Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sensitivity of Tropical Cyclone Forecasts as Revealed by Singular Vectors

Abstract Singular vector (SV) sensitivity, calculated using the adjoint model of the U.S. Navy Operation Global Atmosphere Prediction System (NOGAPS), is used to study the dynamics associated with tropical cyclone evolution. For each model-predicted tropical cyclone, SVs are constructed that optimize perturbation energy within a 20° by 20° latitude/longitude box centered on the 48-h forecast position of the cyclone. The initial SVs indicate regions where the 2-day forecast of the storm is very sensitive to changes in the analysis. Composites of the SVs for straight-moving cyclones and non-straight-moving cyclones that occurred in the Northern Hemisphere during its summer season in 2003 are examined. For both groups, the initial-time SV sensitivity exhibits a maximum within an annulus approximately 500 km from the center of the storms, in the region where the potential vorticity gradient of the vortex first changes sign. In the azimuthal direction, the composite initial-time SV maximum for the straight-mov.
Risking Other People’s Money

We study risk taking on behalf of others in an experiment on a large random sample. The decision makers in our experiment are facing high-powered incentives to increase the risk on behalf of others through hedged compensation contracts or with tournament incentives. Compared to a baseline condition without such incentives, we find that the decision makers respond strongly to these incentives that result in an increased risk exposure of others. However, we find that the increase in risk taking is mitigated by altruistic preferences and pro-social personality traits.
Tree-ring analysis of yellow-cedar (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis) on Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Yellow-cedar (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis(D. Don) Spach) are the oldest known coniferous trees in Canada. This paper reports on the first dendrochronological investigation of yellow-cedar trees at montane sites on Vancouver Island. Mature yellow-cedar trees were selected for study at four sites along a 200-km northwest-southeast transect. Trees older than 500 years were common at three of the four sites, with numerous individuals older than 750 years identified. Carefully prepared cores proved well suited for ring-width measurement, with 220 cores from 156 trees included in our final four chronologies. The best replicated segment of the four chronologies (1800-1994 A.D.) show common intervals of reduced radial growth in the 1800s, 1840s, 1860s, 1920s, 1950s, and 1970s. While the relative strength of the between-site signals varies over this interval ( r = 0.424-0.908), it is apparent that the chronologies share a common radial growth signal. Our efforts to identify the role climate played in this relationship were successful and the results appear to have a dendroecological basis within the annual yellow-cedar growth cycle. Six different temperature and precipitation variables explain 61% of the annual ring width variance. Our results suggest that further dendrochronological and dendroclimatological studies using this long-lived species are warranted. Resume : De tous les coniferes du Canada, le cypres jaune (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis(D. Don) Spach) est celui qui
: Evidence from

This paper studies a key driver of the demand for the products and services of the global IT industry --- returns from IT investments. We estimate an inter-country production function relating IT and non-IT inputs to GDP output, on panel data from 36 countries over 1985-1993. We find significant differences between developed and developing countries with respect to their structure of returns from capital investments. For the developed countries in the sample, returns to IT capital investments are estimated to be positive and significant, while returns to non-IT capital investments are not commensurate with relative factor shares. The situation is reversed for the developing countries subsample, where returns to non-IT capital are quite substantial, but those from IT capital investments are not statistically significant. We estimate output growth contributions of IT and non-IT capital and discuss the contrasting policy implications for capital investment by developed and developing economies.
INFLUENCE OF CU AND AL IONS ON ZETA POTENTIAL CHANGE OF PECTIN AND PROTEIN PREPARATES EXTRACTED FROM SUGAR BEET UTICAJ JONA CU I AL NA PROMENU ZETA POTENCIJALA PEKTINSKIH I PROTEINSKIH PREPARATA IZOLOVANIH IZ ŠEĆERNE REPE

All models which are used to describe the behaviour of electrically charged colloidal particles are based on the presence of two basic layers which surround a particle – stationary and diffused layer known as electric double layer. Electrokinetic phenomena are generated by ions in the diffused layer and a potential across the diffused layer where hydrodynamic motion of liquid still exists is a measurable parameter denoted as electrokinetic or Zeta potential. By adding positively charged ions Cu and Al, Zeta potential can be reduced to a zero point in which repulsive forces between the colloidal particles stop to exist enabling their aglomeration and coagulation in aqueous solutions. It has been experimentally confirmed in all tested preparations that the addition of Cu and Al ions changed the sign of Zeta potential in such a way that a negative Zeta potential gradually decreased, proportionally to the increased concentrations of these ions. Electrokinetic measurements also showed that changes in the sign of Zeta potential occurred at lower concentrations of coagulant CuSO4 as compared to coagulant Al2(SO4)3. The reason for this is a greater ability of surface complexations of Cu ions and coagulation enhancement effect of SO4 ions.
Venture Capital Financing and the Informativeness of EarningsManagerial Shareholding and Compensation Structure, Investment Opportunities and Non-Audit Service Purchases: An Alternative Explanation

The rise of fees paid to incumbent auditors for non-audit services (NAS) relative to audit fees has been actively debated by the accounting profession, investors, and regulators. Although accounting firms are banned by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act from providing non-auditing services to their auditees, the debate is far from over. Despite the negative publicity generated by NAS purchases, why do managers continue to purchase increasing quantities of NAS? We contribute to this debate by offering an alternative explanation on determinants of NAS purchase decisions. We find that (1) the association between NAS purchases and earnings management documented in extant literature is affected by the way top managers are compensated and by managers' shareholdings, and (2) NAS purchases are positively associated with the proportion of performance-based compensation paid to the top five executives and this association is more pronounced for firms with high investment opportunities.
Cottonballs, a unique subaqeous moonmilk, and abundant subaerial moonmilk in Cataract Cave, Tongass National Forest, Alaska

1. Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, NM 87801 2. National Institute of Cave and Karst Research, Carlsbad, New Mexico 3. Institute of Meteoritics, University of New Mexico, MSC032050, 1 Univ. of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131 4. Tongass National Forest, Thorne Bay Ranger District, P.O. Box 19001, Thorne Bay, Alaska 99919 Curry M.D., Boston P.J., Spilde M.N. , Baichtal J.F. , Campbell A.R. 2009. Cottonballs, a unique subaqeous moonmilk and abundant subaerial moonmilk in Cataract Cave, Tongass National Forest, Alaska. International Journal of Speleology, 38(2), 111-128. Bologna (Italy). ISSN 0392-6672.
Resistant Hypertension and Cardiorenovascular Risk

Abstract Studies have documented independent contribution of sympathetic activation to the cardiovascular disease continuum. Hypertension is one of the leading modifiable factors. Most if not all the benefit of antihypertensive treatment depends on blood pressure lowering, regardless how it is obtained. Resistant hypertension is defined as blood pressure that remains uncontrolled in spite of the concurrent use of three antihypertensive drugs of different classes. Ideally, one of the three drugs should be a diuretic, and all drugs should be prescribed at optimal dose amounts. Poor adherence to antihypertensive therapy, undiscovered secondary causes (e.g. obstructive sleep apnea, primary aldosteronism, renal artery stenosis), and lifestyle factors (e.g. obesity, excessive sodium intake, heavy alcohol intake, various drug interactions) are the most common causes of resistant hypertension. Cardio(reno)vascular morbidity and mortality are significantly higher in resistant hypertensive than in general hypertensive population, as such patients are typically presented with a long-standing history of poorly controlled hypertension. Early diagnosis and treatment is needed to avoid further end-organ damage to prevent cardiorenovascular remodeling. Treatment strategy includes lifestyle changes, adding a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, treatment adherence in cardiovascular prevention and, in case of failure to control blood pressure, renal sympathetic denervation or baroreceptor activation therapy. The comparative outcomes in resistant hypertension deserve better understanding. In this review, the most current approaches to resistant hypertension and cardiovascular risk based on the available literature evidence will be discussed.
Prevalence of Unplanned Pregnancy and Associated Factors among MothersAttending Antenatal Care at Hawassa City Public Hospitals, Hawassa, SNNPR,Ethiopia

Background: Unplanned pregnancy is a core concept that is used to better understand the fertility of populations and the unmet need for contraception (birth control) and family planning. Unplanned pregnancy mainly results from not using contraception, or inconsistent or incorrect use of effective contraceptive methods. Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence and factors associated with unplanned pregnancy among clients attending ANC clinic in Hawassa city public hospitals, Hawassa, SNNPR, Ethiopia. Methods: Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 362 mothers attending ANC in Hawassa city public hospitals. Purposive sampling technique was used to select health facilities. Data were collected through interviewer administered technique using Pre-tested structured questionnaire. Data were checked for completeness, consistency, coded and entered in to SPSS version 20 software and analyzed. The association between variables were analyzed using binary logistic regression models and the level of significance of association were determined at P-value<0.05. Result: The prevalence of unplanned pregnancy was 33.7%. Age, education, occupation, marital status and ever use family planning were significantly associated with unplanned pregnancy. Odds of unplanned pregnancy among illiterate was 4.6 times more likely than unplanned pregnancy compared diploma and above. The odd of unplanned pregnancy was higher by 40 times among others as compared with planned pregnancy of unemployed. Conclusion and Recommendation: The findings of the study showed that the prevalence of unplanned pregnancy is still higher in the community. There is an apparent need to design strategies of communication within couples on fertility and contraceptive issues through peer education and promote family planning methods.
Effects of technology context on cloud computing adoption in small and medium enterprises in Nairobi County, Kenya

For most developing nations, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play a vital role in the quest to militate against the vagaries of poverty and stimulate growth and development. However SMEs continue to face a number of challenges as a result of stiff competition and rapid evolvement in the contemporary business market. Against a background of stiff competition and turbulent business environments, ICT solutions have the ability to enhance SMEs competitiveness leading to efficiency and effectiveness for business sustainability. This study sought to investigate the effects of technology context on cloud computing adoption in SMEs in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study employed a positivism approach and utilized an explanatory research design using the Innovation Diffusion Theory as a theoretical basis. The study sample comprised 398 respondents drawn from Nairobi County. Data that was collected through pre-tested structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and multiple regression analysis. Results from regression model showed that technological context exhibited a positive and significant effect on the level of adoption of cloud computing (β1= 0.414, ρ<0.05). This study demonstrates that technology context and its attendant aspects (relative advantage, compatibility and complexity), significantly influence cloud computing adoption. The author recommend that stakeholders in the SMEs field should strive to ensure that their efforts to improve on cloud computing adoption are guided by the technological context of cloud computing.
Sorting or Topping-off Pens of Feedlot Cattle

relatively high levels (35-40% of DM). In previous studies reporting an efficiency response with programmed gain systems, the finishing diets did not contain byproduct feedstuffs. It has been shown that wet corn gluten feed inclusion in finishing diets helps to alleviate sub-acute acidosis. Part of the efficiency response that has been observed in previous studies could be related to a reduced level of acidosis that would likely accompany the limited amounts of feed offered to programmed gain treatment groups. Consequently, the number and Table 3. Effect of programmed gain on carcass characteristics of yearling steers.
Institutional forces and the adoption of green practices among small and medium sized hotel in Southern, Thailand

There have been some encouraging trends in recent years towards green and sustainable practices. Green practices from basic initiatives to certification schemes are increasingly important for companies to be socially responsible in the tourism and hospitality industries.There are a number of factors driving the demand for green. In the hotel industry,it appears that small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) are not actively getting involved with green practices.The question is whether or not SME owner‐managers of hotels are ready to keep up with the changes in the changing market environment.The purpose of this article is to investigate the factors that have an impact on the adoption of green practices among small and medium sized hotels (SMHs) in Southern Thailand using Institutional theory as a conceptual framework.The study adopts a quantitative analysis method.A questionnaire survey is a method used to collect the data from hotel owner‐managers in Phuket and Krabi. Our analysis shows that only owner‐manager attitudes positively influence the adoption of green practices and funds availability moderates the relations between regulations, green consumers and competitors with the adoption of green practices.
Coconut Coir and Beans Straw as Substrates for Mushroom Growth

Coconut coir and beans straw could blend well for mushroom production. This would increase the biomass use and also serve as a way of recycling the agricultural wastes. The project was carried out to evaluate the mycelial growth rate, yield and cost benefit analysis of oyster mushroom ( Pleurotus ostreatus ) cultivation on sole coconut coir (CC), sole bean straw (BS), and a 2:3 ratio mixture of BS and CC (BS:CC Mix) as substrates. Each substrate type was subjected to 3 different composting periods of a day (no compost), 7days, and 14 days. Randomized complete block design with three replications was used for the experimental design. The best mushroom performance was obtained in the BS:CC Mix substrates, recording highest yields in the range of 43.2 - 47.4 g/kg substrate; the greatest biological efficiencies of 11.0 - 22.9% as well as the highest returns of 200.9 - 229.8%. The results indicated that beans straw could be an effective supplement to coconut coir and other highly lignified substrates for mushroom production. Keywords : coconut coir; beans straw; mycelia; cost benefit analysis; mixed substrates
Soil preparation reduces pine weevil (Hylobius abietis L.) damage on both peatland and mineral soil sites one year after planting

We studied pine weevil (Hylobius abietis (L.)) feeding damage to Norway spruce and Scots pine seedlings planted in regeneration areas located on peatlands or on mineral soil sites in Southern and Central Finland. The survey included two planting years and a total of 60 regeneration areas (40 areas on peatlands and 20 on mineral soil sites). Some sites classified as peatland were as transformed or transforming drained peatlands that also contained mineral soil on a prepared surface. The soil preparation method, type of surface material around a seedling, pine weevil, vole-induced or other damage and the health of each seedling were observed in systematically selected circular sample plots. There was slightly more pine weevil damage on peatland than on mineral soil sites. More seedlings were damaged on unprepared peat and humus than on a prepared surface. Seedlings surrounded by a prepared surface had a slightly greater risk of being gnawed by pine weevil when planted on prepared peat compared to planting on prepared mineral soil. Vole damage was observed only in one region during one year. Mounded areas had slightly less vole damage than patched areas. In order to reduce damage caused by pine weevils and voles, it is important to scarify the regeneration area properly before insecticide-treated seedlings are planted. Mounding and patching are recommended so that seedlings can be planted in mineral soil whenever possible, even in the case of peatlands.
Workplace bullying: A perspective from the Job Demands-Resources model

Orientation: Workplace bullying is characterised as a counterproductive interpersonal behaviour, yielding severe consequences for both the individual and the organisation. The occurrence of workplace bullying is often attributed to a stressful work environment. Research purpose: The purpose of the study was to test the work environment hypothesis by applying the Job Demands-Resources model to workplace bullying. We expected job demands and job resources to relate to both perpetrators’ and actors’ reports of workplace bullying. Motivation for the study: We aimed to extend the outcomes examined in the Job Demands- Resources model to a specific form of counterproductive interpersonal behaviour, namely workplace bullying. From the point of view of the literature on bullying, we aimed to substantiate the well-known work environment hypothesis with empirical data. Research design, approach and method: We applied structural equation modelling on questionnaire data of a large heterogeneous sample of Flemish employees ( N = 749). Main findings: Job demands and job resources interacted in the prediction of perpetrators’ reports of bullying: job demands associated positively to perpetrators’ reports of bullying particularly under the condition of high job resources. Job demands related positively to targets’ reports of bullying, while job resources related negatively. These associations were (partially) mediated by emotional exhaustion. Practical/managerial implications: These results suggest that workplace bullying may indeed be reduced by good job design, that is, by limiting the job demands and increasing job resources. Particular prevention plans may be developed for exhausted employees, as they are vulnerable to workplace bullying, in terms of both becoming perpetrators and victims. Contribution/value-add: This study attests to the predictive validity of the JD-R model for perpetrators’ and targets’ reports of workplace bullying. The findings also underline the complex and multi-causal nature of workplace bullying.
Comparative effects of plant growth promoters and earthworms (Millsonia anomala) on rooting of cocoa orthotropic cuttings

Propagation of cocoa trees with high yield and disease resistance is envisioned for the renewal of the cocoa orchard. The dissemination of these elite varieties by orthotropic cuttings is strongly recommended to achieve quantitative and qualitative objectives. Some experiments reported that some Theobroma cacao clones produced by orthotropic cuttings do not root easily and the rate is very low, around 30 to 50% results. In this work, the impact of earthworms and chemical hormonal growth promoters on cocoa cuttings acclimatization were studied to increase the survival rate of cocoa stems during acclimatization step. The presence of earthworms identified as Millsonia anomala in acclimatization substrates allowed to convert more than 65% of stems into plantlets and exceeds 83% when the section of stems was a softwood part of branch. In the same profile, growth promoters as chemical hormonal solutions, regularly used in the process, are converting around 49.5% of stems into plantlets. In this study, a variability on the presence of taproots number across various parts of the branch were shown. Indeed, 69.2% of stems from hardwood, 64.3% stems from semi-hardwood and 56.4% of stems from softwood have developed at least two main roots. Indeed, this fact corroborates the capacity of these trees to able supporting the probable weight of cocoa pods and resists on wind which could appear on areas with bad weather. Key words: Orthotropic cuttings, earthworms, somatic embryogenesis, hormones, cocoa crop.
Analysing the agreement between an Airborne Laser Scanning based forest inventory and a control inventory – a case study in the state owned forests in Finland

Airborne laser scanning based forest inventories have recently shown to produce accurate results. However, the accuracy varies according to the test area and used methodology and therefore, an unambiguous and practical quality assessment will be needed as a part of each inventory project. In this study, the accuracy of an ALS inventory was evaluated with a field sampling based control inventory. The agreement between the ALS inventory and the control inventory was analysed with four methods: 1) root mean square error (RMSE) and bias, 2) scatter plots with 95% confidence intervals, 3) Bland-Altman plots and 4) tolerance limits within Bland-Altman plots. Each method has its own special features which have to be taken into account when the agreement is analysed. The pre-defined requirements of the ALS inventory were achieved. A simplified control inventory approach with a slightly narrower focus is proposed to be used in the future. The Bland-Altman plots with the tolerance limits are proposed to be used in quality assessments of operational ALS inventories. Further studies to improve the efficiency of quality assessment are needed.
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Impact of Negative Interest Rates and QE on the Profitability and Risk-Taking of 1600 German Banks

The recent negative interest rate policy (NIRP) and quantitative easing (QE) programme by the ECB have raised concerns about the pass-through of monetary policy. On the one hand, negative rates could lead to declining bank profitability making an expansionary monetary policy contractionary. Also, if interest rates are too low for too long banks could be induced to take too much risky credit. On the other hand, several economists argue that there is nothing special about negative interest rates per se. This paper uses a large micro level data set of the German bank universe to examine how banks behave in this uncharted territory. The evidence found suggests that bank’s business model, i.e. the share of overnight deposits, plays a crucial role. While some banks may benefit in the short run via for instance reduced refinancing costs or lower loan loss provisions, many banks with high deposit ratios face lower net interest income and lower credit growth rates. If continued for too long QE and NIRP erode bank profits for most banks eventually.