Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
What does the quasar luminosity function tell us about supermassive black hole evolution

In the local Universe, the masses of supermassive black holes (SMBH) appear to correlate with the physical properties of their hosts, including the mass of the dark matter halo. Using these clues as a starting point many studies have produced models that can explain phenomena like the quasar luminosity function. The shortcoming of this approach is that working models are not unique, and as a result it is not always clear what input physics is being constrained. Here we take a different approach. We identify critical parameters that describe the evolution of SMBHs at high redshift, and constrain their parameter space based on observations of high-redshift quasars from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. We find that the luminosity function taken in isolation is somewhat limited in its ability to constrain SMBH evolution due to some strong degeneracies. This explains the presence in the literature of a range of equally successful models based on different physical hypotheses. Including the constraint of the local SMBH to halo mass ratio breaks some of the degeneracies, and our results suggest halo masses at z ∼ 4.8 of 10 12.5±0.3 M ⊙ (with 90 per cent confidence), with an SMBH to halo mass ratio that decreases with time (>99 per cent). We also find a quasar luminosity to halo mass ratio that increases with halo mass (>99 per cent). These features need to be incorporated in all successful models of SMBH evolution. On the other hand current observations do not permit any conclusions regarding the evolution of quasar lifetime, or the SMBH occupation fraction in dark matter haloes.
Foreign aid, legal origin, economic growth and Africa’s least developed countries

The issue of foreign aid dependency in Africa remains controversial among policymakers. The Euro zone, which provides the bulk of foreign aid to developing countries, is currently implementing some austerity programmes. Consequently, this study investigates what really matters; the quantity or quality of foreign aid to support economic growth of Africa’s least developed countries. We assess these issues within a country’s legal origin framework. Our findings suggest that both quantity and quality of aid matters and that growth-enhancing effects of aid are more likely to be present in the former British colonies regardless of sample and model specification.
Survival, Movements, and Breeding of Released Hawaiian Geese: An Assessment of the Reintroduction Program

The Hawaiian goose or nene (Branta sandvicensis) restoration program, initiated in 1949, and with the release of about 2,150 captive-bred birds, has not resulted in a self-sustaining wild population. Results from a capture-recapture analysis indicate that 3 factors affected mortality rates: the year of release, age-class and method of release. Estimated annual mortality ranged from 0 to 87%. Comparisons between sites revealed the unsuitability of some upland sanctuaries as release sites. Hawaiian geese released in the 1960s survived at levels comparable to other wild, healthy goose populations (i.e., between 5 and 16% mortality) until the drought years 1976-83. During this period the majority of captive-reared and released Hawaiian geese (about 1,200) perished. Previously released adults generally survived better than newly released goslings. Birds made temporarily flightless initially to contain them in release pens survived less well than those released before fledging. The upland Hawaiian geese that did survive, did so at areas other than their release site; if they emigrated they survived better, especially during drought years. In all cases movement was away from habitats with dry upper montane-volcanic scrubland to areas with managed grasslands, managed ranchland, or supplemental feed and water. More movements occurred in drought years. Once the geese moved they rarely returned to their release sites. The lowest mortality and highest nest success rates were achieved by geese living at Hawaii Volcanoes and Haleakala National Parks. Hawaiian geese in these areas survived at levels similar to other non-hunted goose populations.
The Question of Communist Land Degradation: New Evidence from Local Erosion and Basin-Wide Sediment Yield in Southwest China and Southeast Tibet

Chinese Communist Party doctrine promotes the Confucian belief that the environment should be subjugated to man's will, and modern policies have been identified as compounding environmental degradation caused by historical agricultural practices. In this context, social scientists report massive increases in erosion throughout China, an assertion variously supported and questioned by daily sediment yield data in the Yellow and Yangtze River basins. In this study we used up to twenty-seven-year records of daily sediment yield for stations in southwest China and southeast Tibet to calculate annual and average annual sediment yields over the period of record. We also calculated coefficients for annual sediment rating curves as a way to determine interannual changes in sediment transport, that are insensitive to variations in rainfall. We found no systematic changes in annual sediment yield or rating curve parameters through time. Sediment yield is correlated with upstream area, mean annual rainfall, fraction of land under cultivation, population density, and mean monsoon rainfall but not with mean local relief, basin relief ratio, fraction of cropland from satellite data, or drainage density. Variability in mean annual sediment yield decreases as basin area increases, suggesting that larger basins store sediment more effectively and buffer against extreme events. We propose that anthropogenic changes to sediment yields have been smaller than the magnitude of interannual variability and might be comparable to the effect of the regional rainfall gradient across the basins. In basins with substantial anthropogenic activity, sediment storage might be affecting any signal we might otherwise see.
Relationship learning and performance enhancement via advanced information technology: The case of Taiwanese dragon electronics firms

Purpose – There has been growing interest on how emerging country firms can improve collaborative relationships with their international supply chain partners and improve performance outcomes. This paper aims to develop and test a model which emphasizes how advanced information technology and relationship learning can help Taiwanese electronics firms to improve their working relationship with international buyers.Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected from 246 Taiwanese electronics firms which nurture relationships with international buyers. Structural equation modeling was employed to test the interrelationships between key concepts in the proposed conceptual model.Findings – The findings suggest that applied technological innovation, a key IT resource, can enhance relationship learning for suppliers in their dealings with international buyers. This in turn contributes to higher supplier innovativeness and relationship performance. Moreover, applied technological innovation can improve supplie.
Regulating Risk or Risking Regulation? Construal Levels and Depletion Effects in the Processing of Health Messages

The depletion effect occurs when individuals who exert self-control in a previous task (i.e., depleted individuals) exhibit less self-control on a subsequent task relative to individuals who did not previously exert self-control. This article presents two experiments that implicate construal levels to understand the processes underlying depletion effects in the context of consumer health. At low-level construals, individuals rely on resource accessibility cues (e.g., feelings of tiredness) to determine self-control. Hence, they exert less self-control only when they assess themselves as depleted, manifesting the depletion effect. High-level construals reduce the resource focus and enhance a goal focus, which diminishes and even reverses the depletion effect.
A Manganin Foil Sensor for Small Uniaxial Stress

We describe a simple manganin foil resistance manometer for uniaxial stress measurements. The manometer functions at low pressures and over a range of temperatures. In this design no temperature seasoning is necessary, although the manometer must be prestressed to the upper end of the desired pressure range. The prestress pressure cannot be increased arbitrarily; irreversibility arising from shear stress limits its range. Attempting larger pressures yields irreproducible resistance measurements.
Reaching One Single and Stable Critical Cluster through Finite-Sized Systems

Despite a century of active research on first-order phase transitions, discrepancies between predictions based on nucleation theory and experiments on nucleation rates are still of several orders of magnitude. This is partly due to the way the work needed to create a critical cluster is modeled. Here, using slightly modified classical nucleation theory, we reconsider confinement effect leading to one single and stable critical cluster. We relate the new cluster equilibrium size arising from confinement to the usual critical cluster size in infinite systems. The single and stable critical cluster opens new experimental horizons: it can be studied in detail. We stress the model-free nature of these results.
Two Structural Equation Models: LISREL and PLS Applied to Consumer Exit-Voice Theory

In marketing applications of structural equation models with unobservable variables, researchers have relied almost exclusively on LISREL for parameter estimation. Apparently they have been little concerned about the frequent inability of marketing data to meet the requirements for maximum likelihood estimation or the common occurrence of improper solutions in LISREL modeling. The authors demonstrate that partial least squares (PLS) can be used to overcome these two problems. PLS is somewhat less well-grounded than LISREL in traditional statistical and psychometric theory. The authors show, however, that under certain model specifications the two methods produce the same results. In more general cases, the methods provide results which diverge in certain systematic ways. These differences are analyzed and explained in terms of the underlying objectives of each method.
On a two-dimensional reaction-diffusion system with hypercyclical structure

We study a hypercyclical reaction-diffusion system which arises in the modelling of catalytic networks and describes the emerging of cluster states. We construct single-cluster solutions in full two-dimensional space and then establish their stability or instability in terms of the number N of components. We provide a rigorous analysis around the single-cluster solutions, which is new for systems of this kind. Our results show that as N increases, the system becomes unstable.
Tree-ring variation in western larch (Larixoccidentalis) exposed to sulfur dioxide emissions

A tree-ring analysis was conducted to determine the relationship of sulfur emissions from the lead–zinc smelter at Trail, B.C., to radial growth in western larch (Larixoccidentalis Nutt.). Tree cores were collected from five stands known to have been polluted and from three control stands. Age effects were removed from cross–dated ring-width series by fitting theoretical growth curves and, subsequently, tree-ring chronologies were developed for each stand. We assumed that macroclimatic variation was estimated by the average of the control chronologies and two lagged values thereof. These control variables along with annual estimates of sulfur emissions were used in regression models to predict variation in the tree-ring chronologies from each of the polluted stands. Separate analyses were performed for years before and after installation of two tall stacks, for drought and nondrought years, and for years prior to initiation of smelting. In each case following the initiation of smelting, the variation expl.
Wood Quality of Acacia Hybrid and Second-Generation Acacia mangium

Two new tree variants, namely Acacia hybrid and second-generation Acacia mangium, have been introduced in plantation forests in Sarawak, Malaysia, and their wood qualities were examined. The mean basic density of Acacia hybrid was comparable with Acacia mangium. However basic density and strength properties of second-generation A. mangium were significantly lower compared to Acacia hybrid. The mean fibre length and fibre wall thickness in the hybrid were found to be greater than that of second-generation A. mangium. Fibre diameter and fibre lumen diameter of Acacia hybrid were smaller compared to second-generation A. mangium. Runkel and slenderness ratios of Acacia hybrid and second-generation A. mangium fibres showed that they were suitable for pulp and paper production. Acacia hybrid was more resistant to Coptotermes curvignathus attack than second-generation A. mangium. A laboratory soil block test showed that Acacia hybrid and second-generation A. mangium were moderately durable timbers. In summary, marked differences in wood properties and qualities were observed between Acacia hybrid and second-generation A. mangium.
Does Gender Inequality Hinder Development and Economic Growth? Evidence and Policy Implications

Does the existing evidence support policies that foster growth by reducing gender inequality? The authors argue that the evidence based on differences across countries is of limited use for policy design because it does not identify the causal link from inequality to growth. This, however does not imply that inequality-reducing policies are ineffective. In other words, the lack of evidence of a causal link is not in itself evidence that the causal link does not exist. Detailed micro studies that shed light on the mechanisms through which gender inequality affects development and growth are needed to inform the design of effective policies.
Evaluation of the efficacy of bromelain in oral and implant surgery patients

83 There are currently numerous active ingredients that are effective for reducing these symptoms. Known and clearly effective is the action of bromelain, an enzyme group extracted from the stalk of Ananas comosus (9, 10). It is indicated in cases of inflammation and/ or oedema of soft tissues, it has an anti-inflammatory effect due to the local proteolytic action and, by its interaction with lipoxygenases, results in an increase in the formation of plasmin that has a fibrinolytic action i.e. ability to break down the fibrin and prevent or reduce the formation of a localised edema (11). It reduces the synthesis of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins and stimulates the formation of prostaglandin E2 which inhibits inflammation (12). Bromelain has been shown to reduce plasma kininogen concentration, Introduction Oral surgery includes a variety of surgical operations that all have similar post-operative symptoms of different levels of severity depending on the nature of the surgery and the individual situation of patients. Characteristics of post-surgical clinical situation are inflammation, oedema, pain, trismus and risk of infection at the site of the surgery (1, 2). These symptoms can generally be reduced by carefully managing the surgical site and the stages of surgery and also by using anti-inflammatory drugs (3-8). A number of scientific findings suggest that the response to surgery or trauma is inflammation and, as in all inflammatory processes, it manifests itself in a succession of known stages of symptoms. Evaluation of the efficacy of bromelain in oral and implant surgery patients
Audit Committee Effectiveness: Informal Processes and Behavioural Effects

Purpose This paper seeks to investigate the conditions and processes affecting the operation and potential effectiveness of audit committees (ACs), with particular focus on the interaction between the AC, individuals from financial reporting and internal audit functions and the external auditors. Design/methodology/approach A case study approach is employed, based on direct engagement with participants in AC activities, including the AC chair, external auditors, internal auditors, and senior management. Findings The authors find that informal networks between AC participants condition the impact of the AC and that the most significant effects of the AC on governance outcomes occur outside the formal structures and processes. An AC has pervasive behavioural effects within the organization and may be used as a threat, an ally and an arbiter in bringing solutions to issues and conflicts. ACs are used in organizational politics, communication processes and power plays and also affect interpretations of events and cultural values. Research limitations/implications Further research on AC and governance processes is needed to develop better understanding of effectiveness. Longitudinal studies, focusing on the organizational and institutional context of AC operations, can examine how historical events in an organization and significant changes in the regulatory environment affect current structures and processes. Originality/value The case analysis highlights a number of significant factors which are not fully recognised either in theorizing the governance role of ACs or in the development of policy and regulations concerning ACs but which impinge on their governance contribution. They include the importance of informal processes around the AC; its influence on power relations between organizational participants; the relevance of the historical development of governance in an organization; and the possibility that the AC’s impact on governance may be greatest in non-routine situations.
Hurting Inside and Out? Emotional and Physical Pain in Self-Harm Ideation and Enactment

Those who self-harm have been shown to be less sensitive to physical pain, but more sensitive to emotional pain, appearing to contradict social neuroscience research that suggests that individuals who are more sensitive to physical pain are also more sensitive to emotional pain. The current study investigated the relationship between self-reported emotional pain sensitivity and physical pain distress in those who think (ideate) about and engage in (enact) self-harm. A total of 351 healthy adults completed a battery of anonymous online questionnaires assessing emotional sensitivity, physical pain distress and sensitivity, and lifetime history of self-harm, as well as depressive symptoms, self-critical style, perfectionistic cognitions, and perfectionistic self-presentation. Emotional sensitivity and physical pain distress were higher in both the self-harm ideation and enactment groups than in controls and there was a significant ordered effect, such that the enactment group was more sensitive to emotional and physical pain than the ideation group. A similar significant ordered effect in physical pain sensitivity was observed only when controlling for previous suicide attempt. Within the ideation group, physical pain distress and self-critical style were the only factors significantly associated with emotional pain sensitivity, but only the presence of perfectionistic cognitions was significantly associated with emotional pain sensitivity in the enactment group. Taken together, the findings suggest an association between self-perceived emotional sensitivity and physical pain distress in self-harm ideation, but possibly a disconnection between self-perceived and behavioral sensitivity to physical pain in self-harm enactment. Furthermore, self-criticism and perfectionism may be differentially associated with emotional sensitivity in self-harm ideation and enactment.
Studying mechanosensitive ion channels with automated patch clamp: comparison of conventional and automated patch clamp systems

Patch clamp electrophysiology is the main technique to study mechanosensitive ion channels (MSCs), however conventional patch clamp is laborious and success and output depends on the skills of the operator. Even though automated patch systems solve these problems for other ion channels, they could not be applied to MSCs. Here, we report on activation and single channel analysis of a bacterial mechanosensitive ion channel, using an automated patch clamp system. With the automated system, we could patch not only giant unilamellar proteo-liposomes but also giant Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) spheroplasts. The tension sensitivity and channel kinetics data obtained in the automated system are in good agreement with that obtained from conventional patch clamp. The findings will pave the way to high throughput fundamental and drug screening studies on mechanosensitive ion channels.
Engaging on Gerodontology with the platform for better oral health in Europe

The platform for better oral health in Europe is a joint initiative of the Association for Dental Education in Europe (ADEE), the Council of European Chief Dental Officers (CECDO), the European Association of Dental Public Health (EADPH) and the European Dental Health Foundation (EDHF). The platform is made up of five core member organisations and thirteen associate members, including the European College of Gerodontology. Now under the leadership of Dr. Georgios Taskos, the goal of the platform is to create a common European approach towards improved oral health education, promotion, and access to care in Europe (http://www.oralhealthplatform.eu). The associate members of the platform meet on a yearly basis in Brussels where the European College of Gerodontology is represented by its past President Dr. Gerry McKenna. The role of the platform has evolved in recent times and it has refocused its strategy towards lobbying for the inclusion of oral health indicators in the next iteration of the EU/ OECD Health at a Glance report. This report collates a vast range of health data across Europe, but currently does not include any oral health statistics. The platform’s secretariat has made good progress on this front, after a series of meetings with DG SANTE officials. The second key focus for the platform remains the collection of best practices in oral health. However, now there is more focus on aligning these initiatives with those already underway at the EU Commission level. The platform is currently drafting up a set of criteria which will be used to assess each best practice and how it matches the output from the Joint Action on Chronic Diseases (CHRODIS). The Platform remains supportive of suitable examples focused on older adults and from the European College of Gerodontology. Engaging with the platform for better oral health in Europe remains an important focus for the European College of Gerodontology. The platform provides an avenue for meaningful engagement with European policymakers in order to ensure that the oral health of older people is prioritized.
Herd characteristics influence farmers’ preferences for trait improvements in Danish Red and Danish Jersey cows

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to characterize preferences of farmers for breeding goal traits with Danish Red (DR) or Danish Jersey (DJ) cows. A breed-specific survey was established to characterize farmers’ preferences for improvements in 10 traits, by means of pairwise rankings using the online software 1000Minds. These pairwise rankings were based on equal economic worth of trait improvements. The DR survey was filled in by 87 farmers and the DJ survey by 76 farmers. Both DR and DJ farmers gave the highest preference to improvements in mastitis, and the lowest to calving difficulty. By means of a cluster analysis, three distinct clusters of farmers were identified per breed. Comparisons of herd characteristics between clusters suggest that farmers choose to improve traits that are problematic in their herds. This study shows that heterogeneity exists in farmers’ preferences for trait improvements and that herd characteristics influence these preferences in DR and DJ.