Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Human-Agent Team Formation : An Empirical Study

This paper studies the decision-making strategies people deploy when they interact in groups comprising both human and computer agents. It focuses on settings where actions are occurring at a fast pace and decisions must be made within tightly constrained time frames, under conditions of uncertainty and partial information. Participants can form teams by negotiating over splitting rewards that they can obtain by successfully completing joint tasks. However, members may defect from their teams by accepting offers from non-team members. In this paper the authors present a behavioral study that measures the extent to which social factors such as trust and fairness affect people’s commitments to their teams when these include both computer agents and humans. Results show that people offer significantly less benefit to agents than to people when forming teams. However, people are as loyal to agent-led teams as they are to human-led teams. These results have implications for the design of decision-making strategies in mixed-initiative systems for building trust and cooperative relationships between humans and agents.
Rolling Bearing Fault Signal Extraction Based on Stochastic Resonance-Based Denoising and VMD

Aiming at the difficulty of early fault vibration signal extraction of rolling bearing, a method of fault weak signal extraction based on variational mode decomposition (VMD) and quantum particle swarm optimization adaptive stochastic resonance (QPSO-SR) for denoising is proposed. Firstly, stochastic resonance parameters are optimized adaptively by using quantum particle swarm optimization algorithm according to the characteristics of the original fault vibration signal. The best stochastic resonance system parameters are output when the signal to noise ratio reaches the maximum value. Secondly, the original signal is processed by optimal stochastic resonance system for denoising. The influence of the noise interference and the impact component on the results is weakened. The amplitude of the fault signal is enhanced. Then the VMD method is used to decompose the denoised signal to realize the extraction of fault weak signals. The proposed method was applied in simulated fault signals and actual fault signals. The results show that the proposed method can reduce the effect of noise and improve the computational accuracy of VMD in noise background. It makes VMD more effective in the field of fault diagnosis. The proposed method is helpful to realize the accurate diagnosis of rolling bearing early fault.
Pre-Service Biology Teachers' and Primary School Students' Attitudes Toward and Knowledge about Snakes

Snakes are controversial animals emblazoned by legends, but also endangered as a result of human prejudice and fear. The author investigated gender and age-related differences in attitudes to and knowledge of snakes comparing samples of school children and preservice teachers. It was found that although pre-service teachers had better knowledge of and more positive scientistic and moralistic attitudes toward snakes fear of snakes and willingness to pay for snake conservation was no statistically different between these two groups of participants. These results support the idea that better factual knowledge is not a sufficient precursor of attitudes toward harmful animals.
Sealing of Anodized Aluminum Alloys with Rare Earth Metal Salt Solutions

Boric‐sulfuric acid anodized (BSAA) aluminum alloys have been sealed in hot solutions of cerium or yttrium salts. For comparison, sealing has also been performed in the presently used dilute chromate solution, boiling water, and a cold nickel fluoride solution. The corrosion resistance of the sealed BSAA Al alloys Al 2024, Al 6061, and Al 7075 has been evaluated by recording impedance spectra during exposure in 0.5 N NaCl for 7 days. Shorter or longer exposure times have also been used depending on the corrosion resistance obtained by different sealing processes. From the impedance spectra the time dependence of the pore resistance, R po, and the specific admittance, A s, has been determined. At the end of the exposure the pitted area, A pit, was calculated. The relationship between A s and R po has been evaluated. Two different sealing mechanisms were detected. For sealing in dilute chromate the pores in the outer oxide layer stayed open, while for hot water sealing or sealing in cold nickel fluoride the pores were closed by an oxide/hydroxide. Sealing of BSAA Al alloys in cerium or yttrium salt solutions occurred according to one of these two mechanisms depending on alloy type and solution composition. Based on the experimental values of R po, A s, and A pit it was concluded that sealing in cerium nitrate and yttrium sulfate solutions provided corrosion resistance similar to that of chromate‐sealed BSAA Al alloys.
Effect of Heavy Metals on Some Biochemical Parameters of Sal (Shorea robusta) Seedling at Nursery Level, Doon Valley, India

Abstract The effects of cadmium, arsenic and lead (1, 5 and 10ppm) on the content of chlorophyll, amino acid, proline, and ascorbic acid were investigated in ten month old sal seedlings (Shorea robusta) grown in nursery with various treatment of different concentration of Cadmium, Pb, and As. Control and heavy metal-treated plants were grown for a period of six months in natural condition. Total chlorophyll, amino acid, proline and ascorbic acid content were measured in the leaves of the six month old seedling with the help of UV Spectrophotometer. The result showed that the total chlorophyll and amino acid content decreased with increased concentrations of heavy metals. A significant increase of proline and ascorbic acid content was observed in leaves after a four month exposure to heavy metals. The strongest effect of cadmium, followed by Pb++ and As++ was observed on total chlorophyll, amino acid, proline and ascorbic acid content of plants.
Sexual Dimorphism within Canine Dimensions of Didelphis virginiana

Sexual dimorphism in canine size was analyzed from a sample of the Baldwin County, Georgia population of Didelphis virginiana (Virginia opossum). Where possible 6 measurements were obtained from 59 (47 males, 12 females) individuals collected as roadkill. Although range overlap exists for all measurements, males were found to be significantly larger for upper and lower canine length, width and height. The observed sexual dimorphism agrees with previously published analyses of cranial and post-cranial sexual dimorphism in this species and is likely related to intrasexual aggression between males during mating season.
Earnings management within Europe: the effects of member state audit environment, audit firm quality and international capital markets

Abstract This paper studies earnings management in a European context. More specifically, the effects of three factors on earnings management within Europe are studied: member state audit environment, audit firm quality and presence in international capital markets. The national audit environments within Europe vary strongly in terms of independence rules and auditor liability. Hence, it can be expected that the restrictions imposed by national audit environments on earnings management vary. However, there are two factors that can mitigate the national audit environment effect: Big Four audit firm quality and a company's reliance on international capital markets. Using data for the period 1992–2000 from listed firms in three EU countries with clearly distinct audit environments (France, Germany and the UK), we have the following main findings. First, a stricter audit environment reduces the magnitude of earnings management, irrespective of the type of auditor (Big Four audit firm or non-Big Four audit firm). Second, there is no evidence of an international Big Four audit quality effect in Europe. Third, a company's reliance on international capital markets does not limit its earnings management. The evidence provided in this study is relevant for the current debate in the European Union on the harmonisation of auditing. For the comparability of earnings, not only is the standardisation of financial reporting important but also the standardisation of enforcement mechanisms, as embodied in the national audit environment and the quality of audit firms. The results of this study suggest that the enforcement of financial reporting still varies strongly across member states of the EU.
KINEMATIC RELEVANCE OF SHORT APPROACH JUMPS AS A TRAINING TOOL FOR COMPETITION LONG JUMPING

Training for the long jump involves short approach jumps which are often assumed to replicate full approach jump take-0%. The aim of this study was to compare directly the kinematics of short and full approach jumps. One elite female long jumper completed seven 10 step approach jumps during one training session, and five full approach jumps in an international competition. Video from a fixed camera was digitised and kinematic variables for the final touchdown calculated. Approach run step kinematics were obtained from a panning camera. Statistically significant (p < 0.05) differences were identified in approach step characteristics and in horizontal velocity, but none were found in vertical velocity generated. Results indicate short approach jumps are a useful tool for generation of vertical velocity but do not directly replicate full approach jumps in approach or take off.
Inaugural lecture on medical statistics: a microscope for health and disease

I am grateful to God Almighty for the honour and privilege to be selected to deliver the 2005/2006 inaugural lecture on behalf of the Faculty of Public Health. The feeling of honour and privilege stems from the fact that if the Faculty of Public Health had not been created in 2002, I may not have had the opportunity of giving an inaugural lecture before retirement despite attaining the position of Professor 14 years ago.
Tire rubber testing procedure over a wide range of strain rates

The main aim of the paper is to present the procedure allowing one to determine correct mechanical characteristics of a rubber material compressed within a wide range of strain rates. In order to obtain a satisfactory wide spectrum of material data, a number of tests were conducted both under low and high strain rates with the use of a universal strength machine and split Hopkinson pressure bar set-up equipped with polymethyl methacrylate and 7075- T6 alloy bars. During the investigations, the necessity of performing pre-compression tests and the problem of specimen geometry were pointed out as key methodical requirements to guarantee achieving valid experimental data both from quasi-static and high strain rate tests.
Incidence and Clinical profiles of Pulmonary and Extra-Pulmonary Tuberculosis patients in North Indian population: A hospital based Retrospective study

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most important global health problems. The prevalence of TB is high among the developing world. This retrospective study was carried out to find the incidence and clinical profiles of pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis patients in North Indian population. Material and methods: A retrospective analysis of 552 patients having EPTB and PTB was undertaken from the Dept. of Respiratory Medicine, King George’s Medical University, U.P., Lucknow, out of which 300 were of pulmonary tuberculosis and 252 of EPTB. Demographic characteristics, clinical features and apparent risk factors of disease were obtained from medical case records of all patients visiting the hospital from. The Study included only the confirmed cases of EPTB and PTB with or without other co-infections. Results: Results were tabulated and statistically studied. The prevalence of EPTB was higher among females than males as compared to PTB and this was statistically significant (p=0.001). No significant (p>0.05) association was found between EPTB and PTB according to the place of residence. However, the tobacco habit, smoking habit, alcohol use and family history were found to be significantly (p<0.01) associated with the type of TB. Pleural (62.3%) site of EPTB was a most common site in EPTB patients. The study shows a significant (p=0.04) association between age distribution and disease condition (both EPTB and PTB) among males. A similar observation was found among female patients. The prevalence of EPTB was 1.80 times significantly higher among smokers. The prevalence of EPTB was also higher among those who had a family history of tuberculosis infection in comparison with new cases. Diabetes was present in 16.7% of the EPTB patients and MDR-TB was present in 12.7%. HIV was present in 8%. Most of the patients of EPTB were new cases (88.1) in comparison with the retreatment cases (11.9). Conclusion: Among evaluated tuberculosis patients, maximum had EPTB. Pleural tuberculosis was the most common presentation of EPTB. Both pulmonary, as well as extrapulmonary forms of tuberculosis, affected the younger population, between 20-40 years of age, more commonly. The study shows female preponderance among EPTB cases as compared to PTB cases. In female population, EPTB affected younger age group as compared to male patients where PTB was found to be more common. A Higher proportion of EPTB cases were found to be HIV positive and suffering from diabetes as compared to PTB.
Characterization of a sample population of dental hygiene patients with and without periodontal disease as determined through fatty acid and fruit and vegetable intake

This study was designed to compare the fatty acid and fruit and vegetable intake of people with and without periodontal disease. Periodontal disease affects approximately 15 percent of the developed world population. Participants filled out a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) for both fruit and vegetable and fat intake. A sample of whole blood (EDTA) was collected to determine the fatty acid profile of participants’ red blood cell (RBC) membrane. This analytical procedure determines the average fatty acid intake of the participant over the previous 90 to 120 days. Participants were classified as case (n=10, patients diagnosed with periodontal disease) or control group (n=10, patients without periodontal disease). Our hypothesis was that the case group would have higher fat intake and lower fruit and vegetable intake, with lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids and higher levels of omega-6 fatty acids in the RBC membrane. FFQ results indicated that case participants consumed significantly higher amounts of total fat (109.02 vs. 94.46g/d; p= .05), saturated fat (35.102 vs. 28.242g/d; p= .033) and their diets had a higher percentage of total dietary fat (38.73% vs. 34.99%; p=.044). FFQ for fruit and vegetable intake showed no significance between the case and control groups (4.41 vs. 4.56 servings/d; p=.871). For the most part, there were no significant differences between the percent composition of the individual fatty acids isolated from the RBC membrane or in ratios of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acid groups as determined by RBC fatty acid analysis. Results indicated a numerically lower intake of omega-3 fatty acids in the case than in the control group. Likewise, there was a numerically higher intake of omega-6 fatty acids in the case group. These numbers demonstrate a trend towards the hypothesis being correct and patients with periodontal disease consuming more omega-6 fatty acids and less omega-3 fatty acids. Nutrient Analysis and Periodontal Disease 3
Cutoff latitude variation during solar proton events: Causes and consequences

To accurately quantify the effect of solar proton events (SPEs) on the atmosphere requires a good estimate of the particle energy deposition in the middle atmosphere (60–100 km) and how the energy is distributed globally. Protons in the energy range 1–20 MeV, depositing their energy in the middle atmosphere, are subject to more complex dynamics with strong day‐night asymmetries compared to higher‐energy particles. Our study targets six SPEs from 2003 to 2012. By using measurements from the Medium Energy Proton and Electron Detector on all available Polar Orbit Environment Satellites (POES), we show that in the main phase of geomagnetic storms the dayside cutoff latitudes are pushed poleward, while the nightside cutoff latitudes have the opposite response, resulting in strong day‐night asymmetries in the energy deposition. These features cannot be measured by the frequently used Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES). Assuming that the protons impact the polar atmosphere homogeneously above a fixed nominal latitude boundary will therefore give a significant overestimate of the energy deposited in the middle atmosphere during SPEs. We discuss the magnetospheric mechanisms responsible for the local time response in the cutoff latitudes and provide a simple applicable parameterization which includes both dayside and nightside cutoff latitude variability using only the Dst, the northward component of the interplanetary magnetic field, and solar wind pressure. The parameterization is utilized on the GOES particle fluxes, and the resulting energy deposition successfully captures the day‐night asymmetry in good agreement with the energy deposition predicted from the POES measurement.
Cosmic Star Formation: A Simple Model of the SFRD(z)

We investigate the evolution of the cosmic star formation rate density (SFRD) from redshift z = 20 to z = 0 and compare it with the observational one by Madau and Dickinson derived from recent compilations of ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) data. The theoretical SFRD(z) and its evolution are obtained using a simple model that folds together the star formation histories of prototype galaxies that are designed to represent real objects of different morphological type along the Hubble sequence and the hierarchical growing of structures under the action of gravity from small perturbations to large-scale objects in Λ-CDM cosmogony, i.e., the number density of dark matter halos . Although the overall model is very simple and easy to set up, it provides results that mimic results obtained from highly complex large-scale N-body simulations well. The simplicity of our approach allows us to test different assumptions for the star formation law in galaxies, the effects of energy feedback from stars to interstellar gas, the efficiency of galactic winds, and also the effect of . The result of our analysis is that in the framework of the hierarchical assembly of galaxies, the so-called time-delayed star formation under plain assumptions mainly for the energy feedback and galactic winds can reproduce the observational SFRD(z).
MULTI DRUG RESISTANCE ACINETOBACTER BAUMANNII : A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW FOR MICROBIAL AND CLINICAL STUDY Buddha

Infections due to Multi drug resistance Acinetobacter baumannii is now recognized as a major public health problem worldwide. The nosocomial infection due to Multi Drug Resistance Acinetobacter baumannii has leaded to increased in morbidity and mortality which has added noticeably to significant challenge to modern antibiotic therapy system. This is due to rapid phenomenon of Acinetobacter baumannii to acquire antibiotic resistance. Thus, in this review the overview of current knowledge on epidemiology, infections, mechanism of resistance and effective treatment options are briefly highlighted.
Investigating Managerial Practices to Minimise Negative Organisational Politics at the Zimbabwean National Electricity Provider

Abstract The present research investigates managerial practices for reducing negative politics at a national electricity provider in a Southern African Development Community (SADC) country. The study is triggered by rive organisational politics that has rendered the national electricity provider dysfunctional and less productive over the years. The present research provides a theoretical review on managerial practices for reducing negative politics as well as exploratory factor analysis that identified common factors of managerial practices. The data was subjected to the Bartlett test of sphericity and the Kaiser Meyer Olkin (K-M-O) measure of sampling adequacy to ensure that factor analysis was the appropriate statistical tool. The results showed that managerial participation and managerial fairness are potential measures for minimising dysfunctional politics. The present research paper recommends for a comprehensive managerial support strategy that encompass upholding transparency and fairness, instituting an effective organisational communication strategy, forming alliances, engaging key stakeholders and ensuring equitable distribution of resources as fundamental managerial measures that can take the national electricity provider to the next level, proceeding forward continuously.
The role of education for amenity based sorting in British cities

This paper investigates the relation between amenities and skills by looking at the sorting behavior of skilled individuals across neighbourhoods within British cities. Using a detailed micro dataset on housing transactions we recover a composite measure of local amenities that captures the level of attractiveness of each neighbourhood. By combining the amenity measure with data on British individuals we analyse how the cost associated with the consumption of amenities is distributed across education groups and across neighborhoods within cities defined as integrated labour markets. Results show that, holding constant the availability of job opportunities, high skilled individuals exhibit a moderate preference bias towards amenity consumption as they tend to sort into more attractive neighborhoods than lower skilled individuals with the same income.
U.S. Versus Sweden: The Effect of Alternative In-Work Tax Credit Policies on Labour Supply of Single Mothers

An essential difference between the design of the Swedish and the US in-work tax credit systems relates to their functional forms. Where the US earned income tax credit (EITC) is phased out and favours low and medium earnings, the Swedish system is not phased out and offers 17 and 7 per cent tax credit for low and medium low incomes and a lump-sum tax deduction equal to approximately 2300 USD for medium and higher incomes. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the efficiency and distributional effects of these two alternative tax credit designs. We pay particular attention to labour market exclusion; i.e. individuals within as well as outside the labour force are included in the analysis. To highlight the importance of the joint effects from the tax and the benefit systems it appears particular relevant to analyse the labour supply behaviour of single mothers. To this end, we estimate a structural random utility model of labour supply and welfare participation. The model accounts for heterogeneity in consumption-leisure preferences as well as for heterogeneity and constraints in job opportunities. The results of the evaluation show that the Swedish system without phase-out generates substantial larger labour supply responses than the US version of the tax credit. Due to increased labour supply and decline in welfare participation we find that the Swedish reform is self-financing for single mothers, whereas a 10 per cent deficit follows from the adapted EITC version used in this study. However, where income inequality rises modestly under the Swedish tax credit system, the US version with phase-out leads to a significant reduction in the income inequality.