Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reasons and biological causes. Some reflections on Boudon’s Theory of Ordinary Rationality

En el seu esforc per fornir la sociologia d’una teoria del comportament amb la qual microfonamentar els fenomens socials, Raymond Boudon va buscar una teoria que pogues presentar-se com a general (es a dir, una teoria que, atesa la seva fortalesa, pogues utilitzar-se «per defecte» en les explicacions). En aquesta cerca, Boudon va desconsiderar les causes biologiques i va defensar que la seva teoria de la racionalitat ordinaria era la millor eleccio, ja que oferia explicacions finals: quan una conducta s’explica com a resultat de creences que estan ben fonamentades en bones raons, estem oferint una explicacio lliure de «caixes negres». En aquest article, sostindre que existeixen seriosos problemes en els arguments que va fer servir Boudon per descartar l’estrategia explicativa basada en les causes biologiques. En segon lloc, assenyalare que algunes troballes recents de diverses ciencies del comportament suposen un questionament radical del valor de la seva teoria de la racionalitat ordinaria, com tambe una reavaluacio positiva de la psicologia evolucionista. En vista d’aquestes troballes, podem sostenir que, moltes vegades, o be les raons estan sistematicament esbiaixades per causes biologiques, o be aquestes causes causen directament la conducta, per la qual cosa llavors les raons son simples racionalitzacions. Per tant, ni l’estrategia explicativa basada en raons ni la basada en causes biologiques poden utilitzar-se «per defecte». Ates l’estat actual del nostre coneixement, la psicologia evolucionista no pot proposar-se com una teoria general del comportament, pero esta mes ben situada per fer-ho en el futur: dependra de la seva habilitat per construir models que integrin raons i causes biologiques.
A Study of How the Organizational Culture of International Tourist Hotels Affects Organizational Performance: Using Intellectual Capital as the Mediating Variable

The primary purpose of this study is mostly to explore the influence of organizational culture on organizational performance at Taiwan-based international tourist hotels, with Intellectual Capital (IC) being the mediating variable. The target population in this study consists of employees of the rooms, catering and management departments at the existing 105 Taiwan-based international tourist hotels, selected using convenience sampling. The linear Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was adopted to verify the goodness-of-fit effects among the overall model, structural model and measurement model. This study focuses on the path coefficients between “implicit/latent variables” (a.k.a. unobservable variables) of the structural model, with the Bayesian Estimation used to test the significance of the model’s direct effect, mediating effect and total effect. Findings from this study include: (1) organizational culture has a positive, significant and direct influence on organizational performance; and (2) organizational culture has a significantly positive influence on IC, which in turn affects the organizational performance in a significant and positive
Effect of somatic cell types and culture medium on in vitro maturation, fertilization and early development capability of buffalo oocytes.

ABSTRACT Received: Revised: Accepted: July 12, 2010 September 30, 2010 October 14, 2010 Key words: Buffalo oocytes In vitro maturation In vitro fertilization Somatic cells co culture This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of different somatic cell types and media in supporting in vitro maturation (IVM), in vitro fertilization (IVF) and early embryonic development competence of buffalo follicular oocytes. Cumulus oocyte complexes were collected for maturation from follicles (>6mm) of buffalo ovaries collected at the local abattoir. Oocytes were co-cultured in tissue culture medium (TCM-199) with either granulosa cells, cumulus cells, or buffalo oviductal epithelial cells (BOEC) @ 3x10 6 cells/ml or in TCM-199 without helper cells (control) at 39°C and 5%CO 2 in humidified air. Fresh semen was prepared in modified Ca ++ free Tyrode medium. Fertilization was carried out in four types of media: i) Tyrode lactate albumin pyruvate (TALP), ii) TALP+BOEC, iii) modified Ca ++ free Tyrode and iv) modified Ca
Computation of the thermal conductivity using methods based on classical and quantum molecular dynamics

The thermal conductivity of a model for solid argon is investigated using nonequilibrium molecular dynamics methods, as well as the traditional Boltzmann transport equation approach with input from molecular dynamics calculations, both with classical and quantum thermostats. A surprising result is that, at low temperatures, only the classical molecular dynamics technique is in agreement with the experimental data. We argue that this agreement is due to a compensation of errors and raise the issue of an appropriate method for calculating thermal conductivities at low (below Debye) temperatures.
Effect of Secondary Processing and Nanoscale Reinforcement on the Mechanical Properties of Al-TiC Composites

Aluminium based composites containing 1, 1.5 and 2wt. % of nano-sized Titanium Carbide particulates (TiC), with an average of 45nm, reinforcement were synthesized using low energy planetary ball mill followed by hot extrusion. Microstructural characterization of the materials revealed uniform distribution of reinforcement, grain refinement and the presence of minimal porosity. Properties characterization revealed that the presence of nano-TiC particulates led to an increase in hardness, elastic modulus, 0.2% yield strength (0.2% offset on a stress-strain curve), and the stress at which a material exhibits a specified permanent deformation, Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) and ductility of pure aluminum. Fractography studies revealed that the fracture of pure aluminum occurred in ductile mode due to the incorporation and uniform distribution of nano-TiC particulates. An attempt is made in the present study to correlate the effect of nano-sized TiC particulates as reinforcement and processing type with the micro structural and tensile properties of aluminum composites. The mechanical properties, namely, the UTS, hardness, grain size and distribution of the reinforcement in the base metal were studied in as sintered and extruded conditions. Orowan strengthening criteria was used to predict the yield strength of Al-TiC composites in the present work and experimental results were compared with the theoretical results.
Simultaneous Factor Analysis in Several Populations

DOCUMENT RVSUME TM 000 837 Joreskog, Karl G. Simultaneous Factor Analysis in Several Populations. Educational Testing Service, Princeton, N.J. Nov 70 33p, MF-50.65 HC-$3.29 *Factor Analysis; *Factor Structure; Goodness of Fit; Hypothesis Testing; Mathematical Applications; *mathematical Models; *Research Methodology; *sampling; Statistical Analysis Thi,c; paper is concerned with the study of similarities and differences in factor structures between different groups. A common sitUation is when a battery of tests has been administered to samples of examinees from several populations. A very general model is presented, in which any parameter in the factor analysis models (factor loadings, factor variances, factor covariances, and unique variances) for the different groups may be assigned an arbitralry value or constrained to be equal to some other parameter. Given suCh a specification, the model is estimated by the maximum likelihood Method yielding a large sample chi-square of goodness of fit. By computing several solutions under different specifications one can test various hypotheses. The method is capable of dealing with any degree of invariance, from the one extreme, where nothing is invariant, to the other extreme, where everything is invariant. Neither the number of tests nor the number of common factors need to be the same for all groups, but to be at all interesting, it is assumed that there is a common core of tests in each battery that iS the same or at least content-wise comparable. (Author) U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, ED U CATI ON & WELFARE OFFICE OF EDUCATION [HIS DOCUMENT HAS SEEN REPRODUCED EXACTLY AS RECEIVED FM THE PERSON OR ORGANIZATIC. ORIGINATING IT. POINTS OF VIEW OR OPINIONS STATED DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT OFFICIAL OFFICE OF EDUCATION POSITION OR POLICY. RB -70-61 SIMULTANEOUS FACTOR ANALYSIS IN SEVERAL POPULATIONS
Tokyo Tech’s Technology Demonstration Satellite “TSUBAME”

The fourth small satellite project named "TSUBAME" has been started by Lab for Space Systems at Tokyo Institute of Technology. TSUBAME is a size of 50cm x 50cm x 40cm and total mass of 40 kg and has two main missions. One is a polarized X-ray and gamma-ray observation by changing the attitude at high speed with CMGs (Control Moment Gyros). The other is a tether formation flight. This paper will explain its conceptual design of ”TSUBAME” to achieve the missions.
North Atlantic atmospheric regimes and winter extremes in the Iberian peninsula

Abstract. In this study, we assess the relationships between North Atlantic scale atmospheric regimes and extremes of precipitation and minimum temperature in the Iberian peninsula for an extended (DJFM) winter season. As found in previous studies, large scale atmospheric regimes are well represented in climate simulations while the extreme atmospheric variability is not. The relationship between some of these atmospheric regimes and the probability of occurrence of extreme values in simulations of present day climatic variability is validated here with daily observations at 68 meteorological stations all over the Iberian peninsula. Therefore, the possible changes in the probability of occurrence of winter extremes of minimum temperature and precipitation are obtained by projecting the changes in the probability of occurrence of the winter atmospheric regimes. The trends in the frequency of the observed large scale patterns give an indication of what can be expected in the next decades. For the long term (in a century), the changes are obtained directly from the comparison of the frequencies of the atmospheric regimes in the scenario simulations with those of the historical period. The projections obtained in this way are tested for consistency with the results obtained by comparing the changes in the extremes threshold values in the scenario with those of the historical simulations. The results point to a future with less precipitation extreme events and less minimum temperature extreme events in winter in the westerly central part of the Iberian peninsula.
MultiagentQ-Learning for Aloha-Like Spectrum Access in Cognitive Radio Systems

An Aloha-like spectrum access scheme without negotiation is considered for multiuser and multichannel cognitive radio systems. To avoid collisions incurred by the lack of coordination, each secondary user learns how to select channels according to its experience. Multiagent reinforcement leaning (MARL) is applied for the secondary users to learn good strategies of channel selection. Specifically, the framework of Q-learning is extended from single user case to multiagent case by considering other secondary users as a part of the environment. The dynamics of the Q-learning are illustrated using a Metrick-Polak plot, which shows the traces of Q-values in the two-user case. For both complete and partial observation cases, rigorous proofs of the convergence of multiagent Q-learning without communications, under certain conditions, are provided using the Robins-Monro algorithm and contraction mapping, respectively. The learning performance (speed and gain in utility) is evaluated by numerical simulations.
Studying the Impact of Accruals Quality and Market Risk Premium on Stock return Excess Using Fama-French Three Factor Model

Determining effective agents in stock return excess behavior (stock risk premium) is one of the key points in investors decision that its benefit and quality of its elements (like accruals) are the impressive factors on stock return excess (stock risk premium) which influence users decision making. Accruals are temporary adjustments that postpone fulfilled cash flows recognition and estimate error degree. Criteria estimating to study these items quality seem necessary because of affecting over future cash flows. Therefore the current study aims to investigate the effect of accruals quality and market risk premium on stock return excess. In order to examine probe hypothesis, we used Fama-French three-factor model that accruals were added to it. For this aim a sample that includes 88 of accepted companies in Tehran stock exchange between 2005 until 2013 was studied. In order to calculate accruals, we used Dechow et al model (1995) utilizing sectional data and to estimate we used Fama-French model (1993) by multivariable regression method and time series data. This study in nature is collateral and in goal is fundamental-experimental. The conclusions show that between accruals quality factors and stock risk premium there is a negative significant relation and between market and stock risk premium there is a positive significant relation. Moreover, the results indicate that among size agent and stock risk premium also between book value to market value ratio factors and stock risk premium there is a negative significant link.
Preventive Security-Constrained DCOPF Formulation Using Power Transmission Distribution Factors and Line Outage Distribution Factors

This study proposes a very effective formulation to carry out the security-constrained direct current (DC)-based optimal power flow (OPF) problem using two linear factors: (i) the power transmission distribution factors (PTDF) and (ii) the line outage distribution factors (LODF). The security-constrained (SC) DCOPF problem has been reformulated using these linear distribution factors, and mainly the pre- and post-contingency constraints have been added into the optimization problem based on the active power unit generation (decision variables). The main advantage of this formulation is the reduction of decision variables as well as equality and inequality constraints. To validate the introduced formulation, several experiments have been conducted using MatPower, DIgSILENT Power Factory and Gurobi. Simulation results demonstrate both the feasibility to carry out the SCOPF problem and the potential applicability of the proposed formulation to medium and large-scale power systems.
Enhancement of the magnetoelectric coefficient in functionally graded multiferroic composites

A meshless method based on the local Petrov–Galerkin approach is proposed to solve static and dynamic problems in functionally graded magnetoelectroelastic plates. Material properties on the bottom surface have a pure piezomagnetic behavior, and on the top surface, they are pure piezoelectric. Along the plate thickness, the material properties are continuously varying. The magnetoelectric coefficient is vanishing in pure piezoelectric as well as in pure piezomagnetic constituents. It is shown, however, that a finite electric potential in the functionally graded composite can be induced by an applied magnetic potential. It means that a finite magnetoelectric coefficient exists in a functionally graded composite plate made of different phases with vanishing magnetoelectric coefficients. It is a way to enhance the magnetoelectric coefficient in composites. Various gradations of material coefficients are considered to analyze their influence on the magnitude of magnetoelectric coefficients. Pure magnetic and combined magnetic–mechanical loads are analyzed. The meshless local Petrov–Galerkin is developed for the solution of boundary value problems in magnetoelectroelastic solids with continuously varying material properties.
Using the EQ-5D as a performance measurement tool in the NHS

In a landmark move, the UK Department of Health (DH) is introducing the routine use of Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) as a means of measuring the performance of health care providers in improving patient health. From April 2009 all patients will be asked to complete both generic (EQ-5D) and condition specific PROMs before and after surgery for four elective procedures; the intention is to extend this to a wide range of other NHS services. The aim of this paper is to report analysis of the EQ-5D data generated from a pilot study commissioned by the DH, and to consider the implications of the results for their use as performance indicators and measures of patient benefit. The EQ-5D has the potential advantage in the context of PROMs of enabling comparisons of performance across services as well as between providers; and in facilitating assessments of the cost effectiveness of NHS services. We present two new methods we have developed for analysing and displaying EQ-5D profile data: a Paretian Classification of Health Change, and a Health Profile Grid. Using these methods, we show that EQ-5D data can readily be used to generate useful insights into differences between providers in improving overall changes in health; results are also suggestive of striking differences in changes in health between surgical procedures. We conclude by noting a number of issues that remain to be addressed in the use of PROMs data as a basis for performance indicators.
Enhanced symbiotic nitrogen fixation by Lotus japonicus containing an antisense β-1,3-glucanase gene

We hypothesized that root nodule formation would be promoted by lower expression of a b-1,3-glucanase gene (designated as LjGlu1), because expression of this gene is increased in transgenic Lotus japonicus that shows reduced nodulation. In order to suppress the expression of this gene, we introduced the antisense LjGlu1 gene into L. japonicus via Agrobacterium rhizogenes. Although there was no significant difference in shoot and root growth between L. japonicus possessing the antisense construct and plants containing an empty vector, the number of root nodules 28 days after inoculation with Mesorhizobium loti MAFF303099 increased in the antisense plant compared with the control plant. Moreover, the nitrogen fixation activity of the antisense plant was drastically enhanced. The mechanism of enhanced nitrogen fixation by suppression of the expression of LjGlu1 is unknown, but this phenomenon should be an important breeding target for leguminous plants. This is the first report of strong enhancement of nitrogen fixation activity by manipulation of a gene of the leguminous host plant.
In Search of Monetary Policy Measures: the Case of Italy in the 90s

In this paper we present a structural VAR analysis of monetary policy in Italy. A monetary policy operating regime based on the control of the overnight rate seems to fit the data better than alternative quantitative monetary regimes. The model allows us to derive an overall indicator of the monetary policy stance that is able to highlight the major episodes of monetary contraction in the sample.
Combining Data-Driven Constituent and Dependency Parsers for CIPS-ParsEval-2009

In this paper, we describe our Chinese parsing system participated in the CIPS-ParsEval-2009 evaluation task 5. Two open source data driven parsing systems are used: constituent tree parsing with Berkeley's Parser, and dependency parsing with MSTParser. The results are combined to produce the phrase structure trees with head indices. Results show that the Berkeley parser achieved close to state-of-the-art performance on constituent tree parsing without head indices. And the combination gives us good partialhead identification accuracy. However the poor performance on full head identification indicates that the combination cannot handle the cases well where multiple heads exist.
New Compact High Gain Radiating Element for Base Station Antenna

Development of new network standards leads to use bulky base station antennas. Their wide surfaces are not compatible with integration constraints in urban areas. As the antenna is composed of a high number of radiating elements, reduce the surface of each element is a way to reduce the antenna surface. Compact radiating element would allow several antennas integration on the initial surface. In this paper, a new compact antenna is designed in order to obtain up to four antennas at the place of one. The antenna gain and horizontal Half Power Beamwidth (HPBW) should be maintained. The size reduction is obtained by dielectric embedding. In order to determine the dielectric characteristics in which the antenna must be immersed, a theoretical model is proposed in this paper. Simulations and measurements are provided to show the evolution of the antenna's performances in order to achieve manufacturer's specifications.
Ancient Egyptian Cereal Processing: Beyond the Artistic Record

Leighton, R. , cont. Part iii, eds. C. Malone & S. Stoddart. (British Archaeological Reports 245.) Oxford: British Archaeological Reports, 399-412. Leighton, R. , 1993. The Protohistoric Settlement on the Cittadella. (Morgantina Studies Volume 4.) Princeton (NJ): Princeton University Press. Miiller-Karpe, H. , 1959. Beitra'ge zur Chronologie der Urnenfelderzeit Nordlich und Siidlich der Alpen. Berlin: De Gruyter. Orsi, P., 1899. Pantalica e Cassibile. Monumenti antichi dei Lincei 9, 33-146. Orsi, P., 1912. Pantalica e Dessueri. Monumenti antichi dei Lincei 21, 301-408. Sjoqvist, E. , 1973. Sicily and the Greeks. Studies in the Interrelationship between the Indigenous Populations and the Greek Colonists. Ann Arbor (MI): University of Michigan Press. Snodgrass, A. , 1991. Review of James et al. 1991. Cambridge Archaeological Journal 1(2), 246-47. Tusa, S. , 1983. La Sicilia nella Preistoria. Palermo: Sellerio. Vallet, G. , 1984-85. L'apporto dell'urbanistica. Le fait urbain en Grece et en Sicile a l'epoque archaique. Kokalos 30-31,133-55. Vallet, G. , F. Villard & P. Auberson, 1976. Megara Hyblaea 1. Le auartier de Xagora archaique. Rome: Ecole Franchise de Rome. Voza, G. , 1973. Thapsos, in Archeologia nella Sicilia sudorientale. Syracuse: Centre Jean Berard, 30-52. Voza, G. , 1980. Problematica Archeologica, in La Sicilia antica. lndigeni, Fenici-Punici e Greci, eds. E. Gabba & G. Vallet. Naples: Storia di Napoli e della Sicilia, Societa editrice, 5-42. Ancient Egyptian Cereal Processing: Beyond the Artistic Record
Job Satisfaction and Job Performance: A Case Study of Five-Star Hotels in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

High level performance through productivity and efficiency has always been an organization’s goals. In order to do that, highly satisfied employees are absolutely necessities in achieving high level performance. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between job satisfaction and job performance among the employees who are currently working for five-star hotels in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia. Three five-star hotels and 91 employees have been chosen for this study. The results indicate that there is a significant positive relationship between job satisfaction and job performance. The findings also reveal that job satisfaction affects job performance. This study recommends that the management should pay more attention onto employees’ job satisfaction in order to enhance job performance. This study also suggests further works to include different measures and larger sample which could result in better understanding of the relationship between the variables.
DESIGNING FOR USER EXPERIENCE IN NORDIC SKIING

Although the experience is the most important aspect of skiing, sports equipment manufacturers do not seem to take this into account in the development of skiing products. This paper examines how the sports industry can develop better products by focusing specifically on the user experience. Such a focus might lead to better experiences in winter sports. A user survey and a literature review were used as the main research methods. The results of the literature review were compared with the opinions and ideas of skiers. The findings revealed a disparity between the users’ and producers’ focus. Greater involvement of the user and the inclusion of the user experience in the design process could result in better ski equipment and better experiences. A set of design principles is proposed that can be used in the development of ski equipment.