Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Intellectual Capital Reporting of Universities – A Third Mission Oriented Approach to Communication with Stakeholders

Background. Universities worldwide have been called to (re)consider their role in society; to evaluate their mission and their interrelations with various stakeholders. At the same time they are going through transformation aiming to make them more autonomous, economically efficient and competitive. Both this reasons lead to the pressure on universities to prove their efficient resource management that may be realized via intellectual capital disclosure.
Computerized Neuropsychological Assessment in 6–9 Years-old Children

The article presents a new computer-based test battery of neuropsychological assessment in 6–9-year-old children. The battery consists of seven tests for assessing executive functions, functions of activation regulation, functions of visual-spatial information and auditory information processing. The following tests are describedin the article: the Dots task, two-colored Schulte–Gorbov tables, Corsi block span test and Understanding of Similar Sounding Words test. The battery is developed in the software platform ‘MSU-Practice’ (http://psychosoft.ru). The system allows researchers to conduct the tests, collect data and analyze them. In addition, it includes cloud service to support the collaboration of different research groups. A total of 21 preschoolers, 52 first-graders and 114 second-graders took part in a pilot study. All three groups of children took the four computer tests and went through a neuropsychological assessment adapted for children between the ages of 5 and 9. The correlation analysis showed consistency between the results of the computertests and the results of the neuropsychological assessments. This allowed us to conclude that the new computer methodology is sufficiently sensible and valid to assess different components of higher mental functions in children. Keywords: neuropsychology, higher mental functions, primary school children, cognitive functions, computer-based tests
Smart sensor motion detection schemes in a noisy environment

Several motion detection schemes are considered and their responses to noisy signals investigated. The detection schemes include the Reichardt correlation detector, shunting inhibition neuron and the Horridge template model. These schemes are directionally selective and independent to the change in contrast. They essentially function by using spatial information and comparing it at successive time intervals. Using the detectors, the phenomenon of stochastic resonance (SR) is employed. SR is characterised by an improvement in response to a nonlinear system when noise is added to the input signal. Two types of SR are also considered, namely, subthreshold aperiodic and suprathreshold. Using stochastic resonance, the schemes are subjected to signals in an e ort to improve the detectors responses with the addition of noise. We found that although added noise only further degrades the detectors response, an improvement can be gained by using some of the techniques from suprathreshold stochastic resonance.
PIRATE : a remotely operable telescope for research and education

This thesis introduces PIRATE, a remotely operable telescope facility for use in research and education, constructed from off-the-shelf hardware, operated by the Open University. It focuses on the PIRATE Mark 1 and PIRATE Mark 1.5 phases of operation; the telescope facility has been in the Mark 2 phase since September 2011. Situated at the Observatori Astronomic de Mallorca, PIRATE is currently used to follow up potential transiting extrasolar planet candidates produced by the SuperWASP North experiment, as well as to hunt for novae in M31 and other nearby galaxies. It is operated by a mixture of commercially available software and proprietary software. In this thesis I discuss the hardware and its characterisation, problems with performing precision time-series photometry when using a German Equatorial Mount, and the PIRATE pipeline developed to assist with the fast and effective production of results from the follow-up observations of potential transiting extrasolar planets. I then go on to discuss the logistics of the follow-up program, and present the results from the PIRATE Mark 1 and 1.5 follow-up data, followed by the results from observational work on known transiting systems (such as WASP-12b). A discussion of areas for improvement and possible avenues for future work concludes the thesis.
The Complexities of the Role of Children in the Process of Technology Transmission Among Disadvantaged Families: A Mixed-Methods Approach

Using mixed methods that triangulated survey data with interviews and focus groups, this study explores the complexities of the process of technology transmission from children to parents in vulnerable contexts, such as rural communities in Chile. The findings suggest that among Internet users, about one-fourth learned from their children and a similar percentage relied on them to perform different tasks. Both the quantitative and qualitative results suggest that in many families, both processes are closely intertwined and are more likely to occur among people of a similar profile—women, older people, and less educated people. In addition, they are significantly associated with parents’ improved digital skills, but not with more online activities.
New Sensitivity Indices of a 2D Flood Inundation Model Using Gauss Quadrature Sampling

A new method for sensitivity analysis of water depths is presented based on a two-dimensional hydraulic model as a convenient and cost-effective alternative to Monte Carlo simulations. The method involves perturbation of the probability distribution of input variables. A relative sensitivity index is calculated for each variable, using the Gauss quadrature sampling, thus limiting the number of runs of the hydraulic model. The variable-related highest variation of the expected water depths is considered to be the most influential. The proposed method proved particularly efficient, requiring less information to describe model inputs and fewer model executions to calculate the sensitivity index. It was tested over a 45 km long reach of the Richelieu River, Canada. A 2D hydraulic model was used to solve the shallow water equations (SWE). Three input variables were considered: Flow rate, Manning’s coefficient, and topography of a shoal within the considered reach. Four flow scenarios were simulated with discharge rates of 759, 824, 936, and 1113 m 3 / s . The results show that the predicted water depths were most sensitive to the topography of the shoal, whereas the sensitivity indices of Manning’s coefficient and the flow rate were comparatively lower. These results are important for making better hydraulic models, taking into account the sensitivity analysis.
A variable‐step size NLMS algorithm based on the cross‐correlation between the squared output error and the near‐end input signal

In this work, we introduce an adaptive variable‐step size normalized least mean squares algorithm to be used in finite impulse response structures. In our proposal, the step size is adjusted according to the cross‐correlation between the squared output error of the adaptive filter and the near‐end input signal. We show that the step increases or decreases as the error increases or decreases. This behavior is used to update the filter coefficients in the proposed adaptive filter. The proposed algorithm is named VSS‐CR, after variable step size based on cross‐correlation. This proposal was evaluated using computer simulations, and the obtained results show that it achieves higher levels of echo return loss enhancement and less misalignment than other algorithms. We identified a trade‐off between steady‐state performance and convergence time; the VSS‐CR achieves higher levels of echo reduction, but it takes some more time to reach its mean square error steady‐state value. This algorithm can be used in acoustic echo canceling in public switched telephone networks. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Persistence of Phytotoxicity of Metribuzin and Its Ethylthio Analog

The persistence of biologically active metribuzin [4-amino-6-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-3-(methylthio)-1,2,4-triazin-5(4H)-one] and its ethylthio analog [4-amino-6-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-3-(ethylthio)-1,2,4-triazin-5(4H)-one] were compared using an intact-plant chlorophyll fluorescence bioassay technique with oats (Avena sativa L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Degradation of metribuzin phytotoxicity at concentrations of 0 to 1 ppm (w/w) ai in a Pond Creek silt loam soil was linear over time, with a half-life of 8 days at 35 C. Initial degradation of the biologically active ethylthio analog was much more rapid than for metribuzin, with a decrease in rate at later time intervals. A quadratic function best described this degradation pattern. The initial degradation rate of phytotoxicity for the ethylthio analog indicated a half-life of 4 days at 35 C. Soil pH had no significant influence on the activity or persistence of either herbicide within the range 4.9 to 6.9.
Optimized initial weight in quantum-inspired neural network for compressing computer-generated holograms

Abstract. We propose an optimized initial weight scheme in a quantum-inspired neural network for compressing computer-generated holograms (CGHs). An optimized initial weight generation strategy is applied to accelerate the compression process. The pixel blocks’ complexity distribution of CGH is analyzed, and the parallel quantum neural network structure is used to compress the image pixel blocks. A deep convolutional neural network with residual learning is also adopted for improving the quality of the reconstructed image. The experimental results have shown that the compression iterations are reduced by using the optimized initial weight, and the reconstructed image quality of the compressed CGH is improved using the parallel quantum-inspired neural network structure and the deep convolutional neural network with residual learning.
DNA barcoding inferred maternal philopatric affinity of ocean maskray (Neotrygon indica) in the Bay of Bengal

Abstract The Indian Ocean maskray, Neotrygon indica, is a recently described species from the Bay of Bengal in the eastern coast of India. The conspicuous morphology and less genetic information of this group are often confusing for their identity and phylogeography. In this study, we have collected the specimens from Odisha coast in eastern India and generated the DNA barcode data for comparative analysis with publicly available barcodes of N. indica and other congeners. The morphological characters are similar to the previous record of N. indica. However, the generated barcode data of N. indica showed 2.2–8.0% inter-species genetic distances with the other six species. The studied population of N. indica showed 0.2–1.5% genetic distances with a different known population (Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Bangladesh) in the Bay of Bengal. The BA phylogeny revealed monophyletic clustering of all the studied species. Henceforth, the shallow genetic divergences within the different population of N. indica depicted possible female precise natal philopatric affinity within their range distribution. To corroborate this unique phylogeographic structure, this study evoked more rigorous sampling and detailing with other molecular markers. This study also exhibits the expand range distribution of N. indica beyond its type locality and furnishes a new state record for Odisha. Our data would be a valuable resource for further studies on genetic diversity of N. indica and related species, which will provide new insights for better conservation plans.
Emotional Speech Synthesis

Emotional speech synthesis is an important part of the puzzle on the long way to human-like artificial human-machine interaction. During the way, lots of stations like emotional audio messages or believable characters in gaming will be reached. This chapter discusses technical aspects of emotional speech synthesis, shows practical application and highlights new developments concerning the realization of affective speech with non-uniform unit selection based synthesis and voice transformation techniques. Keywords/keyphrases Speech synthesis, non-uniform unit-selection, hmm synthesis, voice transformation
Systematics of the Freshwater Amphipod Genus Crangonyx (Crangonyctidae) in North America

SYSTEMATICS OF THE FRESHWATER AMPHIPOD GENUS CRANG ONYX (CRANGONYCTIDAE) IN NORTH AMERICA. Jun Zhang Old Dominion University, 1997 Director: Dr. John R. Holsinger The systematics o f the amphipod genus Crangonyx of North America (north o f Mexico) is revised, based on available collections (ca. 2240) and literature dealing with the genus. A grand total o f 42 North America species o f Crangonyx are recognized in the present study. 24 o f them new to science. All species are described or redescribed and figured, utilizing external morphological features. Keys to both species groups and individual species are given. Phylogenetic trees are built using com puter programs (PAUP. Hennig86. MacCIade) based on 26 characters. Wagner parsimony produced 18 parsimonious trees and Fitch parsimony produced 45 trees. The consensus tree o f both methods and a hypothesis phylogenetic tree o f the North America species o f Crangonyx are developed along with a discussion o f Crangonyx phylogenv and character evolution. Six monophvletic species groups are recognized. With respect to the origin o f Crangonyx. putative ancestors o f the genus probably originated as very old freshwater lineage dating back at least to the Mesozoic and possibly earlier. The ancestor o f modem Crangonyx species possibly resembled C.forbesi and separated from the common ancestor o f Synurella and Crangonyx somewhere on Laurasia. Species o f Crangonyx have exploited a wide variety o f surface and groundwater habitats in North America. Many o f the spring/seep dwellers are apparently predated to life in subterranean waters. A detailed distribution map is given for each species with an interpretation o f its biogeography. Almost all species o f the genus occur in eastern North America, east o f the Rock M ountains. The species o f Crangonyx with distribution in glaciated areas also occur south o f the southern extent o f Pleistocene glaciation. Distribution patterns are analyzed and compared with phvlogeny in an attem pt to evaluate extrinsic barriers, dispersal limits and other geographic and geological considerations that might have a bearing on species ranges. Eleven species o f Crangonyx in North America are troglobites. many o f which are found in karst areas in the Appalachians and Interior Low Plateaus regions. The origin o f troglobitic members o f the genus is attributed to active or passive invasion and colonization o f subterranean waters by preadapted epigean ancestors, sometimes under climatic constraint and sometimes by adaptive shifts into new niches. Perhaps a few troglobitics species originated through peripheral isolation in subterranean waters from previouslyestablished troglobites. Human introduction o f C. pseudogracilis in Europe and C.floridanus in Japan is explained by the ballast water theory, which suggests that small aquatic organisms, such as certain species o f amphipods. are transported in the ballast water o f ocean-going ships. R eproduced with perm ission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without perm ission.
Triple knockout of frdC gltA and pta genes enhanced pHA production in Escherichia coli

Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) is a linear polyester produced through the fermentation of sugar or lipid. Biosynthesis of PHA comprises three enzymes known as acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase (phaA), acetoacetyl-CoA reductase (phaB) and PHA synthase (phaC). Comamonas sp. is one of the strains commonly used for PHA production. In order to develop higher PHA production from bacterial respond strategy, PHA biosynthesis operon of Comamonas sp. EB172 was introduced into Escherichia coli BW25113 through a pGEM-T vector. E. coli was chosen due to the complete genome information available and the absence of depolymerisation gene, phaZ. In this study, the deletion of several single genes, which are frdC, gltA, and pta, was found to be associated with PHA metabolism activity in E. coli BW25113. P1 transduction was performed to construct multiple genes knockout. The engineered strain, E. coli BW25113 frdCgltApta::kan/pGEM’-phaCABCo, yielded the highest PHA production at 64 wt. % with 1.4 fold higher than that of control strain of E. coli BW25113/pGEM’-phaCABCo. This strain is potential for industrial application for higher PHA production from E. coli.
Autonomy in Budgeting Decisions of Local Government Union Councils: A Study of Bangladesh

Considering the critical influencing phenomena, the study explores the causal mechanism of influences, as well as how such process works that lead to shape the dominant implications of influences on local government Union Councils’ budgetary autonomy, leading to the impact on their local governance.The research reveals the fact that the effects of the influencing phenomena on the budgetary autonomy of Union Councils in Bangladesh are evident with varying degrees and dimensions, but the influences do not always collide with the budgetary autonomy of Union Councils there. The indicator-based empirical analysis reveals that the magnitude of influences is almost double than that of the budgetary autonomy of Union Councils in Bangladesh. Thus, the autonomy of Union Councils in their budgeting decisions is a concern in the study of decentralization and local governance in Bangladesh.Originality and significance:The research contributed in the literature stream of public administration, specifically in decentralization, local government finance as well as budgeting, and in local governance studies. The study findings to some extent substantiated the rationality of conditional national government transfers to the sub-national governments in Bangladesh. Beyond the general theoretical and practical significance of the study, its findings led to inviting a fundamental debate on the national-local tax base system and appreciated the fact that central hindrance towards effective functioning of the local government Union Councils in Bangladesh is the crisis of ownership and competence of UP representatives.
Assessment of the relationship between the quality of banking services based on SERVQUAL model with customer satisfaction (Case Study: Maskan Bank of Mazandaran Province)

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between Maskan bank service quality and customer satisfaction by using of the SERVQUAL model in the Maskan Bank of Mazandaran province. In this study, statistical population is all the customers, which in the course of two months of January and February 2014, referred to Maskan Bank supervision of Mazandaran, which the number of people is estimated at around 6000 people. Among the statistical population, according to Morgan table were selected 361 people as a sample. Methodology: To select the statistical sample in this study, we used simple random sampling method. The research method in this study is descriptive-survey. To analyze the data, we are using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov, T test, Fisher and Friedman test. Results: The results of analyzing research data showed that there is not a significant difference between expectations and perceived service from the customer perspective of Maskan Bank supervision of Mazandaran province in reliability dimension. There is not a significant difference between expectations and perceived service from the customer perspective of Maskan Bank supervision of Mazandaran province in responsiveness dimension. There is not a significant difference between expectations and perceived service from the customer perspective of Maskan Bank supervision of Mazandaran province in tangible items dimension. Conclusion: There are significant differences between the five elements affecting on the quality of service (tangible items, reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy) to influence on the quality of services provided by Maskan Bank supervision of Mazandaran province and assurance dimension, which has more importance and then assurance dimension is the least important.
Psychometric properties of the Iranian version of the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory

Background: The Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) is a commonly used tool for evaluation of job burnout in three (personal, work-related and client-related) domains. The aims of this study were to translate and investigate the psychometric properties of the Iranian (Persian) CBI. Methods: A total of 750 employees of different occupations (from educational centres, healthcare, industrial settings, and social services) participated in this descriptive methodological study. A forward-backward procedure was applied and content validity was evaluated by a panel of10 experts. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used for construct validity. The internal consistency (using Cronbach’s alpha), test-retest reliability (using intraclass correlation coefficient – ICC), and feasibility (using ceiling and floor effect) were also assessed for this tool. Results: Content validity of the Persian CBI was established. Three-factor structure of the PersianCBI was supported by the factor analysis, and this confirmed the construct validity of the instrument. The internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha ranged from 0.82 to 0.90) and test-retest reliability (ICC ranged from 0.85 to 0.95) were excellent and there was no ceiling or floor effect. Conclusion: The Persian CBI is a valid and reliable measurement tool for burnout in the Iranian context.
Brijesh Thapa Environmental management in the Caribbean accommodations sector

Th is study focused on the implementation of environmental management (EM) in the Caribbean accommodations sector based on diff usion of innovations theory. More specifi cally, it examined the status of EM and the diff erences between adopters and non-adopters in terms of hotel characteristics, attitudes to the natural environment, familiarity, and the constraints to implementation. Th is study was conducted among general managers and owners of various types of accommodations within the 19 English-speaking countries of the Caribbean. Data were collected via an online user-administered questionnaire due to the wide geographic range. Th ere were 197 completed questionnaires with at least one respondent from each country. Based on the results, four diff erent levels of EM have been implemented and have diff used to two thirds of the sector throughout the region, though some countries exhibited a higher proportion of adopters. Generally, adopters were small properties 75 rooms or less. Adopters and non-adopters were compared to determine diff erences and there were very few variations between adopters and non-adopters. However, given that adoption of EM is still in the growth segment of the diff usion curve, the number of non-adopters may decrease over time as some of the non-adopters have indicated that they were relatively new properties and/or intended to implement EM in the future. Overall, the results have implications for hoteliers, local and regional hotel associations, and policy makers.