Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Geomagnetic field in the vicinity of the Paleozoic-Mesozoic boundary and the Siberian superplume

[1] The aim of this study was to generalize the data available for the paleointensity, polarity, and frequency of reversals, and variations in the direction of the geomagnetic field in the vicinity of the Paleozoic and Mesozoic (P/T) boundary which had been marked by a peak in the magmatic activity of series superplumes, including that of the Siberian traps (251 Ma). However, no specific features have been found for the behavior of the field at that time. Some notable changes in its paleointensity had occurred 30 million years before the P/T boundary: the reversals frequency and polarity of the field changed during a period of 15 million years before the P/T boundary. The global changes of the average magnitude of the field direction variations from the unstable state with variations of 6 ‐10 to 6 ‐7 marked the lower and upper boundaries of the Kiama hyperchron (the stable state of the reversed-polarity field). The transition of the Kiama hyperchron to the Illawara hyperchron of frequent polarity changes was marked by the growth of the field variation magnitude from 6 (265 Ma) to 8 ‐9 (240 Ma). The regular growth of the field variation magnitude is marked with approaching to the center of Sibirian traps from the normal state, averaging 7 ‐8 , to 11 ‐12 , which demonstrated a connection between the local disturbance in the Earth core at its boundary with the mantle and the formation of the Siberian superplume. The growth of the field variation magnitude continued during a time period of 20‐50 million years befor the P/T boundary and maximum activity of the Siberian trap formation, reflecting the time of the superplume rise from the base of the mantle to the Earth surface. This pattern is similar to the World magnetic anomalies, modern plumes, and the plumes in the vicinity of the Mesozoic-Cenozoic (Mz-Kz) boundary, this proving the same origin of the lower-mantle plumes and world magnetic anomalies. INDEX TERMS: 1521 Geomagnetism and Paleomagnetism: Paleointensity; 1535 Geomagnetism and Paleomagnetism: Reversals: process, timescale, magnetostratigraphy; 1540 Geomagnetism and Paleomagnetism: Rock and mineral magnetism; KEYWORDS: Geomagnetic field, Paleozoic-Mesozoic boundary, superplume, paleointensity.
Effects of Delayed Sample Processing on Determination of Total and High Molecular Weight (HMW) Adiponectin in Serum and Plasma: A Pilot Study

Adiponectin is a beneficial adipocyte-secreted hormone, which circulates in a variety of multimeric forms termed low and high molecular weight (LMW/HMW). Effectiveness of clinical therapeutic trials which target adiponectin rely on accurate determination of circulating total and HMW adiponectin levels but the accuracy may be influenced by variations in sample handling processes. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the effects of delayed processing of blood samples on the concentration of total and HMW adiponectin. Materials and Methods: Fasting blood samples were collected for analysis of total and HMW adiponectin concentrations in EDTA plasma and serum from eight healthy participants. Samples were centrifuged post 15 min storage at 4 o C as the comparative ‘ideal’ method or after up to 72 h of refrigerated storage or 6 h at room temperature. Total and HMW adiponectin concentrations were measured by ELISA. Results: Under ideal handling conditions measurements of total and HMW adiponectin concentrations were significantly higher in serum than in plasma (mean difference: -1.3 µg/mL [95% CI: -1.6, -1.0], p<0.001; and, -0.6 µg/mL [95% CI: -0.7, -0.5], p<0.001, respectively). Storage of blood samples at 4 o C for 72 h resulted in significant reductions in concentration of total adiponectin in serum (mean difference: -1.4 µg/mL [95% CI: -2.0, -0.8], p=0.001) and HMW adiponectin in plasma (mean difference: -0.6 µg/mL [95%CI: -0.9, -0.2], p=0.007), compared with ideal conditions. Further analysis of serum samples showed a significant decrease in total adiponectin concentration after 6 h storage at 4 o C (mean difference: -1.4 µg/mL [95% CI: -2.0, -0.8], p=0.001) compared with ideal conditions. Conclusions: Delayed processing of samples may have differential effects on the concentration of total and HMW adiponectin in serum or plasma. Larger studies are warranted for clinical intervention trials.
A Survey of EFL Learners' Attitudes toward Information and Communication Technologies

In response to the widespread use of and ever-changing nature of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), various investigations were carried out regarding attitudes toward ICT. This paper attempted to investigate college non-English majors’ attitudes toward the integration of Information and Communication Technologies into English learning and factors contributing to their attitudes so as to provide some constructive information and suggestions for the adoption of technology in foreign language education.
Quasi-periodic Oscillations in Flares and Coronal Mass Ejections Associated with Magnetic Reconnection

We propose a mechanism for quasi-periodic oscillations of both coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and flare loops as related to magnetic reconnection in eruptive solar flares. We perform two-dimensional numerical MHD simulations of magnetic flux rope eruption, with three different values of the global Lundquist number. In the low Lundquist number run, no oscillatory behavior is found. In the moderate Lundquist number run, on the other hand, quasi-periodic oscillations are excited both at the bottom of the flux rope and at the flare loop top. In the high Lundquist number run, quasi-periodic oscillations are also excited; in the meanwhile, the dynamics become turbulent owing to the formation of multiple plasmoids in the reconnection current sheet. In high and moderate Lundquist number runs, thin reconnection jets collide with the flux rope bottom or flare loop top and dig them deeply. Steep oblique shocks are formed as termination shocks where reconnection jets are bent (rather than decelerated) in the horizontal direction, resulting in supersonic backflows. The structure becomes unstable, and quasi-periodic oscillations of supersonic backflows appear at locally confined high-beta regions at both the flux rope bottom and flare loop top. We compare the observational characteristics of quasi-periodic oscillations in erupting flux ropes, post-CME current sheets, flare ribbons, and light curves with corresponding dynamical structures found in our simulation.
Maneuvers of motorcycles in queues at signalized intersections

The maneuvering models of motorcycles in previous studies often considered motorcycles' traveling in terms of movements in a physical static lane and not in terms of dynamic virtual lane-based movements. For that reason, these models are not able to imitate motorcyclists' behavior well. This paper proposes a maneuverability model framework for motorcycles in queues at signalized intersections with considering the dynamic motorcycle's lane. The model includes (i) a dynamic motorcycle's lane to identify the current, left, and right lanes of the subject motorcycle, (ii) a threshold distance to determine when a motorcyclist starts to consider maneuvering, (iii) a lane selection model to identify the lane preferred by a motorcyclist, and (iv) a gap acceptance model to describe whether or not the lead and lag gaps are acceptable for maneuvering. The model framework captures the variation across the motorcyclist population and over time observations. The models were applied to Hanoi and Hochiminh city, Vietnam, based on microscopic data collected from video images. All of the parameters were estimated using the maximum likelihood method with the statistical estimation software GAUSS. The results show that 77.88% of the observed maneuvers - either staying in the current lane or turning left or right - could be modeled correctly by the proposed models. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Language: en
Social Security Incidence under Uncertainty Assessing Italian Reforms

This paper analyzes the welfare effects of the Italian social security system in an economy with uncertainty on wages, financial market returns and life expectancy. The introduction of a pension system reproducing the Italian statutory scheme turns out to decrease ex-ante individual welfare, unless restrictions are assumed on retirement behavior. Overall, risk insurance effects of social security play a minor role in determining welfare variations. The new Italian NDC pension system is shown to yield a slight ex-ante welfare improvement from a purely risk-insurance perspective. This relative gain stems from risk diversification across working-life wages in computing benefits.
Entrepreneurial Capability: Examining Opportunity Pursuit in Multiple Contexts

El paisatge competitiu rapid i canviant ha desafiat les empreses a tornar-se mes emprenedores. En comptes de caure a la trampa de les forces sempre canviants del mercat, algunes empreses mostres una gran agilitat, ja que llancen incansablement nous productes, serveis i processos. Aquestes empreses estan impulsades per una recerca continuada d’oportunitats que aportin un us millor i mes profitos dels seus recursos. L’habilitat d’orquestrar els recursos d’una empresa i la capacitat per crear oportunitats son el tema d’aquesta tesi. Aquesta habilitat, que he denominat “capacitat emprenedora” (CE), es defineix com la capacitat total d’una empresa per fer servir els recursos interns i externs amb l’objectiu de perseguir oportunitats de manera continuada. Per aixo, la finalitat d’aquesta tesi es proporcionar una comprensio minuciosa de la CE i analitzar-ne la variabilitat en cinc contextos diferents. Estudiar la CE permet examinar l’emprenedoria a escala d’empresa mitjancant l’aplicacio d’una perspectiva de capacitat, que se centra en l’orquestracio que fan les empreses dels seus recursos i de les seves capacitats per desenvolupar oportunitats. El desenvolupament d’oportunitats exigeix a les empreses que integrin les seves capacitats col•lectivament per transformar-les en accions. Promulgar oportunitats amb exit no tracta de tenir diverses capacitats individuals que pertanyin a arees funcionals diferents, sino de saber reconfigurar-les, ja que aixi es vinculen els diversos recursos i s’incentiven noves oportunitats. Aixi doncs, a la tesi presento un enfocament sobre les capacitats i les accions de les empreses. La tesi esta dissenyada com un compendi de publicacions i la formen set capitols. A mes de la introduccio i les conclusions, els cinc capitols restants representen cinc papers individuals que analitzen la CE en multiples contextos. Aixo reflecteix un elevat grau de diversitat, que permet elaborar un estudi detallat sobre la CE en diversos contextos. Al seu torn, se centra en les diferencies entre els tipus d’oportunitats que es persegueixen i les seves implicacions per integrar les capacitats de les empreses.
The Relationship Between Physical Fitness Levels and Digit Ratio (2D:4D) of High School Students Engaged Actively in Sports

The aim of this study is to examine the association between physical fitness and 2D:4D finger ratio of high school students engaged actively in sports. 23 licensed male athletes and 23 sedentary (n=46) high school students participated in the study voluntarily. The participants age, body weight, body mass index, 2D:4D finger measurement values were recorded and 20 meter shuttle run, 30 meter sprint, sit and reach test, standing long jump and hand grip strength tests were applied on the participants. The data obtained were assessed in SPSS 21 program and the results were assessed at p˂0.05 significance level. While the average age of athletes was 15.82±1.11 years, the average age of sedentary group was 15.13±0.96 years. While statistically significant difference was found between sedentary and athlete groups in terms of VO2max, right and left hand grip strength and long jump average values (p<0.05), no statistically significant difference was found between speed and flexibility measurement results (p>0.05). When the 2D:4D averages of sedentary and athlete groups were compared, statistically significant difference was found between right hand averages (p<0.05). When right and left hand 2D:4D was compared, no statistically significant difference was found in sedentary group (p>0.05), while significant difference was found in athletes (p<0.05). Statistically significant difference was found between 2D:4D averages of both hands with all physical fitness parameters (p<0.05). In the present study, finger ratio of the groups were found to be associated with some motoric and functional dominance parameters.
Overlapping microscale dispersion patterns of meiofauna and microphytobenthos

Microscale dispersion patterns of meiofauna and microphytobenthos from an oyster pond on the French Atlantic coast were studied through spatial autocorrelation analysis during 2 successive spring periods. Patch size was calculated using correlograms. Both microalgae genera and meiobenthos taxa (except turbellarians in May 1987 and single groups of harpacticoid copepods in April 1988) exhibited patchy distributions. Meiofauna patches ranged from 40 pm) patches from <4 to 113 cm2 and smaller cell (<40 pm) patches from <4 to 79 cm2. High variability in patch size was observed between taxa or genera, between years, and a second aggregation level (small patches within large clumps) was shown by harpacticoid copepods. A log-log regression indicated positive spatial associations among meiofauna and rnicrophytobenthos assemblages but not with nanophytobenthos (cells <40 pm). Furthermore, high complexity among microbiota interactions indi- cates that no single causative factors may explain observed patterns. When positive significant correlations between meiofauna taxa and microphytobenthos genera occurred, patch size was different. Hence no very close overlap was detected and rnicrophytobenthos was thought to only partially influence meiofauna dispersion. However, selectivity of trophic interactions seems to exist and data support the hypothesis of meiofauna spatial patterns being generated by feeding preferences.
Metakaolin inclusion: Effect on mechanical properties of concrete

Nowadays there is an increasing trend of utilization of waste/non - conventional materials in cement and concrete matrices. These materials are often used as a part replacement of cement reducing the cost of construction and help to overcome the deficiencies associated with the use of Ordinary Portland Ceme nt (OPC) alone. Also, these materials generally impro ve the strength of cement/concrete matrices and other quality aspects. Metakaolin is a waste/non - conventional material which can be utilized beneficially in the construction industry. Metakaolin inclusion increases the compressive, tensile, flexural and bend strength and modulus of elasticity of concrete considerably; however, the work ability is slightly compromised. This paper presents the review of investigations carried out to find the suitability of metakaolin in production of concrete.
1 An Exploratory Study of Jobseekers ’ Decision-Making Style , Recruitment Information Source and Organisational Attractiveness

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Does firm’s higher innovation potential lead to its superior financial performance? Case of CEE countries

AbstractInnovation is one of the most commonly used word in the business and academic world. Naturally the firms are willing to innovate to leverage on future profits and growth generated by the new products and supported by temporary monopolistic positions on the market. However, the question is about how much the companies should invest to record higher profitability. The authors tried to answer this question analyzing the companies within the Central and Eastern European region taking intangible assets as innovation proxy. It was concluded that the companies having higher investments in the intangible assets are able to generate higher margins. However, positive effect of possibly higher innovation potential is seen only if investments in intangibles are substantial, i.e. over 10%.
Comparative study of Widal test against stool culture for typhoid fever suspected cases in southern Ethiopia

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Impact of Work Engagement on Performance in Indian Higher Education System

The moments in which employees attach themselves with their work roles are called as the moments of engagement (Kahn, 1992). The number of higher educational institutions is rapidly growing in India to cater to the increasing demand for advanced studies (KPMG, 2014). As a result, Indian academia is facing the challenge of keeping academics engaged so that academics can happily and efficiently perform a larger role. So, this study examines the influence of job resources on engagement along with how the interaction among job resources and perceived autonomy impacts performance in service delivery. We also examine the mediating role of work engagement between the job resources and service employee performance relationship. Two hundred sixty one academics elected from different Indian universities were asked to rate themselves on the support, autonomy and engagement scales. Further, 261 students were asked to rate the performance of these academics. Structural equation modeling was used to test the formulated hypotheses. The results suggest that work engagement mediates the relationship between supervisory support and service employee performance. Moreover, perceived autonomy moderates relationship between co-worker support and work engagement relationship. These findings extend the theoretical understanding of engagement enhancing the performance in service delivery as reflected in the feedback from students. Results also urge universities to make policies that enhance coworker and supervisory support which can create a culture of co-operation. Certain limitations and future research directions of this study have also been discussed in greater detail.
Strategic Priorities or Stock Exchanges in New EU Member States

This study discusses the strategic priorities and challenges for securities exchanges in new EU member states, with a special reference to the internationalisation of securities markets. The ways in which exchanges are responding to such challenges and other possible courses of action are identified. These concepts are then appraised in relation to the Malta Stock Exchange, one of the smallest exchanges of the new EU member states. The inherent size of this exchange reveals that the Malta Stock Exchange is somewhat insulated from the internationalisation process, yet future strategies must be well planned in order to ensure competitiveness and profitability.
Impact of the January 2012 solar proton event on polar mesospheric clouds

We use data from the Aeronomy of Ice in the Mesosphere mission and simulations using the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model to determine the impact of the 23–30 January 2012 solar proton event (SPE) on polar mesospheric clouds (PMCs) and mesospheric water vapor. We see a small heating and loss of ice mass on 26 January that is consistent with prior results but is not statistically significant. We also find a previously unreported but statistically significant ~10% increase in ice mass and in water vapor in the sublimation area in the model that occurs in the 7 to 14 days following the start of the event. The magnitude of the response to the January 2012 SPE is small compared to other sources of variability like gravity waves and planetary waves; however, sensitivity tests suggest that with larger SPEs this delayed increase in ice mass will increase, while there is little change in the loss of ice mass early in the event. The PMC response to SPEs in models is dependent on the gravity wave parameterization, and temperature anomalies from SPEs may be useful in evaluating and tuning gravity wave parameterizations.
The Effect of Advertising Spending on Brand Loyalty Mediated by Store Image, Perceived Quality and Customer Satisfaction: A Case of Hypermarkets

First, the study aims to investigate the effect of advertising spending on brand loyalty. Second, to test the mediating role of store image, perceived quality and customer satisfaction in above mentioned relationship. A quantitative approach was employed, using 15-item, 5-point Likert scale questionnaire administered to 360 participants. Data from the departmental stores are used to examine the direct and indirect impact of advertising spending on brand loyalty. Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Structural Equation Modeling were carried out using Amos-18 to evaluate the results. The study found complex results of advertising spending on brand loyalty. The results showed insignificant direct impact of advertising spending on perceived quality and brand loyalty where as significant direct impact on customer satisfaction and store image. However, store image and perceived quality are confirmed as mediators in the relationship between advertising spending and brand loyalty. The inclusion of brand trust variable can better describe the relationship of advertising spending with brand loyalty. The results of the study highlights the value of advertising spending in building brand loyalty that suggests managers of the departmental stores should give emphasis on advertising spending and on store image that lead towards brand loyalty. It contributes to the current body of knowledge by improving the understanding of advertising spending and brand loyalty. The major contribution of this study is the comparison of theoretical model with mediating model to evaluate the effect of advertising spending on brand loyalty along store image, perceived quality and customer satisfaction.
Mechanical and Durability Properties of Fibre Lightweight Foamed Concrete

This paper describes the investigation of mechanical and durability properties of lightweight foamed concrete (LFC) with the inclusion of fibres. All the specimens were tested using the density of 1000 kg/m3. The cement, sand and water ratio used was 1:1.5:0.45. Polypropylene and kenaf fibre were used as additives by volume fraction and 30% of fly ash was replaced by cement. The experiment was setup to examine its mechanical and durability properties with accordance to standard method of testing. With reference to the result analyzed, fibres inclusion has least contribution in compressive strength or might also lessen the result but the integration of fly ash in the mic has the ability to enhance the compressive strength. The higher percentage of fibre inclusion is proven to have contributed more on flexural, tensile splitting and shrinkage properties of LFC.