Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The exchange of Intermediate Water in the southeast Atlantic: Water mass transformations diagnosed from the Lagrangian analysis of a regional ocean model

[1] Results from a regional ocean model and numerical Lagrangian analyses are compared with in situ measurements to describe the properties and dynamics of Antarctic Intermediate Water (AAIW) in the region of the Cape Basin. The AAIW that originates in the South Atlantic (A-AAIW) at 8°W follows two branches. A southern branch, flowing mostly south of 40°S, is blocked by topography and is deflected westward without significant changes in its physical properties. A northern branch crosses the Cape Basin with strong modification of its physical properties. The AAIW that originates in the Indian Ocean (I-AAIW) flows into the Atlantic Ocean via the Agulhas Current and undergoes small physical changes in the Cape Basin. In the model, the salinity ranges of A-AAIW and I-AAIW cores that reach the southeast Atlantic are 34.2–34.5 and 34.5–34.6, respectively. The modeled AAIW distribution and behavior compare well with observations, despite a bias of +0.2 in salinity. To investigate the dynamical processes involved in the interocean exchanges of these AAIW varieties, we use diagnoses based on the Okubo-Weiss parameter and the directional variations of trajectories of particles transported by the model velocity field. Our results suggest that I-AAIW flows into the Cape Basin more within eddies, and particularly within cyclones, than A-AAIW. Once the mixing of both varieties operates, physical and behavioral differences fade and the resulting AAIW flows over the Walvis Ridge in a less turbulent way as part of the Benguela Current, with salinity between 34.55 and 34.6.
Value relevance of comprehensive income and its components: Evidence from major European capital markets

This study investigates the extent to which three key summary accounting income figures, namely operating income, net income and comprehensive income, provide value-relevant information to investors in Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the UK. Using a large sample over the pre-IAS-compliance period 1992-2004, we find that all these three accounting income measures are statistically associated with share returns in any of the countries under analysis although our results show some disparities in the degree of ‘usefulness’ across country samples. Our main results are then threefold. We first provide evidence that comprehensive income is less value-relevant than both the bottom-line and operating income figures in all the sample countries. Second, our results show that aggregate other comprehensive income (or dirty surplus flow) is value-relevant and provides incremental price-relevant information beyond net income in most of the sample countries. This finding is rather different from the existing literature based in the US and UK that suggests other comprehensive income is generally not value-relevant especially when it is not separately disclosed in financial statements. Finally, we find that increased transparency on reporting other comprehensive income in financial statements as required by the UK (FRS3) and US (SFAS130) accounting standards may have warranted a stronger statistical association between firm share returns and comprehensive income. This last finding therefore strongly supports the ideology underlying the IASB/FASB joint project on ‘Performance Reporting’, and also provides evidence supporting Beaver’s (1981) and Hirst and Hopkins’ (1998) psychology-based financial reporting theory.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS: SOME LESSONS FROM THE PILOT TISSUE-CULTURE (TC) BANANA PRODUCTION PROMOTION PROJECT IN KENYA, 1997-2002

This article is based on a socio-economic impact study of the introduction and adoption of tissue-culture (tc) technology in banana production in Kenya. It attempts to demonstrate that a prudent introduction and promotion of a new biotechnological innovation in farming can make a positive contribution to the socio-economic status of resource poor farmers in a developing country, such as Kenya. Adoption of tc technology in banana production in Kenya is considered a good example of biotechnological applications in agriculture. Hence the article hopes to make a contribution to recent debates at international levels as to whether biotechnology can make a difference in uplifting the living standards of people in the third world (Qaim, 1999; Graff, et al 2002; Qaim, et al 2002) by showing that it actually does so, using experiences from Kenya. The study utilizes both primary and secondary data sources. The results show that tc-banana production is relatively more capital intensive than non-tc banana production (re: about 70% fixed costs for tc banana versus about 49% fixed costs for non-tc banana). However, tc-banana production is found to offer relatively much higher financial returns than non-tc banana production. The high profitability of tc-banana production relative to traditional (non-tc) banana production and other farm enterprises in the pilot tc-banana project area in Kenya demonstrates the importance of biotechnological applications in rural development and shows that biotechnology can make a difference in uplifting the living standards of people in the third world. Therefore, efforts to promote tc-banana production in Kenya are justifiable from both food security and economic criteria.
Liberalized Markets Have More Stable Exchange Rates : Short-Run Evidence from Four Transition Coutries

This paper examines the hypothesis that financial market liberalization can create a basis for more stable exchange rates, as deviations of exchange rates from equilibrium levels, defined here as the Hodrick-Prescott filter, bring forth stabilizing flows of liquidity. This “endogenous liquidity” hypothesis is relevant in the context of the gradual switch from pegs to floats in Central European countries – both to the extent that pegs are more difficult to maintain in liquid markets that respond quickly to participants’ changing perceptions and to the extent that such markets create more favorable conditions for a market-determined exchange rate.
Effect of varieties on physicochemical and pasting characteristics of water yam flours and starches

Water yam ( Dioscorea alata ) flour and starch of ten varieties were processed using standard wet-milling procedure prior to the determination of their physico-chemical and pasting properties. The swelling power of the samples was characterized in the category of high restricted-swelling starch (9.21 to 11.03% for flours; 9.49 to 13.80% for starches). This characteristic is desirable for the manufacture of value-added products such as noodles and composite blends with cereals. The pasting temperature (78.05 to 86.13°C, for flours; 80.38 to 86.15°C for starches) and time (4.44 to 5.17 min for flours; 4.53 to 5.17 min for starches) of test varieties indicate higher gelatinization temperature and longer cooking time. Results of analyses of physico-chemical and pasting properties indicated significant differences (P < 0.05) among the varieties. All the varieties studied gave the potentials for the manufacture of these value-added products and non-food applications of starch such as in paper and textile industries. Moreover, the results obtained in this study also show that potential exists for selecting nutritionally superior varieties of D. alata (TDa 297 and TDa 00/00194 for flour, TDa 297 and TDa 98/01183 for starch) and these varieties could be good sources of diets to its consumers and serve as food security in developing countries. Key words: Water yam, physico-chemical, pasting, flour, starch.
Formal equivalence of Poisson structures around Poisson submanifolds

Let (M,π) be a Poisson manifold. A Poisson submanifold P ⊂ M gives rise to a Lie algebroid AP → P. Formal deformations of π around P are controlled by certain cohomology groups associated to AP. Assuming that these groups vanish, we prove that π is formally rigid around P; that is, any other Poisson structure on M, with the same first-order jet along P, is formally Poisson diffeomorphic to π. When P is a symplectic leaf, we find a list of criteria that are sufficient for these cohomological obstructions to vanish. In particular, we obtain a formal version of the normal form theorem for Poisson manifolds around symplectic leaves.
RFLP Mapping of Resistance to Southern Root-Knot Nematode in Soybean

In the USA, the southern root-knot nematode [Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) Chitwoodl (Mi) is a serious pathogen of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill]. The objectives of this study were the following: (i) to use restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) to identify markers associated with quantitative trait loci (QTL) conferring Mi resistance, (ii) to estimate the relative contribution to resistance of each QTL, and (iii) to locate each QTL on the molecular map of the soybean genome. P196354, a plant introduction with a high level of resistance to Mi, was crossed with 'Bossier', a highly susceptible cultivar, and 110 F 2 plants were produced and mapped with 121 RFLP markers. A greenhouse screening procedure was used to determine the level of galling for the F 2:3 lines. Data were analyzed using single-factor and two-factor analysis of variance and interval mapping. Two QTL were identified which mapped to LG-O and LG-G of the USDA/ARS-Iowa State Univ. (USDA/ARS-ISU) soybean RFLP Map. Results showed a major resistance QTL (R 2 = 31%) linked to marker G248A-1 on LG-O. The second QTL (R 2 = 14%) was located on LG-G in the interval from K493H-1 to Cs008D-1 and was dominant with respect to resistance. The two QTL explained 39% of the variation in Mi galling in a multiple QTL model. Marker G248A-1 may he closely linked to the Rmi1 gene. When galling data was classified into three distinct classes, it mapped distally to G248A-1 on LG-O. Mi resistance also was linked to G248A-1 through simulated marker analysis. The root-knot nematode resistance QTL identified were found in duplicated DNA segments.
A review of sources of systematic errors and uncertainties in observations and simulations at 183 GHz

Abstract. Several recent studies have observed systematic differences between measurements in the 183.31 GHz water vapor line by space-borne sounders and calculations using radiative transfer models, with inputs from either radiosondes (radiosonde observations, RAOBs) or short-range forecasts by numerical weather prediction (NWP) models. This paper discusses all the relevant categories of observation-based or model-based data, quantifies their uncertainties and separates biases that could be common to all causes from those attributable to a particular cause. Reference observations from radiosondes, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers, differential absorption lidar (DIAL) and Raman lidar are thus overviewed. Biases arising from their calibration procedures, NWP models and data assimilation, instrument biases and radiative transfer models (both the models themselves and the underlying spectroscopy) are presented and discussed. Although presently no single process in the comparisons seems capable of explaining the observed structure of bias, recommendations are made in order to better understand the causes.
The Facilitator's Role in Elementary Mathematics Professional Development.

This study identified qualities of influential facilitators of elementary mathematics professional development. Extensive research relating to elementary mathematics professional development has emerged over the past three decades. Embedded in this body of research are recommendations for effective practices in professional development and examinations of models that have utilized these effective practices. However, little emphasis has been placed on the role of the facilitator in professional development for elementary mathematics. A phenomenological design was utilized to determine how twenty United States elementary school teachers characterized influential facilitators of professional development. Emerging themes indicate teachers in this sample perceived influential facilitators along five themes: (1) Credibility, (2) Support, (3) Motivation, (4) Management, and (5) Personality. Based on these findings, a multiplicative effect is introduced as a potential framework for increasing teacher motivation during professional development.
Growth and evolution of category fluency network graphs

Background: Category fluency is a sensitive measure of cognitive integrity and is known to involve both frontal and temporal cortical areas. Network graph analysis is a technique used to analyze relationships between nodes and edges and calculate metrics such as path lengths between nodes and clustering coefficients. Objectives: To investigate network growth and preferential attachment in a network model of category fluency. Method: Category fluency results (“animals” recorded over 60 seconds) from subjects (N=374) contacted via telephone were converted to undirected network graphs of all unique neighbors and network parameters were calculated. Growth was also modeled using an extended cognitive network model. Random subsamples of people or of node pairs were used to model network growth and study preferential attachment. Results: The final network had 275 nodes and 2035 edges. The network showed scale free and small world properties, which change with network size. Both methods of modeling connectivity showed exponential growth of nodes and edges as increasing fractions of the complete network were sampled. Preferential attachment was demonstrated by using Newman’s method. Conclusions: Network growth patterns show a sharp transition to scale free and small world properties with early network growth. Networks based on category fluency show preferential attachment and appear to be a valid model for studying network dynamics based on cognitive output.
OULU BUSINESS SCHOOL

Although stockholding rates have experienced slight but steady increment in the last two decades, stock market participation is still very far from universal among people. Finding the root-causes of lower-than-expected stock market participation among people has sparked off many ongoing debates in the area of behavioral finance. Irrespective of general economic prosperity and markets developments, in this thesis we tried to show what other fundamental drivers of stock market participation among individuals are. We took data on 6355 individuals who were born in 1966 in northern Finland and investigated to find most outstanding determinants of stock market participation. According to our analysis, level of education, level of net-wealth and degree of risk seeking are in direct proportion with stock market participation. Additionally, marriage increases the likelihood of stockholding in men whereas married women are less likely to hold stock. One interesting result of our study is that, social interactions do not increase the probability of stockholding. In fact, parameters such as high degree of sociability with spouse, surprisingly created negative effects on probability of stockholding. Even after adding reward dependence variables including sentimentality, attachment and dependence into our regression analysis, the negative effects of within-family social interactions and marriage on stock market participation are strengthened.
Reap What You Sow: Agricultural Productivity, Structural Change and Urbanization

This paper explores the effects of agricultural productivity shocks on structural change. We exploit the invention of hybrid corn seed as an exogenous source of variation in US agricultural productivity. The technology significantly increased land productivity in counties suited to producing corn. Using a difference-in-difference estimation strategy we show that the treatment group experienced structural change as economic activity became more concentrated in agriculture. Owing to the factor bias of the technology, agricultural labor demand increased leading labor to reallocate from manufacturing to agriculture. We also find the rate of urbanization significantly decreases in treated counties, consistent with structural change causing a decrease in living standards. The findings support recent economic theory that argues factor-biased productivity shocks in agriculture can differentially affect structural change and economic development.
Long-Term Evaluations of Northern Pike Experimental Regulations in Minnesota Lakes

The effects of maximum, minimum, and slot length limits (along with one catch-and-release regulation) on sizes and relative abundance of northern pike Esox lucius were evaluated in 23 Minnesota lakes. The regulations began in 1989-1998 and lasted 9-15 years. Pre-regulation information was available back to the 1970s so that evaluation periods covered 21-37 years in each lake. For experimental control, comparisons were made during the same ex- tended period with reference populations from 47 ecologically similar lakes. Although regula- tions did not work in every lake, the broader-scale statewide finding was that regulations improved size structure of northern pike populations but produced no consistent trends in rela- tive abundance. The improvements were detected against the backdrop of reference populations that initially appeared to have similar sizes and relative abundances of northern pike. Maximum length limits protecting fish over 20, 22, or 24 inches total length produced significant long- term increases in percentages of northern pike > 24 inches and > 30 inches compared with ref- erence populations. The percentages of fish > 20 inches increased in all three lakes with 30-inch minimum length limits, but improvements did not carry over to fish > 30 inches. A mix of slot length limits produced results more difficult to interpret, but generally improved size structure. A meta-analysis incorporating all the length regulations indicated that changes in northern pike size structure in regulated lakes relative to unregulated lakes were very large for ecological ex- periments. However, these changes in size structure did not seem to affect yellow perch Perca flavescens and walleye Sander vitreus populations. Length limits protected large northern pike with the expectation that reduced yields were an acceptable trade-off for producing larger fish for recreational fisheries. This study revealed the range and magnitude of responses we can rea- sonably expect from length limits, as well as the substantial value of conserving large fish when the goal is improved population size structure.
1 LONG-TERM IN-VITRO WEAR PERFORMANCE OF AN INNOVATIVE THERMO-COMPRESSED CROSS-LINKED POLYETHYLENE

(Article begins on next page) Anyone can freely access the full text of works made available as "Open Access". Works made available under a Creative Commons license can be used according to the terms and conditions of said license. Use of all other works requires consent of the right holder (author or publisher) if not exempted from copyright protection by the applicable law. Availability: This is the author's manuscript
Thrombocytopenia and platelet transfusions in dengue haemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome

The presence of thrombocytopenia was determined in 1,300 patients with dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) (1,198; 92%) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS) (102; 8%) admitted to four major hospitals in Bandung, Indonesia. A dengue serological test was performed on 1,100 (85%) of the patients with a positive result in 763 (69%), HI test on 243 patients (22%), IgG dengue blot on 489 patients (44%) and IgM dengue blot on 25 patients (2.3%). Since an accurate diagnosis was found only in a small proportion of the cases (positive HI test), all the clinically-diagnosed DHF/DSS cases were analysed. Thrombocyte count of less than 100,000/μl was present in 445 (34%) cases on admission and in 637 (49%) cases during hospitalization. In the serologically-confirmed cases, the prevalence of thrombocytopenia (count less than 100,000/μl) was 58% on admission and 83% during hospitalization. Severe bleeding was recorded in 76 (6%) of all DHF/DSS cases and occurred more often in patients with severe thrombocytopenia. O ne hundred and fifty-six (12%) DHF/DSS cases received a platelet transfusion; among them only 30 (19%) had a platelet count below 25,000/μl. No difference in the frequency of bleeding was observed comparing patients who received or those who did not receive a platelet transfusion (even in those with a platelet count < 25,000/μl). In conclusion, a large number of patients with DHF/DSS in Bandung hospitals receive platelet transfusions, even if thrombocyte counts are above 25,000/μl. This study suggests that in most DHF/DSS cases, platelet transfusions do not influence the incidence of severe bleeding. Treatment costs for DHF/DSS cases could be reduced if these unnecessary platelet transfusions are avoided. Further studies undertaken only in accurately confirmed cases are needed to clarify this finding.
Searching for the social value of a QALY in the Netherlands: The Willingness to Pay for a QALY

Objective: the aim of this study was to elicit the social willingness to pay (WTP) for a Quality Adjusted Life Year (QALY) from the Socially-Inclusive Individual (SII) perspective in the Netherlands. Methods: Respondents valued a hypothetical health state scenario by means of a web-based contingent valuation exercise. The respondents first valued their own health state, using the EQ-5D profile, and were asked to rate their own health, perfect health, death and the hypothetical health state scenario on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Furthermore respondents expressed their WTP for avoiding a decline in health from their own current health state (better) to the hypothetical health state scenario (worse) using a payment scale, followed by a bounded open contingent valuation question. Analysis: WTP per QALY was calculated for QALY gains using both VAS valuations, as well as the Dutch EQ-5D tariffs. Three different scenario’s were created in order to calculate QALY losses (i.e. QALY gains) due to premature death. Differences in WTP per QALY estimates were examined from the perspective of household income and the level of certainty in WTP expressed by respondents. Theoretical validity was analyzed using multivariate regressions. By means of a sensitivity analysis it was investigated whether expressed WTP was sensitive to scale. Results: 498 respondents, representative of the Dutch population, participated in the survey. Mean WTP per QALY was € 65,797 based on Dutch EQ-5D tariffs and € 65,194 based on VAS valuations. Incorporating discounting and a correction for age-related quality of life decline lead to much higher WTP estimates. WTP for a QALY was strongly associated with income, varying from an average of € 43,611 (EQ-5D) and € 43,211 (VAS) in the lowest income group to an average of € 84,505 (EQ-5D) and € 83,730 (VAS) in the highest income group. Regression analyses confirmed expected relations between WTP, size of the QALY gain, income, and some other socio-economic characteristics. Conclusion: Social WTP per QALY values elicited in this study are higher than those found in studies reporting individual WTP values. Social WTP for a QALY is a rather unexplored item and requires more research.