Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Disavowing Politics: Civic Engagement in an Era of Political Skepticism1

Today, Americans are simultaneously skeptical of and engaged with political life. How does widespread cynicism affect the culture of civic participation? What are the implications for democracy? This study synthesizes data from a one-year collective ethnography of seven civic groups and theoretical work on boundary making, ambiguity, and role distancing. The authors find skepticism generates “disavowal of the political,” a cultural idiom that allows people to creatively constitute what they imagine to be appropriate forms of engagement. Disavowal generates taboos, and the authors show how disdain for conflict and special interests challenges activism around inequality. Political disavowal both facilitates and constrains civic engagement in an era of political skepticism.
Phylogeny of the clawed lobsters (Crustacea: Decapoda: Homarida)

The generic and familial structure of the clawed lobsters, Homarida, was studied by cladistic analysis. Previous phylogenetic studies of the clawed lobster genera have focussed on the putative nephropoid families: Nephropidae, Thaumastochelidae, and Chilenophoberidae. Recent high-level studies of decapod phylogeny, however, show that in addition to Nephropidae and Thaumastochelidae (both Nephropoidea), the Enoplometopidae (Enoplometopoidea) are ingroup homaridans. Conversely, the homaridan placement of Chilenophoberidae has been questioned, instead possibly having astacidan affinities. This study, building on previous analyses, incorporates additional taxa and data to examine phylogenetic relationships of the genera and families. Analyses were conducted including both extant and extinct taxa (analysis A), and with extant taxa only (analysis B). The resulting topologies from analyses A & B were largely compatible indicating that the phylogenetic signal among homaridan genera was not significantly impacted by fossil taxa. Results support recognition of Nephropoidea, comprising Thaumastochelidae and Nephropidae, and Enoplometopoidea, comprising Enoplometopidae and Uncinidae. Affinities of Chilenophoberidae were found to lie with Astacida rather than Homarida, albeit with weak jackknife support. Thaumastochelidae is strongly supported as monophyletic, with two extant genera and the extinct Oncopareia. Present data, however, are equivocal about an independently monophyletic Nephropidae.
A Critique of the Development of Alternative Measures of Market Orientation

This study critically examines the development of alternative measures of market orientation that are primarily based on combining the MARKOR and MKTOR measures. The study argues that this empirical approach, while producing results that may be equivalent to established measures in terms of predictive ability, adds little contribution to the literature. The simplicity of this approach is demonstrated by the development of another ‘new’ measure of market orientation, which is shown to marginally outperform both MARKOR and MKTOR in explaining variations in business performance.
On the Determinants of Foreign Direct Investment in Transition Economies

Foreign direct investment (FDI) brings host countries capital, productive facilities, and technology transfer, as well as new jobs and management expertise. Thus, it is important to understand why in many transition countries FDI inflow is lower than expected. The goal of this study is to explore some important factors determining flow of FDI into transition countries. In particular, we analyze the legal environment for FDI in some transition economies. Then we model the impact of stability of the economic and legal environment on the pattern of FDI. Our analysis shows that (1) higher variability of basic macroeconomic fundamentals reduces the flow of FDI, (2) high volatility of fiscal and business regulations makes the inflow of FDI smaller, and (3) macroeconomic and legal instability leads to adverse selection of the investors. Based on theoretical findings we formulate a clear message to policy makers stating that in order to attract significant inflows of long-term and nonspeculative foreign capital, first of all, a stable economic and institutional environment is needed.
Inflation Risk Premia in the Euro Area and the United States

We use a joint model of macroeconomic and term structure dynamics to estimate inflation risk premia and inflation expectations in the United States and the euro area. To sharpen our estimation, we include in the information set macro data and survey data on inflation and interest rate expectations at various future horizons, as well as term structure data from both nominal and index-linked bonds. Our results indicate that, over the post-2004 period when index-linked bond markets were sufficiently developed in both monetary areas, inflation risk premia across various maturities had strikingly similar properties in the United States and in the euro area: their dynamics and their levels, especially over the years until mid-2011, have remained quite close to each other, even if premia appear to be subject to somewhat greater high-frequency volatility in the United States. After correcting for liquidity and inflation risk premia, long-term inflation expectations extracted from bond prices have remained remarkably stable at the peak of the financial crisis and throughout the Great Recession. For the United States, we also document a downward shift in the perceived inflation target, from approximately 3 percent until 2011 to levels closer to 2 percent following the FOMC announcement of a numerical long-term inflation goal.
Calibration of bridge standard for strain gauge bridge amplifier

This paper presents an automatic system developed at METAS for the calibration of bridge standards used as reference for strain gauge bridge amplifiers. This system, based on a comparison method, uses a PXI chassis with two acquisition boards to balance the bridge automatically. The use of two specific inductive voltage dividers is required to reach the very high accuracy of this type of bridge standard. With a ratio of 2 mV/V, an input voltage of 10 V at 225 Hz, the relative uncertainty is 8 ppm, which is 16 ppb of the input voltage.
INVESTIGATIONS OF THE STEP LENGTH-STEP FREQUENCY RELATIONSHIP IN SPRINTING: APPLIED IMPLICATIONS FOR PERFORMANCE

The relationship between velocity, step length (SL) and step frequency (SF) has received much attention in the biomechanical literature, but there is not a consensus on which of SL and SF is most important to performance in elite sprinting. This paper presents a series of linked studies aimed at increasing the understanding of the individualised nature of the relationship. The research has revealed that elite sprinters’ velocity can be individually reliant on either SL or SF, and that the athlete’s training programme also plays an important role in determining SL and SF. Furthermore, it is thought that sprinters can manipulate the SL-SF relationship throughout a maximal sprint to maintain velocity. The influence of joint kinetics on SL and SF is not yet fully understood, but further work in this area will accelerate the understanding of the biomechanics of sprint performance.
Offensive-Defensive Interactions between Herbivores and Plants: Their Relevance in Herbivore Population Dynamics and Ecological Theory

A consideration of known defensive attributes of plants, and others that can be reasonably postulated, leads to the description of two alternative offensive strategies of herbivores, termed stealth and opportunism, to counter plant defenses. Stealthy herbivores display adaptations to minimize damage and defensive responses of their food plants. On the other hand, opportunists take advantage of circumstances, such as physical stress and loss of acquired resistance of food plants, that impair plant defensive capability. In addition, opportunists themselves display adaptations, such as mass-attack behavior, that stress food plants. Herbivore species with low, relatively invariant population levels may be stealthy, whereas those with variable population levels may be opportunistic. Phase changes in herbivores may be the result of transition between the two strategies. It is suggested that interactions within and among species of herbivores are better understood in terms of interference and facilitation than in terms of competition.
In situ ultrasonic velocity measurements across the olivine-spinel transformation in Fe2SiO4

Abstract Compressional (P) and shear (S) wave velocities across the olivine-spinel transformation in Fe2SiO4 were investigated in situ using combined synchrotron X-ray diffraction, X-ray imaging, and ultrasonic interferometry up to 5.5 GPa along the 1173 K isotherm. The onset of the spinel to olivine transformation at 4.5 GPa and olivine to spinel transition for Fe2SiO4 at 4.8 GPa was concurrently observed from X-ray diffraction, the amplitude of the ultrasonic signals, the calculated velocities, and the ratio of P and S wave velocities (vP/vS). No velocity softening was observed prior to the fayalite to spinel transition. The velocity contrasts across the Fe2SiO4 spinel to fayalite phase transition are derived directly from the measured velocities, which are 13 and 12% for P and S waves, respectively, together with a density contrast of 9.4%. A comparison with literature data indicates that the changes in compressional-wave velocity and density across the olivine-spinel transformation in Fe2SiO4 are comparable to those with different iron concentrations in the (Mg,Fe)2SiO4 solid solution, whereas the shear wave velocity contrast decreases slightly with increasing iron concentration
An antarctic feeding triangle: defensive interactions between macroalgae, sea urchins, and sea anemones

A relationship between macroalgae (Phyllophora antarctica and Iridaea cordata), the sea urchin Sterechinus neumayeri, and the sea anemone Isotealia antarctica in Antarctica is described. Both macroalgal species are chemically defended against herbivory by S. neumayeri. Where macroalgae and urchins co-occur in the field, over 95 % of the urchins use macroalgae as cover and the vast majority of available drift is held by them. Urchins collected from sites without macroalgae prefer macroalgae over other cover materials in the laboratory, suggesting that they make an active behavioral choice to cover with macroalgae when available. Macroalgal cover acts as a defense against the major sea urchin predator, I. antarctica. Algal cover significantly increases the likelihood that urchins will escape from I. antarctica because the anemones' tentacles attach to the algae, which are subsequently released by the anemone or by both the urchin and the anemone. This defense is physical as thalli from which defensive chemicals have been extracted are equally protective. Macroalgae appear to derive benefit from this relationship because fertile drift plants are retained in the photic zone where they can continue to contribute to the gene pool. The urchins also extend the effective horizontal and vertical distributions of the macroalgae, which may help sustain the range of these algal populations in periods of reduced light availability. Hence, even though the macroalgae are chemically defended from urchin herbivory, this relationship is apparently mutualistic. It benefits the sea urchins by providing a defense against their primary predator and benefits the macroalgae by helping to sustain a reproductive population.
Categorised Neighborhood-based Collaborative Filtering

Bell and Koren produced an eﬃcient and swift Collaborative Filtering algorithm, which improved the original Netﬂix algorithm by addressing some of the main concerns which were present. We copied the majority of this algorithm and included an extension. The question is whether this extension will provide an improvement to the existing algorithm. The existing model makes use of the so-called jointly derived interpolation algorithm, we left out factorisation which was used in Bell and Koren (2007) and included a categorisation of the ratings. In short this means that user ratings labeled as ’high’, ’middle’ or ’low’, will only be compared to similar ’high’, ’middle’ or ’low’ user ratings. This is in contrast to the original where they are compared to all ratings. The results will be compared to our own reproduction of the existing algorithm by making use of the Root Mean Squared Error term. Lastly, we will discuss the results and shortcomings and make suggestions for future research.
The interactive relationship between coastal erosion and flood risk

Coastal erosion and flooding are hazards that, when combined with facilitative pathways and vulnerable receptors, represent sources of coastal risk. Erosion and flooding risks are often analysed separately owing to complex relationships between driving processes, morphological response and risk receptors. We argue that these risks should be considered jointly and illustrate this through discussion of three ‘expressions’ of this interactive relationship: coastal morphology modifies flood hazard; future flood risk depends on changing shoreline position; and the simultaneous occurrence of erosion–flooding events. Some critical thoughts are offered on the general applicability of these expressions and the implications for coastal risk management policy.
On the Use of Formative Measurement Specifications in Structural Equation Modeling: A Monte Carlo Simulation Study to Compare Covariance-Based and Partial Least Squares Model Estimation Methodologies

The broader goal of this paper is to provide social researchers with some analytical guidelines when investigating structural equation models (SEM) with predominantly a formative specification. This research is the first to investigate the robustness and precision of parameter estimates of a formative SEM specification. Two distinctive scenarios (normal and non-normal data scenarios) are compared with the aid of a Monte Carlo simulation study for various covariance-based structural equation modeling (CBSEM) estimators and various partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM) weighting schemes. Thus, this research is also one of the first to compare CBSEM and PLS-PM within the same simulation study. We establish that the maximum likelihood (ML) covariance-based discrepancy function provides accurate and robust parameter estimates for the formative SEM model under investigation when the methodological assumptions are met (e.g., adequate sample size, distributional assumptions, etc.). Under these conditions, ML-CBSEM outperforms PLS-PM. We also demonstrate that the accuracy and robustness of CBSEM decreases considerably when methodological requirements are violated, whereas PLS-PM results remain comparatively robust, e.g. irrespective of the data distribution. These findings are important for researchers and practitioners when having to choose between CBSEM and PLS-PM methodologies to estimate formative SEM in their particular research situation.
Importance of the mesoscale in the decadal changes observed in the northern Canary upwelling system

Analysis of sea surface temperature (SST) time series since 1960 from existing data bases shows a generalized warming trend in the northern Canary upwelling system. The field of the satellite‐derived SST trends off Western Iberia was built at the pixel scale (4 × 4 km) for the period 1985–2008, revealing significant spatial differences in the warming rates. Weaker warming trends fit to the known upwelling pattern off the southern part of the Western Iberia, pointing out the intensification of this feature since 1985, particularly during the peak summer months. A more regular behavior is found further north suggesting significant decadal changes in the mesoscale patterns of the northern Canary upwelling system.
Evaluating the Performance of Employees in Food and Beverage Department at Resort Hotels

Service quality is a growing concern for the hospitality industry. Today service firms are paying more attention than ever to the needs and expectations of the customers by consistently improving the quality of service provided to their customers. The performance is measured by the turnover rate for managerial and non-managerial employees, labor productivity and its return on assets. Customer satisfaction has emerged as an important component in the success of service business, as it encourages repeat business and foster word-of-mouth advertising. The hotel industry responds to the use of competencies in human resource management as this industry is people focused and labor intensive. Thus, people with the level of proficiency and skills are highly required for a successful business. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate employees' performance in food and beverage department at Sharm El-Sheikh hotels. Hence, this study aims to ensure the effectiveness of the human element in resort hotels.
The impact of climate change towards Malaysian paddy farmers

Ricardian model was used to estimate the impact of climate change on granary level net revenue of paddy sector in Malaysia. Panel data from eight granaries was used in this study and the annual net revenue was regressed against climate variables and other controlled variables. The results indicate that climate is one of the determinants of Malaysian paddy granaries’ profitability. Given future predicted climate scenario indicates that farmers are predicted to lose an average of about 67% of revenue within the period of 2020 to 2029, 88% within 2050 to 2059, and 127% within 2090 to 2099. The losses might affect the livelihood of 296,000 paddy farmers in Malaysia. Thus, immediate adaptation strategies are critical in order to deal with such predicted effects. Key words: Climate change, Malaysia, paddy, Ricardian model.
The mediating role of self-regulation in cigarette smoking and alcohol use among young people

This research explores the role of self-regulation in substance- use behaviours from a developmental perspective. We explore the influ- ence of the peer group and parental competencies on self-regulation, in relation to substance use in young people, by means of two convenience samples, the first comprising 478 participants aged 10 to 20, the majority of whom were female, and the second made up of 311 youngsters aged 10 to 17, the majority being male. The instruments used were a Sociodemo- graphic Questionnaire (ad hoc), a Smoking and Alcohol Use Question- naire (ad hoc), the Adolescent Self-Regulatory Inventory - brief version (ASRI-2r), the Parental Competencies Scale and the Peer Relations Ques- tionnaire. The results confirm a relationship between gender and long- term self-regulation, whose level is higher among girls and young women. Those youngsters with friends who smoke or regularly drink alcohol score lower on the short-term self-regulation subscales. A moderate positive re- lationship is confirmed between long-term self-regulation and positive competencies in parents.
A Validation Study on Radiation properties of a Novel LiF: Mg, Ti Known as IAP-100

Introduction: LiF dosimeter has the most application in medicine. This study aimed to evaluate some dosimetric properties of a novel LiF: Mg, Ti. Materials and Methods: An ELEKTA Precise linear accelerator was used to calibrate dosimeters at 6 MV. In this survey, responses of dosimeters were evaluated up to 1000 cGy. Background effect was investigated in two different dosimeter states including irradiated and unirradiated.Thermoluminescence response dependence to dose rate was investigated, as well. Energy dependence was evaluated in diagnostic and therapeutic ranges. Furthermore, fading effect was evaluated by reading the dosimeters every 2 h up to 12 h post-irradiation. Results: The dosimeters had linear response up to 250 cGy. Readout values of dosimeters receiving 120 cGy at three dose rates of 21, 212, 425 cGy.min-1 were calculated equal to 125, 123, 121 cGy, respectively. The measured values of delivering 80, 120, and 150 cGy prescribed doses at 6 MV, 10 MV, and 15 MV were accurate at 6 MV and about 1.5 times higher than the prescribed doses at 10 and 15 MV. Thermoluminescence response in diagnostic energy range showed an uprising trend with increasing energy. Conclusion: The raising thermoluminescence response with increasing energy contradicts with the findings of Nunn. Due to the reproducibility and linear response of dosimeters in an acceptable dose range, they could be used in diagnostic and therapeutic fields. Effects of absorbed doses from background in low-dose studies, mainly in diagnostic radiology range, could be evaluated in more detail in future surveys.
Assessment of immune response in cattle against experimentally prepared trivalent (O, A, and Asia-1) FMD vaccine in Bangladesh

This research work was conducted to investigate the effects of age, sex and breed on the induction of immune response against experimentally prepared inactivated trivalent (type O, A, and Asia-1) FMD vaccine. Twenty six cattle were divided into four test groups (Group A, B, C, and D; 5 cattle in each group) and one control group (n=6) based on breed (local and cross), age (? 12 months and >12 months), and sex (male and female). Test cattle were vaccinated with the experimentally prepared trivalent FMD vaccine. Pre- and post vaccinated sera from the vaccinated cattle were collected upto 63 days, and the sera were tested using liquid phase blocking enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (LPBE) that was specific for FMD serotypes O, A, and Asia-1. Antibody titers of all the pre-vaccinated serum samples were found to be under protection level. The females were found to be more protected (90%; n=9/10) as compared to males (70%; n=7/10). The titers obtained were statistically analyzed using ttest to observe the effects of age, breed and sex. It was observed that the mean values of antibody titer in cattle aging >12 months against O, A, and Asia-1 serotypes were significant (P 12 months showed better immune response towards trivalent FMD vaccine. http://dx.doi. org/10.5455/javar.2015. b121
Diffusion tensor imaging and MR spectroscopy assessment of cancellous bone quality in femoral neck of healthy , osteopenic and osteoporotic subjects at 3 T : preliminary experience

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