Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inverse Obstacle Scattering in Two Dimensions with Multiple Frequency Data and Multiple Angles of Incidence

We consider the problem of reconstructing the shape of an impenetrable sound-soft obstacle from scattering measurements. The input data is assumed to be the far-field pattern generated when a plane wave impinges on an unknown obstacle from one or more directions and at one or more frequencies. It is well known that this inverse scattering problem is both ill posed and nonlinear. It is common practice to overcome the ill posedness through the use of a penalty method or Tikhonov regularization. Here, we present a more physical regularization, based simply on restricting the unknown boundary to be band-limited in a suitable sense. To overcome the nonlinearity of the problem, we use a variant of Newton's method. When multiple frequency data is available, we supplement Newton's method with the recursive linearization approach due to Chen. During the course of solving the inverse problem, we need to compute the solution to a large number of forward scattering problems. For this, we use high-order accurate integral equation discretizations, coupled with fast direct solvers when the problem is sufficiently large.
How Group Potency Affects Employee Job Satisfaction in Sugar Manufacturing Firms in Kenya

Sugar Manufacturing firms in Kenya are recently experiencing a decrease in productivity and the future of the sugar firms seems dingy. The purpose of this study was to assess how group potency affects employee job satisfaction in sugar manufacturing firms in Kenya. The study adopted descriptive and correlational survey designs. The simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used. The research instruments were tested through the test re-tests method and reliability analysis which gave a Cronbach alpha value of 0.833. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. The following were the study findings: regression analysis conducted on the effect of group potency and employee job satisfaction revealed a positive and significant correlation between these two variables, (r = 0.213, b = 0.1804, t = 2.067, p<0.05)). It was recommended that the Human Resource Department should develop and maintain teamwork through capacity building to realise optimal employee productivity. It is hoped that the results would add knowledge and contribute to theory development critical for academia and policy makers in the sugar sector in particular Kenya.
Clearance of Myelin Constituents and Axonal Sprouting in the Transected Postcommissural Fornix of the Adult Rat

Following transection of the postcommissural fornix in the adult rat, fibres retract from the lesion zone but then start to regrow within their former pathway up to the lesion site, where they terminate. The fibres neither penetrate nor bypass this region. In order to define the molecular mechanisms that cause regenerative failure at the lesion site, we analysed the spatiotemporal relationship between clearance/re‐expression of myelin constituents and axon sprouting. Using immunocytochemical methods, we investigated the distribution of myelin‐associated growth inhibitor (Nl‐35/250) and myelin basic protein after transection of the postcommissural fornix. In the studies described here we demonstrate the sequential removal of neurofilaments and myelin constituents in a perilesion zone and at the lesion site. The removal of myelin constituents was followed by the extensive regrowth of fornix fibres in the proximal segment. However, these fibres stopped at the lesion site, an area that lacked immunostaining for Nl‐35/250 and. In the distal stump we observed the disappearance of neurofilament along the entire fornix segment but spatial differences in the removal of myelin constituents. While both NI‐35/250 and myelin basic protein disappeared in the perilesion zone, they persisted in the more distal segment for at least 28 months after lesion. In conclusion, our study indicates that the onset of axon sprouting is correlated with the removal of myelin basic protein and NI‐35/250. Furthermore, we suggest that it seems unlikely that the myelin growth inhibitor NI‐35/250 constitutes the stop signal of the axon growth barrier in the transected fornix.
Optimal Number of Strata for the Stratified Methods in Computerized Adaptive Testing

Abstract Test security can be a major problem in computerized adaptive testing, as examinees can share information about the items they receive. Of the different item selection rules proposed to alleviate this risk, stratified methods are among those that have received most attention. In these methods, only low discriminative items can be presented at the beginning of the test and the mean information of the items increases as the test goes on. To do so, the item bank must be divided into several strata according to the information of the items. To date, there is no clear guidance about the optimal number of strata into which the item bank should be split. In this study, we will simulate conditions with different numbers of strata, from 1 (no stratification) to a number of strata equal to test length (maximum level of stratification) while manipulating the maximum exposure rate that no item should surpass (r max ) in its whole domain. In this way, we can plot the relation between test security and accuracy, making it possible to determine the number of strata that leads to better security while holding constant measurement accuracy. Our data indicates that the best option is to stratify into as many strata as possible.
PENGARUH SEGMENTASI PASAR TERHADAP KEPUTUSAN PEMBELIAN PRODUK TELKOM SPEEDY DI PT TELEKOMUNIKASI INDONESIA CABANG MALANG

This study takes the theme of some factor as determine for sales. In this study sampled 140 people as speedy costumer from PT. Telekomunikasi Indonesia. Quantitative study in which respondents were obtained from questionnaires distributed is used as the primary data are processed with SPSS. Respondent response assessed the range of 1 – 5, with the Likert scale strongly disagree to strongly agree.Based on the result of the research, from the description of the data respondent majority were male with ages between 36 to 40 years. Trials performed are validity and reliability is to test the validity of the questionnaire wer distributed, the t test for testing the correctness of the formulated hypotheses, correlation and regression test to examine the relationship and influence of each costumer relationship market segmentingvariables that aregeographics, demographics, psychographics and behaviour.Based on trials carried out that there is a truth of the hypothesis formulated, namely that there is a significant relationship and effect betweengeographics, demographics, psychographics and behaviourwith buying decision.
Time-driven fluid simulation for high-speed networks

We propose to use time-driven fluid simulation to simulate high-speed networks. In this simulation scheme, network elements are modeled as fluid servers yet the traffic source can be of arbitrary type, including a discrete-event source and fluid source. We prove that for single class fluid, the discretization error is within a deterministic bound proportional to the discretization interval length and is not related to the network size. We show that fluid simulation offers the flexibility to trade accuracy for efficiency, and it is also easy to parallelize. These two features combined together enable us to tremendously speed up simulation.
Mutations M184V and Y115F in HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase Discriminate against “Nucleotide-competing Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors”*

Indolopyridones are potent inhibitors of reverse transcriptase (RT) of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Although the structure of these compounds differs from established nucleoside analogue RT inhibitors (NRTIs), previous studies suggest that the prototype compound INDOPY-1 may bind in close proximity to the polymerase active site. NRTI-associated mutations that are clustered around the active site confer decreased, e.g. M184V and Y115F, or increased, e.g. K65R, susceptibility to INDOPY-1. Here we have studied the underlying biochemical mechanism. RT enzymes containing the isolated mutations M184V and Y115F cause 2–3-fold increases in IC50 values, while the combination of the two mutations causes a >15-fold increase. K65R can partially counteract these effects. Binding studies revealed that the M184V change reduces the affinity to INDOPY-1, while Y115F facilitates binding of the natural nucleotide substrate and the combined effects enhance the ability of the enzyme to discriminate against the inhibitor. Studies with other strategic mutations at residues Phe-61 and Ala-62, as well as the use of chemically modified templates shed further light on the putative binding site of the inhibitor and ternary complex formation. An abasic site residue at position n, i.e. opposite the 3′-end of the primer, prevents binding of INDOPY-1, while an abasic site at the adjacent position n+1 has no effect. Collectively, our findings provide strong evidence to suggest that INDOPY-1 can compete with natural deoxynucleoside triphosphates (dNTPs). We therefore propose to refer to members of this class of compounds as “nucleotide-competing RT inhibitors” (NcRTIs).
The Social Network?: Nonprofit Constituent Engagement Through Social Media

ABSTRACT Social media has become an important part of public relations for nonprofit organizations. Social media has the potential to engage stakeholders and constituents of nonprofit organizations. However, little scholarly attention has been focused on how users react to social media posts by nonprofit organizations. To enhance understanding of how organizational social media activity affects users’ engagement, this study examines Facebook and Twitter utilization and user response of nonprofit advocacy groups. The analysis reveals that users respond differently to stimuli across platforms.
The effects of e-marketing orientation on strategic business performance

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of e-marketing orientation (EMO) on strategic business performance (SBP) in presence of e-trust. ,Data were collected from CEOs, finance managers, IT managers, Policy makers, owners and Managing Directors of SMEs located in two big cities of Pakistan (Islamabad and Peshawar). Correlation, regression and bootstrap analysis was conducted to check the relationship among independent, mediating and dependent variables. ,Based on empirical findings of the responses from managerial staff, it is suggested that strategic performance largely depends on EMO and e-trust. ,The authors recommend that further studies are required to test the propositions in longitudinal research design for achieving in-depth insights. ,It has been observed that SMEs in developing countries pay less attention toward its strategic goals. This research discusses an implementation approach based on solid theoretical foundations to achieve the SBP. ,This study tests e-trust as a mediator between EMO and SBP, therefore, makes a significant contribution to the literature of SMEs by focusing on the link between EMO, e-trust and SBP.
Effects of Different Sources and Levels of Vegetable Oils on Performance, Carcass Traits and Accumulation of Vitamin E in Breast Meat of Broilers

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of different sources and levels of vegetable oils on performance, carcass traits and accumulation of vitamin E in breast meat of broilers. In this experiment 336 day old broiler chicks (Ross-308 strain) were used in a completely randomized design for 42 days with 8 treatments in 3 replicates and 14 chicks in each replicate. The experimental groups included: T1) control group, T2) diet with 4% of sunflower oil, T3) diet with 4% of canola oil T4) diet with 4% of soybean oil, T5) diet with 2% of sunflower oil+2% of canola oil, T6) diet with 2% of sunflower oil+2% of soybean oil, T7) diet with 2% of canola oil+2% of soybean oil and finally T8) diet with 1.33% of sunflower oil+1.33% of canola oil+1.33% of soybean oil. According to the results, inclusion different sources and levels of vegetable oils in broiler rations significantly affected their performance, carcass traits and Vitamin E content of breast meat (p<0.05). The best feed conversion (1.83) was obtained in group 7, whereas the lowest percent of gizzard (2.52%), and the highest amount of vitamin E in breast meat (22.05 mg/kg) were observed in group 8.
Locally Efficient Semiparametric Estimators for Proportional Hazards Models with Measurement Error

We propose a new class of semiparametric estimators for proportional hazards models in the presence of measurement error in the covariates, where the baseline hazard function, the hazard function for the censoring time, and the distribution of the true covariates are considered as unknown infinite dimensional parameters. We estimate the model components by solving estimating equations based on the semiparametric efficient scores under a sequence of restricted models where the logarithm of the hazard functions are approximated by reduced rank regression splines. The proposed estimators are locally efficient in the sense that the estimators are semiparametrically efficient if the distribution of the error‐prone covariates is specified correctly and are still consistent and asymptotically normal if the distribution is misspecified. Our simulation studies show that the proposed estimators have smaller biases and variances than competing methods. We further illustrate the new method with a real application in an HIV clinical trial.
Excessive medical information increase in package inserts.

OBJECTIVES Package inserts are the most frequent source of patient information about medicines aside from doctors and pharmacists. MATERIALS AND METHODS A representative selection of 271 German package inserts available in 2005 was investigated, using 152 validated quality criteria and by measuring 242 further values. RESULTS A significant increase in package insert texts over recent years was found; standing at an average of 2,005 words. This is associated with the significant increase in complicated medical information being communicated; with on an average of 114.1 difficult words and 46.3 non quantifiable phrases per package insert. Only 60.1% of the package inserts offered all dosages as number of tablets or other amounts of the ready to use medicine, while just 29.5% listed the maximum daily dose for all users. 54.6% provided actions for all possible side effects and 24.2% the frequencies of side effects in numerical form. CONCLUSION The significantly increased volume of medical information provided in package inserts does not meet the requirements of patients. Major efforts are required by pharmaceutical companies, authorities and legislative bodies in order to reduce information to that which is essential for patients and to ensure that this is provided in short, precise and easily comprehensible texts.
Influence of Training on Employees Performance in Public institution in Tanzania

This study aimed at examining the influence of training on employees’ performance; it involved a case study design where Tanga Urban Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (Tanga UWASA) was selected. Stratified Random sampling and purposive sampling techniques were used to select a sample of 71 respondents for the study. Respondents were chosen from ordinary employees, heads of departments and the management of Tanga UWASA. Data were collected using interview, questionnaires and documentary review. Quantitative data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) to yield descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentages while Chi square was used to determine influence of training on employee perfomance. Qualitative data were analysed using content analysis.The findings indicated that Tanga UWASA organises several training programmes and employees are systematically selected to attend those programmes to acquire knowledge and skills. On the other hand, the study found that training has significant influence on employee performance. This relationship was found statistically significant at P < 0.05. The more the employee gets training, the more efficient their level of performance would be. Training programmes contributed to the increase of efficiency, productivity, rise of customers’ level of satisfaction and the increase of Tanga UWASA’s competitive advantage over other water supply authorities.
Construction Management

The professional constructor plays the central role in building and maintaining the infrastructure of this country and in markets around the world, making significant contributions throughout the planning, design, construction, and facilities management phases of major projects. The curriculum of the Construction Management program is specifically designed to prepare young men and women to fill this essential role. Building on a solid foundation in architecture, engineering, and business, the curriculum introduces students to construction methods and materials; to the techniques used to manage budgets, schedules, quality, and safety; to the varied contracting approaches used to deliver today’s complex construction projects; and to the leadership and teamwork skills demanded by this profession. This curricular content is delivered in a unique, project-based environment that explores how these management principles are applied in each of the construction sectors, such as, commercial building, residential, heavy/civil, industrial, and specialty.
Retrieval of daytime total columnar water vapour from MODIS measurements over land surfaces

Abstract. A retrieval of total column water vapour (TCWV) from MODIS (Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) measurements is presented. The algorithm is adapted from a retrieval for MERIS (Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer) from Lindstrot et al. (2012). It obtains the TCWV for cloud-free scenes above land at a spatial resolution of 1 km × 1 km and provides uncertainties on a pixel-by-pixel basis. The algorithm has been extended by introducing empirical correction coefficients for the transmittance calculation within the forward operator. With that, a wet bias of the MODIS algorithm against ARM microwave radiometer data has been eliminated. The validation against other ground-based measurements (GNSS water vapour stations, GUAN radiosondes, and AERONET sun photometers) on a global scale reveals a bias between −0.8 and −1.6 mm and root mean square deviations between 0.9 and 2 mm. This is an improvement in comparison to the operational TCWV Level 2 product (bias between −1.9 and −3.2 mm and root mean square deviations between 1.9 and 3.4 mm). The comparison to MERIS TCWV for an example overpass exposes a systematic dry bias.
EIN : An Intermediate Representation for Compiling Tensor Calculus

Diderot is a parallel domain-specific language for analysis and visualization of multidimensional scientific images, such as those produced by CT and MRI scanners [8, 18]. Many visualization methods seek to measure properties from continuous tensor fields reconstructed from the discrete image data and not just the data itself; these algorithms require high level tensor mathematics. A novel aspect of Diderot’s design is that it supports a form of higher-order programming where tensor fields (i.e., functions from 3D points to tensor values) are first-class values. These tensor fields represent the underlying physical objects that were scanned by the imaging device, which allows algorithms to be programmed against the geometry of the objects, rather than against a discrete sampling of the object. We have recently generalized this model to provide lifted versions of the standard linear algebra operations (e.g., tensor addition, dot products, norms, determinants, etc.) on tensor fields. While such lifted field operations are central to the definition and computation of many scientific visualization algorithms, to date they have required extensive manual derivations and laborious implementation. Our new implementation of Diderot allows direct use of the higher-order field operations, which leads to a very-high-level mathematical programming model where mathematical reasoning is directly translated into Diderot code. The implementation challenge is how to bridge the wide semantic gap between the higher-order operations on tensor fields and their implementation as efficient executable code. This paper describes a new intermediate representation, called EIN, that we have developed for the Diderot compiler, which enables the implementation of its higher-order programming model. This IR provides a concise and manageable representation of the complex iterative computations that lie at the heart of a Diderot program. We describe the design of our IR, how it fits within the Diderot compiler’s pipeline, and some of the technical challenges in efficiently managing the translation from tensor fields to low-level executable code. We demonstrate that EIN can compile more programs than previously possible. Also, it compiles faster and offers faster executables.
Wearable contact force sensor system based on fingerpad deformation

We developed a wearable sensor system for estimating finger contact force by measuring the mechanical deformation of the side of the fingerpad. The first part of this paper describes and validates the principle of contact force estimation, and discusses the design criteria of the wearable sensor. We then describe the manufacture of a practical sensor system in the form of a wearable fingerpad fixture and the development of a calibration procedure which eliminates the effect of individual fingerpad differences. The measured root mean square (RMS) error in estimating contact force is about 0.2 N, which is suitable for examining subtle human behaviors, such as applying cosmetics. We demonstrated the possible usage of the contact force sensor in combination with a three-axis acceleration sensor. The proposed sensor system is sufficiently small and light when fixed on the fingernail, and is considered to have little constraining or modifying effect on usual haptic behaviors. It should be widely useful for evaluating human haptic procedures in psychological research or ergonomic studies.
Effect of trait anxiety on prefrontal control mechanisms during emotional conflict

Converging evidence points to a link between anxiety proneness and altered emotional functioning, including threat‐related biases in selective attention and higher susceptibility to emotionally ambiguous stimuli. However, during these complex emotional situations, it remains unclear how trait anxiety affects the engagement of the prefrontal emotional control system and particularly the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), a core region at the intersection of the limbic and prefrontal systems. Using an emotional conflict task and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we investigated in healthy subjects the relations between trait anxiety and both regional activity and functional connectivity (psychophysiological interaction) of the ACC. Higher levels of anxiety were associated with stronger task‐related activation in ACC but with reduced functional connectivity between ACC and lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC). These results support the hypothesis that when one is faced with emotionally incompatible information, anxiety leads to inefficient high‐order control, characterized by insufficient ACC‐LPFC functional coupling and increases, possibly compensatory, in activation of ACC. Our findings provide a deeper understanding of the pathophysiology of the neural circuitry underlying anxiety and may offer potential treatment markers for anxiety disorders. Hum Brain Mapp 36:2207–2214, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.