Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SELECTIVE CATALYTIC OXIDATION OF HYDROGEN SULFIDE FROM SYNGAS

In order to obtain a non-corrosive fuel gas (syngas), which is derived from coal by Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) technology and used in power plants, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), which is generated during the gasification process due to sulfur contained in coal, should be removed to protect instruments, especially turbines, from corrosion. To improve H2S removal efficiency and develop excellent regenerative catalyst, we conducted the following research. Simulated syngas was introduced into a fixed-bed quartz reactor where carbonaceous sorbents (which are excellent sorbents and have lower price) were positioned to capture H2S. Tail gases from the outlet of the reactor including H2S, COS, and SO2 were continuously monitored by a residual gas analyzer (or mass spectrometer) to determine the capacity of H2S uptake and selectivity of adsorption/oxidation by different sorbents. Carbonaceous materials including carbon black, graphite and activated carbon fibers (ACFs) were compared for the application in desulfurization. Rare earth metal oxides (La2O3 and CeO2) were investigated and used to modify ACFs due to their potential to effectively remove H2S and multicycle regenerative ability. Water vapor and temperature effects on H2S removal were studied. Functional groups on carbonaceous materials were determined and the mechanism of the promotion of H2S uptake by basic functional groups was proposed. Through the determination of activation energy of desorption of sulfur species from sulfided sorbents, it is concluded that chemisorption is the dominant mechanism at higher sulfurization temperature, while physisorption is the controlling process at lower temperature. At the temperature ranging from 110 to 170 iaC, the best H2S-uptake capacity was obtained because chemisorption and physisorption are both present and water film on the surface of sorbents is ideally maintained. The observation of sulfurization and regeneration of sorbents and by-products related that nitrogen could only remove physically adsorbed H2S and hydroxide could, to some extent, restrain the formation of by-products (the reaction between COS or SO2 and hydroxide). ACFs modified by metal compounds showed excellent H2S-uptake capacity (up to 35 mg H2S/g Sorbent) in the 1st cycle but the capacity in the subsequent cycles were much lower than the 1st cycle because regeneration gas (nitrogen) could not recover the chemically adsorbed sulfur species.
SPECTRA: Continuous Query Processing for RDF Graph Streams Over Sliding Windows

This paper proposes a new approach for the the incremental evaluation of RDF graph streams over sliding windows. Our system, called "SPECTRA", combines a novel formof RDF graph summarisation, a new incremental evaluation method and adaptive indexing techniques. We materialise the summarised graph from each event using vertically partitioned views to facilitate the fast hash-joins for all types of queries. Our incremental and adaptive indexing is a byproduct of query processing, and thus provides considerable advantages over offline and online indexing. Furthermore, contrary to the existing approaches, we employ incremental evaluation of triples within a window. This results in considerable reduction in response time, while cutting the unnecessary cost imposed by recomputation models for each triple insertion and eviction within a defined window. We show that our resulting system is able to cope with complex queries and datasets with clear benefits. Our experimental results on both synthetic and real-world datasets show up to an order of magnitude of performance improvements as compared to state-of-the-art systems.
How can major research findings about returns to qualifications illuminate the comparability of qualifications

Comparability of qualifications is a topic of national significance. When two qualifications lead to the same job it is important that they are of the same standard. This study investigates how major research findings about returns to qualifications illuminate the comparability of qualifications. Conventional comparability research by awarding organisations focuses on the demand of assessment tasks or the quality of the learners’ work. Returns to qualifications fit within a broader view of comparability and provide different information. When the returns to qualifications are similar, the qualifications are comparable in terms of the economic value of the knowledge, skills, and personality attributes of the qualification holders. However, the qualifications do not necessarily assess the same knowledge, skills and competence. Returns to qualifications are subject to influencing factors; predominantly the supply of qualified people available for work and the demand for knowledge and skills. Other influences include grading standards, brand and government policy. Findings about the returns to qualifications can be synthesised with other evidence to determine which influencing factors are at work.
Nonlinear short-run adjustments in US stock market returns

Using the considerably powerful nonparametric cointegration tests proposed by Bierens (1997, 2004), we do not find any evidence indicative of the existence of rational bubbles in the US stock market during the long period of 1871 to 2002. In addition, with the application of a logistic smooth transition error-correction model designed to detect the nonlinear short-run adjustments to the long-run equilibrium, we also obtain substantial empirical evidence in favour of the so-called noise trader models where arbitrageurs are reluctant to immediately engage in trading when stock returns deviate insufficiently from their fundamental value.
Living with coeliac disease: survey results from the U.S.A.

BACKGROUND The only treatment for coeliac disease is lifelong adherence to a rigorous gluten-free diet. The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of coeliac disease on the social aspects of daily life of individuals in the U.S.A. METHODS The present study used a self-administered survey including the standard Quality of Life questionnaire (12-item short-form) with validated disease-specific questions. sas statistical software 2010 (SAS Institute, Cary, NC, U.S.A.) was used to calculate the mean (SD). RESULTS Individuals with coeliac disease overall had a low positive health perception. Validated diet and disease-specific questions revealed a significant negative impact on quality of life in social settings. Specifically, the areas of travel, dining out and family life are most affected. The negative impact of diet significantly decreased over time, although it did not resolve for the domains of dining out of the home and travel. Those diagnosed in childhood and maintained on the diet had less of an impact on the quality of life as an adult. CONCLUSIONS Individuals with coeliac disease in the U.S.A. have a diminished quality of life, especially in the social aspects of life.
Talking career across disciplines: peer group mentoring for women academics

This paper presents the lived experiences of eight women academics who were members of a Women’s Group Mentoring Program during a period of rapid change in a university environment. Using a qualitative approach integrated with a participatory action research method, data was generated through the narratives of the group members. The analysis identified diversity in strategies used by the women to navigate their career pathways. The findings contribute to the dialogue in universities and similar organisations to attract and retain quality staff in an era of skills shortage created by a workforce close to retirement age.
How leaders influence employees' innovative behaviour

Purpose – To provide an inventory of leader behaviours likely to enhance employees’ innovative behaviour, including idea generation and application behaviour. Design/methodology/approach – Based on a combination of literature research and in-depth interviews, the paper explores leadership behaviours that stimulate employees’ idea generation and application behaviour. The study was carried out in knowledge-intensive service firms (e.g. consultants, researchers, engineers). Findings – It was found that there were 13 relevant leadership behaviours. Although innovative behaviour is crucial in such firms, it has received very little attention from researchers. Leaders influence employees’ innovative behaviour both through their deliberate actions aiming to stimulate idea generation and application as well as by their more general, daily behaviour. Research limitations/implications – Future quantitative research could condense our overview of leader practices, explore which practices are most relevant to employees’ idea generation and/or application behaviour, which contingency factors influence the leadership-innovative behaviour connection and provide information as to whether different practices are relevant in other types of firms.
The Local Economic Impacts of Natural Resource Extraction

Whether it is fair to characterize natural resource wealth as a curse is still debated. Most of the evidence derives from cross-country analyses, providing cases both for and against a potential resource curse. Scholars are increasingly turning to within-country evidence to deepen our understanding of the potential drivers, and outcomes, of resource wealth effects. Moving away from cross-country studies offers new perspectives on the resource curse debate and can help overcome concerns regarding endogeneity. Therefore, scholars are leveraging datasets that provide greater disaggregation of economic responses and exogenous identification of impacts. This article surveys the literature on these studies of local and regional effects of natural resource extraction. We discuss data availability and quality, recent advances in methodological tools, and the main findings of several research areas. These areas include the direct impact of natural resource production on local labor markets and welfare, the effects of government spending channels resulting from mining revenue, and regional spillovers. Finally, we take stock of the state of the literature and provide suggestions for future research.
Effects of resistance training with whole‐body vibration on muscle fitness in untrained adults

The effects of resistance training (RT) combined with whole‐body vibration (WBV) on muscle fitness, particularly muscle hypertrophy and neuromuscular performance, are not well understood. We investigated the effects of WBV in healthy, untrained participants after a 13‐week RT course by performing magnetic resonance imaging and by measuring maximal isometric (with electromyography) and isokinetic knee extension strengths, isometric lumbar extension torque, countermovement‐jump, knee extension endurance, and sit‐ups. Thirty‐two individuals (22–49 years old) were randomly assigned to RT groups with (RT‐WBV, n=16) or without WBV (RT, n=16). Following the RT course, significantly higher increases in the cross‐sectional areas of m. psoas major (vs baseline values) and erector spinae muscle (vs the RT group) were observed in the RT‐WBV group (+10.7%, P<0.05; +8.7%, P<0.05) compared with the RT group (+3.8%, P=0.045; 0.0%). Higher increases from baseline were also observed in maximal isometric force, concentric knee extension torque, countermovement‐jump, and maximal isometric lumbar extension torque in RT‐WBV (+63.5%; +76.7%, +15.0%, and +51.5%, respectively; P<0.05) than in those of RT (+25.6%, P=0.001; +17.8%, P=0.18; +11.3%, P=0.001; and +26.4%, P<0.001, respectively). The WBV‐induced increases in muscle hypertrophy and isometric lumbar extension torque suggest a potential benefit of incorporating WBV into slow‐velocity RT programs involving exercises of long duration.
Accounting Discretion, Horizon Problem, and CEO Retirement Benefits

ABSTRACT: Empirical research on the impact of managerial retirement on discretionary accounting choices is inconclusive, with most studies finding no evidence of earnings management in the pre‐retirement period. I argue that income‐increasing accounting choices in final pre‐retirement years are particularly appealing to managers whose pension depends on firm performance in these years. Using primary data on retired CEOs of Fortune 1000 firms, I investigate the impact of CEO pension plans on discretionary accruals. Consistent with the prediction, I find evidence of income‐increasing earnings management in the pre‐retirement period only when CEO pension is based on firm performance. I also report evidence of negative abnormal market reaction to CEO retirement in firms with performance‐contingent CEO pensions.
Job Insecurity and Employee Commitment: Managers' Reactions to the Threat and Outcomes of Redundancy Selection1

Increases in managerial redundancies have followed in the wake of recession and fiercer competition. Although popular accounts have warned of a growing disaffection among managers, few studies have examined the effects of abandoning their traditional job security. This article examines changes in the work attachments of long-service managers under the threat of redundancy. Over a 12-month period, interviews were conducted with 42 middle managers who, at the beginning of the research, had been warned of possible redundancy. Initially, most of the managers experienced significant threats to their established views about themselves and their employers. The development of these early perceptions into altered work attachments depended largely on outcomes of the redundancy process. For reprieved managers organizational commitment was quickly re-established. In contrast, those demoted to engineering roles or re-employed by other companies became less trusting and developed new explanations of their past employment experiences. These findings illustrate the tension between the need of managers to be assured of their place within the organizational structure and recent threats to their traditional careers and employment security. Also we may expect difficulties in the development of organizational commitment to emerge as the personal risks to managers increase.
Effect of water activity and temperature on germination and growth of Penicillium digitatum, P. italicum and Geotrichum candidum.

AIMS This study compares the effect of temperature (4-37 degrees C) and water activity (aw: 0.99-0.87) and their interactions on the germination rates, lag times prior to germination and mycelial growth 'in vitro' of Penicillium digitatum, P. italicum and Geotrichum candidum, the main postharvest pathogens affecting citrus fruits. METHODS AND RESULTS Germination and growth were markedly influenced by temperature and aw. Generally, lag times were longer and germination and growth rates were slower when conditions of temperature and aw were far from optimum. All the studied species were able to germinate over a range of 4-30 degrees C at 0.995 aw, although in non-optimal conditions P. digitatum only reached 40-60% of germinated conidia. At low temperatures, P. italicum germinated and grew faster than P. digitatum and G. candidum, particularly at 0.95 aw. Penicillium italicum was also able to germinate and grow in the driest studied conditions (0.87 aw), while G. candidum did not germinate under 0.95 aw. CONCLUSIONS Knowledge of the ecological requirements of these fungi is important in order to understand their behaviour in natural situations and to predict fungal spoilage on citrus fruits.
Parent-to-child transmission is relatively common in the spread of the human polyomavirus JC virus

JC polyomavirus (JCV), the causative agent of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, is ubiquitous in the human population, infecting children asymptomatically and then persisting in renal tissue. In most adults, renal JCV replicates and the progeny are excreted in urine. We used this urinary JCV to elucidate the routes of JCV transmission. A 610-bp JCV DNA region (IG region) encompassing the 3'-terminal sequences of both T-antigen and VP1 (major capsid protein) genes was amplified by means of PCR from urine specimens collected from all members of seven families. JCV strains were then unequivocally identified by the nucleotide sequences of the amplified IG regions. We could identify 18 distinctive JCV strains from 27 individuals. Different JCV strains were detected from all unrelated persons. However, the same viral strain was detected from one (four families), two (one family), or three offspring (one family) as well as from the fathers (three families) or from the mothers (three families). In total, the JCV strains detected in half of the JCV-positive children were identified in their parents. Since most humans are infected during childhood, these findings indicated that JCV is transmitted frequently from parents to children. We roughly estimated that 50% of JCV transmission occurs by this route and that the other 50% occurs outside the family.
The ownership structure of UK firms and the informativeness of accounting earnings

Abstract This paper provides evidence that in the UK, a firm's ownership structure is related to the informativeness of its accounting earnings for price. Evidence is reported that concentrated outside ownership is negatively related to the contemporaneous price-earnings association. This is interpreted as indicative of more non-accounting information being collected and disseminated for firms whose ownership includes large outside (non-managerial) blocks and a consequential loss of informativeness of contemporaneous accounting earnings. Having controlled for the information environment, we provide evidence that the overall relation between return and earnings is attenuated for firms with diffuse outside ownership. This is interpreted as evidence of the market anticipating opportunistic managerial manipulation of earnings when outside ownership is diffuse.
Stabilizing Output and Inflation: Policy Conflicts and Co-operation under a Stability Pact*

The article analyses in a simple setting a game between an inflationconservative central bank and a fiscal authority subject to an upper limit on the budget deficit. It is shown that complementarity or substitutability between the policies and the preference of each authority for the other authority’s behaviour crucially depends on the type of shock hitting the economy. If the government attempts to stimulate output beyond its natural level, a ‘deficit bias’ emerges under non-co-operation; under co-operation, the equilibrium is characterized by both a ‘deficit bias’ and an ‘inflation bias’. However, if the government only pursues cyclical stabilization these biases disappear and there are positive gains from co-ordinating the policy responses to shocks.
Human trafficking involving marriage and partner migration to Australia

In this report, what is known about human trafficking involving marriage and partner migration to Australia is described, drawing on primary information obtained from victim/survivor testimonies, stakeholder knowledge and expertise, and reported cases that progressed through the Australian justice system. While past research has focused on commercial labour and sexual exploitation, this report draws attention to trafficking that can occur in non-commercial contexts.
Saving for retirement in South Africa : charges to the consumer

Whether in occupational plans or private supplementary arrangements, workers pay for the opportunity to save for retirement through a variety of charges that erode the prosperity of their retirement years. This paper provides an analysis of the administrative charges paid by South Africans saving for retirement in the areas of occupational retirement funds, individual-life products and unit trusts, using a model designed to evaluate the lifetime effect of these charges. The analysis suggests that retirement funds are cheapest, followed by unit trusts and then individual-life products. These results are consistent with the flexibility of the more expensive products. Overall, however, charges appear to be high. Comparison with international benchmarks appears to confirm these concerns. South Africa is in need of new pension-fund legislation and initial thinking on the framework has begun. The paper ends with thoughts on the implications of this research for policymakers. Keywords : retirement, administration, charges South African Actuarial Journal Vol. 5 2005: 61–133
The Economic Contributions of James J. Heckman and Daniel L. McFadden

This paper analyzes the economic contributions of Daniel L. McFadden and James J. Heckman, who were awarded the Nobel Prize in economic science in 2000. McFadden's analytical work on discrete choices and related theory brings economic tools to bear on policy questions that previously had not been empirically investigated. The multinomial logit and similar models developed by McFadden enable researchers to empirically model factors that affect individual choices (e.g. of travel mode, occupation or employment, and residential location) with discrete outcomes. Heckman's research on selective samples demonstrates the difficulty of achieving generalizable results in analyses of choice-based behavior. In addition, his work on the evaluation of social programs has challenged conventional beliefs about the infallibility of experimental evaluation results and explored the limits and potential of non-experimental methodologies in a range of social science applications.
Building an Innovation-Driven Economy – The Case of BRIC and GCC Countries

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to undertake an analysis of the attempts of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC) countries to catch up in their national development to build an innovation-driven economy on which to base future growth and wealth. We conducted an analysis of GCC and BRIC countries to show the different strategies leaders have taken to try and achieve this aspiration. This paper analyses the various aspects of national innovation systems of BRIC and GCC countries, highlights similar and different approaches and attempts to quantify their success. For example, GCC countries spend extensively on research and development (RD using the least squares method to approximate a straight line for the missing data based on what had already been reported.Findings – Counter-intuitively, we will argue that the push toward an innovation-based economy is actually not dependent on total expenditure on R&D, but rather relies on the efficient allocation of investments and the rigorous implementation of innovation strategy. And, we will demonstrate this by showing our ideas in relation to both BRIC and GCC countries. This analysis raises fascinating points of discussion for those looking to build an innovation economy in other countries and has practical implications for policy-makers and policy implementers in all countries.Originality/Value – First analysis of the correlation of gross expenditure on R&D (GERD) with gross domestic product (GDP) growth and Straits Times Index (STI) policy measures.
Priceless: The Nonpecuniary Benefits of Schooling

Increasing wealth provides key motivation for students to forgo earnings and struggle through exams. But, as we argue in this paper, schooling generates many experiences and affects many dimensions of skill that, in turn, affect central aspects of individuals' lives. Schooling not only affects income, but also the degree to which one enjoys work, as well as one's likelihood of being unemployed. It leads individuals to make better decisions about health, marriage, and parenting. It also improves patience, making individuals more goal-oriented and less likely to engage in risky behavior. Schooling improves trust and social interaction, and may offer substantial consumption value to some students. We discuss various mechanisms to explain how these relationships may occur independent of wealth effects and present evidence that nonpecuniary returns to schooling are at least as large as pecuniary ones. Ironically, one explanation why some early school leavers miss out on these high returns is that they lack the very same decision-making skills that more schooling would help improve.