Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE POSSIBILITIES OF DECREASING THE URBAN HEAT ISLAND

The urban heat island phenomenon is one of the gr eatest challenges of the present days regarding the sustainability of our cities and sett lements. A great amount of research has already bee n completed considering the urban heat island, with a significant part of them based on the utilization of remote sensing. The results show that in the case o f the densely built-up areas of Hungary the maximal intensity of the urban heat island can be experienc ed in the industrial areas and in the extremely den sely built-up zones, while water bodies and surfaces cov ered by vegetation proved to be the coolest zones under all circumstances. Thus, according to the res ults only water and green surfaces are capable of effectively reducing the urban heat island. Firstly , urban green surfaces and water bodies must be cre ated to become capable of decreasing the urban heat isla nd to the maximal extent. Secondly, it is possible to maximize the rate of green and water coverage withi n settlements only with the tools of urban planning . Thus it is essential in the case of urban planning to implement the existing regulation tools to preve nt or minimize the further intensifying of the urban heat island.
Prediction-based classification using learning on Riemannian manifolds

This paper is concerned with learning from predictions. Predictions are obtained by ensemble of classifiers such as random forests (RF) or extra-trees. One assumes that estimators are semi independent so that they can be considered as prediction space. Hence we project our feature vector to the space of estimators obtaining responses from each of them. The responses for RFs are conditional class probabilities. The responses might be considered as projections onto some direction in quasi-orthogonal space which are decision trees of a RF. After that one creates the connected Riemannian manifold by computing a matrix of pairwise products of predictions for all trees in the RF. These matrices are symmetric and positive definite which is a necessary and sufficient condition to have a connected Riemannian manifold (R manifold). Because outputs of trees are conditional probabilities we have to create as many such matrices as there are classes. Stacking all these matrices together we obtain a tensor which is passed to Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) for learning. We tested our algorithm on 11 datasets from UCI repository representing difficult classification problems. The results show very fast learning and convergence of loss and prediction accuracy. The proposed algorithm outperforms feature-based classical classifier ensembles (RFs and extra-trees) for every tested dataset from UCI repository.
Formation of First Galaxies inside Density Peaks and Voids under the Influence of Dark Matter–Baryon Streaming Velocity. I. Initial Condition and Simulation Scheme

We present a systematic study of the cosmic variance that existed in the formation of the first stars and galaxies. We focus on the cosmic variance induced by the large-scale density and velocity environment engraved at the epoch of recombination. The density environment is predominantly determined by the dark-matter overdensity, and the velocity environment by the dark matter–baryon streaming velocity. Toward this end, we introduce a new cosmological initial condition generator, BCCOMICS, which solves the quasi-linear evolution of small-scale perturbations in the large-scale density and streaming-velocity environment and generates the initial condition for dark matter and baryons, as either particles or grid data at a specific redshift. We also describe a scheme to simulate the formation of the first galaxies inside density peaks and voids, where a local environment is treated as a separate universe. The resulting cosmic variance in the number density of minihalos and the amount of cooling mass are presented as an application. Density peaks become a site for enhanced formation of the first galaxies, which compete with the negative effect from the dark matter–baryon streaming velocity on structure formation.
Faking on direct, indirect, and behavioural measures of spider fear: Can you get away with it?

We tested direct, indirect, and behavioural measures of fear of spiders under neutral instructions, and when participants were asked to fake high and low fear of spiders. Our findings indicate that the Approach Avoidance Task (AAT) was the only measure that could be faked in one of the faking conditions only. We also assessed how easily faked results could be detected on each measure for different diagnostic criteria. The direct and behavioural measures showed good performance for all criteria. The AAT performed comparably only for a conservative criterion, when detecting fakers is less important than correctly labelling non-fakers.
Design of Base Flow for Streamline-Traced Hypersonic Inlet

A design methodology has been developed for the base flow of streamline-traced hypersonic inlet. Limited by the inlet length, the truncated Busemann flow results in a curved shock wave accompanied with large total pressure loss near the axis. ICFA is then utilized to maintain the shock shape as straight as possible, downstream which an internal flow defined by spline surface is optimized for maximum total pressure recovery. Though the shock wave still curves, it only occurs in a very small region close to the axis. Accordingly, compared to truncated Busemann flow with same length and contraction ratio, the developed base flow contributes to a higher total pressure. Nomenclature a = the speed of sound r = radial distance from the axis Vr = radical velocity Vω = tangential velocity γ = specific heat ratio ω = angle to the axis
The stock market reactions of the potential dismantling of the Dodd-Frank Act

This research examines the stock market reaction of large US-based financial firms to key events that suggest a potential dismantling of the Dodd-Frank Act. Using small and foreign financial institutions as control groups, I find that larger financial institutions respond positively to the key events suggesting that the investors have a positive attitude toward a possible rollback of the Dodd-Frank Act. The cross-sectional results present results that various firm-specific variables influence the magnitude of the cumulative average abnormal return. Surprisingly, size, leverage, and return on assets have a negative effect on the market reaction, while book-to-market has the opposite effect. In addition, the type of financial institution affects the magnitude of the market reaction. These results improve the understanding of the effectiveness of the Dodd-Frank Act and the consequences of deregulation of the financial sector as they indicate that investors react positively to these events thus indicates that the investors are pleased about the potential rollback of the Dodd-Frank Act.
Species composition and seasonal occurrence of spider mites (Acari : Tetranychidae) and their predators in Japanese pear orchards with different agrochemical spraying programs

The species composition and seasonal occurrence of spider mites and their natural enemies were compared in three Japanese pear orchards with different control pressures, from 1996 to 1999. The orchards were an agrochemical-free orchard, a pesticide-free orchard, and a conventionally controlled orchard. The differences in the dominant species of spider mites and phytoseiid mites among these three orchards were observed. Among the spider mites, Amphitetranychus viennensis was dominant throughout the four years in the agrochemical-free orchard whereas Panonychus citri was dominant in the pesticide-free orchard. In the conventionally controlled orchard, the dominant spider mite species was Tetranychus urticae, except for in the year 1998. The dominant phytoseiid mites were Amblyseius orientalis and Amblyseius sojaensis in the agrochemical-free orchard, Typhlodromus vulgaris in the pesticide-free orchard, and Amblyseius californicus in the conventionally controlled orchard. The predacious insects of spider mites which were abundant in the three orchards were Stethorus japonicus, Oligota spp. , Scolothrips takahashii, and Feltiella sp. Unlike the spider mites and phytoseiid mites, the dominant species of predacious insect varied greatly from year to year within each orchard. This suggests that the species composition of the predatory insects may be less affected by agrochemicals than that of spider mites or phytoseiid mites. Differences among the peak densities of spider mites among the orchards seemed to be due to differences in the dominant spider mite species rather than to differences in control pressure with chemicals. The peak density in the orchards where P. citri was dominant was higher than in those where A. viennensis or T. urticae was dominant, nevertheless the predacious insects occurred in all orchards. This suggests that the predacious insects would be less effective in suppressing P. citri than in suppressing T. urticae and A. viennensis.
Evaluation the Usage of Treated Shrimp Waste as Protein Source in Broiler Diet

The objective of the research was to know the best method of processed-shrimp wastes on protein consumption and retention. Experiment was designed using completely randomized design with five treatments of ration and four replications. Treatments were basal ration with added by 5% shrimp waste. Treatments were D 0 (basal diet + non treated shrimp waste), D 1 (basal diet + shrimp waste hydrolyzed by 3% NaOH), D 2 (basal diet + shrimp waste hydrolyzed by 6% NaOH), D 3 (basal diet + shrimp waste hydrolyzed by 5% H 2 O 2 ), and D 4 (basal diet + shrimp waste fermented by Aspergillus niger) . The total number of treated chicken was 20 broiler of MB 202 strain. To compare the effect of treatments, data was analyzed using least square difference. Results showed that the treated shrimp waste had potential to use as protein source in broiler diet and the best consumption and retention protein was found in hydrolysis shrimp waste by 3% NaOH and 5% H 2 O. (Animal Production 12(1): 1-5 (2010) Key Words : shrimp waste, protein consumption, protein retention, broiler, Aspergillus niger
Analysis of Coupling Degree Influence Between Resonators on Autodyne Characteristics of Stabilized Oscillators

An analysis of autodyne characteristics of a microwave oscillator with frequency stabilization by an additional high-Q resonator with various coupling degree between resonators is performed. Advantages of strong coupling utilization between resonators, which provides improvement of the autodyne signal quality at strong reflected emission, are presented. Analysis results are confirmed by experimental data obtained for the 8mm-range Gunn-diode stabilized oscillator.
Weather Insured Savings Accounts

This paper uses a laboratory experiment in Gujarat, India to assess consumers’ relative valuations of savings versus insurance when planning for risky rainfall in an attempt to measure potential demand for a new type of financial product that combines savings and rainfall insurance, which we call a Weather Insured Savings Account (WISA). We first develop a simple model to predict how demand for a WISA would change with its type, defined as the proportion of insurance versus savings that the WISA provides. Our model predicts that there will be an optimal WISA type, and that the utility provided by the WISA will decrease as one moves away from the optimum. We then present the results of a laboratory experiment that attempts to test the predictions of the model and calculate the optimal WISA type. Using a Becker-DeGroot-Marschak (BDM) mechanism, we measure participants’ relative valuations of pure insurance, pure savings, and two intermediate WISA types. Contrary to predictions of our model, we find that a plurality of participants prefer both pure insurance and pure savings to any mixture of the two, and that this preference is most pronounced among those who are more risk averse. We present a number of possible explanations to try to square this result with the neoclassical model, including that these results were driven by confusion over the WISAs or uncertainty over whether future payment would actually be received. We do not find behavior consistent with these explanations. One possible explanation for our results is that subjects exhibited diminishing sensitivity to losses as proposed by prospect theory. Our results suggest that the introduction of a WISA is unlikely to be successful. 1
Energy Audits in a Private Firm Environment -- Energy Efficiency Consultants’ Cost Calculation for Innovative Technologies in the Housing Sector

During recent international climate negotiations like in Paris 2015, the European Union agreed to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases. Policy-makers target the residential sector as a major user of fossil energy because potential to improve the energy efficiency in existing houses is observable. Energy audits have been implemented to offer information to homeowners within the aim of reducing the uncertainty concerning energetic refurbishment. Nevertheless, the impact of energy efficiency consultants (EECs) on retrofit measures is described as low in the literature. We conducted an online survey on German EECs, emphasizing their personal attitudes and contextual conditions, analyzing the implementation of an exploratory energy audit and providing recommendations for improving energy audits. The EECs answered the questions regarding the personal factors in a highly confident way. We explain this using the market framework in Germany, which requires a high-level performance due to the competition on the EEC market. The contextual conditions are evaluated critically, with about 49% expressing concerns about acquiring and managing financial resources for energy audits. The case study showed that EECs recommend innovative technologies to a limited degree, while the upfront costs are estimated very low. Finally, in the survey, the respondents prioritized an information policy improvement.
Multiwavelength study of the star-formation in the bar of NGC 2903

Aims. The nearby barred spiral NGC 2903 has an active starburst at its centre and HII regions distributed along its bar. We analyse the star-formation properties in the bar region of NGC 2903 and study its links to the typical bar morphological features. Methods. We combine space and ground-based data from the far-ultraviolet to the sub-millimeter spectral ranges to create a panchromatic view of the NGC 2903 bar. We produce two catalogues: one for the current star-formation regions, as traced by the H alpha compact emission, and a second for the ultraviolet (UV) emitting knots, containing positions and luminosities. From them, we obtain ultraviolet colours, star-formation rates, dust attenuation, and H alpha EWs, and analyse their spatial distribution. We estimate stellar cluster ages using stellar population synthesis models (Starburst99). Results. We find NGC 2903 to be a complex galaxy that has a very different morphology in each spectral band. The CO (J = 1-0) and the 3.6 mu m emission trace each other in a clear barred structure, while the H alpha leads both components and has an s-shape distribution. The UV emission is patchy and does not resemble a bar. The UV emission is also characterised by a number of regions located symmetrically with respect to the galaxy centre, almost perpendicular to the bar, in a spiral shape covering the inner similar to 2.5 kpc. These regions exhibit a significant amount of neither H alpha nor 24 mu m emission. We estimate ages for these regions ranging from 150 to 320 Myr, older than the remaining UV knots, which have ages lower than 10 Myr. The SFR calculated from the UV emission is similar to 0.4 M-circle dot yr(-1), compatible with the SFR derived from H alpha calibrations (similar to 1 M-circle dot yr(-1)).
Node and Regime : Interdisciplinary Analysis of Water-Energy-Food Nexus in the Mekong Region

Understanding complex phenomena such as the water-energy-food nexus (resource nexus) requires a more holistic, interdisciplinary inquiry. Spurred by a sense of imbalance in approaches to the nexus dominated by integrated assessment/complex systems methodologies, I re-examine the findings and recommendations of a major 'nexus' research-for-development project in the Mekong region. The concept of 'regime of provisioning', a synthesis of social science concepts related to meso-level social order, allows essential political economy and discursive elements of the resource nexus to be analysed. I show that socio-political regimes constrain societal investment in three 'nodes' of the nexus previously identified as critical to manage sustainably: energy efficiency, wild-capture fisheries, and diversified smallholder agriculture. I discuss implications for the 'nexus' as a new policy agenda and offer three propositions for ongoing inquiry and inclusive practice.
Towards Fresh and Low-Latency Content Delivery in Vehicular Networks: An Edge Caching Aspect

Mobile edge caching which exploits the similarity in content requests to reduce duplicated transmissions, is considered as an effective solution to address the challenge of increasing mobile traffic demand and constrained radio resources. Different from conventional networks, vehicular networks are highly dynamic, and thus the cached contents should update timely to guarantee the freshness of vehicle received information. However, content update also consumes radio resource and results in a tradeoff between content freshness and service latency, calling for the joint optimization of content update, delivery, and radio resource allocation. To address this issue, this work proposes a cache-assisted lazy update and delivery (CALUD) scheme to balance content freshness and service latency in vehicular networks. Firstly, the age of information (AoI) and service latency of vehicular-received contents are derived in closed form under the CALUD scheme. Then, the CALUD scheme is further optimized jointly with the radio resource allocation from the network aspect to meet the diversified service latency and AoI requirements of different applications. Extensive simulations are conducted to validate the theoretical analysis using the OMNET++ simulator. The results demonstrate that the proposed CALUD scheme can reduce the service latency to milliseconds while guaranteeing the required content freshness.
Modelling carbon stock and carbon sequestration ecosystem services for policy design: a comprehensive approach using a dynamic vegetation model

ABSTRACT Ecosystem service (ES) models can only inform policy design adequately if they incorporate ecological processes. We used the Lund-Potsdam-Jena managed Land (LPJmL) model, to address following questions for Mexico, Bolivia and Brazilian Amazon: (i) How different are C stocks and C sequestration quantifications under standard (when soil and litter C and heterotrophic respiration are not considered) and comprehensive (including all C stock and heterotrophic respiration) approach? and (ii) How does the valuation of C stock and C sequestration differ in national payments for ES and global C funds or markets when comparing both approach? We found that up to 65% of C stocks have not been taken into account by neglecting to include C stored in soil and litter, resulting in gross underpayments (up to 500 times lower). Since emissions from heterotrophic respiration of organic material offset a large proportion of C gained through growth of living matter, we found that markets and decision-makers are inadvertently overestimating up to 100 times C sequestrated. New approaches for modelling C services relevant ecological process-based can help accounting for C in soil, litter and heterotrophic respiration and become important for the operationalization of agreements on climate change mitigation following the COP21 in 2015.
Corporate tax compliance during macroeconomic fluctuations

The study empirically examines the relationship between macroeconomic conditions and corporate tax compliance in the Greek setting where extreme aggregate fluctuations have taken place. Using a sample of 246,867 firm-year observations from 2004 to 2014, the study found strong evidence that there is negative association between economic conditions, as measured by the rate of gross domestic product, and corporate tax avoidance magnitude thus confirming recent prior evidence. We however, found that the association between the state of economic conditions and corporate tax evasion magnitude is positive. In other words, based on quantitative results combining firm-level and macroeconomic data, we argue that, all other things being equal, during recession phases of the economy firms are basically intended to avoid taxes whereas during expansion phases firms are basically focused and apply in a greater extent tax evasion practices. To the best of this study knowledge this is the first study providing empirical evidence on how macroeconomic cycles affect all aspects of corporate tax compliance behavior. Key words: Tax avoidance, tax evasion, economic cycles.
Motivation as Correlates of Work Attitude of Library Staff in Tertiary Institutions’ Libraries in Cross River State, Nigeria

The main thrust of this study was to investigate motivation as correlates of work attitude of library staff in tertiary institutions’ libraries in Cross River State, Nigeria. To achieve the purpose of this study, four hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Literature review was carried out according to the variables of the study. Survey research design was adopted for the study. A sample of two hundred and fifty five (255) respondents was selected for the study. The selection was done through a multistage non probability sampling technique involving the purposive and accidental sampling. The questionnaire was the main instrument used for data collection. Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) analysis was employed to test the hypotheses at . 05 level of significance. The result of the analysis revealed that, award salary, fringe benefits, specialized training and working environment significantly relate with attitude to work in academic libraries. Based on the findings of the study it was recommended among others that every organization should study her employees and select the most effective motivator to adopt as to achieve its organizational goals. Work should be made to be enjoyed and not to be endured. Conducive working environment should be paramount when setting up an organization which requires human participation.