Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
WOMEN DIRECTORS AND BOARD TASK PERFORMANCE: MEDIATING AND MODERATING EFFECTS OF BOARD WORKING STYLE

This paper investigates the mediating and moderating effects of board working style on the relationship between women board members and board task performance. Based on a survey of the CEOs of 249 Norwegian firms, we explore the proposition that women directors have influence on board dynamics and effectiveness. Drawing upon resource-dependence and agency theories, we hypothesize that the number of women directors will have differential impacts on the three main board tasks: service, financial control and qualitative control roles and that these effects will be influenced by intervening board working style variables such as trust, maintenance activities and length of board meetings. Our results suggest that the number of women directors has a direct negative impact on the performance of two of the board tasks, namely, financial control and service task. In addition, the interaction effect of women directors and length of board meetings seems to have a negative impact on the performance of qualitative control. At the same time, there is marginal support for a positive moderating effect of board trust on the link between women directors and qualitative control performance. Furthermore, our results clearly indicate that the effects of women board members on team effectiveness differ by the nature of the task performed. The results of this study confirm that in-depth exploration of board working styles and board role performance help to further advance the current understanding about the influence of board members in general and women directors in particular on board effectiveness.
РАЗДЕЛ 2 ЗАРАБОТНАЯ ПЛАТА ДИРЕКТОРОВ КОРПОРАЦИЙ SECTION 2 EXECUTIVE PAY PRACTICES CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND THEORIES OF EXECUTIVE PAY

This study performs an in-depth look at the corporate governance, voting and ownership structure of the companies selected using a relatively homogenous data of the U.S. financial sector. Variables that proxy for managerial strategic discretion and task complexity are found to best explain CEO compensation. Corporate governance, including board characteristics and ownership structure, is the second leading determinant of pay variation, while firm performance and CEO specific characteristics seem to play the least role. In accord with studies on managerial stock ownership and Tobin’s Q, the pay-for-performance relation appears to be curvilinear in CEO stock ownership.
A global scientific literature of research on water quality indices: trends, biases and future directions

OBJETIVO: A qualidade da agua tem sido objeto de muitos estudos recentes, alem disso, os parâmetros fisicos, quimicos e biologicos da agua sao usados para investigar a qualidade da agua e podem ser combinados em um unico indice, um Indice de Qualidade de Agua (IQA), para uso de recursos hidricos gestores e publico em geral. O objetivo deste estudo foi utilizar a cienciometria para avaliar como a qualidade da agua tem sido abordada na literatura cientifica internacional. METODO: Para a analise quantitativa das publicacoes sobre IQA, foi utilizada a pesquisa de banco de dados SCOPUS (http://www.scopus.com). A pesquisa foi realizada utilizando as palavras "QUALIT* WATER* INDEX*", em artigos publicados em todos os bancos de dados (ate 2011). RESULTADO: Encontramos 554 artigos que tratavam do uso de IQA, e o numero de publicacoes aumentou significativamente ao longo dos ultimos 20 anos. A India teve o maior numero de estudos, com 177 artigos, seguidos por China, Brasil e Estados Unidos. Esses quatro paises juntos publicados 57% dos estudos sobre IQA. Geramos 15 modelos lineares para explicar o numero de publicacao de estudo por pais. De acordo com o Criterio de Informacao de Akaike (AIC), o melhor modelo para explicar o numero de publicacoes por pais foi o modelo que combinou Saneamento e Abastecimento Publico. DISCUSSAO: Finalmente, este trabalho apresenta o estado da literatura cientifica sobre WQIs e demonstra o crescente interesse da comunidade cientifica nesta questao, que e, certamente, devido a importância da quantidade e da qualidade da agua para abastecimento humano, a economia, a saude e a conservacao dos recursos hidricos.
Effects of Physical Activity Levels on Fatigue Perception in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease and Neurologically Healthy Individuals

Background: Recent researches involving fatigue and Parkinson’s disease (PD) sought to verify its incidence and the impacts of fatigue on quality life of patients with PD. Despite the importance of regular physical activity practice, there are only few studies that verified the influence of the levels of physical activity on fatigue in patients with PD. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare perception of fatigue between individuals with PD and neurologically healthy individuals (control group), considering the physical activity levels; and to verify the relation between physical activity levels and fatigue dimensions for individuals with PD and control group. Methods: Eighty individuals (40 patients with PD and 40 control individuals) participated in this study. Physical activity levels were evaluated through Modified Baecke Questionnaire for Older Adults. Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI) was used in order to evaluate fatigue dimensions (general, physical and mental fatigue, reduced motivation and activity). MANOVA two-way and Pearson linear correlation test were performed to analyze the data. Results: Patients with PD presented higher levels of fatigue, in all dimensions evaluated by MFI, comparing to control individuals. There was no association between physical activity levels and perception of fatigue for patients with PD and control individuals. Conclusion: Patients with PD showed increased perception of fatigue when compared to control individuals, due to PD characteristics. In addition, the perception of fatigue’s symptom was not influenced and had no relation by the level of physical activity.
Morphology and Thermo Mechanical Properties of Wood/Polypropylene Composites

Because of the future scarcity of fossil raw material and taking into account current environmental concerns, the development of eco-materials occupies a large number of research centers. Wood polymer composites (WPC) made from wood flour and polymer matrices, are part of this logic. In today's world, the growing needs of the population and the growing technological innovation are pushing industrial and researchers to move towards so-called new generation products such as wood polymer composites whose production increases considerably from year to year. In recent years, wood–fibers have gained significant interest as reinforcing material for commercial thermoplastics. They are now fast evolving as a potential alternative to inorganic fillers for various applications. These composites made from blends of thermoplastics and natural fibers have gained popularity in a variety of applications because they combine the desirable durability of plastics with the cost effectiveness of natural fibers as fillers or reinforcing agents and several advantages like low density, high specific properties, non-abrasive to processing equipment, low cost and most importantly biodegradability (Timmons et al., 1971). In tropical countries, fibrous plants are available in abundance; these fibers with high specific strength improve the mechanical properties of the polymer matrix. Wood is renewable, recyclable and biodegradable, characteristics well appreciated by environmentalists. For these reasons, combining the plastic timber produces a more accepted material. However, consumers want more and more natural materials. But in practice there are a lot of waste that can be exploited in combination with polymers to form composites that are resistant thermoplastic timber, recyclable and can be burned for energy recovery. The addition of wood wood flour, into the polymer matrix leads to an improvement in the stiffness of the composite and decreases in the abrasiveness on processing equipment and density of the product compared to mineral fillers. Because of these attributes, Wood/polypropylene composites (WPCs) are used in a variety of innovative applications. A composite material is a blend of at least two different elements. The new material thus formed, has properties that the elements alone do not possess. Wood polymer composite consists of a wooden frame
Revisiting the observed climate surface response to large volcanic eruptions

In light of the range in presently available observational, reanalysis and model data, we revisit the surface climate response to large tropical volcanic eruptions from the end of the 19th century until present. We focus on the dynamical driven response of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and the radiative driven tropical temperature response. Using ten different reanalysis products and the Hadley Centre Sea Level Pressure observational dataset (HadSLP2) we confirm a positive tendency in the phase of the NAO during boreal winters following large volcanic eruptions, although conclude that it is not as clear cut 5 as the current literature suggests. While different reanalyses agree well on the sign of the surface volcanic NAO response for individual volcanoes, the spread in the response is often large (∼1/2 standard deviation). This inter-reanalysis spread is actually larger for the more recent volcanic eruptions, and in one case does not encompass observations (El Chichón). These are all in the satellite era, and therefore assimilate more atmospheric data that may lead to a more complex interaction for the surface response. The phase of the NAO leads to a dynamically driven warm anomaly over Northern Europe in winter, which is 10 present in all datasets considered. The general cooling of the surface temperature due to reduced incoming shortwave radiation is therefore disturbed by dynamical impacts. In the tropics, where less dynamical driven influences are present, we confirm a predominant cooling after most but not all eruptions. All datasets agree well on the strength of the tropical response with the observed and reanalysis response being statistically significant, but the modelled response not being significant due to the high variability across models. 15
Gender Segregated Labour Markets in the Baltics What are Prevailing – Similarities or Differences?

This paper focuses on men and women and the gender segregation of jobs in the Baltic countries. Based on the Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian labour force survey data, a look is taken at the employment structure of men and women by industries and occupations, as well as at the question whether or not gender segregation in the labour market has been increased after the collapse of the communist systems in the region under consideration. Empirical data demonstrate that in respect to industrial gender segregation there is some increase in Estonia and Latvia, but not in Lithuania. Occupational gender segregation demonstrates more stability in all three Baltic States. Compared to the Western European countries, the main trend is towards bigger similarities.
An active circuit for cancellation of common-mode voltage generated by a PWM inverter

This paper proposes an "active common-noise canceler (ACC)" that is capable of eliminating the common-mode voltage produced by a PWM inverter. An emitter follower using complementary transistors and a common-mode transformer are incorporated into the ACC, the design method of which is also presented in detail. A prototype ACC designed and constructed in this paper verifies the viability and effectiveness in a 3.7 kW induction motor drive using an IGBT inverter. Some experimental results show that the ACC makes significant contributions to reducing ground current and conducted EMI. In addition, the ACC can prevent electric shock on a ungrounded motor frame and can suppress motor shaft voltage.
Influence of obesity on the short-term outcome of laparoscopic colectomy for colorectal cancer

Purpose: Obesity has been generally associated with increased surgical risk. However, data on the outcome of laparoscopic colectomy in obese and non-obese patients are controversial. The aim of this study is to assess the short-term outcome of laparoscopic colectomy for colorectal cancer (CRC) in obese patients as compared with nonobese patients. Materials and Methods: Sixtynine patients who underwent laparoscopic anterior resection for CRC during the past six years were retrospectively evaluated. The patients with CRC involving the sigmoid or rectosigmoid colon and subjected to intracorporeal anastomosis were included in this study. They were divided into three groups according to body mass index (BMI): obese (BMI ≥ 28.0 kg/m2), pre-obese (BMI: 25.027.9 kg/m2) and non-obese (BMI < 25.0 kg/m2). Results: Nine patients (13.0 %) were obese, 11 patients (15.9%) were pre-obese and 49 patients (71.1%) were non-obese. Patient characteristics, such as age, gender, tumor location, previous laparotomy, were similar among the three groups. There were no signifi cant differences in operative time, blood loss, intraoperative complications and conversion rates. Postoperative complications and duration of postoperative hospital stay were also similar among the three groups. However, two of the three patients in the pre-obese group had to be operated on again due to incarceration of the small bowel into a port site. Conclusions: Laparoscopic colectomy can be safely performed in obese patients with short-term results similar to those obtained in non-obese and pre-obese patients.
Effect of ascorbic acid supplementation on plasma heat shock protein 70 and production parameters during heat stress in commercial broilers

The present work was conducted to investigate the effect of ascorbic acid on plasma heat shock protein 70 and certain production parameters during heat stress in commercial broilers. A total number of 96 birds were randomly divided into 4 groups and each group consist of 12 birds in two replicates. Work was done in two conditions, heat and comfort. Heat stressed groups were maintained at 37±5.0 °C ambience whereas Comfort groups were maintained at 26±1.0 °C. G1 was taken as control whereas G2, G3 and G4 were supplemented with 100 mg, 200 mg and 300 mg of ascorbic acid respectively. The overall mean concentration of plasma HSP70 showed non-significant difference between comfort and heat stressed broilers in all the groups. However, a significantly (p
A self-consistent ground-state formulation of the first-principles Hubbard U parameter validated on one-electron self-interaction error

In electronic structure methods based on the correction of approximate density-functional theory (DFT) for systematic inaccuracies, Hubbard $U$ parameters may be used to quantify and amend the self-interaction errors ascribed to selected subspaces. Here, in order to enable the accurate, computationally convenient calculation of $U$ by means of DFT algorithms that locate the ground-state by direct total-energy minimization, we introduce a reformulation of the successful linear-response method for $U$ in terms of the fully-relaxed constrained ground-state density. Defining $U$ as an implicit functional of the ground-state density implies the comparability of DFT + Hubbard $U$ (DFT+$U$) total-energies, and related properties, as external parameters such as ionic positions are varied together with their corresponding first-principles $U$ values. Our approach provides a framework in which to address the partially unresolved question of self-consistency over $U$, for which plausible schemes have been proposed, and to precisely define the energy associated with subspace many-body self-interaction error. We demonstrate that DFT+$U$ precisely corrects the total energy for self-interaction error under ideal conditions, but only if a simple self-consistency condition is applied. Such parameters also promote to first-principles a recently proposed DFT+$U$ based method for enforcing Koopmans' theorem.
The gaps in satisfaction with transit services among BRT, metro, and bus riders: Evidence from Guangzhou

This paper explores transit riders’ satisfaction with bus rapid transit (BRT) and compares BRT with conventional bus and metro services using revealed preference data from Guangzhou, China. A trivariate ordered probit model is developed to examine the effects of various service attributes on riders’ overall satisfactions with the three types of transit. We find that the top-three influential attributes for satisfaction with BRT are ease of use, safety while riding, and comfort while waiting. Moreover, transit riders are most satisfied with metro, followed by BRT and conventional bus. The top-five attributes that contribute to the difference in the overall satisfaction between BRT and metro are ease of use, comfort while riding, convenience of service, travel time, and comfort while waiting. Based on the findings, we propose specific strategies that can be used to enhance BRT quality of service.
Demonstration of energy dissipation in a spring-mass system undergoing free oscillations in air

In this article, an experimental method that uses logarithmic decrements to demonstrate energy dissipation in a spring-mass system that is oscillating in a medium with friction is presented. Such a method can be used to calculate, as a function of time, the amount by which frictional forces dissipate the kinetic energy of the oscillating mass. This information is useful in determining whether the applied force of damping is nonlinear or linear, whether or not it changes from the former to the latter during motion, and when such a change occurs. The method is explained and illustrated by using three spring-mass systems that oscillate in air with circular frequencies that vary between 9 and 25 rad/s.
Economic Co-operation in South Asia: The Dilemma of SAFTA and Beyond

This article attempts to evaluate the Pareto optimality of SAFTA and three other alternative sets of coordinated trade policies that go beyond SAFTA for all the member states. These include (a) extended preferential trading between SAFTA with other major trading blocs, (b) full trade liberalisation by South Asian countries and (c) SAFTA plus a customs union. The analysis, using the standard static Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP) model, shows that (a) there would be winners and losers amongst the member states, (b) the winners and losers vary across alternative scenarios that represent different trade policy regime and (c) the gains/losses as the case may be are not very large. Thus, the welfare basis for establishing SAFTA or for deeper trade policy coordination is not very strong. Justification for SAFTA may lie in other dimensions of regional cooperation than in mere tariff policy coordination.
A second-order upwinding finite difference scheme for the steady Navier-Stokes equations in primitive variables in a driven cavity with a multigrid solver

— We présent a second-order finite différence scheme for solving the steady navierStokes équations in primitive variables in a driven cavity on a staggered grid. The linear terms in the équations are discretized with usual second-order centered différences and the discretization of the nonlinear terms (convection terms) is obtained by a combination of second-order forward and backward différences. This gives a global second-order scheme and ensures numerical stability. The discretized nonlinear System is solved by a multigrid method. Numerical results hâve been obtained for Reynolds number up to 10000 on a 256 x 256 grid and are in good agreement with those obtained with vorticity-stream function formulations in [5] and [6]. Comparisons are also made with a classicaî first-order upwinding scheme. Résumé. — Nous présentons un schéma aux différences finies sur grilles décalées du second ordre pour résoudre les équations de Navier-Stokes stationnaires, dans la cavité entraînée, en formulation vitesse-pression. Les termes linéaires des équations sont discrétisés de façon habituelle et nous proposons un schéma décentré du second ordre pour discrétiser les termes non linéaires de convection. Cela donne globalement un schéma du second ordre qui assure une stabilité numérique. Le système non linéaire obtenu est résolu par une méthode multigrille. Ce schéma nous a permis d'obtenir des résultats numériques pour des nombres de Reynolds élevés jusqu'à 10000 sur une grille 256 x 256. Ces résultats sont en accord avec ceux de [5] et [6] obtenus avec une formulation vorticité-fonction de courant. Nous les avons également comparés avec ceux obtenus par un schéma classique du premier ordre et décentré. (*) Received in May 1988, revised in October 1988. Q) This paper is a part of the author's works during the préparation of his university thesis at the Laboratoire d'Analyse Numérique d'Orsay, Université Paris-Sud. More detailed descriptions and numerical results can be found in [9]. M AN Modélisation mathématique et Analyse numérique 0764-583X/90/01/133/18/$ 3.80 Mathematical Modelling and Numerical. Analysis © AFCET Gauthier-Villars
Single Step Evaluations using Haplotype Segments

The low reliability of genomic evaluations in some breeds may be improved by regression on ancestral haplotypes instead of all available markers. The aim of this paper was to examine the use of haplotypes in constructing genomic relationships for single step evaluations. BayesB model was fitted to all markers simultaneously to estimate marker effects, using deregressed proofs (DRP) of reference bulls as data. Phased 5-marker haplo-blocks were constructed from the markers with the highest absolute effect size and 4 adjacent markers. Haplo-blocks and their estimated variances were then used to compute genomic relationships. Evaluations used cow DRP of milk and protein as data, weighted by effective record contribution. Estimated genomic breeding values (GEBV) were validated from regression coefficients in a linear model. The validation reliabilities for milk over marker-based methods were improved by up to 4% with 1500 segments and 40% weight on the pedigree. Reliabilities were smaller for protein but comparable when the weight on pedigree was 40%. Inflation levels for both traits were higher with haplo-blocks than individual markers. Haplo-blocks appeared to be beneficial and indicate a need to further assess the optimal number of haplotypes and the weight on pedigree for single step evaluations.
Multilevel Bloom Filters for P2P Flows Identification Based on Cluster Analysis in Wireless Mesh Network

With the development of wireless mesh networks and distributed computing, lots of new P2P services have been deployed and enrich the Internet contents and applications. The rapid growth of P2P flows brings great pressure to the regular network operation. So the effective flow identification and management of P2P applications become increasingly urgent. In this paper, we build a multilevel bloom filters data structure to identify the P2P flows through researches on the locality characteristics of P2P flows. Different level structure stores different numbers of P2P flow rules. According to the characteristics values of the P2P flows, we adjust the parameters of the data structure of bloom filters. The searching steps of the scheme traverse from the first level to the last level. Compared with the traditional algorithms, our method solves the drawbacks of previous schemes. The simulation results demonstrate that our algorithm effectively enhances the performance of P2P flows identification. Then we deploy our flow identification algorithm in the traffic monitoring sensors which belong to the network traffic monitoring system at the export link in the campus network. In the real environment, the experiment results demonstrate that our algorithm has a fast speed and high accuracy to identify the P2P flows; therefore, it is suitable for actual deployment.