Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Magnetic fields around evolved stars: further observations of H2O maser polarization

Context: A low-or intermediate-mass star is believed to maintain a spherical shape throughout the evolution from the main sequence to the asymptotic giant branch (AGB) phase. However, many post-AGB objects and planetary nebulae exhibit non-spherical symmetry. Several candidates have been suggested as factors that can play a role in this change of morphology, but the problem is still not well understood. Magnetic fields are one of these possible agents. Aims. We aim to detect the magnetic field and infer its properties around four AGB stars using H2O maser observations. The sample we observed consists of the following sources: the semi-regular variable RT Vir, and the Mira variables AP Lyn, IK Tau, and IRC+60370. Methods. We observed the 6(1,6)-5(2,3) H2O maser rotational transition in full-polarization mode to determine its linear and circular polarization. Based on the Zeeman effect, one can infer the properties of the magnetic field from the maser polarization analysis. Results. We detected a total of 238 maser features in three of the four observed sources. No masers were found toward AP Lyn. The observed masers are all located between 2.4 and 53.0 AU from the stars. Linear and circular polarization was found in 18 and 11 maser features, respectively. Conclusions. We more than doubled the number of AGB stars in which a magnetic field has been detected from H2O maser polarization. Our results confirm the presence of fields around IK Tau, RT Vir, and IRC+60370. The strength of the field along the line of sight is found to be between 47 and 331 mG in the H2O maser region. Extrapolating this result to the surface of the stars, assuming a toroidal field (proportional to r(-1)), we find magnetic fields of 0.3-6.9 G on the stellar surfaces. If, instead of a toroidal field, we assume a poloidal field (proportional to r(-2)), then the extrapolated magnetic field strength on the stellar surfaces are in the range between 2.2 and similar to 115 G. Finally, if a dipole field (proportional to r(-3)) is assumed, the field strength on the surface of the star is found to be between 15.8 and similar to 1945 G. The magnetic energy of our sources is higher than the thermal and kinetic energy in the H2O maser region of this class of objects. This leads us to conclude that, indeed, magnetic fields probably play an important role in shaping the outflows of evolved stars.
The Effects of Using Concept Cartoons in Astronomy Subjects on Critical Thinking Skills among Seventh Grade Student.

The objective of this study is to research the effects of using concept cartoons in the “Solar System and Beyond” unit, which is included in seventh grade science lessons, on students’ critical thinking skills. The study group consisted of 58 students, selected using an appropriate sampling method, who were students in a state secondary school, which is close to the city centre. The study used a pre-test and post-test matched control group design. During the three-week-long experimental teaching process, the students in the control group (n=30) were taught according to the curriculum of science lessons, while concept cartoons developed by the researchers were used with the students in the experimental group (n=28). The Cornell Critical Thinking Test-Level X (CCT-X), as developed by Ennis & Millman (1989), was used as the data collection tool. The results of the study showed decreases in the critical thinking skills scores of the students in the control group, while a statistically significant difference was found in the critical thinking skills of the students in the experimental group. In addition, a statistically significant difference was observed in favour of the experimental group when comparing the CCT-X scores of the experimental group’s use of concept cartoons and those of the control group’s use of 2013 science curriculum practices. Keywords: Solar System and Beyond, Astronomy Education, Critical Thinking, Concept Cartoons.
Globalisation, European Integration and Social Protection – Patterns of Change or Continuity?

The adoption of a new instrument of governance in the EU – the open-method-of-coordination - has renewed the notion of convergence/divergence across EU member states. This paper examines the role of European integration in shaping and changing social welfare systems and investigates whether these patterns of change or continuity follow welfare state regime typologies. Embedded in the Europeanisation, convergence and welfare state regime literature, we rely on recent 2007 OECD social expenditure data. Controlled for cyclical and demographic effects this study shows that since 1991 social expenditures of EU member states have converged and increased on average, whereas non - EU member states have diverged. To examine whether these trends can be explained by changes in welfare regimes dendograms offer a useful means. Although we find a link between the type of regime and the long-term type trajectory more generally, these regime patterns appear to be in flow. This study finds in particular some empirical evidence for the loss in momentum of the Scandinavian regime pattern.
The Effects of Leader–Member Exchange and Organizational Identification on Performance and Turnover Among Salespeople

Sales force performance and turnover are two of the most critical issues encountered by organizations. This study tested a model examining the effects of leader–member exchange (LMX) and organizational identification on the performance and turnover among a sample of 356 salespeople. The results found that LMX, organizational identification, and performance are related indirectly to turnover through organizational commitment. LMX was related directly to performance. Implications of the results for both practitioners and academicians are discussed.
Skills Accumulation and Living Standards in Portugal

Summary We use direct measures of the skill level of labour market entrants, constructed from the results of the International Adult Literacy Survey (IALS), to examine the role of human capital in explaining the evolution of living standards in Portugal relative to fourteen other OECD countries. In our sample of countries between 1960 and 2000, an increase in the average skill level of labour market entrants, corresponding to one additional year of education, increases per capita GDP by 7%. Based on this estimate, we find that the skill gap of Portuguese labour market entrants relative to the other OECD countries at the end of the period under study accounts for 47.5% of the gap in real per capita GDP between Portugal and the OECD average. The remaining of the Portugal per capita GDP gap is accounted for by the relative lack of physical capital (28.5%), a lower employment rate (11.8%) and a technology lag (12.2%).
A Modeling and Observational Framework for Diagnosing Local Land–Atmosphere Coupling on Diurnal Time Scales

Abstract Land–atmosphere interactions play a critical role in determining the diurnal evolution of both planetary boundary layer (PBL) and land surface temperature and moisture states. The degree of coupling between the land surface and PBL in numerical weather prediction and climate models remains largely unexplored and undiagnosed because of the complex interactions and feedbacks present across a range of scales. Furthermore, uncoupled systems or experiments [e.g., the Project for the Intercomparison of Land-Surface Parameterization Schemes (PILPS)] may lead to inaccurate water and energy cycle process understanding by neglecting feedback processes such as PBL-top entrainment. In this study, a framework for diagnosing local land–atmosphere coupling is presented using a coupled mesoscale model with a suite of PBL and land surface model (LSM) options along with observations during field experiments in the U.S. Southern Great Plains. Specifically, the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) has been c.
Empowering community volunteers through matchmaking services

In Rotterdam, the participatory turn has spurred various bottom-up communities around public parks. These communities aim to take care of the parks in their neighbourhood and search for ways to demonstrate the societal value of their initiative. The current work explores how digital matchmaking services can strengthen community relationships. A research-through-design approach is applied to identify the main barriers hindering community participation. The final design Park Makers uses both Citizen-to-Activity matching and Citizen-to-Citizen matching as ways to engage citizens in the community. The corresponding research demonstrates that connecting park users (or better: future volunteers) with another citizen or activity matching their personal interest fosters community engagement. From this point of view, it might be interesting to focus further research on the potential value of other matchmaking principles, or even other services, for bottom-up citizen communities.
Parental leave within the broader work‐family trajectory: What can we learn from sequence analysis?

This paper illustrates how sequence analysis can be used to analyse work-family reconciliation strategies of parents and in particular the role of parental leave in these strategies. The use of administrative records makes a detailed, longitudinal analysis possible, which enables a holistic approach to the question from the broader life-course view. In addition, as an explorative technique, sequence analysis results are a powerful instrument for formulating further research questions. For the paper anonymous administrative records of mothers and fathersworking in Luxembourg are used.
Mapping class group and the Casson invariant

En utilisant une nouvelle definition des second et troisieme homomorphismes de Johnson, on simplifie et ou generalise les resultats de Morita sur l'invariant de Casson des spheres d'homologie definies par scindement de Heegard. En particulier, on calcule l'invariant de Casson des spheres d'homologie obtenues en recollant deux corps d'anses par un homeomorphisme du groupe de Torelli.
Difference of Rainfall Distribution for Tropical Cyclones Over Land and Ocean and Rainfall Potential Derived from Satellite Observations and Its Implication on Hurricane Landfall Flooding Prediction

Predicting hurricane landfall precipitation is a major operational challenge. Inland flooding has become the predominant cause of deaths associated with hurricanes in the United States (Rappaport 2000). The tropical cyclone (TC) track forecast has been improved in accuracy of 20% over a 5-yr period, which is the achievement of the first research goal of the U.S. Weather Research Program (USWRP) Hurricane Landfall (HL) focus (Elsberry 2005). However, the difficulties of improving 72-h quantitative precipitation forecast for TCs, thereby improving day 3 forecasts for inland flooding, have been long recognized. TC rains are multi-scale in nature. Mesoscale convective system could contribute crucial amount of TC rain, but its space and time variation is hard to predict (Heymsfield et al. 2001). Once a storm makes landfall, additional factors such as the presence of significant topography and extratropical transition come into play (Carr and Bosart 1978, Atallah and Bosart 2003). Early precipitation studies of TCs over land have been confined to rain gauge data. Miller (1958) examined the composite and frequency distribution of hourly rain amounts for 16 Florida hurricanes with respect to their center. He found that the mean rain rate in the o 1 box directly surrounding the storm center was about a factor of 2 higher than the mean rain rate in the remaining outer domain. Significant asymmetric characteristics of the hurricane rainfall over land were also recognized. Satellites provide the most common means for monitoring TC rainfall for both over ocean and land. Satellite-based statistical analysis of TC rainfall characteristics is critical to understand and improve quantitative precipitation forecast in TCs. Rogders and Alder (1981) constructed radial profiles of rainfall for a set of North Pacific TCs using data from the Nimbus-5 Electrically Scanning Microwave Radiometer (ESMR-5). The sample included 71 ESMR-5 observations of 21 western and eastern North Pacific Ocean TCs at different stages of development during 1973, 1974, and 1975. There were 49 observations of 18 western Pacific TCs and 22 observations of 3 eastern Pacific TCs.
Provincial Characteristics and Foreign Direct Investment Location Decision within China

Using panel data, a multiple regression model of the location decision of foreign direct investment (FDI) in China is developed and estimated. The results for the period of 1987-94 of China's 29 provinces indicate that provinces with higher GDP, higher per capita income, higher level of accumulated FDI stock, and more intensive transport infrastructure attracted relatively more FDI inflows, while higher efficiency wages deterred FDI inflows. In addition, the regional differentiation in the timing of implementing the open policies for FDI had a strong impact on the provincial distribution of FDI inflows. Finally the implementation of a series of policy measures in the early 1990s had a very strong positive effect on attracting FDI inflows into China across all provinces.
Bee poisoning incidents in Germany in spring 2008 caused by abrasion of active substance from treated seeds during sowing of maize.

contribution to session V Honey bee poisoning incidents and monitoring schemes In spring 2008 a high number of bee poisoning incidents was recorded during sowing of maize in the Upper Rhine valley and in South Bavaria near Passau. More than 11.500 honey bee colonies from about 700 beekeepers in the Upper Rhine valley showed symptoms of insecticide poisoning. The reason for the poisoning was the abrasion of dust from maize seeds treated with the insecticide Poncho Pro (a.s. clothianidin) during the sowing process and blowing out of this dust containing the active substance into the environment with pneumatic sowing machines, resulting in contamination of nectar and pollen. The poisonings occurred in areas in southern Germany in which an eradication program for the quarantine pest Diabrotica virgifera virgifera was active and where clothianidin was used at a high rate (125 g a.s. /ha) on a large scale. An exceptionally high amount of dust of up to 80 g per 100.000 kernels of maize was detected in some of the maize seed batches. The chemical analysis of dust, plant samples, bee samples, fresh pollen and bee bread confirmed the poisoning by clothianidin originating from treated maize seeds. No correlation with any bee pathogens was detected. Keywords: seed treatment, drilling machines, neonicotinoid, clothianidin, dust, maize, drift, bee poisoning, honey bees
Efficacy of spinosad and abamectin against different populations of red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum Herbst) in treated wheat grain.

SUMMARY The efficacy of spinosad and abamectin against T. castaneum adults from a laboratory population with normal susceptibility to contact insecticides and against malathion-resistant populations from Nikinci and Jakovo was tested in the laboratory (25±1oC and 60±5% r.h.). The insecticides were applied to 500 g of untreated wheat grain for each of the following application doses: 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 mg a.i./kg. After treatment, wheat was divided into three equal subsamples and 50 T. castaneum adults from each of the three test populations were released the next day into jars for each dose. Mortality was evaluated after 7, 14 and 21 days of exposure to treated wheat grain. Generally, higher concentrations and longer exposure periods resulted in higher efficacy of both insecticides, but abamectin was significantly more effective than spinosad against all three tested populations. After 7 days of exposure, mortality did not exceed 30% in any test variant. Fourteen days after treatment with the highest dose (5 mg/kg) of spinosad, mortality was highest (75%) in the laboratory population, while treatment with the same dose of abamectin achieved the highest mortality (58%) in the laboratory and Jakovo populations. After 21 days, spinosad applied at the rate of 5 mg/kg was most effective (97% mortality) in the laboratory population, while 88% efficacy was recorded in Jakovo population and 87% in Nikinci population. Abamectin doses of 2.5 and 5 mg/kg caused high adult mortality of 94-100% in the laboratory and Jakovo populations, and a significantly lower mortality in Nikinci population (75 and 86%, respectively). Statistically significant differences in the efficacy of spinosad, and particularly of abamectin, were detected among the three tested populations, the greatest difference being between the laboratory and Nikinci populations, which clearly indicates that resistance of T. castaneum adults to malathion had a significant influence.
Applying Budd’s model to partnership

Over the last decade, the notions of workplace partnership and labour—management cooperation have resulted in distinctive and vociferous debates regarding forms of employee voice in the UK. It is proposed that there is a need to reconsider how we actually evaluate both the process and outcomes of partnership. This article reports on detailed case studies conducted in three diverse banking organizations in order to understand more about the process and outcomes of partnership. The study then applies the ‘efficiency, equity, voice’ framework developed by Budd, which has not been widely employed in industrial relations research. Accordingly, the article examines if and how partnership contributes to the balancing of efficiency, equity and voice. Judged in this light, the case studies demonstrate various degrees of success in terms of the extent to which partnership has facilitated voice and promoted more considered decision-making, for both management and employees. The article also demonstrates the usefulness of the Budd framework as a device in analysing employment relations processes and outcomes.
Optimization of Thermal Pretreatment Conditions for the Separation of Native α-Lactalbumin from Whey Protein Concentrates by Means of Selective Denaturation of β-Lactoglobulin

In this study a method to obtain native α-lactalbumin with a high degree of purity of 98% (m/m) and recovery of 75% (m/m) by selective denaturation of β-lactoglobulin was developed. To achieve this goal, the thermal pretreatment of whey protein concentrate was optimized varying the composition of the liquid whey protein concentrate in terms of total protein, lactose and calcium content, and pH value. The kinetics of the thermal denaturation of α-la and β-lg were then investigated at predetermined optimal composition (protein content 5 to 20 g/L, lactose content 0.5 g/L, calcium content 0.55 g/L, and pH 7.5). Using the activation energies and reaction rate constants obtained, lines of equal effects for targeted denaturation degrees of α-la and β-lg were calculated. Depending on total protein content, an area of optimal heating temperature/time conditions was identified for each protein concentration level.
Enhancing entrepreneurial self-efficacy through vocational entrepreneurship education programmes

The purpose of this study is to report the results of a longitudinal evaluation of a vocational entrepreneurship education programme (EEP) using entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) measures. An empirical, mixed methods longitudinal and effectuation scale was used to measure ESE scores. Results indicate that participation in the programme had a positive significant effect on the ESE scores of all participants. In particular, the increase in scores for women, participants aged more than 40, and participants who did not have business-owning relatives was greater. We contribute evidence of the value of vocational EEPs and entrepreneurial learning in increasing the ESE of participants, a finding of practical use to vocational entrepreneurship education institutions and programmes, economic policy makers and nascent entrepreneurs. The value of this work lies in its responsiveness to calls in the academic literature for longitudinal evaluation measures of entrepreneurial learning and vocational EEPs and demonstrates to funding bodies the value inherent in such education.
Amphibians of the Ausoni Mountains, Latium, Central Italy

In this study we searched for amphibians in 89 potential breeding sites within the Ausoni Mounts, which are among the less investigated areas of Latium. Sixtynine spawning sites, and eight amphibian species (57.1% of the 14 amphibian species living in Latium region) were found. Reproductive activity was recorded for Salamandrina perspicillata, Triturus carnifex, Lissotriton vulgaris, Lissotriton italicus, Bufo bufo, Hyla intermedia, Rana italica and Pelophylax synklepton hispanica.
Brand Sensitivity : A Case for Shoes

2 Table of contents . 3 Introduction. 5 Brand sensitivity . 5 Chapter 1: Theory development. 7 § 1.1 Involvement . 7 § 1.2 Perceived risk. 8 § 1.2.1 Perceived risk and involvement . 9 § 1.3 Perceived product quality . 9 § 1.4 Consumer social influence. 10 § 1.5 Brand loyalty. 13 § 1.6 Conceptual framework. 15 Chapter 2: Methodology. 16 § 2.1 Data collection . 16 § 2.2 Preparing the data . 18 § 2.3 Preliminary analysis. 18 § 2.3.1 Factor analysis . 19 § 2.3.2 Interaction variables. 21 Chapter 3: Results. 22 § 3.1 Part one of the model . 22 § 3.1.1 Hypotheses testing . 23 § 3.2 Part two of the model. 24 § 3.2.1 Hypothesis testing. 25 § 3.3 The final model . 26 § 3.4 Introducing age and gender. 26 § 3.5 Test for mediation . 28 Chapter 4: Conclusions . 32 § 4.1 Major findings. 32 § 4.2 Managerial implications. 35
Capital Expenditure and Firm Performance Evidence from Albanian Construction Sector

This paper investigates the link between the capital expenditures and firm performance of Albanian firms in the construction sector, based on the data collected from 30 firms between 2008 and 2015. The study took into consideration the fact that capital expenditures is not the only variable that influences the model and as a consequence other variables affecting financial performance were analyzed, which are: leverage ratio and firm size. The linear regression model was used to analyze this relationship. According to the survey the model was explained 63% by the chosen variables. The regression analysis indicated that capital expenditures and leverage ratio are statistically significant and positively correlated with the financial performance of the firm. On the other side, the size of the firm is not a statistically significant variable and it is also negatively correlated with firm performance.
Management of Paterson's curse (Echium plantagineum) through canola interference

Canola is a major oilseed crop in Australia but weeds reduce yield and quality. Paterson’s curse (Echium plantagineum L.) is an aggressive winter weed in Australia and often causes yield losses in canola crops. The prospects of herbicide resistance in weed species necessitate the search for alternative weed control options, such as canola interference (crop competition and allelopathy). A field experiment was conducted with two different sowing times, to investigate the interference ability of six canola genotypes. The results showed that canola genotypes had an effect on the number of E. plantagineum plants in the early sowing. Genotypes that display strong interference such as Av-opal, Pak85388-502 and Av-garnet significantly reduced the vegetative growth of E. plantagineum at both early and late sowing times, while genotypes Atr409, Cb-argyle and Barossa showed a much weaker interference ability.