Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rating Based CDS Curves Abstract

In this paper, we explore the extent to which term structure of individual CDS spreads can be explained by the firm’s rating. Using the Nelson-Siegel model, we construct, for each day, CDS curves from a cross section of CDS spreads for each rating class. We find that the fitted CDS curves contain meaningful information in the sense that 76% of their time-series variations can be explained by the typical credit and liquidity factors that are known to drive CDS spreads. The residuals, on the other hand, contain mostly transient liquidity information. Moreover, deviations from the curve tend to disappear and CDS spreads converge towards the fitted curves over time; the larger is the deviation, the more likely is the convergence. Trading strategies exploiting the convergence of deviations could potentially generate an average return of 3.6% (5 days holding period) and 9% (20 days holding period). Our findings suggest that our CDS curves contain the core credit and liquidity information, which could be used to price other CDSs of the same rating class. This is important in credit risk management where the CDS spreads of a wide spectrum of ratings and term structure are needed for evaluating counterparty risk.
Sense of coherence, career adaptability and burnout of early-career Black staff in the call centre environment

Orientation: The call centre is recognised as being a stressful work environment that affects the general wellbeing of call centre agents. Research purpose: This study explored whether call centre agents’ sense of coherence significantly influences their career adaptability and whether their burnout levels significantly moderate the sense of coherence–career adaptability relationship. The research also investigated whether age, gender and years of service (as control variables), along with sense of coherence, predicted career adaptability. Motivation for the study: The positive psychological construct of career adaptability and its association with call centre agents’ sense of coherence, burnout, age, gender and years of service have not yet been investigated in the call centre environment. Research design, approach and method: A cross-sectional quantitative survey design was used. The Orientation to Life, Career Adapt-Abilities Scale and Maslach Burnout Inventory General Scale were administered to a non-probability purposive sample of 409 early-career Black staff employed in three of the largest outsourced financial call centres in Africa. Main findings: Multiple regression analyses revealed that age, gender and meaningfulness significantly predicted call centre agents’ career adaptability, but that their burnout levels do not significantly moderate the sense of coherence–career adaptability relationship. Practical/managerial implications: Enhancing call centre agents’ sense of meaningfulness will increase their levels of career adaptability and career wellbeing. Contribution/value-add: This research is the first to investigate the construct of career adaptability in the call centre environment and adds new knowledge and insights to the existing wellness and positive psychology literature.
Understanding effective diameter and its application to terrestrial radiation in ice clouds

Abstract. The cloud property known as "effective diameter" or "effective radius", which in essence is the cloud particle size distribution (PSD) volume at bulk density divided by its projected area, is used extensively in atmospheric radiation transfer, climate modeling and remote sensing. This derives from the assumption that PSD optical properties can be uniquely described in terms of their effective diameter, D e , and their cloud water content (CWC), henceforth referred to as the D e -CWC assumption. This study challenges this assumption, showing that while the D e -CWC assumption appears generally valid for liquid water clouds, it appears less valid for ice clouds in regions where (1) absorption is not primarily a function of either the PSD ice water content (IWC) or the PSD projected area, and (2) where wave resonance (i.e. photon tunneling) contributes significantly to absorption. These two regions often strongly coincide at terrestrial wavelengths when D e D e -CWC assumption appears poorest. Treating optical properties solely in terms of D e and IWC may lead to errors up to 24%, 26% and 20% for terrestrial radiation in the window region regarding the absorption and extinction coefficients and the single scattering albedo, respectively. Outside the window region, errors may reach 33% and 42% regarding absorption and extinction. The magnitude and sign of these errors can change rapidly with wavelength, which may produce significant errors in climate modeling, remote sensing and other applications concerned with the wavelength dependence of radiation. Where the D e -CWC assumption breaks down, ice cloud optical properties appear to depend on D e , IWC and the PSD shape. Optical property parameterizations in climate models and remote sensing algorithms based on historical PSD measurements may exhibit errors due to previously unknown PSD errors (i.e. the presence of ice artifacts due to the shattering of larger ice particles on the probe inlet tube during sampling). More recently developed cloud probes are designed to mitigate this shattering problem. Using realistic PSD shapes for a given temperature (and/or IWC) and cloud type may minimize errors associated with PSD shape in ice optics parameterizations and remote sensing algorithms. While this topic was investigated using two ice optics schemes (the Yang et al., 2005 database and the modified anomalous diffraction approximation, or MADA), a physical understanding of the limitations of the D e -IWC assumption was made possible by using MADA. MADA allows one to approximate the contribution of photon tunneling to absorption relative to other optical processes, which reveals that part of the error regarding the D e -IWC assumption can be associated with tunneling. By relating the remaining error to the radiation penetration depth in bulk ice (Δ L ) due to absorption, the domain where the D e -IWC assumption is weakest was described in terms of D e and Δ L .
Multiwavelength cross-correlations and flaring activity in bright blazars

Blazars are known for their energetic multiwavelength flares from radio wavelengths to high-energy $\gamma$-rays. In this work, we study radio, optical, and $\gamma$-ray light curves of 145 bright blazars spanning up to 8~yr, to probe the flaring activity and interband correlations. Of these, 105 show $>1\sigma$ correlations between one or more wavebands, 26 of which have a $>3\sigma$ correlation in at least one wavelength pair, as measured by the discrete correlation function. The most common and strongest correlations are found between the optical and $\gamma$-ray bands, with fluctuations simultaneous within our $\sim 30$~d resolution. The radio response is usually substantially delayed with respect to the other wavelengths with median time lags of $\sim 100$--160~d. A systematic flare identification via Bayesian block analysis provides us with a first uniform sample of flares in the three bands, allowing us to characterise the relative rates of multiband and "orphan" flares. Multiband flares tend to have higher amplitudes than "orphan" flares.
Distribution and rates of nitrogen fixation in the western tropical South Pacific Ocean constrained by nitrogen isotope budgets

Abstract. Constraining the rates and spatial distribution of dinitrogen (N 2) fixation fluxes to the ocean informs our understanding of the environmental sensitivities of N 2 fixation as well as the timescale over which the fluxes of nitrogen (N) to and from the ocean may respond to each other. Here we quantify rates of N 2 fixation as well as its contribution to export production along a zonal transect in the western tropical South Pacific (WTSP) Ocean using N isotope (“ δ15 N”) budgets. Comparing measurements of water column nitrate + nitrite δ15 N with the δ15 N of sinking particulate N at a western, central, and eastern station, these δ15 N budgets indicate high, modest, and low rates of N 2 fixation at the respective stations. The results also imply that N 2 fixation supports exceptionally high, i.e. ≥ 50 %, of export production at the western and central stations, which are also proximal to the largest iron sources. These geochemically based rates of N 2 fixation are equal to or greater than those previously reported in the tropical North Atlantic, indicating that the WTSP Ocean has the capacity to support globally significant rates of N 2 fixation, which may compensate for N removal in the oxygen-deficient zones of the eastern tropical Pacific.
An analysis of the September 2015 severe dust event in the Eastern Mediterranean

In September 2015 one of the severest and unusual dust events on record occurred in the Eastern Mediterranean. Surprisingly, state-of-the-art dust transport models were unable to forecast the event. This study details the reasons for the failure of the models to forecast the dust storm and presents simulations of the event at convection permitting resolution with the modelling system ICON-ART. The results allow for an in-depth analysis of the influence of the synoptic situation, the complex interaction of multiple driving atmospheric systems and the mineral dust radiative effect on the dust event. A comparison of the results with observations reveals the quality of the simulation results with respect to structure and timing of the dust transport. The forecast of the dust event is improved decisively. The event is enabled by the unusually early occurrence of an active Red Sea trough situation with an easterly axis over Mesopotamia. The connected sustained organized meso-scale convection produces multiple cold-pool outflows responsible for intense dust emissions. Complexity is added by the interaction with an intense heat low, the land inward penetrating Eastern Mediterranean sea-breeze and the widespread occurrence of super-critical flow conditions and subsequent hydraulic jumps in the vicinity of the Dead Sea Rift Valley. The newly implemented mineral dust radiation interaction leads to systematically more intense and faster propagating cold-pool outflows in the runs including the mineral dust radiation interaction.
A SEARCH FOR L/T TRANSITION DWARFS WITH PAN-STARRS1 AND WISE. II. L/T TRANSITION ATMOSPHERES AND YOUNG DISCOVERIES

The evolution of brown dwarfs from L to T spectral types is one of the least understood aspects of the ultracool population, partly for lack of a large, well-defined, and well-characterized sample in the L/T transition. To improve the existing census, we have searched ≈28,000 deg2 using the Pan-STARRS1 and Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer surveys for L/T transition dwarfs within 25 pc. We present 130 ultracool dwarf discoveries with estimated distances ≈9–130 pc, including 21 that were independently discovered by other authors and 3 that were previously identified as photometric candidates. Seventy-nine of our objects have near-IR spectral types of L6–T4.5, the most L/T transition dwarfs from any search to date, and we have increased the census of L9–T1.5 objects within 25 pc by over 50%. The color distribution of our discoveries provides further evidence for the “L/T gap,” a deficit of objects with (J − K)MKO ≈ 0.0–0.5 mag in the L/T transition, and thus reinforces the idea that the transition from cloudy to clear photospheres occurs rapidly. Among our discoveries are 31 candidate binaries based on their low-resolution spectral features. Two of these candidates are common proper motion companions to nearby main sequence stars; if confirmed as binaries, these would be rare benchmark systems with the potential to stringently test ultracool evolutionary models. Our search also serendipitously identified 23 late-M and L dwarfs with spectroscopic signs of low gravity implying youth, including 10 with vl-g or int-g gravity classifications and another 13 with indications of low gravity whose spectral types or modest spectral signal-to-noise ratio do not allow us to assign formal classifications. Finally, we identify 10 candidate members of nearby young moving groups (YMG) with spectral types L7–T4.5, including three showing spectroscopic signs of low gravity. If confirmed, any of these would be among the coolest known YMG members and would help to determine the effective temperature at which young brown dwarfs cross the L/T transition.
Global distribution of soil organic carbon – Part 2: Certainty of changes related to land use and climate

Abstract. Global biosphere models vary greatly in their projections of future changes of global soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks and aggregated global SOC masses in response to climate change. We estimated the certainty (likelihood) and quantity of increases and decreases on a half-degree grid. We assessed the effect of changes in controlling factors, including net primary productivity (NPP), litter quality, soil acidity, water saturation, depth of permafrost, land use, temperature, and aridity associated with probabilities (Bayesian network) on an embedded, temporally discrete, three-pool decomposition model. In principle, controlling factors were discretized into classes, where each class was associated with a probability and linked to an output variable. This creates a network of links that are ultimately linked to a set of equations for carbon (C) input and output to and from soil C pools. The probability-weighted results show that, globally, climate effects on NPP had the strongest impact on SOC stocks and the certainty of change after 75 years. Actual land use had the greatest effect locally because the assumed certainty of land use change per unit area was small. The probability-weighted contribution of climate to decomposition was greatest in the humid tropics because of greater absolute effects on decomposition fractions at higher temperatures. In contrast, climate effects on decomposition fractions were small in cold regions. Differences in decomposition rates between contemporary and future climate were greatest in arid subtropical regions because of projected strong increases in precipitation. Warming in boreal and arctic regions increased NPP, balancing or outweighing potential losses from thawing of permafrost. Across contrasting NPP scenarios, tropical mountain forests were identified as hotspots of future highly certain C losses. Global soil C mass will increase by 1% with a certainty of 75% if NPP increases due to carbon dioxide fertilization. At a certainty level of 75%, soil C mass will not change if CO2-induced increase of NPP is limited by nutrients.
Prospective study of bone marrow in haematological disorders.

Background: Bone marrow examination is useful in the diagnosis of both hematological and non-hematological disorders. The two most important techniques used for the diagnosis of hematological disorders are bone marrow aspiration and trephine biopsy which are complementary to each other. The present study is to evaluate the findings of bone marrow aspiration & trephine biopsy and their cytological and histological patterns in various hematological disorders. The aim of the study is to evaluate the clinical profile, spectrum, cytological and histological pattern of various hematological disorders reported in bone marrow aspiration and trephine biopsy respectively. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study design with 105 patients who underwent bone marrow examination for evaluation of hematological disorders in the Department of pathology, Andhra Medical College during the period of 2012 to 2014. Results: Among 105 cases studied, age of patients ranged from 1 to 68 yrs with mean age of 32.4 yrs and male predominance (1.5:1). Most of the patients presented with fever, shortness of breath, Easy fatigability and generalized weakness. The commonest physical findings were pallor followed by splenomegaly & hepatomegaly and in hematological parameters predominantly pancytopenia. Bone marrow aspiration was diagnostic in 53(50%) cases and trephine biopsy was diagnostic in 52(50%) cases. Anemias (50%) and leukemias (16%) are most common hematological disorders. Among the anemias, megaloblastic anemia is the most common (40%) cause of hematological non-malignancies. Among leukemias, acute myeloid leukemias are common cause of hematological malignancies. Conclusion: The present study showed the usefulness of bone marrow aspiration and trephine biopsy in evaluation of the bone marrow in routine haematological disorders and also for understanding disease progression, for diagnosis and therapeutic evaluation. These are also helpful in planning further investigation and management.
The Determinants of Capital Structure for Malaysian Food Producing Companies

The aim of the research is to investigate profitability, size, growth opportunity, asset tangibility and liquidity which are firm specific factors determine the capital structure of Malaysia’s listed companies in food producer sector. The research done on 45 companies listed under food producer sector at Bursa Malaysia which covered the period of 2003-2012, total observations of 450 firmsyears. The dependent variable is total debt ratio and independent variables are profitability, size, growth opportunity, asset tangibility and liquidity. The research employed Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple linear regressions and the findings shows profitability, size and liquidity are negatively significant related to total debt ratio. Tangibility is founds positively related to total debt ratio and growth opportunity is found positively insignificant with total debt ratio. Key Terms: Debt level, Gearing, profitability, size, growth opportunity, asset tangibility liquidity, food producer sector
The Acquisition of Word Meaning from Context by Children of High and Low Ability. Outstanding Dissertation Monograph 1985.

THE PROCESS of acquiring word meaning from context was investigated for high- and lowability children. Fifth-grade children were given a task that tested their ability to derive the meaning of an unknown word from a sequence of contexts and to use the newly learned word in subsequent contexts. Significant differences were found in favor of the high-ability group. Qualitative comparisons revealed differences in the types of errors made by each group and differential difficulty within certain aspects of the task. Findings demonstrate characteristics of processing that differentiate successful and less successful meaning acquisition and underscore the complexity of the meaning-acquisition process.
Spatial and temporal variations of the Haitian K/T Boundary record: implications concerning the event or events

Evidence of physical disruptions caused by the postulated bolide impact at the close of the Maastrichtian is clearly defined in the record of the K/T boundary (KTB) layer from different sites in the Southern Peninsula of Haiti. Lithologic and biostratigraphic record of the KTB layer from the different sites also show varying degrees of mixing, yielding faunal components within a time range consistent with bioevents characteristic of the traditional boundary zone equivalent to the uppermost part of the Abathomphalus mayaroensis Zone, part of the Guembelitria cretacea Zone, and the Parvularugoglobigerina eugubina Zone, respectively. The calcareous nannofloras also show transitional taxa that concur with the foraminiferal data, and are indicative of the Micula murus and M. prinsii Subzones as well as the CP1a, Cruciplacolithus primus Subzone, of the Early Paleocene. The Boundary layer shows variation in thickness with a maximum of 75cm at the Beloc stratotype, and the topmost part of the main tektite layer is coincident with an iridium peak. Geochemical analyses and radiometric dating have also demonstrated that the spherules are tektites (Premo and Izett, 1991) that can be chronologically related to the impact event recorded at Chicxulub, Yucatan, Mexico, 65 million years ago. Most importantly faint primary sedimentary structures within the boundary layer are constant at all outcrops, but discrete spatial differences exist even within short distances. In addition, in the areas adjacent to the stratotype (Platon Piton and Madame Toussaint) a volcanogenic layer occurs below the main tektite layer assigned to the Chicxulub event, and it also shows conspicuous, as well as cryptic, cross-lamination indicative of complex, multiphase, subaqueous flow processes that affected sedimentation of the layers similar to the KTB layer. Such structures are known to characterize oscillatory wave processes that affect cohesionless sediments. Water motion associated with seiche is the only known modern analog of a subaqueous flow that provides a plausible mechanism to explain how various levels of the water column in a large basin can oscillate to develop the structures observed. Because of the magnitude of the bolide impact, “megaseiches” must have developed in the oceans worldwide, and subsequently more localized “megaseiches” developed during major crustal readjustment. These phenomena may thus explain the heterogeneity of patterns and faunal discrepancies observed at KTB sites of different water depths worldwide. The structures represent a record of water movement and resuspension of sediment at different times. As observed in smaller-scale modern seiche, various oscillatory modes controlled the duration and attenuation of the water movement, the magnitude of bottom traction and resuspension that led to complex sedimentary structures and reworking of the microfossils.
Coral Reefs and Communities of Qeshm Island, the Persian Gulf

of Qeshm Island, the Persian Gulf. Zoological Studies 50(3): 276-283. Density and destruction of hard-coral communities of Qeshm I. , on the Iranian side of the Persian Gulf, were investigated using the line-intercept transect method in 2009. The study covered 2 main coral areas of the island designated as site SHD in the south with 2 stations and site SOEA in the southeast with 3 stations. The SOEA site had fringing reefs along with patches of coral colonies, whereas the SHD site’s corals were distributed as separate colonies in the area. The live coral coverage recorded at Qeshm I. was 10.27% ± 6.4%, and significantly differed (p 0.05). Overall, 10 coral genera were recorded from the island: 8 at each of the 2 sites. Porites was the dominant genus recorded at Qeshm, and the SOEA site and its stations. In contrast, the dominant genera at SHD were Favia and Platygyra. No difference in dominant genera among the stations at SOEA was observed, but the dominant genera between SHD stations differed. Among several factors contributing to the destruction of corals of Qeshm I. , overgrowth of algae, red tides, human activities, coral diseases, and fish biting were most important. http://zoolstud.sinica. edu.tw/Journals/50.3/276.pdf