Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comments on ''A Cautionary Note on the Interpretation of EOFs''

The misleading aspect of the statistical analyses used in Dommenget and Latif, which raises concerns on some of the reported climate modes, is demonstrated. Adopting simple statistical techniques, the physical existence of the Indian Ocean dipole mode is shown and then the limitations of varimax and regression analyses in capturing the climate mode are discussed.
SAÏD BUSINESS SCHOOL, PARK END STREET OXFORD OX1 1HP

This article assesses the economic implications of the introduction of consolidation with formula apportionment in the European Union under alternative enhanced cooperation agreements. We nd that the consolidation is likely to yield a small aggregate welfare gain in Europe, but that not all countries bene t. A coalition of winning countries reduces the welfare gain and may induce a process of adverse selection which distroys the possibility of cooperation. We nd that a coalition of similar countries (in terms of the size of their multinational sector) is more feasible in achieving agreement and is actually preferred by those countries over a European-wide reform. JEL codes: C68; F23; H25.
Positive lightning flashes recorded on the Säntis tower from May 2010 to January 2012

We analyze currents of 30 positive flashes recorded on the Säntis tower, Switzerland, from May 2010 to January 2012. The currents were classified into two types. Type 1 events exhibit a large, unipolar main pulse with a risetime of tens of microseconds, followed by subsidiary peaks separated by millisecond‐scale intervals. The main pulse in three flashes was preceded by a slowly rising ramp lasting several milliseconds and was followed by a relatively steady current with superimposed positive and negative pulses, constituting the first direct evidence of M components of both polarities. In four of the five type 1 flashes, the main current was preceded by pulse bursts, presumably due to attempted negative leaders. Type 2 events are characterized by a millisecond‐scale waveform with large, oscillatory pulse trains on its rising portion. These pulse trains are inferred to be due to upward negative stepped leaders. Peak currents of type 2 flashes are associated with the fast pulses. Our positive flashes of both types have a median peak current of 11.1 kA and a median duration of 80 ms, consistent with data recorded in Austria. Our measured median transferred charges are about 6 times larger than those at Switzerland's Monte San Salvatore and in Japan and about 3 times larger than in Austria. Eight type 2 flashes in our data set transported over 500 C of positive charge to ground. Our five type 1 events appear to be similar (except for the pulse duration) to their counterparts examined by Berger et al. (1975). Our type 2 events are “classical” upward flashes.
Nutritional qualities assessment of locally processed spaghetti

The quest for cheap and quality food is on the increase, especially during economy crises. Some nutritional properties of the raw and cooked local and industrial spaghetti were determined using standard methods. Concentrations of mineral elements were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Total ash (0.98±007 %), crude protein (14.28±0.15 %) and carbohydrate (77.95±0.11 %) levels in the raw industrial spaghetti were higher compared to the locally processed raw spaghetti. Carbohydrate and moisture levels for both processed spaghetti increased on cooking, while total ash and protein contents decreased. Crude fiber (0.009±0.00 %), carbohydrate (77.52±0.21 %) and moisture levels in the cooked local spaghetti were higher than in the cooked industrial spaghetti. Proximate contents of the local and industrial raw spaghetti were significantly ( P ≤ 0.05) different. Concentrations of mineral elements in the raw locally processed spaghetti were lower than in the industrial spaghetti. Low levels of functional properties were recorded in the local spaghetti. Cooking decreased zinc content in the spaghetti, but significantly ( P ≤ 0.05) increased the moisture content, crude fiber, carbohydrate and mineral contents. The spaghetti processed locally may serve as an alternative to the industrial spaghetti.
Predicting Hedge Fund Failure: A Comparison of Risk Measures

Abstract This paper compares downside risk measures that incorporate higher return moments with traditional risk measures such as standard deviation in predicting hedge fund failure. When controlling for investment strategies, performance, fund age, size, lockup, high-water mark, and leverage, we find that funds with larger downside risk have a higher hazard rate. However, standard deviation loses the explanatory power once the other explanatory variables are included in the hazard model. Further, we find that liquidation does not necessarily mean failure in the hedge fund industry. By reexamining the attrition rate, we show that the real failure rate of 3.1% is lower than the attrition rate of 8.7% on an annual basis during the period of 1995–2004.
The effect of IFRS adoption on accounting conservatism – New Zealand perspective

vi Chapter 1: Introduction 1 Chapter 2: Survey of Related Literature and IFRS Adoption in New Zealand 5 2.1 Accounting Conservatism as a proxy for accounting information quality 5 2.2 International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), accounting information quality and conservatism 9 Chapter 3: New Zealand Institutional Environment and Hypothesis Development 14 Chapter 4: Research Methodology 20 4.1 Research Design 20 4.2 Sample selection and data source 21 Chapter 5: Empirical Results 23 5.1 Descriptive statistics 23 5.2 Analysis of regression equations 24 5.2.1 The timeliness of earnings with respect to bad/good news in preand post-IFRS adoption periods 24 5.2.2 IFRS effect on accounting conservatism 25
INFLUENCE OF EXTERNAL ORGANIZATIONAL ENVIRONMENT ON PERFORMANCE OF COMMUNITY-BASED HIV AND AIDS ORGANIZATIONS IN NAIROBI COUNTY, KENYA

As the external organizational environment continue to be turbulent, affecting activities for both profit and non-profit organizations, organizations are becoming more concerned with their performance so as to ensure that the available but limited resources are utilized efficiently and effectively. Over time, attention has been focused on profit-making organizations with little emphasis on performance of community-based organizations (CBOs) especially those located in Sub-Saharan Africa. Theoretically, scholars in management discipline indicate that the external environment of an organization influences its performance. Thus, an organization’s level of performance is dependent on dynamism and complexity of the external environment, heterogeneity as well as capacity and domain consensus of the existing organizations. This paper examines the impact of the external organizational environment on performance of community-based HIV and AIDS organizations in Nairobi County, Kenya. The authors empirically assess the predicted relationship using survey data from 163 Community Based HIV and AIDS Organizations, in Nairobi County, Kenya between January and March 2013. The study findings indicate that the external environment of an organization has an impact on an organization’s effectiveness, efficiency, relevance and financial viability with higher impacts on the relevance performance indicators. External environment was evaluated from dimensions of uncertainty, domain consensus, heterogeneity, capacity and dynamism. The findings of this study indicate statistically significant positive relationship between external environment and CBOs external environment and effectiveness (beta 0.541, p-value=0.000), European Scientific Journal October 2014 edition vol.10, No.28 ISSN: 1857 – 7881 (Print) e ISSN 18577431 406 efficiency (beta 0.695, p-value=0.000), relevance (beta 0.707, pvalue=0.000) and financial viability (beta 0.578, p-value=0.000) leading to an argument that proper scanning of external environment influences all activities of an organization from planning to implementation. However, extra attention should be paid to external environment in program identification and planning as this shapes implementation. This study has important implications for managers of CBOs on the relevance of proper scanning of external environment as it influences all activities of an organization from program conceptualization to implementation
THE DISPERSION AND PERSISTENCE OF QUEENSLAND REGIONAL UNEMPLOYMENT

This study explores the relationship between regional unemployment rates in Queensland over the period 1987(Q4) to 2000(Q3). A variety of techniques are used to investigate the extent and nature of the disparities in the regional unemployment rates. The disparities and persistence of the regional unemployment structure that is uncovered may be either a disequilibrium or equilibrium phenomenon. The aim of this paper is to attempt to determine which explanation is the more appropriate. It is suggested that the results tend to support a disequilibrium rather than equilibrium view. The implications that this may have for regional unemployment policy are discussed.
Tensile Properties of Hybrid Biocomposite Reinforced Epoxy Modified with Carbon Nanotube (CNT)

A tensile test was conducted to investigate the mechanical properties of hybrid bio-composites that have potential for application in helmet shells. Helmets can protect users from serious injuries, reducing traumas and deaths. Military helmets are made with 19 layers of Kevlar, and bicycle helmets are made of glass fibre reinforced plastic materials that are costly. Replacing or reducing these synthetic fibres with plant fibres would reduce costs and may allow for such materials to be recyclable, biodegradable, and more abundant, as the material has been ground or crunched. Flax woven fibre was used to fabricate one panel of composite (Flax only) and three panels of hybrid composite (FLXC, FLXG, and FLXK). In this project, the epoxy resin was modified by weight with 0 wt. %, 0.5 wt. %, 1 wt. %, 1.5%, and 2 wt. % multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). This study examined the effect of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) concentration on the tensile properties of hybrid biocomposites. The experimental results suggested that the MWCNTs played an important role in improving the mechanical performance of hybrid biocomposites. It was found that optimum carbon nanotube (CNT) concentration improved the tensile performance of the materials by 2% to 5%. However, an excess CNT concentration led to the deformation of materials and reduced their mechanical performance.
The Impact of Lecturer-Student Relationship on Self-Esteem and Academic Performance at Higher Education

This research examined the effects of lecturer-student relationship on the self-esteem and academic performance of nursing students at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. The descriptive statistics on the level-clustered random samples indicated two of the lecturer-student relationships, more connectedness and non-threatening, to be positive while the other two, independent and conflicting, were negative relationships. Thus the student-lecturer relationship was an average. With the exception of connectedness, where low score showing less connectedness rather resulted in high self-esteem, the rest of the reported lecturer-student relationships correlated in good dimensions with high self-esteem of the students. However, while the association seemed to promote self-esteem, it rather indicated opposite dimension with regard to academic performance with increasing number of years spent in the department. The study revealed that because there was little interaction between lecturers and students resulting in the average relationship, the prevailing relationship did not directly or not strong enough to influence high academic and high level attainment but rather encouraged high self-esteem which in turn stimulated high academic and level attainment significantly (p
Outer magnetospheric structure: Jupiter and Saturn compared

[1] The Jovian dayside magnetosphere is traditionally divided into three different regions with the outermost region, colloquially referred to as the cushion region, existing between the outer edge of the magnetodisk and the magnetopause. Magnetometer and plasma data from 6 different spacecraft are used to determine the average properties of this region, including its characteristic thickness at the subsolar point, and these observations are compared with data from the Saturnian magnetosphere obtained using the Pioneer, Voyager, and Cassini spacecraft. Significant differences are found in the structure of the two rotationally driven magnetospheres with the Saturnian system showing little evidence for the cushion region seen at Jupiter. These differences are discussed in terms of the parameter regimes pertinent to each planet, and the potential effect of magnetodisk warping at Saturn is discussed. It is tentatively suggested that while the Jovian magnetodisk typically breaks down several tens of planetary radii inside the magnetopause, thus allowing plasma-depleted flux tubes beyond it to relax into the cushion region configuration, the Saturnian magnetodisk may persist until much closer to the magnetospheric boundary. A number of observational tests of this hypothesis are proposed, and the need for improved observations at both planets is stressed.
Exchange Rates and the Margins of Trade: Evidence from Chinese Exporters

This paper studies how real exchange rate movements affect firm export behavior, using monthly data that cover the universe of Chinese export transactions over the period of 2000-2006. Specifically, we examine exchange rate effects on an exporter's extensive (entry, exit, and product churning) and intensive margins of exports. We find significant effects on the extensive margin. A 10% real appreciation of the renminbi is associated with a 1 percentage-point decline in the probability of entry, and a 0.2 percentage-point increase in the probability of exit. The effects among foreign-invested enterprises almost double for both entry and exit. Despite the seemingly large effect on the extensive margins, exchange rates alone can only explain about 4% of entries and about 1.6% of exits during the sample period. The exchange-rate elasticity of exports is estimated to be around 0.4 in the first year after the shock, with most of the adjustment taking place in the first six months. This finding of a relatively fast response to exchange rate shocks is consistent with anecdotal evidence about intense competition in the Chinese export sectors.
Identification of seven species of hymenopteran parasitoids of Spodoptera frugiperda, using polymerase chain reaction amplification and restriction enzyme digestion

1 The fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda is a voracious pest of numerous crops of economic importance throughout the New World. In its native Mexico, larvae can be attacked by several species of parasitic wasps, which are candidate biological control agents against this and other lepidopteran pests.
Economic integration and interdependence of tax policy

This paper provides empirical evidence for interdependence of jurisdictions' tax policies. We study tax policy interdependence between municipalities in the economically integrated European Metropolitan Area Frankfurt/Rhein-Main, that spreads across two German states, Hesse, and Rhineland-Palatinate. For empirical identification, we exploit two reforms in the Hessian local fiscal equalization scheme in the 1990s that induced quasi-experimental variation in Hessian metropolitan municipalities' business tax rates. In response to the Hessian metropolitan municipalities' tax rate increase, Rhineland-Palatine metropolitan municipalities increase their local business tax rates more moderately as compared to a matched control group of Rhineland-Palatine non-metropolitan municipalities. We argue that primarily tax competition considerations drive the results, as the average tax-rate differential between metropolitan municipalities in Rhineland-Palatinate and Hesse stays stable during the analysis period. We conclude that an arguably strong economic integration of municipalities seems a key determinant for the interdependence of their tax policies.
Meta-analysis of corporate governance in Asia

Research on corporate governance has been conducted extensively over the past few decades. However, the result of various studies failed to produce conclusive insight. This study is aimed at identifying, classifying, analyzing and interpreting previous research on corporate governance in Asia by using meta-analytical approach. By using the HOMA (Hedges-Olkin Meta-Analytical) procedures, the current study collected eighty articles from journals ranging from 1999 until 2017. Data were gathered from empirical scientific papers. Through rigorous research process, the current study found that most previous research on corporate governance in Asia observed the patterns of influence of various types of ownership structure and board characteristics on corporate performance. Ownership by family, government, and management tend to have a negative impact on performance, whilst institutional ownership and foreign ownership show positive effect on performance. The study reveals inconsistent result for frequency of board meetings, existence of family members on board, outside director, and board independence towards performance. Similar finding appeared for the relationship of performance to women on board and CEO duality. CGPI as the Corporate Governance Perception index and board size were found to have a positive consistency on performance. Apart from limitations of the study, the result suggests that there exists institutional and environmental specificity in the study of corporate governance in Asia that may be different from other context of study so that future researcher need to take a precaution of this matter.
Selecting texts for English Language Arts classrooms: When assessment is not enough

This exploratory analysis examines the text selection practices of four pairs of pre-service and in-service teachers during a course on content area reading instruction in English language arts. Each pair independently negotiated responsibilities for selecting the texts used in a series of four lessons. Results of this analysis identify several factors in the process of text selection that may influence the kinds of texts teachers choose for their classrooms, including teacher knowledge of texts, access to texts, and institutional constraints on text selection. The reasoning participants provided for the selections they made also points to the influence of the current emphasis on high-stakes assessment on teacher decision-making. Text selection is explored as a potential site for teacher agency and differentiation of instruction. Lillie's email arrived in the second author's inbox just weeks after the completion of an online content area reading course in which she had enrolled. A middle-school English language arts teacher, Lillie was obviously elated that the reader with whom she had worked during the semester had passed the state's Criterion Referenced Competency Test (CRCT) - a measure designed to assess students' mastery of the state's performance standards. Taking our cue from the object of Lillie's enthusiasm, this paper examines the influence of an
Combining ability of yield, yield traits and resistance to late leaf spot and rust in groundnut

Diallel analysis involving eight parental lines was carried out to identify the best general combiners and the best specific cross combinations for use in development of high-yielding foliar disease resistant genotypes. ICG (FDRS) 79 and GPBD 4 were the best general combiners for yield, yield attributes and foliar disease resistance. Tirupati 1 and Narayani were good combiners for earliness, Kadiri 6 for sound mature seed percentage and TCGS 876 for yield and yield attributes. TCGS 876 × ICG (FDRS) 79, TLG 45 × GPBD 4, TCGS 876 × GPBD 4 and Tirupati 1 × ICG (FDRS) 79 were the specific combinations with mean and specific combining abillity in desirable direction for yield, yield attributes and foliar disease resistance.
Potential of RHA in Foamed Concrete Subjected to Dynamic Impact Loading

In relation to the conventional concrete then foamed concrete (FC) is weaker. Therefore FC was added by Rice Husk Ash (RHA) to alter the strength without eliminating its characteristic as aerated concrete. Actually function of RHA is substitute the sand partly. The strength of concrete affects to prevent the dynamic impact loading. However FC as aerated concrete can absorb energy impact by its porosity. Both of characteristics were presented in this investigation. SEM and EDS detected that pozzolanic reaction was done when FC was processing hydration of cement in admixture. The presence of RHA increased the strength of concrete owing to cement hydration process and pozzolanic reactivity of RHA. The result of impact loading on slab FC target displayed that FC with RHA was more shallow than without RHA. Beside of that local damage showed that FC with RHA denser and is not impression of fragments than FC without RHA.
Identifying the Most Research Intensive Faculties of Business in Australia: A Multidimensional Approach

There is a growing policy focus in Australian higher education on quantitative research performance assessment. However, most of the analysis has addressed aggregate performance at the institutional level, an approach inconsistent with recent policy emphasis on diversity among universities, and one that ignores performance variations across disciplines. Using averaged and all available data for 2000-2004, cluster analysis is used to classify Australian Commerce Faculties into groups that exhibit similar research performance, measured by publication, PhD completion and secured competitive research grant funding. We also use factor analysis to generate full-multidimensional rankings within the resulting two or three clusters. It is found that in terms of total research output, with the exception of Adelaide all the Go8 members plus UTS and Griffith always belong to “Clusters A”. However, when research performance is expressed in per academic staff terms, an additional eleven universities join this same cluster. Our results additionally show that eight Australian faculties of Commerce not only possess low total research output but their per capita performance is also poor.
Role of Explicit Teaching of Cognitive/Metacognitive Reading Strategies to Improve Reading Comprehension at the Elementary Level

This paper presents a summary of selected research on teaching cognitive and metacognitive reading strategies and their correlation to improved reading comprehension at the elementary level. It also reviews instructional programs, and describes implications for teaching. Study findings indicate that explicit teaching of cognitive/ metacognitive reading strategies are effective in improving reading comprehension for students at the elementary level. Document Type Thesis Degree Name Master of Education (MEd) Department Graduate Education