Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Large System Latency of Virtual Auditory Display on Listener's Head Movement in Sound Localization Task

Virtual Auditory Display (VAD) technology is expected to enable the development of new communication tools and many other related applications. However, in computer-network-based communications, large latencies can sometimes occur. Therefore, the influence of large system latency (SL), up to 2 s, on VAD-based sound localization tasks was investigated in terms of the precision and time course of sound localization performance by listeners engaged in head movements. A software VAD system developed by the authors on a Linux PC (with SL of 12 ms) was used in the experiments. Listeners were asked to indicate the location of a virtual sound source by moving their heads in order to face the direction of the perceived sound image. Virtual sound sources were presented to the listeners with one of seven amounts of system latency (12, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 2000 ms). While the latency detection threshold has been estimated as an SL of about 75 ms, no significant influence on accuracy of sound localization was observed for any of the tested SLs. On the other hand, the time to conclude the sound localization increased as the SL increased. Moreover, a remarkable overshoot was observed in the listener’s head movement particularly when SL was greater than 500 ms. This strongly suggests that the tolerable SL caused by network communications should be kept smaller than 500 ms for VAD applications. [
Interaction between cluster synchronization and epidemic spread in community networks

In real world, there is a significant relation between human behaviors and epidemic spread. Especially, the reactions among individuals in different communities to epidemics may be different, which lead to cluster synchronization of human behaviors. So, a mathematical model that embeds community structures, behavioral evolution and epidemic transmission is constructed to study the interaction between cluster synchronization and epidemic spread. The epidemic threshold of the model is obtained by using Gersgorin Lemma and dynamical system theory. By applying the Lyapunov stability method, the stability analysis of cluster synchronization and spreading dynamics are presented. Then, some numerical simulations are performed to illustrate and complement our theoretical results. As far as we know, this work is the first one to address the interplay between cluster synchronization and epidemic transmission in community networks, so it may deepen the understanding of the impact of cluster behaviors on infectious disease dynamics.
Superiority of Conventional Banks & Islamic Banks of Bangladesh: A Comparative Study

The commercial banking system dominates the financial sector with limited role of non-bank financial institutions and the capital market. The Banking sector alone accounts for a substantial share of assets of the financial system. Commercial banks contribute significantly in the economic development through the development of major contributory economic indicators directly or indirectly. Commercial banks in Bangladesh operate under branding of interest-based conventional banks and interest-free Islamic banks (based on Islamic sariah). The study emphasis on the financial performance analysis of both stream of banks to measure superiority. The study indicates that financial performance (business developments, profitability, liquidity and solvency, commitment to economy and community, efficiency and productivity) of both streams of banks is notable. Study result based on commitment to economy & community, productivity and efficiency signifies that interest-based conventional banks are doing better performance than interest-free Islamic banks. But performance of interest-free Islamic banks in business development, profitability, liquidity and solvency is superior to that of interest-based conventional banks. That is comparatively Islamic banks are superior in financial performance to that of interest-based conventional banks.
The effect of employing knowledge workers from technologically advanced countries: The knowledge spillover caused by the mobility of knowledge workers in electronic industries in Asia

A R T I C L E I N F O A B S T R A C T Article history: Received: 24 May, 2017 Accepted: 21 July, 2017 Online: 01 August, 2017 This paper is an extension of work originally presented in 2017 6th International Conference on Industrial Technology and Management (ICITM). This research focuses on the mobilization of human resources in the Asian electrical industry and analyzes the impact of engineers’ international mobility on the innovation of enterprises in the host countries. I examine the characteristics of engineers who moved from Japan to China and South Korea to explore which types of engineers successful firms in China and South Korea select from rival companies in Japan. In addition, this study focuses on the role of the inventors' networks to investigate the significance of researcher mobility and knowledge spillover as mechanisms that facilitate the flow of tacit knowledge. This study reveals that during the process of innovation, informal networks play an important role in the mobility of engineers. The findings suggest that successful firms require people with analytical skills and problem-solving capacity, not “star inventors. ”
Biochemical aspects of non-starch polysaccharides.

Polysaccharides are macromolecules of monosaccharides linked by glycosidic bonds. Non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) are principally non-α-glucan polysaccharides of the plant cell wall. They are a heterogeneous group of polysaccharides with varying degrees of water solubility, size, and structure. The water insoluble fiber fraction include cellulose, galactomannans, xylans, xyloglucans, and lignin, while the water-soluble fibers are the pectins, arabinogalactans, arabinoxylans, and β-(1,3)(1,4)-D-glucans (β-glucans). Knowledge of the chemical structure of NSP has permitted the development of enzyme technology to overcome their antinutritional effects. The physiological effects of NSP on the digestion and absorption of nutrients in human and monogastric animals have been attributed to their physicochemical properties: hydration properties, viscosity, cation exchange capacity and organic compound absorptive properties. This paper reviews and presents information on NSPs chemistry, physicochemical properties and physiological effects on the nutrient entrapment.
Heterogeneity in individual preferences for public expenditure: what suggestions for the assignment of competencies to the EU?

Building on the principles of the classical thoey of fiscl federalism, the new political economy of multi-level government indicates a number of criteria asa guide for the efficient assignment of competencies between the European Union (EU) and the member states: internalize interregional spillovers; exploit economies of scale; take into account heterogeneity of preferencies. The aim of this paper is to compare the welfare effects that the heterogeneity of individual preferencies for public expenditures imply with the centralized and the decentralized solutions. In this perspective a median voter mechanism of collective decision is assumed to work both at national and EU level. Using data from a large international survey (ISSP), a series of econometric models has been estimated in order to make individual attitudes for public expenditures representative and comparable across different categories and different countries. A measurement of the individual and total welfare loss has then been derived in the cases when the decision upon the level of public provision is taken by the national or by the median EU voter respectively. The empirical analysis reveals that in some sectors of public expenditures (health, education, employment benefits) centralized solution welfare dominates (or is close to dominating) decentralization even in the absence of economies of scale and interregional spillovers.
Analysis and Improvement of Model Architectures for Safety Related Systems

Im dynamischen Bereich der E-Mobilität ist agile Softwareentwicklung erforderlich. Denn Produkte gilt es kundenindividuell anzupassen und zu entwerfen. Gleichzeitig muss die Qualitätssicherung mit der Entwicklungsgeschwindigkeit Schritt halten. Um dies zu erreichen, hat Valeo Siemens eAutomotive (VSeA) die „agile mbD Suite“ aufgebaut. Diese ermöglicht eine schnelle Prototypentwicklung im Geschäftsbereich e-drives. In Zusammenarbeit mit Model Engineering Solutions (MES) kombiniert VSeA agile Entwicklungsaktivitäten und automatisierte Qualitätssicherung.
Measuring hospital service quality and its influence on patient satisfaction: An empirical study using structural equation modeling

Article history: Received January 30, 2013 Received in revised format 20 May 2013 Accepted May 28 2013 Available online June 3 2013 This paper presents an empirical investigation to measure different dimensions of hospital service quality (HSQ) by gap analysis and patient satisfaction (PS). It also attempts to measure patients’ satisfaction with three dimensions extracted from exploratory factor analysis (EFA) by Principle component analysis method and conformity factor analysis (CFA). In addition, the study analyzes relationship between HSQ and PS in the context of Iranian hospital services, using structural equation modeling (SEM) from patients’ perspectives. The maximum gap observed in “responsiveness” and the minimum one in “assurance”. In addition, patients had the most satisfaction in “trust” with the mean of 3.83 followed by “General Satisfaction” with the mean of 3.68 and they had the least satisfaction in “Acceptance” with the mean of 3.53. Two measurement models were used for measuring hospital service quality and patient satisfaction and one structural model, which showed the relationship between them. The result of this study showed that there was a positive and significant impact from hospital service quality on patient satisfaction (0.463). In addition, there was a positive and significant relationship between hospital service quality and five dimensions. Furthermore, it was shown that patient satisfaction and three dimensions (General Satisfaction, Trust, and Acceptance) were associated with each other, significantly and positively. At last management strategies and practical suggestions were presented to hospital. © 2013 Growing Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Experimental Bending Analysis of Strip Sandwich and Laminated Composite Plates

Simple theories have been developed so far for prediction of bending strains of the sandwich structures, under specific loading and support conditions. Although the theoretical predictions are often accurate enough, the role of experimentally validating of results of the theories on progress of the plate/beam theories cannot be ignored. The main goal of the present paper is presenting a test procedure for minimization of error of the data acquisition process and the relevant analyses. In this regard, effects of the specimen thickness, location of the strain gauge installation, and type of the strain gauge are investigated. Identification of the mechanical properties of the test specimens is another goal of the present study. Classic theories are used to validate the tests results and vice versa. Based on the large number of tests conducted on the samples, the results show that the major source of discrepancy between the experimental and theoretical results may be incorrect installation of the strain gauge. A method to check this issue, is comparing results of the loading and unloading conditions. Using a circuit with three wires omits the error of wire resistance. The test results of the composite specimens, obtained by strain gauges of TML Company, showed small differences with the results obtained by strain gauges of BLH Company. The discrepancies between the experimental and theoretical results of the sandwich specimens increased by increasing the core thickness, while the measurements obtained from the strain gauges were not reliable in compression. An important result was the fact that a half-bridge installation of the strain gauge decreases the error remarkably.
EVALUATION OF THE TOTAL QUALITY FACTORS BASED ON DEMING MANAGEMENT MODEL IN OIL INDUSTRY IN LIBYA – AN EMPIRICAL STUDY

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the quality management dimensions, based on Deming Management Model, in Oil industry in Libya. Questionnaire, semi structured interview and open interview were used to collect data from random sample of 42 qualityrelated managers from the Libyan Oil industry. Forty-five questionnaires were provided by hand to quality-related managers from the Libyan Oil companies. A total of 42 were returned sufficiently completed, that gave us a response rate of approximately 93.33%. The regression analysis indicated that these organizations implement total quality management practices. The findings suggest that an integrated approach is required to implement the total quality management practices in order to realize strategic quality objectives. This research is subject to the normal limitations of survey research. The data is based on individual opinion of quality related managers, which may bring in some bias. Further research needs to be done to advance our knowledge and to further support the findings. For instance, a larger sample size and more items per Deming principle may be used in future studies to duplicate these results and to increase the internal consistency of the scales. Deming Management Model is applied to one industry in this study. Therefore, to establish the generalization of the Model within the context of Libya, it needs to be tested in other industries setting, both in public and private sectors. The study extends the applicability of the Deming Management Model to a new industry and country. Collectively, the results of the research provide more understanding of issues relating to quality management in developing countries and a framework for enhancing organizational effectiveness. Therefore, the research can make a useful contribution.
Co-Movements and Interactions between Segments of Parallel Markets: The Case of the Czech Republic

In the present paper we concentrate on interactions, co-movements and the sharing of information signals between the organized (and parallel) markets in the Czech Republic. In particular, the lead-lag relationship between the Prague Stock Exchange (PSE) and the RMS (over the counter system) is studied to identify the leaders and followers in the information transmission process. The analysis shows that the PSE holds the leading position in the the main market of actively traded stocks, but the RMS dominates on segments with lower liquidity. These links did not exist during the early history of both markets, and they have become stronger as time proceeds. The analysis of the intra-market relations also confirms that liquid segments play a leading role in both the PSE and the RMS. Due to the fact that some links between parallel market segments are missing, we conclude that the PSE and the RMS do not yet behave as a fully integrated market.
Merits and Limitations of Distributed Leadership: Experiences and Understandings of School Principals

Although claiming leadership to be critical to school improvement, few studies seek the informative voice of principals regarding their understandings of roles and sources of leadership. Using a distributed perspective as a theoretical lens to reconceptualize leadership, this article explores principals’ perspectives of leadership in relation to their roles as defined by legislation and policy. By examining the primary merits and limitations of Spillane’s (2006) distributed framework, consideration is given to persistent issues yielding implications for the practice and study of educational leadership. Lastly, I urge further investigation into the extent to which distributed forms of leadership may contribute to school improvement.
Elsevier Editorial System(tm) for Applied Thermal Engineering Manuscript Draft Manuscript Number: ATE-2010-714R1 Title: A Strategy for the Economic Optimization of Combined Cycle Gas Turbine Power Plants by Taking Advantage of Useful Thermodynamic Relationships

Optimal combined cycle gas turbine power plants characterized by minimum specific annual cost values are here determined for wide ranges of market conditions as given by the relative weights of capital investment and operative costs, by means of a non-linear mathematical programming model. On the other hand, as the technical optimization allows identifying trends in the system behavior and unveiling optimization opportunities, selected functional relationships are obtained as the thermodynamic optimal values of the decision variables are systematically linked to the ratio between the total heat transfer area and the net power production (here named as specific transfer area). A strategy for simplifying the resolution of the rigorous economic optimization problem of power plants is proposed based on the economic optima distinctive characteristics which describe the behavior of the decision variables of the power plant on its optima. Such approach results in a novel mathematical formulation shaped as a system of non-linear equations and additional constraints that is able to easily provide accurate estimations of the optimal values of the power plant design and operative variables.
The making of a multicultural English teacher

This teacher narrative tells the story of the making of a multicultural English teacher, beginning with the author's roots in a remote village in central Java and tracing his journey through a range of educational institutions. In a series of critical reflections, the author discusses a range of social and cultural influences as these impacts on his emerging identity as both English teacher and speaker of a range of languages. These critical reflections constitute a kind of self-study, where the author discusses in a self- reflexive way the sorts of discourses at work that work to construct his identity in a range of different settings.
Comparison of whole genome prediction accuracy across generations using parametric and semi parametric methods

Accuracy of genomic prediction was compared using three parametric and semi parametric methods, including BayesA, Bayesian LASSO and Reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces regression under various levels of heritability (0.15, 0.3 and 0.45), different number of markers (500, 750 and 1000) and generation intervals of validating set. A historical population of 1000 individuals with equal sex ratio was simulated for 100 generations at constant size. It followed by 100 extra generations of gradually reducing size down to 500 individuals in generation 200. Individuals of generation 200 were mated randomly for 10 more generations applying litter size of 5 to expand the historical generation. Finally, 50 males and 500 females chosen from generation 210 were randomly mated to generate 10 more generations of recent population. Individuals born in generation 211 considered as the training set while the validation set was composed of individuals either from generations 213, 215 or 217. The genome comprised one chromosome of 100 cM length carrying 50 QTLs. There was no significant difference between accuracy of investigated methods (p > 0.05) but among three methods, the highest mean accuracy (0.659) was observed for BayesA. By increasing the heritability, the average genomic accuracy increased from 0.53 to 0.75 (p < 0.05). The number of SNPs affected the accuracy and accuracies increased as number of SNPs increased; therefore, the highest accuracy was for the case number of SNPs=1000. With getting away from validating set, the accuracies decreased and the most severe decay observed in the case of low heritability. Decreasing the accuracy across generations affected by marker density but was independent from investigated methods.
On the Road to Better Management: An investigation into the benefits of managing the impacts of dryland salinity on roads

In Australia, more than 80 per cent of regional towns and cities have ongoing repair costs due to local infrastructure damage from dryland salinity. In some salt affected catchments up to 30 per cent of regional roads are affected to some degree, with major highway reconstruction costing up to $1million per kilometre. This research investigates a series of different road types in order to quantify the net benefits of alternative abatement strategies and to determine when government intervention is justified to encourage landholders to assist in action to mitigate the impacts of dryland salinity on roads. The paper shows that cooperation with landholders in terms of revegetation strategies is not effective or profitable when dryland salinity is at an advanced stage and already having impacts upon the road. Where suitable revegetation strategies are available, and the risk from dryland salinity is not imminent, then revegetation strategy can be effective and, in some cases, a net benefit to the catchment.
Quality Evaluation of Diclofenac Formulations Manufactured in DR Congo

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the quality of three generics of 50 mg diclofenac sodium (DS) tablets manufactured and marketed in DR Congo in comparison to the original formulation Voltarene® from Novartis Pharma. Drug content and drug release were respectively determined by HPLC and UV spectrophotometry before storage and at 3 and 6 months of storage in the accelerated-aging conditions of temperature (40°C) and relative humidity (75%) recommended by the WHO for tropical climate areas. Before storage, only generic 2 contained the correct amount of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). Generics 1 and 3 did not comply with established limits for API, one was overdosed (Generic 1) and one underdosed (generic 3). None of the generics resisted to stress conditions with respect to the API content. Moreover, all generics failed the dissolution tests when they were submitted to tropical climate simulation. Differences to explain the different dissolution profiles were searched with 1H NMR that gives a complete profile of the formulation (API and excipients) and infrared spectroscopy which evaluates the overall distribution of the API in the tablets, on the initial samples. Generic 1 contained the acid form of diclofenac instead of its sodium salt, and generic 2 a mixture of acid and salt forms. Generic 3 displayed a poor DS distribution in the tablets. Taken together, our data demonstrated that the three generics analyzed were substandard.
Intelligence and its Application in Agriculture: Techniques to Deal with Variations and Uncertainties

Biological systems, including agriculture and allied sectors are very complex and nonlinear in nature. The pace of current climate change, which is unique about it, makes the biological system more and more complicated and unpredictable. The novelty or ambiguity that the variable environment presents, demands for the development of self-adaptive intelligent systems in agriculture and allied sectors. Agriculture is emerging as knowledge-based enterprise that demands efficient needbased information retrieval systems and smart actions. Intelligence is that resource that guides actions and provide options under variable, uncertain and unseen conditions. The objective of the current paper is to analyze the attributes that are considered to be characteristics of intelligence having wide potential for the development of intelligent system and technologies for agricultural applications. The intelligent techniques like forecasting, database management, knowledge discovery, deception, simulation, contingency planning etc. revolutionize the whole agricultural sector opening new and competent options and dimensions. Sustainable agricultural development demands multidisciplinary holistic approach and intelligence should be the guiding principle that demands study of human cognitive psychology.