Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High-Resolution Spectroscopic Follow-up of OGLE Planetary Transit Candidates in the Galactic Bulge: Two Possible Jupiter-Mass Planets and Two Blends

We report the results of our campaign to follow up spectroscopically several candidate extrasolar transiting planets from the OGLE-III survey in the direction of the Galactic center, announced in 2001. All of these objects present shallow and periodic dips in brightness that may be due to planetary companions. Our Keck I/High Resolution Echelle Spectrometer (HIRES) observations have revealed two interesting cases (OGLE-TR-10 with a period of 3.1 days and OGLE-TR-58 with a period of 4.3 days) that show no radial velocity variations at the level of 100-200 m s-1. If orbited by companions, their masses would be similar to Jupiter. With the information in hand (including the light curves) we are not able to rule out that these candidates are instead the result of contamination from an eclipsing binary in the same line of sight (a "blend"). We also discuss the case of OGLE-TR-56, which was recently reported by Konacki et al. to have a Jupiter-size companion, on the basis of an earlier analysis of our data and we present supporting information. Two other candidates, OGLE-TR-3 and OGLE-TR-33, show clear evidence that they are blends. We describe tests carried out to characterize the stability of the HIRES spectrograph and its impact on the determination of precise velocities for faint stars (V ≥ 15 mag) using exposures of a thorium-argon lamp as the wavelength reference. Systematic effects are at the level of 100 m s-1 or smaller and tend to dominate the total error budget. We also evaluate the precision attainable using the iodine gas absorption cell as an alternative fiducial, and we propose a simplified version of the standard procedure employed for high-precision Doppler planet searches that is very promising. Results from both this method and the classical ThAr technique show the feasibility of spectroscopic follow-up for faint targets in the range V = 14-17. We point out also that the high incidence of contamination from blends and other false positives in the OGLE-III survey already mentioned by Konacki et al. is potentially a serious concern not only for other similar surveys of relatively faint stars but also for future space missions to search for transits due to extrasolar planets as small as the Earth.
THE EFFECT OF HARVEST DATE AND ADDITIVES ON CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND AEROBIC STABILITY OF SORGHUM SILAGE

The objective of the experiment was to determine the effect of harvest date of sweet sorghum forage and the addition of bacterial, bacterial-chemical or chemical additives on chemical composition, fermentation quality and aerobic stability of the silages obtained. Sweet sorghum (Sorghum saccharatum, cv. Sucrosorgo 506) forage mown at two dates (E – 28 September 2008 and L – 13 October 2008) was ensiled in 120 L experimental silos. Forage from each harvest date was ensiled without (E-UT, L-UT) or with the addition of Lactobacillus buchneri (5.0×105 cfu·g-1 of forage) – E-LB, L-LB; L. buchneri (5.0×105 cfu·g-1of forage) with potassium sorbate (0.3 g·kg-1 of forage) – E-LBS, L-LBS; propionic acid, formic acid and ammonium propionate (3 ml·kg-1 of forage) – E-PFA, L-PFA. Both, forage harvest date and applied additives had a significant effect (P<0.001) on dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and true protein (TP), water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC), neutral-detergent fibre (NDF), acid-detergent fibre (ADF) and the starch content in silages. All the additives limited the degradation of protein to ammonia. The additives prevented butyric fermentation and limited (P<0.001) alcoholic fermentation in the silages. Forage harvest date itself had no influence on the silage aerobic stability. However, significant interaction between the effect of harvest date and additives was found. The duration of aerobic stability was 36-41 h for untreated silages, 84-88 h for silages with L. buchneri, 95-99 h for silages with L. buchneri and potassium sorbate, and 66-68 h for silages with the chemical preservative.
The Effect of Computer-Mediated vs. Face-to-Face Instruction on L2 Pragmatics: A Meta-Analysis

 Abstract — This paper reports the results of a meta-analysis of studies on the effects of instruction mode on learning second language pragmatics during the last decade (from 2006 to 2016). After establishing related inclusion/ exclusion criteria, 39 published studies were retrieved and included in the present meta-analysis. Studies were later coded for face-to-face and computer-assisted mode of instruction. Statistical procedures were applied to obtain effect sizes. It was found that Computer-Assisted-Language-Learning studies generated larger effects than Face-to-Face instruction .
MULTISCALE SURFACE ROUGHNESS AND BACKSCATTERING

Surface roughness is usually described with the two classical constant parameters, rms height and correlation length, which is determined using the autocorrelation function. Unfortunately, the rms height and correlation length of natural surfaces, such as sea ice, depend on the measured distance [1,2]. This is understandable since the shape of natural solid surfaces is often a result of a number of random changes superposed on an initial surface. Spectral analysis would permit multiscale roughness, but the spectrum of a sparse data set does not represent the real target spectrum well. A description for a surface with multiscale roughness was developed using autocorrelation functions and is presented in this paper.
POPULATION AGING AND THE REAL INTEREST RATE IN THE LAST AND NEXT 50 YEARS: A TALE TOLD BY AN OVERLAPPING GENERATIONS MODEL

Population aging, along with a secular decline in real interest rates, is an empirical regularity observed in developed countries over the last few decades. Under the premise that population aging will deepen in coming years, some studies predict that real interest rates will continue to be depressed further to a level below zero. In this paper, we address this issue and explore how changes in demographic structures have affected and will affect real interest rates, using an overlapping generations model calibrated to Japan’s economy. We find that the demographic changes over the last 50 years reduced the real interest rate. About 270 out of the 640 basis points decline in real interest rates during this period was due to declining labor inputs and higher saving, which themselves stemmed from the lower fertility rate and increased life expectancy. As for the next 50 years, we find that demographic changes alone will not substantially increase or decrease the real interest rate from the current level. These changes reflect the fact that the size of demographic changes in years ahead will be minimal, but that downward pressure arising from the past demographic changes will continue to bite. As Japan is not unique in terms of this broad picture of changes in demographic landscapes in the last and next 50 years, our results suggest that, sooner or later, a demography-induced decline in real interest rates may be contained in other developed countries as well.
Study on the Growth and Yield Potential of Promising Wheat Genotypes under Modified Agronomical Practices

- A field experiment was conducted to investigate the combined effect of NPKS (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potash and sulpher) fertilizer with cow dung on the growth and yield of promising wheat genotypes. Organic matter in the initial soil of the experimental field is very low (0.94%). The objective of study was to investigate the varietal/genotypic in producing maximum yield under different soil and environmental condition. To estimate the nutrient use efficiency of wheat genotypes and to support wheat breeding program in selecting the genotypes with relatively higher yield potential.To determine optimum rate of NPKS for wheat genotypes . The results revealed that maximum growth parameters responded significantly to NPKS fertilizers. Application of NPKS in combination increased wheat yield, gave the highest grain yield (4.21 t ha -1 ) from M 4 management, due the higher number of grains spike -1 over nutrient management. The highest grain yield (4.29 t ha -1 ) was recorded from G 3 (BAW1161) genotypes. Among the interaction of nutrient management and genotypes produced the highest grain yield (4.60 t ha -1 ) in M 4 G 3 (i.e 150% RF+10 t ha -1 cowdung and BAW1161) which may be considered as the best treatment combination. Different genotypes showed variable response to nutrient management.
A discussion on the Hoek-Brown failure criterion and suggested modifications to the criterion verified by slope stability case studies

Estimation of the mechanical behavior of closely jointed rock masses is one of the fundamental problems in rock mechanics since the size of representative specimens is too large for laboratory testing. Among the empirical strength criteria suggested for intact rocks and rock masses, the Hoek-Brown criterion has become highly popular. Since its introduction in 1980, the criterion has been refined and expanded over the years, particularly due to some limitations in its application to poor-very poor quality rock masses. In 199,7 the Geological Strength Index (GSI) was introduced into the criterion by its originators as a scaling parameter. In addition, some modifications to the GSI System to provide a more quantitative estimate of GSI and methods of parameter estimation have also been previously suggested by the authors of this paper in 1999. However, the authors considered that some improvements seem to be necessary in order to avoid the gap between failure envelopes of the rock masses with the GSI values between 25 and 26, intersection between failure envelopes of the rock masses of high and low strengths at a certain normal stress level, and a uniaxial compressive strength of zero when s=0 for GSI<25. In this study, some improvements to the equations providing the rock mass parameters ÔsÕ and ÔaÕ for the criterion were proposed. Further, a modification to the quantitative GSI chart, which was adopted from the original GSI chart by the authors, was also suggested by considering intact or massive rock mass. The validity of the proposed improvements was verified by applying the criterion to a hypothetical slope and to failed open pit mine and spoil pile slope case studies. The results particularly indicated that the switch GSI value of 25 between poor and good to reasonable quality rock masses in the criterion should be replaced by 30 and the parameter ÔsÕ should not be assumed as zero for poor quality rock masses. In addition, the improvements suggested in this study were also compared with the new equations in the 2002 version of the criterion, which was published by Hoek and his co-workers after this study has been completed, in conjunction with the use of case history examples.
FATIGUE LIFE ANALYSIS AND OPTIMIZATION OF A PASSENGER CAR STEERING KNUCKLE UNDER OPERATING CONDITIONS

This paper presents a methodology for analyzing the multiaxial loads acting on a steering knuckle under operating conditions. The knuckle is a critical structural part which connects the wheel in a car to the steering and suspension system. Computeraided modeling and analysis were carried out on the knuckle, and the results were compared for conventional and metal matrix composites (MMC) with ANSYS software. The simulation showed that the steering-arm region failed under cyclic load conditions. Accordingly, the knuckle was optimized with a genetic algorithm and a modified design was proposed. Steering knuckles were fabricated from three different materials: ductile iron, LM 6 alloy and MMC with a modified design were experimentally tested in the steering-arm region to evaluate the fatigue life. Simulation results showed that the fatigue life of the MMC knuckle was 1.946E+06 fatigue cycles after optimization whereas experimental results showed 1.20E+06 cycles. Knuckle weight reduction of 60% was achieved by replacing ductile iron with MMC. Hence it is recommended to use MMC steering knuckles in automobiles.
Latino Parents' Motivations for Involvement in Their Children's Schooling: An Exploratory Study

This study examines the ability of a theoretical model of the parental involvement process to predict Latino parents' involvement in their children's schooling. A sample of Latino parents (N = 147) of grade 1 through 6 children in a large urban public school district in the southeastern United States responded to surveys assessing model-based predictors of involvement (personal psychological beliefs, contextual motivators of involvement, perceived life-context variables), as well as levels of home- and school-based involvement. Home-based involvement was predicted by partnership-focused role construction (a personal psychological belief) and by specific invitations from the student (a contextual motivator of involvement). School-based involvement was predicted by specific invitations from the teacher (a contextual motivator) and by perceptions of time and energy for involvement (a life-context variable). Results are discussed with reference to research on Latino parents' involvement in children's schooling, as well as suggestions for school practices that may encourage parents' involvement.
Algebraic Methods for Studying Interactions Between Epidemiological Variables

Background Independence models among variables is one of the most relevant topics in epidemiology, particularly in molecular epidemiology for the study of gene-gene and gene-environment interactions. They have been studied using three main kinds of analysis: regression analysis, data mining approaches and Bayesian model selection. Recently, methods of algebraic statistics have been extensively used for applications to biology. In this paper we present a synthetic, but complete description of independence models in algebraic statistics and a new method of analyzing interactions, that is equivalent to the correction by Markov bases of the Fisher’s exact test. Methods We identified the suitable algebraic independence model for describing the dependence of two genetic variables from the occurrence of cancer and exploited the theory of toric varieties and Grobner basis for developing an exact independence test based on the Diaconis-Sturmfels algorithm. We implemented it in a Maple routine and we applied it to the study of gene-gene interaction in Gen-Air, an European case-control study. We computed the p-value for each pair of genetic variables interacting with disease status and we compared our results with the standard asymptotic chi-square test. Results We found an association among COMT Val158Met, APE1 Asp148Glu and bladder cancer (p-value: 0.009). We also found the interaction among TP53 Arg72Pro, GSTP1 Ile105Val and lung cancer (p-value: 0.00035). Leukaemia was observed to significantly interact with the pairs ERCC2 Lys751Gln and RAD51 172 G > T (p-value 0.0072), ERCC2 Lys751Gln and LIG4 Thr9Ile (p-value: 0.0095) and APE1 Asp148Glu and GSTP1 Ala114Val (p-value: 0.0036). Conclusion Taking advantage of results from theoretical and computational algebra, the method we propose was more selective than other methods in detecting new interactions, and nevertheless its results were consistent with previous epidemiological and functional findings. It also helped us in controlling the multiple comparison problem. In the light of our results, we believe that the epidemiologic study of interactions can benefit of algebraic methods based on properties of toric varieties and Grobner bases.
School-based physical activity interventions: effectiveness, trends, issues, implications and recommendations for practice

The promotion of physical activity within schools and physical education (PE) has attracted growing interest in recent years. Schools have been acknowledged as the primary institution with responsibility for promoting activity in young people and more specifically, school PE has been recognized as having a key role to play. Given this, and based on previous reviews of the findings of formally evaluated interventions, this paper considers the evidence for the effectiveness of school-based physical activity interventions and highlights the key trends and a number of issues concerning their type, target population, design, implementation and content. Earlier reviews have provided comprehensive summaries of the effectiveness of physical activity interventions but they have not provided specific guidance for teachers’ practice in schools. Thus, whilst it is acknowledged that the existing literature is not sufficiently extensive to provide definitive guidelines for schools, this paper considers the implications for practice and presents recommendations for future physical activity programmes, initiatives and interventions.
Investor Protection and Investment

We present a dynamic model of investment and firm valuation under imperfect investor protection. We show that the controlling shareholder’s incentives to pursue private benefits in the future lead to socially distorted investment. Distorted investment decision further lowers firm value beyond the direct value reduction eect of cash diversion. Our model implies that investment shall be predicted by cash flow even after controlling for marginal q, because cash flow serves as a proxy for agency costs. Moreover, investment-cash flow sensitivity is stronger under weaker investor protection. Our model also illustrates that outside shareholders’ free-rider motives make the controlling shareholder optimally keep his ownership constant over time, consistent with the empirical evidence (La Porta et al. (1999)). In equilibrium, the entrepreneur’s ownership is more concentrated under weaker investor protection.
Will I or Will I Not? Explaining the Willingness to Disclose Personal Self-Tracking Data to a Health Insurance Company

Users of digital self-tracking devices increasingly benefit from multiple services related to their selftracking data. Vice versa, new digital as well as “offline” service providers, such as health insurance companies, depend on the users’ willingness to disclose personal data to be able to offer new services. Whereas previous research mostly investigated the willingness to disclose data in the context of social media, e-commerce and smartphone apps, the aim of our research is to analyze the influence of the privacy calculus of personal risks and benefits on the willingness to disclose highly personal and confidential self-tracking data to health insurance companies. To do so, we develop a conceptual model based on the privacy calculus concept and validate it with a sample of 103 respondents in a scenario-based experiment using structural equation modeling. Our results reveal that privacy risks always have a negative impact on the willingness to disclose personal data, while positive effects of privacy benefits are partly depending on the data sensitivity.
Can ethnic diversity have a positive effect on school achievement?

ABSTRACT This study investigates the impact of ethnic diversity on test scores, on top of the effect of the share of non-native pupils. We use a rich survey of Dutch primary school students and exploit variations between subsequent cohorts within the same school as our identification strategy. We find that ethnic diversity has a positive impact on the test scores of minority students, in particular for language skills. We also find some evidence of a negative relationship between ethnic diversity and school social integration. We suggest that ethnic diversity stimulates language proficiency and increases the time students spend studying.
Reclassifying conflict narratives in the Israeli news media

This article presents a general framework for deconstructing and classifying conflict news narratives. This framework, based on a nuanced and contextual approach to analyzing media representations of conflict actors and events, addresses some of the weaknesses of existing classification schemes, focusing in particular on the dualistic approach of the peace journalism model. Using quantitative content analysis, the proposed framework is then applied to the journalistic coverage in the Israeli media of three Middle-Eastern conflicts: the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, the conflict surrounding Iran’s nuclear program, and the Syrian civil war. The coverage is examined in three leading news outlets – Haaretz, Israel Hayom, and Ynet – over a six-month period. Based on hierarchical cluster analysis, the article identifies four characteristic types of narratives in the examined coverage. These include two journalistic narratives of violence: one inward-looking, ethnocentric narrative, and one outward-looking narrative focusing on outgroup actors and victims; and two political-diplomatic narratives: one interactional, and one outward-looking. In addition to highlighting different constellations of points of view and conflict measures in news stories, the identified clusters also challenge several assumptions underlying existing models, such as the postulated alignment between elite/official actors and violence frames
Perception of Radiographic Parameters of the Mandibular Third Molar by Clinicians with Different Level of Experience

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether perceptions of radiographic factors related to the mandibular third molar vary according to the grade of clinician. Methods: One hundred panoramic tomographs were scored for mandibular third molar spatial position, and the interface with bone, root morphology and proximity to the inferior alveolar canal, by a senior surgeon. The scorings were repeated by another senior surgeon, two residents at different grades and a general dental practitioner. The level of agreement between scores was determined. Results: The other examiners reached fair to excellent agreement with scoring by the ‘reference’ senior surgeon on most of the radiographic variables investigated, among which ‘intimate relationship of third molar to inferior alveolar canal’ and ‘shape of roots’ were the variables where least agreement was recorded. Compared to the other examiners, the scorings of the general dental practitioner were in least agreement. Conclusions: There was more agreement in the interpretation of variables between clinicians at higher grades of expertise. However, there were inconsistencies in a number of areas where levels of agreement were not related to the grade of clinical expertise
Effects of Masculinized and Feminized Male Voices on Men and Women’s Distractibility and Implicit Memory

Men’s lower-pitched voices may serve to attract mates and/or deter same-sex rivals. If this is the case, then both men and women should be more attentive to men’s lower-pitched voices because, attending to this information may contribute to survival or confer a reproductive advantage. The current study measured men and women’s distractibility and implicit memory for sentences spoken by a masculinized (lower-pitched) and feminized (higher-pitched) male voice. Participants completed an irrelevant speech task followed by an implicit memory task to assess their memory for previously presented irrelevant speech. In the irrelevant speech task, distractibility did not differ between men and women. However, men demonstrated greater implicit memory for sentences previously spoken by the masculinized male voice, and women demonstrated greater implicit memory for sentences previously spoken by the feminized male voice. These results suggest men may have an increased sensitivity to dominance cues in other men’s voices. Reasons why men demonstrated greater implicit memory for sentences spoken by a masculinized man’s voice and why women demonstrated a trend toward greater implicit memory for sentences spoken by a feminized man’s voice are discussed.