Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gauging Risk Stability: A Simple Test Using Patterns of Workers’ Compensation Claims

In financial risk management, whether for national and international entities, or within a firm, it is important to be able to decide what risks are altered by past experience (or intervention of a central banker at the national level, or a firm’s risk manager at the employer level) and what risks do not vary over time (risks from intrinsic heterogeneity). Policies aimed at changing intrinsic risk will obviously not be cost effective, though tools for identifying such unchanging risks may help to minimize losses associated with those risks. This paper outlines a simple test that allows the researcher to distinguish these alternative risk types. We present our test in the context of patterns of workers’ compensation lost day claims to test whether past experience explains repeated claims for some individuals, or whether some individuals exhibit an innate heterogeneity in claims-filing propensities. We find that a previous claim significantly increases claim probabilities in the future using easy to estimate and interpret “runs” tests on the claims. This suggests, for the risk management problem examined here, that early intervention to limit the effects of the first lost time claim may produce significant disability-cost savings with respect to future claims.
Enablers and inhibitors of collaborative Supply chains : An integrative framework

While the merits of Collaborative Supply Chains (CSCs) are broadly appreciated, studies on sine-qua-nons in the formation of CSC are relatively limited. This paper systematically reviews the extensive CSC literature to extract critical success factors and challenges, and proposes a generic framework to establish and sustain various levels of CSCs.
Derivation and identification of a mechanistic model for a branched enzyme‐catalyzed carboligation

The kinetic description of enzyme‐catalyzed reactions is a core task in biotechnology and biochemical engineering. In particular, mechanistic kinetic models help from the discovery of the biocatalyst throughout its application. Chemo‐ or enantioselective enzyme reactions often undergo two alternative pathways for the release of two different products from a central intermediate. For these types of reaction, no explicit reaction equations have been derived so far. To this end, we extend the commonly used Cleland's notation for branched reaction pathways and explicitly derive the rate expressions for two‐coupled ordered bi–uni reactions. This mechanism also leads to a ping‐pong bi–bi mechanism for a transfer reaction between the two products via the same central intermediate of the reaction system. Using the cross‐ligation of benzaldehyde and propanal catalyzed by the thiamine diphosphate‐dependent enzyme benzaldehyde lyase from Pseudomonas fluorescens yielding (R)‐2‐hydroxy‐1‐phenylbutan‐1‐one as a case study, we performed model‐based experimental analysis to show that such a reaction mechanism can be modeled mechanistically and leads to reasonable kinetic parameters.
Determinants Of Capital Structure Of Croatian Enterprises Before And During The Financial Crisis

This paper analysis capital structure determinants of Croatian enterprises based on a cross-sectional data for pre-recession 2007 and recession 2010 comprising about 10,000 firms. Determinants are selected with reference to the relevant capital structure theories and include asset tangibility, profitability, firm size and business risk. The results indicate highly positive significant impact of tangibility and negative significant impact of profitability on financial leverage in both observed years. Firm size seems to be statistically significant at higher level in crisis period, but at the same time no relationship can be found between business risk and financial leverage that is of economic significance.
A STEADY-STATE ALIGNMENT FRONT IN AN ACCRETION DISK SUBJECTED TO LENSE–THIRRING TORQUES

Using only physical mechanisms, i.e., 3D magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) with no phenomenological viscosity, we have simulated the dynamics of a moderately thin accretion disk subject to torques whose radial scaling mimics those produced by lowest-order post-Newtonian gravitomagnetism. In this simulation, we have shown how, in the presence of MHD turbulence, a time-steady transition can be achieved between an inner disk region aligned with the equatorial plane of the central mass’s spin and an outer region orbiting in a different plane. The position of the equilibrium orientation transition is determined by a balance between gravitomagnetic torque and warp-induced inward mixing of misaligned angular momentum from the outer disk. If the mixing is interpreted in terms of diffusive transport, the implied diffusion coefficient is ≃(0.6–0.8) c s 2 / &OHgr; ? > for sound speed cs and orbital frequency Ω. This calibration permits estimation of the orientation transition’s equilibrium location given the central mass, its spin parameter, and the disk’s surface density and scaleheight profiles. However, the alignment front overshoots before settling into an equilibrium, signaling that a diffusive model does not fully represent the time-dependent properties of alignment fronts under these conditions. Because the precessional torque on the disk at the alignment front is always comparable to the rate at which misaligned angular momentum is brought inward to the front by warp-driven radial motions, no break forms between the inner and outer portions of the disk in our simulation. Our results also raise questions about the applicability to MHD warped disks of the traditional distinction between “bending wave” and “diffusive” regimes.
Technology and foreign language anxiety: Implications for practice and future research

It is evident that technology plays an important role in the foreign language teaching and learning processes, whereas foreign language anxiety (FLA) is one of the considerable affective variables that influence adversely the aforementioned processes. However, how the use of technology affects FLA levels has not been drawn attention among researchers. It should be also stated that the results of current studies on the issue have been mixed. Thus, this study presents a brief research synthesis on the issue to make practical recommendations for target groups and researchers to guide further research. The study concludes that while research results have not reached a consensus, the use of technology has a reducing effect on FLA in the scope of the results obtained from the studies reviewed. Finally, the study ends with practical recommendations for target groups and researchers.
Orofacial Motor Functions and Temporomandibular Disorders in Patients With Sjögren's Syndrome

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) induces difficulty in chewing and swallowing due to low salivary flow. However, these symptoms may be associated with other factors, such as orofacial myofunctional disorders and temporomandibular disorder (TMD), which have not been comprehensively assessed in this population. The aims of this study were to investigate orofacial muscles and functions as well as the presence of TMD in patients with SS compared with a group without SS and to analyze whether the patients’ experience of limitations in orofacial functioning is associated with the orofacial functional status and muscle pain related to TMD.
The effect of diaphragm wave propagation on the analysis of pounding structures

Building pounding is frequently observed during earthquakes in regions of dense urban populations, with damage levels ranging from cosmetic to catastrophic for buildings with insufficient separation. While the numerical modeling of pounding has significantly pro- gressed in recent years, significant uncertainty still remains in many collision properties. The collision force itself is highly dependent on the stiffness of the so called 'collision element', yet this stiffness is not well characterized in the existing literature. This paper identifies building pounding as the collision of two distributed masses and subse- quently analyses the collision in terms of the one dimensional wave equation. Collision prop- erties are derived from wave theory and numerically verified, building on the work of previous researchers (1). An 'instant wave' method is proposed as a distributed mass equiva- lent to stereo mechanics. Numerical approximations of distributed masses are assessed in terms of displacement re- sponse. Two building configurations are subjected to 10 second excitations with 5 % modal damping. The collision element stiffness in lumped mass models is also investigated to deter- mine the most accurate response. It is found that at least three nodal masses connected by ax- ial spring elements should be used to represent each diaphragm in order to provide consistently accurate displacement results. The contact element stiffness should be calculated with � = 1 and the element stiffness of the stiffer diaphragm should be used in this calculation.
An Update on the Use of Peer Tutoring and Students with Emotional and Behavioural Disorders.

This article presents an update of the research on the use of peer tutoring and students with emotional and behavioural disorders (EBD). Nine studies from 2001 to 2007 were identified in which students with EBD served as tutors and/or tutees to teach their peers academic and social behaviours. Five of these studies included elementary students, two included middle school students, and two in-cluded high school students. Only one study (i.e., Tournaki & Criscitiello, 2003) was implemented in the general education classroom. Peer tutoring continues to be implemented across levels of schooling with the majority of research being conducted at the elementary level in reading with continued secondary interests on the effects of behavioural issues and social skills. Clearly, there is still a need for this intervention to be validated in the middle and secondary classrooms, but specifically, with students with EBD in the general education setting. ISSN 1918-5227 This Article is brought to you by Scholarship@Western. It has been accepted for inclusion in Exceptionality Education International by an authorized administrator of Scholarship@Western. For more information, please contact jspecht@uwo.ca. Recommended Citation Spencer, V. G. , Simpson, C. G. , & Oatis, T. L. (2009) An Update on the Use of Peer Tutoring and Students with Emotional and Behavioural Disorders. Exceptionality Education International, 19, 2-13. Retrieved from http://ir.lib. uwo.ca/eei/vol19/iss1/2
Influence of Micropolar Lubrication on the Performance of 4-Pocket Capillary Compensated Conical Hybrid Journal Bearing

The present paper deals with a theoretical analysis of 4-pocket capillary compensated conical hybrid journal bearing system operating with micropolar lubricant. The modified Reynolds equation for a conical journal bearing system operating with micropolar lubricant has been derived. In the present study, Eringen's micropolar theory has been used to model micropolar lubrication in cylindrical coordinate system. The study has been carried out for the different values of micropolar parameters, that is, characteristic length () and coupling number (). The conical bearing configurations having semicone angle 10∘, 20∘, 30∘, and 40∘ have been studied. The study suggests that micropolar lubricant offers better performance vis- a-vis Newtonian lubricant for bearing configurations having values of semicone angle 10∘and 20∘.
SEASONAL ABUNDANCE OF THE ASIAN CITRUS PSYLLID, DIAPHORINA CITRI (HOMOPTERA: PSYLLIDAE) IN SOUTHERN FLORIDA

Abstract Seasonal abundance of the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, was studied weekly in two orange jasmine [Murraya paniculata (L.) Jack] plots in southern Florida from October 1998 to October 1999. Psyllid populations occur throughout the season on orange jasmine in southern Florida. Population peaks were observed in October, November, and December in 1998, and May and August in 1999. Psyllid population levels were positively related to the availability of new shoot flushes which were in turn related to the weekly minimum temperature and rainfall. Natural enemies were not key factors in regulating populations during the study period. The populations of adult psyllids were also studied weekly on potted orange jasmine and grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Macfadyen) plants from June 1999 to July 2000. The population levels of psyllid on both host plants were not significantly different and general population trends on the two hosts were similar over time. Continuous shoot flushes produced by orange jasmine could play an important role in maintaining high populations of this insect when new shoot flushes were not available in the commercial citrus groves.
On interfacial instability as a cause of transverse subcritical bed forms

Recent experimental results suggest there are at least two distinct bed form initiation processes. Bed forms may be generated from local bed defects that are propagated down and across stream by flow separation processes when sediment transport is patchy and sporadic. Alternatively, bed form development may occur over the whole bed at once when sediment transport is general and widespread. Herein, we critically test a simple model for this latter bed form initiation mode that was originally presented by H. ‐K. Liu in 1957 but not tested because of the complex nature of the measurements required. The theory is based on the idea that a moving sand bed might be likened to a dense fluid and that a hydrodynamic instability develops at the interface between the sediment transport layer and the near‐bed fluid, leading to the organization of the transport system into laterally extended, discrete bed forms. Our predicted initial bed form lengths are within 10% of the lengths observed in a series of flume experiments, suggesting that transverse waveforms on sand beds sheared by unidirectional currents can be initiated as an interfacial hydrodynamic instability of Kelvin‐Helmholtz type when the current is sufficiently vigorous to produce general sediment movement, that is, to create a sediment transport layer that acts as a pseudofluid with density composed of solid and fluid components.
Population demography and spatial distribution of the mantis shrimp Squilla biformis (Stomatopoda, Squillidae) from Pacific Costa Rica

The mantis shrimp Squilla biformis is the most conspicuous and abundant stomatopod captured during benthic trawling operations off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Due to its abundance, this species is considered a potential fisheries resource for the region. Nevertheless, its life history is practically unknown. The present study describes the population demography, spatial distribution and behaviour of S. biformis from Pacific Costa Rica. The population was principally composed of individuals between 20 and 32 mm carapace length (CL), forming 2 age groups. Individuals of 35 to 45 mm CL and >45 mm CL were poorly represented. We assume that larger individuals are more fre- quent at greater depths (probably on the continental slope), thus out of the reach of the fishing ves- sels used in our study. Males outnumbered females, as observed in other stomatopods. Visual evi- dence of their behaviour demonstrates that the adults in this species possess a benthic and pelagic life style. Largest numbers of individuals (50% of the total) were found between 240 to 260 m, the same bathymetric range that was historically occupied by commercial shrimps. This shift may be related to intense fishing activities. We observed a synchronized moulting of females and males during less luminous (third and fourth) lunar phases. The evolutionary development of a group moulting system could confer advantages to S. biformis in comparison to other stomatopods whose moulting process is individual and asynchronous.
Progressive improvement in short‐, medium‐ and long‐term graft survival in kidney transplantation patients in Ireland – a retrospective study

It is often quoted that while short‐term graft survival in kidney transplantation has improved in recent years, it has not translated into a commensurate improvement in long‐term graft survival. We considered whether this was true of the entire experience of the national kidney transplant program in Ireland. A retrospective analysis of the National Kidney Transplant Service (NKTS) database was undertaken to investigate patient and graft survival for all adult first deceased donor kidney transplant recipients in Ireland, 1971–2015. Three thousand two hundred and sixty recipients were included in this study. Kaplan–Meier methods were used to estimate survival at each time period post transplant for the various eras of transplantation. Uncensored graft survival has improved over the course of the program in Ireland at various time points despite risk factors for graft failure progressively increasing over successive eras. For example the graft survival at 15 years post transplant has increased from 10% in 1971–1975 to 45% by 1996–2000. Ireland has experienced a progressive improvement in long‐term graft survival following kidney transplantation. Whether these trends are attributable to biological or nonbiological factors is unclear but likely involves a combination of both.
Molecular characterization and virulence of Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae against Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) larvae

Entomopathogenic fungi considerably vary in their action and virulence mode. The contamination mainly depends on the adhesion and penetration of the fungus in the host integument. Four isolates from Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae were molecularly characterized by rDNA-ITS sequencing. Their virulence against last instar larvae of Galleria mellonella and Tenebrio molitor at four conidia concentrations: 1×106, 1×107, 1×108 and 1×109 conidia.ml-1 were in vitro evaluated and the lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC90) as lethal time (LT50 and LT90) were determined. Sequencing of rDNA-ITS 500 bp fragments allowed the identification of Ma10MI, Ma12MI, Ma58MI and Ma11MI isolates as M. anisopliae and Bb11MI, Bb79MI, Bb53MI and Bb27MI isolates as B. bassiana by sequence comparison to GenBank. According to the pathogenicity test, B. bassiana strains with higher performance for G. mellonella were Bb53MI and Bb79MI with LC50= 3.98×107 and 1.04×107 conidia.ml-1 and LT50= 5.46 and 5.27 days, respectively, as well as to T. molitor was Bb79MI with LC50= 1.03×107 conidia.ml-1 and LT50= 5.57 days. The M. anisopliae strains with the best performance were Ma58MI and Ma10MI both T. molitor (LC50= 1.0×106 and 1.0×107 conidia.ml-1 and LT50= 4.06 and 5.22 days, respectively) and G. mellonella (LC50= 6.3×107 and 1.1×108 conidia.ml-1 and LT50= 5.18 and 6.37 days, respectively), these isolates might be considered as new promising candidates for the microbial pest control. Key words: Pathogenicity, molecular taxonomy, entomopathogenic fungi, microbial control.
A New and Threatened Insular Species of Lancehead from Southeastern Brazil

Abstract We describe a new species of Bothrops from Vitória Island, off the coast of São Paulo, southeastern Brazil. The new species differs from the mainland coastal populations of B. jararaca mostly in its smaller and stouter body, number and form of scales, and hemipenial morphology. From B. insularis and B. alcatraz, both related species endemic to islands in southeastern Brazil, B. otavioi sp. nov. differs mainly in its body form and number of scales. The new species has the most common mitochondrial haplotype for mainland populations of B. jararaca, which is also found in B. alcatraz. A mitochondrial genealogy (gene tree) shows the new species nested within the northern clade of B. jararaca. This genealogical pattern can be explained by a recent speciation event for B. otavioi sp. nov. The isolation of insular species of Bothrops from continental ancestor populations are probably related to the same vicariant process, the oscillations of sea level during the Pleistocene. The new species feeds on small hylid frogs, and attains sexual maturity at 388 mm snout–vent length (SVL; males) and 692 mm SVL (females). Bothrops otavioi sp. nov. is endemic to Vitória Island, and should be listed as critically endangered because it is known from only a single area (an island), its geographic range covers less than 100 km2, and there is a projected continuing decline in the quality of its habitat because of increasing human settlement.
Pattern of dopamine signaling during aversive events predicts active avoidance learning

Significance Exposure to aversive stimuli can elicit a range of responses across a population, with some readily learning to avoid the aversive outcome whereas others do not. The neurotransmitter dopamine is thought to regulate behavioral responses to aversive stimuli. However, it is unclear whether intrinsic differences in dopamine signaling can account for the diversity of actions exhibited in response to an aversive event. We performed voltammetry recordings of dopamine transmission in the ventral striatum of rodents exposed to inescapable and escapable aversive stimuli. These experiments 1) identified the characteristics of the dopamine response during an aversive event that are predictive of learning to avoid aversive outcomes and 2) demonstrated that dopamine encodes a safety prediction error signal. Learning to avoid aversive outcomes is an adaptive strategy to limit one’s future exposure to stressful events. However, there is considerable variance in active avoidance learning across a population. The mesolimbic dopamine system contributes to behaviors elicited by aversive stimuli, although it is unclear if the heterogeneity in active avoidance learning is explained by differences in dopamine transmission. Furthermore, it is not known how dopamine signals evolve throughout active avoidance learning. To address these questions, we performed voltammetry recordings of dopamine release in the ventral medial striatum throughout training on inescapable footshock and signaled active avoidance tasks. This approach revealed differences in the pattern of dopamine signaling during the aversive cue and the safety period that corresponded to subsequent task performance. Dopamine transmission throughout the footshock bout did not predict performance but rather was modulated by the prior stress exposure. Additionally, we demonstrate that dopamine encodes a safety prediction error signal, which illustrates that ventral medial striatal dopamine release conveys a learning signal during both appetitive and aversive conditions.