Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Distributed Convergence Classifier Using the Finite Difference

The paper presents a novel distributed classifier of the convergence, which allows to detect the conver- gence/the divergence of a distributed converging algo- rithm. Since this classifier is supposed to be primarily applied in wireless sensor networks, its proposal makes provision for the character of these networks. The classifier is based on the mechanism of comparison of the forward finite differences from two consequent iterations. The con- vergence/the divergence is classifiable only in terms of the changes of the inner states of a particular node and there- fore, no message redundancy is required for its proper functionality.
Choice Overload during Travel Decision Making for Self vs. Other

It has been a common belief that major accomplishments of modern societies and developed economies are evidenced through providing more choices and varieties for consumers. Economists and conventional wisdom believe that having more choices maximises utility (Broniarczyk, 2008); thus, people should prefer to have as many options as possible to make informed decisions. In psychology and marketing literature, having more choices is argued to help increase well-being, satisfy diverse consumer needs (Dworkin, 1982), increase purchase and consumption (Koelemeijer & Oppewal, 1999), reduce search costs (Hutchinson, 2005), and enhance personal freedom of choice (Schwartz, 2004). In contrast, recent studies has reported negative impacts when the number of choices increases (Scheibehenne, Greifeneder, & Todd, 2009). This phenomenon is named as choice overload effect, hypothesizing that when facing too many options, decisionmakers experience cognitive overload that leads to negative perceptions (Schwartz, 2004). Research has provided evidence that choice overload leads to cognitive dissonance (Anderson, Taylor, & Holloway, 1966), dissatisfaction (Iyengar & Lepper, 2000; Reutskaja & Hogarth, 2009), post-decision regret (Carmon, Wertenbroch, & Zeelenberg, 2003), demotivation to purchase (Shah & Wolford, 2007), and choice withdrawal (Dhar, 1997; Iyengar & Jiang, 2003; Park & Jang, 2013). Due to these contradictory findings about the effects of choice overload, this paper suggests two propositions: (1) choice overload exists in highinvolvement contexts such as selecting a vacation destination, and (2) choice overload during making travel decision for self vs. for other.
Constructing product fibrations by means of a generalization of a theorem of Ganea

A theorem of Ganea shows that for the principal homotopy fibration QB -4 F -4 E induced from a fibration F -4 E -4 B, there is a product decomposition Q(E/F) 2 QB x Q(F * QB). We will determine the conditions for a fibration X -4 Y -4 Z to yield a product decomposition Q (Z/Y) X x Q (X*Y) and generalize it to pushouts. Using this approach we recover some decompositions originally proved by very computational methods. The results are then applied to produce, after localization at an odd prime p, homotopy decompositions for QJk (S2,) for some k which include the cases k = pt. The factors of QJpt (S2,) consist of the homotopy fibre of the attaching map S2pt -1 __J4pt1 (S2n) for Jpt (S2n) and combinations of spaces occurring in the Snaith stable decomposition of Q2S2n+l.
Is it possible to identify Colchicum neapolitanum s.l. and C. autumnale s.l. in vegetative stage? Biometry and flow cytometry approaches

It is difficult to distinguish hysteranthous Colchicum species growing in Dalmatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, even the two most common taxa (C. autumnale and C. neapolitanum subsp. visianii). There are no clear vegetative characteristics suitable for good identification of these species. The nuclear DNA values, however, reveal differences between these two species and also among other taxa. Genome size was studied for the first time in: C. hungaricum Janka (2C = 5.38 ± 0.3 pg); two Dalmatian endemics C. neapolitanum (Ten.) Ten. subsp. kochii (Parl.) Fridl. (2C = 10.9 ± 0.3 pg) and C. neapolitanum (Ten.) Ten. subsp. visianii (Parl.) Fridl. (2C = 10.41 ± 0.32 pg) and for Italian C. neapolitanum (Ten.) Ten. subsp. neapolitanum (2C = 10.0 ± 0.1 pg) endemic to Basilicata - Campania. Genome size of C. autumnale L. from Bosnia and Herzegovina (2C = 6.17 ± 0.31 pg) does not differ from other west European populations. Based on this important character and also on morphological studies, we propose taxonomic revision of some taxa. As genome sizes of the two generally confused species C. neapolitanum subsp. visianii and C. autumnale are very different, flow cytometry is useful for identification, conservation inventories and management concerning these two taxa.
Key Factors Influencing Job Satisfaction of Non-Tenured IT Faculty in the USA

This study increased the overall knowledge of job satisfaction among non-tenured IT faculty by way of contributing to the body of management knowledge in the IT environment. The study results provided higher education institution IT leaders and management the vision and understanding to handle job satisfaction issues within the IT environment. This information is also crucial in helping higher education institutions perform at high levels of employee retention, flexibility, and employee job satisfaction by focusing on autonomy and the opportunity for advancement. This quantitative research examined the relationship between (a) the extrinsic motivators (predictor/independent variables), operationalized as autonomy; (b) the intrinsic motivators, operationalized as advancement opportunities; and (c) the job satisfaction level of IT faculty in higher educational institutions (dependent variable). This research has added to the body of knowledge regarding what is needed for IT educators to have job satisfaction by examining how much the independent variables affect job satisfaction of IT faculty in higher educational institutions. We have defined and analyzed methods and practices that companies could apply as they formulate the essential skills and resources for predicting job satisfaction among IT faculty. In this area of job satisfaction, additional understanding could support higher education institutions learning how to keep experienced IT faculty. To examine the extent to which autonomy and opportunity for advancement predict job satisfaction, a multiple linear regression was conducted. This study added to the existing body of knowledge regarding what is needed for IT educators to have job satisfaction by examining how much the independent variables of opportunity for advancement and autonomy affect job satisfaction of IT faculty in higher educational institutions. Additional knowledge in this area of job satisfaction may support higher educational institutions in learning how to retain experienced IT faculty. By addressing these factors related to job satisfaction, employers can better understand what motivates and keeps IT workers satisfied in their jobs. Keeping IT employees satisfied will help retain them and prevent them from job-hopping.
Clock cycle estimations for future microprocessor generations

In the past 50 years, the semiconductor industry has experienced unprecedented growth. Identifying pivotal factors and technology trends in future generations will be key to understanding how we can maintain the historical growth and improve customer value. Processor performance will be one of the essential factors in this quest. This paper presents a high-level model of microprocessor clock-cycle performance. The model considers the impact of interconnect technology, device and circuit technology, along with architectural and physical design factors, to estimate clock speeds of future microprocessors.
Evaluation of focal liver lesions by magnetic resonance imaging and correlation with pathology

Background: The goals of imaging in focal liver lesions is to assess the number, size, location and characterize the lesions as benign / malignant with newer imaging modalities and confirmation of pathology by Fine needle aspiration cytology or by biopsy. This is essential for treatment planning and prognosis. Methods: A total of 42 patients detected to have focal lesions in liver on ultra-sonogram were characterized on MRI on the basis of morphology, signal characteristics, enhancement patterns. Extra hepatic spread is suggested by capsular breach, peritoneal metastases and lymph node enlargement. Tissue diagnosis was obtained by fine needle aspiration cytology/ Tru cut biopsy/ surgery. Hemangiomas and simple cysts were followed up for an average period of 7.5 months by imaging without biopsy. Results: Out of 42 patients, 28 were males (68%) and 14 were females (32%). The age range was 20 to 70 years with a mean age of 51 years for malignant lesions. The right lobe of liver was involved in 26 (62%), left lobe in 7 (17%) and both lobes in 9(21%) cases. There were 24 benign and 18 malignant lesions. The mean ADC value was 2.092 X 10 -3 sec/ mm 2 and 1.241 X 10 -3 sec/ mm 2 for benign and malignant lesions respectively. The difference in mean ADC values in both the groups was significant (p<0.0001). Conclusions: MRI was able to predict diagnosis in 38 of the 42 lesions (90%) which were proved on pathology or by follow up imaging. MRI could not provide specific diagnosis in two early abscess, one each of multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma and regenerative nodules. Thus MR imaging is a powerful tool for the evaluation of focal liver lesions.
Corporate Governance and Equity Liquidity: Analysis of S&P Transparency and Disclosure Rankings

This paper sets out to investigate the effects of disclosure, and other corporate governance mechanisms, on equity liquidity, arguing that those companies adopting poor information transparency and disclosure practices will experience serious information asymmetry. Since poor corporate governance leads to greater information asymmetry, liquidity providers will incur relatively higher adverse information risks and will therefore offer higher information asymmetry components in their effective bid-ask spreads. The Transparency and Disclosure (T&D) rankings of the individual stocks on the S&P 500 index are employed to examine whether firms with greater T&D rankings have lower information asymmetry components and lower stock spreads. Our results reveal that the economic costs of equity liquidity, i.e. the effective spread and the quoted half-spread, are greater for those companies with poor information transparency and disclosure practices.
Performance consequences of psychological empowerment

The relationship between psychological empowerment and job performance, and whether three intermediate performance determinants; motivation, ability, and opportunity to perform hold the key to unlocking the empowerment-performance relationship dilemma are addressed. Using hierarchical linear modeling to analyze responses from 380 project management-level staff, the results show that psychological empowerment not only has direct and positive performance consequences, but also indirect effects, mediated by intrinsic motivation, opportunity to perform and ability to perform. The findings provide preliminary evidence in support of a comprehensive model of work performance that takes into consideration not only motivation and ability but opportunity to perform. Indeed, opportunity to perform actually emerged as a stronger mediator in the psychological empowerment-contextual performance behaviors relationship than ability to perform. The findings of both direct and indirect relationships however demonstrate that the relationship between empowerment and performance is more complex than previously thought. Yet, by demonstrating that empowered employees exhibit positive performance behaviors, psychological empowerment clearly emerges as a valuable path for organizations to pursue in their search for performance improvement in project settings.
Medical Students’ KCSE Grade and Their Relationship to Academic Performance: A Case of Egerton and Moi Universities, Kenya

Admission into Kenyan public universities’ medical schools is either by Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) or individual universities and their senates on self-sponsorship programmes (SSP) basis. The KUCCPS selected students have strong O-level grades in all subjects, with specific cluster science subjects and cumulative points. The SSP students need to have minimum university entry requirements and cluster subjects for admission unto the medicine and surgery (MBCHB) programme. The study aimed to compare the relationship between Medical Student’s KCSE grade and their performance in preclinical and clinical levels at Medical schools of Egerton University (EU) and Moi University (MU). The study utilized ex post facto research design for Retrospective record review (3R) of medical students of academic year 2007/08, 2008/09 and 2009/10 as cohort classes of Egerton University and Moi University. This study was conducted in Egerton University and Moi University, medical schools. Both Universities admit medical students sponsored by KUCCPS and SSP students. This study’s Population was Public Universities’ Medical students (MBChB) who had been examined at both preclinical and clinical course levels. Students of academic years 2007/08, 2008/09 and 2009/10 were the accessible population. Admission characteristic were an independent variable and academic performance a dependent variable. This study used a Data sheet document to capture data from Academic Records offices. The students’ performance at preclinical and clinical courses is not influenced by their KCSE grades at admission at MU and EU. KCSE English and Chemistry grades positively impact on preclinical performances. Biology, Mathematics, Kiswahili and Chemistry positively influence performance in Clinical courses. Performance in Preclinical courses like Medical Biochemistry, Medical Physiology, and Pathology can predict performance in clinical courses. The diploma program (in-service) does not influence performance in preclinical courses as it does in clinical courses. Performance in preclinical courses is a predictor for performance in clinical courses. KCSE aggregate grade at admission has no influence on students’ performance in preclinical and clinical courses at MU and EU. The study recommends). Medical schools to consider an open entry Examination system for applicants who meet minimum cluster requirements regardless of the KCSE aggregate grade. Consider development of in-service curriculum that may allow the diploma holder to take track at clinical years.
Karyological data and meiosis of Drassyllus praeficus (L. Koch, 1866) (Gnaphosidae) and Thanatus imbecillus (L. Koch, 1878) (Philodromidae) from Turkey

Zübeyde KUMBIÇAK, Ayla KARATAŞ*, Ümit KUMBIÇAK, Osman SEYYAR Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Science, Nevşehir University, 50300 Nevşehir, Turkey Department of Elementary Science Education, Faculty of Education, Kocaeli University, 41380 Kocaeli, Turkey Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Science, Uludağ University, 16059 Bursa, Turkey Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Science, Niğde University, 51240 Niğde, Turkey
Central functions in group algebras

In this paper we show that for a locally compact group G, the group algebra L1(G) has nontrivial center if and only if G possesses a compact neighborhood of 1, invariant under inner automorphisms. Moreover, G has a basis of such neighborhoods at 1 if and only if L1(G) has an approximate identity consisting of functions in the center of L1. This constitutes part of a program of finding conditions on the group algebra which characterize groups satisfying various compactness conditions (see e.g., [3]). Godement remarks in [1, p. 28n and Theoreme 6] that for a locally compact unimodular group G, the existence of a nontrivial function in L2(G) invariant under inner automorphisms implies the existence of a compact neighborhood of 1 in G, invariant under inner automorphisms. We show in this note that Godement's method can be extended to deal with similar conditions on Li(G); we make use of an earlier observation to consider more generally the case of nonunimodular groups as well. Our result is a characterization by conditions on the group algebra of the classes [IN ] and [SIN ] of locally compact groups (as in [2 ], we say that G is an [IN] group if G contains a compact invariant neighborhood of the identity, and an [SIN] group if it contains a fundamental family of compact invariant neighborhoods of the identity). This note thus constitutes part of a program of finding conditions on the function-space level to characterize classes of locally compact groups satisfying certain compactness conditions. For this program results on the L1 level appear to be more natural than those for L2 functions or continuous functions with compact support. In this respect our note strengthens the existing result of Godement mentioned above, and that of [2, Proposition (2.6) ] concerning a related condition for continuous functions. (For another result in the general program, see [3, Theorem (3.1) ], which gives necessary and sufficient conditions on Li(G) for G to be an [MAP] group. ) We might remark that the direct part of (b), in our proposition, is used repeatedly in the study of harmonic analysis on [Z] groups and [FIA ]groups; see [3, (6.18) ] and [5]. Received by the editors October 15, 1970. AMS 1970 subject classifications. Primary 22D15, 22D05, 43A20.
The effects of three regimens of cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) supplementation on vitamin D deficiency in non-obese and obese females

Introduction Vitamin D deficiency is a common health problem worldwide and tends to be a risk factor for all-cause mortality. We evaluated the effect of continuous low-dose oral daily and loading dose of oral weekly and loading monthly intramuscular (IM) vitamin D3 regimens on circulating levels of total 25(OH)D and in vitamin D deficient females, and between non-obese and obese subgroups. Material and methods A total of 231 vitamin D deficient females were included to the study. According to treatment regimen, patients were divided into three groups: daily continuous oral, loading dose of weekly oral and monthly intramuscular. All patients in treatment groups were divided into non-obese (105) and obese (126) groups. Serum 25(OH)D and parathormone (PTH) levels were evaluated at baseline and at the third and sixth month. Results In obese patients oral weekly loading regimen and in non-obese patients oral daily continuous regimens were found to be more potent. Baseline PTH levels decreased when compared with the third and sixth months (p < 0.001), but between the third and sixth months it was not changed (p = 0.783). Conclusions Oral daily regimen in non-obese patients and loading weekly oral regimen in obese patients were more effective in achieving the target levels of 25(OH)D concentration above 30 ng/ml and provided a stable plasma vitamin D concentration over a long period of time.
Organizational Conflict Resolution and Strategic Choice: Evidence from a Survey of Fortune 1000 Firms

This article examines the strategic underpinnings of firms’ use of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) practices. The authors argue that a firm’s strategic orientation and commitment to ADR shape its adoption of dispute resolution techniques—such as mediation and arbitration. Firms vary in the benefits they seek to gain from adopting ADR practices, and firm-level use is affected by these anticipated benefits. The authors also propose a link between a firm’s commitment to the diffusion, access, and their use of ADR, on the one hand, and employee usage on the other. They test their theory using survey data from Fortune 1000 corporations and identify four distinct strategic orientations toward ADR, which in turn help to explain use of ADR within firms. Finally, they also find that a firm’s commitment to ADR is also shown to affect the firm’s use of mediation and arbitration.
Co-operation among rehabilitation actors for return to working life

1 LIST OF PUBLICATIONS 3 DEFINITIONS 6 ABBREVIATIONS 7 INTRODUCTION 9 AIMS OF THE STUDY 11 Study I. Effects of multi-sectoral co-operation 11 Study II. Views of immediate superiors on multi-sectoral co-operation 11 Study III. A 6-year follow-up of multi-sectoral co-operation 11 Study IV. Co-operation models in Nordic vocational rehabilitation 11 THEORETICAL FRAME 12 Integration 12 Co-ordination 13 Co-operation 13 Conventional co-operation 13 Collaboration 13 Models of co-operation 14 Co-operation between professionals 14 Co-operation between organizations 15 Co-operation between different sectors 15 Theoretical application 15 MATERIAL AND METHODS 16 Ethical considerations 16 Study Settings 16 The Stockholm Co-operation Project 16 Conventional vocational rehabilitation and co-operation 18 Subjects 19 Study I: Effects of multi-sectoral co-operation and Study III: A six-year follow-up of multi-sectoral co-operation 19 Study II: Views of immediate superiors on multi-sectorial co-operation 21 Study IV: Co-operation models in Nordic vocational rehabilitation 21 Procedures 22 Study I: Effects of multi-sectoral co-operation and Study III: A six-year follow-up of multi-sectoral co-operation 22 Study II: Views of immediate superiors on multi-sectoral co-operation 23 Study IV: Co-operation models in Nordic vocational rehabilitation 24
Clinical research The value of ultrasonography in the detection of renal scarring after urinary tract infection in children: preliminary results

Introduction: There is controversy whether ultrasonography (US) can be reliably used to diagnose renal scars in children following pyelonephritis. This study aimed to assess the value of US in detecting renal scars using Tcdimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scintigraphy as the reference diagnostic test. Material and methods: In a prospective setting, 62 children who had been diagnosed as having pyelonephritis were studied. All children were evaluated with DMSA scintigraphy and US, each performed by one examiner. The interval between DMSA scanning and US was at most 2 days. A radiologist recorded his findings for each kidney as scarred or unscarred based on established criteria. The sensitivity of US relative to DMSA scintigraphy in the detection of renal scarring was calculated. Results: The study subjects were 20 boys and 42 girls, with a median age of 15 months (range, 2 months-6 years). Twenty-nine children were reported to have renal scarring on DMSA scintigraphy, of whom 12 (41.4%) were correctly diagnosed as having renal scars on US. The sensitivity of US in detecting scarred kidneys was 36.8%, and its specificity 97.7%. The sensitivity of US in detecting kidneys with multiple scars was higher than kidneys with a single scar (p=0.007). The development of renal scarring was not related to gender (p=0.3). Increasing age was associated with developing renal scars with an odds ratio of 1.53 for each year increase in age after adjustment for sex. Conclusions: The results of this preliminary study show that US cannot be used reliably as the sole imaging method for detecting pediatric renal scarring.