Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of Human Resources Management practices on Achieving competitive Advantage for Industrial companies (An Empirical study at Al Hassan Industrial Estate-Jordan)

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of Human Resources Management practices on achieving competitive Advantage for industrial companies at al Hassan industrial Estate. The variables of this study consisted of independent Variable (Human resources management practices), and the dependent variable (achieving competitive advantage). The study employed the statistical analytical descriptive approach based on the literature review and field work to discuss hypothesis. The population of this study consisted of (40) industrial company located in Al Hassan industrial estate – Irbid – Jordan. The study adopted purposive sample which is included all directors of Human resources department in the Industrial companies that the sample included. The sample totaled (40) Human resources directors. The study used questionnaire as a tool to collect data and to measure study samples individuals attitudes towards the impact of Human resources practices on achieving competitive advantage and to clarity the importance of its practices for companies’ success. The findings indicated that there is positive correlation with statistical significant at significant level (0.05 > ? ) among sample individual attitudes toward all dimensions of independent variable and dependent variable. The findings also indicated that there is high impact and prediction capacity for each of the independent variable dimensions on dependent variable. Major findings of this study indicated that there is a strong effect of selecting and placement on achieving competitive advantage. The other dimensions of human resources management practices as job analyses and design, recruitment, training and development and employees performance appraisal shows that there is no significant impact on achieving competitive advantage. The study recommends that business organizations have to apply and pay more attention to all human resources management functions in parallel Keywords : HRM, Job analysis and design, Recruitment selection and placement, Training and development, performance Appraisal, Competitive advantage.
A Typology of International New Ventures: Empirical Evidence from High‐Technology Industries

We examine determinants of different types of International New Ventures (INVs), namely Export Start‐up, Geographically Focused Start‐up, Multinational Trader, and Global Start‐up. Whereas this typology of INVs has been widely accepted in the literature, empirical testing of the determinants of INV types is largely missing. Our arguments build on the International New Venture Theory (INVT). Hypotheses generated from our framework are tested on 195 German high‐tech enterprises. Results show that growth orientation, prior international experience, knowledge intensity, product differentiation, and learning orientation distinguish significantly between the different INV types.
Multi-Channel Pure Collective Aloha MAC protocol with decollision algorithm for satellite uplink

One of the key enabling technologies for Internet-of-Things (IoT) is the satellite network. Communications in the uplink segment of a satellite network is achieved using a medium access control (MAC) protocol. This paper proposes an asynchronous Multi-Channel Pure Collective Aloha MAC protocol with a Decollision Algorithm (MC-PCA-DA). The exact theoretical formulation of the throughput is derived in this paper. The theoretical results are verified by simulation results. Numerical results show that the maximum throughput of the MC-PCA-DA MAC protocol can be up to 10 times (10x) for a single frequency channel as compared to that of the asynchronous Pure Aloha MAC protocol in a single frequency channel, up to 20 times (20x) for two frequency channels and up to 40 times (40x) for four frequency channels, respectively. Thus, the proposed MC-PCA-DA MAC protocol can achieve significant throughput gain over the basic Pure Aloha MAC protocol.
Hotel Performance and Agglomeration of Tourist Districts

Marco-Lajara B. , Claver-Cortés E. , Úbeda-García M. and Zaragoza-Sáez P. C. Hotel performance and agglomeration of tourist districts. Regional Studies. This paper measures the impact on profitability of the geographical area where the vacation hotels of the Spanish Mediterranean are situated. It places a special emphasis on analysing the tourist districts existing in this coastal Spanish area and the extent to which the degree of business agglomeration at each destination affects hotel profit. Due to the characteristics of the service sector, and after a revision of the agglomeration literature, a ‘U’-shaped relationship is hypothesized between these two variables. With data of about 1869 hotels belonging to 113 tourist districts, results support the hypothesis and partially the theory of tourist districts.
Coloring even-hole-free graphs with no star cutset

A \emph{hole} is a chordless cycle of length at least $4$. A graph is \emph{even-hole-free} if it does not contain any hole of even length as an induced subgraph. In this paper, we study the class of even-hole-free graphs with no star cutset. We give the optimal upper bound for its chromatic number in terms of clique number and a polynomial-time algorithm to color any graph in this class. The latter is, in fact, a direct consequence of our proof that this class has bounded rank-width.
A Wearable Vibrotactile Interface for Unfavorable Posture Awareness Warning

We present the concept of a vibrotactile interface with up to 13 tactors (vibration motors) that are distributed over the full body to warn industry workers when taking unfavorable postures. The developed system is to be integrated into a motion capture workwear for industry workers to serve as posture feedback system to prevent unfavorable or even harmful postures. Such postures are a risk factor for musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), especially among older adults. We evaluated the vibrotactile system with 11 subjects to identify the optimal notification vibration sequences (regarding pulse length and repetition) and the accuracy of the location-dependent perception. Results indicate that the optimal pulse length is about 150 ms and is repeated 2 or 3 times within the sequence for maximum attention.
Apples and oranges? Corporate rescue and functional convergence in the US and UK

This paper challenges the standard characterisation that US law in the sphere of corporate bankruptcy is ‘pro debtor’ and UK law is ‘pro creditor’. It suggests that the traditional thesis is, at best, a potentially misleading over-simplification. It also offers the conclusion that there is functional convergence in practice, while acknowledging that corporate rescue, as distinct from business rescue, still plays a larger role in the US. The functional convergence has partly come through the UK Enterprise Act 2002 but the paper suggests that the main move has been that of US law and practice in a UK direction with more emphasis on business disposals and speedier cases than on corporate reorganisations, as traditionally understood. This mirrors practice in the UK where the emphasis has always been on business disposals. Unfortunately, the current economic recession on both sides of the Atlantic has shone a heightened spotlight on business bankruptcy and is likely to generate further changes in practice and ultimately legislation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Laser Linewidth Estimation by Means of Coherent Detection

In this letter, we present a novel approach to measure the Lorentzian linewidth of a laser source. The approach is based on a heterodyne detection scheme, such as may be implemented in a coherent optical receiver for data communications, using both in-phase and quadrature information of the optical field. In contrast to previously published works, this approach does not suffer from modulation effects on the laser output.
A mammalian capacitative calcium entry channel homologous to Drosophila TRP and TRPL.

Intracellular Ca2+ signalling evoked by Ca2+ mobilizing agonists, like angiotensin II in the adrenal gland, involves the activation of inositol(1,4,5)trisphosphate(InsP3)‐mediated Ca2+ release from internal stores followed by activation of a Ca2+ influx termed capacitative calcium entry. Here we report the amino acid sequence of a functional capacitative Ca2+ entry (CCE) channel that supports inward Ca2+ currents in the range of the cell resting potential. The expressed CCE channel opens upon depletion of Ca2+ stores by InsP3 or thapsigargin, suggesting that the newly identified channel supports the CCE coupled to InsP3 signalling.
Pitch and timbre manipulations using cortical representation of sound

The sound receiver at the ears is processed by humans using signal processing that separate the signal along intensity, pitch and timbre dimensions. Conventional Fourier-based signal processing, while endowed with fast algorithms, is unable to easily represent signal along these attributes. In this paper we use a cortical representation to represent the manipulate sound. We briefly overview algorithms for obtaining, manipulating and inverting cortical representation of sound and describe algorithms for manipulating signal pitch and timbre separately. The algorithms are first used to create sound of an instrument between a guitar and a trumpet. Applications to creating maximally separable sounds in auditory user interfaces are discussed.
Evaluation of right heart function in a rat model using modified echocardiographic views

Echocardiography plays a major role in assessing cardiac function in animal models. We investigated use of a modified parasternal mid right-ventricular (MRV) and right ventricle (RV) outflow (RVOT) view, in assessing RV size and function, and the suitability of advanced 2D-strain analysis. 15 WKY rats were examined using transthoracic echocardiography. The left heart was assessed using standard short and long axis views. For the right ventricle a MRV and RVOT view were used to measure RV chamber and free wall area. 2D-strain analysis was applied to both ventricles using off-line analysis. RV chamber volume was determined by injection of 2% agarose gel, and RV free wall dissected and weighed. Echocardiography measurement was correlated with necropsy findings. The RV mid-ventricular dimension (R1) was 0.42±0.07cm and the right ventricular outflow tract dimension (R2) was 0.34±0.06cm, chamber end-diastolic area measurements were 0.38±0.09cm2 and 0.29±0.08cm2 for MRV and RVOT views respectively. RVOT and MRV chamber area correlated with gel mass. Doppler RV stroke volume was 0.32±0.08ml, cardiac output (CO) 110±27 ml.min-1 and RV free wall contractility assessed using 2D-strain analysis was demonstrated. We have shown that modified MRV and RVOT views can provide detailed assessment of the RV in rodents, with 2D-strain analysis of the RV free wall potentially feasible.
'Dinosaurs' Are Not Dead: the Amieu (Qld) and Industrial Relations Change

With declining union membership and an Australian industrial relations climate hostile to trade unions, how do unions, particularly those regarded as 'classic'or 'traditional', adapt in order to survive? Shrinking industry bases often further com pound the situation facing these unions. The Queensland branch of the Australasian Meat Industry Employees Union is such a union in such an industry. Denounced by critics as a 'dinosaur', the AMIEU (Qld) has demonstrated that it can adapt and evolve to meet the challenges raised by the Workplace Relations Act 1996 and industry employers, thereby answering these critics and rebutting this negative epithet.
Interaction in an EFL reading Comprehension Distance Web-based Course

This article reports the positive and negative effects of an EFL reading comprehension distance web-based course based on four models of interaction (Bouhnik & Marcus, 2006; Moore, 1989). The methodology used was a case study, and researchers used five different data collection instruments and the tools from the platform Moodle to collect them. Some of the positive findings include: language improvement, individualized assistance, a friendly environment, and a different teacher's role. Conversely, some of the negative results are: the number of exercises, anxiety, limited feed-back, lack of interaction among students, and the absence of a tutorial guide. In conclusion, it is suggested that web-based courses balance the number of exercises, give deeper feed-back, encourage interaction among students, and design a tutorial.
Myotis rufoniger genome sequence and analyses: M. rufoniger’s genomic feature and the decreasing effective population size of Myotis bats

Myotis rufoniger is a vesper bat in the genus Myotis. Here we report the whole genome sequence and analyses of the M. rufoniger. We generated 124 Gb of short-read DNA sequences with an estimated genome size of 1.88 Gb at a sequencing depth of 66× fold. The sequences were aligned to M. brandtii bat reference genome at a mapping rate of 96.50% covering 95.71% coding sequence region at 10× coverage. The divergence time of Myotis bat family is estimated to be 11.5 million years, and the divergence time between M. rufoniger and its closest species M. davidii is estimated to be 10.4 million years. We found 1,239 function-altering M. rufoniger specific amino acid sequences from 929 genes compared to other Myotis bat and mammalian genomes. The functional enrichment test of the 929 genes detected amino acid changes in melanin associated DCT, SLC45A2, TYRP1, and OCA2 genes possibly responsible for the M. rufoniger’s red fur color and a general coloration in Myotis. N6AMT1 gene, associated with arsenic resistance, showed a high degree of function alteration in M. rufoniger. We further confirmed that M. rufoniger also has bat-specific sequences within FSHB, GHR, IGF1R, TP53, MDM2, SLC45A2, RGS7BP, RHO, OPN1SW, and CNGB3 genes that have already been published to be related to bat’s reproduction, lifespan, flight, low vision, and echolocation. Additionally, our demographic history analysis found that the effective population size of Myotis clade has been consistently decreasing since ∼30k years ago. M. rufoniger’s effective population size was the lowest in Myotis bats, confirming its relatively low genetic diversity.
The Usable Security of Passwords based on Digital Objects : From Design and Analysis to User Study ∗

Despite all efforts, password schemes intended to deploy or encourage the use of strong passwords have largely failed. As an interesting alternative to enable users to create, maintain and use high quality passwords willingly, we propose Object-based Password (ObPwd), leveraging the universe of personal or personally meaningful digital content that many users now own or have access to. ObPwd converts userselected digital objects to high-entropy text passwords. Memorization of exact passwords is replaced by remembering password objects. We present the design details, variants, and usability and security analysis of ObPwd; briefly discuss (publicly available) prototype implementations in various forms on several platforms; and as a major focus, report on the results of a hybrid in-lab/at-home user study on 32 participants. The results suggest the scheme has good usability, with excellent memorability, acceptable login times, and very positive user perception, achieved while providing strong security for the threat context explored. While we anticipate further experience with ObPwd will lead to improved security and usability, and best practice guidelines, we believe this work lays the foundations for a promising password selection paradigm.
Does A Logical Coherence Relationship Exist between Strategic Financial Decisions

This paper investigates the logical ties between investment, financing and dividends decisions, creating the coherence of these three strategic financial decisions of the firm. Basing on results of a questionnaire addressed to a number of financial managers of firms, a comparative survey between two investigations, one achieved at United States (by W.Pruitt and Y.Gitman on a sample of 114 firms) and the other done in Tunisia (carried on a sample of 45 firms situated in different industrial zones) allows to give an appreciation of the coherence between financial decisions. Our results permit to explain the coherent behavior of strategic financial decision-makers through the analysis of the impact of every financial decision on two others.
Assessing Differences in Word Use in Online User Generated Travel Reviews across Hotel Segments

User generated travel reviews are becoming a prominent information source for travelers making hotel purchase decisions. This study examines 60,648 user generated travel reviews for 4,853 hotels, across hotel segments determining word use patterns and frequencies. The intent of this study was to determine if actionable words: those that would suggest areas where a hotel could take action and thereby improve their customer satisfaction varied by segment. The study found that travelers’ use of words and word patterns in comments accompanying online ratings had some differences across different hotel segments.
Asymmetries in the Opportunity Structure . Intergenerational Mobility Trends in Scandinavia and Continental Europe

Despite a huge amount of research, there is still s ubstantial ambiguity as to whether social mobility has increased in the advanced natio ns. Our answers may, to an extent, depend on mobility patterns within very recent birt h cohorts. We use the intergenerational module in the 2005 EU-SILC which allow s us to include more recent birth cohorts. Comparing across two Nordic and three Cont inental European countries, we identify inter-generational mobility trends both in d rectly, via social origin effects on educational attainment, and directly in terms of ad ult income attainment. Our study focuses solely on sons. In line with other studies w find substantially more mobility in Scandinavia, but also that traditionally very immob ile societies, like Italy and Spain, are moving towards greater equality. We focus parti cularly on non-linear relations. Most interestingly, we reveal evident asymmetries i n the process of equalizing life chances, in Denmark most clearly. The disadvantages ssociated with low social class origins have largely disappeared, but the advantage s r lated to privileged origins
A New Rapid-Precision Position Measurement Method for a Linear Motor Mover Based on a 1-D EPCA

This paper is dedicated to studying a new position measurement method of a linear motor mover based on machine vision, which provides a novel idea for the detection of mover position. A rapid-precise measurement system based on a fence image and a phase correlation algorithm (PCA) is established. Multiline sampling and parallel computing methods are used to simplify the fence image directly; these methods can convert the 2-D image motion estimation into a simpler, 1-D signal process. To rapidly detect the mover position with high precision, a 1-D extended phase correlation algorithm (EPCA) is proposed. During position measurement, three key steps for the implementation are applied as follows. 1) Capture objective fence stripes using a high-speed camera installed beside the mover; 2) suppress the spectral leakage of discrete Fourier transform by a Hanning window function; and 3) calculate the displacement vector of the linear motor mover using a 1-D PCA and the least square method. Finally, the actual displacement of the mover can be obtained according to the system calibration. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed 1-D EPCA implemented at measuring mover position is strongly robust and speedy with a detecting accuracy of 0.02 mm.
Smoking behaviour can be predicted by neighbourhood deprivation measures.

STUDY OBJECTIVE--To assess whether small area measures of socioeconomic deprivation predict variation in individual smoking behaviour. To examine the adequacy of an individual level statistical model for the analysis of data on groups of individuals who live in the same geographical area. DESIGN--Individual level and two level logistic regression analysis of data on individual smoking from a regional health survey, and neighbourhood deprivation scores for 1991 census wards calculated from 1991 census data. SETTING--The North West Thames Regional Health Authority area. PARTICIPANTS--Random sample of 8,251 adults in North West Thames Regions. MAIN RESULTS--There was a highly significant association between being a smoker and the neighbourhood deprivation score of the area of residence. With the two level model, after allowing for age and sex, the estimated odds ratio of being a smoker for an individual in the highest quintile of deprivation compared with someone in the lowest quintile was 1.52 (95% confidence interval 1.33, 1.74). Results obtained using the individual level model were similar. Variation between wards accounted for around 6% of the total variation in smoking behaviour after neighbourhood deprivation of the ward had been taken into account. Deprivation of the area of residence remained a significant predictor of smoking status even after the socioeconomic group of the individual has been taken into account. CONCLUSIONS--Neighbourhood deprivation of the area of residence is a predictor of smoking status of individuals. In this example the two level model was reasonably well approximated by the individual level model.
Blocks, text, and the space between: The role of representations in novice programming environments

The pilot study gave us the opportunity to test out a number of components of the study design, including our attitudinal and content assessments and our curricular materials, interview protocols, and data collection strategies. While the pilot study yielded numerous useful insights, the choice of environment (Snap! ) and the lack of a full text-based condition limited our ability to answer our stated research questions. In the next iteration of the study we will be using a customized version of Pencil Code (Fig. 1), which will give us isomorphic blocks, text, and hybrid interfaces. Our expectation is that the second iteration of the study will provide that data necessary to answer the questions at the heart of this dissertation; namely the relationship between programming modality and understanding in introductory high school programing classrooms, and insight into the design of introductory programming tools that can provide guidance on the creation of the next generation of computer science learning environments. In doing so, we hope to contribute to the development of tools and curricula that will prepare today's students for the computational futures that await them.