Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THEORETICAL ASPECTS OF CAPITAL STRUCTURE AND REVIEW OF LITERATURE

The term “business” relates to the state of being busy either as an individual or society as a whole, doing commercially viable and profitable work. This term has at least three usages, depending on the scope; one is to mean a particular company or corporation, the generalized usage to refer to a particular market sector or the broadest meaning to include all activity by the community of suppliers of goods and services.
Faecal particle size and tooth wear of the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)

We used computer-aided image analysis of leaf fragment particles found in faecal pellets of 45 koalas, representing the range of tooth wear in this species, to investigate how tooth wear in the koala influences faecal particle sizes. Although the range of sizes of particles produced did not vary between koalas across different tooth wear classes, with all koalas producing small, medium and large particles, koalas with advanced tooth wear produced a greater proportion of larger particles. This observation may prove useful for demographic population analyses based on scat surveys since the broad age class of individual koalas can be estimated from faecal pellet analysis. Older koalas produced faecal pellets containing a higher proportion of the largest-sized particle sizes (those greater than 0.59 mm2) than either young or mature koalas but there was no difference detected between mature and young koalas.
THE UVJ SELECTION OF QUIESCENT AND STAR-FORMING GALAXIES: SEPARATING EARLY- AND LATE-TYPE GALAXIES AND ISOLATING EDGE-ON SPIRALS,,

We utilize for the first time Hubble Space Telescope Advanced Camera for Surveys imaging to examine the structural properties of galaxies in the rest-frame U − V versus V − J diagram (i.e., the UVJ diagram) using a sample at 0.6 < z < 0.9 that reaches a low stellar mass limit (log M/M☉ >10.25). The use of the UVJ diagram as a tool to distinguish quiescent galaxies from star-forming galaxies (SFGs) is becoming more common due to its ability to separate red quiescent galaxies from reddened SFGs. Quiescent galaxies occupy a small and distinct region of UVJ color space and we find most of them to have concentrated profiles with high Sérsic indices (n > 2.5) and smooth structure characteristic of early-type systems. SFGs populate a broad but well-defined sequence of UVJ colors and are comprised of objects with a mix of Sérsic indices. Interestingly, most UVJ-selected SFGs with high Sérsic indices also display structure due to dust and star formation typical of the n < 2.5 SFGs and late-type systems. Finally, we find that the position of an SFG on the sequence of UVJ colors is determined to a large degree by the mass of the galaxy and its inclination. Systems that are closer to edge-on generally display redder colors and lower [O ii]λ3727 luminosity per unit mass as a consequence of the reddening due to dust within the disks. We conclude that the two main features seen in UVJ color space correspond closely to the traditional morphological classes of early- and late-type galaxies.
On stochastic and deterministic quasi-Newton methods for non-Strongly convex optimization: convergence and rate analysis

Motivated by applications arising from large scale optimization and machine learning, we consider stochastic quasi-Newton (SQN) methods for solving unconstrained convex optimization problems. The convergence analysis of the SQN methods, both full and limited-memory variants, require the objective function to be strongly convex. However, this assumption is fairly restrictive and does not hold for applications such as minimizing the logistic regression loss function. To the best of our knowledge, no rate statements currently exist for SQN methods in the absence of such an assumption. Also, among the existing first-order methods for addressing stochastic optimization problems with merely convex objectives, those equipped with provable convergence rates employ averaging. However, this averaging technique has a detrimental impact on inducing sparsity. Motivated by these gaps, the main contributions of the paper are as follows: (i) Addressing large scale stochastic optimization problems, we develop an iteratively regularized stochastic limited-memory BFGS (IRS-LBFGS) algorithm, where the stepsize, regularization parameter, and the Hessian inverse approximation matrix are updated iteratively. We establish the convergence to an optimal solution of the original problem both in an almost-sure and mean senses. We derive the convergence rate in terms of the objective function's values and show that it is of the order $\mathcal{O}\left(k^{-\left(\frac{1}{3}-\epsilon\right)}\right)$, where $\epsilon$ is an arbitrary small positive scalar; (ii) In deterministic regime, we show that the regularized limited-memory BFGS algorithm displays a rate of the order $\mathcal{O}\left(\frac{1}{k^{1 -\epsilon'}}\right)$, where $\epsilon'$ is an arbitrary small positive scalar. We present our numerical experiments performed on a large scale text classification problem.
Language Acquisition as the Detection, Memorization, and Reproduction of Statistical Regularities in Perceived Language

In this article we investigate the hypothesis that language learning is based on the detection and memorization of particular statistical regularities as observed in perceived language, and that during language production these regularities are reproduced. We give an overview of those regularities where we have been able to exemplify this behaviour. Our finding is that not only statistics of order zero (frequencies) and one (co-occurrences) are of importance, but also statistics of higher order. For several types of statistics we present simulation results and conduct quantitative evaluations by comparing them to experimental data as obtained from test subjects.
Antioxidant and Antiradical Activity of Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L. var. conditiva Alef.) Grown Using Different Fertilizers

Fertilizers in different nitrogen forms (calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN), urea, ammonium sulfate (AS), and ammonium nitrate (AN)) and their doses (50, 100, and 150) for beetroot (BT) (Beta vulgaris L. var. conditiva Alef.) and the antioxidant and antiradical activities in the lyophilized water and alcohol extracts of BT were evaluated. In order to evaluate antioxidant and radical removing activities of BT roots, total phenolic compound amount assignment, total flavonoids amount assignment, method of Fe3+-Fe2+ reduction activity using ferric cyanate reduction, cupric ions (Cu2+) reducing capacity with CUPRAC method, Fe3+ reducing capacity according to FRAP method, ferrous ions (Fe2+) chelating activity, superoxide anion radical ( ) removing activity, and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS•+) radical removing activity were determined. In the study, BHA and α-tocopherol were used as standard antioxidants. It was determined that water and alcohol extracts obtained from BT roots indicated reduction activities, effectively. In addition, it was also determined that these reduction activities were indicated in most BT roots grown in fertilizer media at lower percentage and that they had higher antioxidative level than that of standard antioxidants.
Systematic Position of Xyris: Flower and Seed Anatomy

Flower anatomy, embryology, and seed anatomy are described for some Brazilian species of Xyris section Nematopus and reviewed with respect to the systematic position of Xyris and allied taxa in Commelinanae. Apart from tenuinucellate ovules (shared with Poales, Mayaca, and Eriocaulaceae), Xyris lacks some of the synapomorphies of other genera that are sometimes included in Xyridaceae (Aratitiyopea, Achlyphila, Abolboda, and Orectanthe), such as inaperturate spinulate pollen; Xyris has monosulcate reticulate pollen. There is an unusual degree of variation among different genera of Xyridaceae for characters such as tapetum type, indicating that the monophyly of the family requires testing. However, while several characters indicate two generic groups, there is much missing critical information for embryological and seed coat characters in other Xyridaceae.
Mixed-Effects Models for Count Data with Applications to Educational Research.

This research is motivated by an analysis of reading research data. We are interested in modeling the test outcome of ability to fluently recode letters into sounds of kindergarten children aged between 5 and 7. The data showed excessive zero scores (more than 30% of children) on the test. In this dissertation, we carefully examine the models dealing with excessive zeros, which are based on the mixture of distributions, a distribution with zeros and a standard probability distribution with non negative values. In such cases, a log normal variable or a Poisson random (λ) variable is often observed with probability (p) from semicontinuous data or count data. The previously proposed models, mixed-effects and mixed-distribution models (MEMD) by Tooze(2002) et al. for semicontinuous data and zero-inflated Poisson (ZIP) regression models by Lambert(1992) for count data are reviewed. We apply zero-inflated Poisson models to repeated measures data of zero-inflated data by introducing a pair of possibly correlated random effects to the zero-inflated Poisson model to accommodate within-subject correlation and between subject heterogeneity. The model describes the effect of predictor variables on the probability of nonzero responses (occurrence) and mean of nonzero responses (intensity) separately. The likelihood function is maximized using dual quasi-Newton optimization of an approximated by adaptive Gaussian quadrature. The maximum likelihood estimates are obtained through standard statistical software package. Using different model parameters, the number of subject, and the number of measurements per subject, the simulation study is conducted and the results are presented. The dissertation ends with the application of the model to reading research data and future research. We examine the number of correct letter sound counted of children collected over 2008 -2009 academic year. We find that age, gender and socioeconomic status are significantly related to the letter sound fluency of children in both parts of the model. The model provides better explanation of data structure and easier interpretations of parameter values, as they are the same as in standard logistic models and Poisson regression models. The model can be extended to accommodate serial correlation which can be observed in longitudinal data. Also, one may consider multilevel zero-inflated Poisson model. Although the multilevel model was proposed previously, parameter estimation by penalized quasi likelihood methods is questionable, and further examination is needed.
Self-Consistant Numerical Modeling of E-Cloud Driven Instability of a Bunch Train in the CERN SPS

The simulation package WARP-POSINST was recently upgraded for handling multiple bunches and modeling concurrently the electron cloud buildup and its effect on the beam, allowing for direct self-consistent simulation of bunch trains generating, and interacting with, electron clouds. We have used the WARP-POSINST package on massively parallel supercomputers to study the growth rate and frequency patterns in space-time of the electron cloud driven transverse instability for a proton bunch train in the CERN SPS accelerator. Results suggest that a positive feedback mechanism exists between the electron buildup and the e-cloud driven transverse instability, leading to a net increase in predicted electron density. Comparisons to selected experimental data are also given. Electron clouds have been shown to trigger fast growing instabilities on proton beams circulating in the SPS and other accelerators. So far, simulations of electron cloud buildup and their effects on beam dynamics have been performed separately. This is a consequence of the large computational cost of the combined calculation due to large space and time scale disparities between the two processes. We have presented the latest improvements of the simulation package WARP-POSINST for the simulation of self-consistent ecloud effects, including mesh refinement, and generation of electrons from gas ionizationmore » and impact at the pipe walls. We also presented simulations of two consecutive bunches interacting with electrons clouds in the SPS, which included generation of secondary electrons. The distribution of electrons in front of the first beam was initialized from a dump taken from a preceding buildup calculation using the POSINST code. In this paper, we present an extension of this work where one full batch of 72 bunches is simulated in the SPS, including the entire buildup calculation and the self-consistent interaction between the bunches and the electrons. Comparisons to experimental data are also given. « less
The Affective Self-regulation of Covert and Overt Reasoning in a Promotion vs. Prevention Mind-set

The main hypothesis of studies presented in this article is that episodic implicit evaluations (affects) toward task-relevant objects determine thinking and decisions by actively placing them within or outside the scope of attention. In these studies we also aimed to test the impact of regulatory focus on implicit evaluations and goal pursuit. We applied the Promotion-Prevention Self-control Scale as a measure of mind-set during thinking in the Wason Selection Task (WST) in Study 1 and Island Decision Game (IDG) in Study 2. Directly after learning of the tasks, participants evaluated (in affective priming paradigm) objects that constituted the task’s content. The findings are in line with the hypothesis stating that goals influence the way in which objects are automatically evaluated. The effects of promotion mind-set were more pronounced in both studies. Promotion-focused individuals positively assessed objects that serve as a confirmation. The implicit evaluations by prevention-oriented individuals disclosed their falsifying approach to the WST. The positive implicit evaluation of correct objects suggests their sensitivity to information useful for falsification and is consistent with their tendency to cautiously self-control thinking.
The Effects of Selected Aerobic Exercise Modalities on Self Esteem among Female Students

Self-esteem is fundamental component in psychological health and is affected with dynamics of physical exercise. This study explore the effects of selected aerobic exercise programs on self esteem and attempts to determine the most effective aerobic exercise program in boosting self-esteem. This study uses the experimental design on a sample of 120 female undergraduate students. The instruments used were the Self-Esteem Scale. Data was analyzed using inferential statistics. t-test conducted shows significant differences in self-esteem score between pretest and posttest in all modalities of aerobic exercise programs. Analysis of variance reveals that there is a significant difference (F=81.299, p<0.01) between the four modalities of aerobic exercise programs, and post hoc test shows that combination of step-dance aerobics and weight training program is most effective in increasing self esteem among female students. Results of this study contribute to developing the role of aerobic exercise in improving self esteem. It is also useful in assisting to develop policies and programs that enhance self esteem.
The Landlab v1.0 OverlandFlow component: a Python tool for computing shallow-water flow across watersheds

Representation of flowing water in landscape evolution models (LEMs) is often simplified compared to hydrodynamic models, as LEMs make assumptions reducing physical complexity in favor of computational efficiency. The Landlab modeling framework can be used to bridge the divide between complex runoff models and more traditional LEMs, creating a new type of framework not commonly used in the geomorphology or hydrology communities. Landlab is a Python-language library that includes tools and process components that can be used to create models of Earth-surface dynamics over a range of temporal and spatial scales. The Landlab OverlandFlow component is based on a simplified inertial approximation of the shallow water equations, following the solution of de Almeida et al. (2012). This explicit two-dimensional hydrodynamic algorithm simulates a flood wave across a model domain, where water discharge and flow depth are calculated at all locations within a structured (raster) grid. Here we illustrate how the OverlandFlow component contained within Landlab can be applied as a simplified event-based runoff model and how to couple the runoff model with an incision model operating on decadal timescales. Examples of flow routing on both real and synthetic landscapes are shown. Hydrographs from a single storm at multiple locations in the Spring Creek watershed, Colorado, USA, are illustrated, along with a map of shear stress applied on the land surface by flowing water. The OverlandFlow component can also be coupled with the Landlab DetachmentLtdErosion component to illustrate how the nonsteady flow routing regime impacts incision across a watershed. The hydrograph and incision results are compared to simulations driven by steady-state runoff. Results from the coupled runoff and incision model indicate that runoff dynamics can impact landscape relief and channel concavity, suggesting that on landscape evolution timescales, the OverlandFlow model may lead to differences in simulated topography in comparison with traditional methods. The exploratory test cases described within demonstrate how the OverlandFlow component can be used in both hydrologic and geomorphic applications.
Do Tuition Fees Affect the Mobility of University Applicants? Evidence from a Natural Experiment

Several German states recently introduced tuition fees for university education. We investigate whether these tuition fees influence the mobility of university applicants. Based on administrative data of applicants for medical schools in Germany, we estimate the effect of tuition fees on the probability of applying for a university in the home state. We find a small but significant reaction: The probability of applying for a university in the home state falls by 2 percentage points (baseline: 69%) for high-school graduates who come from a state with tuition fees. Moreover, we find that students with lower high-school grades react more strongly to tuition fees. This might have important effects on the composition of students across states.
The empirics of regional Economic growth in italy. 1951-1993

In this paper, on the basis of an original data base, we have gathered detailed information on the Italian regional growth over the post-war period using several statistical techniques. We have described the evolution of the disparities using, as a measure of regional economic growth, either per capita income and labour productivity, the latter variable also at the sectoral level. The evidence indicates that labour productivity convergence across the Italian regions was limited to the period 1960-75. This process has been mainly driven by a fall in the industrial dispersion and by a reduction in the share of agriculture. In the past 18 years the convergence process has completely stopped, indeed we have detected a slight increase in the dispersion, arising essentially from the industrial sector and from the southern non-Adriatic regions. Also per capita income inequality has decreased over the period 1960-75, but mainly among the north-centre regions and it has started to increase again from the mid-1970s. Now the degree of regional wealth inequality in Italy is still the highest within the EU. Per capita income tends to spread according to a two-peaks distribution with all the southern regions but one included in the low polarisation point.
A primordial star in the heart of the Lion

Context: The discovery and chemical analysis of extremely metal-poor stars permit a better understanding of the star formation of the first generation of stars and of the Universe emerging from the Big Bang. aims: We report the study of a primordial star situated in the centre of the constellation Leo (SDSS J102915+172027). method: The star, selected from the low resolution-spectrum of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, was observed at intermediate (with X-Shooter at VLT) and at high spectral resolution (with UVES at VLT). The stellar parameters were derived from the photometry. The standard spectroscopic analysis based on 1D ATLAS models was completed by applying 3D and non-LTE corrections. results: An iron abundance of [Fe/H]=--4.89 makes SDSS J102915+172927 one of the lowest [Fe/H] stars known. However, the absence of measurable C and N enhancements indicates that it has the lowest metallicity, Z<= 7.40x10^{-7} (metal-mass fraction), ever detected. No oxygen measurement was possible. conclusions: The discovery of SDSS J102915+172927 highlights that low-mass star formation occurred at metallicities lower than previously assumed. Even lower metallicity stars may yet be discovered, with a chemical composition closer to the composition of the primordial gas and of the first supernovae.
Microbial Profile of Marketed Broiler Meat

Contamination of poultry meat with food borne pathogens remains an important public health issue, because it can lead to illness if there are malpractices in handling, cooking or post cooking storage of the product. This paper presents an investigation of the microbiological quality of poultry meat marketed in Tabriz was done. Bacteriological analysis was performed on 80 samples of fresh chicken meat, Samples were collected from retailers (kept in cooling showcases at +4°C) and then bacteriologically tested for the presence and counts of total bacterial count, Staph.aureus. perfringens, Streptococcus, Salmonella and Coliforms. Bacteriological tests were performed by means of Iranian standard methods of isolation and identification of individual species of bacteria numbers: 1810, 437, 356, 2197, 2198 and 2194. Results indicated that aerobic plate counts and fecal coliforms were particularly high in all the samples analyzed. Poultry meat samples. With regard to microbiological quality and contamination of chicken meat, of importance is the finding of Salmonella spp. (negative), Staph aureus (65%), Clostridium perfringens (83%), Streptococcus (100%) and Coliforms (100%). Also enumeration of these bacterial was done and mean of these bacterial was Total bacterial count (5.06515), Staphylococcus (4.79575), Clostridium perfringens (1.2749), Streptococcus (4.074), Salmonella (negative) and Coliforms (4.038). Results of this study demonstrated these high levels of microbial contamination reflect the poor hygienic quality of poultry meat under these conditions.
Investment in financial literacy, social security, and portfolio choice*

Abstract We present an intertemporal portfolio choice model where individuals invest in financial literacy, save, allocate their wealth between a safe and a risky asset, and receive a pension when they retire. Financial literacy affects the excess return from and cost of stock-market participation. Investors simultaneously choose how much to save, their portfolio allocation, and the optimal investment in financial literacy. The model implies that one should observe a positive correlation between stock-market participation (and risky asset share, conditional on participation) and financial literacy, and a negative correlation between the generosity of the social security system and financial literacy. The model also implies that financial literacy accumulated early in life is positively correlated with the individual's wealth and portfolio allocations in later life. Using microeconomic cross-country data, we find support for these predictions.