Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Glacier naled evolution and relation to the subglacial drainage system based on water chemistry and GPR surveys (Werenskioldbreen, SW Svalbard)

ABSTRACT Glacier naledi are extrusive ice masses that appear in front of glaciers as a consequence of refreezing of meltwater seepage during the accumulation season. These structures provide a unique opportunity to understand subglacial drainage activity during the accumulation season; however, only few detailed studies have previously focused on their characteristics. Here, we investigated glacier-derived naled assemblages in the proglacial zone of the polythermal glacier Werenskioldbreen (27.4 km2) in SW Svalbard. We determined the spatial distribution of naledi using ground penetrating radar surveys. The main subglacial drainage pattern was related to a channel under the medial moraine, and three sources are linked to a distributed subglacial drainage network. The relation between atmospherically-corrected (Ca2+ + Mg2+) and (SO4 2−) in sub-naled waters was closely related to sulphide oxidation coupled with carbonate dissolution (r = 0.99; slope = 1.6). This is consistent with the local lithology, which is dominated by schist containing carbonates. We also found high carbonate saturation indices in pale white ice layers within the naled. We conclude that sulphide oxidation coupled with carbonate dissolution is the dominant chemical weathering process in the subglacial drainage system of Werenskioldbreen during the accumulation season.
On semiparametric estimation of ruin probabilities in the classical risk model

The ruin probability of an insurance company is a central topic in risk theory. We consider the classical Poisson risk model when the claim size distribution and the Poisson arrival rate are unknown. Given a sample of inter-arrival times and corresponding claims, we propose a semiparametric estimator of the ruin probability. We establish properties of strong consistency and asymptotic normality of the estimator and study bootstrap confidence bands. Further, we present a simulation example in order to investigate the finite sample properties of the proposed estimator.
Judging Contending Estimators by Simulation: Tournaments in Dynamic Panel Data Models

This discussion paper has led to a publication in The Refinement of Econometric Estimation and Test Procedures . An attempt is made to set rules for a fair and fruitful competition between alternative inference methods based on their performance in simulation experiments. This leads to a list of eight methodologic aspirations. Against their background we criticize aspects of many simulation studies that have been used in the past to compare competing estimators for dynamic panel data models. To illustrate particular pitfalls some further Monte Carlo results are produced, obtained from a simulation design inspired by an analysis of the (non-)invariance properties of estimators and occasionally by available higher-order asymptotic results. We focus on the very specific case of alternative implementations of one and two step generalized method of moments (GMM) estimators in homoskedastic stable zero-mean panel AR(1) models with random individual specific effects. We compare a few implementations, including GMM sytem estimators with alternative weight matrices, and illu! strate that an impartial evaluation of the outcome of a Monte Carlo based contest requires evidence - both analytical and empirical - on the completeness, orthogonality and relevance of the simulation design.
Resolution, physics and atmosphere–ocean interaction – How do they influence climate model representation of Euro-Atlantic atmospheric blocking?

Abstract Atmospheric blocking events are known to locally explain a large part of climate variability. However, despite their relevance, many current climate models still struggle to represent the observed blocking statistics. In this study, simulations of the global climate model EC-Earth are analysed with respect to atmospheric blocking. Seventeen simulations map the uncertainty space defined by the three-model characteristics: atmospheric resolution, physical parameterization and complexity of atmosphere–ocean interaction, namely an atmosphere coupled to an ocean model or forced by surface data. Representation of the real-world statistics is obtained from reanalyses ERA-20C, JRA-55 and ERA-Interim which agree on Northern Hemisphere blocking characteristics. Blocking events are detected on a central blocking latitude which is individually determined for each simulation. The frequency of blocking events tends to be underestimated relative to ERA-Interim over the Atlantic and western Eurasia in winter and overestimated during spring months. However, only few model setups show statistically significant differences compared to ERA-Interim which can be explained by the large inter-annual variability of blocking. Results indicate slightly larger biases relative to ERA-Interim in coupled than in atmosphere-only models but differences between the two are not statistically significant. Although some resolution dependence is present in spring, the signal is weak and only statistically significant if the physical parameterizations of the model are improved simultaneously. Winter blocking is relatively more sensitive to physical parameterizations, and this signal is robust in both atmosphere-only and coupled simulations, although stronger in the latter. Overall, the model can capture blocking frequency well despite biases in representing the mean state of geopotential height over this area. Blocking signatures of geopotential height are represented more similar to ERA-Interim and only weak sensitivities to model characteristics remain.
A Note on the Order of Iterated Line Digraphs

Given a digraph G, we propose a new method to find the recurrence equation for the number of vertices nk of the k‐iterated line digraph Lk(G) , for k≥0 , where L0(G)=G . We obtain this result by using the minimal polynomial of a quotient digraph π(G) of G.
Macroeconomic Effects of Corporate Default Crises: A Long-Term Perspective

Using an extensive new data set on corporate bond defaults in the U.S. from 1866 to 2010, we study the macroeconomic effects of bond market crises and contrast them with those resulting from banking crises. During the past 150 years, the U.S. has experienced many severe corporate default crises in which 20 to 50 percent of all corporate bonds defaulted. Although the total par amount of corporate bonds has often rivaled the amount of bank loans outstanding, we find that corporate default crises have far fewer real effects than do banking crises. These results provide empirical support for current theories that emphasize the unique role that banks and the credit and collateral channels play in amplifying macroeconomic shocks.
Trait Mindfulness, Affective Symptoms and Quality of Life in People with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Purpose: The construct of mindfulness has previously been examined in cancer patients, as has the efficacy of mindfulness-based treatments. However, it has not been examined in people with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). NHL is one of the most distressing cancer diagnoses being associated with high levels of depression, anxiety and poor quality of life (QOL). In this study, we evaluated the experience of depression, anxiety, stress and QOL in people with NHL and the relationship of these states to a trait-based measure of mindfulness. Method: Participants were 125patients and survivors of NHL who had been diagnosed at least 2years ago. They completed an online questionnaire asking about their recent experiences of depression, anxiety, stress, QOL, mindfulness and its components, and the practice of mindfulness-meditation. Results: Controlling for disease status, high overall mindfulness and mindful-acceptance were related to lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Mindful-attention, high overall mindfulness and mindful-acceptance were all related to better QOL, after controlling for disease and marital status. Conclusions: The results suggest that attending to one’s thoughts and feelings may be sufficient to experience good quality of life, but it may be insufficient to buffer against the potential for psychological distress. However, the mindful-acceptance of unpleasant, threatening or painful thoughts and feelings may be necessary to prevent or reduce the impact of affective symptoms such as depression and anxiety. Implications for cancer survivors: understanding the potential role played by mindfulness in informing well-being outcomes in NHL patients and survivors may assist in the development of appropriate interventions, aimed at improving their mental health.
La Liberte de la Presse et les Exigences de la Democracie vers un Developpement Durable

In this paper, the authors argue that press freedom is a key element of democracy. They, however, contend that for the press to serve its meaningful role towards a country's sustainable development, it must be transparent, accountable and responsible. The authors draw extensively from research findings in Nigeria and Sierra Leone, which to them are adequately representative of the entire Sub-Saharan Africa region. The paper discusses at length some factors which affect sustainable development, as well as the performance of the press in the two countries. The conclusions made are that the press systems in both Nigeria and Sierra Leone are neither democratic nor do they serve the cause of ensuring sustainable development. A major weakness, the authors maintain, is the fact that the press in the two countries pay more attention to the outside world than to issues affecting their predominantly illiterate population. Dr. Ritchard M'Bayo, Dr, Cosmas Nwokeafor, and Dr. Chuka Onwumechili are Assistant Professors at Bowie State University in the state of Maryland, USA.
Factors Influencing Ethylene-induced Isocoumarin Formation and Increased Respiration in Carrots

Ethylene-induced formation of isocoumarin was characterized in relation to ethylene-enhanced respiration in whole or cut carrots (Daucus carota L.). Ethylene concentrations (0.1 to 5 ppm) and temperatures (1 to 15C) that increased respiration also favored a more rapid formation of isocoumarin (8-hydroxy-3-methyl-6-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-isocoumarin). Exposing mature carrots to 0.5 ppm C 2 H 4 for 14 days at 1 or 5C resulted in isocoumarin contents of 20 and 40 mg/100 g peel, respectively. These levels were easily detected as a bitter flavor in the intact carrot roots. Immature carrots formed higher levels of isocoumarin than mature carrots; 180 mg/100 g peel were detected in young carrots stored 14 days at 5C in air containing 0.5 ppm C 2 H 4 . Freshly harvested carrots exposed to 5 ppm C 2 H 4 accumulated 4-fold higher isocoumarin levels than those formed by carrots stored 30 days at 5C before exposure to C 2 H 4 . An atmosphere of 100% O 2 potentiated the effect of C 2 H 4 on isocoumarin formation, resulting in a 5-fold increase over that found in carrots treated with C 2 H 4 in air. A storage atmosphere of 0.5 ppm C 2 H 4 in 1% O 2 resulted in isocoumarin levels about one-half those attained in 0.5 ppm C 2 H 4 in air. Sliced, cut, or dropped carrots exposed to C 2 H 4 showed greater isocoumarin accumulation rates than intact uninjured carrots. Peeled baby carrots, however, had little capacity to form isocoumarin. In general, the more rapid the respiratory rise in response to C 2 H 4 , the more rapidly isocoumarin accumulated. The greater the respiratory response to ethylene, the higher the level of isocoumarin formed.
The analysis of examination results as a prerequisite for improved teaching 36 th IAEA

Cito, the Dutch National Institute for Educational Measurement, processes testand item analyses of the annual national examinations based on a sample of exam candidates. For these analyses, schools submit the scores at item level of the first five candidates of the alphabetically ordered list of their examinees through an online service called WOLF. The analyses are included in the information used by the National Council for Examinations (CvE) in the decision-making process of setting cut-off scores for each subject of the national examinations. Since 2006, teachers willing to submit scores of all candidates in their classes can apply for customized reports of their students’ results compared to the results of the national sample. This so called ‘group reports’ service, allows teachers to set up their own customized reports, based on a combination of subsets of questions (topics, domains, question types) and grouping of students (weak/ strong performers, male/ female etc.) Statistically, a group report is basic and limited in its ambitions. The group reports reinforce the intuitive knowledge of the teacher, because the results contribute to the assessment of the effectiveness of their teaching effort and of the quality of the curriculum.
Digital Image Based Identification of Rice Variety Using Image Processing and Neural Network

The increased of consumer concern on the originality of rice variety and the quality of rice leads to originality certification of rice by existing institutions. Technology helps human to perform evaluations of food grains using images of objects. This study developed a system used as a tool to identify rice varieties. Identification process was performed by analyzing rice images using image processing. The analyzed features for identification consisted of six color features, four morphological features, and two texture features. Classifier used LVQ neural network algorithm. Identification results using a combination of all features gave average accuracy of 70,3% with the highest classification accuracy level of 96,6% for Mentik Wangi and the lowest classification accuracy of 30% for Cilosari.
Tunnel-barrier-enhanced dc voltage signals induced by magnetization dynamics in magnetic tunnel junctions

We theoretically study the recently observed tunnel-barrier-enhanced dc voltage signals generated by magnetization precession in magnetic tunnel junctions. While the spin pumping is suppressed by the high tunneling impedance, two complimentary processes are predicted to result in a sizable voltage generation in ferromagnet (F)|insulator (I)|normal-metal (N) and F|I|F junctions, with one ferromagnet being resonantly excited. Magnetic dynamics in F|I|F systems induces a robust charge pumping, translating into voltage in open circuits. In addition, dynamics in a single ferromagnetic layer develops longitudinal spin accumulation inside the ferromagnet. A tunnel barrier then acts as a nonintrusive probe that converts the spin accumulation into a measurable voltage. Neither of the proposed mechanisms suffers from spin relaxation, which is typically fast on the scale of the exponentially slow tunneling rates. The longitudinal spin-accumulation buildup, however, is very sensitive to the phenomenological ingredients of the spin-relaxation picture.
Governance mechanism, expropriation and controlling shareholders' shares

Based on agency theory, this study discusses how a firm arranges its controlling shareholders' shares in order to eliminate the expropriation on minority shareholders. The study finds that the controlling shareholders' shares should at least exceed some proportion. The stronger the level of internal monitoring is, the higher the quality of external governance mechanism is, the lower the lowest controlling shareholders' shares to eliminate expropriation will be required. The study also finds that the internal and external corporate governance mechanism can be complemented each other, and co-determine the lowest controlling shareholders' shares required to eliminate expropriation. In addition, the ability of controlling shareholders to obtain private benefits has also an important impact on the required lowest controlling shareholders' shares.
Organizational Transformation Using Electronic Data Interchange: The Case of TradeNet in Singapore

This study illustrates how electronic data interchange (EDI) could be used in conjunction with organizational transformation to generate phenomenal gains in organizational efficiency and effectiveness. It reviews the current literature on information-technology-enabled organizational transformation to identify key variables for measuring organizational change. It employs the case research method to examine TradeNet, a well-established EDI system in Singapore. It discusses how the Trade Development Board (TDB) of Singapore has taken advantage of the TradeNet opportunity to drastically transform its own organizational structure, business processes, business network, and business scope. The organizational transformation that accompanied TradeNet implementation resulted in significant gains for both the public and the private sector in Singapore. TDB and other public-sector organizations gained in terms of increased productivity in carrying out their organizational functions. The trading community, comprising the private-sector organizations, benefited in terms of increased competitiveness. Change-point analyses carried out on annual organizational and performance figures confirmed the productivity increases at TDB. Analyses of the results of questionnaires administered to TradeNet participants confirmed the increased competitiveness experienced by the trading community. Noteworthy lessons from this study, important for EDI implementation, are a willingness to change existing mindset, to institute radical transformation, to leverage knowledge and technology, and to foster win-win situations. This study demonstrates that the use of IT, or EDI in particular, for organizational transformation could lead to phenomenal gains.
Bilateral adrenal lesions

Bilateral adrenal lesions include a spectrum of disorders: neoplastic disorders (metastases, lymphoma, bilateral phaeochromocytoma, adrenocortical carcinoma and myelolipoma); longstanding congenital adrenal hyperplasia and macronodular adrenal hyperplasia; infections such as tuberculosis, histoplasmosis and blastomycosis; adrenal haemorrhage; adrenals in hypoperfusion complex and paediatric masses. Bilateral distribution in addition to other imaging characteristics can help narrow differential diagnoses in case of adrenal masses. We present a pictorial review highlighting the adrenal lesions that can present bilaterally.
Top Management-Team Diversity and Firm Performance: Examining the Role of Cognitions

Demography research rarely examines the black box within which the cognitive diversity of the top management team is assumed to affect firm performance. Using data from 35 simulated firms run by a total of 159 managers attending executive education programs, the current research tested several hypotheses concerned with (a) the relationship between demographic and cognitive team diversity and (b) the reciprocal effects of diversity and firm performance. Results showed that members of high-performing teams tended to preserve multiple interpretations early in the team's life cycle, but that they moved toward greater clarity near the end of the life cycle. These high-performing teams, therefore, exhibited both early interpretative ambiguity and late heedful interrelating. Cognitive diversity in teams affected and was affected by changes in firm performance. Surprisingly, there was no evidence of any effect of demographic diversity on measures of cognitive diversity.
Online Communities of Practice for innovation and knowledge transfer: A case study in the U.K.

Although the concept of online CoPs using Web 2.0-enabled applications has been very successful within a social context, it is not yet prevalent amongst organisations or universities specialising in knowledge transfer. Indeed, both concepts (i.e. Web 2.0 and knowledge flow) are still emergent in nature. This paper details the successful implementation of an online Community of Practice (CoP) for an innovation and knowledge transfer (KT) application. Using a case study online CoP from the UK, the paper details how the online CoP was developed, the functionality and user types offered by the online CoP, the governance methods used, the technology selected and finally the benefits it brings to its members.
Implications of Geometry and the Theorem of Gauss on Newtonian Gravitational Systems and a Caveat Regarding Poisson’s Equation

Galactic mass consistent with luminous mass is obtained by fitting rotation curves (RC = tangential velocities vs. equatorial radius r) using Newtonian force models, or can be unambiguously calculated from RC data using a model based on spin. In contrast, mass exceeding luminous mass is obtained from multi-parameter fits using potentials associated with test particles orbiting in a disk around a central mass. To understand this disparity, we explore the premises of these mainstream disk potential models utilizing the theorem of Gauss, thermodynamic concepts of Gibbs, the findings of Newton and Maclaurin, and well-established techniques and results from analytical mathematics. Mainstream models assume that galactic density in the axial (z) and r directions varies independently: we show that this is untrue for self-gravitating objects. Mathematics and thermodynamic principles each show that modifying Poisson’s equation by summing densities is in error. Neither do mainstream models differentiate between interior and exterior potentials, which is required by potential theory and has been recognized in seminal astronomical literature. The theorem of Gauss shows that: (1) density in Poisson’s equation must be averaged over the interior volume; (2) logarithmic gravitational potentials implicitly assume that mass forms a long, line source along the z axis, unlike any astronomical object; and (3) gravitational stability for three-dimensional shapes is limited to oblate spheroids or extremely tall cylinders, whereas other shapes are prone to collapse. Our findings suggest a mechanism for the formation of the flattened Solar System and of spiral galaxies from gas clouds. The theorem of Gauss offers many advantages over Poisson’s equation in analyzing astronomical problems because mass, not density, is the key parameter.
Microwave head imaging for stroke detection

This paper proposes an algorithm for wide-band microwave imaging for the detection of a hemorrhagic stroke. A realistic head phantom and finite-difference time-domain program are used to estimate back-scattered signals which are subsequently used in the image reconstruction process. The proposed imaging approach can lead to a portable and cost effective system; particularly suitable for rural medical clinics that lack the necessary resources in effective stroke diagnosing.