Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Forecasting Credit Default Swap spreads

This paper studies the predictability of 5-year Credit Default Swaps by constructing multiple forecasting models that incorporate a wide range of explanatory variables. A model that combines forecasts shows to be able to outperform benchmark models in terms of multiple forecast evaluation measures. Two ‘simple’ trading strategies based on buy/sell signals of this combination of forecasts model turn out to be highly profitable. This model combines the forecasts of ten models that incorporate a wide range of explanatory variables. Six of these models are based on three new variable reduction techniques. A new proposed factor based on the cross-sectional idiosyncratic risk in Credit Default Swap spreads shows to be an addition to the most widely used explanatory variable in forecasting credit related financial instruments. The results show the usefulness of combining forecasts of models based on new variable reduction techniques that incorporate a wide range of explanatory variables in forecasting Credit Default Swap spreads.
On the origin of falling-tone chorus elements in Earth's inner magnetosphere

Generation of extremely/very low frequency (ELF/VLF) chorus waves in Earth's inner magnetosphere has received increased attention recently because of their sig- nificance for radiation belt dynamics. Though past theoret- ical and numerical models have demonstrated how rising- tone chorus elements are produced, falling-tone chorus el- ement generation has yet to be explained. Our new model proposes that weak-amplitude falling-tone chorus elements can be generated by magnetospheric reflection of rising-tone elements. Using ray tracing in a realistic plasma model of the inner magnetosphere, we demonstrate that rising-tone ele- ments originating at the magnetic equator propagate to higher latitudes. Upon reflection there, they propagate to lower L- shells and turn into oblique falling tones of reduced power, frequency, and bandwidth relative to their progenitor rising tones. Our results are in good agreement with comprehen- sive statistical studies of such waves, notably using magnetic field measurements from THEMIS (Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms) spacecraft. Thus, we conclude that the proposed mechanism can be re- sponsible for the generation of weak-amplitude falling-tone chorus emissions.
On generalized difference ideal convergence in random 2-normed spaces

An ideal I is a family of subsets of positive integers N which is closed under taking finite unions andsubsetsofitselements. In(17),Kostyrkoet. alintroducedtheconceptofidealconvergenceasasequence (xk) of real numbers is said to be I-convergent to a real number l, if for each e > 0 the set fk 2 N : jxk lj eg belongs to I. In (28), Mursaleen and Alotaibi introduced the concept of I-convergence of sequences in random 2-normed spaces. In this paper, we define and study the notion of ∆ n -ideal convergence and ∆ n -ideal Cauchy sequences in random 2-normed spaces, and prove some interesting theorems.
TORUS MODELS OF ACTIVE GALACTIC NUCLEI IN THE LOCAL UNIVERSE (Galaxy 29b)

We investigate the mid- (MIR) to far-infrared (FIR) properties of a nearly complete sample of local active galactic nuclei (AGNs) detected in the Swift/Burst Alert telescope (BAT) all-sky hard X-ray (14–195 keV) survey, based on the cross correlation with the AKARI infrared survey catalogs complemented by those with IRAS and WISE. Out of 135 non-blazar AGNs in the Swift/BAT 9month catalog, we obtain the MIR photometric data for 128 sources in either the 9, 12, 18, 22, or 25 m band. We find a good correlation between their hard X-ray and MIR luminosities over three orders of magnitude (42 < logL (9; 18 m) < 45), which is tighter than that with the FIR luminosities at 90 m. Both X-ray unabsorbed and absorbed AGNs follow the same correlation, implying isotropic infrared emission, as expected in clumpy dust tori rather than homogeneous ones.
Parametric study of laterally loaded pile groups using simplified F.E. models

The problem of laterally loaded piles is particularly a complex soil-structure interaction problem. The flexural stresses developed due to the combined action of axial load and bending moment must be evaluated in a realistic and rational manner for safe and economical design of pile foundation. The paper reports the finite element analysis of pile groups. For this purpose simplified models along the lines similar to that suggested by Desai et al. (1981) are used for idealizing various elements of the foundation system. The pile is idealized one dimensional beam element, pile cap as two dimensional plate element and the soil as independent closely spaced linearly elastic springs. The analysis takes into consideration the effect of interaction between pile cap and soil underlying it. The pile group is considered to have been embedded in cohesive soil. The parametric study is carried out to examine the effect of pile spacing, pile diameter, number of piles and arrangement of pile on the responses of pile group. The responses considered include the displacement at top of pile group and bending moment in piles. The results obtained using the simplified approach of the F.E. analysis are further compared with the results of the complete 3-D F.E. analysis published earlier and fair agreement is observed in the either result.
Ultrasmall silicon quantum dots

We report the realization of extremely small single quantum dots in p-type silicon nanowires, defined by Schottky tunnel barriers with Ni and NiSi contacts. Despite their ultrasmall size the NiSi–Si–NiSi nanowire quantum dots readily allow spectroscopy of at least ten consecutive holes, and additionally they display a pronounced excited-state spectrum. The Si channel lengths are visible in scanning electron microscopy images and match the dimensions predicted by a model based on the Poisson equation. The smallest dots (<12 nm) allow identification of the last charge and thus the creation of a single-charge quantum dot.
Seagrass-pathogen interactions: 'pseudo-induction' of turtlegrass phenolics near wasting disease lesions

Marine protists of the genus Labyrinthula cause the seagrass wasting disease, which is associated with regional die-offs of eelgrass Zostera marina and also infects turtlegrass Thalassia tes- tudinum. The ability of seagrasses to resist pathogen attack is determined by multiple factors, which are poorly understood. One factor hypothesized to influence seagrass disease resistance is the pres- ence of (poly)phenolic natural products such as caffeic acid, which inhibits the growth of L. zosterae in in vitro laboratory bioassays. This hypothesis has been supported by reports of pathogen-induced phenolic accumulations in eelgrass Z. marina. To test the response of T. testudinum to inoculation with Labyrinthula sp. , we conducted a series of culture experiments wherein plants were inoculated with Labyrinthula sp. isolated from turtlegrass beds in Perdido Bay, Florida (USA). Concentrations of phenolic acids and condensed tannins were quantified in diseased leaves as well as those treated with 5 mM salicylic acid, a signaling molecule associated with pathogen-induced responses in plants. In infection experiments, increases in the concentrations of several phenolic acids, but not condensed tannins, were observed in tissues above, but not below, microbial lesions. Salicylic acid (SA) treat- ments did not induce any phenolic compound, either when applied alone or in concert with the pathogen. The induction of phenolic acids above, but not below, infection sites suggests that T. tes- tudinum leaves did not respond to the pathogen specifically. Instead, the pattern is consistent with the predictions of the sink/source model of plant defense, which predicts increased phenolic contents in cases where wounds disrupt plant resource allocation and cause a local overabundance of carbon- based resources. Thus, we suggest that the emergence of Labyrinthula sp. lesions on turtlegrass blades causes a 'pseudo-induction' of specific phenolics as carbon resources over-accumulate in tissues located above wound sites.
Development and validation of newborn child head numerical model dummy for impact simulations

Computer simulation using Finite Element Model (FEM) are often used as a substitute for human experimental head injury studies, especially in predicting car accident injuries, enhance understanding of injury mechanism and develop prevention strategies. The use of FEM in crash test dummies is advantageous over physical dummies because of the lower cost and repeatability. Numerous adult FEM of the head have been developed, but there are relatively few paediatric FEM due to scarcity of material property data for children. Consequently, there are not enough models representing newborn child. Child head injury is a costly problem, both in terms of morbidity and direct medical costs. In fact, it is the leading cause of death and disability for children under the age 18-years-old. Despite its importance and effect on the population, the study of paediatric head injury is obstructed by the lack of available paediatric Post-Mortem Human Specimen (PMHS) data. As a substitute for PMHS testing, Anthropometric Test Devices (ATDs) and FEM have been developed to model the head. However, there is a scarcity of data for the design and validation of these models. This paper presents the development and validation of a newborn (NB) FEM for head dummy and simulated results compared with the child cadaver experimental data under drop test conditions. Itis intended for automotive crashworthiness assessment. The model was developed by using both deformable and rigid body materials. The newborn head anthropometric data were obtained from published journal articles. Using recent published material property data, the infant skull, skin and scalp FEM of the newborn ATD head was developed to study the response in head drop tests. The head assembly was validated by using three different head drop tests set-ups. The three impact locations are one frontal/forehead, and two lateral (right and left parietal) drop tests. All tests with drop height of 130 mm are the certification procedure. The benchmark model used in this study was a modified version of the 6-year-old numerical model developed by Livermore Software Technology Corporation and National Crash Analysis Center. A morphing method within LS-Prepost software was used.
What happens when nine different groups analyze the same DT-MRI data set using voxel-based methods?

D. K. Jones, X. A. Chitnis, D. Job, P. L. Khong, L. T. Leung, S. Marenco, S. M. Smith, and M. R. Symms Cardiff University Brain Repair and Imaging Centre, School of Psychology, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom, Centre for Neuroimaging Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, London, United Kingdom, Division of Psychiatry, Edinburgh University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Univeristy of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, GCAP, Clinical Brain Disorders Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, United States, fMRIB Centre, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
Hydroxyapatite Production by an Intensification Process

Hydroxyapatite (HAP) is a worthwhile compound for its biomedical applications. Nanoparticles (NPs) and nanostructured HAP scaffolds promote and intensify the interaction between artificial material and natural bone due to their high surface/volume ratio. In this chapter, first, the technique for the production of HPA nanoparticles smaller than 100 nm is addressed. It consists of the use of a rotating disk reactor to optimize the reaction-precipitation process. The centrifugal force dispersed into the liquid layer over the disk surface enables the attainment of micromixing conditions between the reagents and maximizes the reaction rate as a consequence. The reaction between calcium chloride and ammonium phosphate in the presence of ammonium hydroxide was adopted. NPs minimum size, equal to 78 μm, was obtained using a rotational velocity of 147 rad/s and feeding points of reagents 3 cm from the disk center. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of the liquid layer was specifically developed for the interpretation of the obtained experimental results on the production of pure HAP. In the second part of the chapter, the feasibility of producing Mg doped hydroxyapatite (Mg-HAP) by adding MgCl2 and using the same technique is reported. Satisfactory results were obtained: nanoparticles were between 50 and 70 μm in size and Mg/Ca molar ratio was equal to 0.06, according to the composition target.
School Social Workers’ Perception of School Climate: An Ecological System Perspective

Abstract The focus of this study was on school social workers perception of school climate and to determine the factors that contribute to positive environment within the school. Using the ecological framework, the study examined the views of 315 school social workers concerning the current social climate in the state of Illinois by using a number of standardized—i.e., School Survey Crime and Safety Principle—and composite subscales. Correlation analysis presented significant associations among the study variables. A path analysis model was developed; it included one dependent variable (School Climate) and 6 independent variables (Resources, Exposure, Communication, Measures, and Environmental Limitations). Results show a significant model with CFI (Comparative Fit Index) of . 999, CMI/df (Comparative Mean Index) of 1.16, and RMSEA (Root Mean Square of Approximation) of . 2. Four paths were identified as significant in explaining direct and indirect effect with school climate.
Satisfaction of Preparatory Year Students with University Services

This study is aimed at evaluating the level of satisfaction of preparatory year students at Al-Baha University with theacademic and non-academic services they receive, and determining whether there were any differences in studentsatisfaction on the basis of personal variables (gender, college, distance). This research used quantitative descriptiveapproach. To collect study data, a questionnaire consisting of fifty items within seven prime satisfaction dimensionswas used. They were distributed to a stratified random sample of 350-strong regular students in the preparatory yearfor the academic year 2014-2015. Using appropriate statistical methods, the results of the study showed an averagelevel of satisfaction of preparatory year students with student services they receive, and the results revealedstatistically significant differences in the level of student satisfaction attributed to the variable distance between theuniversity and housing. According to the results, the study provided a set of recommendations aimed at developingthe student services and meeting the expectations of students in order to achieve quality in the inputs and outputs ofthe university.
Plasmid Analysis and Prevalence of Multidrug Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Reservoirs in Chennai City, India

The present study was designed to investigate the prevalence of multidrug resistant Staphylococcus aureus carriers in Chennai, India. A total of 40 clinical samples comprising of 20 urine and 20 serum samples, collected from healthy individuals of both sex between the age group of 25-50 years in Chennai city were used in this study. About 57.5 % of samples were positive for S. aureus and all of them exhibited b-haemolysis on blood agar. All the isolates were resistant to methicillin, bacitracin, novobiocin and sensitive to norfloxacin. None of the isolates were susceptible to all the antibiotics tested. The MAR index of the isolates ranged between 0.18 and 0.63. All the isolates harboured a 23 kb plasmid.
Enhancing Phenolic Maturity of Syrah with the Application of a New Foliar Spray

Climate change is inducing earlier grape ripening, especially in warm vintages. This phenomenon is resulting in unbalanced wines an alcohol concentration that is too high and titratable acidity that is low, along with a high pH level without the desired level of phenolic maturity. Final wine quality notably depends on the phenolic composition of the grapes and the extractability of these compounds. This research was designed to test a new foliar spray, called LalVigne® MATURE, for its capacity to create a balance between sugar development and phenolic maturity. It is a formulation of 100% natural, inactivated wine yeast derivatives. This foliar spray was tested on Syrah vines in two vintages (2012 and 2013) in a cool-climate wine region (Eger, Hungary). The spray acted as an elicitor, stimulating the synthesis of several secondary metabolites. The changes in anthocyanin extractability and texture characteristics of the grape berries were followed during ripening. Experimental wines were made at three separate harvest times in each vintage. Standard analytical parameters were evaluated for grapes and wines, as well as for resveratrol. Grapes from the treated vines had thicker skins than the controls at all sampling dates in both vintages. The phenolic potential (especially anthocyanin concentration and extractability) of the foliar spray-treated grapes was greatly improved. Our experiment showed that phenolic ripening can be enhanced using the foliar spray, and that its application was useful in different vintages.
Modulation of the vertical particle transfer efficiency in the oxygen minimum zone off Peru

Abstract. The fate of the organic matter (OM) produced by marine life controls the major biogeochemical cycles of the Earth's system. The OM produced through photosynthesis is either preserved, exported towards sediments or degraded through remineralisation in the water column. The productive eastern boundary upwelling systems (EBUSs) associated with oxygen minimum zones (OMZs) would be expected to foster OM preservation due to low O2 conditions. But their intense and diverse microbial activity should enhance OM degradation. To investigate this contradiction, sediment traps were deployed near the oxycline and in the OMZ core on an instrumented moored line off Peru. Data provided high-temporal-resolution O2 series characterising two seasonal steady states at the upper trap: suboxic ([O2]<25 µmol kg−1) and hypoxic–oxic (15<[O2]<160 µmol kg−1) in austral summer and winter–spring, respectively. The OMZ vertical transfer efficiency of particulate organic carbon (POC) between traps (Teff) can be classified into three main ranges (high, intermediate, low). These different Teff ranges suggest that both predominant preservation (high Teff>50 %) and remineralisation (intermediate Teff 20 < 50 % or low Teff<6 %) configurations can occur. An efficient OMZ vertical transfer (Teff>50 %) has been reported in summer and winter associated with extreme limitation in O2 concentrations or OM quantity for OM degradation. However, higher levels of O2 or OM, or less refractory OM, at the oxycline, even in a co-limitation context, can decrease the OMZ transfer efficiency to below 50 %. This is especially true in summer during intraseasonal wind-driven oxygenation events. In late winter and early spring, high oxygenation conditions together with high fluxes of sinking particles trigger a shutdown of the OMZ transfer (Teff<6 %). Transfer efficiency of chemical elements composing the majority of the flux (nitrogen, phosphorus, silica, calcium carbonate) follows the same trend as for carbon, with the lowest transfer level being in late winter and early spring. Regarding particulate isotopes, vertical transfer of δ15N suggests a complex pattern of 15N impoverishment or enrichment according to Teff modulation. This sensitivity of OM to O2 fluctuations and particle concentration calls for further investigation into OM and O2-driven remineralisation processes. This should include consideration of the intermittent behaviour of OMZ towards OM demonstrated in past studies and climate projections.
Political branding: A consumer perspective on Australian political parties

Why are voters in advanced democracies turning away from established mass parties to take their electoral chances elsewhere? This article draws on concepts from marketing scholarship, specifically branding and brand equity, to apply a ‘consumer’ lens that assesses the major parties in Australia as failing ‘brands’ being left behind by disillusioned voters. An initial sample of 200 voters were asked what words or phrases came to mind when they thought of each of four Australian federal political parties. The strength of associations for each party, elicited from this sample, was then validated on a broader sample of 1015 voters, in addition to whether the association was considered positive, neutral or negative. Data revealed distinct brand associations for each party and the extent of penetration and brand equity across subgroups of voters. We find that Australian mass parties are caught in a downward spiral of negative brand associations and low brand penetration, leading to voter dissatisfaction.
A reinterpretation of the Neogene emersion of central Belgium based on the sedimentary environment of the Diest Formation and the origin of the drainage pattern

The 20 to 25 m thick sand deposits crowning the Flemish Hills from Cassel to Flobecq are geologically mapped as Diest Formation (Upper Miocene), but they are now argued to belong to a different formation, for which the new name of Flemish Hills Formation is proposed. They are interpreted as a vertical succession of inner shelf, lower shoreface to upper shoreface deposits of an exposed, wave-dominated coast at the south shore of an open shelf sea. They constitute a normal regressive progradation fed by a mixture of shelf and continent-derived clastics. At least near Flobecq, the top may contain a second normal regressive deposit indicative of a southwards coastal shift. The top sands at Oudenberg and Kesterberg, also traditionally mapped as Diest, are reinterpreted as outliers of the Middle-Eocene Lede Sands, based on a sedimentological revision of the immediately underlying Gentbrugge Formation. The Hageland Diest Sands are thought to be the sedimentary fill of submarine current scour troughs, created at the opposite side of a semi-enclosed tidal embayment, tributary to the Roer Valley Graben, that was rapidly filling from the NW during high base level under a high sediment supply. The depositional environments of the Flemish Hills Sands and the Hageland Diest Sands are incompatible. An analysis of the central Belgium river pattern, including the smallest dry upper thalwegs, suggests that it originated on a Miocene, longlived, slowly tilting surface draining to the Roer Valley Graben in the NE. The Flemish Hills were no morphological barrier and hence were buried at that time. Additional arguments based on basin architecture and the possible link of the coarse continental clastics to the Pyrenean tectonic phase, lead to the hypothesis that the Flemish Hills Sands may be outliers of the lower cycles of the Upper-Eocene Bassevelde Member of the Zelzate Formation. If confirmed, many elements of the geomorphological genesis of central Belgium need revision.