Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Towards risk-based flood management in highly productive paddy rice cultivation – concept development and application to the Mekong Delta

Abstract. Flooding is an imminent natural hazard threatening most river deltas, e.g. the Mekong Delta. An appropriate flood management is thus required for a sustainable development of the often densely populated regions. Recently, the traditional event-based hazard control shifted towards a risk management approach in many regions, driven by intensive research leading to new legal regulation on flood management. However, a large-scale flood risk assessment does not exist for the Mekong Delta. Particularly, flood risk to paddy rice cultivation, the most important economic activity in the delta, has not been performed yet. Therefore, the present study was developed to provide the very first insight into delta-scale flood damages and risks to rice cultivation. The flood hazard was quantified by probabilistic flood hazard maps of the whole delta using a bivariate extreme value statistics, synthetic flood hydrographs, and a large-scale hydraulic model. The flood risk to paddy rice was then quantified considering cropping calendars, rice phenology, and harvest times based on a time series of enhanced vegetation index (EVI) derived from MODIS satellite data, and a published rice flood damage function. The proposed concept provided flood risk maps to paddy rice for the Mekong Delta in terms of expected annual damage. The presented concept can be used as a blueprint for regions facing similar problems due to its generic approach. Furthermore, the changes in flood risk to paddy rice caused by changes in land use currently under discussion in the Mekong Delta were estimated. Two land-use scenarios either intensifying or reducing rice cropping were considered, and the changes in risk were presented in spatially explicit flood risk maps. The basic risk maps could serve as guidance for the authorities to develop spatially explicit flood management and mitigation plans for the delta. The land-use change risk maps could further be used for adaptive risk management plans and as a basis for a cost–benefit of the discussed land-use change scenarios. Additionally, the damage and risks maps may support the recently initiated agricultural insurance programme in Vietnam.
Dynamic water behaviour due to one trapped air pocket in a laboratory pipeline apparatus

Trapped air pockets may cause severe operational problems in hydropower and water supply systems. A locally isolated air pocket creates distinct amplitude, shape and timing of pressure pulses. This paper investigates dynamic behaviour of a single trapped air pocket. The air pocket is incorporated as a boundary condition into the discrete gas cavity model (DGCM). DGCM allows small gas cavities to form at computational sections in the method of characteristics (MOC). The growth of the pocket and gas cavities is described by the water hammer compatibility equation(s), the continuity equation for the cavity volume, and the equation of state of an ideal gas. Isentropic behaviour is assumed for the trapped gas pocket and an isothermal bath for small gas cavities. Experimental investigations have been performed in a laboratory pipeline apparatus. The apparatus consists of an upstream end high-pressure tank, a horizontal steel pipeline (total length 55.37 m, inner diameter 18 mm), four valve units positioned along the pipeline including the end points, and a downstream end tank. A trapped air pocket is captured between two ball valves at the downstream end of the pipeline. The transient event is initiated by rapid opening of the upstream end valve; the downstream end valve stays closed during the event. Predicted and measured results for a few typical cases are compared and discussed.
Statistica Sinica Preprint No : SS-2016-0403 R 1 Title Bayesian Calibration of Multistate Stochastic Simulators

Inference on large-scale models is of great interest in modern science. Examples include deterministic simulators of fluid dynamics to recover the source of a pollutant, or stochastic agent-based simulators to infer features of consumer behaviour. When computational constraints prohibit model evaluation at all but a small ensemble of parameter settings, exact inference becomes infeasible. In such cases, emulation of the simulator enables the interrogation of a surrogate model at arbitrary parameter values. Combining emulators with observational data to estimate parameters and predict a real-world process is known as computer model calibration. The choice of the emulator model is a critical aspect of calibration. Existing approaches treat the mathematical model as implemented on computer as an unknown but deterministic response surface. However, in many cases the underlying mathematical model, or the simulator approximating the mathematical model, are not determinsitic and in fact have some uncertainty associated with their output. In this paper, we propose a Bayesian statistical calibration model for stochastic simulators. The approach is motivated by two applied problems: a deterministic mathematical model of intra-cellular signalling whose implementation on computer nonetheless has discretization uncertainty, and a stochastic model of river water temperature commonly used in hydrology. We show the proposed approach is able to map the uncertainties of such non-deterministic simulators through to the resulting inference while retaining computational feasibility. Supplementary computer code and datasets are provided online.
The application of business risk audit methodology within non-Big-4 firms

Purpose - – This paper aims to explore the application of the business risk audit (BRA) approach within non-Big-4 audit firms in the USA, the UK and Canada. This paper focuses on the motivation for adopting this approach for non-Big-4 audit firms in the three countries, and the advantages, disadvantages and aftermath of applying this method. Design/methodology/approach - – A combination of qualitative and quantitative methods to obtain the data necessary to address the research questions was used. Findings - – It is found that non-Big-4 audit firms in the three countries have adopted BRA; their motivation was primarily to follow the standards in each country, and the general trend in the industry. The advantages identified are consistent with previous research; a direct benefit was noted for audit effectiveness and risk management for both clients and auditors. One major disadvantage of applying BRA is the cost burden to both the audit firm and their clients. Some of the interviewees claimed that this method is better suited to large firms and large audits. Originality/value - – This is an innovative study that addresses a contemporary auditing issue. The majority of the audit research studies concentrate on the big audit firm practices; this study is the first to examine the application of audit practices within smaller audit firms.
Applied Biotechnologies in the Conservation of Wild Felids: In Vitro Embryo Production and Cellular Regenerative Therapies

This review consist of a complete recompilation of advances made in in vitro embryo production (IVP) and cellular therapies in the domestic cat and wild felids species. Actually, the domestic cat is considered a valuable model for the development of assisted reproductive techniques and cellular regenerative therapies that might be used in the conservation of endangered felids. The in vitro embryo production technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) have been applied in different species of small wild felid and big felids, resulting in live birth in some cases. However, more studies are needed to improve the efficiency of these techniques and maximize their use in the reproduction and conservation of wild felids. On the other hand, the mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) therapies have been increasingly used in the veterinary medicine. Recent studies had reported the use of MSCs in the treatment of some chronic diseases in the domestic cat. For these reasons, the MSCs therapies are projected as a promising alternative for the treatments of chronic diseases that might affect wild felids that live in zoos, which could be caused by their captive environment conditions.
Impact of applying composted biosolids on wheat growth and yield parameters on a calcimagnesic soil in a semi-arid region

A field trial in a semi-arid climate was carried out on wheat ( Triticum aestivum var. Marchouch) growing on a calcimagnesic soil using compost applied at 42 T/ha during the three years of study, but in different ways: C1, C2 and C3. Over this period, the level of total Kjeldhal nitrogen (TKN) increased in the soil amended by high doses (C2 and C3, by about 33 and 50%) compared with steady low amendment (C1) and to both controls NF (soil without fertilisation) and MF (soil receiving mineral fertilization). Adding compost also led to a positive influence on cation exchange capacity (CEC) by increasing humic substance levels (HS) which doubled in plots C2 and C3 compared with both controls. In NF soil, the TKN, total organic carbon (TOC) and the pH of soil showed a clear negative correlation with the agronomic parameters. In the MF soil, most physico-chemical parameters correlated well with the agronomic parameters: input of mineral elements balancing export through harvest. In amended soil, especially in C3 plots, HS and CEC showed significant correlations with most agronomic parameters (P1: 69.1%) due to enhanced CEC and sequestration of available carbon in the form of stable humic structures. Key words: Compost, wheat growth, calcimagnesic soil, semi-arid region.
Investigating the Effects of Using Dynamic Assessment Procedures on the EFL Learners’ Vocabulary Knowledge Development

This study seeks to provide insights into the process of vocabulary learning and promoting vocabulary knowledge by tracking its development in dynamic assessment (DA) procedures through thematic and microgenetic analysis. In order to meet the aim of this study, three male and three female EFL learners were chosen non-randomly based on their availability. All the participants were beginners with regard to their vocabulary knowledge. The participants voluntarily attended 15 DA sessions throughout each session a few new vocabulary items were presented using different techniques of teaching vocabulary. The participants received corrective feedback within their zone of proximal development (ZPD). They were provided with appropriate levels of help by moving gradually and using prompts through the regulatory scale from the most implicit to the most explicit assistance which emerged from the individualized mediation between the mediator and the learners. The results of the study indicated that using DA procedure can enhance the development of vocabulary knowledge among EFL learners.
Gastrintestinal helminths of capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris, Linnaeus, 1766) in Cattle Breeding Farm in the area of the Ecological Reserve of Taim, Rio Grande

The aim of this study was we observe the prevalence, intensity and mean intensity of theinfection by gastrintestinal helminths in capybaras. The helminths collected resulted in the following relationship with their respective prevalence and mean intensities of infection: Strongyloides sp. - 62.55% and 168.67; Protozoophaga obesa - 95.83% and 2698.26; Vianella hydrochoeri - 70.83% and 83.82; Hydrochoerisnema anomalobursata - 58.33% and 57.86; Capillaria hydrochoeri - 83.33% and 35.25; Trichuris spp. - 50.00% and 36.58; Hippocrepis hippocrepis - 62.50% and 22.40; Taxorchis schistocotyle - 12.50% and 2.33; Hydrochoeristrema cabrali - 45.83% and 10.73; Monoecocestus hydrochoeri - 50,00% and 28.25 and Monoecocestus jacobi - 41.67% and 5.40. The helminths M. hydrochoeri, Strongyloides sp. , Trichuris spp. , H. hippocrepis and H. cabrali showed a statistical differences between ages in the mean intensity of parasitism, and the first two presented higher values for the young animals and the last three for the adults.
Effects of Environmental Factors, Ages and Breeds on Semen Characteristics in Thai Indigenous Chickens: A One-year Study

Several reports on the semen characteristics of domestic fowl have indicated that environmental factors, breed and age significantly affect semen quality. There is, however, a paucity of data on effects of environmental factor, breed and age on semen characteristic in Thai indigenous chickens. The aims of the present study were to investigate the effects of annual ambient temperature and humidity, local breeds (i.e. Lueng hang kaow, Pradoo hang dam and Chee), and ages (10 and 18 months) on sperm production and semen quality among Thai native cocks. Thirty-six Thai native cocks were housed under natural environmental conditions, and semen was collected routinely twice a week using the massage method. Sperm production and semen quality were determined every two weeks for one year. Semen was evaluated for volume, mass movement, % total motility, % live normal, sperm concentration/ml and sperm number/ejaculate. Over the 12-month period, ambient temperature and humidity did not significantly affect sperm production and semen quality (p < 0.05). Breeds and ages also had no effect on semen characteristics among the Thai native cocks. The result of the present study indicates that the sperm production and semen quality of captive Thai native cocks were not influenced by environmental factors, breeds and ages.
A flipped classroom model for a biostatistics short course

Effective pedagogical strategies are needed to improve statistical literacy within health sciences education. This paper describes the design, implementation, and evaluation of a highly interactive two-week biostatistics short course using the flipped classroom model in the United States. The course was required for all students at the start of a doctoral degree program with the goal of standardizing student preparation, contextualizing biostatistics to healthcare, and identifying students needing additional help. We focused on basic concepts and methods, their application to healthcare, selection of statistical procedures, and results interpretation. Data indicate that students were actively engaged, perceived the course as useful, and experienced learning gains. After the course, students indicated that they better understood the relevance and applicability of biostatistics and were motivated to learn more.
Analyzing Mergers under Asymmetric Information: A Simple Reduced-Form Approach

This paper provides a simple reduced-form framework for analyzing merger decisions in the presence of asymmetric information about firm types, building on Shapiro's (1986) oligopoly model with asymmetric information about marginal costs. We employ this framework to examine what types of firms are likely to be involved in mergers. While we give sufficient conditions under which only low-type firms merge, as a lemons rationale would suggest, we also argue that these conditions will often be violated in practice. Finally, our analysis shows how signaling considerations affect merger decisions.
Which special functions of bounded deformation have bounded variation?

Functions of bounded deformation (BD) arise naturally in the study of fracture and damage in a geometrically linear context. They are related to functions of bounded variation (BV), but are less well understood. We discuss here the relation to BV under additional regularity assumptions, which may require the regular part of the strain to have higher integrability or the jump set to have finite area or the Cantor part to vanish. On the positive side, we prove that BD functions that are piecewise affine on a Caccioppoli partition are in GSBV, and we prove that SBD p functions are approximately continuous -almost everywhere away from the jump set. On the negative side, we construct a function that is BD but not in BV and has distributional strain consisting only of a jump part, and one that has a distributional strain consisting of only a Cantor part.
Urban sustainability and ageing: uncovering the critical links between the urban environment and successful ageing in place

The physical environment is emerging as an important determinant of individual health outcomes. With growing evidence to suggest that health in later life is particularly sensitive to environmental characteristics, this link is of increasing interest to the ageing populations of the developed world. Much attention has focused to date on developing mechanisms for successful ageing in place. The term ‘ageing in place’ has traditionally referred to individuals growing old in their own homes with an emphasis on modification of the home environment to compensate for the limitations associated with ageing. It is no surprise that research consistently indicates the majority of older people prefer to age in familiar surroundings. It is also no surprise that ageing in place represents a more economically, environmentally and socially sustainable option to institutionalised care. However, the research agenda must be broadened beyond the immediate home environment if all the variables associated with successful ageing in place are to be thoroughly appreciated. This paper commences with an examination of the key concepts associated with ageing, sustainable development and environmental assessment. The key themes in a range of established sustainable urban environment assessment tools are then examined. The examination reveals that the ageing in place concept has not been adequately integrated into the assessment process. The paper argues that ageing in place is a critical factor in urban sustainability, and concludes with a conceptual model for the integration of ageing in place into the assessment of sustainable urban environments.
Control of two-dimensional electron spin by an abrupt change of physical parameters of a quantum well

We apply Clifford algebra to investigate 2D electron spin reflection off and transmission through a stepped discontinuity of physical parameters in semiconducting quantum well. The discontinuity may be due to change of spin-orbit interaction constants, effective masses, or electrostatic potential. In the paper the posed problem has been solved exactly. It is shown that the reflected electronic beam has identical spin polarization as the incident one. However, the transmitted beam suffers spin flipping and in general case consists of a mixture of up and down spin states. Optimal conditions for total reversion of 2D electron spin polarization are found. Special attention is paid to correct boundary conditions in the presence of spin-orbit interaction. A simple formula that connects spin polarization of the transmitted beam and SO interaction constants is presented. Keywords: Clifford algebra, geometric algebra, semiconductors, spintronics, spin polarization, spin flipping, quantum well
Perceptions of higher education students regarding the equality of opportunity and possibility in education in terms of sociological variables

One of the most important priorities of a democratic educational system is the obligation of actualizing implementations that will provide equality of opportunity and possibility in education. The purpose of this study is to determine perceptions of higher education students regarding the equality of opportunity and possibility in education according to the sociological variables. In the study, there has been used “The Scale of Opportunity and Possibility Equality in Higher Education” developed by the researchers based upon the literature and implementation process. Evaluations of sociology and educational administration academicians have been asked for determining content validity of the scale. Pre-implementation with 124 students has been performed to determine content validity and reliability level of the scale. The scale has been determined as multifactor, reliable and valid as result of the preimplementation data analysis. The research has been carried out with the participation of 472 students studying at Erzincan University in 2012-2013 Academic Year Fall Term. According to the research findings, there has been noticed that the variables that mostly affect factors regarding socio-economic and cultural characteristics and secondary education services have been the area where the family lives in and income state. Research results have revealed that inadequate educational level of parents have negatively affected students to benefit from educational opportunities in both secondary and higher education.
La Grangian Multiplier Equation in Pre Planckian Space-Time Early Universe and the Cosmological Constant.

We look at two action integrals for the early universe. One action integral as specified by Ambjorn, et.al, 2010 is part of a quantum gravity as a sum over space-time results and another is by Padmanabhan, in 2005 gives an action integral in terms of the Cosmological Constant prominently in, as a way to obtain the Einstein Equations in general relativity. The procedure in our derivation is to say that both first integrals in the Pre-Planckian space-time are giving the same ‘information’ and from there to utilize an equivalence between these two first integrals as to interpret what the Lagrangian multiplier in the Abjorn et.al. first integral is saying. In addition we interpret the Ricci scalar, in the Padmabhan first integral in terms of a treatment given by Majumbdar, 2015, which has the value of being rendered in terms of scalar factors a(t). In doing so, we utilize the physical interpretation of a Lagrangian multiplier, as given by Karrabulet which is in terms of minimum conditions needed for affecting the physics (of cosmological expansion of the universe) from first principles Key words, Ricci tensor, inflaton physics.
KURUMSAL YATIRIMCILARIN YATIRIM TERCİHLERİ ÖZET Bu çalışmada kurumsal yatırımcıların yatırım kararlarına etki eden unsurlar incelenmektedir. Şirket özellikleri, asimetrik bilgi seviyesi ve yönetim mekanizmaları çalışmada kullanılan başlıca etkenlerdir. Şirket özelliklerine bakıldığında

This paper examines the determinants of institutional investment. Firm specific characteristics, information asymmetry level and governance mechanisms are the main determinants that are included in this study. Large firms, firms with low book-to-market-ratio, firms with less leverage, firms with high level of past performance, less volatile firms and firms with high liquidity are chosen by institutional investors. They also invest in stocks which have low level of information asymmetry. Institutional investors prefer to invest in countries with high level of investment protection and strong disclosure requirements. Finally, they give importance to country level governance quality. As a result, they invest in countries with high level of governance quality.
Intelligibility of Arabic Esophageal Speech: A Preliminary Study

This study reports on how intelligible Arabic esophageal speech is. Recording of three Arabic esophageal speakers reading a (100 - word) passage in standard Arabic was obtained. The recordings were reviewed by two groups of judges. 10 judges were exposed to esophageal speech and 10 were not (college students). Both groups wrote the words they heard in standard Arabic and rated the intelligibility on a five-point scale. Results revealed a significant difference in the correctly identified words in the reading passage between the two groups. However, no significant difference was found between the two groups in intelligibility rating. Also, a strong negative correlation was found between intelligibility rating for the reading passage and the correctly identified words. Additionally, the exposed groups were asked to phonetically transcribe a list of words representing all standard Arabic sounds in order to evaluate the mechanically induced “phonological” and phonetic influences on speech intelligibility. It was concluded that compensatory articulation therapy is a necessary step in improving Arabic esophageal speech intelligibility.