Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Towards ecological sustainability: observations on the role of the arts

This paper describes how the arts shape environmental behaviour of individuals and society and is a synthesis arising from a program of previous publication. The literature suggests that the arts may have a role in shaping environmental behaviour but it is not clear how or in what circumstances this might occur. Hence we set out to describe ways in which the arts shape environmental behaviour at the individual level and, through the accumulated actions of individuals, at the societal level. Through this examination we aim to explain the role of the arts in moving society towards ecological sustainability. Our research drew on interviews with 96 key informants working in the arts and in the natural resource management sectors, combined with a mix of empirical, experimental and post hoc studies of eight community-based art and environment events. On the basis of this research, a model was developed to describe how the arts can shape environmental behaviour. Three pathways are proposed: communicating information in an engaging form; creating empathy towards the natural environment; and embedding the arts in ecologically sustainable development.
Homelessness and Crime: Do Your Friends Matter?

This article investigates the influence of friends on crime, using data I collected among the homeless. To estimate the causal effects of friends and of the share of criminal friends on crime, I rely on two instruments. The first is the share of rainy days during one's first year as homeless: rainfall fosters homeless concentration in sheltered places and increases the probability of interactions. The second is the share of inmates released during one's first year as homeless, which affects the supply of criminal friends. I find that one additional friend decreases the probability of incarceration but criminal friends increases it.
Chapters School of Hotel Administration Collection 2001 Technology , Customization , and Reliability

This research examines the relative importance that customers place on product reliability, or things-gonewrong, and customization, or things-gone-right, across a range of industrial settings. We integrate an evolutionary theory of technology with a dynamic theory of competition to predict that: (1) when technological intensity is relatively low or high, customers place greater value on customization and (2) when technological intensity is more intermediate, product reliability and customization are more equally important. The predictions are tested and supported using data from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) survey.
Study on Mobile Large Data Storage Security in Cloud Computing Environment

In this thesis, data security in cloud computing is regarded as the research object. First of all, the definitions, model, structure, application, research organization and related knowledge of cloud computing is introduced. Then, the data security assurance methods which used in this thesis including symmetric and asymmetric encryption system, attribute-based encryption algorithm and Merkle Hash Tree are discussed. The security challenge, advantage, protective measures and security architecture of data security based in cloud computing environment are summarized with many cloud computing characteristics, such as massive, virtualization, dynamics and expansibility.
Gibbs measures on permutations over one-dimensional discrete point sets

We consider Gibbs distributions on permutations of a locally finite infinite set $X\subset\mathbb{R}$, where a permutation $\sigma$ of $X$ is assigned (formal) energy $\sum_{x\in X}V(\sigma(x)-x)$. This is motivated by Feynman's path representation of the quantum Bose gas; the choice $X:=\mathbb{Z}$ and $V(x):=\alpha x^2$ is of principal interest. Under suitable regularity conditions on the set $X$ and the potential $V$, we establish existence and a full classification of the infinite-volume Gibbs measures for this problem, including a result on the number of infinite cycles of typical permutations. Unlike earlier results, our conclusions are not limited to small densities and/or high temperatures.
Using subsurface geophysical methods in flood control: A resistivity survey to define underground storage capacity of a sand body in ciudad Juárez, Mexico

A DC resistivity survey was conducted over a floos prone area (playa lake) in the southern urbanized area of Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico to locate and evaluate the water storage capacity of a subsurface permeable sand stratum to prevent flooding “El Barreal ” a large urban area of housing developments and industrial compounds. Recent major floods in juny 2008 record were caused by precipitation levels of 68 mm in 24 hours, and a monthly accumulation of 146 mm. Hundreds of homes and industrial enterpices were flooded. Nine vertical electrical soundings (VES) were conducted utilizing a Schlumberger array to generate a geologic model. Two trenches were excavated to calibrated the method and perform permeability tests. The method successfully discriminated between fine grained clay and silt and coarse sand. The subsurface sand body will be used as a temporary storage facility for flood control during summer storms amounting to up to half the total annual rainfall.
Extended Mathematics of Unreduced Dynamic Complexity: The Exact Image of Unified Reality, from the Electron to Consciousness

The current crisis in exact description of fundamental and applied systems has the well-defined origin and rigorously substantiated resolution in the form of qualitatively extended, unified mathematical framework of unreduced dynamic complexity. It is based on the unreduced universal solution of arbitrary interaction problem revealing the new, extended qualities with respect to traditional mathematical constructions. We describe the origin of the problem, the proposed causally complete solution and its mathematical novelties confirmed by problem-solving applications in fundamental and applied sciences.
Comparative Effects of Cyfluthrin on Intracellular Protease Activities in Insecticide-Resistant and Susceptible Strains of Musca domestics L.

To elucidate whether insecticide toxicity in insects involves insecticide-induced abnormalities of the intracellular protein catabolic process, we have determined in vivo effect of one of the commonly used synthetic pyrethroid, cyfluthrin on the activities of representative protein catabolising cytoplasmic and lysosomal proteases (responsible for the various stages of the protein degradation cascade and essential for normal cell functioning) in resistant and susceptible strains of Musca domestica. Effect of cyfluthrin was determined at LC50 dose level after 48 hour of treatment in both live and dead adult flies, compared with controls. In susceptible strain, cyfluthrin increased all cytoplasmic proteases in surviving flies (ranging from 16 to 148%) and their elevation was further intensified in dead flies (ranging from 24 to 177%). Of lysosomal proteases only cathepsin H (+18%) and D (-26%) were affected in surviving flies while in dead flies cathepsin B and L were additionally affected. Conversally in resistant flies, cyfluthrin produced mixed responses of increase or decrease in cytoplasmic and lysosomal proteases of surviving flies and this affect was further increased or it adopted the route of readjustment in dead flies. We conclude that cyfluthrin affected almost all proteases and such changes in proteases could play an important role in the development of resistance in M. domestica to insecticides.
A control strategy for a robot with one articulated leg hopping on irregular terrain

This paper reports on an improvement of an earlier developed control algorithm for a one-legged hopping robot. The algorithm, which allows the robot to hop on irregular terrain, consists of two separate parts. By steering the motion of the leg the first part controls a number of objective locomotion parameters, being forward velocity during flight, hopping height, step length and stepping height. These objective parameters can be changed from one hop to another. This part of the algorithm has been extensively discussed in [3]. The second part of the algorithm controls the motion of the upper body, by making an adequate choice of the angular momentum around the COG during the flight phase and by choosing a well determined value of the stance time. This paper specifically focuses on the control of the upper body motion. Although the algorithm allows for non-steady state motion, for simplicity reasons the control of the upper body will first be tested on a number of consecutive steady state hops.
A Hybrid Video Watermarking Technique based on DWT, SVD and SCHUR Decomposition

Video watermarking is a technique that used to protect the multimedia data, video in reference to authentication, proof of ownership, copy control etc. In this paper a robust video watermarking scheme is proposed that will protect videos from being unauthorized manipulation by the intruder. A hybrid transform technique consists of Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT), Schur decomposition, Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) and a visual attention region determination scheme is used to determine the region of interest and region of non interest blocks of video frames. To make the scheme robust, watermark is embedded in the region of non interest blocks of HL band of the frame. The robustness against various attacks has been compared with high Normalized Cross Correlation (NCC) values and the imperceptibility of the watermarked image with the original cover image has been compared with indicated high achievable Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR) values. The experimental results show that the proposed method has achieved a satisfactory performance against various notable attacks.
The Definiteness and Indefiniteness in the Theme

The article describes the (in)definitenessin the Theme. Usually a themeisthe subject, and (in)definiteness is employed as an independent information structure used by speakers or writers to express their intention. Having investigated a lot of linguistic references, the author gives the explanation of them. The definiteness means the status of the information. Basing on different linguists the author defines the definite articles, the demonstrative pronouns, the possessive adjectives (pronouns), personal pronouns, proper nouns as the indicators of the definiteness. The indefinite articles, the indefinite pronouns are investigated as the indefinite indicators. The author gives some examples for proving her investigation. She gives the three methods of T.Givon in her research and relies on his (T.Givon’s) methods while experimenting. The author comes to the conclusion that the stated grammatical themes are observed in the definiteness of the Theme more than in the Rheme.
Media Bias and Advertising : ( Preliminary ) Evidence from German Car Magazines ∗

This paper investigates the existence of a possible media bias by analyzing the impact of automobile manufactures’ advertisements on automobile reviews in German car magazines. By accounting for both endogeneity and sample selection we find a positive impact of advertising volumes on test scores. Moreover, also a home bias in terms of higher scores for German cars is observable. We account these results as some evidence for a media bias, induced by the two-sidedness of the markets. ***PRELIMINARY VERSION – DO NOT QUOTE*** ∗We are grateful to Michael Berlemann and Dirk Czarnitzki for valuable comments. We also thank Stephanie Effern, Hagen Niehaus and Julia Rothbauer for excellent research assistance. †Helmut-Schmidt-University Hamburg, Department of Economics, Holstenhofweg 85, D22043 Hamburg, ralf.dewenter@hsu-hh.de. ‡University of Erlangen–Nuremberg, Department of Economics, Lange Gasse 20, 90403 Nuremberg, ulrich.heimeshoff@wiso.uni-erlangen.de.
Parenting in Poverty: Inequity through the Lens of Attachment and Resilience

According to the US Census Bureau (2012) over 15% of families live below the poverty line.Family researchers suggest that economic pressures will first affect the emotional lives and marital interactions of adults and then diffuse into the caretaking environment of the children. Poor families often confront multiple stressors, such as unemployment, substandard housing, absence of health insurance and substance abuse. These significant factors perpetuate the intergenerational cycle of poverty. This paper will examine two well-known theories known as attachment and resilience inclusive of an ecological framework. These theories will provide a comprehensive understanding of parenting and parent child relationships in the context of multi-generational poverty. Implications will also be provided.
Investigation on different types of blood glucose control system

Basically it is a case study on proposed blood glucose protocols. Among the protocols been implemented in Intensive Care Unit or critically ill patients were been studied and the outcome of this project is to propose the suitable blood glucose protocol for critically ill patients in Malaysia. Two main protocols known as HTAA and SPRINT been implement in Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan Malaysia and Christchurch Hospital, New Zealand respectively. Besides of studying whether both protocols are capable to reduce the mortality rate, these two are compared in terms of patients suitability whether they can adapt to the current protocols or not. Next to find out whether both protocols are same in their goal and the significant level of the patient’s data obtained from both hospitals (HTAA and Christchurch). In order to find out the patients data is significant or not and the goal of the protocols whether similar, some statistical analysis been carried out solidify the hypothesis statement. This is to ensure the outcome statement of proposing the best protocol between HTAA and SPRINT to critically ill patients in Malaysia.
Predicting and explaining students’ stress with the Demand–Control Model: does neuroticism also matter?

University students often report high stress levels, and studies even suggest a recent increase. However, there is a lack of theoretically based research on the structural conditions that influence students’ perceived stress. The current study compared the effects of Karasek’s demand–control dimensions with the influence of neuroticism to address environmental and individual characteristics related to stress. Two points of measurement were included: T1 in the middle of the term and T2 during the examination period. Participants were 146 psychology students at two German universities (Mage = 22.6 years). We applied an adapted version of Karasek’s Job Content Questionnaire, a self-developed stress scale, and the 21-item Big-Five-Inventory. At T1, both neuroticism and demands significantly predicted stress (total adjusted R² = .40), although relative weights analyses indicated that the contribution of demands was more pronounced (relative importance: 63%). Longitudinally, controlling for stress at T1, the demand–control dimensions explained additional variance in the increased stress level at T2, whereas neuroticism did not contribute additionally (R² = .52). Results indicate that self-reports on stress among university students are not only a reflection of underlying negative affectivity. We conclude that perceived stress can be explained by structural conditions rather than personality, providing opportunities to reduce stress among students.
Keck Planet Finder: preliminary design

The Keck Planet Finder (KPF) is a fiber-fed, high-resolution, high-stability spectrometer in development for the W.M. Keck Observatory. The instrument recently passed its preliminary design review and is currently in the detailed design phase. KPF is designed to characterize exoplanets using Doppler spectroscopy with a single measurement precision of 0.5 m s−1 or better; however, its resolution and stability will enable a wide variety of other astrophysical pursuits. KPF will have a 200 mm collimated beam diameter and a resolving power greater than 80,000. The design includes a green channel (445 nm to 600 nm) and red channel (600 nm to 870 nm). A novel design aspect of KPF is the use of a Zerodur optical bench, and Zerodur optics with integral mounts, to provide stability against thermal expansion and contraction effects.
Use of Auxiliary Variables and Asymptotically Optimum Estimators in Double Sampling

This paper explore the need for exploiting auxiliary variables in sample survey and utilizing asymptotically optimum estimator in double sampling to increase the efficiency of estimators. The study proposed two types of estimators with two auxiliary variables for two phase sampling when there is no information about auxiliary variables at population level. The expressions for the Mean Squared Error (MSE) of the proposed estimators were derived to the first order of approximation. An empirical comparative approach of the minimum variances and percent relative efficiency were adopted to study the efficiency of the proposed and existing estimators. It was established that, the proposed estimators performed more efficiently than the mean per unit estimator and other previous estimators that don’t use auxiliary variable and that are not asymptotically optimum. Also, it was established that estimators that are asymptotically optimum that utilized single auxiliary variable are more efficient than those that are not asymptotically optimum with two auxiliary variables.
Phytochemical study of Abutilon indicum Linn. Medicinal plant

Herbal medicines are natural products and their phytoconstitutents vary depending on time and region, processing and storage. Variations in the collection, processing or storage of an herb could impact its efficacy profile. Since prior knowledge regarding appropriate collection and usage of most medicinal plants exists in tradition, it can be used as a guide to quality standardization. The present paper deals the phytochemical screening of Root & Leaf extract of Abutilon indicum. From the literature survey it is found that a very little work is done on root & leaf part of plant for on these lines. So, our aim is to find out again various standardization limits according WHO guideline. During phytochemical screening it was observed the loss of drying, ash values and extractive values etc. for root & leaf part of drug with a view to control the quality of crude drug.
The Impact of Cleansing Procedures for Overlaps on Estimation Results - Evidence for German Administrative Data

"Process-generated and administrative datasets have become increasingly important for labor market research over the past ten years. Major advantages of these data are large sample sizes as well as absence of retrospective gaps and unit non-responses. Nevertheless, the quality and validity of the information remains unclear and a lot of preparation and data cleansing is necessary before the data are analyzable. Unfortunately, only few researchers provide access to their cleansing procedures and therefore, also the impact of them on the results of the analyses is unidentified. This paper contributes to this subject and focuses on the variation of research results due to alternative data cleansing procedures. In particular, the paper uses the framework for data preparation suggested in an evaluation study by Wunsch and Lechner (2008) as a benchmark and then induces variation by developing different cleansing procedures for overlapping and parallel observations. The descriptive results show that the differences between the data sets (based on the different procedures) show various magnitudes on some attributes concerning time and personal characteristics. Similar results appear for the subsequent analysis of the treatment effects, which do not vary in the overall shape but in the magnitude especially during the lock-in effect. In sum the results of the analysis indicate that the empirical findings of the evaluation method are fairly robust to variations in the underlying cleansing procedure. " (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))
Insight Versus Rehearsal in Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy: A Crossover Study with Sixteen Phobics

Although cognitive restructuring (CR) procedures have not proven very helpful for phobics in recent studies, insight and rehearsal components of CR have often been confounded. To seek possible differences in effectiveness between insight and rehearsal, we treated 16 phobics (eight agoraphobics and eight others) with four sessions of each method, using a counterbalanced crossover design with 1-month follow-ups after each treatment component. Significantly fewer sessions were attended by the clients in the rehearsal/insight sequence, and benefit ratings made by project completers significantly favoured insight/rehearsal. Few other treatment group differences were seen, but those that emerged gave the advantage to insight. Rehearsal seemed unhelpful, particularly to non-agoraphobics. Conclusions are (1) that CR methods show some promise in application to phobias, provided that self-exposure homework forms the core of the treatment plan, and (2) that insight followed by rehearsal is the preferred sequence.
EVALUATION OF INNOVATION PROCESSES

In present, innovations are spoken as an engine of the world economy because the innovations are transforming not only business entities but the whole industries. The innovations have become a necessity for business entities in order to survive on floating challenging markets. This way, innovations are driving force of companies’ performance. The problem which arises here is a question of measurement innovation’s effect on the financial performance of company or selection between two or more possible variants of innovation’s realization. Various authors which are focused on innovations processes are divided into two groups in their attitudes towards the question of influence of innovations on financial performance of companies. One group of the authors present the idea that any reliable measurement is not possible or efficient. The second group of authors present some methods theoretically applicable on this measurement but they base their approaches mostly on the methods of measurement of investments effectiveness or they suggest employment of indicators or ratios which wouldn’t be clearly connected with the outcome of innovation process. The aim of submitted article is to compare different approaches to evaluation of the innovation processes. The authors compare various approaches here and by use of analysis and synthesis, they determine their own method how to measure outcome of innovation process.
Fast microwave assisted bioreduction of aromatic aldehydes using Aloe vera: A green chemistry reaction

Se desarrollo una metodologia de quimica verde para la bioreduccion rapida y sencilla de aldehidos aromaticos a alcoholes aromaticos utilizando un extracto de Aloe vera en suspension acuosa. Por medio de radiacion de microondas, esta reaccion se llevo a cabo en un periodo de tiempo muy corto. El procedimiento desarrollado es una ruta alterna para preparar alcoholes aromaticos, los cuales son reactivos muy utilizados en la industria y en la preparacion de cosmeticos
IN VITRO CYTOTOXIC ACTIVITIES OF METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF MIMOSA PUDICA

The present research was conducted to investigate the cytotoxic activities of methanolic extract of plant of Mimosa pudica. Cytotoxic activity was evaluated using brine shrimp lethality bioassay. For the determination of cytotoxicity, seven different concentrations (80, 100, 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 μg/ml) of methanol extract of Mimosa pudica were used. LC50 value of methanolic extract of Mimosa pudica was found to be 2.6621 μg/ml. Methanolic extract of Mimosa pudica showed lethality in a dose reliant conduct. More exclusively 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 80% and 100% mortality were observed at the concentration of 80, 100, 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 μg/ml, respectively. The brine shrimp lethality bioassay results suggest that the plant can be a promising source of anticancer compounds.