Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Signs and Transitions: Do They Differ Phonetically and Does It Matter?

The point of departure of this article is the cluster of three pre-theoretical presuppositions (P) governing modern research on sign languages: (1) that a stream of signing consists of signs (S) and transitions (T), (2) that only Ss are linguistically relevant units, and (3) that there is a qualitative (e.g., phonetic) difference between Ss and Ts. Of these, the article focuses on the relatively untested P3, which is used to back up P1 and P2, and investigates the velocity and acceleration properties of Ss and Ts on the basis of continuous motion-capture data from Finnish Sign Language. The main finding of the study is that the speed of Ss is slower (and varies less) than that of Ts but that Ss still involve more accelerating (and varying) motion. The purely linguistic interpretation of the results is that the slower speed of Ss enables the addressee to perceive more accurately the fine S-internal linguistic details, manifested by high acceleration. The more theoretical conclusion is that the results support all three Ps but that only P3 is supported directly. As previous key research findings concerning Ts partly contradict P1 and P2, further research on Ts is called for.
Corporate Social Reporting By Mauritian Banks

The paper examines CSR disclosures by commercial banks operating in Mauritius. Annual reports for the year 2011 were scrutinized using content analysis. Five categories of disclosure were chosen in line with the Code of corporate governance and prior studies. Due to the small number (20) of banks operating in the country all banks were selected. Findings show that banks with higher visibility disclose more CSR information thus confirming that the legitimacy theory is an explanation for CSR disclosure by Mauritian banks. CSR reporting is prevalent among all banks but forty percent of banks disclose CSR information relating to one category only showing a narrow view of CSR. The primary area of disclosure is ‘Human resources’ which is at odds with previous studies. The paper contributes to the scarce literature on CSR disclosures by banks in a developing country.
Measuring Customer Sentiment on Twitter

Twitter, a microblogging platform, allows its users to post short messages about any topic and follow others to receive their posts. By means of Twitter people communicate with each other. The goal of this research is to study customer sentiment expressed on Twitter and to develop a framework that allows monitoring it in the real-time. For this purpose 9368 tweets are collected from the KLM Twitter account. Tweets preparation including among others spelling correction, synonym substitution, hyperlink deletion and stop words is performed. Sentiment is manually categorized the sentiment into three classes: objective, positive and negative, in order to create the training set for the classifier. The tweets are classified using linear Support Vector Machines. The classifier obtains 82% precision for the objective class, 59% for the positive and 54% for the negative class. The classified tweets are used to create the positive and negative emotion indexes over time. Looking at the different subset of features created by the ranking algorithm shows how different words influence the prediction and helps to gain insight into the classification. It is shown that the data preparation improves both the precision and recall of the classification. The spelling correction and synonym substitution improves the precision for the negative class of tweets by up to 8%. Relating the predicted sentiment to various events such as the introduction of a new service or operational issues with flights showed how such events influence customer opinion.
A Monitoring and Evaluation Framework for the Integration of ICTs in Teaching and Learning in Primary Schools in Kenya

This research project presents a research study on Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) integration in primary school education as it sought to develop a Monitoring and Evaluation Framework for the integration of ICTs in Teaching and Learning in Primary School education in Kenya. This was achieved through determining various facets of ICTs use in primary schools, establishing the role of school management in ICTs integration in primary schools, determining how ICTs can best be used in the teaching methodology in primary schools and finally determining fundamental ICT skills required by a teacher for ICT integration in teaching in primary schools. Quantitative methods were used where descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were applied for research with questionnaires being used as the main tool for data collection. Through the data analysis and key findings the researcher came up with recommendations which were used to develop the Monitoring and Evaluation Framework. The study revealed that 75.7 percent of the teachers who participated in the study were trained in ICT while 18.9 percent did not have any training in ICT. At the same time, only 32.4 percent of the head teachers were established to be trained in ICT while a larger percent, 64.7 were not trained in ICT. This implied that most of the head teachers do not have sufficient knowledge to manage the processes of ICTs integration in teaching and learning. Furthermore, the mean for integration of ICTs in the primary school curriculum was established to be 2.43 which asserted that the level of integration is quite low in terms of availability of computers for use by teachers and pupils. Moreover, it was also determined that the Government do not provide enough support to teachers in the integration of ICTs in teaching and learning which in turn makes the integration process difficult. The paper concluded by providing recommendations which emphasized on the need of teachers to be trained in basic and advanced ICT skills in order to technologically empower them in integrating ICTs, the need for strong infrastructural foundations in order to facilitate the ICTs integration process, and the need to have enough support from the Government and other stakeholders to ensure continuity in the ICT integration process. Most of all the research recommended the need to have a solid Monitoring and Evaluation Framework to support the integration of ICTs in the teaching and learning process in primary schools in Kenya. Keywords: ICTs Integration in Education, Monitoring, Evaluation, Indicators, Monitoring and Evaluation Framework
Spectral properties and geologic processes on Eros from combined NEAR NIS and MSI data sets

Abstract— From April 24 to May 14, 2000, the Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous (NEAR) Shoemaker mission's near infrared spectrometer (NIS) obtained its highest resolution data of 433 Eros. High signal‐to‐noise ratio NIS reflectance spectra cover a wavelength range of 800–2400 nm, with footprint sizes from 213 times 427 m to 394 times 788 m. This paper describes improvement in instrument calibration by remediation of internally scattered light; derivation of a “pseudo channel” for NIS at 754 nm using Multispectral Imager (MSI) Eros approach maps at 951 and 754 nm; synthesis of a 3127‐spectrum high‐resolution data set with the improved calibration and expanded wavelength coverage; and investigation of global and localized spectral variation with respect to mineralogy, composition, and space weathering of Eros, comparing the findings with previous analyses. Scattered light removal reduces the “red” slope of Eros spectra, though not to the level seen by telescopic observations. The pseudo channel completes sampling of Eros' 1 micron (Band I) absorption feature, enabling direct comparison of NIS data with other asteroid and meteorite spectra without additional scaling or correction. Following scattered light removal and wavelength range extension, the spectral parameters of average Eros plot well inside the S(IV) field of Gaffey et al. (1993) and are consistent with the L6 chondrite meteorite fields of Gaffey and Gilbert (1998). Although Eros shows no evidence of mineralogical heterogeneity, modest spectral variations correlate with morphologically and geographically distinct areas of the asteroid. Eros bright‐to‐dark spectral ratios are largely consistent with laboratory “space weathering” experiment results and modeling of space weathering effects. Eros brightness variation unaccompanied by significant spectral variation departs from “lunar‐type”—where band depths, slopes, and albedoes all correlate—and “Ida‐type”—where significant spectral variation is unaccompanied by corresponding brightness variation. The brightest areas on Eros—steep crater walls—have lesser spectral slope and deeper Band I, consistent with exposure of “fresher,” less space weathered materials. Bright crater slope materials have opx/(opx + olv) of 0.24–0.29 and may be more representative of the subsurface mineralogy than “average” Eros, which is probably affected by space weathering. The floors of the large craters Psyche and Himeros have lower albedo and contain the most degraded or altered looking materials. NIS spectra retain a “red” spectral slope at greater than 2 microns. The recalibrated and expanded NIS spectra show better agreements with mixing models based on space weathering of chondritic mixtures.
Subcellular localization of cadmium in hyperaccumulator Populus × canescens

In this study, subcellular localization of cadmium in hyperaccumulator grey poplar ( Populus × canescens ) was investigated by the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) method. Young Populus × canescens were grown and hydroponic experiments were conducted under four Cd 2+ concentrations (10, 30, 50, and 70 μM) in contrast to the control (non-Cd) for 28 day(s). Results indicate that Cd stress could induce serious damage in root cells of grey poplar. Cd induced plasmolysis, concentrated cytoplasm, disappearance of the cristae in mitochondria, ambiguity of framework and destruction of mitochondria envelope in root tip, stem and leaves cells. The hollowing cells were also found in Cd treatment, and there existed some different granule in these hollowing cells. Plasmolysis was found in all treatments in cells of stem, but no damage was detected in cells of leaves. The degree of damage to organs of grey poplar was as follows: root > stem> leaves. It was suggested that the Populus × canescens as a renewable resource has the potential to decontaminate cadmium stress development, accumulation and distribution. Key words : Cadmium, phytoremediation, hyperaccumulator, grey poplar, organ.
Building Big is Thinking Big: Conceptual and Linguistic Networks in Architecture and Civil Engineering

During the last decade, the study of metaphor in use (both written and spoken) has received considerable attention in cognitive linguistics research (Cameron and Low 1999, Deignan 2005, Steen 2007, Zanotto et al. 2008). It appears that a good deal of interest has consolidated around figurative language and metaphor use in academic settings (Low 1999, Cortazzi and Jin 1999, Littlemore and Low 2006). Some of the studies aim to show that metaphor use in the classroom may improve and reinforce comprehension and communicative skills in EFL learners. In this paper we focus on part of the mental mappings that some specific learners, namely architecture and civil engineering students, need to activate when matching language and professional knowledge. We will explore some of the conceptual and linguistic networks that students have to operate with in order to assimilate and internalize their discourse community. With this aim, conceptual integration (blending) theory, including meaning compression and decompression (Fauconnier & Turner 2002), has been applied. Also, a selected repertoire of examples taken from architecture and civil engineering domains, e.g. salient journals and books, has been examined to extract information. The findings confirm that non-literal metaphorical language, combined with the occurrence of image schemas, seems systematic and constitutive of both discursive areas. The conclusions suggest that metaphorical conceptual and linguistic structures appear to lend more coherence to these technical domains (for example by creating more word meanings) and, on the other hand, that metaphor fluency is a must for architects and engineers expertise, despite not being actually made explicit. Likewise, the first results of a survey carried out at Madrid Technical University (UPM) are presented. The main aim of the survey was to elucidate to what extent students incorporate learning strategies and discourse community into their knowledge and whether this internalization parallels other types of processing like image perception and description
INTEREST RATE RULE FOR THE RUSSIAN MONETARY POLICY : NONLINEARITY AND ASYMMETRICITY

This study reconsiders the interest rate rule for the Russian monetary policy, of which no evidence was found in earlier studies. This study successfully estimates an interest rate rule. In order to obtain this result, we follow Surico (2007). s nonlinear approach. The main contributions of this study are as follows. Our empirical results indicate that the Russian monetary policy follows a nonlinear interest rate rule. Further, we clarify the preference of the monetary policy in subsample estimation. When the 1998 financial crisis is considered, Russia.s preference for output expansion is evident. According to Surico, this increases inflation in Russia.
Plasma based surface modification of Poly (dimethylsiloxane) electrospun membrane proper for Organ On a Chip applications

Constructing of the scaffolds for cell culture applications has long been of interest for engineering researchers and biologist. In this study, a novel process is utilized for construction of suitable membrane with a high mechanical strength and appropriate surface behavior. Poly (dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) is electrospun into fine fibers using poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) as the carrier polymer in different weight ratios. Since the surface behavior of all PDMS substrates is moderately hydrophobic (120 < contact angle (CA) < 150), the electrospun membranes with higher PDMS ratios show slightly higher hydrophilicity. Direct plasma treatment is utilized to change the interfacial wettability of the membrane. Applying plasma changes the surface energy and renders the PDMS/PMMA substrates superhydrophilic (CA
Getting the Most of Management Training - the Role of Identical Elements for Training Transfer

Purpose – Focusing on management training, the purpose of this paper is to establish whether identical elements in a training program (i.e. aspects resembling participants' work situation) can improve training transfer and whether they do so beyond the contribution of two well‐established predictors – motivation to learn and expected utility. In an effort to establish mechanisms connecting identical elements with training transfer, the authors aim to propose and test motivation to transfer as a mediator.Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected online from 595 managers who participated in a management training program. Structural equation modeling was used to test the model.Findings – Identical elements, expected utility and motivation to learn, each had a unique contribution to the prediction of training transfer. Whereas motivation to learn partially mediated these relationships, identical elements and expected utility also showed direct associations with training transfer.Research limitations/i.
The Use of Digital Communication to Build Care and Relationships into the Post-Secondary Classroom: A SelfAnalysis of Discourse

Relationships are central to teaching and learning in higher education contexts. Positive relationships between faculty and students can be built on ethics of care (Noddings, 2005). By increasing rhetorical awareness in online communication with students, faculty can reflect on how discourse forms may mask forms of care toward students (Blommaert, 2005). This study uses a self-analysis of discourse to focus on how higher-education faculty uses technological tools to incorporate ethics of care into their relationships with students. In exploring the question "What themes of care can be present in digital discourse? " fourteen themes of care emerged from the data analysis. The findings offer considerations for discourse use and five tenets for building care into online communication with students.
3-Chloropropane-1,2-diol in models simulating processed foods: Precursors and agents causing its decomposition

Formation of 3-chloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) was studied in model mixtures consisting of sodium chloride and either glycerol or various lipids (phospholipids, monoacylglycerols, diacylglycerols, triacylglycerols) derived mainly from palmitic and oleic acids. The average amount of 3-MCPD formed from these precursors after 30 min of heating at 200°C was from 9.7 (lecithin), to 5.1 (diacylglycerols), 4.7 (glycerol), 3.1 (triacylglycerols), and 2.9 (monoacylglycerols) μmol/mol, respectively. The formation of 3-MCPD from glycerol (one of the major precursors) was also studied in the presence of glutathione, cysteine, disodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate, i.e. compounds having the potential to decompose 3-MCPD or to prevent its formation. The compound the most active in preventing the formation of 3-MCPD was sodium bicarbonate followed by disodium carbonate, cysteine and glutathione. The addition of glutathione lowered the level of 3-MCPD produced from glycerol and NaCl to approximately 80%, of cysteine to 42%, of disodium carbonate to 14%, and of sodium bicarbonate to as little as 8% in comparison to samples with no additive.
The role of information literacy competence and higher order thinking skills to develop academic writing in Science and Engineering learners

The English syllabus for learners pursuing engineering courses includes teaching writing as one of the objectives. Learners who enroll for these courses are not equipped with the general writing skills that they should have mastered at the entry level. In this context, a study was organized to develop academic writing skills of the undergraduate learners who are pursuing engineering courses. The study focused on raising awareness in the learners of the nature and characteristics of academic texts in order to develop academic writing skills. The study also emphasizes that involving the learners in the cognitive processes of writing that include defining the rhetorical problem, identifying the rhetorical situation, the audience and setting goals for writing, planning for the text by generating and organizing ideas is necessary. The study further suggests that discussions between learners and teachers regarding the construction of a text and the way language works in various text types facilitates better writing.
R&D expenditure, R&D evaluation, and the advent of collaborative R&D with reference to the Australian sugar industry

Various forms of research and development (R&D) activities have evolved over the past few centuries as part of the scientific system. Of particular interest is the unique pattern of R&D activities that have developed within agricultural and natural resource sectors. The evolution of collaborative research in its many forms including single disciplinary, multi disciplinary and researcher-stakeholder collaborative research is documented with special attention paid to economic research evaluation techniques that have been developed over the past half century. Existing economic evaluation techniques focus predominantly on evaluating the outputs and outcomes of research, and exclude evaluation of the R&D process. Furthermore, existing evaluation techniques emphasise the economic value of scientific aspects of research, but do not accommodate various socio-economic, managerial and other important aspects that reflect the wider value of research to individual participants, project teams or organisations. There is a need to address this gap in knowledge and develop a framework to evaluate the various scientific, economic, socio-economic and managerial aspects of collaborative research in a holistic manner. The researcherstakeholder collaborative research approach as advocated by the Australian Cooperative Research Centre Program is of particular interest. Key aspects to be included in a holistic, pluralist evaluation framework are presented. Application of a holistic evaluation framework is anticipated to result in the justification or otherwise of the trend toward collaborative research in Australia, as well as providing the opportunity for participants and managers of researcher-stakeholder collaborative research to improve the conduct and management of this form of research.
Satisfaction with Knowledge and Competencies: A Multi-Country Study of Employers and Business Graduates

This study critically discusses findings from a research project involving four European countries. The project had two main aims. The first was to develop a systematic procedure for assessing the balance between knowledge and competencies acquired in higher, further and vocational education and the specific needs of the labor market. The second aim was to develop and test a set of meta-level quality indicators aimed at evaluating the linkages between education and employment. The project was designed to address the lack of employer input concerning the requirements of business graduates for successful workplace performance and the need for more specific industry-driven feedback to guide administrative heads at universities and personnel at quality assurance agencies in curriculum development and revision. Approach: The project was distinctive in that it combined different partners from higher education, vocational training, industry and quality assurance. Project partners designed and implemented an innovative approach, based on literature review, qualitative interviews and surveys in the four countries, in order to identify and confirm key knowledge and competency requirements. This study presents this step-by-step approach, as well as survey findings from a sample of 900 business graduates and employers. In addition, it introduces two Partial Least Squares (PLS) path models for predicting satisfaction with work performance and satisfaction with business education. Results: Survey findings revealed that employers were not very confident regarding business graduates’ abilities in key knowledge areas and in key generic competencies. In subsequent analysis, these graduate abilities were tested and identified as important predictors of employers’ satisfaction with graduates’ work performance. Conclusion: The industry-driven approach introduced in this study can serve as a guide to assist different types of educational institutions to better align study programs with changing labor market requirements. Recommendations for curriculum improvement are discussed.