Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
EFFECT OF ENJOYMENT ON ATTITUDE AND ON BEHAVIORAL INTENTION TO USE MOBILE APPLICATIONS WHEN TECHNOLOGY USE IS MANDATORY

Kurkinen, Erkki Effect of enjoyment on attitude and on behavioral intention to use mobile applications when technology use is mandatory Jyvaskyla: University of Jyvaskyla, 2014, 60 p. Information Systems, Master’s Thesis Supervisor: Tyrvainen, Pasi The current study studied the effects of three latent factors in technology acceptance in mandatory context; behavioral intention, perceived enjoyment and attitude. The study contained both literature review and empirical research to find answers to two research questions: “Is attitude a reliable predictor of behavioral intention to use technology when the use is mandatory? ”, and “Is enjoyment an antecedent of attitude and behavioral intention to use technology when the use is mandatory? ”. The literature review was made to review previous research results. After that the empirical study was performed with subjects of 267 police officers working in field operations in Finland. Based on data collected in survey, a structural equation modelling (SEM) analysis was performed with latent constructs using the measurement model developed in the beginning of the study. Model contained those three latent factors, behavioral intention, perceived enjoyment and attitude. The results suggested that both research questions can be answered in the affirmative. Research results indicated that enjoyment is important factor and significant antecedent of attitude and behavioral intention also in the context of utilitarian, mandatory information systems, not only that of hedonic systems. Moreover, results suggested that attitude is a reliable antecedent of behavioral intention in mandatory context. In a summary, the current study supports the newest suggestions in information systems research that attitude towards using the information system and perceived enjoyment are important factors in technology acceptance in mandatory setting as well.
Lexical and Grammatical Collocations in Writing Production of EFL Learners

Lewis (1993) recognized significance of word combinations including collocations by presenting lexical approach. Because of the crucial role of collocation in vocabulary acquisition, this research set out to evaluate the rate of collocations in Iranian EFL learners' writing production across L1 and L2. In addition, L1 interference with L2 collocational use in the learner' writing samples was studied. To achieve this goal, 200 Persian EFL learners at BA level were selected. These participants were taking paragraph writing and essay writing courses in two successive semesters. As for the data analysis, mid-term, final exam, and also the assignments of L2 learners were evaluated. Because of the nominal nature of the data, chi-square test was utilized for data analysis. Then, the rate of lexical and grammatical collocations was calculated. Results showed that the lexical collocations outnumbered the grammatical collocations. Different categories of lexical collocations were also compared with regard to their frequencies in EFL writing production. The rate of the verb-noun and adjective-noun collocations appeared to be the highest and noun-verb collocations the lowest. The results also showed that L1 had both positive and negative effect on the occurrence of both grammatical and lexical collocations.
Stimulus Equivalence and Increase of Correct Responses in Addition and Subtraction Problems

In order to propose interventions that increase correct responses, investigations search for properties of arithmetic problems that hinder its solution. This study assessed whether the formation of two sets of addition and subtraction equivalence classes reaches that goal. It also investigated the effect of training in balance-type problem solving and the teaching of algorithms. Eight second to fifth-grade elementary school students served as participants. After the formation of classes, all participants showed an average growth of 25% at post-test 1. Later, at the end of the training in balance-type problem solving, there was an average growth of 25% in post-test 2. In Generalization Test 1, all participants showed correct responses above 75%. After the teaching of algorithms, an average growth of 8% was detected in Post-test 3, and 100% correct answers in the reapplication of the test generalization. The procedures employed produced gains in solving arithmetic problems behavior.
The market for the “old” and the “new” institutional economics

ABSTRACT This paper conceives of the market as an institution, and contrasts two theoretical approaches: Institutionalism, with an evolutionary and analytical bias, whose theoretical basis comes from “Old/Original” Institutionalism, and New Institutional Economics, with an analytical, contractual approach, linked to mainstream economics. Both approaches have given relevant contributions, as they consider the importance of institutions for economic performance. The limits of New Institutional Economics are particularly relevant, whose analysis of the operation of markets is centered on the logic of transaction cost economics as a determinant of economic performance. Evolutionary Institutionalism, in turn, sees the market within a broader scope, in which cost economies only partially explains economic performance, but it is not necessarily seen as a determining factor.
Cross-validation of IASI/MetOp derived tropospheric δd with TES and ground-based FTIR observations

Abstract. The Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) flying onboard MetOpA and MetOpB is able to capture fine isotopic variations of the HDO to H2O ratio (δD) in the troposphere. Such observations at the high spatio-temporal resolution of the sounder are of great interest to improve our understanding of the mechanisms controlling humidity in the troposphere. In this study we aim to empirically assess the validity of our error estimation previously evaluated theoretically. To achieve this, we compare IASI δD retrieved profiles with other available profiles of δD, from the TES infrared sounder onboard AURA and from three ground-based FTIR stations produced within the MUSICA project: the NDACC (Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change) sites Kiruna and Izana, and the TCCON site Karlsruhe, which in addition to near-infrared TCCON spectra also records mid-infrared spectra. We describe the achievable level of agreement between the different retrievals and show that these theoretical errors are in good agreement with empirical differences. The comparisons are made at different locations from tropical to Arctic latitudes, above sea and above land. Generally IASI and TES are similarly sensitive to δD in the free troposphere which allows one to compare their measurements directly. At tropical latitudes where IASI's sensitivity is lower than that of TES, we show that the agreement improves when taking into account the sensitivity of IASI in the TES retrieval. For the comparison IASI-FTIR only direct comparisons are performed because the sensitivity profiles of the two observing systems do not allow to take into account their differences of sensitivity. We identify a quasi negligible bias in the free troposphere (−3‰) between IASI retrieved δD with the TES, which are bias corrected, but important with the ground-based FTIR reaching −47‰. We also suggest that model-satellite observation comparisons could be optimized with IASI thanks to its high spatial and temporal sampling.
Recent changes in pan‐evaporation dynamics in China

Pan‐evaporation (Epan) as the indicator of atmospheric evaporative demand has decreased worldwide with climate change in the last decades, which is called “Pan Evaporation Paradox”. This study investigates the recent changes in Epan dynamics in China using the observed Epan records for the period 1960–2007. The records show that Epan decreased in China from 1960 to 1991 by −5.4 mm yr−2. The attribution results show that the significant decreases (P < 0.001) in wind speed and solar radiation offset the effect of increasing air temperature and led to the decrease in Epan. However, the observed Epan has increased since 1992 by 7.9 mm yr−2. From 1992 to 2007, the amplitude of increase in air temperature rose seriously, while the amplitude of decrease in wind speed declined and solar radiation even increased insignificantly (P > 0.1). The results show that increasing air temperature dominated the change in Epan, which offset the effect of wind speed and led to the increase in Epan.
Advancing in the Direction of Right Solutions: Treating Multidrug-Resistant Pneumonia

Worldwide, antibiotic resistance is a major contemporary public health threat due to rapid emergence of resistant bacteria and endangering the efficacy of antibiotics. There are significant number of reports on clinical failure of β-lactam and β-lactamase inhibitor combination and even carbapenems due to various carbapenem resistance mechanisms. The increasing rate of the antibiotic resistance and its impact on treatment failure encouraged us to study newly reported concept of antibiotic adjuvant entities (AAEs) by which the increasing failure rate of antibiotics can be controlled. These AAEs have been developed for both Gram-positive and Gram-negative multidrug-resistant (MDR) infections. Elores (ceftriaxone + sulbactam with adjuvant ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)) and Potentox (cefepime + amikacin with adjuvant potassium chloride) are the AAEs for Gram-negative MDR pathogens each catering to a different type of resistance and Vancoplus (ceftriaxone + vancomycin with adjuvant L-arginine), another AAE, can help us to last longer in the war against antibiotic-resistant Gram-positive bugs particularly which cause complicated lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) leading to pneumonia. These new antibiotic additions (Elores, Potentox, and Vancoplus) to the current armamentarium to treat MDR infections, including pneumonia, can help us combat against antimicrobial resistance more efficiently.
Ex-post Equity Risk Premiums and Economic Cycles in Colombia: An Empirical Research Using Kalman and Hodrick-Prescott Filters

This article investigates the relationship between ex-post Equity Risk Premium (ERP) on the Colombian stock market and the economic cycles observed in the country using methodologies based on the Hodrick-Prescott and Kalman filters. Accordingly, a short-term econometric model is put forward for each filter, incorporating monthly data from 2008 to 2014. This reveals better adjustments in the case of the Kalman filter. Furthermore, the models show that the relationship between variables that reflect economic activity and ERP are counter-cyclical but not simultaneous, with a lag of up to two periods.
Fault scaling on Mars: Slip distribution and displacement-length relationship derived from HRSC Data

We determined the slip distribution along normal faults on Mars, using Digital Elevation Models (DEM) and corresponding orthoimages derived from High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) data. The fault scaling values (i.e. Dmax/L; Fig. 1) of unlinked fault segments display a large scatter and follow a relationship of Dmax ≈ 0.008 ∙ L. If fault segment linkage is considered, the Dmax/L ratio slightly decreases (Dmax ≈ 0.006 ∙ L). Our results are consistent with results for terrestrial faults, but show a slightly higher Dmax/L ratio than previous studies of planetary faults. We ascribe this to our use of high-resolution topographic data, because the location of Dmax may be underestimated when using lower-resolution data.
Teacher-Trainees Attitude towards ICT

This paper seeks to explore one of the important dimensions of teacher trainees: Attitude towards Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The study focuses on the level of attitude towards ICT among B. Ed teacher trainees. The samples were 952 teacher trainees. The tools used for the study were: Personal data sheet and Attitude towards ICT Scale developed by investigator. The results indicated: That majority of teacher trainees (60.5%) showed uncertainty in their attitude and only 39.5% of the trainees showed positive attitude towards ICT. Further irrespective of gender and Locale the attitude towards ICT of teacher trainees are at the same level. The study suggests that Crash courses especially in ICT applications and Workshops on Modern ICT tools could be conducted to make the teacher trainees aware of the different innovative techniques and methods, which will enhance the attitude towards ICT. Keywords: Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Teacher-Trainees and Attitude
Investigation of Verbal Responses of Children During Problem Solving Situations.

IDES Price MF-$0.25 HC-$1.85 Ability, Age, *Children, *Cognitive Processes, *Language Ability, Language Development, *Linguistics, Problem Solving, Social Class, Verbal Development This inve:itigation gives attention to the developmental course and influence of social class on self-directed, private speech. The Ss were 108 white, middle and lower class pre-school, first and third grade children. Two measures of receptive vocabulary were administered as background language measures. The experimental task required S to sort pictures of common objects into categories at three levels of task difficulty. The results indicated a rather marked decline in spontaneous verbalization from the pre-school to first grade levels with no significant change between the first and third grade levels. A parallel trend was found in the decreasing intensity level of the speech productions (i.e., a simultaneous decrease in overt vocalization and increase in silent lip-movement activity). These findings support Vygotsky's internalization hypothesis. A significant association was not found between the frequency of verbalization and problem solving performance, which casts doubt on the directive function of such verbal activity. Prominant social class differences in cognitive-linguistic abilities were also found. These differences may stem from the differential linguistic codes attributed to the middle and lower class patterns of verbal interaction. (Author/CJ)
On the Hydrodynamic Limit of the Enskog Equation

The Enskog equation in the hydrodynamie limit is investigated. If the Knudsen number e and the scale of diameter a of the hard sphere particles are of the same order, the resulting system of hydrodynamie equations (the Enskog-Euler system) is different from that for the Boltzmann equation. The existence and uniqueness theorem, in this case for the Enskog equation, is proven on the time interval independent of the small parameters. As £ 1 0, the solution of the Enskog equation tends to the Maxwellian whose fluid-dynamic parameters solve the Enskog-Euler system. As a by-product — the existence theorem for the Enskog-Euler system is obtained. Key word. Enskog equation, Euler system, singularly perturbed problem, hydrodynamie limit.
Financial Development and the FDI‐Inequality Nexus

type="main" xml:id="coep12085-abs-0001"> This article empirically investigates whether the link between foreign direct investment (FDI) and income inequality varies with financial development. Using a smooth transition regression model to a panel of developing and advanced countries over the period of 1976–2005, the results indicate that financial development indeed defines the relationship between FDI and inequality. FDI raises income inequality and the effect becomes stronger in magnitude with financial sophistication. The results also indicate a large variation in the FDI effect across countries and over time, contingent on financial development. ( JEL C23, F40, O15)
Biological Significance as a Determinant of Cue Competition

Many researchers have noted the similarities between causal judgment in humans and Pavlovian conditioning in animals One recently noted discrepancy between these two forms of learning is the absence of backward blocking in animals, in contrast with its occurrence in human causality judgment Here we report two experiments that investigated the role of biological significance in backward blocking as a potential explanation of this discrepancy With rats as subjects, we used sensory preconditioning and second-order conditioning procedures, which allowed the to-be-blocked cue to retain low biological significance during training for some animals, but not for others Backward blocking was observed only when the target cue was of low biological significance during training These results suggest that the apparent discrepancy between human causal judgment and animal Pavlovian conditioning arises not because of a species difference, but because human causality studies ordinarily use stimuli of low biological significance, whereas animal Pavlovian studies ordinarily use stimuli of high biological significance, which are apparently protected against cue competition
Performance-Based Compensation and Firm Value – Experimental Evidence

SYNOPSIS: We study equity price reactions to compensation contracting in experimental markets. Motivated by research reporting positive price reactions to adoption of performance-based compensation plans for executive managers, but postulating competing reasons as to why, we design an experiment that allows us to manipulate variables separately to examine the effect of adverse selection and moral hazard on equity prices. We find that managers select contracts based on their private information, sometimes differing from predicted choices, and that private information is conveyed to the market by the choice of compensation contract and is reflected in stock prices. We refer to this as the sorting effect. Additionally, we find that managers do not always exert costly effort in spite of favorable incentives to do so. The design also allows us to assess if the market rationally prices managers' actual choices. We find market prices are consistent with the empirically observed manager choices. Our results impl.
GOVERNANCE MECHANISMS, SOCIAL PERFORMANCE DISCLOSURE AND PERFORMANCE IN MICROFINANCE: DOES LEGAL STATUS MATTER?

In this paper we examine diverse governance mechanisms implemented by microfinance institutions, as well as their relationships with both social and financial performance, using a database obtained from the MIX, consisting of MFIs reporting data both on financial and social performance. We find that some governance mechanisms are significantly different among MFIs depending on their legal status. MFIs with NGO status have more diversity in their boards, adhere more to fair practices related to their human resources, and pay more attention to training in social performance management. Furthermore, we find that NGOs perform better at a social level (serve more clients; reach more poor clients; a large fraction of their borrowers are women). We find that external governance mechanisms have little or no effect, while board characteristics consistently and significantly affect social performance.
Critical Analysis of the Factors Affecting the Dividend Payout: Evidence from Pakistan

The research was conducted to highlight the determinants of dividend payout and to analyse the effect of change in dividends over the future company growth in Pakistan. Firm size, liquidity, profitability, leverage, and earnings per share were used as independent variable while dividend payout ratio was taken as dependent variable. Prolonging this relationship further, dividend payout ratio was taken as independent variable and company growth as dependent variable to examine the impact of dividend payout ratio on future company growth. Descriptive statistics and pooled least square method were used. E-views was used to process the secondary data from 2003-2011 related to 38 selected companies from four different sectors. Results show that there is a significant relationship among liquidity, earning per share, leverage, firm size and dividend payout ratio in all four selected sectors: Oil, Cement, Energy, and Sugar. It is also found that there is significant relationship between dividend payout ratio and future company growth.
A New Basis for Understory Stocking Standards for Partially Harvested Stands in the British Columbia Interior

For partially harvested stands in the British Columbia interior, we present a new method for specifying regeneration stocking standards and a procedure for comparing achieved regeneration to the standard. Understory stocking is assessed in terms of the deviation from potential yield that the observed understory tree density represents. For a harvested area, the minimum stocking standard is stated as the maximum allowable mean deviation from potential. Deviation from potential is expressed on a relative (0-1) scale and predicted from overstory basal area and understory tree density. Because of a scarcity of calibration data, we undertook a crude, preliminary calibration of this relationship. As overstory basal area increases, the understory density required to achieve a given degree of understory stocking decreases. Issues pertaining to the stand management context and other approaches to regulating regeneration also are discussed. West. J. Appl. For. 20(1):5-12.
Sediment detachment by rain power

In interrill areas, overland flow is often incapable of detaching soil particles so detachment is primarily by raindrop impact. We derive a mathematical expression, rain power (R, W m−2), relating the energy expenditure of raindrops impacting a soil surface to the rate of detachment of soil particles. Rain power incorporates rainfall, hillslope, and vegetation characteristics and is modulated by flow depths. Rainfall simulation experiments on natural hillslopes were performed to measure detachment rates and across‐slope flow depth distributions in surface runoff. Our results indicate that flow depths follow a Poisson distribution, and this observation is used to develop a dimensionless function, A(, d), that accounts for the interaction of flow depths (h) and raindrop diameter (d) in moderating detachment rates. Rain power correlates well with the detachment rate of fine‐grained particles (ψ, g m−2 s−1) so that ψ = 0.011R1. 4A(, d) (n = 44, R2 = 0.88, p < 0.005). We generalize this result to represent natural rainfall conditions and present a method for modeling sediment detachment rates and sediment discharge along entire lengths of hillslopes under the range of conditions where detached sediment is transported as wash load. Modeling simulations demonstrate the temporal and spatial variation in detachment rates caused by increases in flow depth.
Talent Management and Innovative Behavior Based on the Mediating Role of Organizational Learning

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between talent management and the innovative behavior of employees based on the mediating role of organizational learning. This study is a descriptive study, according to the data collection and analysis methods and, it is a survey, according to the implementation. It was conducted during 2015 to 2016 in Mashhad, Iran. Participants were 147 staffs employed in the information technology organization of Mashhad municipality. Data were collected using three valid and reliable questionnaires. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 19. According to the main hypothesis of the study, there is a significant relationship between talent management and the innovative behavior of employees, and organizational learning mediates the relationship between talent management and the innovative behavior of employees. Also, according to the minor hypothesis, there is a significant relationship between the components of talent management and innovative behavior and the components of organizational learning can mediate the relationship between talent management and innovative behavior. Organizational learning capability has a significant relationship with innovation and innovative behavior and the organizational learning is a way in which educational and training opportunities for employees can be linked to innovative goals.