Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Last Time Buy and control policies with phase-out returns: a case study in plant control systems

This research involves the combination of spare parts management and reverse logistics. At the end of the product life cycle, products in the field (so called installed base) can usually be serviced by either new parts, obtained from a Last Time Buy, or by repaired failed parts. This article, however, introduces a third source: the phase-out returns obtained from customers that replace systems. These returned parts may serve other customers that do not replace the systems yet. Phase-out return flows represent higher volumes and higher repair yields than failed parts and are cheaper to get than new ones. This new phenomenon has been ignored in the literature thus far, but due to increased product replacements rates its relevance will grow. We present a generic model, applied in a case study with real-life data from ConRepair, a third-party service provider in plant control systems (mainframes). Volumes of demand for spares, defect returns and phase-out returns are interrelated, because the same installed base is involved. In contrast with the existing literature, this article explicitly models the operational control of both failed- and phase-out returns, which proves far from trivial given the non-stationary nature of the problem. We have to consider subintervals within the total planning interval to optimise both Last Time Buy and control policies well. Given the novelty of the problem, we limit ourselves to a single customer, single-item approach. Our heuristic solution methods prove to be efficient and close to optimal when validated. The resulting control policies in the case study are also counter-intuitive. Contrary to (management) expectations, exogenous variables prove to be more important to the repair firm (which we show by sensitivity analysis) and optimising the endogenous control policy benefits the customers. Last Time Buy volume does not make the decisive difference; far more important is the disposal versus repair policy. PUSH control policy is outperformed by PULL, which exploits demand information and waits longer to decide between repair and disposal. The article concludes by mapping a number of extensions for future research, as it represents a larger class of problems.
Comparative and Cost-Effectiveness Analyses of Resident Quality Outcomes in Nursing Homes

Comparative and Cost-Effectiveness Analyses of Resident Quality Outcomes in Nursing Homes Mayuko Uchida Concerns about the quality of care in nursing homes (NHs) have continued to stimulate research and debate over the past several decades. Although substantial improvements in NH care have taken place, serious challenges remain. With enactment of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) and recent NH Value Based Purchasing Demonstrations through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), there has been increasing policy interest to efficiently reduce potentially avoidable resident adverse outcomes and costs. Organized into three separate studies, this dissertation explores the comparative and cost-effectiveness of improving NH quality outcomes. The significance and current challenges surrounding NH care quality is discussed in the First Chapter. To gain understanding of current infection prevention interventions conducted in NHs, a systematic literature review was conducted and is presented in Chapter Two. The Third Chapter reports on quantitative findings of NH infections as a function of resident quality and tested variations in nurse workforce characteristics. The Fourth Chapter reports on an economic analysis evaluating the implications of retaining a skilled nursing workforce in NHs. Finally, the Fifth Chapter synthesizes the findings from the previous chapters and serves as the concluding chapter of the dissertation.
Rethinking critical juncture analysis: institutional change in Chinese banking and finance

Abstract China’s response to the global financial crisis and its post-2008 stimulus package and credit surge marked a critical juncture for its state-directed banking system. One result was the subsequent growth of the shadow banking sector marked by incremental ‘informal institutional adaptation’ and a greater role for markets. We employ historical institutionalist (HI) theory to help explain these developments but critique its current approach to critical junctures which has a limited, temporarily specific and overly static account of institutional change; one which overlooks the importance of changes on either side of the critical junctures and which is unable to integrate its emphasis on critical junctures with alternative theories, such as incremental accounts of institutional change. Using the empirical case of the evolution in China’s post-GFC banking and finance, a revised institutional approach is developed which is able to bridge these theoretical divides.
Knowledge bases in German regions: what hinders combinatorial knowledge dynamics and how regional innovation policies may help

ABSTRACT Due to the greater involvement of users and the co-creation of ideas with suppliers or other firms, innovation processes are increasingly based upon combinatorial knowledge. Thus, innovation is not restricted to research-and-development-driven, science-based knowledge, but is also the result of experiences and creative thinking. This has consequences for regional innovation policies because each knowledge type differs regarding policy requirements. Contributing to the under-researched topic of the barriers of combinatorial knowledge dynamics in practice, the aim of this paper was to guide government policies in transferring theoretical insights into a contemporary, place-based policy approach. In accordance with the knowledge base approach this paper clearly distinguishes between analytical knowledge, synthetic knowledge and symbolic knowledge. The analysis consists of in-depth interviews, conducted in two case-study regions in Germany. This paper deduces several local factors that have hampered combinatorial knowledge dynamics, and identifies obstacles that can only be overcome at the federal state or national levels.
Applies computational social choice theory as a framework for new cyber-threats

—Social media and big data have combined to create a new era of marketing, political campaigning, and hostile propaganda. The tactics , such as microtargeting of ads, have recently received intense public scrutiny. However, little has been publicly said about the tools and techniques of strategy . In this context, Applied Computational Choice (ACSC) refers to a framework for analyzing data, modeling tactics, and planning strategy. Here we describe an ACSC framework derived from the work being done by some of the main actors, and apply it to show how a few simple scenarios can be modeled and realistic behaviors predicted, as well as illuminating possible motivations for certain patterns observed in the real world. We introduce the concept of vulnerability assessment applied to voting systems by analyzing the cost of inﬂuence operations on simple model voting systems. We believe this framework reﬂects those being used by a number of different actors with various goals, and hope that this article helps provide an overview and introduction to the ﬁeld.
Does Technical Education Improve Academic Outcomes?: Evidence from Brazil

Despite the renewed interest in technical education, only a handful of studies analyze its effect on academic outcomes. In this paper we apply a regression discontinuity design to oversubscribed technical high school tracks in Pernambuco, Brazil, to identify the impact of technical education during high school on student academic outcomes. We find that students above the technical high school admission exam score cutoff drop out less from high school and have Math and Portuguese standardized test scores over 0.1 standard deviations higher than students below the cutoff. We also find that students above the cutoff were more likely to attend schools offering a longer school day and better school, teacher, and peer characteristics. Comparing technical high schools with academic schools with similar characteristics, we find no differences in terms of achievement but significantly lower dropout rates. This evidence suggests that the estimated effect of having the opportunity to enroll in technical high schools on student achievement may be driven by the school characteristics while the nature of the instructional content seems to be effective in reducing dropout rates during high school.
The Experiences of Younger Adults (18-40 Years) Living with an Implanted Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD): A Dissertation

1 Chapter I.3 Introduction . 3 Evolution of the ICD.6 Guidelines for Use of ICDs . 9 Causes of SCD in Younger Adults . 10 Psychosocial and Physiological Issues.12 Review of the Literature.12 Physiological Issues in Older and Younger Adults . 14 Psychosocial Issues.15 Effects of ICD Shock in Quality of Life Studies . 16 Psychosocial Issues in Younger Adults . 19 Intervention Studies . 21 Gaps in the Literature.24 Summary . 25 Chapter II . 26 Introduction . 26 Transitions Theory.26 Nature of Transitions . 27 Developmental Tasks of Younger Adults . 27 Patterns of Transition.29 Properties of Transition.29 Awareness.29 Engagement . 30 Change.30 Difference . 31 Time Span.31 Critical Points and Events . 31 Transition Conditions.32 Patterns of Response . 32 Use of the Theory in Research . 32 Summary . 33 Chapter III.35 Introduction . 35 Epistemological/Ontological Underpinnings . 35 Qualitative Descriptive Methodology.36 Organizing Framework . 36 Operational Definitions.38 Sample.39 Inclusion Criteria . 41 Setting . 41 Recruitment of Study Participants . 42 Traditional Recruitment . 42 Recruitment via ZapLife.org . 43 Recruitment via an Internet Newsgroup.43 Data Collection Procedures.46 vii Triangulation of Data Collection Methods.46 Data Collection . 47 Interviews . 48 Telephone Interviews . 48 Internet Interviews . 49 Field Notes.51 Data Management and Data Analysis.51 Trustworthiness . 53 Protection of Human Subjects . 54 Ethical Considerations.55 Summary . 56 Chapter IV.58 Introduction . 58 Participants . 58 Telephone versus Internet Interviewing . 61 Overarching Theme and Categories . 62 Aim 1.63 Initial Diagnosis: Anxiety and Concern . 63 Caution, Awareness, and Security: Daily life with an ICD.66 Childbearing: Passing my Disease to my Children.67 Financial Concerns.68 Aim 2.70 Physiological Issues . 70 Psychosocial Issues . 73 Aim 3.79 Summary . 83 Chapter V.85 Introduction . 85 Aim1 . 86 Aim 2.90 Aim 3.95 Study Limitations.96 Conclusion.97 References.99 Appendix A . 112 Appendix B . 113 Appendix C . 114 Appendix D . 115 Appendix E . 116 Appendix F.118 Appendix G .
An Assessment Of Employabilty Skills Acquired By National Diploma Graduates Of Federal College Of Forestry In Nigeria

The main purpose of this study was to assess the acquisition of employability skills by Federal College of Forestry graduates in Nigeria. The population for the study includes the National Diploma graduates of Federal College of Forestry, Ibadan. Snowball sampling techniques was used to select graduates that participated in this study. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The quantitative method used to collect data consisted of a 59 item questionnaire developed by the researcher. The questionnaire consisted of 5 aspects which include: technical/basic fundamental skills with reliability of (0.86), personal skills and attributes (0.92), communication skills (0.84), problem solving skills/mathematical skills (0.86) and people related skills (0.93). While the qualitative method used was semi-structured interviews. Descriptive statistics mean and standard deviation were used to analyse quantitative data and content analysis method was employed to analyse data from semi-structured interview. According to the result, the combination of technical/basic fundamental skills, personal skills and attributes, communication skills, problem solving skills/mathematical skills, and people related skills is needed in order to improve students’ employability in the Labour market. Hence, there is need for curriculum enhancement in Federal College of Forestry.
HR Predictive Data Analytics in the Era of Big Data

This document explains and demonstrates the application of big data in human resources management. Predictive analytics are a trend in human resources management. In this paper, we explain the concept of HR predictive analytics, and then we introduce some organizations which apply HR predictive analytics to their employees. We also do some predictive analytics research in some companies, which is very useful for human resources management and organization development. Although big data provides new methods for human resource managers, there are still some disadvantages. HR management faces a lot of challenges
A Study on Erythrocytic Determination of Anemic Condition among Human Immunodeficiency Virus Sero Positives

Problem statement: Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is growing health hazard throughout the world. In developing countries like India anemia is highly prevalent in the population due to the malnourished condition apart, HIV infection is one among the major cause of anemia. The outcome of certain infectious diseases including HIV is worse when the host is malnourished. HIV infection is one of the major contributions to the development of anemia. As HIV infection advances progressive anemia is established. Hemochrome parameters and Erythroid indices are used as a marker for monitoring HIV status. Since hematological toxicity is the most common adverse effect related to long term administration of anti-viral drugs. Approach: Selection of study groups: A total of 49 HIV patient blood sample were collected which includes 16 HIV/AIDS male patients and 33 HIV/AIDS female patients attending Department of Sextually Transmitted Disease, Mohan Kumaramangalam Government Hospital, Salem where subjected in the present study. Determination of Erythroid Indices such a Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) for Anemic condition. Results: Present study documented the prevalence of Hypochromic Microcitic anemia. Conclusion: Proper therapeutic management and nutiritional supplement might reduce the burden of anemia thereby increase the survival of HIV sero positives.
Environmental Consciousness in Local Sustainable Development: A Case Study of the Anti-Idling Policy in Taiwan

To address the increasing impact of global warming, Taiwan has devised a variety of activities to promote energy savings and carbon reduction. Although the city of Tainan was the first in Asia to enforce an anti-idling policy, the intersection between public value creation and local sustainable development has not yet been analyzed. Hence, this article explores the anti-idling policy in Tainan through the lens of social judgment theory (SJT). It also considers criteria related to the core values of environmental, economic, and social sustainability to understand the public values held by stakeholders in Tainan. The results of this article illustrate and dismantle the differences between several groups’ understanding of public value as it relates to local sustainable development, and suggest the establishment of intersectoral collaboration and community participation regarding value perception. Although the case is specific to Taiwan, its characteristics are typical of local sustainable development globally, especially in Asia.
Productivity, structural change, and skills dynamics: Evidence from a half-century analysis

This article explores the contribution of structural change and the skill upgrading of the labor force to productivity in Tunisia and Turkey in the institutional context of the post-World War II period. Our growth decomposition shows that productivity is mainly explained by intra-industry changes for both countries during the import substitution period. Structural change played an important role in Turkey for a longer period of time than in Tunisia. Based on an instrumental variable regression setting, we find evidence that overall, the change in the share of high-educated workers had a causal impact on productivity levels in Turkey, but no such relation was found in Tunisia. Secondly, we show that this productivity increase has mainly been driven by the reallocation of higher educated labor between sectors rather than the absorption of highly educated workers within sectors. In Tunisia we do not find evidence of links between education demand and productivity. Moreover, the evidence from the instrumental variable regressions show that when we exclude the government sector in Tunisia, the overall skills upgrading is negatively associated with productivity growth, suggesting a downward return to educated labor demand over time.
Optical Boundaries for LED-Based Indoor Positioning System

Overlap of footprints of light emitting diodes (LEDs) increases the positioning accuracy of wearable LED indoor positioning systems (IPS) but such an approach assumes that the footprint boundaries are defined. In this work, we develop a mathematical model for defining the footprint boundaries of an LED in terms of a threshold angle instead of the conventional half or full angle. To show the effect of the threshold angle, we compare how overlaps and receiver tilts affect the performance of an LED-based IPS when the optical boundary is defined at the threshold angle and at the full angle. Using experimental measurements, simulations, and theoretical analysis, the effect of the defined threshold angle is estimated. The results show that the positional time when using the newly defined threshold angle is 12 times shorter than the time when the full angle is used. When the effect of tilt is considered, the threshold angle time is 22 times shorter than the full angle positioning time. Regarding accuracy, it is shown in this work that a positioning error as low as 230 mm can be obtained. Consequently, while the IPS gives a very low positioning error, a defined threshold angle reduces delays in an overlap-based LED IPS.
CONSULAR COOPERATION OF EU MEMBER STATES IN A FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS APPROACH

Consular authorities are the external hands of public administration of States established and worked with the consent of the host State. Consular relations of a State depend on its foreign relations which is basically an expression of sovereignty in the international relations of States. The European Union, by expanding beyond its original economic nature, is developing a coherent area based on the interests of its people. The EU is not a State; it lacks that special legal tie which connects States to its nationals, therefore the concept of EU citizenship was established as a tool for creating a special relationship to give a sense of togetherness and the feeling of being one big European nation, where the rights and possibilities are available for every citizen of the Member States. It includes the availability of help and protection abroad, on the territory of Third States. This concept exists since 1992, however, it is going through major changes as the integration is expanding and fundamental rights are gaining an increasing importance. The paper aims to highlight the topic of consular protection in the view of its recent developments and challenges along with questions of legal application issues.
Design and Realization of Memory-Based Chirp Generator on Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is a radar system that uses platform movement combined with signal processing. Eventhough it use a small antenna, SAR produce high resolution as good as a large antenna. In SAR imaging, radar is mounted on a moving platform. It transmits electromagnetic pulses and receives backscattered echo signals. Transmitted pulses are subsequently scattered by earth surface and only small portion of them are received by antenna. SAR transmitted signals normally is a chirp or linear frequency modulation (LFM) signal. Chirp signal can be generated by using the analog and digital generator. Digital chirp generator is divided into two methods which are the memory-based and direct digital synthesizer (DDS). The difference of these two methods is located in the memory ROM. In this study, we designed and realized digital chirp generator by using Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) DE-1 development board for SAR implementation. It operates in 1.27 GHz (L Band) frequency and had a bandwith of 10 MHz with 24 MHz sampling rate. We found that the output of FPGA is well performed for chirp signal in digital domain.
Does Fiscal Policy Promote Third-Party Environmental Pollution Control in China? An Evolutionary Game Theoretical Approach

To promote third-party environmental pollution control in China, it is necessary to dissect the mechanism of fiscal policy in third-party environmental pollution control. This study first discusses the acting paths of fiscal policies on third-party environmental pollution control in theory. A tripartite evolutionary game model involving the local government, the polluting enterprise, and the third-party enterprise is established. The replicator dynamics, evolutionary stability strategies, and numerical simulation of the behavior of the three participants are analyzed to further study the acting mechanism of fiscal policy in third-party environmental pollution control. In addition, the influences of other parameters on the implementation of third-party environmental pollution control are evaluated. The results show that the behaviors of the local government, the polluting enterprise, and the third-party enterprise influence each other. Furthermore, strengthening the relevant fiscal policy, reducing the risks of the polluting enterprise and third-party enterprise, and improving the benefit to the local government are conducive to promoting third-party environmental pollution control in China. Based on these results, this study proposes the following policy implications: formulating fiscal policies for third-party environmental pollution control, implementing fiscal policies in a dynamic and progressive manner, improving the market mechanism of third-party environmental pollution control, and strengthening the environmental performance assessment of the local government.
Greenwashing and Environmental Communication: Effects on Stakeholders’ Perceptions

Since the first Earth Day in the 1970s, corporate environmental performance has increased dramatically, and cases of greenwashing have increased sharply. The term greenwash refers to a variety of different misleading communications that aim to form overly positive beliefs among stakeholders about a company's environmental practices. The growing number of corporate social responsibility claims, whether founded or not, creates difficulties for stakeholders in distinguishing between truly positive business performance and companies that only appear to embrace a model of sustainable development. In this context, through the lens of legitimacy and signalling theory, we intend to understand and assess the different influences that various types of misleading communications about environmental issues have on stakeholders' perceptions of corporate environmental responsibility and greenwashing. Stakeholder responses to an environmental scandal will also be assessed. The hypotheses tested through a four‐for‐two design experiment reveal that different levels of greenwashing have a significantly different influence on stakeholders' perceptions of corporate environmental responsibility and stakeholders' reactions to environmental scandals.