Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Growth Plans of Bulgarian Enterprises: An Empirical Investigation of Individual, Organizational and Environmental Influences

Extensive research on firm growth has been done in Westen market-based economies (Peng and Heath, 1996). However, the research findings in Western economies may not be applicable to transition economies due to differences in the institutional environments (Peng and Heath, 1996). The research objective of this study is to identify individual, organizational and environmental influences on the presence of growth plans in a sample of Bulgarian enterprises. Our findings reveal that several individual and organizational factors are associated with the presence of growth plans. The paper provides a discussion of implications for practitioners and suggestions for future research.
On the definition of the flow width for calculating specific catchment area patterns from gridded elevation data

Specific catchment area (SCA) patterns are commonly computed on grids using flow direction algorithms that treat the flow as coming from a point source at the pixel centre. These algorithms are all ambiguous in the definition of the flow width to be associated with a pixel when computing the SCA. Different methods for computing the flow width have been suggested, without giving an objective reason. In the few cases where this issue has been specifically discussed, the flow width is derived from subjective analysis and incorrect conceptualizations. This paper evaluates alternative approaches for defining the flow width when computing SCA patterns using the D∞ and D8 algorithms, by comparing theoretical and computed SCA patterns on sloping planes, inward and outward cones. Two new methods of defining the flow width are also analysed for both the D∞ and D8 algorithms. The performances of the different methods are discussed in relation to two dimensionless parameters: (1) the global resolution, defined as the ratio of a characteristic length of the study area to the grid size and (2) the upslope area resolution, defined as the ratio of the theoretical SCA to the grid size. The optimal methods are identified by specific threshold values of these dimensionless parameters. We conclude that assuming the flow width invariant and equal to the grid size is generally the best approach in most practical circumstances, both for the D∞ and D8 algorithm. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using Instructional Design Principles in Developing Skill Acquisition Workshops in Hand Surgery : Our Experience

Hand surgery is very much a psychomotor dominant specialty requiring the need for predictable, reliable and cost effective means of transferring and developing surgical skills. The need for a high quality simulations model to acquire skills is important in skill training. In this paper we identified real world problems of skill gaps in hand surgery and used the theories of instructional design (ID) to analyse the instructional needs in the problems and then generated solutions using the principles of ID. Based on the individual needs of the learners and entry behavior and characteristics, the framework developed instructional activities and materials and used the concept of the flipped classroom, allowing for effective and efficient transfer of information and skills allowing for adequate feedback and assessment to achieve the stated objectives of the instructions. It included generation of appropriate tools to evaluate the effectiveness of the whole ID framework. Trainees may be trusted to perform a professional task with sufficient independence. This professional activity that is required in the community is called a Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs). EPAs are entrusted when a supervisor is confident the trainee can demonstrate the knowledge, skills and attitude required of the task, knows when to ask for additional help and can be trusted to seek assistance in a timely manner. The authors developed the EPA for trainees in hand surgery care based on prior unpublished research. 4 skill acquisition workshops were conceptualized and developed based on the ADDIE (Analyse, Design, Develop, Implement, and Evaluate) framework of Instructional Design. The 4 workshops were: Injured Hand Assessment; Flexor Tendon Workshop; Hand Fracture Fixation; Micro-neural repair workshop. The ADDIE and Gagnes 9 events of instruction framework was used to analyse the instructional goals and needs and formulated strategies to bridge the gap by developing the instructional events for delivery of the learning in the form of an intensive course to transfer knowledge and skills using a high fidelity simulated models. Using Gagnes 9 events of instruction, the curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment were developed and the resource materials were posted on an open online learning management system. (www.handsurgeryedu.com). This formed the basis of the flipped workshop to maximizing resources during the face to face skill acquisition workshops. This paper shows that the use of the Instructional Design models like ADDIE and Gagne’s nine events and the use of open educational resources hosted on an open learning management system is a useful strategy in designing surgical skill workshops and is a reliable and predictable tool in producing learning programs for surgeons in a cost effective manner.
Effects of twin tunnel excavation on an existing horseshoe-shaped tunnel with considering settlement joint

Journal: Canadian Geotechnical Journal Manuscript ID cgj-2015-0389.R3 Manuscript Type: Note Date Submitted by the Author: 18-Nov-2016 Complete List of Authors: Jiang, Biao; Hunan University, School of Civil Engineering; Changsha Metro Group Co., Ltd Chen, Li'ang; Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, CIVIL Yang, Junsheng; School of Civil Engineering, Central South University Wang, Shuying; School of Civil Engineering, Central South University Ng, C.W. W. ; Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
The social network of hackers

Social researchers are facing more and more challenges as criminal networks are expanding in size and moving to the Internet. Many efforts are currently under way to enhance the technical capabilities of researchers working in the field of cybercrimes. Rather than focusing on the technical tools that could enhance research performance, this article focuses on a specific field that has demonstrated its use in the study of criminal networks: social network analysis (SNA). This article evaluates the effectiveness of SNA to enhance the value of information on cybercriminals. This includes both the identification of possible targets for follow-up research as well as the removal of subjects who may be wasting the researchers' time. This article shows that SNA can be useful on two levels. First, SNA provides scientific and objective measures of the structure of networks as well as the position of their key players. Second, fragmentation metrics, which measure the impact of the removal of n nodes in a network, help to determine the amount of resources needed to deal with specific organisations. In this case study, a tactical strike against the network could have had the same destabilising impact as a broader approach. The resources saved by limiting the investigation targets could then be used to monitor the criminal network's reaction to the arrests and to limit its ability to adapt to the post-arrest environment.
The Relationship Between Vocabulary Knowledge and Reading Comprehension of Authentic Arabic Texts

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN VOCABULARY KNOWLEDGE AND READING COMPREHENSION OF AUTHENTIC ARABIC TEXTS Shereen Maher Salah Center for Language Studies Master of Arts This study investigates the relationship between vocabulary knowledge and reading comprehension of authentic Arabic texts; in particular, it attempts to investigate the percentage of vocabulary coverage (known words) readers need to ensure reading comprehension of two reading passages from online Arabic news source. Data was collected from twenty-three Arabic as-foreign language (AFL) learners at Brigham Young University, who ranged from Intermediate Low to Intermediate Mid in both productive and receptive skills. Two reading comprehension tests, circling the unknown words in texts and a lexical coverage test for each passage texts were given to the subjects. A linear regression analysis of the data shows that there is a correlation coefficient of 0.7 and 0.6 between the percentage of known words and
Scour at offshore structures

The drive for marine offshore renewables developments has led to focussed requirements for scour hazard assessment relating to foundations and the cabling necessary for in-field transmission and power export. Foundations can represent a significant proportion of the installed capital costs of a renewable energy device so the offshore renewable energy community can benefit from the sharing of information and the development of common approaches to scour and geotechnical issues. Foundation options including monopiles, multi-piled tripods and jackets, gravity bases, or suction piles are being considered for a variety of offshore renewable installations. This paper concentrates on scour assessment challenges in currents and waves, including scour experience at built foundations, time-series predictions of scour and considerations with respect to the evaluation of heterogeneous soils.
An epiperimetric inequality for the thin obstacle problem

We prove an epiperimetric inequality for the thin obstacle problem, thus extending the pioneering results by Weiss on the classical obstacle problem (Invent. Math., 138 (1999), no. 1, 23{50). This inequality provides the means to study the rate of converge of the rescaled solutions to their limits, as well as the regularity properties of the free boundary.
Global Diversity and Local Consensus in Status Beliefs: The Role of Network Clustering and Resistance to Belief Change

Formal models of status construction theory suggest that beliefs about the relative social worth and competence of members of different social groups can emerge from face-to-face interactions in task-focused groups and eventually become consensual in large populations. We propose two extensions of earlier models. First, we incorporate the microlevel behavioral assumption of status construction theory that people can become resistant to belief change when a belief appears consensual in their local social environment. Second, we integrate the insight that the macro-level social structure of face-to-face interactions in large populations often is a clustered network structure. Computational experiments identify an outcome that was not anticipated by earlier formalizations. The combination of network clustering at the macrolevel and resistance to belief change at the microlevel can constrain the diffusion of status beliefs and generate regional variation in status beliefs. Further experiments identify conditions under which this outcome obtains.
Nonuniform response of the major surface currents in the Nordic Seas to insolation forcing: Implications for the Holocene climate variability

[1] High-resolution sediment cores from the Voring Plateau, the North Iceland shelf, and the East Greenland shelf have been studied to investigate the stability of major surface currents in the Nordic Seas during the Holocene. Results from diatom assemblages and reconstructed sea-surface temperatures (SSTs) indicate a division of the Holocene into three periods: the Holocene Climate Optimum (9500–6500 calendar (cal) years BP), the Holocene Transition Period (6500–3000 cal years BP) and the Cool Late Holocene Period (3000–0 cal years BP). The overall climate development is in step with the decreasing insolation on the Northern Hemisphere, but regional differences occur regarding both timing and magnitude of SST changes. Sites under the direct influence of the Norwegian Atlantic Current and the Irminger Current indicate SST cooling of 4–5°C from early Holocene to present, compared to 2°C recorded under the East Greenland Current. Superimposed on the general Holocene cooling trend, there is a high-frequency SST variability, which is in the order of 1–1.5°C for the Voring Plateau and the East Greenland shelf and 2.5–3°C on the North Iceland shelf.
Bulk and soft-edge universality for singular values of products of Ginibre random matrices

It has been shown by Akemann, Ipsen and Kieburg that the squared singular values of products of $M$ rectangular random matrices with independent complex Gaussian entries are distributed according to a determinantal point process with a correlation kernel that admits a representation in terms of Meijer G-functions. We prove the universality of the local statistics of the squared singular values, namely, the bulk universality given by the sine kernel and the edge universality given by the Airy kernel. The proof is based on the asymptotic analysis for the double contour integral representation of the correlation kernel. Our strategy can be generalized to deal with other models of products of random matrices introduced recently and to establish similar universal results. Two more examples are investigated, one is the product of $M$ Ginibre matrices and the inverse of $K$ Ginibre matrices studied by Forrester, and the other one is the product of $M-1$ Ginibre matrices with one truncated unitary matrix considered by Kuijlaars and Stivigny.
Modeling the dynamic rupture propagation on heterogeneous faults with rate- and state-dependent friction

We investigate the effects of non-uniform distribution of constitutive parameters on the dynamic propagation of an earthquake rupture. We use a 2D finite difference numerical method and we assume that the dynamic rupture propagation is governed by a rate- and state-dependent constitutive law. We first discuss the results of several numerical experiments performed with different values of the constitutive parameters a (to account for the direct effect of friction), b (controlling the friction evolution) and L (the characteristic length-scale parameter) to simulate the dynamic rupture propagation on homogeneous faults. Spontaneous dynamic ruptures can be simulated on velocity weakening (a b) can arrest a dynamic rupture, but can be driven to an instability if suddenly loaded by the dynamic rupture front. Our simulations provide a picture of the complex interactions between fault patches having different frictional properties and illustrate how the traction and slip velocity evolutions are modified during the propagation on heterogeneous faults. These results involve interesting implications for slip duration and fracture energy.
On proximinality of subspaces of finite codimension of Banach spaces and the lineability of the set of norm-attaining functionals

We show that for every $1<n<\infty$, there exits a Banach space $X_n$ containing proximinal subspaces of codimension $n$ but no proximinal finite codimensional subspaces of higher codimension. Moreover, the set of norm-attaining functionals of $X_n$ contains $n$-dimensional subspaces, but no subspace of higher dimension. This gives a $n$-by-$n$ version of the solutions given by Read and Rmoutil to problems of Singer and Godefroy. Actually, the space $X_n$ can be found with strictly convex dual and bidual, and such that the slices of its unit ball have diameter as close to two as desired. We also deal with the existence of strongly proximinal subspaces of finite codimension, showing that for every $1<n<\infty$ and $1\leq k <n$, there is a Banach space $X_{n,k}$ containing proximinal subspaces of finite codimension up to $n$ but not higher, and containing strongly proximinal subspaces of finite codimension up to $k$ but not higher.
Stabilization of ultracold molecules using optimal control theory (14 pages)

In recent experiments on ultracold matter, molecules have been produced from ultracold atoms by photoassociation, Feshbach resonances, and three-body recombination. The created molecules are translationally cold, but vibrationally highly excited. This will eventually lead them to be lost from the trap due to collisions. We propose shaped laser pulses to transfer these highly excited molecules to their ground vibrational level. Optimal control theory is employed to find the light field that will carry out this task with minimum intensity. We present results for the sodium dimer. The final target can be reached to within 99% provided the initial guess field is physically motivated. We find that the optimal fields contain the transition frequencies required by a good Franck-Condon pumping scheme. The analysis identifies the ranges of intensity and pulse duration which are able to achieve this task before any other competing processes take place. Such a scheme could produce stable ultracold molecular samples or even stable molecular Bose-Einstein condensates.
Acoustic and optical methods to infer water transparency at the Time Series Station Spiekeroog, Wadden Sea (southern North Sea)

Water transparency is a key indicator of optical water quality that is driven by suspended particulate and dissolved material. In this study we carried out an intercomparison of observations related to water transparency, determine correlations among the measured parameters and demonstrate the utility of both acoustic and optical tools in monitoring water transparency. The data set used here is from the operational Time Series Station Spiekeroog located at a tidal inlet of the Wadden Sea. An Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler was used to obtain acoustic measurements in the water column. Optical observations were 5 determined using a set of three radiometers above water to collect radiometric quantities and a turbidity sensor within the water column. Bio-fouling was identified as a source of anomaly in turbidity measurements. We observed significant correlations between in-situ optically measured turbidity and derived turbidity from above water color sensing and acoustic backscattering strength. These findings underline that both optical and acoustic measurements can be reasonable proxies of water transparency with the potential to mitigate gaps and increase data quality in long-time observation of marine environments. 10
Post-acquisition profitability of banks: a comparison of domestic and cross-border acquisitions in the European Union

This study evaluates shareholders' wealth and profitability of 62 large EU bank mergers and acquisitions that were involved in domestic or cross-border transactions during the period 1997-2007. We use the standardised cumulative abnormal returns (SCAR) technique and a long window of 61 days to capture merger announcement wealth effects of both domestic and cross-border acquiring banks. We argue that standardising abnormal returns helps eliminate any biases in the estimation of wealth effects by giving equal weighting to all events surrounding the merger. Our results establish that, while the wealth effects of both types of mergers are negative, cross-border mergers create significant loss in shareholder value for the acquiring banks. Using standard determinants of profitability, we also conduct hierarchical regressions to ascertain the degree of merger impact on post-acquisition profitability. The results show that acquiring banks' capital strength and cost efficiency are the most important factors influencing profitability in cross-border mergers. In contrast, profitability in the case of domestic mergers is driven more by the acquiring banks' ability to take on greater risk.
Developing a social impact measurement framework to enhance outcomes for young people in custody – what to measure?

Government and societal attention on young people’s involvement in offending has resulted in expansion of the youth justice system, with emphasis on developing effective and sustainable interventions to reduce recidivism and enhance outcomes for young people. Social impact measurement provides the tools for exploring the experiences and outcomes of youth justice interventions. By exploring the social impact of Secure Training Centres, this paper makes an original contribution to knowledge through exploring and identifying themes in developing a social impact measurement (SIM) framework for youth offending interventions, specifically in custody. By developing Farrington’s (2005) Integrated Cognitive-Antisocial Potential (ICAP) theory into a SIM framework, this research seeks to demonstrate the benefits of social impact measurement as a form of operational and performance management for organisations engaged in youth justice interventions provided that the outcomes for young people exist at the centre.
Currency union and investment flows: Estimating the euro effect on FDI

This paper studies the effect of the euro introduction on international FDI flows. Using country-pair data on 35 OECD economies during 1997-2008 and adopting the propensity score matching as identification strategy, we investigate the impact of the euro on capital reallocation. In general, the euro exhibits no significant impact on FDI. However, the effect becomes significant on the subset of EU countries, increasing FDI flows by 14.3 to 42.5 percent. Furthermore, we find that the EU membership fosters FDI flows much more than the euro, increasing FDI flows by 55 to 166 percent. Among other FDI determinants, high gross domestic product, low distance between countries and low unit labor costs in target country have a positive effect on FDI. On the contrary, long-term exchange rate volatility deters FDI flows.
Asialoglycoprotein Receptor ( ASGP-R ) in Liver Parenchymal Cells is Involved in Elimination of Recombinant Human TFPI Running head : Recombinant Human TFPIBHK is cleared via the liver ASGP-R

We here report on a study carried out to determine the early clearance kinetics, and organ, cell(s) and receptor(s) responsible for the clearance of full length TFPI purified from BHK cells (TFPI). Following intravenous administration, I-TFPI was cleared with a biphasic elimination curve, and with a significantly slower t1/2α compared to recombinant human TFPI from E.Coli (TFPI) (1.95±0.10 versus 1.42±0.07 min, respectively, p<0.001). Studies on organ and cell distribution revealed that liver parenchymal cells (PCs) were responsible for 96% of the uptake of TFPI and 81% of TFPI, whereas the nonparenchymal cells (NPCs) were responsible for 4% and 19%, respectively. Pre-administration of excessive amounts of unlabeled TFPI prolonged blood clearance of I-TFPI. Unlabelled TFPI inhibited endocytosis of I-TFPI in PCs in vitro, whereas blocking of LDL-receptor related protein-1 (LRP-1) by receptor-associated protein (RAP) affected neither blood clearance nor endocytosis of I-TFPI in PCs. In addition, TFPI was also found in the kidneys and this could be reduced in the presence of RAP. Asialoorosomucoid (ASOR), a potent inhibitor of the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGP-R), prolonged the circulatory survival of I-m-TFPI by 1.5-fold (p<0.001). In vitro, ASOR and other ASGP-R antagonists significantly inhibited endocytosis of ITFPI in PCs. Moreover, unlabelled TFPI markedly decreased endocytosis of I-asialofetuin. In conclusion, our findings suggest that ASGP-R mediated endocytosis in the liver is involved in the clearance of TFPI.
Chiral Camphor-Based 1,3- and 1,4-Amino Alcohols and Aminodiols as Ligands for Diethylzinc Addition to Aldehydes

Syntheses of (1R,2S,3R,4S)-1,7,7-trimethyl-2-pyridin-2-ylmethylbicyclo[2.2. 1]-heptane-2,3-diol (7), (1R,2S,3R,4S)-1,7,7-trimethyl-2-[(6-methyl)-pyridin-2-ylmethyl-bicyclo-[2.2. 1]heptane-2,3-diol (13), and (1R,2S,2’R,4R)-1,7,7-trimethyl-2-piperidin-2-ylmethyl-bicyclo[2.2. 1]heptan-2-ol (19b) from commercially available (d)-camphor (1) are described. Key steps of the syntheses involved substrate-controlled diastereoselective alkylation and platinum oxide-catalyzed hydrogenation reactions. These compounds, and other intermediate amino alcohols in their syntheses, were successfully utilized as ligands in enantioselective diethyl zinc (Et2Zn) addition to benzaldehyde with moderate enantioselectivity.