Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ensuring knowledge continuity and elimination of employee turnover in organisations in the Czech Republic

The goal of organisations is efficient management leading to the efficient use of time, the minimisation of errors and the improvement of the organisations’ productivity. The article focuses on the factor of knowledge continuity, which can contribute strongly to productivity enhancement and simultaneously eliminate the impact of employee turnover and subsequent loss of knowledge of its employees. The purpose is to reveal the current approach in Czech organisations with regard to the causes of employee turnover and knowledge continuity as a critical part of human resource management and to formulate relevant recommendation. The data evaluated here has been obtained through two primary surveys of managers in organisations in the Czech Republic. The outcomes reveal that efficient management, based on applying techniques of knowledge management and knowledge continuity management, may eliminate the negative impact of employee turnover on the loss of knowledge in organisations. The utilization of knowledge held by knowledge employees can contribute to the improvement of efficiency of individual processes and in turn the productivity of the entire organisation. For management to be efficient, managers have to use suitable methods of employee leadership and to create conditions that support knowledge sharing, transfer and preservation. If appropriate conditions are established, employee turnover does not need to lead to the loss of knowledge possessed by knowledge employees.
Measurements of the interstellar turbulent plasma spectrum of PSR B0329+54 using multi-frequency observations of interstellar scintillation

Interstellar scintillation multi-frequency observations of PSR 0329+54 in the frequency range from 102 MHz to 5 GHz were analysed to estimate the spectrum of interstellar plasma inhomogeneities in the direction of this pulsar. Based on the theory of diractive scintillation, the composite structure function of phase fluctuations covering a large range of turbu- lence scales was constructed. We found that the spectrum is well described by a power law with n= 3:5 for scales from 10 6 to 10 9 m, which diers from the value known for a Kolmogorov spectrum. We can, however, within the accuracy of our data not exclude a Kolmogorov spectrum. It became also clear that angular refraction of emission must be taken into account to fit the data points at all observing frequencies. The size of the irregularities responsible for the angular refraction is estimated to be about 3 10 13 m. They can be identified with clouds of neutral hydrogen that can be considered as holes of electron density.
The Role of Septin 5 in Exocytosis

Septins are an evolutionarily conserved family of proteins that have been implicated in a multitude of cellular processes. Septin 5 is mainly expressed in the nervous system and it has been linked to regulated secretion through its binding to the SNARE protein syntaxin 1. However, the exact mechanism of septin 5 function in localized exocytosis remains unknown. Over-expression of septin 5 is known to lead to lower levels of secretion in HIT-T15 cells. Interestingly, in the current study, the knock-down of septin 5 also results in reduced levels of regulated secretion in PC12 cells, suggesting a more complex role of septin 5 that includes both negative and positive effects on exocytosis. Septin 5 knock-down data point to a possibility of septin 5 facilitating formation of a tether between the vesicles and their site of secretion.
Tetracycline resistance determinants of heterotrophic bacteria isolated from a South African tilapia aquaculture system

Tetracycline-resistant bacteria are frequently isolated from aquaculture systems, where mobile resistance genes often transfer between bacteria associated with fish kept at high stocking densities. Bacterial isolates from an Oreochromis mossambicus (tilapia) aquaculture system (Stellenbosch, South Africa) were screened for their susceptibility to tetracycline. Genomic and plasmid DNA were used in PCR-RFLP assays employing six degenerate primer sets to identify the prevalence of nine tetracycline resistance genes. Isolates displaying a tet (A)-type tetracycline resistance gene were examined further for an association with transposon Tn 1721 . tet (A) was identified as the predominant tetracycline resistance determinant, followed by tet (B), -(E), and –(C) determinants. Isolates appeared to possess multiple tet genes simultaneously. Of the isolates presented with a tet (A) determinant, 73.9% appeared to be associated with Tn 1721 . No association between type of tetracycline resistance gene, presence on chromosome or plasmid, and MIC could be established. The Tn 1721 association may explain the high frequency of isolation of tet (A). The high levels of resistance displayed by isolates from the tilapia aquaculture system not previously exposed to antimicrobial agents is of concern and will have implications for future therapeutic interventions in disease outbreak situations.
Spatial estimation of soil carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus stoichiometry in complex terrains: a case study of Schrenk's spruce forest in the Tianshan Mountains

Abstract. Spatial patterns of soil carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) and their stoichiometric characteristics (C : N : P) play an important role in nutrient limitations, community dynamics, nutrient use efficiency and biogeochemical cycles, etc. To date, the spatial distributions of soil organic C at various spatial scales have been extensively studied, whereas little is known about the spatial patterns of N and P and C : N : P ratios in various landscapes, especially across complex terrains. To fill this gap, we estimated the spatial patterns of concentrations of C, N and P and C : N : P ratios in Schrenk's spruce (Picea schrenkiana) forest in the Tianshan Mountains using multiple linear regression (MLR) model based on data from soil profiles collected from 2012 to 2017. We found that (1) elevation and climatic variables jointly contributed to concentrations of C, N and P and C : N : P ratios, (2) soil concentrations and stoichiometric ratios demonstrated different but continual spatial patterns in Schrenk's spruce forest, and (3) MLR models could be reliably used to estimate the spatial patterns of soil elemental concentrations and stoichiometric ratios in mountainous terrain. We suggest that more independent variables (including biotic, abiotic and anthropogenic factors) should be considered in future works. Additionally, adjustment of MLR and other models should be used for a better delineation of spatial patterns in the concentrations of soil elements and stoichiometric ratios.
Development of two boreal forests after large-scale windthrow in the Central Urals

The processes of natural regeneration after windthrow were investigated in two permanent study areas located in the southern and middle taiga of the Central Urals. The forest types were dominated by Pinus silvestris and Larix sibirica in the north (Pinetum vacciniosum) and by Abies sibirica and Picea obovata in the south (Piceetum oxalidosum). The number of trees in the two study areas sharply increased over the seven years following the windthrow, mainly due to an increase in the number of broadleaved trees, with Betula pendula and Populus tremula predominating. Regeneration was most abundant on sites where the windfall debris was cleared, and was least on those that remained uncleared. The regeneration established after the windthrow was dominated by broadleaved species, while advance regeneration before the storm was dominated by conifers. Advance regeneration of conifers mostly survived in areas where the windfall debris was not cleared, but the rate of coniferous regeneration was higher in the cleared part of the windfall. The reasons for the sudden increase in regeneration by broadleaved species, as well as the difficulties associated with coniferous regeneration, are analysed. The type of silvicultural management greatly affects the number of young trees that survive following windthrow. The preliminary conclusions are that natural processes should be integrated more often into the management of forests in the Urals as well as in other mountainous regions.
Possible gas hydrates on the Bjarmeland Platform; seismic expression and stability modelling

Seismic evidence of shallow gas anomalies are prominent at Ververis Dome structure and Hoop Fault Complex in Bjarmeland Platform. Ubiquitous high amplitude anomalies at the same depth as these shallow gas anomalies infer a possible relation to gas hydrates. A wide range of fluid flow structures within the two study areas have previously been discovered and reported, and may possibly feed the base of the gas hydrate stability zone (BGHSZ) with upward migrating thermogenic gas. This thesis focuses on seismic interpretation of gas hydrate‐related bottom simulating reflectors (BSR) from high resolution 3D seismic data and high resolution 2D P‐cable seismic data, as well as numerical modelling of gas hydrate stability conditions based on analyzed gas samples from geochemical data reports from well 7226/2‐1 and 7324/8‐1. Numerical modelling of present day gas hydrate stability conditions indicate favorable conditions for gas hydrate stability both in Ververis and Hoop Fault Complex. Furthermore, the estimated depth of gas hydrate stability from numerical modelling coincides with the interpreted BSRs in both study areas. As such, confidence is built in the interpretation and mapping of gas hydrates in the study areas. By using the results from ongoing work at Centre for arctic gas hydrate, environment and climate (CAGE) on numerical modelling of the ice sheet and isostatic conditions during the last glaciation, modelling of gas hydrate stability conditions indicate stable conditions for gas hydrates as deep as 618 m sub bottom depth in Ververis and 412 m sub bottom depth in Hoop Fault Complex during Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). The modelled gas hydrate stability zone in both study areas is thinning through deglaciation, possibly caused by unloading of vast ice sheets and the increasing bottom water temperatures.
Automatic Quantification of the Degree of Flexion on Upper Extremity through Analysis of Monocular Video

A method is introduced to obtain information on the movement of a human upper extremity based on automatic video analysis. This study used basic techniques of image segmentation and contour curvature calculation of the segmented extremity, as well as temporary dynamic alignment of sequences to track the two critical points that mark the elbow. Additionally, the median axes of the arm and forearm were calculated to then obtain curves of the extremity’s flexion angle over time. This methodology was used with seven individuals and the proposed automatic measurement was compared to the semi assisted measurement in which a physiatrist conducted measurements on images by using a computer. The results suggest that this methodology could serve as a support tool in medicine for the evaluation of different diseases that affect the mobility of the extremities.
Time Spent for Food Information Search and Obesity: North-South Dualism in Italy

In industrialized countries, the last 40 years has seen a marked change in the average level of per capita calorie intake, which has led to increased growth in overweight and obesity rates. There are many reasons to encourage public intervention aimed at facing the problems associated with excess body weight, and to promote healthy dietary habits. Among the public policies set out to reduce obesity rates, an important role is played by information measures. The purpose of this work is to analyse for the consumers the importance of food information in the allocation of free time, and to investigate the variables that affect the search for information. Following Drichoutis et al. (2008) we developed a conceptual framework through variables that affect the time spent searching for information. The study was conducted through an empirical analysis, and the sample consisted of 300 Italian consumers, 150 resident in Lombardy (northern Italy), and 150 in Apulia (southern Italy). The interviews were conducted in small shops, supermarkets and hypermarkets. For small shops we selected greengrocers, butcher's shops and shops selling dairy products. The data were analysed through OLS regression and ordinal regression models. The study, for the south sample, showed a relationship between the consumer willingness to devote time to information search and work flexibility, information stock, nutritional knowledge. In the case of northern sample, another variable that affects the time allocated for information search is BMI.
Light intensity enhancement inside the grooves of metallic gratings

Light absorption inside the grooves of metallic gratings filled with a semiconductor material can be improved by means of the electric field enhancement. To this end, the influence of grating dimensions in the electric field spectral behavior is theoretically investigated. Two conditions of cavity resonance have been analyzed separately: (1) for TE polarization (electric field parallel to the grooves) and (2) for TM polarization (magnetic field parallel to the grooves). When dimensions are chosen according to the first condition, the enhancement of TE fields is found to increase with the height-to-width ratio, and it is accompanied with a decrease in the bandwidth. The same enhancement levels can be achieved for TM fields if the second condition holds, provided that the period-to-width ratio is large enough. The simultaneous enhancement of TE and TM fields, based on a condition of surface resonance excitation, can also be accomplished. In this case, the TM response is very sensitive to changes in groove depth and width.
Canonical form 1 CF 2 : Canonical form 2 CF 3 : Canonical form 3 LS : Laplace-Stieltjes AIC : Akaike information criterion BIC : Bayesian information criterion MM : Moment matching LLF : Log-likelihood function MCMC : Markov chain

This article presents parameter estimation of phase-type (PH) distribution. PH distribution is widely used in model-based performance evaluation such as reliability and queueing system, and is defied by an absorbing continuous-time Markov chain (CTMC). Since non-Markovian model can be approximated by a CTMC by replacing general distributions with PH distributions, the parameter estimation is a challenging issue in stochastic modeling. We focus on the statistical inference algorithms to estimate not only the parameters of PH distribution with grouped, truncated and missing data but also the probability density function, and give two examples of PH fitting in reliability engineering.
Human-centred Mobile Pedestrian Navigation Systems

People in unfamiliar environments often need assistance to reach a destination. Mobile pedestrian navigation systems are designed for this purpose. Currently, many pedestrian navigation systems still adopt the methods employed in car navigation systems. Research has shown that information needs of pedestrians are quite different from those of car drivers. Therefore, approaches related to car navigation systems are not appropriate for designing systems for pedestrians. In recognizing the challenges, we propose the concept of human-centred pedestrian navigation systems, which recognize the needs and constraints of pedestrians, and provide an optimized usefulness (usability and utility) to support pedestrian navigation. This article presents our recent efforts towards these concerns, mainly focusing on route planning and route communication. Nutzerzentrierte mobile Fusgangernavigationssysteme In fremden Umgebungen benotigen Menschen haufig Hilfe, um ein bestimmtes Ziel zu erreichen. Fur diesen Zweck werden mobile Fusgangernavigationssysteme entwickelt. Derzeit wenden viele dieser Systeme Methoden der Autonavigation in adaptierter Form an. Forschungsergebnisse zeigen jedoch, dass sich der Informationsbedarf von Fusgangern deutlich von jenem der Autofahrer unterscheidet. Daraus kann geschlossen werden, dass Entwicklungsansatze von Navigationssystemen fur Autofahrer nicht geeignet sind, um auf Fusgangernavigation ubertragen zu werden. In Anbetracht der Herausforderungen wird ein Konzept vorgestellt, welches den Menschen in den Mittelpunkt ruckt. Dabei werden Bedurfnisse und Einschrankungen von Fusgangern berucksichtigt, mit dem Ziel die Nutzlichkeit von Fusgangernavigationssystemen zu optimieren. Dieser Artikel fasst die Ergebnisse aktueller Forschungsanstrengungen zu diesen Themen zusammen, wobei der Fokus auf Routenplanung und Routenkommunikation liegt.
An Efficient Hybrid I/O Caching Architecture Using Heterogeneous SSDs

Storage subsystem is considered as the performance bottleneck of computer systems in data-intensive applications. Solid-State Drives (SSDs) are emerging storage devices which unlike Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), do not have mechanical parts and therefore, have superior performance compared to HDDs. Due to the high cost of SSDs, entirely replacing HDDs with SSDs is not economically justified. Additionally, SSDs can endure a limited number of writes before failing. To mitigate the shortcomings of SSDs while taking advantage of their high performance, SSD caching is practiced in both academia and industry. Previously proposed caching architectures have only focused on either performance or endurance and neglected to address both parameters in suggested architectures. Moreover, the cost, reliability, and power consumption of such architectures is not evaluated. This paper proposes a hybrid I/O caching architecture that while offers higher performance than previous studies, it also improves power consumption with a similar budget. The proposed architecture uses DRAM, Read-Optimized SSD (RO-SSD), and Write-Optimized SSD (WO-SSD) in a three-level cache hierarchy and tries to efficiently redirect read requests to either DRAM or RO-SSD while sending writes to WO-SSD. To provide high reliability, dirty pages are written to at least two devices which removes any single point of failure. The power consumption is also managed by reducing the number of accesses issued to SSDs. The proposed architecture reconfigures itself between performance- and endurance-optimized policies based on the workload characteristics to maintain an effective tradeoff between performance and endurance. We have implemented the proposed architecture on a server equipped with industrial SSDs and HDDs. The experimental results show that as compared to state-of-the-art studies, the proposed architecture improves performance and power consumption by an average of 8 and 28 percent, respectively, and reduces the cost by 5 percent while increasing the endurance cost by 4.7 percent and negligible reliability penalty.
The outcomes of a couple partnership: the importance of sexuality in the transition from dating to cohabitation, marriage or disruption

This paper examines new union dynamics in Italy, focusing on non- residential partnerships and studying the various transitions of a couple partnership among more recent cohorts. Data from a national survey conducted in 2006 provide a unique opportunity to examine the dynamics of relationship outcomes considering both an individual and a couple perspective and to verify the relevance of sexuality. In particular, an event history approach was used to study the disruption of a intimate couple relationship or its transition to a cohabitation or a marriage. Results of piecewise constant exponential models for competing risks showed that besides attitudinal factors (associated with socio-demographic background), also some aspects connected with sexuality may be important in affecting the decision whether to marry or cohabit or to end a relationship. In particular, both sexual attitudes of individual and sexual characteristics of the relationship have some effects in the outcome of a couple partnership.
Exploring the factor structure of measures of confidence in procedural justice and performance of the criminal justice system by actor: a latent-variables approach

It is commonly acknowledged that many survey measures of confidence in the criminal justice system suffer from a number of measurement problems. A major criticism is the use of single-item questions to evaluate the criminal justice system in general. In this article we contribute to an existing knowledge of measures by assessing two theoretical dimensions of confidence in the criminal justice system: (1) procedural justice or fairness and (2) performance of the criminal justice system. The innovative part of this study is that it explicitly tests to what extent we can measure these dimensions by type of actor (the police, the public prosecutor, judges and the criminal justice system in general). Items that are highly similar in content, but different by type of actor, were presented to a sample of students enrolled at Ghent University. A latent variable modelling approach was used to test the reliability and correlational validity of our multiple-component instrument. Confirmatory factor analyses were conducted on a battery of items that measure procedural justice and performance of three actors within the criminal justice system and the criminal justice system in general. Special attention is paid to the existence of non-random error between indicators that result from question wording. Our analyses suggest that it is possible to distinguish between procedural justice and performance by actor. We tested and found that items that refer to the same actor have correlated error and we propose a way of dealing with it.
Electrical properties of UHMWPE/graphite nanoplates composites obtained by in-situ polymerization method

There are described nanocomposites based on ultra high molecular weight polyethylene and graphite nanoplates prepared by in-situ polymerization method. It is carried out a comprehensive study of electric properties of these composites, including direct current (dc) and alternating current (ac) properties. There is explored dependence of the conductivity and dielectric permeability on filler concentration, temperature, deformation and frequency of electric field. These relationships are compared with those for composites based on other carbon fillers including both nanoscale (carbon nanotubes, carbon black) and micron-sized (graphite, schungite) fillers. More specific electrical properties of investigated materials such as lower percolation threshold and higher dielectric permittivity compared to those for composites based on other carbon fillers are attributed to the plate-like shape of graphite nanoplates. These materials are distinguished also by their high electrical stability against temperature and deformation. Therefore, it makes graphite nanoplates the most preferable conductive filler for some practical applications. Some possible application areas for UHMWPE/graphite nanoplates nanocomposites will be also discussed.