Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Advance selling programs: When to introduce and what to inform consumers

We study a two-stage model in which the information processed by consumers at the first stage (advance selling stage) is endogenously determined. In the model, the firm decides whether to introduce an advance selling program, chooses what attribute information to disclose and determines an advance selling price and a retail price. Forward-looking consumers strategically choose, based on the disclosed information, to buy in advance or to make a purchase decision at the second stage (retail stage) when all information is revealed. We characterize the firm's optimal choice on the advance selling program and the strategy of information disclosure. In particular, we show that the firm always prefers to introduce the advance selling program except when underlying consumer preferences are extremely homogenous. In addition, we find that fully revealing horizontal product information at the advance selling stage is never optimal to the firm, but revealing either partial or no product information can be optimal depending on the underlying consumer preferences. Our finding that partial information disclosure is sometimes optimal to the firm is in contrast to the result in the literature of horizontal information provision that a firm maximizes profit by revealing either no or full information to consumers.
Seasonal Variations in Molecular Size of Chromophoric Dissolved Organic Matter From the Lower Changjiang (Yangtze) River

Large world rivers and their dissolved organic matter (DOM) fluxes could regulate ecosystem function and biogeochemical processes in coastal marine environments. Knowledge about the seasonal variations in composition and molecular size of DOM remains scarce but is important to a better understanding of the role of river fluxes. Monthly time‐series (July 2018 to June 2019) surface water samples were collected from the lower Changjiang (Yangtze) River, one of the largest world rivers, for the measurements of both dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) to elucidate seasonal changes in their abundance, optical properties, and molecular size distributions among the <1 kDa, 1–3 kDa, 3–10 kDa, and 10 kDa–0.7 μm size fractions. On average, the <1 kDa low‐molecular weight DOM made up about two thirds of the bulk CDOM, leaving the other one third in the 1 kDa–0.7 μm size fraction. Optical properties and molecular size of DOM transported by the Changjiang River had an evident seasonality. In general, DOM exported from the Changjiang River can be characterized as lower DOC, lower aromaticity, and lower colloidal abundance compared to other world rivers. Together with available literature data, our results show that world rivers with higher/lower DOC concentrations and higher/lower aromaticity also contain more/less colloidal (>1 kDa) DOM. Our year‐long time‐series study provides additional valuable baseline data for a better understanding of seasonal changes in the abundance, composition, and molecular weight distribution of DOM from the lower Changjiang River and the potential impacts on the biogeochemical cycling of DOM in the adjacent estuarine, coastal, and shelf areas.
BaO−B2O3 system and its mysterious member Ba3B2O6

The first systematic study of the BaO–B2O3 system and barium orthoborate Ba3B2O6 (3BaO·B2O3) was reported in 1949. Thereafter, the system was repeatedly refined but the structure of Ba3B2O6 compound has not been adequately studied yet. In our study we have, for the first time, obtained the crystalline samples of Ba3B2O6. The solved structure (Pbam, a = 13.5923(4) A, b = 13.6702(4) A, c = 14.8894(3) A) belongs to the class of ‘anti-zeolite’ borates with a pseudotetragonal [Ba12(BO3)6]6+ cation pattern which contains channels along the c axis filled with anionic clusters. The Ba3B2O6 compound may be regarded as a fluorine-free end-member of the Ba3(BO3)2–xF3x solid solution. The BaO–B2O3 phase diagram presented in our study is based on our research and literature data. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Meritocracy at Work?: Merit-Based Reward Systems and Gender Wage Inequality

Abstract:It is widely believed that meritocratic employment practices reduce gender inequality by limiting managers' reliance on nonmerit factors, such as biases. An emerging stream of research, however, questions the belief, arguing that meritocratic practices often fail to reduce inequality and may paradoxically increase it. Despite these opposing predictions, we still lack convincing empirical findings to adjudicate between them. Typically relying on data from a single organization or industry, most previous studies suffer from limited generalizability and cannot properly account for the large variation in the implementation of merit-based reward systems across organizations, let alone identify the origins of the variation. We attempt to overcome the limitations by constructing large-scale linked employer–employee data and by investigating the impact of merit-based systems on different components of compensation. Analyzing our panel data on 400 large Japanese companies and 400,000 employees of these companies over 12 years, we found evidence in support of the meritocracy paradox. The gender gap in bonus pay was greater, not smaller, in workplaces with a merit-based system compared to workplaces without it. But this paradoxical expansion of the gender gap was observed only in bonus pay but not in total compensation. We further found that a transition to merit-based systems has varying impacts on different employee groups; it widened the gender pay gap for young workers but reduced the gap for managers. Our research contributes to understanding gender inequality in times of shifting employment relations and the rise of meritocracy.
Comparative Performance of Multi-Period ACOPF and Multi-Period DCOPF under High Integration of Wind Power

Today, the power system operation represents a challenge given the security and reliability requirements. Mathematical models are used to represent and solve operational and planning issues related with electric systems. Specifically, the AC optimal power flow (ACOPF) and the DC optimal power flow (DCOPF) are tools used for operational and planning purposes. The DCOPF versions correspond to lineal versions of the ACOPF. This is due to the fact that the power flow solution is often hard to obtain with the ACOPF considering all constraints. However, the simplifications use only active power without considering reactive power, voltage values and losses on transmission lines, which are crucial factors for power system operation, potentially leading to inaccurate results. This paper develops a detailed formulation for both DCOPF and ACOPF with multiple generation sources to provide a 24-h dispatching in order to compare the differences between the solutions with different scenarios under high penetration of wind power. The results indicate the DCOPF inaccuracies with respect to the complete solution provided by the ACOPF.
Medical students’ knowledge of the human papillomavirus (HPV), cervical cancer, and HPV vaccination

Abstract: Introduction: Medical students still have many doubts regarding HPV (Human papillomavirus) and the vaccine against this virus. Objective: The study aimed to assess the University of Brasilia medical students’ grasp of knowledge about HPV, its relationship with cancer, and the vaccine against the virus. Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken by applying a survey questionnaire on the topics. The evaluation involved 379 respondents, 72.7% of the 521 students from the 1st to the 6th years enrolled in the second semester of 2017. The statistical analyses included differences between means and proportions, effect size measures, and the correlation between the identified indicators. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee in Research on Human Beings of the School of Medicine (1,989,835). Results: The 50-item knowledge score increased progressively with the year attended by the medical students (r= .706, p< .001), and was higher among the sexually-active compared to celibate participants (t = 3.26, df = 275, p = 0.001, d = 0.37), as well as among participants with higher family income compared to those with lower family income (t= 2.91, df= 366, p= .004, d= .35). No significant score differences emerged between participants grouped by gender, sexual behavior, or HPV vaccination status. Furthermore, gender (female; OR= 6.5, p<.001), age range (<24 years; OR= 3.3, p= .001), sexuality (active; OR= 2.7, p= .002), but not overall knowledge were predictors of the wish to be vaccinated among the 297 unvaccinated students. Conclusion: The study revealed a strong correlation of medical students’ HPV-related knowledge with medical school year and significantly higher scores among sexually active and higher-income respondents, but there were no essential differences between males and females or between vaccinated and unvaccinated students. Among the latter participants, gender, age, and sexuality, but not knowledge, were the best predictors of the wish to be vaccinated. The findings suggest the need for improving HPV screening and vaccination programs and educational strategies regarding HPV-related diseases.
A Strain‐Model Based InSAR Time Series Method and Its Application to The Geysers Geothermal Field, California

A new time series interferometric synthetic aperture radar method is presented based on a strain model. Traditionally, the interferometric phases are optimized based only on a constant set of statistically homogeneous points throughout the observing period, and thus the decorrelated phase cannot be well recovered and possible incoherent (or coherent) phases are (are not) used to optimize the target phase. In the proposed method, a strain model, representing the geophysical relationship of spatially adjacent points' deformations, is employed to optimize the interferometric phases interferogram‐by‐interferogram. The unwrapped phase time series can be estimated from the wrapped interferograms based on the linear iterative weighted least squares method, which is simple and can effectively suppress the decorrelation noise. Both simulations and analysis of data over The Geysers geothermal field (TG), California are conducted, validating that the proposed method can reduce the decorrelations and simultaneously preserve the deformation signals. The displacement results of TG from 2007–2011 L‐band ascending ALOS‐1 data and 2015–2020 C‐band ascending/descending Sentinel‐1 data reveal that (a) the displacement rate of TG is decreasing from 2007–2011 to 2015–2020, and (b) temporally variable displacement signals in addition to steady displacement can be observed from 2015 to 2020 for both the east‐west and the vertical components.
On Internal Model Control (IMC) of MIMO Systems

Control of MIMO systems offers a challenging problem due to the cross coupling effects present between the inputs and the outputs of MIMO systems. In order to achieve an efficient control decouplers are introduced which eliminate these cross-coupling effects present in MIMO systems. With decouplers properly designed, it is possible to derive control inputs for fully-actuated and over-actuated MIMO systems to achieve reference tracking of the individual outputs. However, the reference tracking for individual outputs is almost unachievable in under-actuated MIMO systems with decoupling control methods. In dealing with this, the present work proposes an internal model control (IMC) applicable as appropriate to all classes of MIMO systems without incorporating any decoupling technique. This paper extends with two unique design methods of the IMC technique. These proposed methods enable one to attain perfect reference tracking of the individual outputs even in presence of the cross-coupling present in the MIMO systems. The conditions for the perfect reference tracking of multi outputs for under-actuated MIMO systems are derived. Different examples are considered to test the efficiency of the methods. The proposed methods are implemented on an experimental test set-up of highly non-linear and unstable cart-inverted pendulum system. The reference tracking goal and disturbance rejection capability of the control scheme are examined well in real-time. The experimental results are portrayed to establish the efficacy of the theoretical claim made.
Internal employer branding as a way to improve employee engagement

In the turbulent environment of modern business, attracting and retaining valuable human resources have become one of the main means of competitive edge. The satisfaction of current employees and talent retention are essential elements of organizational success. Against this background, this study aims to examine whether the process approach to internal employer branding, including internal branding activities (IBA) and conducting intra-organizational research (CIR), allows for the improvement of the current employee involvement. The study used the method of regression analysis. In addition, a survey was used as to collect necessary data. The sample included 120 personnel, selected by a convenience sampling method. In the light of the conducted analysis, it was confirmed that CIR significantly increases the employee value proposition (EVP). Likewise, IBA directed at current employees has a significant impact on EVP shaping. In this context, assuming EVP as a measure of employee involvement, it has been shown that the adoption of a process approach to employer branding can lead to the improvement of the current employee commitment and productivity. Thus, employer branding seen as a process in line with the human resource management and corporate strategy can contribute to building a competitive advantage.
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation for Severe or Fulminant Clostridioides difficile Infection: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract Background Severe or fulminant Clostridioides difficile infection (SFCDI) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Emerging evidence suggests fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) may be a promising therapy for SFCDI. Aim This systematic review determines the safety and efficacy of FMT in medically refractory SFCDI. Methods A systematic search of the literature was conducted using PubMed (1965 to 2020), Web of Science (1900 to 20), EMBASE (1974 to 2020), and Cochrane Review (1945 to 2020). Quality appraisal by NIH Study Quality Assessment tools, and data extraction were performed by two teams of independent researchers. The primary outcome was resolution of SFCDI 4 weeks after the final FMT. Pooled resolution rates were calculated using generalized linear mixed models estimates. Results Two hundred and forty patients from 10 studies (8 case series, 1 case–control and 1 randomized study) were included with 209 individual patient-level data. FMT resulted in resolution of SFCDI within 4 weeks in 211/240 individuals for a pooled estimate of 88% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.83 to 0.91). The mean number of FMT required was 1.6 for severe and 2.0 for fulminant CDI resolution. The pooled proportional estimates for patients requiring CDI-directed antimicrobials after FMT was 50% (95% CI: 0.06 to 0.94) for severe CDI and 67.0% (95% CI: 0.30 to 0.91) for fulminant CDI. Serious adverse event rates were low. Conclusion FMT appears effective in treating SFCDI patients with low adverse events, but requires multiple treatments with a significant proportion of patients requiring additional anti-CDI antibiotics to achieve resolution. The optimal route of FMT delivery remains unknown. The presence of pseudomembranous colitis may guide additional FMT or anti-CDI antibiotic treatment.
Organisational change capacity and performance: the moderating effect of coercive pressure

PurposeTo examine three dimensions of organisational change capacity (OCC) which have been proposed sequentially in the following order: OCC for change will affect process capacity for change and develop context capacity for change. Specifically, this study explores the moderating effects of coercive pressure.Design/methodology/approachTo test the proposed hypotheses, this study conducted survey among middle-level leaders of the 11 top universities (autonomous higher education institutions – AHEIs) in Indonesia. This study used a sample of 92 respondents, deans 21 and vice deans 71 of 11 top Indonesian universities. To test data processing using the SmartPLS 3.0 tool.FindingsThe findings indicate that learning capacity for change is the starting point of OCC, and it influences process capacity and context capacity for change. Coercive pressure strengthens the relationship between learning capacity and context capacity for change. Further, context capacity for change determines organisational performance.Originality/valueThis study empirically examines the OCC construction mechanism as follows: learning capacity for change influences process capacity for change and then has an effect on the OCC for change, which ultimately affects organisational performance.
Supporting the development of students with disabilities in higher education: access, stigma, identity, and power

ABSTRACT Over the years, the evolution of student development theories has paved the way to include diverse students, including students with disabilities (SWD). Still, student development theories are yet to employ a view of disability as a social category and an identity. To fill this gap, the current study applies the three waves of student development theories and critical disability theory to analyze and understand how SWD perceive and experience disability support centers (DSCs), and the contribution they attribute to DSCs for their development and success in higher education and afterward. Twenty-one SWD were interviewed. The findings demonstrate the tension between policies of embracing and denying disability as a ‘difference’ and an identity in higher education. The findings also link SWD's challenges in the campus to lack of access, stigma, and the impact of power dynamics. Furthermore, the findings highlight the role of DSCs in supporting the processes of disability identification among SWD as individuals and as a group. The study emphasizes the need to strive for holistic and inclusive change in higher education policy and practice. The study may contribute to deepening understanding of the significant role of academic DSCs for the entire stakeholders in higher education and policymakers worldwide.
Materiality Assessment Is an Art, Not a Science: Selecting ESG Topics for Sustainability Reports

Materiality assessments play an important role in helping firms to select the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) topics to include in their sustainability report. This article presents the six main steps of materiality assessments, the methods used, and how the complexity, uncertainty, and evaluative nature of sustainability issues complicate them. This article draws two conclusions: the selected materiality perspective influences how the other steps are conducted, and assessment results should not only focus on selecting win-win scenarios, but also on “tensioned topics,” which indicate material societal impact but lack a business case.
Athletes have different dominant cognitive functions depending on type of sport

ABSTRACT High-performing athletes possess the ability to read the game, which is known as the “sports brain. ” The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in athletes’ cognitive functions across sports and to identify the dominant cognitive functions in each type of sport. We classified sports as interceptive, static, or strategic. A total of 120 individuals participated in this study, including 30 boxers (interceptive), 30 competitive shooters (static), 30 soccer players (strategic), and 30 non-athletes. To measure the executive function (inhibition and cognitive flexibility), spatial ability, and information processing speed of the participants, we administered the trail making test (TMT), mental rotation test (MRT), design fluency test (DFT), flanker task (FKT), and tests of simple reaction time (SRT) and choice reaction time (CRT) using an original computer program. We found differences in dominant cognitive functions across sport types. Athletes in interceptive sports demonstrated advanced visuospatial functioning and processing speed, while athletes in strategic sports showed superior executive function, including working memory and cognitive flexibility. Athletes in static sports demonstrated the fastest visuo-perceptual processing among all groups. This study’s findings provide an understanding of the cognitive characteristics of athletes in interceptive, strategic, and static sports, which can aid in the discovery and recruitment of athletes based on their cognitive skills.
The effect of spanwise length on the near-field dynamics of flow past a cylinder using Large-Eddy Simulation

Understanding of the turbulent flow generated by the flow past a bluff body, such as cylinder, is very pertinent to many modern engineering applications. This paper aims to investigate the effect of spanwise length of flow past a circular cylinder on the near-field aerodynamic characteristics at Re=10,000, using Large Eddy Simulation with the WALE subgrid-scale model. Four different spanwise lengths are considered for the computational domain, namely L z =0. 5πD, πD, 2πD and 4πD. For all cases, the pressure coefficient 𝑪 𝒑 , drag coefficient 𝑪 𝒅 , tone frequencies of PSD are predicted with a reasonable accuracy compared to experiments. The results have shown that changing the spanwise length of the LES case has very limited impact on the pressure coefficient 𝑪 𝒑 , the velocity PSD and the pressure PSD at different spanwise locations. The 𝑪 𝒑 𝒓𝒎𝒔 is overvalued by the LES, and the growth of the spanwise length L z improves the agreement of the simulated 𝑪 𝒑 𝒓𝒎𝒔 with the experimental data. The spanwise pressure coherence is also analyzed. The spanwise pressure coherence value is observed to decrease with larger spanwise distances between probes. The LES cases with 2πD and 4πD spanwise lengths show relatively smaller coherence value and higher coherence decay rates, indicating they capture more three-dimensional flow features which is important for accurate prediction of the radiated noise of the flow.
The Influence of Spacecraft Latitudinal Offset on the Accuracy of Corotation Forecasts

Knowledge of the ambient solar wind is important for accurate space weather forecasting. A simple‐but‐effective method of forecasting near‐Earth solar wind speed is “corotation,” wherein solar wind structure is assumed to be fixed in the reference frame rotating with the Sun. Under this approximation, observations at a source spacecraft can be rotated to a target location, such as Earth. Forecast accuracy depends upon the rate of solar wind evolution, longitudinal and latitudinal separation between the source and target, and latitudinal structure in the solar wind itself. The time‐evolution rate and latitudinal structure of the solar wind are both strongly influenced by the solar cycle, though in opposing ways. A latitudinal separation (offset) between source and target spacecraft is typically present, introducing an error to corotation forecasts. In this study, we use observations from the Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO) and near‐Earth spacecraft to quantify the latitudinal error. Aliasing between the solar cycle and STEREO orbits means that individual contributions to the forecast error are difficult to isolate. However, by considering an 18‐month interval near the end of solar minimum, we find that the latitudinal‐offset contribution to corotation forecast error cannot be directly detected for offsets <6°, but is increasingly important as offsets increase. This result can be used to improve solar wind data assimilation, allowing representivity errors in solar wind observations to be correctly specified. Furthermore, as the maximum latitudinal offset between L5 and Earth is ≈5°, corotation forecasts from a future L5 spacecraft should not be greatly affected by latitudinal offset.