Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Coordination Through Shared Randomness

We study a distributed sampling problem where a set of processors want to output (approximately) independent and identically distributed samples from a given joint distribution with the help of a common message from a coordinator. Each processor has access to a subset of sources from a set of independent sources of “shared” randomness. We consider two cases – in the “omniscient coordinator setting”, the coordinator has access to all these sources of shared randomness, while in the “oblivious coordinator setting,” it has access to none. In addition, all processors and the coordinator may privately randomize. In the omniscient coordinator setting, when the subsets at the processors are disjoint (individually shared randomness model), we characterize the rate of communication required from the coordinator to the processors over a multicast link. For the two-processor case, the optimal rate matches a special case of relaxed Wyner’s common information proposed by Gastpar and Sula (2019), thereby providing an operational meaning to the latter. We also give an upper bound on the communication rate for the “randomness-on-the-forehead” model where each processor observes all but one source of randomness and present an achievable strategy for the general case where the processors have access to arbitrary subsets of sources of randomness. Also, we consider a more general model where the processors observe components of correlated sources (with the coordinator observing all the components), where we characterize the communication rate when all the processors wish to output the same random sequence. In the oblivious coordinator setting, we completely characterize the trade-off region between the communication and shared randomness rates for the general case where the processors have access to arbitrary subsets of sources of randomness.
The so-called "4.2 event" in the central mediterranean and its climatic teleconnections

High-resolution isotopic analyses were performed on RL4 flowstone from Renella Cave (Alpi Apuane, central Italy), a speleothem studied previously at low resolution. The new data are discussed together with recently obtained data from Corchia and other localities in the central Mediterranean, to elucidate the possible origin and regional articulation of a climatic event centred at ca. 4.0 ka. This analyses indicates that central to southern Italy between ca 3.8 and 4.3 ka was characterized by drier conditions, whereas in Northern Italy the event seems less expressed or, as within the Alps, marked by cooler and wetter conditions. Several lines of evidence suggest that this event could be characterized by longer summer drought and possibly by little impact on precipitation during winter, even if this aspect needs to be explored in more detail. However, the event is particularly prominent in the northern sector of the African Monsoon domain, which has been robustly linked to southward shifts in the ITCZ; whereas its occurrence is uncertain on northern European latitudes. However, many proxies indicate that there aridification probably started some centuries earlier and culminated at ca. 4.0 ka. Taken as a whole, these data can be used to clarify the regional articulation of this event, but interpretations based on general circulation are still elusive.
BILINGUAL CHILDREN’S PHONOLOGY SHOWS EVIDENCE OF TRANSFER, BUT NOT DECELERATION IN THEIR L1

Abstract Bilingual language development might be characterized by transfer, deceleration, and/or acceleration, the first two being relevant for the language impairment diagnosis. Studies on bilingual children’s productive phonology show evidence of transfer, but little is known about deceleration in this population. Here, we focused on phonological transfer and deceleration in L1 speech of typically developing Polish-English bilingual children of Polish migrants to the United Kingdom (aged 4.7–7). We analyzed L1 speech samples of 30 bilinguals and 2 groups of Polish monolinguals, matched to the bilinguals on age or vocabulary size. We found that bilingual children’ speech (both simultaneous and early sequential) was characterized by transfer, but not by deceleration, suggesting that while phonological deceleration phases out in children above the age of 4.7, transfer does not. We discuss our findings within the PRIMIR model of bilingual phonological acquisition (Curtin et al., 2011) and show their implications for SLT practices.
RESPONSE OF MAIZE VARIETIES TO N-FERTILIZER RATES UNDER DRAINAGE CONDITIONS IN CLAY SOIL.

A field experiment was conducted at the Experimental Farm of Sakha Agric. Res. Station during the two summer growing seasons (2012 and 2013), to evaluate the effect of distance from drain line (1/4 and 1/2 distance from drain line) and applied N-fertilizer rate (90, 120 and 150 kg N/fed) on yield and yield components as well as N-content of two maize hybrids (single pioneer hybrid No. 10 (V2) and ternary hybrid No 329 (V1)) in clay soils. The tile lines were spaced to simulate a 20 m spacing and 1.2 m depth with a slope of 0.1%. Data showed that: Water table depths were increased with increasing time after irrigation. Water table depth near the drains was higher than in midway between drains. Soil bulk density was lower near the drain and gradually increased towards the midway between drains. Decreasing distance from drain line from L/2 to L/4 resulted in a significant increase in yield and yield components of maize crop as well as N-content (kg/fed.) and protein percentage in both seasons. Maize grains yield, 100 grains weight, ear diameter and Plant height increased with increasing rate of N-fertilization. The values of maize grain yield were 25.71, 27.66 and 29.68 ardab/fed in the first season and 26.23, 28.62 and 30.72 ardab/fed in the second season for 90, 120 and 150 kgN/fed. , respectively. The corresponding values of protein percentage were 6.01, 11.68 and 15. 55 % in the first season and 5.94, 11.54 and 15.52 % in the second season, respectively. Data showed that V2 resulted in a significant increase in the grain yield, 100 grain weight and Plant height of maize crop. The combination between distance from drain line and 150 kgN/fed resulted in a high yield and yield components as well as N-content of maize crop. Maize varieties resulted in somewhat differences in the grain yield, 100 grains weight, ear diameter and Plant height as well as N-content and protein percentage of maize crop in both seasons with every N-fertilization. The highest values of grains yield, 100 grains weight, Ear diameter and Plant height as well as N-content and protein percentage of maize crop were obtained with combination between L/4, 150 kgN/fed and V2 while, the lowest values were obtained with interaction of L/2, 90 kgN/fed and V1 in both studied seasons. The obtained results revealed also, that 20 m drains spacing in clay soils is not the proper but may be economic. In addition, distance from drain line must be taken into consideration when distributing fertilizer treatments and their replicates in fertilization experiments to obtain reliable results.
Evaluation of Chlorophyll-a and POC MODIS Aqua Products in the Southern Ocean

The Southern Ocean (SO) is highly sensitive to climate change. Therefore, an accurate estimate of phytoplankton biomass is key to being able to predict the climate trajectory of the 21st century. In this study, MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), on board EOS Aqua spacecraft, Level 2 (nominal 1 km × 1 km resolution) chlorophyll-a (C S a t ) and Particulate Organic Carbon (POC s a t ) products are evaluated by comparison with an in situ dataset from 11 research cruises (2008–2017) to the SO, across multiple seasons, which includes measurements of POC and chlorophyll-a (C i n s i t u ) from both High Performance Liquid Chromatography (C H P L C ) and fluorometry (C F l u o ). Contrary to a number of previous studies, results highlighted good performance of the algorithm in the SO when comparing estimations with HPLC measurements. Using a time window of ±12 h and a mean satellite chlorophyll from a 5 × 5 pixel box centered on the in situ location, the median C S a t :C i n s i t u ratios were 0.89 (N = 46) and 0.49 (N = 73) for C H P L C and C F l u o respectively. Differences between C H P L C and C F l u o were associated with the presence of diatoms containing chlorophyll-c pigments, which induced an overestimation of chlorophyll-a when measured fluorometrically due to a potential overlap of the chlorophyll-a and chlorophyll-c emission spectra. An underestimation of ∼0.13 mg m − 3 was observed for the global POC algorithm. This error was likely due to an overestimate of in situ POC i n s i t u measurements from the impact of dissolved organic carbon not accounted for in the blank correction. These results highlight the important implications of different in situ methodologies when validating ocean colour products.
Traditional Beliefs and Sea Fishing in Selected Coastal Communities in the Western Region of Ghana

Fishing is the single most important and accessible economic activity along the coastal settlements of Ghana. This paper argues that in spite of the introduction of western ways of life along the coast of Ghana by the European colonialists, which were subsequently spread through diffusion, fishing activities are greatly influenced by traditional beliefs. Using a qualitative approach, this study explores the traditional beliefs associated with fishing among inhabitants of some selected fishing communities in the Western Region of Ghana. A hundred and thirty-two (132) participants were recruited and interviewed. Among other findings, the participants revealed that the sea is a god that protects and oversees fishing activities. Women are still prohibited from sea fishing due to traditional beliefs that they are physically unfit for such work. Fishing on Tuesdays which was considered a taboo is still adhered to by contemporary fishermen/ fisher folk. Serendipitously, autism was found among members of the fishing community and it was attributed to punishment from the sea gods due to violations of fishing taboos. While not discounting all the traditional beliefs, the study recommends intensive education on modern fishing practices and their impact on modern fishing communities in the face of modernity.
Implications of we-talk for relationships and health among patients with type 1 diabetes and their spouses

We-talk (first-person plural pronoun usage) is frequently used to represent the degree to which a person views an illness as shared within a couple. There is evidence that we-talk is related to good relationship and health. However, research has failed to examine the implications of we-talk for spouses and the interpersonal mechanisms that underlie relational and health benefits. To address these limitations, we investigated the association of we-talk to relationship and health among 199 couples in which one person had type 1 diabetes. We-talk was assessed in the context of a brief coping interview with patients and spouses separately. Patients reported their perceptions of their spouse’s behavior over the past month. Actor–partner interdependence, regression, and bootstrap models showed that patient we-talk was unrelated to patient and spouse well-being, but greater spouse we-talk was associated with higher patient relationship satisfaction, higher patient self-efficacy, and better patient self-care behavior. For spouses, greater spouse we-talk also was associated with higher relationship satisfaction, lower stress, and fewer depressive symptoms. Mediational analyses showed that patients’ perceptions of spouses’ greater emotional support and fewer critical behaviors partially accounted for these associations. Spouse we-talk may be more important than patient we-talk because it signifies that spouses are involved in helping with diabetes management, namely by providing emotional support and refraining from criticizing the patient.
Analysis of the attrition phenomenon through the lens of university dropouts in the United Arab Emirates

Purpose Theoretical models of attrition have failed to address the interwoven factors from the perspective of undergraduate students that influence their decision to drop out. The purpose of this paper is to unravel these complexities using a qualitative phenomenological approach to gain systematic descriptions of the experience of non-completion. Design/methodology/approach Tinto’s (2004) and Bean and Metzner’s (1985) models serve as the theoretical construct for the study’s design and analysis. In-depth interviews were conducted with 41 students who discontinued studies at universities in the United Arab Emirates, to understand the situations that led them to drop out of university and how they experienced this event in their lives. Findings Several issues were identified as contributing factors for dropping out that are consistent with those found in the international literature. Additional issues were more gender or culture specific and, to some extent, represented the differences that signal a social development that is in a transitional stage. The findings revealed that institutional factors, poor pre-college preparation, environmental factors (work-education conflict), early marriage responsibilities, well-paid job opportunities and financial concerns were most influential. Research limitations/implications Despite the limitations of relying on a small sample to generalize findings, the rich detail of this inductive study has added to the understanding of the dropout phenomenon in a new context. Practical implications The paper recommends both remedial and early intervention strategies to be undertaken by the Ministry of Education and universities. Remedial strategies include re-examining the desired standard of English as a condition for admission and adjusting the grading system. Early intervention measures that accommodate the needs of at-risk students are also proposed. At local, regional and international levels, higher education should be freed from commodification and inflated fees. Originality/value The paper presents a significant departure from the largely North American and European literature on the university dropout, by offering a broader knowledge of this phenomenon in another regional and national context.
Short Sellers and Long‐Run Management Forecasts

We examine how short sellers affect long-run management forecasts using a natural experiment (Regulation SHO) that relaxes short-selling constraints on a group of randomly selected firms (referred to as pilot firms). We find that compared to other firms, the pilot firms issue more long-run good news forecasts but do not change the frequency of long-run bad news forecasts. The increase in good news forecasts is greater when the pilot firms have higher quality forecasts, greater uncertainty about firm value, or higher manager equity incentives. Overall, these results and the results of additional analyses indicate that the reduction in short-selling constraints and the increase in short-selling threat induce managers to enhance disclosures through more long-run good news forecasts to discourage short sellers.
Factors Driving Business Intelligence Culture

The field of business intelligence (BI), despite rapid technology advances, continues to feature inadequate levels of adoption. The attention of researchers is shifting towards human factors of BI adoption. The wide set of human factors influencing BI adoption contains elements of what we call BI culture – an overarching concept covering key managerial issues that come up in BI implementation. Research sources provide different sets of features pertaining to BI culture or related concepts – decision-making culture, analytical culture and others. The goal of this paper is to perform the rview of research and practical sources to examine driving forces of BI – data-driven approaches, BI agility, maturity and acceptance – to point out culture-related issues that support BI adoption and to suggest an emerging set of factors influencing BI culture.
Reaching Students in Online Courses Using Alternative Formats

This research was conducted to explore whether students enrolled in graduate level courses found some Universal Design for Learning (UDL) strategies useful and if they actually used them. The strategies we investigated were presenting course information in alternative formats including PowerPoints with voiceover, screencasts, and videos as an alternative to text resources. In addition, students were invited to submit assignments in alternative formats as well as text. To examine these strategies, we used a student questionnaire, analytics from Blackboard, and assignment formats students used. The results indicate that text was the preferred format for accessing course information and resources as well as assignment submission. However, a substantial number of students acknowledged the benefits of using alternative formats and a smaller percentage used them. We suggest that instructors take advantage of UDL strategies that were examined since a sufficient number of students used them and because learning styles differ. We can reach more students by using these strategies.
Forecasting local currency bond risk premia of emerging markets: The role of cross‐country macrofinancial linkages

In this paper, we forecast local currency debt of five major emerging market countries (Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, South Africa, and Turkey) over the period of January 2010 to January 2019 (with an in-sample: March 2005 to December 2018). We exploit information from a large set of economic and financial time series to assess the importance of not only “own-country” factors (derived from principal component and partial least squares approach), but also create “global” predictors by combining the country-specific variables across the five emerging economies. We find that while information on own-country factors can outperform the historical average model, global factors tend to produce not only greater statistical and economic gains, but also enhances market timing ability of investors, especially when we use the target-variable (bond premium) approach under the partial least squares method to extract our factors. Our results have important implications for not only fund managers, but also policymakers.
Statistical characterization of scattering delay in synthetic aperture radar imaging

Distinguishing between the instantaneous and delayed scatterers in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images is important for target identification and characterization. To perform this task, one can use the autocorrelation analysis of coordinate-delay images. However, due to the range-delay ambiguity the difference in the correlation properties between the instantaneous and delayed targets may be small. Moreover, the reliability of discrimination is affected by speckle, which is ubiquitous in SAR images, and requires statistical treatment. Previously, we have developed a maximum likelihood based approach for discriminating between the instantaneous and delayed targets in SAR images. To test it, we employed simple statistical models. They allowed us to simulate ensembles of images that depend on various parameters, including aperture width and target contrast. In the current paper, we enhance our previously developed methodology by establishing confidence levels for the discrimination between the instantaneous and delayed scatterers. Our procedure takes into account the difference in thresholds for different target contrasts without making any assumptions about the statistics of those contrasts.
Political Campaign Communication

This course examines political campaign communication in the modern era of U.S. presidential elections. Although portions of this course will survey the broader history of presidential campaigns and occasionally draw lessons from local campaigns, the class will pay special attention to the thirteen presidential elections since 1960. In lieu of proceeding chronologically, this course proceeds thematically and utilizes examples from these elections to illustrate a variety of lessons related to launching candidacies, attacking opponents, cultivating ads, and other campaign challenges. Many approaches to campaign communication emphasize speech making and exclude the importance of visual communication, the construction of powerful images. This course will balance the visual with the verbal in an effort to understand the total process of political campaign communication. In sum, this course combines perspectives from communication, political science, and history to paint a comprehensive picture of presidential campaigns in the modern era. The two primary learning objectives of this course are historical understanding and the development of critical abilities: 1. The content of political campaign communication is reflective and constitutive; it says much about the goals, fears, and collective values of Americans. The results of individual elections speak to what mattered to Americans, both the winning and losing coalitions, at particular times. Presidential campaign communication provides an interesting window on American history. 2. Political communication is not a matter of taste alone; it can be evaluated by sets of standards. These standards (aesthetics, truth, and effects) have a shelf-life, but they also equip the critic with tools to understand and evaluate the workings of American political culture. As such, these techniques are essential to civic training and the development of an able, attentive citizenry.
Fine-scale vertical movements of oceanic whitetip sharks (Carcharhinus longimanus)

Time series of depth data, obtained for 6 oceanic whitetip sharks (Carcharhinus longimanus) tagged with pop-up satellite archival tags, were analyzed in detail. The aim was to improve our knowledge of the vertical behavior of this species. Individuals were tagged in the Atlantic Ocean (n=5) and Indian Ocean (n=1) between 2011 and 2012. Deployment periods for these tags varied from 100 to 178 d. The sharks spent most of their time in the mixed layer, displaying the typical behavior of an epipelagic species. However, analyses revealed complex vertical movement patterns, including marked diel changes that reflect 3 different types of behavior. Results of the generalized additive models indicate that vertical movements were strongly correlated with variations in the depth of the mixed layer. A correlation between vertical movements and sea-surface temperature (SST) was also observed. When SST was above average, oceanic whitetip sharks increased their vertical amplitude, disregarding the reduction of the mixed layer. Thermoregulation likely allows this type of vertical movement.
ASEAN income gap and the optimal exchange Rate Regime

ABSTRACT This article investigates the optimal exchange rate regime in a group of ASEAN countries, which minimizes the adverse effects of foreign demand shocks on real output, the real exchange rate, price level and between-country income gap. Using a panel structural vector autoregressive model for small open economies, we show that the extent by which foreign demand shocks influences the between-country income gap depends on the exchange rate regime and the transmission channels through output, the price level and the real exchange rate. Our results show that a fixed exchange rate is better in insulating output and real exchange rates against adverse foreign demand shocks. Nevertheless, a flexible exchange rate regime achieves lower inflation and narrows the income gap across countries. Further, foreign demand shocks explain a larger portion of the forecast error variance of macroeconomic variables under a fixed than under a flexible exchange rate regime.