Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Emerging Field of Conservation Psychology

The growing recognition that the social sciences play a key role in conservation requires more efficient ways for working together toward a common mission. A new field of conservation psychology is proposed to create stronger connections between the natural and social sciences, between research and practice, and between psychology and the other social sciences. The purpose of such a network is to conduct psychological research that is directly oriented toward the goal of environmental sustainability. To better understand the promise of conservation psychology, it is compared to other fields, such as conservation biology and environmental psychology. Potential conservation psychology research topics are discussed in relation to two broad outcome areas: a) motivating people to act in more environmentally-friendly ways and b) encouraging people to care about the natural world and their role in it. Within these outcome areas, research can be focused at the individual or the group level. The type of research will range from more theoretical approaches to more applied, and examples are provided for such a continuum. The dynamic process by which social scientists and practitioners identify high-priority research questions is another important aspect of conservation psychology.
Global Interactive Advertising

Abstract Global interactive advertising is becoming an important key term for the current marketplace as Internet usage continues to climb at astounding rates on a worldwide basis. The authors propose a definition of global interactive advertising. This study defines global interactive advertising as cross-cultural marketing communications that are deliberately planned and executed to actively engage persons in advertising processing through interactivity as a part of overall localized, regionalized, or worldwide strategic communication efforts. It is important to carefully consider how the term is conceptualized and operationalized. Likewise, it is important to understand what is not considered to be global interactive advertising. By reviewing the components of the term, the authors hope to show how distinctly and strategically different this form of advertising is from interactive advertising that is merely viewed by a consumer living outside of the homemarket’s URL domain. The paper examines the complexities of terms used in differentiating the various forms of global marketing, as well as the complexities in defining the term interactivity. Also discussed is the application of uses and gratifications research and its implications for global interactive advertising. Finally, strategies adapted by interactive advertising agencies are discussed and compared.
Editorial metadata in the Cuidado music browser: between universalism and isolationism

We address the metadata management problem in the context of future electronic music distribution (EMD) systems. We propose a classification of existing musical editorial systems in two categories: the isolationists and the universalists. Universalists propose shared information, at the expense of consensuality. Isolationists approaches allow individual parameterization, at the expense of reusability. We propose an architecture and a system for managing editorial metadata that lies in the middle of these two extreme viewpoints: we organize musical editorial information in such a way that users can benefit from shared metadata when they wish, while allowing them to create and manage a private version of editorial information. A mechanism allows synchronizing both views (the shared and the private view). We describe the architecture and the application in progress, in the context of the Cuidado European IST project.
E-governance Readiness: Challenges for India

Governments and public sector organizations around the globe are relying on information and communication technologies (ICTs) to reform the functioning of the system and provide better service delivery mechanisms for their citizens. E-governance is the effective use of ICTs, particularly the Web-based Internet applications, for better governance and service delivery. Indian government, like its global counterparts, is using ICT and E-governance as part of its broader governance modernization programmes. This article presents an overview of the E-governance scenario in India. It evaluates the readiness, capability and willingness of the government to provide E-services in terms of the factors like telecommunication infrastructure, human capital and web presence. Based on the assessment, the factors which hinder the E-initiatives development and the barriers for the effective implementation are identified. These barriers are then classified into the three dimensions which determine the E-governance readiness. A strategy for improving the E-governance readiness in India is also proposed.
[GeneBee-NET: An Internet based server for biopolymer structure analysis].

A network server providing biopolymer structure databank retrieval as well as some other biocomputing procedures for Internet users is described. Its basic procedures consist in looking for sequence and 3D homologies (similarities). Found homologies are used for constructing multiple alignment, for predicting RNA and protein secondary structures as well as for constructing phylogenetic trees. Alongside traditional methods of sequence homology retrieval, a "matrix-free" (correlation) method is proposed. A similar procedure is used to locate protein 3D similarities. For novel procedures algorithm ideas and their possible applications are discussed. The service ideology is based on the interaction of server and client programs. The client program (GeneBee for IBM PC) can be used to form queries to the server as well as to manipulate a treatment result. In the absence of the client program the interaction with the server can be in the text mode. The E-mail and WWW addresses for the server are as follows: SERVE/INDY.GENEBEE. MSU.SU and WWW.GENEBEE. MSU.SU.
Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite DNA markers in the sea squirt Halocynthia roretzi

The sea squirt Halocynthia roretzi is an important marine food resource species that is found in the waters around Korea. We describe the isolation and characterization of 13 new polymorphic microsatellite loci in 96 sea squirt samples that were collected from the marine environment of Samcheok on the east coast of Korea. The number of alleles that were observed for each locus ranged from six to 32, and the value of expected and observed heterozygosities was 0.504–0.922 and 0.396–0.813, respectively. These markers will be useful tools for future population studies.
A Study of the Organizational Culture for Knowledge Sharing in Selected Banks Branches

Knowledge has become the most vital resource for gaining competitive advantage. Banks has recognized the relevance and importance of sharing knowledge among employees. The purpose of this research paper is to analysis the factors that influence on knowledge sharing in selected bank branches. Research identified several factors; trust, collaboration, communication among staff, information system, reward systems, organizational structure, management practices, shared vision and employee union facilitate knowledge sharing in organizations. The questionnaire was used for data collection. Gathered data was analyzed in descriptive statistics using SPSS software. Study reveals that Information systems, sharing a common vision and trust among employees exist at a higher level in the selected organizational culture as knowledge sharing elements than other identified factors. Findings of this study provide useful information and support to extend the understanding of banks in motivating their employees to engage in knowledge sharing practices.
Insurance Product Development: Managing the Changes

Deregulation, advances in enabling technology, and aggressive competition from new suppliers, including banks, are causing more and more traditional insurance companies to revise the way in which product development is undertaken. A study of ten companies offering life insurance and ten companies offering general insurance in Britain shows that a few of them are now putting into place amended managerial systems. The marketing function is undergoing changes in responsibilities in all these companies. While most companies have key managers who have visions of how markets can be reshaped to give distinct competitive advantages, effecting such changes within existing operating constraints poses major challenges.
Analysis of wind turbines radar cross section for analyzing the potential impact on weather radars

A comprehensive characterization of the radar cross section (RCS) patterns of wind turbines is conducted, by applying Physical Optics approximation and considering specific conditions applicable to the potential impact on weather radars. Results show that monostatic RCS patterns of wind turbines present a significant main lobe generated by the mast of the turbine, perpendicular to the mast surface, extremely directive in the vertical plane, with symmetry with respect to the vertical axis of the mast. Secondary lobes caused by other parts of the turbine are identified, all of them of lower amplitude (at least 10 dB lower). Outcomes of the analysis allow the development of simplified calculation methods of the scattered signals and the potential impact of wind turbines.
SPATIAL MARKET INTEGRATION OF THE SOYBEAN INDUSTRY IN HANOI PROVINCE, VIETNAM

SUMMARY Soybean cultivation in the North of Vietnam plays an important role as a source of the household income and renders higher economic return than other crops in recent years. Studying on market integration of the soybean industry will be significant in improving livelihood and marketing issues for soybean growers. The study analyzes the market efficiency of the soybean industry in selected areas in Ha Noi province. The data were gathered through personal interviews of 100 soybean growers and 40 traders in Thuong Tin district, Ha Noi province. The time-series data on soybean prices at the farm, wholesale and retail levels for the last 12 years covering the years 1997 to 2008 were collected and analyzed for spatial price efficiency. The test on price information transmitted across different market levels (farm - wholesale markets level) from the farm (producers in Phu Xuyen district) to the designated reference markets (in Ha Noi city) was done by using the Ravallion model. The test results for market integration revealed a pronounced lack of market integration at the farm level and wholesale market in Hanoi city. This is attributed to long distance travel and limited information between the two markets. The results also showed that the majority of the soybean growers could not meet the right quantity and quality of soybean required by the market due to limited supply of quality seeds and high incidence of pests and diseases.
Managing Strategies for Higher Education Institutions in the UK

This article deals with strategic management issues in the higher education sector in the UK. The core idea is presented here with the argument that the principle and practice of strategic management are not only the concerns of senior management, but also an essential requirement at all levels of management of higher education. It shows that higher education institutions exist in a complex and changing environment with an increasing need for fast and effective strategic responses to external pressures. Having identified these issues, this article considers a form of strategic issues such as strategic management in higher education, three different levels of strategy and also discusses Porter’s five forces in the context of UK higher education sector. Though these issues are considered from a theoretical standpoint, they are linked to the competitive positioning and strategic management concepts being used in higher education.
Model validation of a hexapod walker robot

SUMMARY Our complete dynamical simulation-model realistically describes the real low-cost hexapod walker robot Szabad(ka)-II within prescribed tolerances under nominal load conditions. This validated model is novel, described in detail, for it includes in a single study: (a) digital controllers, (b) gearheads and DC motors, (c) 3D kinematics and dynamics of 18 Degree of Freedom (DOF) structure, (d) ground contact for even ground, (e) sensors and battery model. In our model validation: (a) kinematical-, dynamical- and digital controller variables were simultaneously compared, (b) differences of measured and simulated curves were quantified and qualified, (c) unknown model parameters were estimated by comparing real measurements with simulation results and applying adequate optimization procedures. The model validation helps identifying both model's and real robot's imperfections: (a) gearlash of the joints, (b) imperfection of approximate ground contact model, (c) lack of gearhead's internal non-linear friction in the model. Modeling and model validation resulted in more stable robot which performed better than its predecessors in terms of locomotion.
Small Towns and Small Enterprises: A Study of Workplace Relations in a Rural Town in South Africa

Abstract Scholarly literature on Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) view small scale businesses as employment generators, skills developers, and therefore, contributors to economic growth and poverty reduction. While this notion dominates scholarship and policy circles, it ignores other issues that are inherent in managementlabour relations in SMMEs. This study explores the vulnerability of workers in small businesses. It examines the factors contributing to workers exploitation, the extent of workers vulnerability to exploitation and workers awareness of their rights in their workplaces. It focuses on employees of small businesses in Stutterheim, a small town in Amatole District in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province. The study uses both qualitative and quantitative methods to collect empirical data. Research findings reveal that workers in the study area are vulnerable to exploitation occasioned by high rate of poverty, scarcity of jobs, low levels of worker education, workers’ unawareness of their rights, and official indifference to labour practices.
STUDENT SATISFACTION, RESULTANT OF MARKETING ORIENTATION OF UNIVERSITY UNDER CURRENT CONDITIONS

: The purpose of this work is to present a relevant aspect of marketing approach of the activities carried by universities, respectively knowing, understanding and satisfying students’ needs, the main consumer category of the university product, in the conditions of current market of high education institutions. The universities are put in the position to find solutions to the problems caused by the stakeholders’ characteristics and by the existing competition on the educational market. The approach of marketing orientation in the university implies adapting the educational and scientific research step to create for the institution a brand image as a warranty of its sustainability on a competitive market by considering the needs and expectations of students. The conclusion is that there is a wide specialized literature that shows models that allow an adequate quantification of the students’ satisfaction as a resultant of concerning the insurance of high education quality by using univeristy marketing tools. Starting from the specialized literature, in the work was handled the quantification of the students’ satisfaction that have completed Bachelor and Master cycle in order to improve the activity of the university.
Polymorphism of costimulatory molecules (CTLA4, ICOS, PD.1 and CD28) and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in Iranian patients

Costimulatory molecules are important factors determining the outcome of bone marrow transplant. Because the host ability in costimulatory molecule function may be affected by gene polymorphisms, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of CTLA4, ICOS, PD.1 and CD28 gene polymorphisms in outcome of bone marrow transplant patients. A total of 72 recipients were included in this study. CTLA4 (−1722, −1661, −318, +49), ICOS (+1720), CD28 (+17) and PD.1 (PD.1.3, PD.1.9) gene polymorphisms were evaluated by PCR-RFLP. The results showed that no differences in the distribution of all mentioned costimulatory molecules genotypes and alleles were observed in the Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD) group compared to the non-GVHD group. After gender classification, there is a significant association between GA genotype (CTLA4-1661) in male group with GVHD than without GVHD (p = 0.03). Also, in this study we found significant associations between CC genotype and C allele of PD.1. 9, and TT genotype and T allele of CD28 that had more frequency in grades 2–4 (p = 0.04. p = 0.02, p = 0.01, p = 0.003, respectively). Results indicate that the CC genotype and C allele of PD.1. 9 and TT genotype and the T allele of CD28 are genetic risk factors for development of a severe grade of GVHD. This subject needs to be studied in different population.
Stepping stones in DNA sequencing

In recent years there have been tremendous advances in our ability to rapidly and cost‐effectively sequence DNA. This has revolutionized the fields of genetics and biology, leading to a deeper understanding of the molecular events in life processes. The rapid technological advances have enormously expanded sequencing opportunities and applications, but also imposed strains and challenges on steps prior to sequencing and in the downstream process of handling and analysis of these massive amounts of sequence data. Traditionally, sequencing has been limited to small DNA fragments of approximately one thousand bases (derived from the organism's genome) due to issues in maintaining a high sequence quality and accuracy for longer read lengths. Although many technological breakthroughs have been made, currently the commercially available massively parallel sequencing methods have not been able to resolve this issue. However, recent announcements in nanopore sequencing hold the promise of removing this read‐length limitation, enabling sequencing of larger intact DNA fragments. The ability to sequence longer intact DNA with high accuracy is a major stepping stone towards greatly simplifying the downstream analysis and increasing the power of sequencing compared to today. This review covers some of the technical advances in sequencing that have opened up new frontiers in genomics.
Developing a novel data envelopment analysis model to determine prospective benchmarks of green supply chain in the presence of dual-role factor

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a model based on data envelopment analysis (DEA) and program evaluation and review technique/critical path method (PERT/CPM) for determining prospective benchmarks. Design/methodology/approach – The idea of determining prospective benchmark is needed for developing a model for future planning where inputs and outputs of systems are influenced by external factors such as economic conditions, demographic changes, and other socio-economic factors. In this paper, the PERT/CPM method estimates prospective inputs and outputs. On the other hand, in particular systems some measures play the role of both input and output. Such factors in DEA literature are called dual-role factors. This paper integrates PERT/CPM technique and the DEA. Findings – The results of the proposed model depict that a present benchmark may not be a benchmark in future. A numerical example validates the proposed model. Originality/value – This paper, for the first time, applies the PERT/CPM .
PROCESS RESEARCH IN INTERNATIONAL STRATEGIC ALLIANCES: DISCOURSE VERSUS PRACTICE

Many International Strategic Alliance (ISA) scholars assign to process research a critical role for the future advancement of knowledge. Beyond a common assumption that published ISA process studies are rare, they have yet to be explicitly identified in order to better understand why and how some of these studies make it into print. This is an interesting practical question for scholars considering such research and how and where to publish it. However, more importantly, published studies embody tacit assumptions that can clearly shape how and whether process research will be a growth‘ area in the ISA literature. We focus on the relationship of discourse and practice by analyzing a sample of 127 empirical ISA papers published in five top tier journals during a nine-year period. Text analysis reveals article attributes. Of 127 papers, 32 papers positioned themselves as process studies. By enumerating and describing the characteristics of process studies, we set the stage to explore which patterns of practice (primarily choices about data and methods) are legitimated by publication and the degree to which these are congruent with discourse on recommended practices. We discuss implications of our findings for scholars, venues of publishing such as JIBs and consumers of our scholarship.
Detection of two antigenic subpopulations of A(H1N1) influenza viruses from pigs: Antigenic drift or interspecies transmission?

Serological analysis of a group of 63 influenza H1N1 viruses isolated from pigs in Italy in the period 1976–1988 revealed the presence of two distinct antigenic subpopulations: some viruses possessed a haemagglutinin indistinguishable from that of viruses typically associated with pigs, i.e., A/New Jersey/8/76 (H1N1), whereas others showed a close antigenic relatedness with the haemagglutinin of avian‐like HI viruses. These findings represent further evidence that influenza A viruses from avian species may be transmitted to mammals. The surface and internal proteins of some of these viruses were also analyzed biochemically to evaluate the molecular relatedness among viruses circulating in nonhuman hosts.
A QoS-Aware Resource Allocation Algorithm for Device-to-Device Communication Underlaying Cellular Networks

This paper considers the resource allocation problem for device-to-device (D2D) communication underlaying cellular networks. We consider downlink (DL) spectrum resources and takes into account different quality of service (QoS) requirements of D2D users in the resource allocation. The resource allocation problem is formulated into an integer nonlinear programming problem with the objective to maximize the number of D2D pairs whose QoS requirements are satisfied and the overall throughput gain of the system. To solve this problem, a heuristic QoS-aware resource allocation (QARA) algorithm is proposed to find an approximate solution to the problem. Simulation results show that the proposed QARA algorithm can achieve a good network performance in terms of the satisfaction ratio and overall throughput of the system as compared with an existing resource allocation algorithm for D2D communication.