Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Measuring the natural yield curve

We generalize the concept of the natural rate of interest (Laubach and Williams, 2003; Woodford, 2003) by defining and estimating the natural yield curve (NYC) – the term structure of natural interest rates. Our motivation stems i.a. from the observation that at times when central banks attempt to directly affect long-term interest rates (e.g. via quantitative easing) the gap between the short-term real and natural rate is no more a good indicator of the monetary policy stance. We estimate the NYC on US data, document its main properties and show i.a. that in the period 2008 to 2011 the NYC allows to better capture the US monetary policy stance than the short-term natural rate.
Antimicrobial effects of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles produced by Actinomyces spp. based on their sizes and shapes

Aims: Actinomyces are dominant soil microflora with potent activity for production of several enzymes and metabolites. In order to increase their survival in the environment these bacteria detoxify the metal ions and consequently produce the nanoparticles. The present study was undertaken to isolate Actinomyces strains from soil samples and their evaluation for the production of silver nanoparticles with antimicrobial property. Methodology and results: Two hundred soil samples were collected and subjected to isolation and identification (based on16SrRNA gene sequencing) of silver nanoparticles producing Actinomyces. The silver nanoparticles produced by Actinomyces were confirmed by UV-visible spectral analysis, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP). Furthermore, antimicrobial property of silver nanoparticles was assessed against pathogenic microorganisms viz., Staphylococcus aureus (PTCC 1431), Acinetobacter baumannii (PTCC 19606), Bacillus cereus (PTCC 1816), Escherichia coli (PTCC 1397), Salmonella typhi (PTCC 1609), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PTCC 1707), Aspergillus niger (PTCC 5010) and Candida albicans (PTCC 5072). Of 48 Actinomyces isolated, 26 strains could produce silver nanoparticles and three of which showed potent activity for production of silver nanoparticles. Molecular identification of these strains exhibited detection of Actinomyces amycolicicoccus subflavus, Streptomyces flavoviridis and Streptomyces lateritius. The results obtained from characterization of the biosynthesis silver nanoparticles illustrated that their shapes and sizes were spindle and spherical and 47-103 nm respectively. However, the antimicrobial effect of silver nanoparticles against the pathogenic microorganisms was varied. Yet S. typhi followed by P. aeruginosa, were more sensitive and A. baumannii was relatively less sensitive. In addition, spherical shape with small average size relatively showed more antimicrobial property. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: Soil Actinomyces could produce silver nanoparticles and these particles have antimicrobial effect. In addition, the antimicrobial effect of silver nanoparticles, not only because of their chemical property (such as formation of free radical) but also depended on their shapes and sizes.
Scaling Up Initiatives: How Initiatives Can Contribute to Transformational Change. A Qualitative Study Using the Example of UrbanFoodSpots: Food for Thought

I hereby declare that: 1. I have written this Master thesis myself, independently and without the aid of unfair or unauthorized resources. Whenever content has been taken directly or indirectly from other sources, this has been indicated and the source referenced. 2. This Master Thesis has not been previously presented as an examination paper in this or any other form in Austria or abroad. 3. This Master Thesis is identical with the thesis assessed by the examiner.
A New Simple Square Root Option Pricing Model

This study derives a simple square root option pricing model using a general equilibrium approach in an economy where the representative agent has a generalized logarithmic utility function. Our option pricing formulae, like the Black–Scholes model, do not depend on the preference parameters of the utility function of the representative agent. Although the Black–Scholes model introduces limited liability in asset prices by assuming that the logarithm of the stock price has a normal distribution, our basic square root option pricing model introduces limited liability by assuming that the square root of the stock price has a normal distribution. The empirical tests on the S&P 500 index options market show that our model has smaller fitting errors than the Black–Scholes model, and that it generates volatility skews with similar shapes to those observed in the marketplace. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark
Understanding how volume affects the mobility of dry debris flows

The prediction of the runout length L of large dry debris flows has long been the subject of a considerable research effort, primarily due to the obvious concern caused by their destructive power. One seemingly well established feature is the increase of the mobility ℳ of a rock avalanche, defined as the ratio of the runout distance to the fall height, with its volume V. The physical nature of this lubrication mechanism remains however controversial. In this paper, we analyse field data and discrete numerical simulations of granular flows and demonstrate the geometrical origin of the apparent enhancement of the mobility with the volume. We evidence the intertwined role of volume and topography and show the existence of two contributions in the runout, defining two flow regimes: one dominated by sliding, in which the runout is independent of V, and another dominated by spreading, in which the runout is strongly dependent on V. In the light of these results, the search of a volume dependent lubrication mechanism appears to be an ill‐posed problem.
Bayesian Neural Networks for Financial Asset Forecasting

Neural networks are powerful tools for modelling complex non-linear mappings, but they often suffer from overfitting and provide no measures of uncertainty in their predictions. Bayesian techniques are proposed as a remedy to these problems, as these both regularize and provide an inherent measure of uncertainty from their posterior predictive distributions. By quantifying predictive uncertainty, we attempt to improve a systematic trading strategy by scaling positions with uncertainty. Exact Bayesian inference is often impossible, and approximate techniques must be used. For this task, this thesis compares dropout, variational inference and Markov chain Monte Carlo. We find that dropout and variational inference provide powerful regularization techniques, but their predictive uncertainties cannot improve a systematic trading strategy. Markov chain Monte Carlo provides powerful regularization as well as promising estimates of predictive uncertainty that are able to improve a systematic trading strategy. However, Markov chain Monte Carlo suffers from an extreme computational cost in the high-dimensional setting of neural networks.
Leading Growth: A Grounded Theory Study of Superintendent Strategies to Support Student Growth

Strong leadership in any organization is critical to success. Research suggests school superintendent leadership can have positive outcomes on student learning. Until recently, the impact of school superintendents have been thought to be too indirect or complex to study. This study explores school superintendent leaders who create school-wide systems that promote student growth. This research examines the characteristics, behaviors, and actions of superintendents that lead to student growth. Using a grounded theory methodology, the author examined new and emerging ideas to promote student growth. This study utilized four steps in data collection and analysis: (a) initial coding, (b) category development, (c) axial coding, and (d) theoretical coding. The final step created a new emerging theory entitled leadership for student growth. The results of this study can be used to inform superintendent leaders about their professional practice. The scope of the research included 15 school superintendent leaders in the OCM BOCES, as well as the OHM BOCES. The superintendent sample included suburban and rural school district superintendents. The data collection process included one-on-one interviews with 15 school superintendents. The results of the research resulted in three categories and 10 themes that emerged from the data. The first category, trust, incorporated the two themes of: (a) critical conversations, and (b) distributive leadership. The second category, balanced data system, incorporated the theme of the use of multiple data points. The final category, systems thinking, incorporated three themes of: (a) strategic planning, (b) explicit professional development, and (c) stimulating a learning culture. This research resulted in the emerging theory of leadership for student growth. The recommendations include school superintendents who develop trust, a balanced data system, and think systematically will likely create conditions for each student to reach his or her full potential. Document Type Dissertation Degree Name Doctor of Education (EdD) Department Executive Leadership First Supervisor Theresa L. Pulos Subject Categories Education This dissertation is available at Fisher Digital Publications: https://fisherpub.sjfc. edu/education_etd/279 Leading Growth: A Grounded Theory Study of Superintendent Strategies to Support Student Growth
The Effects of Expert-Mediated Exploration on Group Creativity and Group Decision Quality

With the emphasis on using groups to solve complicated societal and environmental challenges today, understanding the process of group creativity is extremely important. By identifying team composition variables that enhance the group creative processes and in turn predict greater group performance, organizations will be better able to design and facilitate problem solving groups. The current study examined how group creativity mediates the relationship between expert-mediated exploration, operationalized as variance in openness to new experience, extroversion, and self-esteem, and group performance, operationalized as group added value. Seventy-five 3-person groups from a university in the Pacific Northwest participated in the study (mean age 20.7 years). Participants completed two survival tasks, first individually and then as a group. The relationships between the identified variables were assessed using structural equation modeling. Results revealed an indirect relationship between expert-mediated exploration and group-added value, as mediated by group creativity. Possible explanations, implications, limitations, and suggestions for future research are discussed. Degree Type Dissertation Rights Terms of use for work posted in CommonKnowledge. Comments Library Use: LIH This dissertation is available at CommonKnowledge: http://commons.pacificu.edu/spp/170 Copyright and terms of use If you have downloaded this document directly from the web or from CommonKnowledge, see the “Rights” section on the previous page for the terms of use. If you have received this document through an interlibrary loan/document delivery service, the following terms of use apply: Copyright in this work is held by the author(s). You may download or print any portion of this document for personal use only, or for any use that is allowed by fair use (Title 17, §107 U.S.C.). Except for personal or fair use, you or your borrowing library may not reproduce, remix, republish, post, transmit, or distribute this document, or any portion thereof, without the permission of the copyright owner. [Note: If this document is licensed under a Creative Commons license (see “Rights” on the previous page) which allows broader usage rights, your use is governed by the terms of that license. ] Inquiries regarding further use of these materials should be addressed to: CommonKnowledge Rights, Pacific University Library, 2043 College Way, Forest Grove, OR 97116, (503) 352-7209. Email inquiries may be directed to:. copyright@pacificu.edu This dissertation is available at CommonKnowledge: http://commons.pacificu.edu/spp/170 The Effects of Expert-Mediated Exploration on Group Creativity and Group Decision Quality A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGY PACIFIC UNIVERSITY, FOREST GROVE, OREGON BY Talya Steinberg, M.S. IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PSYCHOLOGY July 25, 2011
Study of genetic variability and character association for yield and its contributing traits in bread wheat ( Triticum aestivum L )

The present study was carried out to investigate the genetic variability and characters association for yield and its contributing traits in different wheat crosses namely, DBW14/HUW468 (I), DL788-2/PBW502 (II) and DBW14/HUW533 (III). The analysis of variance showed considerable amount of variation in all three crosses for different traits under study except someone indicates presence of sufficient variability in the material. Highest magnitudes of GCV, PCV and high heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent of means were recorded for days to heading, days to maturity and 1000 grain weight in cross (I); for spike length and grain per spike in cross (II) for plant height and grain yield per plant in cross (III) indicated predominance of additive gene action in the inheritance of these traits. The correlation coefficients showed significant and desirable correlations for productive tillers and grains per spike in cross (I); days to maturity and grain weight per spike in cross (II) whereas days to heading, days to maturity, plant height, grain per spike, grain weight per spike, grains per spike and thousand grain weight in cross (III) at both genotypic as well as phenotypic level. Path analysis showed maximum positive direct effect on grain yield was exerted by days to maturity (2.205) followed by plant height (0.435), tillers per plant (2.091) and grain weight per spike (0.745) in cross (I). Grain weight per spike showed maximum positive direct effect on grain yield in cross (III) and cross (II) showed in 1000 grain weight, indicating the true relationship between these traits as good contributors to grain yield. As a result, these traits could be considered as important traits for selection in breeding programme for higher grain yield of the bread wheat.
Supporting Social Studies Reading Comprehension with an Electronic Pop-up Dictionary

Abstract This study investigated how middle school students’ comprehension was impacted by reading social studies texts online with a pop-up dictionary function for every word in the text. A quantitative counterbalance design was used to determine how 129 middle school students’ reading comprehension test scores for the pop-up dictionary reading differed from test scores for reading hard-copy texts or an online text without the dictionary. The pop-up dictionary reading was shown to be a statistically effective method for improving student test scores. The results suggest pop-up dictionaries may provide a helpful intervention for increasing middle-level learners’ reading comprehension.
Examining Rubrics Used to Measure Writing Performance in U.S. Intensive English Programs.

A scoring rubric acts as a useful guide for evaluating the quality of students’ written responses. In second language writing, scoring rubrics can be used to measure a variety of discourse and linguistic features. However, certain advantages and disadvantages are associated with particular rubrics (see Hamp-Lyons, 2003; Weigle, 2002). Therefore, numerous factors (e.g., purpose or resources) need to be considered when deciding which type of scoring rubric to use. This study describes the types and features of scoring rubrics that are used to measure English as a second language (ESL) students’ writing in Intensive English Programs (IEPs) at multiple universities throughout the US. Forty-three IEP directors completed a questionnaire and interview that addressed the relevance/role of writing in their programs and the types/features of rubrics they use. The findings highlight some of the decision-making behaviors of IEP directors in their choices of scoring rubrics.
Assessment of Cortical Bone Density for Orthodontic Implants Placement: Computerized tomography study

ةصلاخلا . ثاـنلاا و روـكذلا نـيب فاـتخلاا دـيدحت و يوـلعلا و يلفـسلا نـيكفلا يـف ماـظعلا هـفاثك دـيدحت ىـلا هـساردلا فدـهت :فادـهلاا . )ثانلاا نـم ٢١ و روـكذلا نـم٢٥( صخـش ٤٦ نـم هـنوكملا هـنيعلا صـحفل يـقبطلا سارـفملا مادختـسا مـت :لـمعلا قـئارط و داوـملا .يـغدصلا مـظعلا ةوذـج نـم اـقاطنا عـضاوم هـعبرا يـف و تـنوي دليفـسنواهلا مادختـسا لاـخ نـم ماـظعلا هـفاثك هـسارد مـت دـقو دليفـسنواه ١٣٣٩،٢٨-٨٣٧,٥٨و يوـلعلا كـفلل دليفـسنواه ةدـحو ٩٧٥,١٦ -٧٩٥,٧٢ نـيب ماـظعلا هـفاثك تـحوارت دـقل :جـئاتنلا ثاـ نلإل دليفـسنواه ةدـحو ١٣٤٢,٣١-٧٦٩,٦٧ ىـ لا دليفـسنواه ةدـحو ٩٩٢,١٤-٧٤٢,٩٣ نـ يب و .روـكذلل يلفـسلا كـفلل تـنوي هـيلاتلا ءازـجلاا اـهتلت مـث .نيـسنجلا اك يـف ماـظعلا هـفاثكل ىـلعلاا هـميقلا هـيفلخلا ءازـجلاا يـف يلفـسلا كـفلا لجـس دـقو . مـث يـماملاا و يوـلعلا يـفلخلا ءزـجلا لجـس دـقف ثاـنلاا اـما .روـكذلل يوـلعلا يـماملاا و يوـلعلا يـفلخلا و يلفـسلا يـماملاا :تاجانتـسلاا .ثاـنلاا و روـكذلا نـيب يوـنعملا فاـتخلاا ضـعب ليجـست مـت هـناب اـملع .ثاـنلاا يـف مـيقلل ىـلعا يلفـسلا يـماملاا ةدـحو ١٣٤٢,٣١ -٧٤٢,٩٣ نـيب تواـفت تلجـس دـق و هـنيعم تاـناكم يـف يلفـسلاو يوـلعلا نـيكفلل ماـظعلا هـفاثك دـيدحت مـت تاـسرغلا دوـجو بـلطتت يـتلا نانـسلاا مـيوقت تلااـح جاـع يـف اهمادتختـسا نـكمي تاـمولعملا هذـه نا : تاجاتنتـسلاا . دليفـسنواه .لـمعلا ءاـنثا ثدـحت دـق يـتلا تلااكـشلاا بـنجت ضرـغل هـيميوقتلا ABSTRACT Aims: The aims of this study were to investigate the bone density in the buccal surface of the maxilla and mandible and to assess the gender difference. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted using computed tomography images for the 46 subjects (25 males and 21 females). Based on computed tomography data, the mean bone density values in Hounsfield units were recorded at 4 different locations from the crest of alveolar bone. Results: The bone density ranged from 795.72975. 16 Hounsfield units in the maxilla and 837.581339. 28 Hounsfield units in the mandible for male and from 742.93992. 14 and 769.671342. 31 Hounsfield units in the maxilla and mandible for female respectively. It was found that the mandibular posterior bone had the highest cortical bone in both sexes, followed by, mandibular anterior, maxillary posterior and maxillary anterior areas in male. In female, the sequence of bone density from highest to lowest was maxillary posterior bone, maxillary anterior and mandibular anterior areas. There was significant difference between males and females in some locations with higher bone densities in males (p<0.05). Conclusions: Bone densities in the buccal maxillary and mandibular areas were presented. They were ranged between 742.931342. 31 Hounsfield units in various areas. These data can be used in dental implant treatment planning to avoid associated risk factors.
Exchange and correlation potentials for electron-ion systems at finite temperatures

We have calculated the exchange and correlation corrections to the free energy (F„,) and the chemical potential (p„,) of an electron system at arbitrary degeneracies and temperatures. These are needed for density-functional, average-atom-type calculations of properties of plasmas and liquid metals. The problem of inverting the parametric relation between p„and the density correction n„, is considered. We present easy-to-use analytic fits to F„, and p„, as functions of the temperature and density. We also consider the effect of a linearly responding ion background on the electron chemical potential as well as the ion chemical potential, as these are needed in calculations of ionelectron systems at arbitrary degeneracies and densities.
The effect of maternal age and other factors on birth mass in the harbour seal

We studied the effects of maternal age, maternal body mass at parturition, year of birth, birth date, pup sex, and developmental stage (as indicated by the presence of a foetal pelage called lanugo) on the birth mass of harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) on Sable Island, Nova Scotia, Canada. Between 1987 and 1992, mass was obtained on 330 newborns and 259 of their mothers. Birth mass was significantly correlated with maternal mass (r = 0.42 for male pups; r = 0.32 for female pups). Among pups that had shed their lanugo, males were significantly heavier at birth (11.4 ± 0.09 kg, n = 107) than females (10.9 ± 0.09, n = 99). Birth mass increased significantly with maternal age (n = 71, range 4–12 years) even after the effects of maternal mass and pup sex were statistically removed. Mean birth mass varied significantly among years, from 10.5 to 11.5 kg. Newborns averaged 12.8% of maternal mass at parturition (84.8 ± 0.49 kg). Most (84%) pups had shed their lanugo before birth. Pups born with extensive lanugo were.
Reviewing the Contributors towards the Performance of the New Islamic Supply Chain Model

This is a conceptual paper on the contributing factors of the performance of the new Islamic supply chain model in Malaysia. There are several contributors toward the model that has been reviewed. They are:- 1) Halal Traceability and Tracking Activity, 2) Halal Certification and Labelling Process, 3) Halal Facilities Segregation and 4). Halal Food Quality Management. All these contributors will be considered in developing new Islamic supply chain management model in Malaysia using robust econometric regression. Keywords— New Islamic supply chain model, Halal Traceability, Tracking Activity, Halal Certification, Labelling Process, Halal Facilities Segregation and Halal Food Quality Management.
What role does climate change play in agricultural market uncertainty? An integrated assessment taking into account market-driven adjustments

Recent studies point to climate change being one of the long-term drivers of agricultural market uncertainty. To advance in the understanding of the influence of climate change on future agricultural market developments, we compare a reference scenario for 2030 with alternative simulation scenarios that differ regarding: (1) emission scenarios; (2) climate projections; and (3) the consideration of carbon fertilization effects. For each simulation scenario, the CAPRI model provides global and EU-wide impacts of climate change on agricultural markets. Results show that climate change would considerably affect agrifood markets up to 2030. Nevertheless, market-driven adaptation strategies (production intensification, trade adjustments) would soften the impact of yield shocks on supply and demand. As a result, regional changes in production would be lower than foreseen by other studies focused on supply effects.
Trust, performance and well-being in Nordic working life and management research

In the last decades there has been a growing focus in working life and management research on sustainable organizational development that simultaneously improve organizational outcomes such as productivity and quality and employee outcomes such as well-being and job-satisfaction. Research has pointed to trust as an important component of participatory management practices having simultaneous positive outcomes for organizational productivity and employee well-being. The aim of this paper is to establish an overview of the results of Nordic working life and management research inquiring in the consequences of trust based management practices for organizational and employee outcomes. The paper draws on a literature study of research publications (articles, dissertations, books) analysing empirical material from Nordic countries. The findings suggest that trust is an important prerequisite for establishing cooperation and employee participation in the companies, combating sickness and high absence rates, developing innovative capabilities and successfully implementing organisational changes. The paper concludes with managerial advices for using trust as a strategic tool in Nordic companies.