Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Using outcome-oriented contracts to foster performance improvements in logistics outsourcing relationships

Outcome-oriented contracts are used for an increasing range of private and public services. In view of the importance to involve service providers in continuous improvement efforts, this paper helps managers to better understand how outcome-oriented contracts should be designed and managed to instigate proactive improvement. Following a quantitative research approach, empirical data was collected on logistics outsourcing relationships in Germany. Results reveal the potential of outcome-oriented contracts to improve the provider’s performance. Specifically, bonus payments foster the efforts of the service provider to achieve above-standard performance levels while penalties do not instigate proactive improvement efforts. Furthermore, practitioners should be aware that linking the compensation of the service provider management to the achievement of customer goals (i.e., the remuneration obtained by the customer) fosters proactive improvements. Lastly, customers and service providers are advised to allow frequent adjustments of the performance metric system (i.e., changing the target values and/ or introducing new KPIs), for example, to reflect lessons learned during the contract management phase, in order to maximize the contract’s potential to stipulate proactive improvement efforts. In sum, outcome-oriented contracts can increase proactive improvement behavior by the service providers when they are designed and implemented effectively for which this paper provides a guideline.
Studying the stressed state of elastic medium using the argument functions of a complex variable

Based on the argument function method and the complex variable function method, we have derived the generalizing solutions to a flat problem on the theory of elasticity using the invariant differential ratios capable of closing the result for the set system of equations. The paper reports the approaches whose application defines not the permitting functions themselves but the conditions for their existence. This makes it possible to expand the range of harmonious functions of varying complexity, which satisfy any boundary conditions in the applied problems that are constantly renewed. Two basic functions have been taken into consideration: trigonometric and fundamental, whose arguments are the unknown coordinate dependences. Introducing the argument functions into consideration changes the approaches to determining permitting dependences because the problem is considerably simplified when establishing a differential relationship among them in the form of the Cauchy-Riemann and Laplace ratios. Several analytical solutions of varying complexity have been presented, which are matched with different boundary conditions. Comparison with the results reported by other authors, at the same initial data, leads to the same result; and when considering the test problem on the interaction between a metal and an elastic half space, it leads to the convergence between defining schemes of force influence on the elastic medium. Thus, a new approach has been proposed to solving a flat problem from the theory of elasticity, which is associated with the use of argument functions, which makes it possible to close the problem via the differential Cauchy-Riemann and Laplace ratios. These generalizations expand the range of harmonious functions that correspond to different boundary conditions for the applied problems.
Chapter 2 . An Updated Quantitative Assessment of Kerlin ’ s Macro-Institutional Social Enterprise Framework

The social enterprise sector shows variation in terms of shape and size across nations, making crosscountry comparative research crucially important for our understanding of these organizations (Borzaga & Defourny, 2001; Chell et al., 2010; Gidron & Hasenfeld, 2012). Among various attempts to explain this variance is the use of institutional theory (North, 1990), which proposes explanations for the current state and growth patterns of social enterprises based on formal and informal institutional contexts in each country (Defourny and Nyssens, 2010, 2016; Estrin et al., 2013; Kerlin, 2009, 2013; Puumalainen et al., 2015; Stephan et al., 2015). Kerlin’s Macro-Institutional Social Enterprise (MISE) framework is a prominent example of the use of historical institutional theory to shed light on inter-country differences of social enterprises (Kerlin, 2013).
Underpricing in IPOs and the Effects of IPO Cyclicality and Owners ’ Investment Philosophy

We examine underpricing levels in initial public offerings (“IPOs”) using a sample consisting of 50 private equity-backed, 50 venture capital-backed and 113 non-sponsored IPOs. The sample is collected using offering data from firms listed on the UK Main Market, International Main Market and AIM on the London Stock Exchange, between the years of 2006-2015. We compute first day returns and compare the results between our three subgroups. Also, we measure the effect of IPO cyclicality and owners’ investment philosophy by comparing first day returns across subgroups in different periods of IPO activity and distinguishing between two types of owner focus, respectively. Our findings show that private equity-backed IPOs experience the lowest level of underpricing, followed by venture capital-backed IPOs. In periods of high market activity, venture capital-backed IPOs experience significantly higher levels of underpricing. Financially focused private equity firms achieve a lower level of underpricing than their operationally focused counterparts; the opposite is found to be true for venture capital firms. Our results substantiate the hot issue market theories and the relative power of participants in IPO deals, in a European equity market setting.
Evidence for an earlier greenhouse cooling effect in the 1 stratosphere before the 1980 s over the Northern 2 Hemisphere 3 4

29 This study provides a new look at the observed and calculated long-term temperature changes 30 from the lower troposphere to the lower stratosphere since 1958 over the Northern 31 Hemisphere. The datasets include the NCEP/NCAR reanalysis, the Free University of Berlin 32 (FU-Berlin) and the RICH radiosonde datasets as well as historical simulations with the 33 CESM1-WACCM global model participating in CMIP5. The analysis is mainly based on 34 monthly layer mean temperatures derived from geopotential height thicknesses in order to 35 take advantage from the use of the independent FU-Berlin stratospheric dataset of 36 geopotential height data since 1957. This approach was followed to extend the records in the 37 past for the investigation of the stratospheric temperature trends from the earliest possible 38 time. After removing the natural variability with an autoregressive multiple regression model 39 our analysis shows that the period 1958-2011 can be divided in two distinct sub-periods of 40 long term temperature variability and trends; before and after 1980s. By calculating trends for 41 the summer time to reduce interannual variability, the two periods are as follows. From 1958 42 until 1979, non-significant trend (0.06±0.06 o C/decade for NCEP) and slightly cooling trends 43 (-0.12±0.06 o C/decade for RICH) are found in the lower troposphere. The second period from 44 1980 to the end of the records shows significant warming (0.25±0.05 o C/decade for both 45 NCEP and RICH). Above the tropopause a significant cooling trend is clearly seen in the 46 lower stratosphere both in the pre-1980s period (-0.58±0.17 o C/decade for NCEP, -0.30±0.16 47 o C/decade for RICH and -0.48±0.20 o C/decade for FU-Berlin) and the post-1980s period (48 0.79±0.18 o C/decade for NCEP, -0.66±0.16 o C/decade for RICH and -0.82±0.19 o C/decade for 49 FU-Berlin). The cooling in the lower stratosphere is a persistent throughout the year feature 50 from the tropics up to 60° North. At polar latitudes competing dynamical and radiative 51 processes are reducing the statistical significance of these trends. Model results are in line 52 with re-analysis and the observations, indicating a persistent cooling (-0.33 o C/decade) in the 53 lower stratosphere during summer before and after the 1980s; a feature that is also seen 54 throughout the year. However, the lower stratosphere CESM1-WACCM modelled trends are 55 generally lower than re-analysis and the observations. The contrasting effects of ozone 56 depletion at polar latitudes in winter/spring and the anticipated strengthening of the Brewer 57 Dobson circulation from man-made global warming at polar latitudes are discussed. Our 58 results provide additional evidence for an early greenhouse cooling signal in the lower 59 stratosphere before the 1980s, which it appears well in advance relative to the tropospheric 60
Chapter 2 The Effect of Electrical Signals on Photosynthesis and Respiration

Electrical signals are initial response of plant to the external stimuli. This type of signal may trigger different physiological responses. The most famous is the rapid leaf movement in carnivorous and sensitive plants. However, a lot of less visible changes in plant physiology may occur. This chapter focuses on the effect of action (APs) and variation potentials (VPs) on photosynthesis and respiration. First, experimental methods and setup for measurements of photosynthesis and respiration in response to electrical signals are described. Then detailed information about effect of AP and VP on CO2 metabolism in different plant species are summarized. Both light and dark reactions of photosynthesis, as well as rate of respiration, are affected by electrical signals, but the effect is often adverse (from inhibition to stimulation of photosynthesis). In addition, the stomatal conductance (gs), an important component of gas exchange, is also differently affected by electrical signals. Summarizing the data from numerous authors, the hypothesis about mechanism underlying photosynthetic limitation and stimulation of respiration is proposed. Abbreviations 1–qP excitation pressure at photosystem II ABA abscisic acid AP action potential DCMU 3-(30,40-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea DW dry weight E rate of transpiration F0 minimal fluorescence level in dark-adapted leaves A. Pavlovič (&) Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Plant Physiology, Comenius University in Bratislava, Mlynská dolina B-2, SK-842 15 Bratislava, Slovakia e-mail: pavlovic@fns.uniba. sk A. G. Volkov (ed.), Plant Electrophysiology, DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-29110-4_2, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2012 33 F0 minimal fluorescence level ‘‘in the light’’ Fm maximal fluorescence level from dark adapted leaves Fm maximal fluorescence level in light-adapted leaves Ft steady-state fluorescence in the light Fv variable fluorescence Fv/Fm maximum quantum yield of photosystem II gs stomatal conductance IAA indole-3-acetic acid
EFFECT OF ZINC SULPHATE AND FERROUS SULPHATE ON GROWTH AND FLOWERING OF ANNUAL CHRYSANTHEMUM

The investigation entitled “Effect of zinc sulphate and ferrous sulphate on growth and flowering of annual chrysanthemum” was carried out during rabi season of the year 2015-16 at Satpuda Botanic Garden, College of Agriculture, Nagpur (Maharashtra), India with nine treatment combinations in Factorial Randomized Block Design. The treatments comprised of different levels of zinc sulphate and ferrous sulphate (0% i.e. water spray, 0.25% and 0.5% each). The results revealed that foliar application of 0.5% zinc sulphate and 0.5% ferrous sulphate recorded significantly maximum vegetative growth in respect of plant height and branches plant-1, yield in respect of number of flowers plant-1 and flower yield plant-1, quality in respect of flower diameter and the earliest first flower bud initiation and 50 per cent flowering. However, interaction effect of zinc sulphate and ferrous sulphate on growth, flowering, yield and quality parameters of annual chrysathemum was found to be non-significant.
Impact of Dividend Policy on Stock Return Behaviour

Dividend policy remains to be a topic of debate even after continuous research held, which states the relationship of dividend policy and stock price behavior. This paper tries to bring out a light on to the effect of dividend policy on stock price behavior of four different industries in India for a period from 2010-2015. Analysis of the data has been conducted through panel data analysis from which it showed that there is a significant relationship between stock returns and dividend policies after taking the following controlling variables such as Earnings per share (EPS), book value per share (BVPS) and size of the firm. The result also showed that there is a positive significant relation between stock return and earnings per share. It also showed there is a non-significant but negative relationship between the stock return and size of the firm. The yearly data has been collected from CMIE prowess for the years 2010-2015 for each industry. KeywordsStock price behavior, Dividend policy, prowess, fixed effect model
Timing of the Cathaysia Block formation: Constraints from SHRIMP U一Pb zircon geochronology

Geochemical data and SHRIMP U-Pb Zircon isotopic oge以]766 -+J 9 M(i“、reportedjo'r the aniphibolites exposed in NW Fqjian一Sw Zhejuing tind generafl.x ticcepted as the oldest roJs in the Cathavmti Block These dota, combined irilh previous U-Pb jrcon and Nel isotopic studies for the gneissw gr(iniles in the region provide new constraints on the‘·,nstal evolution ot the Cothavsia Block. It is the,二厂矛,二〔'0101ded that the CathaYsia Block was Inost likehfi'Mned tit 1.77 Ga through cratonization hYgraniteL 1(')rtnation‘,、the result (,[recrYstalization of,crustal materials derived froln“; Archean provenance, which tvas probabli, trigl-ered hY the intraplaie basaltw inaginatisin. In this paper. new SHRIMP U一Ph 7ircon age ciaw for the an-iphibolites with a depth of' about seven meters from Tianjinping, NW Fujian, which. together with the previously published isotopic data. enable new constraints to be placed on the timing of the C athavsia f lock formation.
Proprietary Decoder Bitstream Input Video Frames iSIZE Precoding : Deep learning based resolution adaptation for DASH / HLS

Several research groups worldwide are currently investigating how deep learning may advance the state-of-the-art in image and video coding. An open question is how to make deep neural networks work in conjunction with existing (and upcoming) video codecs, such as MPEG AVC/H.264, HEVC, VVC, Google VP9 and AOMedia AV1, as well as existing container and transport formats. Such compatibility is a crucial aspect, as the video content industry and hardware manufacturers are expected to remain committed to supporting these standards for the foreseeable future. We propose deep neural networks as precoding components for current and future codec ecosystems. In our current deployments for DASH/HLS adaptive streaming, this comprises downscaling neural networks. Precoding via deep learning allows for full compatibility to current and future codec and transport standards while providing for significant savings. Our results with HD content show that 23%-43% rate reduction takes place under a range of state-of-the-art video codec implementations. The use of precoding can also lead to significant encoding complexity reduction, which is essential for the cloud deployment of complex encoders like AV1 and MPEG VVC. Therefore, beyond bitrate saving, deep-learning based precoding may reduce the required cloud resources for video transcoding and make cloud-based solutions competitive or superior to state-of-the-art captive deployments.
Shocked by Bank Funding Shocks: Evidence from 500 Million Consumer Credit Cards

Using comprehensive credit card--borrower--bank matched data of approximately 500 million credit cards in the U.S., we analyze how a sharp unexpected decline in banks' short-term wholesale funding in 2008 affected their consumers. We decompose credit supply and demand effects using the sudden dry-up of short-term wholesale funding (which accounted for 17.8% of bank funding pre-2008) and account-level data on credit card limits and balances. For the same consumer, credit card issuers experiencing a 10% greater decline in wholesale funding reduced credit limits by 0.9% more relative to other issuers. Consumers' aggregate card balances decreased by 0.32% for a 1% reduction in aggregate limits induced by the wholesale funding liquidity shock. We document significant heterogeneity in the pass-through of the bank liquidity shocks with banks cutting credit limits by more for credit-constrained consumers (e.g., lower credit-score and higher credit utilization consumers). These consumers respond by cutting their consumption as they are less able to borrow from alternate sources. Moreover, this consumption decline is long-lasting for these credit-constrained consumers. Our results highlight that when banks face liquidity shocks, they are more likely to pass on these shocks to consumers who are least able to hedge against them. Consequently, our results show who bears the real costs of fragile bank funding structures.
Why Do Many Resource-Rich Countries Have Negative Genuine Saving ? Anticipation of better times for rapacious rent seeking Revised June 2009

We investigate the Hartwick rule for saving of a nation necessary to sustain a constant level of private consumption for a small open economy with an exhaustible stock of natural resources. The amount by which a country saves and invests less than the marginal resource rents equals the expected capital gains on reserves of natural resources plus the expected increase in interest income on net foreign assets plus the expected fall in the cost of resource extraction due to expected improvements in extraction technology. Effectively, depletion is then postponed until better times. This suggests that it is not necessarily sub-optimal for resource-rich countries to have negative genuine saving. However, in countries with different groups with imperfectly defined property rights on natural resources, political distortions induce faster resource depletion than suggested by the Hotelling rule. Fractionalised societies with imperfect property rights build up more foreign assets than their marginal resource rents, but in the long run accumulate less foreign assets than homogenous societies. Hence, such societies end up with lower sustainable consumption and are worse off, especially if seepage is strong, the number of rival groups is large and the country does not enjoy much monopoly power on the resource market. Genuine saving is zero in such societies. However, World Bank genuine saving figures based on market rather than accounting prices will be negative, albeit less so in more fractionalised societies with less secure property rights.
Drug Augmentation for Treatment-refractory Major Depressive Disorder

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most frequent psychiatric diseases seen in the clinic. Most MDD patients can be treated reliably and comfortably with the use of one antidepressant. But some patients have treatment-refractory depression (TRD), which needs to be managed with switch of the antidepressant or augmentation therapy with another antidepressant or other drugs. Therefore, managing TRD is a challenge for practicing psychiatrists. In this overview, the authors are focusing on treating TRD with augmentation therapy. First, clinicians need to be well-versed in behavioral and physiological classifi cation of antidepressants as a logical basis of choosing an appropriate antidepressant for add-on therapy. Second, clinicians need to be familiarized with data of clinical drug trials for treating TRD with second-generation antipsychotic drugs such as aripiprazole, olanzapine, and quetiapine, approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States. Third, clinicians need to recognize the use of lithium and thyroid hormone as an add-on drugs for treating patients with TRD. Finally, the patients need to be educated to adapt a healthy lifestyle such as having the habit of regular aerobic exercise, refraining from substance uses, etc. With all those tips, the authors believe that the goal of remission can be more easily achieved for patients with TRD. Drug Augmentation for Treatment-refractory Major Depressive Disorder
The Fit between Strategic Choice and Organizational Structure and their Impact on the Effectiveness of the Organization : Study of a Set of Medium and Large Institutions in Algeria

The directions that were brought by the contingency school which are based on the principle that there is no ideal and unified way in managing the organizations, as well as understanding the interactive relationships between the parts of these organizations and its external environment. These latter can help them to make strategic decisions ,and choose the appropriate alternatives,for the final goals that the organization is always seeking to achieve and succeed in light of its own design. This study sheds light on the relationship between fit(strategy/structure) and organizational effectiveness in the organization, and measures the impact of this fit on the institution’s effectivenes. The survey was conducted on a sample of 73 medium and large institutions in the northwest of Algeria, where we found that there is a relationship between strategy and organizational structure, and in framework fit (strategy/structure), and that the institutions achieve the highest effectiveness through this fit in contrast to institutions that are without fit, on the grounds that the institution is the framework which defines within it the strategy to achieve its goals.
EW CYCLIC TE SILE MODEL FOR TWO-DIME SIO AL FI ITE ELEME T A ALYSIS OF RC MEMBERS

This paper presents a new approach for modeling the tensile cyclic response of reinforced concrete (RC) subjected to biaxial stress conditions. The model is based on equilibrium, constitutive and compatibility conditions applied on a cracked RC element with arbitrary reinforcement configuration. Cyclic bond degradation effects are accounted for in order to provide physical meaning to tension-stiffening, crack-closing and crack-opening phenomena. The proposed model was implemented into an orthotropic, smeared-crack membrane finite element based on the fixed-crack assumption. A number of verification examples on reinforced concrete panels, shear critical beams and walls subjected to monotonic and cyclic loading is presented. Emphasis is made on adequate modeling of shear failures, due to its detrimental effect on strength and energy dissipation capacity.
AWARENESS TO ACCOUNTING AND ROLE OF ACCOUNTING AT RELIGIOUS ORGANISATIONS. THE CASE OF BROTHERHOODS OF SEVILLE AT THE SECOND HALF OF 16 CENTURY

Accounting literature on the relationships of accounting and religion has tended to blur the division between the sacred and the profane spheres established by Laughlin (1988) and Booth (1993), being accounting considered as sacred once the managers of the religious organizations have used accounting at their professional activity. However, this single reason isolated from other influences seems to be poor. In this work we wonder if the cultural and legal environments played a role mediating in such grounds. For this reason, we resort to the brotherhoods rules that appeared at Seville (Spain) during the second half of the 16 century. Given the improvement of decrees and books, accounting impregnated in such a way the life that became considered as a main tool at businesses and other public institutions, and so, the brotherhoods management. Thus, the period selected is interesting. Moreover, the location considered was relevant due that it was the biggest harbour of Europe.