Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Study of Strategic Planning Practices in the Southern German Construction Industry

This research explores how strategic planning practices are facilitated, and constrained, by organizational processes and structures that characterize particular firms. The investigation of different aspects of strategic planning practices in the construction sector has yet to receive sufficient research attention. This is supported by the emergent perspective on strategic practices not as stand-alone phenomena, but as complex organizational processes. Semi-structured interviews provide primary data that serve as the basis for this qualitative investigation of construction enterprises in Southern Germany. In this study, theoretically informed questions about business strategy, the formulation of objectives, and planning practices guide the process of both data collection and its analysis. The construction companies selected for 33 interviews are located in the proximity of Munich, Augsburg, Ulm, Gunzburg, Landsberg, and Ingolstadt in Swabia and Upper Bavaria. The primary qualitative data were generated over four months between November 2013 and February 2014. This study explores different aspects of strategic and planning practices by investigating encoded answers to corresponding questionnaire items. In the majority of micro and small construction companies that took part in this study, an intuitive and ad hoc approach to planning predominates. Forecasting methods are in use owing to their contribution to the minimization of short-term business costs and risks. Scenario methods are considered as involving overly long planning horizons that are unsuitable, owing to rapid changes and volatility occurring in the construction industry. For only some of the more medium companies, financial and strategic planning are differentiated, which could be because strategic plans are presented mostly to superiors and supervisors, planning is a hierarchical and formalized process, and the companies have predominantly regional- and national- scale operations. This study has followed an activity-based framework and extended theoretical research by exploring an emergent perspective that analyses strategic planning practices as tools-in-use. Significantly different patterns of various aspects of planning practices clearly indicate that planning tools are highly likely to affect their selection, utilization, and outcomes. Thus, this study demonstrates that planning practices and their associated tools are complexly related with other organizational processes. This study also suggests that the goals and motivations of owners and managers engaged in strategic planning are intricately related to planning outcomes in organizations.
Genetic Optimization of Keyword Subsets in the Classification Analysis of Authorship of Texts

Abstract The genetic selection of keyword sets, the text frequencies of which are considered as attributes in text classification analysis, has been analysed. The genetic optimization was performed on a set of words, which is the fraction of the frequency dictionary with given frequency limits. The frequency dictionary was formed on the basis of an analysed text array of texts of English fiction. As the fitness function which is minimized by the genetic algorithm, the error of the nearest k neighbours classifier was used. The results obtained show high precision and recall of text classification by authorship categories on the basis of attributes of the keyword sets which were selected by the genetic algorithm from the frequency dictionary.
Modèle dynamique analytique de la nage tridimensionnelle anguilliforme pour la robotique

Le travail presente dans ce manuscrit est consacre a l'elaboration d'un modele dynamique de la nage pour la commande du futur "Robot Anguille" du projet ROBEA-CNRS du meme nom. Dans l'absolu, le calcul des interactions entre un corps deformable et le fluide sur lequel il s'appuie pour se deplacer, est un probleme complexe necessitant l'integration des equations de Navier-Stokes couplees aux equations non-lineaires de la dynamique du corps soumis a des transformations finies. Poursuivant des objectifs de commande pour la robotique, la solution proposee dans ce travail est basee sur la fusion de deux theories : celle du "corps mince" issue de la mecanique des fluides et celle des "poutres Cosserat" de la mecanique du solide. La premiere theorie permet de remplacer l'ecoulement 3-D autour du poisson par la stratification "tranche par tranche" d'ecoulements plans, transverses a l'axe principal du corps de l'animal. Quant a la seconde, elle assimile le poisson a l'assemblage continu de sections rigides modelisant ses vertebres ou, dans un contexte plus technologique, les plate-formes paralleles de notre robot bio-mimetique. Sur la base de cette modelisation, le travail presente a pour but d'etablir les dynamiques de la tete et des vertebres du poisson afin d'elaborer in fine un algorithme de simulation numerique base sur le "formalisme de Newton-Euler" de la robotique, ici etendu aux robots locomoteurs continus. Finalement, le modele elabore realise une generalisation du modele de Lighthill au cas de la nage tridimensionnelle d'un corps elance autopropulse. Outre ce resultat purement analytique, le simulateur qui en resulte nous a permis de mettre au point des allures jamais etudiees jusqu'alors. Qui plus est, il tourne en "temps reel", tout en maintenant un bon niveau de precision (i.e. inferieur a 10%) compare a la reference basee sur la resolution numerique des equations de Navier-Stokes.
Spherical to polyhedral Pt nanocrystal formation assisted with methylamine

Nanocrystalline Pt particles synthesized by solvothermal technique assisted with methylamine were investigated. The effect of different amounts of methylamine on the formation of Pt nanocrystal were characterized and elaborated. Small and spherical - like particles were observed for Pt synthesized under the low amount (0.10 mL) of methylamine whilst, concave polyhedral Pt nanocrystal with high - index {411} facets were observed for Pt synthesized under high amount (0.20 mL) of methylamine. The synthesized concave Pt nanocrystal exhibit high absorption peak at 215 nm corresponding to colloidal Pt. The synthesized concave polyhedral structures could be used as a potential catalyst in fuel cells application.
Paced Auditory Serial-Addition Task: A Measure of Recovery from Concussion

The need for a measure of severity of concussion apart from duration of post-traumatic amnesia is examined. The paced auditory serial-addition test, a measure of rate of information processing, is presented as a convenient test for estimating individual performance during recovery. Procedures for administration and control data are given, and the programme used for managing the rehabilitation of concussion patients described.
Optimal solar panels positioning for Beirut

Determining the optimal position of the solar collectors is essential for the maximum benefit of solar energy received by the solar panels and facilities including large sizes such as concentrated solar energy systems or large-scale solar photovoltaic installations. In this paper we study the optimal position for solar sensors located in Beirut (33.89; 35.50) in 3 configurations: constant optimal angle; Monthly variable tilt angle; and solar sensors with a tracking system of the solar race. After validating the numerical model comparing it to a weather file data for normal, diffused, and global horizontal average hourly solar radiation per month; optimization was made to determine the optimal position of solar collectors according the Generalized Reduced Gradient (GRG2) Algorithm which is normally used for optimizing nonlinear problems. The results show that the optimum angle of inclination for the city of Beirut is close to 30° (27.9°). By varying this angle monthly (i.e. through an adjustable tilt chassis), a 6% increase of collected energy is obtained compared to a constant optimal angle. As for the system, it has great interest as it allows an increase of 37% of solar energy compared to a constant optimal angle. The method adopted is of great interest since it could be applied to any region, not just in Beirut by changing the latitude parameter and the clearness index for the site concerned.
Visualizing the Complex Process for Deep Learning with an Authentic Programming Project

Project-based learning (PjBL) has been increasingly used to connect abstract knowledge and authentic tasks in educational practice, including computer programming education. Despite its promising effects on improving learning in multiple aspects, PjBL remains a struggle due to its complexity. Completing an authentic programming project involves a complex process of applying programming strategies to design and develop artifacts. Programming strategies are often implicit and hard to capture, but critical for programming performance. This study proposes a visualization-based learning environment that externalizes the complex process of applying programming strategies to the design and development of solutions to an authentic programming project. It aims to make the complex process accessible, trackable, and attainable with the support of technology. Twenty-nine senior college students participated in this study, using the proposed learning environment to complete a PjBL module of ASP.NET. The proposed approach improved students’ programming performance and subject knowledge and activated their intrinsic motivation to learn programming.
Treatment outcomes in type A and B alcohol dependence 6 months after serotonergic pharmacotherapy.

BACKGROUND Evidence supporting the use of serotonergic medications for the treatment of alcohol dependence is available from studies where pharmacotherapy targeted specific alcoholic subtypes. We previously established with Babor's alcohol typology that type A "lower risk/severity" alcoholics (n = 55) had better treatment response to 14 weeks of sertraline (200 mg/day) than placebo, and this was not found for type B "higher risk/severity" alcoholics (n = 45). The purpose of this study was to assess in this original study group whether treatment gains in the type A alcoholics were maintained or whether treatment outcomes changed for the type B alcoholics after discontinuing pharmacotherapy. METHODS After the end of a 3-month course of 200 mg/day sertraline, the subjects were interviewed at several time points about their alcohol drinking, if any, using the timeline follow-back method. For 90% of the original study group, mixed effects and generalized estimating equation models were used to compare monthly drinking amounts over a 6-month posttreatment period with drinking amounts in the last month of treatment. RESULTS We found that type A alcoholics who had been treated with sertraline, in contrast to placebo, maintained the good outcomes they had achieved during treatment for at least 6 months after pharmacotherapy. We found that type B alcoholics who had been treated with sertraline, in contrast to placebo, continued to show no advantage for pharmacotherapy in the 6 months after completing treatment. In addition, heavy drinking in type B alcoholics increased over the 6 months postpharmacotherapy in those initially treated with sertraline compared with placebo. CONCLUSIONS These data support the importance of considering alcohol subtype when pharmacologically treating alcohol dependence.
Individual Phase Current Control Based on Optimal Zero-Sequence Current Separation for a Star-Connected Cascade STATCOM Under Unbalanced Conditions

This paper proposes an individual phase current control (IPCC) method based on optimal zero-sequence current separation for star-connected cascade STATCOMs under unbalanced grid voltage. The IPCC is adopted to get better adaptation to unbalanced conditions. Each cluster of the cascade STATCOM has its own phase current control loop and dc-voltage feedback loop, and it can generate the necessary negative-sequence current automatically to rebalance power. However, the zero-sequence current which is unnecessary and harmful in star configuration is introduced in the process. An optimal zero-sequence current separation is presented to remove the zero-sequence current by reconstructing the reactive current command. This improved IPCC enables star-connected STATCOMs adapt to unbalanced conditions without the need for any power balancing algorithms. Also, the operation range of the proposed control method is analyzed. Simulation research studies are performed to verify the operation range analysis, and the experimental operation is tested on a 25-level ±10 Mvar/10-kV STATCOM product installed at a wind farm.
Two-Segment Foot Model for the Biomechanical Analysis of Squat

Squat exercise is acquiring interest in many fields, due to its benefits in improving health and its biomechanical similarities to a wide range of sport motions and the recruitment of many body segments in a single maneuver. Several researches had examined considerable biomechanical aspects of lower limbs during squat, but not without limitations. The main goal of this study focuses on the analysis of the foot contribution during a partial body weight squat, using a two-segment foot model that considers separately the forefoot and the hindfoot. The forefoot and hindfoot are articulated by the midtarsal joint. Five subjects performed a series of three trials, and results were averaged. Joint kinematics and dynamics were obtained using motion capture system, two force plates closed together, and inverse dynamics techniques. The midtarsal joint reached a dorsiflexion peak of 4°. Different strategies between subjects revealed 4° supination and 2.5° pronation of the forefoot. Vertical GRF showed 20% of body weight concentrated on the forefoot and 30% on the hindfoot. The percentages varied during motion, with a peak of 40% on the hindfoot and correspondently 10% on the forefoot, while the traditional model depicted the unique constant 50% value. Ankle peak of plantarflexion moment, power absorption, and power generation was consistent with values estimated by the one-segment model, without statistical significance.
EXPATRIATE STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS OF KEY FACTORS IMPACTING ATTENDANCE AND PERSISTENCE AT A PRIVATE MALAYSIAN UNIVERSITY: AN ANALYSIS OF A 4PS FRAMEWORK

Malaysia largely depends on expatriates to develop its economy. The private institution (pseudonym) in Malaysia had not examined the retention of students from expatriate families who might contribute country’s future economy. Assessing the expatriate students’ perceptions of key factors that impacted their attendance and persistence is timely. The purpose of this study was to make recommendations based on the research findings to the private university and possibly other institutions in Malaysia or elsewhere internationally where serve expatriate students to reexamine the practices, amend (if any), and explore additional strategies to improve their attendance, persistence, and graduation rates. Tinto’s model of dropping out guided this study. Three specific research questions were designed to explore expatriate students’ perceptions of individual characteristics, the interactions within the institutional environment, and institutional characteristics respectively that influenced their decisions to attend and persist at the institution. Qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews with 5 expatriate students. Data analysis followed a thematic approach, resulting in 10 themes. Based on the study outcomes, a white paper was proposed. The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of the study and recommendations to the administrators to increase expatriate students’ persistence and graduate rates either in Malaysia, their country of origin, or elsewhere internationally. The recommendations were based on the 4Ps framework. Article DOI: https://dx.doi. org/10.20319/pijtel.2018. 22.115136 This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, PO Box 1866, Mountain View, CA 94042, USA.
Carrier phase-shifted discontinuous PWM algorithm for cascaded H-bridge inverters

Previous work has shown many general space vector PWM algorithms for cascaded H-bridge inverters. To keep the load balance of switches for cascaded H-bridge inverters, complex pulse cycle control must be added to the algorithms. This paper presents carrier phase-shifted discontinuous PWM (CPS-DPWM) algorithm which can keep load balance of switches automatically. More importantly, switching frequency is reduced up to 2/3 of the previous. Simulation results are given for the verification of CPS-DPWM algorithm.
Hypothesis Testing and Estimation in Ordinal Data Under a Simple Crossover Design

Since each patient serves as his/her own control, the crossover design can be of use to improve power as compared with the parallel-groups design in studying noncurative treatments to certain chronic diseases. Although the research studies on the crossover design have been quite intensive, the discussions on analyzing ordinal data under such a design are truly limited. We propose using the generalized odds ratio (GOR) for paired sample data to measure the relative effect on patient responses for both treatment and period in ordinal data under a simple crossover trial. Assuming the treatment and period effects are multiplicative, we note that one can easily derive the maximum likelihood estimator (LE) in closed forms for the GOR of treatment and period effects. We develop asymptotic and exact procedures for testing treatment and period effects. We further derive asymptotic and exact interval estimators for the GOR of treatment and period effects. We use the data taken from a crossover trial to assess the clarity of leaflet instructions between two devices among asthma patients to illustrate the use of these test procedures and estimators developed here.
A bio-medical compatible self bias opamp in 45nm CMOS technology

In this paper a low power, high gain self bias opamp suitable for biomedical applications has been described. A novel trans conductance boosting technique is introduced without having any additional power consumption. A simple technique of biasing the opamp has been introduced for very low offset and without having any requirement for external reference circuit. A prototype of two stage amplifier design presented to verify the proposed technique and described its robustness across PVT variations by showing simulation results. The design is implemented in 45nm CMOS technology and simulated with Spectre. Simulation results show that the proposed opamp exhibits FOM of 625 and 2 times better than state of art. The circuit consumes 26uW from 1.5V supply and occupying 0.00282mm2 silicon area.
Third International Stroke Trial

Stroke is a common disease. Every year, stroke kills about 5 5 million people around the world (1). Almost 5 billion years of healthy life are lost as a result of yearly strokes (1). In the United Kingdom, it is the single most expensive condition looked after by the National Health Service, costing 2 8 billion pounds (5 2 billion US dollars) in direct care costs alone (2). In Europe, Australia and the United States, about 80% of strokes are ischaemic (3). Unfortunately, ischaemic stroke has few effective treatments. Coordinated stroke unit care reduces the number of patients left dead or dependent due to stroke by 56 per 1000 patients treated (3). Once established, stroke units can care for most patients with stroke, so that their effect on improving outcome is larger than any other treatment. Treatment with aspirin soon after ischaemic stroke reduces the chance of death or disability by about 12 patients per 1000 treated, probably by reducing the chance of stroke recurrence (4). Although the treatment effect is small, aspirin is cheap and widely applicable so it too has a large effect on reducing the overall burden of disability from stroke. Thrombolysis for stroke with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) is effective, though expensive and difficult to deliver, and currently applicable to only a small group of patients. Consequently, the impact of thrombolysis on reducing stroke-related disability in the population from stroke is currently relatively small (5). Only stroke units and aspirin are in widespread use for the treatment of acute ischaemic stroke.
Green approach to photoluminescent carbon dots for imaging of gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli

Fluorescent carbon dots, zero-dimensional nanomaterials with surface ligands, have been studied extensively over the past few years in biolabelling or fluorescence-based live cell assays. In the past, synthetic organic dyes have been used as cell tracking materials, but they have severe limitations; fluorescent carbon dots may pave the way to biolabelling and cell imaging. In this work, green fluorescent carbon dots have been synthesized from a green source, gram, without any sort of covalent or ionic modifications. These gram-derived carbon dots are unique with respect to synthetic commercial cell-tracking dyes as they are non-toxic, cell internalization occurs quickly, and they have excellent bioconjugation with bacterial cells. Our aim is to establish these carbon dots in a biolabelling assay with its other physicochemical features like the tunable luminescence property, high degree of water solubility and low toxicity, towards various environments (wide range of pH, high ionic strength). Our study introduces a new perspective on the commercialization of carbon dots as a potential alternative to synthetic organic dyes for fluorescence-based cell-labelling assays.
Modulating parameters of excitability during and after transcranial direct current stimulation of the human motor cortex

Weak transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the human motor cortex results in excitability shifts which occur during and after stimulation. These excitability shifts are polarity‐specific with anodal tDCS enhancing excitability, and cathodal reducing it. To explore the origin of this excitability modulation in more detail, we measured the input–output curve and motor thresholds as global parameters of cortico‐spinal excitability, and determined intracortical inhibition and facilitation, as well as facilitatory indirect wave (I‐wave) interactions. Measurements were performed during short‐term tDCS, which elicits no after‐effects, and during other tDCS protocols which do elicit short‐ and long‐lasting after‐effects. Resting and active motor thresholds remained stable during and after tDCS. The slope of the input–output curve was increased by anodal tDCS and decreased by cathodal tDCS. Anodal tDCS of the primary motor cortex reduced intracortical inhibition and enhanced facilitation after tDCS but not during tDCS. Cathodal tDCS reduced facilitation during, and additionally increased inhibition after its administration. During tDCS, I‐wave facilitation was not influenced but, for the after‐effects, anodal tDCS increased I‐wave facilitation, while cathodal tDCS had only minor effects. These results suggest that the effect of tDCS on cortico‐spinal excitability during a short period of stimulation (which does not induce after‐effects) primarily depends on subthreshold resting membrane potential changes, which are able to modulate the input‐output curve, but not motor thresholds. In contrast, the after‐effects of tDCS are due to shifts in intracortical inhibition and facilitation, and at least partly also to facilitatory I‐wave interaction, which is controlled by synaptic activity.