Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gender Discrimination in the Australian Graduate Labour Market

This paper examines gender discrimination in the Australian graduate labour market, using data from the Graduate Destination Surveys 1999-2009. A framework of analysis provided by the over-education/required education/under-education literature is applied. A smaller gender wage gap is found for university graduates than that reported for all workers in earlier studies. It is shown, however, that the gender wage gap widens with the age at graduation. This pattern is argued to reflect the influence of the mismeasurement of actual labour market experience in the conventional education and experience earnings equation on the standardised gender pay gap. Female graduates are less likely to be overeducated, compared to male graduates. Over-education, while associated with substantial penalties, is not a substantial contributor to the gender wage gap.
Nano-ZnO Catalyzed Green and Efficient One-Pot Four-Component Synthesis of Pyranopyrazoles

An efficient zinc oxide nanoparticle catalyzed one-pot, four-component synthesis of 6-amino-3-methyl-5-cyano-4-aryl-1,4-dihydropyrano[2,3-c]pyrazoles from aromatic aldehyde, malononitrile, ethyl acetoacetate, and hydrazine hydrate in aqueous medium is described. Since water was employed as the reaction medium, it serves as a green route for the synthesis of pyrano[2,3-c]pyrazoles. The advantages associated with the present protocol include nonchromatographic purification technique, use of recyclable heterogeneous nano-ZnO catalyst in aqueous medium, and short reaction time. It combines successfully the synergistic effect of green chemistry with nanocatalysis.
Disclosure quality in Tunisian annual reports

This paper explores disclosure quality and its determinants in the Tunisian context. More specifically, we followed Beest and Braam (2012)’s approach in measuring disclosure quality and examined if disclosure quality and disclosure quantity shared the same determinants. We used a sample of 56 annual reports from non-financial companies listed on the Tunisian Stock Exchange for the years 2007 and 2008. Our results showed that board independence (managerial ownership) affects negatively (positively) disclosure quality. However, the results showed that there were different determinants of disclosure quality and quantity. We contribute to disclosure studies by being the first study to examine disclosure quality in Tunisia. In addition, this study enables us to provide the Tunisian companies’ stakeholders (like regulators and managers) with a diagnosis of the determinants of disclosure quality and quantity.
Directional short wind wave spectra derived from the sea surface photography

[1] New field measurements of 2-D wave number short wind wave spectra in the wavelength range from few millimeters to few decimeters are reported and discussed. The measurement method is based on stereophotography and image brightness contrast processing. As found, the spectra of decimeter waves are almost isotropic and weakly dependent on the wind speed. Both directional anisotropy and wind sensitivity rapidly increase at wave numbers larger than 100 rad/m. These aspects are consistent with other previously reported optical and radar data. Following these new in situ measurements, a revision of a semiempirical model of short wind wave spectrum is suggested. This revised model can readily be implemented in other studies (radar scattering, air-sea interaction issues) where detailed knowledge of short wind wave spectra is crucial.
From Peer Review to PCAOB Inspections: Regulating for Audit Quality in the U.S.

This study reviews the existing literature on the US peer review system and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) inspection system to assess our knowledge of audit regulation. The traditional self-regulatory system of the accounting profession came to an end, in 2002, when the PCAOB was established to oversee the audit firms of publicly traded companies. This paper contributes to the controversial debate about self-regulation versus independent regulation by analysing, categorising, and comparing the research findings on the peer review system and the PCAOB system along three dimensions: the validity of peer reviews and PCAOB inspections, the recognition of reviews and inspections by decision-makers (e.g. investors, bankers, committees), and the effect of reviews and inspections on audit quality. Synthesising the research on the regulatory regimes suggests that the notion of external quality control, both through peer reviews and government inspections, is positively linked with an improvement of audit quality. At the same time, the analysis indicates that external users do not seem to recognise peer review and PCAOB reports as very useful instruments for decision-making, which is in line with an identified rather sceptical perception of the audit profession on reviews and inspections. Overall, this study reveals that although the academic literature on peer review and PCAOB inspection is extensive it has not produced definitive conclusions concerning various aspects of audit regulation. This paper shows how this blurred picture is due to conflicting research findings, the dominance of the quantitative research paradigm, and unchallenged assumptions within the literature, and concludes by proposing research opportunities for the future.
Conspecific skin extracts elicit antipredator responses in juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

We investigated, under laboratory conditions, the presence of chemical alarm signals in juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). In an initial experiment, we exposed trout to a whole-body extract from conspecifics or a distilled-water control. When exposed to whole-body extract, trout significantly (i) decreased time spent swimming, (ii) increased time taken to resume foraging, and (iii) decreased the number of food items eaten. These data indicate a significant chemically mediated antipredator response. A second experiment was conducted to determine (i) if this is a generalized response to injured fish or a specific response to injured conspecifics, and (ii) if the chemical signal is localized in the skin. We exposed juvenile trout to one of three chemical stimuli: (1) trout skin extract, (2) trout body extract, or (3) swordtail (Xiphophorus helleri) skin extract. Significant antipredator responses were observed in trout exposed to conspecific skin extract, but responses of those exposed to conspecific body extract or swordtail skin extract did not differ from those of distilled-water controls. These data strongly suggest that juvenile rainbow trout possess a chemical alarm signal, localized in the skin, that elicits antipredator behaviour when detected . by conspecifics.
Analyzing the Impact of One Important Unplanned Exceptional Event, Hurricanes, on Crime in Louisiana, U.S. Using a Visual Analytics Approach

This research is a follow-up study of LEITNER et al. (2011) who assessed the effect that one natural disaster – Hurricane Katrina – and subsequent population movements have had on crime in the state of Louisiana, U.S. Instead of using autoregressive, integrated, and moving average (ARIMA) models and cumulative percentile maps to analyze spatial and temporal trends of crimes across the study area, this study utilizes a visual analytics approach that integrates self-organizing map, color encoding, and multidimensional visualization. Such an approach is especially useful for the analysis of complex datasets that contain geographic locations, time series, and multiple variables.
Mediterranean Syllidae (Annelida: Polychaeta) revisited: biogeography, diversity and species fidelity to environmental features

The species diversity of Syllidae (Annelida: Polychaeta) on different coastlines within the Mediterranean Basin was analysed, including along the Salento Peninsula (Italy), which is thought to play a crucial role as a crossroads between different biogeographic areas. Analysis of bio- geography, the assignment of species into 6 bioclimatic categories, a novel method to assess inter- matrix correlation significance and the correlation between species distribution, and some environ- mental variables provided relevant tools to investigate the influence of a suite of ecological and historical factors on syllid distribution. Data showed that Syllidae could be considered a useful taxon for biogeographic speculations, even though bioclimatic and environmental analyses appeared sig- nificantly more informative. The Salento Peninsula revealed an affinity with some eastern Mediter- ranean coastlines. Syllid distribution suggested the existence of an 'Atlantism' gradient, decreasing eastwards and possibly corresponding to a temperature gradient when bioclimatic categories were analysed. In contrast to previous results, the Eastern and Western Basins did not show great differ- ences in species diversity. The observed differences could, in part, be due to an 'author effect', due to the differing taxonomic updating of the available faunistic lists. Syllidae were found to be effective faunistic and ecological indicators, able to characterize different areas inside the Mediterranean Sea; thus, the present results could be used to stimulate further research on different aspects of the family.
FDI in the New European Neighbours of Southern Europe: a quest of institutions-based attractiveness

Why the “New European Neighbours” at the South East of Europe, after more than 10 years of transition and European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP), are not sufficiently attractive for inward Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)? The experience of Central and Eastern European Countries has shown that the access to the EU membership can be positively pushed by the European Neighborhood Policy and inward-FDI. On the one hand, ENP can be a supportive framework for improving the investor’s confidence. ENP Instruments can add more coherence in technical assistance; provide more financial support for creating capacities for trade, improve infrastructures, and contribute to the institutional and private sector development. On the other hand, inward-FDI may help to achieve modernization, industrial upgrading and improve productivity by importing foreign technologies, diffusing knowledge and western best practices. Southern European Transition Countries lack of a strong convergence process to the EU Standard probably because of an unclear accession date to the EU and of the Balkan Civil War. The aim of this paper is to understand the role of institutions in shaping a strong localization advantage for FDI. The quest of reliable and safe institutions has recently emerged in the economic literature, first as a catalyst for growth and more recently as an inward-FDI attractor mainly in transition economies. Contrary to the New Institutional School, we argue that institutions are not pre-condition to FDI but the result of an interaction between host countries and foreign investors. Such an institutions-based attractiveness could help the Southern European Transition Countries to become a new frontier for FDI in the future.
Learners’ Perception Of Blended Writing Class: Blog And Face-To-Face

The purpose of this research was to investigate student perception of blended writing classes. It was conducted with intermediate level EFL learners in the preparatory school at Anadolu University. Data consisted of student reflections. The first reflection aimed at finding out learners’ perception of fall term writing lessons, and, the instant and final reflections aimed at finding out learner perception of blended writing lessons. Although learners’ perception of writing lessons was negative in the first reflections, they changed into positive in the latter ones. The findings indicated that blended writing class had changed students’ perception of writing lessons positively. Therefore, this kind of classes may help students develop a positive attitude towards writing by providing meaningful writing opportunities.
Physicochemical Properties of some Honeys Produced from Different Flora of Eastern Morocco

A. Abselami, A. Tahani, M. Sindic, M.L. Fauconnier, E. Bruneau, A. Elbachiri 1. Laboratory of physical chemistry of the natural resources and environment,! Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University Mohammed I,! BP 717, Avenue Mohamed VI, Oujda,! 60000, Morocco. 2. Laboratory of Agro-food Quality and Safety, Faculty of the Agronomic Sciences, University Liege of Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech,! Passage of the Prisoners 2, Gembloux,,! B-5030, Belgium. 3. Unity of General and Organic Chemistry, Faculty of the Agronomic Sciences,! University Liege of Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, Passage of the Prisoners 2, Gembloux,! B-5030, Belgium. 4. Beekeeping Research and Information Centre, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium.
Contracting with Feedback

We study the effect of financial market conditions on managerial compensation structure. First, we analyze the optimal pay-for-performance in a model in which corporate decisions and firm value are both endogenous to trading due to feedback from information contained in stock prices. In a less frictional financial market, the improved information content of stock prices helps guide managerial decisions, and this information substitutes out part of the direct incentive provision from compensation contracts. Thus, the optimal pay-for-performance is lowered in response to reductions in market frictions. Second, we test our theory using two quasi-natural experiments and find evidence that is consistent with the theory. Our results indicate that the financial market environment plays an important role in shaping CEO compensation structure.
Changes in Hoosier Prairie Oak Savanna During 27 Years of Prescribed Fire Management

Hoosier Prairie Nature Preserve, located in northwestern Indiana, protects a rare and unusually high quality example of a Midwestern (USA) oak savanna. Although many savannas in the region have been lost to agriculture, urbanization, and fire suppression, parts of the 178 hectare preserve never lost its historic community structure. A program of prescribed burning was initiated in 1978 and monitoring of two 10 × 10 m sample areas (Blocks) began in 1979. Throughout the 27 year observation period each Block retained a distinct understory composition even though subjected to similar fire regimes. At the same time, each underwent notable and individualistic changes from their original species composition (SSI = 64–69%) but continued to support a remarkably high diversity of xeric and mesic forbs. Native species richness ranged from 34–58 species per Block and as high as 16.8 species per 0.67 m2 quadrat. Additionally, according to the Floristic Assessment metrics, the species quality of contemporary Hoosier Prairie is comparable (mean C = 4.9) to that expected in regional pre-settlement oak savanna communities.
Are We Really Preparing Preservice Teachers to Teach with Technology in the Classroom

Are Quebec’s future teachers well prepared to integrate information and communication technologies (ICT) into the classroom? To answer this question, 2,065 teachers-in-training from nine universities offering teacher orientation training were surveyed. Results show that teachers-in-training have access to the equipment required to familiarize themselves with ICT and have largely mastered the basic technological tools. Moreover, they regularly and critically use ICT to plan, communicate, research information, prepare instructional materials, solve problems, and upgrade their professional skills. Despite this very optimistic picture, results also indicate that only a very small portion of teachers-in-training use ICT in the classroom. The study concludes with some recommendations
The Effect of Clay Content and Land Use on Dispersion Ratio at Different Locations in Sulaimani Governorate—Kurdistan Region—Iraq

Land use changes from natural ecosystems into managed ecosystems resulted in negative impact on soil structure and quality. The purpose of this study was to determine the influences of different land-use types on physical and chemical properties of soils in Sulaimani governorate. Land use systems including natural forest, pastureland and agriculture were identified. Ten of soil samples were collected from the 0 - 30 cm depth, and some soil physical and chemical properties of soil were determined. The land use alters from forest to agriculture resulting in significant decrease in organic matter, calcium carbonate and soil surface area and with this change, dispersion ratio affected on the physical property. The value of DR was highest in the Zrguezi Gawra cultivated with Cucumber and the lowest value in Dukan is 13%, and correlation coefficient between dispersion DR with sand, silt and bulk density is positive, value is (0.4979, 0.0126 and 0.7536) respectively, and with clay and specific surface area (SSA) the correlation coefficient value is (-0.7281 and -0.4466).
Non-trivial derivations on commutative regular algebras

Necessary and sufficient conditions are given for a (complete) commutative algebra that is regular in the sense of von Neumann to have a non-zero derivation. In particular, it is shown that there exist non-zero derivations on the algebra L(M) of all measurable operators affiliated with a commutative von Neumann algebra M, whose Boolean algebra of projections is not atomic. Such derivations are not continuous with respect to measure convergence. In the classical setting of the algebra S[0,1] of all Lebesgue measurable functions on [0,1], our results imply that the first (Hochschild) cohomology group H1(S[0,1], S[0,1]) is non-trivial.
Toll-like receptor 2 and 4 expression in the bovine corpus luteum during the different stages of the estrous cycle

The aim of this study was to elucidate the presence of components of the innate immune system in the bovine corpus luteum (CL) by detecting the expression and cell-specific localization of TLR2 and TLR4 during different stages of the estrous cycle in a control study design. Bovine CL samples were collected from a local slaughterhouse and assigned to three groups as follows: developing CL (dCL; n = 6, approx. days 3–6), mature CL (mCL; n = 5, approx. days 8–12), and regressing CL (rCL; n = 5, approx. days 17–19). An upregulation of TLR2 mRNA was detected only in rCL (P < 0.05). Localization of the TLR2 protein was particularly apparent in luteal cells and a prominent immunofluorescent signal corresponding to TLR2 was detected only in rCL. TLR4 mRNA were higher in mCL and rCL compared to dCL (P < 0.05). The presence of the TLR4 protein in bovine CL was clearly detected in the luteal cells of both mCL and rCL. The results of this study suggest a role for TLRs in the development, maintenance, and regression of bovine CL. TLR signaling mediated pathway in luteal cells may involve in the regression of CL via regulation of TLR2 and TLR4.
Evaluating Media Literacy Education: Concepts, Theories and Future Directions

This article synthesizes a large subset of the academic literature on media literacy education. It first argues that media literacy is mostly defined in terms of the knowledge and skills individuals need to analyze, evaluate, or produce media messages. These knowledge and skills mainly relate to four key facets of the mass media phenomenon, i.e. media industries, media messages, media audiences, and media effects. Subsequently, it evaluates what is empirically known about the effectiveness of media literacy practices. Suggestions are made for future research.
Companion of Ostrowski-type inequality based on 5-step quadratic kernel and applications

The purpose of this paper is to establish an improved version of companion of Ostrowski’s type integral inequalites. The inequalities are obtained by using a newly developed special type of five steps quadratic kernel. The introduction of this new Kernel gives some new error bounds for various quadrature rules. Applications for composite quadrature rules and Cumulative Distributive Functions are considered.
COMPETITION AND EFFICIENCY OF SELECTED UNIVERSAL BANKS IN THE PHILIPPINES FOR THE YEAR 2011

The researcher based his sample on nine universal banks in the Philippines from 2003 to 2011. This research used a correlational analysis to determine the relationship between competition and bank efficiency. The scope of the study is limited to the removal of entry barriers which is one of the six policies of financial liberalization that allowed the entry of the ten foreign banks. To assess the competition among universal banks, Herfindahl index (HI) was used. The study showed that financial liberalization brought greater competition, improved efficiency and less market concentration. It showed that Herfindahl index is negatively related with net interest margin to assets and loan to asset ratio. It also showed that Herfindahl index is positively related with provision for loan losses ratio.
Mental toughness in education: exploring relationships with attainment, attendance, behaviour and peer relationships

Mental toughness has frequently been associated with successful performance in sport; however, recent research suggests that it may also be related to academic performance in Higher Education. In a series of three exploratory studies, we examined the relationship between mental toughness and different aspects of educational performance in adolescents aged 11–16, focusing on academic attainment, school attendance, classroom behaviour and peer relationships. Study 1 revealed significant associations between several aspects of mental toughness (but particularly control of life) and academic attainment and attendance. Study 2 revealed significant associations between several aspects of mental toughness (but again particularly control of life) and counterproductive classroom behaviour. Finally, Study 3 demonstrated significant associations between aspects of mental toughness (confidence in abilities and interpersonal confidence) and peer relationships. The results are discussed in terms of the potential value of mental toughness as a useful concept in education.
A New Species of Trissolcus (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) Parasitizing Eggs of Halyomorpha Halys (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) in China with Comments on its Biology

ABSTRACT A new species of Trissolcus Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae), Trissolcus halyomorphae Yang, sp. nov., is described from China. It is a solitary parasitoid in eggs of Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), an economic pest that causes severe damage to pear, apple and other fruit and that also feeds on the leaves and stems of ornamental and forest trees. The new species is the principal natural enemy of the stink bug, with parasitism rates up to 70% and an average annual rate of 50%. Because of its high parasitism rates and other biological features, it has good potential as a biocontrol agent of the pest. Type specimens are deposited in Insect Museum, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, China.