Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A narrative analysis into the psychological epistemology of conspiracy theorists.

Past psychological research regarding conspiracy theory endorsement has been conducted quantitatively. Therefore, psychologists have been unable to establish the personal views and opinions concerning individuals who believe conspiracy theories. Consequently, the current investigation was predominantly qualitative in nature. The aim of this study is to present a clear insight into the epistemology of individuals who believe in conspiracy theories. This aim was achieved by recruiting 22 participants to fill out a Likert Scale questionnaire, which asked about the individual’s general conspiratorial thinking. A score was gathered from each participant and if the individual gained over 50% on the questionnaire they were invited to take part in a semi-structured interview. 10 semi-structured interviews were conducted with both students and the general public. Through employing thematic analysis, four themes were identified; Definitions, Negative Connotations, Questioning and Endorsement Reason. The current study identified aspects of conspiracy theory endorsement which both agreed and disagreed with past research. Further research should take a qualitative standpoint when conducting explorations as new information and perspectives are gained, creating new information and knowledge regarding this topic area.
How Are We Doing After 30 Years? A Meta-Analytic Review of the Antecedents and Outcomes of Feedback-Seeking Behavior

This study provides meta-analytic estimates of the antecedents and consequences of feedback-seeking behavior (FSB). Clear support was found for the guiding cost/benefit framework in the feedback-seeking domain. Organizational tenure, job tenure, and age were negatively related to FSB. Learning and performance goal orientation, external feedback propensity, frequent positive feedback, high self-esteem, a transformational leadership style, and a high-quality relationship were positively associated with FSB. Challenging some of the dominant views in the feedback-seeking domain, the relationship between uncertainty and FSB was negative and the relationship between FSB and performance was small. Finally, inquiry and monitoring are not interchangeable feedback-seeking tactics. So FSB is best represented as an aggregate model instead of a latent model. In the discussion, gaps in the current FSB knowledge are identified and a research agenda for the future is put forward. Future research may benefit from (a) a systematic and integrative effort examining antecedents of both feedback-seeking strategies on the basis of a self-motives framework, (b) adopting a process perspective of feedback-seeking interactions, and (c) taking the iterative nature of feedback into account.
Budget deficits and surpluses in the Canadian provinces: a pooled analysis

Fiscal policy in Canada has been dominated, in recent years, by the successful deficit elimination policy of the federal and most provincial governments. The drop in Standard & Poor’s rating of the Saskatchewan government to BBB+ in June 1992, and the subsequent difficulty the new NDP provincial government faced in finding investors to buy Saskatchewan bonds, marked the beginning of a period of fiscal austerity at both the federal and the provincial levels, that was to lead to the elimination of recurrent deficits from the budgets of most governments in Canada. Now that several provincial governments are involved in administrative reforms aimed at consolidating these results, it is timely to try to understand the dynamic of budget deficits in provincial governments. This paper attempts to evaluate the impact of various economic, political, and institutional factors on provincial budgetary balance in Canada over the 1968-2000 period. It is divided into three parts. In part one, we describe the institutional arrangements that constrain fiscal policy at the provincial level in Canada. In part two, we show how these arrangements are manifested in budget outcomes. In part three, we present an econometric model of the determination of budget balance and we analyze the basic results of its estimation through a comparison of pooled and time series estimates. In the conclusion we argue for a revision of the theory of partisan cycles in budget deficits.
Assessment of genetic diversity among sixty bread wheat ( Triticum aestivum ) cultivars using microsatellite markers

Assessment of genetic diversity among wheat cultivars is important to ensure that a continuous pool of cultivars with varying desirable traits is maintained. In view of this, a molecular study was conducted to assess the genetic diversity of sixty wheat cultivars using sixty microsatellite markers. Amplified alleles from each cultivar were scored after running in 6% poly acrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). A dendrogram was constructed based on the genetic similarity coefficient of un-weighted pair-wise group method with arithmetic average (UPGMA). The results showed that 276 alleles were amplified by 48 polymorphic microsatellite markers averaging 5.7 alleles per locus. A total of 12 markers did not amplify any alleles from the 60 cultivars. Polymorphism of alleles and genetic diversity measured by polymorphic information content (PIC) and Shannon index (SI) respectively, found that genome A had the highest genetic diversity followed by genome B while genome D was the lowest diverse. Cluster analysis resulted in formation of four clusters comprising of 3, 7, 9 and 41 cultivars. Genetic distance between the clusters ranged from 0.56 to 0.87 and most cultivars showed high diversity between genetic distances of 0.65 and 0.75. The four clusters and their similarities will help breeders to breed new disease resistant cultivars and make rational deployment of cultivars in production based on the established relationships. Key words : Genetic diversity, molecular marker, microsatellite (SSR marker), Triticum aestivum.
Analysis of a rural water supply project in three communities in Mali: Participation and sustainability

This paper presents a qualitative assessment of the participatory water management strategies implemented at the community level in rural Mali through a water supply project — The West Africa Water Initiative (WAWI) — coordinated by World Vision International, a non-governmental and humanitarian organization. Data for the study were generated through a combination of primary and secondary sources in three villages. Results of the study indicate that while community-based rural water supply is a positive step in responding to the needs of rural Malians, the installation of boreholes with hand pumps informed merely by consultative participatory approaches and limited extension involvement will not necessarily proffer sustainable rural water supply in the region. A “platform” approach to rural water supply management that can mobilize the assets and insights of different social actors to influence decision making at all stages, including the design and choice-of-technology stages, in water supply interventions is instead advocated.
Lithospheric structure of the central Andes based on surface wave dispersion

[1] Shear wave velocity is very sensitive to temperature anomalies and partial melt and can provide important insights on the state of the lithosphere. With that aim in mind, phase velocities of Rayleigh and Love waves have been inverted for the regionalized shear wave velocity structure of the lithosphere across the central Andes. This inversion reveals strong lateral variations of Vs both across the range and along-strike in the Altiplano crust. In the upper crust, the main features of our models are prominent low-velocity anomalies probably related to partial melt below the Los Frailes ignimbrite complex and the southern Altiplano. At lower crustal level, the Altiplano is characterized by lower Vs than the surrounding regions. We find that the transition from the Altiplano to the Puna is associated with a 7-km thickening of the crust. At mantle depths, the Nazca plate is found to be overlaid by a dipping low-velocity zone with decreasing intensity with depth. Our results favor the idea of a cold mantle lid underlying the whole central Andes.
A Small Molecule Smac Mimic Potentiates TRAIL- and TNFα-Mediated Cell Death

We describe the synthesis and properties of a small molecule mimic of Smac, a pro-apoptotic protein that functions by relieving inhibitor-of-apoptosis protein (IAP)–mediated suppression of caspase activity. The compound binds to X chromosome– encoded IAP (XIAP), cellular IAP 1 (cIAP-1), and cellular IAP 2 (cIAP-2) and synergizes with both tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) to potently induce caspase activation and apoptosis in human cancer cells. The molecule has allowed a temporal, unbiased evaluation of the roles that IAP proteins play during signaling from TRAIL and TNF receptors. The compound is also a lead structure for the development of IAP antagonists potentially useful as therapy for cancer and inflammatory diseases.
The Effects of Corruption and Seigniorage on Growth and Inflation

In the last two decades, cases of corruption have been unveiled in different countries, raising public awareness and reinforcing a trend in which society expects more from their leaders. Our objective in this paper is to examine the effects of corruption and seigniorage on inflation and growth rates. The model used in this article is an extension of the model used by Huang and Wei (2006). We find interesting results and one of them is that, under some conditions, corruption has a positive impact on the growth rate. JEL classification : D73, E52, E58, E62. Keywords : Corruption; Fiscal Policy; Growth; Monetary Policy; Seigniorage.
Effects of Betaine on Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics in Growing Pigs

Ninety six growing pigs (Duroc×Landrace×Jia) were used to investigate the effects of betaine on growth, nutrient utilization, carcass composition and meat quality at different levels of betaine in the diet. The pigs were randomly assigned by weight to four groups, each of which was replicated three times with eight pigs per replicate. Four groups were fed with diets supplemented with 0, 1,000, 1,500 and 2,000 mg/kg betaine. The pigs were grown from 20 kg live weight to approximately 64 kg. The 1,000 mg/kg and 1,500 mg/kg betaine treated groups increased average daily gain by 13.20% (p<0.01) and 9.28% (p<0.05) and average daily feed intake by 7.30% (p<0.05) and 7.33% (p<0.01) respectively and decreased feed conversion ratio by 7.93% (p<0.01) and 6.55% (p<0.05) respectively compared to the control group. However, these differences were not found in the other betaine treated groups. The 1,000 mg/kg betaine treated group significantly elevated carcass lean proportion by 7.49% (p<0.05) and longissimus muscle area by 19.12% (p<0.05) and contents of ether extract and myoglobin in longissimus dorsi. by 34.21% (p<0.01) and 29.56% (p<0.01) respectively, reduced carcass fat proportion and fat depth by 27.21% (p<0.05) and 14.86% (p<0.05) respectively compared to the control group. It is concluded that betaine supplementation in the diets may improve growth performance and carcass characteristics in growing pigs. (Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. 2004. Vol 17, No. 12 : 1700-1704)
NETWORK RELATIONSHIPS AND FIRM PERFORMANCE AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF KENYAN MANUFACTURING FIRMS

The main objective of this paper is to investigate the influence of network relationships on the performance of Kenyan Small and Medium Enterprises. Inter-firm networking has been recognized as a vital element for survival and growth of SMEs. SMEs are key drivers in world economies and is a means of creating employment and hence poverty alleviation. There is evidence form literature that shows that network relationships influence the performance of firms. Network relationships was conceptualized under three variables. The three variables are Network structure, content and governance. The study used descriptive design and targeted firms in the Kenyan manufacturing sector. Data was collected using self administered questionnaires from a sample of 132 manufacturing SMEs operating in Kenya registered by Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM). Data was analyzed using SPSS version 21. The
Perceptual and artistic principles for effective computer depiction

This paper draws from art history and perception to place computer depiction in the broader context of picture production. It highlights the often underestimated complexity of the interactions between features in the picture and features of the represented scene. Depiction is not always a unidirectional projection from a 3D scene to a 2D picture, but involves much feedback and influence from the picture space to the object space. Depiction can be seen as a pre-existing 3D reality projected onto 2D, but also as a 2D pictorial representation that is superficially compatible with an hypothetic 3D scene. We show that depiction is essentially an optimization problem, producing the best picture given goals and constraints. We introduce a classification of basic depiction techniques based on four kinds of issue. The spatial system deals with the mapping of spatial properties between 3D and 2D (including, but not restricted to, perspective projection). The primitive system deals with the dimensionality and mappings between picture primitives and scene primitives. Attributes deal with the assignment of visual properties such as colors, texture, or thickness. Finally, marks are the physical implementations of the picture (e.g. brush strokes, mosaic cells). A distinction is introduced between interaction and picturegeneration methods, and techniques are then organized depending on the dimensionality of the inputs and outputs.
Predictors of Black Students’ Race-Related Reasons for Choosing an HBCU and Intentions to Engage in Racial Identity—Relevant Behaviors

This study explores the antecedents and consequences of race-related reasons for historically Black college and university (HBCU) choice. A total of 109 undergraduate students attending a historically Black university completed questionnaires assessing their race-related reasons for choosing the university and their intention to engage in race-related activities, as well as individual difference measures. Students with less contact with other Blacks growing up or more central racial identities were more likely to cite race-related reasons for HBCU college choice. Furthermore, lack of contact and higher racial centrality predicted greater intention to engage in behaviors to develop racial identity (e.g., race-oriented clubs and personal reading). Critically, race-related reasons for college choice mediated the impact of both contact and centrality on behavioral intentions. Finally, non-race-related reasons for college choice (i.e., academic and financial) were distinct from race-related reasons and failed to predict race-relevant behavioral intentions. Thus, the race-related reasons behind this critical life choice form a bridge between the race-relevant aspects of the past and intentions to engage in racial identity— developing behaviors in the future.
Environmental Impacts of Selective Laser Melting: Do Printer, Powder, Or Power Dominate?

This life cycle assessment measured environmental impacts of selective laser melting, to determine where most impacts arise: machine and supporting hardware; aluminum powder material used; or electricity used to print. Machine impacts and aluminum powder impacts were calculated by generating life cycle inventories of materials and processing; electricity use was measured by in‐line power meter; transport and disposal were also assessed. Impacts were calculated as energy use (megajoules; MJ), ReCiPe Europe Midpoint H, and ReCiPe Europe Endpoint H/A. Previous research has shown that the efficiency of additive manufacturing depends on machine operation patterns; thus, scenarios were demarcated through notation listing different configurations of machine utilization, system idling, and postbuild part removal. Results showed that electricity use during printing was the dominant impact per part for nearly all scenarios, both in MJ and ReCiPe Endpoint H/A. However, some low‐utilization scenarios caused printer embodied impacts to dominate these metrics, and some ReCiPe Midpoint H categories were always dominated by other sources. For printer operators, results indicate that maximizing capacity utilization can reduce impacts per part by a factor of 14 to 18, whereas avoiding electron discharge machining part removal can reduce impacts per part by 25% to 28%. For system designers, results indicate that reductions in energy consumption, both in the printer and auxiliary equipment, could significantly reduce the environmental burden of the process.
Determinants of Employee Engagement Practices in IT Sector

: The information technology sector plays a pivotal role in the development and growth of any country. It has become the foremost communication channel between people over the globe. The inducement of infrastructural advancements such as China Pakistan Corridor (CPAK) and other agreements has made IT role more significant in the development of Pakistani economy. Employee engagement is a crucial element in the performance of an organization. It also directly correlates with job satisfaction. The proposed research is aimed to find out the determinants of employee engagement such as work environment, self-evaluation, organizational treatment and work engagement and their impact on job satisfaction in the information technology sector of Pakistan.
Process Management and Organizational Structure in Large Brazilian Companies: Multiple Case Study

The main proposition of this paper is to show how large Brazilian companies, the biggest in their sectors, address process management within the traditional organizational structures (functional, by product etc.), as well as advance in conceptual explanations for that which is found in the field. It is based on a bibliographical revision about processes and organizational structures and a group of six case studies, in a sample which is consistently defined, and with a structured survey protocol. The results presented in this paper are a part of a larger Research Project, initiated in 2011 and which should continue until the end of 2012. The cases describe the actual solutions that are being adopted by large Brazilian companies, as well as the motivations for these. The solutions can provide valuable insight for other large organizations.
A COOLEY-TUKEY MODIFIED ALGORITHM IN FAST FOURIER TRANSFORM

We would like to propose a Cooley-Tukey modified al- gorithm in fast Fourier transform(FFT). Of course, this is a kind of Cooley-Tukey twiddle factor algorithm and we focused on the choice of integers. The proposed algorithm is better than existing ones in speeding up the calculation of the FFT.
and Illustration of a Training Model Multicultural Therapy Practicum Involving Refugees : Description

Multicultural scholars have long noted the value and the need to incorporate multicultural counseling practica into diversity-social justice training. This article describes an ongoing, systematic model of multicultural therapy practicum in which clinical psychology trainees provide direct psychotherapy to community-referred, culturally and linguistically diverse refugee clients, under culturally grounded supervision. As a university–community collaboration, this practicum embodies the principles of multicultural counseling competencies, social justice, community outreach and service, experiential learning, and trauma therapy. In this article, we describe the target refugee population, the theoretical/conceptual bases, the learning conditions, the organizational structure, and the evaluative research of this practicum. Next, we present a former trainee’s narrative account of working with a male Afghan refugee from an autoethnographic qualitative framework to illustrate the dynamic learning process and the intricate cross-cultural interactions between the client and therapist. Finally, implications of this practicum for future practice and research on experiential multicultural training are discussed.
Evaluation of a reduced model for investigating hurricane formation from turbulence

This paper evaluates the adequacy of a reduced (three‐layer) model for understanding hurricane formation from turbulent initial conditions. The evaluation is based on a direct comparison to tropical cyclogenesis in a cloud‐system‐resolving (CSR) model that employs single‐moment warm rain microphysics. The reduced model has three cumulus parametrizations, referred to as the convergence‐based (CB), boundary layer quasi‐equilibrium (BLQ), and selective boost (SB) options. Regardless of which one is activated, the reduced model produces hurricanes on the same time‐scale as the CSR model. Generally speaking, the hurricanes emerge from turbulence through the coalescence and convective intensification of cyclonic vorticity. Moreover, in both the reduced and CSR models, the onset of ‘rapid intensification’ follows pronounced local growth of the η‐variable of Ooyama (1969), which is a combined measure of deep convective instability and middle tropospheric moisture. Eliminating the surface flux of moist entropy or surface friction in either model prevents or severely inhibits hurricane formation; however, hurricanes eventually form without surface friction in the BLQ or SB versions of the reduced model.
Using the Performance Assessment for California Teachers to Examine Pre-Service Teachers' Conceptions of Teaching Mathematics for Understanding

Motivated by a concern about the low performance of American students in mathematics, the National Research Council published the report Adding It Up: Helping Children Learn Mathematics (2001). This report summarizes a core body of research revealing that U.S. students continue to perform poorly in mathematics. While they can carry out straightforward procedures, American students demonstrate limited understanding of mathematical concepts and are unable to apply their knowledge to solve novel problems. This report also explains that the preparation of elementary and middle school teachers falls short of equipping future teachers with the knowledge they need to help students develop mathematical proficiency. Thus, a key challenge for mathematics teacher education is to prepare prospective teachers to teach mathematics for understanding. As Philipp (2008) describes, meeting this challenge is difficult because “teachers lack the depth and flexibility of mathematical understanding and the corresponding beliefs they need to teach for proficiency (NRC, 2001)” (p. 3). Moreover, given the persistence of traditional teaching practices in American teaching, prospective teachers have had few, if any, opportunities to participate in classrooms that promote learning mathematics for understanding (Lortie, 1975; Zeichner & Liston, 1987).
Domain boundary engineering

We review the idea that domain boundaries, rather than domains, can carry information and act as memory devices. Domains are bulk objects; their large response to changing external fields is related to their change in volume, which implies the movement of domain boundaries. In many cases, the design of ‘optimal’ domain structures corresponds to ‘optimal’ domain boundaries with parameters such as the domain boundary mobility, pinning properties and the formation of specific boundaries such as curved boundaries or needle domains. This argument is enhanced further in this review: domain boundaries themselves can host properties which are absent in the bulk, they can be multiferroic, super- or semi-conductors while the matrix shows none of these properties. It is agued that multiferroic walls can be described formally as chiral whereby the chirality relates to state-vectors such as polarisation and magnetic moment and their (non-linear) coupling. Once such walls can be generated reliably, a new generation of devices with much higher storage density than ever produced before can be envisaged.