Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary topology optimization extended finite element method and isolines

This study presents a new algorithm for structural topological optimization of 2D continuum structures by combining the Extended Finite Element Method (X-FEM) with an evolutionary optimization algorithm. Taking advantage of an isoline design approach for boundary representation in a fixed grid domain, X-FEM can be implemented to improve the accuracy of FE solutions on the boundary during the optimization process. Although this approach doesn't use any remeshing or moving mesh algorithms, final topologies have smooth and clearly defined boundaries which need no further interpretation. Numerical comparisons of the converged solutions with standard BESO solutions show the efficiency of the proposed method and comparison with the converged solutions using MSC NASTRAN confirms the high accuracy of this method.
The Strategic Value of Interorganization Information Systems: A Resource Dependency Perspective

Over the past three decades, numerous studies have shown that the adoption of interorganizational systems (IOS) has enabled organizations to obtain a competitive advantage. Yet, recent information systems (IS) resource-centered studies now question the strategic value of IOS, arguing that they have become easily imitable necessities. However, these studies are mainly efficiency oriented and do not assess the effectiveness impacts of IOS. Hence, the objective of this paper is to bring clarity on the strategic value of IOS by demonstrating that IOS can indeed be used to achieve organizational effectiveness. To do so, we anchor our work on the resource dependency theory (RDT), which explicitly posits effectiveness as the main driver of organizational performance. Accordingly, the literatures on business relationships, organizational performance, RDT and IOS are examined to propose a research model, its related hypotheses, and methodological aspects regarding its empirical validation. Finally, the proposed model’s anticipated contributions are discussed. Keywords-dyadic business relationship; dependence; effectiveness; resource dependency theory; interorganizational information systems.
Implications of Bank Ownership for the Credit Channel of Monetary Policy Transmission: Evidence from India

Many developing and emerging markets have high degrees of state bank ownership. In addition, the recent global financial crisis has led to significant state ownership of banking assets in developed countries such as the United Kingdom. These observations beg the question of whether the effectiveness of monetary policy through a lending channel differs across banks with different ownerships. In this paper, using bank-level data from India, we examine this issue and also test whether the reaction of different types of banks (i.e., private, state and foreign) to monetary policy changes is different in easy and tight policy regimes. Our results suggest that there are considerable differences in the reactions of different types of banks to monetary policy initiatives of the central bank and the bank lending channel of monetary policy might be much more effective in a tight money period than in an easy money period. We also find differences in impact of monetary policy changes on less risky short term and more risky medium term lending We discuss the policy implications of the findings. Our results from India are preliminary and further studies are needed to see whether our findings can be generalized to emerging economies or developing countries in general.
Brief Study of Performance of Routing Protocols for Mobile Ad Hoc Networking in Ns-2

Ad hoc networking allows portable devices to establish communication independent of a centralinfrastructure. However, the fact that there is no central Infrastructure and that the devices can move randomly gives rise to various kind of problems, such as routing and security. In this thesis the problem of routing is considered. This paper addresses issues pertaining to two different routing protocols Destination Sequenced Distance vector (DSDV) and Dynamic Source Routing (DSR) protocols, which are used for efficient routing under different scenarios in Mobile Ad-hoc Network (MANET), which plays a critical role in places where wired network are neither available nor economical to deploy. Objective of this paper to show the implementation of two routing protocols using Network Simulators and run it for different number of nodes. Then compared the two routing protocols for different network parameters and studied the efficient protocol under a particular scenario on the basis of two metrics. (1) Packet delivery ratio (2) Routing load DSDV is a Proactive gateway discovery algorithm where the gateway periodically broadcasts a gateway advertisement message which is transmitted after expiration of the gateways timer. DSR is a Reactive gateway discovery algorithm where a mobile device of MANET connects by gateway only when it is needed.
Comparison of crystallographic orientations between living (Emiliania huxleyi and Gephyrocapsa oceanica) and fossil (Watznaueria barnesiae) coccoliths using electron microscopes

Abstract Crystallographic orientations of coccoliths produced by the extant species Emiliania huxleyi and Gephyrocapsa oceanica, and of a fossil cocccolith, Watzunaueria barnesiae, all of which are mainly composed of calcite crystals with horizontally oriented c axes (termed R-units), were investigated using two electron diffraction techniques. According to electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) analyses, the c-axis inclinations of all R-units were oriented about 10-30° from the sample substrate, which is approximately parallel to the organic base plate of the coccolith. However, the directions are toward the coccolith exterior in living coccoliths but toward the interior in fossil coccoliths. The crystallographic orientations of calcite crystals characterized by sub-vertically oriented c axes (termed V-units) were determined only for W. barnesiae and were similar to those of V-units in another living cococlith, Pleurochrysis carterae. Highly regulated crystallographic orientation and consistent chirality were evidenced for all the coccoliths with only a few degrees of variations by Kikuchi patterns analyses from TEM. To determine the indices of the crystallographic plane and edge direction that constitute distal and proximal shield elements, SEM stereo-photogrammetry in combination with EBSD analyses was applied. In the living coccoliths both shields contain the c-axis and the surface is estimated to be {21̅1̅0} with [481] the longer peripheral edge. On the other hand, the two shield surfaces of W. barnesiae are evaluated {101̅4} and the distal shield surface is surrounded by clear [481] edges. This indicates that the crystallography and morphology of R-units were not fixed for the past 230 million years. Based on these results, the calcite nucleation mechanisms are discussed with respect to the atomic arrangements on the organic template through all the coccoliths.
RISK MANAGEMENT IN SMALL CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN KERMANSHAH PROVINCE

Risk management (RM) should be assuring the completion of project objectives, regardless of project size. The aims of these studies are to investigate RM in small projects in Kermanshah to impact of RM on project performance. To achieve the objectives, a questionnaire survey was conducted and data were collected from 1336 projects submitted by 68 companies. The analysis results indicated a relatively low level of RM implementation in small projects, and that “lack of time”, “lack of budget”, “low profit margin”, and “not economical” were prominent barriers. The results showed that contractors and consultants agreed with the overall ranking of the barriers, despite some differences in the mean scores between these two groups. It terms of the importance of RM, respondents recognized significant importance of RM in improving overall, cost and schedule performance of small projects while the importance to project quality was perceived at the neutral stand. As for the perceived impact of RM on project performance, the cost and time savings was higher than the quality improvement and the RMII values were positively associated with project performance improvement. Also, the results reported the positive correlation between RM implementation and improvement in quality, cost and schedule performance of small projects, respectively. The findings of this study can provide RM in small projects in Kermanshah and make benefits of RM conclusive to the participants of small projects
Behind the Curve: Clarifying the Best Approach to Calculating Predicted Probabilities and Marginal Effects from Limited Dependent Variable Models

Models designed for limited dependent variables are increasingly common in political science. Researchers estimating such models often give little attention to the coefficient estimates and instead focus on marginal effects, predicted probabilities, predicted counts, etc. Since the models are nonlinear, the estimated effects are sensitive to how one generates the predictions. The most common approach involves estimating the effect for the “average case. ” But this approach creates a weaker connection between the results and the larger goals of the research enterprise and is thus less preferable than the observed-value approach. That is, rather than seeking to understand the effect for the average case, the goal is to obtain an estimate of the average effect in the population. In addition to the theoretical argument in favor of the observed-value approach, we illustrate via an empirical example and Monte Carlo simulations that the two approaches can produce substantively different results.
Different criteria for feed formulation based on digestible amino acids for broilers

An experiment was carried out to evaluate different criteria in feed formulation based on digestible amino acids for broilers during the grower phase. Diets were formulated according to the recommendations for digestible methionine, methionine + cysteine, lysine, and threonine. A total number of six hundred Cobb 500 male day-old chicks were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design, with three formulation criteria supplying the recommendations established by Baker & Chung (1992), Degussa (1997), and Rostagno et al. (2000), with 4 replicates of 50 birds each. No significant differences were observed for weight gain and feed intake. However, feed conversion ratio improved when birds were fed the diets containing the profiles recommended by Baker & Chung (1992) and Degussa (1997). No difference was observed in terms of leg, wings, back, and head yields. Broilers fed with the profile of Baker & Chung (1992) presented worst breast yield, whereas those fed the Degussa (1997) standard had better carcass yield.
The Contribution of Gratitude to Satisfaction Models for Complaining Customers

Consumer research has shown that satisfaction with complaint handling strongly influences word of mouth behaviour, but affects to a lesser extent repurchase intent. To better explain the performance out- comes derived from complaint handling, we propose a conceptual model in which gratitude along with satisfaction are assumed to be critical me- diators of the effects of recovery investments on performance outcomes. This model was tested using a quasi-experimental survey drawing on data from multiple industries. Our results show an opposing pattern of results for each mediator. Whereas gratitude strongly influences repur- chase intent, but is not related to word of mouth, satisfaction with com- plaint handling exhibits a high contribution to word of mouth and no significant effect on repurchase intent. Our findings suggest that the me- diating role of gratitude and satisfaction rely on different psychological mechanisms. Overall, the research empirically demonstrates that short- term feelings of gratitude generated by a complaint handling act are
A Mechanism for Extensible Mutual Recursion

This paper summarizes an approach to extensible mutual recursion using what the author calls, “open modules. ” An open module effectively parameterizes its content so that it can be used both for the current module and future, extending modules. This paper discusses some of the issues with extensible mutual recursion, describes an open module construct and gives encodings and typing rules for open modules. 1 1. Problem with extensible mutual recursion An issue arises when extending mutually recursive classes: the mutual recursion stays with the base classes. The Subject/Observer example is a typical example. 1.1 Base Subject/Observer classes In the Subject/Observer pattern, a “subject” is an object that transmits messages about changes to its state, while an “observer” is an object that receives such messages. These can be in a many-tomany relationship in that a subject may have many observers and an observer may be monitoring several subjects. For the purposes of this paper, let us assume that the following module definition provides the core functionality of the subject/observer pattern:
An Analysis of the Behaviour of Prime Lending Rates in Sri Lanka

The prime lending rate is the rate at which commercial banks loan funds to their most creditworthy customers, and hence, is usually lower than other market lending rates; reason why it is considered a “base or reference rate”. In Sri Lanka, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has been compiling the Average Weighted Prime Lending Rate (AWPR) since January 1986. This paper examines the determinants of prime lending rates in Sri Lanka using weekly data from January 2004 to June 2013, while attempting to capture any asymmetries in prime rate changes to monetary policy decisions. Empirical evidence suggests that the prime rate is highly persistent, while the call money rate also remains a key determinant. However, domestic liquidity was statistically insignificant and even if it was, it has only a marginal impact in determining the prime lending rate. Furthermore, there is also evidence of asymmetric adjustment in AWPR.
Employees' Attitudes toward Goods and Services Tax (GST) in Open University Malaysia (OUM)

Goods and services tax (GST) is commonly known as value added tax. It's a tax government collected over the last purchase consumption. This study determines employees' attitude on GST in OUM. Quantitative method employed by gathering data through surveys. In conclusion, eight attitudes identified as a supportive attitude towards GST in OUM which include: Citizens are not ready with the implementation of GST, The time for the implementation of GST is not suitable, GST will cause an increase in the cost of living, GST has made the small business trapped into hardship, The sentences and wording in the GST guide lengthy and not user-friendly, The implementation of GST will result in products or services to be more expensive, The newly implemented GST confused the consumer, and the GST system is a legitimate way for the government to collect revenue to manage an economy. While Six attitudes identified as not supportive attitude towards GST in OUM which include: I am not sure how GST works, GST is fair to the society, GST encourage individuals to save part of their income, GST will give positive impact on me personally, The implementation of GST will improve Malaysia’s economic, and GST is a good method to replace SST.
DEMOCRACY SATISFACTION THROUGH THE MEDIATING EFFECTS OF ELECTION CAMPAIGNS

In this research the role of democracy satisfaction was tested on the interest in election campaigns change and the mediating role that political interest plays in this relation. By conducting single and multiple regressions, the presented conceptual model seemed to be valid. Because two affects that were expected to be significant positive and the results show positive relationship between democracy satisfaction and interest in politics, and between political interest and interest in election campaigns.
Recent advances in evaluation of roughages as feeds for ruminants

A method of evaluating fibrous feeds is proposed and discussed. The method is based on determination of degradation characteristics of roughages from experiments in which the roughages are incubated in the rumen for different periods of time (t) and the relationship of time (t) to degradation (p) described by a mathematical description p = a t b (1 e-et). Further improvements to this expression are suggested and the relationship to animal performance, and in particular feed intake, is discussed.
A Population Background for Nonparametric Density-Based Clustering

Despite its popularity, it is widely recognized that the investigation of some theoretical aspects of clustering has been relatively sparse. One of the main reasons for this lack of theoretical results is surely the fact that, whereas for other statistical problems the theoretical population goal is clearly defined (as in regression or classification), for some of the clustering methodologies it is difficult to specify the population goal to which the data-based clustering algorithms should try to get close. This paper aims to provide some insight into the theoretical foundations of clustering by focusing on two main objectives: to provide an explicit formulation for the ideal population goal of the modal clustering methodology, which understands clusters as regions of high density; and to present two new loss functions, applicable in fact to any clustering methodology, to evaluate the performance of a data-based clustering algorithm with respect to the ideal population goal. In particular, it is shown that only mild conditions on a sequence of density estimators are needed to ensure that the sequence of modal clusterings that they induce is consistent.
Contribution to the preservation of healthy coastal ecosystems

The release of pollutants into coastal zones from municipal and/or industrial drainage systems is a problem with a considerable environmental impact. In order to minimize the contamination of coastal waters in certain places (e.g., along beaches and in aquacultures), solutions based on the construction of submarine sewer outfalls have been proposed. In order to ascertain the optimal conditions for the release of an emissary, in particular the place of release, it is necessary to characterize the hydrodynamic transport processes that govern the evolution and mixture of pollutants in the area of interest. Circulation in the coastal zone is complicated, given that it is determined by a set of forcing mechanisms of diverse origins (meteorological, astronomical, large-scale ocean circulation, etc.) that endow it with a considerable space-time variation. Wastewater plume behaviour and characteristics depend both on the receiving water conditions and on the discharge characteristics. Accordingly, the implementation of a submarine outfall system requires a prior study of the site where the outfall is to be constructed, in order to achieve optimal rates of dilution of the pollutants released to the environment. Mathematical modelling appears to be a very useful tool for coastal zone environmental management either for continuous monitoring analysis or in accidental ecosystem rupture. This work presents some results and conclusions of two case studies. The first is a study of the pollutant cloud released at the Sao Jacinto submarine sewer outfall, located about 3 km offshore and 3 km north of an important coastal lagoon (NW Portugal). The main focus of this study was to establish the hydrodynamic conditions in which the pollutant release might affect the coastline (principally the existing beaches and lagoon). The second case presents some hydrodynamic results and water quality aspects of the Ria de Arosa (NW Spain), and also includes an assessment of the environmental impact of wastewater discharges from nine submarine outfalls considered in the sanitation plan of this bay. Results of faecal matter concentration distribution were used in the discussion on the outfall discharges’ impact on the natural water system for different hydrodynamic scenarios. In both cases, 3D numerical models were used.
Liberalizing Climate-Friendly Goods and Technologies in the WTO: Product Coverage, Modalities, Challenges and the Way Forward

The Doha Round Agenda (paragraph 31(3)) mandates to liberalize environmental goods and services. This mandate offers a good opportunity to put climate-friendly goods and services on a fast track to liberalization. Agreement on this paragraph should represent one immediate contribution that the WTO can make to fight against climate change. This paper presents the key issues surrounding liberalized trade in climate-friendly goods and technologies in WTO environmental goods negotiations. It begins with what products to liberalize and how. Clearly, WTO environmental goods negotiations to date show that WTO member countries are divided by this key issue. Focusing on the issue, the paper explores options available to liberalize trade in climate-friendly goods and technologies, both within and outside the WTO, and along with these discussions, discusses how to serve the best interests of developing countries.
Vibration response of USFB composite floors

This paper is focused on the vibration response of a composite flooring system that incorporates perforated steel Ultra Shallow Floor Beams, called USFB. This is a lightweight system that can accommodate long spans; hence it is susceptible to floor vibrations excited by dynamic loads. Both experimental and computational proposed finite element (FE) studies have been conducted to investigate various geometric parameters following a comparative study on a flooring system with bare steel perforated USFBs. Emphasis was placed on the fundamental frequency to predict the possibility of resonance of this new breed of flooring systems.