Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Student recruitment marketing in South Africa - An exploratory study into the adoption of a relationship orientation

Changes in the competitive environment, largely spurred by restrictions in government funding and an increase of educational service providers in the market, have forced higher education instructions to become more proactive in terms of student recruitment. In response, many institutions have turned to corporate principles to run their operation and to recruit their ‘customers’ (that is, the students themselves). This exploratory study serves to ascertain whether using a relationship marketing approach is conducive to the task of identifying, selecting and recruiting highly desirable students. In this respect, particular emphasis is placed on whether these individuals are actually interested in establishing a pre-application relationship with a selected number of institutions, as well as the benefits they hope to accrue from such relationships. A hypothesized framework is thereafter appended as a guide for initiating and developing relationships with prospective students. Key variables influencing the decision process were probed. The reputation of the institution was found to be the most important factor in a scholar’s decision of a place of further study, followed by geographic location and thereafter campus safety. However, these differed between ethnic groups. Scholars’ receptiveness to the prospect of entering into a pre-application relationship with a tertiary education institution was found to be favourable. A mere eight percent of respondents claimed that they didn’t wish to have a relationship with an institution prior to the applications period. The remainder wished to be associated with one or more institutions. It was concluded that on average, the more serious scholar is interested in relationships with two institutions. In this regard, the factors attracting scholars to such relationships were identified. The availability of financial aid was found to be the most prominent factor, followed by curriculum advice and reduced application fees. It was therefore concluded that scholars seek real value and are less concerned with social benefits.
Assessment of with-in Breed Diversity in Hallikar Cattle ( Bos indicus ) through Microsatellite Markers

Hallikar cattle, a popular draft breed of India, were assessed genetically using five microsatellite markers, as recommended by FAO. All the screened loci were polymorphic and a total of 39 alleles were observed across the analyzed loci. The mean number of alleles was found to be 7.8±1.92 with a range of 5 to 10. The allele size ranged from 122 to 302 bp. The frequency distribution of microsatellite alleles in the breed was from 0.0104 to 0.7138. The estimated expected heterozygosity value was 0.6896±0.1403 and the PIC was 0.6565±0.1378. The population was not in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium proportion due to systematic and dispersive processes acting upon. The within population inbreeding estimate was 0.1331, indicating deficiency of heterozygosity considerably in population of Hallikar cattle. The panel of microsatellites used was highly informative for molecular characterization and could be used for exploitation of genetic diversity of the related breeds for conservation. No mode shift was detected in the frequency distribution of alleles and a normal L-shaped curve was observed, indicating that the population is nonbottlenecked and stable with respect to population size.
Getting a Lift: The Impact of Aerial Cable Cars in La Paz, Bolivia

This paper studies the effects of areal cable cars on mode of transport, time use and employment in the metropolitan area of La Paz, Bolivia. Using an instrumental variables approach, we estimate local average treatment effects of cable car use for residents who use the system due to proximity to a cable car station. Results suggest that cable-car users substitute private transport in favor of public transit and experience large savings in commute time, which is reallocated toward educational and recreational activities. Users also increase self-employment activities, potentially reflecting improved access to local labor markets. The positive effects of the cable-car are driven by residents of the city of El Alto, a city with high concentration of poor and indigenous households on the high plateau bordering La Paz. The economic benefits of the cable car outweigh costs by a ratio of 1.05 to 2.16.
Bone in vivo: Surface mapping technique

Bone in vivo: Surface mapping technique Yifang Fan, Yubo Fan, Zhiyu Li, Changsheng Lv 1 Center for Scientific Research, Guangzhou Institute of Physical Education, Guangzhou 510500, P.R. China 2 Bioengineering Department, Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Beijing 100191, P.R. China 3 College of Foreign Languages, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, P.R. China ∗ E-mail: tfyf@gipe.edu. cn
A methodology based on benchmarking to learn across megaprojects: The case of nuclear decommissioning

Purpose The literature lacks a single and universally accepted definition of major and megaprojects: usually, these projects are described as projects with a budget above $1 billion and a high level of innovation, complexity, and uniqueness both in terms of physical infrastructure and stakeholder network. Moreover, they often provide fewer benefits than what were originally expected and are affected by delays and cost overruns. Despite this techno-economic magnitude, it is still extremely hard to gather lessons learned from these projects in a systematic way. The purpose of this paper is to present an innovative methodology based on benchmarking to investigate good and bad practices and learn from a portfolio of unique megaprojects. Design/methodology/approach The methodology combines quantitative and qualitative cross-comparison of case studies and statistical analysis into an iterative process. Findings Indeed, benchmarking offers significant potential to identify good and bad practices and improve the performance of project selection, planning, and delivery. Research limitations/implications The methodology is exemplified in this paper using the case of Nuclear Decommissioning Projects and Programmes (NDPs). Originality/value Indeed, due to their characteristics, NDPs can be addressed as megaprojects, and are a relevant example for the application of the methodology presented here that collects and investigates the characteristics that mostly impact the performance of (mega)projects, through a continuous learning process.
Block Matrix Preconditioner for the Coupled Volume-Surface Integral Equation

─ A Block Matrix Preconditioner (BMP) for Volume and Surface Electric Field Integral Equations (V-EFIE and S-EFIE) for the analysis of electromagnetic scattering problems is presented. The V-EFIE operator is well-posed while the S-EFIE operator is ill-posed, so for the coupled V-EFIE and S-EFIE system, it is illconditioned. Therefore, the solution time is very long if the iterative solution is applied to solve the system equations. The proposed scheme constructs a sparse matrix version of each block matrix, which is followed by the inversion of the resultant block sparse matrix using incomplete factorization. The proposed scheme enables the efficient electromagnetic analysis for the composite structures. Several numerical examples are proposed to demonstrate the efficiency of the scheme. Index Terms ─ Block matrix preconditioner, coupled volume-surface integral equation and iterative solution.
Identifying and Aligning Product ‘Attributes’ with Latent Consumer Purchase Motivations

The characteristics and elements of a product play a significant role as a medium to convey product value to consumers. This paper offers a theoretical reflection from numerous research case studies on the understanding of consumer purchase behaviour in engaging with a particular product's elements and characteristics and to explore consumers' emotional experience and perceptions to achieve the desired position in consumers' minds. This paper compares the perspectives of product attributes and consumer behaviour through discussing two theoretical models (behavioural perspective, purchase motivation, product attributes, product aesthetic) that are useful for an understanding of the functions of product attributes. Furthermore, this study emphasises aspects for markets and designers to contemplate in their efforts to increase consumer awareness and create the brand through their experiences and emotions. Finally, the implications of a stronger theoretical approach to consumer behaviour research and practice are discussed.
Learning Objects Automatic Generation System for Multiple Data Formats

This paper focuses on object processing digital resources to enhance their reusability and adaptability. Deep into content level of digital resources belonging to different formats, to achieve fine-grained knowledge-based learning objects automated generation, this paper presents a MPLOG framework that integrates a variety of learning resources analyzers. Under the guidance of the domain ontology, the analyzers have divided digital resources into blocks and marked them with knowledge point. Keywords-component; Learning Objects; Multiple Data Sources; Multiple Data Formats; Automatic Generation System; SOA
Java Virtual Machine Optimizations for Java and Dynamic Languages

Java virtual machine (JVM) has been introduced as the machine-independent runtime environment to run a Java program. As a 32-bit stack machine, JVM can execute bytecode instructions generated through compilation of a Java program on any machine if the JVM runtime was correctly ported on it. The machine-independence of JVM brought about the huge success of both the Java programming language and the Java virtual machine itself on various systems encompassing from cloud servers to embedded systems including handsets and smart cards. Since a bytecode instruction should be interpreted by the JVM runtime for execution on top of a specific underlying system, a Java program runs innately slower due to the interpretation overhead than a C/C++ program that is compiled directly for the system. Java just-in-time (JIT) compilers, the de facto performance add-on modules, are employed to improve the performance of a Java virtual machine (JVM) by translating Java bytecode into native machine code on demand. One important problem in Java JIT compilation is how to map stack entries and local variables of the JVM runtime to physical registers efficiently and quickly, since register-based computations are much faster than memory-based ones, while JIT compilation overhead is part of the whole running time. This paper introduces LaTTe, an open-source Java JIT compiler that performs fast generation of efficiently registermapped RISC code. LaTTe first maps “all” local variables and stack entries into pseudo registers, followed by real register allocation which also coalesces copies corresponding to pushes and pops between local variables and stack entries aggressively. In addition to the efficient register allocation, LaTTe is equipped with various traditional and object-oriented optimizations such as CSE, dynamic method inlining, and specialization. We also devised new mechanisms for Java exception handling and monitor handling in LaTTe, named on-demand exception handling and lightweight monitor,
Technical Efficiency in the Agricultural Sector-Evidence from a Conditional Quantile - Based Approach

The tightening farm budget constraints due to the reduction of the agricultural public financing and the negative gap between the ag ricultural input and output prices should force farms to work as efficient as possible. This paper applies a fully nonparametric approach to estimate potential efficiency gains in the agricultural sector while account- ing for heterogeneity among farms. Using the ‘conditional α -quantile robust partial frontier technique’ we investigate the efficiency of agricultural enterprises specialized in cereals production. The data originate from the EU Farm Accounting Data etwork. The results indicate a considerable variability in terms of technical efficiency among farms. We find evidence that the owned to total land, the family to total labor, the irri- gation system, the region at which the farm is located and the year of observation have a statistically significant impact on productivity.
Microstrip Radiating Structures: Improved Gain and Broader Band Width

In this paper, we have presented a comprehensive results of research on microstrip antenna conducted in the last few years with an emphasis to increase the bandwidth of the patch antenna as well as its peak gain value. The effect of different geometry of patch and some modification in feed structure are very important to modify the bandwidth and radiation performance of the patch as revealed from researches in the recent years which has been reported thoroughly.
Extreme Precipitation Changes in the Semiarid Region of Xinjiang, Northwest China

This study focuses on extreme precipitation changes in Xinjiang Province of Northwest China, which has experienced an increase in climate disasters in recent years. This paper investigates extreme precipitation events in Xinjiang, using 54 stations with daily precipitation records from the period 1961–2008. Different statistical tests and approaches were used to check the significance of trends of single and Xinjiang regionally aggregated precipitation series for intensity and in frequency. There were predominantly positive trends in annual maximum precipitation and a remarkable increment in the frequency of extreme precipitation over certain thresholds (from 10 to 40 mm). Although the series of frequencies exceeding thresholds had positive trends, only a minority were statistically significant. This lack of significance is because of the high variability of extreme precipitation in space and time. Thus, significant trends were evident when we assessed the extreme precipitation indicators of intensity and frequency at the regional level, both in intensity and frequency over thresholds, with a clearer signal in Xinjiang.
A partial factors methodology for structural safety assessment in non-linear analysis

In the present structural codes the safety veri fication is based on a linear analysis of the structure and the satisfaction of ultimate and serviceability limit states, using a semi-probabilistic security format through the consideration of partial safety factors, which affect the action values and the characteristic values of the material properties. In this context, if a non-linear st ructural analysis is wanted a difficulty arises, because the globa l safety coefficient, which could be obtained in a straightforward way from the non-linear analysis, is not directly relatable to the different safety coefficient values usually used for the different materials, as is the case for reinforc ed concrete structures. The work here presented aims to overcome this difficulty by proposing a methodology that generalises the format of safety verification based on partial safety factors, well established in structural codes within the scope of linear analysis, for cases where non-linear analysis is needed. The me thodology preserves the principal assumptions made in the codes as well as a reasonable simplicity in its use, including a realistic definition of the material properties and the structural behaviour, and it is base d on the evaluation of a global safety coefficient. Some examples are presented aiming to clarify and s ynthesise all the options that were taken in the application of the proposed methodology, namely how to transpose the force distri butions obtained with a non-linear analysis into design force distributions. One of the most important features of the proposed methodology, the ability for comparing the simplifie d procedures for second order effects evaluation prescribed in the structural codes, is also presented in a simple and sy stematic way. The potential of the methodology for the development and assessment of alternative and more accurate procedures to those already established in codes of practice, where non-lin ear effects must be considered, is also indicated.
Examining Problematic Gambling and Mental Health in a LGBTI community: A preliminary study

This preliminary study explored gambling in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual and intersex (LGBTI) community, recognising this as an under researched area. Several factors were considered alongside gambling, namely mental health, substance use, alcohol use and self-control. Participants were recruited to take part in an online survey, with a final sample of 69 obtained. Findings revealed that gambling activities such as pub slot machines/games (58%) were the most common form of gambling, followed by scratch cards (43.5%). The most common motive for engaging in gambling was for ‘fun’, followed by ‘because you like the feeling’. Twenty percent of participants appeared to meet the criteria for gambling disorder, as defined by the DSM–V. Mental health variables, namely depression and anxiety, did not distinguish between problematic and non-problematic gambling whereas alcohol, drug use and self-control did; higher levels of alcohol and higher levels of drug use were present in the problematic gambling group which appeared to confirm gambling as a difficulty best placed within the addiction spectrum. Self-control was also lower in the problematic gambling group and represented a significant predictor of problematic gambling.
Effect of Medium and Cytokinin Types on Banana Micropropagation during Multiplication Stage

Banana (Musa spp. family Musaceae) is a fourth most important fruit crop in the world. This investigation was carried out in tissue culture laboratory in Horticulture Department, Agriculture Faculty, Suez Canal University, Ismailia during the period 2013 – 2015, to study the effect of medium type (solid or liquid) and cytokinin types (BAP or Kin at 0, 1, 3, 5, 7 mg/l) during multiplication stage, in a complete randomized design with two factors. The explants were collected from suckers grown around banana fruiting mother plants, cultivar Grande Naine. In liquid medium supplemented with 3.0 mg/l Benzyl amino purine (BAP) increased number of shoots (7.20). While 5 mg/l Kinetin (Kin) improved shoot length (7.40 cm) in solid medium compared with other treatments. The liquid media is preferable within mass production and commercial advantages. The BAP promotes shoot initiation and development either with solid or liquid media more than Kin.
Genetic diversity and demographic variation in Farfantepenaeus notialis (Pérez-Farfante, 1969) from southern Cuban platforms

Descifrar los procesos demograficos entre poblaciones locales es particularmente importante para el manejo sostenible de las poblaciones naturales. En este estudio, se utilizaron marcadores nucleares y mitocondriales para estimar las tasas de inmigracion y el tamano efectivo de Farfantepenaeus notialis de los golfos de Ana Maria y Batabano. Un fragmento de 385pb de la region no codificadora del ADNmt y 506 pb de las regiones flanqueantes de dos loci microsatelites ( PnS03 y PNS18 ), fueron secuenciadas en individuos colectados durante los anos 1999 y 2003. Los resultados confirmaron la subdivision genetica entre las poblaciones de ambos golfos y la alta diversidad genetica de esta especie. Los estimados de inmigracion entre localidades del Golfo de Ana Maria fueron altos y difirieron entre tipos de marcadores y anos. El analisis demografico evidencio que la especie experimento una expansion subita hace aproximadamente 51,000 anos. Sin embargo, la poblacion efectiva actual del Golfo de Ana Maria ha experimentado una reduccion en su tamano efectivo, mientras muestra una tasa de crecimiento positiva. En este sentido se establece la hipotesis de que el incremento de las migraciones en los ultimos anos ha influenciado los estimados de crecimiento mientras que no ha sido suficiente para contrabalancear la reduccion del tamano efectivo poblacional. Por otra parte, la poblacion de golfo de Batabano parece estable o se encuentra en decrecimiento segun los estimados de g para ambos marcadores. Los resultados alertan acerca de la delicada situacion demografica que presenta uno de los mayores recursos pesqueros de Cuba
Investigating the Validity of Acoustic Spectrum as a Prediction Tool for Pump Cavitation

Cavitation in pumps causes destructive consequences; it must be detected and prevented. The aim of the present work is investigating the validity of sound spectrum as a prediction tool for pump cavitation. Results showed that; for the discrete frequencies of RF = 47.5 Hz, and BPF = 285 Hz and its second, third, and fourth harmonics of 570 Hz, 855 Hz, and 1140 Hz respectively; there are no great variations in the noise signal for the cavitation and non-cavitation conditions. For the discrete frequency of 147 Hz, there is also no great variation in the noise signal at this frequency. The only apparent result is that; the occurrence of cavitation results high energy noise signals at high frequencies from 1000 Hz to 10000 Hz. The absence of any discrete frequency to be monitored makes the sound spectrum not valid as a prediction tool for cavitation in the pumps.
Multilevel models for cost-effectiveness analyses that use cluster randomised trials : an approach to model choice Running title : Model choice for CEA of cluster trials

Edmond S. -W. Ng CStat, Karla DiazOrdaz PhD, Richard Grieve PhD, Richard M. Nixon PhD, Simon G. Thompson DSc, James R. Carpenter DPhil Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK. Modeling and Simulation Group, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland. Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge. Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
Fingerprint Scheme For Digital Text

Digital content copyright protection is a key concern in the current environment where intellectual property is constantly threatened. In this paper, a novel solution is proposed to guarantee authenticity and integrity of a text document by protecting digital text. The key application of the proposal is the algorithm that protects text against alteration and tampering under “Cut & Paste” attacks. This approach provides a promising solution to current digital security challenges, through providing a starting point towards secured sharing and usage of digital content. The paper also examines key protection techniques, their uses and their drawbacks. Some of the key techniques discussed include forms of cryptography, steganography, watermarking and 2D barcodes.
A theoretical model to predict customer satisfaction in relation to service quality in selected university libraries in Sri Lanka

University library administrators in Sri Lanka have begun to search for alternative ways to satisfy their clientele on the basis of service quality. This article aims at providing a theoretical model to facilitate the identification of service quality attributes and domains that may be used to predict customer satisfaction from a service quality perspective. The effectiveness of existing service quality models such as LibQUAL, SERVQUAL and SERVPREF have been questioned. In that regard, this study developed a theoretical model for academic libraries in Sri Lanka based on the disconfirmation and performance-only paradigms. These perspectives were considered by researchers to be the core mechanism to develop service quality/customer satisfaction models. The attributes and domain identification of service quality was carried out with a stratified sample of 263 participants selected from postgraduate and undergraduate students and academic staff members from the faculties of Arts in four universities in Sri Lanka. The study established that responsiveness, supportiveness, building environment, collection and access, furniture and facilities, technology, Web services and service delivery were quality domains which can be used to predict customer satisfaction. The theoretical model is unique in its domain structure compared to the existing models. The model needs to be statistically tested to make it valid and parsimonious.