Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Testing the precision of spatial memory representations using a change-detection task: effects of viewpoint change

ABSTRACT The brain encodes spatial information in at least two distinct ways: egocentric representations encode locations relative to the observer, whereas allocentric representations encode locations relative to the environment. Both inform spatial memory, but the extent to which they influence behaviour varies depending on the task. In two preregistered experiments we used a psychophysical approach to measure the precision of spatial memory while varying ego- and allocentric task demands. Participants attempted to detect the changed location of one of four objects when seen from a new viewpoint. In both experiments (one using a Same/Different task, the other a 2AFC task), psychophysically-determined change detection thresholds showed a monotonic but non-linear increase as the degree of viewpoint change increased. Our findings were consistent with a preregistered model which shows how, governed by distinct ego- and allocentric contributions, the precision of spatial memory changes lawfully as a function of viewpoint shift.
Is the German labour market granular?

ABSTRACT This paper is the first to investigate the relevance of the ‘granular hypothesis” proposed by Gabaix (Econometrica 2011) for employment growth. Using comprehensive data for Germany, we show that the establishment size distribution in terms of employment is indeed fat-tailed and that idiosyncratic shocks to large establishments explain a substantial portion of aggregate employment change. This relationship is more pronounced in the manufacturing than the service sector. Our findings may be an argument for stabilizing the largest establishments when hit by negative idiosyncratic shocks, since their employment fluctuations could spill over to aggregate employment growth.
Nonlinear dynamics of pulsating detonation wave with two-stage chemical kinetics in the shock-attached frame

Abstract The paper contributes to the clarification of the mechanism of one-dimensional pulsating detonation wave propagation for the transition regime with two-scale pulsations. For this purpose, a novel numerical algorithm has been developed for the numerical investigation of the gaseous pulsating detonation wave using the two-stage model of kinetics of chemical reactions in the shock-attached frame. The influence of grid resolution, approximation order and the type of rear boundary conditions on the solution has been studied for four main regimes of detonation wave propagation for this model. Comparison of dynamics of pulsations with results of other authors has been carried out.
Locomotion methods of microrobots and targeted drug delivery

e-mail: alper.kurt@ozu.edu. tr ABSTRACT Many of the drugs used in the treatment of diseases, such as cancer, spread throughout the body, causing tissue and healthy cell loss. Patients taking these medications may experience serious side effects. To overcome these problems, scientists have developed many types of microrobots and operating principles which can release drugs manageably and locally and can be remotely controlled with external sources. In this review, four different movement types that we selected from the movement mechanisms of microrobots are examined in detail. These motion types are magnetic motion, acoustic motion, microorganism-based motion, and chemical reaction-based motion, respectively. In this review, we discuss how each movement mechanism works and what kind of experimental studies it has today. In addition, the shortcomings of these movement mechanisms and the aspects that need to be improved are mentioned. In general, this review sheds light into how microrobots facilitate human health with targeted drug delivery technology and forthcoming
Language Experience Affects Comprehension of Spanish Passive Clauses: A Study of Heritage Speakers and Second Language Learners

Heritage language (HL) learners of Spanish have shown better command with early acquired aspects of grammar than second language (L2) learners, mainly in oral tasks. This study investigates whether this advantage persists with passive clauses, structures acquired early but mastered during the school-age years, with literacy. We examined adjectival passives (La comida estaba servida, “Dinner was served”) with the copula estar in the imperfect, which refer to a description of a state or a final result; and verbal passives with the copula ser in the imperfect (La comida era servida. “Dinner was being served”), which refer to an ongoing or habitual action in the past. A grammaticality judgment task (GJT) testing knowledge of the copulas in different simple sentences and a picture-matching task (PMT) testing the comprehension of the two passive clauses revealed that HL learners’ knowledge of the copulas resembles that of literate monolingually raised native speakers more than that of L2 learners. HL learners are able to integrate their knowledge of the copulas to comprehend syntactically complex clauses, especially in the aural modality.
“You are Dead, but You are Not”: Social medium (Facebook) is the message in grieving and continuing bonds

Today, one may no longer alive but his social networking sites (SNS) account will still live on. Empirical studies on death and SNS started since 2004 covering issues on grief, bereavement, mourning, relational continuity functions of SNS, and digital legacy. Majority of them applied content and discourse analyses on SNS messages directed to or related to the deceased. Applying McLuhan’s aphorism medium is the message, researcher focused on the interplay among forms and functions of Facebook (FB) as a medium and message that mediates grief and the bereaved persons who are communicators that decided to grieve on FB. This research adopts grounded theory approach where in- depth interviews with 10 bereaved persons who maintain relational continuity with their deceased loved ones through FB were conducted. The conclusions are drawn to prove that bereaved users preferred to engage in a transcoporeal mediated communication with deceased for continuing bonds due to four main reasons – the deceased are perceived “dead but they are not”; maintaining relational continuity via FB is essential to “finish their unfinished business”; they felt aided and embraced when adopting “FB the Public Platform for Private Grief”, and they imagined a mutual communication based on “past experience and religious belief”. The mediated transcopereal communication (TcC) is enabled because the social medium (FB) is the message.
Clustering and Multiple Regression Analysis of the Renewable Energy Sector in the OECD Countries

The use of energy from renewable sources has many potential benefits, including a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, diversification of energy supply and reduction of dependence on fossil fuel markets (in particular, on the oil and gas market). The development of renewable energy sources can also influence employment by creating jobs in the new "green" technologies sector. The aim of our research was to identify the main factors influencing renewable energy consumption in OECD countries during 2017-2018. We applied data mining techniques to reduce data dimensionality and developed our research by using Clustering Analysis and Multiple Regression Analysis. We analysed the relationship between GDP per capita and primary energy supply. We considered primary energy supply as the dependent variable and the first three factor scores retained when we applied principal component analysis, as the independent variables, as well as GDP per capita. By applying the K-means algorithm we obtained 5 clusters, having USA and Canada as outliers. The compactness of the clustering, namely the similarity of the objects in the same group is of 68.5%. Applying multiple regression analysis, we obtain that 51% of the variation in primary energy supply can be explained by the three factors and GDP per capita. The results of our research show that renewable energy is an extremely valuable resource with a significant influence on GDP. States that have coherent energy policies for the use of renewable energy resources have already made major changes in their economic models to achieve sustainable development.
Penerapan Metode Moora Pada Sistem Pendukung Keputusan Pemilihan Media Promosi Sekolah (Studi Kasus: SMK Airlangga Balikpapan)

Promosi sekolah merupakan suatu kegiatan yang bertujuan mengkomunikasikan produk pendidikan kepada konsumen atau calon siswa. Kegiatan promosi memerlukan kebijakan-kebijakan strategis agar dapat memaksimalkan hasil promosi, karenanya analisis terhadap pemilihan media promosi yang tepat perlu dilakukan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menentukan peringkat prioritas media promosi sekolah dengan mengimplementasikan metode Multi Objective Optimization on The Basic of Ratio (MOORA) dalam sistem pendukung keputusan dengan studi kasus pada SMK Airlangga Balikpapan. MOORA digunakan dalam proses perhitungan yang menghasilkan keluaran berupa peringkat media promosi untuk direkomendasikan kepada tim promosi sekolah sebagai pertimbangan pemilihan media promosi yang tepat. Kriteria yang digunakan dalam penentuan prioritas media promosi sekolah meliputi biaya pembuatan media, waktu promosi, jangkauan penyebaran media, kelengkapan informasi dan fleksibilitas. Alternatif media promosi yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah brosur, poster, baliho, spanduk dan iklan koran. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian, metode MOORA dapat diterapkan pada sistem pendukung keputusan pemilihan media promosi sekolah dan dapat menghasilkan keluaran berupa peringkat prioritas media promosi sekolah.
Optimal Coil Design of an Electromagnetic Actuator Using Particle Swarm Optimization

This paper aims to reduce the heating of the electromagnetic actuators of a magnetic bearing. The electrical current of the coils was above normal, so the need for a new coil design to reduce heating due to high currents. In this scenario, the proposed methodology allows minimizing copper losses using Particle Swarm Optimization, so that the best result of the design parameters will be used in the construction of the new coil for the actuator. For the development of this work, it was decided to use a computational tool for public use, FEMM (Finite Element Method Magnetics) to simulate the electromagnetic device. In the simulations, the densities of magnetic fluxes in the core and in the air gap are shown, as well as the energies, electromagnetic forces and losses in the copper of the electromagnetic actuator winding. Finally, an optimal model of the actuator is obtained through the use of optimization techniques. Therefore, the results obtained demonstrate that the proposed methodology is configured as an interesting strategy for the purpose of this work.
Building a modification of the SEIRD model of epidemic spread that takes into account the features of COVID-19

Статья посвящена построению математической модели SEIIRDm, учитывающей некоторые особенности распространения COVID-19. Представляемая модель построена на основе классической SEIRD-модели распространения эпидемий. В созданной модели, в отличие от базовой, учитывается то, что латентные носители COVID-19 являются в некоторой степени заразными, и что у существенного количества инфицированных болезнь протекает бессимптомно. В SEIIRDm-модели отражен тот факт, что выявленные больные изолируются (госпитализируются) и вероятность заражения от них резко уменьшается, а также, что карантинные меры имеют массовый характер, причем важна как степень их жесткости, так и момент введения. Кроме того, в статье обращается внимание на то, что зависимость между скоростью изменения относительного числа заболевших и относительным количеством заразных и восприимчивых может быть нелинейной, и этот факт отражен в построенной модели. Статья содержит примеры численного прогнозирования развития эпидемиологического процесса, а также моделирования влияния массовых карантинных мер, рассчитанные на основе созданной математической модели. The article is devoted to the construction of a mathematical model that takes into account some features of COVID-19 propagation. The presented model is based on the classic SEIRD epidemic distribution model. The created model, in contrast to the basic one, takes into account the fact that latent COVIND-19 carriers are somewhat contagious and that in a significant number of infected people, the disease is asymptomatic. The SEIIRDm model reflects the fact that identified patients are isolating (hospitalizing) and the probability of infection from them decreases sharply and also that the measures taken over the quarantine are massive moreover, both the degree of their rigidity and the moment of introduction are important. Besides, the article draws attention to the fact that the relationship between the rate of change in the relative number of cases and susceptible and the relative number of infected may be nonlinear, and this fact is reflected in the built model. The article provides examples of numerical forecasting of the development of the epidemiological process as well as modeling the impact of mass quarantine measures, calculated on the basis of the created mathematical model.
High concentration exfoliation of graphene in ethyl alcohol using block copolymer surfactant and its influence on properties of epoxy nanocomposites

ABSTRACT In this work, high concentration exfoliation (∼0.2 mg/ml) of graphene in ethyl alcohol is achieved in presence of block copolymer of polyethylene oxide–polypropylene oxide–polyethylene oxide (PEO–PPO–PEO) using sonication followed by centrifugation. The obtained graphene solution is used to prepare epoxy nanocomposites. Flexural tests were conducted over epoxy nanocomposites. The 0.018 wt% of PEO–PPO–PEO block copolymer exfoliated graphene in epoxy matrix shows 21.7% and 15.8% enhancement in flexural modulus and flexural strength respectively as compared to pure epoxy. Transmission electron microscopy reveals well dispersion of graphene in epoxy matrix; and fractography of flexural fractured sample shows graphene dispersion restricts the crack propagation. The well-dispersed graphene in epoxy matrix increase the dielectric constant and thermal stability of epoxy nanocomposites. Further, the enhanced graphene dispersion in epoxy nanocomposites reduces the glass transition temperature (Tg). Thus, enhanced mechanical properties achieved by dispersion of block copolymer exfoliated graphene in epoxy nanocomposites make it suitable for several applications.
Calculative measures of organising and decision-making in developing countries: the case of a quasi-formal organisation in Ghana

PurposeThis paper examines how a “quasi-formal” organisation in a developing country engages in informal means of organising and decision-making through the use of calculative measures.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a case study of a large-scale indigenous manufacturing company in Ghana. Data for the study were collected through the use of semi-structured interviews conducted both onsite and off-site, supplemented by informal conversations and documentary analysis. Weber's notions of rationalities and traditionalism informed the analysis.FindingsThe paper advances knowledge about the practical day-to-day organisation of resources and the associated substantive rational calculative measures used for decision-making in quasi-formal organisations operating in a traditional setting. Instead of formal rational organisational mechanisms such as hierarchical organisational structures, production planning, labour controls and budgetary practices, the organisational mechanisms are found to be shaped by institutional and structural conditions which result from historical, sociocultural and traditional practices of Ghanaian society. These contextual substantive rational calculative measures consist of the native lineage system of inheritance, chieftaincy, trust and the power concealed within historically established sociocultural practices.Originality/valueThis paper is one of a few studies providing evidence of how local and traditional social practices contribute to shaping organising and decision-making activities in indigenous “quasi-formal” organisations. The paper extends our understanding of the nexus between “technical rational” calculative measures and the traditional culture and social practices prevailing in sub-Saharan Africa in general, and Ghana in particular.
The effect of a mobile application on the foot care of individuals with type 2 diabetes: A randomised controlled study

Objective: This study aimed to develop an animation-supported Mobile Diabetic Foot Care Education (M-DFCE) application for use by individuals with type 2 diabetes and identify its effects on knowledge, self-efficacy and foot care behaviour. Design: Randomised, controlled experimental study. Setting and Method: The study was carried out between October 2016 and September 2017. The sample consisted of 130 individuals with diabetes (65 in the experimental group and 65 in the control group). The experimental group received M-DFCE. Data were collected using the Patient Assessment Form, the Diabetes Foot Knowledge Questionnaire, the Diabetic Foot Care Self-Efficacy Scale and the Foot Self-Care Behaviour Scale. Differences between the groups were examined using Student’s t, Mann–Whitney U, Wilcoxon Signed Rank and Paired Sample tests. Results: Although there was no difference between the groups at initial evaluation, individuals in the experimental group who received animation-supported M-DFCE had significantly higher knowledge, self-efficacy and foot care behaviour levels than the control group. Conclusion: The animation-supported mobile application developed for foot care education was effective in increasing the individuals’ knowledge, self-efficacy and behaviour with respect to foot care.
Better quality of education in Asia

The key purpose of this study is to analyse the impact of legitimacy, public services, and democracy on the quality of education in the selected Asian economies like India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Afghanistan, China, Nepal, Bangladesh, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia. The data was collected from various sources like world bank, word economic forum, as well as transparency international. The analysis was performed by using EViews and various statistical tests were also applied in order to analyse the trends in data and the relationship between the study variables as well. The results of ARLD test showed that all three dependent variables were significantly associated with the quality of education. Literacy rate was correlated with the rise in quality of education in the long run, as well as the short run. Population growth also showed a rise in quality of education in the long run but not in the short run. Only state democracy showed positive association in the long run but showed no association in the short run. Various limitations in the form of study variables, data analysis, and methods were associated with the current study. Future studies are highly recommended to address these gaps for better implications. Keywords: Asia; Democracy; Public Services; Quality of Education; State Legitimacy
Winter Inputs Buffer Streamflow Sensitivity to Snowpack Losses in the Salt River Watershed in the Lower Colorado River Basin

Recent streamflow declines in the Upper Colorado River Basin raise concerns about the sensitivity of water supply for 40 million people to rising temperatures. Yet, other studies in western US river basins present a paradox: streamflow has not consistently declined with warming and snow loss. A potential explanation for this lack of consistency is warming-induced production of winter runoff when potential evaporative losses are low. This mechanism is more likely in basins at lower elevations or latitudes with relatively warm winter temperatures and intermittent snowpacks. We test whether this accounts for streamflow patterns in nine gaged basins of the Salt River and its tributaries, which is a sub-basin in the Lower Colorado River Basin (LCRB). We develop a basin-scale model that separates snow and rainfall inputs and simulates snow accumulation and melt using temperature, precipitation, and relative humidity. Despite significant warming from 1968–2011 and snow loss in many of the basins, annual and seasonal streamflow did not decline. Between 25% and 50% of annual streamflow is generated in winter (NDJF) when runoff ratios are generally higher and potential evapotranspiration losses are one-third of potential losses in spring (MAMJ). Sub-annual streamflow responses to winter inputs were larger and more efficient than spring and summer responses and their frequencies and magnitudes increased in 1968–2011 compared to 1929–1967. In total, 75% of the largest winter events were associated with atmospheric rivers, which can produce large cool-season streamflow peaks. We conclude that temperature-induced snow loss in this LCRB sub-basin was moderated by enhanced winter hydrological inputs and streamflow production.
Mitigating ripple effect in supply networks: the effect of trust and topology on resilience

ABSTRACT The ripple effect refers to disruption propagation across the supply network affecting its global performance. To cope with it, supply networks should be resilient. This study investigates the drivers of supply network resilience, viewed as adaptive capacity to disruptions, focusing on trust and investigating the moderating role of network topology on the relationship between trust and resilience. We first develop an NK agent-based model of the supply network to simulate resilient performance. Then, a simulation analysis is carried out, to assess the effect of trust on the resilience of supply networks displaying different complex topologies. Our results confirm that trust positively affects supply network resilience; however, across the different topologies, the beneficial effect of trust varies. In particular, we find that trust is beneficial at most for the following topologies: local, small-world, block-diagonal, and random. For centralised, diagonal, and hierarchical topologies improving trust increases resilience at a moderat e level. We also find that, as the frequency of disruptions rises, the positive effect of trust on resilience decreases. Managerial implications of the main findings are finally discussed.
Moroccan Students’ Attitudes Towards Local and Foreign Languages: The Role of Self-Directed and Language Policy Forces

Ths article contributes to the hot debate on language preferences and choice at schools and society at large in Morocco from an empirical perspective. It investigates the Moroccan students’ attitudes towards the languages they use in their daily interactions and those that are widely used in the Moroccan education system and attempts to explain whether these attitudes are driven by intrinsic forces or by the language policy orientations set by decision makers. To do so, 1,477 respondents belonging to different school levels and disciplines completed a survey about their frequency of use and mastery of languages, as well as their preferences of language use in the future. Findings show that Moroccan students have positive attitudes towards all languages and would like to use foreign languages for instrumental purposes. They also show that such positive attitudes do not depend on the level of mastery of these languages, nor on their use as mediums of instruction or communication. The findings imply that attitudes towards languages in Morocco are rooted in factors beyond the official policy orientations.