Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
NMR line shape in metallic nanoparticles: A matrix continued fractions evaluation

In metallic nanoparticles the different electronic environment seen by each magnetic nucleus produces a distribution of Knight shifts of the NMR frequencies that is observed as an inhomogeneously broadened line shape. We study the fluctuations in the local density of states for s electrons at the Fermi energy in a simple linear combination of atomic orbitals model. We resort to a matrix continued fractions calculation of the Green’s functions. Results show that the line broadens asymmetrically and its shift decreases as the particle size or the temperature diminishes, satisfying a universal scaling function. However, for very small particles, surface states become relevant to determine a line shape that departs from the universal scaling behavior. These trends are consistent with the tendencies observed in Cu and Pt particles. @S0163-1829~97! 00523-7#
Indoor-Side Convection Coefficients for Complex Fenestration Systems with Roller Blinds

© 2017 ASHRAE (www.ashrae.org). Published in ASHRAE Conference Papers, Winter Conference, Las Vegas, NV. For personal use only. Additional reproduction, distribution, or transmission in either print or digital form is not permitted without ASHRAE's prior written permission.
Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering

A numerical scheme is developed in the paper for calculating torsional, vertical, horizontal, coupling and rocking impedances in frequency domain for axial-symmetric foundations embedded in layered media. In the scheme, the whole soil domain is divided into interior and exterior domains. For the exterior domain, the analytic solutions with unknown coefficients are obtained by solving threedimensional (3D) wave equations in cylindrical coordinates satisfying homogeneous boundary conditions. For the interior domain, the analytical solutions are also obtained by solving the same 3D wave equations satisfying the homogeneous boundary conditions and the prescribed boundary conditions. The prescribed conditions are the interaction tractions at the interfaces between embedded foundation and surrounding soil. The interaction tractions are assumed to be piecewise linear. The piecewise linear tractions at the bottom surface of foundation will be decomposed into a series of Bessel functions which can be easily fitted into the general solutions of wave equations in cylindrical coordinates. After all the analytic solutions with unknown coefficients for both interior and exterior domains are found, the variational principle is employed using the continuity conditions (both displacements and stresses) at the interfaces between interior and exterior domains, interior domain and foundation, and exterior domain and foundation to find impedance functions. Some numerical results of torsional, vertical, horizontal, coupling and rocking impedances with different embedded depths will be presented and comments on the numerical scheme will be given. & 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Quantifying probabilities of volcanic events: the example of volcanic hazard at Mount Vesuvius

[1] We describe an event tree scheme to quantitatively estimate both long- and short-term volcanic hazard. The procedure is based on a Bayesian approach that produces a probability estimation of any possible event in which we are interested and can make use of all available information including theoretical models, historical and geological data, and monitoring observations. The main steps in the procedure are (1) to estimate an a priori probability distribution based upon theoretical knowledge, (2) to modify that using past data, and (3) to modify it further using current monitoring data. The scheme allows epistemic and aleatoric uncertainties to be dealt with in a formal way, through estimation of probability distributions at each node of the event tree. We then describe an application of the method to the case of Mount Vesuvius. Although the primary intent of the example is to illustrate the methodology, one result of this application merits special mention. The present emergency response plan for Mount Vesuvius is referenced to a maximum expected event (MEE), the largest out of all the possible eruptions within the next few decades. Our calculation suggest that there is a nonnegligible (1–20%) chance that the next eruption could be larger than that stipulated in the present MEE. The methodology allows all assumptions and thresholds to be clearly identified and provides a rational means for their revision if new data or information are obtained.
Temporary Employment in Central- and Eastern Europe : Individual Risk Patterns and Institutional Context

This article uses data from the European Union Labour Force Survey (EULFS) 2004 for a comparative analysis of individual and contextual determinants of temporary employment contracts in Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries. Descriptive analyses reveal that temporary contracts are more often involuntary by nature and associated with relatively lower occupational status than permanent contracts in CEE countries compared to Western European average. Individual-level logistic regressions show that the general determinants of temporary employment are rather similar in both parts of Europe, but vary in their strength between countries. To evaluate the impact of macro-level influences on these cross-country differences in temporary employment risks, we focus on the risk of young people as one group of potential labour market outsiders. In general, young persons have a higher temporary employment risk, but their relative risk varies between countries. We use multi-level models implemented in a two-step estimation procedure and try to explain this cross-country variation with the intervening role of institutional influences under control of macro-structural conditions. Comparing CEE countries and Western European countries shows that neither employment protection of regular contracts nor its interaction with the level of employment protection of temporary contracts affects the young people’s risk. Instead, we find a positive association between collective bargaining coverage as a measure of insider-outsider cleavages and the relative temporary employment risk of young persons.
Does Framing a Problem-Solving Scenario Influence Learning?

In this paper, we discuss potential effects of fra ming, a pedagogical strategy used by some teachers, with the view of implementing it in an intelligent tutoring system. The process of framing a learning activity, in our case problem solving, consists of having the activity in between a pre-action (or priming) p hase and a post-action (or reflective) phase. We also describe an evaluation study where t he experimental and control groups participated in a framed and non-framed learning se ssion respectively. The pre- and post-action phases were whiteboard group sessions l ed by an SQL domain expert. The problem-solving phase was done solely on SQL-Tutor, an ITS for database querying. During the problem-solving phase, the experimental group solved the same number of problems in 23% less time than their counterparts i n the control group. The type of problems solved and the high-level help used were s imilar for both groups. Although the learning gains were high, they were similar across groups, questioning the effectiveness of group-based reflection. The experimental group was also more efficient, expending less effort for similar gains. After examining various l earning theories and analyzing the study results, we conclude that this is a valid teaching format for the next step of our research: investigating its implementation and evaluation wit hin an ITS.
Tümay DOĞANCI et al ROLE OF COW’S MILK ALLERGY IN CHILDREN WITH CHRONIC CONSTIPATION

Objective: Since cow’s milk allergy was reported to be a factor in chronic childhood constipation, reference centres have been reporting high percentages of such cases including those of persistent nature. We aim to evaluate the frequency of chronic constipation related to cow’s milk allergy in untreated cases. Material and Methods: In this prospective study, 100 consecutive children with chronic constipation were studied. Initially, organic causes were excluded. The personal and familial history of atopic diseases was noted and daily consumption of cow’s milk was recorded for each children. After obtaining consents from the parents, skin prick tests to cow’s milk and a circulating eosinophil count were performed in each case. Afterwards, a two-week elimination diet was given to all cases. The patients who were responsive to elimination diet were given cow’s milk for two weeks as a challenge. Results: In 11 cases, constipation resolved during the elimination diet phase and reappeared during the challenge phase. In five out of eleven cases, skin prick test was positive. Conclusion: In conclusion, 11% of randomized cases of untreated, chronic functional constipation in children may be associated with cow’s milk allergy.
How persistent are the impacts of logging roads on Central African forest vegetation

Logging roads can trigger tropical forest degradation by reducing the integrity of the ecosystem and providing access for encroachment. Therefore, road management is crucial in reconciling selective logging and biodiversity conservation. Most logging roads are abandoned after timber harvesting; however, little is known about their long-term impacts on forest vegetation and accessibility, especially in Central Africa. In 11 logging concessions in the Congo Basin, we field-sampled a chronosequence of roads that, judging from satellite images, had been abandoned between 1985 and 2015. We assessed recovery of timber resources, tree diversity and above-ground biomass in three zones: the road track, the road edge (where forest had been cleared during road construction) and the adjacent logged forest. The density of commercial timber species <15 cm d.b. h. was almost three times higher in the road track (321 individuals ha−1) and edge (267) than in the logged adjacent forest (97). Over time, tree species diversity converged to a comparable level between roads and adjacent forests, along with an increase in canopy closure. The average width of forest clearing for road construction was 20 m, covering a total 0·76% of the forest area inside concessions. After 15 years following abandonment, road tracks had recovered 24 Mg ha−1 of above-ground woody biomass, which was 6% of that in the adjacent forest, while road edges had accumulated 167 Mg ha−1 (42%). Ten years after abandonment, roads were no longer penetrable by poachers on motorcycles. An exotic herb species was fully replaced by dominant Marantaceae that have even higher abundance in the adjacent forest. • Synthesis and applications. Our evidence of vegetation recovery suggests that logging roads are mostly transient elements in the forest landscapes. However, given the slow recovery of biomass on abandoned road tracks, we advocate both reducing the width of forest clearing for road construction and reopening old logging roads for future harvests, rather than building new roads in intact forests. Road edges seem suitable for post-logging silviculture which needs to be assisted by removing dominant herbs during the early years after abandonment while the road track is still accessible. (Resume d'auteur)
Teaching grammar through literature in foreign language learning with German as an example

Learning a language’s grammar is frequently experienced as a complicated, abstract and often boring process. To alleviate this situation, scholars like Harald Weinrich advocate the use of literature in grammar teaching and learning. Literature has a very special potential of emotionally touching its readers, causing them to reflect on what they have read. In turn, readers can easily be animated to respond. This article attempts to demonstrate how the potential of literature can be used even in grammar teaching and learning to stimulate the learners emotionally and lead them towards writing their own personal response to the text. In this way, they have the opportunity to express themselves in the foreign language while at the same time applying the grammar they have learned. Although the example is based on teaching German as a foreign language, the principle underlying the proposed pedagogical sequences can be applied to the teaching and learning of other foreign languages as well.
Quality Concepts: Perceptions of Stakeholders at Two Saudi Arabian Universities

Saudi Arabian Universities have been facing pressures to implement quality assurance. Given that quality perception is an important factor in any attempt of quality assurance implementation, this study, a qualitative case study undertaken at PSU and KAU, examines perception of quality assurance concepts. Semi-structured interviews with both meso and micro levels have been conducted. Results specific to each level are situated accordingly and then presented for discussion. It is concluded that knowledge – or the lack of it – played a crucial role in attempts to implement quality assurance. In addition, having non-qualified staff in charge of quality assurance means the university will struggle with micro level resistance in implementing quality assurance
The impact of customer satisfaction and relationship quality on customer retention: A critical reassessment and model development

Customer satisfaction with a company’s products or services is often seen as the key to a company’s success and long-term competitiveness. In the context of relationship marketing, customer satisfaction is often viewed as a central determinant of customer retention. However, the few empirical investigations in this area indicate that a direct relationship between these constructs is weak or even nonexistent. The overall purpose of this article is to develop a conceptual foundation for investigating the customer retention process, with the use of the concepts of customer satisfaction and relationship quality. The article involves a critical examination of the satisfaction ‐ retention relationship, and the development of a more comprehensive view of the customer’s quality perception. ©1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Preimplantation Genetic Screening with In Vitro Fertilization In Ontario

Background: Preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) is an increasingly common addition to IVF cycles in an effort to improve upon current embryo selection techniques by limiting the transferrable cohort of embryos to those that are euploid. Objective: To examine the cost-effectiveness of preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) with IVF compared to IVF alone in terms of additional live births. Methods: A decision analytic model was created using TreeAge Pro to compare IVF with PGS to IVF alone for women of different age groups with one to ten blastocysts from the societal perspective. Sequential single embryo transfers of blastocysts from a single oocyte retrieval were modelled until all blastocysts were exhausted, treatment was discontinued or a live birth was achieved. Results: PGS became both incrementally less costly and more effective as the number of blastocysts and the age of the woman increased. IVF alone was the superior strategy – more effective and less costly for all women under age 35. This was also true when three or fewer blastocysts were available, regardless of age. Sensitivity analysis showed that the model was most sensitive to the implantation rates and early pregnancy loss rates of both IVF with PGS and IVF alone. Conclusions: Using currently available data, PGS appears to be more costly and less effective than IVF alone in the majority of scenarios. However, PGS may be less costly and more effective for older women with a large number of blastocysts. Future research should focus on improving available population-based PGS outcome data.
Density-dependent migration in an Amphiura filiformis (Amphiuridae, Echinodermata) infaunal population

The hypothesis that the semi-mobile brittle star Amphiura filiformis may have densitydependent migratory behaviour and that their dispersion may be dependent on food availability was examined. Sediment with intact fauna dominated by A. filiformis (-2250 ind. m-2) was brought to the laboratory in 0.22 m2 plexiglass boxes. The experiment was a 2-factorial design with density (high or moderate) and food (fed in excess or starved) as factors. To investigate migration in the high and moderate densities, the abundance of A. filiformis was experimentally manipulated in the boxes at the start of the experiment to 'low' (100 ind. 0.11 m-') numbers in one-half of all boxes and to 'high' (350 ind. 0.11 m-') or 'moderate' (220 ind. 0.1 1 m-') numbers in the other half. The experiment was run for 63 d . At termination of the experiment, a mean number of 90 and 36 ind. box-' had migrated into the low density side of the box from the high density and moderate density side, respectively. Significantly higher migration rates per ~ndividual were observed from the high density side compared to the moderate density side. The migration rate was estimated from a diffusion coefficient based on the 'Random Walk' theory. No significant differences in migration rates were observed between fed and starved boxes, indicating that dispersal was primarily density-dependent rather than food-dependent. Based on the diffus~on coefficient, a total dispersal of all A. filiformls from the high density side was estimated at 47 m h-'. Fed A. fillformis had a higher weight and larger gonads than starved brittle stars. A separate experiment was set up to study migratory behaviour. It appeared that A. filiformis can move both on the sediment surface and within the sediment. In conclusion, migration in A. filiformis may be a common feature, which may cause a more or less continuous displacement of sediment with significant ecological effects.
The volunteer life cycle: a marketing model for volunteering

Introduction Despite estimates that half the population of the UK volunteer time to community activities (Palmer, 2000), there are signs that this level of involvement may have peaked (Gaskin, 1999). Public sector and voluntary sector organisations are now striving to recruit from a decreasing pool of volunteers (Jackson, 1999). As the competition for volunteers has grown more acute and volunteer managers have become increasingly concerned with the recruitment and retention of volunteers, marketing techniques are playing an ever more important role. Consequently, there is much interest in this area among marketers. Although a great deal of work has been carried out in the United States (Wymer and Self, 1999), far less attention has been paid to this issue in the UK. The aim of this paper is to examine the current situation confronting voluntary organisations that wish to recruit and retain volunteers. In particular, it explores the key marketing issues facing the voluntary sector in the northeastern region of England. As the competition for volunteers becomes more acute and volunteer managers become increasingly concerned with the recruitment and retention of volunteers, marketing techniques are playing an ever more important role. Using the findings of a series of focus groups, this article examines the recruitment and retention of volunteers in northeastern England. The findings indicate that volunteer behaviour goes through a number of stages. A ‘volunteer life cycle’ model is developed which emphasises the relevance of voluntary organisations using marketing communications, recruitment and retention strategies to facilitate the volunteer’s experience, so that it results in continued volunteering rather than an exit from the activity.
Delineation of irrigation management zones in a Quartzipsamment of the Brazilian semiarid region

The objective of this work was to delineate irrigation management zones using geostatistics and multivariate analysis in different combinations of physical and hydraulic soil properties, as well as to determine the optimal number of management zones in order to avoid overlaping. A field experiment was carried out in a Quartzipsamment, for two years, in an irrigated orchard of table grape, in the Senador Nilo Coelho Irrigation Scheme, in the municipality of Petrolina, in the state of Pernanbuco, Brazil. Soil samples were collected for the determination of soil physico-hydraulic properties. A portable meter was used to measure soil apparent electrical conductivity. Spatial distribution maps were generated using ordinary kriging. Management zones for five different combinations of soil properties were defined using the fuzzy c-means clustering algorithm, and two indexes were applied to determine the optimal number of management zones. Two combinations of soil properties can be used in the management zone planning in order to monitor soil moisture.
Fiscal Data Revisions in Europe

Public deficit figures are subject to revisions, as most macroeconomic aggregates are. Nevertheless, in the case of Europe, the latter could be particularly worrisome given the role of fiscal data in the functioning of EU’s multilateral surveillance rules. Adherence to such rules is judged upon initial releases of data, in the framework of the so-called Excessive Deficit Procedure (EDP) Notifications. In addition, the lack of reliability of fiscal data may hinder the credibility of fiscal consolidation plans. In this paper we document the empirical properties of revisions to annual government deficit figures in Europe by exploiting the information contained in a pool of real-time vintages of data pertaining to fifteen EU countries over the period 1995-2008. We build up such real-time dataset from official publications. Our main findings are as follows: (i) preliminary deficit data releases are biased and non-efficient predictors of subsequent releases, with later vintages of data tending to show larger deficits on average; (ii) such systematic bias in deficit revisions is a general feature of the sample, and cannot solely be attributed to the behaviour of a small number of countries, even though the Greek case is clearly an outlier; (iii) Methodological improvements and clarifications stemming from Eurostat’s decisions that may lead to data revisions explain a significant share of the bias, providing some evidence of window dressing on the side of individual countries; (iv) expected real GDP growth, political cycles and the strength of fiscal rules also contribute to explain revision patterns; (v) nevertheless, if the systematic bias is excluded, revisions can be considered rational after two years.
Poverty in Canada and the United States: measurement, trends, and implications

Although Canada and the United States are two of the richest countries in the world, many Canadians and Americans perceive themselves, and are perceived by others, to be poor which raises the issue of how best to measure poverty. Within Canada, there are widespread worries that the self-image of Canada as a place with relatively little poverty (somewhat 'kinder and gentler' than the United States), may be a bit outdated (see Graves, Dugas, and Beauchamp 1999; Angus Reid 1999). Poverty in Canada has been rising, while in the United States it has been falling in recent years which raises the issues of why that has been happening and what it will mean, in the longer term, for Canada and the United States as a whole. In this paper, therefore, I begin by asking how poverty in affluent countries should be measured, before examining recent evidence on poverty intensity and its social significance. In section 1 the use of the Sen-Shorrocks-Thon index of poverty intensity is advocated, and the 'Poverty Box' is introduced as a summary graphical representation. In section 2 recent data are presented on poverty in Europe and North America, and it is noted that between 1994 and 1997 Canadian provinces became quite similar to many U.S. states in poverty intensity. A fixed effects model is used in section 3 to examine whether changes in trade exposure, the unemployment rate, unemployment insurance, and social assistance are significant determi-