Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Numerical investigation of a compressible gyrofluid model for collisionless magnetic reconnection

Ion Larmor radius effects on collisionless magnetic reconnection in the presence of a guide field are investigated by means of numerical simulations based on a gyrofluid model for compressible plasmas. Compressibility along the magnetic field is seen to favour the distribution of ion guiding center density along the neutral line, rather than along the separatrices, unlike the electron density. On the other hand, increasing ion temperature reduces the intensity of localized ion guiding center flows that develop in the direction parallel to the guide field. Numerical simulations suggest that the width of these bar-shaped velocity layers scale linearly with the ion Larmor radius. The increase of ion temperature radius causes also a reduction of the electron parallel velocity. As a consequence, it is found that the cusp-like current profiles distinctive of non-dissipative reconnection are strongly attenuated. The field structures are interpreted in terms of the behavior of the four topological invariants of the system. Two of these are seen to behave similarly to invariants of simpler models that do not account for parallel ion flow. The other two exhibit different structures, partly as a consequence of the small electron/ion mass ratio. The origin of these invariants at the gyrokinetic level is also discussed. The investigation of the field structures is complemented by an analysis of the energetics of the system. V C 2012 American Institute of Physics . [ http://dx.doi. org/10.1063/1.3697860]
The gender gap in earnings: an international comparison with European matched employer–employee data

This article examines the origin of the cross-country heterogeneity of the gender wage gap in nine European countries using a unique harmonized international matched employer–employee dataset. Our novel findings suggest that cross-country differences in the intensity of female segregation into low-paying workplaces is a relevant source of international differences in the size of the gap and that international disparities in the characteristics of wage structures are not very influential. On the other hand, the evidence is not fully conclusive with respect to the influence on the variations of the gap of different macroeconomic, social and institutional country-specific features considered previously in the literature.
Salt marsh–atmosphere exchange of energy, water vapor, and carbon dioxide: Effects of tidal flooding and biophysical controls

The degree to which short‐duration, transient floods modify wetland‐atmosphere exchange of energy, water vapor, and carbon dioxide (CO2) is poorly documented despite the significance of flooding in many wetlands. This study explored the effects of transient floods on salt marsh–atmosphere linkages. Eddy flux, micrometeorological, and other field data collected during two tidal phases (daytime versus nighttime high tides) quantified the salt marsh radiation budget, surface energy balance, and CO2 flux. Analysis contrasted flooded and nonflooded and day and night effects. The salt marsh surface energy balance was similar to that of a heating‐dominated sparse crop during nonflooded periods but similar to that of an evaporative cooling‐dominated, well‐watered grassy lawn during flooding. Observed increases in latent heat flux and decreases in net ecosystem exchange during flooding were proportional to flood depth and duration, with complete CO2 flux suppression occurring above some flood height less than the canopy height. Flood‐induced changes in the salt marsh energy balance were dominated by changes in sensible heat flux, soil heat flux, and surface water heat storage. Parameters suitable for predicting the salt marsh surface energy balance were obtained by calibrating common models (e.g., Penman‐Monteith, Priestley‐Taylor, and pan coefficient). Biophysical controls on salt marsh–atmosphere exchange were identified following calibration of models describing the coupling of canopy photosynthesis and stomatal conductance in the salt marsh. The effects of flooding on salt marsh–atmosphere exchange are temporary but strongly affect the marsh water, carbon, and energy balance despite their short duration.
The role of intense nest predation in the decline of Scarlet Robins and Eastern Yellow Robins in remnant woodland near Armidale , New South Wales

A study of open-nesting Eastern Yellow Robins Eopsaltria australis and Scarlet Robins Petroica multicolor, on the New England Tablelands of New South Wales in 2000-02, found Iow breeding success typical of eucalypt woodland birds. The role of intense nest predation in the loss of birds from woodland fragments was investigated by means of predator-exclusion cages at robin nests, culling of Pied Currawongs Strepera graculina, and monitoring of fledging and recruitment in the robins. Nest-cages significantly improved nest success (86% vs 20%) and fledging rate (1.6 vs 0.3 fledglings per attempt) for both robin species combined (n = 7 caged, 20 uncaged). For both robin species combined, culling of currawongs produced a twofold difference in nest success (33% vs 14%), a higher fledging rate (0.5 vs 0.3 per attempt), and a five-day difference in mean nest survival (18 vs 13 days) (n = 62 nests), although sample sizes for nests in the cull treatment (n = 18) were small and nest predation continued. Although the robin breeding population had not increased one year after the cull, the pool of Yellow Robin recruits in 2001-03, after enhanced fledging success, produced two emigrants to a patch where Yellow Robins had become extinct. Management to assist the conservation of open-nesting woodland birds should address control of currawongs.
Ice thickness, internal structure and subglacial topography of Bowles Plateau ice cap and the main ice divides of Livingston Island, Antarctica, by ground-based radio-echo sounding

Abstract We present the results of low-frequency (20 MHz) radio-echo sounding (RES) carried out in December 2000 and December 2006 on the main ice divides of Livingston Island, South Shetland Islands (SSI), Antarctica, and Bowles Plateau, Antarctica, respectively, as well as high-frequency (200 MHz) RES on the latter, aimed at determining the ice thickness, internal structure and subglacial relief. Typical ice thickness along the main ice divides is ~150 m, reaching maxima of ~200 m. On Bowles Plateau the ice is much thicker, with an average of 265 m and maxima of ~500 m. The bed below the main ice divides is above sea level, while part of the outlet glaciers from Bowles Plateau lies significantly below sea level, down to –120 m. The strong scattering of the radio waves in the areas under study constitutes further evidence that the ice in the accumulation area of the ice masses of the SSI is temperate. Typical thickness of the firn layer in Bowles Plateau is 20–35 m, similar to that found in King George ice cap. A strong internal reflector within the firn layer, interpreted as a tephra layer from the 1970 eruption at Deception Island, has allowed a rough estimate of the specific mass balances for Bowles Plateau within 0.20–0.40ma–1w.e. , as average values for the period 1970–2006.
Dynamic emission properties of pulsars B0943+10 and B1822–09 – I. Comparison, and the discovery of a ‘Q’‐mode precursor

This paper reports new observations of pulsars B0943+10 and B1822-09 carried out with the Arecibo Observatory and the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope, respectively. Both stars exhibit two stable emission modes. We report the discovery in B0943+10 of a highly linearly polarized 'precursor' (PC) component that occurs primarily in only one mode. This emission feature closely resembles B1822-09's PC which also occurs brightly in only one mode. B09433+10's other mode is well known for its highly regular drifting subpulses that are apparently produced by a rotating 'carousel' system of 20 'beamlets. ' Similarly, B1822-09 exhibits subpulse-modulation behaviour only in the mode where its PC is absent. We survey our 18 h of B0943+10 observations and find that the 'sideband'-modulation features, from which the carousel-rotation time can be directly determined, occur rarely - less than 5 per cent of the time - but always indicating 20 'beamlets'. We present an analysis of B 1822-09's modal modulation characteristics at 325 MHz and compare them in detail with B0943+10. The pulsar never seems to null, and we find a 43-rotation-period P 3 feature in the star's 'Q' mode that modulates the interpulse (IP) as well as the conal features in the main pulse (MP). We conclude that B1822-09 must have a nearly orthogonal geometry and that its carousel circulation time is long compared to the modal subsequences available in our observations, and the MP/IP separation is almost exactly 180°. We conclude the PCs for both stars are incompatible with core-cone emission. We assess the interesting suggestion by Dyks et al. that downward-going radiation produces B1822-09's PC emission.
CER-ETH – Center of Economic Research at ETH Zurich Social Security and the Interactions Between Aggregate and Idiosyncratic Risk

We ask whether a PAYG-financed social security system is welfare improving in an economy with idiosyncratic and aggregate risk. We argue that interactions between the two risks are important for this question. One is a direct interaction in the form of a countercyclical variance of idiosyncratic income risk. The other indirectly emerges over a household’s life-cycle because retirement savings contain the history of idiosyncratic and aggregate shocks. We show that this leads to risk interactions, even when risks are statistically independent. In our quantitative analysis, we find that introducing social security with a contribution rate of two percent leads to welfare gains of 2.2% of lifetime consumption in expectation, despite substantial crowding out of capital. This welfare gain stands in contrast to the welfare losses documented in the previous literature, which studies one risk in isolation. We show that jointly modeling both risks is crucial: 60% of the welfare benefits from insurance result from the interactions of risks. JEL classification: C68; E27; E62; G12; H55
Solving Volterra's Population Model Using New Second Derivative Multistep Methods

In this study new second derivative multistep methods (denoted SDMM) are used to solve Volterra's model for population growth of a species within a closed system. This model is a nonlinear integro-differential where the integral term represents the effect of toxin. This model is first converted to a nonlinear ordinary differential equation and then the new SDMM, which has good stability and accuracy properties, are applied to solve this equation. We compare this method with the others and show that new SDMM gives excellent results.
Critically Ill Patients with Pandemic Influenza A/H1N1 2009 at a Medical Center in Korea

Results: 27 patients with confirmed pandemic Influenza A/H1N1 2009 were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) at the Asan Medical Center (AMC). The median age (IQR) was 59 years (41∼67), and 66.7% of the patients were older than 51 years. A total of 81.5% of the patients had 2 or more co-morbidities. The median time (IQR) from symptom onset to presentation was 2 days (1∼4), and the median time from presentation to ICU admission was 0 days (0∼1.5). All patients received oseltamivir (300 mg/day) and 13 patients received triple combination therapy (oseltamivir, amantadine, ribavirin). Twelve patients required mechanical ventilation on the first day of ICU admission. A total of 6 patients (22.2%) died within 28 days of admission. The patients who died had significantly higher acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores at presentation. There were no significant differences in age, co-morbidities, or antiviral regimens between survivors and non-survivors. Conclusion: Critical illness related to pandemic Influenza A/H1N1 2009 was common in elderly patients with chronic co-morbidities. All patients were given high-dose oseltamivir or triple combination antiviral therapy. Nonetheless, patients with critical illnesses associated with pandemic Influenza A/H1N1 2009 had a death rate of 22.2%.
The Role of Risk Perception and Collaborative Management in ExplainingStringent Municipal Regulations - The Israeli Air Pollution Case Study

What influences municipalities to proactively enact more stringent environmental standards relative to the central state’s stipulated requirements? What is the role of environmental need (risk) in determining the level of action? And what is the relationship between objective risk indicators and subjectively perceived ones? Does Collaborative Management (CM) at the local level influence the stringency of local environmental legislation? This paper employs SEM analysis combining survey data from all municipalities in Israel with an analysis of local bylaws to address these questions. Doing so enables us to contribute the following insights to the research literature. First, we add to the thin extant literature on the role of municipalities in addressing environmental problems and construct a model of factors affecting stringent environmental regulation. Second, the study extends the very small number of non- US studies regarding environmental outputs in municipalities. Third, our study answers the call to investigate conditions under which CM enhances environmental achievements. Fourth, the study further contributes to understanding the importance of perceived risk for explaining local environmental policies and how they are influenced by CM. The results demonstrate the important role of both perceived risk and CM in influencing the stringency of local environmental regulation.
Calculus Students’ Visual Thinking of Definite Integral

Visualization as both the product and the process of creation, interpretation and reflection upon pictures and images, is gaining increased visibility in mathematics and mathematics education. The use of diagrams to visualize definite integral concept, however, is problematic for many students and may actually hinder their problem-solving efforts. The purpose of this study, not only extends our understanding of students’ difficulties and strengths associated with visualization but also identifies types of visual image they utilized while solve integral problems. Through the detailed analyses of students' work and verbal protocols, the students with high visualization ability use of imagination images in high percentages along with algebraic representations and linking these two representations lead to the success of problem solving. The students with low visualization ability use of memory images. It is discovered that students can produce imagination images that play a significant role in a problem solving process. As such, a process of visualization allows an articulation between representations to produce another representation that could help students solve given problems.
RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF ACCOUNTING EARNINGS’ METRICS IN THE BRAZILIAN STOCK MARKET

This research aims to evaluate the usefulness of quarterly accounting results of Brazilian companies and identify which of its metrics better captures and expresses the factors considered by market participants in the formation of the stock price. With the employment of the technical study of associations and analysis of relative importance, we analysed 6 metrics of the profit and loss statement, in a sample with 2,588 quarterly financial results, between 1999 and 2008, of 108 companies listed on BOVESPA – The Sao Paulo Brazilian Stock Exchange. The main findings show that there is a daily significant association during the quarter, notably in its completion, between each of the metrics and the stock price and the Net Income is the metric that best captures and expresses the factors considered in the formation of stock prices of Brazilian companies.
Azimuthal asymmetry in collective electron dynamics in relativistically transparent laser–foil interactions

Asymmetry in the collective dynamics of ponderomotively-driven electrons in the interaction of an ultraintense laser pulse with a relativistically transparent target is demonstrated experimentally. The 2D profile of the beam of accelerated electrons is shown to change from an ellipse aligned along the laser polarization direction in the case of limited transparency, to a double-lobe structure aligned perpendicular to it when a significant fraction of the laser pulse co-propagates with the electrons. The temporally-resolved dynamics of the interaction are investigated via particle-in-cell simulations. The results provide new insight into the collective response of charged particles to intense laser fields over an extended interaction volume, which is important for a wide range of applications, and in particular for the development of promising new ultraintense laser-driven ion acceleration mechanisms involving ultrathin target foils.
Effect of executive compensation on firm performance

The paper finds evidence that the equity-based CEO pay is positively related to firm performance and risk-taking. Both stock price and operating performance as well as firm's riskiness increase in the pay-performance sensitivities (PPS) provided by CEO stock options and stock holdings. PPS can explain stock returns better as an additional factor to the FamaFrench 3-factor model. When CEOs are compensated with higher PPS, firms experience higher return on asset (ROA). The higher PPS also leads to the higher risk-taking. While CEO incentive compensation has been perceived mixed on its effectiveness, this study provides support to the equity-based CEO compensation in reducing agency conflicts between CEOs and shareholders.
THE IMPACT OF INFORMAL CROSS BORDER TRADE ON REGIONAL INTEGRATION IN SADC AND IMPLICATIONS FOR WEALTH CREATION

The African countries are facing a lot of challenges due to the impact of globalisation. Though it brings opportunities and challenges, the African countries are on the receiving side rather than being proactive in the global arena. Globalisation is driven by information technology and free flow of capital around the world. Africa is disadvantaged due to low levels of technological investments and capital accumulation. The telephone penetration is 2% in SubSahara Africa and 1% internet while the savings ratio to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) average 16% when compared to Latin America with 24% and South East Asia with 37.5%. The low domestic savings ratio hinders rapid growth of domestic investment and a high level of export growth of African commodities. This has precipitated declining terms of trade, reduced GDP, triggering debt problems and poverty several communities are experiencing today.
Acute myeloid leukemia with myelodysplasia related changes

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous clonal disorder with two prominent features: i) hematopoietic progenitor cells loose the ability to differentiate normally and ii) the transformed leukemia cells show an impaired regulation of myeloid proliferation. AML with myelodysplasia-related changes is a subentity of AML that has a poor prognosis. It is characterized by a history of MDS, significant morphologic dysplasia, or MDS-related cytogenetic features such as -7/del(7q) and others. Whereas the prognosis of AML is quite different with respect to genetic aberrations, the therapy except of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is still relatively unchanged from 30 years ago. Therefore, new treatment strategies are needed.
Assessing User Acceptance toward Blog Technology Using the UTAUT Model

Blogs are among the many commonly used technologies for education and learning. They are also both conversational technologies and constructivist learning tools. Their interactive, collaborative, user friendly, and instant archival features have transformed blogs into effective tools for enhancing case based teaching methods in the asynchronous nature of the online environment. This study investigated the student populace's acceptance of the blog technology through the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) framework. UTAUT integrates eight theories from social psychology and sociology in order to examine the effects of major factors on behavioral intention and actual use of blog to learn e business course materials and topic discussions. The results showed that both social influence and performance expectancy had a significant relationship with behavioral intention, whereas effort expectancy did not. In this study, behavioral intention did not have a significant relationship with actual usage level of blogs as a learning tool.
Invariants of Moduli Spaces and Modular Forms

ottsche Abstract. Generating functions for invariants of moduli spaces in algebraic geometry of are often related to modular forms. In this paper we give an overview of many instances of this phenomenon and in some cases relate it to predictions from theoretical physics. In this paper we only consider moduli spaces of objects on surfaces. The examples in- clude Euler numbers of moduli spaces of sheaves on surfaces, Donaldson invariants, and enumerative invariants of curves on surfaces.
Performance Management in Practice: the Norwegian Way

In this paper we will examine how the Norwegian system of performance management, Management-By-Objectives-And-Results (MBOR), has been adopted in civil service organizations. We will look at MBOR as a type of regulation within the state. There is a growing focus on self-regulation inside government used by a variety of public agencies that set standards and use different forms of performance management and compliance measures to audit government organizations’ work (Hood et al., 1999). We will examine how it is practiced by analyzing data from a comprehensive survey of state agencies. The main research questions are first, how the agencies perceive the performancemanagement system in practice, and second, how we can explain variations in performance-management practices between different agencies. MBOR is a performance-management tool encompassing three main components (Laegreid, 2001a). First, the leadership must formulate clear goals and targets and give subordinate bodies leeway and discretion in their daily work. This technique is based on the requirement that the objectives are precise, concrete, specific and hierarchically structured with primary and secondary objectives followed by performance indicators. They must be operational, consistent and stable in order to function as concrete and binding criteria for evaluation. Second, subordinate agencies must report on results using a well-developed system of performance indicators. Emphasis is given to the measurement of performance and in reporting information relating to the functions of the agencies. Improved methods for monitoring results and for measuring efficiency and goal achievement are needed. This includes