Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tropospheric Adjustment Induces a Cloud Component in CO2 Forcing

Abstract The radiative forcing of CO2 and the climate feedback parameter are evaluated in several climate models with slab oceans by regressing the annual-mean global-mean top-of-atmosphere radiative flux against the annual-mean global-mean surface air temperature change ΔT following a doubling of atmospheric CO2 concentration. The method indicates that in many models there is a significant rapid tropospheric adjustment to CO2 leading to changes in cloud, and reducing the effective radiative forcing, in a way analogous to the indirect and semidirect effects of aerosol. By contrast, in most models the cloud feedback is small, defined as the part of the change that evolves with ΔT. Comparison with forcing evaluated by fixing sea surface conditions gives qualitatively similar results for the cloud components of forcing, both globally and locally. Tropospheric adjustment to CO2 may be responsible for some of the model spread in equilibrium climate sensitivity and could affect time-dependent climate projections.
The investigation of Obesity, Impotence, Physical activity and Caloric Intake among Boys High Schools of Mako City

Article history: Background: Obesity is a costly public health problem and its increasing prevalence in children is a global problem and dealing with them requires having information about their prevalence and risk factors. Objective: The aim of this study was to help complete knowledge about the prevalence and risk factors of obesity and lean. This descriptive - analytical study was based on a sample of school boys from first to third grade (12-14 years), in the city of Maku. 650 students were selected by random sampling. Demographic data were collected using inventory, food intake was assessed by food frequency questionnaire and physical activity was evaluated through physical activity questionnaire (PAQ-C). Height and weight were measured using standard method and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Data were descriptively and statistically analyzed using SPSS software. Results: The prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity was 1.12%, 8.10% and 8%, respectively. There was a significant inverse relationship between physical activity levels and BMI and significant positive association between parental educational level and sedentary behaviors such as television viewing and working with a computer and BMI was observed. Despite the high level of caloric intake in obese people, no significant correlation was found between BMI and caloric intake and macronutrient. In this study, no significant correlation between the frequency of breakfast consumption and BMI was observed. The study revealed a high prevalence of both overweight and underweight among school students is Maku. Conclusion: To deal with the problem of overweight in male adolescents increasing physical activity, reducing time spent watching television or working on computer and also increasing the nutritional knowledge of educated parents seems to be helpful.
THE IN SITU FORMATION OF GIANT PLANETS AT SHORT ORBITAL PERIODS

We propose that two of the most surprising results so far among exoplanet discoveries are related: the existences of both hot Jupiters and the high frequency of multi-planet systems with periods P ≲ 200 days. In this paradigm, the vast majority of stars rapidly form along with multiple close-in planets in the mass range of Mars to super-Earths/mini-Neptunes. Such systems of tightly packed inner planets are metastable, with the time scale of the dynamical instability having a major influence on final planet types. In most cases, the planets consolidate into a system of fewer, more massive planets, but long after the circumstellar gas disk has dissipated. This can yield planets with masses above the traditional critical core of ∼10 M⊕, yielding short-period giants that lack abundant gas. A rich variety of physical states are also possible given the range of collisional outcomes and formation time of the close-in planets. However, when dynamical consolidation occurs before gas dispersal, a critical core can form that then grows via gas capture into a short-period gas giant. In this picture the majority of Hot and Warm Jupiters formed locally, rather than migrating down from larger distances.
The Effect of Financial Status on Earnings Quality of Chinese-Listed Firms

This article investigates the relation between accounting-based earnings quality attributes and the financial status of Chinese companies listed in Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges from 2005 to 2007 by classifying them as either “healthy” or “bankrupt” firms. The authors find that accruals quality, earnings predictability, and earnings smoothness are significantly different between healthy and bankrupt firms, but not earnings persistence. Additional analysis undertaken indicates that firm categories (healthy, financially distressed, and bankrupt) based on financial status does not indicate distinct differences in earnings quality attributes.
Determinants of Export Diversification in Nigeria: Any Special Role for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)?

The importance of export diversification is presently taking a center stage in trade literature. This paper contributed to the evolving literature by examining the extent of export diversification in Nigeria and also analyzed the impact of foreign direct investment on it. Two major methods of export diversification: export count (horizontal) and Herfindahl Index were used. Nigeria’s exports flows based on 4-digit SICT product classification were used. The Generalized Moment Methods (GMM) was used to analyze our specified model. Empirical analysis showed that foreign direct investment discourages export diversification in Nigeria, while domestic investment promotes it. Exchange rate and democratic accountability are other factors that discourage export diversification in Nigeria. No evidence was found on the impact of per capita GDP, trade openness and natural resource.
Roles of Brand Value Perception in the Development of Brand Credibility and Brand Prestige

This study explores the functional roles of consumers’ perceived brand value on brand credibility and brand prestige and consequent positive effects on key brand relationship outcomes. The links were depicted in a conceptual model and empirically tested with structural equation modeling using 309 consumers in a coffeehouse setting. The results suggest that perceived utilitarian value shapes brand credibility, and perceived hedonic and social value enhance brand prestige. In turn, brand credibility and brand prestige had positive effects on brand trust. The effects of perceived social value on social image congruence and well-being were also confirmed. Suggestions are provided.
Cosmological parameters from cosmic microwave background measurements and the final 2dF Galaxy Redshift Survey power spectrum

We derive constraints on cosmological parameters using the power spectrum of galaxy clustering measured from the final 2dF Galaxy Redshift Survey (2dFGRS) and a compilation of measurements of the temperature power spectrum and temperature-polarization cross-correlation of the cosmic microwave background radiation. We analyse a range of parameter sets and priors, allowing for massive neutrinos, curvature, tensors and general dark energy models. In all cases, the combination of data sets tightens the constraints, with the most dramatic improvements found for the density of dark matter and the energy density of dark energy. If we assume a flat universe, we find a matter density parameter of Ω m = 0.237 ± 0.020, a baryon density parameter of Ω b = 0.041 ± 0.002, a Hubble constant of H 0 = 74 ± 2 kms -1 Mpc -1 , a linear theory matter fluctuation amplitude of σ 8 = 0.77 ± 0.05 and a scalar spectral index of n s = 0.954 ± 0.023 (all errors show the 68 per cent interval). Our estimate of n s is only marginally consistent with the scale-invariant value n s = 1; this spectrum is formally excluded at the 95 per cent confidence level. However, the detection of a tilt in the spectrum is sensitive to the choice of parameter space. If we allow the equation of state of the dark energy to float, we find ω DE = -0.85 +0.18 -0.17 , consistent with a cosmological constant. We also place new limits on the mass fraction of massive neutrinos: f v < 0.105 at the 95 per cent level, corresponding to Σm v < 1.2 eV.
Why Don't We Agree? Evidence from a Social Network of Investors

We study the sources of investor disagreement using sentiment expressed by investors on a social media investing platform, combined with information on the users’ investment approaches (e.g., technical, fundamental). We examine how much of overall disagreement is driven by different information sets versus differential interpretation of the same information, by studying disagreement within and across investment approaches. We find that differences of opinion across investment approaches account for 47.7% of the overall disagreement at the firm-day level. Moreover, changes in our measures of disagreement robustly forecast abnormal trading volume, suggesting that our measures proxy well for disagreement in the wider market. Our findings suggest that improvements to informational efficiency of financial markets by regulators will not completely erode high trading volume and stock market volatility.
Spectral Quality Affects Morphogenesis on Anthurium Plantlet during In Vitro Culture

This paper elucidates the effects of LEDs spectral on callus induction, proliferation and shoot development of anthurium plantlet derived from leaf explants. The research was conducted at the Ornamental Research Station, Fukuyama, Japan from January to August 2008. Three experimental series were designed to determine the effects of LED-based spectral compositions i.e. 100% red, 75% red + 25% blue, 50% red + 50% blue, 25% red + 75% blue and 100% blue LEDs on morphogenetic process of callus formation derived from leaf explants up to plantlet formation on two anthurium cultivars, Violeta and Pink Lady. The results showed no differences among cultivars tested but interaction of factors studied were found in all parameters observed. LEDs spectral gave significant influence on the morphogenetic processes from callus induction to complete plantlet formation. Progressive initial callus was promoted with the decrease of blue LEDs portion. Conversely, to proliferate globose to torpedo callus formation, more blue light was required than red LEDs. During shoot induction and formation, hastened shoot initiation and number of shoots were achieved in higher blue LEDs portions, but not in root formations. Keywords : Anthurium, LEDs spectrals, morpho-genesis, plantlet, in vitro
Passion in the workplace: empirical insights from team sport organisations

ABSTRACT Research question: Although sport management scholars have focused on a fairly wide number of psychologically related constructs in the workplace, passion has not been part of this research agenda. The present study is the first attempt to fill this gap by exploring team sport organisation employees’ passion via the dualistic model, that is, harmonious and obsessive, developed by Vallerand et al. Research methods: UK football industry employees responsible for either business-related functions or the clubs’ social agenda (N = 236) completed an online survey in order to measure their level of passion. The particular instrument has two components: harmonious and obsessive passion towards the job. Besides the passion scales, the survey contained measures related to demographic variables, employment position, and previous job experience. Data were treated with confirmatory factor analysis and analysis of variance using SPSS and Amos 18.0. Results and findings: Both groups of employees are passionate about their job. They remain harmoniously passionate throughout their career and show low levels of obsessive passion. The type of work activities influences personnel within sport organisations with employees responsible for the social agenda being slightly more harmoniously and obsessively passionate compared to those responsible for the business agenda. Implications: Vallerand et al.’s dualistic model of passion has been adapted for sport organisations. The particular working environment that forms these organisations attracts and/or facilitates employees to experience a positive work–life balance.
Tensile Strength of Banana Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composites Materials

Indonesia is one of countries with the potential for abundant natural resources, especially natural fibers. The potential of Indonesian natural fibers abundant is not fully put to good use to increase social welfare. One of the natural fibers that have the potential to be developed is the banana fiber. Banana fiber has potential in abundance and can be developed as a biocomposite material that is strong, inexpensive, environmentally friendly, and can be recycled. This study aims to produce a tensile strength of Banana Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composite Materials (BFRECM). Testing of the tensile strength refers to the ASTM D 3039 / D3039M. Based on the research results, obtained the tensile strength of BFRECM (62.3 ± 0.67) MPa and modulus of elasticity (8.72 ± 1.12) GPa. Tensile strength obtained will be referred for further study of natural fiber composites.
Fitting AUSGeoid98 to the Australian height datum using GPS-levelling and least squares collocation: application of a cross-validation technique

Abstract In an absolute sense and over long (>100 km) baselines, the AUSGeoid98 gravimetric-only geoid model does not always allow the accurate transformation of Global Positioning System (GPS)-derived ellipsoidal heights to Australian Height Datum (AHD) heights in all regions of Australia. This is due predominantly to the well-known biases and distortions in the AHD, but long-wavelength errors in the gravimetric geoid model or GPS errors cannot be ruled out. Until the AHD is rigorously redefined, an interim solution is sought where co-located GPS and AHD heights are used to distort AUSGeoid98 such that it provides a better model of the separation between the base of the AHD and the GRS80 reference ellipsoid. This data combination was implemented using least squares collocation (LSC) gridding. Importantly, GPS-AHD data not used in the LSC combination were used to assess the improvement using a cross-validation technique. Using this cross-validation, RMS noise of 14 mm and correlation length of 2500 km for the LSC covariance function were optimised empirically. The standard deviation of the differences between the final combined model and the unused GPS-AHD data is ±156 mm, compared to ±282 mm for AUSGeoid98 alone. It is anticipated that the same technique will be used to produce a new Australian "geoid" model.
Simulation of open quantum dynamics and investigation of quantum correlations in finite systems

This thesis reports a series of theoretical studies regarding the dynamics of fewbody controllable quantum systems. Generally speaking, the main focus is on the behavior of correlations in open quantum systems and how these could be used both for applications to quantum technologies and investigations of more fundamental phenomena. The general physical setting for most of the results presented is trappedion systems. These have been proven to be an almost prefect practical platform for realizing a quantum computer. Furthermore, thanks to their exceptional degree of controllability, trapped ions have been lately employed to also simulate basic physics, ranging from condensed-matter to high-energy physics. Although the findings in this manuscript are theoretical, real experimental parameters have been taken into account in order to provide a more realistic modeling. To this aim, a mixed of analytical and numerical methods have been extensively utilized. Concluding, we do believe that the theory developed in this thesis could be experimentally tested to give a more insightful view on open quantum system dynamics, both from a foundational and applicative point of view.
Intertwining Myocardial Bands: an Anatomy-based Proposal for “Axial” and “Radial” Activation of the Heart

From the point of view of biophysics, the high efficiency of the heart as a pump can only be explained by a complex anatomy. However, the anatomic description of Torrent Guasp (1) as a structure formed by a muscular band that begins at the level of the pulmonary valve and ends at the level of the aortic root, forming a double helical loop which limits the ventricles, has been interpreted by many investigators as a ‘‘physiological convenience’’, (2) given the difficulty for identifying the band by direct or instrumental dissection. Diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging confirms this anatomical model by providing information of myocardial tissue and of the architectural organization of the fibers. (3) The article by Trainini et al. published in the Argentine Journal of Cardiology (4) can be considered in the group of studies performed by some investigators in an attempt to provide “functional evidences” of the anatomical existence of the ventricular myocardial band. In an experimental model in open-chest pigs using sonomicrometry, Cosín Aguilar (2) was able to confirm the sequence, as established by Torrent-Guasp, with which the contractile wave would progress along the band. However, the most important doubts and even contradictions about Torrent-Guasp’s model of heart function come from ventricular activation maps. (5) In a publication in 1988, the author expressed that: (6) “The aim of the present article is to explain the mechanism by which the contractile activity of the heart reduces (due to blood ejection) and enlarges (due to blood suction) both ventricles, and requires a new interpretation of the way in which the activation is conducted throughout the ventricles. Therefore, in order to validate what has been exposed about such new understanding of cardiac mechanics, it would be convenient to carry out an experimental study with the only purpose of demonstrating the re-
Effects of Selected Corporate Governance Characteristics on Firm Performance: Empirical Evidence from Kenya

This paper examines the interrelations among ownership, board and manager characteristics and firm performance in a sample of 54 firms listed at the Nairobi Stock Exchange (NSE). These governance characteristics, designed to minimize agency problems between principals and agents are operationalized in terms of ownership concentration, ownership identity, board effectiveness and managerial discretion. The typical ownership identities at the NSE are government, foreign, institutional, manager and diverse ownership forms. Firm performance is measured using Return on Assets (ROA), Return on Equity (ROE) and Dividend Yield (DY). Using PPMC, Logistic Regression and Stepwise Regression, the paper presents evidence of significant positive relationship between foreign, insider, institutional and diverse ownership forms, and firm performance. However, the relationship between ownership concentration and government, and firm performance was significantly negative. The role of boards was found to be of very little value, mainly due to lack of adherence to board member selection criteria. The results also show significant positive relationship between managerial discretion and performance. Collectively, these results are consistent with pertinent literature with regard to the implications of government, foreign, manager (insider) and institutional ownership forms, but significantly differ concerning the effects of ownership concentration and diverse ownership on firm performance.
A Micro‐Simulation Approach to Modelling Spatial Unemployment Disparities

This paper aims to construct a comprehensive model capable of simulating spatial unemployment disparities. The key feature of the model is that it simultaneously deals with commuting and migration. Much of the existing literature simply models one adjustment mechanism at a time. This paper adopts a micro-simulation approach to build a model which can deal with equilibrium and disequilibrium unemployment disparities in a context where commuting and migration are possible. The model is then used to demonstrate the importance of considering both types of flows and to guide future empirical and theoretical work in the area. Copyright (c) 2010 The Authors. Growth and Change (c) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Age and growth of Crystallogobius linearis (von Düben, 1845) (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from the Adriatic Sea

Age and growth of the crystal goby Crystallogobius linearis (von Duben, 1845) were investigated by means of daily growth increment counts on the sagittal otoliths. Samples of C. linearis, obtained as by-catch of the Aphia minuta fishery, were collected in a coastal area of the central Adriatic Sea between March and September 1996. Otolith age-readings were carried out on 167 specimens, ranged from 14 to 41 mm of total length, and indicated that the population was composed of individuals from two to seven months old. Growth of both males and females appeared practically linear over the whole size range studied, although in females a slight decrease in growth rate of older specimens was observed. Furthermore, the hatch date distribution of C. linearis, obtained by the backcalculation of the ageing data, indicated a long breeding season of at least eight months. The results of this study indicated that, as reported from literature for most nektonic gobies, the crystal goby is also characterised by a short life span, during which a high reproductive effort is displayed throughout a long breeding season.
Spatial thinking in astronomy education research

[This paper is part of the Focused Collection on Astronomy Education Research. ] Multiple studies show that spatial thinking skills contribute to students’ performance in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines. The study of astronomy is no different with the understanding of many astronomical phenomena requiring spatial thinking skills. This paper describes traditional and contemporary approaches to characterizing and measuring spatial thinking skills and suggests how they inform research in astronomy education. It summarizes previous literature in astronomy education research and categorizes the research approaches of astronomy education peer-reviewed journal articles and conference proceedings that explicitly consider the role of spatial thinking. Additionally, it recommends directions and curricular approaches for astronomy education research informed by current research in spatial thinking.