Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Evaluation of the Process of Cultural Good Consumption for Different Profiles of Consumers. The case of the Scrovegni Chapel.

In this paper, we investigate the cultural, social and emotional elements affecting the satisfaction process of artistic consumption and we look for satisfaction diversity among different visitor profiles. A sample analysis of the visitors to the Scrovegni Chapel by Giotto in Padua was performed through an ordinal logit model, to identify significant items for general satisfaction with the visit, and through a cluster analysis, to depict visitor profiles for artistic goods. The main result of the statistical analysis is that each dimension affects satisfaction while satisfaction itself varies with the different profiles of the consumer of art. This means that the analysis of demand for artistic goods is useful both for management of artistic events in order to find a suitable organization, and for territorial marketing to attract consumers of aesthetic goods.
Hydrothermal Transformation of Natural Zeolite from Ende-NTT and Its Application as Adsorbent of Cationic Dye

A synthetic zeolite was produced from natural zeolite from Ende-Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) by hydrothermal method. This study aims to produce synthetic zeolite from Ende natural zeolite to remove cation dye through the adsorption process. Temperature of crystal formation (ageing) was performed at 60 °C for 6 h and hydrothermal process was at 100 °C for 24 h. The natural zeolite produced synthetic NaP1 and synthetic Faujasite. Based on the research results, the synthesis of zeolite by the hydrothermal method can enhance the adsorption capacity and Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC). The adsorption capacity in the natural zeolites of type ZG, ZL and ZC before the hydrothermal process were 17.289, 17.276, and 16.483 mg/g, respectively, and after hydrothermal they increased to 37.398, 37.369 and 37.362 mg/g, respectively. In addition, the CEC increased from 84.154, 81.042, and 77.474 cmol/kg, respectively, to 244.063, 216.354, and 211.432 cmol/kg, respectively. The Langmuir model most closely matched the isothermal adsorption equilibrium process.
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering November 2011 Vol 22(2):216-226 ANALYSING THE IMPACT OF THE PRODUCT LIFE CYCLE ON THE IMPORTANCE OF OUTSOURCING DECISION-MAKING CRITERIA: A MANUFACTURING CASE STUDY

This study has been carried out to discover the impact of the product life cycle (PLC) on the importance of outsourcing decision-making criteria in a manufacturing firm. The four dimensions of outsourcing decision-making were identified, based on a literature review and on the conditions of the firm: (1) core competencies, (2) information leakage risk, (3) technological capability, and (4) cost. A case study and survey research were used, along with two non-parametric tests (Friedman’s test and Kendall’s W). The results show in particular that the importance of ‘technological capability’ and ‘strategic information leakage risk’ does not differ across the various PLC stages. The importance of ‘leakage risk of product volume information’ and ‘total cost’ change over different stages of the product life cycle are also addressed. For the latter two criteria, the probabilities of each rating related to each criterion importance have been estimated by ordinal logistic regression, and the weights of these criteria have been calculated at each stage of the product life cycle.
Probabilistic forecasting analysis of geomagnetic indices for southward IMF events

Geomagnetic disturbances that drive space weather impacts such as ground‐induced currents and radiation belt enhancements are usually driven by strong southward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) intervals. However, current heliospheric models either do not predict or provide low‐accuracy forecasts of IMF Bz. Here we examine the probability distribution function of geomagnetic activity indices for southward IMF intervals. We analyze the in situ plasma and magnetic field measurements long‐duration large‐amplitude southward IMF intervals (called Bs events). The statistical profiles of other solar wind and IMF parameters show significant differences during the periods 1 day before the Bs events for different solar wind transients (such as interplanetary coronal mass ejections and stream interaction regions). As is well known, we find that the solar wind speed is positively correlated with geomagnetic indices and that strong southward IMF is the key in storm triggering but not necessarily for substorms. We find that the solar wind density weakly affects geomagnetic field activity, but the response depends on the type of solar wind transient that includes the strong Bs events. We also find that magnetospheric ultralow‐frequency waves are induced by both strong southward IMF and solar wind dynamic pressure disturbances. We suggest that strong Bs events could be predicted from the preceding characteristics of solar wind and IMF changes and that probabilistic forecasting of geomagnetic activity occurrence is potentially useful in space weather forecasting. We present preliminary analysis to demonstrate the out‐of‐sample ability to predict IMF Bs events with in situ solar wind data.
Diversity Management in the Workplace

Diversity is a phenomenon which is increasingly manifesting itself in the globalized society; therefore, it is observable in various areas of human activity, and thus also in the labour market and work teams. Age, sex, ethnicity and nationality, creed or disabilities are among the parameters of diversity. The aim of the article is to identify and evaluate the implementation of Diversity Management in workplaces, whilst bearing in mind researched factors of diversity. The results were gained by conducting a primary survey by questionnaire in organizations (n = 315). The results showed that a total of 41.9% of selected organizations operating in the Czech Republic implement Diversity Management. The largest part of organizations operate in the tertiary sector (69.7%). The survey results show the situation concerning Diversity Management in the selected organizations and support the oppinion that Diversity Management is a current global matter and its concerns all organizations. The research parameters influenced the application of Diversity Management in organizations (Cramer’s V is from 0.176 to 0.430). One of the recommendations for organizations is that they devote more attention to this phenomenon, as qualified human resources is on the decline and adequate attention will once again need to be devoted to groups of potential workers who have hitherto been overlooked. Diversity Management represents a new opportunity for organizations to build the employer’s good brand and attract knowledge workers.
Stellar p-mode oscillations signal in Procyon A from MOST data

Recently, Matthews et al. (2004, Nature, 430, 51) claim a null detection of p-mode oscillations in Procyon A from 32 days of nearly continuous photometric satellite-based observations (MOST). They did not even find evidence in the Fourier amplitude spectrum of Procyon of the uniform frequency spacing signature that solar-like stars acoustic spectrum must show according to asymptotic theory. However, re-analysing his data. we have found a clear evidence of signal fully compatible with what is expected from p-mode oscillations in Procyon A. Using the method developed in Regulo & Roca Cortes (2002, A&A, 396, 745), that allows the analysis of stellar oscillations in the acoustic power spectrum of solar-like stars when the signal is buried in noise, we have found a frequency spacing in the power spectrum of the data of 54.5 μHz, that agrees well with the expectations of the theory of stellar oscillation as well as with previous estimations from ground-based observations. Moreover, our method allows the recovery of the power spectrum of the signal from the knowledge of the frequency spacing present in the data, which yields clear peaks that can be identified as acoustic p-modes. Nonetheless, as the frequency spacing coincides with the second sub-multiple of the orbital frequency of the satellite (164.34 μHz) the above findings must he taken with caution.
Evaluating Single-Molecule Stokes and Anti-Stokes SERS for Nanoscale Thermometry

Plasmonic near fields, wherein light is magnified and focused within nanoscale volumes, are utilized in a broad array of technologies including optoelectronics, catalysis, and sensing. Within these nanoscale cavities, increases in temperature are expected and indeed have been demonstrated. Heat generation can be beneficial or detrimental for a given system or technique, but in either case it is useful to have knowledge of local temperatures. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), potentially down to the limit of single-molecule (SM) detection, has been suggested as a viable route for measuring nanoscale temperatures through simultaneous collection of Stokes and anti-Stokes SER scattering, as the ratio of their intensities is related to the Boltzmann distribution. We have rigorously verified SM detection in anti-Stokes SERS of rhodamine 6G on aggregated Ag nanoparticles using the isotopologue method. We observe a broad distribution in the ratio of anti-Stokes and Stokes signal intensities among SM eve.
Adapting to Reductions in Team Size: An Examination of Three Structural Alternatives

Abstract : Research on downsizing in organizations has traditionally focused on the affective based reactions of survivors or the reactions of financial markets to downsizing announcements. Very little research has examined how organizational units adapt to downsizing. This paper investigates three structural approaches to downsizing in teams and directly tests the general proposition that the appropriateness of a specific structural alternative can only be understood by considering certain team compositional factors. Results suggest that the conscientiousness, emotional stability and extraversion of team members moderate the relationship between these three structural alternatives and team performance.
Omnidirectional Reflection Extension in a One-Dimensional Superconducting-Dielectric Binary Graded Photonic Crystal with Graded Geometric Layers Thicknesses

The omnidirectional re∞ection characteristics of one- dimensional (1D) superconducting-dielectric binary graded photonic crystals (PhCs) are studied by using transfer matrix method. The in∞uences of thickness changing rate, numbers of periods, incident angles are analyzed. And the omnidirectional photonic band gaps are extended markedly in the 1D thickness-graded superconducting- dielectric PhC.
Synoptic‐scale weather patterns during Alpine heavy rain events

Autumnal streamer‐type elongated troughs are related to heavy precipitation observed at the southside of the European Alps. In order to study the development of this configuration, the typical structural evolution of the ambient flow in the event of heavy rain is investigated by lagged analyses. The precipitation amounts, both observations at the Alpine southside and from ERA40 forecasts by the ECMWF, are chosen as parameters to be correlated with atmospheric fields provided by the ERA40 data. Indeed, the resulting statistics indicate that the preferable position of elongated streamers is quasi‐north–south aligned and extending southward over the Mediterranean Sea with its southern end located between the Pyrenees and northern Africa. A significant orographic impact on the streamer is revealed in the regression fields of the upper‐level potential vorticity showing an indentation above the western Alps. The lower‐tropospheric regression fields show a zonally elongated pressure signal due to the orographic influence. Up to two days in advance of heavy rain events a regressed meridional humidity flux occurs towards the south‐western Alps, which at the event's peak time is found impinging upon the entire Alpine ridge. The regressed vertical velocity fields exhibit two maxima south of the Alps, a strong one at the western and a weaker one over the eastern Alps. Copyright © 2006 Royal Meteorological Society
The Preferability of Constrained Optimization in Determining the Number of Prompts, Modes of Discourse, and Raters in a Direct Writing Assessment.

This study demonstrates the advantages of using a constrained optimization algorithm to explore the optimal number of prompts, modes of discourse, and raters for achieving an acceptable level of reliability during a direct writing assessment. Writing samples elicited from 50 college students were rated by 3 graduate students and the scores submitted to a generalizability analysis (G-study). The variance components estimated in the G-study were then used in a branch-and-bound integer programming procedure to determine the optimal number of raters, modes, and prompts to produce a reliable writing assessment. Four different scenarios were examined to show how the optimal answer changes based on the priorities of the measurement situation. (Contains 2 tables, 3 figures, and 24 reference-.) (Author/SLD) * Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original locument. U S DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Oth Ce 01 Edu CatiOnal FIeSeIrCh nd Improvement (DU ATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) Ims document NIS been reproddiced es received 1,0nt the ttre,SOn 0, orgernzabon ongmatrnp Mmot changes nave been made to . mprone feetoductIon dueIdy Pomtsol . dew o ooduons Stated in Ms dOCO ,hent do nOt neCeSiSanty represent othcau OE RI posdlon or eolcy Optimization in Writing Assessment 1 PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY _TAY TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) The Preferability of Constrained Optimization in Determining the Number of Prompts, Modes of Discourse, and Raters in a Direct Writing Assessment Jay Parkes and Hoi K. Suen The Pennsylvania State University Paper presented at the National Council on Measurement in Education Annual Meeting San Francisco, CA: April, 1995
Willingness to pay for airline services attributes: evidence from a stated preferences choice game

We analyze consumer preferences for airline service attributes between Ponta Delgada and Lisbon: the most important air corridor between the Azores and Mainland Portugal. Owing to stringent regulations, which fall under the European Union Public Service Obligations (PSOs) domain, there are no revealed preferences data suitable to study consumer preferences. Hence, we conduct a stated preferences choice game and estimate a microeconometric model a’ la McFadden. Our results are statistically significant and imply willingness to pay measures economically high for attributes such as punctuality warranties and comfort. Willingness to pay for additional daily flights is quite low. This result is important to how should the policy maker liberalize this sector.
Intelligence Compensation Theory: A Critical Examination of the Negative Relationship between Conscientiousness and Fluid and Crystallised Intelligence

This study investigates the negative relationship between fluid and crystallised intelligence and Conscientiousness subfactors within the New Zealand workplace. Fluid and crystallised intelligence were assessed via the General Reasoning Test Battery 2 (GRT2; N = 1629). Two personality inventories were employed: The Fifteen-Factor Questionnaire (15FQ; N = 546), and the Occupational Personality Profile (OPP; N = 1083). 15FQ subfactors of Conscientious and Disciplined negatively correlated with fluid and crystallised intelligence. OPP subfactors of Detail-Conscious and Conformity also negatively correlated with fluid and crystallised intelligence. Subfactors for both personality measures correlated more strongly with crystallised than fluid intelligence. This finding is contrary to an earlier finding that Conscientiousness negatively correlates with fluid, but not crystallised intelligence (Moutafi, Furnham, and Paltiel, 2004). An explanation for this difference is discussed and the Intelligence Compensation Theory is introduced as an explanation for the observed relationships.
High-performance three-dimensional maneuvers control in the area of spacecraft

Contemporary research is improving techniques to maneuvers control in the area of spacecraft. In the aspect of further development of investigation s, a high-performance strategy of maneuvers control is proposed in the present research to be applicable to deal with a class of the aforementioned spacecrafts. In a word, the main subject behind the research is to realize high-performance three-dimensional orbital maneuvers to transfer the system under control from the initial orbit to the corresponding final ones, in finite burn, while the referenced trajectories are provided through an optimization approach. It is shown that two sets of actuators such as the reaction thrusters should be handled through the proposed control strategy, as long as the ݔ-axis in connection with the ݕ, ݖ axes are dealt with through low and high-thrust control channels, respectively. It aims the strategy to manage the orbital parameters to be accurately varied with respect to time, in order to complete the procedure of transferring, in finite burn. A series of experiments in association with a number of benchmarks are considered to verify the performance of control strategy, tangibly. The contribution of the research is to organize an integration of the trajectory optimization and the new structure of the control scheme to deal with the orbital maneuvers, in finite burn, where the low and the high-thrust controls are synchronously compounded to present high-performance of the investigated outcomes.
A stable density approach to probe selection for a custom aCGH design

Usage of the custom aCGH design provides the ability to detect copy number alternations (CNAs) with a very high resolution in almost every genomic region. Since the detection rate of CNAs greatly depends on the quality of the design, it is crucial to ensure the optimal probe coverage for the regions of interests. In this paper, we focus on the problem of finding the best possible probe coverage for a given region and a predefined set of probes. The lack of available probes at some places is a considerable problem which may lead to the decrease in the detection rate of CNAs. We propose a new approach towards the generation of coverage with stable probe density. The developed algorithms attempt to compensate the lack of probes in poorly covered regions by selecting additional probes from their nearest neighborhood. Here we introduce evaluation measures that reflect density stabilization along the covered region. Finally, we use these measures to compare our algorithms with other standard approaches for coverage preparation.
The Economic Consequences of Proxy Advisor Say-on-Pay Voting Policies

This paper examines changes in executive compensation programs made by firms in response to proxy advisory firm say-on-pay voting policies. Using proprietary models, proxy advisory firms, primarily Institutional Shareholder Services and Glass, Lewis & Co., provide institutional shareholders with a "for" (positive) or "against" (negative) recommendation on the required management say-on-pay proposal in the annual proxy statement. Analyzing a large sample of firms from the Russell 3000 that are subject to the initial say-on-pay vote mandated by the Dodd-Frank Act, we find three important results. First, proxy advisory firm recommendations have a substantive impact on say-on-pay voting outcomes. Second, a significant number of firms change their compensation programs in the time period before the formal shareholder vote in a manner consistent with the features known to be favored by proxy advisory firms apparently in an effort to avoid a negative recommendation. Third, the stock market reaction to these compensation program changes is statistically negative. Thus, the proprietary models used by proxy advisory firms for say-on-pay recommendations appear to induce boards of directors to make choices that decrease shareholder value.
Spatial distribution of arbuscular mycorrhiza and glomalin in the rhizosphere of Caragana korshinskii Kom. in the Otindag sandy land, China

To understand the ecological significance of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) associations in arid ecosystem, the spatial patterns of AM fungi, glomalin and soil enzymes were surveyed at four sites located in the Otindag sandy land, northern China. Soil samples in the rhizosphere of Caragana korshinskii Kom. were collected at 0-10, 10-20, 20-30, 30-40 and 40-50 cm depth in July 2009. The study showed that C. korshinskii Kom. could form strong symbiotic relationship with AM fungi. AM fungal colonization, spore density, total Bradford-reactive soil protein (T-BRSP) and easily extractable Bradford-reactive soil protein (EE-BRSP) significantly differed among four sites and soil depths. Correlation analysis showed hyphal colonization had positive correlation with soil urease (P < 0.01). Spore density, T-BRSP and EE-BRSP were positively correlated with soil organic carbon, available N and P, and soil urease, acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase (P < 0.01). Based on stepwise regression, soil urease, available N and organic carbon were principal soil factors affecting the spatial distribution of AM fungi and glomalin. The results support the conclusion that glomalin may be an appropriate index for evaluating soil fertility. Moreover, the spatial distribution pattern of AM fungi and glomalin are useful to monitor desertification and soil degradation. Key words: Spatial dynamics, arbuscular mycorrhiza, glomalin-related soil protein,Caragana korshinskii Kom. , Otindag sandy land.
Oblique Incidence Plane Wave Scattering from Large Finite Arrays Using EV-AEF Method

An efficient method for calculating scattering patterns of large finite arrays illuminated by an obliquely incident plane wave is presented in this paper. Based on the element-varying active element factor (AEF) technique, this method takes the element mutual coupling and edge effects into account, and it results in accurate solutions. From the periodicity and distribution properties of induced currents, various elements are combined according to a certain rule. The determination of element combination is related to the plane wave incident angle. Thus, the scattering pattern of a large finite array can be calculated with superposition of combined-elements in a relatively small array. Numerical examples of onedimensional (1-D) and two-dimensional (2-D) arrays verify the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method. Index Terms Active element factor, large finite arrays, oblique plane wave, scattering pattern.