Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Macro Aid Effectiveness Research: A Guide for the Perplexed

Like many public policy debates, that over whether foreign aid works carries on in two worlds. Within the research world, it plays out in the form of papers full of technical language, formulas, and numbers. Outside, the arguments are plainer and the audience broader, but those academic studies remain a touchstone. While avoiding jargon, this paper reviews recent, contending studies of how much foreign aid affects country-level outcomes such as economic growth and school attendance rates. This particular kind of study is ambitious: it is far easier to evaluate a school-building project, say, on whether the school was built and children filled its seats than to determine whether all aid, or large subcomponents of it, made the economy grow faster. Because of its ambition, this literature has attracted attention from those hoping for clear answers on whether aid "works. ' On balance, the quantitative approach to exploring grand questions about aid effectiveness, which began 40 years ago, was worth trying and is probably worth pursuing somewhat further. But the literature will probably continue to disappoint as often as it offers hope. Perhaps the biggest challenge is going beyond documenting correlations to demonstrating causation—not just that aid went hand-in-hand with economic growth, but caused it. Aid has eradicated diseases, prevented famines, and done many other good things. But given the limited and noisy data available, its effects on growth in particular probably cannot be detected.
A Vane-Wheel Propulsor for a Naval Auxiliary

Abstract : A design methodology for vane-wheel propulsors has been developed using three fundamental principles. Momentum conservation requires the net force generated by the vane-wheel propulsor to be balanced by the bare body drag and the drag due to propeller and hull interactions. Mass conservation determines the distribution of the vane-wheel circulation once the rotor circulation distribution is specified. Circulation conservation determines the magnitude of the circulation distribution to ensure zero torque on the vane wheel. A vane-wheel propulsor has been designed for uniform flow at the operating point of the propulsor on the naval auxiliary AO-177 JUMBO. Keywords: Vane-wheel propulsors; Interaction velocities; Mass conservation; Momentum conservation; Marine engineering; Circulation conservation. (JES)
MIS Problems and failures: a sociotechnical perspective part I: the cause

Many of the problems and failures of Management Information Systems (MIS) and Management Science/Operations Research (MS/OR) projects have been attributed to organizational behavioral problems. The millions of dol/ars organizations spend on MIS and MS/OR development are of little benefit because systems continue to fail. Steps can be taken to understand and solve these behavioral problems. This article argues that in most cases these behavioral problems are the result of inadequate designs. These bad designs are attributed to the way MIS systems designers view organizations, their members, and the function of an MIS within them, i.e., systems designers' frames of reference. These frames of reference cause faulty design choices and failures to perceive better design alternatives. Seven conditions are discussed which reflect current systems designers' points of view. The discussion of these conditions demonstrates the need to reframe MIS design methodology within the Socio- Technical Systems (STS) design approach and change systems designers' peispectives. The STS approach is introduced as a realistic view of organizations and a way to change them. This article is the first of two to appear in consecutive issues of the MIS Quarterly. The purpose of this first article is to demonstrate the need for the STS approach. The second will present the basic concepts and principles of the STS methodology and how it can be utilized in the design of an MIS.
International Journal of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry

study, we evaluated the physiological strategies involved in the salt resistance of three salt resistant mutant lines. Three weeks old plants of the three mutant lines and that of the control cultivar Locale were submitted in pots to three NaCl concentrations (0; 100 and 200 mM) in a completely randomized design with three replications. Plant growth, ions and organic solutes contents were determined after two weeks of treatment. Plant growth reduction under salt stress was earlier and more accentuated in the control cultivar followed by line L2 than the salt resistant lines L18 and L23. The rate of Na+, proline and soluble sugars accumulation; that of K+ and Ca++ absorption and that of K/Na and Ca/Na reduction under salt stress varied greatly according to the population. The salt resistance of line L18 was due to Na+ accumulation in leaves associated to proline and soluble sugars accumulation, the maintenance of high absorption of Ca++, high K/Na and Ca/Na ratios whereas that of line L23 was due to Na+ exclusion from leaves associated to the maintenance of high absorption of high K+ and Ca++, high K/Na and Ca/Na ratios. Line L2 resist to salt stress via proline accumulation and the maintenance of high Ca/Na ratio. Thus, lines developped different salt resistance strategies according to their relative salt resistance level.
Cross sectional study of agile software development methods and project performance.

Agile software development methods, characterized by delivering customer value via incremental and iterative time-boxed development processes, have moved into the mainstream of the Information Technology (IT) industry. However, despite a growing body of research which suggests that a predictive manufacturing approach, with big up-front specifications, detailed estimates, and speculative plans applicable to manufacturing domains, is the wrong paradigm for software development, many IT organizations are still hesitant to adopt agile approaches (Larman, 2004). This study extends research based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (Venkatesh, Morris, Davis, & Davis, 2003) into the domain of business processes. Specifically, processes related to the 'behavioral intent' to adopt agile software development methods. Further, it investigated relationships between adoption and the impact on project performance attributes. A sample was obtained from a population of IT practitioners from within the IT industry. The sampling frame consisted of members from the global Software Process Improvement Network (SPIN) chapters, Agile User Groups, and I.T. industry conference promoters and presenters. Independent variables included performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions, with the dependant variable being behavioral intent to adopt agile software development methods. The independent variable of agile software development adoption and dependent variables of project performance were also included as well as predictive models relating adoption to on-time delivery of project functionality and stakeholder satisfaction. The variables in the study were measured via a 65-item questionnaire based on previous scales, and tested to ensure validity and reliability. The research questions were developed to identify correlations between performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, and the behavioral intent to adopt agile software development methods. Additional questions measured the correlation between adoption and key project performance attributes. The research found positive correlations between performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, and behavioral intent to adopt agile software development methods, positive correlations between adoption and on-time delivery of project functionality and stakeholder satisfaction, and weak positive correlations with post delivery defects and project success rates.
Variation in Cadmium Accumulation among Potato Cultivars Grown on Different Agricultural Sites: A Potential Tool for Reducing Cadmium in Tubers

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is an important crop in Egypt with great trade value for the export market. The addition of agrochemicals with possibly containing heavy metals, such as cadmium (Cd), decreases the quality of the final product. Generally, little is known about the factors that influence Cd content in this crop. The current study estimated the Cd levels in different organs of three potato cultivars grown in four commercial regions across Egypt. Further, we investigated the soil properties that affected Cd uptake during two growing seasons. With the exception of the Cd content of the soils, no relationships were detected between the tested soil properties (i.e., pH, conductivity, organic matter, and clay content) and Cd content in potato organs, because the soil from different regions showed comparable levels for these parameters. The average Cd content in the peeled tubers among different cultivars (0.145 mg Kg−1 DW) was below the maximum limit (0.5 mg Kg−1 DW). The patterns of Cd accumulation in potato organs were constant among cultivars, with the highest levels detected in leaves (~82%), followed by stems (~16.5%), and the lowest content observed in tubers (~1.5%). The study showed that the tested potato cultivars exhibited diversity in the accumulation levels of Cd in the tubers (~2.6-fold). The cultivar Suntana displayed the lowest Cd levels among different field sites for the two growing seasons, suggesting the potential involvement of genetic factors.
A Quality Scorecard for the Administration of Online Education Programs: A Delphi Study

As the demands for public accountability increase for the higher education, institutions are seeking methods for continuous improvement in order to demonstrate quality within programs and processes, including those provided through online education. A six round Delphi study was undertaken with 43 seasoned administrators of online education programs who agreed upon 70 quality indicators that administrators should examine within their programs to evaluate quality. A method for scoring was also developed. The original set of quality indicators from the Institute for Higher Education Policy study, Quality on the Line: Benchmarks for Success in Internet-Based Distance Education (2000) were used as a starting point and determined still valid in 2010, with modifications. The study resulted in a quality scorecard for the administration of online education programs.
ANALISIS KOMPETENSI GURU BIOLOGI SMA YANG SUDAH LULUS SERTIFIKASI DI KOTA MEDAN

This study aims to observethe professional, personal, social, and pedagogic competence of certified biology teacher in accordance with Permendiknas No. 16, 2007. As many224 biologyteachers who have passed certification in Medan City were involved as population in this study. Data were collected by using observation sheet, assessment sheet of lesson plan, assessment sheet of student sets, teacher and student questionnaire for eight biology teachers. In this study, data were analyzed in qualitative descriptive by using the percentage. The results show that professional, pedagogic, personal, and social competence of biologyteachers have been accordance with Permendiknas No. 16, 2007. Basically, the biology teachers were able to draw up lesson plans well, the total average for lesson plan of biology teacher in assessment aspects X (2.81±1.33). Beside that the average value of highest assessment aspect X (4.29±0.76) in assessment aspect of formulating problem and the average value of lowest assessment aspect X (1.86±1.07) in assessment aspect of detail learning scenario. Then, in student assessment sets the total average of assessment aspect X (3.02±1.29). Beside that the average of student assessment sets in highest assessment aspect X (4.00±1.26). In assessment aspect, formulation of each question use words/sentences which cause double meaning and the average of lowest assessment aspect X (1.33±0.51) in assessment aspect of clarity criteria assessment which described in assessment sets. The learning observation result in class show that the total average of biology teacher in assessment aspect X (3.60±1.13). Beside that the average of highest assessment aspect X (4.25±1.38) in pre-learning assessment aspect and the average of lowest assessment aspect X (3.00±1.06) in assessment aspect of process and learning outcomes and X (3.00±1.30) in assessment aspect of closing-learning. The assessment result from coleages show that personal and social competence of biology teachers who have passed certification is good and in student questioner shows good result too. In personal competence, the total average of assessment aspect X (4.11±0.50) in the teacher questioner and in social competence, the total average of assessment aspect X (4.01±0.51) in the teacher questioner. This study implicates for the importance of sustainable development for biology teachers who are certified.
Passive electromagnetic damping device for motion control of building structures

The research presented in this thesis develops a new device for the passive control of motion in building structures: an electromagnetic damper. The electromagnetic damper is a self-excited device that provides a reaction force to an applied motion. We chose a tubular permanentmagnet linear machine as this new structural damper, and we derive its mathematical model using quasi-static electromagnetic theory. Computer simulations and experimental characterization of a small-scale prototype electromagnetic damper validated the mathematical model of the device. The behavior of the electromagnetic damper approximates that of an ideal damper. We conducted a feasibility study for the application of electromagnetic dampers to full-scale buildings. We used two performance measures: the damping density and the damping cost of the device. Comparing the performance of the electromagnetic damper to that of viscous fluid dampers, the maximum damping density of electromagnetic dampers is, at best, equal to that of hydraulic dampers, but with a price at least five times higher. The permanent magnet’s current technology and cost are the limiting factors for the electromagnetic damper. However, the electromagnetic damper provides flexibility not available previously to building designers as it can be used as a semi-active damper, as an actuator or as an energy regenerator without physical modifications to the device. Finally, we developed a design methodology for the electromagnetic damper to achieve a specified damping performance and introduced two techniques for the dynamic response analysis of buildings with electromagnetic dampers: One based on frequency domain approximations and one based on state-space models. Thesis Supervisor: John A. Ochsendorf, PhD Title: Assistant Professor of Building Technology Para Pamen, Coco, Pamela y Netza.
A Mathematical Introduction to Robotic Manipulation

INTRODUCTION: Brief History. Multifingered Hands and Dextrous Manipulation. Outline of the Book. Bibliography. RIGID BODY MOTION: Rigid Body Transformations. Rotational Motion in R3. Rigid Motion in R3. Velocity of a Rigid Body. Wrenches and Reciprocal Screws. MANIPULATOR KINEMATICS: Introduction. Forward Kinematics. Inverse Kinematics. The Manipulator Jacobian. Redundant and Parallel Manipulators. ROBOT DYNAMICS AND CONTROL: Introduction. Lagrange's Equations. Dynamics of Open-Chain Manipulators. Lyapunov Stability Theory. Position Control and Trajectory Tracking. Control of Constrained Manipulators. MULTIFINGERED HAND KINEMATICS: Introduction to Grasping. Grasp Statics. Force-Closure. Grasp Planning. Grasp Constraints. Rolling Contact Kinematics. HAND DYNAMICS AND CONTROL: Lagrange's Equations with Constraints. Robot Hand Dynamics. Redundant and Nonmanipulable Robot Systems. Kinematics and Statics of Tendon Actuation. Control of Robot Hands. NONHOLONOMIC BEHAVIOR IN ROBOTIC SYSTEMS: Introduction. Controllability and Frobenius' Theorem. Examples of Nonholonomic Systems. Structure of Nonholonomic Systems. NONHOLONOMIC MOTION PLANNING: Introduction. Steering Model Control Systems Using Sinusoids. General Methods for Steering. Dynamic Finger Repositioning. FUTURE PROSPECTS: Robots in Hazardous Environments. Medical Applications for Multifingered Hands. Robots on a Small Scale: Microrobotics. APPENDICES: Lie Groups and Robot Kinematics. A Mathematica Package for Screw Calculus. Bibliography. Index Each chapter also includes a Summary, Bibliography, and Exercises
A study of the electrical environment below HVDC transmission lines.

This paper investigates the extent to which the study of electric fields and ions in a laboratory can be used to quantify the electrical environment below High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission lines. The study focuses on laboratory measurements compared with actual line measurements and software simulations. Laboratory tests were conducted to measure induced voltage and corona leakage current on a floating object, ion currents and electric field strength. Actual measurements of ionic current and electric field strength were also taken under an operating HVDC transmission line (Cahora Bassa to Apollo), in order to compare real line and laboratory measurements. The paper presents and discusses the results obtained.
Evaluation of Salivary ?- Amylase Enzyme Activity in Smoker and Peptic Ulcer Patients affected by Periodontitis in Relation to Clinical Periodontal Parameters

Objectives: To investigate the activity of salivary α-amylase (SA) in subject affected by periodontitis alone or associated with peptic ulcer disease (PUD) with or without smoking. Methods: The study population was divided into control group (C), study groups; periodontitis (G1), periodontitis+ PUD+ smokers (G2), periodontitis+ PUD+ nonsmoker (G3). The clinical periodontal parameters including plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing pocket depth (PPD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded . In addition, unstimulated whole saliva was collected from these patients for analysis of SA level. Results: Analysis showed that PI and GI showed significant difference among study groups versus controls. G2 exhibited significantly higher PPD and CAL as compared with G1 but not with G3. For SA activity, G2 and G3 showed significantly higher activity as compared with C and G1 groups. Yet, no significant difference was seen between C and G1 and between G2 and G3. Activity of SA was positively and significantly (P< 0.05) correlated with increasing PPD in all study groups and with CAL measurements of G2 only. Conclusions: The results suggested that SA could be used as a marker for the diagnosis of PUD in subjects affected by periodontitis with or without smoking.
Current and Potential Use of Broadleaf Herbs for Reestablishing Native Communities

Use of forbs for revegetation in the Intermountain West has been problematic due to the large number of species and lack of research data. Some forbs are found in numerous plant communi- ties and distributed over wide geographic ranges while others are more narrowly adapted. Seed sources for revegetation use may be selected from species and ecotypes indigenous to the planting area. Management of local stands to improve seed production may be required to insure the availability of adequate quantities of seed. Alternatively, seed of an increasing number of commonly used species is being grown in agricultural settings with more reliable seed supplies resulting. Advances in wildland seeding methodology and forb seed production, harvesting, and conditioning technology have resulted from recent research and plant materials develop- ment programs.
Applied Strategic Planning: A Comprehensive Guide

The Plan.Introduction to Applied Strategic Planning.The Process of Envisioning.Culture and Applied Strategic Planning.Potential Roles of the Consultant.Planning to Plan.Environmental Monitoring and Application Considerations.Values Scan.Mission Formulation.Strategic Business Modeling.Performance Audit.Gap Analysis.Integrating Action Plans--Horizontally and Vertically.Contingency Planning.Implementation. Conclusions and Recycling Considerations.
Millimeter apparatus for transmission line and dielectric material measurements by multifrequency methods

It is important to measure not only total reflection coefficient (RC) but the distribution of discontinuities in transmission lines. Frequency dispersion makes it difficult to apply direct time-reflectometry in millimeter waveband waveguides. That is why it is more preferable to measure RC at a set of frequencies and transform experimental data from frequency to time domain using one of the spectral numerical algorithms. Equidistant wave-number sampling allows one to overcome frequency dispersion. Simplicity of a scalar reflectometer (SR) application is very attractive. Such modification of SR as comparison reflectometer measuring the sum of reference reflection and reflection of the device under test (DUT) can be used to obtain the distribution of discontinuities as a result of the transformation into time domain. The sum of exponentials is the general model for not only the distribution of discontinuities in waveguides but also the distribution of interfaces of layers in dielectric materials. Peculiarity of the latter task is positioning materials not in a waveguide but in free space. The authors describe the principles of an original six-port method and the scalar reflectometry, and present some experimental results.
Kajian Perilaku Konsumen terhadap Strategi Pemasaran Teh Herbal di Kota Bogor

The purpose of this study is to know the general behavior of the consumers of herbal tea in Bogor; In particular aims to: (1) Identify the internal factors that include a consumer culture and the psychological factors that influence the purchase decision process product herbal tea products by consumers, (2) Identify and analyze factors in the process of product purchase decisions by consumers herbal tea, (3) Identify the behavior of consumer product marketing strategy of herbal tea. This study was conducted at the outlets own by PT. Liza Herbal International (LHI), in the city of Bogor. The population in this study is everyone in Bogor that consume their herbal tea product. Sampling is done by accidental sampling method, namely the consumers of herbal tea that is found across the research area (outlets that sell products herbal tea production by Liza Herbal). From 23 outlets located in the city of Bogor, each outlet is taken five respondents; a total of 115 respondents. This study used descriptive methods and analytical analysis, especially principle component analysis. Based on the analysis of three major components obtained the most influence the purchase decision process of herbal tea are variable price, brand and variable of the womb. The mixture marketing strategy needed that can be done are (1) Maintain and improve the quality of herbal tea (2) The discounted price for a certain number of purchases, (3) Promotion and products through the exhibition website and (4) Service is ready and to ensure continuity between the availability of herbal tea. Development of product strategy marketing herbal tea that can be done with the company's strategy is Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis as follows: SO strategy are (a) increase the productivity of marketing network and (b) improvement of service, strategy ST are (a) improve and maintain the quality of the resulting product, (b) increase cooperation and mutually beneficial partnership with the farmers plant and herbal industry similar, WO strategy are (a) the production costs by increasing efficiency, especially in the procurement of raw materials, (b) Diversification of products, and strategies WT are (a) increase production technology and quality with the standard of quality desired by the market, (b) improve the distribution channel.