Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pushing Towards Embodied Interactions

New interaction techniques are coming more than ever before, but are they meaningful? Is there a purpose behind these novel technologies or is it the technology itself that is emphasized? In this paper we have taken the approach of embodied interaction and evaluated current interaction modalities in order to design a next generation input device focusing on the user instead of the technology behind it. We have established the relevance of embodied interaction and our result brings interesting insights into design considerations when designing novel interaction mediums. We have also discussed the technical considerations around our proposed interaction technique.
EVALUATION OF TURKISH OLIVE OIL QUALITY: SOME QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS AND TURKISH FOOD CODEX

Olive oil is a significant food product that is directly consumed and highly recommended for health. Therefore it must be produced at right and hygienic conditions. This study aimed to evaluate some quality and purity criteria of olive oil samples from different regions and different olive types around Turkey according to regulations of Turkish Food Codex. Free acidity, peroxide number and oil acid compositions of samples were studied for evaluation of quality and purity. According to the results, although free acidity results of all Riviera olive oil samples were in conformity to those in standards; 46% of extra virgin olive oil samples were out of the acceptable limits. Peroxide values of both types (22% of virgin olive oil and 15% of Riviera oil samples) were above the limits given in standards. Fatty acid compositions of linolenic, heptadecanoic and heptadecenoic acid values were not within the legal limits. According to overall results; 46%, 20% and 9% of all samples were out of the standard limits, for free acidity, peroxide value and distribution of fatty acids, respectively. These data provide evidence of the variation in olive oil quality around Turkish olive oil samples
ASPECTS OF CHINESE CONSUMER BEHAVIOR IN BUYING FOREIGN BRANDED PRODUCT : A CASE STUDY OF DOVE CHOCOLATE , AT CR VANGUARD HYPERMARKETS IN XI ’ AN CITY , SHAANXI PROVINCE , CHINA

As Chinese consumers seem to have an increasing demand for foreign-branded products the purpose of this study is to contribute to the existing literature on this issue by examining the purchase intention of Chinese consumers for a specific foreign-branded product; Dove chocolate. It uses a questionnaire to survey 400 respondents who have bought Dove chocolate at ten CR vanguard hypermarkets in Xi’an city, Shaanxi province, China. The data was analyzed using Pearson Correlation Coefficient. The results show some trends of particular interest to China-based marketing managers working for foreign food product companies and, to some extent, to those working for foreign firms selling foreign products as they help them better understand Chinese Consumers’ perception and attitudes towards chocolate items and foreign brands in general.
Global analysis of seagrass restoration: the importance of large-scale planting

In coastal and estuarine systems, foundation species like seagrasses, mangroves, saltmarshes or corals provide important ecosystem services. Seagrasses are globally declining and their reintroduction has been shown to restore ecosystem functions. However, seagrass restoration is often challenging, given the dynamic and stressful environment that seagrasses often grow in. From our world-wide meta-analysis of seagrass restoration trials (1786 trials), we describe general features and best practice for seagrass restoration. We confirm that removal of threats is important prior to replanting. Reduced water quality (mainly eutrophication), and construction activities led to poorer restoration success than, for instance, dredging, local direct impact and natural causes. Proximity to and recovery of donor beds were positively correlated with trial performance. Planting techniques can influence restoration success. The meta-analysis shows that both trial survival and seagrass population growth rate in trials that survived are positively affected by the number of plants or seeds initially transplanted. This relationship between restoration scale and restoration success was not related to trial characteristics of the initial restoration. The majority of the seagrass restoration trials have been very small, which may explain the low overall trial survival rate (i.e. estimated 37%). Successful regrowth of the foundation seagrass species appears to require crossing a minimum threshold of reintroduced individuals. Our study provides the first global field evidence for the requirement of a critical mass for recovery, which may also hold for other foundation species showing strong positive feedback to a dynamic environment.Synthesis and applications. For effective restoration of seagrass foundation species in its typically dynamic, stressful environment, introduction of large numbers is seen to be beneficial and probably serves two purposes. First, a large-scale planting increases trial survival - large numbers ensure the spread of risks, which is needed to overcome high natural variability. Secondly, a large-scale trial increases population growth rate by enhancing self-sustaining feedback, which is generally found in foundation species in stressful environments such as seagrass beds. Thus, by careful site selection and applying appropriate techniques, spreading of risks and enhancing self-sustaining feedback in concert increase success of seagrass restoration.
Elucidation of Genetic Diversity among Five Cultivars of Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis Using Single Primer Amplification Reaction (Spar)

Molecular marker assisted characterization is lacking in H.rosa sinensis. This study focuses on the genetic variability among five cultivars of H.rosa sinensis species by employing SPAR (RAPD, ISSR, SSR and DAMD) methods. In SPAR methods, Ten RAPD, Five ISSR, Three SSR and Seven DAMD primers were used to distinguish the genetic variability. Out of these Four primers showed 100% polymorphism, while average polymorphism in RAPD and ISSR marker systems was 77% and 81.6% respectively and the cluster analysis showed a more or less similar pattern. Dendrograms revealed that the "YELLOW" and "ORANGE" cultivars are nearly located so they are not used in the hybridization process.
Measuring optical phase singularities at subwavelength resolution

We will present experimental and theoretical studies of optical fields with subwavelength structures, in particular phase singularities and coherent detection methods with nanometric resolution. An electromagnetic field is characterized by an amplitude, a phase and a polarization state. Therefore, experimental studies require coherent detection methods, which allow one to measure the amplitude and phase of the optical field with subwavelength resolution. We will present two instruments, a heterodyne scanning probe microscope (heterodyne SNOM) and a high resolution interference microscope (HRIM). We will review some earlier work using the heterodyne SNOM, in particular the measurement of phase singularities produced by a 1 μm pitch grating with 10 nm spatial sampling. Using the HRIM we have investigated the intensity and phase distributions (with singularities) in the focal region of microlenses. The measurements are compared with the results calculated by rigorous diffraction theory.
Distributed Search Systems with Self-Adaptive Organizational Setups

This paper studies the effects of learning-induced alterations of distributed search systems’ organizations. In particular, scenarios where alterations of the search-systems’ organizational setup are based on a form of reinforcement learning are compared to scenarios where the organizational setup is kept constant and to scenarios where the setup is changed randomly. The results indicate that learning-induced alterations may lead to high levels of performance combined with high levels of efficiency in terms of reorganization-effort. However, the results also suggest that the complexity of the underlying search problem together with the aspiration level (which drives positive or negative reinforcement) considerably shapes the effects of learning.
Effects of Processing on Nutritional and Sensory Quality of Pearl Millet Flour.

Malnutrition is a common occurrence in the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) of Kenya. Well-formulated complementary foods in the market are not affordable by mothers living in these resource-poor communities. Therefore nutrition efforts should be geared towards achieving affordable and nutritious complementary foods for children who are the most vulnerable group in the society. The study evaluated the effects of germination of pearl millet ( Pennisetum glaucum ) for up to 5 days followed by fermentation (24 hrs) and roasting on proximate composition, iron, zinc, calcium and phytates contents. Results showed that this process decreased calcium and phytic acid levels significantly (p<0.05) while protein, ash, crude fiber, iron and zinc levels were increased. The germinated, fermented and roasted flour gave porridge of superior sensory quality than flour from untreated millet. Keywords: Germination/sprouting, fermentation, roasting, millet.
Singing as a Music Therapy Intervention for Persons with Broca's Aphasia

The purpose of this paper was to explore how singing interventions may be used in music therapy contexts for persons with Broca’s aphasia. Characteristics and issues concerning stroke, aphasia, and Broca’s aphasia in particular were discussed. A review of the relevant music therapy literature revealed four overarching vocal intervention categories: (a) use of pre-composed songs, (b) vocal improvisation, (c) toning and chanting, and (d) singing original songs written by the client. Subcategories included in category ‘a’ were: singing familiar songs, Melodic Intonation Therapy (MIT), and Modified Melodic Intonation Therapy (MMIT). Research and treatment goal areas were identified and described within each of these categories. The final section of this paper will outline relevant implications for music therapy practice as well as make recommendations for research.
Cyberbullying and Suicide among a Sample of LGBTQ Young Adults

iv Dedication . v Acknowledgement . vi List of Tables . ix Chapter One . 1 Chapter Two. 10 Chapter Three . 36 Chapter Four . 45 Chapter Five . 53 References . 61 Appendices. 73
Impact of railway station on Dutch residential housing market

In an efficient market, the levels of house prices reflect the values of value of physical, accessibility and environmental features corresponding to the house. The Dutch residential house market though could not be claimed to work under a perfectly efficient market; the prices can be diagnosed to reflect the value of these features. This paper focuses on the value of railway accessibility feature to the residential houses prices. Stations are treated as transport access points with distance and frequency of train services components and potential places for negative externalities. Applying a cross sectional hedonic price model, we found railway stations as identified by frequency of train service has elasticity of close to 0.3 for house up to a distance of 3 kms. Due to the spatial nature of the data we controlled the spatial effects by regional dummies. Proximity to railway line as differing from proximity to station, explaining the noise effect, has negative effect on prices. At the same time the immediate neighbourhood of the station is affected negatively from externality of the station. Highway accessibility on the other hand shows slightly different effect on house prices, in that peak effects occur at 4-5 km from the highway entry/exit point. All other physical and neighbourhood variables as income level and population composition show expected effect on house prices.
Cropping systems evaluation, fertilization, and effects on technological quality and sugarcane productivity

The scarification has been used in soil descompaction and when combined with fertilizer and harrowing has been called triple operation, which together can change the quality and increase the productivity of sugarcane. In this study we evaluated the influence two cropping systems in ratoon, associated with different forms of fertilization on the technological quality and productivity of sugarcane. The design was randomized blocks, with split plots, with four replications. In the main plots we evaluated two treatments: C/HE=with chisel plow; S/HE=without chisel plow. The subplots were tested for fertilization treatments: M=mineral fertilization; T=M+filter cake; H=M+humic extract; M+T+H. We evaluated the technological analysis and the production of sugarcane. It was observed that the use of the chisel during the period of the 2nd and 3rd ratoon did not cause changes in technological variables and sugarcane productivity. The fertilizers used did not provided increases in the number of stems per meter nor the productivity of sugarcane stems. The values obtained for brix degree of syrup, apparent sucrose, broth purity, fiber, reducing sugars and total reducing sugars were above minimum values defined by the standard the cane quality in all the treatments, but did not increase the number of stems and crop productivity. Key words: Triple cultivation, scarification, organic fertilization, filter cake.
Effect of Porter's Generic Strategies on Expansion of Academic Programmes for Competitive Advantage in Kenya

The 21st century has brought challenges and opportunities for higher education in Kenya. The institutions need to understand their resources, capabilities and core competencies which have a direct link to the institutions’ ability to achieve their strategic competitiveness and earn above average returns. The aim of this study was to establish the effect of Porter’s generic strategies on expansion of academic programmes for competitive advantage in Kenya. The specific objectives were: to determine the effect of differentiation strategy on expansion of academic programmes; to find out how focus strategy has an influence on expansion of academic. The sample site of the research study was Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. The respondents were senior university management- policy makers and the lecturers- developers of academic programmes. Descriptive research design was used and a case study approach adopted. The target population of the study was a total population of 630 comprising of 600 lecturers and 30 senior university management staff. Stratified random sampling technique was used to pick a sample size of 103 respondents to carry out the study using questionnaires and qualitative approaches. Among the key findings of this study was that both focus and differentiation strategies had positive correlation with expansion of academic programmes. Moreover, combining the two strategies had an effect on increasing the competitive advantage of the university. The study recommends that universities should do adequate market research before embarking on development of academic programmes. Moreover, universities should differentiate themselves in terms of academic programmes so as to create their own niche in the market and gain a competitive advantage.
Stock Market Integration and Expected Equity Returns By applying the time-varying market integration rankings

With this research paper I am setting out to explore the relationship between stock market integration and the equity returns by applying the time-varying market integration rankings from 1996-2011. In a sample of 16 years monthly total returns of the MSCI country indexes and/or S&P/IFC indexes, I have recorded 192 observations for each market group, namely developed, emerging, frontier and world markets. As a result, there is no evidence to attest the existence of a significant relationship for all markets in terms of the HF and the KOF rankings. Based on the EFW rankings, I find that stock market integration has a significant effect on the equity returns in the world market. However, this result is not so robust because I haven’t found a significant relationship for other markets based on the EFW ranking. In sum, it is fair to conclude that stock market integration has no significant effect on the equity returns. This result is inconsistent with the prediction of international CAPM that equity market integration may decrease the integrated country’s cost of capital as well as previous significant findings.
Catalogue of 55–80 MeV solar proton events extending through solar cycles 23 and 24

We present a new catalogue of solar energetic particle events near the Earth, covering solar cycle 23 and the majority of solar cycle 24 (1996–2016), based on the 55–80 MeV proton intensity data gathered by the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory/the Energetic and Relativistic Nuclei and Electron experiment (SOHO/ERNE). In addition to ERNE proton and heavy ion observations, data from the Advanced Composition Explorer/Electron, Proton and Alpha Monitor (ACE/EPAM) (near-relativistic electrons), SOHO/EPHIN (Electron Proton Helium Instrument) (relativistic electrons), SOHO/LASCO (Large Angle and Spectrometric Coronagraph) (coronal mass ejections, CMEs) and Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) soft X-ray experiments are also considered and the associations between the particle and CME/X-ray events deduced to obtain a better understanding of each event. A total of 176 solar energetic particle (SEP) events have been identified as having occurred during the time period of interest; their onset and solar release times have been estimated using both velocity dispersion analysis (VDA) and time-shifting analysis (TSA) for protons, as well as TSA for near-relativistic electrons. Additionally, a brief statistical analysis was performed on the VDA and TSA results, as well as the X-rays and CMEs associated with the proton/electron events, both to test the viability of the VDA and to investigate possible differences between the two solar cycles. We find, in confirmation of a number of previous studies, that VDA results for protons that yield an apparent path length of 1 AU ≾ 3 AU seem to be useful, but those outside this range are probably unreliable, as evidenced by the anticorrelation between apparent path length and release time estimated from the X-ray activity. It also appears that even the first-arriving energetic protons apparently undergo significant pitch angle scattering in the interplanetary medium, with the resulting apparent path length being on average about twice the length of the spiral magnetic field. The analysis indicates an increase in high-energy SEP events originating from the far-eastern solar hemisphere; for instance, such an event with a well-established associated GOES flare has so far occurred three times during cycle 24 but possibly not at all during cycle 23. The generally lower level of solar activity during cycle 24, as opposed to cycle 23, has probably caused a significant decrease in total ambient pressure in the interplanetary space, leading to a larger proportion of SEP-associated halo-type CMEs. Taken together, these observations point to a qualitative difference between the two solar cycles.
Antecedents of Knowledge Management Practices: Case of Malaysian Practitioners

In this paper, we investigated the knowledge management (KM) behavior of executives in Malaysia who work in different sectors and involved in Information Technology (IT) related fields. We proposed a conceptual framework based on the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA), the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) to study their intention and involvement in KM initiatives. The knowledge creation theory (SECI process) was employed to operationalize KM intention and KM behavior. We proposed six independent variables that represent the social-cultural nature of KM as the antecedence of KM intention. These variables are trust, management support, decentralization, IT support, performance expectancy (PE), and effort expectancy (EE). Seventy-four executives from both private and government-linked organizations responded to our online questionnaire. SmartPLS3 was used to run the analysis. The reliability was ensured with the factor loadings, Cronbach’s alpha, Composite Reliability (CR) that met the fit requirement of above 0.6, 0.7 and 0.7 respectively. The convergent validity was confirmed through average variance extracted (AVE) that met the fit requirement of above 0.5. The discriminant validity was assessed by using Fornell and Larcker’s criterion. Finally, the structural model confirmed that only PE of KM, and EE of KM are the significant predictors of KM intention and the KM intention significantly predicts KM behavior. The implications of the findings are discussed in detail at the end of the paper.
Galaxy Zoo: star formation versus spiral arm number

Spiral arms are common features in low-redshift disc galaxies, and are prominent sites of star formation and dust obscuration. However, spiral structure can take many forms: from galaxies displaying two strong ‘grand design’ arms to those with many ‘flocculent’ arms. We investigate how these different arm types are related to a galaxy's star formation and gas properties by making use of visual spiral arm number measurements from Galaxy Zoo 2. We combine ultraviolet and mid-infrared (MIR) photometry from GALEX and WISE to measure the rates and relative fractions of obscured and unobscured star formation in a sample of low-redshift SDSS spirals. Total star formation rate has little dependence on spiral arm multiplicity, but two-armed spirals convert their gas to stars more efficiently. We find significant differences in the fraction of obscured star formation: an additional ∼10 per cent of star formation in two-armed galaxies is identified via MIR dust emission, compared to that in many-armed galaxies. The latter are also significantly offset below the IRX–β relation for low-redshift star-forming galaxies. We present several explanations for these differences versus arm number: variations in the spatial distribution, sizes or clearing time-scales of star-forming regions (i.e. molecular clouds), or contrasting recent star formation histories.