Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Australasian ( ACIS ) December 2005 The ( Enduring ) Role of IS Strategy in Value Creation

Modern businesses face increased levels of competitive pressure, a turbulent business environment, and there is ongoing debate as to whether IT can continue to create competitive advantage in the modern era. Traditional IS strategic planning, most recently based on seeking competitive advantage through IT, has been stricken by something of an identity and relevance crisis. This paper addresses the issue of whether IT can still create competitive advantage in the modern business environment, and, if so, how can IS strategic planning be conducted in such a way as to create value.
The impact of oil price on stock returns in oil-exporting economies: The case of Russia and Norway

The purpose of our paper is to examine the relationship and interactions between oil price movements and stock market indexes in main two oil exporting countries - Russia and Norway from January 1998 to March 2011, and test how and to what extent oil prices together with other variables influence stock markets. Apart from crude oil price, we also include to our model some macroeconomic explanatory variables that are directly linked to stock market performance as well as oil price movements. The notion of comparative analysis of oil price changes and stock market performance between a developing country- Russia and a developed country- Norway is also one of the major empirical aspects of our master thesis. First, we run simple OLS regression to understand the effect of oil prices on stock returns. Our results show evidence of an oil effect in both countries. In order to examine deeply the interaction and impact among different variables, we employ a VAR model. Results reveal a diverse pattern in all share and industrial level. For interpretation of results, we implement Granger causality and Impulse response analysis. Finally, for further analysis, we run asymmetric tests using dummy variables to show the difference between oil price increases and the normal case.
Training and Performance: A Sign from Saudi Service Organizations

The aim of this study is to explore the effect of training on organizational performance. Training techniques were categorized into two types: behavioural training techniques (on-the-job training) and cognitive training techniques (off-the-job training). Three behavioural techniques were selected – monitoring, coaching, and job rotation – and three cognitive techniques – role playing, lectures, and computer-based training. Training as an independent construct was measured based on these behavioural and cognitive techniques. On the other hand, organizational performance was measured based on subjective items related to the operational dimensions of organizations’ performance. A questionnaire-based survey was used to collect data from a sample consisting of 600 employees working at service organizations in Saudi Arabia. Of the questionnaires distributed to the sample, 478 were returned complete and valid for the analysis process. The Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 was used to analyse the collected data. The findings of the study confirmed that both behavioural techniques of training were significantly and positively related to organizational performance. In fact, the results identified job rotation as a main practice of on-the-job training techniques that lead to improved organizational performance. There is a statistically significant influence of other dimensions, such as coaching, monitoring, role playing, lectures, and computer-based training, on organizational performance. Despite the positive and direct impact of on-the-job training and off-the-job training on the dependent variable, organizational performance, on-the-job training has a larger impact on this construct. The results are presented and discussed, and recommendations, limitations, and future research directions are provided.
Heterogeneity in the Dynamic Effects of Uncertainty on Investment

How does aggregate profit uncertainty influence investment activity at the firm level? We propose a parsimonious adaptation of a factor-autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity model to exploit information in a subindustry sales panel for an efficient and tractable estimation of aggregate volatility. The resulting uncertainty measure is then included in an investment forecasting model interacted with firm-specific coefficients. We find that higher profit uncertainty induces firms to lower capital expenditure on average, yet to a considerably different degree: for example, both small and large firms are expected to reduce investment much more than medium-sized firms. This highlights significant and substantial heterogeneity in the uncertainty transmission mechanism.
Contextual integration of heterogeneous data in an open and opportunistic smart environment: application to humanoid robots. (Intégration contextuelle de données hétérogènes dans un environnement ambiant ouvert et opportuniste: application aux robots humanoïdes)

L'association de robots personnels et d’intelligences ambiantes est une nouvelle voie pour l’aide a domicile. Grâce aux appareils intelligents de l'environnement, les robots pourraient fournir un service de haute qualite. Cependant, des verrous existent pour la perception, la cognition et l’action.En effet, une telle association cause des problemes de varietes, qualites et conflits, engendrant des donnees heterogenes et incertaines. Cela complique la perception du contexte et la cognition, i.e. le raisonnement et la prise de decision. La connaissance du contexte est utilisee par le robot pour effectuer des actions. Cependant, il se peut qu’il echoue, a cause de changements de contexte ou par manque de connaissance. Ce qui annule ou retarde son plan. La litterature aborde ces sujets, mais n’offre aucune solution viable et complete. Face a ces verrous, nous avons propose des contributions, autour a la fois du raisonnement et de l’apprentissage. Nous avons d’abord concu un outil d'acquisition de contexte qui gere et modelise l’incertitude. Puis, nous avons propose une technique de detection de situations anormales a partir de donnees incertaines. Ensuite, un planificateur dynamique, qui considere les changements de contexte, a ete propose. Enfin, nous avons developpe une methode d'apprentissage par renforcement et experience pour eviter proactivement les echecs.Toutes nos contributions ont ete implementees et validees via simulation ou a l’aide d’un robot dans une plateforme d’espaces intelligents
ROLE OF ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF PHYTOPHTHORA ROOT ROTS1

Phytophthora root rots are an important group of diseases affecting many woody and herbaceous plants. Some of these diseases are of great economic importance and are not always effectively controlled by fungicides, especially when they occur on trees in forest, orchard, or landscape plantings. The difficulties encountered in control have resulted in considerable research over the past 10-15 years to more precisely define conditions which favor production, survival and spread of inoculum of Phytophthora spp. in soil, and infection of plant roots. Such information eventually should provide a basis for development of effective cultural practices to aid in control of these diseases.
To Investigate the Relationship between CSR of Companies and Their Market Valuation (Equity Valuation): Northern India

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has been widely studied in the past with little success on direct impact on firm’s valuation. The following research investigates the relationship between CSR of companies and their market value a case study of 20 large size companies in Northern India that are listed in National Securities Exchange (NSE). The research uses secondary data for primary analysis and applies MS Excel to analyze data. The data was collected from annual company reports and NSE website for the past 5 years. The research used CSR spending and market cap to investigate the relationship in CSR of companies and market value. The research found that CSR spending and stock valuation is positively related. The concluded that firm valuation can be increased by increasing CSR activities. The research recommends that all companies should adopt a CSR in order to increase the company market value.
How Can Inspiration Be Encouraged in Art Learning ?

Inspiration has been regarded as an important phenomenon in research into artistic creation and art learning (Tyler & Likova, 2012; Chemi, Jensen & Hersted, 2015). Active art appreciation inspires people and facilitates the creativity of art-making, as shown by psychological experiments on drawing (Okada & Ishibashi, 2016). Our recent studies on inspiration in artistic activities have shown that the core of inspiration through art appreciation (ITA) is a dual focus on the artwork (and artist) and the viewer’s own artmaking. In this chapter, we outline our model of the psychological process of ITA. We list factors that promote ITA, in particular, those inducing a dual focus in the context of educational practice. Some factors – instruction, methods of appreciation, and methods of selecting and showing artworks – may contribute to educational interventions in museums and schools. Finally, we described a case of art educational practice for undergraduates, designed to promote inspiration.
Structural Implications of Green Roofs, Terraces, and Walls

As green roofs, terraces, and walls are becoming more common, structural engineers appear to be unaware of the structural issues involved and how to address them. Green roofs, terraces, and walls are an architectural/mechanical approach that tackles the sustainable design issues of storm water runoff, reduction of building energy use, and an opportunity to provide usable space to building occupants. Structural engineers must understand the structural implications of such approaches with regards to static loads, dynamic loads, serviceability, durability, and anchorage. This document describes the structural implications of intensive green roofs/terraces, extensive green roofs, and green walls. An in depth discussion on assumed dead loads, live loads, seismic loads, wind effects, load combinations, serviceability concerns, and ASTM standards is provided. An analysis of tree loading, sloped roofs, seismic anchorage of green roofs, and recommended structural design specifications and strategies will also be presented. Lastly, strategies utilizing green roofs within the context of the sustainable metric systems such as USBGC’s LEED rating system will be addressed. This document will provide a resource for engineers looking to easily, safely, and effectively facilitate the integration of green roofs into their projects.
Fumonisins in Foods from Cordoba (Argentina), Presence: Mini Review

This review emphasizes, specifically, the determination of fumonisins in different food substrates, made in different commercial centers of Cordoba, Argentina. The importance of reviewing this research is related to public health, since food is part of human development and this must be safe. These contaminations, which we try to determine in different food substrates, in some cases occurred in very small quantities, but in most cases, the consumption is through the children and for long periods of time. Among these foods are those based on corn, this cereal has a great possibility of being contaminated with fumonisins and other mycotoxins as evidenced by research conducted in our country.
The effect of herbal materials on the P-glycoprotein activity and function

Abstract P-glycoprotein (P-gp) encoded by the MDR1 (multidrug resistance 1) gene is ATP-dependent transporting protein which is localizated in the cell membrane. P-gp is expressed mainly in organs with the secretory functions and its physiological role concerns tissue protection against xenobiotics. P-glycoprotein is involved in the permeability barriers of the blood-brain, blood-placenta directly protecting these organs. It participates in the transport of many drugs and other xenobiotics affecting their absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion. The high P-gp activity in the cell membranes of cancer tissue is a major cause of lack of effectiveness of chemotherapy. Hence, the methods which could increase the sensibility of these pathological cells to cytostatics are still being searched. In the experimental studies it was shown that natural plant substances may have an effect on the expression level and activity of P-glycoprotein. Hypericum perforatum, Ginkgo biloba and Camellia sinensis increase P-gp activity while curcumin from Curcuma longa, piperine and silymarin inhibit this protein. Taking into account a wide substrate spectrum of P-gp, application of our knowledge on interactions of herbals and synthetic drugs should be considered in order to improve drug impact on different tissues. Streszczenie Glikoproteina P (P-gp) kodowana przez gen oporności wielolekowej MDR1 to ATP-zależne białko transportowe zlokalizowane w błonach komórkowych. P-gp ulega ekspresji głównie w obrębie narządów pełniących funkcje wydzielnicze, a jej fizjologiczna rola polega na ochronie tkanek przed ksenobiotykami. Glikoproteina P bierze udział w barierach przepuszczalności krew-mózg, krew-łożysko, chroniąc bezpośrednio te organy. Uczestniczy w transporcie leków i innych ksenobiotyków, wpływając na ich absorpcję, dystrybucję, metabolizm i wydalanie. Wysoka aktywność P-gp w błonach komórek nowotworowych jest główną przyczyną braku skuteczności chemioterapii. Poszukiwane są więc sposoby zwiększenia wrażliwości tych patologicznych komórek na cytostatyki. Badane są w tym kierunku naturalne substancje roślinne, ponieważ zaobserwowano ich wpływ na stopień ekspresji oraz aktywność glikoproteiny P. Hypericum perforatum, Ginkgo biloba i Camellia sinensis to surowce zwiększające aktywność P-gp, natomiast kurkumina z korzenia ostryża długiego, piperyna oraz sylimaryna hamują działanie tego białka. Ze względu na tak wielokierunkowe oddziaływanie fitoterapii oraz szerokie spektrum substratowe P-gp, stosując wiedzę na temat interakcji surowców roślinnych z lekami syntetycznymi należy zawsze mieć na uwadze zwiększenie biodostępności stosowanych leków.
Electron velocity of 6 × 107 cm/s at 300 K in stress engineered InAlN/GaN nano-channel high-electron-mobility transistors

A stress engineered three dimensional (3D) Triple T-gate (TT-gate) on lattice matched In0.17Al0. 83N/GaN nano-channel (NC) Fin-High-Electron-Mobility Transistor (Fin-HEMT) with significantly enhanced device performance was achieved that is promising for high-speed device applications. The Fin-HEMT with 200-nm effective fin-width (Weff) exhibited a very high IDmax of 3940 mA/mm and a highest gm of 1417 mS/mm. This dramatic increase of ID and gm in the 3D TT-gate In0.17Al0. 83N/GaN NC Fin-HEMT translated to an extracted highest electron velocity (ve) of 6.0 × 107 cm/s, which is ∼1.89× higher than that of the conventional In0.17Al0. 83N/GaN HEMT (3.17 × 107 cm/s). The ve in the conventional III-nitride transistors are typically limited by highly efficient optical-phonon emission. However, the unusually high ve at 300 K in the 3D TT-gate In0.17Al0. 83N/GaN NC Fin-HEMT is attributed to the increase of in-plane tensile stress component by SiN passivation in the formed NC which is also verified by micro-photolumines.
The Ape That Kicked the Hornet's Nest: Response to Commentaries on “The Ape That Thought It Was a Peacock”

We respond to the commentaries on our target article, “The Ape That Thought It Was a Peacock. ” We start with specific issues raised by the article. These relate to the magnitude of human sex differences; the evolution and relative importance of pair bonding, paternal care, and polygyny in our species; and the distinction between the males-compete/females-choose (MCFC) model of human sexual psychology and the mutual mate choice (MMC) model. We then evaluate two competing theories of human sex differences and similarities: Social Role Theory and Attachment Fertility Theory. We conclude with some thoughts about how to present and teach evolutionary psychological research and theories without conveying an exaggerated impression of the scale of human sex differences.
Effects of Some Organic Manures on N , P , K , Zn and Fe Uptake in Straw and Grains of Rice in the Soils of Lake Geriyo , Adamawa State , Nigeria

Pot experiments were carried out from January to July, 2013 to study the effects of some organic manure on uptake of N, P, K, Zn and Fe in straw and grains of rice in the soils of Lake Geriyo Irrigation Scheme, Adamawa State, Nigeria. Two types of organic manures; cow dung, poultry droppings and control were used for the experiment. Three levels of organic manures 5, 10 and 15 tons per hectare (tonha ) and two sampling 1 time; maximum tillering and harvest were chosen. Results obtained revealed that nitrogen uptake in straw ranged from 15.07 to 18.11 and 15.62 to 18.32gkg for the first and second experiments, respectively. Mean nitrogen 1 uptake in grains of 8.80 and 9.44gkg were also recorded for the first and second experiments, respectively. 1 Mean of 2.04 and 32.84mgkg and 2.31 and 33.28mgkg were recorded for zinc and iron for the first and second 1 1 experiments respectively. Level, type of organic manures as well as time of sampling significantly (P<0.05) influenced N, P and K uptake in both straw and grains of rice grown on the soil of Geriyo Irrigation Scheme. Zinc and Iron uptake in both straw and grains was however decreased with increasing organic manures application. While, reduced Iron uptake may not constitute a problem in the nutrition of rice, the antagonistic effect of the primary nutrients particularly P on zinc should be monitored to sustain yield.
Risk Inherent in Matching Unreliability With Uncertainty

Solar and wind are unreliable sources of energy. Several years ago, there was an eclipse over Europe during calm weather reducing renewable (wind and solar) power to nil – without 100% backup, the lights would have gone out. Electricity demand is uncertain, but its uncertainty can be bracketed within known parameters based on an analysis of past demand. Meeting uncertain demand with reliable supply (fossil fuel, nuclear, hydro except in dry seasons) is the normal course of business for an operating utility. Matching up unreliable supply with uncertain demand is a newly emerging trend with the advent of renewables. At first, when solar and wind made minute contributions to satisfying electricity demand, the challenge was manageable. The challenge is becoming more prominent with the growth in the contribution of solar and wind to electricity supply. This chapter describes the risk of matching unreliability with uncertainty via a simulation of a utility with a notable commitment to renewables. Upon measuring risk, means to mitigate that risk will be covered.
Responses of 36- to 63-day-old BUT Big 6 turkey toms to graded dietary methionine plus cysteine levels

A total of 734 male 36-day-old BUT Big 6 turkeys were allotted to 6 groups with 6 replicates each and were fed diets supplemented with graded methionine levels of 0, 0.4, 0.8, 1.3, 1.8, or 2.4 g/kg, respectively. During four weeks of experimental feeding the weight gain of turkeys was proportional to the contents of methionine+cysteine in diets and consistent with the non-linear regression equation Y = 3279 + 363 × (1-d (-12.33 ×(X – 0.607))), r2 = 0.99. Nitrogen retention of the turkeys indicated a trend towards an increase in the amount of retained nitrogen with increasing methionine+cysteine level. The weight gain response suggested that optimum dietary methionine+cysteine levels are higher than 0.80 g/MJ ME, while feed conversion was not affected.
Receptor elements in the coxal region of Decapoda Crustacea

In the 4th to 8th thoracic segments of decapod Crustacea, at the bases of the peraeopods, sensory organs of various kinds have been found. They have been observed in Homarus vulgaris, Astacus astacus, Palinurus vulgaris, Eupagurusbemhardus, Carcinus maenas, Maia squinadoand described in greater detail for Homarus, Carcinus and Maia. In all species examined there is in each peraeopod a proprioceptor consisting of a thin muscle with various nerve elements which extends from a point of the endophragmal skeleton situated near the ventral ganglia to the anteroventral part of the coxa. In the 4th to 7th thoracic segments of Homarus, in the 4th to 8th of Palinurus and Astacus, and in the 4th of the Brachyura, the receptor muscle is proximally attached to the tip of a chitinous projection of the endophragmal skeleton for which the term ‘receptor rod’ is proposed. In other instances it originates on the plate of the endosternite. The nerve components of this ‘muscular receptor’ are of two sorts: (1) motor nerves spreading their branches over the whole length of the muscle, and (2) processes of the sensory neurons distributing their ramifications on the connective tissue associated with the muscle at its proximal end. The arrangement of the sensory elements is different in various species, but they all exhibit one feature, unusual in invertebrates, viz. their cell-bodies are situated within the central nervous system and not outside it.
Digital distance relay reliability enhancement using real-time filter

In the conventional three - zone stepped directional distance scheme, distance relay is used to provide the primary as well as remote backup protection. However, the mal-operation of this relay under stressed conditions such as power swing and switching action transient instability may affect the reliability of the whole protective scheme. The voltage and current phasors needed by the distance relay for determining the impedance may be measured with integrated Phasor Measurement Unit. However, this measurement accuracy may be affected by several power disturbances such as fast and slow dc offsets decaying due to sudden current changes, inter-harmonics, etc. To avoid these effects for improving the quality of measurements and hence the distance relay reliability, this work proposes a new real-time filtering method for removing the unwanted DC offset and hence improving SDFT algorithm. To validate the present method, the performance of developed distance relay is tested using the data generated by Simulink/MATLAB simulator. The obtained simulation results are satisfactory.
PEDRO MIRASSOL TOMÉ ANALOG NEURAL PREDISTORTION OF POWER AMPLIFIERS

PEDRO M. TOMÉ: Analog Neural Predistortion of Power Amplifiers Tampere University of Technology Master of Science Thesis, 44 pages, 0 Appendix pages May 2016 Integrated Master’s Degree in Electronic and Telecommunications Engineering (EUR-ACE label), in collaboration with the University of Aveiro, Portugal, through the Erasmus+ program. Examiner: Professor Mikko Valkama
version : Ectoenzymes and innate immunity : the role of human CD 157 in leukocyte trafficking

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