Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Aa Lean Approach to Construction: an Historical Case Study

The paper outlines a case study revealing the early employment of flow principles in construction. Insights are gathered with a view to assist present-day efforts to adopt alternative management approaches in construction, such as lean production and just-intime. The case is that of Jennings, previously one of the largest house-building organisations in Australia. Concurrent with Toyota’s development of lean production, including the just-in-time production method, Jennings employed some of the principles to which lean ideas are attributed. Their practices included the use of flow production, supply-chains, standardised design approach, unitary production, and quality measurement. Jennings’ practices are reviewed and the way in which the organisation initially adapted them to the characteristic conditions of construction examined. Further the circumstances surrounding the dilution of these principles, an act which has partly led to the novelty of lean approaches in construction today, are reviewed.
Studying the Effects of non oil Exports on Targeted Economic Growth In Iranian 5th Development Plan: A Computable General Equilibrium Approach

This paper estimates the effects of an increase in Iran’s non-oil exports on its economic growth as well as sectoral outputs, using a single country, comparative static, exogenous policy Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model. The paper also investigates the share of tradable sectors in reaching to the targeted growth rate (8%) in 5 th socio-economic development plan. For this purpose, the parameters of the model are calibrated based on Iran’s Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) which carries a snapshot of the Iran’s economy. The model is then used to simulate the impact of increasing the exports uniformly across all sectors by 10, 20, and 30 percent on endogenous variables, including sectoral outputs, and GDP. Results suggest that 2.03% of targeted economic growth rate would be achieved by encouraging a 6% growth in exports. Our finding also indicates that industry and mine sector in Iran, would have more influence on growth than other non-oil sectors.
The role of strategic HR practices in organisational effectiveness: an empirical investigation in the country of Jordan

This study responds to the call of researchers, and is conducted in a non-western context in the country of Jordan. The study contributes to our understanding of human resource (HR) practices' impact on organisational effectiveness. The empirical analysis is based on theoretical prepositions that motivated employees through good HR practices stay longer and contribute positively to the overall financial performance of organisations. Rigorous statistical testing of the data on the population of financial firms shows that careful recruitment and selection, training and internal career opportunities have a positive impact on reducing employee turnover. Training, in particular, is found to have a strong positive impact on financial performance measured by return on assets and return on equity. Furthermore, the findings provide strong support for the direct approach in strategic HR management–performance research that a group of best HR practices will continuously and directly generate superior performance. Despite such compelling arguments, however, we did not find evidence to support the notion that a bundle of HR practices impact better on financial performance than individual HR practices. It is possible that the optimal configuration may not only be contingent on national context, but could be due to the sector and the specific characteristics of the firm.
Coral communities of Hong Kong: long-lived corals in a marginal reef environment

Hong Kong's coastal waters afford a marginal environment for coral reef growth, with high seasonal and short-term variability in water temperatures (ranging from 30 spp. per site), and also host some large, old corals. X-radiographs of a core of one mas- sive Porites colony confirms ~200 yr of growth, with 2 short-term periods of mortality, hidden in the skeleton by overgrowth. Very low linear extension rates (<4 mm yr -1 ) in this coral and 2 others are anomalous for Porites corals and are indicative of the high-stress environment. Low growth rates suggest that other Hong Kong corals, despite the harsh environmental conditions, may also live for centuries, contributing to the development of 'incipient reefs'.
Yield and Macronutrient Accumulation in Grain of Spring Wheat (Triticumaestivum ssp. vulgare L.) as Affected by Biostimulant Application

Plant growth and development, resistance to stress, nutrient uptake and yield can be supported by the use of biostimulants. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of the seaweed biostimulant Kelpak and its combined application with the preparation Lithovit on yield components, grain yield and accumulation of macroelements in spring wheat grain. The study was based on field experiments located in Poland, (53°13’N; 17°51’E), conducted in 2010-2011 on a typical Alfisol (USDA). In the one-factorial field experiment with the spring wheat (Triticum aestivum ssp. vulgare) cultivar Katoda, we compared the effects of the application of the biostimulant Kelpak (seaweed extract) (T1) alone at a dose of 2 l ha-1, to a mixture of two preparations, Kelpak 1.5 l ha-1+Lithovit (finely milled limestone) 1.5 kg ha-1 (T2) with the control (without preparations) (T3). The study showed that foliar application of the biostimulant Kelpak at shooting increased spring wheat yield, but there was no additional increase in yield after its combined application with Lithovit. Application of the biostimulant Kelpak increased the number of generative tillers, and the combined application of prepared Kelpak and Lithovit had a favourable effect on the number of grains per ear. Application of biostimulant Kelpak and its mixture with Lithovit caused increased accumulation of N, P and K in grain.
Influence of salicylic acid pre-treatment on emergence and early seedling growth of cucumber (Cucumis sativus)under salt stress

Salicylic acid (SA) is a common, plant-produced signal molecule that is responsible for inducing tolerance to a number of biotic and abiotic stresses. An experiment was therefore conducted to test whether the application of SA at various concentrations (0, 0.25, 0.50 or 1.0 mM) through a seed-soaking method would protect cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) seedlings subjected to salt stress. After soaking, seeds were sown in plastic trays filled with washed fine sand. The trays were then placed in the greenhouse and watered with different NaCl solutions (0, 50, 100 and 150 mM), for a period of 4 weeks. SA improved the majority of physiological (relative leaf chlorophyll content, leaf relative water content and chlorophyll fluorescence ratio) and morphological parameters (total emergence, mean emergence time, shoot and root dry weights) of cucumber seedlings subjected to salt stress. SA improved the injuries caused by salt stress by promoting K + accumulation and preventing increases in leaf electrolyte leakage and Na + contents of leaves and roots. The best protection appeared to be obtained from SA applied by seed-soaking method at 1.00 mM.
Using the process dissociation procedure to estimate recollection and familiarity in working memory: An experimental and individual differences investigation

Although complex span tasks are believed to require controlled attention, many studies have indicated the effects of automaticity on working memory (WM) measures. In two experiments, we disentangled recollection and familiarity using an adaptation of the process dissociation procedure). In two blocks of reasoning span (Experiment 1) and Brown–Peterson span (Experiment 2) tasks, participants studied five discrete to-be-remembered digits (0–9) for either 1 or 3 sec while also solving reasoning problems (Does B follow C? BC). Participants were instructed to report the five presented digits (inclusion) or the five digits that were not presented (exclusion). Estimates of recollection but not familiarity differed as a function of presentation rate. Furthermore, recollection was more reliable than the typically used inclusion performance and strongly related to fluid intelligence. These results help to elucidate the functionally distinct roles of recollection and familiarity in WM.
A Test of the Theory of Tax Clienteles for Dividend Policies

The theory of tax clienteles for dividend policies predicts that after a firm initiates a cash dividend, the ownership of its equity by tax-exempt/tax-deferred and corporate investors will increase as these investors purchase shares of stock that are being sold by individual investors for whom dividends are tax disadvantaged. This study provides support for this prediction. This result, which is not well explained by omitted time-dependent factors or potentially relevant nontax factors, offers convincing new evidence that the effects of tax clienteles for dividend policies are strong enough to influence the decisions of investors.
Evaluation of modern and mid-Holocene seasonal precipitation of the Mediterranean and northern Africa in the CMIP5 simulations

Abstract. We analyse the spatial expression of seasonal climates of the Mediterranean and northern Africa in pre-industrial (piControl) and mid-Holocene (midHolocene, 6 yr BP) simulations from the fifth phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5). Modern observations show four distinct precipitation regimes characterized by differences in the seasonal distribution and total amount of precipitation: an equatorial band characterized by a double peak in rainfall, the monsoon zone characterized by summer rainfall, the desert characterized by low seasonality and total precipitation, and the Mediterranean zone characterized by summer drought. Most models correctly simulate the position of the Mediterranean and the equatorial climates in the piControl simulations, but overestimate the extent of monsoon influence and underestimate the extent of desert. However, most models fail to reproduce the amount of precipitation in each zone. Model biases in the simulated magnitude of precipitation are unrelated to whether the models reproduce the correct spatial patterns of each regime. In the midHolocene, the models simulate a reduction in winter rainfall in the equatorial zone, and a northward expansion of the monsoon with a significant increase in summer and autumn rainfall. Precipitation is slightly increased in the desert, mainly in summer and autumn, with northward expansion of the monsoon. Changes in the Mediterranean are small, although there is an increase in spring precipitation consistent with palaeo-observations of increased growing-season rainfall. Comparison with reconstructions shows most models underestimate the mid-Holocene changes in annual precipitation, except in the equatorial zone. Biases in the piControl have only a limited influence on midHolocene anomalies in ocean–atmosphere models; carbon-cycle models show no relationship between piControl bias and midHolocene anomalies. Biases in the prediction of the midHolocene monsoon expansion are unrelated to how well the models simulate changes in Mediterranean climate.
The effects of luxury restaurant environments on diners’ emotions and loyalty: Incorporating diner expectations into an extended Mehrabian-Russell model

Purpose – This paper aims to examine diners’ luxury restaurant consumption behavior by incorporating diner expectations into a modified Mehrabian–Russell model. Consumers dine at luxury restaurants for reasons beyond fulfilling basic needs. However, little is known about the factors that contribute to diners’ emotions and loyalty toward luxury restaurants. Design/methodology/approach – To examine the proposed six hypotheses, qualitative and quantitative studies were performed. Following exploratory qualitative research, 310 consumers who dined at Taiwan’s five-star hotel restaurants were recruited for the main study. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Findings – The results show that restaurants’ stimuli influence diners’ positive and negative emotions (organisms), which, in turn, affect their loyalty toward luxury restaurants (responses). Furthermore, customers with different levels of expectation react differently to stimuli. Practical implications – This study offers new empirical s.
Evaluation of nutrient index using organic carbon, available P and available K concentrations as a measure of soil fertility in Varahi River basin, India

Varahi River basin is in the midst of Udupi district in the western part of Karnataka state, covering parts of Kundapura and Udupi taluks in Udupi District, Karnataka, India. Spatial distributions for twenty physical and chemical properties were examined in the soil samples of selected agricultural fields in 28 different locations in Varahi River basin. The present study revealed that there is not much variation in soil fertility status of soils developed on various landforms in the area as the soils were having low to medium in organic carbon (0.06 to 1.20 %) and available nitrogen (6.27 to 25.09 Kg/ha) content; low to medium in available P (2.24 to 94.08 Kg/ha) and deficient to doubtful in available K (20.10 - 412.3 Kg/ha) contents. The soils of Varahi River basin were characterized as low-medium-low (LML) category based on the nutrient index calculated w.r. t. available organic carbon, available P and available K. Further, Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR) and Exchangeable Sodium Percentage (ESP) indicated that the soils were excellent for irrigation.
Black hole growth and AGN feedback under clumpy accretion

This work was supported by ISF grant 24/12, by GIF grant G-1052-104.7/2009, by a DIP grant, by the I-CORE Program of the PBC, by ISF grant 1829/12, by NSF grants AST-1010033 and AST-1405962, and supported from the E.C. through an ERC grant StG-257720.
Cone-beam Computed tomography of the Paranasal Sinuses: Comparison Study with Multidetector Computed tomography

Objectives: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in sinonasal imaging is fairly novel and remains limited to date. This study aimed to compare (1) the image quality of CBCT and multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), and (2) the eye lens dose for paranasal sinus imaging between these two modes of imaging. Methods: This study was approved by an institutional ethics review board. Sixteen patients underwent CT imaging of their paranasal sinuses for the evaluation of chronic rhinosinusitis using both CBCT and MDCT. The eye lens dose was measured using lithium fluoride thermoluminescent dosimeters during each scan. The scans were read independently by two readers for the presence of sinonasal opacification, artefacts, clarity of osseous structures and soft tissues (based on 5-point grading scales). The interclass coefficient was used to assess interobserver variability. Results: The mean eye lens dose was 1.0 mGy on CBCT and 1.4 mGy on MDCT. Respective grading scores for opacification, artefacts, osseous structures, and soft tissues were 4.3, 3.9, 4.0 and 2.0 on CBCT compared with 4.2, 4.3, 4.6 and 4.2 on MDCT. Score differences between CBCT and MDCT for artefacts, osseous structures, and soft tissues were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The image quality of CBCT scans was generally inferior, but adequate for screening purposes in the assessment of opacification and osseous detail. Compared with MDCT scans, the mean eye lens dose with CBCT was also lowered by 25%.
Character Education Based on Religious Values: an Islamic Perspective

Character education in Indonesia has become a necessity that can not be negotiable. Various cases of crime and moral deviations become evident that the character of most citizens already at alarming stage. Therefore, since the beginning, national education is not only aimed at generating human intelligent and skilled, but also of noble character. This is realized through the introduction of 18 characters excel in school (religious, honest, disciplined, tolerance, and so on). In the Islamic perspective character education paired with akhlak (Islamic ethics) education. Among the important characteristics are: it sourced from the Quran Hadith; Prophet Muhammad as a role model; priority-based methods of mental-spiritual (soul management, habituation, exemplary, and healthy environment); are simultaneous in which three education centers, namely schools, families, and communities should play a role in synergy. The government and the mass media also play a role in supporting the education of character. Pendidikan karakter di Indonesia telah menjadi kebutuhan yang tidak dapat ditawar. Berbagai kasus kejahatan moral dan penyimpangan menjadi jelas bahwa karakter sebagian besar warga sudah pada tahap mengkhawatirkan. Oleh karena itu, sejak awal, pendidikan nasional tidak hanya bertujuan menghasilkan manusia cerdas dan terampil, tetapi juga karakter yang mulia. Hal ini diwujudkan melalui pengenalan 18 karakter berprestasi di sekolah (agama, jujur, disiplin, tolerann, dan sebagainya). Dalam pendidikan karakter perspektif Islam dipasangkan dengan pendidikan akhlak (etika Islam). Di antara karakteristik penting adalah: itu bersumber dari al-Quran Hadis; Nabi Muhammad sebagai panutan; metode berbasis prioritas mental-spiritual (manajemen jiwa, pembiasaan, keteladanan, dan lingkungan yang sehat); yang simultan di mana tiga pusat pendidikan, yaitu sekolah, keluarga, dan masyarakat harus berperan dalam sinergi. Pemerintah dan media massa juga berperan dalam mendukung pendidikan karakter.
Grain Production Driven by Variations in Farmland use in China: An Analysis of Security Patterns

Abstract: In China, the pattern of farmland use has been greatly changed due to the rapid development of the economy, since economic reform in 1978. Variations in available farmland, in terms of both quantity and quality, have brought about changes in grain production. This paper analyzes the spatiotemporal pattern of China' s level of farmland use for the period 1978 to 2004, and develops a “farmland—grain elasticity coefficient” (FGEC) to reflect the interrelationship between changes in farmland use and levels of grain production, using agricultural statistical data from local governments. The outcome of this study indicates that since 1978 the effect of farmland loss on grain security has been somewhat abated, due to increased investments and the subsequent improvements on farmland. Since the initiation of economic reform, China' s level of farmland use has been generally improved. These improvements are mainly due to rapid economic development and constitute a move across a gradient from the southeast coast of China to the Chinese inland areas, following the same path as that of economic development. However, continuous improvements in the level of farmland use may not always bring about sustainable and steady growth in grain output. Therefore, considering the law of diminishing marginal utility, in developing countries, the area of available farmland will play a key role in maintaining security in grain production. This will also constitute a practical scientific basis for strict farmland protection objectives and strategies for China.
Maternal Labor Supply and the Availability of Public Pre‐K: Evidence from the Introduction of Prekindergarten into American Public Schools

In the 1980s and 1990s, many states and districts began to provide funding for prekindergarten (PK) programs for the first time. This paper takes advantage of the staggered timing in program funding to investigate the effect that increased availability of PK programs has on the labor supply of mothers with 4‐year‐olds. I find that mothers with a 4‐year‐old and no younger children were significantly more likely to be in the labor force and employed once PK became available. Mothers with a 4‐year‐old and other younger children were also significantly more likely to be in the labor force and employed.
Effect of fish feeding on the diversity and structure of aquatic macroinvertebrates in fishponds of Blondey (Côte d’Ivoire; West Africa)

The present study was aimed to assess the effect of fish feeding on the diversity and structure of aquatic macroinvertebrates in fishponds of Blondey in Southern Côte d’Ivoire. It was conducted in three fish ponds: a Pond without Fish (PWF), a Pond Stocking with Fish without artificial Feed (PSFWF) and a Pond Stocking with Fishs that receive artificial Feed (PSFF). In each pond, aquatic macroinvertebrates samplings were undertaken monthly with artificial substrate from November 2015 to October 2016. A total of 45 taxa belonging to three classes, seven orders and 24 families were collected. Taxa richness is higher in PWF and PSFF and lower in PSFWF. The abundance of Ephemeroptera and Trichoptera decreased respectively from PWF (144 and 421) to PSFF (8 and 18). However, the abundance of Diptera (Chironmidae) was increased (347 to 2583 specimens) in these same fishponds.
Analysis of Antioxidant Characteristics and Related Gene ExpressionProfiles of Rice Drought-Tolerance Lines Derived from Embryo-Soakingwith Alternanthera philoxeroides DNA Solution

Drought is one of major abiotic stress limiting rice stable production. In the study, four rice cultivars, IAPAR9 (upland rice cultivar), H8 and H10 (droughttolerance variant lines derived from 6527 embryo-soaked with Alternanthera philoxeroides DNA solution) and 6527 (ordinary rice cultivar), were used to study the antioxidant characteristics of drought-resistant varieties by superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, peroxidase (POD) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) content and their related gene expression profiles. The results showed that the SOD activity, POD activity and MDA content were increased significantly under drought stress, while decreased in the yield and its related traits such as seed setting ratio, 1000-grain weight and grain number per panicle. The SOD and POD activities in drought-tolerant rice (H8, H10 and IAPAR9) were significantly higher than those in drought-sensitive 6527. Less MDA content was produced in drought-tolerant rice (H8, H10 and IAPAR9) than sensitive 6527. The yield of H8 was significantly higher than that of other cultivars, and the seed setting ratio and 1000-grain weight from those with drought-tolerant were significantly higher than that of sensitive 6527. After drought stress, there were 11 genes related to antioxidant progress whose expression profiles changed significantly between H8 and 6527. These results suggested that drought tolerant cultivars maybe subdue harms from the peroxidation by inducing the express of related genes of antioxidant process, further increasing the SOD activity and POD activity. Thus, their enhancement of drought resistance could maintain the normal growth and development under drought stress and achieve maximum photosynthate storage.
The Usage of CIDOS and Social Network Sites in Teaching and Learning Processes at Malaysian Polytechnics

In 21 st century learning, students use educational technologies to apply knowledge to new situations, analyse information, collaborate, solve problems, and make decisions. Utilising emerging technologies, to provide expanded learning opportunities, is critical to the success of future generations. In this paper, the author will share the findings on the usage of CIDOS and Social Network Sites in teaching and learning processes at Malaysian Polytechnics. T wo sets of questionnaires were distributed to a group of 84 diploma students and 41 lecturers from Politeknik Ibrahim Sultan, Politeknik Merlimau, Politeknik Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin, Politeknik Kota Kinabalu, and Politeknik Sultan Idris Shah. The results of the study show the existence of communication and interaction difficulties in existing Learning Management Systems (LMS). As a recommendation for future research, it is suggested to integrate current LMS with Facebook to support Online Collaborative Learning (OCL).