Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An investigation into voluntary employee turnover and retention factors in sport organizations

Author Amanda Rissanen Tittle of thesis An investigation into voluntary employee turnover and retention factors in sport organizations Discipline International Business and Entrepreneurship Type of work Master’s thesis Time (month/year) March/ 2017 Number of pages 61 Abstract In the past few decades, sport organizations have undergone a major change in theirIn the past few decades, sport organizations have undergone a major change in their management practices as they are expected to become more and more formal and professional-like. Despite this pressure, human resource managers should give more attention to the retention function in human resource management systems. As employees are the lifeline of sport organizations, much emphasis should be placed on preventing their voluntary turnover. Utilizing qualitative and inductive grounded theory building methods this study aims to provide invaluable information to sport managers about why employees leave or remain in sport organizations. Given the scant research on turnover and retention in sport organizations, this study addresses the questions: “What factors influence voluntary employee turnover intentions in swimming clubs, and what are the top factors that drive employee retention in such sport organizations? ” Data were collected via semistructured interviews with eleven instructors of a local swimming club. The data analysis produced two models, one indicating the possible reasons for voluntary turnover in sport organizations, and the other possible retention factors in those organizations. The findings suggest that a challenging job, unsatisfying work environment, and an unrewarding job were amongst the common reasons for intended turnover of key employees. In contrast, a good person-job fit, well-managed organization, and value of the job were some of the factors that were thought to enhance employee retention. The findings of this study are discussed in the context of extant literature and implications for management practice and future research are described. All in all, the findings of this current study increase understanding about the turnover intentions and retention practices in sport organizations.
Nanobiosensors and fluorescence based biosensors: An overview

A biosensor can sense biological elements after interaction with the recognition element. The signal produced due to interaction of the analyte with its biochemical element is transduced by a transducer and detected by appropriate modes. The miniaturization of these biosensors at the nano level using nanostructures as a platform for sensing the analyte or its detection is called a nanobiosensor. Several biological elements can be detected like nucleic acids, enzymes, antibodies, microorganisms, toxins, cells etc. with high specificity. This mini review focuses on the different types of nanobiosensors based on the type of analyte and the type of transducer used for detection. The different types of fluorescence based design of biosensors are also discussed along with the metal enhanced fluorescence based nanobiosensors. The application of biosensors towards the diagnosis of various diseases, targeted drug delivery and imaging is also discussed.
A MODEL FOR DETERMINING THE SAFETY LEVEL OF OCCUPATIONAL WORK USING ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES MEASUREMENT PARAMETERS: A REVIEW

Frequency Rate (FRR), Fatality Rate (FAR) and Severity Rate (SR) are common parameters used in communicating the research output of occupational accidental injuries. These parameters have been used to provide a model for classifying an occupational work activity into five level/degrees of safety ranging between Very Safe and Highly Unsafe. With a work activity defined as x: x  0.01, x  0.003 or x  0.03 indicates Very Safe Level while x > 0.04, x > 0.015 or x>0.11 indicates Highly Unsafe Level according to FRR, SR and FAR respectively. A case study is provided from an existing work to experiment the application of the model.
Characterization of Correlated Calcium Dynamics in Astrocytes in PCL Scaffold: Application of Wavelet Transform Coherence

While 2D culture models have been used extensively to elucidate the cell-to-cell communication, they do not recapitulate fully the 3D characteristics of microenvironment in vivo, e.g., polarized cell attachment and generally confer a considerably stiffer substrate than the endogenous extracellular matrix. Development of fibrous scaffolds that can better mimic the native microenvironment and improve the spatial arrangement of seeded cells should foster experimental strategies to monitor and determine the 3D cell-to-cell communication. In this study, poly(e- caprolactone) (PCL) fibers were fabricated in different sizes using a microfluidic platform and spatially arranged to create a suitable 3D microenvironment in order to investigate the cell viability and calcium signaling in mouse astrocytes. A powerful algorithm, referred to as wavelet transform coherence (WTC), was applied to establish the correlation between astrocytes that were seeded on the PCL fiber. As expected, two astrocytes that appeared to be in physical contact showed high correlation, whereas two astrocytes seeded within a few cell lengths but not in physical contact showed negligible correlation. The WTC correlation analysis of a cluster of six astrocytes seeded on a single PCL fiber led to surprising results that the cells can communicate over many cell lengths without being in physical contact. More systematic studies using spatially controlled 3D microenvironment will likely help unravel the intricate cell communication mechanisms.
Human Development and Low Fertility Preliminary draft

We study the relationship between development indicators and fertility with focus on low fertility countries. The most developed countries led both the first and second demographic transitions, and during these transitions, development indicators were inversely correlated with fertility levels. Results from data on 100 countries for the period 1975-2005 suggest that countries with highest development are again leading the transition by showing signs of fertility recovery from low and lowest-low levels closer to replacement levels, and among the most developed countries, the association between fertility and development has changed signs from negative to positive. 1 Population Studies Center, University of Pennsylvania, 250 McNeil Bldg, 3718 Locust Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. Email myrskylm@pop.upenn. edu. 2 Professor, Department of Sociology, University of Pennsylvania, 272 McNeil Bldg 3718, Locust Walk Philadelphia, PA 19104 3 Professor of Demography, IMQ Università Bocconi, viale Isonzo 25, I-20135 Milano, Italy Acknowledgements: Kristen Harknett, Janice Madden, and participants of the demographic research seminar at the University of Pennsylvania have provided helpful comments to previous versions of this manuscript.
AMPK: Regulation of Metabolic Dynamics in the Context of Autophagy

Eukaryotic cells have developed mechanisms that allow them to link growth and proliferation to the availability of energy and biomolecules. AMPK (adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase) is one of the most important molecular energy sensors in eukaryotic cells. AMPK activity is able to control a wide variety of metabolic processes connecting cellular metabolism with energy availability. Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved catabolic pathway whose activity provides energy and basic building blocks for the synthesis of new biomolecules. Given the importance of autophagic degradation for energy production in situations of nutrient scarcity, it seems logical that eukaryotic cells have developed multiple molecular links between AMPK signaling and autophagy regulation. In this review, we will discuss the importance of AMPK activity for diverse aspects of cellular metabolism, and how AMPK modulates autophagic degradation and adapts it to cellular energetic status. We will explain how AMPK-mediated signaling is mechanistically involved in autophagy regulation both through specific phosphorylation of autophagy-relevant proteins or by indirectly impacting in the activity of additional autophagy regulators.
Effects of different doses of probiotic yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae on the duodenal mucosa in rabbits

Probiotics and their components have been used to improve growth performance and immunity, as well as intestinal health. This study evaluated the effect of different doses of Saccharomyces cerevisiae on the morphological properties of duodenums of rabbits. Twenty 6-7 weeks old male New Zealand White Rabbits were randomly allocated into three groups for 90 days. The first group (control group) received the basal diet, the second group received basal diet supplemented with S.cerevisiae at a level of 2g/kg of feed, and the third group was fed with S.cerevisiae live yeast culture added at 4.0 g/kg. At the end of the experiment duodenum segments were taken, fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin and processed for histological examination. In this study, the total thickness of the mucosa, the height of the villi and depth of the crypts and depth of the glands of the duodenum were found to be longer with the increased yeast doses. However, there was no significant difference among the villus crypt ratio of the groups. In conclusion, the total thickness of the mucosa, villus heights, crypt depths and gland depths were increased significantly in both of the yeast groups of rabbits. Therefore, it may be proposed that administration of S.cerevisiae in either low or high doses may be used for intestinal health.
Design and Experiment of One Dimension and Two Dimension Metamaterial Structures for Directive Emission

A new method to improve the gain of monopole and patch antenna with one dimension and two dimension metamaterial structures is presented. The analytical permittivity models of metamaterial are derived using the transmission line method. Then the monopole and patch antenna with the metamaterial are fabricated and measured. The experimental results show that this method is effective and these structures can realize congregating the radiation energy, thus the gain of these antennas with metamaterial increase greatly compared with the conventional ones.
Individual experiences following a 6-month exercise intervention: A qualitative study

Purpose Dropout is a common problem in various exercise interventions. The individual's experience is believed to greatly impact dropout, yet little is known about the individual experiences of taking part in exercise interventions. The aim of this study was to examine individuals’ experiences following a self-determination theory–based exercise intervention in order to gain understanding of how standardized interventions can be adjusted to fit individuals’ specific needs, capacities, and circumstances. Methods A qualitative approach with semi-structured interviews was conducted with eight informants (three male and five female) aged between 26 and 47 years, whom all had participated in a 6-month exercise intervention with individual coaching based on self-determination theory and motivational interviewing. The interviews were analyzed thematically with an inductive approach. Results Aspects that influenced the informants’ motivation and participation in the exercise intervention were linked to three themes: the frames of the intervention, measurable changes, and the individual's context. The themes present information about the process and to what extent the informants felt that the intervention was adapted to fit their lives and needs. Conclusions This study emphasizes the importance of individualizing exercise interventions to support individuals’ diverse capacities and psychological needs.
Implementing constructivist approach into online course designs in Distance Education Institute at Eastern Mediterranean University

Change and development in work settings for better working practice through projects has become essential. My work-based research has a significant role to contribute innovative practice of Distance Education Institute at Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) by European University Association (EUA) norms. The research is aimed to investigate implementing constructivist approach into online course designs to develop learning and skills of the online students based on teamwork inspiration within the institute. Action research approach was employed in this qualitative research in order to provide insights on how to prepare and design online courses based on the constructivist approach. Training, in-depth interviews, documentary analysis, focus group, research diary and semi-structured interviews, self-report based on scaling were employed as data collection techniques to gather large amount of data from online tutors, students and core members of institute in relation to their collaborative efforts and experiences within the process. Furthermore, triangulated data was analyzed based on content analysis in this inductive journey. The results revealed that members and the tutors had no prior knowledge and experience on team work culture and the principles of constructivist approach into online course designs. As a result of this research process, team work culture was developed within the institute through participatory action research process. In this respect, implementing constructivist approach into online course designs based collaborative efforts and synergy power of the tutors developed reasoning, critical thinking, team work, communication skills of students. My project supported the quality improvements in online education practices within higher education institution.
Intravaginal Device-Type and Treatment-Length for Ovine Estrus Synchronization Modify Vaginal Mucus and Microbiota and Affect Fertility

Simple Summary This study examined the effects of different intravaginal device types used for estrous cycle management in sheep, and the timing of their insertion, on vaginal features (characteristics of vaginal mucus discharge, pH and microbiota) and fertility under field conditions. Abstract Induction and synchronization of estrus and ovulation in sheep is based on intravaginal progestagen-impregnated polyurethane sponges or progesterone-loaded silicon-based devices (CIDR), in either short- (6–7 days) or long-term (12–14 days) protocols. Bearing in mind that the use of intravaginal sponges in long-term protocols has been related to the presence of vaginitis at removal, we compared the effects of sponges and CIDRs, maintained during either 7 or 14 days, on vaginal features (characteristics of vaginal mucus discharge, pH and microbiota) and fertility under field conditions. Almost all the ewes treated with intravaginal sponges showed vaginal discharge at device withdrawal, which was purulent and/or bloody in around 15% and 80% of the females treated for 7 and 14 days, respectively. The vaginal pH and microbiota changed in both groups when compared to control sheep, especially in ewes treated for 14 days, which showed a pH value around 8 and a higher incidence of Salmonella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus. On the other hand, independently of the length of the treatment, only around 15–20% of the sheep treated with CIDRs evidenced vaginal discharge (p < 0.00005 when compared to sponge groups), and such discharge was scarce, clear, and showed no changes in vaginal pH and microbiota when compared to control sheep. Fertility yields were associated with vaginal features, being higher in both short-term treatments (75%) and the long-term CIDR-based treatment (70%) than in the long-term sponge-based treatment (45%).
Predicting exoplanet observability in time, contrast, separation, and polarization, in scattered light

Context. Polarimetry is one of the keys to enhanced direct imaging of exoplanets. Not only does it deliver a di erential observable providing extra contrast, but when coupled with spectroscopy, it also reveals valuable information on the exoplanetary atmospheric composition. Nevertheless, angular separation and contrast ratio to the host-star make for extremely challenging observation. Producing detailed predictions for exactly how the expected signals should appear is of critical importance for the designs and observational strategies of tomorrow’s telescopes. Aims. We aim at accurately determining the magnitudes and evolution of the main observational signatures for imaging an exoplanet: separation, contrast ratio to the host-star and polarization as a function of the orbital geometry and the reflectance parameters of the exoplanet. Methods. These parameters were used to construct a polarized-reflectance model based on the input of orbital parameters and two albedo values. The model is able to calculate a variety of observational predictions for exoplanets at any orbital time. Results. The inter-dependency of the three main observational criteria ‐ angular separation, contrast ratio, polarization ‐ result in a complex time-evolution of the system. They greatly a ect the viability of planet observation by direct imaging. We introduce a new generic display of the main observational criteria, which enables an observer to determine whether an exoplanet is within detection limits: the Separation-POlarization-Contrast (SPOC) diagrams. Conclusions. We explore the complex e ect of orbital and albedo parameters on the visibility of an exoplanet. The code we developed is available for public use and collaborative improvement on the python package index, together with its documentation. It is another step towards a full comprehensive simulation tool for predicting and interpreting the results of future observational exoplanetary discovery campaigns.
Linkage Mapping of Quantitative Trait Loci for Traits Promoting Aerobic Adaptation on Chromosome 8 in Indica Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Identification of major effect QTLs for traits promoting aerobic adaptation using molecular markers can greatly enhance the efficacy of breeding programs to develop high yielding, direct seeded, water efficient rice varieties. The Filial (F 2 ) population derived from HKR47 high-yielding low-land indica rice variety, and MAS26, aerobic adapted rice variety, was developed and analyzed for the identification of larger and consistent effect QTLs for yield, yield attributing and root traits under aerobic cultivation conditions. The population displayed large variation for all the physio-morphological traits including grain yield per plant and root traits. Phenotypic correlation analysis revealed that grain yield per plant showed positive correlation with root length (r 2 =0.279), fresh root weight (r 2 =0.232) and dry root weight (r=0.269). A total of 803 SSR markers, distributed on 12 rice chromosomes, were analyzed for parental polymorphism survey; of these 125 (about 16%) displayed polymorphism. NTSYS-pc UPGMA tree cluster analysis and two-dimensional PCA scaling showed scattering of the F 2 population between the two distinct parental genotypes; the population was inclined towards MAS26. Composite interval mapping (CIM) analysis revealed a total of six QTLs (qTN 8.1 , qTN 8.2 , qTN 8.3 , qTGW 8.1 , qYPP 8.1 and qRL 8.1 ) on chromosome 8 (within a region of 24.9 cM) which individually explained 13.7%~27.3% of the phenotypic variation. Chromosome 8 also possesses QTL for aroma and kernel elongation demonstrating that it might be difficult to introgress these QTL promoting aerobic adaptation in Basmati rice.
SINTERING AND CHARACTERIZATION OF WC-20WT.% (FE, CO) NANO-STRUCTURED POWDERS DEVELOPED BY BALL-MILLING

WC-based cemented carbides Ball milling Microstructure Hardness Sintering The aim of the present work is to study the effects of the nanostructured WC-20 wt. % (Fe,Co) with different iron to cobalt ratios on microstructure and hardness of the sintered samples. Furthermore, a sample with a cobalt binder was produced under the same conditions for comparison purposes. The nanocomposite development, after different milling times, was monitored by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A homogenous distribution of nanostructured WC (crystallite size less than 30 nm) in the binder matrix was formed after 25 h of milling. The hardness and the relative density of the WC-20wt. % (Fe,Co) composites consolidated by conventional sintering at 1350 C were investigated. In the sintered samples after 25 h of milling, tungsten carbide grains have a uniform distribution with a lower grain size. Densification and hardness improved after 25 h of milling and reached optimum levels for the 25 h milled powders with equal ratio of iron to cobalt.
The Cyclical Structure of the British Stock Market Returns. An Approach Based on Long Memory Cycles

This paper deals with the presence of stochastic cycles in the British stock market returns. Stock market prices are usually characterised by the presence of a large value in the periodogram at the smallest frequency, which may suggest the need of first differences. Once this component is removed, we show in the paper that a cyclical component may still be present in the returns, and we model this property throughout new statistical techniques based on long memory cycles.
Effects of fine aggregate abrasion resistance and its fineness module on wear resistance of Portland cement concrete pavements

DOI: 10.7764/RDLC.16. 1.126 In this research, effects of fine aggregate abrasion resistance and its fineness module on wear resistance of Portland cement concrete pavements studied. Concrete samples included fine crushed limestone aggregate, fine crushed limestone-basalt mixture, and fine crushed basalt aggregate. The study results showed that LA abrasion rate of 30 % or less of fine aggregates would be necessary for long lasting concrete roads. Furthermore, it was found that fine aggregate’s fineness module of 3.15 will significantly increase concrete road surface’s wear resistance. As the fine aggregate’s fineness module value increased from 2.2 to 3.15, the concrete’s wear amount decreased to 15.5 %. Study findings also showed that using basalt aggregates instead of widely used limestone aggregates, will significantly increase pavement concrete wear resistance.
The Recognition of License Plate Restrictions Based on Faster R-CNN

In this paper, Faster R-CNN was used to recognize the number on the license plate for distinguishing the traffic violation about the license plate restrictions in some cities. Inputting the preprocessed license plate images into a multi-layer convolution neural network, we got the feature maps. Connecting these feature maps to a region proposal network (RPN), the network can output the information about the location and the classification of the license number. With the help of a program that can realize the detection of the last digit of license plate, we can judge whether the car should be restricted or not. The experimental results showed that the Faster R-CNN can recognize the numbers on the license plates in different conditions and judge the last number with good accuracy and robustness.