Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Changing the Architectural Role - By Implementing Early Cost Estimations

Cost estimation has been stated to be an essential part of all construction projects. Today cost estimates are performed in different stages by different actors, however, it is generally not a part of the architectural practice. In the design phase, each change in choice of design will impact the total project cost, but despite this, architects have been seen to be poor at being cost aware. It has further been stated in research that cost estimates are made too late in projects, which often leads to compromises being made on the design later on. Further, research on cost estimates in projects raising the architect focus and perspective is limited. This study sets out to investigate this gap, and looks at cost estimations from the architect perspective. Among the different existing methods and tools for cost estimations, are ones based on Building Information Modeling (BIM). However, it has been questioned whether all available tools are applicable for early stages of projects, and further for the architect profession. The main objectives of this study have been to identify the values and challenges for architects in performing cost estimations in the early design phase, and to identify whether BIM could impact or support this. Consequently, if new cost estimation processes or practices within an architectural firm are to be implemented, there are factors important to consider. Therefore, this study looks at implementation management, including barriers and challenges one might be facing. This study can be especially valuable for architect firms looking to see how their practices could develop. The research methodology included a theoretical review, as well as a case study at an architectural firm where 11 semi-structured interviews were conducted. Additionally, interviews were held with two clients of the architect firm. Main findings of this study include that there are many values in architect firms performing cost estimates and simultaneously raising their overall cost awareness. BIM was concluded to be able to support in this context. However, there were also challenges found in this context; some specifically related to architects being able to do such, some concerning the internal processes, and others more general. The values of these cost estimates were concluded to be largest internally for the architect firm itself. However, findings suggest that winnings can be concluded to exist also on the broader perspective, by increasing the project cost dialogue between all parties involved on the project and leading to overall better project outcomes.
Mandated Benefits, Employment, and Inequality in a Dual Economy

The authors study the effect of enforcement of labor regulation in Brazil, an economy with a large informal sector and strict labor law. Enforcement affects mainly the degree of compliance with mandated benefits (severance pay, health, and safety) in the formal sector and the registration of informal workers. The authors find that stricter enforcement leads to higher unemployment but lower income inequality. The authors also show that, at the top of the formal wage distribution, workers bear the cost of mandated benefits by receiving lower wages. This is not true at the bottom, because of downward wage rigidity. As a result, formal sector jobs at the bottom of the wage distribution become more attractive, inducing the low skilled self-employed to search for formal jobs.
Toward a General Theory of Client Acceptance and Continuance Decisions

This study investigates the theoretical perspectives used in the extant auditing literature on client acceptance and continuance decisions. First, the different client acceptance and continuance decisions are presented. Second, the paper identifies and discusses the single-client approach and introduces “the auditor-client relationship life cycle” as an integrative framework for this perspective commonly used in academia. Third, the audit firm portfolio management perspective is examined. Finally, the apparent incommensurability of the single-client and the clients-portfolio approaches is discussed and the foundation for a general theory of the client acceptance and continuance decisions is developed.
An Integrated Digital Measuring System for Underground Mine

Surveying is an important work for different kinds of mines, the efficiency and portability of measurement is really very important for underground mine. This paper given a new efficient measurement system named integrated digital measuring system, it consists of integrated measuring instrument, transmission cable, underground portable computer, and aided measurement software, which can be calculate the 3D coordinate real-timely, it could be very useful in mine industry and other field.
Analysis and modelling of the factors controlling seed oil concentration in sunflower: a review

Sunflower appears as a potentially highly competitive crop, thanks to the diversification of its market and the richness of its oil. However, seed oil concentration (OC) – a commercial criterion for crushing industry – is subjected to genotypic and environmental effects that make it sometimes hardly predictable. It is assumed that more understanding of oil physiology combined with the use of crop models should permit to improve prediction and management of grain quality for various end-users. Main effects of temperature, water, nitrogen, plant density and fungal diseases were reviewed in this paper. Current generic and specific crop models which simulate oil concentration were found to be empirical and to lack of proper evaluation processes. Recently two modeling approaches integrating ecophysiological knowledge were developed by Andrianasolo (2014, Statistical and dynamic modelling of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) grain composition as a function of agronomic and environmental factors, Ph.D. Thesis, INP Toulouse): (i) a statistical approach relating OC to a range of explanatory variables (potential OC, temperature, water and nitrogen stress indices, intercepted radiation, plant density) which resulted in prediction quality from 1.9 to 2.5 oil points depending on the nature of the models; (ii) a dynamic approach, based on “source-sink” relationships involving leaves, stems, receptacles (as sources) and hulls, proteins and oil (as sinks) and using priority rules for carbon and nitrogen allocation. The latter model reproduced dynamic patterns of all source and sink components faithfully, but tended to overestimate OC. A better description of photosynthesis and nitrogen uptake, as well as genotypic parameters is expected to improve its performance.
Creative Accounting – Some Aspects of Knowledge and Implementation in Albania

This paper comes as a result of exploring the creative accounting level of recognition and its use by accounting professionals during the preparation of the financial statements of the entities (SMEs) in Albania. In our country the financial reporting is based on national accounting standards which are in accordance with international accounting standards (IFRS for SME). So, based on the literature review, we will give some definitions of creative accounting as well as aspects of its use in different countries. Starting from those practices, we will identify the main factors why managers and accounting professionals exercise creative accounting. Through an analysis based on questionnaireâ€™s data addressed to accounting professionals, we want to show if such practice is implemented in our country and how it is visualized by accounting professionals. In conclusion of this paper we will give some recommendations on the recognition and use of creative accounting by accountants in our country.
Temporal variability of Mrk 421 from XMM-Newton observations

We present the results of a detailed spectral and temporal analysis of the currently available XMM-Newton obser- vations of the bright BL Lac object Mrk 421 using mainly the EPIC-PN data. The source was found in various intensity states differing by up to a factor of five in count rates. In general, the source is more variable and shows a harder spectrum during higher intensities than when it is in lower states. The spectrum is very complex and cannot be fitted adequately by a broken power law or a continuously curved model. We find that the flux variations on time scales of >few thousand seconds are associ- ated with significant and sometimes very complex spectral changes. The spectral variability rate is not the same in all cases and is correlated with the source flux state: the spectral variations per unit time increase with the source flux. The Cross-Correlation analysis shows that the soft and hard band light curves are often well correlated near zero lag, in other cases the hard band variations lead the soft band variations by typically ∼5 min, in two cases we find the soft band leading the hard band variations. The delays appear to be correlated to the flares' duration: the shorter the flare, the smaller the delay.
JOB ATTITUDE AND QUALITY OF WORK LIFE AS A PREDICTOR OF ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT: A STUDY OF MANAGERS

The present research is an attempt towards making Indian Organizations more effective and helping managers in actualizing their full potential. Managers are the most important assets of the organization as they have to interact with different kinds of people including their subordinates, colleagues, top managements, customers and people at large. Therefore, it can be expected that characteristics of Job Attitudes and Quality of Work Life have influential roles in determining their Organizational Commitment towards the work and the organization as a whole. The present research study was aimed to understand the influence of manager’s perception of Job Attitudes and Quality of Work Life on their Organizational Commitment. The study was carried out in different Private and Public organizations/ company located at Delhi and its NCR (National Capital Region). Data were collected from 300 managers through convenience random sampling method. Analysis of the data was done using stepwise multiple regression analysis and t-test. Result revealed that only Quality of Work Life has predicted Organizational Commitment of managers in both Private and Public undertakings. Job Attitudes have not been found influencing Organizational Commitment among both the group of managers. Results further revealed significant difference between managers of Private and Public undertakings on all the measured variables. The findings imply that the organizations in both the sectors need to understand and manage managers’ quality of work life and provide them with suitable interpersonal atmosphere to develop positive job attitude so that
De-oiled cakes of Neem, Jatropha, Mahua and Karanja: A new substrate for mass multiplication of T. harzianum

De-oiled cakes of four trees born oilseeds (TBOs) viz., Neem, Jatropha, Mahua and Karanja were tested for their suitability for mass multiplication of T. harzianum and also that for how long they are able to support the survival of T. harzianum with the considerable level of population dynamics of T. harzianum. In addition to these four de-oiled cakes, two composts i.e., FYM and Vermicompost were also tested for their suitability and to have a comparison with these de-oiled cakes in supporting population dynamics and longevity of T. harzianum. Among four de-oiled cakes viz neem, jatropha, mahua and karanja, neem cake was found to be best substrate for supporting the population dynamics and longevity of T. harzianum in vitro. Neem cake maintained with 25% moisture was able to support the longevity of T. harzianum for more than 105 days with a considerable level of population, whereas Jatropha, Mahua and Karanja cakes could support the longevity of T. harzianum up to 90 days only. Mixing of pre grown Trichoderma harzianum on potato dextrose broth (PDB) to the four de-oiled cakes resulted in comparatively better population dynamics than that when it was grown on Potato Dextrose Agar.
The Diversity of Expertise on Corporate Boards in Australia

Expertise diversity is expected to enhance the monitoring and advising functions of boards of directors. Yet, little is known about the expertise that actually exists on corporate boards. In this study, we examine the diversity of professional expertise on corporate boards in Australia and implications for shareholder value. We categorise directors by 11 types of professional expertise and find the most common types of expertise are business executives, accountants, bankers, scientists, lawyers and engineers. We find that expertise diversity is primarily related to board size, industry and location. Our analysis also suggests that shareholders benefit when boards diversify their expertise within a subset of specialist business expertise (lawyers, accountants, consultants, bankers and outside CEOs). Further diversity beyond this subset of expertise is associated with lower firm value and performance.
QUID 2017, pp. 1975-1978, Special Issue N°1- ISSN: 1692-343X, Medellín-Colombia APPLICATION OF FIREFLY ALGORITHM FOR TUNING OF PID CONTROLLER USING IN AN INDUSTRIAL FURNACE TEMPERATURE CONTROL SYSTEM

In this paper, the temperature of a batch tank belongs to an industrial batch furnace is controlled by using a PID controller which has been tuned by firefly algorithm. PID controllers are most popular controllers using widely in vast majority of industries, especially in thermal processes. There are different techniques to tune PID controller parameter. Some of them are conventional methods such as Ziegler-Nichols which is a heuristic technique for PID parameters tuning. But, in this paper the idea of using firefly algorithms for tuning the PID parameters controlling an industrial batch furnace temperature is investigated. Generally, in the batch furnace, the reference input has step changes and the output of close loop control of the batch furnace should be able to follow the input trend. The proposed control system is simulated in MATLAB and the results depict that firefly algorithm could figure out tuning of the PID controller parameters properly.
Growth of Metal Halide Perovskite, from Nanocrystal to Micron-Scale Crystal: A Review

Metal halide perovskite both in the form of nanocrystal and thin films recently emerged as the most promising semiconductor material covering a huge range of potential applications from display technologies to photovoltaics. Colloidal inorganic and organic–inorganic hybrid metal halide perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) have received tremendous attention due to their high photoluminescence quantum yields, while large grain perovskite films possess fewer defects, and a long diffusion length providing high-power conversion efficiency in planar devices. In this review, we summarize the different synthesis routes of metal halide perovskite nanocrystals and the recent methodologies to fabricate high-quality micron scale crystals in the form of films for planar photovoltaics. For the colloidal synthesis of halide perovskite NCs, two methods including ligand-assisted reprecipitation and hot injection are mainly applied, and the doping of metal ions in NCs as well as anion exchange reactions are widely used to tune their optical properties. In addition, recent growth methods and underlying mechanism for high-quality micron size crystals are also investigated, which are summarized as solution-process methods (including the anti-solvent method, solvent vapor annealing technology, Ostwald ripening, additive engineering and geometrically-confined lateral crystal growth) and the physical method (vapor-assisted crystal growth).
Pre‐ and post‐reforestation gully development in Mangatu Forest, East Coast, North Island, New Zealand

Following clearance of the indigenous forest and conversion of the land to pasture early in the 20th century, gully erosion became a pervasive feature in the headwaters of the Waipaoa River basin, and was notably problematic in the 140‐km2 area now covered by the Mangatu Forest. In this area, before reforestation in 1961, gully erosion affected c. 4% of the terrain. After a 24‐year exotic reforestation programme the area affected by gullies was reduced to 1.5%, but of the eight gullies larger than 10 ha in 1960 none had stabilized by 1988, although four had at least halved in size. Estimates that a gully will stabilize or increase in size under a range of conditions suggest that in the case of gullies < 1 ha in area, formed in terrain underlain by Cretaceous rock, there is a > 80% probability of stabilization after one forest rotation (c. 24 years). For gullies between 1 and 5 ha in area the probability of stabilization is c. 60%. Gullies of 5 ha have an even chance of stabilizing over the time frame of a single rotation. The key determinant is gully size and shape at the time of planting and, within this size range, these relationships were stronger for linear than for amphitheatre‐shaped gullies. Between 1939 and 1988 sediment production from gullies in the portion (76%) of the Mangatu Forest underlain by Cretaceous‐aged rock was c. 22 000 t km−2 yr−1, and during the period of maximum sediment production (1939–1960) they may have accounted for c. 17% of the Waipaoa River's average annual suspended sediment load. Reforestation reduced the contribution to c. 8% in the period between 1970 and 1988. However, the off‐site (downstream) impact of sediment generated by the remaining 420 active gullies in the Waipaoa River catchment is significant, not least on the capacity of the scheme that protects high‐value agricultural land on the Poverty Bay Flats from flooding. A targeted reforestation programme may be an alternative to raising the height of the existing artificial levees. It is estimated that additional exotic plantings totalling c. 15 400 ha (c. 7% of the Waipaoa River basin area) would produce a > 64% reduction in sediment production from gullies on pastoral hillslopes within one forest rotation (c. 24 yr). Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CHAMP: A bespoke integrated system for mobile manipulation

Joint conference of the 25th annual symposium of the Pattern Recognition Association of South Africa (PRASA), 6th Workshop on African Language Technology (AfLaT) and 7th Robotics and Mechatronics (RobMech) Conference of South Africa AH, Cape Town, 27 to 28 November 2014
Comparison of the Gini and Zenga Indexes using Some Theoretical Income Distributions Abstract

The most common measure of inequality used in scientific research is the Gini index. In 2007 Zenga proposed a new index of inequality that has all the appropriate properties of an measure of equality. In this paper we want to compare the Gini and Zenga indexes, calculating these quantities for a few distributions frequently used for approximating distributions of income, that is, the lognormal, gamma, inverse Gauss, Weibull and Burr distributions. Within this limited examination of these indexes, we have observed three main differences. First, the Zenga index increases more rapidly for low values of the variation and decreases more slowly when the variation approaches intermediate values from above. Second, the Zenga index seems to be better predicted by the variation. Third, although the Zenga index is always greater than the Gini index, the ordering of some pairs of cases may be inverted.
Seasonal Influences on Milk Yield and Composition Dynamics during a Normal Lactation in Dairy Cows: Milk Yield, Fat and Protein Precentage

Researches were made on 125 lactations from Romanian Black Spotted cows and aimed to study the evolution of the interval between calving on milk yield and quality. Data were recorded and statistically analyzed by means of ANOVA / MANOVA determining the average values and dispersion indices. Based on averages parameters of lactation curves were calculated using the mathematical model called the incomplete gamma function.Cows that calved in winter and spring had steeper lactation curves for milk yield. The lactation curve for butter-fat percentage was significantly different (p<0.05) between summer-winter and summer-autumn seasons. Evolution of the lactation curve for protein percentage was significantly different (p<0.05) between winter and spring, distinct significant (p<0.01) between summer-autumn, winter-autumn and very significant (p<0.001) between spring and autumn.
A Kastler-Kalau-Walze Type Theorem and the Spectral Action for Perturbations of Dirac Operators on Manifolds with Boundary

We prove a Kastler-Kalau-Walze type theorem for perturbations of Dirac operators on compact manifolds with or without boundary. As a corollary, we give two kinds of operator-theoretic explanations of the gravitational action on boundary. We also compute the spectral action for Dirac operators with two-form perturbations on 4-dimensional compact manifolds.
Hydrophilic antioxidants of virgin olive oil. Part 2: Biosynthesis and biotransformation of phenolic compounds in virgin olive oil as affected by agronomic and processing factors

The biosynthesis of the phenolic fraction of olive fruits during ripening and the transformations occurring in this moiety during virgin olive oil (VOO) extraction are discussed in this paper. The influence of agronomical factors that can significantly affect the phenolic profile of VOO is also discussed. Particularly, it is worth emphasizing the role of genetic factors, cultivation and climatic conditions such as water availability, atmospheric temperature, altitude, health status of the fruits, alternate bearing in the olive, and some processing factors such as crushing, malaxation time and temperature or volume of water added during milling. Among these parameters, special attention has been paid to genetic factors due to the high variability observed among Olea europaea genotypes for all recorded traits. In this context, interesting experimental results have been obtained with cultivated and wild olive trees, and also with segregating populations resulting from olive breeding programs. To the authors' knowledge, reviews evaluating the influence of the main factors that contribute to the profile of hydrophilic phenols have not been previously published. The discussion concerning olive breeding programs is a major and novel aspect to be emphasized considering recent trends to obtain new olive cultivars that confer better organoleptic properties and better quality to VOO.
Product Reputation Trend Extraction from Twitter

Micro-blogging today has become a very popular communication tool among the Internet users. Real-time web services such as Twitter allow users to express their opinions and interests, often expressed in the form of short text messages. Many business companies are looking into utilizing these data streams in order to improve their marketing campaigns, refine advertising and better meet their customer needs. In this study, we focus on using Twitter, for the task of extraction product reputation trend. Thus, business could gauge the effectiveness of a recent marketing campaign by aggregating user opinions on Twitter regarding their product. In this paper, we introduce an approach for automatically classifying the sentiment of Twitter messages toward product/brand, using emoticons and by improving pre-processing steps in order to achieve high accuracy.