Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of aerosol optical depth from satellite (MODIS), sun photometer and broadband pyrheliometer ground-based observations in Cuba

Abstract. In the present study, we report the first comparison between the aerosol optical depth (AOD) and Angstrom exponent (AE) of the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instruments on the Terra (AOD t ) and Aqua (AOD a ) satellites and those measured using a sun photometer (AOD SP) at Camaguey, Cuba, for the period 2008 to 2014. The comparison of Terra and Aqua data includes AOD derived with both deep blue (DB) and dark target (DT) algorithms from MODIS Collection 6. Combined Terra and Aqua (AOD ta ) data were also considered. Assuming an interval of ± 30 min around the overpass time and an area of 25 km around the sun photometer site, two coincidence criteria were considered: individual pairs of observations and both spatial and temporal mean values, which we call collocated daily means. The usual statistics (root mean square error, RMSE; mean absolute error, MAE; median bias, BIAS), together with linear regression analysis, are used for this comparison. Results show very similar values for both coincidence criteria: the DT algorithm generally displays better statistics and higher homogeneity than the DB algorithm in the behaviour of AOD t , AOD a , AOD ta compared to AOD SP . For collocated daily means, (a) RMSEs of 0.060 and 0.062 were obtained for Terra and Aqua with the DT algorithm and 0.084 and 0.065 for the DB algorithm, (b) MAE follows the same patterns, (c) BIAS for both Terra and Aqua presents positive and negative values but its absolute values are lower for the DT algorithm; (d) combined AOD ta data also give lower values of these three statistical indicators for the DT algorithm; (e) both algorithms present good correlations for comparing AOD t , AOD a , AOD ta vs. AOD SP , with a slight overestimation of satellite data compared to AOD SP , ( f ). The DT algorithm yields better figures with slopes of 0.96 (Terra), 0.96 (Aqua) and 0.96 (Terra + Aqua) compared to the DB algorithm (1.07, 0.90, 0.99), which displays greater variability. Multi-annual monthly means of AOD ta establish a first climatology that is more comparable to that given by the sun photometer and their statistical evaluation reveals better agreement with AOD SP for the DT algorithm. Results of the AE comparison showed similar results to those reported in the literature concerning the two algorithms' capacity for retrieval. A comparison between broadband aerosol optical depth (BAOD), derived from broadband pyrheliometer observations at the Camaguey site and three other meteorological stations in Cuba, and AOD observations from MODIS on board Terra and Aqua show a poor correlation with slopes below 0.4 for both algorithms. Aqua (Terra) showed RMSE values of 0.073 (0.080) and 0.088 (0.087) for the DB and DT algorithms. As expected, RMSE values are higher than those from the MODIS–sun photometer comparison, but within the same order of magnitude. Results from the BAOD derived from solar radiation measurements demonstrate its reliability in describing climatological AOD series estimates.
The effect of bedding amount on gas emissions from manure during storage

One of the major agricultural pollutants of environment is manure from livestock. We focused on dairy cows kept in the barns with straw bedding commonly used in the Czech Republic. We tested the hypothesis that the amount of bedding used daily relative to the number and size of animals kept has a significant effect on the emissions of gases from manure stored in a manure pile. In the experiment, a group of 10 dairy cows of Holstein and Czech Red Pied breed was housed in a stable bedded with various amounts of wheat straw (4–10 kg/livestock unit per day). The manure was removed from the stable after 48 h and mixed was stored in cubic containers with drain floor allowing measurement of manure leachate release. For 50 days we measured weight, volume, weight of manure leachate and manure temperature. Decreasing stored manure weight can be attributed to release of manure leachate and emissions of gases, primarily water vapor, as a result of microbial activity and increased temperature in the manure during storage. Using the calculated model, we found that daily production of emissions of water vapor and other gases was related to bedding amount in a statistically significant manner (P < 0.001). The cumulative amount of gas emissions grew rapidly in all treatments. Also total amount of emissions was related to bedding amount in a statistically significant manner (P = 0.004). We also found the relationship between internal manure temperature and the logarithm of the amount of emissions produced to be statistically significant (P < 0.001).
Proof that Lingula (Brachiopoda) is not a living-fossil, and emended diagnoses of the Family Lingulidae

Lingula is often considered a "living-fossil" based on its supposed lengthy morphological conservatism owing to its absence of evolution, and its remarkable survival for more than 550 M.Y. This conclusion is based on the typical apparently unchanged "linguliform" shape of the shell. However the taxa of the family Lingulidae show morphological evolutionary changes despite the fact that the group appears panchronic among the Recent Brachiopoda. Consequently, traditional opinion that Lingula is a "living-fossil" should be rejected. Diagnoses of the Family Lingulidae and of its three genera are herewith emended.
Effect of Migration on Children's Self‐Esteem in Rural China

China's rapid economic growth has been facilitated by its large volume of rural to urban migration. China's projected future development, especially increasing urbanization, implies that such migration will further intensify. However, migration does not come without cost. There are concerns about the potential negative impacts of migration on children's care, education, and, in particular, the self-esteem of children left behind in villages where one or both parents have out-migrated to cities. In this paper, we employ unique survey data collected from Shaanxi Province, where more than 4700 ninth grade students from 36 rural junior high schools in five counties were surveyed in late 2011. The results show that having both parents migrate into cities significantly reduced children's self-esteem. The effects are also gender sensitive. Girls that had a father or both parents who had out-migrated were inclined to have lower self-esteem than boys. Moreover, our study findings indicate that parental migration decreased children's self-esteem more for individuals with initial low self-esteem.
On $N$-high subgroups of Abelian groups.

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Radar and Satellite Investigations of Equatorial Evening Vertical Drifts and Spread F

Abstract. We analyzed pre-midnight equatorial F region observations made by the 30 MHz coherent backscatter radar of Sao Luis, Brazil between August 2010 and February 2012. These measurements were processed, and used to create monthly maps of the echo occurrence as a function of local time and height. The maps show the inter-annual variability associated with equatorial spread F (ESF) occurrence in the Brazilian longitude sector. We also constructed monthly curves of the evening vertical drifts, for the Brazilian sector, using measurements by the ion velocity meter (IVM) onboard the C/NOFS satellite. The IVM evening drifts show a good overall agreement with the Scherliess and Fejer (1999) empirical model. Measured and model drifts show the development of the pre-reversal enhancement (PRE) of the vertical plasma drifts during ESF season. Using joint radar and satellite measurements, we found that evening (18:00–18:30 LT) mean non-negative drifts provide a necessary but not sufficient condition for the occurrence of topside ESF echoes. Evening downward (negative) drifts preceded the absence of topside ESF irregularities.
Chief Executive Officer/ Managing Director succession and value relevance of accounting numbers

Apart from Board of Director, top management, including Chief Executive Officer or Managing Director is also considered as an important governance mechanism of the firm. CEO plays a major role in managing and controlling business operations, thus his/her succession may significantly affect firm performance. This study aims to examine the effect of top management succession on share price. Past studies, which used the event-study methodology to evaluate immediate investors’ reactions towards top management succession had their observations done over limited time frame (window periods). Succession may impact the share price beyond the window period because the investors may use information obtained from financial statements to evaluate new top management capabilities. This study contributes to the literature by examining the effects of top management succession on share price at the end of financial years. Book value of equity per share ( BE ) and earnings per share ( EPS ) on share price is regressed at three different points of time; year of top management change ( TMC ), a year after top management change ( TMC_1 ) and post occurrence years of top management change ( TMC_C ). Findings indicate that BE and EPS are value relevant. Findings also indicate that top management succession is not significantly related to changes in share price over a short period of time (transition year and a post transition year). However, over the longer period of time ( TMC_C ), our study indicates the top management succession is value relevant. Findings indicate that investors take a longer time to appreciate the new top management on their decision makings. Further analysis indicates that BE is regarded as value relevant by the investors after incorporating firm with outside successor; while EPS is value relevant for the firm with inside successor. This study supports the limited studies in Malaysia which indicate succession events have an implication on share price. Findings in this study may contribute towards strategic decision making in corporate management of public listed companies in Malaysia, specifically when board of directors are considering the top management replacement.
Testing atomic collision theory with the two-photon continuum of astrophysical nebulae

Accurate rates for energy-degenerate l-changing collisions are needed to determine cosmological abundances and recombination. There are now several competing theories for the treatment of this process, and it is not possible to test these experimentally. We show that the H i two-photon continuum produced by astrophysical nebulae is strongly affected by l-changing collisions. We perform an analysis of the different underlying atomic processes and simulate the recombination and two-photon spectrum of a nebula containing H and He. We provide an extended set of effective recombination coefficients and updated l-changing 2s − 2p transition rates using several competing theories. In principle, accurate astronomical observations could determine which theory is correct.
Financial Rations as Bankruptcy Indicators: The case of Financially Distressed Firms in Sweden

Financial distress and corporate bankruptcy has been a common occurrence back into the century and of late has witnessed a multiplier effect in the global market; firms are running short of cash flows to meet up not only with their debt financing, but also with the cost of daily operations. This study examine some financial ratios using financial reports of groups of Swedish bankrupt and active companies for the period 1996 to 2003 with the aim to determine most significant and reliable ratios for predicting bankruptcy. Cross sectional analysis has been used to compare similar financial ratios for the two groups of companies with the aim to explain the association between the explanatory variables and business failure. Statistical models were also used to test the predictive power of the financial ratios. The empirical results indicate that the ratios of credit sales-total sales and total sales-total assets are not related to financial distress. Four most significant single bankruptcy indicators ratios includes; net profit-total assets, operating profit-turnover, quick ratio and long term debt-total equity.
Modification of polyamide films by copper chal co ge nide layers with the use of potassium selenopen tathionate

Selenopentathionate anions are sorbed–diffused into polyamide films treated with solutions (0.025–0.2 mol · dm –3 , 30–50 °C) of potassium selenopentathionate, K 2 SeS 4 O 6 , not acidified or acidified with hydrochloric acid. Sorption–diffusion from acidified solutions proceeds more intensively: the concentrations of selenium and sulfur diffused from an acidified solution are about 5 times higher as compared with those obtained using a non acidified solution of the same concentration and at the same temperature. The concentration of sorbed selenopentathionate ions increases with increasing the temperature and concentration of K 2 SeS 4 O 6 solution and the duration of treatment. The SeS 4 O 6 2– anions diffused into polyamide gradually decompose, and the decomposition products – sulfate ions and SO 2 – are washed out from the polymer, but elemental selenium remains in it. Therefore, the polyamide films, depending on the degree of SeS 4 O 6 2– ion decomposition, change from colourless to yellow, brown or red. Copper sulfide and copper selenide layers are formed in the surface of polyamide film if the chalcogenized polymer is treated with a water solution of copper(II / I) salt: the anionic particles containing sulfur and selenium atoms of low oxidation state react with the copper ions. The conditions of polymer initial chalcogenation (the concentration and temperature of K 2 SeS 4 O 6 solution) determine the amount of copper and the composition of chalcogenide layer: the content of copper in the polyamide film increases with an increase of the concentration and temperature, and varies from 0.2 · 10 –2 to 33.5 · 10 –2 mg/cm 2 . Results of X-ray structural analysis confirmed formation of mixed copper sulfide – copper selenide layers in polyamide surface. The phase composition of the layer changes depending on the duration of initial treatment in K 2 SeS 4 O 6 solution: Cu x S–Cu y Se layers are composed of the low-conductive chalcocite, Cu 2 S, electrically conductive digenite, Cu 1.8 S, djurleite, Cu 1.9375 S, anilite, Cu 1.75 S, and of copper selenides – bellidoite, Cu 2 Se, umangite, Cu 3 Se 2 , klockmannite, CuSe, krutaite, CuSe 2 and Cu 2 Se x . Therefore, the phase composition determines the electrical characteristics of the layers: their sheet resistance may vary from 12.2 Ω / □ to 4.8 MΩ / □. The determination of layer composition (to a depth of 1 nm) studied by the method of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the formation of copper sulfides and selenides of various phases. The determined regularities enable formation by the sorption–diffusion method of mixed copper sulfide and copper selenide layers of a desirable composition and electrical conductance, using selenopentathionate as a polyamide chalcogenation agent.
Training for design of experiments using a catapult

Design of experiments (DOE) is a powerful approach for discovering a set of process (or design) variables which are most important to the process and then determine at what levels these variables must be kept to optimize the response (or quality characteristic) of interest. This paper presents two catapult experiments which can be easily taught to engineers and managers in organizations to train for design of experiments. The results of this experiment have been taken from a real live catapult experiment performed by a group of engineers in a company during the training program on DOE. The first experiment was conducted to separate out the key factors (or variables) from the trivial and the second experiment was carried out using the key factors to understand the nature of interactions among the key factors. The results of the experiment were analysed using simple but powerful graphical tools for rapid and easier understanding of the results to engineers with limited statistical competency. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Geometry of criticality, supercriticality, and Hawking-Page transitions in Gauss-Bonnet-AdS black holes

We obtain the Ruppeiner geometry associated with the non-extended state space ($\Lambda$ constant) of the charged Gauss-Bonnet AdS (GB-AdS) black holes and confirm that the state space Riemannian manifold becomes strongly curved in regions where the black hole system develops strong statistical correlations in the grand canonical ensemble ($M$ and $Q$ fluctuating). We establish the exact proportionality between the state space scalar curvature $R$ and the inverse of the singular free energy near the isolated critical point for the grand canonical ensemble in spacetime dimension $d=5$, thus hopefully moving a step closer to the agenda of a concrete physical interpretation of $R$ for black holes. On the other hand, we show that while $R$ signals the Davies transition points (which exist in GB-AdS black holes for $d \ge 6$) through its divergence, it does not scale as the inverse of the singular free energy there. Furthermore, adapting to the black hole case the ideas developed in \cite{rupp2} in the context of pure fluids, we find that the state space geometry encodes phase coexistence and first order transitions, identifies the asymptotically critical region and even suggests a Widom line like crossover regime in the supercritical region for $5-d$ case. The sign of $R$ appears to imply a significant difference between the microscopic structure of the small and the large black hole branches in $d=5$. We show that thermodynamic geometry informs the microscopic nature of coexisting thermal GB-AdS and black hole phases near the Hawking-Page phase transition.
Financial integration, technology differences and capital flows.

The one-to-one mapping between cross-country differences in capital returns and the size and direction of international capital flows after financial integration vanishes in a multi-sector world with a laborintensive non-tradable sector if financial liberalization generates significant swings in the demand for the non-tradable good. For example, a high return to capital country may become an exporter of capital after financial integration if access to world capital markets enhances demand for the non-tradable good. Because domestic wages are determined by the competitiveness conditions in tradable industries, excess demand for labor created by the expansion of non-tradable demand is eliminated with capital outflows. These "non-standard" effects of financial integration on non-tradable demand are possible, for example, if financial liberalization affects the rate of productivity growth.
Impact of Fadama III Project on the Food Security Status of Beneficiary and Non Beneficiary Farmers in Kabba/Bunu LGA, Kogi

The study examined the impact of Fadama III project on the food security status of beneficiary and non beneficiary farmers in Kabba/Bunu LGA of Kogi state, Nigeria. A two stage sampling technique was used to select 5 villages out of the 15 villages in the area and 18 beneficiary and non beneficiary farmers from each village giving a total o 180 respondents. Generated data were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis, logistic regressions, food security index (FSI), food insecurity gap (FIG), headcount ratio (HCR) and surplus index (SI). Analysis of the socioeconomic variables revealed that most of the beneficiary farmers are within the age of 40 – 49 years while most of the non beneficiary farmers are within the age of 30 – 39 years. About 15% of the beneficiary farmers had no formal education while 46% of the non beneficiary farmers had no formal education. The crop output level of the farmers showed that beneficiary farmers had more output than the non beneficiary farmers with an output difference of 1% before fadama programme and a crop output difference was 9.5% after the project. Similarly, the farmers had 0.16% difference in their level of consumption before the fadama project and 13.9% difference in their consumption level after the project in favour of beneficiary farmers. The result further show that 75(83%) of the beneficiary farmers are food secure as against about 39(34%) of the non beneficiary farmers. The mean FSI of food secure beneficiary farmers was 3.88 while that of food secure non beneficiary farmers had 1.98. The FIG/SI of food insecure household of non beneficiary farmers and beneficiary farmers were 29% and 49% respectively. The logistic regressions analysis shows that the socioeconomic characteristics considered had significant relation with access to fadama project except age, household size and marital status that had no significant relationship. The study established that shortage of water, late supply of inputs and high fadama user group contribution were the problems associated with the project in the area. The major food insecurity coping strategies were purchasing food on credit (99%), reducing size of food per meal (89%), consuming seed stock for next season (86%), borrowing food (81%) and rationing money to buy prepared food (73%). It was therefore concluded that the level of farmer – extension contact was low, the farmers operate on a small scale level and Fadama III programme increased the crop output and consumption levels of both the beneficiary farmers and non beneficiary farmers. Based on the conclusions, it was recommended that the Agricultural Development Project (ADP) should ensure regular contacts with farmers to expose them to the benefits of Fadama farming, the ADP and the Local Agricultural Authority should help the farmers and liaise with the State Fadama office to ensure early supply of material inputs and government at the state level should ensure an alternative source of water. Keywords: Fadama, Food Security, Beneficiary, Kabba/Bunu, Kogi
Dust production in Supernovae

Supernovae have long been proposed to be efficient dust producers in galaxies. Observations in the mid-infrared indicate that dust forms a few hundred days after the stellar explosion. Yet, the chemical type and the amount of dust produced by supernovae are not well quantified. In this review, we summarise our current knowledge of dust formation derived from observations of supernovae, present the various theoretical models on dust synthesis and their predictions, and discuss these results in the context of the most recent observations of dust in supernova remnants.
Influences on the Marking of Examinations

In the present work, we examined a phenomenon highly relevant in the educational field for assessing or judging performance, that is, the question how the second examiner’s marking is influenced by the evaluation of the first examiner. This phenomenon is known as anchoring in cognitive psychology. In general, in anchoring effects numeric information (i.e., the anchor) pulls estimations or judgments towards the anchor. One domain which is highly important in real life has been investigated only occasionally, that is, the marking of examinations. In three experiments, participants were asked to evaluate a written assignment. The mark (either good or bad) of a ficticious first examiner was used as the anchor. We found clear anchoring effects that were unaffected by feedback in a preceding task (positive, neutral, negative) or the expert status of the presumed first examiner. We discussed the problems related to this effect.