Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Macroeconomic Determinants of IPO Activity in Poland between 1993 and 2013

Purpose of the article: This study deals with recent primary stock market developments in Poland and aims to indicate the influence of local macroeconomic indicators on IPO numbers over the period of 1993 to 2012. Methodology/methods: Descriptive statistics are used to analyse capital market and IPO developments and the Spearman correlation analysis identifies the relations between macroeconomic determinants and the IPO numbers. The data were evaluated at the significance level of α=5%. The entire statistical evaluation was performed by Statistica.CZ, Version 12. Scientific aim: The scientific aim of this article is to explore external factors that may influence the decision of enterprises to go public in the Polish capital market and thus to enlarge the current IPO literature with an analysis the following issue: What are the key local macroeconomic determinants of going public on the market in question? The number of variables used in this paper is greater than those considered in previous Polish IPO studies. Moreover, we focus on IPO activities between 1993 and 2012 and thus extend the existing time-series. Findings: The results of the correlation analysis can be summarized as follows. First of all, the hypothesis that the business cycle and stock index returns have explanatory power for the number of IPOs could not be supported by empirical evidence. On the other hand, we found empirical support that the reference interest rate affected the IPO numbers. Conclusions: The hypothesis that the reference interest rate has explanatory power for IPO numbers in the Polish capital market could be supported by empirical evidence. On the other hand we could not confirm any significant lagged effects concerning the relationship between other explanatory variables and the dependent variable. Therefore, our results suggest only a partial consistency with the theory and findings of previous IPO studies.
Understanding political behavior: Essays in experimental political economy

Explaining individual political behavior is one of the big challenges in the social sciences. The work contained in this thesis uses the tools of experimental economics, game theory and decision theory to shed light on political choices. Relaxing the neoclassical assumptions of self-interested preferences and full rationality, this work investigates whether group identity and altruism matter for political participation, what the role of reciprocity and normative appeals in the response to political mobilization is, and whether the costs of information influence the way it is incorporated in (political) decision-making. The methodology of experimental economics is crucial in obtaining an answer to these questions. The evidence presented in this thesis shows that group identity has a mild effect on one's decision to participate and that more altruistic people participate more in politics; it underscores the importance of normative appeals for the effectiveness of political mobilization; and it demonstrates that, contrary to the standard assumption, the cost of information influences the way it is incorporated in our decisions.
Evaluation of Landing Characteristics Achieved by Simulations and Flight Tests on a Small-scaled Model Related to Magnetically Levitated Advanced Take-off and Landing Operations

The goal of this paper is to simulate and measure on a small-scaled model the landing characteristics related to take-off and landing (TOL) operations supported by a magnetic levitation (MAGLEV) system as ground-based power supply. The technical feasibility and the potential benefits of using ground-based power to assist TOLs is also presented, including the design of the ground-based system, and the envisioned operational concept. The details of the developed control system are given, as well as the (i) simulation and (ii) flight test results.
Anthropocentric biocybernetic computing for analysing the architectural design of house facades and cityscapes

Research in artificial intelligence and autonomous agents envisions that future robots will accompany humans in their daily lives. The aim is to provide support not only for routine, challenging, or dangerous tasks, but also to improve quality of life through personal assistance and coaching. In order to allow artificial agents to communicate sensibly and to participate in human society, it is important to equip themwith the ability to perceive and appreciate aesthetic features of design in a humanlike manner. The present study investigates howmethods from anthropocentric biocybernetic computing (ABC) can be assembled in an intelligent control module for architectural design evaluation. Central to the system is an abstract model of aesthetic experience, which is established through statistical learning. For the experiments, a database of images of house façades is employed. The learning algorithm extracts line distributions, which characterise façade design, and represents them abstractly in the form of a non-linear manifold. Each point on the manifold corresponds to one façade. The proposed module includes two additional affective perceptual pathways, which are implemented using paradigms that are believed to reflect responses of the human emotional system. One paradigm involves concepts of facial expression recognition, and the other is based on calculating the fractal dimension of the skyline of cityscapes. Future applicability of the proposed system for design evaluation will rely on suitable data preparation and calibration of the associated algorithms using test subjects. The article describes characteristic details of the system’s architecture and discusses whether it would be able to acquire the level of sophistication required to provide aesthetic judgment that is convincing for humans.
Generation of New Cracks Accompanied by the Dynamic Shear Rupture Propagation of the 2000 Tottori (Japan) Earthquake

The 2000 Tottori (Japan) earthquake caused fracture zones of surface rupture at some places away from the trace of the main causative fault. In order to explain this observation, the 3D dynamic rupture process of the 2000 Tottori (Japan) earthquake was simulated. The attractive feature of the problem under consideration is the possibility of introducing internal new cracks that propagate under tensile stress as a consequence of the dynamic process of shear slip propagation. The discrete element method was used to solve this problem because it can introduce internal tensile cracks. For the shear rupture propagation the simple slip-weakening model was used as a friction law on the fault. The new tensile cracks occur, following the classical Griffith theory, when the critical value of tensile fracture surface energy has been reached. The first step to solve the problem was the estimation of the dynamic parameters, such as stress drop, strength excess, and critical slip, which were recov- ered from the results of waveform inversion. In the second step, a shear dynamic rupture process was simulated assuming that shear slip occurs only on the pre- existing fault, and the tensile stress concentration resulting from shear slip causes the new cracks that propagate away from the pre-existing fault. The results, which are consistent with the observations, show a free-surface rupture caused by the new cracks and the development of a flowerlike structure springing from the borders of the pre-existing fault and main asperity.
Running head: Endurance training and cardiac biomarker Corresponding author

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DOES IMMIGRATION HAVE AN IMPACT ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND UNEMPLOYMENT? EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM FINLAND (1981-2001)

This study aims at investigating the nature of the causal relationship between immigration and two macroeconomic indicators, GDP per capita and unemployment using Granger causality tests based on Finnish data during the period between 1981-2001. Results indicate that the null hypotheses of immigration does not granger cause GDP per capita is rejected in 2-year lag, at the 5% level. Results show no evidence of reverse causality. On the other hand, the null hypotheses of immigration does not granger cause unemployment is rejected in 2-year lag at the 5% level. Again, results show no evidence of reverse causation.
Prediction of tensile strength for sandwich injection molded short-glass-fiber reinforced thermoplastics

This present paper provides a modified rule-of-mixtures relationship which allows for the calculation of ultimate tensile strength (UTS) as a function of the area fraction between skin and core layers.The effects of fiber length and fiber orientation within the skin and core layers on the tensile strength of conventional and sandwich injection molded short-glass-fiber reinforced polypropylene have been studied in detail. The present theory is then applied to existing experimental results and the agreement is found to be satisfactory.
The Sloan Digital Sky Survey Reverberation Mapping Project: Hα and Hβ Reverberation Measurements from First-year Spectroscopy and Photometry

We present reverberation mapping results from the first year of combined spectroscopic and photometric observations of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Reverberation Mapping Project. We successfully recover reverberation time delays between the g+i band emission and the broad Hβ emission line for a total of 44 quasars, and for the broad Hα emission line in 18 quasars. Time delays are computed using the JAVELIN and CREAM software and the traditional interpolated cross-correlation function (ICCF): using well-defined criteria, we report measurements of 32 Hβ and 13 Hα lags with JAVELIN, 42 Hβ and 17 Hα lags with CREAM, and 16 Hβ and eight Hα lags with the ICCF. Lag values are generally consistent among the three methods, though we typically measure smaller uncertainties with JAVELIN and CREAM than with the ICCF, given the more physically motivated light curve interpolation and more robust statistical modeling of the former two methods. The median redshift of our Hβ-detected sample of quasars is 0.53, significantly higher than that of the previous reverberation mapping sample. We find that in most objects, the time delay of the Hα emission is consistent with or slightly longer than that of Hβ. We measure black hole masses using our measured time delays and line widths for these quasars. These black hole mass measurements are mostly consistent with expectations based on the local – relationship, and are also consistent with single-epoch black hole mass measurements. This work increases the current sample size of reverberation-mapped active galaxies by about two-thirds and represents the first large sample of reverberation mapping observations beyond the local universe (z < 0.3).
Hyperbolic and cubical rigidities of Thompson’s group V

Abstract In this article, we state and prove a general criterion allowing us to show that some groups are hyperbolically elementary, meaning that every isometric action of one of these groups on a Gromov-hyperbolic space either fixes a point at infinity, or stabilises a pair of points at infinity, or has bounded orbits. Also, we show how such a hyperbolic rigidity leads to fixed-point properties on finite-dimensional CAT(0) cube complexes. As an application, we prove that Thompson’s group V is hyperbolically elementary, and we deduce that it satisfies Property (FW∞){({\rm FW}_{\infty})}, i.e., every isometric action of V on a finite-dimensional CAT(0) cube complex fixes a point. It provides the first example of a (finitely presented) group acting properly on an infinite-dimensional CAT(0) cube complex such that all its actions on finite-dimensional CAT(0) cube complexes have global fixed points.
EVALUATION OF UNIVERSITY FRESHMEN SCHOLASTIC ACHIEVEMENT BASED ON SSCE, UTME, GENDER AND AGE IN SOUTH WEST NIGERIA

This study is designed to examine the composite and relative effects of SSCE result, UTME score, age and gender on academic performance of University freshmen. Descriptive research design of ex-post facto type was employed to investigate the relationship that exists between the performance in SSCE, UTME, age and gender and university freshmen academic performance. University freshmen in the federal universities in south west Nigeria were used, 2518 participants 1423 males and 1095 females. Secondary data were collected from the concerned universities’ records office. Correlation and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the three research questions that were raised at 0.05 levels of significances. The result revealed significant composite effect and relative contributions with SSCE result as the most potent predictor (β = 0.0140; t= 7.241; p< 0.05), followed by age (βeta = -0144, t=7.024, p<0.05). However, sex and UME scores were not potent predictors of academic performance of University freshmen. Furthermore, the findings showed that there is significant difference in the academic performance of university freshmen that holds SSCE result by WAEC and NECO, (t = 6.795, df=1869, p< 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the academic performance of male and female university freshmen. Based on the findings of this study, it was recommended that parents should see to the education need of their children early enough. Also, that SSCE exam should be looked into on issues of teaching-learning; conduct and marking of the examination papers. Also, that JAMB organization should be sanitized so as to be able to perform the roles it is expected of her. Article visualizations:
Using the partial least squares (PLS) method to establish critical success factor interdependence in ERP implementation projects

This technical research report proposes the usage of a statistical approach named Partial Least squares (PLS) to define the relationships between critical success factors for ERP implementation projects. In previous research work, we developed a unified model of critical success factors for ERP implementation projects. Some researchers have evidenced the relationships between these critical success factors, however no one has defined in a formal way these relationships. PLS is one of the techniques of structural equation modeling approach. Therefore, in this report is presented an overview of this approach. We provide an example of PLS method modelling application; in this case we use two critical success factors. However, our project will be extended to all the critical success factors of our unified model. To compute the data, we are going to use PLS-graph developed by Wynne Chin.
The place of culture in teaching English as an international language (EIL)

In the conventional ELT paradigm it has often been said that teaching English cannot be separated from teaching the culture of its native speakers. But in the paradigm of English as an International Language (EIL), which focuses on the functions of English as a means of communication among people from various linguistic and cultural backgrounds, the traditional view of culture must be thoroughly reconsidered. Attempting to define the place of culture in EIL, this article presents a new conceptual framework consisting of three kinds of culture: (1) culture as social custom, (2) culture in the pragmatic sense, and (3) culture in the semantic sense. Based upon this classification, the article attempts to clarify how culture should be understood and dealt with in the EIL perspective, and proposes what cultural factors should be incorporated into the classroom, both in the general ELT context and in the specific context of Japanese English education.
Contribution of diet type and pasture conditions to the influence of high altitude grazing on intake, performance and composition and renneting properties of the milk of cows

Les facteurs individuels contribuant a l'influence du pâturage a haute altitude sur la quantite de lait produite et sa qualite ont ete analyses avec trois lots de six vaches chacun. Apres une periode initiale, ou toutes les vaches ont ete nourries avec une meme ration temoin composee d'ensilage et de concentre, deux lots ont recu uniquement de l'herbe et le troisieme une ration temoin, a l'etable, en plaine. Les vaches alimentees avec l'herbe ont ete gardees soit au pâturage, soit a l'etable, et etaient exposees a quatre periodes experimentales, deux d'entre elles a 400 m d'altitude et deux a 2000 m. Des pâturages jeunes ou matures ont ete offerts consecutivement a chaque altitude. En plaine, le remplacement de la ration temoin par de l'herbe n'a affecte ni les quantites ingerees ni les performances mais a augmente le taux de conversion de l'azote alimentaire en proteines du lait et le rapport caseines/proteines. Par rapport a la ration temoin, les proprietes de coagulation du lait ont ete ameliorees au pâturage, mais pas avec l'herbe distribuee a l'etable. En montagne, l'ingestion de nutriments et d'energie a ete plus faible durant toute la periode experimentale, vraisemblablement en raison de la combinaison de deux facteurs : la baisse de consommation liee a une hypoxie et la faible digestibilite de l'herbe. Des indications montrant les besoins energetiques d'entretien eleves causes par la haute altitude et l'activite de pâturage ont ete trouvees. Comparees a la plaine, les performances laitieres, les teneurs en proteines du lait et l'utilisation de N ont ete plus basses a haute altitude. La fermete du caille a ete plus faible a haute altitude pour des temps de coagulation inchanges. Les effets de la maturite de l'herbe sont restes faibles aux deux altitudes malgre des digestibilites differentes entre les pâturages jeunes et matures. Dans le lait, l'activite derivee du plasminogene a diminue avec l'augmentation de la maturite du fourrage et avec l'altitude, alors que l'activite de la plasmine augmentait avec l'âge du fourrage. Dans l'ensemble, le type de ration (temoin vs. herbage alpin) et les facteurs lies a l'hypoxie semblent etre plus importants pour l'expression des effets connus du pâturage en montagne que l'activite de pâturage en soi ou l'âge du fourrage.
Sulfur Isotopic Fractionation in Vacuum Ultraviolet Photodissociation of Hydrogen Sulfide: Potential Relevance to Meteorite Analysis.

Select meteoritic classes possess mass independent sulfur isotopic compositions in sulfide and organic phases. Photochemistry in the solar nebula has been attributed as the source of these anomalies. Hydrogen Sulfide (H 2 S) is the most abundant gas phase species in the solar nebula and photodissociation of H 2 S by solar vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) photons (especially by Lyman-α radiation) is potentially a relevant process. Due to experimental difficulties associated with accessing VUV, no data exists to test the hypothesis of a photochemical origin of mass independent sulfur and a theoretical basis does not exist. Here, we present multi sulfur isotopic measurements of elemental sulfur produced during the VUV photolysis of H 2 S. Mass independent sulfur isotopic compositions are observed. The observed isotopic fractionation patterns are wavelength dependent. VUV photodissociation of H 2 S takes place through several predissociative channels and the measured mass independent fractionation is most likely a manifestation of these processes. Meteorite sulfur data are discussed in light of the present experiments and suggestions are made to guide future experiments and models.
Production Efficiency among Farm Credit and Non Farm Credit Users in the Smallholder Farming Systems of Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract The main objective of this study is the determination and comparison of production efficiency of Farm Credit and Non Farm Credit Users in Rivers State. Crosssectional data generated from 200 Farm Credit and Non Farm Credit Users randomly selected from ten out of the fifteen upland Local Government Areas were used. Production function analysis and analysis of covariance technique was used in analyzing the data. Results of data analysis showed that Farm Credit Users were technically more efficient than Non Farm Credit Users. The results further showed that none of the defined farmer groups achieved absolute allocative efficiency in the use of any resource input. It is therefore recommended that policies and programmes geared towards making more land available be put in place. Credit facilities should also be extended to the Non Farm Credit Users to enable them purchase improved planting materials and hire more farm hands. This will enhance the productivity of non credit users and boost the economic development of Rivers State in general.
The Predictive Power of Undergraduates’ Personality Traits and Self-Esteem Regarding Their Forgiveness

The purpose of this study is to determine whether or not the undergraduates’ personality traits and self-esteem predict their forgiveness. The study was conducted using a descriptive research designed as a relational survey method. The study group consists of 323 undergraduates, of whom 250 (77.2 %) are female and 73 (22.5%) are male. The Adjective Based Personality Scale (ABPT), developed by Bacanli, Ilhan & Arslan (2009), “Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale”, developed by Rosenberg (1965) and adapted to Turkish by Cuhadaroglu (1986), and “Heartland Forgiveness Scale”, developed by Thompson, Snyder & Hoffman (2005) and adapted to Turkish by Bugay & Demir (2010), were used for data collection procedure. The results indicate that the undergraduates’ five-factor personality traits and self-esteem are correlated with their forgiveness levels. In addition, the undergraduates’ personality traits of openness, neuroticism and extroversion predict their forgiveness levels. Keywords: Forgiveness, Self-Esteem, Personality, Traits