed hybrid algorithm HDPH can be an efficient candidate for real-time optimization problems since it yields reliable performance at all times when it gets executed.
Enhanced in vitro and in vivo toxicity of poly-dispersed acid-functionalized single-wall carbon nanotubes

Many potential applications in nanotechnology envisage the use of better-dispersed and functionalized preparations of carbon nanotubes. Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were treated with 1:1 mixtures of concentrated nitric and sulfuric acids for 3 min in a microwave oven under 20 psi pressure followed by extensive dialysis to remove the acids. This treatment resulted in acid functionalized SWCNTs (AF-SWCNTs) that had high negative charge (Zeta potential −40 to −60 mV) and were well dispersed (98% of the particles <150 nm) in aqueous suspensions. In vitro and in vivo toxic effects of SWCNTs and AF-SWCNTs were compared. AF-SWCNTs exerted a strong cytotoxic effect on LA4 mouse lung epithelial cells in culture that could be blocked by prior treatment of the nanotubes with poly L-lysine which neutralized the electric charge and promoted re-agglomeration. AF-SWCNT, but not the unmodified SWCNT preparations, strongly inhibited cell cycling of LA4 cells. Both SWCNTs and AF-SWCNTS were however equally effective in inducing apoptotic responses in LA4 cells as examined using an Annexin V binding assay. Oro-pharyngeal aspiration of AF-SWCNT preparation induced a strong acute inflammatory response in the lungs of CD1 mice, compared to control SWCNTs which caused only a marginal effect. Taken together the results indicate that unlike pristine SWCNTs, acid-functionalized SWCNT preparations exert strong toxic effects in vitro and in vivo and these effects can be reversed by neutralizing their surface charge.
JOB BOREDOM PRONENESS AND JOB INVOLVEMENT IN SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES OF TABRIZ

Small is beautiful. The main focus of this study is on SMEs and its purpose is surveying the relationship between Jobs boredom proneness and job involvement. The population of this study was SMEs employees of Number one industrial city in Tabriz. The statistical sample is 92 of these employees which have been selected through the simple random sampling method. Gathering of date had done by a questionnaire that its stability has tested by Cronbach Alfa and it was 0.87. The descriptive statistics i.e. frequencies, valid percents, the means, and standard deviations were used to describe data. Spearman correlation test was also employed to determine whether or not relationships between independent variables and the level of Jobs boredom proneness as dependent variable. The findings showed that there was a meaningful relationship between job boredom proneness and job involvement.
Prevalence of loneliness and associated factors among older adults in South Africa

OBJECTIVE: Loneliness can be detrimental to health. The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of loneliness as well as its risk factors in older adults in South Africa.MATERIALS & METHODS: This cross-sectional population based study investigated factors associated with loneliness in a nationally representative sample (n=3624) of older South Africans who took part in the “Study of Global Ageing and Adults Health (SAGE)” wave 1 in 2008. The outcome variable was self-reported prevalence of loneliness and the exposure variables were socio-demographic characteristics and health variables.RESULTS: The overall prevalence of self-reported loneliness was 9.9%. Prevalence of loneliness was 10.2% for females and 9.5% for males, lowest among those married (7.5%), and highest among the 70+ years olds (12.5%). Individuals with highest level of education had the lowest prevalence of loneliness (5.9%). Indians or Asians were significantly more likely to experience loneliness than other population groups (Adjusted Odds Ratio=AOR: 3.20; 95% Confidence Interval=CI: 1.31, 7.80). Married or cohabiting individuals were significantly less likely to experience loneliness than unmarried or non-cohabiting ones, respectively (AOR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.37, 0.81). In multivariable logistic regression, individuals with good subjective health were less likely to experience loneliness than those with poor health (AOR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.22, 0.73). Similarly, individuals with good cognitive functioning were significantly less likely to experience loneliness than those with poor cognitive functioning (AOR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.32, 0.97). CONCLUSION: The study found that the prevalence of loneliness among older adults in South Africa is significant. Preventative interventions that address the identified factors, including poor health status and low cognitive functioning, associated with loneliness need to be developed.
Globalization and job satisfaction

This study empirically investigates the relation between globalization and job satisfaction in the European Union. The main conclusion of this research is that globalization is negatively related to job satisfaction. Another conclusion is that the relation between globalization and job satisfaction does not significantly differ between the self-employed and employees. Instead, when making a distinction between low and high educated workers, it seems that globalization is negatively related to job satisfaction for high educated workers, while there is no significantly negative relation for low educated workers. This study also investigated whether the negative relation between globalization and job satisfaction is caused by a decrease in job security. However, it appears that globalization is positively related to satisfaction with job security.
Chemical composition and sensory analysis of peanut pastes elaborated with high-oleic and regular peanuts from Argentina

The objective of this work was to determine the chemical composition, sensory attributes and consumer acceptance of peanut pastes prepared with the high-oleic cultivar, Granoleico (GO-P), in comparison with the regular cultivar, Tegua (T-P), of peanuts grown in Argentina. GO-P had higher oil contents (50.91%) than T-P (48.95%). GO-P and T-P did not show differences in ash and carbohydrate contents. T-P exhibit higher protein content (27.49%) than GO-P (26.68%). GO-P had significantly higher oleic and lower linoleic contents (78.50% and 4.60%, respectively) than T-P (45.80% and 33.30%, respectively). In addition, GO-P showed higher eicosenoic acid and lower palmitic acid percentages than TP. The consumer acceptance analysis did not show significant differences between samples of GO-P and T-P. In the descriptive analysis, GO-P showed a higher intensity rating in the oiliness texture attribute than in T-P. The other sensory attributes did not show significant variations between the peanut paste samples. GO-P and T-P have a significant difference in fatty acid composition. However, there were no differences in consumer acceptance and descriptive analysis between samples of peanut pastes except for the oiliness attribute.
Principal succession: The socialisation of a primary school principal in South Africa

This study focussed on the socialisation of a new principal in a South African primary school with a strong Christian culture. He was appointed when the predecessor retired after more than two decades. The conceptual framework focuses on the three phases of socialisation: professional socialisation, organisational socialisation and occupational identity, which are used to interpret the study. A qualitative study, which occurred during two phases, investigated the phenomenon, principal succession, in the particular school. The data collection methods included a number of interviews with the principal, a focus group interview with staff members who experienced the previous principal’s leadership practice, and individual interviews with staff members. The following categories emerged from the data analysis: Recalling the previous principal: ‘One sees Mr X [ the predecessor ] everywhere’; Entry and orientation: ‘I found it intimidating initially’; and Immersion and reshaping: ‘Reins that previously were a bit slack, he is now pulling tight’. Die sosialisering van ’n primere skoolhoof in Suid-Afrika. Hierdie studie het gefokus op die sosialisering van ’n nuwe skoolhoof in ’n Suid-Afrikaanse primere skool met ’n sterk Christelike kultuur. Hy is aangestel toe sy voorganger na meer as twee dekades afgetree het. Die konseptuele raamwerk, wat gebruik is om die bevindinge te interpreteer, het op die drie fases van sosialisering gefokus, naamlik professionele sosialisering, organisatoriese sosialisering en beroepsidentiteit. ’n Kwalitatiewe ondersoek na die skoolhoofopvolgingverskynsel in die bepaalde skool is in twee fases gedoen. Die data-insamelingsmetodes het ’n aantal onderhoude met die skoolhoof, ’n fokusgroeponderhoud met personeellede wat ook onder leierskap van die vorige skoolhoof gewerk het en individuele onderhoude met personeellede ingesluit. Tydens die data-analise het die volgende kategoriee na vore gekom: Herinnering aan die vorige skoolhoof: ‘’n Mens sien Mnr X [ die voorganger ] oral’; Aanvaarding en orientasie: ‘Ek het dit aanvanklik intimiderend gevind’; en Immersie en hervorming: ‘Leisels wat voorheen ’n bietjie slap was, het hy nou styfgetrek’.
Effective Business Strategy for International Strategic Performance: An Empirical Study of Chinese Construction Firms

To build on the research of strategic management we conducted an empirical study in the context of international performance. Three principal strategies, according to Porters generic strategy theory: cost leadership cost-focus and differentiation respectively, were tested in our research model. Quantitative empirical analysis of international strategy on a sample of 58 Chinese firms was conducted to determine strategies that lead to enhanced strategic performance. We utilized survey strategy encompassing questionnaire data collection. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS statistical package. Inference statistics consisting of correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis were performed. Findings of the study suggest that cost leadership and differentiation strategies impact strategic performance significantly, whereas cost-focus does not. A value of appropriate international business strategy is illustrated by supporting a relationship between strategy and international performance. The originality of contributions of the study lies in the fact that the generic business strategies’ impact on strategic performance is tested on an international market on the sample of Chinese firms. These notions enrich existing body of knowledge on strategic management. Therefore, companies conducting their business operations internationally should consider forming and implementing strategies of differentiation and cost leadership to achieve optimal business results.
Types of Cabinet Durability in Central Eastern Europe

This paper offers a comparative description and classification of cabinets, ministers and prime ministers duration in Central Eastern Europe. It first defines the date of the “birth” of democratic cabinet “life” in post-communist countries. Second, it describes systematically the duration of post-communist cabinets, ministers and prime ministers during the first fourteen years (1990-2003). This research addresses the following questions: Which are the first democratic governments (founding cabinets) in post-communist Central Eastern Europe (CEE)? What are the appropriate indicators for measuring cabinet duration in CEE? What are the patterns of cabinet, ministerial, and prime ministerial duration in these countries? Do the theoretical assumptions and empirical findings about the duration of coalition types, which have been developed in the cabinet structure approach hold true for CEE cabinets? Which are the most stable cabinet systems in CEE?
Visionary knowledge management: the case of Eisai transformation

In many companies, the implementation of Knowledge Management (KM) practices amounts to upgrading information technology. We propose that a successful movement to KM practices requires more: the dynamic synthesis of visions, driving objectives, dialogues, practice, supporting contexts (ba), and phronetic leadership. Our case study of a pharmaceutical company, Eisai Co., Ltd., shows that it is visions aimed at the 'common good', in combination with phronetic leadership and appropriate enabling processes, that increase employee commitment to organisational knowledge creation rather than those based on objective market analyses and top-down-implemented KM practices.