Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Income Portfolio of Immigrants in Germany - Effects of Ethnic Origin and Assimilation (or Who Gains from Income Re-Distribution?)

This paper deals with the economic performance of various population groups in Germany giving special attention to ethnic origin of immigrants as compared to the native born German population. In addition, winners and losers of the re-distribution process, induced by the tax and social security system, are identified. This is done by considering different components of market and non-market income as well as taxes and social security contributions. This income portfolio analysis is based on data from the German Socio-Economic Panel covering the observation years 1995 to 1997. Population subgroups are made up of West Germans, East Germans, and immigrants; the latter being split into Ethnic Migrants (Aussiedler) and foreigners. Immigrants are differentiated according to their state of assimilation: those immigrants living together with a native born adult German ("mixed" immigrants) and others ("pure" immigrants). In order to control for any retirement related impact we run all analyses for the total population as well as for those who live in households with a head of prime age. Our results show that immigrants are a very heterogeneous group with respect to their economic performance. The well-assimilated "mixed" immigrants have an even better relative income position than the autochthonous West German population. In general, we confirm the well-known poor market performance of immigrants. However, also immigrants´ non-market incomes are atypically low (except for those of "pure" Aussiedler), mainly due to their age structure, resulting in lower eligibility for and receipt of old age pensions. Non-market incomes of younger immigrants are somewhat higher than those of the autochthonous West German population, but still much lower when compared to the East German population. Analyzing the re-distribution effect caused by public transfers, old age pensions, and tax and social security contributions, we find that immigrants as a whole are (slightly) net payers. Again, "pure" Aussiedler are an exception. When focusing only on younger people, the situation is reversed, and immigrants profit slightly. This is due to above average non-market income of "pure" immigrants. However, East Germans are still much better off. The question which remains to be answered is whether these differences stem from an immigrant specific effect per se or whether they are influenced by underlying social structure differences. Using random-effects models to control for various socio-economic measures, we find that non-German immigrants remain net payers. In addition, immigrants’ need of being subsidized by the re-distribution process rapidly and strongly decreases with progressing duration of stay in Germany. On the other hand, the subgroups substantially profiting from the re-distribution process are "pure" Aussiedler and East Germans. This means --at least in our static "snapshot" analysis-- that the "classic" immigrants (of non-German nationality) are no economic burden to the autochthonous population.
The extreme luminosity states of Sagittarius A

We discuss mm-wavelength radio, 2.2–11.8 μm NIR and 2–10 keV X-ray light curves of the super massive black hole (SMBH) counterpart of Sagittarius A* (SgrA*) near its lowest and highest observed luminosity states. We investigate the structure and brightness of the central S-star cluster harboring the SMBH to obtain reliable flux density estimates of SgrA* during its low luminosity phases. We then discuss the physical processes responsible for the brightest flare as well as the faintest flare or quiescent emission in the NIR and X-ray domain. To investigate the low state of SgrA* we use three independent methods to remove or strongly suppress the flux density contributions of stars in the central 2 �� diameter region around SgrA*. The three methods are: a) low-pass filtering the image; b) iterative identification and removal of individual stars; c) automatic point spread function (PSF) subtraction. For the lowest observed flux density state all 3 image reduction methods result in the detection of faint extended emission with a diameter of 0.5 �� –1.0 �� and centered on the position of SgrA*. We analyzed two datasets that cover the lowest luminosity states of SgrA* we observed to date. In one case we detect a faint K-band (2.2 μm) source of ∼4 mJy brightness (de-reddened with AK = 2.8) which we identify as SgrA* in its low state. In the other case no source brighter or equal to a de-reddened K-band flux density of ∼ 2m Jy was detected at that position. As physical emission mechanisms for SgrA* we discuss bremsstrahlung, thermal emission of a hypothetical optically thick disk, synchrotron and synchrotron self-Compton (SSC) emission, and in the case of a bright flare the associated radio response due to adiabatic expansion of the synchrotron radiation emitting source component. The luminosity during the low state can be interpreted as synchrotron emission from a continuous or even spotted accretion disk. For the high luminosity state SSC emission from THz peaked source components can fully account for the flux density variations observed in the NIR and X-ray domain. We conclude that at near-infrared wavelengths the SSC mechanism is responsible for all emission from the lowest to the brightest flare from SgrA*. For the bright flare event of 4 April 2007 that was covered from the radio to the X-ray domain, the SSC model combined with adiabatic expansion can explain the related peak luminosities and different widths of the flare profiles obtained in the NIR and X-ray regime as well as the non detection in the radio domain.
Non-Gaussian enhancements of galactic halo correlations in quasi-single field inflation

We consider a quasi-single field inflation model in which the inflaton interacts with a massive scalar field called the isocurvaton. Due to the breaking of time translational invariance by the inflaton background, these interactions induce kinetic mixing between the inflaton and isocurvaton, which is parameterized by a constant μ . We derive analytic formulas for the curvature perturbation two-, three-, four-, five-, and six-point functions explicitly in terms of the external wave vectors in the limit where μ and the mass of the isocurvaton m are both much smaller than H . In previous work, it has been noted that when m / H and μ / H are small, the non-Gaussianities predicted by quasi-single field inflation give rise to long wavelength enhancements of the power spectrum for biased objects (e.g., galactic halos). We review this calculation, and calculate the analogous enhanced contribution to the bispectrum of biased objects. We determine the scale at which these enhanced terms are larger than the Gaussian piece. We also identify the scaling of these enhanced parts to the n-point function of biased objects.
Estimating the physical properties of slags

Synopsis The objective of this work was to provide process engineers with values of the physical properties of various slag systems involved in high-temperature processes. Software that calculates the thermophysical properties of slags from chemical composition is available on the www.pyrometallurgy. co.za website. This paper outlines the principles underlying the various models available in the program. The software calculates the following properties of crystalline, glassy, and liquid slags (where appropriate) as a function of temperature: heat capacity, enthalpy, density, viscosity, thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, and surface tension. We hope, in the future, to update the program to (i) add new models as they become available, (ii) remove any ‘bugs’ discovered in existing programs, and (iii) provide guidance on the limitations of individual programs.
A checklist of the spiders (Arachnida, Araneae) of the Polokwane Nature Reserve, Limpopo Province, South Africa

As part of the South African National Survey of Arachnida (SANSA), spiders were collected from all the field layers in the Polokwane Nature Reserve (Limpopo Province, South Africa) over a period of a year (2005–2006) using four collecting methods. Six habitat types were sampled: Acacia tortillis open savanna; A. rehmanniana woodland, false grassland, riverine and sweet thorn thicket, granite outcrop; and Aloe marlothii thicket. A total of 13 821 spiders were collected (using sweep netting, tree beating, active searching and pitfall trapping) represented by 39 families, 156 determined genera and 275 species. The most diverse families are the Thomisidae (42 spp.), Araneidae (39 spp.) and Salticidae (29 spp.). A total of 84 spp. (30.5%) were web builders and 191 spp. (69.5%) wanderers. In the Polokwane Nature Reserve, 13.75% of South African species are presently protected.
Effectiveness of board governance and dividend policy as alignment mechanisms to firm performance and CEO compensation

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of the study is to investigate whether operating and market performance are aligned to CEO compensation and how board governance and dividend policy could influence pay–performance link in the capital market of Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach: The hand-collected information on 219 non-financial firms listed on the Pakistan stock exchange (PSX) is acquired over the period 2012–2016. Additionally, panel data technique, namely Prais–Winsten (PCSE) and 2SLS (robust standard errors) regression are applied to account for the heteroscedasticity, serial correlation and endogeneity issue. Findings: The empirical results indicate that CEO compensation is positively associated with operating performance and market performance. The evidence also provides partial support to agency perspective that board independence and optimal board size could positively, while CEO duality negative moderates the relationship between operating performance and CEO compensation. However, none of these mechanisms are proved to be effective in aligning market performance to CEO compensation. In fact, dividend policy negatively moderates the association between firm performance (operating and market) and CEO compensation. Thus, contrary to the agency theory’s proposition, dividend policy cannot be utilized as a substitute control device in the absence of strong corporate governance mechanisms. Practical Implications: In light of this empirical evidence, regulatory bodies in Pakistan could improve corporate governance mechanisms as well as CEO compensation structure to ensure remunerative and ethical financial market. Originality/value: This study contributes to the academic literature by validating the underexplored pay–performance alignment propositions of agency theorists, especially in the reference of Pakistan.
Effect of growth and yield parameters on Indian-mustard genotypes under varying environmental conditions in western Haryana

An experiment was conducted in Rabi season of year 2014-15 at Research Farm, Department of Agril. Meteorology, CCSHAU Hisar, Haryana and field area was adjacent to agrometeorological observatory at 290 10' N latitude, 750 46' E longitude and altitude of 215.2 m with Split Plot Design as main plot treatments consisted of three date of sowing viz.26thOctober, 5thNovember, and 15th November and sub-plots consisted of three varieties (Kranti, RH 406 and RH 0749) with four replications. Various growth and yield parameters such as plant height, LAI, dry matter accumulation, partitioning and yield attributes were higher in 26thOctober sown crop as compared to 5th and 15th November at all the growth intervals. The crop sown on 26th October (1870.3 kg/ha) produced highest seed yield as compared to 5th (1525.5 kg/ha) and 15th November (1099.8 kg/ha). Among varieties, RH0749 recorded highest seed yield because LAI, biomass accumulates were performed better as compared to RH 406 and Kranti. There was significant interaction between growing environment and varieties with respect to growth and yield parameters. From the above study it was concluded that normal or early sowing of Indian mustard may be practisized for achieving higher seed yield and improved growth and yield attributes in western Haryana conditions.
How a Root-Microbial System Regulates
the Response of Soil Respiration to Temperature
and Moisture in a Plantation

Understanding the response of soil respiration to changes in temperature and moisture is critical to accurately assess the impact of afforestation on regional carbon balance. In order to investigate the response of soil respiration to soil temperature and moisture, we partitioned soil respiration into three components (heterotrophic respiration, root respiration, and rhizomicrobial respiration) using 13C natural abundance during the growing season in a Robinia pseudoacacia plantation in northern China. Root respiration and soil microbial respiration had a significantly positive relationship with soil temperature. Heterotrophic respiration was positively correlated with soil moisture, while rhizomicrobial respiration significantly decreased with a reduction in soil moisture. Our findings suggest that the responses of plant roots and soil microorganisms to soil temperature and moisture were different. According to the prediction of the rootmicrobial model developed in this study, average soil respiration will increase by 12 mg C m-2 h-1 when soil temperature increases by 2oC in the plantation. By modelling the relationship of a root-microbial system during the growing season in a plantation in northern China, the temperature and moisture sensitivities of soil respiration can be characterized.
A Contribution to Health Capital Theory

This paper presents a theory of the demand for health, health investment and longevity, building on the human capital framework for health and addressing limitations of existing models. It predicts a negative correlation between health investment and health, that the health of wealthy and educated individuals declines more slowly and that they live longer, that current health status is a function of the initial level of health and the histories of prior health investments made, that health investment rapidly increases near the end of life and that length of life is finite as a result of limited life-time resources (the budget constraint). It derives a structural relation between health and health investment (e.g., medical care) that is suitable for empirical testing.
Have Rating Agencies Become More Conservative? Implications for Capital Structure and Debt Pricing

We document that rating agencies have become more conservative in assigning ratings to corporate bonds over the period 1985 to 2009. Holding firm characteristics constant, average ratings have dropped by 3 notches (e.g., from A+ to BBB+) over time. This increased stringency has affected both capital structure and debt spreads. Firms that suffer most from this conservatism issue less debt and have lower leverage. However, their debt spreads are lower compared to the spreads of firms that have not suffered from this conservatism, which implies that the market partly undoes the impact of conservatism on debt prices. This evidence suggests that firms and capital markets do not perceive that the increase in conservatism is fully warranted.
Effects of heather (Ericaceae) supplementation on gastrointestinal nematodes and live weight changes in naturally-infected Cashmere goats managed under two different stocking rates.

The aim of this study, performed on 62 adult dry Cashmere goats grazing perennial ryegrass-white clover pastures and naturally-infected with gastrointestinal nematodes, was to investigate the effects of tannin- containing heather supplementation on faecal egg counts, parasite burden and body weight changes in goats managed under two different stocking rates. Goats were randomly assigned to four treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement: two feeding treatments (supplementation with heather vs non-supplementation) and two stocking rates (24 vs 38 goats/ha). Six goats per treatment were slaughtered at the end of the grazing period, with adult worms in the abomasum and small and large intestines of each animal recovered, counted, and identified according to species. Results showed that goats gained significantly (P < 0.001) more body weight when supplemented with heather. Faecal egg counts were significantly (P < 0.01) affected by stocking rate, however for heather supplementation, no differences were observed in goats under the lower stocking rate, but lower mean values were found throughout the experiment in the group receiving heather under the higher stocking rate (P = 0.07). Mean total abomasal worm counts of Teladorsagia circumcincta were lower in supplemented animals, but the difference was only significant (P < 0.01) in those managed under the higher stocking rate. In conclusion, although feeding heather to goats has the potential to contribute to the control of some abomasal nematode parasites, it could be dependent on grazing pressure and climatic conditions.
Causes and Solutions for the Economic Crisis According to the International Scientific Community

La actual crisis economica iniciada en los EEUU entre 2007 y 2008, y sus causas todavia se estan discutiendo. Aunque hay muchas propuestas teoricas que analizan las causas y posibles soluciones a esta situacion, el numero de investigaciones empiricas aun es escaso. El objetivo de esta investigacion consistio en recoger y analizar la opinion de la comunidad cientifica mundial sobre las causas y posibles soluciones a la crisis. 1770 cientificos respondieron un cuestionario especificamente disenado para este proposito. Los resultados muestran que las causas de la crisis economica dependieron de la gestion interna y externa de las instituciones financieras. El porcentaje mas alto de participantes esta de acuerdo con una solucion que promueva la iniciativa privada, pero con control y ayuda de los gobiernos.
Challenge-based Instruction for a Civil Engineering Dynamics Course

Challenge-based Instruction for a Civil Engineering Dynamics Course Dr. Matthew D. Lovell, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Dr. Sean P Brophy, Purdue University, West Lafayette Dr. Sean Brophy is the co-leader of the Educational, Outreach and Training team for the George E. Brown Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation (NEES). He is also an associate professor in the School of Engineering Education at Purdue University. His research in engineering education and learning sciences explores how undergraduate engineering students think and reason with models. This is a one of the key elements of their success as they engage in challenge-based instruction. Dr. Sensen Li, Purdue University, West Lafayette
Biomarker and Sedimentological Investigations of MIS 8 through MIS 12 from Lake El'gygytgyn, NE Arctic Russia

2 Chapter I – Introduction.4 Chapter II High-latitude environmental change during MIS 9 & 11: Biogeochemical evidence from Lake El’gygytgyn, Far East Russia.11 Chapter II – Figures Figure 2.1 – Location Figure.39 Figure 2.2 – Organic Geochemical Proxies I . 40 Figure 2.3 – MBT/CBT Temperature Calibrations.41 Figure 2.4 – Global Comparisons of Geochemical Proxies.42 Chapter III . 31 Chapter III – Figures Figure 3.1 – Location Figure . 67 Figure 3.2 – XRD Bulk Mineralogy . 68 Figure 3.3 XRD Clay Mineralogy.69 Figure 3.4 – Visible and First Derivative Color Spectra . 70 Table 3.1 – Facies, Clay, Hue and Fe – digestion data . 71 Figure 3.5 – Visible and FDS, Weighted FDS Reconstructions.72 Figure 3.6 – TOC and Fe –digestion Sensitivity Tests . 73 Figure 3.7 – Fe – Digestion FDS Comparisons . 74 Figure 3.8 – Multi-proxy and Global Comparisons.75 Chapter IV – Future Work . 76 Chapter IV – Figures Figure 4.1 – Wavelet Analysis for Hue Record . 83 Table 4.1 – Pigment Compounds for Lake El’gygytgyn . 84 Table 4.2 – Previous Mineralogical Comparisons.85 References . 86
High resolution observations with Artemis-IV and the NRH. I. Type IV associated narrow-band bursts

Narrow band bursts appear on dynamic spectra from microwave to decametric frequencies as fine structures with very small duration and bandwidth. They are thought to mark small scale magnetic reconnection. We analyzed 27 metric type-IV events with narrow band bursts observed by the ARTEMIS-IV radiospectrograph in 30/6/1999-1/8/2010. We examined the morphological characteristics of isolated narrow-band bursts and groups or chains of spikes. The events were recorded with the SAO (10 ms cadence) receiver of ARTEMIS-IV in the 270-450 MHz range. We measured the duration, spectral width, and frequency drift of ~12000 individual narrow-band bursts, groups, and chains. Spike sources were imaged with the NRH for the event of 21 April 2003. The mean duration of individual bursts at fixed frequency was ~100 ms, while the instantaneous relative bandwidth was ~2%. Some bursts had measurable frequency drift, positive or negative. Often spikes appeared in chains, which were closely spaced in time (column chains) or in frequency (row chains). Column chains had frequency drifts similar to IIId-bursts; most of the row chains exhibited negative drifts similar to fiber bursts. From the NRH data, we found that spikes were superimposed on a larger, slowly varying, background component. They were polarized in the same sense as the background source, with a slightly higher degree of polarization of ~65%, and their size was ~60% of their size in total intensity. The duration and bandwidth distributions did not show any clear separation in groups. Some chains tended to assume the form of zebra, lace stripes, fibers, or bursts of the type-III family, suggesting that such bursts might be resolved in spikes when viewed with high resolution. The NRH data indicate that the spikes are not fluctuations of the background, but represent additional emission such as what would be expected from small-scale reconnection.
Operability of an Ejector Enhanced Pulse Combustor in a Gas Turbine Environment

Abstract A pressure-gain combustor comprised of a mechanically valved, liquid fueled pulsejet, an ejector, and an enclosing shroud, was coupled to a small automotive turbocharger to form a self-aspirating, thrust producing gas turbine engine. The system was constructed in order to investigate issues associated with the interaction of pulsed combustion devices and turbomachinery. Installed instrumentation allowed for sensing of distributed low frequency pressure and temperature, high frequency pressure in the shroud, fuel flow rate, rotational speed, thrust, and laboratory noise. The engine ran successfully and reliably, achieving a sustained thrust of 5 to 6 lbf, and maintaining a rotor speed of approximately 90,000 rpm, with a combustor pressure gain of approximately 4 percent. Numerical simulations of the system without pressure-gain combustion indicated that the turbocharger would not operate. Thus, the new combustor represented a substantial improvement in system performance. Acoustic measurements in the shroud and laboratory indicated turbine stage sound pressure level attenuation of 20 dB. This is consistent with published results from detonative combustion experiments. As expected, the mechanical reed valves suffered considerable damage under the higher pressure and thermal loading characteristics of this system. This result underscores the need for development of more robust valve systems for this application. The efficiency of the turbomachinery components did not appear to be significantly affected by unsteadiness associated with pulsed combustion, though the steady component efficiencies were already low, and thus not expected to be particularly sensitive.