Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dynamic tyre friction models for combined longitudinal and lateral vehicle motion

An extension to the LuGre dynamic friction model from longitudinal to longitudinal/lateral motion is developed in this paper. Application of this model to a tyre yields a pair of partial differential equations that model the tyre-road contact forces and aligning moment. A comparison of the steady-state behaviour of the dynamic model with existing static tyre friction models is presented. This comparison allows one to determine realistic values of the parameters for the new dynamic model. Via the introduction of a set of mean states we reduce the partial differential equations to a lumped model governed by a set of three ordinary differential equations. Such a lumped form describes the aggregate effect of the friction forces and moments and it can be useful for control design and online estimation. A method to incorporate wheel rim rotation is also proposed. The proposed model is evaluated by comparing both its steady-state as well as its dynamic characteristics via numerical simulations. The results of the simulations corroborate steady-state and dynamic/transient tyre characteristics found in the literature.
Increasing Neff with particles in thermal equilibrium with neutrinos

Recent work on increasing the effective number of neutrino species (Neff) in the early universe has focussed on introducing extra relativistic species ('dark radiation'). We draw attention to another possibility: a new particle of mass 10 MeV that remains in thermal equilibrium with neutrinos until it becomes non-relativistic increases the neutrino temperature relative to the photons. We demonstrate that this leads to a value of Neff that is greater than three and that Neff at CMB formation is larger than at BBN. We investigate the constraints on such particles from the primordial abundance of helium and deuterium created during BBN and from the CMB power spectrum measured by ACT and SPT and find that they are presently relatively unconstrained. We forecast the sensitivity of the Planck satellite to this scenario: in addition to dramatically improving constraints on the particle mass, in some regions of parameter space it can discriminate between the new particle being a real or complex scalar.
Incentive compensation vs. SOX: evidence from corporate acquisition decisions

We empirically examine the impact of incentive compensation on the riskiness of acquisition decisions before and after the passage of Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX). Controlling for confounding events, firm characteristics and industry fixed effects, we find a substantial change in the relation between equity-related compensation and acquisition risk post-SOX stemming from a previously unidentified shift in the effectiveness of executive stock options to control managerial risk aversion. Not only has incentive compensation failed to offset the adverse impact of SOX on risk-taking activity but it has also significantly altered managerial incentives. The decrease in acquisition risk post-SOX cannot be solely attributed to changes in the structure of executive compensation but it additionally stems from the way managers perceive compensation-based incentives in the new regulatory environment. The results are robust to different measures of acquisition risk and alternative definitions of incentive compensation.
COLD PRESSED VIRGIN COCONUT OIL FROM FULL FAT COCONUT FLAKES A FUNCTIONAL OIL Original Article

Objective: The general objective of the study is to process cold pressed virgin coconut oil from full fat coconut flakes, as functional oil, and the specific objectives are as follows: (a) to determine the proximate composition, microbial load and storage stability of Cold Pressed Virgin Coconut Oil (CPVCO) (b) to explore anti diabetic and cholesterol lowering effect of CPVCO. Methods: The CPVCO was prepared out of fresh full fat coconut flakes by cold pressed method. The CPVCO was administrated to two experimental groups of rats at a dosage of 8 ml and 10 ml/kg/day for a period of three weeks. The negative and positive control groups were also reared for comparison. Similarly, another set of four groups of male Wister rats were used for experimenting cholesterol lowering effect of CPVCO. Apart from control group (I), rest of the groups were fed with cholesterol powder (1g/kg/day) as prescribed by Reeves et al 1993 [15]. The II group was maintained as negative control group and IIIrd and IVth Results: The present study showed that more than 70% of its saturated fatty acid was medium chain fatty acids (C groups were force fed with 8ml/kg/day and 10 ml/kg/day of CPVCO respectively. Baseline and the post treated lipid profile were assessed by using the blood sample drawn by retro orbital plexus. 6-C 12). Out of this, a majority of 49% was lauric acid. In accordance with APCC (Asian and Pacific Coconut Committee), the microbial load and peroxide value of CPVCO were within safe limits (up to 10 months). When, 10ml/kg/day of virgin coconut oil was administered to diabetic experimental group, appreciably showed a decrease of 33%, 44% and 53% (p < 0.01) decrease of blood glucose at the end of 1st 2nd and 3rd Conclusion: Promising results from the above study can be the basis in the development of cold pressed virgin coconut oil as functional oil. week respectively. Serum total cholesterol, LDL, TGL except HDL of the experimental cholesterol group was significantly lower after the administration of 8ml/kg/day and 10ml/kg/day of virgin coconut oil for thirty days (P<0.01); The results indicated 8 ml/kg/day and 10ml/kg/day of CPVCO reduced blood glucose and lipids viz total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein and triglycerides to a significant level.
SUBSTITUTE GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE AND THE EFFECT OF MONITORING: EVIDENCE FROM BANGLADESH

This paper investigates the role of monitoring mechanisms in a corporate governance structure, focusing on listed companies in a developing country, Bangladesh. Specifically, it examines whether different interrelated monitoring mechanisms board of directors and committee, management and external auditors affect firm performance. This research found the possibility of having a substitution or complementary links in monitoring mechanisms that explain why there is no consistent empirical evidence between individual monitoring mechanisms and firm performance. This study has policy implications for the Bangladeshi corporate environment. Progress of implementation of the guidelines appears to be reasonable. However, credibility of the reported figures and quality of implementation remain open to discussion. To what extent these status reports reflect improved governance or are largely a form of paper compliance is a debatable issue. This research also suggests that when considering any change in corporate monitoring, the Bangladeshi government should take into account the nation‟s business, social structure, culture and legal practices.
Effects of organic nitrogen and carbon sources on mycelial growth and polysaccharides production and their optimization in the submerged culture of Grifola umbellate , a Chinese medicinal herb

Grifola umbellate is a famous and expensive Chinese herb medicine and the main medicinal component is polysaccharide mainly produced by its mycelia. Effects of organic nitrogen and carbon resources on mycelial growth and polysaccharides production of a medicinal mushroom, G. umbellate were studied in the submerged culture system. Soybean meal was selected as the optimal organic nitrogen source for its significant promotion effects on mycelial growth and polysaccharides synthesis based on results of an orthogonal matrix experiment design. Glucose was proved to be a preferred carbon source by comparison with fructose and sucrose. The optimal dosages of soybean meal 5.63% (w/v) and glucose 4.33% (w/v) were obtained, respectively through the curvilinear regressions experiment. The productions of mycelial dry weight, exo-polysaccharide (EPS) and inner polysaccharide (IPS), in the optimal medium, were about 3.16, 1.48 and 2.78 folds higher than those in the basal medium, respectively and culture duration was shortened to half through optimizing the organic nitrogen and carbon sources. These results will be significant contribution to process biochemistry of medicinal fungus in the submerged culture system.
Directors’ Remuneration and Firm’s Performance: A Study on Malaysian Listed Firm under Consumer Product Industry

Remuneration is broadly used as an incentive that affects decisions made and strategies planned by directors which cause great impact on firm performance and profitability. This study aims to investigate the directors’ remuneration of the consumer products sector focusing particularly on Malaysian listed companies under Consumer Product Industry. These firm’s performances are measured by return on assets (ROA) and return on equities (ROE). This study consists a sample of 40 Malaysian listed companies for the period of 2012 to 2014. After controlling for board size, CEO duality, firm size, firm age, and leverage; the regression results show director remuneration has positive relationship with firm performance (measured by ROA and ROE). This suggests that high remuneration is able to motivate and retain directors in order to perform their duty and work harder for the best interest of shareholders. The result also shows all variables affect firm performance differently. For future research, we recommend that this study be expanded using more samples from other industries and other measurement of firm performances such as growth and ratings.
An overview of success factors of born-global SMEs in an emerging market context

As emerging countries take even more part in the global economy, born-global firms from these countries are becoming significant players as well. Born-globals are becoming especially important for smaller economies, which consist in large part of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). In the literature, topics related to born-global firms from emerging economies have mostly been overlooked. The purpose of this paper is to address part of this gap by focusing on the success factors of born-global firms within the context of emerging markets, by concentrating especially on research targeting emerging economies of Central and Eastern Europe.
Tropical reforestation and climate change: beyond carbon

Tropical reforestation (TR) has been highlighted as an important intervention for climate change mitigation because of its carbon storage potential. TR can also play other frequently overlooked, but significant, roles in helping society and ecosystems adapt to climate variability and change. For example, reforestation can ameliorate climate‐associated impacts of altered hydrological cycles in watersheds, protect coastal areas from increased storms, and provide habitat to reduce the probability of species' extinctions under a changing climate. Consequently, reforestation should be managed with both adaptation and mitigation objectives in mind, so as to maximize synergies among these diverse roles, and to avoid trade‐offs in which the achievement of one goal is detrimental to another. Management of increased forest cover must also incorporate measures for reducing the direct and indirect impacts of changing climate on reforestation itself. Here we advocate a focus on “climate‐smart reforestation,” defined as reforesting for climate change mitigation and adaptation, while ensuring that the direct and indirect impacts of climate change on reforestation are anticipated and minimized.
Assessment of Fertility Potential in Bottlenose Dolphins ( Tursiops truncatus ): An ELISA-based Biomarker Analysis

As apex predators in coastal systems, bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are susceptible to persistent organic pollutant (POP) accumulation and retention over time, which has prompted continued interest in understanding the extent to which contaminant body burdens or other stressors are sufficient to cause adverse sublethal effects on energetic fitness, immune function, or reproduction. Increasing our knowledge of reproductive endocrinology in bottlenose dolphins may provide insight into changes in reproductive rates, thereby expanding the capacity to assess conservation status. This study used the Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA) technique to examine peptide fertility hormones [inhibin A, inhibin B and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH)] measured in serum of free-ranging dolphins (n = 129) of varying age, gender, and maturity status from three locations (Sarasota Bay, FL, Indian River Lagoon, FL, and southern Georgia). The primary research objectives were to establish hormone baselines, investigate AMH and inhibin use as reproductive biomarkers, and examine the potential use of these hormones as biomarkers of toxicant or other stressor effects on reproduction. AMH secretion differed significantly with gender (p < 0.001), where levels were approximately 1,000-fold higher in males than females (1,122 ± 427 ng mL-1 and 1.15 ± 1.25 ng mL-1, mean ± SD). Male AMH levels were related to maturity status, and linear regression analysis revealed a significant, negative relationship between male AMH and age, body length, body weight, and maximum girth in all populations. Of the parameters assessed, age was the best indicator of AMH levels in males. AMH concentrations in females did not vary significantly over time or with maturity status, but exhibited a decrease in some older individuals, potentially indicating an AMH decline in long-lived female dolphins. Inhibins did not differ significantly between age classes in males, but appeared to be an estrous cycle indicator in females, where inhibin peaks were likely related to follicular and luteal phases. These data provide new information on circulating serum AMH and inhibin levels in bottlenose dolphins, which appear to reflect a degree of gonadal function and show promise as reproductive biomarkers. Our findings suggest the possibility of toxicant effects on AMH and inhibin production, but not conclusively. Further investigation of mechanism(s) of action for contaminant-related reproductive toxicity will elucidate the diagnostic value of these hormones to assess the effects of POPs on fertility potential in bottlenose dolphins.
Classroom Discourse in Foreign Language Classrooms: A Review of the Literature

This article reviews studies that have investigated discourse in foreign language (FL) classroom contexts from the perspective of sociocultural theory. Socio- cultural theory maintains that language learning and development in a classroom context are intimately tied to the discursive practices by which and through which learners interact with each other and their teacher. Furthermore, the research has shown that teachers play an important role in that the specifi c types of patterns cre- ated in their interactions with students are a fundamental source of learners' compe- tence in the FL. This review raises additional questions that remain to be addressed in future research that will potentially contribute to an evolving understanding of classroom discourse.
Stress and satisfaction of family members and independent living skills of psychiatric outpatients

Background There are several parameters that must be included in the evaluation psychosocial rehabilitation. Objectives To describe and correlate the degree of stress of family members who live with schizophrenic and bipolar disorder patients, their satisfaction with mental health services and the level of daily living skills of the patient. Method Cross-sectional and correlational study, from 2012 to 2013, with a sample of 100 caregivers. The Family Satisfaction with Mental Health Services Rating Scale (SATIS-BR), the Independent Living Skills Survey (ILSS-BR), and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) were used. Data were analyzed using SPSS v.21, with the Mann-Whitney test, Jonckheere-Terpstra test, and Pearson’s, Spearman’s and Partial correlations, and a significance level α = 0.05. Results The score for the SATIS-BR scale was 4.28, 1.59 for the ILSS, and 7.39 for the GHQ-12. The value of the Pearson correlation coefficient between the SATIS-BR and ILSS was r = -0.27, and r = -0.23 between the GHQ-12 and SATIS-BR. The Spearman’s correlation coefficient between Education and the GHQ-12 was r = -0.24 and there was a negative linear trend between stress and the level of education (JT = -2.54, p < 0:01). Discussion The caregivers presented a very high level of psychological distress, therefore, it is critical that mental health services perform more effective psychosocial rehabilitation actions.
Impact of Climate Variations on Soybean Yield in Eastern Arkansas: 1960-2014

Climate is the major factor affecting crop production; therefore, various agro-meteorological indicators have been frequently used to evaluate the impact of climate on crop production. In this study, we examined the temporal variations of agrometeorological indicators (growing degree days, total precipitation, dry spells and drought indices) during 1960-2014 and their impact on soybean yields in East Arkansas. Results show an increasing trend in growing degree days (GDDs) and dry spells, though the total precipitation during the soybean growing season remained nearly unchanged during the study period. Generally, GDDs and dry spells show a strong correlation with yields. We also evaluated drought variability based on different drought indices, including the Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI), the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and the Standardized Precipitation-Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI). The drought indices are all negatively correlated to soybean yields. Overall, the one month SPEI showed the strongest impact on yields. After regression analysis, Dry spells and Total precipitation were the only significant factors in the General Linear Model (GLM).
Correlates of Vitamin D Deficiency in South Florida Older Adults

Objective: The purpose of this cross-sectional analysis is to determine the proportion of vitamin D insufficient individuals and correlates of vitamin D status in an older adult population (≥ 55 years of age) living in Miami-Dade, Florida. Methods: Participants (n=97) completed assessments that included vitamin D serum levels, surveys to evaluate vitamin D intake, sun exposure, and other variables. Spearman’s correlations, independent t-tests, chi-squares, and multiple linear and logistic regression were used to examine the relationship between vitamin D status and explanatory variables. Results: The proportion of individuals with vitamin D deficiency (25-hydroxyvitamin D <20 ng/ml), insufficiency (20-30 ng/ml) and sufficiency (≥ 30 ng/ml) were 10.3%, 36.1% and 53.6%, respectively. Vitamin D status correlated significantly with higher vitamin/mineral supplement use (P=0.014), and lower percent fat mass (P=0.008) in linear regression models, and increased sun exposure (P=0.016) in logistic regression models. However, ethnicity was consistently an independent predictor of vitamin D levels in both analyses (P=0.023 and P=0.010, respectively), with Hispanics being at higher risk of insufficiency. Conclusions: Since vitamin D deficiency is linked to health risk factors, it is important that health professionals become aware of the connections of vitamin D status with intake, bioavailability, and skin synthesis, to identify those at risk and develop and plan pertinent interventions to prevent and correct deficiency.
Effects of the hot season on milk protein fractions in Holstein cows

Effects of the hot season on milk protein fractions were studied in 40 mid-lactating Hol- stein cows (141 ± 67 days in milk). The trial was carried out on a commercial dairy herd located in Central Italy (42 o 15' North, 12 o 21' East, 227 m of altitude). Twenty cows were monitored for six weeks from March to April; the other 20 cows were monitored for six weeks from June to August. The two groups were balanced for parity, days in milk (DIM), genetic index for milk production, and fre- quency of κ-casein B and β-lactoglobulin B variants. The diet for the two groups was a base-ration fed as a total mixed ration, plus concentrate given by self-feeders. During the two experimental peri- ods, values of air temperatures and relative humidity were recorded daily and were used to calculate the temperature-humidity index; average feed intake was recorded daily, and rectal temperatures were measured weekly. Milk yield was recorded at both morning (06:00 h) and evening (18:00 h) milkings. Individual milk samples were taken weekly and analysed for concentration of crude protein content, casein number, and protein fractions. During the summer, cows had higher rectal tempera- tures but lower DMI and milk yield. Moreover, milk from cows in the summer had lower contents of crude proteins and caseins, lower casein number, and higher milk serum proteins. Among caseins, the κ-casein fraction did not differ between the two groups. Conversely, milk from summer cows showed lower contents of αs-casein and β-casein. The results from the present study indicate that the reduc- tion of milk protein content observed in the summer was due to the reduction in the casein content, which was in turn caused by a reduction in αs-casein and β-casein contents. These changes might ex- plain the alteration in cheesemaking properties of milk commonly observed during the summer. summer / dairy cows / milk protein fractions / casein
A Cost-Benefit Analysis of Early Childhood Intervention: Evidence from a Randomised Evaluation of a Parenting Programme

A number of researchers and policy makers have recently argued that the most effective way of dealing with long-run disadvantage and the intergenerational transmission of poverty is through early childhood intervention and in particular policies aimed at supporting the family in early childhood development. In this paper we carry out a randomised evaluation of one such programme aimed at improving the skills and parenting strategies of parents, particularly those who find their child's behaviour difficult or challenging. Our evaluation shows that the treatment significantly reduced behavioural problems in young children when measured 6 months after the intervention. Furthermore our detailed cost analysis, combined with a consideration of the potential long-run benefits associated with the programme, suggest that the long-run rate of return to society from this programme is likely to be relatively high.
Investigating Iran Airline Customers’ Responses in Crisis Situations and Identification of Adopted Strategies

In fierce competition of airline industry, due to sensitive nature and vital rule of crisis management, viability of companies in this industry is highly depended on skillful handling of crisis situations. The aim of this study is to first determine the different strategies of airline companies in dealing with crisis situations in Iran and then to identify the effect of Customer's perception of danger on repurchase intention for Iran's airline industry. Data obtained from 500 survey questionnaire were analyzed using the structural equation modeling (SEM). The results revealed that Denial has a significantly negative effect on Customer's perception of danger. Involuntary product recall has a significantly negative effect on Customer's perception of danger. Voluntary product recall has a significantly positive effect on Customer's perception of danger. Supper effort has a significantly positive effect on Customer's perception of danger. Customer's perception of danger has a significantly positive effect on Repurchase intentions. In addition results show that Denial was the best negative predictor of their Customer's perception of danger and Supper effort was the best positive predictor of Customer's perception of danger.