Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bicameralism and Party Politics in Germany: An Empirical Social Choice Analysis

This paper analyses whether and how party politics transform German bicameralism. Based on the policy positions of bicameral legislators, the study computes the win sets, the yolks of each chamber and a Nash solution in order to analyse empirically the effects of party politics on German bicameralism. In comparison to the basic bicameral model, hypotheses on bicameral conflict and policy stability are tested in the case of similar and different party majorities in the two-dimensional policy space of German labour politics. The results show that party politics transform German bicameralism in two ways. Similar majorities collapse bicameral checks-and-balances, while different party majorities come close to the basic bicameral model with high policy stability and conflict between both chambers.
What Insiders Know About Future Earnings and How They Use it: Evidence from Insider Trades

This paper provides evidence that insiders possess, and trade upon, knowledge of specific and economically-significant forthcoming accounting disclosures as long as two years prior to the disclosure. Stock sales by insiders increase three to nine quarters prior to a break in a string of consecutive increases in quarterly earnings. Insider stock sales are greater for growth firms, before a longer period of declining earnings, and when the earnings decline at the break is greater. Consistent with avoiding an established legal jeopardy, there is little abnormal selling in the two quarters immediately prior to the break.
Identification of barley landrace genotypes with contrasting salinity tolerance at vegetative growth stage.

In the present study, we evaluated the behavior of 21 Tunisian barley landraces under salt stress. The evaluation was performed using 14 morphological and physiological traits at vegetative growth stage under severe salt stress (200 and 250 mM). A multivariate analysis was used in order to select the genotypes with contrasting behavior towards salinity and to identify the major traits conferring salinity tolerance. According to the PCA analyses the genotypes exhibited diverse behavior with the salt stress concentration, indeed 3 different clustering profiles were obtained. Eleven quantitative characters were considered the most pertinent for the ranking of genotypes for salt tolerance. Among them the total fresh weight and the net CO2 assimilation rate were the most discriminating descriptors at 250 mM NaCl. These parameters allowed as the identification of the contrasting pair genotypes toward salinity. "Testour" was classified as the most sensitive and "Enfidha" the most tolerant toward salinity stress. These findings would be of great relevance in breeding programs.
Impact of structural funds on regional growth: How to reconsider a 9-year-old black box

Econometric estimations of the impact of structural funds on the growth process of the European regions started 9 years ago. However, it is striking to realize that all previous estimations in this field are based on some form of the neoclassical growth model. This model is still widely used despite the numerous critics it has raised and its lack of consideration for increasing returns to scale, which are at the heart of agglomeration and growth processes according to endogenous growth theories and new economic geography models. In addition, few estimations have paid attention to the nature of the cohesion objectives under study. For example, the expected impact of objec-tive 1 funds, devoted to public infrastructures, is indeed theoretically and empirically very different from the one of objective 3 funds devoted to long-term unemployed. As a result, the aim of this paper is to propose a careful assessment of the impact of structural funds on the manufacturing sector of 145 European regions in the context of a Verdoorn’s law for the period 1989-2004. First, the results are presented with total structural funds and funds differen-tiated by objective. Second, interregional linkages are included by means of spatial econometric techniques. Third, potential endogeneity of the explanatory variables is taken into account.
Capacity Performance of Overhead Transmission Multiple-Input Multiple-Output Broadband over Power Lines Networks: The Insidious Effect of Noise and the Role of Noise Models

Extending the analysis already presented in [1], this paper considers broadband potential of overhead (OV) transmission multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) broadband over power lines (BPL) networks when different noise conditions occur and different well-proven noise models are adopted. The contribution of this paper is two-fold. First, the broadband potential of a great number of indicative OV high-voltage (HV) BPL topologies and of MIMO transmission schemes is studied in terms of appropriate capacity metrics. The relevant numerical results reveal the significant dependence of ΜΙΜΟ capacity metrics on noise conditions. Second, various well-known BPL noise models from the literature are compared on the basis of their achieved OV HV MIMO BPL capacity. Through the careful study of the capacity results of noise models, it is demonstrated that spectrally flat additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) may be comfortably assumed as an efficient noise model in transmission MIMO BPL networks. Also in MIMO BPL networks, the comparative capacity analysis of noise models shows small differences among them in the 3-88MHz frequency range. Citation ：Lazaropoulos, A. G. (2016). Capacity Performance of Overhead Transmission Multiple-Input Multiple-Output Broadband over Power Lines Networks: The Insidious Effect of Noise and the Role of Noise Models. Trends in Renewable Energy, 2(2), 61-82. DOI: 10.17737/tre.2016. 2.2. 0023
Gender Differences in Satisfaction with the Type of Work University Employees Do: Evidence from the University of Botswana

The study investigated the extent to which male and female employees of a University differ in various attributes and attitudes and in the level of satisfaction with the type of work they do, and further established factors that might help explain these differences. A stratified random sample of 360 academic and administrative staff of the University of Botswana was collected. Findings indicate that differences between males and females in the level of satisfaction were due to certain negative work experiences such as gender discrimination, tribalism and racism, nepotism and favoritism, and due to certain sources of stress from the immediate supervisor, demands of work on private life and from domestic responsibilities. These negative experiences contributed to lower levels of satisfaction among women than among men. Considering all factors that might explain different job satisfaction among employees at a university, five attributes stood out as significant, namely: belonging to an older age group; understanding the competing demands of teaching and research responsibilities; taking advantage of technological advancement at work; perceiving equity in the distri-bution of the workload; feeling that there was always enough to do at work.
Driving mechanisms and streamwise homogeneity in molecular dynamics simulations of nanochannel flows

In molecular dynamics simulations, nanochannel flows are usually driven by a constant force, that aims to represent a pressure difference between inlet and outlet, and periodic boundary conditions are applied in the streamwise direction resulting in an homogeneous flow. The homogeneity hypothesis can be eliminated adding reservoirs at the inlet and outlet of the channel which permits us to predict streamwise variation of flow properties. It also opens the door to drive the flow by applying a pressure gradient instead of a constant force. We analyze the impact of these modeling modifications in the prediction of the flow properties, and we show when they make a difference with respect to the standard approach. It turns out that both assumptions are irrelevant when low pressure differences are considered, but important differences are observed at high pressure differences. They include the density and velocity variation along the channel (the mass flow rate is constant) but, more importantly, the temperature increase and slip length decrease. Because viscous heating is important at high shear rates, these modeling issues are also linked to the use of thermostating procedures. Specifically, selecting the region where the thermostat is applied has a critical influence on the results. Whereas in the traditional homogeneous model the choices are limited to the fluid and/or the wall, in the inhomogeneous cases the reservoirs are also available, which permits us to leave the region of interest, the channel, unperturbed.
Effects of high dietary energy level on the cryotolerance of ram semen

In general ram semen does not cryopreserve acceptably in terms of post-thawed survival and fertilization. In South Africa it is common to feed high energy diets to breeding rams in performance testing schemes and in preparation for shows and sales, as conditioned (fat) rams often realize better prices. Anecdotal evidence suggests that high energy diets and the over-conditioning of rams reduce sperm cryotolerance. This over-conditioning/obesity of rams is often blamed for the poor quality and freezing ability of their semen. Thus a study to evaluate the effects of high dietary energy levels on the cryotolerance of ram semen was conducted during the natural breeding season. Twenty four, 11 - 12 mo old Dorper rams were randomly allocated to two groups (12 rams each) and fed ad libitum at two energy levels: A low energy (LE; 6.52 MJ ME/kg DM) and a high energy (HE; 9.39 MJ ME/kg DM) diet for a period of 127 days. The rams in the HE group recorded a higher body weight gain, grew faster (average daily gain of 229 vs. 112 g/d, respectively) and were heavier (body weight of 71 vs. 56.5 kg, respectively) at the end of the trial. At the end of the trial period, semen was collected from all rams with the aid of an artificial vagina and cryopreserved using a one-step dilution (1+4) technique. The fresh and frozen (post-thawed) semen samples were evaluated using standard laboratory techniques for quality (overall and progressive sperm motility, percentage live and abnormal sperm) and were compared between the two diet groups. The fresh semen quality results provided the baseline reference or control values. As expected, the cryopreserved semen (post-thawing) recorded a lower percentage live and motile sperm than the fresh semen samples. Overall motility (57 vs. 60%), forward sperm progression (1.7 vs. 1.8) and percentage live sperm (50 vs. 60%) of cryopreserved semen (post thawing) were lower in the HE group compared to the LE group. Results also indicated that, although rams fed HE diet recorded lower semen quality values than those on the LE diet, for the qualitative semen parameters considered (both fresh and post-thawed semen), these differences were not significant. It could be concluded that the conditioning of yearling rams for a period of four months with a diet containing up to 9.39 MJ ME/kg DM does not seem to have any detrimental effect on semen cryotolerance. Further research on the effect of HE diets (at higher concentrations and for longer periods) on the cryotolerance of ram semen is warranted to allow more conclusive recommendations regarding the use of such diets to condition rams intended for semen collection and artificial insemination.
Inter-Firm Trust Production: Theoretical Perspectives

Although inter-firm trust plays a crucial role in inter-firm relationships that involve uncertainty, limited research has devoted to make a full review on inter-firm trust. The objective of the study is to investigate the sources of inter-firm trust in order to give a basement for building inter-firm trust. Drawn from many disciplines such as relationship marketing, social exchange theory, management, etc., this study has built the conceptual model to facilitate trust between partners in inter-firm relationships intentionally. The paper contributes to the knowledge of inter-firm relationships based on viewing trust from many perspectives. The paper also proposes some hypotheses related to inter-firm trust development which will be checked by future research.
Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Iranian tulips revealed by EST-SSR and NBS-LRR Markers

The genus Tulipa L. (Liliaceae) comprises about 100 species and Iran is considered as one of the main origins of tulips. In this research, genetic diversity and population structure of 27 wild populations of tulips collected from Iran were studied by 15 highly polymorphic and reproducible expressed sequenced tag-simple sequence repeat (EST-SSR) markers and 8 nucleotide binding site (NBS)-enzyme combinations. According to EST-SSR genotyping, the average of gene diversity (GD) and polymorphism information content (PIC) were 0.66 and 0.62, respectively. However, the values of GD and PIC were equal for each NBS primer–enzyme combination which ranged between 0.85-0.95 with a mean value of 0.91. The mean value of resolving power (EST-SSR = 1.93; NBS-LRR = 17.39) indicated that the NBS markers had higher discriminatory power compared to the EST-SSR markers. UPGMA clustering confirmed the results of PCA which was further confirmed by Bayesian model-based STRUCTURE analysis. Population structure analysis detected 3 and 4 gene pools for 27 wild tulip germplasms with EST-SSR genotyping and NBS-LRR profiling, respectively. The AMOVA results indicated that molecular variation among populations (ΦPT = inter-population variation) was 82% and 93% of the total variation for EST-SSR and NBS-LRR markers, respectively. The results of this study will help the conservation and phylogenetic studies of tulips.
An Investigative Relationship between Efforts-Rewards Model and Job Stress in Private Educational Institutions: A Validation Study

The aim of this study was to provide the reliability and validity of new four quadrant model of the 30-item efforts–rewards questionnaire and to analyze its association with job stress and employees turnover intention in a sample of private educational institutions. A self reported survey was conducted, in private educational institutions, among 180 teachers. Appropriate internal consistencies of the four scales: efforts, rewards, job stress and turnover intention, were obtained. Zero-order correlation and regressions analysis replicated the theoretically assumed structure of the efforts-reward model (ERM) construct in men and women collectively. Evidence of criterion validity was obtained from cross-correlations of the scales and from their linear, multiple and hierarchical regression analysis. Finally, all four scales were associated with a highly significant ratio of job stress, and the effect was strongest for the ERM ratio as predicted by fundamental theory. Based on the results of this study, the four quadrant version of the ERM, questionnaire is considered a reliable and valid instrument for measuring psychosocial stress at work environment. It is applicable to all services and manufacturing industries. The findings from this study strongly supported this theory of efforts and rewards. We found a high percentage of teachers with both job stress and dissatisfaction and an imbalance characterized by high effort and low reward in their professional life. This work environment obviously calls for preventive measures.
Variations of surface ozone at Ieodo Ocean Research Station in the East China Sea and the influence of Asian outflows

Abstract. Ieodo Ocean Research Station (IORS), a research tower (~ 40 m a.s.l.) for atmospheric and oceanographic observations, is located in the East China Sea (32.07° N, 125.10° E). The IORS is almost equidistant from South Korea, China, and Japan and, therefore, it is an ideal place to observe Asian outflows without local emission effects. The seasonal variation of ozone was distinct, with a minimum in August (37 ppbv) and two peaks in April and October (62 ppbv), and was largely affected by the seasonal wind pattern over east Asia. At IORS, six types of air masses were distinguished with different levels of O3 concentrations by the cluster analysis of backward trajectories. Marine air masses from the Pacific Ocean represent a relatively clean background air with a lowest ozone level of 32 ppbv, which was most frequently observed in summer (July–August). In spring (March–April) and winter (December–February), the influence of Chinese outflows was dominant with higher ozone concentrations of 62 and 49 ppbv, respectively. This study confirms that the influence of Chinese outflows was the main factor determining O3 levels at IORS and its extent was dependent on meteorological state, particularly at a long-term scale.
GERMINATION OF WHITE MUSCARDINE FUNGUS, Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. ON DIFFERENT PLANT EXTRACTS

Laboratory experiment was conducted to evaluate the germination of white muscardine fungus Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) on different plant extract. B. bassiana was mass produced using unmilled rice as a substrate. Two-week-old culture of B. bassiana (GLH isolate) was used. Extracts from the leaves of test crops (rice, mungbean, peanut and soybean) was used and tested separately. Four serial dilutions (crude: 10,000 ppm; 1,000 ppm; 100 ppm) of the different extracts were made and tested separately. Germination of conidia was observed for 24 hours post-inoculation at room temperature. Germination was observed in the extracts of all plant species tested 24 hours postinoculation at room temperature. Highest germination rate of B. bassiana conidia was found in soybean (81.51%) followed by mungbean (51.91%), peanut (47.39%) and rice (36.94%). Germination of B. bassiana was also found to be significant among different levels of plant extracts. Highest germination was in 100 ppm (83.59%), 1,000 ppm (69.75%) extract concentration followed by 10,000 ppm (45.44%) and crude extract (18.97%). In general, germination rate was higher at lower extract concentration or germination rate was inversely proportional with level of plant extract. Conidia of B. bassiana germinated in different plant species extracts and at various concentrations. It is concluded, that there is a high probability that these plants extracts contain toxic substances/compounds with inhibitory effects on the germination of B. bassiana conidia.
Development and the physical, chemical, microbiological and sensory analyses of red pepper seasoned with parmesan cheese - doi: 10.4025/actascitechnol.v35i3.12794

Pickles comprising red pepper seasoned with Parmesan cheese has been developed as a new type of product developed by family cottage industries. Two formulations were prepared, or rather, with and without the preservative potassium sorbate, which underwent several physical, chemical, microbiological and sensory analyses. Physical and chemical analyses were undertaken for acidity, pH and °Brix; microbiological analyses for total heat-tolerant coliforms, Salmonella sp, molds, yeasts; sensory aspects such as physical features, aroma, flavor and texture, coupled to purchase intention among tasters were investigated. Both formulations comprised physical, chemical and microbiological parameters within standards. Sensory evaluation showed satisfactory results and research on purchase intention showed approximately 80% acceptability. Results from physical, chemical and microbiological tests showed that pickled pepper seasoned with Parmesan cheese may be prepared with citric acid as a preservative. Sensory evaluation and purchase intention indicate a real production and sale possibility of pickled peppers seasoned with Parmesan cheese by family cottage industries.
The Influence of Age, Sex, and Social Affiliation on the Responses of Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) to a Novel Stimulus Over Time

Responses to novelty may differ among individuals as a function of age, sex, and/or the presence of offspring, and understanding how marine mammals respond to novel stimuli is critical to management. In this study, 20 captive Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) were exposed to a novel object, consisting of PVC pipes and either a non-reflective or reflective surface. Their responses, broadly defined as either non-social or social, non-aggressive or aggressive interactions with the stimulus, were recorded across 10 exposure trials and compared among age classes and between males and females. Adult females exhibited the highest frequency of interactions, and those with dependent calves participated in more social interactions. Both adults and calves displayed a significantly greater frequency of interactions and aggression when exposed to the reflective versus non-reflective surface, indicating that the characteristics of the stimulus influenced the response. Although the number of interactions did not change across repeated exposures, there were significantly more aggressive interactions during later exposures, suggesting sensitization to the stimulus. There was no evidence of habituation over time for any of the subjects. Thus, when managing marine mammal exposure to anthropogenic stimuli, it is important to consider the demographics of the population, as well as the characteristics of the stimulus that may contribute to habituation, sensitization, and/or tolerance.
A high‐order immersed boundary discontinuous‐Galerkin method for Poisson's equation with discontinuous coefficients and singular sources

We adopt a numerical method to solve Poisson's equation on a fixed grid with embedded boundary conditions, where we put a special focus on the accurate representation of the normal gradient on the boundary. The lack of accuracy in the gradient evaluation on the boundary is a common issue with low‐order embedded boundary methods. Whereas a direct evaluation of the gradient is preferable, one typically uses post‐processing techniques to improve the quality of the gradient. Here, we adopt a new method based on the discontinuous‐Galerkin (DG) finite element method, inspired by the recent work of [A.J. Lew and G.C. Buscaglia. A discontinuous‐Galerkin‐based immersed boundary method. International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering, 76:427‐454, 2008]. The method has been enhanced in two aspects: firstly, we approximate the boundary shape locally by higher‐order geometric primitives. Secondly, we employ higher‐order shape functions within intersected elements. These are derived for the various geometric features of the boundary based on analytical solutions of the underlying partial differential equation. The development includes three basic geometric features in two dimensions for the solution of Poisson's equation: a straight boundary, a circular boundary, and a boundary with a discontinuity. We demonstrate the performance of the method via analytical benchmark examples with a smooth circular boundary as well as in the presence of a singularity due to a re‐entrant corner. Results are compared to a low‐order extended finite element method as well as the DG method of [1]. We report improved accuracy of the gradient on the boundary by one order of magnitude, as well as improved convergence rates in the presence of a singular source. In principle, the method can be extended to three dimensions, more complicated boundary shapes, and other partial differential equations. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.