Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Three essays on competitive dynamics and imitation

Although the extant management literature offers some evidence on the performance implications of imitation of competitors’ innovation, very few empirical studies have explored if performance is determined by the firm’s velocity to imitate rivals’ innovation. In this study we attempt to shed more light on the relationship between speed of new technology imitation and firm performance. Our baseline hypothesis is that speed of new technology imitation is positively associated with performance. Moreover, we develop hypotheses on the moderating effect of technology pioneerand environmental-level factors. We test our hypotheses with data on handset technologies introduced in the UK market by 13 mobile phone vendors, from 1997 to 2008. Most of our hypotheses are supported. The main contribution of this article is in showing that the performance implications of speed of new technology imitation vary depending on various contingency factors.
Hyers-Ulam-Rassias stability for a class of nonlinear Volterra integral equations.

The paper is devoted to the study of Hyers, Ulam and Rassias types of stability for a class of nonlinear Volterra integral equations. Both Hyers-Ulam-Rassias stability and Hyers-Ulam stability are obtained for such a class of Volterra integral equations when considered on a finite interval. In addition, for corresponding Volterra integral equations on infinite intervals the Hyers-Ulam-Rassias stability is also obtained.
The effect of genre on reporting speech: conversations and newspaper articles

This study focuses on reported speech in two different genres: spoken conversation and newspaper articles. There are two basic structures that allow language users to report formerly uttered words: direct and indirect speech. Both structures serve to integrate former discourse into the ongoing discourse. In different genres, however, language users draw upon different language tools to meet their communicative aims. This study examines how this might affect the distribution of direct and indirect reports across conversations and newspaper articles. Two of various hypotheses that have been suggested for the different uses of direct and indirect reported speech are examined using qualitative and quantitative analyses: 1) that direct speech would be a ‘less complex' strategy than indirect speech, in the sense that the reporter does not need to make deictic adaptations if we take the ‘original' words as our starting point, and 2) that direct speech is a more involving strategy than indirect speech. While the statistical results confirm both hypotheses, the confirmation of the complexity hypothesis differs for the two genres studied and needs some refinement as will be show with further qualitative analyses.
STRUCTURAL AND SPECTROSCOPIC STUDIES OF PALLADIUM ( II ) METALLO-MACROCYLES CONTAINING ANCILLARY BLOCKING LIGANDS AND N , N ’-2 , 6-BIS ( 3-PYRIDYLMETHYL ) PYRIDINE

Reaction between N,N’-2,6-bis(3-pyridylmethyl)pyridine dicarboxamide (L) with dichloropalladium(II) 2,2’-bipyridine [PdCl2(2,2’-bipy)] and dichloropalladium(II) ethylenediamine [PdCl2(en)] gave rise to two novel metallo-macrocycles, [Pd(L)(2,2’-bipy)](PF6)2 (A1) and [Pd(en)(L)](PF6)2·H2O·2CH3OH (A2), respectively. These complexes were characterized by spectroscopic techniques such as Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and elemental analysis. The studies on the interactions between the protons of the ligand and the protons of the ancillary ligands (etc. bipy, en) of the complexes were identified by using two dimensional NMR techniques such as Nuclear Overhauser Spectroscopy (2D NOESY) and correlation spectroscopy (COSY). X-ray crystallography shows that complex A2 form a bowl-like structure with one hexafluorophosphate anions encapsulated in the molecule cavity. The hexafluorophosphate anions form weak interaction with the ancillary ligand ethylenediamine (N-HF, d = 2.379, D = 3.113 Å) which stabilized by weak C-HF hydrogen bonding. The presence of weak anion- contact is also observed between the anion and the central pyridine of the metallo-macrocycle. Further analysis by diffusion-ordered spectroscopy (DOSY) has shown that the diffusion rates of complexes A1 and A2 are lower from the theoretical value. This might be due to the complexing of hexafluorophosphate anions that increase the hydrodynamic radii of the complexes.
Follow the Leader: Understanding the impact being a P.A.S.S Leader has on Self-Efficacy

The purpose of this qualitative study is to inform and advance the body of knowledge of the contribution that 'Peer Assisted Study Sessions' (PASS) provides for student leaders in terms of its impact on their self-efficacy - the personal belief in competence to succeed within certain situations (Bandura, 1986). To date, there has been little research providing a practical insight into whether acting as the leader of university PASS has a perceived impact on self-efficacy. The results of the qualitative research are based on interviews from a sample of 16 leaders. We found that being a PASS leader improved self-efficacy specifically in the areas of: cognitive development, performance, engagement and satisfaction. The results of this study may have implications for the development of future programs, particularly, in terms of attracting suitable candidates in the recruitment process, the future training of leaders and the provision of ongoing support for the leaders to participate effectively in such programs.
Corporate financial distress and stock return : Empirical evidence from the French stock market

This study examines whether financial distress, liquidity, and Value-at-Risk are sources of priced systematic risk in stock returns of the French stock market. In particular, we investigate the explanatory power of Fama and French (1993) model augmented by and substituted for these three risk factors for distressed and non-distressed firms. For this purpose, we construct nine portfolios composed of non-distressed firms and a portfolio consisting only of distressed firms. We find that for the portfolios of non-distressed firms, financial distress factor is significant only in the absence of the size and book-to-market factors. Not surprisingly, the financial distress is a systematic risk factor for the portfolio of distressed firms. Our findings point out also that liquidity is priced for the portfolios of distressed and non-distressed firms. Furthermore, our empirical results show that only investors in the portfolios of non-distressed firms are rewarded for bearing VaR risk. Likewise, our findings indicate that the alternative model underperforms the Fama and French (1993) model, which, in its turn, underperforms the considered augmented models.
Rubber Hand Illusion: Evidence for a multisensory integration of proprioception

The present review aims to describe the consolidation of a multisensory integration hypothesis for proprioception through the description of different Rubber Hand Illusion (RHI) experimental settings. RHI is a paradigm created in 1998 to explore the relation between visual and tactile sensory systems. The task involves a synchronous stroking, using a paintbrush, of one of the subjects hand, occluded from his vision, and a prosthetic rubber hand located in front of the subject. Instructed to look at the rubber hand, after approximately half a minute, the subject starts to feel as if the rubber hand is his own hand. The illusion produces a feeling of ownership of the rubber hand. Scientific research has widely investigated the experiment in the last 15 years, indicating the dynamic functions of the brain and body sensory systems, as well as shedding light on amputee rehabilitation and different types of paresthesia The review is structured around three topics: 1) the definition of the RHI, its limits and scope, 2) the physiological and neurocognitive evidence backing the RHI, and 3) the use of RHI in action experimental settings. The paper concludes that RHI is a convenient example of a neuroscientific trend towards an integrated account of body, brain and perceptual space. The illusion has also established an alternative way for studying proprioception and related brain dynamics in normal subjects.
An investigation of the key factors in a parent involvement kindergarten readiness intervention program

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Normalisation Of Shear Test Data for Rate‐Independent Compressible Fabrics

Normalisation methods for both Picture Frame (PF) and Bias Extension (BE) tests on rate‐independent compressible fabrics undergoing trellis shear are presented. Normalisation of PF test results is relatively straightforward and involves dividing the force results by a characteristic length. A normalisation procedure for BE test results has been developed based on an energy argument that uses a number of simple assumptions to account for the non‐uniform shear strain field induced across the whole of the BE samples during testing. A discussion of the more usual method of monitoring a gauge section of the deforming sample during tensile testing highlights potential problems that can occur as a result of the highly anisotropic nature of textile composites, problems that may lead to misinterpretation of data. The derivation and application of the energy method is relatively complicated but permits normalisation of results from samples with any length / width ratio. Smaller length / width specimen ratios have p.
Managing heterogeneous and unanchored expectations: a monetary policy analysis

We study monetary policy in a New Keynesian model with heterogeneity in expectations. Agents may choose from a continuum of forecasting rules and adjust their expectations based on relative past performance. The extent to which expectations are anchored to the fundamentals of the economy turns out to be crucial in determining whether the central bank (CB) can stabilize the economy. When expectations are strongly anchored, little is required of the CB for local stability. Only when expectations are unanchored, the Taylor principle becomes a necessary condition. More aggressive policy may however be required to prevent coordination on almost self-fulfilling optimism or pessimism. When the zero lower bound on the nominal interest rate (ZLB) is accounted for, the inflation target must furthermore be high enough, in order to prevent coordination on self-fulfilling liquidity traps and deflationary spirals.
The Roles and Use of Law in Green Criminology

This paper examines how law and legal analysis fit within the broader green criminological project. By demonstrating how legal analysis in various forms can cast significant light on key green criminological questions, the paper seeks to address the concern that green criminology – with its preponderance of ‘deep green’ viewpoints and focus on social harms which are not proscribed by formal law – precludes the application of legalistic values such as certainty and consistency. Ultimately, the goal of the paper is to demonstrate how, despite the novel challenges to the legal scholar presented by green criminology, the incorporation of a more legalistic perspective within an interdisciplinary exercise is not only desirable for green criminology but is in fact vital if the field is to realise its ambitions as a force for environmental good.
Chapter 2 The Microbiology of Natural Soils

Soil microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, control ecosystem functioning through decomposition and nutrient cycling and may serve as indicators of land-use change and ecosystem health (Doran and Zeiss 2000; Waldrop et al. 2000; Yao et al. 2000). However, the study of soil microorganisms is difficult and our current understanding limited. The sheer number, astonishing diversity and small size of these communities become more apparent as our technologies to explore them have improved in recent years (Cardon and Gage 2006). With the rapid rise of molecular techniques, microbial ecologists are now able to walk through the world with the equivalent of the naturalist’s “field notebook,” cataloguing and classifying species. However, we often do not know what they do functionally or ecologically, or why they are found in some soils and not others (Balser et al. 2006). What we do know is that soil microbial communities are dynamic and diverse (Sylvia et al. 2005) almost beyond measure (Schloss and Handelsman 2006), and that some patterns seem to hold on a global scale. In this chapter we survey a variety of ecosystems and summarize what we know about their underground microscopic inhabitants. Our knowledge is limited by the
Exploration of the Critical Factors of Spa Tourism in Taiwan

The abundant natural resources in Taiwan enable the development of the tourism industry flourish; hot spring resource not only provides visitors taking a bath, but also becomes an exclusive tour spot. In the recent experiential tendency, travelers are more willing to consume the hot spring in a resort hotel and enjoy the beautiful and pleasant scenery at the same time. Therefore, the research designed the spa tourism for travelers to make their dreams come true and explored the relationships among these critical factors - experiential marketing, experiential value, satisfaction, and behavioral intention. Three hundred and twelve respondents in Tainan were randomly surveyed to gather data in the Guanzihling Hot Spring Scenic Area, Tainan City, Taiwan. The findings showed that experiential marketing have very significantly positive influence on behavioral intension, experiential value, satisfaction because the tourism of Guanzihling Hot Spring Scenic Area provides good itinerary planning, beautiful scenery, relaxing atmosphere, and luxury spa hotel for accommodation. Moreover, it displayed that the degree of satisfaction and behavioral intension are in pace with travelers’ perception of experiential value. Finally, applying personal information to measure these variables, it revealed that spa tourism is a popular leisure activity for Taiwanese people. People who live more closely Guanzihling Hot Spring Scenic Area would be willing to do this spa tourism more frequently. Moreover, prime people (age 41-55) with characteristics of business job, higher annual income, and married people have stronger feeling of experiential marketing and value to spa tourism. Therefore, tourism industry should design a VIP itinerary, including luxury hotel, pretty or magnificent scenery, and gourmet food to upgrade or improve their satisfactory extent and ensure their revisits or recommendations.
Nitrogen-passivated dielectric/InGaAs interfaces with sub-nm equivalent oxide thickness and low interface trap densities

We report on the electrical characteristics of HfO2 and HfO2/Al2O3 gate dielectrics deposited on n-In0.53Ga0. 47As by atomic layer deposition, after in-situ hydrogen or nitrogen plasma surface cleaning procedures, respectively. It is shown that alternating cycles of nitrogen plasma and trimethylaluminum prior to growth allow for highly scaled dielectrics with equivalent oxide thicknesses down to 0.6 nm and interface trap densities that are below 2.5 × 1012 cm−2 eV−1 near midgap. It is shown that the benefits of the nitrogen plasma surface cleaning procedure are independent of the specific dielectric.
A Formalization of CK Design Theory Based on Intuitionist Logic

The paper introduces a formalization of Concept-Knowledge (CK) theory of design reasoning based on Intuitionist Logic and Kripke type semantics. The concept space is de ned as a tree of formulae containing free variables and knowledge space corresponds to an incomplete theory. A set of operations is de ned to model the progressive elaboration of the concept space, the expansion of the knowledge and the interaction of concepts and knowledge
Enhancement of Maize Allelic Diversity using Wild Relative Teosinte (Zea mays ssp. Parviglumis)

Teosinte (Zea mays ssp. Parviglumis), a wild relative of maize was assumed to be a potential donor for novel gene(s) for diversification and enhancement of maize germplasm. Subsequently teosinte was crossed with three maize inbred lines Tarun 83, DMRHyd 1284 and Pant 12K 53 followed by one generation of back crossing and two generation of selfing. The teosinte derived BC1F3 lines from all the three crosses were evaluated during spring season 2016. Analysis of variance revealed significant variance for most of the characters in all the three teosinte derived maize lines. Variability parameters revealed low variations for maturity traits namely days to 50% anthesis and silk emergence, days to 50% leaf senescence and anthesis-silking interval. Plant height exhibited wide range of variation and in general plant height of teosinte derived lines was more than the plant height of maize lines. Grain yield/plot was the most responsive trait because of the maximum variance observed in teosinte derived lines. Other traits exhibiting fairly high diversification in teosinte derived lines were cobs/plot followed by tassel branches and flag leaf length. The results, therefore, indicate that teosinte can be used effectively for domestication of wild alleles and diversification of maize germplasm. In the present investigation, only few morphological traits were analysed, however, teosinte can also be used for diversification of abiotic and biotic stress tolerance.
A Portable Driver Assistance System Headset Using Augmented Reality

Vehicle collision leading to life threatening accidents is a common problem which is incrementing noticeably. This necessitated the need for Driver Assistance Systems (DAS) which helps drivers sense nearby obstacles and drive safely. However, it’s inefficiency in unfavorable weather conditions, overcrowded roads, and low signal penetration rates in India posed many challenges during it’s implementation. In this paper, we present a portable Driver Assistance System that uses augmented reality for it’s working. The headset model comprises of five systems working in conjugation in order to assist the driver. The pedestrian detection module, along with the driver alert system serves to assist the driver in focusing his attention to obstacles in his line of sight. Whereas, the speech recognition, gesture recognition and GPS navigation modules together prevent the driver from getting distracted while driving. In the process of serving these two root causes of accidents, a cost effective, portable and holistic driver assistance system has been developed.
Development and Assessment of A Diagnostic Tool to Identify Organic Chemistry Students’ Alternative Conceptions Related to Acid Strength

The central goal of this study was to create a new diagnostic tool to identify organic chemistry students’ alternative conceptions related to acid strength. Twenty years of research on secondary and college students’ conceptions about acids and bases has shown that these important concepts are difficult for students to apply to qualitative problem solving. Yet, few published studies document how students’ prior knowledge of acids influences their understanding of acid strength in organic chemistry contexts. We developed a nine-item multiple-tier, multiple-choice concept inventory to identify alternative conceptions that organic chemistry students hold about acid strength, to determine the prevalence of these conceptions, and to determine how strongly these conceptions bias student reasoning. We identified two significant alternative conceptions that organic chemistry students hold about acid strength. Students who answered items incorrectly were more confident about their answers than peers who answered items correctly, suggesting that after one semester of organic chemistry, students do not know what they do not know. Implications for the teaching of acid strength are discussed.
Structure Stability and Growth Strategies of the (MgO)n (n=1-13) Clusters

The thermal decomposition process of magnesite significantly affects the catalytic activity of MgO. The structure, stability and growth strategies of the (MgO)n (n = 1-13) clusters were investigated by density functional theory. From reaction energy it can be seen that the contributions of the small clusters to grow are larger at lower temperature. By analyzing the differences in Gibbs free energy between MgO crystal and (MgO)n clusters, it can be seen that at the initial decomposition temperature of magnesite (about 700K), the (MgO)n clusters with linear or distorted cubic structures become more stable than the hexagon ring structures, even the hybrid structures are more stable than the cage structures.
Shear Strengthening Performance of Hybrid FRP-FRCM

The effectiveness of a hybrid fiber reinforced polymer- (FRP-) fabric reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) for shear strengthening was investigated though an experimental study. FRP materials of FRCM are usually fabricated in the form of a fabric to enhance the bond strength between the FRP material and the cementitious matrix. The hybrid FRP fabric used in this study consisted of carbon FRP (CFRP) and glass FRP (GFRP) in warp and weft directions, respectively. A total of 11 beams were fabricated and 8 beams among them were strengthened in shear with externally bonded hybrid FRP-FRCM. The number of plies, the bond types, and the spacing of the hybrid FRP fabric were considered as experimental variables. Additionally, a shear capacity model for a FRCM shear strengthened beam was proposed. The values predicted by the proposed model were compared with those by the ACI 549 code and test results. It was confirmed from the comparison that the proposed model predicted the shear strengthening performance of the hybrid FRP-FRCM more reliably than the ACI 549 code did.
An Investigation Regarding the Preservice Teachers' Emotional Literacy Levels and Self-Efficacy Beliefs.

Self-efficacy beliefs and emotional literacy skills are considered as one of the most fundamental characteristics of teachers to create positive effects on students. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between preservice teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs and their emotional literacy levels. This study is designed as a relational survey model research. Study group consisted of 318 volunteer preservice teachers who are fourth graders at education faculty in a state university in the West of Turkey, in 2015-2016 academic year. Teacher Efficacy Scale, Emotional Literacy Scale and Personal Information Form were used to collect data. The results of this study are that according to the gender, there is a significant difference in favor of female preservice teachers in social competence subscale and total score of emotional literacy scale; according to the departments preservice teachers are educated, there is a significant difference in emotional awareness and emotional self-efficacy subscales of emotional literacy scale; on the basis of the gender, preservice teachers’ self-efficacy levels differ significantly in favor of female preservice teachers in teaching competency/external factors subscale and total score of the scale; according to the departments preservice teachers are educated, there is a significant difference in preservice teachers’ self-efficacy levels in teaching competency/external factors subscale; and finally there is a positive relationship between preservice teachers’ emotional literacy levels and their self-efficacy belief levels.