Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Compendium of Evidence on the Effectiveness of Innovation Policy Intervention

This project is part of a broader activity to prepare a compendium of evidence on the effectiveness of innovation policy intervention funded by NESTA (the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts) and coordinated by the Manchester Institute of Innovation Research. ZEW contributes to this activity in the field of R&D tax incentives. Based on a literature review on empirical findings of the effectiveness of R&D tax credits and other types of tax incentives in favour of R&D, conclusions on a proper design of such policy instruments are drawn.In addition to tax incentives, the overall project also considers direct support for business R&D through grants and loans, financial support programmes such as venture capital programmes, human resource programmes, innovation intermediaries, technology transfer schemes, cluster and network activities, IPR related measures, regulation and standardisation, and public procurement.
The Effects of Multimedia Task-Based Language Teaching on EFL Learners' Oral L2 Production.

This study examined the effects of tasks, with varying levels of complexity, i.e. simple, + complex and ++ complex tasks on EFL learners’ oral production in a multimedia task-based language teaching environment. 57 EFL adult learners carried out a total of 12 tasks, in sets of four tasks within three different themes and different levels of complexity. During the 16 weeks of the study, the students performed three oral test tasks that were assessed in terms of accuracy, fluency and complexity, using eight different measures. This study found that scaffolding learners in performing tasks with increasing levels of complexity in a multimedia task-based language teaching/learning context, results in improved second language oral production, particularly in terms of accuracy, fluency and complexity.
Challenges and solutions in PGM furnace operation: high matte temperature and copper cooler corrosion

Synopsis The key aspects of process metallurgy that distinguish platinum group metal (PGM) concentrate smelting from that of other base metal sulphide concentrates are presented. These differences include considerably higher input chrome and magnesia contents that directly raise the slag liquidus temperature and have the potential to increase accumulations of refractory spinels. Most importantly, the higher processing temperature required for PGM smelting and the resulting very high matte superheat lead to considerably more onerous smelting conditions than those typical of other smelting operations. This has presented challenges to furnace design and integrity, especially when coupled with the progressive intensification of smelting, involving doubling, and then redoubling, of furnace power inputs over the past 20 years. These power increases have been enabled by increasingly more advanced furnace cooling and structural technologies. Key technologies include strong constant-force spring-loaded bindings acting in three dimensions to minimize infiltration of superheated matte into brick joints, and robust well-cooled tapholes for reliably tapping the superheated matte. The result has been substantially improved productivity, and reduced smelting capital cost outlay per unit of production. A significant challenge, which was not anticipated, presented itself in the form of insidious corrosion of the furnace lining, and especially high-intensity copper cooling elements. Investigation of corrosion in related industries eventually identified ‘chlorideaccelerated sulphidation’, and this term has been retained as it generically describes the most pertinent aspects of the accelerated low-temperature wear of copper coolers observed in PGM smelting. In addition to discussing the corrosion mechanism, this paper describes a number of solutions that were developed jointly by Anglo American Platinum and Hatch to address the copper corrosion problem. First, new monitoring technologies allowed furnaces to be operated more safely for a longer period of time. Second, a system for replacing corroded coolers from outside the furnace during a fast ‘hot’ shutdown minimized the impact on furnace operating factor and hearth life. Finally, a corrosionresistant graphite-protected cooler design significantly improved furnace campaign life, and heralds a more lasting solution to cooler corrosion in PGM furnaces.
Does LearnSmart Connect Students to Textbook Content in an Interpersonal Communication Course?: Assessing the Effectiveness of and Satisfaction with LearnSmart.

This study examines McGraw-Hill Higher Education’s LearnSmart online textbook supplement and its effect on student exam performance in an interpersonal communication course. Students (N = 62) in two sections were either enrolled in a control group with no required LearnSmart usage or a treatment group with requisite LearnSmart assignments. Aggregated exam scores were compared using independent sample t tests. Results indicate that the control and treatment groups scored similarly on the exams with no significant differences; however, patterns of findings reflected a trend of higher scores in the treatment condition. Students utilized the tool primarily as a study aid and generally were satisfied with the online resource except for the perceived value. Suggestions for administration of the LearnSmart tool are provided.
INTERFACE BETWEEN CUSTOMER VALUE DRIVERS AND COMPANY’S VALUE

The evolution of business orientations and management concepts led to an emphasized interest in value and value creation. The viewpoints at value, analysed in scholarly literature, are very different. For those reasons, lately there appeared a need to disclose the multidimensity of the notion of value. The multidimensity originates not only from the different viewpoints of stakeholders, but also from different perceptions of researchers from different fields. The paper is focused on the viewpoints of company’s owners and customers. It aims to disclose the interface between the value created for customers and the value of a company. The article highlights the multidimensity of the notion of value by discussing how value is perceived by companies, customers and how customers bring value to companies. A detailed view of the customers’ perception of value is obtained by identifying customer value drivers. The interface is specified by linking customer value drivers to company’s value through such links as marketing decisions, marketing results and financial results. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.5755/j01.em. 17.3. 2093
Frequency variation in site response over long and short time scales, as observed from strong motion data of the L’Aquila (2009) seismic sequence

Previous works based mainly on strong-motion recordings of large Japanese earthquakes showed that site amplification and soil fundamental frequency could vary over long and short time scales. These phenomena were attributed to non-linear soil behaviour due to inelastic, softening non-linearity: the starting fundamental frequency and amplification were both decreasing and not recovering for a time varying from few hours to several months. The recent April 6 th 2009 earthquake (MW 6.3), occurred in the L'Aquila district (central Italy), gave us the possibility to test hypotheses on time variation of amplification function and soil fundamental frequency, thanks to the recordings provided by a preexisting strong-motion array and by a large number of temporary stations. We performed spectral ratio studies for the permanent stations of the Aterno Valley array where a reference station was available. The temporary stations and permanent ones were studied using time-frequency analyses through the S-Transform approach (Stockwell et al., 1996). Finally, analyses on noise recordings were performed, in order to study the soil behaviour in linear conditions. The results provided puzzling evidences. Concerning the long time scale, little variation was observed at the permanent stations of the Aterno Valley array. As for the short time-scale variation, the evidence was often contrasting, with some station showing a time-varying behavior, while others did not change their frequency with respect to the one evaluated from noise HVSR. Even when a time-varying fundamental frequency was observed, it was difficult to attribute it to a classical, softening non-linear behaviour. Even for the strongest recorded shocks, with PGA reaching 0.7 g, variations in frequency and amplitude seems not relevant from building design standpoint. The only exception seems to be the site named AQV, where the analyses evidence a fundamental frequency of the soil, shifting from 3 Hz to about 1.5 Hz during the mainshock.
GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF CLARIAS GARIEPINUS FINGERLINGS FED Citrullus lanatus SEED MEAL AS A REPLACEMENT FOR SOYBEAN MEAL

This study was designed to evaluate the growth per­formance of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings fed wa­termelon seed meal as substitute for soybean meal. Five diets of 35% crude protein were formulated with watermelon seed meal replacing soybeans at 25% (DT 2 ), 50% (DT 3 ), 75% (DT 4 ), 100% (DT 5 ) and con­trol diet 0% (DT 1 ) had no inclusion of Watermelon seed meal. Twenty fingerlings were randomly allocat­ed in replicate for each treatment in outdoor hapas and fed 5% body weight throughout the study period of 8weeks with weekly weight measurement and appro­priate feed adjustment. The mean weight gain, specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio were highest in DT 2 (5.05g, 0.019 and 0.96 respectively) while lower values were recorded in DT 5 (3.31g, 0.014, 0.80 re­spectively). Superiority of protein in soybean as well as anti-nutritional factor present in the raw watermel­on seed meal and high fiber contents of diet are envis­aged as reasons for better performance of diet with no or lesser water melon meal inclusion, hence it inclu­sion should be limited to 16% for better growth per­formance of Clarias gariepinus .
Using Logistic Regression Model to Predict the Success of Bank Telemarketing

Term deposit is always an essential business of a bank and a good market campaign plays an essential role in financial selling. Nowadays, the telephone marketing, which can assist consulting institution to extract potential clients, has been one of the most general marketing campaigns. Previous research shows that data mining has gradually stood out on the era of Big Data and has been incorporated to deal with massive data precisely. The purpose of this study is to predict the success of bank telemarketing to select the best consumer set. A relationship is observed between success and other factors through constructing logistic regression model. To validate the effectiveness of prediction, some basic classification models have been compared in this study, including Bayes, Support Vector Machine, Neural Network and Decision Tree. As a result, the prediction accuracy and the area under ROC curve prove the logistic regression model performs best in classifying than other models. All of the experiments are implemented by R language software. And the experimental results can provide some suggestions and instructions towards the management of the bank.
Antibiotic resistance profile of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from aquaculture and abattoir environments in urban communities

Isoken Henrietta Igbinosa, Abeni Beshiru, Etinosa Ogbomoede Igbinosa SAMRC Microbial Water Quality Monitoring Centre, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice, 5700, South Africa Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, PMB 1154, Benin City, Nigeria Applied Microbial Processes and Environmental Health Research Group, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, PMB 1154, Benin City, Nigeria Asian Pac J Trop Dis 2017; 7(1): 47-52
Polar Transformation on Image Features for Orientation-Invariant Representations

The choice of image feature representation plays a crucial role in the analysis of visual information. Although vast numbers of alternative robust feature representation models have been proposed to improve the performance of different visual tasks, most existing feature representations [e.g., handcrafted features or convolutional neural networks (CNNs)] have a relatively limited capacity to capture the highly orientation-invariant (rotation/reversal) features. The net consequence is suboptimal visual performance. To address these problems, this study adopts a novel transformational approach, which investigates the potential of using polar feature representations. Our low level consists of a histogram of oriented gradient, which is then binned using annular spatial bin-type cells applied to the polar gradient. This gives gradient binning invariance for feature extraction. In this way, the descriptors have significantly enhanced orientation-invariant capabilities. The proposed feature representation, called orientation-invariant histograms of oriented gradients, is capable of accurately processing visual tasks (e.g., facial expression recognition). In the context of the CNN architecture, we propose two polar convolution operations, referred to as full polar convolution and local polar convolution, and use these to develop polar architectures for the CNN orientation-invariant representation. Experimental results show that the proposed orientation-invariant image representation, based on polar models for both handcrafted features and deep learning features, is both competitive with state-of-the-art methods and maintains compact representation on a set of challenging benchmark image datasets.
The role of podcasting in effective curriculum renewal

This paper reports on a case study into the contribution of podcasting to the curriculum transformation of two distance-taught master’s programmes. Both programmes attract work-based Occupational Psychology practitioners, most of whom are in full-time employment. Challenges faced by the course team included adding flexibility to the curricula, increasing learner engagement (both with learning materials and feedback) and reducing learner isolation. As part of a coordinated enhancement effort, which included changes to curriculum design and delivery, 59 podcasts were introduced into the curriculum over a 12-month period. Qualitative and quantitative data were gathered from students and staff throughout the study. Action research ensured a regular flow of relevant evidence informing each stage of the renewal process. Evidence suggested that the students’ learning experiences improved as a result of four key benefits associated with the integration of podcasting in learning design: personalisation; an additional and different format for providing clear and engaging guidance, support and feedback; increased flexibility and mobility within the curricula; and ‘design once, deliver many times’ with minimum adaptation. Keywords: action research; curriculum design; curriculum delivery; curriculum renewal; occupational psychology; institutional transformation; learning design; podcasting DOI: 10.1080/09687769.2010. 492849
Efficiency Assessment of the Tanzanian Universities

The purpose of this study is to examine the efficiency and its determinants of the Universities in Tanzania by means of deterministic frontier non-parametric approach. The analysis is based on a sample of 16 colleges and Universities 8 public, and 8 private across time period of 2008 - 2012 panel data. The data obtained from sampled universities, Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU), Ministry of Education and Vocational Training (MoEVT) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) are used. We include three inputs and three outputs in a two-stage data envelopment analysis (Wen-Bin-LIU et al (2013), first evaluating DEA scores and then regress them through Tobit regression model. The findings from the study suggest that there is variability of efficiency among Universities across years. It is revealed from the study that Universities are efficient in generating graduates through available human capital, whereas research publications and consultancy services are influential factors for University efficiency. Majority of University efficiency is observed to be above average. Thus, Universities are recommended to use their input resources for research and consultancy services to improve efficiencies. Other extraneous variables which might have contributed to these findings have not been considered in the study.
Determinants of Using Fixed-term Contracts in the Egyptian Labor Market: Empirical Evidence from Manufacturing Firms Using World Bank Firm-Level Data for Egypt

Based on dual labor market theory, fixed-term contracts (FTCs) in the manufacturing sector in Egypt were analyzed to test the following hypothesis: Employers in the manufacturing firms use FTCs to adjust the level of employment to the profit maximizing level in case of demand changes. The hypothesis was not supported by the results of econometric analyses with a firm-level data set from the World Bank Enterprise Surveys for years 2004, 2007 and 2008. Probit and Tobit models were used to estimate the probability and intensity of using different kinds of numerical labor market flexibility. Empirical results revealed that demand changes had no effects on using FTCs in the manufacturing firms in Egypt. Furthermore, the results indicated that demand changes had also no effects on using hiring and firing as labor market flexibility instruments. In the light of knowing the determinants of using FTCs in Egypt, policies can be shaped to introduce incentives to employers in the Egyptian manufacturing firms to use (FTCs).
Applying adaptive change processes and supports to the learning classroom

The aim of this paper is to describe the application of the adaptive change model (ACM) to the school context, and provide rubrics for the use the model to evaluate student or teacher preparedness for change, and enhance the decision-making process at the school community, classroom, and individual student levels. Transformational learning is a philosophy that conceptualises change as central in the teaching and learning dynamic and provides the foundation for understanding how the ACM is applied to teaching and learning. The second aim of this paper is to propose how the eight factors of the ACM provide a template for interventions in schools. The eight factors (five processes and three supports) of the model define ways of prompting change, the responsiveness to curriculum materials and learning, and the processes that facilitate change and learning. Two rubrics to forward-map the change process towards learning based on this model are provided for future practice and research. The model provides a means of operationalising and monitoring progress for individual students from the teachers’ and eventually the students’ perspectives.
Performance Based Pay As A Determinant Of Job Satisfaction: A Study In Malaysia Giatmara Centers

Compensation management literature highlights that performance based pay has two major characteristics: participation in pay systems and adequacy of pay. The ability of management to properly implement such pay systems may lead to increased job satisfaction in organizations. Though, the nature of this relationship is interesting, little is known about the influence of performance based pay on job satisfaction in compensation management literature. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine the relationship between pay for performance and job satisfaction in Malaysian GIATMARA centers. The results of exploratory factor analysis confirmed that measurement scales used in this study satisfactorily met the standards of validity and reliability analyses. An outcome of stepwise regression analysis shows that determinant of job satisfaction is performance based pay. Further, this result confirms that pay for performance is an important antecedent for job satisfaction in the studied organizations.
The Relationship of Personality and Trait Anxiety between Male and Female Volleyball Players

Objectives. The purpose of the study was to examine possible correlations and differences of personality and trait anxiety between male and female volleyball players. Methods. The sample consisted of 79 Division A & C volleyball athletes (35 men and 44 women). Personality factors were investigated with the use of IPIP (International Personality Item Pool), whereas for trait anxiety the STAI - X2 (State - Trait Anxiety Inventory) questionnaire was used. Results. Statistically important differences were noticed between male and female volleyball players regarding the factors of extraversion, agreeableness, and emotional stability. In the remainder examined factors, that is, trait anxiety, consciousness and intellectual ability-imagination, no statistically important differences were noticed. A differentiation was also noticed regarding the relationship of factors when gender was selected as a criterion. Conclusion. The results reveal that male athletes were influenced to a different degree on personality factors as compared to female athletes. Further research is needed to investigate differences between the two genders by using samples from other team and individual sports.
Rapid DMSP production by an Antarctic phytoplankton community exposed to natural surface irradiances in late spring

Natural marine microbial communities sourced from under fast ice at an Antarctic coastal site were incubated in tanks under differently attenuated natural sunlight for 2 wk in late spring (Expt 1) and early summer (Expt 2). In the 18 d period between the 2 sampling episodes, the ice edge retreated from 10 to within 1.5 km of the sampling site, and the fast ice began to break up. Expt 1 rapidly produced significant quantities of total DMSP (DMSPt) with concentrations increasing from 16.6 nmol l �1 to 192.7�204.5 nmol l �1 in 2 d. We believe this is the largest observed increase in DMSPt in a semi-natural community over this time frame. Abundances of Phaeocystis antarctica increased significantly during this initial period, while other phytoplankton species/ groups remained stable. DMSPt concentrations then declined at rates averaging 39.2� 50.0 nmol l �1 d �1 between Days 2 and 4. No major DMSPt production event occurred during Expt 2 despite strong community similarities. Sea ice breakout exposes phytoplankton to significant light-related oxidative stress, and these results suggest the rapid production of DMSPt during Expt 1 was due to the initiation of anti-oxidant mechanisms by a low-light-acclimated community in response to solar radiation stress. DMS concentrations remained comparatively low throughout Expt 1, sug- gesting oxidation of DMSP to products other than DMS. Rapid sea ice breakout in coastal regions of Antarctica may result in similar fast DMSP production events during spring.
ICT and Europe's Productivity Performance: Industry-Level Growth Account Comparisons with the United States

In this paper we present a new industry-level database to analyze sources of growth in four major European countries: France, Germany, Netherlands and the United Kingdom (EU-4), in comparison with the United States for the period 1979-2000. Aggregate labor productivity growth is decomposed into industry-level contributions of labor quality, ICT and non-ICT capital deepening and TFP. A small set of service industries is mainly responsible for the acceleration in ICT capital deepening in both regions, but their contribution to growth is lower in the EU-4 than in the U.S. TFP in these ICT-intensive services accelerated in the U.S. in the 1990s, but not in Europe. In addition, widespread deceleration in non-ICT capital deepening in the EU-4 has led to a European labor productivity slowdown.