Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stochastic simulation of rainfall in the semi‐arid Limpopo basin, Botswana

The application of spatial‐temporal stochastic rainfall models to semi‐arid or arid areas is expected to be particularly challenging because of the high variability of rainfall, sparse rain gauge networks with significant periods of missing rainfall and potential data quality issues. In this article, a generalized linear model (GLM) has been fitted to daily rainfall data from the period 1975–1999 for 13 gauges in a 7660 km2 sub‐basin of the Limpopo basin in Botswana, with the objective of exploring applicability of the GLM for infilling historic records and for climate change analysis. Several relevant statistics of rainfall space‐time variability were used to analyse model performance, including use of an independent validation period and sites that were not used in the fitting. The GLM was considered to simulate rainfall adequately for the purpose of sub‐basin‐scale water resource studies, although the model uncertainty is high. The main factors affecting rainfall space‐time variability were found to be seasonality, autocorrelation of daily rainfall, altitude, latitude and longitude. Addition of large‐scale drivers of rainfall (pressure, humidity and temperature) further improved representation of inter‐annual variability, and this link to large‐scale climate potentially facilitates downscaling of global climate model outputs. Although the model was locally sensitive to data quality issues, there was no evidence that these issues affected sub‐basin scale analysis. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
The Determinants of Corporate Capital Structure: Evidence from Japanese Manufacturing Companies

The debates regarding determinants of corporate capital structure have been progressing for a few decades since the first capital structure theory was found by Modigliani and Miller in 1958. Their theory evolved into two main theories; static trade off theory by Krauz & Litzebnerger (1973), and pecking order theory by Myers & Majluf (1984). The studies related to corporate capital structure often use firms in developed countries as their sample data. Japan, which is one of the largest economies in the world, regularly becomes a part of these studies. In this study, we aim to determine the relations between the firm specific experience and debt level in Japanese firms. We choose manufacturing companies as the subject of study because the sector is vital to the Japanese economy. Moreover, Japanese manufacturing companies are also very influential in the global economy. With this study, we intend to contribute to the literature by examining the determinants of corporate capital structure in Japan, one of the major developed markets. We use panel data and multiple regression to analyze the relationships between the dependent variable, namely leverage, and the independent variables, tangibility, profitability, non-debt tax shield, size, growth in fixed assets, and growth in total assets. We find that size, growth in fixed assets, and growth in total assets are not significant. However, we also reveal that the variable tangibility, profitability, non-debt tax shield are statistically significant. Tangibility has a positive relation with debt level while profitability and non-debt tax shield have negative relation with debt level. These relationships are predicted in either static trade off theory and pecking order theory but none of the theories show a more dominant predictive capability over the other. Therefore, we propose the Trade-off adjusted Order Theory, which combines the elements of the latter theories, as a possible explanation for this behavior.
No sibling odor preference in juvenile three- spined sticklebacks

Laboratory-bred juvenile three-spined sticklebacks from 11 sibships did not prefer to shoal with their siblings when they were offered the choice between odor from unfamiliar siblings and non-kin in a fluviarium, although the power for finding a significant preference was very high (0.99). The test fish preferred the side where odor from the heavier shoal was supplied; this shows that they could appreciate odor cues from conspecifics in our apparatus and should have preferred their siblings if such a preference exists. Our results are compatible with theoretical predictions but are at variance with previous findings by other authors. We used independent replicates in a blind protocol with strict randomization of fish and procedures. Key words: Gasterosteus aculeatus, kin preference, odor, shoaling behavior, sticklebacks. [Behav Ecol 10:493‐497 (1999)]
Crypto-Compression System for Secure Tranfer of Medical Images

: In this paper, we discuss the secure of transfering of medical images. We propose two cryptosystems, the ﬁrst one is a very fast algorithm by block, the TEA (Tiny Encryption Algorithm) and the second is a stream cipher based on Vigenere’s ciphering. We show differences existing between them, especially concerning the com-bination of the image encryption and the compression. Results applied to medical images are given to illustrate the two methods.
On Abelian and Additive Complexity in Infinite Words

Abstract. The study of the structure of infinite words having bounded abelian complexity was initiated by G. Richomme, K. Saari, and L. Q. Zamboni. In this note we define bounded additive complexity for infinite words over a finite subset of . We provide an alternative proof of one of the results of the aforementioned authors.
High School Students’ Physics Achievement in Terms of Their Achievement Goal Orientations, Self-Efficacy Beliefs and Learning Conceptions of Physics

The aim of this study was to investigate the contributions of high school students’ achievement goal orientations, physics learning self-efficacy beliefs and physics learning conceptions on their physics performance. Comparisons in terms of gender, grade level and field were also made for these variables. The sample of this study consisted of 518 students from ninth, tenth and eleventh grades. The instruments that were administrated to students were the Achievement Goal Orientation Questionnaire (AGQ), Physics Learning Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PLSEQ) and Physics Learning Conceptions Questionnaire (PLCQ). Multiple regression analysis, two-way ANOVA and one-way MANOVA were used to analyze data. The results of this study suggested that 12.4 percent of variance of students’ physics performance was explained by these variables. Gender and field differences were also detected.
Hydration Properties of Soybean Protein Isolates

Hydration properties of soybean isolates with different processing conditions (heat treatments, pH and protein concentrations) were studied. Degree of denaturation,, solubility in water, in 0.2mol/L NaCl, and in media of different sodium dodecyl sulfate concentrations, viscosity and water imbibing capacity of the different samples were determinated and correlated. Treatments at temperatures higher than 80oC denatured 11S and 7S proteins, leading to exposure of hydrophobic groups, which produced insoluble aggregates either in water or in high ionic strength media. These isolates possessed high water imbibing capacities and gave rise to viscous dispersions. Significant correlations were obtained between hydration properties and the "m" coefficient as calculated by a power law equation relating viscosity with the protein concentration of the dispersion. This "m" coefficient also correlated with the denaturation enthalpy of the protein isolates. On the basis of these results, it might be suggested that the "m" coefficient - dependent of the hydrodynamic behaviour of the particles - was a good estimator of the degree of protein denaturation.
Reflection and refraction of plane waves at the interface of an elastic solid half-space and a thermoelastic diffusive solid half-space

The problem of reflection and refraction phenomenon due to longitudinal and transverse waves incident obliquely at a plane interface between uniform elastic solid half-space and thermoelastic diffusive solid half-space has been studied. It is found that the amplitude ratios of various reflected and refracted waves are functions of angle of incidence, frequency of incident wave and are influenced by the elastic properties of media. The expressions of amplitude ratios and energy ratios are obtained in closed form. The amplitude ratios and energy ratios have been computed numerically for a particular model. The variations of energy ratios with angle of incidence are shown graphically. The conservation of energy across the interface is verified. Some particular cases are also discussed.
On Communicative Translation of Chinese Political Discourse

The paper explores the communicative translation principles of Chinese political discourse, which serves as one of the important platforms for China’s global communication. It argues that the traditional source-text-oriented view of translation may hinder the audience’s sound understanding of the complex and ideological connotations, therefore major concerns should also be given to the readers’ understanding and acceptability in the process of translating Chinese political discourse which features ideology-influenced translation practice, culture-loaded abbreviations and metaphors. The paper also proposes three communicative translation principles, namely, downplaying of ideological influence, paraphrase of abbreviated terms and coordinated literal translation and explanation for mapping metaphors, to fulfill the purpose of cross-cultural communication and projecting a favorable image of China to the world. Keywords—communicative translation principles; Chinese political discourse; ideological influence; metaphor
Hybrid coastal edges in the Neuquén Basin (Allen Formation, Upper Cretaceous, Argentina)

The Allen Formation records the first Ingression Atlantic to the Neuquen Basin during the Late Cretaceous. The definition of lithofacies and facies associations interpretation for stratigraphic sections in Paso Cordoba and Salitral Moreno area, Rio Negro, Argentina allowed to establish the depositional system that characterized this transgression in the northeastern edge of the Basin. In this paper we present sedimentological analysis of conglomeratic, sandstone, heterolithic and pelitic facies, which allowed the interpretation of tidal channels (TC), intertidal flats (ITF), storms-influenced tidal flat (SITF), subtidal flat (STF) and shoreface deposits (SF) parts of the depositional environment. These deposits represent a sedimentary records preserved example of hybrid systems, in which, the base of the sequence has greater tidal influence, while the upper portion is dominated by wave action. The paleocurrent data indicating a NNW-SSE direction to the shore and correlations and spatial distribution of facies associations propose paleogeographic and paleoenvironmental interpretations to Malargue Group base. Then in this paper the relationship of this coastal environment presents with wind systems previously defined in this area for the Allen Formation.
Testing For Independence of Observations in Animal Movements

Many analyses of animal movements assume that an animal's position at time t + 1 is independent of its position at time t, but no statistical procedure exists to test this assumption with bivariate data. Using empirically derived critical values for the ratio of mean squared distance between successive observations to mean squared distance from the center of activity, we demonstrate a bivariate test of the independence assumption first proposed by Schoener. For cases in which the null hypothesis of independence is rejected, we present a procedure for determining the time interval at which autocorrelation becomes negligible. To illustrate implementation of the test, locational data obtained from a radio-tagged adult female cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus) were used. The test can be used to design an efficient sampling schedule for movement studies, and it is also useful in revealing behavioral phenomena such as home range shifting and any tendency of animals to follow prescribed routes in their daily activities. Further, the test may provide a means of examining how an animal's use of space is affected by its internal clock.
Foreign direct investments and productivity spillovers in the Swedish manufacturing industry

Foreign direct investments (FDI) have considerably increased during the last twenty years throughout the world. Theory suggests that FDI affects host economies in a positive way through the advanced technologies they bring with them and which could spill over the domestic companies. Therefore, more and more research aims to assess the impact of foreign direct investments on the host economies. This paper focuses on analyzing the productivity spillover effect of FDI in the Swedish manufacturing industry over 1995-2007. Ordinary least squares (OLS), random effects (RE) and fixed effects (FE) estimation methods have been used along with different specifications of the model. As previously shown in the literature, the results show no productivity spillovers of FDI in the Swedish manufacturing industry in the period being analyzed.
Normal stiffness calibration of microfabricated tri-layer conducting polymer actuators

This paper reports on the stiffness characterization of microfabricated tri-layer conducting polymer (PPy) actuators. The rectangular, polypyrrole microactuators, which could operate both in aqueous and non-aqueous media, were fabricated using an excimer laser ablation technique that provided high throughput production and did not require cleanroom facilities. The microactuators were fixed at one end with electrical contacts and the other was end free to act as an electroactive microcantilever beam. An atomic force microscope (AFM) was used to measure the microactuator deflection under a range of normal forces applied by the AFM cantilever. A modified reference spring constant calibration method was employed to determine the stiffness constants of the microactuators. The stiffness of the microactuators in the electroactive (electrically stimulated) and passive state (no stimulation) were evaluated separately and compared. In doing so, the study presents results leading to the stiffness characterization of the first air-operated polymer microactuators and implementation of a simple, reliable and effective method for directly measuring the spring constant of polymer microactuators. This method is an alternative to the use of mechanical modeling methods, which can be difficult to implement for multi-layer (composite) polymer actuators. Importantly, our results highlight several requirements for using the reference spring method to accurately determine stiffness values of any microcantilever generally fabricated from soft, deformable materials.
IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO RAISE A CHILD: BUILDING SOCIAL CAPITAL IN SAFE AND COHESIVE NEIGHBOURHOOD (Bagai aur dengan tebing: membina modal social dalam kejiranan yang selamat dan berpadu)

A vibrant and close-knit community is always associated with norms of trust and reciprocity with friendly neighbours in order to produce generalised social capital for the wider society. The researcher argues that the experience of long term interaction among neighbours, neighbourhood safety and cohesion and an active neighbourhood environment all contribute to social capital among neighbours. As a result, young people become more trusting in and reciprocative with people in general. Young Australians and permanent residents aged 16 to 25 (n=283) participated in this study through an online survey. The findings support previous literature, which found cohesive neighbours are more trusting than less cohesive neighbours. The results also indicate that the young people who perceived their neighbourhood as safe were relatively more trusting than those who perceived their neighbourhood as less safe. These suggest that creating neighbourhood „togetherness‟ and preventions of crime promotes could promote more neighbourhood social capital. In turn, young people enjoy more generalised social capital in the wider society.
Peer-to-Peer Lending – A (Financial Stability) Risk Perspective

Abstract The aim of this survey article is to discuss P2P lending, a subcategory of crowdfunding, from a (financial stability) risk perspective. The discussion focuses on a number of dimensions such as the role of soft information, herding, platform default risk, liquidity risk, and the institutionalization of P2P markets. Overall, we conclude that P2P lending is more risky than traditional banking. However, it is important to recognize that a constant conclusion would be misleading. P2P platforms have evolved and changed their appearance markedly over time, which implies that although our final conclusion of increased riskiness through P2P markets remains valid over time, it is based on different arguments at different points in time.
Experimental Comparison of Particle Interaction Measurement Techniques Using Optical Trapping.

Optical tweezers has become a powerful and common tool for sensitive determination of electrostatic interactions between colloidal particles. Recently, two techniques, 'blinking' tweezers and direct force measurements, have become increasingly prevalent in investigations of inter-particle potentials. The 'blinking' tweezers method acquires physical statistics of particle trajectories to determine drift velocities, diffusion coefficients, and ultimately colloidal forces as a function of the center-center separation of two particles. Direct force measurements monitor the position of a particle relative to the center of an optical trap as the separation distance between two continuously trapped particles is gradually decreased. As the particles near each other, the displacement from the trap center for each particle increases proportional to the inter-particle force. Although commonly employed in the investigation of interactions of colloidal particles, there exists no direct comparison of these experimental methods in the literature. In this study, an experimental apparatus was developed capable of performing both methods and is used to quantify electrostatic potentials between particles in several particle/solvent systems. Comparisons are drawn between the experiments conducted using the two measurement techniques, theory, and existing literature. Forces are quantified on the femto-Newton scale and results agree well with literature values.
Sentiment Analysis on Top Five Cloud Service Providers in the Market

A wide range of data is available from social networking sites. The collected data can be used to extract the opinion of the users on products, services or policies. In the Cloud Market, there are number of Cloud Service Providers who offer different kinds of services. It could be difficult for the Cloud Customer to decide the best provider. In this paper, we extracted the Cloud customers' opinion on the services provided by the cloud using Twitter. On this extracted data, Naive Bayes algorithm is applied to evaluate the polarity of the Cloud Service Provider. We applied this work on top Five Cloud Service providers in the market namely Amazon, Microsoft Azure, Sales force, IBM Cloud and Google cloud platform. As a result, Microsoft got more positivity than other providers.
CO2 source inversions using satellite observations of the upper troposphere

Satellite observations of CO2 abundance in the upper troposphere can provide a major constraint for deriving the net carbon fluxes from tropical landmasses that is unavailable from current surface observations. Such global CO2 profiling with an uncertainty of about 1% (3 ppm) contains key longitudinal information needed to derive surface fluxes in a standard Bayesian inversion. Upper‐tropospheric data available from flight‐proven FTIR solar occultation measurements could provide comparable information to that from yet‐to‐be‐demonstrated column CO2 observations, which have heretofore been the focus of carbon cycle studies. A strategy for improving CO2 source inversions with either type of satellite data should focus on tropical observations and on careful evaluation of possible sampling biases affecting the observational uncertainties.
On the Importance of the Dual Labour Market for a Country within a Monetary Union

The paper investigates whether differences in the popularity of fixed term contacts on the labour market can be a source of divergent dynamics of unemployment among European Monetary Union economies. For that purpose we construct a database of labor market institutions for a group of eleven euro area countries and years 1995-2013 to conduct a series of dynamic panel regressions. We find a robust and significant impact of duality on unemployment dynamics: high duality rate amplifies its responsiveness to output shocks and lowers its persistence. The heterogeneous unemployment developments, in turn, are a challenge for the conduct of common monetary policy. We conclude that improved stability at both the euro area and country level may be obtained by a coordinated shift to ‘single-contract’ that closes the disproportion between temporary and regular contracts.
Referendum Design , Quorum Rules and Turnouti

In this article, we focus on the consequences of quorum requirements for turnout in referendums. We use a rational choice, decision theoretic voting model to demonstrate that participation quorums change the incentives some electors face, inducing those who oppose changes in the status quo and expect to be in the minority to abstain. As a result, paradoxically, participation quorums decrease electoral participation. We test our model’s predictions using data for all referendums held in current European Union countries from 1970 until 2007, and show that the existence of a participation quorums increases abstention by more than ten percentage points. JEL codes: D72; C25; C20
Between hard and soft thresholding: optimal iterative thresholding algorithms

Iterative thresholding algorithms seek to optimize a differentiable objective function over a sparsity or rank constraint by alternating between gradient steps that reduce the objective and thresholding steps that enforce the constraint. This work examines the choice of the thresholding operator and asks whether it is possible to achieve stronger guarantees than what is possible with hard thresholding. We develop the notion of relative concavity of a thresholding operator, a quantity that characterizes the worst-case convergence performance of any thresholding operator on the target optimization problem. Surprisingly, we find that commonly used thresholding operators, such as hard thresholding and soft thresholding, are suboptimal in terms of worst-case convergence guarantees. Instead, a general class of thresholding operators, lying between hard thresholding and soft thresholding, is shown to be optimal with the strongest possible convergence guarantee among all thresholding operators. Examples of this general class includes $\ell _q$ thresholding with appropriate choices of $q$ and a newly defined reciprocal thresholding operator. We also investigate the implications of the improved optimization guarantee in the statistical setting of sparse linear regression and show that this new class of thresholding operators attain the optimal rate for computationally efficient estimators, matching the Lasso.
Business Model Adaptation and the Success of New Ventures

In this study, we explore the connections between business model adaptation and the success of new ventures. We do so by analysing in depth the business model evolution of three new Italian ventures throughout their first years of life. We try to understand if and how the evolution of these firms’ business models is connected to their success. Our analysis reveals that adapting their business models was crucial to enabling these firms to survive in extremely dynamic environments. However, it did not fully act as a catalyst for their processes of growth and did not increase their profitability.