Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
UNIVERSITY OF WAIKATO Hamilton New Zealand Does Respondent Perception of the Status Quo Matter in Non-Market Valuation with Choice Experiments? An Application to New Zealand Freshwater Streams

In environmental valuation studies with stated preference methods, researchers often provide descriptions of status quo conditions which may differ from those perceived by respondents. Ignoring this difference in utility baselines may affect the magnitude of utility changes and hence bias the implied estimates of benefits from the proposed environmental policies. We investigate this issue using data from a choice experiment on a community’s willingness to pay for water quality improvements in streams. More than 60 percent of respondents perceived the description of the quality of water in streams to be better than the one we provided in our scenario. Our results show that respondents who could provide details of their perception of the status quo displayed stronger preferences for water quality improvements hence a higher marginal willingness to pay than their counterparts. Respondents who opted for their own status quo description displayed a higher inclination to remain in the status quo, while their counterparts displayed the contrary. We argue this might be linked to the amount of knowledge each group displayed about the status quo: a kind of reluctance to leave what one knows well.
Forestry policy and poverty: the case of community forestry in Nepal

Common forests in developing countries are valuable sources of raw material supplies, employment and income generation, particularly for low income households. This paper looks at the effect on income and employment when common forest resources have external policies that constrain their use. Using a mixed-integer linear programming model, this study examines the impacts of conservation-oriented community forest policies in Nepal on three household income groups. The results show that current community forest policies, which focus on environmental outcomes through forest use restriction for environment conservation and timber production, result in a large reduction in employment and income of the poorest households and largely explain the recent increase in poverty of rural areas.
The effect of virtual labs toward students' understanding of physics based on gender

The concept of physics consists of concrete and abstract concepts. Students should be able to master the concept of physics as well as to be able to solve problems in physics. Students' concept mastery can be improved with technology-based learning. The study was conducted at three different high schools. We investigated the students' mastery improvement in physics learning assisted by virtual lab media. The sample was chosen using purposive sampling resulting 34 male students and 36 female students. The results showed that there was increase in entire students' concept mastery. In general, male students' mastery on the concept was higher than the female students. In particular, male students demonstrated higher mastery of higher con-cepts on higher cognitive aspects (analyzing, synthesizing, creating), while female students had a higher ability in the lower cognitive aspects (remembering, understanding, and applying).
Intraday Dynamics of Volatility and Duration: Evidence from the Chinese Stock Market

We propose a new joint model of intraday returns and durations to study the dynamics of several Chinese stocks. We include IBM from the U.S. market for comparison purposes. Flexible innovation distributions are used for durations and returns, and the total variance of returns is decomposed into different volatility components associated with different transaction horizons. Our new model strongly dominates existing specifications in the literature. The conditional hazard functions are non-monotonic and there is strong evidence for different volatility components. Although diurnal patterns, volatility components, and market microstructure implications are similar across the markets, there are interesting differences. Durations for lightly traded Chinese stocks tend to carry more information than heavily traded stocks. Chinese investors usually have longer investment horizons, which may be explained by the specific trading rules in China.
MODELING WOOD STRANDS AS MULTI-LAYER COMPOSITES: BENDING AND TENSION LOADS

Wood strands are composed of distinct layers of earlywood and latewood material. Previous research has demonstrated that latewood mechanical properties may be two to three times greater than earlywood mechanical properties. However, wood composite modeling assumes strands are uniform, homogenous elements. This paper investigated the effect of considering wood strands as two-layer composites consisting of earlywood and latewood, or intra-ring, layers. Experimental measurement of the intra-ring properties of loblolly pine ( P. taeda ) provided inputs to finite element models using both solid layers and cellular layers to represent longitudinal tracheids. The models were compared with three different types of strands cut at various orientations (flatsawn, quartersawn, non-aligned cut) in both tension and bending loadings. The model prediction of strand stiffness greatly improved by considering the strands as 2-layer composites compared to homogenous sections. Further improvements of the prediction of stiffness were made from modeling cellular layers rather than solid layers. The rule of mixtures predictions of stiffness produced good agreement for the non-aligned strands in both tension and bending loading, but only good agreement in the tension loading for the flatsawn strand. Examining the stress distributions of the strands from the finite element model, the solid models showed distinct stress changes at the edges of the intra-ring layers, indicating stress concentrations at the boundaries of the intra-ring layers. The cellular models showed a much more gradual stress transition between the intra-ring layers, which is a more realistic scenario.
The effect of ISOFIX on booster seat performance in UN regulation no. 129 front impact tests

ISOFIX was conceived as an alternative to the seat belt for installing integral child restraint systems (e.g. harness seats). However, ISOFIX-like attachments are now offered on some non-integral child restraints (booster seats). In such cases, the booster seat is attached to the car using the ISOFIX anchorages, with the child secured by the seat belt. This is usually provided as a ‘comfort feature’ to assist in the positioning of the booster seat and to ensure it is secure in the event of a crash when unoccupied. ISOFIX is not thought to convey significant safety benefits (or disbenefits) for children in booster seats; however, very little research has been carried out. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ISOFIX on booster seat performance in front impact. The paper presents a series of sled experiments using fully instrumented Q-Series dummies. The same booster seat was used in all experiments, but it was installed in one of four conditions: no ISOFIX attachments; ISOFIX fitted, but stowed away; ISOFIX used with deformable attachments (that allowed the booster seat to translate, while remaining attached); ISOFIX with fixed attachments (with no translation of the booster seat). The frontal impact test procedure specified in United Nations (UN) Regulation No. 129 was followed in all experiments. ISOFIX generally had marginal effects on the performance of the booster seat in these tests. However, pelvis displacement (with respect to the booster) was greater with fixed ISOFIX attachments. In this condition, the dummy and the booster seat were less well coupled, compared with the other installation modes, but submarining was not observed. Measurements associated with compressive loading of the torso (i.e. chest deflection and abdomen pressure) were expected to be lower when ISOFIX was used (based on previously reported tests), but this was not observed uniformly. Effects of the dummy design, such as head-to-chest contact and diagonal belt slippage may have influenced its sensitivity to differences in booster seat installation modes. Nevertheless, deformable ISOFIX attachments appeared to offer the benefit of ensuring the dummy and booster seat were coupled together throughout the impact, while reducing the potential for compressive loading to the torso. These findings suggest that the current practice of offering consumers a choice with respect to the provision of ISOFIX on booster seats is appropriate. UN Regulation No. 129 is being amended to include booster seats. They can be approved with or without ISOFIX attachments, but where present, they must be stowable. This study supports this philosophy; however, it was based on one booster seat only (installed in different attachment modes). Different trends might be observed in other booster seats. Furthermore, this study focussed on front impact. Other impact directions (such as side impact) might yield different results.
Theoretical basis of supply management: theoretical and practical contributions of agency theory

This research evaluates the possible contributions of agency theory to supply management. Based on the purchasing year cycle, which outlines the most important tasks of supply management, the purchaser faces 4 critical decision points: make-or-buy, sourcing strategies, supplier relationship strategies as well as contract awarding. The outcomes confirm that agency theory can be a valuable supportive tool to the decision-making process of the purchasing professional concerning sourcing strategies and contract awarding. Agency theory helps create sourcing strategies by taking into account the degree of market uncertainty and offers behavioral- as well as outcome-based contractual mechanisms in order to assure supply. It helps further at the stage of contract awarding by mitigating information asymmetry and opportunistic behavior through agency costs and the right contractual choice in order to align the interests of the principal and agent. Further, agency theory alone seems not to be helpful concerning make-or-buy decisions. However, by extending agency theory with the variable of ‘asset specificity’ from transaction cost economics, a supporting framework to make-or-buy decisions can be established. Agency theory seems not to be useful in establishing supplier-relationship strategies, due to its aim to reduce information asymmetries. Information asymmetries, however, are often a prerequisite in order to engage in relationships, which aim at boosting innovation.
MATHEMATICAL BEAUTY AND ITS CHARACTERISTICS- A STUDY ON THE STUDENT'S POINT OF VIEW

Based on the statement, that the experience of mathematical beauty has a positive influence on students' motivations and attitudes towards mathematics and its study, the focus of this paper is the aesthetic component of mathematics. First, the role of aesthetics for perception and education is addressed. The appreciation of the beauty of mathematics is one of the wellsprings of this subject, not only in research but also in school education. This should have implications for the teaching of mathematics. However the beauty making elements have not been very well analysed. In particular, it is not clear to what extent the criteria for aesthetics found in literature are in agreement with emotions of students. A study on this topic is presented below. It involves students out of grades 5 to 12, as well as university mathematics teacher students, and reveals similarities and differences between the views of students of different educational levels.
Alternative Dispute Resolution in Brunei Darussalam: The Blending of Imported and Traditional Processes

extract] The parallel, but separate, systems of courts that co-exist today in Brunei are a result of these two distinctive imported influences. The British legacy is manifest in the Civil Court system whilst the Islamic inheritance is apparent in the newly reformed system, of Syariah Courts. Whilst the former was retained postindependence to be the dominant institution in the Sultanate’s legal system, recent reforms to the Islamic courts and to Islamic laws have signalled the Sultan’s commitment to increasing their role and significance for Brunei’s predominantly Malay, Muslim population. This is consistent with the nation’s ideology, Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB), designed to promote and uphold Malay culture, Islam and the institution of the monarchy as indispensable components in Bruneian development. Inevitably, MIB also impacts upon the current priorities for dispute resolution, including those processes other than adjudication employed in courts, whether the secular common law or the religious Syariah court systems. It is two of these ‘alternative’ processes, specifically arbitration and mediation, that are the main focus of this article.
Dairy Industry of Pakistan

The livestock sector alone contributes 11% of Pakistan’s GDP, with an estimated 42 billion litres of milk produced per annum. Economic Survey of Pakistan 2009 assertions that Pakistan has a herd size of around 63 million animals – the 3rd largest in the world. After witnessing all the issues regarding the dairy industry of Pakistan, it can be concluded that the dairy industry possesses potential of growth and is very important from economic perspective. The major problem with dairy farming in Pakistan is the low milk yields of Pakistani cattle and buffaloes. This low production potential of Pakistani animals is mainly attributable to a few clearly identifiable issues such as lack of a systematic national breed improvement program, lack of availability of good quality fodder and nutrients and poor farm management practices. On average a dairy animal in Pakistan yields 6-8 times less milk than a dairy animal of the developed world. So Pakistan needs to have a coordinated and integrated strategy/approach beginning from enhancing per animal productivity, going straight to milk procedures/procurement and minimize the wastage.
An extent analysis of 3PL provider selection criteria: A case on Turkey cement sector

Abstract Outsourcing has become an increasingly popular means for businesses to improve their efficiency. Logistics outsourcing can be described as transferring some of the logistics functions to an external firm. This paper aims to identify the selection criteria that are used by logistics service providers in Turkey’s cement sector in choosing the third-party service provider. By drawing focus on Chang’s Extent Analysis on Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP), the present paper evaluates cost, service/operation quality, competencies, general attributes of firms and relational factors as the main criteria, and considers explanatory 29 sub-criteria. In doing so, a questionnaire that was prepared in the pairwise comparison model was used as a large sample to collect data from a total of 25 experts working in 14 cement companies. As a result, the analysis identifies service/operation quality as the most important one among the main criteria, and determines the service price as the most preferred criterion among the sub-criteria. The study and results both provides particular insight into a specific sector as it is based on the data collected from a large number of experts in one sector, and offers an opportunity for other sectors from the same point of view.
The Effect of Rate on Tone Burst Extratympanic Electrocochleography in Adults with Normal Hearing

The recording of electrocochleography (ECochG) to tone burst stimuli with a high rate is hypothesized to provide advantages over standard click ECochG with slow rate. Specifically, the use of tone burst stimuli presented at a high rate may enhance the summating potential (SP) while also reducing neural contributions in the response. To allow for the analysis of the complex ECochG responses to high rates, the Continuous Loop Averaging Deconvolution (CLAD) technique was employed to deconvolve the responses. This study examined the effect of high rate and stimulus duration on the SP amplitude of tone burst extratympanic ECochG in 20 adult females with normal hearing. ECochG was recorded using 500 Hz and 2000 Hz stimuli with varied durations (12 ms, 6 ms, 3 ms) and five rates ranging from 7.1/s to 234.38/s. Within-subject repeated measures (rate x duration) analysis of variance were conducted. For both 500 Hz and 2000 Hz, the mean deconvolved SP amplitudes were larger at faster rates compared to slower rates, and larger at shorter duration than longer duration. With the long durations, the increase in SP amplitude with high rate is thought to be due to changes in cochlear mechanics and nonlinearity of the inner hair cells. However, the large amplitude measured in the short duration conditions is mostly due to the contribution of the action potential in the recording. Our study supports the use of the CLAD technique with tone burst ECochG and provides normative data upon which further research can build.
Guide to cost benefit analysis of community-based interventions

This paper offers a general guide on how to conduct a proper economic analysis for community-based intervention projects. Identification and quantification of costs and benefits are the focus of the cost benefit analysis. We categorize costs and benefits from human and physical perspectives and pay special attention to the measures of saving human lives accompanied by the proposed calculation methods. We recommend net present value and benefit-cost ratio as the criteria to assess projects and highlight some challenges remaining in the analysis.
Winning Hearts and Minds Through Development: Evidence from a Field Experiment in Afghanistan

In areas afflicted by civil conflict, development projects can potentially serve an important counterinsurgency function by redressing grievances of marginalized groups and reducing violence. Using a large-scale randomized field experiment in Afghanistan, this paper explores whether the inclusion of villages in the country's largest development program alters perceptions of well-being, attitudes toward government, and violence in surrounding areas. The results indicate that the program generally has a positive effect on all three measures, but has no effects in areas with high levels of initial violence. These findings demonstrate that development programs can buttress government support and limit the onset of insurgencies in relatively secure areas, but that their effectiveness is more constrained in areas where insurgents are already active.
Recent Advances and Thermophysical Properties of Acetate-based Protic Ionic Liquids

Protic Ionic Liquids (PILs), a substantial branch of the infamous Ionic Liquids (ILs) have gained much attention in recent years. They have been the “go-to” solvent of choice in many areas such as chromatography, catalysis, fuel cells, biological applications etc., due to their thermophysical properties and their ability to be tunable based on task specificity. This review covers two parts, namely; a brief description on the thermophysical properties of acetate PILs (density, speed of sound, viscosity and decomposition temperature) and its current applications in the industry. The collation of the physicochemical data consents structure-property trends would be discussed, and these can be used as a foundation for the development of new PILs to achieve specific properties. Economically, PILs have been suggested as “greener” alternatives to conventional solvents in various industrial applications hence, in order to assess their suitability for such purposes, a thorough evaluation of their mutagenicity, toxicity and carcinogenicity is crucial. cells [15] and biocatalysts [16]. PILs also have been widely used as a Bronsted acid or base [17] in many acid-base-catalyzed organic reactions such as Knoevenagel condensation [18], Diels-Alder reaction [19], Aldol condensation [20], Fischer esterification [21] and Pinacol rearrangement [22] because of their nontoxic, non-volatile and recyclable nature in comparison with mineral acids. PILs are cheaper to prepare than their counterpart, the AILS. This is due to the simple method for high purity preparation of PILs however, even though they have been known for over a century, only recently has their potential been recognized [23]. In comparison to the work on AILs, there have been very few investigations into the structure of PILs and to date has been limited to the structure of the neat PILs, without the effect of additives being explored. The interest in PILs sparked due to the simple synthesis procedure, low cost of preparation and purification, and also their claimed biodegradable nature [9]. However, the use of any sort of IL requires an in depth knowledge of their thermophysical properties to deem it suitable to be extended from the laboratory to industrial level. The scarce current knowledge of the thermophysical properties of PILs is a barrier for their development for industrial applications [24]. However, apart from good technical performance, the current European Union environmental legislation and REACH (Regulation concerning registration, evaluation, authorization and restriction of chemicals) demands data of the safety of chemicals biodegradation and eco toxicity. As PILs are newly emerging, it is vital to assess their level of hazard before they can be safely employed for use [25]. This review then, encompasses the thermophysical properties of acetate PILs, which includes density, viscosity, speed of sound and Chemical Sciences Journal C he ica l Sciences Jurna l
Study of Arthropoda associated with the windrow composting of municipal solid waste

Many Arthropoda are active in degradation of decomposable components of municipal solid waste and can develop their complete life cycle or a part of it in compost pile. The aim of the study was to identify Arthropoda living in the compost pile during the composting process. This descriptive study was carried out by sampling a compost pile in the research center of Kashan University of Medical Sciences that lasted 63 days. 11 samples were taken in order to evaluate individuals of Arthropoda present at different stages of compost and also 11 separate samples were taken for the determination of physical and chemical characteristics of compost and transferred to laboratory. During composting process of solid wastes four classes including Insecta (73.44%), Arachnida (24.47%), Chilopoda (1.19%) and Diplopoda (0.9%) with respect to immature and adult were identified. Class Insecta, order Diptera (39.11%) was among the most abundant and diverse groups reported. The results of the present work showed that composting, due to the presence of high quantity of organic matters and food naturally attracts many Arthropoda that convert the materials into biomass. Therefore, the proper site selection has a great importance in the location of compost sites. o
An Empirical Study of the Method Effect in Analysing the Adoption of IFRS

This study investigates the consequences of using different methods when making conclusions about the effect of IFRS. The study’s contribution is related to the suggestion that research design must be considered when analysing the results of prior studies on the adoption of IFRS. In summary, our results demonstrate that the impact of IFRS on accounting quality measured as financial analysts’ information environment depends on the model used. Using the same model as in prior research (the BKLS model) our results confirm earlier studies that IFRS adoption improves the information environment for analysts. However, when using a more sophisticated model no such improvement can be found.