Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Commitment in Intertemporal Household Consumption: A Revealed Preference Analysis

We present a revealed preference methodology for analyzing intertemporal household consumption behavior. In doing so, we follow a collective approach, which explicitly recognizes that multi-member households consist of multiple decision makers with their own rational preferences. Following original work of Mazzocco (2007), we develop tests that can empirically verify whether observed consumption behavior is consistent with (varying degrees of) intrahousehold commitment. In our set-up, commitment means that households choose consumption allocations on the ex ante Pareto frontier. The distinguishing feature of our tests is that they are entirely nonparametric, i.e. their implementation does not require an a priori (typically non-verifiable) specification of the intrahousehold decision process (e.g. individual utilities). We demonstrate the practical usefulness of our methodology by means of an empirical application. For the data at hand, our results suggest using a so-called limited commitment model that allows for household-specific commitment patterns. Importantly, our application also shows that bringing intertemporal dynamics in the empirical analysis can substantially increases the discriminatory power of the revealed preference methodology.
Availability of tree cavities in a sal forest of Nepal

Abstract: Tree cavities are important structural elements of forest ecosystem that host numerous birds, mammals and other cavity-dependent organisms. Pattern of cavity distribution in temperate and boreal forests are relatively well studied, yet little is known about cavities in tropical and subtropical forests. We compared cavity availability in relation to tree condition (living tree and snag), tree species and DBH class between two different sites in a subtropical deciduous sal forest in Nepal: the Chitwan National Park Forest (the park site) and the Khorsor Buffer Zone Forest (the buffer site). Surveys for tree cavities were conducted in 2013 on 50 circular sample plots of size 0.1 ha. We recorded 40 cavity trees in the park site and 31 cavity trees in the buffer site. Density of cavities was on average 22.4 ha-1 in the park site and 19.2 ha-1 in the buffer site. Cavities occurred mostly in living trees (85.9% cavity trees) and were formed mostly by damage and decay (natural cavities: 74%) or by woodpecker activity (excavated cavities: 26%). Most were observed on three tree species: Shorea robusta, Dillenia pentagyna and Syzygium operculatum, with a mean diameter of 43 cm (range: 12-111 cm). S. operculatum, Myrsine semiserrata and Semecarpus anacardium were overrepresented among tree species with cavities. In snags, 25.0% of all cavities were found in the park site and 8.3% in the buffer site, while snags represented 4.2% and 2.2% of all trees in the two sites, respectively. Statistical anaysis indicated that tree species, tree condition and particularly diameter (DBH) were important variables for the prediction of cavity presence. We recommend cavity-bearing tree species to be better protected by forest management in order to help maintain the community of cavity dwellers.
Corporate key performance indicators for environmental management and reporting

Clanek prezentuje hlavni výsledky výzkumu financovaneho Ministerstvem životniho prostředi Ceske republiky v projektu c. SP/4I2/26/07. Diskutuje klicove indikatory výkonnosti podniku pro systemy environmentalniho managementu certifikovane podle normy ISO 14001: 2005 a/nebo Nařizeni (ES) c. 1221/2009, o dobrovolne ucasti organizaci v systemu environmentalniho managmentu a auditu Spolecenstvi (EMAS). Ty se použivaji v rocnich environmalnich zpravach organizaci se systemem environmentalniho managementu a take ve výrocnich prohlaseni organizaci se systemech environmentalniho managementu a auditu. Zavadi klicove indikatory výkonnosti a ramec environmentalniho reportingu podniku, ktere jsou založeny na Metodickem pokynu Ministerstva životniho prostředi Ceske republiky, vyvinute v projektu c. SP/4I2/26/07. Infikatory jsou rozsiřeny do ekonomicke a socialni oblasti s využitim "Global Reporting Initiative" a "Ricon Group" manualů. Clanek rovněž uvadi navrh dalsiho výzkumu v rozvoji environmentalnich, socialnich a governance (ESG) indikatorů výkonnosti podniku.
The Anomalous X-ray Pulsar 4U 0142+61: Variability in the infrared and a spectral break in the optical

We present new optical and infrared observations of the counterpart to the Anomalous X-ray Pulsar (AXP) 4U 0142+61 taken with the Keck I telescope. The counterpart is found to be variable in the infrared. This contrasts with our optical observations, which do not show any evidence for variability. Apart from the variability the AXP shows a remark- able spectral energy distribution. In particular, we find a sudden drop in flux going from V to B, presumably due to a spectral feature. We compare our results to those obtained for the two other securely identified AXP counterparts, to 1E 2259+586 and 1E 1048.1−5937. 4U 0142+61 is very similar to the former source in its X-ray timing and spectral properties, and we find that this similarity extends to the quiescent infrared to X-ray flux ratio. For 1E 1048.1−5937, which has different X-ray properties, the situation is less clear: in one observation, the infrared to X-ray flux ratio was much larger, but another observation gave an upper limit which is consistent with that observed for 4U 0142+61. Assuming the quiescent ratios are all similar, we estimate the optical and infrared brightnesses for the three AXPs that remain to be identified as well as for the four Soft Gamma-ray Repeaters. We also discuss briefly how the observed optical and infrared emission might arise, in particular in the context of the magnetar model.
The Study Methods and the New Progresses of Slope Stability

Systematically introduce the research situation and development trends of the analysis method of slope stability at home and abroad, Focus on the two kinds of calculation methods and critical slip surface searching method based on the limit equilibrium theory and numerical analysis, And it also briefly discusses the main characteristics of these methods and their advantages and disadvantages, introduces the dynamic 3D slope stability research, and the prospect of the research direction in the future, providing the reference of the relevant personnel engaged in the slope study. Slope is an important part of the engineering construction. The problem of slope stability is related to the human life and property safety and the safety and efficiency of engineering itself. A comprehensive evaluation of its stability has an important theoretical and practical significance. Analysis of slope stability has always been an important research contents in the field of geotechnical engineering. It emerges in an endless stream in the analysis method currently, However, different research methods can only be applied to different engineering geology environment, Whether is the stability analysis reasonable or not directly affects the guidance for the engineering construction. So how to effectively use the appropriate analysis method is particularly important. This article tries to classify and explain the theory and method of analysis on slope stability systematically and deeply probe the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of the major domestic and foreign research methods, aiming to help the readers have a better cognizance hope that it can emerge the new methods and traditional ones can be improved and developed in the field slope stability research.
Identification of Porcine parvovirus from wild boars by partial sequencing of the VP2 coding gene

Porcine parvovirus (PPV) is one of the most frequent pathogens associated with reproductive disorders in swine, even though few cases have been described in wild boars (Sus scrofa), all of these based on antibody detection, mainly by ELISA and hemagglutination inhibition tests. In 1994, blood samples were collected from 108 wild hogs from North Carolina and Tennessee (USA) and antibody titers to PPV were found in 15 (14%) samples (New et al., 1994). By 1998, Saliki et al. (1998) tested 120 blood samples from wild swine in Oklahoma, USA, and had found antibody against porcine parvovirus in 17% of them. Later, 20 feral hogs from a newly discovered population from Kansas, USA, were shot and examined. Those hogs were generally healthy, although serological evidence indicated that 70% of the animals were exposed to PPV (Gipson et al., 1999). Antibodies were also detected in 10% of the serum samples from 78 European wild boars harvested during the 19992000 hunting season in south-central Spain (Vicente et al., 2002). Serologic evidence of exposure to porcine parvovirus was investigated in 219 wild boars from a commercial farm in Croatia and 41.6% of the samples showed positive results both in ELISA and hemagglutination inhibition test (Roić et al., 2005). Serum samples collected from 178 shot wild boars were tested for the presence of antibodies against PPV by ELISA throughout Slovenia during the hunting season 2003-2004,
Intra-organizational routines and collaboration performance: the mediating effect of variety in working processes

Intra- organizational collaborations support organizations in enhancing their innovation performance. Variety in working processes plays a minor though vital role in that context. However, academic literature on the effect of variety of working processes on innovation performance is rare. In that sense, it is stimulating to create an understanding by researching that particular effect based on the data from questionnaires of an experiment on collaborative routines. A causal model will test the direct effect of complementary and supplementary routines on collaborative innovation and secondly the effect with variety in working processes as a mediating variable. The findings imply that supplementary intra- organization routines yield more positive results in relation to collaborative innovation as complementary routines. Moreover, the proposed positive effect of variety in working processes on collaborative performance is not significant. In essence, the findings diverge to a large extent from the academic literature, which is however partly attributable to the use of questionnaires rather than video recordings. In that sense, it is recommended to utilize the videos of the experiment to gain insights on the subject.
Assessing Reading Strategy Training Based on CALLA Model in EFL and ESL Context

Reading strategies instruction is currently gaining much attention as an effective means of enhancing reading comprehension. In this research, we examined the effect of Underlining Strategy Intervention, based on the CALLA model in EFL and ESL contexts. A group of 189 college students were randomly selected from different universities in Iran and India. Based on a proficiency test, students were grouped into high, moderate, and low level. Then, the underlining strategy was taught during the treatment sessions. The results suggest that intervention or explicit instruction was effective in increasing the reading comprehension of both Iranian and Indian students although Indian ESL students were able to perform better in comparison to their Iranian EFL counterparts. There was no significant difference between proficiency level and students' performance in reading comprehension in EFL and ESL contexts. In addition, there was no significant difference between males and females in both contexts.
Production Efficiency and Technology Gap in Irrigated and Rain-fed Rice Farming Systems in Sri Lanka: Non Parametric Approach

The paper analyses the differences of technical, allocative, cost and scale efficiencies of irrigated and rain-fed rice farmers in Sri Lanka in two different perspectives; first, relative to a common metafrontier, defined as the boundary of an unrestricted technology set and second relative to group frontiers defined to be the boundaries of restricted technology sets in each group. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) metafrontier and group frontier approaches are used for cross section survey data of 90 farms. Rain-fed farms perform comparably with the irrigated farms based on the group frontier results. Rain-fed farmers may be operating as technically efficient as they could, given the existing production technology. However rain-fed farms move significantly towards inefficiency compared to the irrigated farms under the metafrontier technology. Results indicate that the irrigation shifts the rice sector production frontier to a higher level. In addition, a second stage bootstrapped truncated regression shows that efficiency differences between two regions are explained by the timely availability of the water to a significant extent. We suggest that future sectoral policies should be designed to address the efficiency enhancing factors such as irrigation, quality seed, land ownership and scale and female labour participation.
Dimensions of Emotional Intelligence and Transformational Leadership: A Correlation Analysis

The study was designed to explore the degree of relationship between emotional intelligence and transformational leadership style. Goleman who popularized the concept of the science of emotional intelligence and brought it to its academic zenith drew on a wealth of research to argue that successful leaders need emotional intelligence, or the attributes of self-awareness, impulse control, persistence, confidence, self-motivation empathy, social deftness, trust worthiness, adaptability, and a talent of collaboration. Data were generated through 5 – point Likert-type questionnaire based on Schutte, Self Report questionnaire. Pearson’s correlation analysis was carried out through the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, and a strong positive correlation of r = . 90, was found between emotional intelligence and transformational leadership style.
VIX Dynamics with Stochastic Volatility of Volatility

This paper examines the ability of several different continuous-time one and two-factor jump-diffusion models to capture the dynamics of the VIX volatility index for the period between 1990 and 2010. For the one-factor models we study affine and non-affine specifications, possibly augmented with jumps. Jumps in one-factor models occur frequently, but add surprisingly little to the ability of the models to explain the dynamic of the VIX. We present a stochastic volatility of volatility model that can explain all the time-series characteristics of the VIX studied in this paper. Extensions demonstrate that sudden jumps in the VIX are more likely during tranquil periods and the days when jumps occur coincide with major political or economic events. Using several statistical and operational metrics we find that non-affine one-factor models outperform their affine counterparts and modeling the log of the index is superior to modeling the VIX level directly.
A Green Room Experience: A Comparison of Business & Leisure Travelers' Preferences

To gain a better understanding of whether environmental consciousness of business and leisure travelers translates to like-minded preferences in the hotel industry, this study assessed the environmental attitudes of both types of travelers, their green behavior at home, and the importance they place on having different green attributes in a hotel. Results of an online survey indicated that business and leisure travelers are very similar when rating the importance of specific green attributes. They differ, however, in their environmental attitudes and green behavior performed at home. These results provide a clearer picture of the profile of the traveler that may prefer a green hotel room, as well as which green attributes are most preferred. Implications and limitations are discussed.
Thermodynamic formalism for a family of non-uniformly hyperbolic horseshoes and the unstable Jacobian

Abstract In this article we prove the existence and uniqueness of equilibrium states for the potential $\phi _{t}= -t\logju \ (t\in \R )$ and the class of non-uniformly hyperbolic horseshoes which was introduced in Rios [Unfolding homoclinic tangencies inside horseshoes: hyperbolicity, fractal dimensions and persistent tangencies. Nonlinearity14 (2001), 431–462]. We show that the pressure t↦𝒫(t) for −tlog Ju is real-analytic on $\R $. We give the exact equations of the two asymptotes to the graph of 𝒫(t) at ±∞ and we prove that these non-uniformly hyperbolic horseshoes do not have measures which minimize the unstable Lyapunov exponent.
Weighted frequency distributions express modelling uncertainties in the ENSEMBLES regional climate experiments.

Fourteen regional climate models (RCMs) were driven by general circulation models (GCMs) in FP6-ENSEMBLES to provide 17 fine-scale (25 km) climate change scenarios for the period 2021-2050. In a preliminary exercise, these RCMs were driven by gridded observations (ERA40 reanalysis) to simulate as accurately as possible the 1961-2000 period. The quality of this reproduc- tion was used to calculate a weight for each model. Each individual model climate had an uncertainty due to the finite sampling (30 yr). These spreads were combined by those weights to produce an ensemble uncertainty. We illustrate here the daily and climatological frequency distributions for win- ter and summer temperature and precipitation in 3 European cities (Budapest, Dublin and Lisbon). The distribution obtained by ENSEMBLES weights was compared with a distribution using equal weights, distributions using random weights and distributions based on a single model. As far as the reproduction of the observed distribution (1961-1990) is concerned, there is no evidence that the ENSEMBLES weight system provides results closer to observation than equal weights or weights drawn at random. A single model taken at random yields a quality score not better than ENSEMBLES in the case of precipitation, and worse than ENSEMBLES in the case of temperature. As far as climate change for 2021-2050 is concerned, the use of ENSEMBLES weights instead of equal weights also leads to a similar response at daily as well as 30 yr mean time scales.
Genetic polymorphism of kappa-casein gene in Friesian Holstein: a basic selection of dairy cattle superiority

Caseins are milk protein subdivided into four main groups which are αS1, αS2, β-casein and kappa-casein (CSN3). Kappa-casein gene influences the manufacturing of milk properties. The aim of this study was to identify the kappa-casein gene polymorphism in Friesian Holstein (FH) cattle. Fifty nine (59) samples consisted of 32 (Malang), 10 (Sukahati Bogor) and 17 (Research Center for Biotechnology-Indonesian Institute of Sciences’s collections) were applied in this study. DNA samples were extracted by high concentrated NaCl and quantified by spectrophotometer. The kappa-casein gene was amplified at 379 bp fragment by PCR method using a pair primer of kappa-casein at 56 o C annealing for 30 cycles. PCR-RFLP technique with Hind III was used for genotyping analysis. The result showed that there were three variants of genotypes (AA, AB and BB) in two populations from Malang and RC for Biotechnology-LIPI’s collection while cattle from Sukahati had only AA and AB genotypes. The averages of genotype frequencies were 65.28%; 65.28%; and 3.00% for AA, AB and BB genotypes respectively while frequencies of 0.81 and 0.19 were for A and B alleles, respectively. FH cattle populations were in equilibrium genetics. This finding concludes that polymorphism was found in three of FH populations with A allele was more common in kappa-casein locus. B allele is known having association with milk production, milk component and cheese yield. Increasing of B allele would influence on milk performance of FH cattle. Explorations of quantitative, qualitative and molecular genetics are important to improve dairy cattle performance.
Independent Directors and Board Control in Venture Finance

The financial contracting literature treats control as an indivisible right held either by a firm’s entrepreneurs or by its investors. In contrast, data from VC-backed firms shows that board control is typically shared, with a third-party independent director holding the tie-breaking board seat (‘ID-arbitration’). In this article I use a bargaining game similar to final offer arbitration to model a firm’s choice of action under ID-arbitration. I show that ID-arbitration can reduce holdup by moderating each party’s ex post threat position. Consequently, ID-arbitration can lead to the efficient outcome in circumstances where alternative governance arrangements – entrepreneur control, investor control, or state-contingent control – are either unavailable or likely to lead to suboptimal results. This project has implications for the literature on financial contracting and the theory of the firm.
Teachers’ perception on the Relationship between Change Leadership and Organizational Commitment

The aim of this survey is to analyze the perception of teachers regarding the relationship between change leadership and organizational commitment. The study sample is 221 teachers working in the schools of Gaziantep, Sanliurfa and Mardin during the 2014-15 educational year since it is easier to reach them. The sample choice of our study has been made by applying the disproportionate cluster sampling method. According to the linear regression analysis results; change leadership predicts organizational commitment in a positive way. Also, multiple regression analysis results indicate that change-selling behaviors of change leadership predict organizational commitment significantly. It is beneficial for principals who want to increase the organizational commitment of teachers to exhibit change leadership behaviors in schools.
Academic job satisfaction and motivation: findings from a nationwide study in Portuguese higher education

Academic staff is a key resource in higher education institutions (HEIs) and therefore has a major role in the achievement of the objectives of these institutions. Satisfied and well-motivated academic staff can build a national and international reputation for themselves and their institutions. Moreover, the performance of academic staff impacts student learning. In this context, the study of academic staff job satisfaction and motivation to perform their professional activities becomes crucial, especially as higher education is traversed by multiple changes. The purpose of this paper is to present and analyze the findings of a nationwide study on satisfaction and motivation of academics. All academics working in Portuguese HEIs were invited to complete a survey online. The data obtained from 4529 academics were extensively analyzed and findings are presented here along with their implications for HEIs in Portugal.
Long-Term Adaptations to Aerobic-Anaerobic Physical Training in the Erythrocyte Membrane Fatty Acids Profile

Aim: The aim of this survey is to examine the effects of physical training on erythrocyte membrane fatty acids percentages as well as to analyze cellular adaptations in young sportsmen. Methods: Forty-four male volunteers participated: a group of 22 Trained players (TG) (age: 17.86 ± 0.36 years; weight: 69.86 ± 4.53 Kg; height: 1.78 ± 0.54 m), with a regular football training plan of 10 hours/week, and a group of 22 Untrained participants (UG) (age: 18.23 ± 0.49 years; weight: 72.10 ± 8.56 Kg; height: 1.68 ± 0.39 m). Gas chromatograph HP-5890 Series II was used to determine fatty acids concentrations. Results: Higher levels were obtained in the TG group in C12:0 (0.31 ± 0.35 vs. 0.03 ± 0.04%, P < 0.001) and in n-6/n-3 index (8.74 ± 5.20 vs. 4.29 ± 1.09, P < 0.001), and lower values in C22:6 (3.00 ± 3.51 vs. 5.08 ± 1.44%, P < 0.01) in comparison with the UT group. Moreover, a correlation of these parameters and the Lipid Peroxidation index with training degree were observed. Conclusion: 10 hours/week aerobic-anaerobic football training program produces C12:0, n-6/n-3 index, C22:6 modifications in erythrocyte membrane.