Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Intermittent Price Changes in Production Plants: Empirical Evidence Using Monthly Data

The price-setting behaviour of manufacturing plants is examined using a large panel of monthly surveyed plant- and product-specific prices. The sample shows a high frequency of zero changes, relatively small price changes, and a strong seasonal price change pattern. The intermittent feature of price changes is modelled with thresholds which are lower in January, and a quadratic loss–function associated with the distance from target price. The findings show statistically significant pricing thresholds, which are only two thirds in January, and partial adjustment parameters implying that 60% of the deviation between the target price and current price is closed each month.
Fe-Mg partitioning between perovskite and ferropericlase in the lower mantle

Abstract Fe-Mg partitioning between perovskite and ferropericlase in the MgO-FeO-SiO2 system has been studied up to about 100 GPa at around 2000 K using a laser-heated diamond anvil cell (LHDAC). The compositions of both phases were determined by using analytical transmission electron microscopy (ATEM) on the recovered samples. Present results reveal that the Fe-Mg apparent partition coefficient between perovskite and ferropericlase [KDPv/Fp = (XFePv XMgFp)/(XMgPv XFeFp)] decreases with increasing pressure for a constant FeO of the system, and it decreases with increasing FeO content of ferropericlase. The gradual decrease of KDPv/Fp with increasing pressure is consistent with the spin transition in ferropericlase occurring in the broad pressure range from 50 to 100 GPa at around 2000 K.
Epidemiological Studies on Transmission of some Avian Pathogens from Fish Farms to Water Fowls in Kafr El-sheikh Governorate, Egypt

Integrated Waterfowl is common in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate. The infection with many bacterial and /or viral diseases due to using poultry litter as a fertilizer in fish farms is studied. Fifty litter samples, sixty nine fish pond water samples, two hundred fecal swabs from integrated waterfowl and sixty samples from liver from these waterfowl were collected for surveying some pathogens which may be present in litter and transported to fish ponds and infect waterfowl. Results of this survey revealed the isolation of 19 Salmonella spp. (4 isolates from litter, 2 isolates from fish pond water, 8 isolates from fecal swabs of waterfowl and 5 isolates from waterfowl liver), 17 Staphylococcus spp. (7 isolates from litter, 3 isolates from fish pond water, 5 isolates from fecal swabs of waterfowl and 2 isolates from waterfowl liver) and 59 E. coli isolates (9 isolates from litter,16 isolates from fish pond water, 22 isolates from fecal swabs of waterfowl and 12 isolates from waterfowl liver) isolates were obtained from different samples.
An overview of trace elements in soils of Keana-Awe Brine-Fields, Middle Benue Trough, Nigeria

The objective of this study was to determine the concentration of trace elements in soils of Keana-Awe brine-fields. Composite soil samples were randomly collected at a depth of 0–15 cm and were analysed for molybdenum, zinc, arsenic, lead, cobalt, chromium, copper, barium and nickel using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS). Quantification of the degree of soil contamination by these trace elements was carried out using the enrichment factor (EF) and the geo-accumulation index (Igeo). The data were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA). The average concentrations were 1.56 ppm molybdenum, 1116.42 ppm zinc, 23.80 ppm arsenic, 71.40 ppm lead, 17.64 ppm cobalt, 237.35 ppm chromium, 24.16 ppm copper, 254.67 ppm barium and 143.71 ppm nickel. Cobalt, nickel and chromium showed positive loadings in component 1 with a total variance of 29.56%. Zinc, copper and lead showed positive loadings in component 2 with a total variance of 18.79%, while copper showed negative loading in component 3 with a total variance of 14.79%. Considering the concentration of trace elements in the soils and statistical analyses, we conclude that soils of the study area were severely enriched in molybdenum, cobalt, chromium, copper, barium, nickel, while arsenic and zinc are in excessive concentrations in the soils. These trace elements could have originated from geogenic and anthropogenic sources.
Price Discovery Process and Volatility Spillover in Spot and Futures Markets: Evidences of Individual Stocks

This paper analyses information-based superiority of markets mainly with an objective of exploring arbitrage opportunities. It attempts to determine the lead-lag relationship between spot and futures markets in the Indian context by using high frequency price data of twelve individual stocks, observed at one-minute interval. The study applies the concept of co-integration and establishes the spot-futures relationship using Vector Error Correction Mechanism (VECM) represented by EGARCH framework. To study the price discovery process in the two markets, five lags each of one-minute resolution for nine individual stocks and four lags for the remaining three stocks are chosen. The key results of the study are given below: There is a contemporaneous and bi-directional lead-lag relationship between the spot and futures markets. A feedback mechanism of short life is functional between the two markets. Price discovery occurs in both the markets simultaneously. There exists short-term disequilibrium that could be corrected in the next period. Volatility spillover from spot market to futures market is present in such a way that a decrease in spot volatility leads to a decrease in futures volatility. Volatility shocks are asymmetric and persistent in both the markets. Spillover from futures market to spot market is not significant. Neither spot nor futures assume a considerable leading role and neither of the markets is supreme in price discovery. In the case of 33.33 per cent of spot values and 33.33 per cent of futures values, there exists short-term disequilibrium that could be corrected in the next period by decreasing the prices. Spot market volatility spills over to futures market in most of the cases (66.66 %) and a decrease in spot volatility brings about a decrease in futures volatility in 50 per cent of the cases. Spillover effect from futures to spot market is present and significant in 91.66 per cent of stocks and is more than the spillover effect from spot to futures (50% valid cases). The markets are highly integrated. Asymmetric behaviour of volatility shocks is mixed in both the markets. Asymmetric volatility is detected in 50 per cent of the cases of spot market and 58.33 per cent cases of futures market. Stocks exhibiting asymmetric volatility show more sensitivity to negative shocks. There are no cases of market becoming more volatile in response to good news.
A Note on Automation, Stagnation, and the Implications of a Robot Tax

We analyze the long-run growth effects of automation in the canonical overlapping generations framework. While automation implies constant returns to capital within this model class (even in the absence of technological progress), we show that it does not have the potential to lead to positive long-growth. The reason is that automation suppresses wages, which are the only source of investment because of the demographic structure of the overlapping generations model. This result stands in sharp contrast to the effects of automation in the representative agent setting, where positive long-run growth is feasible because agents can invest out of their wage income and out of their asset income. We also analyze the effects of a robot tax that has featured prominently in the policy debate on automation and show that it could raise the capital stock and per capita output at the steady state. However, the robot tax cannot induce a takeoff toward positive long-run growth.
Freshman Students' Emotional Intelligence and Team-Work Satisfaction Levels. A Comparative Study: Gender and Nationality

Zeka katsay›s› (IQ) akademik baflar› icin yeterli bir belirtec olmad›¤›, duygular›m›z ve di¤er bireyler ile olan iliflkilerimizi daha etkin flekilde ele almam›za yard›mc› olabilen duygusal zekân›n (EI) ise baflar›m›z›n %80’ine kadar›ndan sorumlu olabilece¤i (Goleman, 1995), genel olarak kabul edilen bir gorufltur. Bu durum, ekip ya da grup cal›flmas› gerektiren dersleri alan o¤renciler icin ozellikle onemli gorunmektedir. Daha yuksek EI duzeyine sahip o¤rencilerin akademik ve sosyal baflar›ya ulaflmalar› daha olas›d›r. Ancak bu, daha dufluk EI duzeyine sahip olan ve bu nedenle etkili ekip cal›flmas› icin gereken becerilerden yoksun olan birinci s›n›f o¤rencileri icin zorlu bir gorevdir. Bu durum, ekip cal›flmas› icin daha dufluk memnuniyet duzeyleri ile sonuclanabilmekte ve dolay›s›yla baflar›lar›n› olumsuz olarak etkileyebilmektedir. EI’nin etkili ekip cal›flmas›na yonelik sozu edilen belirgin onemini ele alan cal›flmam›zda, Abu Dabi’deki Petroleum Institute’un muhendislik bolumu birinci s›n›f o¤rencilerinin EI duzeyleri olculerek, EI ile ekip cal›flmas› memnuniyet duzeyleri aras›ndaki iliflki incelenmektedir. Veriler, Schutte Duygusal Zeka Olce¤i (EIS) ve Kuresel Memnuniyet Olce¤i (GSS) kullan›larak topland›. Cal›flmaya 285 o¤renci (203 erkek ve 82 k›z) kat›lm›flt›r. Kat›l›mc›lar›n 240’› Birleflik Arap Emirlikleri o¤rencisiyken, 45’i di¤er Arap ulkelerinden gelen o¤rencilerdi. Verileri cinsiyet ve uyruk de¤iflkenlerine gore karfl›laflt›rmak amac›yla Student t testi kullan›ld›, EIS ile GSS puanlar› aras›ndaki iliflkinin kuvvetini olcmek amac›yla da Pearson momentler carp›m› korelasyon katsay›s›ndan yararlan›ld›. Sonuclar, Schuttle ve Malouff’un (1998) hesaplad›¤›, ilk y›l universite o¤rencilerinin ortalama 126 puan› ile karfl›laflt›r›ld›¤›nda, o¤rencilerin genel EI puanlar›n›n ortalaman›n hemen alt›nda oldu¤unu gosterdi. Uyruk bak›m›ndan istatistiksel olarak herhangi bir anlaml› farkl›l›k bulunmasa da, k›z o¤rencilerin EI puanlar›n›n, erkek o¤rencilerin puanlar›ndan istatistiksel olarak anlaml› bir flekilde farkl› oldu¤u goruldu. GSS sonuclar›, o¤rencilerin ekip memnuniyeti duzeylerinin ortalaman›n uzerinde oldu¤unu ve EIS ile GSS puanlar› aras›nda guclu bir pozitif korelasyon bulundu¤unu, bunun da daha yuksek EI duzeyli o¤renciler icin memnuniyet duzeylerinin daha yuksek oldu¤u anlam›na geldi¤ini gosterdi. Dufluk EI duzeylerine ra¤men daha yuksek ekip cal›flmas› memnuniyeti duzeylerinin ortaya c›kmas›n›n, kifliyi negatif duygular› ac›k flekilde ifade etmekten al›koyan Arap kulturunun kolektivist yap›s›ndan kaynaklanabilece¤i soylenebilir.
A poroelastic fluid–structure interaction model of syringomyelia

Syringomyelia is a medical condition in which one or more fluid-filled cavities (syrinxes) form in the spinal cord. The syrinxes often form near locations where the spinal subarachnoid space (SSS; the fluid-filled annular region surrounding the spinal cord) is partially obstructed. Previous studies showed that nonlinear interactions between the pulsatile fluid flow in the SSS and the elastic deformation of the tissues surrounding it can generate a fluid pressure distribution that would tend to drive fluid from the SSS into the syrinx if the tissue separating the two regions was porous. This provides a potential explanation for why a partial occlusion of the SSS can induce the growth of an already existing nearby syrinx. We study this hypothesis by analysing the mass transfer between the SSS and the syrinx, using a poroelastic fluid–structure interaction model of the spinal cord that includes a representation of the partially obstructed SSS, the syrinx and the poroelastic tissues surrounding these fluid-filled cavities. Our numerical simulations show that poroelastic fluid–structure interaction can indeed cause an increase (albeit relatively small) in syrinx volume. We analyse the seepage flows and show that their structure can be captured by an analytical model which explains why the increase in syrinx volume tends to be relatively small.
The effect of metal halide and novel green cathode lights on the stress response, innate immunity, eye structure and feeding activity of Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua L.

High-intensity constant lighting is routinely used for photoperiod manipulation in the aquaculture industry in order to prevent early maturation. The potential welfare impacts of this technology, however, have not been extensively studied to date, and with the implementation of more e⁄cient narrow bandwidth lighting technologies (cathode, light-emitting diodes), de¢nitions of species-speci¢c sensitivities are becoming essential. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of traditional metal halide (MH) and novel green cathode lighting on the welfare (stress response, innate immunity, retina structure, feeding activity) and light perception of Atlantic cod. The results indicated that although acute responses to light were observed, there were no clear signi¢cant long-term eiects of any of the lighting treatments on the stress levels (plasma cortisol, glucose), innate immune function (lysozyme activity), retina structure and population feeding activity (acute decline under all light treatments, most pronounced in ¢sh exposed to higher illumination, but normal feeding activity was resumed within 8 days following light onset). Regarding light perception, interestingly, even when subjected to highintensity constant lighting (MH mean tank intensity: 16.6 W m � 2 ), cod still demonstrated a day^night rhythm in melatonin release, which suggests perception of the overlying ambient photoperiod.
On mitigating emissions leakage under biofuel policies

A reason for much pessimism about the environmental benefits of today's biofuels, essentially corn and sugarcane ethanol, is the so‐called indirect land‐use change (ILUC) emissions associated with expanding biofuel production. While there exist several simulation‐based estimates of indirect emissions, the empirical basis underlying key input parameters to such simulations is not beyond doubt, while empirical verification of indirect emissions is hard. Regardless, regulators have adopted global warming intensity ratings for biofuels based on those simulations and in some case are holding regulated firms accountable for (some forms of) leakage. Suffice to say that both the estimates of and the approach to regulating leakage are controversial. The objective of this study is therefore to review a wider economic in order to identify a broader set of policy options for mitigating emissions leakage. We find that controlling leakage by affixing responsibility to regulated firms lacks support in the broader literature, which emphasizes alternative approaches.
Student labs on a university campus as a type of out-of-school learning environment: Assessing the potential to promote students' interest in science

Student labs are out-of-school learning environments that are assumed to promote students‟ interest in science. They are characterised by aspects of situated and authentic learning, a prominence of application contexts presented by scientists, and a high amount of practical work. Research has shown the potential for promoting students‟ interest in science for each of these aspects when implemented separately as a teaching approach in science education. This study aims to explore, whether (i) these aspects can be shown to be separately effec-tive on students‟ interest even when realised jointly in the learning environment and, if so, (ii) which reciprocal effects can be shown with regard to students‟ attributes (prior individ-ual interest, self-concept, gender) and the degree of pre-visit instruction in school. A ques-tionnaire was developed based on interest theory and theories of interest development. A to-tal of 378 upper secondary students completed the questionnaire. A factor analysis indi-cated the students‟ interest in the lab to be three-dimensional with the factors having a strong relation to (1) experiments, (2) application contexts of research, and (3) authentic learning environments. Structural equation modelling dictated significant interrelationships between students‟ interest in the student lab and students‟ attributes (e.g. prior individual interest in science), the degree of pre-visit instruction in school and the quality of instruc-tion in the student lab. The analytical framework used in this study is based on theories of interest development by considering the basic needs as mediator variables and offers a means of assessing students‟ interest in out-of-school settings.
The Impact of Board Structure on the Financial Performance of Listed South African Companies

This study focuses on the role of the corporate board of directors and the relationship between the dynamics of board structure and the financial performance of listed South African companies. The research results found that the proportion of independent non-executive directors had a significant positive effect on firm performance as measured by earnings per share and enterprise value, but had no significant effect on Tobin's Q ratio. Board ownership had a significant negative correlation with firm performance as measured by earnings per share, enterprise value and Tobin's Q ratio. The number of directors serving on the corporate board had a significant positive impact on firm performance as measured by earnings per share, enterprise value and Tobin's Q ratio. The study suggests that greater independent non-executive director representation, lower board share-ownership and larger board sizes should be encouraged to enhance firm performance.
Feature predictability flexibly supports auditory stream segregation or integration

Many sound sources emit series of discrete sounds. Auditory perception must bind these sounds together (stream integration) while separating them from sounds emitted by other sources (stream segregation). One cue for identifying successive sounds that belong together is the predictability between their feature values. Previous studies have demonstrated that independent predictable patterns appearing separately in two interleaved sound sequences support perceptual segregation. The converse case, whether a joint predictable pattern in a mixture of interleaved sequences supports perceptual integration, has not yet been put to a rigorous empirical test. This was mainly due to difficulties in manipulating the predictability of the full sequence independently of the predictability of the interleaved subsequences. The present study implemented such an independent manipulation. Listeners continuously indicated whether they perceived a tone sequence as integrated or segregated, while predictable patterns set up to support one or the other percept were manipulated without the participants’ knowledge. Perceptual reports demonstrate that predictability supports stream segregation or integration depending on the type of predictable pattern that is present in the sequence. The effects of predictability were so pronounced as to qualitatively flip perception from predominantly (62%) integrated to predominantly (73%) segregated. These results suggest that auditory perception flexibly responds to encountered regular patterns, favoring predictable perceptual organizations over unpredictable ones. Besides underlining the role of predictability as a cue within auditory scene analysis, the present design also provides a general framework that accommodates previous investigations focusing on sub-comparisons within the present set of experimental manipulations. Results of intermediate conditions shed light on why some previous studies have obtained little to no effects of predictability on auditory scene analysis.
How good are your counterfactuals? Assessing quantitative macro-comparative welfare state research with qualitative criteria

All causal statements based on historical data — both in qualitative and quantitative social research — rely on counterfactuals. In quantitative research, scholars attempt to arrive at valid counterfactuals by emulating an experimental design. However, because of treatments that are impossible to manipulate and the non-random assignment of data to treatment and control groups, causal statements are often based on invalid counterfactuals. In qualitative research, scholars attempt to arrive at valid counterfactuals by probing the historical and logical consistency of counterfactuals and by acknowledging the interconnectedness of events. Criteria to evaluate counterfactuals have been developed that allow for a discussion of the quality of counterfactuals used in causal statements. In this article, we suggest using these qualitative criteria to evaluate counterfactuals in quantitative macro-comparative welfare state research. We argue that these criteria can help us identify erroneous causal inferences in quantitative research based on historical data.
Influence of semen collector on semen characteristics of Murrah buffalo and crossbred bulls.

| A total of 156 ejaculates each from 8 Murrah buffalo and 8 Crossbred (Karan Fries) bulls were collected during one year period at Artificial Breeding Research Centre, NDRI, Karnal, India and analysed using least squares analysis to quantify the effect of collector on various semen quality parameters. The overall least squares mean values of Murrah buffalo and Crossbred bulls for ejaculate volume (ml), mass activity, Initial motility (%), sperm concentration (106/ml), total sperm output (106), non-eosinophilic count (%), HOST (%), acrosome integrity (%), head abnormality (%), mid-piece abnormality (%), tail abnormality (%), total abnormality (%), pH and osmolality (mOsmol/kg) were 2.66±0.10 & 4.45±0.10; 2.54±0.70 & 1.79±0.78; 60.64±0.02 & 46.73±0.03; 1016.68±21.25 & 839.25±27.38; 2748.67±122.86 & 3689.55±146.17; 67.20±0.03 & 53.38±0.04; 52.72±0.01 & 40.88±0.03; 70.10±0.02 & 55.73±0.04; 2.30±0.001 & 3.16±0.02; 1.62±0.01 & 2.23±0.007; 5.50±0.002 & 7.53±0.001; 9.47±0.002 & 12.97±0.001; 6.78±0.20 & 6.91±0.19 and 277.78±2.40 & 287.30±2.34, respectively. Collector was found to have significant (p < 0.01) influence on all semen quality traits of Murrah buffalo bulls, but there were no significant differences (p<0.05) between collector 1 and collector 2. In case of Karan Fries bulls, the collector had significant (P<0.05) effect on ejaculate volume (4.84 vs. 4.06 ml) and total sperm output (4032.19 vs. 3346.19 106), but did not have significant (P<0.05) effect on other semen quality parameters. It was concluded that semen collection is highly skilled and scientific job and need efficient collector to achieve collection of optimum quantity and quality of semen, which is the major aim of semen stations.
Reading Motivation Among Fifth Grade Students

This study examined reading motivation among three fifth grade students in a suburban elementary school. The students‟ reading motivation levels varied, as one student was highly motivated, one student demonstrated average motivation, and one student had little motivation. Data was collected through observations, teacher and student interviews, and student questionnaires that assessed dimensions of reading motivation. The findings show that not only do these students read for different reasons, but they also display varied degrees of avoidance, compliance, and involvement during reading activities. Another major finding is that giving students choices and allowing for group discussion during reading motivates students. Teachers must implement certain instructional strategies in order to foster reading motivation and inst ill a love of reading among students. Document Type Thesis Degree Name MS in Literacy Education Department Education Subject Categories Education This thesis is available at Fisher Digital Publications: http://fisherpub.sjfc. edu/education_ETD_masters/105 Running Head: READING MOTIVATION AMONG FIFTH GRADE STUDENTS Reading Motivation Among Fifth Grade Students Jillian Stenger St. John Fisher College READING MOTIVATION AMONG FIFTH GRADE STUDENTS 2